Pokemon: Lord of Fear

Dominant Pokémon—a category of Pokémon that the League had only recently classified. Compared to their ordinary counterparts, Dominant Pokémon were stronger, larger, and significantly more formidable. Their wild status elevated them above the usual hierarchy, but not every Dominant Pokémon received special recognition from the League.

As far as Edward knew, only this particular Gengar in the entire Hoenn region had earned such treatment.

"I'm planning to shoot a horror film, so I came here to scout for locations," Edward explained. This wasn't his first encounter with the Gengar before him, but even so, its enormous presence exerted an almost imperceptible pressure on him.

Q trembled in Edward's arms, its tiny, excited eyes fixed intently on Gengar. Edward had to hold Q firmly to prevent it from launching an attack.

Though Q's attempts always ended the same way—Gengar would subdue it effortlessly—Q never ceased trying.

Robert, the old butler standing nearby, calmly polished his glasses. He showed no concern for Edward's safety.

"A horror film? Now that's interesting," Gengar chuckled, its voice eerie.

As it laughed, the surrounding shadows began to quiver as if stirred by an invisible wind—a wind that didn't exist in the stillness of the Petalburg Woods.

Edward wasn't surprised that Gengar knew about horror films. Typically, Pokémon weren't adept at communicating with humans, except for Psychic-types that could use telepathy. Yet this Gengar not only spoke the League's official language fluently but also possessed exceptional intelligence.

This was no ordinary Dominant Pokémon.

"Would you be interested in starring in it, Mr. Gengar?" Edward asked tentatively.

Though deep down, he doubted Gengar would agree.

"Not interested. If I'm in a movie, people will come looking for me. Too much trouble," Gengar said bluntly, its glowing eyes standing out in the dim forest.

Despite being a Dominant Pokémon with an intimidating size, there were always overconfident trainers convinced they were destined protagonists who could conquer Gengar to prove their worth. Gengar had taught such trainers harsh lessons.

"Enough small talk. Let's get to the important stuff next time," Gengar said excitedly, extending a hand from its body. Each finger was as thick as Edward's head.

Edward knew what was coming. Taking a deep breath, his expression grew serious.

"Three, two, one!" Robert called out loudly.

"Scissors!" Gengar declared, holding up two massive fingers.

"Rock!" Edward countered, his fist clenched. Gengar immediately slumped to the ground, defeated.

Edward calmly pulled a small notebook from his pocket and made a mark in it.

"What's the score now?" Gengar asked, its ear-like protrusions drooping. It no longer exuded any Dominant energy, instead appearing slightly pitiful.

"Hmm, 132 to 89," Edward replied after glancing at the notebook.

Gengar's mouth almost dropped to its legs.

One hundred and thirty-two? It had lost to Edward—a mere human—a staggering forty-three times? How could this silly game be so hard?

Gengar couldn't comprehend it.

"You brat, I'll beat you next time!" Gengar said indignantly before vanishing into the shadows.

Edward wasn't surprised. Every time he came to the Petalburg Woods, Gengar would drag him into a game of rock-paper-scissors. The routine was always the same: Gengar lost, fled, and vowed revenge; if it won, it would gloat endlessly, leaving Edward both amused and exasperated.

Despite its status as a Dominant Pokémon, Edward rarely felt much of its so-called dominance.

"Let's go, Master Edward," Robert said calmly, leading Edward toward the mansion.

Edward gazed at the building before him. Time had taken its toll; the mansion looked more decrepit than ever. Its walls, now covered in creeping ivy, gave it an even eerier atmosphere under the afternoon sunlight.

Edward could even glimpse ghostly figures flitting past the windows on the second floor, adding to the mansion's sinister aura.

"This place has potential," Edward remarked, rubbing his chin. He had studied the mansion's blueprints. The first floor was mostly empty, devoid of furniture, making it ideal for setting up a stage with various humanoid and Pokémon-shaped dolls.

In Edward's revised script, Mary Shaw not only murdered people but also their Pokémon, turning them into dolls. This twist added depth to the father's character arc, culminating in a chilling reveal that the protagonist's father was also a doll.

"Master Edward, there are quite a few Ghost Pokémon inside. How do you plan to handle them?" Robert asked with a smile, his waist adorned with six Poké Balls.

Robert was also a trainer of considerable skill, which was why he confidently accompanied Edward on such excursions.

"Robert, I'd like to take a look inside first," Edward replied. He had no intention of letting Robert act immediately. Steven was right; it was time for him to consider growing stronger himself. He couldn't rely on the old butler's protection forever.

Robert said nothing in response, merely positioning himself slightly ahead of Edward, ready to shield him if necessary.

As they pushed open the door, dust filled the air, swirling in the sunlight. Edward squinted against the haze.

When the dust settled, the interior of the mansion revealed itself. Though the building had long been without water or electricity, it carried an eerie semblance of life. Edward even spotted crude tables and chairs constructed from rotten wood.

If they were indeed furniture, their shoddy craftsmanship made Edward question their purpose.

From the second floor, the staircase, and the far corners of the first floor, countless pairs of glowing eyes emerged, staring unblinkingly at Edward.

(End of Chapter)