Chapter 36
As we walk towards the Paradise Barrens, we take a moment to reflect on the local beliefs associated with Okidogi, reading about them on the Rotom Phone.
"Locals believe that worshipping Okidogi will grant you kindness and help in keeping things 'okeydokey' between you and other people. Okidogi was once a smaller and weaker Pokemon, but a desire for strength led it to gain powerful muscles."
"Well, I don't think he will grant us any kindness and help in keeping things 'okeydokey'..." I shrug, sharing a knowing glance with the others as we spot the Titanized Okidogi in front of us.
The dog Pokemon, Okidogi, is spinning its chain around, and Carmine remarks, "Oh, here's the buff one! Okidogi, with all of its mean muscles! Hey, I may be wrong about this, but... has it gotten bigger than when we last saw it?!"
"Yeah, no doubt that it has become a Titan Pokemon after eating the mochi filled with herbs," I sigh in agreement.
"If those Loyal Three are all Poison Types, I have to assume that this one's second type is Fighting because of the muscles. If that's the case, Psychic Type Pokemon will have great advantages," Serena suggests.
We nod in agreement and send out our Psychic Type Pokemon: Male Indeedee, who helps set up the Psychic Terrain, Ninetales, Espeon, and Rabsca, ready for battle. Carmine boldly declares, "That scarf's way too stylish for the likes of you! I'm gonna teach you to sit... the hard way!" We're prepared for a tough battle ahead.
The battlefield shimmers with psychic energy as the terrain takes hold. Okidogi wastes no time and lunges forward, its Toxic Chain gleaming ominously. It targets Male Indeedee with a fierce Bite, aiming to land a powerful hit. The bite connects, dealing some damage to Indeedee. Not to mention Male Indeedee flinches, making it unable to move on its turn. Simultaneously, the Toxic Chain's Toxic effect takes hold, badly poisoning Indeedee.
Alice commands Espeon to unleash a dazzling Psybeam, launching a psychic attack at Okidogi. The powerful beam strikes Okidogi directly, causing it to stagger backward slightly.
Carmine and her Ninetales join the fray, using a quick and precise Dazzling Gleam. The fairy-type move bathes Okidogi in a radiant glow, dealing damage to the titanized Pokemon. The combination of Psychic and Fairy-type moves begins to wear Okidogi down.
Serena's Rabsca, a powerful Psychic and Bug-type Pokemon, steps up. Seeing an opportunity, Rabsca launches a Psychic at Okidogi, aiming for a critical hit. The move connects with a solid thud, dealing significant damage to Okidogi.
Okidogi, now irritated and weakened, retaliates with a Poison Fang attack, sinking its venomous fangs into Rabsca. Rabsca grimaces in pain as the poison seeps into its system, causing it to become badly poisoned.
"I wanna finish off this meanie myself! Let your leader have the last attack, OK?" Carmine knows we're getting close to victory. She orders Ninetales to use its Extrasensory move to deal the final blow. The intense psychic energy engulfs Okidogi, and with a mighty scream, it collapses, defeated. I also use the chance to throw a Poke Ball and capture it.
Okidogi: The Retainer Pokemon: Poison and Fighting Type. After all its muscles were stimulated by the toxic chain around its neck, Okidogi transformed and gained a powerful physique.
"That's what you get!" Carmine cheers triumphantly as we notice the mask lying on the floor. Golly excitedly adds, "Hey, look! It dropped a mask!"
We recognize the mask as the Cornerstone Mask, the one with Rock Type powers. Ogerpon eagerly rushes to retrieve it, her happiness evident. Alice chimes in, "We did it! We got the first mask back!"
To commemorate our victory, we take a photo, and Ogerpon expresses her gratitude with joyful enthusiasm. Bryce observes, "Heehee... It sure is happy!"
Carmine reflects, "You know, I felt this way at the Crystal Pool too, but we make a good team, don't we?"
"Two masks left! Let's take down the rest of the Loyal Three!" I declare with determination as we hurry off to Wistful Fields, ready to confront Munkidori.
As we make our way to confront Munkidori in Wistful Fields, we take a moment to read about the local beliefs associated with this Pokemon on the Rotom Phone.
"Locals believe that worshiping Munkidori leads to success in life - that doing so will make everything hunky-dory. Munkidori was originally a clumsy and dim-witted Pokemon, but a longing for cleverness led it to gain great wisdom."
Luke, intrigued by the lore, asks, "I wonder what kind of Pokemon they used to be, I mean the Loyal Three..."
"I don't know," I reply with a sigh, as the mystery of the Loyal Three's origins continues to baffle us. Once we locate the Monkey Pokemon, who is peacefully resting by the lake, Carmine exclaims, "Ah, it's the cocky-looking one! That huge head must mean it's Munkidori!"
Munkidori notices us and stands up, clearly prepared for a rematch back in the Dreaded Den. Golly remarks, "This one's gotten bigger too, huh... Time for us to put this one in its place."
Knowing that Psychic-type moves won't be effective against Munkidori, we decide to go with Ghost and Dark-type Pokemon for this battle. We send out Mimikyu, Mabosstiff, Sinistcha, and Gengar, all ready to face the formidable Munkidori. The stage is set for another intense confrontation in our quest to retrieve the second mask.
"I wonder if it'll go all red in the face if we give it a good trouncing. Time to find out!" Carmine takes the lead, commanding her Sinistcha to start the battle with a menacing Astonish attack. Sinistcha's eerie aura surrounds Munkidori, filling it with a sense of dread. Munkidori flinches, and its confidence wavers.
Serena follows up as Mimikyu dances onto the battlefield with a mischievous grin, ready to play. Serena orders a Play Rough attack, and Mimikyu swings its toy weapon at Munkidori with great force. The move connects, causing Munkidori to stumble backward, aching from the powerful blow.
Alice's Gengar joins the fray, casting a shadow over the battlefield. With a sinister grin, Gengar launches a Shadow Ball at Munkidori. The dark energy envelops the Psychic Type Pokemon, causing it to take damage.
Munkidori, determined to fight back, uses Psybeam, directing a psychic beam towards Mimikyu. The attack hits Mimikyu, but it manages to shrug it off with its disguise still intact.
Seeing an opening, I command my Mabosstiff, a formidable Dark Type Pokemon, to step forward. Mabosstiff lunges at Munkidori, locking its powerful jaws around the Psychic Type Pokemon with a Jaw Lock. Munkidori lets out a pained cry as Mabosstiff's grip tightens.
Despite the disadvantage, Munkidori retaliates with a Confusion attack, directing a psychic assault toward Mabosstiff. The Dark Type Pokemon endures the attack since Psychic moves won't work, holding Munkidori firmly in its grip.
"Hehehe... Someone's got a weakness! We can just keep using that move till it faints, then!" Carmine, recognizing an opportunity, orders Sinistcha to use a powerful Mega Drain. Sinistcha's spectral energy intensifies, causing Munkidori to recoil in fear and pain.
As the battle rages on, Munkidori attempts to use Clear Smog to clear the field of any stat changes, but it's already weakened by our relentless assault. Gengar unleashes another Shadow Ball, and Mimikyu follows up with another Play Rough, leaving Munkidori on the brink of defeat.
With one final effort, Munkidori uses its Spite move, trying to reduce the remaining Power Points of one of our moves. However, it's too late. Mabosstiff tightens its grip even further, and with a final, defiant roar, Munkidori faints, giving us the capture.
Munkidori: The Retainer Pokemon: Poison and Psychic Type. The chain is made from toxins that enhance capabilities. It stimulated Munkidori's brain and caused the Pokémon's psychic powers to bloom.
"You never stood a chance!" Alice cheers as we notice the blue mask lying on the floor this time. Serena adds, "Hey, look, it dropped a mask too—just like the last Pokémon!"
Ogerpon eagerly rushes to retrieve the Wellspring Mask, the one imbued with Water Type powers. Bryce chimes in, "That makes two masks back where they belong!"
We capture another memorable moment with a photo, commemorating our successful battle and retrieval of the mask. Carmine expresses her pride, saying, "We did it, Ogerpon! No opponent's gonna give us any trouble as long as we're a team! Kiki really should've come with us..."
"Well, one more mask remaining! Let's make this Loyal One a Loyal None!" Golly adds with a playful pun. Our spirits are high as we decide to head to the Fellhorn Gorge, ready to face the last challenge in our quest to recover all of Ogerpon's stolen masks. We take a moment to read about the local beliefs associated with this Pokemon on the Rotom Phone.
"Locals believe worshipping Fezandipiti will lead to good luck and serendipitous happenings. Fezandipiti was once a Pokemon with short, dull feathers, but a wish to be beautiful led it to gain an exquisite appearance."
Golly remarks, "So one wants to be strong, one wants to be smart, and one wants to be beautiful... figures."
With that, we arrive at the entrance of the Chilling Waterhead and spot Fezandipiti. It notices us and quickly takes flight, disappearing into the misty surroundings. Determined, we give chase, calling out, "Hey! Get back here!"
As we enter the cave and pass by some friendly Ice Type Pokemon, Alice and Bryce express their delight, but we press on, determined to chase down Fezandipiti until we reach the other exit. Carmine exclaims, "There's the one that flies—Fezandipiti! How is it they've ALL gotten bigger like this, though?! Give me a break!"
Assuming that Fezandipiti is a Flying Type, we choose our Pokemon accordingly. I send out my Pikachu, Serena calls upon her Lycanroc, Golly brings out his Glaceon, and Carmine uses her Morpeko. We're ready to confront Fezandipiti and retrieve the final mask.
"I know we're enemies, but its face is so pretty! Doesn't it remind you of me a little?" Carmine tries to joke, but it is not the moment right now. Fezandipiti wastes no time and lunges forward, its Toxic Chain gleaming ominously as it strikes out with Cross Poison. The attack targets Pikachu, causing it to wince in pain as the toxic venom takes hold. We can't afford to underestimate Fezandipiti.
Serena commands her Lycanroc to retaliate with a swift Accelerock. The sharp rocks hit Fezandipiti, causing it to stagger slightly, but it remains determined.
"Wait, it's not super effective?" Golly asks.
Alice's Glaceon follows up with an Ice Beam, launching a freezing beam of ice at Fezandipiti. The attack connects, dealing substantial damage and causing Fezandipiti to shiver from the cold.
"You're right. Then what type is Fezandipiti?" Alice asks, and that's when it uses Dazzling Gleam to deal a lot of damage to our Pokemon. "Poison and Fairy?"
Carmine decides to make a bold move and orders her Morpeko to use Aura Wheel in its Full Belly Mode. The electric attack surges forward, striking Fezandipiti with intense power. Fezandipiti doesn't seem to be fazed by the shock since Morpeko is in Hangry Mode.
"Yeah! It's Fairy! Dark moves are not very effective!" I command.
In response, Fezandipiti retaliates with Dual Wingbeat, using its graceful wings to strike both Lycanroc and Glaceon. The move connects, dealing damage to both Pokemon, and they flinch in pain.
We know that we're running out of time before Fezandipiti could unleash its powerful Fairy Type moves, so we need to act quickly. Pikachu charges up with an Iron Tail, and with a mighty swing, it lands a critical hit on Fezandipiti, causing it to screech in pain.
Fezandipiti, wounded but not defeated, releases a blinding Dazzling Gleam, creating a radiant burst of light that hits our entire team. Our Pokemon are left reeling, but they remain determined to win. Serena calls for one final effort, commanding Lycanroc to use Stone Edge. The sharp rocks fly towards Fezandipiti, and with a direct hit, it collapses, defeated, and I also capture the Pokemon as well.
Fezandipiti: The Retainer Pokemon: Poison and Fairy Type. Fezandipiti owes its beautiful looks and lovely voice to the toxic stimulants emanating from the chain wrapped around its body.
"We're like the ogre and its masks—we help bring out each other's full power!" Alice smiles warmly. "And there it is! We got the last mask!"
The final mask, the Hearthflame Mask, is retrieved, and Ogerpon is overjoyed to have all her masks back. Carmine cheers, "Congratulations, Ogerpon! And good work, guys! We've got all the masks!"
As the last picture is taken, I smile and say, "Thank goodness... It all worked out—right, Ogerpon?"
Just then, Kieran suddenly appears and calls out to us. Carmine asks, "Huh? Kiki? What's up?"
Kieran hesitates for a moment before finally speaking, "Well, uh... I... I wanted to ask a favor... I wanted you to come to the village. And bring the ogre with you..."
"What about the villagers? They hated Ogerpon!" I express my concern, and Ogerpon shares the same fear at the thought of going to the village.
Kieran, however, insists, "You gotta trust me. It'll be OK. I promise... Th-that's all I wanted to ask! Just come!" With that, he rushes off, leaving us puzzled by his unusual request.
Carmine wonders aloud, "I wonder what's gotten into him. Everyone in the village thinks that Ogerpon's a menace, right? I hope he knows what he's doing..."
Golly chimes in optimistically, "But he did have a confident look in his eyes! Let's trust Kiki and head to the village."
Carmine nods, "Right. If things go south, I'll use my natural charm to smooth things over!"
With a sense of curiosity and a hint of concern, we decide to follow Kieran to the village, hoping that his request will lead to a positive resolution and that Ogerpon's presence won't bring any trouble.
As we arrive at the village, Ogerpon hesitates to step forward, clearly still anxious about the villagers' negative opinions. Serena expresses her concern, saying, "Ogerpon, you really don't want to be here, do you?"
Kieran, trying to reassure both Ogerpon and us, says, "D-don't worry! It'll be fine!"
Carmine, however, seeks answers from Kieran, asking, "Kiki! What's this all about, really?"
Kieran, speaking softly and with a hint of desperation, tries to convince Ogerpon, "I-I know you must be scared, Ogerpon, but I did my best... So...just trust me and come with me, OK?" Ogerpon hesitates for a moment but then decides to place her trust in us, taking a deep breath as we all move forward into the village, hoping for a positive outcome.
As we gather in the village square, the villagers begin to whisper and stare at Ogerpon, who remains visibly scared. Serena, Alice, and I stand protectively by her side, determined to shield her from any harm. Most of the villagers express shock and amazement at the realization that the Ogre is real.
I speak to Ogerpon with reassurance, saying, "Ogerpon, let's trust Kieran. You have all eight of us by your side."
Ogerpon trembles slightly as the village caretaker steps forward and addresses the crowd. "So this is the ogre of Oni Mountain... This is the true face of Ogerpon, whom we've so sorely wronged! For far too long, we've told tales casting you as the villain here in Kitakami..."
Suddenly, to our astonishment, everyone in the village kneels down, including the caretaker, showing a profound display of apology and remorse. The caretaker continues, "We all owe you a great apology."
This shocking turn of events leaves all of us, including Ogerpon, utterly surprised. Carmine speaks up, her confusion evident, "Hey, what's going on?! Why the sudden about-face?!"
Carmine and Kieran's grandfather steps forward, explaining the situation, "Kieran's been running around the whole village, telling everyone the true story of what happened. I was worried he'd stir up a lot of resentment, so I told him to stop, but..."
The villagers offer their sincere apologies and express their newfound acceptance of Ogerpon. Kieran's grandfather smiles, "Seems that I was wrong to worry so much."
Carmine comments with amazement, "Who knew Kiki had it in him! Especially since he usually hates talking to people!"
Kieran, with a heartfelt tone, addresses Ogerpon, "From now on, you can come to the village whenever you want... and you don't need to hide your face when you do!" Ogerpon's deep smile of relief speaks volumes.
The village caretaker adds, "The three masks we kept at Kitakami Hall rightfully belonged to you all along. If you've managed to get them back from those three villains, please feel welcome to keep them."
Bryce rejoices, saying, "We got the masks back, and we managed to clear Ogerpon's name! Now that's what I call a happy ending!"
Alice proposes, "One last thing to do—let's escort Ogerpon back to its home!" The sentiment is met with unanimous agreement, and we all decide to head to the Dreaded Den, marking the end of our adventure and the beginning of a new chapter for Ogerpon in a more welcoming village.
And here is the chapter of Ash and the others capturing the Loyal Three and also Ogerpon's clearance of her name. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Serena's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Dolliv, Squawkabilly x4, Naclstack, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Flittle, Tinkatuff, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Finizen, Varoom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmet, Flamigo, Clodsire, Dipplin, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti.
