"This will be your new home from now on, Ogerpon."
Summer pointed to the wooden house in front of him while gently patting Ogerpon's little head. Though it wasn't a luxurious mansion, it was a significant improvement from the cave it had lived in before.
A house! Ogerpon's eyes sparkled with excitement. It was going to live in a house now! Living with Summer was already a joy, but having a house meant it wouldn't have to worry about getting its clothes wet on rainy days!
"Let's go inside." Summer led Ogerpon into the wooden house. Although things had been quite messy when they left in a hurry, the place now looked very tidy, thanks to Nayo's efforts.
When Summer went to Mossui Town to rescue Ogerpon, he had asked Aya to look after Sunset Forest. Unexpectedly, Aya had taken the time to organize the room.
In gratitude, Summer had given Aya a large pack of Kitakami rice cakes and a mask he had bought from a stall. Aya seemed pleased with the mask, perhaps enjoying the carefree smile it featured.
As soon as Ogerpon entered the wooden house, it began circling the table, enjoying the woody aroma. Its gaze then shifted to the bookshelf where Summer had placed various items. The assortment caught its attention.
"This can be considered proof of our travels, so…" Summer approached the bookshelf and took out a handmade mask. This was a farewell gift from Kieran and Carmine, made by the sibling duo themselves.
The mask's design was likely inspired by the smile Ogerpon hides beneath its mask.
Kieran aimed to become stronger and joined an academy that emphasized battles, setting the goal of defeating Elite Four-level trainers. Carmine, surprised that her protection had limited her brother's growth, decided to step back from his academy life. She was also determined to become stronger herself, as she couldn't lose to her brother.
Summer then took out a notebook with "Kitakami Travel Guide" written on the cover in elegant script. This was an early version created by Perrin, showcasing her exceptional photography skills with numerous pictures of Kitakami's scenic spots.
The remaining text was Perrin's thoughts on the scenery. She intended to enhance this guide by including Ogerpon's story before finalizing it. This was her way of assisting the villagers who had made mistakes.
Before leaving, Summer had asked Perrin if she had found the mysterious Pokémon, but she smiled and shook her head. The Pokémon had vanished without a trace. Nonetheless, she was satisfied with experiencing Ogerpon's story and decided not to linger in Mossui Town any longer to work on the guide.
"Boni!"
Seeing Summer placing items on the shelf, Ogerpon had a similar idea. It took out a thorny stick and placed it on a reachable shelf, showing a satisfied expression.
"Is it okay to leave this behind? Isn't this your weapon, Ogerpon?" Summer asked.
"Gao!"
In response, Ogerpon extended its small hand, and a burst of intense green light erupted from it. A wooden stick materialized, covered with sharp thorns.
The Teal Mask allows dead plants to be revived, so for Ogerpon, making a new weapon was easy.
"Impressive." Summer patted its head, not forgetting to offer praise.
Soon after, Ogerpon expressed a desire to explore other parts of Sunset Forest. It was very curious about everything here because this was Summer's home.
"Alright, you take care of the house while I show Ogerpon around. I'll also take this opportunity to recall the items we obtained from Kitakami," Summer said, reminiscing about the items while heading out.
[Completed the sixth time-space distortion, received the item Candlefruit Tree Seedling. Candlefruit: A fruit favored by Electric-type Pokémon, the tree acts as a lightning rod and attracts lightning. The fruit has a glowing skin and a sweet-tart flavor, making it ideal for jams.]
[Received the item TM Protect (one-time). Protect: Blocks one attack from the opponent, a very useful move that almost every Pokémon can learn.]
[Received the item Masterpiece Teacup. Masterpiece Teacup: A finely crafted teacup, seemingly made by a master. Even if somewhat damaged, tea brewed in it will surely taste great.]
These items were obtained from battling with Carmine. Among them, Summer considered the Candlefruit to be the most valuable since it can make delicious jam and doesn't need to worry about lightning strikes, thanks to his lightning-releasing plant.
[Received the item TM Revenge (one-time). Revenge: Deals double damage if an ally has fallen, avenging and taking revenge.]
[Received the item TM Meteor Mash (one-time). Meteor Mash: Attacks the opponent with falling meteors, reducing the user's Special Attack due to recoil. It is said to be the strongest move for many Dragon-type Pokémon.]
[Received the item Ancient Coin. Ancient Coin: A historically valuable coin, its material alone can fetch a good price as it is ninety-nine percent pure gold.]
The latter two items were obtained from battling Albert. The source of the Revenge move, was it a Pokémon or Ogerpon?
Summer didn't want to dwell on this now. Ogerpon didn't need hatred; it was better off being carefree.
[Received the item Expert Glasses. Expert Glasses: Increases the power of special moves when worn. It is said that wearing these glasses makes one appear ten percent smarter.]
[Received the item TM Trick (one-time). Trick: Activates the brain to enhance Special Attack, a formula for victory!]
[Received the item TM Calm Mind (one-time). Calm Mind: Focuses the mind to increase Special Attack and Special Defense, entering a sage-like state.]
[Received the item Power Band. Power Band: Increases the power of physical moves when worn, a continuous source of strength!]
[Received the item TM Bulk Up (one-time). Bulk Up: Uses all body strength to tighten muscles, increasing both Attack and Defense. Muscle equals strength.]
[Received the item Master Band. Master Band: The soul of a battle master is attached, enhancing the power of moves when used. The opposite item is called the Anti-Type Hat.]
[Received the TM Charm (one-time). Charm: Attracts and charms the opponent, effective only on opposite-gender Pokémon. Note, the success rate is linked to the user's appearance.]
[Received the TM Dazzling Gleam (one-time). Dazzling Gleam: Releases a burst of light to damage the opponent. This move is often associated with glamorous contests, and judges commonly wear sunglasses.]
[Received the TM Draining Kiss (one-time). Draining Kiss: Uses a charming voice to attack the opponent, guaranteed to hit, with rumors suggesting it deals more damage to same-gender Pokémon.]
These items were obtained from the battle to retrieve the masks. Summer could feel how intense the Pokémon's desire was.
Wisdom, strength, charm, and then the aversion to their previous Loyal Three. This twisted way of fulfilling wishes was something he didn't want to acknowledge.
[Received the item Surprise Apple Tree Seedling. Surprise Apple: Includes sour, sweet, and honey flavors, with a firm skin that locks in all the flavor. The taste is richer than ordinary apples.]
[Received the item Water Stone. Water Stone: A stone imbued with the power of water, allowing certain Pokémon to evolve upon contact.]
[Received the item Sharp Tooth. Sharp Tooth: Very sharp teeth that may cause opponents to flinch upon attack, and can cause certain Pokémon to evolve at night.]
These were the rewards from battling Kieran and Carmine and are related to Pokémon evolution. Due to the honey apple, the item was changed to Surprise Apple.
[Completed the sixth time-space distortion, adding a special area, Eternal Forest. Eternal Forest is an ancient forest in Kitakami, sometimes hosting Pokémon from other regions.]
[Completed the sixth time-space distortion, received the item Tera Orb. Tera Orb, an item from Paldea, allows Pokémon to undergo Terastalization, with the Terastal type determined by the Pokémon itself.]
[Completed the sixth time-space distortion, received the item Meadow Plate, a fragment of a giant stone slab, containing powerful life energy that enhances Grass-type moves.]
The final items are as impactful as ever. Summer had learned about the Tera Orb on his way to Mossui Town. It is a new item from Paldea, with a history shorter than the Gigantamax Band. The Tera Orb allows Pokémon to Terastalize, changing their type.
The Terastalized type is singular. If the Pokémon hasn't had any special experiences, it generally becomes one of its original types.
The Pokémon's original type bonus remains unchanged. If the Terastalized type matches one of its original types, it will strengthen moves of that type based on the original type's power.
If it's a different type, the Pokémon will receive a bonus based on the Terastalized type.
Summer didn't believe his Pokémon had any special experiences, so for them, Terastalization would merely be a way to enhance moves of their original types.
Furthermore, the Tera Orb needs to be recharged after multiple uses, and recharging stations are located in Paldea.
Like Gigantamaxing, Terastalization is a unique regional phenomenon. Therefore, the Tera Orb is considered a consumable item.
However, since Ogerpon has the ability to Terastalize independently, perhaps it can recharge the Tera Orb?
"Ogerpon?"
Ogerpon tilted its head in confusion. The forest before it felt very familiar. Why would the forest where Summer lives resemble the one from Kitakami?
While recalling past events, Summer had already brought all his Pokémon back to their original habitats. Now, he and Ogerpon had arrived at the entrance to the Eternal Forest.
The acquisition of the stone tablet this time was much safer compared to last time. The Teal Mask was obtained mainly because of Ogerpon, whose original power is Grass-type.
Realizing this, Summer suddenly noticed he had never checked Ogerpon's abilities. Since it had chosen him, he should understand it better.
[Ogerpon (Teal Mask), Grass-type Pokémon. Ability: Determined (Reflective Mask). Potential: —]
This was the first time Summer had seen the potential field incomplete. Indeed, Ogerpon is a mysterious Pokémon. Could the Reflective Mask ability mean it can Terastalize its mask?
[Reflective Mask: When Ogerpon Terastalizes with different masks, it gains various effects.]
[Teal Mask: Boosts Speed.]
[Hearthflame Mask: Boosts Attack.]
[Wellspring Mask: Boosts Special Defense.]
[Cornerstone Mask: Boosts Physical Defense.]
Ah, that explains it. No wonder each form of Ogerpon emits different auras upon Terastalization, and Ogerpon's type changes with different masks.
The Teal Mask is purely Grass-type, while the remaining masks change the type to a combination of Grass with Fire, Water, and Rock.
Its unique move, Thorn Whip, also changes with the mask's type and is an attack that easily hits critical points.
Then Summer realized something. With Terastalization and Reflective Mask enhancements, and the boost to the original type, wouldn't this Thorn Whip be devastating on a sunny day?
The small and cute Ogerpon has such terrifying power. No, it had previously defeated three Pokémon of opposing types. The process of capturing it was also very thrilling.
Yes, Ogerpon is very strong.
"Ogerpon, even though this forest is very similar to Kitakami's, it's a completely different area," Summer explained, wondering what the presence of foreign Pokémon meant.
"Gao!"
Ogerpon expressed its excitement. Not only is Summer an amazing person, but the forest where he lives is also full of wonder!
The lake where Milotic lives is very comfortable, soothing both body and mind. Bad Pokémon here can definitely learn to stay calm. But my Wellspring Mask keeps vibrating.
The grassland where the Lilligant live is also very comfortable and warm. Their elegant demeanor can surely help the vain chicken correct its bad habits.
However, is it really okay for the mischievous Pokémon to be together with the naughty monkeys? But this is Summer's decision, so it must be fine!
The mushroom-filled forest has the beautiful and understanding witch sisters, while the rainforest with tall trees has the kind Tropius. The fruits it offered were delicious!
I've never understood Skarmory, but it must be very strong to be the leader of a group of bird Pokémon.
There are also electric trees, seemingly frightening trees, and many delicious tree fruits. My favorite is the... um, Roseli Berry!
Now, there's a forest that looks exactly like Kitakami's. How amazing!
"I guess I need to check out this Eternal Forest. Can you protect me, Ogerpon?" Summer asked.
"Gao!"
Ogerpon eagerly agreed and took out the newly made Thorn Whip. If we encounter any bad guys, I'll use this stick to turn them into pancakes!
Deep within the Eternal Forest, a giant Pokémon awakens from its slumber. Everything around it seems unchanged, yet there's something slightly different.
It rises slowly, causing the ground near it to tremble with each step. Its left eye is shrouded in darkness, and a crimson moon hangs above it, emitting an ominous aura.
It has sensed the presence of humans. The giant bear moves slowly, heading towards the source of the scent, which is Summer and Ogerpon entering the forest.
(End of Chapter)