Prologue: Of Ghosts and Dragons

Mitonda Island, Oblivia

It was a mistake to go to the forest.

By the time when he was still a child, Spinda often heard these stories told by the elders in his village. They were Stories about the Noir Forest and its inhabitants, the Duskulls, Dusclops and Dusknoirs. It was said that they loved to abduct young Pokémon. Then they would bring them to a hidden location, where they feasted on their fear until they literally scared themselves to death.

In those days Spinda had really believed that ghosts were real. But now that he was grown up, he believed that it was simply superstition, just like the most of his friends.

"If there really are ghosts, then why did I never see one?" Spinda asked his grandfather one day.

"Because ghosts are fearing the sun," replied the grandfather. "As soon they see daylight, they retreat to their home realm, the Distortion World. Only when the sun goes down, they dare to come into our world..."

"Well, then I have nothing to fear if I go to the woods with Gothorita," said Spinda. "We really won't stay long."

Gothorita was Spinda's new girlfriend. Some of his friends had initially disapproved the relationship, because the Pokémon with the old-fashioned black dress and somewhat strange hairstyle was considered eccentric and unpredictable. But Spinda didn't care and stayed with her. He did not regret his decision and looked forward to every second they could spend together. Now that he had a day off, Gotharita suggested taking a trip to the southern Noir Forests. Spinda immediately agreed, but when his grandfather found out, he tried to convince Spinda that it wasn't such a good idea after all.

"But you should keep in mind that ghosts are very unpredictable. Sometimes they even come out at broad day light. And their ruler, the dragon lady Giratina, doesn't even care if it's day or night!"

Spinda laughed at his grandfather, waved goodbye and went on his way. If he had only listened to the warning…

Not a single cloud covered the sky when Spinda and Gotharita entered the forest. But only minutes later the sun disappeared. It was getting uncomfortably cold, and at the same time the air became stifling. It became harder and harder for them to breath, as if the air had become liquid. Gotharita grabbed Spinda's hand and squeezed it hard.

"Please, let's go back," she said timidly.

Spinda's throat felt sore and he couldn't speak a single word, so he just nodded. At the very moment they turned around, something weird happened: Spinda was overcome by a feeling of dizziness. And it was like the whole world turned upside down from one moment to the next. Everything changed, and even the forest wasn't the same anymore. Strange creatures which the young couple had never seen in their lives appeared and surrounded them. There were more than a dozen of them.

"What are those?" asked Gotharita.

"I am Dusclops, leader of the Clan of Duskulls," answered another creature which appeared next to his companions. He was bigger and even more intimidating than the others. "And you have trespassed into our territory.

"Please don't hurt us," pleaded Spinda. "We got lost, we didn't want to come here. Please let us go, and we promise not to disturb you again."

"You are now in the Distortion World," replied Dusclops. "This is our world, therefore you have to obey our rules: Only one of you will be allowed to leave, the other one will stay here. You may decide yourselves who leaves and who stays."

While Gotharita still clung to his hand, trembling of fear, Spinda suddenly knew what he had to do. Gotharita was the love of his life, and he had to protect her, even if it meant to sacrifice his own life. His fear fell off from him. He took a deep breath, stepped forward and said in a clear voice: "Let her go, I'll stay with you."

"No, don't do that, please!" sobbed Gotharita.

"It's okay," said Spinda and smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be fine!"

Just as Dusclops grabbed Spinda's hand there was a flash and a rolling thunder. Out of nowhere appeared a giant Pokémon. Its long body was shaped like a snake. It had six short legs with golden tips and six long black wings in the shape of claws. A golden mask covered its face. It was frightening and elegant at the same time. All the Ghost-type Pokémon bowed.

"Lady Giratina," said Dusclops respectfully. "How may I serve you?"

"I don't want the boy," said Giratina in a voice that accepted no protest. "Bring me the girl!"

"As you wish, Milady," said Dusclops. He let go of Spinda and grabbed Gotharita's arm. The Manipulate-Pokémon screamed and tried to fight back while holding herself to Spinda. But her opponent was too strong. She lost her grip and was pulled away from her friend. Spinda tried to catch her, but one of the Duskulls attacked him with a strong Pursuit, and he fell to the floor head first.

He jumped back to his feet, but in those few seconds, the world has changed again. He was back to the place he knew. The sun was shining brightly; the air was clear and warm. A Taillow sang his happy song. Spinda desperately ran back and forth along the path, hoping to get back to the Distortion World somehow. But the access was gone.

Spinda sank to the ground and screamed.