December 25th, Crazy Thursday.
Also known as Christmas Day.
The Pokémon world could theoretically be considered a parallel dimension to the real world. Besides the existence of Pokémon as special creatures, many aspects of life correspond closely with reality.
For instance, the world map, holidays, and regional characteristics...
Since students were on vacation, gym leaders' workloads decreased by ninety-nine percent. Except for those like Larry who needed to assist with league-related affairs, most could enjoy the downtime.
Thus, as an emerging gym leader of the league, Aiden was able to enjoy a Christmas holiday spanning half a month.
"I heard that Kitakami's hot springs and natural landscapes are very famous, they're pretty famous."
On the boat heading to Kitakami, Cynthia lounged on a deck chair, holding a travel guide about the village.
"I also read about it. Apparently, there's something called the 'Six Wonders of Kitakami,' corresponding to the 'Ten Sights of Paldea.'"
Aiden nodded in agreement.
Kitakami was a bit hard for him to evaluate from memory.
As a DLC expansion area, it wasn't particularly large, but its scenery and Pokémon left a deep impression on Aiden.
Due to being isolated for a long time, tourism had only been developed recently under President Geeta's decision, while largely preserving its original appearance.
Besides the heavily promoted 'Six Wonders of Kitakami,' many areas were quite distinctive, even offering encounters with Pokémon rarely seen in Paldea.
For example...
A special Ursaluna nicknamed the "Bloodmoon Beast", which swam across the southern Sinnoh Sea and settled in Kitakami, hiding deep within the forest.
Once revered in the Hisui region, Ursaluna had almost disappeared in Sinnoh, let alone this physically altered, powerful individual.
Additionally, some Pokémon native to the Hisui region could still be found here.
Of course, the main highlight remained the key promotional project of Kitakami's tourism industry—
"The Legend of the Ogre."
Thinking of this, Aiden immediately opened the promotional brochure in his hand.
On the front page was the story of "The Loyal Three Punishes the Ogre."
"Once upon a time, a terrifying ogre wielding a giant club appeared in Kitakami, causing the villagers to live in constant fear."
"Later, three brave Pokémon known as the 'Loyal Three' protected Kitakami from the ogre and successfully drove it away, though they sacrificed their lives in the process."
"In the end, to honor these three heroes, our ancestors built statues and shrines for them, passing down their gratitude forever!"
"Please remember the names of these three heroes: Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti!"
After the story, images of the Loyal Three appeared.
"Though it might sound a bit inappropriate… but..."
Cynthia had also read this far. After raising her eyebrows and carefully organizing her thoughts, she leaned close to Aiden and whispered:
"Why do I feel like these three companions should be Dark-type Pokémon?"
High EQ: Dark-type Pokémon.
Low EQ: Not good guys.
"I think so too."
Aiden nodded.
"Legends are just legends; they may differ greatly from actual history and shouldn't be taken as truth."
After speaking, his gaze turned towards the outline of Kitakami now visible in the distance.
This place was indeed nice—mountains clear and waters beautiful, allowing many Pokémon from over a hundred years ago to continue thriving thanks to its excellent ecology.
This might have been one of the main reasons President Geeta chose Kitakami as the location for Naranja Academy's summer camp.
Unfortunately, the villagers of Kitakami were a bit too abstract.
If they were merely greedy and fleecing tourists, though unpleasant, it wouldn't completely drain one's goodwill.
However, in the game's storyline, these villagers did something even more despicable.
Despite knowing the truth behind the century-old legend of the "The Loyal Three Punishes the Ogre" was entirely opposite, they still chose to rebuild the shrine of the Loyal Three solely to maintain popularity and continue milking outsiders for offerings...
Yes, the "ogre" of Kitakami's legend was actually harmless, even a bit socially anxious Ogerpon, forced to hide in the cave for nearly a hundred years due to the legend's influence.
And the "Loyal Three" they worshipped were the ones who stole its mask and directly caused the death of a good person.
It just so happened that the villagers witnessed Ogerpon seeking revenge, causing them panic, and ultimately fabricating a completely contradicting "Legend of the Loyal Three"...
Even now, they barely knew of Ogerpon's existence but continued to use the inherited moniker of "ogre" to refer to it.
These weren't ordinary troublemakers; drastic measures were necessary!
Aiden decided in his heart:
If this trip to Kitakami presents an opportunity, I must reveal the truth and clear the name of our beloved Ogerpon!
How could the Ogerpon I support be subjected to such unjust slander without cause!
...
After arriving at Kitakami by boat and taking one more bus ride, they finally reached the central area of Kitakami, Mossui Town.
Though it looked a bit plain, it was already the largest town in the entire region, concentrating most of Kitakami's population.
"Kitakami's specialty mochi, each flavor has magical effects, high quality and affordable prices!"
"Loyal Three plush toys, only 5000 each~"
As a place focused on developing tourism, vendors began enthusiastically shouting as soon as they entered the town, trying to attract tourists' attention.
Since it was the Christmas holiday season, there would undoubtedly be plenty of travelers, and making a fortune by seizing the opportunity wasn't out of the question.
Since it was a trip, tourists couldn't save on expenses.
Just like sandwiches found everywhere in Paldea, Kitakami's specialty cuisine was a type of glutinous rice food called mochi, incorporating various berry fillings, making the taste quite rich and varied.
It seemed to benefit Pokémon growth somewhat, similar to various supplements.
But the price was a bit...
A palm-sized piece of mochi cost 2000.
When did inflation in the Pokémon world get this bad?
Not to mention Aiden, even someone like Cynthia, who usually spent freely, had to frown at the prices.
Even if neither of them lacked money, being blatantly ripped off like this clearly didn't make them happy.
Let alone regular tourists?
"We need to report this to President Geeta. If this continues, it'll ruin Kitakami's reputation."
After leaving the commercial street, Aiden sighed.
Ripping off customers might feel good temporarily, but once the reputation is ruined, it won't be easy to fix.
While on the way to the resort hotel with Cynthia, Aiden unexpectedly spotted a few familiar figures.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)