Paradise Barrens is a wasteland located in the northwest corner of Kitakami, filled with rocks of various sizes, making it nearly impossible to cultivate. As a result, the area is sparsely populated.
Okidogi clenched its fists, surrounded by fallen Pokémon. It wore a sneer on its face, mocking the weak creatures that weren't even a challenge for it.
However, it felt an odd sense of familiarity when it looked at the defeated Pokémon, as if it saw its former self.
"Grruff!"
Okidogi suddenly smashed a nearby rock with its powerful fist. How could a mighty being like it be compared to these weaklings? It was the strongest!
Swinging the chain around its neck, Okidogi boasted about its massive size, believing even ogres couldn't defeat it now.
Hmm? Isn't that the ogre, coming with a group of helpers? But it doesn't matter; I'm invincible now!
"You brute, always bullying the weak! Do you have muscles for brains? If you have guts, fight us!"
Seeing the fallen Pokémon around, Carmine was furious. She sent out her Ninetales.
The elegant, golden-furred Ninetales appeared before Carmine, its nine tails swaying gracefully in the wind, exuding a mystical aura.
After Summer captured Munkidori, it revealed the typings of its companions. Okidogi was Fighting and Poison type, while Fezandipiti was Fairy and Poison type.
Thus, Carmine sent out Ninetales, which knew Psychic. Summer and Perrin sent out Munkidori and Noctowl, respectively.
"Grruff?!"
Seeing Munkidori jump out of its Poké Ball, Okidogi was dumbfounded. How could its brain, Munkidori, have turned against it?
Feeling betrayed, Okidogi's anger surged, losing all composure. It charged at Summer's group, abandoning any pretense of strategy.
"Noctowl, use Psychic!"
"Ninetales, finish it with Psychic!"
Twisting psychic energy enveloped Okidogi's lower body, slowing it down. Then, a burst of psychic energy struck its chest, causing it to stagger backward.
Finally, Ninetales' psychic power surrounded Okidogi's head, making it dizzy and sluggish. Despite its strong muscles, Okidogi couldn't withstand the continuous psychic attacks and fell unconscious.
As its vision darkened, Okidogi glimpsed a small Rockruff on the ground. Was that me? Oh, right, I was once small and weak, wanting to become strong to protect my friends.
"Wish granted, strength bestowed, but you must..."
An invisible hand tightened the thick chain around its neck, causing it to cry in pain. It could feel the power coursing through its body, but with it came a loss of reason. What was the result of this unleashed power? Ah, fleeing friends and a shattered ground.
"Ogerpon~"
Ogerpon picked up the Cornerstone Mask from the ground and ran joyfully to Summer, displaying it proudly. Only one mask left!
Munkidori sighed silently, looking at the fallen Okidogi. It shared the same questioning gaze: Where did our power come from?
Fezandipiti, flying above Oni Mountain, watched its adoring followers on the ground with pride. Its charm had not waned over time.
Moreover, its larger body now influenced a wider area.
Suddenly, it noticed a Grumpig among the followers. That one doesn't suit my taste.
Fezandipiti swooped down and knocked Grumpig away with a wing slap. Only beautiful followers were allowed, and ugliness was a sin!
Who would like a short-feathered, dull-colored, unpleasant-sounding Pokémon? It deserved to cry alone in the shadows!
After venting its twisted desires, Fezandipiti froze. Wasn't it describing itself?
No, I am beautiful, and my voice is lovely. Why do I have these memories that shouldn't exist?
"Hey, you vain creature! I think you're just an empty shell!"
Standing on a high point, Carmine shouted at Fezandipiti. It turned its gaze to her, feeling an inexplicable inferiority upon seeing Ninetales by her side.
"Chee-hee-ah!"
Fezandipiti flapped its wings furiously, flying towards Carmine. Anyone rivaling its beauty was evil!
At that moment, intense drumming filled the air. Thick vines wrapped around Fezandipiti, and Noctowl and Ninetales' eyes glowed, turning their psychic power into a gravitational force that crushed Fezandipiti.
Those jealous of my beauty, why haven't you been mesmerized by it yet?
"Rillaboom!"
Rillaboom, exuding the energy of the earth, descended like a hammer, smashing Fezandipiti into the ground.
The enchanted Pokémon instantly woke up and scattered, prioritizing their lives over beauty.
In a dark space, Fezandipiti saw an inconspicuous bird Pokémon crying in a corner, ignored by everyone, even for mockery. It wished to be beautiful and popular.
"Wish granted, beauty bestowed, but you must..."
Countless twisted hands handed a thick chain to the crying bird Pokémon, whispering. Without hesitation, it wrapped the chain around itself, yearning for beauty even at the cost of its life.
"How annoying. Even when defeated, it looks pretty," Carmine said, shaking her head at the fallen Fezandipiti. Then she looked at Summer, "Great, we got the last mask back."
"Yes."
Summer patted Ogerpon, holding the Hearthflame Mask, with a genuine smile. All three masks originally belonging to Ogerpon were recovered. Now, how to make the villagers admit their mistake...
In Jubilife City Prison, Albert, confined in an iron cell, boredly touched his bandaged nose. The pain inflicted by Summer still lingered.
"Damn Ogre Clan...!"
"How pitiful, Albert. I should consider stripping you of your council position," an elderly gentleman in a suit said, opening the cell door and walking slowly towards him.
"Heh, I'm just a bounty hunter making up the numbers. But Professor, I got hurt because of your request. Shouldn't I get some compensation?" Albert said nonchalantly, legs crossed.
"You didn't complete the task, did you? Why didn't you bring your team along?" the old man questioned.
"Who knew there'd be such a strong trainer in that remote place? I'm telling you, Professor, his Milotic was incredible!"
Hearing about Milotic, the old man showed a thoughtful expression. "What's that trainer's name?"
"I don't know, but he wore an ogre mask. By the way, can we talk somewhere else? I can't stand this place," Albert leaned back, speaking with confidence.
"One more day." The old man left the cell, leaving the words behind. Albert, or rather, his team, was barely fit for the council.
Barely included in Team Dawn's Council, driven only by money. Hmph, can't discard them so easily after all.
(End of Chapter)