On the high-speed train, Cheng Tian and Su Han were fast asleep. Their surroundings were fairly quiet. But just then...
"Makka Pakka, mika makka moo!"
An oddly catchy ringtone rang out, startling Cheng Tian awake. He quickly pressed a volume button to silence his phone. Su Han was still sleeping soundly with her head resting on his shoulder. Cheng Tian gave the people looking his way a somewhat sheepish smile, then took out his phone and answered the call.
"Hello, Xiao Tian. Have you arrived yet?"
"Not yet. We're still on the high-speed train."
"You two, honestly. You could have just waited a couple of days and gone with Xiao Yun and the others, but you insisted on leaving ahead of them on your own," Cheng Tian's mother nagged. "Make sure you've put your cash, phones, and everything away properly, and your train tickets too. Don't sleep too deeply. Keep an eye out..."
"Okay, okay, I know."
"Don't think your mom's being a nuisance. Once you get there, find somewhere to stay first. Magic City is expensive. If you're having any trouble making ends meet, tell me, and I'll send you more money."
"Don't worry, Mom. We'll be fine."
After hanging up, Cheng Tian tried opening the map for a look. His location marker was currently racing forward. He pinched two fingers together to zoom out, and a huge place name appeared on the map.
[Magic City]
Turning off his phone and putting it away, Cheng Tian opened a narrow gap in the tightly drawn curtain beside him. Outside lay a vast expanse of lush green fields. An enormous sun hung in the sky, and he could occasionally spot a few Pokémon.
"Whew..." Cheng Tian let out a long breath. Excitement welled up inside him.
*Magic City! I'm