A few hours earlier, in the morning at the Ranch, in the quiet of the Lindenberg villa's kitchen, a rare tension filled the air as David laid out his plan to his parents.
"I'm planning to take Prince Charles to the ghost shack," he said, his voice steady. "Eva's been urging me to look into ghost-types, and I think there could be a match for me there."
Joe nodded immediately, offering a supportive smile. "Makes sense to me. A ghost-type would round out your team nicely."
But Anna looked less certain, her brow furrowing as she exchanged a glance with Joe. "David, I know the ghost shack isn't unusual to you or your father," she began cautiously. "But I'm worried the prince's guards will see it very differently."
David looked at her, puzzled. "Why? Ghost-types can be a bit mischievous, sure, but they're not dangerous. My dark-types can handle any trouble."
Anna shook her head, her tone urgent. "It's not about danger—it's the mystery of it, David. That abandoned mansion has an unnatural concentration of ghosts, far more than any other place I've heard of. You can see why that might alarm the guards."
"Anna, they're just Pokémon," Joe chimed in. "This isn't some kind of spooky horror tale. We've got several Drifloon and Mimikyu around the ranch, too."
"But those aren't the same as a whole building full of restless ghosts!" Anna countered, exasperation creeping into her voice. "The royal guards have their strict attitude, and the way ghost Pokémon can play pranks—well, that could provoke them. And their responsibility is to protect the prince, which means they're watching everything with suspicion."
David hesitated, absorbing his mother's point. She wasn't wrong. Ghost-types were famous for their love of pranks, from harmless illusions to outright tricks, and some guards might not take it lightly. "So, what are you suggesting?" he asked.
"I'm saying, go without the prince. Or, if you insist on bringing him, leave the guards out of it," she replied.
David thought for a moment, picturing Charles's intrigued expression whenever a new Pokémon appeared. "But I really think the prince would benefit from seeing the ghosts up close. He's always surrounded by guards and rules—seeing something a bit different could be refreshing for him."
Anna sighed, seeing her son's resolve. "Then at least go over the scenarios with them. If any ghost Pokémon get too playful, things could get out of hand fast."
As she and David began tossing around possible plans to keep the situation calm, Joe interrupted with a thoughtful nod. "Alright, enough running around in circles. If this is going to happen, you'll need the approval of the prince's head of security."
David paused, nodding slowly as his father continued.
"Baron Dvořák has the final say here. He's the only one who can permit a lower number of guards," Joe added. "If he's on board, then it's a go."
Anna relaxed, albeit slightly, at the mention of the Baron's authority. "He's pragmatic enough to consider it," she admitted. "But just... let's be careful. You know how he practically worships the rules."
David gave her a reassuring nod, already formulating how he'd make his case. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be cautious—for everyone's sake."
After an hour, David, Joe, and Anna made their way to Baron Dvořák's office, where the head of security sat behind a meticulously organized desk. A sharp-eyed man with a steely demeanor, Dvořák greeted them with a brisk nod, his eyes narrowing slightly as he waited for them to explain.
David spoke first, choosing his words carefully. "Baron, I wanted to discuss an opportunity to show Prince Charles something unique—a large gathering of ghost Pokémon. It's one of the biggest concentrations in the kingdom, and I think the prince would find it very… memorable. But we're aware it could present certain challenges for the guards, given the ghosts' inclination toward pranks and playful behavior. Would it be possible to assign fewer guards in order not to provoke the ghosts?"
Dvořák's expression remained unyielding. "I see," he replied coolly, hands folded on the desk. "But let me be clear. Prince Charles's security will not be altered or minimized. He is to be safeguarded at all times, particularly around creatures as unpredictable as ghost-types. No deviations will be considered."
The atmosphere in Baron Dvořák's office was tense, as David explained his proposal in greater details. He emphasized the unique opportunity it would give Prince Charles to witness one of the largest gathering of ghost Pokémon in the world. But Dvořák, arms crossed and expression as unyielding as stone, cut him off.
"No," he stated flatly, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. "Prince Charles is to be kept under full security at all times. I will not permit him to be taken to an unpredictable location, such as a den of ghost Pokémon, without adequate protection."
David and Anna exchanged a glance, sensing that Dvořák's iron-clad resolve wouldn't easily waver. Joe spoke up, his voice calm but insistent. "Baron, this interaction is precisely what the prince's visit to Battle Ranch is about—experiencing Pokémon in a variety of settings. The ghosts are lively but not dangerous."
But Dvořák's expression remained impassive, his eyes narrowing. "My duty, Mr. Lindenberg, is to ensure the prince's safety at all costs. No level of intrigue or experience will change the need for full security measures. I'm not here to negotiate that."
Anna attempted to offer a compromise, but each suggestion was met with a shake of the Baron's head. As it became clear that they were at an impasse, David finally let out a sigh, exchanging one last look with his parents before speaking.
"All right, Baron," he said. "If that's the decision, then I'll go to the Ghost Shack alone. Since I won't be with the prince for today, I would like to hand his mentorship over to my father, if that arrangement can be approved by you."
The trio turned to leave, resigned to Dvořák's refusal, but a low voice stopped them just as they reached the door.
"Wait."
They turned to see Dvořák watching Joe intently, his brow furrowed in thought. He was silent for a long moment, weighing the possibilities, and then he spoke with measured deliberation.
"If Joseph Lindenberg is to accompany the prince, I might consider reducing the number of guards and you can take his Highness to your Ghost Shack."
"And why?" Anna asked.
Baron's gaze shifted from Anna to Joe. "The royal palace regards your husband as a top trainer, Mrs. Lindenberg."
David and Joe exchanged a glance, and a glimmer of pride lit in their eyes. Joe nodded resolutely, acknowledging the Baron's trust in his abilities.
"I will join them if that gives us the opportunity to have fewer guards there."
Dvořák's voice remained firm. "Very well. I will authorize a smaller team to accompany you. But rest assured, any sign of trouble and the full security detail will arrive immediately."
The Lindenbergs exchanged a quick look of agreement, appreciating the rare concession.
As they left Baron Dvořák's office, a quiet resolution settled over them. They were all acutely aware of the significance of this unique excursion for the prince, and with Joe's agreement to accompany Charles, their plan was approved, albeit cautiously.
In an hour, Oranguru's powerful teleportation placed the group—Joe, David, Prince Charles, and several vigilant guards—at the edge of the dark forest surrounding the mansion of Ghosts.
Despite the crisp, sunny autumn day, the forest before them exuded an eerie, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The dense foliage allowed only slivers of light to penetrate, and a hushed stillness seemed to settle around them. Prince Charles, a curious boy of thirteen, studied the shadowed forest, his expression a mix of apprehension and fascination.
"What are the ghosts like?" he asked, turning toward Joe.
"Your Highness," Joe replied with a gentle smile, "Ghost Pokémon are elusive creatures. They tend to gather in places where light doesn't reach and shadows pool. They're tricky in battle and are excellent at dodging attacks. But they also have defensive strengths—especially their immunity to certain types."
"What do you mean?" Charles asked, his interest piqued.
Joe went on. "Ghost Pokémon are completely immune to Normal- and Fighting-type moves. Those types of attacks typically don't have any effect on them at all."
Charles furrowed his brow. "So, they're like… extra resistant?"
Joe shook his head, smiling. "Not quite. It's not resistance but immunity. A Normal-type or Fighting-type move generally won't touch them. It's as if the attack passes right through."
Charles looked thoughtful, then raised a question. "Is that true in all cases?"
Joe hesitated, his expression softening with a bit of understanding. "Well… mostly. But there are exceptions. If the attacking Pokémon has a much higher level, it could manage to impact the ghost. And then there are certain moves—like Foresight and Odor Sleuth—or abilities, such as Scrappy, which let those attacks land on Ghost-types by essentially 'bypassing' their immunity."
The prince nodded slowly, his curiosity further stirred. "That sounds confusing. But at the same time, it seems that they really are… unique."
Joe chuckled. "They are. That's part of the appeal, Your Highness."
He continued, his tone more thoughtful. "The thing is, David here doesn't have a Ghost-type Pokémon. This trip is as much for him as it is for you, sir. We're hoping to find one that suits him."
Charles looked from Joe to David with keen interest. "So, how do you know which one is the right one?"
Joe's eyes gleamed, and he shrugged. "That's the general thing with Pokémon. It's never really clear. You choose them as much as they choose you. And sometimes you don't even know until you meet one that just… clicks."
Just then, one of the guards leaned in, speaking to the prince in a low tone. Joe took the moment to turn to David. "Maybe there will be some stronger one, which agrees to go with you. Then you won't have to train it so much."
David nodded. "That would be great. I don't want to rely on you and Rootie in some future situation again."
He was recalling the desperate situation with the Sleepers where only his father's Trevenant was able to defeat the mad cultists.
"Yeah, it would be better. And David, how's it going with that Teleport training?"
David sighed. "It's… slow. I'm working on it with Swoobat, but we've got a ways to go." His gaze drifted briefly, recalling his wife Eva's insistence that he should prioritize learning the move. "Eva was the one who reminded me of how useful it could be. And she's right. When I recall my return from Sinnoh, it was crazy... Going around and asking strangers about unofficial teleport. If Swoobat would be able to Teleport to a long distances, it would be much quicker journey."
Joe gave a knowing nod. "Then maybe find a ghost-type who has a good skill with Teleport move."
David managed a grin, his gaze returning to the shadowed path ahead, where branches bent and creaked slightly in the soft breeze. He could sense it too—the quiet, watchful presence of Ghost Pokémon, hidden somewhere in the forest's depths, awaiting their arrival.
The group made their way through the dense forest, weaving between towering trees and clusters of ferns until a large, ominous villa emerged from the shadows. The structure was ancient and imposing, with cracked stone walls and vines crawling up its sides. Many of the windows were shattered, and the faint creaking of old, rusted hinges drifted through the air, mingling with the occasional gust of wind. A flickering light could be glimpsed through the cracks, casting eerie shadows that danced across the peeling walls.
David turned to the others, his expression stern but calm. "Alright, everyone, get ready. Ghost-types can be mischievous—they love pulling pranks on anyone who comes too close."
With a swift motion, David released his Houndemon. The hulking creature took shape in front of him, its three heads snarling softly, each set of eyes glowing with an ember-like gleam. Flames flickered in the hollow space between its visible ribs, casting an ominous glow in the surrounding darkness. Its two tails lashed behind it, and the heads glanced about, alert and wary, as if sensing the presence of hidden spirits. David gave his Houndemon a pat on one of her necks, a silent order to stand guard.
===
Houndemon
Level: 66
Name: Fluffy
Gender: Female
Type: Dark / Fire
Affinity: Dark (Full), Fire (Full), Poison (Advanced)
Moves: Nasty Plot (61), Thunder Fang (58), Poison Fang (62), Leer (59 to 61), Howl (64), Bite (64), Incinerate (62), Foul Play (56), Flamethrower (64), Taunt (53), Inferno (55), Toxic (63), Tri-Attack (48 to 53), Mud Shot (62), Protect (60), Energy Ball (55), Snarl (59), Flame Charge (62), Psychic Fangs (60 to 61), Dark Pulse (64), Shadow Ball (63), Sludge Wave (61 to 63), Hyper Beam (55), Throat Chop (56)
Abilities:
Flash Fire – If hit by Fire-type move, Houndemon absorbs the flames and use them to power up its own Fire-type moves
Unnerve – Unnerves opposing Pokémon and makes them unable to eat berries
Weak to: Fighting, Rock, (Water, Ground)
Immune to: Psychic
Resistant to: Ghost, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, Dark
Weakness removed: Water, Ground
===
Joe kept his Crawdaunt's Pokéball in hand, the familiar weight grounding him, but he refrained from calling it out. Crawdaunt could be intimidating, and he didn't want to spook the ghostly inhabitants who were likely watching them from the villa's shadowed windows.
Beside them, two of the royal guards made ready by calling out their own Pokémon. One guard released an Obstagoon—a formidable, black-and-white creature with a spiky, mohawk-like mane and a sharp, confident glare. Obstagoon's immunity to Ghost-type moves made it a natural choice for protection against any spectral mischief, and it stood tall, crossing its powerful arms as if daring any unseen presence to challenge it.
The other guard sent out Inteleon, a sleek, blue-skinned Pokémon with sharp eyes and an air of agility. It held itself with an intense, observant stillness, and with a flick of its fingers, it blended into the shadows, using its natural ability to become invisible. The prince watched with interest, though he remained calm as Inteleon flickered in and out of sight, a silent sentinel ready to act if anything went wrong.
Suddenly, flashes of dim, ghostly light flared up inside the villa, casting eerie reflections on the broken windows. The guards immediately moved closer to Prince Charles, forming a protective semi-circle around him. Yet, despite the thickening tension in the air and the intimidating setting, the young prince remained unfazed. With his gaze fixed on the looming villa, he gave a confident nod to David, signaling his readiness.
David took a steadying breath and stepped forward, leading the way up the cracked steps to the heavy, splintered front door. The prince followed close behind him, his curiosity mingling with the thrill of exploring such a haunted place. The creaking intensified, and the darkness within seemed to swallow them as they moved towards the entrance, ready to meet whatever lay waiting inside.
As Joe reached for the door, he turned back to the group. "Stay on guard. The ghosts here love a good scare," he warned.
But as he swung the heavy door open, he barely had time to react before a grinning Gastly popped out from the shadows, hovering right at eye level. With a mischievous gleam in its large, eerie eyes, the ghost-type lunged forward and landed a wet, cold lick square on Joe's cheek.
"Motherf..." startled David.
"Language!" Joe retored as he stumbled back, in surprise, but then his whole body froze in paralysis from the Lick. It took him a whole while before he was able to move and wipe the spectral drool off, a sheepish chuckle escaping him.
Instantly, at the sight of Gastly, Obstagoon and Inteleon sprang into action, preparing to defend against what they assumed was an attack. David quickly stepped in, waving his hand with a laugh. "Hold on, hold on! She's harmless—it's just an old friend."
The guards relaxed slightly, though their eyes remained on Gastly, whose cackling voice echoed in the dim hallway. David nodded toward the floating ghost. "In fact, she's something like mother of my son Jake's Charmander. She took a liking to the company of other Ghost-types and decided to stay here, where she's clearly... enjoying herself."
Gastly floated around Joe and David, happily circling them in a swirl of misty shadows, her laughter mingling with the creaks and groans of the old villa. Fluffy, David's Houndemon, barked in recognition, her three heads swaying in amusement at the lively ghost.
The royal guards glanced at each other, visibly wary, but Prince Charles only looked intrigued. Stepping forward, he extended a hand toward Gastly with an admiring smile. "Is it true, then? Are you really Charmander's mother? He's such an interesting little guy—always curious and full of energy!"
The ghost floated closer, her gaseous form shimmering with interest as she eyed the young prince. Before the guards could even react, she darted forward, giving Charles a friendly lick across the cheek. The prince froze, his skin tingling from the cool touch of Gastly's ghostly tongue.
"It tingles!" he gasped, shivering as the tingling spread. Joe chuckled, gesturing toward Gastly. "That's the move Lick. Ghost Pokémon can use it to paralyze their targets, though it looks like you were lucky to avoid that. Unlike me."
As Gastly hovered playfully around Fluffy, the Houndemon barked softly, her three heads leaning in as if to engage in conversation. Charles tilted his head, watching the exchange with fascination. "What are they talking about?"
David smirked. "If I had to guess, Gastly's asking about Charmander—probably wanting to hear how he's doing. And Fluffy here, who's practically his adoptive mother, looks to be filling her in on his progress."
Fluffy let out a snort, and a few bright embers flared from her nostrils, floating harmlessly into the air. Gastly let out a delighted cackle, her misty form rippling with laughter. David chuckled, nodding. "I think she's just described how Charmander used Ember. Seems like Fluffy's one proud mentor."
Prince Charles watched the lively exchange, a glint of admiration in his eyes. Despite the tension surrounding their arrival, he was clearly captivated by the ghostly encounter, sharing a smile with the spectral creature that had so fondly lingered in her offspring's life.
The group cautiously entered the villa, moving through the faintly lit hallways. Dust particles floated in the beams of light that managed to sneak through cracks and broken windows, casting eerie shadows that danced with the group's every movement. David led the way, his eyes sharp and attentive, with Fluffy trotting close beside him, her three heads scanning the wide hall in unison.
As they passed the first few rooms, it was clear that something had changed since the last time anyone had ventured inside. "The layout… it's different," Joe murmured, glancing around in confusion. He remembered hearing from Frank and Jake about the old setup, but the ghosts' restless energy seemed to have shifted everything. Walls didn't align quite as expected, and doors appeared in unexpected places, an unsettling reminder of the Ghost-types' ability to alter spaces to suit their whims.
They entered what once might have been a parlor, only to be met with a sudden, low groan coming from the corner. The group paused, tense and alert, as a Haunter materialized just above a dusty, old chair. Its broad, sinister grin flickered in the dim light before it swooped down toward the group. But as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished, cackling as it dissolved into thin air, leaving only a ripple of energy behind.
Gastly, who had been trailing the group, laughed heartily at her fellow ghost's prank, her gleeful cackling echoing through the room. Charles chuckled nervously, shooting a wide-eyed glance at Joe, who gave him an encouraging nod to press on.
As they advanced, they passed a tall mirror that looked untouched by time, its glass somehow still polished and clear. A subtle wisp of darkness slid across its surface, and suddenly a Misdreavus emerged, her eerie red beads shimmering. Her wide, luminous eyes observed them curiously, her expression neither hostile nor welcoming. David leaned in slightly, taking in her graceful, mysterious form, but Misdreavus lingered only a moment before vanishing back into the shadows with a delicate, haunting giggle. Gastly let out another delighted laugh, as if cheering on each ghostly disappearance.
"Charming company, isn't it?" David whispered, nodding to Gastly, who was now floating beside him with a look of pure amusement.
They turned down another corridor, where a cold draft blew in through a shattered window. Suddenly, a Drifloon appeared, floating gently near the ceiling, its purple-and-yellow form bobbing in the air. It drifted closer, its curious eyes studying each member of the group before deciding, perhaps, that it didn't wish to stay. It gave a faint squeak and ascended, blending into the shadows above.
David watched it go, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully. Each encounter seemed to intrigue him further, and he looked at the space where Drifloon had been with a focused, appraising look, his mind running through the potential each Pokémon held. He was studying their personalities, their movements, trying to find a ghost whose energy resonated with him.
Meanwhile, Gastly, faithful as ever, stayed at his side, enjoying the parade of her friends' playful antics. She floated around David and Joe, laughing each time another ghostly figure slipped away.
As they ventured deeper into the villa, the guards, sensing the growing strangeness in the air, began to call out more Pokémon of their own. One released a stout, black-and-purple Pangoro, whose heavy arms and piercing eyes promised swift action if needed. Another guard called out a sleek Sableye, its jewel-like eyes catching every glimmer of light and its sharp claws flexing in anticipation. The last one called forth an Umbreon, whose elegant form and glowing eyes radiated a calm, focused energy, ready to sense any potential threats.
Gastly floated ahead of them, leading them to a large, dimly lit living room. In the center of the room sat a dusty old TV, its screen glowing with a black-and-white comedy reel of pranks and slapstick. The figures on the screen threw pies into each other's faces, exchanged slaps across cheeks, and tumbled around in exaggerated, awkward falls. The scene seemed ridiculous in the flickering light, casting an odd contrast between the old-world elegance of the villa and the lighthearted antics on screen.
In front of the TV, a motley group of Ghost Pokémon lounged, thoroughly engrossed in the show. A mischievous Gengar cackled, slapping its belly each time a slapstick gag played out. A Froslass floated above the floor with an amused but aloof expression, occasionally tilting her head at the antics. Next to her, a Haunter bobbed in the air, its wide, toothy grin practically splitting its face as it guffawed at the screen. Among the group was a Banette and Alolan Marowak, each clutching a bottle with beer. There was even something which looked like a joint with smoke rising from it on the table.
One of the guards chuckled at the scene and leaned over to David. "They look like a bunch of teenagers hanging out," he remarked, pointing at the Pokémon with beer bottles.
David nodded, amused, before turning to Gastly. "We didn't come here just to watch TV," he said with a grin. "We're looking for a strong ghost, one who'd be interested in joining me."
Gastly looked at him with an impish grin, her eyes narrowing mischievously. She floated away and disappeared for a moment, leaving the group in suspense.
"What's going on?" Charles asked, glancing from side to side.
David shook his head. "Not sure, but let's wait and see. She's up to something."
Just then, Gastly reappeared near the table where the TV's remote sat. She stuck out her tongue in exaggerated concentration and pressed her tongue against the buttons. The TV abruptly switched from the old black-and-white comedy to a loud, colorful modern sitcom, with over-the-top laughter and jarring music.
The ghosts lounging in front of the TV erupted in angry hisses and groans, their entertainment spoiled. Yamask snarled, a glowing hand raised as it prepared to use Shadow Ball, while Lampent growled, its ghostly hands forming eerie purple energy. But Gastly was quicker – she dodged effortlessly, reappearing in the middle of the human group, her grin widening as she circled around them, chuckling.
The living room filled with an uproar of spectral groans and flickering shadows as Gastly led the group away, leaving the frustrated ghosts behind.
Charles laughed, clearly entertained by Gastly's prank. "You sure know how to keep things lively!" he said to her, as Gastly gave him a playful wink, clearly pleased that her mischief had found a fan.
Gastly led the group deeper into the villa, darting down the shadowed hallway before slipping right through a solid wall. She turned to beckon the group, only to hear a loud bark from Fluffy, the Houndemon, who growled at the barrier.
Gastly phased back, giving them a look of mock exasperation, as if to say, Really?
David smirked, glancing at the amused Gastly. "Sorry, we can't phase through walls like you can."
Gastly cackled, her laughter echoing down the hall, tears of amusement forming at the corners of her eyes. When she finally composed herself, she led them to the cellar by a different route, glancing back every so often with an amused grin.
As they reached a winding stairway, one of the guards paused, his brow furrowed. "Are we sure we want to go down there?" he asked, casting a wary glance into the descending darkness. "We don't even know what's waiting for us."
They exchanged brief looks and, after a quick discussion, agreed to proceed – but not without reinforcement. The guards called out several more Pokémon for safety, adding a Gardevoir, an Aggron, and a sturdy-looking Bewear to the group. Even Joe released his Crawdaunt, its powerful pincers snapping in readiness as they moved cautiously into the cellar.
They stepped into the cellar, and the air grew thick and heavy, carrying the faint scent of dust and rusted metal. The room was dimly lit by a single flickering bulb, casting long shadows across what looked like an abandoned gym. Scattered weights lay strewn across the floor, some still on ancient-looking racks, while a row of dusty mirrors lined the far wall. In the corner, a creature sat hunched over an old bench press, its large hands gripping the cold metal bar with a barely-contained intensity.
The creature had a massive, muscular build, its ghostly white fur matted in wild tufts around a hunched back. Red eyes gleamed with a feral, haunting light, and jagged scars adorned its face, marking it as a seasoned fighter. Thick black chains hung loosely around its neck, clinking softly as it shifted. Its entire body seemed to be alive with energy, radiating an aura of barely-contained rage, and a shadowy mist trailed off its back in curling wisps. Its gaze was ferocious and unblinking, scanning the group with a sharp, calculating menace. This was no ordinary ghostly Pokémon; it embodied both the ferocity of a fighter and the eerie presence of the supernatural.
Annihilape.
Gastly, unable to resist a bit of mischief, fired a faint Night Shade that darted through the dim light and struck Annihilape with a jolt. The ghostly ape's eyes snapped wide, and it leapt up, scanning the room until its gaze fixed on the intruders. With a deep, guttural growl, it clenched its fists and began bouncing on the balls of its feet, building up a fierce energy that shook the nearby weights. The muscles on its face tensed, veins pulsing across its forehead and temples as its rage intensified. It gritted its teeth, huffing through each breath as its furious gaze locked onto David, nostrils flaring.
David watched the creature closely, his expression steady. "Alright, Annihilape," he called out, a note of excitement in his voice. "If you're as strong as you look, let's see what you've got."
At this, Annihilape let out a wild roar, its red eyes flashing as it pounded its fists against the floor. The room vibrated under its strength, and its entire body trembled with anticipation. Fueled by a near-maniacal rage, it began stomping the ground, making the floor quake with each powerful step. The room filled with an ominous hum as its fists tightened, flames of fury practically leaping from its eyes.
David steadied himself, giving Fluffy a nod. The Houndemon's three heads snarled in unison, each pair of eyes gleaming with anticipation. They squared off, trainer and Pokémon ready to face down the furious Annihilape in a battle that promised to be intense and unpredictable.
The battle began with a tense silence, broken only by the heavy breaths of Annihilape, which stood across from Fluffy with a fiery, battle-ready stance. David observed the ghostly ape's posture, his hand steady, even as his three-headed Houndemon snarled with excitement, each of her heads eager for the fight.
Annihilape made the first move, glancing around and grabbing a rusty dumbbell from the floor. With a fierce, calculated swing, it hurled the weight directly at Fluffy, catching her slightly off guard. David shouted, "Dodge, Fluffy!" but before she could fully react, more equipment came flying—a barbell, weights, even a bench seat—all crashing toward her. Fluffy managed to duck and weave between the projectiles, her three heads growling in unison, but the assault was relentless.
"Fluffy, use Flame Charge to dodge!" David called. Flames ignited along Fluffy's paws, and with each movement, she grew faster, blazing a trail around Annihilape in a rapid, circling motion. As she sped around him, she let loose a series of Shadow Balls that crackled with astral energy, each one hurtling toward Annihilape with unerring precision.
But Annihilape was far from overwhelmed. With sharp, glowing claws, it used Night Slash to slice through the Shadow Balls midair, their energy dissipating with each swipe. The ghostly ape's eyes narrowed in furious determination, and with an intense roar, it launched itself toward Fluffy with Close Combat. Fluffy dodged left, then right, each Flame Charge boosting her speed further as she barely escaped the relentless punches and kicks. The room shook with each hit that missed, Annihilape's strikes leaving dents and cracks in the floor.
The guards began to shift closer around Prince Charles, creating a protective barrier, each eyeing the battle with tension. Obstagoon and Inteleon remained at the ready, alert to every movement. Charles, however, leaned forward with fascination, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Fluffy's increased speed drove Annihilape into an even wilder rage. Letting out a furious howl, it launched into a Thrash, stomping around the cellar, fists swinging in a wide arc as it tried to corner her. "Fluffy, another Flame Charge!" David commanded. Fluffy surged forward, just out of Annihilape's reach as it crashed around the room. Finally, Annihilape began to falter, eyes spinning as the disorienting effects of Thrash took hold.
Seeing his chance, David called, "Psychic Fangs, now!" Fluffy charged, her three heads' jaws shimmering with psychic energy as they snapped forward, biting Annihilape with a direct, bone-rattling blow. The attack was super-effective, sending the ghostly ape staggering back onto one knee, panting heavily as it struggled to regain its footing.
But Annihilape wasn't done yet. With a final surge of anger, it reached for another dumbbell and hurled it at Fluffy. This time, it struck her squarely in the side, knocking her back a few steps. Fluffy growled, her three heads now fully agitated, each set of eyes narrowing with fury. Ignoring David's instructions, she fired off one Shadow Ball after another in rapid succession, her attacks fueled by a primal rage.
"Fluffy! Stop!"
David called out to her, trying to regain control, but Fluffy was lost in the heat of the battle, her instincts taking over as she continued the relentless barrage.
Annihilape, however, had had enough. With a final, defiant glare, it phased through the nearest wall, vanishing into the shadows. The cellar fell quiet, the tension dissolving into silence as David exhaled, and Fluffy, breathing heavily, settled back by his side, a bit of her earlier fierceness still lingering in her gaze.
David patted Fluffy's central head, murmuring, "Good work, girl." She was breathing heavily with her tongues rolled out, but she had satisfied expression on her faces.
As the dust settled, Charles let out a breath, eyes wide with wonder. "It's gone," he murmured, as if hardly believing Annihilape's retreat.
But before anyone could respond, the Gastly cackled, her laughter echoing in the quiet cellar. Joe turned to her, shaking his head but grinning. "Alright, enough fun. Are there any other strong Ghost-types around here?" He spoke with an air of expectation, his Crawdaunt snapping its powerful pincers with a resounding clack, as if to emphasize the question.
Gastly paused, her grin turning contemplative as she floated, head tilted as if deep in thought. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she darted toward the hallway, beckoning the group to follow with eager spins.
They moved through a long, dim corridor, the air thick with a subtle, otherworldly chill. Their footsteps echoed down the hall until they finally reached the boiler room, the door creaking as Gastly phased through and reappeared inside. The room was windowless, but a warm, eerie glow bathed the walls, coming from several open boilers with fires flickering inside.
On a large pile of coal sat three distinct figures, each emanating a fiery aura of their own. The first, with a spectral, bone-clad appearance, was a lithe, shadowy Pokémon holding a bone club that flickered with bright green fire at each end. Its bony mask cast hollow eyes, flames casting long shadows across its form as it sat watchfully. The ghostly Marowak from the Alolan region radiated an intense, vengeful energy, as if always poised for a fight.
Nearby lay another Pokémon with a more subdued, serene expression. Its wispy flames floated lazily around its neck, and its violet fur had a smoky quality, giving the impression of a fire about to burst. This Hisuian Typhlosion seemed almost lost in its own world, its half-lidded eyes betraying an intense power simmering just below the surface, with faint blue flames flickering at its collar as it dozed.
Finally, towering over the others, was a massive, crocodilian Pokémon with a powerful frame. Its ribs glowed with a fierce inner fire that pulsed like a heartbeat, sending embers flickering in the dimness. Its deep red face and stern expression made it appear both regal and fierce, and the flames in its maw hinted at raw, untamed strength. Skeledirge, as it was called, rested calmly but held an intimidating and hungry presence, as though daring anyone to challenge it.
Gastly floated closer to them, casting a quick look back at David and the others, her grin widening. The lounging ghosts slowly began to stir, lifting their heads, their gazes settling on the new arrivals.
David stepped forward, addressing the ghostly Pokémon lounging on the coal pile. "I'm looking for a ghost partner. One with strength and spirit."
The Marowak, with a disdainful roll of its eyes, slipped into the shadows, melting away into the dimness with a flicker of green flame. That left only the Skeledirge and the Hisuian Typhlosion, who eyed David with quiet intensity. The Typhlosion stretched languidly, its smoky, violet embers flaring brighter and drifting around it like small ghostly wisps. Slowly, it rose to its feet, its half-lidded gaze sharpening as it prepared for a challenge.
At once, Fluffy, David's three-headed Houndemon, lowered her stance, her three heads narrowing their gaze on the Typhlosion, and her growls reverberated off the boiler room walls. Shadows clung to every corner, the only light emanating from the ghostly fires of the open boilers and the faint glow of the ghostly flames wreathed around Typhlosion's collar.
Before David could give a command, Fluffy's heads instinctively began a sequence of status moves, each head working in unison but with a unique intensity. Her left head let out a resonant Howl, her strength surged with the haunting, echoing cry. Her middle head's Nasty Plot sparked a cunning gleam in her eyes, channeling dark energy to boost her special attacks. Meanwhile, her right head's intense Leer sent a menacing chill through the air, making Typhlosion's defenses waver slightly under the fierce gaze.
Typhlosion, however, wasn't going to be outdone. It stood firm and narrowed its eyes, summoning up the energy to use Curse. A sudden pallor crossed its face as the spectral flames around its neck burned brighter, and Typhlosion seemed to draw power from its own life force, leaving it panting heavily. A faint, violet circle appeared on the ground below Fluffy, hovering around her feet, and slowly began shrinking.
"Look," Charles said, pointing to the ring as it grew tighter around Fluffy. "What's that?"
Joe frowned at the sight of the violet ring and leaned toward Charles. "That's the Curse. Typhlosion has sacrificed a chunk of its own health to place a timer on its opponent. The smaller that circle gets, the more health Fluffy loses. And when the circle closes in completely and touches Fluffy, it's over."
Charles frowned. "How can she break it?"
"There are only two ways, Your Highness," Joe explained. "Either she's switched out or faints. Maybe if she would be on much higher level than Typhlosion, she would be able to withstand it. But let's wait end see."
"A battle with countdown…" Charles murmured, his gaze fixed on the glowing ring around Fluffy as Typhlosion's move added an eerie tension to the dim boiler room.
David felt a surge of tension and called out firmly, "Fluffy, we have to end this fast! Use Snarl!"
All three of Fluffy's heads opened wide, releasing a ferocious, dark-tinged bark that rippled through the air, pulsating with dark-type energy. The powerful soundwave struck Typhlosion, causing it to stagger and fall to one knee, its ghostly flames dimming momentarily. But in an instant, it rallied, spreading its arms as they ignited with sinister, violet flames. With a loud clap, Typhlosion sent a shimmering, violet wave of energy hurtling toward Fluffy.
The wave struck Fluffy squarely, sending her to the ground. The Curse ring around her tightened, causing a painful howl to escape her, and her usual orange-red flames between her outer ribs flickered into an unnatural violet hue.
Charles, wide-eyed, turned to Joe. "What was that? What's happening to Fluffy?"
"That was Burning Jealousy," Joe explained. "It's extra powerful against Pokémon who have boosted their stats, and Fluffy just did. It's burned her too, which is why her flames turned violet."
Charles's gaze sharpened with understanding. "Oh. I see."
But Fluffy was already back on her paws, charging at Typhlosion, her three heads snapping with dark energy-infused fangs. She unleashed Bite, each head latching onto Typhlosion and sinking her fangs deep, making the spectral flames surrounding it flicker in pain. Typhlosion screeched and, though weakened, managed to retaliate with Brick Break, landing a hard strike on Fluffy's middle head. She shook off the blow and bit down harder with her other two heads, refusing to let go.
Typhlosion, gathering energy, opened its maw, and fiery embers began swirling within its jaws.
David called out urgently, "Fluffy! Throat Chop, now!"
Fluffy's middle head recovered and swung forward, ramming into Typhlosion's throat with brutal force. The ghostly fire dissipated instantly from Typhlosion's mouth as it staggered, unable to release the attack.
"Now! Dark Pulse!" David ordered.
All three heads of Fluffy opened, each mouth expelling a swirling beam of super-effective dark-type energy that collided with Typhlosion which was still trying to catch its breath, enveloping the hisuian creature in a dark vortex. Seeing the opening, David pulled a Pokéball from his belt and hurled it forwards. The Pokéball struck Typhlosion, sucking it in with a flash of red light.
The ball dropped to the ground.
Everybody watched it with wide eyes.
Ding. Ding. Ding—
Suddenly, the Pokéball burst open, and in a flash of white light Typhlosion re-emerged, panting and glaring, its violet eyes blazing. The Curse ring around Fluffy tightened again, making her howl in pain as she stumbled to the ground, her left head the only one able to stay up. Typhlosion, sensing the opening, raised a fist cloaked in flames and advanced, preparing Fire Punch.
"Watch out!" Charles yelled as Typhlosion swung.
At the last moment, Fluffy summoned her strength and used Protect. A shimmering blue bubble encased her, absorbing the impact of Typhlosion's punch. She lay inside, panting heavily, her last two opened eyes fixed on Typhlosion. The Curse ring continued shrinking, a constant reminder of her dwindling time.
Typhlosion raised its fist again, ready to shatter the barrier. But just as it prepared to strike, Fluffy's right head lunged forward, biting down on Typhlosion's forearm, her fangs glowing with dark energy. It was another Bite. Typhlosion screeched, struggling to shake her off, but Fluffy's weight was too much and she sank her teeth deeper.
With a final effort, her left head launched a Dark Pulse directly into Typhlosion's face, the dark energy exploding on impact. The Curse ring around Fluffy vanished just as Typhlosion's form flickered. Then, as shadows melted into the floor, Typhlosion dissolved into the ground, leaving only the eerie silence and faint, twitching shadows on the stone.
"Shit!" David mumbled.
"It got away," Charles sighed disappointed.
Fluffy, exhausted and unsteady, managed to rise and staggered over to David, her legs trembling with each step. David knelt down, patting each of her three heads.
"That's a good girl!" he praised, and she tiredly wagged both tails, a hint of pride shining through her exhaustion.
"But you've earned some rest," he murmured, gently pressing her Pokéball against her middle forehead. Fluffy relaxed, her eyes drifting shut before she disappeared in a flash of red light.
The silence was soon broken by Gastly's eerie giggles echoing through the room.
Charles frowned, confused. "What's with that Gastly?"
Joe shrugged, chuckling. "Who knows... Ghost-types are just like that. Weird creatures."
Turning, the group set their gaze on the last fire-ghost behemoth lounging atop the coal pile—Skeledirge. Flames flickered from its long maw, and its predatory eyes fixed intensely on the group. Only the looming presence of Joe's formidable Crawdaunt and royal guard's Pokémon seemed to keep the enormous fire-crocodile from attacking.
Charles leaned in toward David, eyes shining. "Are you going to battle it too?"
David nodded, his fingers brushing over his Pokéballs as he considered his options. He knew Swoobat's Psychic type wouldn't fare well against Ghost moves, and Mandibuzz wasn't well-suited for tight spaces like this. Skuntank and Electrode were tempting choices, but before he could reach a decision, another Pokéball shook on his belt and his Ambipom burst forth with a confident grin.
===
Ambipom
Level: 78
Name: Marcel
Gender: Male
Type: Normal
Affinity: Normal (Full)
Moves: Scratch (45 to 49), Astonish (41), Double Team (61), Fury Swipes (76), Double Hit (74), Tail Whip (62), Swift (71 to 73), Screech (66), Nasty Plot (72), Mud Slap (66), Protect (67), Water Pulse (69), Brutal Swing (70), Aerial Ace (62), Brick Break (60 to 62), Shadow Claw (57), Metronome (50 to 51), Taunt (65), Gunk Shot (63), Hyper Beam (71), Fake Out (67 to 69), Iron Tail (69)
Abilities:
Technician – Powers up Ambipom's weaker moves
Skill Link – Increases the number of times multi-strike moves hit
Weak to: (Fighting)
Immune to: Ghost
Weakness removed: Fighting
Resistance added: Psychic, Fire
===
David sighed, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Oh, Marcel…" he muttered, half-amused by the jester-like monkey's antics.
Meanwhile, Skeledirge's fiery, hungry gaze locked onto the lively Ambipom, its primal instincts awakened. The enormous crocodile's maw opened wide, fiery energy gathering as it prepared a powerful flame attack.
"Careful, Marcel!" David called, seeing the wild Pokémon's dangerous intent.
But Marcel was already in motion, darting and bouncing in unpredictable patterns. Skeledirge unleashed a blazing torrent, the flames searing toward the double-tailed monkey with fierce intensity.
Ambipom sprang to the side, narrowly dodging the searing flames. But in a sudden burst of speed, Skeledirge moved, defying its lumbering appearance. The massive crocodilian ghost surged forward, closing the gap in seconds with a chilling precision, its jaws snapping dangerously close to one of Ambipom's tail. Each time its mighty maw clamped shut, the air thrummed with a force that could easily cleave the monkey in two if it connected.
"Marcel, watch out!" David shouted, his heart pounding. Skeledirge's wild, untamed hunger radiated off it with every step, its attacks unfaltering and merciless. This wasn't a typical battle; Skeledirge's movements held a lethal intent.
Marcel's eyes widened, but he moved with agility, bouncing back and forth as Skeledirge's massive jaws snapped repeatedly in his direction, each bite a hair's breadth away. With a flick of his twin tails, Marcel's tips glowed brown, and he swung them down, landing a Mud-Slap right into Skeledirge's face. Mud splattered across Skeledirge's fiery maw, but the ghost-croc's jaws clamped again, the sheer power of the snap sending shockwaves that nearly threw Marcel off balance.
Seeing the opening, David called out, "Marcel, Astonish, now!"
Ambipom's tail shimmered with a ghostly violet light, and with a swift flick, he landed the blow right between Skeledirge's eyes. The move left Skeledirge momentarily stunned, its eyes narrowing with rage as it flinched back, giving Marcel a precious moment.
Without missing a beat, Marcel began waving his hands rhythmically to both sides, focusing intently as he prepared to unleash Metronome. His twin hands together with his tails swayed like strange quadruple-pendulums, gaining momentum with each swing, their glow growing as the energy built up, waiting to take form.
Skeledirge shook off the flinch, eyes blazing with fury as it lunged forward again, hunger darkening its features, jaws open in a fearsome charge. But just as it was upon him, Metronome's power surged to life—Marcel's luck had drawn the devastating Rock Wrecker. In an instant, a massive boulder materialized before Ambipom, then hurtled forward with incredible force, straight toward Skeledirge's open maw. The rock smashed into Skeledirge's jaws, erupting in a shattering explosion that shook the room.
The mighty fire-croc collapsed, the embers dimming in its eyes as it slumped to the floor, finally defeated.
Marcel screeched in triumph, beating his chest while Gastly cackled in eerie delight. But David's eyes stayed on the fallen Skeledirge, his brow furrowed.
"Why don't you catch it?" Charles asked, noticing David's hesitation.
David shook his head slowly. "I don't know... There's something more here. It didn't just want to win; it looked like it wanted to devour Marcel. I'm not sure I could ever fully tame that kind of spirit."
Joe nodded, understanding David's apprehension. "That's a fair point. You would have to be on guard all the time. And to have such a wild monster hidden in your shadow... I'm not sure that it would be a good idea."
Then David turned to the floating Gastly, a surprising question on his lips. "What do you think?"
Gastly floated toward the fallen Skeledirge, studying it with a wary eye. After a pause, it stuck out its tongue, pulling a face at the unconscious fire-ghost before circling it a few times and finally shaking her head with a disapproving frown.
"Guess that settles it," David agreed, watching Gastly's reaction. "It wouldn't be a good match."
David turned again to Gastly, trying to mask his growing impatience with a smirk.
"Alright, Annihilape escaped, Marowak didn't want to fight, Typhlosion escaped, and Skeledirge... well, that was just plain risky. Are there any strong, trainable Pokémon around here that might be interested?"
Gastly's face twisted in mock contemplation before it swirled around, signaling for the group to follow. It giggled mischievously, darting out of the boiler room and leading them up a creaky staircase.
"So, what's next?" Charles whispered, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Let's keep watching," David murmured, keeping his voice low. "There might be some interesting Pokémon hiding nearby."
Gastly led the group to a large, dim kitchen. Unlike the last visit when Frank and Jake had found stairs leading to the attic where Ramses the Cofagrigus slept, this time the attic door was gone. But in its place, a new door stood ajar, leading to a dark pantry. A strange shuffling sound echoed from within.
"Get ready," David whispered, his voice taut with excitement as Gastly giggled in encouragement.
Ambipom snuck forward, tails raised, and yanked the pantry door open in one smooth motion. Inside, a ghostly shape floated, but it wasn't like anything they'd seen before.
"Whoa!" Charles gasped, eyes wide. The new Gastly wasn't the familiar violet and black; it was an eerie white with red streaks flowing through its misty form, giving it an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance.
The two Gastlys circled each other, chortling with glee as if sharing some private joke. But then the white Gastly's eyes locked onto Ambipom, and it stuck out its tongue in a cheeky taunt.
Ambipom screeched in annoyance, tail raised, and took a swipe at it. The ghost darted upward, just out of reach, laughing in a hollow, echoing giggle.
"Do you want to battle?" David asked the white Gastly, intrigued.
The white Gastly considered for a moment, then floated into the center of the empty kitchen. It eyed Ambipom and gave a slow nod, as if relishing the challenge.
Ambipom leaped into the air, landing with a flourish before his hands glowed with dark, spectral energy, extending into huge razor-sharp claws—Shadow Claw. Ambipom lunged with a surprising burst of speed, slashing directly toward the white Gastly. But the attack passed through its misty form, and Marcel landed with a bewildered expression, his clawed hands empty.
"What's going on?" Charles asked, glancing at Joe.
Joe's brow furrowed. "Ghost moves should be super-effective against a Ghost type like Gastly. Something's off here."
"Marcel, try it again! Shadow Claw!" David commanded, determined to understand this strange phenomenon.
Once more, Ambipom's claws shimmered with violet energy as he sprang forward, slashing through the white Gastly. And again, his attack flew right through it, leaving the white ghost untouched and still cackling with eerie amusement.
Meanwhile the violet Gastly was laughing like crazy.
"Okay, if ghost moves don't work, let's try a normal move. Double Hit!" David called.
Ambipom's twin tails glowed with bright energy as he charged at the white Gastly. But like before, his attacks phased through it, not making contact.
Both Gastlys floated in a circle, giggling madly, as if playing a prank.
David clenched his fists. There were other attacks which should be super-effective against ghosts. "Alright, Marcel, use Brutal Swing!"
Ambipom's tails took on a dark, sinister hue, and this time he spun through the air, lashing out with a sweeping motion. His tails struck the white Gastly directly, and the ghost flew back, hitting the ground with a solid thud and raising a cloud of dust.
But as the figure lay still, the group gasped. The eerie mist faded, revealing a Pokémon entirely different from Gastly.
Its ghostly white fur was tinged with shades of red around its eyes and tail, giving it a haunting but beautiful aura. Its coat was thick, with a slight shimmer, and its eyes glowed a bright, piercing blue, contrasting starkly against its pale body. Around its neck, tufts of reddish-gray fur curled up, giving it an almost wispy, flame-like appearance. Its ears, sharply pointed and edged with red, flicked alertly as it stared back with a mischievous glint.
"Who's that Pokémon?"
Charles asked, his voice tinged with wonder.
Joe leaned forward, just as captivated. "That, Your Highness, is a Hisuian Zorua. They're tricky little shape-shifters with the ability to disguise themselves as other Pokémon. But they're also Normal-type types, which explains why Marcel's ghost moves didn't affect it!"
David whistled softly, his eyes studying Zorua's unique form. "So, it was a Zorua playing tricks on us all along… Looks like we found another Pokémon with a sense of humor."
Zorua tilted its head, flicked its bushy tail, and let out a small yip, almost as if challenging them to keep up with its antics.
David turned to Marcel with a frustrated sigh.
"Alright, one more time, Marcel. Let's try another Brutal Swing."
Marcel gave a determined nod, his two tails swirling with dark energy as he charged at Zorua. Just as Marcel leapt to strike, Zorua let out a playful laugh, then nimbly jumped and upon landing back to the floor, it sank through it downwards, vanishing just before Marcel's swing could land.
The kitchen filled with the sound of Gastly's uncontrollable laughter, her eyes scrunched with mirth, ghostly tears streaming down her misty face.
"Oh, come on!" David threw up his hands in exasperation, his face flushed with irritation. "Every ghost in here is either mocking me, or running away!"
Joe chuckled, crossing his arms with a smug grin. "Seems you're just not destined to find a Ghost-type today, son."
"Perfect," David grumbled, rolling his eyes. "As if it's not bad enough that she finds this hilarious—" He pointed accusingly at the giggling Gastly, who only laughed harder, swirling around him in circles, "—now you have to join in too!"
Joe tried to stifle his laughter, but Gastly's snickering made it impossible. "Hey, don't take it so hard. Maybe they're just testing your patience. Ghosts do love a little mystery, after all."
David shook his head, arms crossed. "A little mystery? This has been a total waste of time. Not one of these Pokémon wanted anything to do with me! We've been running in circles for hours for nothing."
Charles, however, looked positively thrilled, his eyes alight with excitement. "Are you kidding? This has been amazing! I got to see so many Ghost-types—and even a Zorua! This wasn't wasted time at all!"
Joe grinned, clapping David on the shoulder. "See? Not a waste if it made our prince happy."
David's irritation softened as he looked at Charles, who was practically bouncing on his feet. "Well, as long as you enjoyed it, Your Highness, I guess it wasn't all for nothing. Maybe the next visit will bring more results."
Gastly floated over to David's shoulder, still chuckling, and stuck her tongue out playfully. David groaned, but a faint smile broke through his annoyance. "Fine, laugh it up. But you'd better watch it, or I'm catching you."