Chapter 36: So-Called Ties and Willingness

Facing the incoming barrage, the strange gust of wind swept through once again, scattering all the flying needles.

"What kind of move is that?" Xia You asked, curious.

"Heh heh," Gastly replied smugly, "Over the long ages, I haven't just learned human language. I have plenty of abilities like this one!"

As it spoke, as if to show off, it transformed its appearance into that of a Jolteon!

"I must say..." Xia You couldn't help but retort, "Isn't this brokenly powerful? And isn't transformation the signature ability of Ditto? How do you know it too?"

Gastly glanced at Kirlia. Perhaps it was the Pokémon's previous act of protecting its master that earned Xia You a modicum of respect from the ghost.

It reverted to its original form and said, "Actually, this is just Hypnosis. However, my Hypnosis no longer requires the target to fall asleep to influence the physical world!"

Xia You frowned. Is it really that strong?

Feeling the gust of wind brush against his cheeks—real and distinct—it didn't seem like something Hypnosis could achieve. But this Gastly was extraordinary; it certainly couldn't be judged by conventional standards.

"Jolteon, use Thunder Fang!"

Electricity crackled between Jolteon's sharp teeth as it lunged at Gastly with incredible speed.

Yet, at the very moment Jolteon’s attack was about to make contact, Gastly’s body seemed to dissipate like mist in the wind, vanishing entirely!

"Heh heh!"

When Gastly reappeared, it had silently drifted right beside Jolteon, playfully sticking out its long tongue to give the Jolteon a heavy lick.

Jolteon shuddered violently. It tried to leap away, but it had fallen into a state of paralysis and could not move.

"Ah, the taste of electricity."

Gastly laughed, condensed another Shadow Ball, and struck Jolteon. With that blow, Jolteon collapsed to the ground, fainted.

One-hit KO? Is the level difference really that vast?

Recalling Jolteon, Xia You looked down at Kirlia.

"It's your turn."

Kirlia nodded and stepped in front of Gastly.

"Are you planning a tag-team strategy to wear me down?" Gastly asked. "But I think you understand—Psychic-type Pokémon can't defeat me."

"I know that, of course." Xia You pulled his remaining Poké Balls from his belt and tossed them all into the arena. "That’s why I wasn't planning on having it fight alone. Everyone, let's go together!"

Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander all materialized, standing alongside Kirlia.

"What's this? A gang-up, then?" Gastly curled its lip, though its tone remained dismissive.

"It couldn't be helped," Xia You laughed. "The battle with Jolteon made me truly realize your strength. If I used conventional methods, how could I ever hope to catch you?"

Hearing this, Gastly fell silent for a moment. "Why are you so obsessed with catching powerful Pokémon? Is participating in the Pokémon League truly that important to you?"

"How should I put it?" Xia You pondered. "Life is full of joys and sorrows. While the Pokémon League isn't everything, it is both a dream and a part of what I pursue. What about you? Don't you have a goal you want to chase?"

"A dream? A goal?" Gastly murmured.

As a Pokémon that thrived on pranks, it had lived for so many years finding joy only in teasing others and keeping itself entertained. It had never pondered such abstract questions.

Seeing Gastly lost in thought, Xia You’s eyes lit up. A weakness!

"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

At Xia You's command, leaves glowing with green light swept toward Gastly.

"Hey, hey! A sneak attack at a time like this? You’re too despicable!"

Gastly scrambled to dodge, but before it could finish, a Water Gun erupted from the side.

"That's not being despicable; that's being decisive!" Xia You shouted. "Charmander, use Ember!"

The Water Gun grazed Gastly, and just as it steadied itself, a flurry of embers rushed toward it.

"What's the difference!?" Gastly’s body vanished, but when it reappeared, it was caught off guard and struck by a Razor Leaf.

Being hit repeatedly left Gastly looking rather ruffled, and it finally resolved to stop holding back.

Ripples of light emanated from Gastly’s body, enveloping all the Pokémon on the field.

Xia You’s heart sank. He had no counter for this move yet and could only grit his teeth. "Charmander, use Smokescreen, quickly!"

A massive cloud of black smoke erupted from Charmander’s mouth, instantly filling the area.

"Trying to use smoke to obscure my vision and lower the accuracy of my Hypnosis?" Gastly chuckled. "The idea is good, but you're too naive!"

Gastly focused its concentration. In the next second, the light ripples grew faster and more dense, shifting from a targeted attack to an area-of-effect move. In a mere instant, all of Xia You’s Pokémon fell into a deep slumber.

At this, Xia You was truly helpless.

Gastly drifted slowly upward, looking down at the thick black smoke below, and unleashed its final attack.

Pink wisps of gas drifted out from the bodies of Xia You’s Pokémon and into Gastly. As Gastly’s eyes flashed wide, the Pokémon below collapsed as if struck by a psychic blow.

Dream Eater, activated!

Dream Eater, a Psychic-type move, feeds on dreams to attack, dealing significant damage while restoring the user's health by half the damage dealt.

As the black mist slowly dissipated, Xia You looked at his fallen Pokémon, all completely unable to battle, and he sighed deeply.

This Gastly was far, far stronger than others of its kind. Even when facing Zapdos, Xia You had never felt as powerless as he did today.

Recalling them one by one, Xia You said, discouraged, "I lost."

Gastly floated slowly to the front of Xia You, looking him over carefully.

"No, you haven't lost yet."

It glanced at the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and smiled. "Don't you still have a Legendary Pokémon? So how can you call this a loss? Besides, I’ve exhausted quite a bit of energy. Since you don't intend to send out Zapdos to fight me, let's just call this battle a draw."

"Huh?" Xia You was stunned, not expecting such words from Gastly.

Gastly continued, "Your character suits my taste. Although I don't have any dreams yet, I do want to leave this place, travel around, and see the world. And winning the Pokémon tournament to become champion does sound like a good choice."

Xia You looked at it, his heart filling with joy. "What do you mean?"

Gastly’s mouth split into a wide grin.

"I mean that I acknowledge you. Now, take out your Poké Ball. I am willing to be your Pokémon and help you realize your dream!"