Just as the tension reached its peak, Feng Che's shadow suddenly elongated, and within the darkness, a pair of crimson eyes snapped open. A Gengar materialized, seeping out from the ground like liquid shadow.
"It's you?" Feng Che recognized the Elite-level Gengar immediately.
"I tried to capture this Gengar several times," Agatha said with a surprised laugh, "but it always escaped using its superior Shadow Meld. To think it actually chose you... Very well, let my Pokémon face your Gengar."
The Gengar looked at Feng Che sheepishly, like a child who had been caught hiding.
[Its concealment is incredible,] Mewtwo transmitted, genuinely shocked. [It managed to block my telepathic detection. Such a powerful Gengar chose to follow you? You've gained an Elite-level ally, Feng Che.]
Feng Che remembered the Gengar from the Pokémon Tower in Lavender Town. "Gengar, I don't know why you chose me, but I promise you won't be lonely anymore. From now on, let's win together." He reached out his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, the Gengar placed its chubby purple hand in his.
"Go, Banette!" Agatha tossed her Poké Ball.
Pokémon: Banette Level: 73 Type: Ghost Aptitude: Epic (Cyan) Status: Full of Grudges
The doll-like Pokémon cackled with a voice like a rusty saw. "Banette, Shadow Ball!"
Banette charged a massive orb of dark energy, but suddenly its hands froze. Gengar was standing in Banette's shadow, using Shadow Stitching.
"Impressive talent," Agatha noted. "Banette, detonate the Shadow Ball in your own hands!"
BOOM! The explosion filled the room with thick black mist. Gengar retreated into the floor, popping its head out elsewhere, wiping sweat from its brow with a "that was close" expression. Meanwhile, the Banette lay on the ground like a discarded rag—but its zipper was open.
[Feng Che, the physical body is a decoy,] Mewtwo warned. [The grudge itself is the entity. It's hiding in the mist.]
"Gengar, hide in your own shadow! Use a Substitute!" Feng Che commanded telepathically.
The mist swirled, and a black nail—a Curse—pierced the Gengar on the field. The Gengar on the field shattered into smoke, and a scream echoed from the mist. The Curse had backfired because Banette had struck a decoy. In the Ghost world, failing a Curse costs the user half their stamina.
"Found you! Shadow Ball!"
Gengar emerged from the floor, launching a point-blank blast at the concentrated mist. Agatha's temper flared as she realized her veteran tactics were being outplayed. "Banette, Night Shade!"
A towering, demonic silhouette of Banette rose from the darkness, eyes glowing with malice. Gengar flinched, falling into a Flinch state from the sheer pressure.
"Now! Phantom Force!" Agatha shouted.
"Gengar, you too! Phantom Force!"
Both Pokémon vanished into the Spirit Realm. When they reappeared, the battle reached its climax. Banette lunged with Shadow Claw, but Gengar slammed its hands onto the ground, causing dozens of shadow claws to erupt from Banette's own shadow, pinning the doll to the floor.
"Finish it! Shadow Ball!"
A two-meter wide orb of darkness slammed into Banette. Agatha tried a final Giga Impact, but the explosion was too much. Banette fainted, and Gengar was blown into the corner, panting but victorious.
"You win, Feng Che," Agatha said, recalling her Pokémon. "I've already processed your appointment. Congratulations, young Leader of the Viridian Gym."
"Thank you, Elite Agatha. I will protect Viridian City," Feng Che replied.
Suddenly, the heavy doors were kicked open. President Goodshow (Damarane) marched in, flanked by Brock, Misty, Erika, and a squad of League Inspectors.
"Agatha! I do not approve of this boy becoming the Viridian Gym Leader!" Goodshow shouted, his face flushed with rage.
This old man again? Feng Che thought, annoyed. What is he up to now?
"The Elite Four has reached a consensus," Agatha replied coldly. "The appointment is already official. By what right do you interfere? He passed all three trials fairly. To revoke it now would destroy the League's credibility."
Goodshow's eyes narrowed. He had wanted to put his own puppet in that position, and Agatha had bypassed him. "I have my reasons. I received a secret report... Feng Che is an undercover agent for Team Rocket! I am taking him into custody for investigation."
The Inspectors surged forward.
A secret report? Feng Che's heart sank. Is there a traitor in Team Rocket? Or did someone from the base talk?
"Hagen, Blaze," Goodshow turned to the new Elites. "Didn't you say his background was suspicious?"
Hagen and Blaze looked at each other. They knew Goodshow was forcing them to pick a side. But they had already been won over by Feng Che's strength and Agatha's leadership.
"I see no problem with him," Blaze said firmly. "Neither do I," Hagen added.
Goodshow's face turned from red to purple. "Fine! If you won't listen to reason, the evidence will speak for itself! Inspectors, seize him!"