The Festival of Masks.
A festival with strong regional characteristics, somewhat similar to fireworks festivals or temple fairs.
Walking through the streets, everyone—locals and tourists alike—was dressed in traditional Kitakami Village-style kimonos.
Combined with the setting sun, the atmosphere was incredibly immersive.
"According to Kitakami legends, life-sized plush dolls of the Loyal Three are available for just 50,000 Poké each!"
"Try your luck at the goldfish scooping game! Care to give it a shot?"
"For the full Festival of Masks experience, you absolutely need to wear these masks modeled after the 'Ogre Mask'~"
Vendors called out enthusiastically. One temporary shop's display of masks quickly caught Cynthia's attention.
"These masks are quite unique. Though Sinnoh has a similar tradition, the designs here are completely different."
Cynthia picked up a red mask symbolizing Fire, running her fingers over it.
"You have excellent taste, miss. The Hearthflame Mask is our bestseller this year," the vendor said, his eyes narrowing into a sly grin as he noticed Aiden standing quietly beside Cynthia.
"Young man, since you're here on vacation, you can't skimp on romance! How about I make a small concession? For just 5,000 Poké, I'll sell you all three masks together. What do you say?"
Aiden's lips twitched.
So the term "romance" is being misused even in the Pokémon world?
These cunning villagers of Kitakami really will say anything to make money!
Wait…
What did he just call Cynthia?
"Girlfriend?"
Cynthia also noticed the vendor's words, her eyebrows slightly arching as she turned to Aiden with an amused smile.
"So, boyfriend-kun, it's your turn to shine, isn't it?"
"..."
Staring at Cynthia's flawless beauty, Aiden's heart skipped several beats.
He knew she was probably just teasing.
But what if I take it seriously?
After taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, he spoke.
"I'll buy everything here."
Before Aiden could finish his sentence, someone else interrupted him.
Isn't that my line? Who stole my script?
Turning around, he saw a legal loli in a black kimono with golden hair step forward.
Noticing Aiden's gaze, Caitlin rolled her eyes.
"Haggling over such a small amount of money… Today, all your expenses with Cynthia are on me!"
With that, Caitlin waved her hand. Her ever-reliable butler, Darach—who was still impeccably dressed in a suit and white gloves despite the festive atmosphere—quickly produced a card.
"We came in a hurry, so we don't have much cash. Can we pay by card?"
Darach offered a polite smile.
"O-Of course…"
The vendor trembled as he accepted the shiny black card, swiped it through the machine, and nearly fainted from the number of zeros flashing on the screen.
So many zeros... I've lost count!
This isn't a tourist—it's a godsend!
...
Holding the Mask while walking through the commercial district, Aiden's expression was complex.
"It's a shame these are only replicas based on the original mask. If only we could see the real Ogre Mask."
Cynthia examined the Hearthflame Mask in her hand, sighed, and then put it on. Through the mask's slits, her gleaming eyes radiated mirth.
"How's this? Isn't it interesting?"
"Of course—it's the mask I carefully chose!"
Meanwhile, Caitlin, who had already donned the Wellspring Mask, nodded repeatedly and glanced mischievously at Aiden beside Cynthia.
"We've all put on our masks. Why aren't you wearing yours, Aiden?"
"No thanks."
Aiden shook his head decisively.
That Cornerstone Mask truly looked like a ghost—it was no wonder it didn't sell well.
Even in the game, it was almost never used.
As they continued their journey, they encountered many fun little games along the way.
"My goodness…"
The goldfish scooping vendor watched as fragile paper nets scooped one fish after another into a basin, utterly stunned.
This blonde-haired, blue-eyed little devil is definitely not ordinary!
"Little girl, if you keep scooping like this, there won't be any left for others. How about I buy back these goldfish from you…?"
The distraught owner quickly intervened before Caitlin could scoop up the last few fish.
"?"
Interrupted mid-game, Caitlin looked up, glaring discontentedly at the shopkeeper.
"Darach!"
"Yes, Miss."
Her perfectly poised butler stepped forward, once again presenting the gleaming black card.
"We'll purchase these fish fry at ten times the price. Is that acceptable?"
The shopkeeper's face lit up at the sight of Darach's courteous smile.
"Oh, why didn't you say so earlier? Feel free to play, young lady!"
"..."
This surreal scene made Aiden, standing behind Caitlin, twitch his lips.
Money truly makes the world go round.
But…
Caitlin is also a sore loser.
After failing multiple times with the paper nets, she immediately resorted to using Psychic powers, achieving a perfect success rate.
Don't think I didn't notice!
After passing a few stalls, they arrived at a shaved ice shop.
Though it was unclear why Kitakami Village sold shaved ice in winter, it wasn't surprising given the Pokémon world's quirks.
"Have you decided on a flavor yet, sir?"
"Uh… not yet."
The shaved ice vendor looked at the noble aura emanating from Cynthia, feeling inexplicably awestruck.
Taking five whole minutes to choose a shaved ice flavor? This lady must be extraordinary!
Aiden glanced at Cynthia, who was deep in thought but unable to decide, and couldn't help but smile.
Who would have thought that Cynthia, the decisive champion of Sinnoh, suffered from severe indecision in everyday life?
But perhaps that's what made her all the more endearing.
"Let's get a portion of each flavor. If we let her choose, we'll probably still be here tomorrow."
Caitlin decisively interjected herself between the two.
With her experience, she knew there were times when you simply couldn't indulge Cynthia's indecision.
Like right now!
...
After experiencing the bustling Festival of Masks, the trio quickly walked through the entire commercial street and arrived at the now-crowded Loyalty Plaza.
"I can't believe we finished touring the festival so quickly."
A gentle breeze blew, rustling Cynthia's golden hair.
She smoothed her slightly disheveled bangs and smiled contentedly.
"Yes, time flies."
Aiden sighed in agreement, recalling the amusing moments from earlier in the festival.
Then, he suddenly realized—
Why does it feel like Caitlin was the only one playing, while Cynthia and I mostly stood in the background watching?
It felt like two adults accompanying a child to a tourist attraction…
"Occasionally getting out to relax feels pretty nice, doesn't it?"
Just as Aiden was thinking this, Caitlin spoke up, leaving him momentarily speechless.
I originally hoped to create some fond memories in Kitakami Village, but it seems that wish might not come true.
How disappointing…
Aiden couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
Then, the previously energetic Caitlin suddenly yawned.
"Ha… I'm so sleepy."
Perhaps drained from the earlier festivities, Caitlin began to show clear signs of fatigue.
"I can't keep going—I need to head back."
Caitlin sighed, her gaze casually brushing past Cynthia and Aiden.
Since she'd thoroughly enjoyed herself today…
One shouldn't be too greedy.
Now that I've had my fill of fun, I'll leave the rest of the time for the two of them to spend together.
"Darach, let's go!"
"Yes, Miss."
Caitlin slowly headed back the way they came, while her butler, Darach, lingered behind, turning to smile at Aiden.
"Miss Caitlin had a wonderful time today. It's been a long time since I've seen her so happy."
"Thank you both very much, Miss Cynthia and Mr. Aiden."
"I hope the two of you enjoy the rest of the Festival of Masks."
With that, Darach gave a formal bow and quickly followed the departing Caitlin.
"Caitlin's gone too…"
After seeing her off, Cynthia turned to Aiden.
"In that case, let's wait a bit longer for the grand finale fireworks~"
"We should find a good spot in advance."
As Aiden finished speaking, he suddenly realized—
Isn't this situation… a date for two?
Looking at Cynthia, whose face bore a faint smile and whose steps were light and cheerful, Aiden snapped out of his daze and hurried to catch up with her. Side by side, they walked toward the center of Loyalty Plaza.
Loyalty Plaza.
As the name suggests, it was built by the residents of Kitakami Village to commemorate the Loyal Three.
In the northern part of the plaza stood an altar with three commemorative stone tablets. Legend had it that the Loyal Three were buried here.
Being the largest open space in Mossui Town, it was the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.
When Aiden and Cynthia arrived, there weren't many people yet.
"Though judging Pokémon by appearance isn't ideal…,"
Cynthia scanned the three statues and frowned.
"No matter how I look at them, the Loyal Three don't seem like heroes. And it feels like those things on their bodies are… chains?"
(Kitakami's Past)
Looking at the statues of Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti, Aiden quickly noticed their common feature—
The statues were nearly identical to the Loyal Three' in-game appearances, even faithfully recreating the poison chains wrapped around them.
The Loyal Three' abilities were Toxic Chain, which had a chance to inflict Toxic status on opponents when their attacks made contact.
But beyond their in-game representation, the chains hinted at something else—
Perhaps they symbolized beings under control.
If so, who controlled them?
The answer was obvious—
Pecharunt, with its ability, Poison Puppeteer.
From the storyline, Pecharunt could manipulate humans and Pokémon affected by its venom like puppets.
Indeed, in the truth of history, the Loyal Three were incited by Pecharunt to steal the mask, leading to tragedy.
Thinking about this, Aiden sighed.
Would this trip to Kitakami reveal the truth, exonerate Ogerpon, and bring justice to the true culprit, Pecharunt?
"At a time like this, let's not dwell on unhappy thoughts."
Seeing Aiden's somber expression, Cynthia smiled and pointed to the distance.
Aiden instinctively followed her gaze.
A series of sharp whistles sounded, and brilliant fireworks resembling shooting stars soared into the night sky, bursting into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Streams of light fell from the heavens, forming beautiful patterns.
Under the dazzling glow, cheers erupted from the nearby bustling commercial street as people rushed toward the open square where they stood.
"My grandmother always told me that seeing fireworks brings good luck."
"So, I want to share this year's good fortune with you."
Under the spectacular fireworks display, Cynthia turned her gaze from afar to meet Aiden's calm eyes.
In her amber irises, Aiden not only saw the reflection of the vibrant fireworks but also a lingering tenderness.
"Sometimes, encounters between people might truly be guided by fate."
"It's strange, but…"
"Just like the encounters between humans and Pokémon, perhaps coincidences exist, but the sprouting and growth of bonds depend on mutual choices."
"I believe the same applies to human relationships."
After listening attentively, Aiden nodded and smiled in response:
"Every ordinary day we live through might just be a continuous miracle."
"Perhaps it's a series of coincidences that brought us here, at this moment, in Kitakami Village, enjoying the same fireworks."
Cynthia chuckled softly, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear.
"I really like that idea."
"Maybe it's precisely these coincidences that give the world its myriad colors."
Aiden's lips curved upward slightly, and without saying more, he exchanged a knowing smile with Cynthia under the fireworks.
As the crowd gathered, the once-empty square quickly became crowded.
Their proximity grew closer until their shoulders brushed against each other.
Then, Aiden felt his left hand gently grasped.
Palm to palm, warmth passed through their skin.
"The crowd's getting bigger."
A faint voice reached his ears. When Aiden turned back, he found Cynthia looking straight at him.
"So, this time, I'll hold onto you tightly."
Whether it was Aiden's imagination or the crimson fireworks painting her delicate face, he couldn't tell.
For a moment, he was mesmerized, snapping out of it after a while with a soft smile.
"Me too."
As Cynthia had said earlier, any bond formed should be the result of mutual choice.
Their hands tightened, and time slowly slipped through their intertwined fingers.
Until the fireworks quietly came to an end.
The bustling crowd dispersed, but the distance between them didn't widen as the fireworks faded.
...
"Fireworks truly never get old, no matter how many times you watch them!"
From a short distance away, Nemona, having watched the fireworks performance with Lacey and Arven, appeared unsatisfied.
"Wait…?"
"Isn't that Teacher Aiden over there?"
Snapping out of the dazzling festival fireworks, Nemona quickly noticed Aiden and Cynthia, who remained in place, opposite the flow of the crowd.
Just as she excitedly prepared to greet them, Lacey and Arven simultaneously pulled her back.
"Nemona, you have to read the atmosphere at times like this! Teacher Azure definitely wouldn't want us interrupting them!"
Lacey crossed her arms, smirking knowingly.
"So, I think it's best not to disturb them!"
"Alright…"
Though she didn't fully understand, Nemona obediently abandoned the idea.
However…
When she turned to return to the commercial street for another round of fun, she noticed something unusual.
In a corner of Loyalty Plaza, a strange figure in a green cloak, wearing a ghost mask and resembling a child, stood in the shadows, silently observing the pair at the center.
"That's…"
Nemona squinted, trying to observe more closely.
That kid feels familiar…
And as she moved, Lacey and Arven's gazes followed hers.
"Ghost, ghost!!!"
Lacey instantly went limp with fear, her voice trembling.
Unlike the oblivious Nemona, she clearly remembered the image of the "ghost" from Kitakami's promotional materials.
It was exactly the same as what they were seeing now!
"Pon?!"
Lacey's scream startled the "ghost," who had been secretly observing. It immediately took off running toward the direction of the mountain behind the village.
At the same time, Aiden and Cynthia were drawn to the commotion.
When Aiden saw the familiar fleeing figure, his eyes widened instantly.
It's Ogerpon!
---
T/N: For Patrons, don't forget to vote for which story gets 4 Chapters/Day for next week! Checkout the community Chats for the link or use the tag 'Weekly Vote' to get to the post!
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)