"So, what do you think this purple stone is?" Nina asked suddenly.

"That's a good question," Eric said, "What purple stones are even out there?"

I hummed in thought, trying to think of a purple stone.

"Wait. Aren't Dusk Stones a purplish color?" I questioned.

"You're right, Eragona," Kat said, "That could just be the stone we're trying to find."

"No doubt it'll be guarded by Ghost-type Pokémon." Caps said.

His Clefairy nodded in agreement. As we crossed the Silence Bridge, there were a lot of fishermen on the edge of the wooden bridge. I couldn't help but smile when a fisherman reeled in a Seadra.

Talk about the catch of the day.

"The map says to keep heading straight, and we'll arrive in Lavender Town." Eric commented.

"Perfect..." Nina deadpanned.

I couldn't help but chuckle at Nina's annoyed expression. When we reached the end of the bridge, I saw a tall tower in the distance.

"Is that Pokémon Tower?" I asked.

"It sure is," Caps said, "Surly, the purple stone must be in the tower."

When we walked into the town, a thick fog rolled in out of nowhere.

"Yup, that's our cue to skidoo." Nina said before turning on her heel to leave.

"Nina, calm down," Georgia said, "It's just a bit of fog; it ain't gonna hurt ya."

Caps held his hand toward Nina, stopping her from moving with his psychic powers. The redhead turned to the self-proclaimed Champion and glared at him.

"Cheap trick." she said.

Caps only chuckled before he released Nina from his hold.

"Come on out, Ponyta." Georgia said, tossing up a Pokéball.

At her command, the shiny Ponyta appeared with a small neigh. Its flames provided enough light for the others and me to see through the fog.

"Let's try and find the Pokémon Tower's entrance." I said.

When the others agreed, we walked further into the foggy town. As I glanced around, I saw glowing rings heading our way.

"What in the world is that!?" Nina questioned, hiding behind us.

As I readied my Pokéball, I saw a tall figure in the shape of a man appear beside the rings.

"Please don't let it be a ghost, please don't let it be a ghost." Nina repeated.

"Far from it." said a familiar voice.

Wait. I recognize that voice.

When the figure stepped out of the fog, my face broke into a wide grin.

"Roderick!" I exclaimed.

The man smiled with a slight wave. Nina breathed out a sigh of relief before stepping out from behind us.

"It's good to see you all again." he said.

When the rings drew near, I saw that it was an Umbreon.

"I didn't know you had an Umbreon, Roderick." Kat said.

"Oh, no, I don't," Roderick said, "This is just Zorua."

The Umbreon-turned-Zoura smiled and let out a cry.

That makes a lot more sense.

"So, what are you kids doing here?" Roderick asked.

"We're here for the Annual Pallet Town Color Carnival Rainbow Race," Eric said.

"My goodness, that's a mouthful."

"Tell me about it."

Roderick chuckled and shook his head fondly.

"So, what does this Rainbow Race entail?" Roderick asked.

"It's a region-wide scavenger hunt to find certain objects," Nina said, "So far, the objects have been gym badges, but we were thinking that this item is a Dusk Stone; at least, that's what we can gather from this clue."

I reached into my pocket and gave the older man the clue. Roderick took the clue and read it.

"It certainly sounds like you have to find a Dusk Stone," he said, handing the clue back, "And you believe that it is in the Pokémon Tower?"

"We can't think of anywhere else," Caps said, "Want to give us a hand, brother?"

The older man smiled and nodded.

"It'd be my pleasure, Cappy," Roderick said, "Follow us; I know the way to the tower's entrance."

We nodded and followed the man and his Umbreon-turned-Zorua through the thick fog.

"So, Roderick, did you visit your old friend here?" Eric asked.

The older man sighed with a sad smile.

"I did," he said, "My Ralts, he's... never been happier."

A sad expression loomed over my face as I frowned, knowing what he was implying.

"Oh, Roderick," I said, placing a hand on his arm, "I'm so sorry..."

The man flashed me a sad smile and shook.

"It's alright, I'm fine." he said, though his crystal eyes told a different story.

I sighed and nodded, not wanting to pry any further.

That's so sad. I never knew a Pokémon who...

The thought alone was too sad to think about any further. We soon stopped in front of a dark gray-purple tower with dark-stained windows. Then, the dark-colored doors opened on their own.

"Totally not creepy at all, right?" Eric said, his voice a bit shaky.

The others hesitantly agreed before stepping into the tower. When we stepped inside, tombstones and headstones were scattered around the area. The room was lit with candles hanging on the walls. I inhaled a shallow gasp before covering my mouth.

How many Pokémon...?

I quickly shook away the tears as I glanced at the graves.

"So, how do we find this Dusk Stone?" Kat questioned.

"There must be a stash of them somewhere in this tower," Eric commented, "We just gotta find it."

The others and I agreed with the Unovan as Georgia retracted her Ponyta, and Roderick's Zorua returned to normal. When we walked up the spiral staircase, we found more graves.

"This is so sad." Nina said.

"Ain't that the truth." Georgia said.

As we weaved around the tombstones, a loud bang rang throughout the tower.

"Geez, that bell is loud." Kat said, covering her ears.

"Uh, there is no bell in this tower," Roderick said, "If there were, we would've seen it from the outside."

My heart sank when I heard that.

"Then what was that bang from?" Nina asked fearfully.

Then, we heard footsteps coming from the top floor. My entire body was shaking. I placed a hand on Libby's cheek and felt her trembling.

"W-What are these sounds coming from?" Kat asked.

When I looked up at the spiral staircase, I saw shadows descending the stairs.

What is in this tower...?

As I readied my Pokéball, my fear was replaced with confusion when I saw a group of people wearing familiar blue outfits.

"Team Xenon?" I questioned.

The grunts stopped and glared at us, as well as their Pokémon.

"What in the world are you doing here?" Eric asked.

"That's none of your business, brat," said one of the male grunts, "So why don't you kids run back to your mommies, eh?"

I growled under my breath and gripped my Pokéball.

"I may be afraid of ghosts, but you, Team Xenon, are the one thing I'm not afraid of." Nina said, readying her Pokéball.

"Aww, the little redhead wants to be brave, huh?" asked a female grunt, "Let's see how you deal when the lights are off! Crobat, use Air Slash!"

The Bat Pokémon beside her screeched before slicing the air with its wings, blowing out all the candles and leaving the room in darkness.

Just great...

"This is bad," Georgia said, tossing a Pokéball, "Ponyta, we need you!"

At her command, the Fire Horse Pokémon appeared, illuminating the small area with its blue flames.

"Who were those scoundrels?" Roderick asked.

"Team Xenon," Kat began, "They're an evil organization dedicated to liberating every Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution."

"That's awful."

"We've gotta find Team Xenon," Nina said, "I wouldn't be surprised if they were here searching for Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution."

"Let's split up," I said, "Roderick, Nina, and I will search the next floor."

"The rest of us will search the bottom floor," Eric said, "They couldn't have gotten far. And if there are ghosts here, I bet they wouldn't want them to leave."

After agreeing with the Unovan, we split into our respective groups. Nina, Roderick, and I raced up the spiral stairs, finding the room dimly lit and foggy.

"The other floors weren't like this." Nina commented.

"Team Xenon must've upset the resting souls here and caused an uproar," Roderick said, "Now, their spirits are roaming to resolve this conflict."

What Roderick said sent a chill up my spine.

"Why'd you have to say it like that...?" Nina asked in a shaky voice.

"Apologies, but it's the truth." Roderick said.

As I glanced at the candles on the walls, the amber flames soon blew out, leaving us in darkness.

"I'm getting sick of this happening." Nina said.

Then, purple-blue wisps appeared around us, illuminating the room in an eerie light.

I do not like this one bit...

When I glanced behind Roderick, I noticed a shadow with piercing red eyes standing behind him. Its gaze alone paralyzed me with fear.

"R-Roderick, move out of the way!" I cried.

Before Roderick could move, the red-eyed shadow cackled and descended upon Roderick before disappearing. Then, Roderick clutched his head and started groaning in pain. His Zorua jumped off his shoulder and into Nina's arms. We watched in horror as he wailed and clutched his head. His body started pulsating his signature purple aura before it suddenly turned red.

"Roderick!" I cried, going up to him.

When I said that, his wailing stopped, as well as his movements. Roderick straightened his posture with his head slightly bowed.

What in Arceus' name just happened?

"Roderick?" Nina asked, "A-Are you-?"

Before the redhead could finish her sentence, Roderick lifted his head and opened his eyes, and the sight horrified us. Roderick's eyes were no longer silver; instead, they were replaced by the piercing red eyes the shadow had, and his once purple aura was a crimson red.

That's not Roderick...

"Right, you are, child." Roderick said in a raspy and echoey voice.

That's not Roderick's voice at all.

"Who are you?" Nina asked, holding Zorua close to her chest.

"I am the keeper of this sacred resting place," said the voice, "You may call me Gengar."

Gengar? I've heard of that Pokémon before.

I hesitantly took out my Pokémon and scanned "Roderick."

"Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey's shadow and silently waits for an opportunity. On the night of a full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar's doing."

My heart sank when I heard what the Pokédex said. Gengar only chuckled as he paced around us like prey.

"I'm actually surprised I was able to tap into this man's psychic powers," Gengar said with Roderick's body, "How lucky am I?"

"What do you want from us, and why are you taking over Roderick's body?" Nina asked.

"You humans have decimated and disturbed this place, and now, these poor souls are restless," Gengar said, gesturing to the graves, "So, in exchange for disrupting the peace, I will personally lay you to rest."

The fact that Roderick was right for a Ghost-type to get upset at Team Xenon for causing an uproar is what's most surprising.

"Gengar, you don't understand," I said, "We weren't the ones who disturbed the peace of these resting souls."

"Oh? And why should I believe you?" Gengar asked, raising his hand, "All of you humans are the same, disturbing the peace of these restless souls with your tears and flowers. It's sickening."

Then, a shadowy blob started to form from Roderick's hand.

"All they want is to rest peacefully," Gengar said, "Your mourning won't bring them back, so stop wasting your tears on something irreversible!"

The Gengar then released a Shadow Ball attack.

"Libby, counter with Shadow Ball!" I said.

Libby hopped up and hurled a shadowy blob, canceling the opposing attack.

"We have to reason with Gengar and explain to it that it was Team Xenon's doing, not ours." I said, glancing at Nina.

"Right," Nina said, "Zorua, can you lend us a hand?"

The Tricky Fox Pokémon yipped before flipping out of Nina's arms.

We don't want to injure Roderick, but we have to get the Gengar out of him.

Nina took out her Pokédex and scanned the little fox-like Pokémon.

"Roderick trained you well, I see," Nina said, "Alright, Zorua, use Shadow Ball!"

"Use Shadow Ball, too!" I cried.

The small Pokémon cried boldly before hurling two shadowy blobs at the Gengar.

"Sorry, but that's not gonna work on me." Gengar said, holding out its hand.

When its eyes gleamed red, the two attacks stopped in midair.

"You forget I possess the body of a psychic," Gengar said with a smug grin, "Your attacks are useless against me!"

When the Gengar swiped the air, it released a dark aura from its palms, destroying the two Shadow Balls.

This situation just got a thousand times worse...

"We can't even hit it," Nina said, "What do we do?"

"Our best option is to whittle it down," I said, "The last thing we want to do is hurt Roderick."

The redhead nodded before glaring at the Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon cackling as it conjured two Shadow Balls.

"Join these restless souls!" Gengar shouted, throwing the Shadow Ball attacks.

"Zorua, use Dark Pulse!" Nina cried.

"Swift, Libby!" I cried.

The two small Pokémon released their attacks, negating the incoming Shadow Balls.

"Gengar, please listen to us!" I exclaimed, "We weren't the ones who disturbed the peace! It was Team Xenon, the people that were here before us!"

"We only came to find something that could potentially be in here!" Nina said.

"Oh, so not only were you disturbing the peace, but you were also trying to grave rob?" Gengar asked.

It keeps twisting our words. This isn't going well.

"No, it's not like that at all," I said, "We're on a scavenger hunt, and we're looking for a Dusk Stone; that's all."

The Gengar glared at us, its piercing red eyes paralyzing us with fear. Then, I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. When I turned around, I saw the others, all wearing horrified faces.

"We've got big problems!" Kat exclaimed.

"Bigger than Roderick getting possessed by a Gengar?" Nina asked.

"What?" Caps asked.

When he saw his brother, his face fell.

"No..." Caps muttered, "H-How?"

"Ah, so you're this man's brother, eh?" Gengar asked, "Well, I'd especially love for you to get a front-row seat to witness his demise."

The Gengar then sliced the air, releasing another Dark Pulse attack. Caps jumped in front of us before holding out his hand and stopping the attack.

"Roderick! I know you're in there!" Caps called out, his eyes glowing purple, "Snap out of it!"

"Possession is fairly different from mind control, kid," Gengar said through Roderick, "As a psychic, I thought you'd know that by now."

Caps growled under his breath before waving away the attack.

"Mind catching us up?" Kat asked.

"Long story short, Roderick got possessed by a Gengar who got mad at Team Xenon for disturbing the peace, and it thinks that we're also the cause of the uproar of restless spirits." Nina explained.

"We're trying to convince Gengar that it wasn't our fault, but it's not listening to reason," I said, "What problems are you guys facing?"

"Somehow, Team Xenon captured a Gastly and two Haunter."

The others glanced at the Gengar-possessed man and winced.

"We've gotta tell Gengar to stop this and help us get those Pokémon back." I said.

Then, the self-proclaimed Champion sighed before taking a step forward.

"Kids, stand back," Caps said, "Zorua, lend me strength, will you?"

The Tricky Fox Pokémon yipped before hopping onto the self-proclaimed Champion's shoulder.

"Caps, what are you doing?" Eric asked.

"Getting my brother back," Caps said, "Shadow Ball, Zorua!"

The little fox Pokémon yipped before hurling a shadowy blob at the Gengar. The Shadow Pokémon grinned before stopping the attack.

"You don't seem to get it, do you?" Gengar questioned, "You can't hurt me, and even if you manage to, you'll end up hurting your brother."

The Gengar balled its hand into a fist, condensing the Shadow Ball attack into nothing.

"Hit me with your best shot, Cosmic Champion," Gengar taunted, "I dare you."

Caps balled his hands into fists in frustration. The Gengar cackled before conjuring two Shadow Balls.

"Gengar, please listen!" I called out, "Team Xenon, the people that were here before, they took some of your friends!"

Then, the Gengar stopped, and its toothy grin fell.

"What?" it asked, making the Shadow Balls disappear, "That's impossible!"

"With Team Xenon, you'd be surprised what they can get away with," Kat commented, "Please, just let Roderick go, and we'll help you get them back!"

The Gengar growled as he paced around the room. It then sighed before turning to us.

"I will allow your assistance, but until this matter gets resolved, this body stays in my possession," Gengar said, "I want to show this Team Xenon what happens when they disturb the peace of this sacred place."

Agreeing with the Ghost-type's terms, we rushed down the spiral staircases, out of the tower, and into the foggy town.

"They couldn't have gotten far," Georgia said, "The fog is too thick; I doubt they found the exit to this place."

"Well, let's ensure they don't escape at all," Gengar said, glancing at Caps, "Can you track someone down with your psychic powers?"

"Oh, yes, of course," Caps said, kneeling, "It takes a while, but I'm able to do it."

"Do it, now."

Caps scoffed at the Gengar's orders but complied anyway. When Caps placed his hand on the ground, his eyes shifted to purple, and the earth quaked. Caps' head soon shot up with a sharp gasp.

"They're close by," Caps said, "They're near the northern exit."

"Follow me." Gengar said before sprinting away.

The others and I nodded before following the Ghost-type through the thick fog.

Why does Team Xenon always have to mess things up for everyone, including Pokémon?

After sprinting through the fog, the Gengar came to a halt, causing us to stop.

"They're here," Gengar said, "I sense my friends close by."

When I squinted through the fog, I saw the figure of a cage with something floating inside it. Standing beside the cell were the figures of four people and Pokémon.

That has to be them.

"It is," Gengar whispered, "Move aside, kids. I'll handle them."

"No," I intervened, "We know these guys a lot better than you. If you charge at them now, their Pokémon will attack you, potentially hurting the Gastly and Haunter."

"Let us handle this," Kat said, "Can you lift the fog just a bit?"

The Gengar groaned before lazily waving his hand, and the fog became a bit clearer to see through.

"Perfect," Eric said, "Now, let's save those Pokémon!"

I glanced back at the cage as the three Ghost-type Pokémon floated around it.

That cell must have something to it that prevents those Pokémon from escaping. First things first, deal with the grunts.

"Libby, use Swift!" I cried.

"You too, Angel!" Kat said.

At once, the two Pokémon fired star-shaped rays at the grunts and Pokémon. When the Team Xenon grunts turned around, their eyes widened.

"You brats again!?" questioned one of the male grunts, "B-But how!?"

"That's none of your business; neither is stealing those Pokémon." Nina said.

The Gastly and Haunter let out cries as they tried to force their way through the cage.

"Oh, please don't even try it," said one of the female grunts, smirking back at the Ghost-type Pokémon, "The cell's bars are specially modified to keep any and every Ghost-type at bay."

I groaned as I watched the grunts' Pokémon step up.

A Houndoom, a Mightyena, the Crobat from before, and a Liepard. I hate it when they come prepared.

"Mawile, come on out!" Nina said, throwing a Pokéball.

"Samurott, you're up!" Eric said.

At once, the two Pokémon appeared and growled at Team Xenon.

"Get in close with Play Rough!" Nina cried.

"Sacred Sword!" Eric said.

The Deceiver and Formidable Pokémon let out bold cries as they charged toward the opposing Pokémon.

"Bite!" said three of the grunts.

"Wing Attack!" said a female grunt.

The four opposing Pokémon growled before charging at Mawile and Samurott with glowing wings and fangs. Samurott dodged the Mightyena's attack before slamming its glowing seamitar into the Bite Pokémon, knocking it into the Bat Pokémon. Mawile dodged the attacks of the Liepard and Houndoom and started punching and kicking the two Pokémon in a cartoon fashion. The four Pokémon groaned as they struggled to gain footing.

"Hyper Voice, Angel!" Kat cried.

The Intertwining Pokémon growled before letting out a horrible shout, stunning the opposing Pokémon.

"Zorua, use Shadow Ball!" Caps said, "Clefairy, use Moonblast!"

"Ajax, get out here and use Dragon Pulse!" I cried, throwing a Pokéball, "Libby, use Swift!"

"Use Shadow Ball, too, Herdier!" Georgia said, tossing a Pokéball.

On command, my Sceptile and the cowgirl's Herdier appeared and launched their attacks along with the others. The attacks merged and caused an explosion when they hit the opposing Pokémon.

"Ajax, quick! Use Leaf Blade on the cage!" I said, "It's straight ahead!"

The Forest Pokémon nodded before rushing into the smoke with the leaves on its wrist glowing. With a mighty swing, Ajax sliced open the cage, freeing the Ghost-type Pokémon. When the smoke cleared, the grunts' Pokémon were unconscious. The grunts growled before retracting their fallen Pokémon.

"You haven't seen the last of us, you brats!" said one of the male grunts.

"I beg to differ." said a chilling voice.

When I turned around, my body shivered when I saw an ominous and dangerous aura radiating off Roderick's body. Gengar's eyes were glowing red, and wore a malicious grin on its face.

"So, you're the ones who disturbed the peace of the Pokémon Tower, and you had the nerve to kidnap my friends?" Gengar asked.

The grunts were practically paralyzed with fear.

"Such an act deserves punishment." the Gengar growled.

Then, the Haunter and Gastly appeared beside the Gengar and cackled, all resonating the same ominous aura as the Shadow Pokémon.

Okay, while that is really cool, that is also really horrifying.

"W-We're sorry!" said one of the female grunts, "We had no intention to disturb the peace!"

"Oh, then what was your intention?" Gengar asked, "To steal my friends and haul them off to who knows where?"

The grunts winced as they backed away from the Ghost-type Pokémon.

"Leave this place and never return!" Gengar shouted, its voice echoing throughout the town.

The grunts complied before sprinting out of the town. The Gengar smirked before calming down.

"Well done, everyone," the Gengar said, glancing up at the tower, "The spirits are calming down now."

The others and I, along with our Pokémon, cheered. The others and I retracted our Pokémon before turning to the Gengar.

"Apologies for falsely accusing you of being associated with those... halfwits," Gengar said, "I've known too many humans who would come and disturb the peace with their tears and flowers."

My face fell as the Shadow Pokémon spoke through Roderick.

"How else are they supposed to honor them after they pass?" Nina asked, "That's what you're supposed to do when someone... leaves this world. It's called mourning."

The Gengar sighed heavily as it paced.

"I know," it confessed, "That is why this man is here."

The Gengar then gestured to Roderick's body.

"He's, as one would say, a regular here," Gengar said, "Always leaving Rawst Berries, saying they were Ralts' favorites."

I felt a lump in my throat as tears began to well.

That's so sad, yet sweet at the same time.

"I would always watch him leave those berries and tell his Ralts all the things he accomplished over the years; it was sickening," Gengar said, "However, when I went to check on his Ralts' grave, its spirit was always happy, and this time, it sat on its grave and waited for this man to come. It must've truly been excited to see its trainer again."

Kat smiled as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"That is so sweet." she said.

"So, what were you kids here for anyway?" Gengar said.

"We were here looking for a Dusk Stone, but Team Xenon happened." Eric explained.

The Gengar nodded before nodding at one of the Haunters. The Gas Pokémon let out a cry before zipping into the tower. Then, it came out with a purple-black stone in its hand. It smiled before placing it in Nina's hand.

"Thank you." Nina said.

"No, thank you," Gengar said, "You kids are always welcome to visit this sacred place. Oh, and please let this man know that his Ralts says hello and that it loves him very much."

When the Gengar bowed its head, its shadow flew out of Roderick's body. Then, it flipped in the air before revealing its true form. It waved goodbye before zipping into the tower with the Haunter and Gastly in tow. Then, Roderick let out a groan as he clutched his head.

"Roderick?" Georgia asked.

When the man looked up, his silver eyes were back to normal.

"What a relief!" Caps said, running up and embracing his brother.

The Tricky Fox Pokémon yipped as it hopped on its trainer's shoulders and nuzzled its cheek against his.

"What happened?" Roderick asked with a groan.

"Well," Nina began, "Long story short..."

For the next few minutes, we explained what happened to him.

"I... don't remember any of that," Roderick said, "But I'm glad you were able to get the Dusk Stone."

"Oh, also, Gengar wanted to let you know that your Ralts says hi and that it loves you very much." Caps said.

Roderick smiled as he wiped away the forming tears.

"Thank you," he said, "I needed to hear that."

Then, the fog lifted, revealing cobblestone and marble houses and buildings.

"Finally, I can see now," Nina said, "Hm? What's this?"

When the redhead bent down, she picked up a folded paper.

"Is that what I think it is?" Eric asked.

"I think it is!" Nina exclaimed, unfolding the paper, "It's the next clue!"

I glanced over the redhead's shoulder and read the clue.

"This city is named after the color of the sea, canals so pure and true. Find the mermaid to proceed with the Gym Badge so blue."

"It must be talking about Cerulean City," Caps said, "Cerulean City prides itself on its canals coursing throughout the city."

"Spot on, Caps," Eric said, "We've been there before, but I'm not sure how to get there from here."

"It's to the northwest of here," Georgia said, "If we head up, we'll reach the Rock Tunnel. When we make it through, we'll be closer to Cerulean City."

"Then let's get a move on," I said, "Roderick, wanna tag along."

The older man shook his head with a soft smile.

"No, thank you," he said, "I think I'm going to stay here for a while."

Knowing what he meant by that, I nodded with a smile.

"It was great to see you again, Ricky." Caps said.

"Likewise, Cappy," Roderick said, "Good luck with the scavenger hunt!"

We waved goodbye to the man and the Zorua before leaving the town.

"So, how's your perspective on ghosts now, Nina?" Eric asked with a smug grin.

The redhead glared daggers at the Unovan.

"Roderick getting possessed was the scariest thing I have ever seen," Nina replied, "So my perspective on ghosts is still the same; however, my perspective on Ghost-type Pokémon is... a bit different now."

"That's nice to hear." I said.

Libby mewled out a cry in agreement. The redhead smiled before jogging ahead, Angel and Kat following her lead.

This was undoubtedly an eventful afternoon. I was not expecting to have Team Xenon or see a possession in person, but thankfully, it all worked out in the end. Hopefully, we make it through the Rock Tunnel quick enough to do Misty's challenge. I can't wait to see what she has in store!