1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 17

Quest Town lies nestled among looming mountains, casting long shadows that blanket the town in perpetual gloom. It's a place where the air is always thick with mist, creating an eerie atmosphere that Ghost Type Pokémon find irresistible. Within this secluded town, there's a haunting landmark known as the Mysterious Tombs—an ancient burial site where residents lay their loved ones to rest, the graves shrouded in whispers and secrets.

The town's Gym is housed in a sprawling mansion that could easily be mistaken for a set from a video game. This grand, gothic structure resembles the infamous haunted house where a famous character in a green suit wields vacuum cleaners to capture troublesome spirits. The comparison is uncanny, adding an additional layer of intrigue and mystery to the Gym's already formidable presence.

Gina, Ash's elder sister and a Giratina in human guise, is the Gym Leader of Quest Town. Her deep connection to Ghost Type Pokémon and her unique capabilities made her the natural choice for this role, appointed by her father. Her affection for these spectral beings infuses the eerie corridors of the Gym, where her presence is as mystical as the Pokémon she commands.

One eerie afternoon, Gina ushers Ash and Alice through the creaking gates of the haunted gym. As they step into the shadowy foyer, Ash casts a wary glance around and asks, "Why did you bring us here, Gina? Is this another one of your spooky pranks? Thanks to you, I think all of our friends are now immune to horror."

Gina's eyes twinkle with mischief under the dim light as she replies, "Today, you'll explore the Seven Mysteries of the Haunted Mansion. Are you interested?"

Alice raises an eyebrow, skepticism written across her face. "Did you seriously create these just to scare people? How terrifying can they really be?"

"You're not scared because I've trained you well," Gina chuckles, her voice echoing slightly in the vast hall. "That's precisely why you two are the perfect candidates to unravel these mysteries." With a playful smirk, she gestures grandly towards the dark, winding corridor ahead. "Now, in you go!"

As the door shuts with a resounding thud behind them, Alice sighs heavily. "This had better not be a waste of time."

"It's Gina; what else can we expect?" Ash replies, his voice echoing slightly in the cool, dim corridor.

They wander deeper into the mansion until the silence is broken by Gina's disembodied voice, reverberating off the stone walls. "Legend has it that the Whispering Gallery was once a meeting place for spirits who exchanged secrets in hushed tones. Over time, these whispers became trapped within the walls, echoing endlessly."

Immediately, soft, faint whispers weave through the air around them. Ash and Alice stop in their tracks, straining their ears. The whispers seem to come from everywhere, making it hard to discern one voice from another.

Alice tilts her head, focusing. "Do you hear that?" she whispers to Ash. One voice, soothing and gentle, seems slightly louder and clearer than the others. It subtly draws them forward, deeper into the gallery.

"Let's follow that voice," Ash suggests, a mix of curiosity and caution in his tone. They tread softly, following the sound that feels somehow welcoming among the cacophony of eerie murmurs.

Navigating through the maze of corridors, they occasionally pause, ensuring they are still following the friendly whisper. Each correct turn brings the voice into sharper focus, encouraging them onward.

Finally, they reach a small alcove bathed in a shaft of light filtering down from a hidden skylight. As they step into the light, the whispers fall silent. They share a relieved glance, realizing they've unraveled the first mystery by trusting the right voices.