The early morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of Ravelle Royal Academy's eastern wing, casting jewel-colored reflections across polished marble floors. The banners of House Ravelle fluttered gently in the breeze golden birds soaring against a navy sky.
In one of the training courtyards, Ren stood shirtless, sweat beading on his brow, fists raised. His Lucario stood opposite him, mirroring his stance. They moved in tandem strikes, blocks, footwork. It was a dance honed through years of sparring. Around them, other students trained, but many stole glances at the duo.
"I swear," whispered a nearby student, "Ren's Lucario is more in sync with him than half our doubles teams."
"More like more talented than most nobles," grumbled another.
Ren ignored them. He moved forward, Lucario stepping back to counter.
Their fists met in a light clash Ren's hand against Lucario's paw. They both grinned.
"Not bad," Ren said.
"Ruaaa," Lucario responded with a nod.
As the match ended, Ren reached for a towel.
Then
A familiar voice called out.
"Well, if it isn't the Academy's brooding golden boy."
He looked up just in time to see Mila saunter across the courtyard, a lollipop in her mouth, hair tied into a loose ponytail, her Gardevoir gliding beside her.
"You're up early," Ren said.
"You're still shirtless," Mila replied, raising an eyebrow. "Not that I'm complaining."
Ren rolled his eyes. "What do you want?"
"Nothing," she said, plucking the towel from his shoulder and wiping her own brow with it. "Just here to admire your self-imposed punishment routine."
Lucario and Gardevoir exchanged tired glances. Their trainers were always like this.
---
Later – Academy Hallways
The two walked through the corridors of the main academic wing, students brushing past them on their way to classes. Whispers followed them, as always. The commoners who didn't belong—but kept proving they did.
Ren adjusted the straps of his satchel.
Mila, still sucking on her lollipop, tapped him with her elbow. "Heard the rumor yet?"
"I hear a dozen a day," Ren muttered.
"This one's new. Word is, Commander Seris led a cleanup op in the western forest." She paused. "Wiped out a whole pack of berserk Pokémon. Crimson-eyed. Aggressive."
Ren stopped walking.
"…The restricted forest?" he asked.
"Yeah," Mila said, lowering her voice. "Same place that student died last week."
Ren's expression hardened. "Any idea what caused it?"
"Not officially. But the way people are whispering… it wasn't normal. Some say the Pokémon were possessed."
Ren scoffed. "Possessed?"
"Well, maybe not possessed possessed," Mila said, "but you know. Touched. Tainted."
Ren looked ahead silently.
"Something's off," he finally muttered. "Even lucario's been on edge."
Mila nodded. "Mine too. Gardevoir sensed something out there, didn't she?"
"Mm," Ren murmured. "Commander Seris doesn't move unless she has reason."
Mila looked over at him thoughtfully. "You think this is connected to the other zones?"
"Maybe. The eastern marsh. The southern peaks. Pokémon growing wild. Stronger. Unnatural behavior. Same description: glowing red eyes."
Mila stared out one of the arched windows, the forest visible in the distance.
"Feels like we're standing in the eye of a storm," she said softly.
---
Later That Day – Assembly Announcement
The bell rang.
Students gathered in the academy's great hall lined with tapestries of past Ravelle monarchs and ancient battles. Professors and instructors stood at the front, their faces grave.
Ren and Mila sat side by side in the second row. Even the nobles were quiet today.
An older professor stepped forward, clearing his throat.
"Students of Ravelle Royal Academy," he began, "we bring urgent news regarding the western training forest. Last night, Commander Seris and her unit were deployed to subdue an outbreak of aggressive wild Pokémon."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"One student was killed during an unauthorized entry. Let this serve as a grave reminder: the restricted zones are not for training, exploration, or dare-challenges."
Ren's fist clenched.
"The affected Pokémon displayed dangerous symptoms aggression, disregard for type disadvantage, and unnatural resilience. Their eyes glowed red. This phenomenon is being investigated at the highest level."
The headmaster stepped forward. "As of today, all extracurricular excursions are suspended until further notice. Stay within the campus. Travel only in groups. And remain vigilant."
---
After the Assembly
Ren and Mila sat on the academy's highest rooftop, away from the crowds.
The wind blew gently, carrying the scent of cut grass and distant stormclouds.
Mila stared up at the sky. "Heard anything from Shion lately?"
Ren shook his head. "No letters. Not in weeks."
"He's probably okay," Mila said. "Riverleaf's quiet. Nothing ever happens there."
"…You don't believe that," Ren said quietly.
"No," she admitted. "Not anymore."
A pause.
Ren leaned back against the wall, eyes narrowing at the horizon.
"If this is spreading," he said, "then nowhere is safe."
Gardevoir sat beside Mila. Lucario crouched beside Ren, meditating silently.
"I don't want to wait for the world to collapse before we act," Mila said. "If something's broken, I want to be there to fix it."
Ren said nothing.
But deep down, he agreed.
Something was broken.
And the cracks were spreading fast.