Pokémon: The Battle Ranch Chronicles

David and Eva were abruptly woken by a sharp, persistent tapping on their bedroom window. David squinted in the early morning light, trying to shake off his grogginess as he made his way to the window. He unlatched it, and a large, bat-like creature swooped into the room, flapping its leathery wings with urgency. It was David's Swoobat, a powerful Psychic and Flying-type Pokémon, usually calm and composed, but now visibly agitated.

"What's going on?" Eva murmured, still half-asleep, as she pulled the covers tighter around her. The sudden chill from the open window made her shiver slightly.

"I don't know," David replied, his brow furrowed in concern as he watched Swoobat circle above him in a tight, frantic loop. The Pokémon's usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by erratic movements and strange, anxious sounds.

"What's the problem, buddy?" David asked, trying to get Swoobat to settle down, but the Pokémon seemed unable to communicate clearly, its high-pitched noises almost frantic.

Swoobat

Level: 69

Name: N/A

Gender: Male

Type: Psychic / Flying

Moves: Gust (65), Attract (51), Confusion (66), Air Cutter (67), Imprison (46), Sky Attack (63), Calm Mind (50), Future Sight (44), Hyper Beam (48), Thunder Wave (49), Light Screen (53), Reflect (54), Snore (44), Steel Wing (53), Fake Tears (46), Psycho Cut (58), Trick Room (59), Acrobatics (60), Baton Pass (48), Tailwind (49), Psycho Shift (53), Supersonic (47), Roost (48), Signal Beam (43), Teleport (15)

Abilities:

Unaware – When attacking, Swoobat ignores the target's stat changes

Simple – Doubles the effects of the Swoobat's stat changes

Weak to: Rock, Ghost, Electric, Ice, Dark

Immune to: Ground

Resistant to: Fighting (double), Grass, Psychic

Eva, her eyes barely open, mumbled, "Maybe Jakey could help? You know how he can understand them better than we do..."

David's eyes widened in realization. "That's a brilliant idea, babe! I'll go see if he's awake."

Leaving Eva to doze off again, David carefully opened the door to Jake's room, Swoobat fluttering close behind him. To his surprise, Jake was already awake, lying in bed and quietly watching his Charmander, who was still curled up in a small ball, softly snoring, with its tail flame flickering gently.

"Hi, Dad," Jake whispered with a sleepy smile, sitting up carefully to avoid waking his Pokémon.

David smiled back and motioned for Jake to follow him into the hallway, not wanting to disturb the peaceful slumber of Charmander. Once in the hall, David knelt down to Jake's level, Swoobat hovering anxiously above them.

"Jakey, Swoobat's acting strange this morning. He's trying to tell us something, but I can't figure it out. Can you give it a try?" David asked, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.

Jake nodded earnestly, looking up at the flustered Swoobat. "Sure, Dad. I'll try."

David turned to Swoobat, speaking gently, "Okay, Swoobat, listen. Jake here might be able to understand what you're trying to tell us. Please, let him know what's going on."

Swoobat, still trembling with unease, swooped down and landed on the floor in front of Jake, its wide eyes staring intently at the boy. Jake reached out a hand, resting it gently on Swoobat's soft, furry head. He closed his eyes, focusing deeply, as he tried to tune into the Pokémon's emotions and thoughts.

Immediately, a flood of energy and emotions surged through Jake. He felt Swoobat's anxiety, its overwhelming sense of urgency, and one word echoed repeatedly in his mind, growing louder each time.

"VISITOR! VISITOR! VISITOR!"

Jake's eyes snapped open, wide with alarm. His voice was small, but clear as he looked up at his father, "Dad, he's saying… 'Visitor.'"

David, who had only heard the frantic cries of "Swoo! Swoobat! Swoo!" looked puzzled. "Visitor?" he repeated, glancing between his son and the agitated Pokémon. "Does he mean someone from the royal court?"

But Swoobat let out a sharp, unhappy screech, shaking his head vigorously. He nudged Jake again, his large eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. Jake flinched slightly at the intensity of the emotion but kept his hand steady on Swoobat's head, trying to understand more clearly.

Jake blinked a few times, his confusion growing as another wave of emotions hit him. "Wow..." he whispered, his voice tinged with concern. "Dad, now he's saying… 'Danger.'"

David's expression hardened, his protective instincts kicking in immediately. "Danger?" he echoed, his mind racing. He crouched down to Swoobat's level, looking the Pokémon directly in the eyes. "You're saying there's a dangerous visitor coming? Someone who's a threat?"

Swoobat nodded fervently, his wings flaring slightly as if ready to take off again. The Pokémon's fear was palpable, but so was his determination to warn his trainer.

David rubbed his chin, his mind working quickly to piece together the cryptic message. "A visitor who brings danger..." he murmured, thinking aloud. He straightened up and placed a hand on Jake's shoulder, his expression serious but calm. "Alright, Jakey, we need to be on our guard today. Let's go back and tell your mom. We might have an unexpected guest, and we need to be ready."

Jake nodded, his earlier sleepiness replaced by a growing sense of responsibility. "Okay, Dad. But… what should we do?"

David winked at Jake, "For now, let's wait and see what happens. But since we're up, how about we surprise Mom with breakfast?"

Jake's eyes lit up. "Yes! Let's do it!"

As they headed into the kitchen, David began to brainstorm, "How about bacon and eggs? Do you think she'd like that?"

Jake nodded vigorously. "She loves it!" He darted over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs while David found a skillet and began frying the bacon. The sizzling aroma quickly filled the kitchen, making it feel warm and cozy as the morning sun began to peek through the windows.

It wasn't long before the scent wafted outside and attracted some familiar visitors. Eva's Sizzlipede, Remy, slithered through the open window, his tongue flicking in anticipation. Almost simultaneously, Maya the Decidueye swooped in gracefully, perching herself on the windowsill, her sharp eyes locked on the bacon with predatory focus.

David chuckled at the sight. "Maya, you could hunt in the forest, not scavenge our breakfast," he teased, but Maya only hooted in mock offense.

Meanwhile, Remy, unable to resist, made a daring attempt to snatch a piece of sizzling bacon directly from the pan. Jake spotted him just in time. "Remy, no! That's for Mom!" he scolded, quickly steering the mischievous Sizzlipede away from the stovetop.

As David flipped another slice of bacon in the pan, the scent filled the air, making the kitchen feel warm and cozy despite the early hour. He glanced down just in time to see Remy, the Sizzlipede, inching again closer to the stove, eyes fixed intently on the sizzling strips of bacon.

"You know, Jake," David said, smirking as he nudged Remy away with his foot, "fire types really love food straight from the pan. They go crazy for it. Want to hear a funny story about that?"

"Yeah!" Jake nodded eagerly, always excited when his dad shared tales from his past. Though David rarely talked about his more dangerous adventures catching criminals, his side stories were just as fascinating.

"Okay, so this one time, I was staying in Johto at this little AirB'n'B. There was a family renting out a couple of rooms on their ground floor. One weekend, they had a big grill party and invited me to join. I didn't have anything else going on, so I figured, why not? There were about ten of us, and we had all kinds of meat grilling. Then, some emergency came up, and a few people had to leave early, so we all walked out to the front to say our goodbyes. When we got back to the garden, the grill was empty."

"Empty?" Jake's eyes went wide with surprise, already sensing where the story was going.

"Yep. Every single piece of meat was gone," David chuckled. "We were all looking around, wondering what on earth had happened, and then I spotted Fluffy—she was just a Houndoom back then—lying in one corner of the yard, grinning like a fool, her belly round like a Snorlax, and breathing heavily with her tongue hanging out."

Jake burst out laughing. "Oh no! Fluffy ate all the meat?"

"Every last bit," David nodded, grinning. "When I got closer, I saw she was covered in grease and coal dust from the grill. She'd rolled around in it, probably trying to cool down after eating all that hot food. She looked ridiculous—completely filthy and totally satisfied."

"What did the others say?" Jake asked, still giggling at the thought of Fluffy's greasy, guilty face.

"Luckily, they were good sports about it," David laughed. "Everyone thought it was hilarious, but I still felt bad. I ran to the nearest store and bought a fresh batch of Tauros and Lechonk meat to replace what she'd eaten. I probably apologized a dozen times that night."

Jake shook his head, still laughing. "Fluffy, you rascal!"

"Yeah, she's always been a handful," David said. "You know, fire-types like to eat all kinds of strange things. Coal is one of their favorites."

Jake's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Coal? Why do they eat that?"

"Fire-types need certain minerals and nutrients to keep their flames healthy and strong," David explained. "Coal helps with that. It's like a supplement for them. That reminds me, we need to head to town soon and pick up some supplies for Charmander—claw and tooth paste, skin cream, and, of course, some coal."

"Sounds good! But where should we go?" Jake asked.

David scratched his head, realizing he wasn't quite sure anymore. "It's been a while since I've been back here. I'm not sure which store carries everything we need."

Jake grinned. "We can ask Uncle Frank! He knows everything!"

David laughed and nodded. "That's true. Frank's a real knows-it-all, isn't he?"

Remy tried again to steal some food from the pan and little Jake had to again shoo it away. David laughed as he watched it. "Maybe you should give these troublemakers some Poké Puffs instead. That might keep them busy for a while."

At the mere mention of Poké Puffs, Maya's head swiveled, and Swoobat perked up with keen interest. Jake dashed off to the pantry and returned with a box of assorted Poké Puffs, which he began distributing to the eagerly waiting Pokémon. The kitchen was soon filled with the sound of happy munching as Baloo the Cubchoo and Marcel the Ambipom also joined the feast, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they trampled eagerly in place.

"Here you go, guys!" Jake placed several plates on the kitchen table, carefully portioning out the treats for each Pokémon. As they all dug in, Jake suddenly remembered his new partner upstairs. "I need to bring Charmander too!" he exclaimed, darting up the stairs two at a time.

When he entered his room, he found Charmander already awake, sitting on the windowsill and gazing out at the garden. The little lizard seemed entranced by something outside. "Hey you, you're finally awake," Jake waved at the young Pokémon with a smile.

"Char... Charmander!" Charmander chirped back, waving its tiny arms in greeting. Jake noticed that Charmander was pointing at something outside. He walked over and peered out the window.

To his amazement, a majestic swan-like Pokémon was gracefully bathing in the garden's pond. "Mimi's back!" Jake cried in delight. Mimi was Eva's Swanna, a Pokémon with a love for travel and long flights. It had been away on one of its trips for weeks, and its return was always a special occasion.

Overcome with excitement, Jake scooped up Charmander and raced to his parents' room. "Mom! MOM! MOM!" he yelled, bursting through the door.

Eva stirred from her sleep, blinking at her son. "What is it, honey?" she asked groggily.

Jake's enthusiasm was infectious. "Mom, look out the window! Mimi is back!"

Eva's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" she asked, quickly getting out of bed to look. Sure enough, there was Mimi, preening her feathers by the pond, her elegant form catching the early morning light. Eva couldn't help but smile at the sight.

While Eva marveled at Mimi's return, Jake was already halfway down the stairs, eager to greet the Swanna. Charmander clung tightly to his shoulder as they dashed out into the garden. "Hello, Mimi! How are you?" Jake called, waving at the Swanna, who responded with a gentle honk. Charmander, still a bit shy, looked up at the towering Pokémon with wide eyes.

"This is Charmander," Jake introduced, "He's new here! Charmander, this is Mimi." The two Pokémon exchanged greetings, Mimi lowering her long neck to get a better look at the little fire-type.

As Jake continued his enthusiastic introduction, Fluffy, the family's Houndemon, sneaked over, drawn by the commotion. One of Fluffy's heads gave Jake a playful lick, while another gently nuzzled Charmander. "Ohhh!" Jake giggled, surprised by the stealthy approach.

"Come on, everybody," Jake announced, "Dad's making bacon, and I prepared some Poké Puffs!" At the mention of food, both Mimi and Fluffy's ears perked up. With Charmander still perched on his shoulder, Jake led the way back into the house, his Pokémon friends trailing happily behind him.

The morning was shaping up to be one filled with laughter, warmth, and the comforting presence of family—both human and Pokémon alike. But as they gathered for breakfast, the ominous message from Swoobat lingered in the back of David's mind, a subtle tension beneath the cheerful surface.

As Jake entered the bustling kitchen, he was greeted by a heartwarming sight: his parents, David and Eva, sitting at the table, surrounded by a lively group of Pokémon. The room was alive with energy, with not just the earlier crew of Swoobat, Decidueye, Sizzlipede, Cubchoo, and Ambipom, but also Ribombee, Lickitung, and Skuntank, who had joined the morning gathering.

The moment Jake stepped in, the kitchen erupted into a cacophony of sounds. Fluffy, the ever-affectionate Houndemon, bounded over to Eva and David, insisting on licking their faces as her way of saying good morning. Mimi, the graceful Swanna, dipped her head to nuzzle Eva, glad to be home after her travels. Maya, the Decidueye, hooted warmly at her friend, happy to see Mimi back in the fold.

Charmander, perched on Jake's lap, initially seemed overwhelmed by the sheer number of Pokémon and the noise filling the room. His wide eyes darted around, taking in the bustling scene with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. But it wasn't long before the enticing aroma of bacon captured his attention. Fluffy, noticing Charmander's hesitation, nudged a slightly burnt piece of bacon toward him with one of her heads. Charmander sniffed it cautiously, then took a tentative bite. His eyes lit up with delight—he had discovered his new favorite treat.

The room was filled with laughter and chatter as the family and their Pokémon enjoyed breakfast together. It was one of those rare, perfect mornings where everything felt just right—until it was suddenly interrupted.

A loud, angry caw echoed through the house, jolting everyone out of their contentment. Athena, the family's Mandibuzz, was circling outside, clearly agitated. Her cawing grew more insistent, prompting David to quickly excuse himself and head out to see what was causing the commotion. The message from his Swoobat "VISITOR, DANGER" were clearly on his mind.

When he stepped outside, he was surprised to find Viktor Vranitzky standing at the doorstep, his expression as cold and distant as ever. Beside him stood a Xatu, its eyes glowing faintly as if it were ready to teleport at any moment. Athena continued to circle overhead, cawing furiously, clearly disliking the visitor.

"Huh," David was not able to say anything to Viktor, due to his surprise. "How? What? Can I help you?"

Viktor barely acknowledged the greeting with his cold wanna-be-smile, his eyes fixed on David with an unreadable expression. "Morning," he replied curtly, then gestured to a sack at his feet. "Mark brought this home by mistake. It's yours."

Before David could respond, Viktor turned on his heel and walked away. A brief flash of light, and with a shimmer of psychic energy, both he and his Xatu vanished, teleported away before David could even process what had just happened.

"What?"

David stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where Viktor had been, his mind racing. He shook his head, trying to make sense of it, but Athena's continued agitation pulled him back to the present. "Calm down, Athena," he called up to the Mandibuzz, who finally settled on the roof, still grumbling under her breath.

Bending down, David picked up the sack and peek inside. There, he found several pieces of clothing—Jake's gym clothes, to be precise. He sighed, realizing that Jake must have forgotten them at school, and somehow they had ended up at Viktor's place.

When David returned to the kitchen with the sack in hand, Jake's eyes widened in surprise. "Where did you find it?" he asked, recognizing the missing clothes he hadn't yet mentioned to anyone.

David smiled faintly, deciding it was best not to go into the strange encounter with Viktor. "Don't worry about it," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just make sure to keep track of your things next time."

Jake nodded, relieved to have his clothes back but curious about how they had been returned. David, however, chose not to dwell on the encounter. Instead, he set the sack aside and returned to the table, eager to enjoy the rest of the morning with his family.

As the family sat around the breakfast table, Eva turned to her husband and son with a curious smile. "So, guys, what plans do you have for today?"

David sipped his coffee and leaned back in his chair. "I've got a challenger lined up today."

Jake's face lit up with excitement. "Where will you be battling, Dad? Grass, rocks, or maybe the one with the trees and ponds?"

David shrugged. "Not sure yet. I'll need to ask Jerry. He's refereeing today."

Eva standing at the sink, remarked, "Say hi to him for me."

She then turned her attention to Jake. "And what about you, honey? What are your plans for today?"

Jake hesitated, a bit unsure. "I thought about hanging out with Monika, but she's busy with some of her classmates today."

Eva tilted her head thoughtfully. "Mimi's back, so I'm planning to train with her for a bit. Why don't you come with me?"

Jake's face brightened, and he nodded eagerly. "Yeah! That sounds awesome!" He turned to his Charmander, who was still happily nibbling on the last piece of bacon. "Charmander, we trained with Dad yesterday, and now we're gonna train with Mom. It's gonna be so cool!"

Charmander looked up from Jake's lap, his tail flame flickering with excitement. "Char! Charmander!" The little lizard raised his paws in anticipation.

With everyone's plans set, they all headed outside. David soon met Jerry, the burly ranch foreman with a signature plaid shirt and an even more impressive beard. Jerry was tough but always had a laid-back attitude that made him well-liked around the Battle Ranch.

As they approached, David and Jerry fist-bumped. "How are you, man?" David greeted with a grin.

"You know me, Dave, always cool," Jerry responded with a chuckle. "What about you? Ready for today's challenge?"

"Yeah, pretty much. Just curious where we're battling today."

Jerry scratched his beard and thought for a second. "I was thinking the grass field might be the best spot. But let's meet the challenger first and see what they're up for."

The two of them walked over to the entrance of the ranch, where a tall, thin man was waiting. His appearance was peculiar—he was dressed in a long, dark coat that swayed in the light breeze, and he seemed to be limping slightly on one leg. His face was partially hidden under a wide-brimmed hat, and his eyes darted around nervously.

As David and Jerry approached, the man straightened up, clearly trying to make an impression. His voice, however, came out as a raspy whisper. "Hello..." he greeted, almost theatrically.

David and Jerry exchanged glances.

The man cleared his throat, his tone growing more dramatic. "I am known as Inkognito, and I am here to challenge you, David Lindenberg!"

David blinked and raised an eyebrow at the overly-dramatic introduction. "Uh... okay," he replied, trying to stifle a laugh as he exchanged an amused glance with Jerry. "Nice to meet you, Inkognito."

But as the challenger continued to stare intently, David could feel that something about him was off. His limp, the shadowed eyes, and the overly forced theatrics gave off an eerie vibe, not the usual energy of a casual challenger.

Jerry, sensing the awkwardness, stepped in. "Alright, Inkognito, let's head over to the grass field. We'll get this battle started."

The thin man gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Yes... let's get started..."

David shrugged it off for now, though something in the back of his mind told him this match might not be so straightforward after all. The name, the limp, and the strange aura—he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Inkognito than met the eye.

As they made their way to the battlefield, David couldn't help but roll his eyes at the ridiculous name of the challenger, but there was a nagging suspicion that today's battle would be anything but ordinary.

While David faced off against the mysterious stranger, Eva decided to take her son Jakub and head out to the training grounds. She was eager to see how Mimi the Swanna had improved after her recent flight away. As they walked, Maya the Decidueye flew alongside them, hooting softly in excitement at seeing her friend again. The two bird Pokémon communicated in their own language, honking and hooting, clearly happy to reunite after their time apart. They knew each other since they were only a Rowlet and Ducklett and they were always good friends.

Eva and Jake soon reached a large open grass field, one of the more peaceful areas of the ranch, ideal for a relaxing yet focused training session. The wind gently rustled the tall grass, and the morning sun cast a golden glow over the space. Charmander, perched on Jake's shoulder, flicked his tail excitedly as they reached the center of the field.

"Alright, Mimi, let's see what you've learned!" Eva called out with a smile.

Mimi stretched her wings wide before launching herself into the sky. As she ascended, her wings shimmered, catching the sunlight and transforming into a shiny, metallic grey.

"Look, Jakey!" Eva exclaimed, pointing at the Swanna. "That's Steel Wing! She didn't know that move before."

Mimi honked loudly, proud of her new ability, and immediately aimed toward Maya. The Decidueye took to the sky, responding with a hoot, and raised a Leaf Blade just in time to meet the Steel Wing. The two moves clashed in mid-air, creating a sharp metallic sound that echoed across the field. While Maya easily defended against the attack, it was clear that Mimi was still adjusting to this new technique.

"See? It's a brand new move, so it's at low level yet," Eva explained to Jake. "But Steel Wing is a really useful attack, especially against certain types."

Jake watched in awe as the two flying Pokémon circled each other. "Mimi's gotten so much stronger! What else can she do?"

"Let's find out," Eva said, watching with anticipation.

Mimi landed gracefully a few meters away from them, her wings tucked neatly at her sides. She extended her neck high, her body glowing with a blue energy that rippled around her like waves on water. Above her beak, a small vortex of water began to form, spinning faster and growing larger with each passing second.

"That's Whirlpool!" Eva said, excitement in her voice. "She's really leveled up her water moves, too."

"Whoa, look at that!" Jake exclaimed, wide-eyed. He turned to Charmander, who was watching the spectacle with amazement. "See that, buddy?"

Charmander responded by waving his small arms in excitement and, unable to resist, launched a series of tiny Embers into the sky. The sparks flickered in the air before disappearing harmlessly, much to Eva's amusement.

"Careful now," she laughed. "We don't want to start a fire!"

Mimi honked again, clearly not done showing off. With the whirlpool still spinning in the air, she glanced at Maya, who gracefully landed beside her. Taking her cue, Maya raised her leafy wings and unleashed a stream of vibrant Leafage, sending it shooting toward the swirling water. As the leaves collided with the vortex, a small explosion of water and leaves erupted in a dazzling display of color, scattering droplets and shimmering fragments across the field like fireworks.

"Wow! They're amazing together!" Jake said, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "Mom, you should become a Pokémon Coordinator! You'd win all the contests for sure!"

Eva laughed, touched by her son's enthusiasm. "Maybe one day," she replied with a grin, watching as the Whirlpool dissipated into the air. "But for now, I think we're all just happy to train and have fun."

Mimi, however, wasn't finished. The Swanna honked once more and turned to face Maya. This time, instead of preparing an attack, she opened her beak and released a soft, melodic sound that filled the air. The notes were delicate, almost ethereal, as if they were carried by the wind itself. The sound swept over Maya, who closed her eyes, momentarily swayed by the soothing yet mysterious melody.

"Whoa, what's that move, Mom?" Jake asked, intrigued by the new sound.

Eva, curious herself, pulled out her phone and scanned Mimi. The Swanna puffed out her chest proudly, clearly pleased with herself.

Swanna

Level: 54

Name: Mimi

Gender: Female

Type: Water / Flying

Affinity: Water (Full), Flying (Full), Ice (Beginning)

Moves: Wing Attack (53), Water Gun (52), Water Pulse (51), Aerial Ace (41), Feather Dance (40), Aqua Ring (37), Rain Dance (39), Roost (32), Tailwind (34), Aqua Jet (52), Hurricane (44), Disarming Voice (33), Ice Beam (31), Air Cutter (37), Weather Ball (34), Double-edge (31), Alluring Voice (10), Whirlpool (17), Steel Wing (12)

Abilities:

Keen Eye – Accuracy cannot be lowered

Hydration – Cures Swanna's status conditions in rain

Weak to: Rock, Electric (double)

Immune to: Ground

Resistant to: Fighting, Ground, Steel, Fire, Water

"It's Alluring Voice," Eva said, reading the information on the screen. "It's a Fairy-type move. It can confuse an opponent if they've boosted their stats. Pretty tricky, huh?"

"That's awesome!" Jake cheered, turning to Mimi. "You're the best, Mimi!"

Mimi honked happily, basking in the praise. Maya hooted in agreement, clearly impressed by her friend's newfound moves.

Eva smiled, giving her Swanna a thumbs-up. "You've really come a long way, Mimi. I'm proud of you."

As the training session continued, it was clear that both Mimi and Maya had grown stronger, their bond as flying companions evident in their synchronized moves. Eva felt a sense of pride swelling in her chest, not just for her Pokémon, but for the simple joy of sharing this moment with her son. It was a perfect morning, full of discovery and excitement.

The two birds, Swanna and Decidueye, soared high into the sky, preparing for their next moves. Eva smiled, watching them circle each other, ready to engage in a mock battle.

"Okay, girls! Let's try some air combat!" she called out, her voice filled with excitement and pride.

Swanna, with her elegant long neck, was the first to make her move. With a powerful flap of her wings, she activated Aqua Jet, and in an instant, she was enveloped in a shimmering cloak of water. The sleek, swan-like creature darted through the air, leaving a trail of mist in her wake. Her speed was incredible, and she was rapidly closing in on Decidueye, who was still preparing her own attack.

Just as it seemed Swanna would collide with her, Decidueye ignited her Brave Bird, and in a flash, the owl-like Pokémon was engulfed in fiery energy. Her wings blazed with a fierce light as she shot forward like a comet, intercepting Swanna's Aqua Jet at the last possible moment.

"Oh no, they're going to crash!" Jake shouted, wide-eyed with fear.

But at the last second, the two Pokémon swerved away from each other, dodging with remarkable grace. They began to spiral through the air, Aqua Jet and Brave Bird swirling in beautiful arcs, their wings occasionally brushing as they flew in tight, synchronized circles. It was a stunning sight—water and fire moving in perfect harmony, neither giving ground to the other.

Below them, Jake's Charmander was watching intently, his tail flame flickering with excitement. The little fire lizard, eager to prove himself, again fired off a series of small Embers toward the sky, trying to join in on the display.

Eva chuckled, scratching Charmander under his chin. "Just you wait, little guy. Once you evolve into a Charizard, you'll be flying with them."

"Char! Charmander!" he squeaked with enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming as he imagined himself soaring through the air.

But then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed.

"Char! Charmaaaaander!" Charmander suddenly yelped in panic as he was thrown violently from Jake's shoulder. He hit the ground with a small thud, rolling over before shakily getting back on his feet. The little Pokémon looked up, confused and scared, before turning his gaze toward the young boy.

"Honey!" Eva's heart leapt into her throat as she saw her son collapse. His body hit the ground hard, his limbs twitching uncontrollably in a violent seizure. His face was contorted in pain, eyes wide open but unseeing. His entire body trembled, and his small hands curled into fists, gripping at the grass beneath him.

"Jake! Jake!" Eva cried out, rushing to her son's side. The world around her blurred as panic took hold. She knelt beside him, her hands shaking as she tried to hold him still. Her heart raced, pounding so loudly she could barely hear anything else. Jake's body continued to convulse, his breaths coming in sharp, ragged gasps, each one weaker than the last.

Both Swanna and Decidueye immediately abandoned their mock battle and swooped down to land beside Eva, their eyes filled with concern for the young kid. Even the normally stoic Decidueye let out a worried hoot, while Swanna honked softly, nudging Jake gently with her beak.

Charmander, having recovered from the fall, scurried over to Jake's side, trembling with fear. He whimpered softly, nudging Jake's hand with his snout, but the young boy remained unresponsive.

After what felt like an eternity, Jake's violent shudders began to slow, but when he opened his eyes, they were filled with sheer terror.

"Girafarig… Uncle's Girafarig…" he gasped, his voice barely audible as he struggled for breath.

Eva's breath caught in her throat. Girafarig? Frank's Girafarig? She glanced around, but there was no sign of her brother's Pokémon anywhere. What was Jake talking about?

Just then, a strange pulse of energy rippled through the air, so faint it could have been missed if not for the growing tension in the atmosphere. It was as if reality itself had been disturbed, like the world was holding its breath in anticipation of something terrible.

Jake exhaustingly reached out his hand towards Maya and touched her wing. She widened her eyes in surprise and then hooted at Mimi. Both birds nodded at each other and immediately took flight.

"Where are they going?" Eva asked anxiously and looked at her son.

"Girafarig needs help," Jake replied with shaky voice fighting to stay awake.

Far away in the forest, Frank was deep in thought, observing a troop of Simisage that had recently settled into the territory. Everything seemed normal, the Simisage blending in with the local Pokémon led by Donphan herd, when suddenly, without warning, Girafarig materialized in front of him with a deafening BANG and a flash of bright light.

Girafarig

Level: 57 to 59

Name: N/A

Type: Normal / Psychic

Affinity: Normal (Full), Psychic (Full)

Moves: Astonish (45 to 48), Rest (39), Gravity (55), Confusion (43 to 45), Teleport (57 to 59), Stomp (50), Agility (47), Double Hit (48), Crunch (51 to 54), Nasty Plot (43), Psychic (53), Low Kick (52), Trailblaze (45), Wild Charge (46), Swift (54), Stored Power (43), Zen Headbutt (56), Body Slam (48), Reflect (56), Dazzling Gleam (31 to 37), Stomping Tantrum (34), Calm Mind (31), Earthquake (29), Future Sight (26 to 29), Ally Switch (43), Mean Look (41)

Abilities:

Inner Focus – Prevents Girafarig from flinching

Early Bird – Awakens quickly from sleep

Weak to: Bug, Dark

Immune to: Ghost

Resistant to: Psychic

Resistance Added: Steel

Frank's stomach dropped as he looked at his Pokémon. Girafarig was breathing heavily, its eyes wide with fear. Psychic energy crackled faintly around its body, its usual calm demeanor replaced by frantic, desperate movements. It was panicked.

"What's going on, buddy?" Frank asked, concern rising in his chest.

Girafarig let out a distressed cry, then, without warning, its eyes glowed with psychic energy once more. In an instant, it teleported again, this time taking Frank with it.

The moment Frank's feet hit the ground again, he knew something was terribly wrong. They had reappeared on one of the ranch's battlefields, but the scene before him was something out of a nightmare.

A tall, ominous man stood in the center of the field, his dark coat billowing in the wind. Around him, six Lunatones hovered in a chilling, unnatural orbit, their glowing red eyes cutting through the dim atmosphere like beacons of malevolence. The air was thick with a dark, oppressive miasma, distorting the space around them. The Lunatones' eyes pulsed with energy, their movements slow but purposeful, like creatures with singular intent.

On one side of the field, Jerry, the foreman, lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious. His burly form was motionless, as if struck down by a powerful psychic attack.

Then Frank's eyes fell on David. His brother-in-law was kneeling, his face twisted with effort and concentration. Electrode was at his side, generating a shimmering Electroweb that acted like a protective force field around the Pokémon and the trainer. The web crackled with electricity, holding back the Lunatones' relentless assault. Each time a Lunatone attacked, the web sparked and rippled, barely holding together under the pressure.

But Frank could see the strain in David's posture. His body was shaking, and sweat dripped from his brow as he fought to stay conscious. His Conkeldurr lay on the ground between him and the dark figure, completely enveloped in a cloud of black mist. The massive Pokémon barely moved, its breathing shallow, as the miasma seemed to drain the life from it.

Frank's heart pounded in his chest, fear gripping him. He didn't know who this man was or why he was here, but it was clear that he was a threat unlike anything they'd faced before.

"Buddy, fetch Joe! Now!" Frank ordered Girafarig, his voice shaking. The psychic Pokémon nodded, disappearing in another flash, leaving Frank standing alone in the face of the looming danger.

With trembling hands, Frank reached for his Pokéballs. He didn't know if they stood a chance, but there was no other choice. They had to stop this man—whatever the cost.

Frank's hands shook as he threw three Pokéballs into the air, the tension thick enough to choke on. With a flash of light, his loyal Quaquaval, Mightyena, and Houndstone appeared before him, their stances firm and ready for battle. Quaquaval, the brightly colored Water-type, had been with Frank since it was a Quaxley—a gift from his parents much like how Eva had received her Rowlet. The bond between them was deep, and Quaquaval's powerful water attacks gave Frank a distinct advantage over the Rock/Psychic Lunatones that circled the dark figure in the middle of the battlefield.

Mightyena, with its sleek, dark fur, growled low in its throat, its eyes locked on the psychic creatures. Being Dark-type, it was immune to their mental assaults.

Houndstone, the ghostly hound with eerie glowing eyes, gave a haunting snarl. Its Ghost-typing granted it a natural edge against Psychic-types as well. But Frank knew from David's story that the real threat wasn't just the Lunatones—it was the man controlling them.

Quaquaval

Level: 71

Name: Donald

Type: Water / Fighting

Affinity: Water (Full), Fighting (Full), Flying (Advanced)

Moves: Double Hit (68), Water Gun (41), Counter (53), Aqua Step (64), Wing Attack (52), Aqua Jet (66), Low Sweep (51), Water Pulse (69), Focus Energy (55), Mega Kick (62), Feather Dance (51), Close Combat (67), Wave Crash (64), Hydro Cannon (70), Aerial Ace (56), Agility (53), Rain Dance (51), Bulk Up (44), Taunt (47), Night Slash (51), Brave Bird (40), Triple Axe (43), Detect (55), Brick Break (47)

Abilities:

Torrent – Powers up Water-type moves when Quaquaval's health is low

Moxie – When Quaquaval knocks out a target, it boosts its Attack

Weak to: (Flying, Grass,) Electric, Psychic, Fairy

Resistant to: Rock, Bug, Steel, Fire, Water, Ice, Dark

Weakness Removed: Flying, Grass

=========

Mightyena

Level: 51

Name: Summer

Type: Dark

Affinity: Dark (Full)

Moves: Fire Fang (47), Ice Fang (47), Thunder Fang (46), Psychic Fangs (50), Crunch (51), Poison Fang (48), Sand Attack (40), Snarl (41), Assurance (42), Howl (36), Roar (39), Scary Face (33), Taunt (30), Yawn (29), Take Down (49), Play Rough (40), Dark Pulse (50), Substitute (32), Nasty Plot (26)

Abilities:

Intimidate – When Mightyena enters a battle, it intimidates opposing Pokémon, makes it flinch and lowes its attack

Quick Feet – Boosts the speed if Mightyena has a status condition

Weak to: (Fighting,) Bug, Fairy

Immune to: Psychic

Resistant to: Ghost, Dark

Weakness Removed: Fighting

=========

Houndstone

Level: 57

Name: Goofy

Type: Ghost

Affinity: Dark (Full), Ground (Beginner)

Moves: Lick (57), Tackle (50), Bite (54), Dig (51), Sandstorm (48), Play Rough (55), Headbutt (55), Shadow Ball (56), Phantom Force (44), Charm (40), Double-edge (39), Protect (36), Confuse Ray (50), Hex (51), Bulldoze (46), Mud Shot (40), Psychic Fangs (35), Will-O-Wisp (29), Disable (26)

Abilities:

Sand Rush – Boosts Houndstone's speed in a sandstorm

Fluffy – Halves the damage taken from moves that make direct contact, but double that of Fire-type moves

Weak to: (Ghost,) Dark

Immune to: Normal, Fighting

Resistant to: Poison, Bug

Weakness Removed: Ghost

"Quickly, stop him! Donald, Hydro Pump! Summer, Dark Pulse! Goofy, Shadow Ball!" Frank's voice rang out with urgency.

Quaquaval's wings shimmered as it unleashed a massive blast of water, sending a powerful torrent hurtling toward the Lunatones. Mightyena let loose a pulse of dark energy, while Houndstone fired an ominous orb of shadow. The combined force of their attacks smashed into the group of Lunatones, shattering them into dust. For a brief moment, Frank felt a flicker of hope. They could win this.

But then, slowly, the tall figure turned to face him. The man's lips curled into a twisted, unnatural smile, and he began to murmur something under his breath. His voice was barely audible, but Frank could feel the malevolent energy in the air intensifying. The hair on the back of his neck stood up.

"Run away!" David's voice, weak and strained, cut through the air. Frank looked over and saw his brother-in-law sprawled on the ground, struggling to move. Panic surged through Frank's chest.

The tall man snapped his fingers, and without warning, seven more Lunatones materialized around him. Their eyes glowed with a sinister red light, and they began to pulse with energy, preparing their attacks.

"Again!" Frank commanded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Donald, Summer, Goofy—attack!"

Quaquaval, Mightyena, and Houndstone launched another volley of attacks, but this time, the Lunatones were ready. Three of them immediately fired Psybeams directly at Frank. He barely had time to react before Mightyena leaped in front of him, absorbing the attack. The beams fizzled harmlessly against its dark fur, but the force of the blast sent it skidding back a few feet. Mightyena let out a deep growl, then retaliated with a powerful Snarl, its voice filled with raw dark-energy. The shockwave from the attack knocked two of the Lunatones off course, sending them spinning backward.

Houndstone was firing Shadow Balls with relentless precision, blasting away any Lunatones that dared get too close. But despite their efforts, more of the floating moon-like Pokémon kept coming.

Frank's eyes darted to David's Conkeldurr, which was still wrapped in the dark, pulsing miasma. The giant Pokémon was barely moving, and Frank could see that whatever the man's chant was doing, it was draining Conkeldurr's life force. His heart raced as he recalled what David had told him—the chanting of these "Sleepers" could somehow overwhelm and incapacitate even the strongest Pokémon.

"We've got to stop him," Frank muttered to himself, his fists clenched. He locked eyes with Quaquaval. "Donald, use Hydro Cannon. At the man! Now!"

It was a risky call. Attacking a human with a Pokémon move could land him in prison for life, but this wasn't an ordinary situation. This was life or death. Quaquaval nodded and began gathering water energy between his hands, the air around it humming with power as it charged up its most devastating attack. Mightyena and Houndstone continued to fend off the Lunatones, but the sheer number of them was overwhelming.

Quaquaval's eyes gleamed as it signaled the others to move aside. In one swift motion, the water bird unleashed a massive blast of energy. The Hydro Cannon shot across the battlefield with a deafening roar, a massive ball of blue energy headed straight for the dark figure.

Just before the attack hit its target, several more Lunatones appeared, raising a united Protect shield. The Hydro Cannon slammed into the barrier, detonating in a powerful explosion of water that drenched the man and scattered the Lunatones, shattering their defenses. The force knocked them from the sky, dissolving them into dust once again.

"Yes!" Frank whispered under his breath as he saw the dark miasma around Conkeldurr begin to fade. But his relief was short-lived. The tall man shook off the water like it was nothing, and though his chanting had momentarily stopped, Frank could see him gathering his strength again. Worse, more Lunatones were already swarming in, their numbers seemingly endless.

Quaquaval was exhausted from the Hydro Cannon and needed time to recover, leaving only Houndstone and Mightyena to hold off the wave of incoming Lunatones. Houndstone's Shadow Balls were rapid, but Frank could see his ghostly hound was tiring, its movements slowing as fatigue set in.

"Goofy, just hold on a little longer! Girafarig will be back any minute with reinforcements!" Frank urged, his voice strained with desperation. The Lunatones were coming faster now, some using Iron Head to smash into Houndstone with brutal force. Every time it hit, Houndstone staggered but fired back, refusing to give in. Its ability – Fluffy – helped a little since it halved the damage from physical attacks. Quaquaval, having recovered slightly, joined the fray again, shooting Water Pulses at the incoming threats.

"Summer, stop him!" Frank pointed toward the tall figure, knowing their only chance was to take him down. Mightyena, growling with determination, charged at the man with blinding speed, its body glowing as it powered up a Takedown. The Lunatones tried to block its path, but Quaquaval was quick to blast them away with precise Water Pulses, clearing a path for Mightyena.

With a fierce snarl, Mightyena slammed into the man with full force, sending him crashing to the ground. The dark figure grunted in pain, his twisted smile faltering as Mightyena prepared to deliver a devastating Crunch.

But just as Mightyena was about to clamp its jaws down, a Lunatone appeared out of nowhere, its eyes glowing with fierce energy. With a single, concentrated Moonblast, it struck Mightyena square in the chest. The impact was brutal—Mightyena yelped in pain as it was launched several meters backward, tumbling across the ground before coming to a stop, unconscious.

"NO!" Frank screamed, his heart racing. He watched in horror as the tall man slowly got back to his feet, wiping the dirt from his coat. His twisted smile returned as he began to chant once again, the dark energy in the air intensifying.

Frank glanced desperately at his remaining Pokémon, his heart sinking. Quaquaval and Houndstone were fighting valiantly, but they were outnumbered and exhausted. More Lunatones were closing in.

Frank's mind raced as he watched the seemingly endless wave of Lunatones advance. His hand hovered over his Pokéballs, frantically assessing which of his remaining Pokémon might stand a chance against the overwhelming force. Each second counted, and every decision carried the weight of life or death.

Then, in the distance, two large birds soared into view—Decidueye and Swanna, his sister Eva's Pokémon. The sight brought a fleeting moment of relief. Jake, his nephew, sensed Girafarig's distress and alerted his mother's Pokémon. Now, they were coming to help.

The tall figure's brow furrowed, his twisted smile briefly faltering as he snapped his fingers once more. Four more Lunatones materialized, their eyes glowing with eerie, malevolent energy as they charged toward the birds. But Eva's Pokémon were ready. In perfect sync, Decidueye ignited into a flaming Brave Bird, while Swanna cloaked itself in the surging water of Aqua Jet. The two birds met the Lunatones head-on with a deafening crash, destroying them in a single, powerful blow.

"Yes!" Frank muttered under his breath, a spark of hope flaring to life. The aerial assault had caught the dark figure off guard, giving him and his exhausted Pokémon a brief moment to regroup.

"Attack him again! Water Pulse and Shadow Ball!" Frank ordered, his voice laced with urgency. Quaquaval and Houndstone fired off their respective moves, the swirling blue energy of Water Pulse and the dark, crackling orb of Shadow Ball streaking toward the remaining Lunatones. But Frank's hope quickly dimmed as even more Lunatones materialized, blocking the attacks with coordinated Protect barriers.

The birds' initial burst of power began to wane. Decidueye and Swanna were slowing, their earlier speed giving way to fatigue as the relentless swarm of Lunatones pressed in from all sides. The moon-like creatures formed a dizzying spiral around the birds, their numbers multiplying with each passing second.

Swanna was the first to falter. A sharp cry echoed through the battlefield as one of the Lunatones struck her wing with a brutal Psychic. Her wing twisted at an unnatural angle, and with a pained screech, she plummeted to the ground. Decidueye let out an enraged cry, circling protectively around her fallen comrade. She fired Razor Leaf after Razor Leaf, desperately trying to keep the Lunatones at bay, but the effort was clearly taking its toll.

"This is insane," Frank growled through clenched teeth. "How can one guy command so many Lunatones?"

The Lunatones closed in, and Decidueye, though exhausted, unleashed a powerful Spirit Shackle. Astral chains erupted from the ground, ensnaring several of the floating psychic creatures, momentarily halting their advance. But the strain was evident—Decidueye was breathing heavily, her wings drooping from exhaustion.

"Another Hydro Cannon! Now!" Frank shouted to Quaquaval. "Take out the ones Maya trapped!"

Houndstone, visibly drained but resolute, fired a few more Shadow Balls, trying to hold off the advancing Lunatones long enough for Quaquaval to charge its attack. The ghostly dog staggered, collapsing to the ground in exhaustion after firing its last shot. But it was enough. Quaquaval finished gathering its energy and unleashed a devastating Hydro Cannon. The torrent of water blasted through the air, obliterating the trapped Lunatones in its path.

Swanna, though wounded, summoned a final burst of strength and released a massive Hurricane. The gusts of wind met with Quaquaval's Hydro Cannon and together the two moves created a chaotic, swirling vortex of water and wind. The battlefield was enveloped in the storm of water, and the air crackled with energy as the massive water tornado slithered toward the tall figure. The remaining Lunatones were swept away by the force of the water/wind, their bodies shattering as they were destroyed into dust.

Frank seized the opportunity. "Now or never," he muttered to himself before charging forward, his boots pounding against the soaked earth. He sprinted toward the dark figure, who was momentarily disoriented by the swirling chaos around him. With a battle cry, Frank lunged through the watery vortex, his fist raised.

BANG! His fist connected with the man's face with a sickening crunch, and the figure staggered back, shock painted across his features. Frank didn't stop. Another punch, this time to the stomach, doubled the man over, causing him to gasp for breath.

BANG! Another blow sent the man crashing to the ground. Frank, seething with rage, grabbed the man by the collar and hauled him to his feet, glaring into his eyes with a fury that made the air feel heavy.

"I know what you've been doing—mutilating yourself to summon your master. Let's see how much pain you can handle," Frank snarled. With one swift motion, he grabbed the man's ring and little fingers, bending them into unnatural shape with brutal force.

SNAP! The man howled in agony, his scream echoing across the battlefield. His Lunatones surged forward, but the raging water tornado swept them back, preventing them from reaching their master.

"You don't like pain, huh?" Frank sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "Let's try this, then." He drove his knee into the man's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground. Frank followed it up with a brutal stomp, aiming for the man's leg.

But instead of bone, Frank felt the thud of wood beneath his boot. He stepped back, momentarily confused. The man's leg was a wooden prosthetic. But Frank didn't hesitate—he kicked the assassin square in the head, sending him sprawling across the wet grass.

"STOP THE ATTACK!" Frank roared, his patience at its limit.

The man, coughing up blood and few teeth, only laughed—a twisted, hollow sound that made Frank's skin crawl. "You… you know nothing," he wheezed, spitting blood into the mud.

Frank's frown deepened as he stomped on the man's arm, this time feeling the satisfying crunch of bone beneath his boot. The assassin screamed, but Frank's attention snapped back to the growing swarm of Lunatones. Despite their leader's injuries, they kept coming. Desperation gnawed at Frank as the water tornado began to weaken, its protective barrier faltering.

He dropped to his knees beside the assassin's head, delivering two quick punches to his bloodied face. The man's laughter stopped, replaced by choked gurgles of pain. Frank's knuckles dripped with blood, but the Lunatones weren't stopping.

Before Frank could land another blow, he was violently lifted into the air by an unseen force. He struggled as the psychic power flung him through the dissipating water tornado, drenching him in the process. With a thud, he crashed into the ground near his unconscious Houndstone and Mightyena.

Quaquaval was still standing, but just barely. Its breaths were ragged, and it swayed on its feet. Across the battlefield, Swanna lay unconscious, and Decidueye stood guard over her fallen friend, her wings trembling with fatigue.

Frank pushed himself up, his body aching from the psychic assault. Just as he was about to muster the strength to continue, a loud BANG echoed across the field, followed by a blinding flash of light.

Girafarig was back. And with him, Joe Lindenberg—the head of the Battle Ranch—had arrived.

Joe's heart pounded as he took in the battlefield's chaos. His gaze darted between Frank, his two unconscious Pokémon lying limp beside him, and Quaquaval, the only one left standing—barely. On the opposite end, Decidueye stood over Swanna, wings spread wide as she guarded her fallen companion. On the far end of the battlefield, his son David lied unsonscious guarded by his Electrode and with a fainted Conkeldurr in a pool of dark miasma nearby. The exhaustion radiating from every Pokémon was palpable. In the middle of the field, the broken form of the assassin lay twisted and bleeding, a disturbing contrast to the chaos swirling around him.

"Rootie, stop them!" Joe commanded, his voice sharp and urgent.

From Joe's shadow, his Trevenant materialized, a dark and imposing figure. Immediately, spectral roots and vines surged from the ground, lashing out with terrifying precision. Each Lunatone they touched shattered on impact, crumbling into dust as they were effortlessly destroyed.

"Ludicolo, I need you too!" Joe called, throwing a Pokéball into the air. The energetic Ludicolo burst onto the scene, already dancing as it summoned a fierce Leaf Storm. The spiraling mass of leaves tore through the remaining Lunatones, slicing through their psychic shields with ease. Within seconds, the air cleared, and the once-overwhelming horde was reduced to nothing.

But Frank's eyes weren't on the Lunatones anymore. His gaze was locked on the dark miasma creeping over Mightyena and Houndstone, tendrils of shadow coiling around his beloved partners like a sinister fog. Fear gripped him as he desperately tried to recall them into their Pokéballs, but the dark energy blocked his every attempt.

"Girafarig!" Frank cried out, his voice shaking.

The loyal Pokémon darted toward him, eyes glowing with urgency. Frank placed a hand on its mane, his fingers trembling. "I know what we need to do, but I need your help."

Girafarig nodded, its twin heads showing the same steely determination as Frank's. The front head lowered, offering support, and with its help, Frank slowly rose to his feet. His legs wobbled, but he forced himself to stay upright. He didn't have time to rest—not yet.

Meanwhile, Joe's Trevenant and Ludicolo were relentless, destroying Lunatones with a fury. Their efforts kept the battlefield from spiraling further into madness, but Frank knew the real threat lay with the man still twitching in the center.

"Let's get closer to that fucker," Frank whispered, his eyes burning with cold determination as he nodded toward the crippled assassin. Girafarig shuddered but obeyed, and in an instant, the two teleported through the thinning smoke, reappearing beside the bloodied figure.

The assassin lay there, his chest rising and falling in ragged, uneven breaths, blood bubbling from his lips. His eyes, once filled with malice, now looked vacant as he twitched uncontrollably in the dirt.

"Let's end it," Frank muttered, his voice low, heavy with the weight of what had to be done.

Girafarig's tail, its second head, glowed darkly as its jaws opened wide, snapping shut with a fierce finality. There was a sickening crunch, and in that instant, everything stopped. The oppressive weight of the dark miasma dissolved into the air, and the Lunatones vanished—disappearing as if they had never been there.

"Frank, what did you do?" Joe's voice trembled as he caught sight of the scene. His eyes widened as they landed on the assassin's severed head lying grotesquely apart from his body.

Frank, his body sagging with relief, nearly collapsed to the ground. "Saving all of us," he exhaled. The dark aura around Conkeldurr, Houndstone, and Mightyena faded, and the battlefield was finally clear of Lunatones.

Joe, still processing the grim scene, turned sharply as his eyes landed on his son. David lay crumpled on the ground, unmoving. Without a second thought, Joe sprinted to his side, panic rising in his throat.

"Is he... is he okay?" Frank asked, limping toward them, his voice barely audible over the pounding in his chest.

Joe knelt beside his son, his hands trembling as he checked for signs of life. "I—I think so," he stammered, though uncertainty filled his voice.

Frank's mind raced. "And what about Jerry?"

"What?" Joe whipped around, his eyes scanning the battlefield before locking onto Jerry's motionless body. His blood ran cold.

"Oh no." Joe bolted toward the fallen figure, his voice rising in fear. "HE'S NOT BREATHING!" he shouted, bending down to check Jerry's pulse. There was nothing.

Panic clawed at the edges of Frank's mind. "Electrode!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "Get over here, we need you! Thunder Shock—now!"

Electrode, hovering protectively over David, buzzed in annoyance, reluctant to leave its unconscious trainer.

"GO! NOW! David's safe for now!" Frank barked, urgency seeping into every word. Electrode hesitated for a moment before finally rolling across the field toward Joe and Jerry.

Joe, his hands already pressing down on Jerry's chest in a frantic attempt at CPR, looked up as Electrode approached. "Come on, Jerry, stay with me!" he yelled, his voice thick with fear.

"Thunder Shock, now!" Joe ordered as Electrode positioned itself beside Jerry. Sparks began to crackle around the Pokémon, and with a flash of electricity, a jolt surged through Jerry's body.

Frank's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the scene unfold, praying it would be enough. The battlefield, once filled with the roars and cries of battling Pokémon, had fallen eerily quiet. The only sounds were the desperate shouts of Joe and the crackle of Electrode's electricity.

"Get ready to Teleport us to the hospital," Frank murmured to Girafarig, his voice barely above a whisper as he watched Electrode charge up for another shock.

Everything now hinged on whether they could bring Jerry back from the brink.

As the second jolt of electricity coursed through Jerry's body, his chest suddenly jerked, and for a fleeting moment, Frank thought he saw him take a breath.

"He's coming back!" Joe gasped, his voice filled with desperate hope.

But before they could even exhale in relief, a low, guttural noise echoed across the battlefield—a sound that wasn't coming from any of their Pokémon. Frank's body tensed, and his eyes darted toward the assassin's lifeless corpse.

Except—it didn't look lifeless anymore.

The man's body, broken and bloodied, began to twitch. Slowly at first, then more violently. His head, severed moments ago, rolled unnaturally toward his body, pulled by an unseen force. A dark, swirling mist oozed from his open wounds, coalescing like smoke drawn into the air.

"What the hell is happening?" Joe breathed, backing away from the grisly sight. Electrode started shining with electricity and sharp deadly leaves began whirling around both Ludicolo and Trevenant.

Frank staggered to his feet, fear gripping his heart as the assassin's mouth, still slick with blood, twisted into a grotesque grin.

"You thought you could stop this," the voice rasped, distorted and inhuman. "But it's already too late."

The ground beneath his broken body began to hum with a sinister energy. Pale, grey light leaked from the soil, forming a halo of power around the corpse. Frank and Joe stumbled back instinctively as the earth cracked open, revealing a swirling, dark astral portal beneath the assassin. The corpse twitched once more, then was pulled into the void as if consumed by an unseen force, vanishing without a trace. Not even the blood remained.

Joe stood frozen, his breath catching in his throat. "What just...?"

The portal closed, leaving the ground as unmarked as before. But the malevolent energy lingered in the air, thick and oppressive. Frank could still feel it, seeping into his bones like cold death. A chill crept through the battlefield as Joe's Trevenant, a creature of spirits and shadows, trembled visibly, backing away from the epicenter in fear. Girafarig and Quaquaval shuddered as well, ready to defend their trainer.

"That darkness," Frank muttered, his voice low. "What was it?"

Before Joe could answer, a distant rumble echoed across the landscape, as if the world itself had shuddered. The sky seemed to darken unnaturally for a brief moment, casting long shadows over the field.

Far away, in the depths of the ghost shack hidden deep within the forest, an ancient Pokémon stirred. Cofagrigus, the cursed sarcophagus Pokémon, shifted inside its hidden, ornate, eerie chamber. Its many spectral hands twitched as it sensed the disturbance, its gleaming eyes narrowing with grim understanding.

"It's going far quicker than I thought," Cofagrigus murmured, its voice reverberating with an ancient, sinister wisdom.

In the silence that followed, the foreboding presence of something far greater than any of them had imagined lingered—an unseen threat rising from the depths of the unknown.