After some searching, Raj finally found Ash and the others at the Pokémon Center and joined them.
"Ah, Raj, are you alright? I heard you were attacked by Team Rocket and were badly injured," Misty said with a worried expression.
"Didn't Raj defeat them? It was even on the news, and look, he's completely fine now. Misty, you don't need to worry anymore," Brock said calmly.
"I'm fine. I just came back after getting the Golden Badge. What's wrong with you guys? Why does Ash look so depressed? Did something happen?" Raj asked as if he did not know anything.
"Sigh, it's all because of that Psychic Gym Leader. Ash lost to her, and the three of us were turned into dolls and almost couldn't escape. It was really annoying," Misty said angrily.
"No matter what, she's a Psychic-type Gym Leader. Her strength shouldn't be underestimated," Brock said.
Looking at Ash's troubled expression, Raj thought about the task the system had given him, which was to help Ash grow as quickly as possible. Maybe in the future, Raj could even rely on Ash.
After all, in this world, Ash was destined to become a very strong Trainer. History would continue to move forward, and Ash's future achievements would still exist.
It would be better to help him along the way and build goodwill now, so that even if Raj's identity as a member of Team Rocket was exposed later, things would be easier.
Thinking of this, Raj carefully recalled the anime storyline and looked at Ash.
"Ash, I know there's a place nearby called Lavender Town where Ghost-type Pokémon live. If you catch one or two, you should be able to counter Sabrina's Psychic powers," Raj said as he patted Ash's shoulder.
"Really? If I catch one, I can defeat Sabrina?" Ash's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Of course. Why would I lie to you? The reason I defeated Sabrina was because I have a Haunter," Raj said with a confident smile.
"Alright, I'm definitely going to catch a Ghost-type Pokémon in Lavender Town," Ash said as he immediately rushed outside.
"Hey Ash, you're going the wrong way. It's over there," Misty shouted.
Brock and Raj both shook their heads helplessly.
On their way to Lavender Town, a thick fog suddenly covered the forest.
"The fog is getting thicker. Everyone stay close. If we get separated, we might not be able to leave this forest," Raj said as he looked around carefully.
"I really don't want us to become ghosts before we even catch a Ghost-type Pokémon," Misty said with a frown.
"I think it's better if everyone holds hands. That way we won't get lost," Raj suggested.
"Alright, that works," Brock agreed.
As they continued walking, night gradually fell.
Soon, a tall tower appeared in front of them. It looked extremely eerie and unsettling.
"Ash, hurry up and catch a Ghost-type Pokémon," Misty said.
"The rest of us will wait for you here," Brock said with a smile.
"Huh? What are you talking about? Didn't we agree to go together and catch Ghost-type Pokémon together?" Ash asked in confusion.
"You're not scared, are you, Ash?" Misty asked with a teasing smile.
"It's fine, Ash. I'll go with you. I already have Haunter, so there's nothing to be afraid of," Raj said with a laugh.
He honestly found it funny that the three of them, who were supposed to be the main characters of the anime, were actually afraid of ghosts.
Upstairs inside the tower, Jessie, James, and Meowth were watching Raj and the others through a window.
"They're here. Those little brats finally showed up."
"All our effort rushing here has finally paid off."
"This time we must capture that brat Raj's Pokémon, Meowth."
James had just turned around and taken a few steps when the floor beneath him suddenly collapsed and he fell straight down.
"What are you doing, James? Are you okay?" Jessie shouted downward.
At that moment, a Gastly woke up, yawned, and slowly floated out.
Meowth became so frightened that his mouth opened wide and his whole body started trembling with sweat.
"Meowth, what are you doing? Why is your mouth open so wide? Didn't we just eat dinner?" Jessie asked in confusion.
"Behind you, Meowth," Meowth said while trembling and pointing behind Jessie.
"Huh? Behind me? What's behind me?" Jessie turned around but saw nothing.
"There's nothing there. What are you doing?" Jessie said impatiently.
"Did it disappear?" Meowth wondered if he had imagined it.
Suddenly, Gastly appeared again and landed directly on Jessie's head.
"Meowth, are you acting silly because you're sleepy?" Jessie said.
Meowth screamed in fear and instinctively slashed forward with his claws, leaving three bloody scratch marks on Jessie's face.
Jessie touched her face and shouted angrily, "Ah that hurts. Don't you know a face is an actress's life, Meowth?"
She immediately pulled out a large iron hammer and smashed Meowth, sending him flying.
After bouncing several times on the ground, Meowth also fell into the same hole James had fallen into earlier.
"What the heck is going on?" Jessie muttered as she took out a small mirror to check her face.
"How unlucky. Three scratch marks."
Suddenly, Gastly appeared again inside the mirror's reflection, making it look like Jessie had a Gastly head.
Jessie screamed in terror and also fell into the hole, landing directly on top of James and Meowth.
"I'm sorry, James," Jessie said as the three of them continued falling deeper while screaming together.
Outside the tower, Misty heard the noise and said nervously, "It sounds like strange screams are coming from inside."
"Those are the voices of people wandering in the abyss of hell," Brock said seriously.
"Is that so?" Ash asked uncertainly.
"That can't be right. These screams actually sound familiar, like I've heard them somewhere before," Raj said thoughtfully, though he still felt curious.
"Thinking about it now won't help. Ash, let's go inside quickly," Raj said as he pulled Ash toward the tower entrance.
...
📢 Author's Note
Part 1 of Pokémon: Rise of the Dark Trainer! is now completed and available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
✅ Part 1 Complete — 100+ Chapters
Join Raj on his journey through the Pokémon world as he gains the mysterious Strongest Villain System, captures terrifying Pokémon, and walks the path toward becoming the most feared villain in history.
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
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2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
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5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
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Thank you all for your continued support and happy reading! 💙