Here's the
Gengar thought for a moment before saying seriously, "You're too weak right now. I'll tell you when you get stronger."
Albus: "…"
Doesn't that mean he basically said nothing?
Seeing his expression, Gengar thought Albus was worried about the treasure and added, "Don't worry, I won't lie like you humans."
As he said this, the smile on Gengar's face suddenly faded, replaced by a momentary flash of resentment and coldness.
Albus wasn't concerned about the treasure. "Can I refuse?" he asked.
Gengar's origin was clearly unusual. But opportunities always came with risks, and Albus was self-aware enough to know his current strength was lacking. He didn't want to get involved.
A malicious grin spread across Gengar's face. "If you refuse, I'll eat you. Also, don't even think about getting rid of me. When you took that orb from that person, you were already bound to it."
Albus frowned. "I can just give the orb to someone else."
Gengar's expression turned cold. "I'll eat you before that happens."
Albus was puzzled. "Then why didn't you kill that person? Why only me?"
Gengar shrugged. "Because you're unlucky. I just woke up when the orb ended up in your hands."
Albus sighed. "Fine, very reasonable answer. Then, what do you need from me?"
Gengar's expression turned serious, and a dark purple aura surged around him. Albus could feel the terrifying energy radiating from the Pokémon.
He recalled Gengar's abilities and said, "Before we continue, I think we need to get to know each other."
Gengar narrowed his eyes but remained silent.
"You were sealed in that orb," Albus continued. "Why?"
A cold glint flashed in Gengar's eyes. He replied in a low voice, "Because of a bunch of hateful people."
Then he added, "You don't need to know about that. Just focus on what you need to do."
Albus understood. "You don't want me to take revenge, do you? Or do you want me to release you from the orb? Should I just break it?"
At the mention of those words, Gengar froze.
Albus noticed his reaction. Something wasn't right.
Normally, to break a seal, all you had to do was destroy the object containing it.
But Gengar was clearly powerful. If he wanted revenge, he could have done it himself. So why hadn't he?
Gengar avoided answering and changed the subject with a bad attitude.
Albus didn't press further. Class was about to start.
He took Powerful Duck and Will Young with him, leaving Gengar alone at home.
That afternoon, when Albus returned, Gengar wasn't in the bedroom, but the orb was still on the desk.
Soon, however, Gengar returned from outside.
"If you find me that cold, sweet, and sour food, I'll tell you where the treasure is hidden," he said.
Albus blinked. "You mean… ice cream?"
Gengar froze, then hesitated. "Yes! That's the name!"
Albus raised an eyebrow. "Do you really want some?"
Gengar looked awkward. "I don't really want to…"
The corners of Albus' mouth twitched. He sighed and left the house with Powerful Duck.
Although it was almost winter, there were still ice cream vendors outside.
He glanced at Gengar floating beside him. "Can others see you?"
Gengar grinned smugly. "Only if I want them to."
Albus bought three ice creams—one for Powerful Duck, one for Will Young, and one for Gengar.
"Here!" He handed it over.
Gengar reached for it excitedly. Just as he was about to grab it, Albus let go—only for the ice cream to pass straight through Gengar's hands and fall to the ground.
The white ice cream splattered on the dusty stone pavement, melting into the cracks.
Gengar stared at his hands, looking completely stunned.
Albus hesitated, then reached out toward Gengar. His hand passed right through.
A terrible thought crept into his mind.
"We need to talk."
Back home, Gengar was silent the whole way.
Albus sat on the sofa and asked, "You're already dead, aren't you?"
Gengar looked confused. "I… don't know. I just remember being trapped in the orb by humans. And my subconscious tells me that if the orb shatters, I'll disappear."
Albus' mind raced.
Ghost-type Pokémon could phase through objects, but they could also touch things if they wanted to.
If Gengar was truly alive, he would have been able to grab the ice cream.
What happens to ghost Pokémon when they die?
Would they become ghosts among ghosts?
Was Gengar's soul sealed in the orb?
If the orb shattered, would Gengar's soul vanish too?
That would explain his reaction when Albus mentioned breaking it.
And that threat earlier about eating him—was that just a bluff?
If all of this were true, then the power dynamic between them had just flipped.
Gengar's expression darkened. "They said I would bring disease and misfortune to humans. That I was an evil spirit bringing bad luck."
Albus frowned. "Did you hurt them?"
"No."
Ignorant humans had killed him, sealed his soul in an orb, and buried him underground.
But Gengar's resentment was strong. It kept him alive, fused with the orb, but at a terrible cost. He had lost his body and became nothing more than a spirit bound to an inescapable prison.
Trapped.
Powerless.
His resentment toward humans had created a curse that caused nightmares for anyone who touched the orb.
After hearing Gengar's story, Albus felt a strange mix of emotions.
The Pokémon League had only existed for about two hundred years. Before that, the world was ruled by tribes and kingdoms.
It was a time of ignorance and superstition.
In those days, humans had feared Pokémon, calling them monsters. Battles between them were common, and hunting Pokémon was a daily occurrence.
Albus had read about this history in the library before. But hearing Gengar's story firsthand made it feel more real.
How many Pokémon had suffered like this?
How many humans had died because of such misunderstandings?
He sighed.
"I don't know what to say."
Gengar floated silently, lost in thought.
For the first time since they met, he didn't have a snarky remark.
Albus leaned back on the sofa. "So, what happens now?"
Gengar finally spoke, his voice quieter than before.
"I don't know."
For once, both of them were at a loss for words.
That concludes the chapter! If you enjoyed it, don't forget to support with recommendations, votes, and comments. Thanks for reading!