36. Kai vs Gastly -2

Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!💎💎💎

---

Facing the roaring attack, a mysterious gust of wind blew through, scattering all the Pin Missile needles.

Kai asked curiously, "What kind of move is that?"

"Jie Jie~" Gastly replied proudly, "During my long life, I haven't just learned human speech I've also picked up many abilities like this!"

As if to demonstrate, Gastly transformed into Luxray with a mischievous grin.

Kai couldn't help but complain, "That's a strong foul! And isn't transforming the ability of Ditto? How can you do it too?"

Glancing at Kirlia, Gastly seemed to trust Kai slightly more after observing his earlier actions.

Cancelling the transformation, Gastly explained, "Actually, it's just Hypnosis, but my version doesn't put people to sleep. It directly affects the real world!"

Kai frowned 'Is it really that powerful?'

The sensation of the wind brushing against his cheek felt undeniably real.

Hypnosis shouldn't be able to do that. Still, Gastly was clearly extraordinary, defying conventional understanding.

"Jolteon, use Thunder Fang!"

Sparks crackled between Jolteon's sharp teeth as it lunged toward Gastly with incredible speed.

But just as the attack was about to connect, Gastly's form seemed to vanish, swept away like a breeze!

"Jie Jie!"

Gastly reappeared beside Jolteon, extending its long, eerie tongue to give a playful lick.

Jolteon shuddered violently, attempting to jump back, but it froze in place, paralyzed and unable to move.

"Electricity tastes funny," Gastly chuckled, forming a Shadow Ball and launching it straight at Jolteon.

The attack hit directly, and Jolteon collapsed and fainted.

"A one-hit knockout? Is there such a big difference in strength?"

Kai recalled Jolteon, looking at Kirlia.

"It's your turn."

Kirlia nodded, stepping forward to face Gastly.

"Trying to wear me down with repeated battles?" Gastly sneered. "But you know Psychic-types can't beat me, right?"

"Of course I know." Kai grinned, pulling the remaining Poké Balls from his bag and tossing them onto the field. "Which is why Kirlia isn't fighting alone!"

Ivysaur, Squirtle, and Charmander appeared, lining up beside Kirlia.

"Ah, so it's a team effort." Gastly rolled its eyes but didn't seem bothered.

"What choice do I have?" Kai smiled. "Your battle with Jolteon made me realize your strength. Conventional methods won't work if I want to catch you!"

Gastly paused before asking, "Why are you so determined to catch powerful Pokémon? Is winning the Pokémon League really that important to you?"

"Well…" Kai thought for a moment. "Life is full of ups and downs. While the Pokémon League isn't everything, it's both a dream and a goal of mine. What about you? Don't you have something you want to pursue?"

"A dream? A goal?" Gastly murmured. As a Pokémon that loved pranks, it had spent countless years amusing itself without ever considering such ideas.

Kai's eyes sparkled, 'A chance!'

"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

The green, glowing leaves spun toward Gastly.

"Hey! Sneak attacking now? That's low!" Gastly dodged hastily, only to be hit by a Water Gun from Squirtle.

"This isn't low it's decisive!" Kai called out. "Charmander, use Ember!"

The Water Gun grazed Gastly, and as it regained balance, a stream of fiery sparks struck its face.

"Enough!" Gastly snarled, disappearing again only to reappear and take another hit this time from Ivysaur's Razor Leaf.

The continuous attacks left Gastly flustered. Its expression darkened as it emitted a wave of light energy that enveloped all of Kai's Pokémon.

'I can't counter this yet' Kai's heart sank.

"Charmander, use Smokescreen!" he yelled.

Charmander exhaled a dense, black smoke, quickly shrouding the area.

"Trying to obscure my vision to lower Hypnosis' accuracy?" Gastly cackled. "A clever idea, but too naive!"

Gastly focused intently. The light waves accelerated, expanding into an area-wide attack. Within moments, all of Kai's Pokémon fell asleep.

Kai was at a loss.

Gastly floated above the smoky battlefield, launching its final move. Wisps of pink energy flowed from the sleeping Pokémon into Gastly, who glowed with renewed vigour.

"Dream Eater!" Kai muttered as his Pokémon collapsed, completely defeated.

As the smoke cleared, Kai surveyed his unconscious team and sighed deeply.

"This Gastly is far stronger than any of its kind. Not even battling Zapdos felt this hopeless."

Recalling his Pokémon, Kai admitted, "I lost."

Gastly floated closer, studying him.

"No, you haven't."

It glanced at the Poké Ball holding Zapdos and smirked. "You still have a Legendary Pokémon. Without sending it out, this isn't a proper loss. Besides, I've used a lot of energy too. Let's call it a tie."

"Huh?" Kai blinked in surprise, unprepared for Gastly's unexpected words.

Gastly continued, "You're an interesting Trainer. I may not have any dreams yet, but I do want to leave this place and see the world. Winning the Pokémon League sounds like a worthy adventure."

Kai's heart leapt.

"Are you saying…?"

Gastly grinned. "That's right. I acknowledge you. Take out your Poké Ball I'll be your Pokémon and help you achieve your dream!"

----

For early access to advanced chapters and exclusive illustrations made by me, visit my P@treon:

P@treon/iamxeno

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!