Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 228: The Guide of Shadows

"Oddish?"

Oddish stared at the Poké Ball before it in disbelief.

Even though its Trainer hadn't spoken, it understood what this meant.

After all—

It was Rochin's first Pokémon.

They had laughed together, fought together, and spent two whole years together.

Outside of battles, they could understand each other without words.

"Oddish! Oddish!!"

Oddish rushed up to Rochin, its leafy head shaking vigorously, gently smacking his knee over and over.

It was asking him—

"What are you doing?!"

Before, Rochin had his moments of doubt and self-loathing,

But never once had he ever thought of abandoning them.

"Oddish!" (The promise… Our promise—to become strong together…!)

Tears welled up in Oddish's eyes as it looked desperately at its Trainer.

But Rochin merely lowered his head, his gaze dark and hollow.

His emotions had plunged to rock bottom—

And he didn't even realize why.

---

Hidden in the shadows, a small figure watched in silence.

Above them, high in the sky, Hikaru observed the entire scene.

With Latias's Invisibility, Marshadow had no idea he was there.

"Interesting…"

Hikaru smirked.

Originally, he had planned to leave,

But now—

He wanted to see what Marshadow was really trying to do.

He thought back to what he knew about Marshadow.

The Mythical Pokémon of Correction.

The Guide of Ho-Oh's Shadows.

Could it be…?

If his guess was right—

Then this boy might be far more interesting than Hikaru had initially thought.

---

Rochin hesitated.

Then, forcing a weak smile, he patted Oddish's head.

A person's fighting spirit could sometimes crumble in an instant.

For two years, he had battled self-doubt over whether he could ever be a real Pokémon Trainer.

Every time, he had reaffirmed his dream—

But this time…

This strange feeling of despair was far too strong.

It was as if a voice whispered over and over in his mind:

"Give up… Just give up… Why are you even trying…?"

"..." (I'm sorry, Oddish… Butterfree…)

He looked at Oddish's tearful face, then picked up the Poké Balls, intending to recall his Pokémon.

But this time, Oddish refused.

With a quick leap, it dodged the beam of light, its leaf shaking with determination.

"Oddish, Oddish!"

A cloud of Sleep Powder spread through the air.

Oddish had always been a Pokémon with strong instincts.

It believed—

This wasn't really what its Trainer wanted.

He just needed some rest.

He'd wake up and be fine again.

---

Up above, Butterfree saw what Oddish was doing—

And helped by adding more Sleep Powder.

Just as the powder was about to fall onto Rochin,

A shadow suddenly rose from his feet.

A tiny figure emerged—

Its orange-yellow eyes flickering in the dim light.

With a casual wave, dark Ghost energy spread out—

And completely erased the Sleep Powder.

"Marsha."

Marshadow gazed at Oddish and Butterfree, its expression indifferent.

It wanted to test something—

Would its correction finally succeed?

---

Seeing this strange Pokémon, both Oddish and Butterfree froze in shock.

"Oddish!"

Oddish instinctively moved in front of Rochin, standing defiantly between him and Marshadow.

Butterfree didn't hesitate either—

But in front of a Mythical Pokémon, neither had a chance.

Marshadow lifted a hand, its fingers twitching—

And a wave of dark energy surged forward.

Before either Pokémon could react—

Their eyes turned red.

A sinister glow flickered in their pupils.

Slowly—

They turned their gazes toward Rochin.

---

Rochin staggered backward, his heart racing.

He didn't know what was happening,

But he knew one thing—

His Pokémon had been controlled.

He opened his mouth, trying to shout—

But no words came out.

Meanwhile, Marshadow's "Correction" had taken hold.

In its logic—

Rochin was now the opponent.

But even under its control, Oddish and Butterfree hesitated.

The scent of their Trainer was so familiar.

They couldn't bring themselves to attack.

---

Finally, Butterfree made its move.

A brilliant white light wrapped around its wings—

And it launched itself toward Rochin in a Quick Attack.

For a human, getting hit by this would mean serious injuries at best.

Butterfree hesitated for a moment, still unsure—

But then, it dove forward.

---

Up in the sky, Hikaru's expression darkened.

"What the hell is Marshadow doing…?"

This wasn't just a test—

It was trying to force Rochin into a choice.

This damn ghost…

Not to mention, Hikaru hadn't forgotten how Marshadow had orchestrated the attack in Phantom Town.

It had controlled an entire army of Ghost Pokémon—

And targeted him specifically.

If not for Mew, he wouldn't have gotten away so easily.

Speaking of which—

Hikaru had already sent a signal to Mew just in case.

But if he could solve this himself…

Then there was no need to rely on it.

---

Below, Butterfree finally attacked—

But at the last second,

Oddish's red glow disappeared.

It snapped out of its trance just in time to see Butterfree's attack closing in on Rochin.

With zero hesitation,

Oddish jumped in the way.

BANG!

A light impact echoed—

And both Pokémon collapsed onto the ground, knocked out cold.

---

"!!!"

Rochin stared in horror.

His Pokémon—

One had attacked him.

One had protected him.

Now, both were unconscious.

A deep, overwhelming guilt consumed him.

Why…?

Why had he ever considered giving them up?

He couldn't forgive himself.

Not for this.

---

Meanwhile, Marshadow narrowed its eyes.

Oddish had broken free again.

It had resisted the correction.

Once more, it melted into Rochin's shadow—

Quietly observing.

---

Rochin reached for their Poké Balls—

He needed to get them to a Pokémon Center.

Just then—

A voice called out behind him.

"I'll take care of them."

Rochin froze.

He turned around—

And saw Hikaru, stepping forward.

Latias hovered beside him, her red eyes glowing softly.

And unlike before—

Hikaru wasn't hiding his presence anymore.

---

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