Kanto, Saffron City – Midsummer.
At noon, the sun blazed in the sky like a fireball, casting scorching heat upon the city. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, some seeking shelter under the eaves of buildings, while stylish young women carried parasols, strolling in light, breathable clothing that reflected the beauty of summer.
However, in a secluded alley of Saffron City, a starkly different scene unfolded.
Despite the sun's relentless rays, the alley remained unnaturally dark. A chilling aura spread through the area, creating an eerie atmosphere. A few Rattata, drawn by the unusual cold, crept cautiously to the entrance. The moment their whiskers twitched from the unnatural chill, their bodies stiffened in alarm. A second later, they scurried away as if they had encountered a terrifying monster.
"There's definitely something unusual here," came the low, slightly hoarse voice of a woman.
A tall, golden-haired woman stood at the entrance of the alley. Her expression remained calm and indifferent as she observed the shadowy passage ahead. She was Agatha, the future Ghost-type Elite Four of Kanto.
At this moment, however, she was not the old woman with a cane that most would come to know. Instead, she was in her forties, still in her prime, exuding an aura of strength and authority.
As she stepped forward, the darkness within the alley seemed to deepen, resisting her presence. Any ordinary person witnessing this bizarre phenomenon would have turned on their heels and fled. But Agatha was no ordinary person. She was a master of Ghost Pokémon, and eerie occurrences like these did not faze her.
Ignoring the unnatural gloom, she proceeded forward with careful steps, effortlessly avoiding the uneven bricks that jutted out from the cracked pavement. When she reached the alley's end, even she was caught by surprise at the sight before her.
It was not a dangerous Pokémon, nor a wanted criminal lurking in the shadows. Instead, a baby lay wrapped in soft swaddling, sleeping peacefully in the heart of the darkness. His fair skin starkly contrasted with the eerie surroundings, as though the sinister energy refused to taint him.
Agatha narrowed her eyes in contemplation. Before she could approach, dozens of glowing red eyes appeared within the shadows, staring at her with silent hostility.
She smiled faintly. "Oh? This is quite the unexpected sight."
The owners of these eyes revealed themselves—a gathering of Ghost and Dark-type Pokémon. Misdreavus, Haunter, Shuppet, Sableye… and even Murkrow and Houndoom.
Agatha remained unfazed by their menacing presence. These Pokémon formed a protective circle around the baby, growling softly as if warning her to stay away. Yet, despite their show of hostility, there was hesitation in their actions. They seemed unwilling to attack outright, restrained by an unspoken fear.
"Gengar, this is what caught your attention, isn't it? This child is what you sensed?" Agatha muttered.
As if in response, a shadow beneath her feet rippled, and a Gengar emerged, its wide grin revealing sharp fangs. It nodded in affirmation before unleashing an overwhelming pressure—the power of an Elite Pokémon.
The surrounding Pokémon trembled under Gengar's oppressive aura, their forms flickering as if they might dissipate into the darkness. Yet, despite their fear, they did not flee. They remained in place, resolute in their duty to protect the child.
Even for someone as experienced as Agatha, this was a remarkable sight. She carefully examined the baby, trying to discern what kind of power he held that compelled these Pokémon to guard him so fiercely.
"Gengar, tell them we mean no harm," she instructed.
At her command, Gengar waved its stubby arms, sending out waves of soothing energy. Slowly, the Ghost and Dark Pokémon lowered their guard, though their wary gazes remained fixed on Agatha.
With deliberate care, Agatha stepped forward and picked up the baby. Gengar, usually unfazed by anything, suddenly displayed an expression of concern.
"What's with that look?" Agatha scoffed. "I won't harm the child. Besides, in such a freezing environment, he's perfectly healthy. He's not as fragile as you think."
She inspected the baby in her arms. His features were soft and delicate, but his presence was oddly compelling. There was an unshakable stillness about him, even in his sleep.
Agatha sighed. Originally, she had come to Saffron City to cool off after another heated argument with Professor Samuel Oak over their differing ideologies. However, thanks to her Gengar's insistence, she had stumbled upon this child instead.
She had no plans to adopt him. She was a battle-hardened Elite Four member, not a caregiver. The orphanage would be the best place for him.
However, Gengar had other ideas.
The mischievous Pokémon floated beside her, waving its arms wildly in protest.
"You want me to raise him? Absolutely not! I don't have the time!"
Gengar's expression turned pitiful as it clutched its hands together, its eyes large and pleading.
"Don't give me that look," Agatha huffed. "It's not going to work!"
Gengar intensified its sad expression, even making sniffing noises for dramatic effect.
"Ugh... Fine! But let me make it clear—I'm not doing the hard work. You will be taking care of him!"
Satisfied, Gengar beamed, floating in circles around Agatha as she carried the baby out of the alley. The darkness that had consumed the area gradually faded away, as though it had never existed.
---
Sixteen Years Later
Viridian City – Nightfall.
Inside an old house on the outskirts of town, a young man sat in a chair, reading a book. His black hair and sharp black eyes reflected the dim glow of the flickering light above him. His face, illuminated softly by the lamp's glow, was undeniably handsome, with a calm and composed expression.
However, despite his sunny appearance, the atmosphere around him was anything but warm. The entire room, apart from the small circle of light where he sat, was shrouded in darkness. Multiple pairs of glowing red eyes peered from the shadows, watching him intently.
The "lamp" above his head was not a normal one—it was a Chandelure, its spectral flames casting an eerie yet strangely comforting glow. Several Litwick and Lampent floated nearby, adding to the haunting ambiance.
To any outsider, the sight of a Chandelure—a Pokémon known for consuming souls—looming over someone would be terrifying. Yet, the boy remained entirely unaffected, engrossed in his book as though he had long since adapted to such surroundings.
His name was Maen, the boy Agatha had found sixteen years ago.
And this was only the beginning of his story.
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