The trio stumbled out of the Burned Tower, gasping for fresh air. Their clothes were covered in dust and grime, soot clung to their skin, and their hair was tangled with ash and debris. Boe wiped a streak of filth from his cheek, while Rev patted down his jacket in vain. Zane ran a hand through his hair, scowling as dust fell around him.
Before they could catch their breath, three figures emerged from the misty morning air, standing near the path leading to Bell Tower. Draped in long, flowing robes, their expressions were unreadable calm, knowing. The trio instinctively tensed.
"You were the ones saved by the Legendary Beasts," the eldest-looking man stated, his voice measured and firm.
Boe's breath hitched. "How do you—?"
"Excellent," another interrupted, nodding in approval.
"Follow us," the third added, already turning away.
"Wait, who even are you?" Zane asked, taking a step back.
The first man, the one who had spoken first, inclined his head slightly. "I am Gaku."
"I am Masa," the second introduced, his hands tucked into his sleeves.
"And I am Koji," the last said, glancing over his shoulder. "We are the Sages of Bell Tower."
Boe exchanged a glance with Rev and Zane. After everything that had just happened, their instincts screamed at them to be cautious. But something in the Sages' presence—their calm confidence, the way they spoke as if they already knew what had transpired—made them hesitate. Slowly, they fell into step behind the robed figures, heading toward the towering structure in the distance.
The trio hesitated, exchanging wary glances. They had barely escaped the chaos inside Burned Tower, and now three mysterious figures in flowing robes were summoning them away without explanation. Everything about the situation felt strange—too convenient, too surreal.
Boe swallowed, still catching his breath. "And if we don't follow you?" he asked, testing the waters.
Masa met his gaze with a steady, knowing look. "Then you will remain lost, searching for answers you have already begun to find."
Zane exhaled sharply. "That's cryptic."
Rev crossed his arms. "We don't even know what this is about. Why should we trust you?"
Koji, the quietest of the three, spoke at last. "Because you were chosen."
The weight of those words settled over them, heavy and unshakable. Boe's stomach twisted. A part of him wanted to turn around, to walk away, to pretend this was just another strange encounter on their journey. But something deeper—something instinctual—told him this wasn't an offer. It was a calling.
He glanced at Rev and Zane. They were thinking the same thing. This wasn't something they could ignore.
"…Fine," Boe muttered. "We'll follow."
As the trio followed the Sages through Ecruteak City, they quickly realized they were drawing attention. People stopped in their tracks, murmuring amongst themselves. Some pointed, others simply watched in quiet awe.
Boe could feel their gazes, a mix of curiosity and reverence. He shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at his clothes, now covered in dust and soot from the Burned Tower. Rev and Zane weren't any better off, their jackets stained, their faces smudged with dirt. They must have looked like they had just crawled out of a disaster—which, to be fair, they had.
"Why is everyone staring?" Zane muttered under his breath.
Rev exhaled sharply. "Maybe because we look like we barely survived a cave-in?"
Before they could dwell on it, a police officer stepped in front of them, blocking their path. He was a broad-shouldered man with a stern face, his uniform crisp and his badge glinting in the morning sun.
"Halt!" His gaze flickered over the trio before locking onto the Sages. "What happened at the Burned Tower? Reports of strange activity just came in."
Boe's breath caught. He wasn't sure how to explain it—if he even should. But before he or his friends could speak, Koji stepped forward, his expression calm and unreadable.
"This is Sage business," Koji said, his voice carrying an air of finality.
The officer's brows furrowed, his stance stiffening, as if ready to argue. But then something shifted in his demeanor. His expression softened, and he gave a slow, respectful bow.
"My apologies," the officer said, stepping aside without further question.
Boe blinked, exchanging glances with Rev and Zane. Just like that? No resistance? No interrogation?
The Sages didn't break stride. They continued forward, unfazed, leaving the officer behind.
Boe leaned toward Zane. "Okay, that was weird."
"Yeah," Zane whispered back. "Really weird."
But they didn't stop. The Sages led them through the last stretch of town, toward the entrance of Bellchime Trail, where the air grew quieter, heavier, as if the city itself understood the importance of what was happening.
As the group left Ecruteak City behind and stepped onto Bellchime Trail, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt cooler, crisp with the scent of ancient trees and damp earth. The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant call of bird Pokémon. Unlike the bustling city, there was a stillness here, a quiet that made Boe feel like they were stepping into a place untouched by time.
The trail itself wound gently upward, leading them closer to the towering Bell Tower, its golden roof shimmering under the pale morning light. The sight of it made Boe swallow hard—he had seen it from afar before, but standing at its base was something else entirely. The tower loomed over them, its intricate woodwork and massive beams exuding a sense of quiet reverence.
As they approached, the large wooden doors creaked open, and several other Sages emerged to greet them. These men were dressed similarly to the three leading them, their robes flowing slightly as they moved. Their expressions were calm, but there was something knowing in their eyes, as if they had been expecting this moment.
One of them stepped forward, carrying neatly folded clothes in his hands. "You must be uncomfortable in your current state," he said, his voice gentle. "Here—something fresh to wear."
Boe glanced down at himself again. His shirt was streaked with soot, his jeans torn at the knee. Rev and Zane were just as bad—maybe worse. He wasn't about to argue.
The clothing they were given wasn't the same as the Sages' robes but had a clear connection. It was simple, modern, and minimalist—long-sleeved tunics in deep earth tones, paired with loose but practical pants. The fabric was soft yet sturdy, moving easily as Boe ran a hand over it.
"These are… nice," Rev admitted, lifting the hem of his tunic. "Not what I expected."
Zane gave a short laugh, rolling his shoulders after pulling on the fresh outfit. "Well, it beats walking around looking like we just survived an explosion."
The Sages waited patiently as the trio changed, then gestured toward the doors of Bell Tower.
"This way," one of them said.
Boe took a deep breath. They had no idea what they were walking into, but somehow, it felt like there was no turning back.
As the trio finished changing, they were led deeper into the Bell Tower, where they reunited with the three Sages who had first approached them, Gaku, Masa, and Koji. The chamber they entered was vast, lit by soft lantern light, with ancient murals stretching across the walls. The images depicted swirling flames, rolling thunder, and rushing water—symbolic, Boe thought, of the Legendary Beasts they had encountered.
Gaku was the first to speak, his voice deep and steady. "It appears that the Legendary Beasts have taken a liking to you three."
Boe tensed at that, exchanging a glance with Zane and Rev. Taken a liking? That wasn't exactly how it had felt when they were running for their lives back in the Burned Tower.
Masa continued with a thoughtful tone. "We have studied these beings for many years. They do not interfere with human affairs lightly. For them to appear before you mean something."
Koji, the quietest of the three, finally added, "And we believe you must be prepared for the next time you cross paths with them."
Zane folded his arms, skeptical. "And what exactly does that mean?"
Gaku smiled. "It means we will train you."
Rev's expression shifted—part doubt, part excitement. "You're saying you want to make us stronger… for the Beasts?"
Masa gave a slow nod. "If they have acknowledged you, it is only right that you are given the tools to understand them, to meet their strength with your own. This is an opportunity."
Boe felt something stir in his chest—a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Part of him was still trying to wrap his head around everything that had happened, but another part… another part wanted to see just how far they could push themselves.
"So, what kind of training are we talking about?" Boe asked.
Koji turned to him. "You will each train under one of us." He gestured toward his fellow Sages. "Zane, you will come with Gaku. Rev, you will train with Masa. And you, Boe, will follow me."
Zane straightened, rubbing the back of his head. "Alright. I'll bite."
Rev smirked, clearly eager. "Fine by me."
Boe hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Something about this felt like it had to happen. Whether it was fate or just another weird twist in their journey, he wasn't sure.
"Alright," Boe said. "Let's do this."
Boe followed Koji deeper into the Bell Tower, the air growing cooler as they passed through a long hallway lined with ancient carvings and faded tapestries. The walls hummed with a quiet energy, as if the tower itself was alive, whispering the weight of history to those who entered.
"You will train here," Koji said, his voice calm but firm. "The Bell Tower is a place of great spiritual energy. This is where you will push your limits and learn."
Boe shifted uneasily, glancing around. "So… we're just staying here? For how long?"
"For as long as it takes." Koji didn't elaborate, simply continuing through the winding halls. "I will guide you during this process. But first, I need to see your Pokémon."
They entered a quiet chamber, illuminated by soft candlelight. The wooden floor felt worn and smooth beneath Boe's feet, and despite its size, the room carried a sense of stillness, as if nothing in it had moved for years. Boe reached for his Poké Balls, releasing his team one by one.
Shan the Furret, ever energetic, stretched and looked around curiously. Deku the Togepi blinked up at Koji with wide, innocent eyes, clearly enjoying the attention. Jolee the Croconaw stood tall, but his eyes darted around the room, scanning his surroundings. JackMantis the Scyther hesitated at first, instinctively backing away from the sage, but after a reassuring glance from Boe, he stood tall. Meanwhile, Cementoss the Geodude slowly rolled his shoulders, a big, jolly grin spread across his rocky face.
Koji moved forward, his gaze scanning over each Pokémon with quiet intensity. He knelt near Shan first, brushing a hand just above its fur without touching. Shan flicked his tail but remained still, watching Koji carefully. "Strong bond," Koji murmured. "Loyal, but untamed."
Next, he turned to Deku. The small Togepi let out a cheerful chirp, rocking on his tiny legs. Koji studied him for a long moment before nodding thoughtfully. "Potential. Untapped. This one is still finding its path."
Then, his gaze shifted to Jolee, who stood proudly, though his mischievous eyes gave away a calculating mind. Koji observed him for a few moments before speaking. "Quiet and calculating. This one definitely has something up his sleeve."
He then turned his focus to JackMantis, who remained alert, wings slightly raised. "A warrior's spirit. But hesitant—especially around new things or when the focus is on him."
Finally, Koji glanced at Cementoss, who remained grounded, his ever-present grin radiating ease. "A jolly fellow. Solid. But too relaxed when he shouldn't be."
Straightening, Koji turned to Boe. "Your team is unbalanced not in strength, but in understanding. You and your Pokémon do not yet move as one. That is what we will work on."
Boe folded his arms. "And how exactly do we do that?"
Koji gave the faintest of smiles. "We start by understanding each other."