The Sea God's Statue

"Shadow Ball," Johan's voice rang in Gengar's ears.

"Ka-kaah!!"

Gengar let out a sinister laugh, floating into the air. A pitch-black sphere materialized in its hands, pulling in Ghost-type energy from all around—including the remnants left behind by the Shedinja.

This was the Shadow Ball technique of the Elite Four Agatha's Gengar.

Dusknoir, having just recovered from Gengar's counterattack, prepared to strike back—but the moment it raised its fist, its eyes widened in shock.

A massive, swirling Shadow Ball loomed before it.

It gulped.

"Wait a second—this Shadow Ball… it's way too big!"

BOOM!!

The Shadow Ball crashed down. Dusknoir had no time to evade and was struck dead-on. The force of the explosion sent it flying, slamming into a tree before it collapsed to the ground—completely unconscious.

——

Elsewhere in the Forest

"Hmm?"

A group of Ninjask and Shedinja suddenly halted their movements.

They turned in unison toward the depths of the forest, their expressions blank as ever.

Something had happened.

Johan, still engaged in battle, felt a pulse through his Aura—Gengar had succeeded.

Good.

Without hesitation, he issued new orders.

"Ninetales."

The fox Pokémon flicked its tails elegantly, sending a shimmering wave of frost through the air.

"Oowoo~~"

The snowfall thickened, turning into a full-blown blizzard.

With the battlefield now in his control, Johan knew it was time to retreat.

"We're leaving!"

——

Half an hour later

Deep within the forest, a low, eerie wail echoed.

"Maaa!!!"

Dusknoir slowly regained consciousness.

It looked around, expecting to see Gengar still nearby—

But everything was gone.

The Shedinja, the Ninjask… and worst of all—

Its Dark Stones had been stolen!

Dusknoir trembled with rage.

That Gengar… had robbed it blind!

——

Glacia's Office

Johan returned, placing the ancient statue on Glacia's desk.

She raised an eyebrow.

"That was fast."

She had only given the mission to him that morning, yet he had completed it before the day was even over.

She had no idea how motivating Rare Candies were for Gengar and the others.

Not only had they just received a batch earlier, but Johan had also cooked with them.

When it came to food, Team Johan took things very seriously.

Satisfied, Johan pocketed the Rare Candy reward, then examined the statue.

"Looks old," he muttered. "Probably drifted up from some underwater ruins."

The statue emanated a faint oceanic aura, and deep within it, he could sense traces of Ghost-type energy—making the ruins theory even more plausible.

However, the statue's features were weathered beyond recognition. From its general shape, it appeared to depict a Pokémon, but which one was unclear.

"Underwater ruins, huh…" Glacia nodded thoughtfully.

She would need an expert to take a look.

Johan, sensing her intent, smiled.

"I can ask someone for you."

Taking out his phone, he snapped a picture of the statue and sent it directly to Cynthia.

If anyone in the Pokémon world could identify an ancient artifact, it was Cynthia—or her grandmother, Professor Carolina.

Her reply came shockingly fast.

[Eevee Eats Cabbage]: Where did you find this?

Johan briefly explained the situation.

[Eevee Eats Cabbage]: I think I've seen something similar before… but I can't quite recall. I'll need to check my records.

She had seen something like it before?

That meant the search wouldn't take long.

Cynthia was as reliable as ever.

Johan looked up—only to find Glacia staring at him with a mischievous, nosy glint in her eyes.

"..."

You're a member of the Elite Four. Act like it.

Glacia cleared her throat, quickly changing the subject.

"Well then, since you have connections, you might as well keep the statue for now."

"Me?" Johan raised an eyebrow.

Glacia nodded, completely serious.

"You're practically an honorary Elite Four member already. This thing doesn't seem that important—so why not?"

——

Sinnoh Region – Celestic Town

Cynthia stretched lazily on her sofa, still dressed in her pajamas.

Gothitelle let out a small whimper and scrunched up its nose. It had been enjoying a peaceful evening with Cynthia, only to have it disrupted.

And of course, it was because of ruins.

It knew there was no stopping her now.

The grievances piled up.

"Alright, alright," Cynthia chuckled, patting Gothitelle's head. "If we find something interesting, I'll bring you along."

Gothitelle's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I'll help!"

The two entered Cynthia's study, pulling out various books and records.

A short while later, Cynthia's voice echoed through the room—

"The Sea God…"

——

Sinnoh Region – Veilstone City

In a dimly lit room, Cyrus sat with his fingers interlocked, eyes narrowed in contemplation.

On the large screen before him, two figures appeared via video call.

One was Hunter J, the infamous Pokémon poacher.

The other was a man dressed as a pirate—an individual known as Captain Phantom.

Despite their apparent familiarity, there was no warmth between them.

"J, you're looking pretty rough these days," Phantom sneered.

Hunter J's expression remained indifferent.

"And you're in such great shape? Last I checked, the League's task force has been hunting you for months."

Both were wanted criminals—neither had the right to look down on the other.

"Tch. There are only two kinds of men in this world—"

"Enough."

Cyrus cut in coldly, silencing them both.

"I have the information you wanted."

Phantom's sneer vanished, replaced by sharp interest.

"Really?!"

Cyrus remained expressionless. "Just don't forget your end of the deal."

Phantom waved a dismissive hand. "Relax. A man's promise is worth more than gold!"

Cyrus, however, wasn't one to take empty words at face value.

"I'll be sending someone to assist you."

Phantom's expression darkened.

Was this help… or surveillance?

"You don't think I can handle this alone?"

Cyrus's voice remained steady. "Do you really think you can find what you're looking for… with just a few vague clues?"

A wicked grin stretched across Phantom's face.

"Fine by me. More hands make for lighter work."

Hunter J smirked knowingly.

She had been Phantom's adversary for years—she understood exactly what he was thinking.

But none of that mattered.

In the end, this was just a business deal.

Each of them had their own objectives.

Phantom had his.

Cyrus had his.

And she had hers.

"We meet at the usual place," Hunter J said coolly.

Phantom scoffed. "Hope you don't chicken out."

With that, he cut the transmission.

Hunter J and Cyrus exchanged a glance before ending their own call.

Cyrus leaned back, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.

"Saturn. Jupiter."

Two figures stepped forward from the shadows.

"Yes, sir!"

----------

Powerstones?

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