"The scenery in the apple orchard is really nice," Summer remarked.
He lifted his camera to capture the view before him: bright red apples hanging from the branches, and upon closer inspection, a few Wormadam among them.
"Great shot, Summer! Are you a professional photographer by any chance?" Kieran peeked over, admiring the camera in Summer's hand.
"Oh, thanks for the compliment. I'm still a beginner, though."
"That's impressive! You must be one of those people who can pick up anything quickly. I'm a bit envious," Kieran sighed. "I'm always clumsy. If I were more skilled, my sister wouldn't have to help me with everything."
"Your sister seems quite domineering?" Summer observed.
"Yeah, at the academy, she's always stepping in for me, handling everything. I want to try things myself, make my own friends, and participate in battles."
No wonder Kieran was somewhat introverted and self-conscious. His sister had sheltered him completely. Judging by his demeanor, this prolonged dependence could lead to psychological issues.
"If you want to make friends, let's be friends, Kieran." Summer extended his hand. Helping Kieran gain confidence was key to solving the problem.
"Become friends with me?" Kieran said in surprise, then lowered his head. "No, you don't have to pity me, Summer. Being friends with someone like me must be boring."
"Why would it be? Look, my partner is Rillaboom, and yours is Dipplin. As Grass-type trainers, we surely have common interests. Why can't we be friends?"
Summer moved his outstretched hand closer to Kieran, smiling. "Everyone has their own brilliance, and you're no exception, Kieran. So stop calling yourself boring."
"I... I understand." Kieran slowly unclenched his fist and grasped Summer's hand. "Friends... that's a nice word."
"Of course it is."
Kieran's spirits lifted considerably, and he walked more energetically, taking a few steps ahead of Summer. "Summer, let's head to Loyalty Plaza!"
Loyalty Plaza, located on the high ground north of the apple orchard, was home to sculptures of the Loyal Three. People often came to clear weeds, leaving a clean space around.
Several benches surrounded the plaza, but only one elderly couple sat chatting, giving the place a somewhat desolate feel.
"Summer, we're here. This is Loyalty Plaza. Look, the sign you're looking for is over there." Kieran pointed to a wooden sign nearby.
"Alright, let's go check it out together." Summer put down his camera. He planned to take both a wide and a close-up shot.
They walked to the sign, and Summer read the text carefully. The gist of the story was that a Pokémon named ogre lived in the mountains behind the Mossui Town. It was terrifying and would scare those who ventured into the mountains.
One day, the ogre went on a rampage and stormed into the village. At that moment, the three Pokémon—Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti—were in the village. They fought desperately to drive the ogre back to the mountains.
The villagers were moved by their heroic actions, calling them the Loyal Three and burying their bodies with honor, erecting the sculptures over their graves.
After reading the sign, Summer paused before speaking, "Kieran, what I'm about to say might seem rude, but don't you think this legend has some logical flaws?"
"Logical flaws?"
"Yes. In the legend, the ogre is defined as the evil one, right?"
"Mm." Kieran replied reluctantly.
"And it's still alive, isn't it?"
"Yeah, when I was younger, I went looking for the ogre in the mountains several times but never found it. However, it must still be living in the mountains, I'm sure!"
"Exactly. From what I've seen, villains don't give up their evil plans after one failure. Since the Loyal Three are dead, what's stopping the ogre from seeking revenge on the villagers?"
"Mm, I've had that feeling too, but everyone firmly believes the story," Kieran said, excited but then lowered his head, recalling past experiences.
"Or... I know the story of the ogre, but Summer, it would be better if you read it yourself!"
"You're right. There are still two more signs. It's indeed a bit one-sided to analyze based on just one story." Summer nodded and then said, "Speaking of which, Kieran, it seems like you really like the ogre in the story."
"You noticed? Yeah, I really like it! It defeated three opponents by itself—so powerful!" Kieran scratched his head shyly. "And being ostracized by the villagers, living alone without caring—it's so cool!"
"I've admired the ogre since I was young. I want to become as cool as it is!" Kieran's eyes sparkled.
Now I get why Kieran likes the ogre, Summer thought. He's projected his experiences onto the ogre, wanting to be strong and independent. That's his aspiration.
"Then let's head to the second location. The next sign is in the center of Kitakami."
Kieran looked up at the sky, then said awkwardly, "Uh, it seems we won't make it back to the village before dark. If we don't return, my sister will scold me again."
"No worries. I'm not just staying in Kitakami for one day. We have plenty of time," Summer reassured him.
"Yeah, that's true."
Suddenly, a girl's voice came from behind them, much gentler than before.
"Kieran, there you are. Every time you're upset, you come here."
"Sis?"
Kieran turned to see his sister holding a bright red candy apple. But when she saw Summer, she quickly hid it behind her back.
"You're... the outsider!"
"Sis! Summer isn't an outsider. He's my new friend!" Kieran mustered the courage to retort.
"Hmph! Kieran learned to talk back after making a friend!" The girl clenched her fist, pouting, and trembling with anger, glaring at Summer.
"Alright, let's battle then. You must be Summer, right? I won't acknowledge a weak trainer!" She marched up to Kieran and placed the candy apple in his hand, whispering, "Kieran, hold onto this. I'll let you eat it after I win."
"That's fine, but wouldn't it be better to introduce yourself first?" Summer suggested.
"Hmph! My name is Carmine! The one who's going to defeat you!" Carmine pointed at him and declared.
"Sis, you just want to battle." Kieran muttered.
"Kieran, be quiet! Didn't I say you could eat it after I win?!" Carmine clasped her hands before her chest, her expression becoming even more intimidating.
"Well, it seems you've found a backer. Let's see how helpless you are in front of your sister." Carmine threw the Poké Ball from her waist.
A familiar Pokémon appeared in front of Summer—it was Morpeko, the ever-hungry Electric rodent.
(End of Chapter)