On a secluded hillside, Summer sat in the secret base that Okidogi had told him about. Because Ogerpon was unwilling to enter the village, they had borrowed a tent from Carmine and settled here temporarily.
At this moment, Summer's expression was serious as he worked on reforming the Loyal Three. Ogerpon sat upright next to him, looking earnest, like a diligent little assistant.
After spending some time with them, Summer discovered that these three weren't inherently bad, but when they used the poison chains, they would fall into a temporary state of uncontrollability.
When asked about the events that had occurred with the man who traveled with Ogerpon, all three of the Loyal Three showed confused expressions, indicating they couldn't remember the details.
Setting aside Munkidori, the expression on Okidogi's face seemed genuine. From this, it was clear they indeed couldn't recall the incident.
On the other hand, the forest assistant's report on their status showed some anomalies.
Munkidori: Poison/Psychic type Pokémon. Ability: Poison Chain. Potential: Forewarn, Follower (Inactive).
Okidogi: Poison/Fighting type Pokémon. Ability: Poison Chain. Potential: Watchdog, Follower (Inactive).
Fezandipiti: Poison/Fairy type Pokémon. Ability: Poison Chain. Potential: Technician, Follower (Inactive).
Each of the Loyal Three had the potential to be followers, but this state was inactive.
Moreover, the description of this potential was odd and incomplete.
Follower: —Follower of —.
Could it be that they once had a master? Summer concluded.
According to the information provided by Munkidori, they weren't originally like this. The poison chains had somehow enhanced the abilities they desired most.
Munkidori valued intelligence, Okidogi valued strength, and Fezandipiti valued charm.
Relying on the growth from the poison chains came at a cost. Intelligence brought cunning, strength brought recklessness, and charm brought narcissism.
The so-called master was the one who granted them this power and was likely the one who orchestrated the theft of the masks, the true culprit behind Ogerpon's tragedy.
To have given such malicious gifts, their former master must have been a very unpleasant individual.
This was why Summer was set on reforming them, correcting the personalities twisted by the poison chains. Before being good Pokémon, they needed to be normal Pokémon.
"Munkidori, I know you're very smart and have your own thoughts, so I won't oppose you using your intelligence in battle. But you need to learn to rely on your companions and share."
"Munkidori."
"No, you can't exploit others. Companions aren't tools," Summer said, stopping its thoughts. "When we get back, I'll arrange for a group of clever Pokémon for you."
"I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of strong team your intelligence can build, but first, you need to overcome your selfishness. Understand?"
"Munkidori!" Munkidori was delighted by Summer's expectations, seeing it as a high recognition of its intelligence. However, changing its personality would be challenging.
Forewarn: Sharp eyes that can detect the opponent's items. Condition: Master one Psychic-type move and one item-related move. Effect: Replaces ability with Forewarn, retaining the Poison Chain's effect while removing its influence.
The ability to remove the poison chain's influence while retaining its effect thrilled Summer. If they could escape their uncontrollable state, it would aid their reformation.
Munkidori: Poison/Psychic type Pokémon. Moves: Scratch, Fake Out, Assist, Metronome, Tera Blast, Clear Smog, Poison Jab, Acid Bomb, Venoshock, Sludge Bomb, Psybeam, Psychic, Calm Mind, Swagger, Trick, Taunt.
Munkidori knew quite a few moves, but Summer noticed one unfamiliar move, Tera Blast.
Tera Blast: Normal-type move. The move's type changes based on the Tera type.
Tera type? Could it be related to the strange spheres used by Albert, which could change a Pokémon's type? This phenomenon was unique to Paldea.
After reviewing Munkidori's remaining information, Summer turned to Okidogi. Okidogi tensed up, but its tail wagged uncontrollably.
"Okidogi, being strong isn't wrong, but using it recklessly is. From now on, you need to learn to control your strength. Being able to control your power is what makes a true strong Pokémon."
"Okidogi!" The term "true strong Pokémon" made Okidogi's eyes sparkle.
"For instance, bullying the weak is a misuse of strength. Sometimes, you might struggle to control your emotions, so when we return, I'll take you to a place where you can find peace."
Okidogi nodded vigorously. Yes, it struggled to control its emotions and often became a rampaging brute.
Watchdog: A good dog. When intimidated, its attack increases, and it nullifies switching moves and items. Condition: Have a home it truly recognizes. Effect: Replaces ability with Watchdog, retaining the Poison Chain's effect while removing its influence.
Okidogi: Poison/Fighting type Pokémon. Moves: Howl, Tackle, Scary Face, Tera Blast, Roar, Bulk Up, Superpower, Counter, Poison Fang, Poison Jab, Bite, Crunch, Thrash, Outrage.
Most of Okidogi's moves were related to strength and roaring, fitting its previous personality.
Finally, Summer turned to Fezandipiti, who appeared calm. Summer had saved it for last, seemingly giving it special attention because of its charm.
"No, I'm not giving you special attention, Fezandipiti. Having a beautiful exterior paired with narcissism only brings disgust. The attention it garners is superficial."
"Relying on abilities for attention is also meaningless and fake."
Fezandipiti stiffened like a statue. Did that mean its previous pursuit of attention was meaningless?
"Don't worry, I'll find you some teachers. Learn humbly and then show your unparalleled charm."
Fezandipiti's expression softened. Once it filled the void in its heart, it would show Summer its true charm.
Technician: Skill changes a Pokémon's life. Using low-power moves increases their power. Condition: Master five low-power moves proficiently. Effect: Replaces ability with Technician, retaining the Poison Chain's effect while removing its influence.
Fezandipiti: Poison/Fairy type Pokémon. Moves: Charm, Quick Attack, Tail Whip, Tera Blast, Swagger, Flatter, Poison Gas, Cross Poison, Poison Tail, Peck, Wing Attack, Disarming Voice, Dazzling Gleam.
Fezandipiti knew the fewest moves among the three, clearly not fond of battling.
"That's all for now. First, apologize to Ogerpon sincerely," Summer said seriously.
The Loyal Three exchanged looks, then lowered their heads and made apologetic sounds. They had been wrong, regardless of the reasons, and had caused Ogerpon irreparable harm, an unchangeable fact.
"Caw!"
Ogerpon puffed up its chest in response, forgiving them. It was generous and big-hearted.
"Remember, Ogerpon, anyone can make mistakes. If they sincerely apologize, forgive them," the man's words echoed in Ogerpon's mind. Now it had done so.
Summer reached out to comfort the softly crying Ogerpon. He made a silent vow that if he ever met the Loyal Three's former master, he would make them pay.
(End of Chapter)