### Chapter 37: Komatsu and Fantina

The next day, early in the morning, Ryuki brought news that Chiyama would be arriving at the Ecruteak gym tomorrow.

With no other choice left, Kane reluctantly followed Ryuki to help clean up the gym and prepare the venue for Chiyama's return. There was no way to escape this task, and it seemed like we were stuck with it for the time being.

After a long and tiring morning of scrubbing floors and moving equipment, Kane felt physically drained. He had originally planned to go back to the Cemetery today to investigate something important, but with Ryuki keeping such a strict eye on him, that plan had to be postponed indefinitely. Kane knew that Chiyama would be returning tomorrow, which could put his plans on hold.

Later that afternoon, Kane and Thunderstorm, looking for any excuse to get away from the gym, used the pretext of giving their Pokémon "special training" to slip out and head toward Burned Tower. It was a familiar route now, and Kane knew that Ryuki would be left behind to handle the day's challengers on his own. While Ryuki was clearly frustrated by their departure, there wasn't much he could say. After all, he had already spent three days goofing off, and now it was his turn to stay behind and do some work.

As Kane and Thunderstorm made their way along the cobblestone trail once again, the surroundings seemed more vivid and clear under the bright daylight. Unlike yesterday's twilight, which had obscured much of the landscape, the clear skies and sunshine illuminated everything. In the distance, the towering silhouette of Burned Tower loomed over the path, standing tall against the backdrop of Mt. Pyre, casting a serene yet slightly eerie presence.

When they arrived at the cemetery, the air was thick with dust and the scent of time long passed. It was immediately evident that no one had cared for the graves in a long time—possibly years. Layers of grime and dirt covered everything. As Kane walked through the familiar route, carefully checking the graves one by one, the disappointment began to sink in again. Despite his meticulous search, he still couldn't find the graves he was looking for.

Frustration was setting in when Thunderstorm spoke up, his voice tinged with a sense of defeat. "Do you think we might have gone in the wrong direction?" he asked, his tone betraying his frustration.

Kane remained silent for a moment, contemplating Thunderstorm's question. Based on his observations and the analyses he had done in his mind, he was certain that this had to be the right place. The southeastern and northwestern directions of the cemetery both had that heavy, oppressive feeling of death. The layout of the cemetery, combined with the reflective influence of Burned Tower and Mt. Pyre meant that certain parts of the graveyard were almost completely shrouded in darkness, even under the midday sun. The cold, lingering aura of dormant death seemed to seep into their very bones, reinforcing Kane's certainty that this was where they needed to be.

Thunderstorm suddenly pointed at a bronze cauldron that sat inside a stone pavilion nearby. "Hey, take a look at these characters here," he said, his voice filled with curiosity. "I can't recognize them. Can you?"

Kane walked over and studied the cauldron for a moment, wiping away the thick layer of dust that obscured the lettering. "It's an ancient inscription," he said after a pause, his voice thoughtful.

Thunderstorm, intrigued, leaned in closer. "Can you read it?"

Kane nodded slowly. "These inscriptions say something about abolishing the old customs of sweeping tombs and worshiping ancestors. It seems they built this pavilion here so that future generations could come and pay their respects to the souls of the departed each year without having to perform the old rituals."

He paused for a moment, before continuing, "—Book of Chiyama IV."

Thunderstorm, who had been listening intently, responded casually, "So this cauldron was put up by Chiyama the Fourth, huh? I was starting to think it had been here since ancient times."

Thunderstorm's offhand comment, although casual, caused something to click in Kane's mind. His eyes lit up with realization. "Chiyama IV... again. This is the clue we've been searching for. There's definitely something important here."

Without another word, Kane took off his shirt and began to wipe down the bronze cauldron and the stone pavilion with renewed determination. Seeing Kane's urgency, Thunderstorm quickly followed suit, removing his own shirt and joining in the effort to clean the ancient structure. The dust on the cauldron was thick—so thick, in fact, that it had accumulated into layers upon layers, making it difficult to clean. At the foot of the cauldron, there were piles of soot, ash, and remnants of paper offerings, some of which had accumulated to heights of several dozen centimeters.

They managed to find an old shovel and used it to clear away the ash and debris that had built up around the base of the cauldron. After about an hour of hard work, the entire area was cleared, but the day was starting to draw to a close, and they knew they couldn't afford to let Ryuki find out what they had been up to. 

Without taking a break, Kane and Thunderstorm began to inspect the bronze cauldron and the stone pavilion closely. Every detail, every nook, and every cranny was carefully examined, but despite their efforts, nothing unusual appeared on the surface.

The legs of the cauldron were embedded deep into the stone floor of the pavilion, as if they had been there for centuries and integrated into one.

"This is definitely the work of Chiyama IV. If we want to uncover anything, we'll need to destroy the stone pavilion and the bronze cauldron to get at what's underneath," Kane mused, his voice filled with certainty. He was convinced that the answer they were seeking was hidden beneath the surface.

Thunderstorm looked at him with wide eyes. "Destroy it? That's definitely not realistic. We'd never get away with it."

Kane nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. For now, we'll just have to be patient. At least we've found a clue, which is more than we had before. We'll need to come up with a plan, but until then, let's cover everything back up with the soot and ash we cleared away."

They worked together once again, burying the legs of the cauldron under a fresh layer of debris, making sure it looked as if nothing had been disturbed.

After everything was back in place, they didn't linger any longer. Without saying another word, they quickly left the cemetery, their minds racing with the possibilities of what they had uncovered.

As they walked away, completely unaware, a Mega Gengar slowly rose from the ground beneath the cauldron, its dark, ghostly figure watching them leave in silence...

Back at the gym, they were greeted by Ryuki's irritated complaints. It was clear he hadn't enjoyed his day dealing with the challengers, but Kane and Thunderstorm paid him no mind. They had bigger things to think about. Besides, with Chiyama returning tomorrow, Ryuki's carefree days were about to come to an abrupt end anyway.

That night, Kane and Thunderstorm kept up their normal routines, acting as though nothing had happened. While they had finally found a clue at the cemetery, they knew they were still far from uncovering the full truth. For now, they couldn't afford to raise any suspicion, so they remained calm, carefully biding their time.

The stone pavilion, as Kane had suspected, was made of the hardest diamond, and the bronze cauldron was at least 20 centimeters thick. On top of that, they weren't yet strong enough to challenge Chiyama or anyone else of his level. The only option was to be patient and to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

For the time being, Kane and Thunderstorm focused on strengthening their Pokémon, using their Gastly and Duskull to train in the courtyard. They worked hard, honing their newly learned skills while trying to put thoughts of the past out of their minds for the moment.

The next day dawned with clear skies and bright sunshine. There wasn't a cloud in sight, and the atmosphere felt crisp and fresh. It was the perfect day for Chiyama's return.

Ryuki took Kane and Thunderstorm to the front of the gym, where they were to meet Chiyama, who had finally returned. From a distance, they could see Chiyama approaching, accompanied by Komatsu and a young girl they hadn't seen before.

Ryuki, always one to gossip, leaned in and whispered, "Master really doesn't waste any time. Do you see that little girl with him? That's Fantina, the daughter of the Hearthome Gym Leader. Don't let her looks fool you, she's really talented."

Despite Ryuki's excitement, Kane and Thunderstorm remained completely indifferent to his remarks. They ignored him, focusing instead on Chiyama and the people approaching. Seeing that no one responded to his comments, Ryuki quickly fell silent, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Once they were inside the gym, Chiyama introduced everyone properly.

"This is Fantina," Chiyama said, gesturing to the young girl beside him. "She's from Hearthome City. Her knowledge and skills with Ghost-type Pokémon are already impressive for someone her age. She'll be training here at the Ecruteak Gym for two months, so treat her well. And don't go bullying her."

Before Kane or Thunderstorm could respond, Fantina chimed in with an air of arrogance. "Uncle Chiyama, I'm not afraid of being bullied by them"

"I can definitely defeat them," Melissa declared confidently, her voice brimming with pride. She was utterly convinced of her own incredible talent, and from the way she carried herself, it was clear that she didn't take Kane and the others seriously at all. To her, they were beneath her.

Chiyama, standing nearby, simply smiled in response to her words. He didn't say much, and certainly didn't criticize her, as it wouldn't have been right to discourage the young girl, even if her arrogance was misplaced. He understood her youth and inexperience and chose not to shatter her confidence.

On the other hand, Thunderstorm's face darkened considerably. To be ridiculed by such a young girl was far from a pleasant experience, and the frustration showed plainly in his expression. Being mocked like that in front of others made his mood even worse. Meanwhile, Kane remained completely expressionless, as usual. His demeanor was indifferent, but that was because his mindset was entirely different from that of Thunderstorm's. For Kane, no matter how talented Melissa claimed to be or how self-assured she acted, she was still just a little girl in his eyes, one who had a long way to go before she could truly be considered strong. Her arrogance meant nothing to him, because she was far from reaching the level needed to challenge him in a serious battle.

"Kane, Thunderstorm, let's begin," Chiyama suddenly called out, his voice commanding.

"Yes!" they both responded in unison, immediately snapping back to attention.

Chiyama's expression grew more serious as he began to explain, "As you already know, the Ecruteak Gym is specializes in Ghost-type Pokémon.By clearing the first floor Burned tower, both of you have considerable strength, but from here on out, the challenges will only become more difficult. As you probably already know only Ghost-type Pokémon can be used to challenge Burned tower. While you are free to train and battle using other types of Pokémon here in the gym, they cannot be used to ascend the tower."

This explanation was common sense among those who trained at Ecruteak Gym. After all, each gym was known for specializing in a particular type of Pokémon, which served as its signature. Since that was the case, every major test conducted by the gym, such as the annual Gym Exam or friendly matches between other gyms, was always focused on the type of Pokémon they specialize in. It was also important for the disciples of the gym to prove their strength using those Pokémon in particular, as the Alliance often tested gym heirs to see if they possessed the necessary strength to inherit the gym. The standards were strict, especially in selecting future leaders.

If a gym's disciples failed to meet the expectations set by the Alliance, it was possible for the gym to be taken over by outsiders. This wasn't an uncommon occurrence, as some gyms had lost their heritage and been replaced because their successors couldn't maintain their strength. As a result, every gym leader was highly selective when it came to training their disciples. However, in reality, much of this was to secure the gym's financial future. Over time, these tests became a way to ensure that not only the gym's legacy was passed down, but also the associated economic enterprises tied to it.

The economic foundation, of course, determined the success of the gym. No matter where you went, how far you went. Having financial stability always gave you leverage and power. It didn't matter if the successor to the gym wasn't as strong as others; so long as they held the gym's financial assets, they were in control. Those affiliated with the gym would always remain loyal to whoever held that financial power.

At this point, Thunderstorm, who had been silently listening, was no longer able to contain himself. His face darkened even further as he spoke up in protest. "Master, Kane and i used our four Pokémon when taking on the first floor of Bell tower, and it took us a full eighteen days just to clear the first floor of Bell tower. You said it yourself that the difficulty increases with every level. How are we supposed to continue the challenge if we can only use two Ghost-type Pokémon?" His frustration was clear in his voice.

Thunderstorm's concerns were legitimate. At the moment, both he and Kane only had Gastly and duskull as their Ghost-type Pokémon, and these Pokémon had very few moves at their disposal, especially at such low levels. It seemed impossible to continue challenging bell tower under such constraints.

Chiyama, unbothered by Thunderstorm's complaint, calmly responded, "The purpose of the gym isn't to make things unnecessarily difficult for you, nor to suppress your talents. We are here to cultivate your strength and help you grow. That's why, for the next challenge, the four of you will working together as a team."

The moment those words left Chiyama's mouth, everyone in the room exchanged surprised glances. 

"Father, are you saying…?" Komatsu, who had been quiet up until now, asked curiously.

Chiayam nodded at his son, confirming his thoughts. "Yes. The Spiritbomb you recently caught in Sinnoh needs to be trained properly as well. Fantina, your special training in Bell towers is something your father personally requested, so you'll all be given two months. In that time, each of you must clear the fifth level of the tower with one Pokémon. Remember, only after passing the fifth level will you have the skills necessary to survive in the wild."

Upon hearing this, Melissa immediately pouted in dissatisfaction. "Uncle Chiyama, I refuse! There's no way I'll let these two slow me and Brother Komatsu down," she said, casting a disapproving glance at Kane and Thuanderstom.

Komatsu quickly intervened, trying to smooth things over. "Melissa, Kane and Thunderstorm are both very capable. You don't need to worry about them holding us back."

But Melissa was unconvinced. She crossed her arms and huffed, "I don't believe it. I want to test their strength for myself."

Thunderstorm's frustration boiled over at her challenge, and he was more than ready to take her on. After all, he had already been filled with anger and had no outlet for it. With a smug grin, he turned toward her and said, "Little girl, just don't cry when you lose!"

Melissa's eyes narrowed in irritation, and she responded defiantly, "I'll beat you so badly you won't know what hit you! Let's make this a double battle: me and Brother Komatsu versus you two."

Thunderstorm, sensing the opportunity, became even more energized. He knew Kane's strength well, and a double battle would only increase their odds of winning as they have some prior experience fighting together. "Oh, I'll take you on any way you want. I'm more than ready for this," he said confidently, then glanced at Kane for confirmation.

Kane, while remaining calm, saw this as a chance to humble Fantina, who clearly didn't know her limits. Despite her later inheriting the Hearthome Gym, her focus on flashy, extravagant battles had dulled her true combat skills. Kane knew that Fantina had once been strong, but her obsession with the spectacle of Pokémon Contests had led her astray. 

In Kane's eyes, Pokémon Contests were purely for entertainment, with no real substance when it came to actual battles. In a true fight, speed, precision, and power is what matters. There was no time to make moves look pretty, and hesitation would only lead to defeat. Kane knew all too well that in the real world, opponents wouldn't give you the luxury of time to show off. Fantina's indulgence in such frivolities had cost her.

"Let's get started, then," Fantina said, walking toward the battle arena with her head held high, pulling Komatsu along with her.

Kane and Thunderstorm quickly prepared themselves, each pulling out their Poké Balls. They both sent out their Gastly and Duskull, ready for battle.

Komatsu released his newly caught Spiritbomb, while Melissa sent out her Drifloon.

Here's a more detailed version of the passage, with expanded language and flow, keeping every bit of the story intact:

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"What are our chances of winning looking like?" Thunderstorm leaned in and whispered to Kane.

"One hundred percent," Kane replied without the slightest hesitation, his tone calm and measured, as though there wasn't the slightest doubt in his mind. His eyes remained locked on the two opposing Pokémon across the field. "The only thing you need to focus on is the timing when you use the Disable. Pay close attention, and everything else will fall into place."

Hearing the confidence in Kane's voice, Thunderstorm's own confidence surged. It was as if Kane's unwavering certainty had been passed directly into him. There was no room for hesitation now, only action. "Don't worry," Thunderstorm said, a slight smirk creeping onto his face, "we'll take the first strike." He raised his hand decisively. "Duskull, use **Shadow Sneak** on Drifloon!"

The move was executed with lightning speed. Duskull's shadow, which had been lying dormant beneath it, suddenly began to stretch and twist, creeping across the ground like a silent predator. The shadow extended far faster than any physical movement, snaking toward Drifloon without giving the opponent time to react. In a heartbeat, a dark, menacing hook appeared out of the shadow, manifesting right behind the floating Drifloon, ready to strike from behind.

"**Spiritbomb** cover Driflon! Use **Feint attack** to counter the attack!" Komatsu's voice rang out with urgency, a clear command that revealed his keen battle instincts.

Kane, however, remained unfazed. His sharp eyes caught the shift in Komatsu's strategy, and his lips curled into a sly grin. This was exactly what he had anticipated. "How predictable," Kane muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with satisfaction. "**Gastly use Embargo**."

Just as Spiritbomb moved to intercept the incoming shadow attack, Gastly shot out, materializing in the air behind the creature. Spiritbomb rushed forward, swirling with dark energy, aiming to break the attack on Difloo, but the sudden appearance of Gastly's **Embargo** attack caught it completely off-guard making. The eerie, spectral hook latched onto Difloon, sending a shiver through its body. The chilling touch of gastly made Spiritbomb's body tremble, and for a split second, it was paralyzed on the spot.

"**Use Curse**," Kane's voice was low but commanding, and it sliced through the chaos of the battle like a knife.

Gastly, now fully in control of the situation, performed the move without hesitation. The Pokémon willingly sacrificed half of its own Health, drawing on its very life force to place a powerful curse on Spiritbomb. Dark energy swirled around it, tendrils of the curse wrapping tightly around Spitibomb's body, gradually sapping its strength with every passing second.

Spiritbomb was an impressive opponent by any measure. Its resilience was undeniable—there were few Pokémon with both its offensive and defensive capabilities. The combination of its impressive double defense and respectable attack power made it a fearsome foe. In terms of sheer strength, it was undoubtedly the strongest Pokémon on the field, far outclassing Kane's Gastly under normal circumstances. If this had been an ordinary fight, one without the tactical maneuvering and traps Kane had laid, Spiritbomb would likely have overwhelmed his team. But this was no ordinary fight.

Spiritbomb had one glaring weakness, a fatal flaw that Kane had prepared for from the very beginning: its speed. Its movements, while powerful, were slow, and Kane had devised a perfect counter. Curse was designed specifically to exploit this weakness. Now, with the curse festering inside it, Spiritbomb's strength was rapidly waning. Every second the battle dragged on, its energy was drained bit by bit, and it was growing more and more sluggish.

Meanwhile, Difloon had been struck hard by the **Shadow Sneak** attack. The hit was brutally efficient, and the poor Pokémon struggled to keep its position in the air. It wobbled precariously; its once graceful movements now erratic as it fought to recover from the blow.

In just a short span of time, Komatsu and Fantina found themselves at a severe disadvantage. The coordinated attacks of Kane and Thunderstorm had turned the tide of the battle before they could even mount a proper defense. Fantina's face flushed with embarrassment, her earlier confidence now shattered. She had been so certain of herself, sure that her team could take anything they threw at them, but now, the reality of the situation was sinking in. Kane and Thunderstorm had completely outmatched them, and she had become the object of ridicule.

"Fantina, don't give up! Keep fighting! Use **Ominous Wind** with both Spiritbomb and Difloon—right until the very last moment!" Komatsu shouted; his voice filled with determination. He was a seasoned battler, and despite the odds, he wasn't one to back down. He knew that a single well-timed attack could turn everything around.

Though still embarrassed, Fantina drew strength from Komatsu's words. She gritted her teeth, pushing aside her frustration. Both Spiritbomb and Difloon responded to her command, their forms glowing as they summoned the power of the ghostly wind. Together, they unleashed a terrifying **Ominous Wind**, a chilling gust filled with the dark energy of ghost-types. The wind howled across the battlefield, a spectral force that seemed to come from the very depths of hell itself, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

Kane remained calm, his voice cutting through the storm of energy. "Hold your ground. Resist this move, and we'll have victory in our grasp. Use ** Night Shade** to block it."

At his command, both Gastly and Duskull summoned black, swirling clouds of energy, forming a barrier of pure darkness around themselves. The shadows coiled and twisted, wrapping around their bodies like protective armor as they braced for the impact of the **Ominous Wind**.

However, the raw power of Spiritbomb was not something to be underestimated. Despite its cursed state, the strength behind its attack was immense, and little by little, the protective shield of **Night Shade** began to crack. The powerful gusts of **Ominous Wind** were eating away at the defenses. Gastly, having already sacrificed half of its life force to perform **Curse**, found itself unable to endure much longer. It faltered and retreated behind Duskull, letting the stronger Pokémon bear the brunt of the assault.

Yet, even as the winds howled and the dark forces collided, curse continued its work. Spiritbomb's energy was draining, its strength diminishing with each passing second. It was only a matter of time before the curse would take its full toll.

Kane's sharp eyes caught the subtle signs of weakness in the Superbomb's movements. "Now's our chance," he murmured, his tone as calm and precise as ever.

Thunderstorm was quick to respond. "Duskull, use **Disable** on Spiritbomb!" he called out, seizing the moment of opportunity.

"Not good!" Komatsu's voice was filled with alarm. He saw the danger immediately, but there was nothing he could do to prevent it. Spiritbomb, already sluggish and weakened by the curse, was in no state to dodge or resist the incoming attack. They would have to rely on Fantina to counter.

"Difloon, use **Psychic** on Duskull!" Melissa commanded; her voice desperate but firm. She wasn't about to give up without a fight.

Her decision was quick and strategic. As the daughter of a gym leader, Fantina had learned powerful techniques like **Psychic** early on, and Difloon responded with force. But her efforts were in vain. Before Difllon could act, Gastly had already made its move, positioning itself perfectly behind the floating Pokémon.

"**Use Confuse Ray gastly**," Kane said with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. A string of ghostly starlight shot from Gastly, swirling around Difloon in an otherworldly glow. The light disoriented the Pokémon, throwing its mind into chaos. Difloon's movements became erratic, as it tumbled through the air, slamming into invisible walls, completely lost in its confusion.

Meanwhile, **Disable** had successfully locked down Spirit Bomb. Its most powerful attack, **Ominous Wind**, was now sealed away. With the curse still draining its energy and its primary attack disabled, Spirit bomb was rendered all but helpless.

Fantina was at her wit's end, staring in disbelief as her Difloon floundered in confusion and Spirit bomb who struggled against the unrelenting grip of curse. In what felt like an instant, the battle had spiraled out of her control, and now she was watching it slip further away with every passing moment.