"Because he wants me to help him spread nightmares." Darkrai did not hide anything and directly revealed Giratina's objective.
Upon hearing Darkrai, Cain seemed to understand immediately.
Darkrai, known as the god of nightmares, did not receive that title by chance: he truly could induce nightmares in both humans and Pokémon.
It was just that this was not something he wished to do. Although Darkrai is a Dark-type Pokémon and his appearance may seem fierce or ominous, his heart is actually quite kind, and he would not go around causing nightmares without reason.
"You refused, so he imprisoned you here? He let Ghost-type energy continuously invade your body until you accepted his request... or until you transformed into a Ghost-type Pokémon?" Cain said.
Suddenly, as if he had realized something, Cain's heart skipped a beat. He looked at the Mismagius beside him and then at the chained Darkrai.
"Could it be that... Mismagius, could it be that you...?" Faced with this possibility, Cain could not be completely certain, but the probability was quite high.
Otherwise, why would she have suddenly appeared in this underground cave?
Up above were piles of Gastly, which could not even approach the ghostly stone pillars, yet Mismagius had been able to rise to Elite level in that dark underground space.
Could it be that when she was extremely weak, she managed to withstand such a dense impact of Ghost-type energy?
And how did Mismagius appear inside that dark space?
Although, as a dream Pokémon, she had great talent for creating dreams, this was far too powerful, capable even of confusing reality and dreams.
Before, Cain had thought it was merely a peculiar innate talent of Mismagius, but now it seemed that was not all.
"Miiis?" Mismagius did not understand what Cain meant; her eyes showed curiosity.
She only felt a special connection upon seeing the chained Darkrai, a sense of familiarity, but had no other memories.
Upon hearing Cain's words, Darkrai's expression became complex, but in the end he nodded.
"That's right. This little one used to be my companion. But her strength was far inferior to mine, so... she couldn't endure it." Although Darkrai spoke with apparent calm, Cain could feel bitterness, helplessness, and pain within him.
Cain also showed a complicated expression as he looked at the confused Mismagius.
Some Pokémon, after dying, if it happens in places with extremely dense Ghost-type energy, can have their souls transformed by that energy, turning into a new Pokémon—a Ghost-type one.
It was the same at Mt. Pyre in Hoenn and at the Dragon's Den.
Darkrai's words confirmed Cain's conjecture.
The Mismagius he now had had originally been a Darkrai. Perhaps because, as a Dark-type Pokémon that countered Ghost-type Pokémon, her potential had not been outstanding; perhaps also because, as a dream Pokémon, she possessed a unique talent for creating dreamlike illusions.
Although it seemed unbelievable, it was not impossible to accept. And seen this way, everything began to fall into place.
Cain activated the system for the first time to scan Darkrai's data.
Pokémon: Darkrai (Dark Purple) — Corrupt
Gender: Male
Level: 70
Type: Dark
Ability: Bad Dreams
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: None
Basic Moves: Ominous Wind, Disable, Quick Attack, Hypnosis, Feint Attack, Nightmare, Double Team, Haze, Dark Void, Nasty Plot, Dream Eater, Dark Pulse
Learned Moves: Foul Play, Snatch, Spite, Wonder Room, Knock Off, Snore, Drain Punch, Trick, Last Resort, Focus Punch, Throat Chop, Shock Wave, Icy Wind
TM Moves: None
Upon seeing the data, Cain felt genuine pity for him.
Judging by the moves he had mastered, Darkrai should have been at least Advanced Champion-level, but now, due to the constant erosion of Ghost-type energy, his level had been reduced to 70, and his quality degraded to the color Purple.
In short, the only remarkable thing about this Darkrai was his name.
To be honest, among the Pokémon accompanying Cain, aside from Mismagius—who was not very suited for combat—any one of them could defeat him with ease.
Even if he might have some special moves, it was still most likely that he would not be a match for them.
Frankly speaking, it was a real pity.
"It seems that... you're close as well, Darkrai," Cain said softly.
Darkrai was slightly surprised; he did not know how Cain had detected his current condition. But he himself was aware of his situation, so he had no intention of hiding anything.
He nodded. "Yes. There used to be only two chains; now there are four. I can already feel that my body is at its limit. It won't be long before I become what Giratina desires."
Perhaps from spending so much time talking with Cain, Darkrai was beginning to express himself more fluently.
Cain noticed that Darkrai did not seem to fear his fate, and that made him admire him a little more.
If Cain were in his place, he would definitely have chosen to give in.
After all, there are quite a few Pokémon who follow Giratina and live relatively well... albeit without freedom.
Looking at the dark water and the four black chains, an idea arose in Cain's mind.
"In that case, let's make a deal, Darkrai," Cain said with a smile.
Upon seeing that smile, Darkrai felt nothing special. Instead, Slowking and Gengar trembled slightly, then looked at Darkrai with eyes full of pity.
Hopefully, he would choose wisely.
"A deal?" Darkrai repeated, confused. He did not know what Cain was referring to.
"That's right. A mutually beneficial deal. I'll free you from these chains and find a way to restore your condition."
"That is my promise to you," Cain said.
"And what must I pay?" Darkrai asked. As a Pokémon with a fully developed mind, he knew that a deal was always bilateral.
"Become my Pokémon," Cain said, without hesitation.
(End of chapter)