章 112: Chapter 112: Creepy Encounter at Midnight

"I forgot to catch it," I said, my voice as casual as if I were discussing the weather.

Erin clung to my arm, her warmth seeping through my jacket. Her hazel eyes searched mine, her lips parting in a silent plea for comfort. I could feel her pulse quickening against me, though she remained calm on the surface. It was a calm that came from years of suppressing fear. I respected it.

Ash shuffled awkwardly beside us. "You really want to catch that?" His words dripped with disbelief, eyes flicking toward the dark form hovering near the statue. "I mean... it's creepy."

"Yeah," Misty added, arms crossed tightly across her chest. Her eyes darted nervously between me and the flickering figure of Gastly. "So creepy."

Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, was staring up at Shadow. My Pokémon sat lazily on my shoulder, his glowing red eyes locked onto Pikachu with a playful grin curling at his shadowy lips.

"Hey, Pikachu," Shadow drawled, "never seen a Pikachu as handsome as me, huh?"

Pikachu shook his head, looking away with a nervous spark of its own electricity.

I smirked. The tension, though palpable, was familiar. I could feel the weight of Erin's gaze on me, but she said nothing. Her fingers gripped my arm a little tighter. She always trusted me to lead, to control the chaos around us, no matter how bizarre or dangerous the situation.

Brock broke the silence with his usual clueless enthusiasm, "What about my beautiful girl? Maybe she's watching me now!"

Misty's hand whipped out before anyone could stop her, slapping Brock's face hard enough to leave a red mark. "That's not a girl, it's a Gastly! Get a grip."

I let the exchange pass, my eyes steady on the flickering shape before me. With a relaxed tone, I gave the order: "Shadow, send Team Rocket into the sea. And don't forget to give Meowth some special treatment. He hurt Erin before."

Shadow didn't hesitate. He launched himself off my shoulder, an electric-blue blur slicing through the fog. In the distance, Team Rocket's panicked yelps pierced the quiet night as they tried to escape the inevitable punishment.

I turned back to the Gastly. Its form twisted in the mist, more a living shadow than a solid entity. "Come out," I called, my voice as calm as ever. "You said if I defeated you, you'd listen."

Gastly materialized fully, its grinning face hovering a few feet away. Its voice was eerie, yet strangely solemn. "What do you want? I'm just here to ensure the Maiden's story continues. Her lover's return, her endless waiting—it can't be broken."

The ghost began recounting the old tale, his voice carrying the weight of countless nights spent watching the world forget the very thing he was cursed to protect. As he spoke, I saw it—Misty's lip trembling, Brock's eyes glistening, even Ash looking like he was about to break. Pikachu pressed itself into Ash's leg, its ears drooping.

Erin's head gently rested against my chest. Her breath was steady, but I could feel the sadness radiating from her. She whispered softly, her calm voice cutting through the heaviness. "I'd wait for you, too, Punit."

I didn't reply. I just rubbed her head gently, letting her find comfort in the small gesture. Shadow, now back on my shoulder, interrupted the moment with his usual bluntness.

"Team Rocket's been dealt with," he announced, sounding mildly disappointed. "Why are they crying like someone died?"

I shot him a look, cutting him off before he could continue. Then, I addressed Gastly again, my voice steady. "I came here specifically to catch you."

Gastly's eyes narrowed, though his grin never wavered. "I've been free for years. I won't go with you. What will happen to the Maiden's story if I leave?"

I sighed. Before I could answer, Erin spoke for me, her voice as calm as ever. "Don't catch him."

She didn't need to say more. I nodded, though frustration twisted in my chest. The tight control I kept over my emotions faltered for a moment. Shadow, always in tune with me, sensed it immediately and settled on my shoulder, quiet for once. I turned, leading the group down the winding path back to the town below. Erin stayed close, her arms wrapped around mine, offering silent support.

No one said a word. They knew better.

Hours later, the soft glow of the 5-star hotel room did little to ease my frustration. I lay sprawled on the bed, staring at the ceiling while Shadow curled up on my chest, his electric-blue streaks dimming as he relaxed. Erin was in the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the space.

Shadow lifted his head suddenly, his glowing red eyes meeting mine. "You're perfect level members of the World Horizon now. That means a 60% discount in the Horizon shop."

I grunted, only half-listening.

"You can get normal Pokémon eggs for ten Horizon points. After the discount, you'll only need four. And you can even pick the color."

"How many points do I have?"

Shadow's grin widened. "Each Gym badge win gets you one Horizon point. You've got three. And winning rounds in the League gives you points, too."

I nodded, not really processing the numbers. My mind was still back at the Maiden's Peak, lingering on Gastly's tale, on Erin's quiet confession.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Erin stepped out, her damp hair falling around her shoulders. She glanced at me, her hazel eyes soft but unreadable. I closed my eyes, letting the weight of the day drag me into sleep. Shadow shifted, settling beside me.

And for the first time in a while, the night was quiet.