Pokemon: Gym Leader

"This is…"

Ilene and Lillie were astonished as they gazed at the radiant Ogerpon and the massive crystalline Teal Mask before it.

"What is this?"

"Its memories ignited its fighting spirit, allowing its true strength to emerge," Dylan explained with a smile.

"Ogerpon's mask is unique, adorned with distinctive crystal shards that hold Teracrystal energy. That's why its teracrystallization is so extraordinary."

Unlike typical teracrystallization, Ogerpon's transformation wasn't just about itself; rather, the mask was the main focus of its power.

When Ogerpon teracrystallized, its ability, Embody Aspect, activated, channeling memories into the Teal Mask, making it glow and enhancing its speed. This unique synergy between Ogerpon and its mask defined its teracrystallization.

"Pecha-runttt!!"

The raspy cry of Pecharunt echoed with anger as it glared at the teracrystallized Ogerpon. It needed the mask—only with the mask could it return!

"Pecharunt, why deceive yourself? Don't you see? You've been dormant for centuries. The elderly couple you cherished has long passed away," Dylan said, delivering a harsh truth.

The tragic tale of Pecharunt and the elderly couple was a classic. Out of love, Pecharunt had offered them its poisonous sticky cakes. These treats, however, enhanced the eater's desires and abilities. Whether Pecharunt was aware of this side effect was a matter of debate.

Initially, the couple's care and love for Pecharunt were pure. But the cakes' influence stirred desires—dreams of legendary fruits, fine clothes, and exotic masks. Desperate to fulfill their wishes and earn more affection, Pecharunt's actions led to tragedy for all involved.

Even now, awakened after centuries, its only thought was to reclaim the mask and return to them.

"Pecha?"

Pecharunt hesitated, glancing around in confusion. Time had changed everything. The lush village it remembered had transformed beyond recognition.

Panic and fear overwhelmed Pecharunt. How could this happen? The couple… the mask…!

"Pecha-runttt!!"

Its sharp cry pierced the air as malevolent purple energy surged from its body. It believed that reclaiming the mask would restore everything.

Two massive, poisonous chains shot out from Pecharunt's shell, aiming for Ogerpon.

At the same time, three Pokémon—Pecharunt's loyal companions—charged forward.

"Ogerpon faces its old foes," Lillie remarked while attempting to scan the Okidogi with her Pokédex, only to find no data available.

"Still no data?!" she said, pouting at her brother.

"When the Roto-Dex hits the market, I'll get one for you," Dylan promised, patting her golden hair.

For now, Dylan's customized Rotom Pokédex recorded details about the Pokémon:

Pecharunt

Type: Poison/Ghost

Ability: Puppetmaster

Moves: Toxic Chains, Toxic, Trick, Shadow Ball, Parting Shot, Destiny Bond, Mean Look...

Description: Forces victims to consume toxic cakes that enhance their desires and abilities, then controls them using chains.

Lillie shuddered. "Such a terrifying Pokémon… it can even control humans, right?"

The Pokédex then analyzed the other Pokémon:

Okidogi: Poison/Fighting

Ability: Toxic Chains

Description: Its toxic chain enhances its strength.

Munkidori: Poison/Psychic

Fezandipiti: Poison/Fairy

Despite being surrounded by these legendary Pokémon, Ogerpon stayed calm. Using its Teal Mask to block the toxic chains, it retaliated with its signature Bramble Club, striking with incredible strength.

In no time, the Okidogi were defeated, kneeling in submission.

"How strong!" Lillie's eyes sparkled.

"The gap in power is vast. Ogerpon is incredible," Dylan praised.

Now only Pecharunt remained.

With its bramble club in hand, Ogerpon leapt into the air, heading for the trembling Pecharunt.

"Pecha…"

Memories of that fateful night overwhelmed Pecharunt. The terrifying sight of Ogerpon wielding its bramble club left it frozen in fear.

Bang!

The club struck Pecharunt with immense force, sending it crashing to the ground.

As Pecharunt lay there, its dim, lifeless eyes gazed at the sky. The mask, its companions, and the happiness the couple once gave—it had lost everything.

Tears rolled down Pecharunt's cheeks.

"Pecha… Pecha-runttt…"

Watching its despair, Ogerpon's expression turned complex. Even though it had defeated Pecharunt once more, the past could never be undone.

"How pitiful," Lillie murmured, feeling a pang of sympathy.

"Pitiful people often bring misfortune upon themselves. This is all its own doing," Dylan said, shaking his head.

"But that's all in the past now."

Dylan took steady steps toward Ogerpon.

"Oge…"

Hearing the footsteps, Ogerpon turned its head and saw Dylan walking toward it.

"Well? Do you feel better now?"

"Oge~"

Ogerpon nodded, then shook its head. The light around it dissipated as it de-teracrystallized, tightly embracing Dylan.

Those memories were now part of the past—it was time to embrace a new life.

"Why so sentimental?" Dylan gently picked up Ogerpon, tapping its large, round face.

After all, Ogerpon had just said, "I like Dylan."

"Oge Oge~"

Ogerpon's big eyes squinted into crescents, its happiness radiating as it grinned widely.

"I like you too, Ogerpon. I hope we can stay together from now on."

"Oge yo~!"

Ogerpon chirped happily, overflowing with joy.

"Then come along."

Dylan took out a Luxury Ball.

Ogerpon reached out with its arm, touching the ball willingly. In a flash of red light, it was absorbed into the Luxury Ball, which clicked shut without even a single shake.

"I've caught Ogerpon."

Dylan held the Luxury Ball with a heartfelt smile.

"Oge~"

The ball opened again, and Ogerpon appeared beside Dylan, clinging to his leg and letting out soft, affectionate cries.

"Alright, Ogerpon, let's go check on that one."

Dylan rubbed Ogerpon's head and shifted his gaze to Pecharunt , who was still sobbing on the ground.

"It's a pitiful creature," Dylan said with a sigh. While he still believed Pecharunt 's current state was its own doing, there was a tinge of empathy in his voice.

Tap… tap…

Pecharunt lay flat on the ground, and as the sound of approaching footsteps reached its ears, it turned its head. The sight of Dylan and Ogerpon filled its view.

"Your past… there's nothing left of it now," Dylan said, crouching to meet Pecharunt 's gaze.

"Pecha…"

Tears welled up in Pecharunt 's eyes again. Hearing those words struck a sorrowful chord, making it want to cry even more.

Ogerpon looked at Pecharunt with pity, its emotions deeply conflicted.

"But the present and the future are yours to shape. If you're willing to change, you can come with me."

"Pecha?"

Pecharunt froze, staring blankly at Dylan.

"Yes. We can be your companions and friends, but you must change. You can't let your toxic sticky cakes harm anyone anymore. Can you do that? I'll have Ogerpon keep an eye on you."

"Oge~!"

Dylan spoke firmly, and Ogerpon nodded in agreement.

Pecharunt 's toxic sticky cakes were notorious for enhancing the eater's abilities and desires—even controlling them.

It was an incredibly dangerous ability. Legends said that Pecharunt once used its sticky cakes to control most of the villagers in Kitakami, even manipulating a Champion-level Trainer like Nemona.

The sticky mochi were like a drug, addictive and dangerous to all who consumed them.

"Pecha?"

Pecharunt 's raspy voice carried hope and surprise. Could it really have new companions and happiness?

"Of course, but the choice is yours to make."

"Pecha!"

"Then we'll be in your care from now on, Pecharunt ."

Dylan extended his hand with a smile. He wasn't afraid that Pecharunt might be faking its change of heart—Necrozma was watching carefully from behind.

If Pecharunt harbored any ill intentions, Necrozma could intervene immediately.

Moreover, Dylan, knowing Pecharunt 's story, understood its true nature. In some ways, Pecharunt and Ogerpon were very similar.

Ogerpon yearned for friends and happiness, while Pecharunt longed for care and love.

Fate, however, had intertwined them in tragedy. To fulfill the elderly couple's desires, Pecharunt had destroyed Ogerpon's happiness. Enraged, Ogerpon had, in turn, "taken away" Pecharunt 's "happiness."

But now, that would change.

"Pecha!"

Pecharunt floated up, drawing closer to Dylan, its raspy cries brimming with anticipation.

"From now on, we're all partners."

Green light shimmered from Dylan's hand as he gently patted Pecharunt 's small head, his voice soft and reassuring.

Watching this, Ogerpon tilted its head, its expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

"Pecha!" Pecharunt cried out in satisfaction.

"Dylan's captured two more legends~" Ilene said with a warm smile, while Lillie's eyes sparkled with joy for her brother.

Yes, everyone had a bright future ahead—except…

Dylan glanced at the defeated Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti lying on the ground.

(End of Chapter)