"Then the problem would be someone forcing me to work overtime," Lin Hao said.
The great brass bell atop Bell Tower suddenly swayed again, sending a clear metallic clang ringing across the open space.
This time, there was no wind, and the leaves hung motionless on the treetops. The noisy tourists in the street stopped talking and looked up in unison.
May pressed a hand against the ball at her waist, rubbing her fingertips over its metal clasp. "Lin Hao, something really is happening up there."
Janine did not look at the top of the tower. Instead, she turned south as the wooden token in her hand grew hot again. "The sound is coming from Ecruteak City."
Lin Hao tossed his empty bamboo skewer into a trash can and brushed the crumbs off his hands. "Your bells in Johto come with remote networking, too?"
May reached over and pinched his arm. "Quit wisecracking."
Janine turned over the heated wooden token. The Ho-Oh feather pattern on it glowed faintly dark red. "Sprout Tower is just a decoy resonating with it. The real source is in Ecruteak City."
Lin Hao scratched his neck, unable to hide the distaste on his face. "Is that far?"
"Not very."
"How long on foot?"
"About a day."
"What about by bus?"
"Three hours."
"Who's reimbursing the fare?"
May pulled her wallet from her backpack and waved it in front of him. "I'll pay."
Lin Hao nudged the Pikachu on his shoulder higher, then immediately headed toward the bus station. "What are we waiting for? Let's get going."
May stuffed her wallet away and hurried to catch up. "With how fast you change your tune, you really ought to try joining a circus."
"When an ordinary guy's traveling, every bit saved counts."
Janine remained outside the Gym,