Haunter, once lively and full of energy, suddenly shifted. A fiery gleam flickered in its eyes, and its body trembled as an unsettling aura surrounded it. Its claws flailed wildly, sending dark waves of energy into the sky and causing the sea to stir violently, knocking out several Pokémon that hadn't retreated quickly enough.
"Haunter! What's going on?!" Zephyr shouted, alarmed. "Why are you acting like this? You're still far from evolving into a Gengar. Is it your energy overflowing? What happened to you?"
But Haunter didn't respond. It turned its head slowly, its eyes glowing with an eerie light. Without warning, it launched a venomous attack at Zephyr.
In a flash, Muk, who had been standing nearby, jumped in front of Zephyr, using its massive body to block the venomous assault.
Zephyr quickly realized that Haunter had completely lost control of itself. He didn't understand why, but it was clear the situation was dangerous.
"Haunter, calm down!" Zephyr called, his voice filled with urgency. "This has to stop, or things are going to get out of hand."
But Haunter seemed uncontrollable. Zephyr's Pokémon, Muk and Beedrill, had already moved to engage. Muk fired Mud Bombs, and Beedrill shot Twinneedle at Haunter, but the ghost Pokémon dodged with swift, supernatural movements and retaliated with waves of dark energy.
Despite their combined efforts, Haunter's power was overwhelming. Even with Muk's bulky form and Beedrill's precision, they couldn't land a hit.
Zephyr's frustration was rising, but then, in a moment of clarity, he remembered the special item he'd obtained earlier that day.
"That's it!" Zephyr thought. "I have that item with me. It might just be the key."
In a swift motion, Zephyr released the item from his bag, revealing a calming orb—a device designed to stabilize a Pokémon's energy and return them to their usual state.
As he held the orb in his hand, he shouted, "Muk, Beedrill, keep Haunter distracted for a moment! I need time to use this!"
Muk and Beedrill redoubled their efforts, drawing Haunter's attention away. The ghost Pokémon retaliated with blasts of dark energy, but it couldn't stop Zephyr from using the orb.
Zephyr pressed the orb into the air, its soft glow pulsing. The light surrounded Haunter, slowly calming its chaotic aura. The violent energy started to subside, and Haunter's attacks became less frantic.
Zephyr exhaled in relief. "That's it... now we just need to calm you down, Haunter."
But even as Haunter's energy returned to normal, Zephyr knew this wasn't over. He needed to understand why Haunter had reacted this way in the first place. Was it something related to its evolution? Or perhaps its connection to Zephyr himself?
A voice suddenly echoed in Zephyr's mind. It was the System, which had been quiet until now.
[Host, this is a result of the unique abilities you've granted your Pokémon. As their powers grow, they will begin to manifest unpredictable behaviors. Haunter, in particular, is more sensitive to these fluctuations. The reason for the outburst is that Haunter's power was enhanced too quickly. This breaks the natural balance of the Pokémon world.]
Zephyr scowled, trying to understand. "So... this wasn't just a random event? This is happening because of my own actions?"
[Correct,] the System responded. [If you wish to prevent this from happening again, you must be careful in managing the power of your Pokémon. Their abilities are growing at an accelerated rate, and this might cause issues in the future.]
Zephyr clenched his fists. "So, what can I do now?"
"There are two options, Host," the System continued. [The first is to use a Bonding Crystal, which will strengthen your connection with Haunter and restore your control over it. This will also stabilize Haunter's emotions. However, it is important that you continue to monitor Haunter's power carefully from now on. If left unchecked, it will become unstable again.]
[The second option is a Control Device, which will force Haunter into submission. However, using it will break your bond with Haunter and only give you mechanical control. The device must be constantly upgraded as Haunter's strength increases, but it will not foster any trust or affection between you.]
Zephyr was silent for a moment, contemplating both choices. The first option would strengthen the bond between him and Haunter, which was important to him, but it meant he would need to be more cautious about Haunter's power. The second was a more immediate solution, but it would put a strain on their relationship.
With a deep breath, Zephyr made his decision. "I choose the first option. I want Haunter to be by my side, not controlled by some device. We'll grow stronger together."
The System beeped in acknowledgment. [Understood. Bonding Crystal selected. 50 points have been deducted from your balance.]
Zephyr held the Bonding Crystal out toward Haunter, and the Pokémon seemed to sense its energy. The crystal glowed brightly, and in moments, Haunter's chaotic aura returned to a calm state. It looked up at Zephyr, its eyes no longer filled with anger, but with a newfound trust.
Zephyr smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Haunter had calmed, and their bond had grown even stronger.
"Haunter," Zephyr said softly, "I'll never let you go. Together, we'll face whatever comes next."
Haunter let out a contented sound, rubbing against Zephyr affectionately as if to agree. It was a small gesture, but to Zephyr, it meant everything.
###
Yohohoho!
I'm back... Ugh, sorry for the sudden dissaperance... Actually, the MTL I had been getting... Had a major flaw, there was a missing chapter... So I was in the hunt for the Raw one that has the chapter.. and I finally found it...
Besides, I've got another good news, hehe! From now on, I'll be adding advance chaps of this fanfic on my Patreon!!! So be sure to check em out. As I'm someone that does translation quickly, I'll soon reach 10... 20 advance chaps so your money ain't going to waste !!!
👉Patreon.com/Tyrouge