Upon arriving at Hau'oli City on Akala Island, the warm sea breeze carries a tantalizing scent of adventure mixed with the salt of the ocean. The vibrant city lies before you as your heart races with excitement to explore alongside your loyal Pokémon partners. However, there is a slight tinge of enigma in the air that adds an element of mystery to this joyful vacation destination.

As you take in the sights you murmured to yourself how much Alola have changed since you heard mention of Aether Foundation having a partnership group called Team Buddy to help "make things great for people and Pokémon alike" but you see some examples out on the streets. The air feels slightly thicker than normal, carrying a sweet, almost cloying fragrance you can't identify.

As you stroll toward the shopping district, something feels a little off. The stores lining the streets seem to be frozen in time—many have 50s-themed decorations, their signs displaying retro fonts and images of classic soda fountains, diners, and barbershops. It's not just one or two stores either. The entire shopping strip looks as if it’s been pulled out of a different era, the pastel colors glinting strangely in the tropical sunlight.

You spot a relaxation salon, its large windows revealing people with unnaturally perfect smiles. The workers wear vintage uniforms, moving with mechanical precision that sends uneasiness through your mind. You try to shake off your doubts. Maybe it's just a regional quirk, you think. Surely, this is nothing more than a cultural celebration.

As you walk further into the city center, you suddenly feel a presence nearby, and hear someone humming to themselves in a melodic tone that seems to wrap around you. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice a tall, elegant woman dressed in 50s-styled black attire. Her appearance is impeccable—she wears a knee-length black dress that emphasizes her figure, with a fluffy black wrap and long gloves that extend to her elbows. Her hair is tied up in an intricate beehive, framed by silver bobble earrings that sparkle in the sunlight. She approaches you with a familiar grace and authority.

You recognize her almost instantly: Cynthia, the famed Sinnoh Champion. But something about her seems off. Her usual composed demeanor has been replaced by an overly cheerful and bubbly attitude, almost uncharacteristically so. You stand bewildered by her changed appearance while she looks down at you with that unnerving smile.

Cynthia waves enthusiastically as she approaches you."Oh, hello there, Trainer! Welcome to Hau'Oli City!"she says, her voice bright and full of energy that seems forced."It’s so exciting to see so many new faces here. Isn’t it just wonderful here? The people, the stores, everything is so perfect!"She emphasizes the word "perfect" with a smile that doesn't seem to quite reach her eyes.

As Cynthia steps closer, you feel that odd sensation in the air intensifying. It’s subtle, but the atmosphere feels thicker, heavier—like a fine mist that’s invisible yet palpable against your skin. You brush it off as humidity, but something in your gut warns you this isn't right.

Cynthia moves a little closer, her身姿 swaying seductively as she tilts her head and offers that strange, almost hypnotic smile."Why don’t you relax and enjoy yourself? It’s a wonderful time to unwind and take in the perfect Alola experience. We’re all so happy here—don’t you want to be too? Come with me and I can show you, dearly one."Her words are laced with that soft, melodic tone that makes you feel a little dazed, your thoughts beginning to fog over. But then your partner Pokémon lets out a sharp cry, snapping you back to focus with a jolt of clarity. Cynthia's smile falters for the briefest of moments, a flash of something cold appearing in her eyes before she quickly regains her sunny demeanor. You know you have to act quickly before you lose the chance to resist whatever is happening here.