Pokemon: I’m going to be a Dark type master

The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the tranquil pond near Lavender Town. The water's surface was still, broken only by the occasional ripple as Magikarp or Goldeen stirred beneath. The air smelled of damp earth and fresh grass, mingled with the faint scent of burning incense that wafted from the tower in the distance.

David sat with his back against an old oak tree, his fishing pole propped up beside him, the line disappearing into the water. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves above, carrying with it the distant chirping of Pidgey and the occasional haunting cry of a wandering Misdreavus. Gastly hovered nearby, its wispy form shifting like a shadow in the dimming light. The ghost Pokémon had become his closest friend in the past two years, a mischievous yet loyal companion that never left his side.

David let out a slow breath, enjoying the stillness. This place, more than anywhere else, gave him peace. Away from the grueling training, the endless drills, and the suffocating weight of his own nightmares, he could simply exist. He closed his eyes, listening to the rhythmic lapping of water against the bank.

Gastly, however, was growing impatient. It hovered over the fishing pole, its round eyes narrowing as it watched the line bob without a single bite. With an impish grin, it flicked its gaseous body through the pole, sending the line quivering.

David cracked one eye open. "Gastly…" His voice carried a warning tone.

The ghost cackled, floating back as if innocent.

David sighed. "If you scare the fish away, I swear I'll—"

Before he could finish, the fishing rod suddenly jerked violently. The pole nearly snapped in half as something powerful yanked the line.

David bolted upright, gripping the handle with both hands. His arms strained as he fought against the pull, his boots digging into the soft earth. "Damn it—this thing is strong!"

Gastly zipped beside him, eyes gleaming with excitement.

David gritted his teeth and pulled with all his strength, the muscles in his arms burning. The creature on the other end refused to surface, thrashing beneath the water's surface. The line strained under the force, the reel spinning wildly.

Just when David thought the pole might break, the water exploded. A massive, dark shape burst forth, scales glistening in the sunlight. Its crimson eyes locked onto David, and with a thunderous roar, the Gyarados whipped its tail, sending a towering wave crashing onto the shore.

David barely had time to react before the water slammed into him, knocking him off his feet. He tumbled backward, coughing as the icy liquid drenched him from head to toe. Gastly, having phased through the attack, floated above, laughing hysterically.

David groaned, pushing himself up on his elbows. His fishing rod lay snapped in two beside him. "Well… that was unexpected."

The Gyarados loomed above the water, its serpentine body twisting as it glared down at him. David could feel its aura—rage, confusion, an overwhelming sense of territorial aggression.

But something was off.

He focused, reaching out with his developing aura senses. As his mind brushed against the Pokémon's essence, he felt something deeper than anger. Pain. Fear. A lingering sense of betrayal.

David's breath hitched.

This Gyarados… it wasn't just angry. It was suffering.

Gastly noticed the shift in his expression and quieted. It had seen David do this before—reach out to the emotions of Pokémon in ways that most trainers couldn't.

Slowly, David stood, his soaked clothes clinging to him. He met the Gyarados' piercing gaze and, instead of raising his fists, raised his voice.

"I don't want to fight you." His tone was firm but calm. "I can feel your pain. You were abandoned, weren't you?"

The Gyarados let out a guttural growl, its body tensing. But it didn't attack.

David took a cautious step forward. "Someone hurt you. Left you to fend for yourself. And now, you don't trust humans anymore."

The massive sea serpent coiled back, uncertain.

David felt a pang in his chest. He understood that feeling too well.

He took another step. "I won't hurt you. I promise."

Gyarados stared at him, its eyes flickering with hesitation.

Gastly, sensing the change in atmosphere, floated down beside David, its usually playful demeanor subdued. It chirped softly, adding its own reassurance.

Seconds stretched into eternity. Then, with a deep, rumbling exhale, Gyarados slowly lowered its head.

David reached out. His fingers brushed against the Pokémon's rough scales, and an overwhelming flood of emotions washed over him. Suffering. Loneliness. Anger. But beneath it all, a sliver of hope.

A small smile tugged at David's lips.

Maybe… just maybe, they weren't so different after all.

David gently patted Gyarados' rough scales as the massive serpent rested its head against the water's surface. The rage that once burned in its eyes had dimmed, replaced by something softer—perhaps even trust. It was a strange feeling, one David hadn't fully processed yet.

But he knew one thing: Gyarados couldn't stay here.

If another fisherman encountered it—someone less understanding—it wouldn't end well.

"I'll be back," he assured the Pokémon before turning to Gastly, who hovered beside him, looking unusually serious. "Come on, let's go find a police station."

—

The police station in Lavender Town was small, nestled between a bakery and an old record store. The scent of fresh bread mixed oddly with the sterile air of the station as David stepped inside.

A single officer sat behind the desk, her blue uniform crisp, her auburn hair neatly tucked beneath her cap. Officer Jenny. Even at a young age, David had heard stories about how every region seemed to have an Officer Jenny who looked almost identical.

She glanced up as he approached. "Hey there, kid. Something I can help you with?"

David nodded. "Yeah… it's about a Gyarados."

Jenny's expression shifted immediately. "A Gyarados?" She straightened. "Where?"

David quickly explained the situation—how he had been fishing when he encountered the Pokémon, how it was aggressive but seemed to be more scared than anything else. He left out the part about sensing its emotions and calming it down with his aura.

Officer Jenny exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "You did the right thing coming here," she said. "If that Gyarados had attacked someone else, it could've been a disaster."

David nodded, feeling an odd sense of pride.

Jenny studied him for a moment, then smiled and reached out, ruffling his damp hair. "You did a good thing, kid. Not everyone would've tried to help."

David blinked, not sure how to respond to that. He wasn't used to praise, especially not from authority figures.

Jenny stood and grabbed a notepad. "I'll go check it out. Thanks for letting me know."

As she walked past him, she paused. "What's your name?"

David hesitated before answering. "David."

Jenny nodded. "Well, David, you've got a good heart. Keep it that way."

With that, she left the station, heading toward Agatha's estate.

—

Agatha sat in her study, sipping tea when a knock sounded at the door. Without looking up, she called, "Come in."

Officer Jenny entered, her expression professional. "Sorry to bother you, Ms. Agatha, but we've got a situation."

Agatha set down her cup. "Oh?"

Jenny explained about the Gyarados, how it had been spotted at a nearby pond and could pose a danger if left unchecked. She left out David's involvement entirely, either out of discretion or instinct.

Agatha, however, immediately knew the truth.

David.

She hid her smirk behind her teacup.

Jenny finished with, "I figured you'd be the best person to handle this."

Agatha nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. I'll take care of it."

As Jenny left, Agatha let out a quiet chuckle. The boy is making more progress than I expected.

—

By the time Agatha reached the pond, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in deep purples and oranges. The air had cooled, and the water reflected the fading light like a sheet of glass.

David sat on the grassy bank, laughing as Gastly zipped in circles around Gyarados, who watched the ghost's antics with something almost resembling amusement.

For a moment, Agatha simply watched, letting the scene sink in.

He really has changed.

Two years ago, David was a lost boy drowning in nightmares and grief. Now, he was here—bonding with one of the most feared Pokémon in existence, smiling as if the weight of his past didn't suffocate him anymore.

She stepped forward. "Having fun?"

David turned, blinking in surprise. "Grandma?"

Gyarados, upon seeing Agatha, immediately tensed, its eyes darkening. It let out a low growl, its body coiling as if preparing to strike.

Before it could, David's aura flared.

A wave of calm energy rippled outward from him, brushing against Gyarados like a gentle wind. The Pokémon hesitated, then relaxed, lowering its head once more.

Agatha raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Well, well," she murmured. "That was quite the display."

David scratched the back of his neck. "It's getting easier," he admitted.

Agatha studied him for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "You did the right thing by not telling Officer Jenny about your abilities. You need to stay under the radar until you're strong enough to protect yourself."

David's expression darkened slightly. "Until I can face Morgan."

At the mention of that name, the air grew heavier.

Agatha sighed. "Unfortunately, we don't know much about him. Your mother is the only one who's ever seen his face, and she's…" She trailed off, watching as David's jaw tightened.

His hands clenched into fists, but after a moment, he exhaled sharply and forced himself to relax.

Agatha smiled faintly. "You're learning."

David nodded. "I have to."

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Good." Then, shifting the topic, she gestured to Gyarados. "As much as I'm sure it enjoys your company, it can't stay here. It belongs in the sea."

David sighed, glancing at Gyarados. He knew she was right.

Agatha pulled out a Pokéball and, with surprising accuracy, tossed it at the massive serpent. A red light engulfed Gyarados, and within seconds, it was captured.

David frowned. "You're keeping it?"

Agatha chuckled. "Not quite. We'll take it to the ocean and release it there—somewhere far away, where it won't be a threat to anyone."

David nodded, relief washing over him.

"Tonight," Agatha continued, "when there's no one around."

A breeze swept through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshwater. The sky darkened, stars beginning to peek through the twilight.

David glanced at Gastly, then back at Agatha. "Can we stop for food first?"

Agatha let out a rare laugh. "Of course, dear boy. After all, you've had quite the day."

As they made their way back home, David glanced up at the stars, a newfound sense of purpose settling within him. He was getting stronger. Bit by bit, he was carving a path forward.

And no matter what the future held, he would be ready.