Chapter 37
As the eight of us bring Ogerpon back to the Dreaded Den, Carmine remarks, "Well, here we are!"
Ogerpon appears happy to return to her home, and Alice observes, "It's a bit lonely out here, but I guess this place must mean a lot to Ogerpon."
I take a deep breath and say, "Ogerpon, I think this is farewell."
Ogerpon looks at me with a frown, and it's evident that she doesn't want us to leave. Suddenly, she rushes toward us and exclaims, "No... I don't want you to leave... you are my saviors... you're the reason why my bad name has been cleared..."
Golly suggests, "Hey, you know what? I think Ogerpon might want to go with you, Ash."
I'm surprised by the unexpected proposition and ask, "Really? Ogerpon?"
Ogerpon jumps up and down with excitement. Just then, Kieran's voice cuts through the moment, "Hey, hold up!"
We all turn to Kieran, confusion evident on our faces. He hesitates for a moment before finally confessing, "If it's not gonna stay here, then I... I wanna..." After taking a deep breath, he boldly declares, "I want Ogerpon to come with me!"
The stunned silence lingers as Carmine is the first to speak, addressing Kieran with a soft tone, "Kiki..."
Kieran, determined and perhaps feeling a sense of desperation, insists, "I know I'm bein' real selfish... But, Ash! Please! Let me battle you! I want to see which one of us should get to keep Ogerpon with them!" His declaration catches me by surprise, and I can see the conflict in his eyes.
Carmine chimes in, trying to appeal to his emotions, "Hey, Kiki... I know you really love Ogerpon. I really, honestly understand. But...you have to think about Ogerpon's feelings too."
Kieran, despite Carmine's plea, mutters, "...I want to battle anyway." Ogerpon, still unsure about what's happening, looks at us with a mix of confusion and concern.
With a sigh, I finally respond, "Sure, I can have a battle with you." The decision is made, and it seems that a battle will determine who gets to keep Ogerpon.
As the battle for Ogerpon's partnership begins, Kieran emphasizes, "Whoever wins gets to be Ogerpon's partner... So don't...don't you dare hold back!" This time, it's a full six-on-six battle, and the stakes are high.
Kieran chooses to send out his Shiftry first, while I decide to go with Lokix.
Kieran hesitates, clearly struggling with his decision, and mutters, "I know you're probably a better Trainer for Ogerpon, but I...I..." His thoughts remain unspoken as he directs Shiftry to use Fake Out, causing Lokix to flinch. Shiftry follows up with Tailwind, setting up its next moves.
Recognizing the strategic use of Fake Out, which would have disrupted my planned First Impression move, I decide to have Lokix retaliate with Bounce. The move lands a super-effective hit on Shiftry, and it also leaves Shiftry paralyzed. Shiftry takes a Leaf Blade attack in return, but Lokix's Lunge proves to be the decisive blow, defeating Shiftry.
Kieran sends out his Yanmega as his second Pokemon, and it immediately launches into the offensive, using Bug Buzz. The powerful Bug-type move strikes Lokix, causing significant damage. Kieran's Yanmega isn't done yet, and it follows up with Ancient Power. The attack lands a critical hit, further weakening Lokix. The battle is taking a toll on both sides. Despite Lokix's valiant efforts, it ultimately succumbs to the relentless attacks, unable to withstand Yanmega's onslaught. Lokix is knocked out of the battle.
I decide to send out Glimmet as my next Pokemon, hoping to turn the tide in my favor. Glimmet takes a hit from Yanmega's super-effective Psychic move but remains standing. The Toxic Spikes scattered on the ground due to Glimmet's ability, Toxic Debris, begin to take effect, adding a layer of complexity to the battle. With determination, I command Glimmet to use Power Gem. Despite being slower than Yanmega, Glimmet's Power Gem hits its mark and manages to knock Yanmega out of the battle, leveling the playing field once again.
Kieran's third Pokemon is Dipplin, and it possesses the ability Supersweet Syrup, which lowers Glimmet's evasiveness. However, the Toxic Spikes scattered on the battlefield continue to take their toll, poisoning Dipplin and tilting the advantage in my favor.
Dipplin launches into the offensive with Dragon Pulse, targeting Glimmet. The attack deals damage, but Glimmet's determination keeps it in the fight. Dipplin follows up with Syrup Bomb, further weakening my Glimmet. Despite the adversity, Glimmet continues to battle valiantly, but it eventually succumbs to Dipplin's relentless attacks and is knocked out of the battle.
I decide to send in Flamigo as my next Pokemon, and with determination, I instruct it to use Brave Bird. Flamigo soars into action, and its powerful Brave Bird attack strikes Dipplin, dealing significant damage and eventually knocking it out.
Kieran's fourth Pokemon is a formidable Probopass, which is immune to the Toxic Spikes due to its Steel typing. As my Flamigo goes for a Close Combat attack, Probopass showcases its resilience by holding on with the Sturdy ability, a sliver of health remaining. Additionally, it benefits from the Petaya Berry, boosting its Special Attack.
Seizing the opportunity, Probopass retaliates with a powerful Zap Cannon, and with its boosted Special Attack, it delivers a devastating blow, knocking out my Flamigo with a single hit.
With Probopass left with only a tiny amount of health, I decide to take swift action and send out Pawmot as my next Pokemon. Pawmot uses its Arm Thrust attack to target Probopass, finishing it off swiftly and effectively.
Kieran's next Pokemon is a formidable Poliwrath, and it wastes no time, immediately going for Belly Drum to boost its attack. The move quickly depletes half of its health in exchange for a massive attack boost.
Seeing an opportunity, I have Pawmot use Double Shock, a super-effective move against Poliwrath. However, to our surprise, Poliwrath quickly consumes the Sitrus Berry it was holding, allowing it to hang on with a sliver of health. Poliwrath then retaliates with an Ice Punch, which not only deals damage but also freezes my Pawmot solid.
With Pawmot incapacitated by the freeze, Poliwrath seizes the advantage and uses Liquidation to deliver a devastating blow, knocking Pawmot out of the battle before I can even attempt to use Revival Blessing, which would have allowed me to revive one of my Pokemon.
With my options narrowing, I decide to send out Pikachu as my next Pokemon. Pikachu hits the battlefield, and without wasting any time, I command it to use Thunderbolt. The powerful Electric-type move is super effective against Poliwrath, and with the damage already sustained, it proves to be enough to knock out the Poliwrath.
As Kieran's final Pokemon, Gliscor, takes the field, he refuses to give up, exclaiming, "It's not over yet! I...I'm tired of losing!"
To Pikachu's horror, Gliscor immediately unleashes an Earthquake, sending Pikachu into the air. Thinking quickly, I attempt to have Pikachu use Quick Attack by navigating the rocky terrain, but Gliscor proves too swift. The menacing Gliscor manages to grab Pikachu by its tail, swiftly using X-Scissor to knock Pikachu out of the battle.
The shocking turn of events leaves Serena and Alice gasping in disbelief. I let out a sigh of resignation before gently having Serena hold Pikachu. "Zoroark, looks like you're my last Pokemon."
Zoroark enters the field, and I have it use Night Daze in an attempt to turn the tide. However, Gliscor manages to dodge the attack with agility. Gliscor retaliates with an X-Scissor, but Zoroark evades the attack, showcasing its quick reflexes.
Seizing the moment, Zoroark counters with a Night Slash, followed by a swift Sucker Punch before Gliscor can land another X-Scissor. The combination of attacks proves to be effective, and Gliscor is finally defeated.
As the intense battle concludes, Zoroark emerges as the victor, and Kieran kneels on the floor with a frown. He expresses his disappointment, saying, "...Figures. I knew I couldn't win. But I just couldn't give up... I'm sorry..."
Despite his defeat, Ogerpon is filled with excitement about the battle, exclaiming, "Wow, that's so fun! I want to do it!"
I stare at Ogerpon in disbelief, caught off guard by her unexpected request. "Wait, you want to battle me?" I quickly gather myself and my Pokemon, making sure they're all healed and selecting the best team to face Ogerpon in what promises to be an interesting and unique battle.
As Ogerpon stands before me, she takes out the Hearthflame Mask, and to our astonishment, the cape on the mask turns red. A sense of anticipation fills the air as Ogerpon requests that Serena throw the Tera Orb onto her. In an instant, the mask undergoes a transformation, becoming enormous.
"It Terastallized its mask! So this is what Ogerpon's really capable of..." Carmine gasps, clearly taken aback by the display of power.
Observing the change, I realize that Ogerpon has become a pure Fire-type Pokemon.
I quickly summon Lycanroc to the field, prepared for this unexpected turn of events. Ogerpon, wielding a giant cudgel, brings it down on Lycanroc, causing damage. I don't hesitate and command Lycanroc to use Accelerock in response. Lycanroc charges at Ogerpon, slamming into her and inflicting some damage.
To our surprise, Ogerpon summons a Grassy Terrain, enveloping the battlefield. The healing effect of the Grassy Terrain begins to mend Ogerpon's wounds, adding an extra layer of challenge to our battle.
With determination in my eyes, I take out my Z-Crystal and perform the Z-Move dance with confidence. "Lycanroc! Let's do this!" I shout, ready to unleash our powerful move.
Lycanroc responds to my command, breaking the ground beneath it. Shards of rocks burst from the earth and soar into the air, forming a formidable storm of stone. Lycanroc leaps into the air, carried by the rising shards, and they all align, pointing menacingly toward Ogerpon.
In a spectacular display of power, Lycanroc and the shards launch themselves toward the opponent with tremendous force. As the shards strike Ogerpon from behind, they shatter the Terastallization, returning her to her original form.
Ogerpon's determination shines through as she expresses her gratitude, saying, "I want to thank you for having an adventure with me. I'm not giving up!" With unwavering resolve, she takes out the Wellspring Mask, causing its cape to change from red to blue. Once again, she Terastallizes the mask, enlarging it significantly.
This time, the mask transforms Ogerpon into a Water-type Pokemon, and she wields the Ivy Cudgel with renewed strength. She swings it at Lycanroc, who valiantly attempts to dodge but ultimately succumbs to the attack, knocked out of the battle.
With determination in my eyes, I call out Greninja to the battlefield. A sense of anticipation fills the air as I decide to activate the Battle Bond transformation, causing Greninja to undergo a powerful change into Ash-Greninja.
"Here it is! The famous Ash-Greninja!" Luke cheers, clearly impressed by the transformation.
"Wow..." The siblings are shocked at my power.
Greninja springs into action, deftly dodging Ogerpon's Low Kick attack aimed at me. In its Ash-Greninja form, Greninja uses Night Slash, inflicting a substantial amount of damage on Ogerpon. The power and agility of Ash-Greninja are on full display as it follows up with a series of Aerial Ace attacks.
The relentless assault takes its toll, shattering Ogerpon's Terastallization once more and returning her to her original form.
Ogerpon's determination shines through as she declares, "You helped me get back my masks, and I'm not done yet!" With unwavering resolve, she takes out the Cornerstone Mask, causing it to change from blue to gray. She Terastallizes the mask once more, transforming herself into a pure Rock-type Pokemon.
The Ivy Cudgel strikes Sceptile with immense force, dealing significant damage, and I can sense the pain that Greninja experienced in the earlier part of the battle.
With the battle reaching a critical juncture, I make a strategic decision. "Greninja! Return!" I recall Greninja and swiftly call upon my Sceptile. "Sceptile! Mega Evolve!" I activate the Mega Evolution with my Key Stone, unleashing the full power of my Sceptile.
Now Mega Evolved, Sceptile benefits from the Grassy Terrain that has been set up earlier, significantly boosting the power of its Grass-type moves. With newfound strength, Sceptile launches a relentless assault on Ogerpon, landing powerful Grass-type attacks to break the terastalization once more.
With determination and a strong sense of purpose, Ogerpon declares, "For my old partner, I'm going to give my all!" She takes out the final mask, the Teal Mask, and Terastallizes herself into a Grass-type Pokemon.
In response, I recall my Mega Sceptile and choose Pikachu as my next Pokemon. Throwing a Tera Orb onto Pikachu, I empower him further, making him even stronger for this crucial showdown.
Ogerpon attempts to strike with her Ivy Cudgel, but Pikachu expertly dodges her attack. Taking advantage of the opening, Pikachu executes a Floaty Fall attack, landing a solid hit on Ogerpon. He follows up with an Iron Tail attack, relentlessly targeting Ogerpon's mask. After a fierce exchange of blows, Ogerpon's mask finally shatters, and she falls to the ground, defeated.
With the battle now concluded, I approach Ogerpon and express my gratitude. "Ogerpon, thank you for the battle." I reach for a Poke Ball and gently capture her, securing her as my newest partner.
Ogerpon (Teal Mask): The Mask Pokemon: Grass Type. This Pokémon's type changes based on which mask it's wearing. It confounds its enemies with nimble movements and kicks.
Ogerpon (Hearthflame Mask): The Mask Pokemon: Grass and Fire Type. This form is the most aggressive, bombarding enemies with the intensity of flames blazing within a hearth.
Ogerpon (Wellspring Mask): The Mask Pokemon: Grass and Water Type. This form excels in both attack and defense. It ceaselessly unleashes moves like a spring gushes water.
Ogerpon (Cornerstone Mask): The Mask Pokemon: Grass and Rock Type. This form has excellent defenses, absorbing impacts solidly like the cornerstones that support houses.
With Ogerpon now on my team, she hands me the four masks, a gesture of trust and confidence that I will take good care of them. Carmine congratulates, "Hey, well done, Ash! That was pretty impressive!"
Kieran, however, is clearly affected by the outcome and his emotions are in turmoil. He mutters, "Con... congratulations..." It's evident that he's struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy, comparing himself to me. "Why... why can't I be like you, Ash?" His frustration and self-doubt become overwhelming, leading him to rush off in tears.
As we prepare to chase after Kieran, Carmine intervenes,"Ugh. I hate when he gets like that... Don't worry 'bout him. He's the one who said the winner gets to become Ogerpon's partner. Come on. Let's head home."
We all agree and return to our Ghost Manor, with Ogerpon choosing to walk alongside us rather than staying in her Poke Ball, joining Pikachu, Absol, and Sylveon on our journey. The adventure has brought us new friends, new Pokemon, and strengthened bonds among our team.
And there is one more chapter left before the whole Teal Mask part is done. 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, Ogerpon