Chapter 221: Marnie's Victory

"Kingambit, use Iron Head to finish this battle!"

"Cha!"

Kingambit's massive blade gleamed with a blinding metallic light. Facing the skunk Pokémon's dark, glowing charge, it didn't hesitate. Let me show you the steel will I've forged through countless trials!

With eyes as cold as a blade's edge, Kingambit swung its head down, aiming straight for Skuntank's soft underbelly. The clash of steel and flesh sent a shockwave through the battlefield, and Skuntank collapsed, unconscious.

But the victory came at a cost—Skuntank's Aftermath ability triggered, erupting in a powerful explosion.

Kingambit remained composed, simply raising a hand to wave away the smoke, a single tear trailing down its face.

After all this time… I finally won. I finally had a battle where I wasn't at a disadvantage! It wasn't easy… but I did it!

"Marnie… Haha… you've really grown, huh…"

Piers sniffled, his emotions swelling in his chest. He'd imagined this moment countless times—Marnie standing victorious, his heart swelling with pride.

But now that it was real, he couldn't stop the tears.

Forget about pride, forget about looking cool—this was his beloved little sister! He could cry as much as he wanted!

Piers covered his face and sobbed openly, and Marnie didn't mind. She simply smiled, because it was her brother who first set her on this path by gifting her Morpeko.

Moved by Piers' reaction, even the usually rowdy Team Yell members began tearing up. Especially Nayou—she was already crying a river.

"Ugh… Marnie… I remember when you were just a little cry—"

"BROTHER!"

Before Piers could finish the word crybaby, Marnie shouted his name, cutting him off.

She definitely didn't want Team Yell—especially Summer—knowing about her embarrassing childhood.

Just imagining it made her whole face burn. Her long, dark lashes fluttered downward, and her eyes darted back and forth, sending silent signals to Piers.

"A-Ahem… I mean… when you were just a kid who loved Pokémon! And now, look at you—a truly amazing Trainer. I'm so proud of you!"

Piers wiped his forehead dramatically. Whew! That was close. If I'd said it, she really wouldn't talk to me for a whole month!

Marnie finally relaxed, but she shot her brother one last warning glare.

You better watch what you say, dummy brother!

"Anyway! I'm in a great mood today! Even though it's not Thursday, I'm holding a concert! And you all know the reason why!" Piers shouted into the microphone.

"MARNIE!"

"MARNIE!"

"MARNIE!"

"Glad to hear it! Then what are you all standing around for?! Get ready! We're gonna party tonight, got it?!"

"GOT IT!"

With a loud cheer, Team Yell scattered, each member quickly taking their assigned role to prepare for Marnie's victory concert.

Marnie sighed, shaking her head. "Geez… all this just for clearing my seventh Gym? Feels like a bit much."

She said that, but the soft smile on her face told a different story.

She could feel everyone's support.

"Beating seven Gyms is already incredible. Less than ten percent of challengers make it this far. But your goal is to become Champion, right? Just think of this as us being a little extra. We've all been watching your journey—of course we're excited," Piers said, scratching his head.

He was too busy looking up to notice Marnie's expression change.

"I'm not complaining, Brother. Actually… I'm really grateful."

Piers chuckled. "Man, if Team Yell heard you say that, they'd all start bawling again."

Then he suddenly turned to Summer.

"Hey, Summer! Don't you have something to say about Marnie's performance?"

Summer nodded. "Yeah. From a battle standpoint, I think her training paid off."

Piers facepalmed. "THAT'S your takeaway?! C'mon, man. The focus should be Marnie!"

"Brother?!"

Marnie shot Piers a glare, making him immediately back down.

"Alright, alright! Marnie's command style was flawless! Her timing was perfect, and her Pokémon choices were spot-on! And if you're asking about other aspects, she's hardworking, determined… both cute and cool at the same time—"

Before Summer could continue, his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.

"Summer, your phone," Marnie reminded him, biting her lip, heart racing.

I-I can't let him keep going!

"Oh, right. Let's see… an unknown number?"

Curious, Summer answered.

A hoarse but familiar voice came through the other end.

"Hello, is this Mr. Summer?"

"That's me. Who's calling?"

The voice sighed in relief. Then, with a much more respectful tone, the person continued:

"I'm the administrator of Kitakami Village. I have a request, and I'd really appreciate it if you'd hear me out!"

"A request?"

"Yes! We'd like to invite you and Ogerpon to stay in Kitakami for a week. Of course, we'd cover all travel expenses and provide you with the best possible accommodations!"

Summer frowned. "And why exactly do you want us there?"

"Ahaha… well, you see, a group of students from Blueberry Academy will be holding a summer camp in Kitakami. You probably know that Carmine and Kieran attend school there."

"Since the students are from Unova, we were hoping that having Ogerpon around would help promote Kitakami to a wider audience! If more Unovans visit, we could boost the local economy!"

Summer understood immediately—they wanted tourism money.

"But what happens when Ogerpon and I leave? The tourists you attract will only come to see it, and once we're gone, isn't that… false advertising?"

"Not to mention—I'd have to ask Ogerpon first. Even though it forgave Kitakami, I can tell it still holds some resentment."

The administrator hesitated. He had been about to suggest that Ogerpon just live in Kitakami permanently, but hearing Summer's response… yeah, that wasn't happening.

Our ancestors literally persecuted it and worshiped its enemy. Of course it wouldn't want to live here…

"Then… how about the Loyal Three instead?"

"You mean… you want to promote the very legend that hurt Ogerpon in the first place?" Summer's tone turned cold.

"N-No! Nothing like that! W-We just thought that maybe if we paid you…?"

"You think I care about money?"

Between three tournament prizes, Summer's wallet was already plenty full. He had no real expenses and plenty of valuable items.

Even if he did need cash, he wouldn't take it at Ogerpon's expense.

"Then—could you at least take a photo or a short video of Ogerpon? We'd still pay you for it!"

Just as Summer was about to refuse again, a new notification popped up on his Ranger Assistant.

[Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti's Potential Ability: Retainers—UPDATED.]

[Retainers of: The Half-Awakened Peach Demon.]

[The Peach Demon (Half-Awake) is currently dormant in Verdant Town. Warning: It may wake at any moment.]

Summer's expression darkened.

If that thing was the master of the Loyal Three, then that meant…

It was the true mastermind behind Ogerpon's suffering.

And Summer had made a promise—he would make it pay.

He glanced at Marnie, then back at his phone.

"Actually… I've changed my mind. Ogerpon and I will come to Kitakami."

(End of Chapter)