The script had been largely discussed the previous day, and by this afternoon, it was fully revised. As for the ending, Edward ultimately chose the first version of the desolate conclusion.
The second ending, which leaned into a "thought-provoking horror" style, didn't align with Edward's vision. This time, his aim was to craft an ultimate horror experience—a groundbreaking film that would establish his name in the Pokémon world and lay the groundwork for future projects.
After wrapping up work on the script, Edward found himself with plenty of free time. All that remained was to wait for auditions to conclude before shooting could commence.
But before that, he decided to investigate the Petalburg Woods mansion that had piqued his interest.
"Master Edward, are you considering purchasing the mansion?" The elderly butler, upon receiving Edward's call, immediately drove over, smiling warmly at him.
How rare, he thought. The young master was showing interest in something.
Since his birth, the young master had never expressed much desire for material things. Even Mimikyu had been requested by Edward's father rather than Edward himself. Now, for him to actively inquire about a property was quite unusual.
No matter the reason, the butler felt it necessary to secure the house for him.
"No, I just heard rumors that the mansion might be haunted," Edward replied, stroking Mimikyu's head while casually getting into the car.
Once inside, he noticed a document on the back seat. Curious, he picked it up, only to discover a property title registered under his name. The listed asset? None other than the Petalburg Woods mansion.
Edward blinked in surprise. He realized he had underestimated the financial influence of the Stone family. A mere casual mention of the mansion had prompted the butler to purchase it outright.
"Master Edward, the mansion is now officially yours," the butler said with a gentle smile. While the young master hadn't explicitly requested it, the dilapidated mansion cost so little that even the master of the household hadn't bothered to tease Edward about it.
"Are there any notable rumors about the property?" Edward asked, rubbing his temple. Judging by the butler's demeanor, the mansion must have been extremely inexpensive.
"Indeed. Here are the details I've gathered," the butler replied, handing Edward a file. Opening it, Edward began to read:
The Petalburg Mansion: Initially owned by a fallen noble family, all members of the family reportedly perished, leaving the mansion abandoned and in ruins.
Rumor has it that a traveler once heard a woman's mournful cries in the woods. Following the sound, they arrived at the mansion, where they encountered a ghost and suffered a heart attack from fright.
Others claim the mansion is inhabited by mischievous Ghost-type Pokémon who delight in spooking those nearby.
According to the League's investigation, no actual ghosts reside in the mansion, but it has become a playground for Ghost-type Pokémon.
Edward scratched his head. The League's official report stripped away the mansion's mystique, transforming tales of hauntings into a simple habitat for Ghost-types.
"The overlord of Petalburg Woods isn't in the mansion, is it?" Edward asked abruptly, recalling a certain fact.
This was a secret known only to a select few within the League. Although it wasn't a tightly guarded secret, the overlord preferred to be left undisturbed, turning its location into a well-kept mystery.
Edward was privy to this information thanks to his father, the president of the Devon Corporation.
"No, that Pokémon doesn't reside in the mansion," the butler confirmed, understanding Edward's implication.
Reassured, Edward nodded. Avoiding entanglement with the overlord Pokémon seemed wise—his brother may be a Champion, but provoking a dominant-level Pokémon was hardly worth the trouble, especially one of such unique stature.
"Let's go check out the mansion," Edward decided. With the overlord uninvolved, he felt safe enough to explore the property and perhaps encounter a Ghost Pokémon he fancied.
Edward wasn't picky about the type of Ghost Pokémon he wanted. With the discovery of awakening values, he now prioritized connection and intuition over sheer strength.
Besides, he had no aspirations of becoming a Champion. He simply wanted enough strength to protect himself.
"Very well, Master Edward." The butler's smile widened as he got into the car. Soon, the sleek black vehicle departed from Rustboro City, heading for the entrance of Petalburg Woods.
Vehicles were not allowed inside the forest, so they had to proceed on foot from there.
Edward didn't mind and followed the butler, breathing in the fresh air of the sprawling forest.
Unlike the in-game depiction of a two-minute trek, the real Petalburg Woods was vast and teeming with life. It was home to numerous Pokémon and a hub for many trainers.
Novice trainers often came here to hone their skills, and the forest was a haven for Bug Catchers.
"Q, want to battle some wild Pokémon?" Edward teased, patting Mimikyu on the head. The small Pokémon immediately shook its head, nestling deeper into Edward's arms.
Edward chuckled. Knowing Mimikyu's temperament, he didn't press the matter. After attempting battles in the past, Edward had realized it was better to only pit Mimikyu against strong opponents like Steven's Metagross or Roxanne. Only such battles could challenge Q.
"Master Edward, it's best to avoid letting Q battle in the wild," the butler reminded him.
Severely injuring wild Pokémon was strictly forbidden by the League. Battles needed to stop once they reached a certain point.
"I understand," Edward replied, stroking Mimikyu, who peeked out curiously yet timidly at the surrounding woods.
Suddenly, the forest grew eerily silent. The chirping of birds and the hum of insects abruptly vanished.
Edward's eyes narrowed.
"Well, well, Stone family brat. So, you bought that mansion, huh?"
A massive figure emerged from the woods, its shadow engulfing the surroundings.
Edward took a deep breath.
Standing before him was a towering, two-story-high Pokémon—its purple-black body radiating an ominous aura.
The overlord of Petalburg Woods: Gengar.
(To be continued)