Pokemon: Lord of Fear

After seeing off the reluctant Pokémon thief, whose eyes were brimming with tears, Edward felt slightly better. However, the events of the day carried an air of inexplicable strangeness.

First, why had Zygana spoken so loudly behind him? And specifically about the Pokémon thief? It was as if she had deliberately tried to pass on information to him. But the issue was, Edward didn't even know who Zygana was.

Zygana was a striking girl with unique features—black hair, large eyes, and delicate, expressive facial features. She was the type of person one would remember after seeing once.

However, Edward genuinely couldn't recall ever meeting anyone named Zygana.

"Young Master Edward, I've just inquired with the League. There is no registered trainer by the name of Zygana," Robert, the butler, said as he opened the car door and got in. "And after interrogating the thief we captured, it turns out he's a member of Team Aqua. He claimed he was simply following orders when he brought Zygana, a recent recruit, along for the operation."

Robert had just handed over the Pokémon thief to Officer Jenny while also gathering some information.

"Team Aqua, huh?" Edward's confusion deepened. Was there a character like Zygana in Team Aqua's story? An Altaria user, no less? That kind of strength and beauty would surely make her a high-ranking member. Yet he had no recollection of her.

Still, Team Aqua and Team Magma were notorious dark organizations in the Hoenn region. Their bold and erratic actions weren't surprising. The only thing that bothered Edward was Zygana herself. Her name felt oddly familiar, yet he couldn't place where he'd heard it. It was frustrating.

"Young Master Edward, here are some documents from the company that require your review." Robert handed him a folder. Edward pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. Was his father really that eager to train him? Planning to hand over the company so he could spend his days digging up stones with his brother?

"Got it," Edward sighed. He skimmed through the documents, which were mostly minor internal affairs of the Devon Corporation. While not critical, they still required his attention. After giving them some thought, he penned his decisions.

As Edward worked, Robert skillfully drove the car. The ride was so smooth that it was impossible to tell the car was moving, minimizing any chance of motion sickness.

By the time Edward finished, the car had stopped at the entrance of Petalburg Woods.

Today, Edward planned to inspect the operations of the haunted mansion he owned. As the proprietor, he needed to ensure his asset was running smoothly.

Robert opened the car door, and Edward stepped out—onto a shadow.

"Heh heh heh, Edward, let's battle! This time, I'll definitely defeat you!" A mischievous Gengar emerged from the shadows, challenging Edward with an excited grin.

Edward cracked his neck, unfazed by the challenge. This wasn't the first time.

Robert, well-versed in the routine, stepped between them.

"Three, two, one!"

"Rock-paper-scissors!" both shouted in unison.

Edward watched as the defeated Gengar sulked in a corner of the woods, looking like a several-hundred-pound child throwing a tantrum. Taking out a notepad, Edward jotted something down.

Perfect. The score was now 133:89. He wondered when Gengar would finally turn that 89 into 90.

"Mr. Gengar, my mansion built in the woods doesn't disturb your peace, does it?" Edward asked with a friendly smile, patting Gengar on the back. His hand met the cool, pudding-like texture of Gengar's body.

"Not at all," Gengar replied, though its eyes suddenly shifted to the back of its head. Its mouth followed suit, creating a bizarre appearance as it spoke. Each time it opened its mouth, the spines and tail on its back would separate, adding to the eerie image.

Edward studied Gengar thoughtfully. If this Gengar ever starred in a horror movie like Lights Out, it would undoubtedly terrify audiences. Its sheer size and ghostly nature made it a perfect fit for the role.

"Your mansion is quite interesting," Gengar said, its voice echoing as it melted into the shadows, leaving only its glowing red eyes and toothy grin visible. "There weren't many visitors before, but over the past two days, there's been a flood of them. The rich scent of fear they exude is irresistible."

Emerging from Edward's shadow, Gengar leaned close, its red eyes sparkling with excitement. "How did you do it? That delicious fear—it's incredible!"

Edward wasn't scared of Gengar's closeness. Instead, he chuckled. "Want to know my secret?"

A plan began forming in Edward's mind. Gengar was incredibly strong, the undisputed ruler of Petalburg Woods. While Edward didn't expect to catch it, forging a closer bond could make it a valuable ally in the future.

"Of course I do!" Gengar's body liquefied slightly, clinging to Edward like a shadow. Its eyes gleamed with intense curiosity and excitement.

"You smell amazing!" Gengar's booming voice rumbled with enthusiasm. Edward paused, suddenly remembering the fear candies he'd crafted earlier. He'd given one to Q and kept two on himself.

(End of Chapter)