Outside the shimmering portal, the tension was suffocating. Jake's parents, David and Eva paced anxiously, their faces pale and strained, while Monika's mom, Rachel stood rigid, her eyes fixed on the portal's wavering surface. Nearby, Jake's grandparents, Joe and Anna exchanged worried glances, their usual composed demeanor replaced with raw fear. Around them, a crowd of royal guards and gym trainers stood on high alert, their Pokémon poised for action.
Massive dragons loomed among the guards' ranks: a Hydreigon gleamed in the moonlight, its heads watching with predatory eyes for any danger; a Goodra stood steadfast, its liquid-like body glistening as it emitted a low, protective hum; and a fearsome Noivern spread its wings wide, scanning the surroundings with its keen eyes. The gym trainers, led by Simon Bauer, commanded their powerful Ground-types, ready to face any threat. A hulking Rhyperior stomped the ground, its drill-like horn spinning menacingly, while a majestic Gliscor hovered beside it, wings buzzing with energy. Even a sturdy Gastrodon, slow but resolute, awaited its trainer's commands.
Suddenly, the portal shimmered violently, and out of the chaos emerged Jake, Frank, Monika, and four royal guards, all battered but alive. Their Pokémon followed, visibly exhausted yet standing tall—Salamence's, Flygon's and Charizard's wings drooped from strain.
Rachel let out a choked sob and dashed forward, pulling Monika into her arms as tears streamed down her face. She hugged her daughter tightly, as if she might vanish again at any moment.
"Monika, my baby girl," Rachel whispered, her voice trembling.
Eva ran to Jake, nearly tripping in her haste. She threw her arms around him, holding him as though she'd never let go. "Jake, oh my Arceus, you're safe," she said, her voice breaking. David joined her, hugging both his wife and son, his expression a mix of relief and anguish.
Meanwhile, Natalie, the leader of the rescue team, signaled to the other guards. One of them immediately contacted Baron Dvořák. In mere seconds, the baron materialized in a flash of light, teleported by his Gallade, whose eyes glowed faintly with psychic energy.
"Close the portal," Dvořák barked without hesitation.
The ghost Pokémon feeding the portal's energy instantly ceased their efforts, their glowing forms retreating into the shadows. Everyone watched as the portal began to collapse, its shimmering edges folding inward. The once-menacing gateway shrank smaller and smaller until it flickered out of existence, leaving nothing but silence and the faint smell of ozone.
Before the tension could dissipate, Rachel, her face flushed with fury, marched up to Baron Dvořák. Her hands trembled as she pointed an accusatory finger at him.
"How did this happen?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the quiet. "How was my daughter taken? She was in the gym! The gym, where there were supposed to be trainers everywhere! How does something like this happen under your watch?"
Dvořák remained silent, his face an unreadable mask. Rachel stepped closer, her anger boiling over.
"And another thing—four guards? Only four guards to rescue her? That's all that could go? My daughter was in the Distortion World, for Mew's sake!" Her voice cracked, but her fury did not waver. "Do you even understand the risks they faced? Do you understand what could have happened?"
Dvořák's cold, calculating eyes bore into Rachel's as she vented her fury. When she paused for breath, he calmly raised his hand, his authoritative gesture silencing her momentarily.
"Mrs. Prochazka," he began, his voice steady but firm. "The royal guards have one mission: to keep the royal family safe. You are fortunate that four of them could be spared to go and rescue your daughter. That decision was not made lightly."
Rachel's nostrils flared, her anger far from abating. "Fortunate?" she spat. "Don't you dare lecture me about fortunate. My daughter could have died!" But as her voice rose again, she abruptly shifted her rage toward the gym leader. "And you, Simon!" She took a step toward him, still clutching Monika tightly. "How could this have happened? Where were your trainers when my daughter was taken? How is it possible that no one was here to stop this?!"
Simon Bauer, the gym leader, flinched under her fiery gaze. He lowered his head, his usual commanding presence nowhere to be seen. "I… I'm sorry," he mumbled, his voice barely audible. "I should have—"
"Sorry?!" Rachel's voice cracked with indignation. "Sorry doesn't fix this!"
Before anyone could intervene, Rachel called out her Starmie. The pink, shimmering Pokémon materialized at her side, its core gem glowing softly. "Patrick, Teleport us home. Now."
Starmie's gem pulsed brighter, but after a moment, the glow fizzled, and it stayed in place, unable to act. Rachel frowned and gritted her teeth. "What's going on?"
Dvořák stepped forward, his expression still unreadable. With a subtle gesture, his Gallade moved to his side, its psychic energy humming faintly in the air. "Mrs. Prochazka," he said, his tone calm but unyielding, "your daughter, your husband, and your nephew were just in another dimension—the Distortion World. I strongly recommend that all of you undergo professional examination. A medical expert specializing in distortion exposure from Pragengrad is already on his way here."
Rachel's jaw tightened, and she opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Frank interjected. "Much appreciated. Thank you," he said wearily, his voice hoarse but sincere.
Rachel turned to him, her fury dimming just slightly in the face of his exhaustion. "Fine," she said grudgingly. "But we're coming with you."
Dvořák gave a curt nod and turned to Natalie and the other three guards who had accompanied the rescue mission. "This is mandatory for you four as well," he ordered.
"Sir, with all due respect, we're fine. We—" Natalie began, but Dvořák cut her off with a sharp look.
"That's an order, Captain. If you don't comply, you will be suspended from duty until further notice. Understood?"
Natalie hesitated, glancing at her fellow guards, then nodded reluctantly. "Understood, sir."
Dvořák pulled out his phone, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. "The doctor has just arrived at the local hospital," he announced, sliding the phone back into his pocket. His gaze swept over the group, lingering briefly on Rachel. "If everyone has calmed down," he added pointedly, "we should not keep him waiting."
Before anyone could respond, Gallade's eyes began to glow with a soft blue light. In an instant, the entire group—Rachel and Monika, Frank, Jake, his parents, the royal guards, and Dvořák—was surrounded by a shimmering psychic aura. The world around them blurred, and with a flash of light, they vanished, leaving the silent gym behind.
The medical examinations began almost immediately after the group arrived at the local hospital. Leading the effort was Dr. Hibbert, an expert on the Distortion World, a pale-skinned, middle-aged man with graying blond hair and sharp, analytical eyes. His manner was professional and efficient, a person who knew what to do. He methodically assessed each person for any lingering effects of the Distortion World's energy, paying particular attention to Monika and Jake due to their young ages.
"Good news everyone," Dr. Hibbert announced after several hours with a chuckle, "none of you are showing any severe physical aftereffects. However, I strongly recommend a few days of rest. The body and mind need time to process such experiences."
Next, they were introduced to Dr. Crane, the psychologist brought in to assist with the mental toll of the ordeal. Dr. Crane, a poised and empathetic woman in her forties, had auburn hair tied back in a neat bun and wore glasses that accentuated her intelligent, steady gaze. Her soft-spoken demeanor belied a steely resolve and deep understanding of trauma.
"For the children," Dr. Crane explained, "it will be crucial to address the emotional impact of what they witnessed. Scenes involving death, whether of humans or Pokémon, leave impressions that can manifest in unexpected ways later on."
Jake and Monika exchanged nervous glances as their parents listened attentively.
Dr. Hibbert interjected, "I'll be conducting follow-ups to ensure there are no delayed physical effects from your time in the Distortion World. But for now, your main focus should be on recovery and family support."
Dr. Crane nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Monika and Jake, we'll schedule some sessions together to talk about everything. It won't be scary—just a chance to help you both feel better about what happened."
Monika clung to Rachel's hand but gave a small nod. Jake, though hesitant, managed a weak smile when Eva squeezed his hand reassuringly.
Dr. Crane was finishing her explanation of the therapeutic plan for Jake and Monika when Dr. Hibbert interjected. "I'll also monitor their physical well-being over the coming weeks. Exposure to the distortion world can sometimes leave lingering effects, even if none are immediately visible. If you notice anything unusual—physical weakness, sudden changes in behavior—please inform me right away."
Eva nodded, gripping David's hand. "We will. Thank you."
Before more could be said, a rapid knock echoed through the room. Everyone turned as the door creaked open, revealing Simon Bauer, the local gym leader. His usually confident posture was subdued, and his face was tight with unease.
"You," Rachel snapped, stepping forward as anger flared in her eyes. "What nerve do you have showing up here? Do you even understand what your negligence caused?"
Simon held up his hands, palms open in surrender. "I'm not here to argue, Rachel. I came—"
"You came to what?" Rachel interrupted, her voice rising. "Explain how my daughter got dragged into that hellhole from your gym? You're supposed to run a safe place for trainers, not a gateway to some nightmare place!"
"I know," Simon said quietly, his gaze dropping. "You're absolutely right. It's my fault."
Rachel blinked, taken aback by his lack of resistance. "You… You're just admitting it? No excuses, no explanations?"
"No excuses," Simon said, his voice calm but heavy with guilt. "It was my responsibility, and I failed."
Rachel's anger faltered, replaced by confusion. "Then why are you here? What could you possibly want?"
Simon straightened slightly, his hands lowering. "To apologize," he said simply. "And to thank you."
"Thank us?" Frank echoed, his exhaustion giving way to curiosity.
"What?" Rachel asked, her tone sharp but uncertain now.
Simon reached into his coat, prompting a ripple of tension in the room. As he withdrew a small, gleaming object wrapped in black cloth, shadows flickered at the edges of the room. Eva and Frank instinctively tensed as the shapes near their feet shimmered and shifted.
From Eva's shadow emerged Decidueye, its tall, lean form silent and imposing, its sharp eyes fixed on the object in Simon's hand. The Ghost- and Grass-type's green feathers rustled faintly, as though stirred by an unseen wind.
From Frank's shadow materialized Houndstone, its skeletal form crouched low, eyes glowing faintly as it growled softly, a deep, resonant sound that carried a mix of curiosity and warning.
"What is that?" Eva asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze darting between Simon and the Pokémon.
Simon took a careful step forward, holding the wrapped object out toward the Pokémon. "It's for them," he said. "Without Decidueye and Houndstone's quick thinking, the portal would have closed before Monika could be saved. This... is a gift."
Rachel crossed her arms, still skeptical. "And what exactly is it?"
Simon carefully unwrapped the cloth, revealing two polished, translucent stones that pulsed faintly with an inner light. Both Decidueye and Houndstone stepped closer, their attention fully captured.
"Soul Gems," Simon explained. "They're quite rare and resonates with the essence of Ghost-types. I thought… they deserved something as a thank-you for what they did."
The room was silent for a moment, the tension easing as everyone processed his words. Rachel finally sighed, her anger dissipating into reluctant acceptance. "Fine. But this doesn't make up for what happened. You need to do better."
"I will," Simon promised, his voice firm. "This was a failure on my part, and I'll make sure nothing like it happens again."
Decidueye and Houndstone both reached out, their movements measured and reverent, as if understanding the significance of the gem. As their touches connected with the stone, the light within it brightened momentarily before fading into a calm glow. Then both Pokémon started to shine and they began to emit a white aura for a few seconds, before the light fade as well.
Eva, her voice soft, asked, "What happens now?"
Simon straightened, his usual confidence beginning to return. "Now, I make amends, and you help your children heal. That's all any of us can do."
Simon left quietly, the echoes of his apology and explanation lingering in the room. The parents exchanged glances, still processing the events, when Jake's voice broke the silence.
"What just happened?" he asked, sitting up on his bed. "And why did Maya and Goofy shine like that?"
David, curious as well, pulled out his phone and opened his Pokédex app. "Let's find out," he said, scanning Decidueye and Houndstone. His eyes widened slightly as the results loaded.
===
Decidueye
Level: 60 to 65
Name: Maya
Gender: Female
Type: Grass / Ghost
Affinity: Grass (Full), Ghost (Full), Flying (Expert)
Moves: Phantom Force (56 to 60), Take Down (55), Light Screen (52), Sunny Day (53), Confuse Ray (50 to 60), Hex (56), Growl (49), Leafage (48), Spirit Shackle (58 to 65), Shadow Sneak (52), Razor Leaf (53), Synthesis (42), Nasty Plot (54), Sucker Punch (55), Feather Dance (49), Brave Bird (59 to 65), Leaf Blade (57), Poltergeist (58 to 60), Low Kick (45), Air Cutter (43), Aura Sphere (38 to 48), Frenzy Plant (47 to 50), Grassy Terain (53), Roost (55)
Abilities:
Overgrow – With low health, Decidueye's Grass-type moves are powered up
Long Reach – Decidueye uses its moves without making contact with the target
Weak to: Flying, Ghost, Fire, Ice
Immune to: Normal, Fighting
Resistant to: Ground, Water, Grass, Electric
Weakness removed: Dark
===
Houndstone
Level: 59 to 64
Name: Goofy
Gender: Male
Type: Ghost
Affinity: Dark (Full), Ground (Beginner)
Moves: Lick (58 to 64), Tackle (52), Bite (54 to 58), Dig (51), Sandstorm (50 to 55), Play Rough (55), Headbutt (55), Shadow Ball (56 to 64), Phantom Force (44), Charm (40 to 49), Double-edge (39), Protect (36 to 46), Confuse Ray (50), Hex (51), Bulldoze (46), Mud Shot (40), Psychic Fangs (35), Will-O-Wisp (33 to 36), Disable (30)
Abilities:
Sand Rush – Boosts Houndstone's speed in a sandstorm
Fluffy – Halves the damage taken from moves that make direct contact, but double that of Fire-type moves
Weak to: (Ghost, Dark)
Immune to: Normal, Fighting
Resistant to: Poison, Bug
Weakness Removed: Ghost, Dark
===
"Well," David started, "it looks like both Maya and Goofy increased their power up by five levels." He scrolled further. "Their moves improved too. For example Maya's Spirit Shackle and Brave Bird is now more powerful, and Goofy managed to get rid of its weakness to Dark-type energy. That's incredible!"
"Wow! That was some gift!" Frank said appreciatively, leaning down to pat his Houndstone on the head. Goofy wagged its skeletal tail enthusiastically, letting out a low, joyful howl.
Rachel arched an eyebrow. "A Soul Gem does all that?"
"It's rare and incredibly potent," David explained, still examining the data. "Not to mention that they are very expensive. It's kind of cheating, levelling up your Pokémon without the usual training. It was really kingly gift."
Eva smiled faintly, watching the Pokémon bask in their newfound strength. "Well, they certainly deserve it. Without them..." she left the sentence unfinished and looked at her exhausted niece.
Jake grinned, sitting cross-legged on the bed. "Maya and Goofy are so cool! I mean, they even kept a portal open! That's, like, superhero level."
Frank chuckled, ruffling Jake's hair. "That they are, buddy. And it's good to see you smiling again."
Several days passed, and the children began to adjust to their new routine.
Today, Monika and Jake were back at Dr. Crane's office for another session. Monika sat on the plush chair, her legs swinging slightly as she described her abductor.
"He looked like a scarecrow," she said, her voice firm despite a faint shiver. "All skinny and strange. And his arms… they were missing parts. It was so creepy."
Jake sat quietly, listening with wide eyes, when a knock at the door interrupted them.
Dr. Crane stood, smoothing her blouse. "One moment," she said, moving to open the door. Her expression flickered with surprise as she found Prince Charles standing there, flanked by his royal guards.
"Y-your Highness," she stammered, inclining her head in a quick bow.
"Dr. Crane," Charles said with a polite nod, his expression earnest. "May I speak with Monika and Jake?"
Crane hesitated but quickly nodded. "Of course." She stepped aside, gesturing him in before slipping out of the room.
Charles entered, his tall frame seeming to take up most of the space, and looked at the two children. He sighed deeply. "I'm sorry about the distortion world," he began. "We still don't know why the Sleepers were in the gym. Are you two alright?"
Monika nodded, her tone sharp. "Yeah. But your guards better take care of them. I don't want to repeat that!"
Charles gave a small, tired smile. "Well, there's a bit of a problem with that. The guards said they could only control their Pokémon because you were with them, Jake. Without you… I'm not sure they can even attempt an attack on the distortion world right now."
Jake opened his mouth to respond, but Monika was quicker.
"Okay, but that means they're still there, and they can attack again!" she shot back. "What if they take you next time?"
Charles chuckled softly, his attempt to lighten the mood. "They gave me even more guards since that day."
"But what about us?" Jake finally spoke, his voice filled with concern.
Charles exhaled and looked at him directly. "I've already given your parents something to help. The scientists in Pragengrad developed something to cover the mirrors or other shiny surfaces—something that should stop anyone from opening a portal to that world."
"And it works?" Monika asked skeptically, her brow furrowed.
Charles shrugged. "There haven't been any new attacks so far, so…"
"That could just be a coincidence," Monika pressed.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Charles admitted with a reluctant sigh. "But that's not what's important right now. I came here to say goodbye to you. And… I'm sorry if my presence brought these problems into your lives."
Monika leaned forward, her gaze steady. "But, your Highness… I mean, Charlie," she corrected herself quickly, "one of those people attacked the Ranch before you even got there. They don't want you."
"Yeah," Jake added quietly, his voice trembling. "I think they want my dad."
Charles frowned. "Why do you think that?"
Jake hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing. "We met… some very old Pokémon. It told us that the people with moons will hunt my dad. And…"
He faltered, his voice shaking as he struggled to say the next part.
"Go on," Monika encouraged, nudging him. "You talked about it with me already."
Jake inhaled deeply. "The Pokémon said my dad can be saved if he goes with you. Can you save him somehow? Can you take him with you?"
Charles was taken aback. He'd grown to admire David Lindenberg's unique approach and straightforwardness during their time together.
"That's…" prince paused, considering his words carefully. "I don't know. I'd have to speak with my father or grandfather about it."
The room fell silent as the weight of Jake's words lingered, uncertainty hanging thick in the air.
Charles sighed softly, glancing between Jake and Monika. "My time at the Lindenberg Ranch is up," he said. "I'm leaving now, but I wanted to wish both of you the very best personally. You're both stronger than you realize. I hope we meet again soon."
He turned his gaze to Jake, his expression serious. "Jake, I promise I'll ask about your request. I can't make any promises, but I'll do what I can."
"Thank you," Jake replied quietly, his voice filled with both hope and uncertainty.
Monika stood up, her arms crossed. "Good luck, Charlie. And take care of yourself. We don't want to hear about you getting caught by those Sleepers."
Charles chuckled lightly, giving her a small bow. "I'll try my best. And you two… stay brave."
"Bye, Prince Charles," Jake said with a small wave.
"Goodbye, Your Highness," Monika added firmly, watching as he turned to leave the room.
As the door closed behind him, the room fell into a contemplative silence, the weight of everything they'd experienced settling over them.
Monika sat cross-legged on the hospital bed, swinging her legs in thought. "Do you think Prince Charles liked the Ranch?" she asked, her tone curious.
Jake, leaning back against the pillows, stared at the ceiling. "I think so. He said he learned a lot. But… I don't get why he didn't stay longer. Do you think he ever gets to just… play? Like us?"
Monika shook her head, her expression serious. "Probably not. He's a prince. He has guards with him all the time. They won't let him just run around like us."
Jake frowned. "Yeah, but remember that one time? When we talked to him on the benches? He acted like a normal kid then. Not all formal and serious like usual."
Monika nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah. He seemed like he was having fun for once. But that's not gonna happen often. Being a prince means you've got way more rules."
Jake sighed. "That must be hard. I wonder if he wishes he could live like normal people sometimes."
Before Monika could reply, the door creaked open, and Dr. Crane stepped in with a warm smile. "Hey, kids," she said gently. "I overheard some of your conversation. Can I ask you something? When you think about Prince Charles's visit, what's one moment that stands out to you the most? Maybe something that surprised you or made you feel happy—or even worried?"
The cousins exchanged a glance, both of them remembering the prince's rare moment of playfulness. Monika spoke up first, her voice thoughtful. "He was different when we were just talking, not like a prince. That was nice."
Jake nodded. "Yeah, but I also feel kinda bad for him. I don't think he gets to just be a kid much."
"Imagine a world where everything is possible. Now, in this world, would you like to trade place with him?" the doctor asked with a curious expression.
"Hell no!" Monika bursted out so quickly, she made both the doctor and Jake laugh.