Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

The Trevenant seemed confused at first, but after carefully inspecting it, it confirmed that it was indeed water. Its expression of surprise quickly turned into one of joy.

With eyes full of expectation, they watched as Cain tilted the bottle, letting the water slowly flow onto the dry, cracked ground. Within seconds, roots began to emerge, eagerly absorbing the liquid.

It was as if the Pokémon, who had been thirsty for an unimaginable amount of time, finally found relief. The expressions of satisfaction on their faces were unmistakable.

What is happiness?

Perhaps it's something as simple as what these Grass-type Pokémon were feeling: being able to drink water in an environment that almost completely denied it. As Cain reflected, for such a special plant species, having access to abundant water was undoubtedly the closest thing to paradise.

Seeing how easily these Pokémon were satisfied, Cain felt a slight pang of discomfort. However, he didn't waste time and, through telepathy, conveyed his intentions.

He promised that if they agreed to accompany him, he would take them to a place full of vegetation, abundant water, and ideal conditions to thrive.

The leading Trevenant, who seemed to be the group's leader, quickly showed interest. The other Pokémon, being innocent and simple in nature, barely hesitated.

For generations, they had remained isolated in this place, knowing no other living beings besides their own. Trusting Cain, who offered something as valuable as water, seemed like a natural decision.

With a satisfied smile, Cain threw his Pokéballs, capturing the ten Trevenant and the eight Phantump that made up the community.

Although they weren't particularly aggressive fighters, these forest guardians would be invaluable for protecting the forests on the island Cain had designated as his base.

By providing them with a nutrient-rich and well-cared-for environment, there was no doubt these Pokémon would work enthusiastically, transforming the forests into lush vegetation. It was an unexpected but meaningful acquisition.

After securing the group in their Pokéballs, the garden was left completely desolate, with no signs of plant life remaining. Cain proceeded down the long corridor that led him to a slightly open door.

The door gave access to a large reception hall. The antique and elegant wooden furniture had been reduced to rotting fragments that filled the air with a pungent smell of decay. However, something curious caught his attention.

The lights in the hall were still on. But they weren't ordinary lights. The flames that lit the space didn't glow with the warm radiance of a normal fire; instead, they emitted a faint but eerie purple hue.

The atmosphere, already unsettling, filled with a penetrating chill that seemed to seep from the floor to the marrow of the bones.

Frowning, Cain assessed the situation. As an experienced psychic, he was extremely sensitive to the energies of his surroundings. It didn't take long to identify the predominant energy signature: Ghost-type energy.

His partner Slowking, who remained alert at his side, detected the same. Surrounded by a fluctuating psychic aura, it prepared for anything.

Looking more closely, Cain realized that the lights coming from the walls weren't just decorations.

Each wall sconce held a small white wax candle. The purple flame that burned on each one swayed slightly, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Larger antique-style lamps hung throughout the hall, and in the center of the ceiling stood out an immense chandelier.

It was a classic rustic-style chandelier, adorned with elegant details.

In the center, a violet flame crackled more intensely, while four smaller flames surrounded it, creating a lighting effect that, although cold and strange, remained hypnotic. Cain quickly understood what he was seeing.

These weren't ordinary lights; they were Pokémon. The chandelier in the center of the ceiling was none other than a Chandelure, accompanied by several Lampent and Litwick hanging from the sconces and lamps on the walls.

Activating the system's scanner, Cain focused his attention on the majestic Chandelure in the center of the hall. The Pokémon's specifications appeared on screen:

Pokémon: Chandelure (Light Blue)

Gender: Female

Level: 59

Type: Ghost + Fire

Ability: Flash Fire

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Heat Wave, Endure, Acid, Clear Smog

Basic Moves: Ember, Astonish, Minimize, Smog, Fire Spin, Confuse Ray, Night Shade, Will-O-Wisp, Flame Burst, Imprison, Hex, Memento, Inferno, Curse, Pain Split

Learned Moves: Telekinesis, Spite, Snore, Ally Switch

TM Moves: None

A Chandelure of Maximum Quasi-Elite level. Although it was the only one of its species in the hall, it was surrounded by numerous high-level Lampent.

Observing the flames of the Pokémon, Cain noted that they all burned strongly, indicating they weren't lacking fuel. But this raised an important question: where were these Pokémon getting the souls or life energy they needed to survive?

This thought deeply unsettled him, though he didn't have much time to reflect. The flames began to flicker intensely, and the shadows on the walls distorted, moving unnaturally.

The spectral Pokémon had noticed the presence of Cain and his companions.

From the ceiling, the Chandelure opened its bright yellow eyes, fully revealing itself. The flames around it intensified, releasing a wave of heat that filled the hall. With this act, the Lampent and Litwick also activated, joining forces with their leader to attack Cain's group.

Calmly, but without lowering his guard, Cain threw out more Pokéballs. Combusken, Politoed, and Swampert appeared, joining Slowking, Honchkrow, Drapion, Larvitar, and Lairon, who were already present.

As a final touch, a huge dark figure emerged from the shadows behind him, flashing a sinister grin: Gengar had arrived to join the fray.

If the Ghost-type Pokémon wanted a fight, Cain and his team were more than ready to grant their wish.

(End of chapter)