"Ghee!"
The light radiating from Haunter intensified, engulfing her form in a brilliant glow.
[Why's Haunter glowing?]
[Is that… evolution light?!]
[Oh right! Feng-ge said Pokémon evolve when their energy reaches a threshold. This must be it!]
[Evolutions are rare—so lucky to witness Haunter's!]
Her silhouette expanded—no longer just a head and floating hands, but a rounded, corporeal body taking shape. The light pulsed, then faded, revealing…
"GENGAR!"
The newly evolved Gengar let out a triumphant cry.
Hmm. (Not bad. Our ghost ranks gain a fierce warrior,) Dusknoir mused, nodding approvingly.
"Gengar~! (Feng, I did it!)"
Su Feng grinned. "Congrats, Haun—no, Gengar now."
"GENGAR!"
Overjoyed, Gengar lunged forward, wrapping her stubby arms around Su Feng in a crushing hug.
"Haha, I get it, but—can't breathe—"
Gengar immediately loosened her grip. "Ghee… (Sorry, Feng. Just… too happy.)"
She stared at her tiny, attached arms, crestfallen. As Haunter, her disembodied hands could float freely—hugging, even carrying Su Feng like a satellite. Now…
Su Feng crouched, patting her smooth, round head. "Don't be sad. Evolution means more power—new possibilities."
He pulled her into a gentle embrace. "If you can't hug me, I'll hug you."
Gengar's eyes shimmered as she carefully returned the hug.
"Let's journey together—write more chapters, Gengar."
"Ghee~"
[Gengar really loves Feng-ge…]
[Getting emotional over a hug… my heart…]
[Look at her—so round! So derpy!]
[Those crimson eyes, that cheeky grin—HOW IS THIS POKÉMON SO CUTE?!]
The tender moment was almost perfect—if not for Dusknoir noisily munching Poké Puffs from its belly like popcorn.
Hmm. (Touching. Truly.)
Su Feng sighed, releasing Gengar. "You found Lila. Why still here?"
Dusknoir pointed at Lila. Hmm? (Shouldn't you say goodbye? Shared adventures and all.)
Surprisingly considerate for a grim reaper.
Lila stepped forward. "Mr. Su… I did escape the spirit realm. Caused you and Dusknoir trouble." She bowed. "But thank you—for an adventure I'd never experience in that dull place."
A soft smile graced her ethereal features. "I'll prepare properly for my next life. Maybe… we'll meet again. Even if you won't remember me."
"Dusknoir, I'm ready."
[NOOOO DON'T TAKE HER!]
[Spirit realm?! Like… the afterlife?!]
[So Dusknoir's a ghost officer?! Can we tame one to visit the dead?!]
[This changes EVERYTHING—religions will EXPLODE.]
Dusknoir beamed. Hmm~ (Good. Reincarnation's the best path. Humans and ghosts don't mix.)
With a wave, Lila condensed into a soul-orb, stored inside Dusknoir's belly-maw.
Su Feng sighed. "Maybe in another life."
"Mr. Dusknoir, how do we leave this place?"
Hmm. (Easy.) "I rule this ghost ship. Nothing here escapes me."
"Rule?"
Hmm. (Like your human 'territorial Pokémon' concept.)
Su Feng's eyes lit up. Ah—a dungeon boss!
"Then please guide us out. I'll give more Poké Puffs."
Dusknoir sealed the jar shut, tucking it away. Hmm. (No.)
"Why?"
Hmm. (Because…) It leaned in, voice grave.
Hmm. (You're about to die.)
Su Feng: "?"