"It seems that not every Ghost-type Pokémon that feeds on life energy leaves something behind after death."
After a thorough inspection, Ron confirmed that the Trevenant—its body as withered as dead branches—was completely lifeless. Unlike the Gengar from before, it had not left behind a special Pokémon Egg upon being defeated.
That didn't matter, though. With people like Anda around, Ron had plenty of resources at his disposal.
Now, the question was how to deal with all these Ghost-type Pokémon.
Simply releasing them wasn't an option. If so many Ghost-types scattered all at once, some might harbor resentment toward humans due to the oppression they had suffered under Trevenant. That could lead to reckless, vengeful actions.
After some thought, Ron came up with a decent idea—one inspired by Lavender Town. He would build a Pokémon Tower here to provide these Ghost-types with a place to reside.
"You've been living under Trevenant's oppression, unable to exert your true strength. And I doubt you'd be willing to coexist with other Pokémon or humans."
"My proposal is to build a sanctuary for you here—a place where you can survive. With your combined strength, you should be able to fend off the wild Pokémon in the area.
"Even if humans try to challenge you, I doubt they'd dare go too far.
"Of course, to be on the safe side, I think it would be best to construct your home a little farther from this place. What do you think?"
After deliberating, Ron voiced his idea.
Thanks to Gardevoir translating, there was no concern that Dusknoir and the others wouldn't understand.
"They say they need to discuss it first before giving an answer."
After conveying Dusknoir's response, Gardevoir quietly awaited Ron's reply.
"No problem. This is just a suggestion. But let me warn you—if you choose the same path as Trevenant, I won't be so lenient. And remember, among humans, there are plenty of trainers far stronger than me."
Hearing Ron's warning, the Dusknoir and the other Ghost-types all nodded.
The fact that Ron had defeated Trevenant was proof enough of his strength. The idea that there were even stronger trainers and Pokémon out there was something the Ghost-types could barely fathom.
After a brief discussion, most of the Ghost-type Pokémon agreed to the idea of building a new home. Only a small number of them wished to leave, eager to escape this nightmare-filled place.
"I respect your choice, but remember—if you follow in Trevenant's footsteps, the only thing waiting for you is death!"
Hearing Ron's suddenly stern tone, the Ghost-types nodded in unison, then quickly fled as if escaping a terrifying presence.
"Alright, everyone, let's go find a suitable place for your new home."
At Ron's call, the Ghost-types—led by three Dusknoir—did not move immediately. Instead, as if coming to a decision, a shadow flickered past.
The strongest of the Dusknoir approached Ron, carrying a dark purple crystal, gleaming like a shard of the night itself.
The other Ghost-type Pokémon followed suit, gathering the resources they had scavenged from Anda and the others, placing them alongside the mysterious crystal before Ron.
"What is this?"
Picking up the fist-sized purple-black crystal, Ron curiously questioned Dusknoir.
Sensing this, Gardevoir used her telepathy and Psychic abilities to establish temporary communication between Ron and Dusknoir.
After taking a moment to adjust to Gardevoir's power, Dusknoir began explaining.
"This dark crystal has been here since before Trevenant arrived.
"It is said that Trevenant's rapid growth wasn't just due to absorbing life energy—this crystal played a significant role as well.
"According to Trevenant, this object is called a Nether Crystal. It can help Ghost-type Pokémon rapidly increase their strength.
"However, I have never used it myself, so I cannot confirm if this is true."
Hearing Dusknoir's explanation, Ron's eyes gleamed with excitement.
Even the Gengar lurking within Ron's shadow seemed to react, as if catching the scent of something irresistibly enticing.
If not for Ron's prior instructions, Gengar might have already leaped out to claim the crystal.
"Thank you for this. I'll accept the Nether Crystal. Now, let's set out and find the perfect place for your new home."
After a brief hesitation, Ron ultimately did not refuse.
After all, the reason he came to the Hoenn region was to strengthen his Gengar and the others. Now that a Nether Crystal was within reach, how could he not be tempted?
"Thank you for your help."
Seeing Ron accept the Nether Crystal, the Dusknoir instead showed a satisfied smile.
With Gardevoir's psychic scanning ability, it didn't take long to locate a secluded area. Soon, Machamp and the others, along with the Dusknoir and the rest of the Ghost-type Pokémon, got to work—preparing to construct a Pokémon Tower.
At first, Ron had planned to build a towering structure. However, considering that a structure too tall might attract unnecessary attention, he decided to lower its height and construct multiple towers instead, providing ample shelter for the Dusknoir and its kind.
With Machamp and the others being experienced builders, and the sheer number of Ghost-type Pokémon assisting, it only took half a day before two smaller Pokémon Towers were completed.
As the alluring aroma of roasted food filled the air, bonfires were lit, and the ingredients gathered by Machamp and the others were carefully prepared by Ron before being set over the flames.
After enjoying a delicious lunch, Machamp and the group resumed their work in the afternoon. By nightfall, following the positioning of a hexagram, they had successfully built six Pokémon Towers. Rather than leaving immediately, Ron decided to stay the night.
Under the cover of darkness, wisps of black mist slowly rose from the ground. Resting quietly on the forest floor was a small, emerald-green object resembling a seed.
"You all must live well here. I hope no humans or Pokémon will come to disturb you again."
The next morning, as Ron prepared to continue his journey, he bid farewell to Dusknoir and the others.
Dusknoir nodded firmly, as did the other Ghost-types. Even without Ron saying it outright, they knew how precious this newfound peace was.
As Ron disappeared into the distance, the Ghost-types retreated into their newly built Pokémon Towers.
For them, this dark, eerie forest had truly become home.
Deeper in the forest, a battered and bruised Pumpkaboo—one that should have belonged to the Kalos region—stumbled its way forward.
It wandered aimlessly, eventually collapsing in the very area where Machamp had previously defeated a Trevenant.
As it lay weakly on the ground, a glimmer of emerald green appeared before its eyes.
Suddenly, an indescribable hunger surged within it. Without hesitation, the Pumpkaboo swallowed the strange green seed whole.
In the next moment, thick black mist enveloped its body before vanishing as quickly as it came.
Pumpkaboo fell unconscious where it lay.
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