Pokémon: The Battle Ranch Chronicles

In the months following Charmander's arrival, Jake found himself adjusting well to school life, despite some initial challenges. He genuinely enjoyed his time at school, even though there was a persistent tension between him and Mark. Mark, a boy with an overinflated sense of superiority, seemed determined to prove that he was better than Jake in every way. Whether it was in academics, Pokémon knowledge, or just general bravado, Mark never missed an opportunity to try and one-up Jake.

But Jake had been well-prepared by his family—his parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle had all offered him advice on how to handle Mark. They encouraged him to remain calm, to avoid confrontation, and to focus on what truly mattered: his own growth and happiness. So, whenever Mark made snide remarks or boasted about his own prowess, Jake would simply nod in acknowledgment and then go about his business, refusing to be drawn into petty arguments. Initially, Jake was tempted to defend his father, wanting to tell Mark that if there were ever a rematch, his father David would undoubtedly win. But Jake wisely held his tongue, knowing that engaging would only lead to more taunts about being a "loser."

At first, the other kids in their class were drawn to Mark's confident, almost arrogant demeanor. They admired his swagger and the way he talked about his family's supposedly superior training methods. However, as time went on, the reality of the situation became clear. Mark's boasting started to wear thin, especially as some of the kids became closer friends with Jake and were invited to visit the Lindenberg Battle Ranch.

Those who visited the ranch were in awe of what they found. The sprawling fields filled with a variety of Pokémon, all well-cared for and thriving, left a lasting impression. Jake's friends were allowed to interact with the Pokémon—feeding them, petting them, and even playing games. The ranch was a place where Pokémon and trainers coexisted in harmony, and it was clear that the Lindenberg way of training wasn't just about power, but about fostering deep bonds and mutual respect.

As more kids visited the ranch, Mark's once-impressive tales began to lose their luster. The contrast between Mark's cold, competitive attitude and the warmth of the Lindenberg Ranch couldn't have been starker. Gradually, Jake's classmates started to appreciate the Lindenberg approach much more. Mark, seeing his influence wane, resorted to making snide comments, insisting that the Pokémon at the ranch were only fit for "losers." But by then, the tide had turned. The other kids, who had come to love the ranch and the Pokémon there, began defending Jake, telling Mark to keep his negativity to himself. Jake didn't need to do anything—just the occasional invitation to his classmates was enough to solidify the new social balance.

Jake's love for his Charmander was evident to everyone. While Mark dismissed Charmander as weak and suited only for a "weakling," Jake didn't let it bother him. He was entirely dedicated to caring for his new Pokémon companion. Every morning before school, after he returned home, and in the evening, Jake took care of Charmander—feeding him, cleaning his fangs and claws, and brushing his skin. He even learned how to give Charmander gentle massages, a skill that initially made the little Pokémon nervous but soon became something he adored.

Charmander quickly became a beloved member of the Lindenberg household. He bonded deeply with Jake, who was his primary caregiver, and grew close to the other Pokémon as well. Gastly, ever the mischievous spirit, was a constant presence, always ready to play or keep watch over Charmander. Fluffy, the three-headed fire dog, took on a big sister role, often letting Jake and Charmander ride on her back during their outdoor adventures. Whether exploring the ranch or just enjoying the day, Charmander was always by Jake's side, his curiosity leading him to new discoveries and experiences.

Jake made regular visits to his Aunt Rachel at the Pokémon Center, where she checked on Charmander's health using her various machines. She also provided Jake with invaluable advice on how to care for his growing fire-type. On one memorable visit, Rachel was treating a Charizard, the final evolution of Charmander. Both Jake and the little fire Pokémon were awestruck by the sight of the enormous, majestic creature, its powerful wings folded as it rested on one of the beds. It was a glimpse into Charmander's future evolution, and the thought filled Jake with excitement and determination.

Rachel's daughter, Monika, was equally captivated by Charmander. She now visited her cousin's house more often, always eager to play with the small, cute Pokémon. Hide-and-seek became a favorite game, especially when Gastly, Houndstone or Decidueye, ghost-types, joined in. Gastly, in particular, was a tricky one to find, often hiding in shadows or phasing through walls. But its constant giggling whenever it successfully eluded them would give it away, much to the amusement of everyone.

Life for Jake was busy and fulfilling, filled with school, Pokémon care, and the joy of watching Charmander grow. Despite the initial challenges with Mark, he found his place at school and among his peers, all while deepening the bonds with his Pokémon and his family. Each day brought new adventures and lessons, both in school and at the ranch, setting the stage for the exciting journey that lay ahead.

This day Jake's uncle Frank came up with interesting trip for Jake.

Uncle and nephew ventured deeper into the forest, the dense canopy above filtering the sunlight until only scattered beams of light illuminated their path. Jake's excitement about his school day slowly faded as the woods around them grew darker and more mysterious. He clutched the small Charmander closer, feeling the warmth of its tail flame as a comforting presence amidst the growing shadows.

As they walked, the eerie silence of the forest was occasionally interrupted by the rustling of leaves or the distant call of a wild Pokémon. Jake couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. The deeper they went, the more it felt like they were stepping into a different world, one filled with ancient secrets and hidden creatures.

"Uncle, where are we going?" Jake asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of fear.

Frank smiled reassuringly. "I'm going to show you a special place, deep in the forest. Pay close attention to Gastly. She's going to love it."

Jake glanced at Gastly, who was floating alongside them with a mischievous grin on her face. The ghost-type seemed to be in her element, as if she felt exactly where they were headed and was eagerly anticipating it.

After nearly half an hour of walking, the trees began to thin, revealing a large, decrepit house nestled in a small glade. The house was old, with peeling paint and a roof full of gaping holes. Many of the windows were shattered, and the wooden walls were weathered and worn. It looked as though it had been abandoned for years, perhaps even decades.

Jake stared at the house, his unease growing. "What is this place?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Charmander let out a small, fearful whimper.

Frank crouched down to Jake's level, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "This, Jake, is an old house that the ghost-types have made their home. It's a bit spooky, but I think you're brave enough to handle it now." He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "The ghosts here are mostly friendly—just a bit mischievous. Some of them were once part of the ranch, while others are wild or belong to actual trainers or to trainers who passed through long ago."

Just then, a light flickered on in one of the broken windows, casting an eerie glow into the surrounding darkness. Jake jumped and instinctively grabbed Frank's hand, his heart racing.

Frank chuckled softly. "Ah, don't worry, buddy. That's just the ghosts playing around. They love to pull pranks on anyone who visits. Come on, let's take a look inside."

As they approached the old wooden door, Gastly floated ahead, her grin growing wider in anticipation. Frank pushed the door open with a creak that echoed through the house. The sound made the hair on the back of Jake's neck stand on end. From somewhere deep inside, they heard a sinister-sounding laugh, which only made Charmander grip Jake's hand tighter.

"Just to be safe," Frank said, reaching for a Pokéball. He released a Girafarig, who appeared with a calm, reassuring presence. "Hey there, buddy. Keep an eye out for any pranks, alright?" The Girafarig nodded, its dual heads alert and ready.

They walked through the long, dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoing on the creaky floorboards. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and dust, and the shadows seemed to dance along the walls as if alive. Jake held his breath, trying to be brave as they moved deeper into the house.

At the end of the hallway, they turned into a large living room. The room was a strange mix of the mundane and the eerie. In one corner, an old television, covered in a layer of dust, was flickering with static, occasionally cutting to a faint image of an old comedy show. The sound of canned laughter filled the room, strangely out of place in the silent, decaying house.

In front of the television, a group of ghost-type Pokémon had gathered, seemingly engrossed in the show. Misdreavus, Shuppet, Duskull, Yamask, Litwick, and Pumpkaboo all floated or hovered near the screen, their attention fully captured by the flickering images. They didn't seem to notice the humans who had just entered.

Gastly, however, saw an opportunity for some fun. She floated behind Shuppet, her tongue slowly extending. With a quick lick, she startled the Shuppet, who spun around with a yelp, alerting the rest of the Pokémon to their presence.

"Hello, gang!" Frank greeted them cheerfully, waving as he stepped further into the room. The ghost-types turned to face him, some looking mildly irritated at being interrupted, while others seemed curious about the newcomers.

Gastly floated higher, laughing gleefully at the success of her prank. Shuppet glared at her, but the mood was more playful than hostile.

"You see, Jake," Frank said, kneeling down beside his nephew, "it's not just our Gastly who loves watching TV. These guys here are always playing tricks on each other and anyone who visits. It's how they have fun."

Litwick, the small candle Pokémon, floated over to them, its flame flickering gently. It seemed intrigued by Charmander, another Fire-type. Charmander, still a bit wary, gave a small wave with his tail, and the two began to exchange soft, curious sounds. Jake smiled, feeling some of his fear melt away as he watched the interaction.

"Go ahead, let Charmander down," Frank encouraged. Jake carefully placed Charmander on the ground, and the little fire lizard took a few tentative steps toward Litwick.

Suddenly, Pumpkaboo shot a playful Night Shade attack at Gastly, who was still floating above. Caught off guard, Gastly was hit and sent flying through the wall, her laughter echoing even as she disappeared from sight.

Frank laughed, shaking his head. "See, Jake, there aren't many places in the world where you can find so many ghost-types all hanging out together like this. It took generations of Lindenbergs to convince them that this old house was a good place to live. They've made it their home, and now they protect it and each other."

Jake nodded, his fear replaced by a sense of wonder and excitement. The house, though old and spooky, didn't seem so scary anymore. It was a place where the ghost-types could be themselves, playing pranks, watching TV, and living in harmony. And Jake felt a little braver knowing that he was part of this special family tradition, learning about the world of Pokémon in ways he never imagined.

As Gastly returned to the group, circling around with the other ghost-types, Frank turned to Jake with a gleam in his eye. "Let's explore," he said, his voice tinged with excitement.

They moved to the next room, an old, dilapidated kitchen. The air was thick with dust, and the faint light filtering through the broken windows cast eerie shadows across the floor. As they walked in, Jake's attention was drawn to a strange pattern in the dust on one of the windows.

"What's that?" Jake asked, pointing at the odd drawing.

Frank squinted at it, trying to make sense of the image. "I don't know," he admitted. "Probably just some nonsense picture someone drew in the dust."

Unbeknownst to them, the drawing was actually the silhouette of a Blacephalon, an enigmatic Ultra Beast from another dimension, its haunting outline now a part of the house's strange decor.

"Come on," Frank said, spotting a staircase at the back of the kitchen. "Let's go to the attic."

"Where are we going?" Jake asked again, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in his voice. He had a hunch that Frank was leading him to something special, something perhaps a bit more eerie than anything he had encountered before.

"Just wait and see," Frank replied with a wink, adding to the sense of mystery.

They ascended the creaky stairs, each step echoing in the silent house. The air grew cooler as they climbed, and the darkness seemed to press in around them. At the top of the stairs, they entered a large, shadow-filled room. It was almost entirely empty, save for a single object in the middle—a table with something lying on it.

Jake's heart skipped a beat as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. "Is that… a coffin?" he whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

"Wake up!" Frank called out, his tone calm and almost amused.

The object on the table stirred, and to Jake's astonishment, it wasn't a coffin at all, but a Pokémon—a Cofagrigus. The ornate, golden sarcophagus slowly rose to a vertical position, its lid creaking open as four spectral hands emerged from its corners. At the top, two large, glowing red eyes appeared, shining with an eerie curiosity as they regarded the newcomers.

"Hello Ramses, meet Jake Lindenberg, my nephew," Frank said, introducing the ghostly Pokémon with a grin.

Jake's initial fear was quickly replaced by awe. "Wow!" he exclaimed, amazed by the sight of the ancient ghost-type. His eyes widened further as he suddenly heard a voice inside his head—a voice that wasn't his own.

"Hello, Jake," the voice said, calm and ancient.

"You can talk?" Jake blurted out, his excitement overcoming his fear.

Cofagrigus grinned, its eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes," the voice echoed in Jake's mind.

Frank chuckled softly. "Ramses here has been around for a long time, Jake. He's seen many Lindenbergs come and go, and he remembers them all." He paused, looking at Ramses thoughtfully. "But Jake here is a bit different. He has a special gift—he can feel Pokémon's emotions and even catch thoughts from those who aren't supposed to be able to talk. Do you remember Alex, the old Nidoking who used to belong to Tomas Lindenberg? Jake here was able to hear his voice, even though Nidoking is a Poison-type and shouldn't be able to communicate that way. Have you ever seen something like that?"

Jake shivered a little as his uncle described the encounter with Nidoking. The memory of that day was still vivid in his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as one of Cofagrigus's spectral hands slowly reached out toward him.

"Don't be afraid," the voice in Jake's head said soothingly. "I'm not going to hurt you."

The hand almost touched Jake's chest when Charmander, sensing his friend's unease, growled protectively. Without warning, the little fire lizard unleashed a volley of Embers at the approaching hand. The tiny flames passed harmlessly through the ghostly appendage, dissipating into the air. Cofagrigus chuckled softly, and the hand patted Charmander gently on the head. The small Pokémon looked confused, its eyes darting between Jake and Frank, unsure of what to do next.

While Charmander was distracted, another of Cofagrigus's hands moved with surprising speed, extending a long, dark finger that gently touched Jake's forehead.

The moment the spectral finger made contact, Jake's world shifted. His vision blurred, and he found himself reliving the encounter with Nidoking as if it were happening all over again. He saw the battle with the Muk in vivid detail, felt the tension in the air, and once more heard his own voice instructing Gastly to advise Nidoking to use a Ground-type move. He watched as Nidoking approached him after the battle, kneeling so their faces were level, and heard the deep, resonant "Thank you" echo in his mind once more.

When Jake opened his eyes, he was back in the attic, with Frank's steady hands on his shoulders. He was breathing heavily, the intensity of the vision still lingering in his mind. Cofagrigus's hand was slowly withdrawing, its eyes filled with an inscrutable expression.

"You okay, Jake?" Frank asked gently, his voice full of concern.

Jake nodded slowly, still trying to process what had just happened. "Yeah," he whispered. "I'm okay."

Frank smiled and ruffled Jake's hair. "You did great, kiddo. Ramses here was just showing you something important—something that not many people get to see. You've got a special connection with Pokémon, Jake. Never forget that."

Jake looked up at the Cofagrigus, who was now floating serenely, its eyes watching him closely. "Thank you, Ramses," Jake said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

As the atmosphere in the attic grew tense, Frank exchanged a worried glance with Jake before turning back to the ancient ghost-type. "So?" Frank asked, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "What do you think, Ramses?"

The room seemed to grow colder as the eerie voice of Cofagrigus echoed in their minds. "The kid is strong," the voice affirmed, resonating with a deep, ancient power that sent a shiver down Frank's spine.

Frank wasn't satisfied. He needed more than just an affirmation of Jake's strength. "And have you seen this before?" he pressed, his voice more insistent.

Ramses didn't answer immediately. Instead, the ancient Pokémon seemed to drift into a contemplative silence, its glowing red eyes dimming slightly as if lost in deep thought. When it finally spoke again, the voice was softer, more introspective. "I have seen nine generations of Lindenbergs. I watched as they built their ranch and brought so many Pokémon here, even us, the elusive ghosts. At first, we laughed at their offer, mocking their naivety. But as time passed, we saw that they had pure hearts, that they truly wished to make this place our home. It was I who brought the young Phantump, Rootie, to your ancestors. Did you know he saved your father's life recently? I was very proud of the little guy when I learned that."

Frank felt a pang of concern at the mentioning of his brother-in-law. "Okay, Ramses, but tell us! Is it normal for Jake to understand Pokémon on this high level?" he urged, his voice tinged with desperation.

But Ramses was not to be hurried. "Listen, Jakub," the ancient Pokémon continued, addressing the boy directly. "Your father and Rootie encountered something else. Something that should be sleeping. It's much older than I, and I have been alive for thousands of years."

Frank felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of something older than Ramses. David had mentioned some unsettling things about his journey, but he hadn't shared everything, and now Frank understood why.

"You are pure-hearted," Ramses said, his voice filled with a rare warmth. "You all are. You are friends of the living. Friends of Pokémon and people alike. And I appreciate that. But there are forces in this world that do not favor the living. There are forces…" Ramses paused, his voice trailing off as if he were reluctant to continue.

Jake listened intently, his grip on Charmander tightening unconsciously as the tension in the room grew. The little fire lizard squirmed in discomfort, and Jake quickly loosened his hold, whispering an apology to his friend.

"You will need all the strength you can muster," Ramses warned. "Your whole family is in danger. Beware of the moon, for it is a symbol of your enemy… of our enemy. I believe I am strong enough to resist the dark master and to stand with you in the coming war."

Frank and Jake exchanged anxious glances, their faces pale with fear and uncertainty. "Ramses, what are you saying?" Frank asked, his voice trembling slightly.

The large coffin-like Pokémon turned its attention to Frank, its eyes gleaming with a grim seriousness. "His father must hide from the moon. I sense that the son of dragons will soon find his way to this place. Let David go with him. The dragons have the power to conceal him and ensure his survival."

"What do you mean?" Jake shouted, his voice filled with fear. "What's going to happen to my dad?!"

Cofagrigus smiled, a slow, creeping smile that sent a wave of dread through both uncle and nephew. "He will be hunted. And he will be killed, unless the dragons help him."

The words hung heavy in the air, leaving both Jake and Frank frozen in shock. Their faces drained of color as they tried to process the grim prophecy. "What do you mean?! What dragons??!" Frank demanded, his voice rising in panic.

"Tell David to go with the dragon boy," Ramses repeated, his tone calm but firm. "You will soon understand. And do not despair."

Frank's heart sank. He regretted bringing his nephew here more than ever. What had started as a simple inquiry about Jake's extraordinary ability had turned into something far more terrifying.

"You have a rare gift, Jakub Lindenberg, son of David and Eva," Ramses intoned, his voice filled with a deep, ancient wisdom. "I sense your future. Come to me when you have conquered the thunder. I will share some wisdom with you then."

"Conquered the thunder?" Frank echoed, his mind reeling with confusion. "What do you mean, Ramses? What thunder?"

But the ancient ghost-type did not answer. "I must go now," Ramses said, his voice growing faint. "The moon is rising, and there will be many dead if I do not intervene. Farewell, Frank. Farewell, Jake."

As the last words echoed in their minds, the spectral hands of Cofagrigus slowly retreated back into the coffin. The glowing eyes faded, and the coffin lowered itself back onto the table, settling into silence.

Frank and Jake stood in the dark attic, the weight of Ramses' words pressing down on them. The eerie silence of the room was broken only by the faint sound of the wind outside and the distant giggling of Gastly as it floated somewhere in the huge abandoned mansion.

After Ramses laid back to rest, Frank knelt down, his eyes filled with regret as he looked at Jake. The weight of the experience hung heavy in the air. "Jakey, I am so sorry for bringing you here," Frank said, his voice thick with emotion.

But Jake was too stunned to respond, his mind still reeling from the cryptic warnings of the ancient ghost Pokémon. Frank could see the confusion and fear in his nephew's eyes. Without hesitation, he reached out and pulled Jake into a comforting embrace. The small boy clung to his uncle, seeking solace in the warmth of the familiar arms around him.

Charmander, sensing the tension, climbed up onto Frank's shoulder, curling up close to his trainer and seeking comfort as well.

"Let's go," Frank called softly to his Girafarig, who stood nearby, ever vigilant.

Just as they were about to leave, Frank paused, his ears catching the faint, mischievous giggling of Gastly. He turned back, his eyes searching the shadows. "Gastly!" he called out. The young ghost-type floated towards them, her playful demeanor shifting to one of concern as she saw how pale and shaken Jake looked.

"Gastly, we're heading back home now," Frank said, his tone gentle but serious. "Do you want to stay here? Or do you want to come with us?"

Gastly looked torn, her glowing eyes darting between Frank and the darkened mansion she had grown so fond of in the few minutes. A playful Pumpkaboo she had befriended earlier peeked out from behind a corner, its round eyes wide with curiosity.

"You can stay here if you want," Frank offered, understanding the ghost's dilemma. "And you know the way back to the Ranch. You can return any time you like."

Gastly hesitated, floating closer to Charmander. The two Pokémon locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. Somehow, Charmander seemed to know that Gastly had been a mother to it, even before it had hatched. A small tear welled up in the corner of Charmander's eye, the emotional bond between them evident.

"Don't worry, Gastly," Frank said softly. "We'll take good care of Charmander. Stay here if you want, but don't forget to visit us, okay?"

Gastly nodded slowly, her normally mischievous grin replaced by a more thoughtful expression. With a final glance at Charmander, who chirped softly in farewell, Gastly floated back towards the mansion, her form gradually fading into the shadows.

"Alright, let's go," Frank said, his voice resolute as he turned to Girafarig. "Back to the ranch. We need to speak with Joe."

Girafarig, sensing the urgency, closed its eyes in concentration. Within seconds, a brilliant white light enveloped them, the world around them dissolving into a dazzling brightness. When the light faded, they found themselves standing in front of Joe's grand villa, the familiar surroundings bringing a small measure of comfort after the eerie encounter in the forest.

As they entered the house, Frank was greeted by Joe's wife, Anna. "Hello, Annie," he said, trying to keep his tone light despite the worry gnawing at him.

Annie, initially smiling at their arrival, quickly noticed the serious expressions on their faces. Her amusement vanished, replaced by concern.

"Hello, you two," she said, her voice now tinged with worry. "What brings you here?"

"Is Joe around?" Frank asked, his tone indicating the urgency of the matter.

Annie nodded, her face serious as she sensed the gravity of the situation. "I'll call him right away," she said, turning quickly to the phone. "Go on, have some biscuits in the living room while you wait," she added, though her usual warmth was tempered by the obvious concern she now felt.

Frank led Jake into the living room, his mind racing with the implications of what Ramses had said. Jake, still shaken, sat down quietly, his thoughts lingering on the strange encounter. Charmander nestled close to him, its presence a small comfort in the unsettling silence that now filled the room.

As they waited for Joe to arrive, the reality of what they had learned began to sink in. Frank knew that whatever happened next, they would need to be prepared—for the safety of their family, and for the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Joe teleported in with his trusted Oranguru after a minute, the air around them shimmering with the familiar glow of teleportation. Joe's expression shifted from curiosity to concern as he took in the scene before him.

"What's going on?" Joe asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Jake, his voice barely a whisper, asked a question that made Joe and Anna's eyes widen in shock. "Is my dad going to die?"

"What?" Joe gasped in surprise.

Frank, sensing the gravity of the situation, immediately took charge. "Listen, sit down. It's better if I explain everything," he said, guiding Joe and Anna to the living room.

He then began recounting the harrowing experience in the ghostly mansion, detailing their encounter with the ancient Cofagrigus and the cryptic messages it conveyed.

Joe's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard about Ramses. "What? He's back?"

Frank's brow furrowed. "Well, you should have visited the place yourself sometimes."

Undeterred, Frank continued. He described in detail what Ramses had said about the moon, the impending danger to David, and the mysterious role of dragons. "I don't understand it. It doesn't make any sense to me. Do you understand any of it?" Frank asked Joe.

Joe frowned deeply, pondering the revelations. "Let's bring David here. It's about him, and maybe Eva should come too. She has a right to know. Can you do that?" he asked Oranguru.

The large levitating psychic ape nodded and, with a burst of psychic energy, vanished.

The room was filled with anxious silence. Jake clutched his grandmother's hand, his small frame trembling as he sobbed softly.

A few minutes later, Oranguru returned with both David and Eva. They appeared bewildered by the sudden shift from training and routine to the urgency of the situation.

"What's going on?" David asked, his frown deepening. "I was out training, and then I'm teleported here? Why?"

Eva, equally confused, saw her frightened son and hurried to his side, taking his other hand in hers.

"Sorry to bring you into this," Joe began, trying to steady his voice. "But you need to hear this. Frank? Can you repeat it once more, please?" Joe urged, his own anxiety clear.

Eva's brother sighed deeply and recounted the events once more, his words carrying the weight of the eerie encounter and the warnings from Ramses. As he spoke, both David and Eva turned pale, their faces mirroring the fear and shock of the situation.

Eva's emotions flared. She wanted to scream at her brother for exposing Jake to such a terrifying experience. But she restrained herself, realizing that Frank had meant no harm and had only wanted Jake to understand his own unique powers. So, she kept her anger in check, focusing on the immediate crisis.

David, listening intently, grew increasingly anxious. He had kept the details of his own recent encounters—especially those involving the Sleepers and Giratina—a secret. Now, the ancient prophecy from Ramses seemed to confirm his worst fears. He began to connect the dots between his experiences and the warning from the ancient Pokémon.

"And then he told us that if David wants to survive, he needs to go with dragons. Do you understand what that means?" Frank asked, desperation creeping into his voice. "We don't have any dragon experts in Bohemia. Or will someone from abroad come here?"

Joe exhaled slowly, considering the implications. "I think I understand what Ramses might be referring to. We don't have dragon experts in the kingdom, but there is a group associated with dragons."

"You don't mean..." Frank started to say, realization dawning.

"Yes," Joe confirmed. "I mean the royal family. But how did Ramses know about it? We didn't share this with you, Frank, but there was a family meeting a few months ago when Radim was here. He mentioned that the grandson of the king might come here for his Pokémon studies. We didn't think much of it at the time, but as you describe it, the royal family might be the key."

David, still skeptical, interrupted. "And you believe that old fart from the ghost shack? It could be making up things."

The room fell silent, every eye turning towards David—his parents Joe and Anna, his wife Eva, his son Jake, and his brother-in-law Frank.

Joe spoke first, breaking the heavy silence.

"David, I know something happened on your last mission. You didn't share the details, but Rootie mentioned something about it—something about..."

Joe hesitated, not finishing the sentence. David sighed deeply and met the gazes around him.

"I was on a mission and encountered forces I couldn't handle. Rootie intervened and clashed with the spirit of Giratina. I barely escaped with my life," David admitted, the weight of his words heavy in the room.

"David, dear," Anna said, her voice trembling with concern. "We can't take these warnings lightly."

Joe nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Ramses has always been a friend to our family. If he's given this warning, we should heed it."

"I still don't understand what he meant by the moon," Frank said, frustration in his voice.

David thought for a moment before responding. "The Sleepers in Sinnoh used Lunatones extensively. I am afraid they are somehow able to transform the souls of Pokémon they captured into Lunatones. That could be a clue."

Frank nodded slowly, understanding dawning. "I see."

Eva, who had been silent, finally spoke with a firm resolve. "I don't care about what you did, David. If the only way to ensure your survival is to align with the royal family, then we must do it. We need to contact them. If they have the power to protect you, then we must reach out."

The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone absorbed Eva's words.

"Alright," David finally agreed, his voice resigned but determined. His mother Anna moved quickly to his side, embracing him tightly.

"Joe," Anna urged, turning to her husband. "Call Radim immediately. Tell him that we need to act on his idea about the prince coming here. It's a matter of urgency!"

Joe nodded and went to the next room to make the call.

Meanwhile, Frank approached his sister Eva, his expression filled with regret. "I am so sorry, sis. I wanted to help Jake understand his powers. I had no idea about Giratina, the moon, or the dragons. It's all so overwhelming."

Eva hugged him tightly, her warmth a small comfort in the midst of the turmoil. "You don't need to apologize, Frankie. If you hadn't taken Jake to that place, we wouldn't have known about the danger. I just wish Jakey hadn't heard all of this."

Both siblings glanced over at Jake, curled up on the sofa, his small body shaking. Charmander was nestled close to him, clinging to his trainer as if sensing his distress. The room was filled with a sense of helplessness and anxiety as the family braced themselves for the uncertain path ahead.

Jake sensed the concerned eyes of his mother and uncle on him. He lifted his tear-streaked face, his voice trembling as he asked, "But Dad won't die, right?"

Eva immediately rushed to him, wrapping her arms around her son. "No, honey. He will be alright," she assured him, trying to keep her voice steady, though her own heart was heavy with fear.

Jake, his eyes red and swollen from crying, continued, "But he needs to go to the dragons. I don't understand. Why aren't we dragon people? The first Lindenberg guy was a dragon trainer, wasn't he?"

Eva and Frank exchanged uncertain glances. As in-laws to the Lindenberg family, they didn't have the answers Jake sought. They were outsiders to the deep lineage that Jake was questioning.

"You know, there is a story behind that question," David said, sitting down beside his son. Jake, Eva, and Frank all turned their attention to him, eager to hear something that had never been shared with them before.

David began, his voice soft but filled with the weight of history. "If you look up anything about Henry Lindenberg, you'll find the classic tale. How the brave Henry took his Flygon to the sky and saved an entire army during a critical battle. It's a blah-blah-blah story of heroism and valor. Classical fairytale. But there's more to it than what the legends say."

Jake's already dried-up eyes widened, his curiosity piqued. Even Eva and Frank leaned in closer, captivated by this untold chapter of their family's history.

David continued, "Many historians have wondered how someone of no significant rank or wealth, like Henry Lindenberg, could afford to raise a rare and powerful Pokémon like Flygon. The truth is, Henry wasn't born into privilege. He was just a stable boy, working in the royal stables, tending to the king's Pokémon. His job was to care for them, make sure they were fed, groomed, and ready for battle."

Jake listened intently, his mind painting a picture of a young Henry, probably not much older than himself, working quietly in the shadows of the stables, unnoticed by the nobles and warriors around him.

"The battle that made Henry famous wasn't going well," David went on. "The king was far from his Pokémon, and the enemy was closing in.

Flygon, the king's trusted dragon, was restless, sensing the danger. Henry, who had spent years caring for Flygon, had formed some sort of bond with the creature. They trusted each other. So, in a moment of desperation, Henry did the unthinkable. He donned the king's armor, mounted Flygon, and soared into the sky to turn the tide of the battle."

Eva's eyes softened, imagining the bravery it must have taken for someone like Henry to step into such a role. Frank, too, found himself impressed by the courage it must have taken.

David's voice grew more somber as he reached the heart of the story. "Nobody knew it was Henry at first. When the battle was over and victory was secured, the king was ready to celebrate the valiant knight who had saved them all. But when Henry removed his helmet, revealing himself to be a mere stable boy, the king's joy turned to fury. In any other situation, Henry would have been severely punished, maybe even decapitated for impersonating royalty."

Jake held his breath, feeling the tension of the moment, even though it had happened generations ago. "But what happened?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

David smiled faintly, pride for his ancestor clear in his eyes. "The king was furious, but the soldiers, the people who witnessed the battle, they saw Henry as a hero. They spoke out in his defense, praising his bravery. The king, realizing that punishing Henry would turn him against his own people, reluctantly granted Henry a title and land. And that's how the Lindenberg family began. Not as dragon trainers by blood, but as caretakers who earned the dragons' trust through courage and kindness."

Jake sat in silence, absorbing the story. "So, we're not really dragon people... but we became their friends?"

David nodded. "Exactly. Our family's bond with Pokémon comes from a place of trust and mutual respect, not because we were born into it. It's something we've earned over time."

"So, who are the dragon people?" Eva asked, her voice filled with curiosity and concern. "The royals? And why was that kid Henry caring for the Flygon and not the king himself?"

Joe, who had just entered the room, answered as he walked in, his expression grave. "Because that was the way," he said, pausing to let the significance of his words settle in. "Sorry for the interruption, everyone. I just spoke with Radim, and he's on his way."

"But to answer Eva's question," Joe continued, his tone now more thoughtful, "It's an even older tale, one that goes back to the very roots of our kingdom. You see, we Bohemians didn't always live in this land. Around two thousand years ago, our ancestors were in a much harsher place, constantly surrounded by enemies pressing them hard. They were forced to seek out a new home, a safer place where they could survive and thrive."

As Joe spoke, the room grew quiet, everyone drawn into the ancient story. Even Jake, still recovering from the earlier revelations, found himself captivated by this tale of their people's origins.

"There were many tribes back then," Joe continued, "and they weren't exactly known for their cooperation. Each tribe had its own leaders, its own way of life, and its own vision of what their future should be. But when their ancient enemies from the east drove them away from their original lands, they had no choice but to band together and look for a new place to call home."

Eva nodded slowly, understanding how desperate their ancestors must have been. "So, how did they manage to work together?" she asked.

"Only one tribe had the strength to truly lead the others," Joe said.

"This tribe was unique—they trained dragon-type Pokémon, creatures of immense power and majesty. The dragons gave them the strength and authority to command the respect of the other tribes. They were able to persuade the others to follow them on their journey, guiding them through treacherous lands until they arrived here, in this country we now call home."

Joe paused, his eyes drifting toward the window as if he could see the ancient past unfolding before him. "But when they arrived in this new land, the last leader of the dragon tribe died, leaving behind only a young daughter. This girl was said to possess many magical abilities, gifts that set her apart even in those times. She also had a vision—a premonition of where our people should establish their new capital, Pragengrad."

"The royal family has its origins in this girl?" Frank asked, intrigued.

"Yes," Joe confirmed. "She became the leader of all our people, and by all accounts, she was a just and wise ruler. But as you can imagine, many of the other tribes were not pleased with the idea of being led by a woman, no matter how powerful she was. They questioned her strength, her ability to lead them in such uncertain times."

"So, how did she prove herself?" Jake asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Joe smiled slightly, proud of the story he was about to tell. "She challenged them in a way no one expected. She told the other tribe leaders to follow her Altaria, a majestic dragon Pokémon that had been her companion since childhood, and to bring back the man that the Pokémon would find. The leaders, skeptical but with little choice, followed Altaria. And sure enough, they found a man—just an ordinary man, working in a field."

"A farmer?" Eva asked, surprised.

"A simple man, yes," Joe said, nodding. "But Altaria had chosen him, and that was enough. The truth is that they were already lovers, and so Altaria knew the way. But the other tribe leaders did not know that. They brought the young man back to the young girl, and together, they established the Highcastle and became the first rulers of our kingdom. Their union founded the royal dynasty that still rules today. The legend says that their bond with dragon-type Pokémon has been passed down through the generations, making the royal family uniquely skilled in raising and training these powerful creatures."

The room was silent as everyone absorbed the weight of the story. It was more than just history; it was the foundation of their kingdom, the reason their land had endured for so long.

Joe's expression grew serious again. "The truth is, our royal family has always been incredibly skilled with dragon-types. Many scientists and trainers believe that dragons are the most powerful Pokémon type, not just because of their strength, but because of their deep connection to the world's ancient forces. If Ramses, an ancient ghost Pokémon who has seen countless generations, believes that dragons have the power to protect David, then it's something we must take seriously."

Frank frowned, still trying to make sense of everything. "But can anyone with a dragon-type Pokémon really stop Giratina? We're talking about one of the most powerful and malevolent Legendary Pokémon. And why did Ramses mention the royal family specifically?"

Joe shook his head. "I don't know for sure. But there are many dragon-type Pokémon, and some of the most powerful Legendaries belong to this type. It's possible that the royal family's close relationship with dragons means they have connections to these Legendary Pokémon as well. Maybe they know something we don't. Maybe they can call upon powers we can't even imagine."

Eva, holding Jake close, looked at her husband. "If the only way to keep you safe is to align with the royal family, then we must do it. Whatever it takes, we'll bring the prince here. We need their strength, their knowledge. If they can protect you, David, then we have to trust them."

David, feeling the weight of his family's gaze, finally nodded. "Okay," he said quietly. "If this is what we have to do, then we'll do it."