Thomas
He scratch the back of his head. Being called brave is a compliment he'll take any day. It wasn't the fact that he's simply "Brave" But more that he's able to brush aside anything that could be considered scary. Ghost-types are just Pokémon after all! He couldn't treat them different just because they're a *Little* Creepy. They're Pokémon—basically all the same. A Haunter floats its way next to the champion and he reaches out to rub it. His hand went right through. Withdrawing that hand, he coughs into his fist. "I can say the same to you, too, Allister. Most kids your age would be afraid of ghosts and ghost-types. To choose mono-types like that, ha! You must have some connection to them that you're able to do that." 

It made Leon wonder again what made Allister fond of them, but before he could ask, the boy brought up Raihan and the champ *Had* To comment. Crossing his arms, he lets out an exasperated sigh, his head lowered. "I haven't seen him much recently, but on the battling aspect, he's still as stubborn as ever. Sometimes I wonder if he'll ever stop." He appears a little melancholy before scoffing. "But so far, he hasn't so I got my faith in him! I really enjoy his company, whenever it seems like others quit, you see." That moment of sadness was so quick it was like it never been. His expression flashed back to a grinning one as he faced Allister. "Go for it! I have to warn you, though, with all the battles I've had with Raihan, he's champion level. If you could beat him, you'll be up to my level." It was actually exciting to think of another rival Leon could have. Despite Raihan focusing on one type, he manages to have close battles with him because of *Tactics*. Weaknesses was just a beginner thing. Strategies is where it's at. 

Looking up to the moon through the shivering branches of the tree, Leon finally asks, "You think you can show me back to the mansion?" There's a bit of embarrassment in his voice.

"Don't tell anyone, but I think I'm lost." He winked at Allister, along with sporting an apologetic look. "I'm going to teach you something," He also added. "You need sleep if you want to grow big and strong." It sounded ridiculous for him to say that, but while Allister may see this as a friend relationship, Leon sees this like... A sibling relationship. It's the age difference. He's so used to motivating kids with this kind of talk. Shifting a little, the Haunter licked Leon's back just to tease him and the champion stood paralyzed from the effect. "Yeah, it was nice meeting you too, b-buddy..." And then a few more of the ghost-types laughed around him.

With Leon reaching out to touch the haunter, he couldn't help but giggle once more as he made a slight fool of himself and the withdrawal of his hand was just the icing on the cake before he got a hold of himself once more. Then the compliments really hit Allister and he did get slightly embarrassed with the shifting of his feet and the looking to the side. "T-thanks Leon. I just feel... The most comfortable w-with them... Is all and t-they seem to like me too.."

Then at the mention of the Champions Greatest Rival he knew it would light a spark deep within the man's chest and it sure did but he wasn't as fired up in the beginning but quickly changed into passion and smiles." I-I know he's very strong b-but that's why I also have to get as strong as possible.." He has actually spoken with the man himself about his unique gym style and it was almost the same as speaking to Leon and how he kept planning to beat him and take the Champion title away from his best friend and although it had been a little while since they had faced, Allister did only manage to KO 2 out of the 6 he had brought out. It was almost scary to think that some gym challengers might actually be able to beat Raihan at some point.

Then came the request to escort him back and he whispered quietly with a tiny chuckle. "I-I knew you were lost from... The beginning Leon, heh." But with his being told to sleep to grow big and strong it really made him wonder... He guessed he was right. He was still too young and inexperienced while Leon had the experience of the highest level for many years now. And with Haunter's goodbye lick he assumed it was finally time to go. He took one second to walk away and behind a gravestone with some of the other Ghosts like Gastly, Misdreavus and even a Trevenant to say his goodbyes, promising to visit again soon. With that now finished though he looked back to Leon and nodded, pointing down the long path at the gates to the Graveyard. "W-we go this way for a little.. T-then take a left and halfway t-through that track, we take a right and we s-should be there.. 'm." Grabbing a small backpack with his gym logo on it, he hauled it around his shoulder and down the forest path they went.
John
*The ping still doesn't work-*
Thomas
"You did? Was it that obvious?" He tries laughing it off. It shouldn't be embarrassing if he's pants with directions, but who could know their left and right when everything looks the *Same* Around here? It's also dark, and Leon didn't bring a flashlight—he's doing his best here! When Allister started telling the directions, Leon only followed the first half before he just stopped listening at all. Too many directions! "Let's go!" He says and clenches the strap of his own backpack he brought along. "It's better if we get moving." Waving to the ghost-types, Leon followed after Allister. Since the graveyard was out of the trees where the moonlight shone brightly, after they enter the path, it only filtered through. Now more aware of his surroundings, Leon remembered something.

For a small while it was just them walking in silence, only their footsteps heard. It's strange that even though the graveyard was filled with ghost-type Pokémon and possible ghosts, it felt more welcoming there than in *Here*. It's dark, and something seems... Threatening under the surface. Leon broke the silence by speaking in a deep and husky voice. "I've been in this island long," He started. He could only guess the shadowy figure he's following in front of him is Allister, right? It has to, because he saw it was the kid before they entered the path. "And I heard rumors about this place, or this forest specifically." He lets the silence wash over them again for effects. "The owner lady at the bakery in town mentioned about a family who used to own this island before the Sigford. Why did they sold such a beautiful island to them? Was it the money? No, there was something else." A Hoothoot was heard cooing in the trees and Leon's eyes darted to it—before he smiled and wave at the Pokémon. It only stared back with those blood red eyes of its.

.
"The owner lady said this forest is *Cursed.*" Once saying the words, a light breeze blew the trees as if old spirits were stirring awake. "Another rich family before the Sigford owned this place. They were enjoying it much like this one. It was more a vacation spot than... What this is now for us. A gathering of strong trainers? Yeah. Everything was good until the daughter of this previous family noticed something by her window. Her mum often times told her that the human brain can shape things into scary things so she went to check it out—" Then a Poochyana darted from the brush, crossing their path, before disappearing back into the darkness. This caused Leon to pause before he sighed out in relief. "That surprised me!" When they would begin walking again, it was as if the story slipped from his mind. He didn't continue it, but it's still held in the air.

Heading down the dark path as the moon was almost at the peak of its height was interesting. Normally he'd just keep his head down and hurry his little legs along the path until he reached home but now he had the Champion Leon behind him and he couldn't exactly go speeding off ahead in case he just so happened to get lost again. However when Leon started talking after their silent walking so far, he didn't stop as clearly Leon wanted to get home as soon as possible and frankly while Allister lead the way, he was actually kinda scared himself. At Graveyards he interacts with all the Ghosts their but out here is all types of Pokemon, and vicious ones at that.

The Leon went on about a rumour he had heard. Guess a cursed forest was too much for a rich family to handle but even the Ghost expert had a chill down his spine as if they were being watched and unconsciously he began to slow down a little so he was closer to Leon, noticing the small details in their surroundings and keeping a vigilant watch. Leon was surprisingly good at making a story quite spooky, if it was anyone else they might be shivering in fear but Allister was too worried about something other than a ghost watching them and getting ready to jump out. And just as he thought that, without even a rustle, the Poochyana leapt out and frankly startled the Kid who didn't see the lime on but just knew something had jumped out and fell backwards into Leon before quickly regaining himself. He didn't get scared by Ghosts as he could communicate and sense them easily, but a dark type jumping out of thin air would get most peoples heart racing.

Then with that out of the way, he gave a small nod to Leon as they continued down the path until they came to the first turn in. A left path, straight on, right diagonal and then a full right path. He pointed to the left one and continued down it before looking back over his shoulder, still slightly shaking and tried staying close to Leon. "W-what else.. H-happened in the story..?" Of course he'd be intrigued by it as it was a Ghost story and a Rumour but something just didn't sit well with him, and his head snapped to the right where he heard a twig snap. "W-what was t-that..? It must've just b-been the wind... Right?" He asked with slight worry as he just didn't want anything jumping out again but it didn't sound as small like a Joltik so he huddled around Leon's legs as best as he could in anticipation and slight worry/fear.

At least knowing Allister was listening, Leon resumed. He thought the boy was practically fearless being surrounded by ghost-types but even then there's something to be feared of. That Poochyana got the both of them, though. Even Leon has to admit that. When Allister's pacing slow down, Leon caught up to him and they walked side-by-side. "Well, she went to her window and checked it out. Expecting it was just some shadow casted from somewhere, instead, she saw a *Floating human.*" Leon knew this part wasn't going to be scary for Allister. Practically just another person to him. "It had long white flowing hair and it's body and face was as pitch black as the darkened night sky. It told her in a *Raaaspy* Voice—" And as he said "Raspy," He leaned down to put a hand on Allister's shoulder and pull him close, hissing.

That's when the twig snap was heard and Leon's head quickly turned to it, eyes widen. "... Probably the wind," He confirmed when Allister asked in a frenzy. "Sheesh, what's with this. It's ruining my sto—I mean, the rumor I'm telling you." He takes a few paces forward even with Allister huddling around his legs. "Stay here," He said, his palm held out to Allister so that he doesn't follow. "I'll see what it is. Probably a Pokémon." Aside from ghosts, a feral Pokémon or a dangerous person in general is daunting. He didn't want the kid to get hurt in that case. Leon is ready to use his fists if he had to. Seeing as Allister was staying put, he gingerly took some steps into the brush, before being completely swallowed up by the dark greens. 

Silence. Except for the rustling from Leon's footsteps.

But then—!

.
Suddenly, the forest burst into sound as a yell within the dense trees could be heard. A flock of Rookidee flew from the trees as the array of noise and movement shook them from their slumber. "Allister!" Leon's cry could be heard within the stirring of leaves and creaking of branches. And then, as fast as it happened—everything went deathly silence. There was no more rustle, no more screaming. It was as if Leon was suddenly *Gone.* A hoothoot cooed once more, and what must be an annoyed Seviper who was awaken by th noise, hissed, before being heard slithering away.