Allister found himself outside after a long Gym Leader meeting, the night air cool and refreshing. The moon cast an eerie glow on the ancient stone buildings of Stow-on-Side, enhancing the town's ghostly atmosphere. He wandered slowly, hands in his pockets, head bowed slightly. His mask, as always, concealed his face, but his eyes darted around, taking in the quiet serenity of the night.

The streets were empty, save for the occasional flicker of a streetlamp or the distant call of a nocturnal Pokémon. Allister felt a sense of calm in the solitude, preferring the stillness of the night to the hustle and bustle of the day. As he walked, his mind wandered too, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of his duties as a Gym Leader.

He found comfort in the ruins and cemeteries, places that others might find unsettling. To him, they were sanctuaries, filled with history and the quiet whispers of the past. Tonight, he would seek solace among the ancient stones, reconnecting with the spectral companions that made him feel truly understood.

Lost in his thoughts, Allister paused by a familiar gravestone, running his fingers gently over the weathered surface. "It's... it's good to see you again," he whispered, his voice barely audible. In the stillness of the night, he heard footsteps, leaves crunching underfoot, approaching him. Allister's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sound. He turned slowly, his violet eyes scanning the darkness. The footsteps grew closer, the leaves crunching louder with each step. His grip tightened on his cloak, ready to face whatever—or whoever—was approaching.

Emerging from the shadows was a figure, slightly taller than Allister, moving with a deliberate pace. "H-hello?"