"We've arrived. This is where the Three Loyal Pokémon rest," the mayor announced.
Naoki and the mayor followed the path along Apple Hill until they reached a flat, open area. The space was circular, bordered by a wooden fence, with quaint park benches arranged along its edges. A few townsfolk sat there with their children and Pokémon, enjoying a moment of rest.
At the heart of the square stood a small shrine, with statues of three distinct Pokémon enshrined within. Naoki observed the figures intently—it was clear these were the companion Pokémon the mayor had spoken about.
"Thanks to them, our town was saved from the oni. Everyone owes their lives to their sacrifice," the mayor said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Naoki leaned closer, intrigued. "Are their remains buried here?"
The mayor nodded solemnly. As he stepped closer to the shrine, he noticed a smudge on its surface and immediately began cleaning it with care.
At that moment, a villager came running from behind, shouting, "Mayor, something terrible has happened! The truck transporting apples has fallen into a ditch!"
"What?!" The mayor's face lit with concern. Turning to Naoki, he said, "I'm afraid we'll have to cut this visit short. Feel free to explore the area, but I need to attend to this."
"Do you need any help?" Naoki offered earnestly.
The mayor smiled but shook his head. "Thank you, but our town has staff specifically trained for these situations. I wouldn't want to trouble you."
Naoki watched as the mayor hurried off. Left alone, his attention returned to the shrine before him. Within it were three small statues. Their weathered forms made it impossible to discern the exact appearances of the Pokémon they depicted.
As he pondered, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Naoki? You're visiting the shrine of the Three Loyal Pokémon too?"
Startled, Naoki turned to see Helian approaching, his face alight with enthusiasm.
"Helian? I thought you'd already left Kitakami" Naoki exclaimed.
"Not yet. My training is over for now, so I decided to linger a bit and take in the peaceful scenery of this region," Helian replied with a grin.
Naoki nodded, and together they turned their gazes to the shrine. To the right of the shrine stood a stone tablet etched with an account of the Pokémon's heroism.
Helian began to read aloud. "'The Brave Pokémon Statue: Long ago, these heroic Pokémon defended the town against a fierce onslaught of oni. Though their bravery saved the village, they ultimately fell in battle. Their remains now rest beneath this monument, where they are eternally honored.'"
Naoki listened in silence, his thoughts swirling. 'Could the green Pokémon he encountered the day before really be a oni? The idea seemed implausible. The timid creature he'd seen hardly fit the image of a destructive specter responsible for such devastation. Doubts clouded his mind, and he resolved to seek answers.
After a moment's contemplation, Naoki turned to Helian. "I need to go check something out," he said, excusing himself.
Helian nodded in understanding as Naoki called for Koraidon. The Pokémon stepped forward, letting out a sharp "Raao!" before lowering itself to allow Naoki to climb on.
As soon as Naoki was seated, Koraidon unfurled the wing-like structures on its head and leaped into the air. With powerful strokes, it flew toward the eerie mountain cloaked in mystery.
In just ten minutes, they arrived at the entrance to Oni FAng Cave. The path ahead was narrow and precarious, suspended along the mountainside. Beyond it lay the cave where Naoki had encountered the enigmatic Pokémon the previous day.
Yesterday's encounter replayed vividly in Naoki's mind. He reasoned that the mysterious Pokémon had likely bolted from the cave out of fear—specifically fear of Koraidon.
After all, Koraidon, summoned from ancient times, bore a fearsome and primal appearance. To a modern Pokémon, its presence was as jarring as a dinosaur from the Jurassic era appearing before a flock of modern-day animals.
"Wait here for me," Naoki instructed gently, guiding Koraidon to a large thicket. "I'll go in and check on things by myself."
Koraidon obeyed with a soft growl of agreement and crouched behind the bush. Its head peeked over the foliage, gazing at Naoki with a forlorn, almost pitiful expression.
After ensuring Koraidon was well-hidden, Naoki approached the cave. As he drew nearer, the silhouette of the Pokémon he'd encountered the previous day came into view.
Hearing the faint sounds outside, the Pokémon's ears twitched. It turned its head abruptly, its movements stiff with nervousness.
Their eyes met, locking across the space.
Naoki immediately softened his expression, doing his best to appear non-threatening. "Hello," he said gently. "Do you remember me? I came here yesterday."
But as soon as Naoki spoke, the Pokémon froze, its wide, panicked eyes darting to its surroundings. With hurried, fumbling movements, it pulled a green grass mask from under its coat and slipped it onto its face.
The transformation was striking. As soon as the mask was in place, the Pokémon's unease seemed to vanish, replaced by an air of composure. All its emotions were hidden behind the mask's carved features.
Naoki was stunned, observing the creature intently. The mask seemed to fit it perfectly, almost as if it were a part of the Pokémon itself. Drawing on his knowledge, Naoki thought of items like Dialga's Adamant Orb and Palkia's Lustrous Orb—could this mask be a similar artifact, an item uniquely tied to this Pokémon?
Despite his curiosity, Naoki was careful not to make any sudden movements. He was relieved to see the Pokémon hadn't bolted this time. That only reinforced his earlier suspicion: the Pokémon had run away not because of him, but because of Koraidon.
"It's okay," Naoki said softly. "I won't hurt you. I mean no harm."
Keeping his voice low and soothing, Naoki shifted his attention to the mask. It was old and worn, with several cracks and scuffs across its surface, hinting at its long history. Whatever this Pokémon had been through, the mask had clearly endured alongside it.
While Naoki studied the Pokémon, the Pokémon was also observing him, its face inscrutable behind the mask. Its cautious gaze followed Naoki's every move.
Naoki's eyes drifted to the stone table in the cave. He noticed the pile of fruit was noticeably smaller—proof that the Pokémon had eaten some of it. When the Pokémon noticed his gaze, it grew visibly uneasy, its small hands fidgeting nervously.
Naoki chuckled softly and shook his head. "Don't worry. Those fruits were a gift from Pawmot and me." He paused, his tone lightening. "You remember Pawmot, don't you? The pink Pokémon from yesterday."
The Pokémon hesitated, then gave a small nod.
"That's good," Naoki said with a smile, though his thoughts remained a swirl of questions. Could this Pokémon truly be the masked oni from the town's legends? It didn't fit. This creature was timid and hesitant, not a fearsome specter of destruction.
The atmosphere grew quiet. Neither Naoki nor the Pokémon spoke, the air between them filled with an unspoken understanding.
Naoki's gaze shifted to the stone bed and table in the cave. A thought struck him, and he asked gently, "Have you always lived here alone?"
The moment the question left his lips, a wave of sorrow seemed to radiate from the Pokémon. Though its face remained hidden, the sadness in its posture was unmistakable.
Naoki froze, his heart sinking. Did this Pokémon once share its home with someone—or something? Had it lost a companion? The thought weighed on him, but he decided not to press further. It was clear the topic caused the Pokémon pain.
Naoki felt he had learned enough for now. He stood, his movements slow and deliberate. Immediately, the Pokémon tensed, its masked face turning toward him.
Naoki was momentarily stunned but quickly reassured the masked Pokémon. "Don't worry, I'm just leaving now. I won't bother you anymore."
He slung his backpack off his shoulder, retrieving a bottle of fresh MooMoo Milk from the ranch and a few pieces of homemade Poffins. He placed them gently on the stone table. "These are for you—a small gift. Goodbye!"
With that, Naoki turned and left the hidden cave.
Outside, he found Koraidon crouched behind the bushes, its head still peeking out. He gave it a reassuring pat. "Let's go," he said softly.
Koraidon cast one last glance toward the cave, but then obediently carried Naoki out of Oni Fang Cave and back toward the village. By the time they arrived, the sun was already high in the sky, signaling noon.
Despite the warm midday light, Naoki's thoughts remained tangled. Something about the legend surrounding the masked oni didn't add up. Yet no matter how he turned it over in his mind, he couldn't piece together the missing details. Sighing, he decided to set the mystery aside for now and focus on lunch.
The meal at the village's community center was nothing short of delightful. The spread of farm-to-table dishes and the rustic, cozy atmosphere felt like a countryside holiday. Every bite reminded Naoki of the deep connection between the villagers and the land they tended so lovingly.
After lunch, Naoki decided it was time for a break. He returned to his room, released his Pokémon from their Poké Balls, and fed them some fresh Poffins. Just as he was settling in for a short nap, a knock at the door interrupted him.
He opened it to find an elderly woman standing there, her white hair glowing softly in the light. Her expression was a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Grandma Hideko?" Naoki asked, surprised.
The woman, Hideko, gave a small nod before speaking directly. "You went into Oni Fang Cave yesterday, didn't you? Did you see a oni?"
Naoki blinked, caught off guard. "How did you know about that?"
"It's all over town!" Hideko replied, her tone a mixture of amazement and scolding. "You're quite brave—or reckless—to go into that place!"
Naoki sighed. Living in a small town had its downsides—nothing stayed a secret for long. He braced himself, expecting Hideko to mirror the village chief's warnings to steer clear of the cave. But what she said next completely surprised him.
Her expression turned serious. "Did you see it? The oni? What was it like?"
Naoki hesitated, sensing there was more to this conversation. "I… saw something. But it didn't seem like the oni described in the legend."
Hideko let out a heavy sigh. "So, it's true." She paused before continuing, her tone resolute. "Come with me. My husband has something to tell you."
Confused but intrigued, Naoki didn't hesitate. "Let me grab my things," he said, recalling Koraidon and gathering his Pokémon before following Hideko out of the community center.
She led him to a small house on the outskirts of the village. Beneath the eaves, an old man stood waiting. His back was hunched, his face lined with age, and his thin hair was neatly parted down the middle.
"Come inside," the old man said, his voice low but steady.
Naoki nodded, stepping into the house with Koraidon and his Pokémon trailing behind.
The group settled on the sofa. The old man studied Naoki and Koraidon for a long moment before speaking. "Did you see a oni in the cave?"
Naoki hesitated, then replied, "If that green Pokémon wearing a mask is what you call a oni, then yes."
"As I thought!" The old man's eyes widened in understanding. "I can't believe it actually revealed itself to you. It seems the time has come."
Naoki blinked, unsure how to respond. In truth, the masked Pokémon hadn't willingly revealed itself. If Koraidon hadn't been so vigilant, he doubted he would have even noticed it.
"Have you heard the oni legend that circulates in this village?" the old man asked.
Naoki nodded. "I have."
The old man leaned forward slightly. "And what do you think of it?"
Caught off guard, Naoki paused to gather his thoughts. "I… I'm not sure. The Pokémon I encountered doesn't feel like a oni to me," he admitted. "If anything, it seemed timid and afraid. It's hard to imagine it being the same creature from the stories—ferocious, ruthless, and terrifying."
Or perhaps, Naoki considered silently, it had two personalities: one meek and fearful, the other violent and deadly.
But the old man shook his head firmly. "No. It is the oni. That event truly happened in history, but the stories told in the village are all wrong. The real history is the complete opposite of what you've heard."
"The opposite? What does that mean?" Naoki asked, intrigued.
The old man's expression grew solemn. "Since you've encountered the oni—no, we should call it by its true name, Ogerpon—I will share with you the truth. This is the history my family has passed down for generations. But you must swear not to tell anyone in the village about this!"
Naoki saw the gravity in the old man's face and nodded without hesitation. "I promise."
Koraidon, sitting nearby, let out a soft growl of acknowledgment, and Pawmot nodded energetically in agreement, its small paws clasped in determination.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting shifting shadows on the wooden floor. Dust motes danced in the golden beams, adding an almost ethereal quality to the room. The old man's voice, deep and deliberate, carried the weight of a story that felt as ancient as the light itself.
"A long time ago," the old man began, "a traveler and his Pokémon—a creature unlike anything seen in these lands—wandered into Kitakami Township."
"Their appearance was foreign, their ways unfamiliar, and the villagers feared them. They were turned away and forbidden from approaching the village."
"The traveler and his Pokémon were heartbroken. They had sought refuge and companionship but found only rejection. Still, they found solace in each other's company. Together, they retreated to the mountains, where they carved out a quiet, humble existence in a cave."
"The village's mask craftsman was the only one who took pity on the traveler and his Pokémon," the old man began. "Moved by their plight, he decided to help. He crafted several masks for them, each adorned with gemstones brought from their homeland. These masks were dazzling, intricate, and utterly unique."
"The masks allowed the traveler and the Pokémon to hide their faces and mingle with the villagers without fear. For the first time, they felt a sense of belonging. Grateful for the craftsman's kindness, they cherished the masks and began to secretly attend village celebrations, blending in with the festivities."
"But the masks were so exquisitely made that word of their beauty spread far and wide, even reaching distant lands. This drew the attention of greedy Pokémon who sought to steal these treasures for themselves."
"One day, a group of these Pokémon crept into the cave where the traveler and his Pokémon lived. They attacked, attempting to steal the masks. The traveler fought bravely, managing to protect one mask, but the others were taken. Tragically, he was gravely injured in the struggle and succumbed to his wounds."
The old man's voice grew heavier, his words slow and deliberate. "When the Pokémon returned to the cave hours later, it found the traveler lifeless and the stolen masks gone. Overcome with grief and fury, it donned the remaining green mask and descended upon the village."
"It wasn't long before it found the Pokémon parading their stolen masks in the village, reveling in their theft. Enraged, it attacked, defeating the thieves and retrieving the masks. But the scene terrified the villagers, who misunderstood what was happening. All they saw was an angry, masked Pokémon attacking others."
"They assumed the three Pokémon who had stolen the masks were heroes who had saved the village from a rampaging oni. To honor them, the villagers buried them as revered protectors, calling them the Three Loyal Pokémon."
"The masked Pokémon, wounded and filled with sorrow, returned to its cave in the mountains, where it has lived in solitude ever since."
The old man sighed deeply. "Our ancestor, the mask craftsman, tried to tell the truth of what happened, but no one believed him. Instead, he was branded a heretic and ostracized for defending the so-called oni."
Naoki sat in stunned silence, struggling to process the story. "How could things have gone so wrong..." he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Nearby, Koraidon lowered its head, its usual pride dimmed by the weight of the tale. Pawmot gripped its small hammer tightly, anger flashing in its eyes.
The old man observed their reactions and nodded solemnly. "If Ogerpon revealed itself to you, it means it sees something in you. I believe it trusts you. That's why I have a favor to ask."
Naoki met the old man's gaze, listening intently.
"Take Ogerpon away from this place," the old man said. "Away from Kitakami Township, where it has endured nothing but rejection and hate. Let it live somewhere it can find peace."
...
Bonus Chapter
....
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