After ending the call, Summer's usual warmth vanished, replaced by an icy chill. Marnie, sensing something was wrong, frowned and asked with concern,
"Summer, did something happen? Does it have to do with Ogerpon?"
"Yeah. There's something I have to take care of… Sorry, Marnie, but I need to head back to Gracidea Prairie for now. Good luck with your final Gym battle."
Seeing him soften when speaking to her, Marnie knew this was serious.
"Of course! Marnie's gonna win beautifully!" she responded confidently, then lowered her voice, "And… I hope you can settle things smoothly too, Summer. Just… be careful, okay?"
"Don't worry. I've got my reliable partners with me."
"I know you do. Just… come back in one piece, alright? And tell me everything when you do. It's a promise~"
"It's a promise."
Summer nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. He would come back—after making that so-called "Peach Demon" pay for what it did.
Before leaving, he glanced at Piers and gave him a silent nod of apology before striding out of Spikemuth.
Marnie watched him go, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Brother… Summer seemed like he was heading somewhere important. He'll be okay, right?"
"That guy looked like he was out for revenge," Piers muttered, crossing his arms. But rather than being worried, he grinned.
"Honestly? I like that look. Feels very Spikemuth."
Even without knowing the full details, Piers could guess—Summer was probably going to avenge Ogerpon.
"Brother, you're really not worried?"
Piers scoffed. "Worried? The guy's strong as hell. If anything, I'd say whoever pissed him off should be the one worried."
He placed a hand on Marnie's head and ruffled her hair gently.
"But still… must be nice, huh? Having someone like you be that concerned about him."
Marnie blinked, then quickly looked away, her cheeks warming.
Summer said he's traveled through time before… I just hope this time, I'm worrying for nothing.
But if he thinks he can just leave without explaining everything when he comes back—he's got another thing coming!
Back in Gracidea Prairie, Summer wasted no time. He immediately gathered the Loyal Three. He needed to know—had they remembered anything about Peach Demon?
"Warm… Chiz?!"
Okidogi scratched his head, looking confused as it glanced at Munkidori and Fezandipiti. Why had Summer called them here so urgently?
Alongside them stood four of Summer's trusted Pokémon—Rillaboom, Ogerpon, and Hatterene.
They were his chosen team for this mission.
Rillaboom, his longtime partner.
Ogerpon, the one most affected by this whole situation.
Hatterene, acting as a scout and interpreter.
Most importantly—Hatterene's psychic abilities were crucial for detecting any possible mind control tricks.
"Listen up," Summer began, his tone serious. "I finally know the name of the one who shackled you with those poison chains."
At his words, Okidogi froze, Munkidori's grin faltered, and Fezandipiti instinctively covered half its face with a wing.
How?! They still couldn't remember anything—so how did Summer figure it out?!
"GAO!"
Before they could ask, Ogerpon let out a furious roar, its eyes burning with rage.
The moment it heard that name, all its suppressed fury surged back to the surface.
The Loyal Three flinched at the sight. Even now, they could still remember—that same terrifying expression was the last thing they saw before Ogerpon beat them half to death.
"Ogerpon, I get it. I'm pissed too," Summer said calmly. "But we have to be careful. This thing controlled you guys through those chains. We can't let it do that again."
Ogerpon took a deep breath and slowly nodded, though its fists remained clenched.
"Now, before I say its name, eat this first," Summer instructed, tossing them each a Mandragora Herb.
The three hesitated, glancing at each other.
"Chiz…" Okidogi sighed, then shrugged. Summer never left things to chance.
Besides, Munkidori and Fezandipiti were already drooling.
No point resisting. The moment they ate the herbs, a strange sensation washed over them. Their once purple poison chains darkened, turning into a deeper shade of violet. And this time… they finally felt like they had complete control over them.
Just as they started feeling relieved, a voice echoed in their minds—sharp, bitter, and laced with madness.
"You think you can betray the one who gave you power?!"
"Don't forget what you once were! You belong to me!"
At that moment, their poison chains flared violently, as if trying to fight back against the herb's effects.
"Warm… CHIZ!!!"
I finally found a place where I belong—I won't let you take that from me!!!
"Muuuunnnn!"
I refuse to be used! I just wanted to be strong… but now, I know what real strength is!
"Fezzzz!!"
I haven't mastered the path of elegance yet! I won't let you ruin my dream!
"Fools! They only accepted you because of the power I gave you!" the voice taunted.
"If you really think you can escape me—then throw away the poison chains. Hah! You don't dare, do you? Because deep down, you're all cowards!"
The three hesitated.
Then, without warning—they yanked at the chains with all their strength.
Who cares if they lost this power? They'd just work harder until they reached their goals!
They didn't need some monster's "gift"—they had true bonds now.
"Wait—NO! STOP—"
The voice cut off abruptly.
The air grew silent.
Hatterene, who had been preparing to intervene, relaxed its stance.
"Warm…?"
Okidogi, still catching his breath, touched the chain on his head. It was still there.
Munkidori and Fezandipiti also realized the chains hadn't disappeared—only… they had changed.
Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti's Ability: Poison Chain—UPDATED.
Okidogi – Ability: Psychic Poison Chain.
(Poison Chain now has a chance to confuse enemies when using Psychic moves.)
Munkidori – Ability: Power Poison Chain.
(Poison Chain now has a chance to make enemies flinch when using Fighting moves.)
Fezandipiti – Ability: Charm Poison Chain.
(Poison Chain now has a chance to infatuate enemies when using Fairy moves.)
Meanwhile, far away in Verdant Town, a teenage boy suddenly jolted awake in bed.
"Ugh… What the hell?!"
Groggy, he rubbed his aching forehead, frowning as he noticed his room in complete disarray.
And on his bedside table—a strange, purple plush toy twitched slightly.
If anyone had been watching, they'd think it looked… absolutely livid.
(End of Chapter)