Chapter 184: A Lonely Widow Afraid of Isolation

"You're strong. How about coming with me to explore the outside world? Staying here would waste your strength," Dylan said as he stepped forward, taking out a Poké Ball and addressing the Bloodmoon Ursaluna.

"Roar!"

The Ursaluna responded with a fierce roar, showcasing its irritable temper.

"It seems I'll have to subdue you first," Dylan remarked, unsurprised, as he flipped the Poké Ball in his hand.

"Meowscarada, prepare for battle."

"Meow~!"

A soft, magnetic cry echoed as Meowscarada rose gracefully. Its gem-like eyes shone with arrogance as it stared at the Bloodmoon Ursaluna.

"Roar~!"

The Ursaluna let out another violent roar, the crimson full-moon pattern on its forehead glowing with an ominous red light.

Blood Moon, a signature move exclusive to the Bloodmoon Ursaluna, unleashed a powerful Normal-type attack. Its drawback, however, was the inability to use it consecutively.

As the Ursaluna roared, a massive red beam erupted towards Meowscarada with overwhelming force.

"Feint Attack."

Dylan smirked slightly.

Meowscarada's eyes gleamed with black light as it vanished from its spot. In an instant, its lithe, green figure appeared behind the Ursaluna, striking its back with sharp black claws.

Feint Attack!

A ripping sound followed. The Ursaluna roared in pain and immediately retaliated, summoning earthen energy around itself.

Earth Power, a Ground-type move!

"Energy Ball."

Meowscarada lightly tapped the ground, retreating nimbly as a green energy sphere formed between its paws.

Boom!

The Earth Power attack erupted but hit only empty air. The Energy Ball flew directly at the enraged Ursaluna, exploding upon impact.

As a Grass-type move, it dealt significant damage to the Ground/Normal-type Ursaluna.

The searing pain sent the Ursaluna into a frenzy, roaring madly as the red energy in its forehead crescent intensified once more.

Another Blood Moon attack was imminent.

"Such a bad temper, but trainable," Dylan muttered thoughtfully. Though the Ursaluna's power was undeniable, its volatile nature posed a challenge. Still, as long as it obeyed commands in battle, its temperament could be addressed over time.

"Meowscarada, dodge and use Frenzy Plant."

"Meow~!"

The Blood Moon beam surged forth once more, but Meowscarada gracefully darted across the ground, avoiding the attack effortlessly.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Ursaluna's Blood Moon attack blasted furiously, leaving destruction in its wake. Despite its power, it failed to keep up with Meowscarada's agility, and the move soon exhausted itself.

Meowscarada slammed its paws onto the ground, causing the earth to quake violently. Thick roots burst out from beneath, thrashing wildly in a spectacular display.

Frenzy Plant, a Grass-type ultimate move, unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes upon the Ursaluna, knocking its massive body to the ground.

When the assault ended, the Ursaluna lay unconscious, unable to continue fighting.

This outcome was inevitable—Dylan's Meowscarada had the type advantage, and the overwhelming Frenzy Plant sealed the victory.

"Ultra Ball, go."

Dylan threw an Ultra Ball at the fainted Ursaluna. The ball absorbed it in a flash of red light.

Beep… Beep… Beep… Click!

The Ultra Ball stopped shaking, confirming the successful capture of the Bloodmoon Ursaluna.

"Well done, Meowscarada!"

"Meow~"

Dylan retrieved the ball, showering Meowscarada with praise.

Meowscarada's grin turned mischievous as it crossed its arms, proudly lifting its head in triumph.

"This Ursaluna seems incredibly strong, brother. Its destructive power is astonishing," Lillie remarked, glancing at the devastated battlefield left by the Blood Moon attack.

She knew how powerful her brother's Meowscarada was, yet even it had to rely on Frenzy Plant to secure victory—a testament to the Ursaluna's strength.

"Well, this Ursaluna is practically an 'antique.' Plus, the Ursaluna line is naturally very powerful," Dylan explained with a smile. He added that this Bloodmoon Ursaluna had traveled across oceans from ancient Hisui to Kitakami, where it had adapted and thrived. Its high level was a given.

Although wild Pokémon at Champion-level were rare, they weren't unheard of. This Ursaluna was one such exception.

"Come out, Ursaluna."

Dylan released the Bloodmoon Ursaluna from the Ultra Ball.

The Pokémon appeared before him, its aura weakened from its earlier defeat.

"You're injured, so don't move for now. What do you say? Will you accept me as your Trainer?" Dylan asked gently, a green light emanating from his hand to heal the Ursaluna's wounds while fostering trust.

The Ursaluna's fierce eyes locked onto Dylan. After a moment of hesitation, it let out a low growl, signaling its acceptance.

"Good. Rest in your Poké Ball for now. When we return to town, I'll take you to the Pokémon Center for a full check-up. Living in the wild for so many years, who knows what hidden injuries or ailments you might have?"

Dylan reassured the Ursaluna with a warm tone before recalling it into the ball.

He then turned to Meowscarada and Reshiram, signaling the group to continue their journey. They spent the day exploring Kitakami's famous northern landscapes before returning to Kitakami at dusk.

That evening, Dylan, Ilene, and Lillie enjoyed a leisurely stroll through Kitakami's beautifully decorated streets, basking in the vibrant night atmosphere.

"Brother, look at this kimono! Isn't it beautiful?" Lillie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she admired a display in a nearby shop.

"Brother, look at this kimono! Isn't it beautiful?"

Outside a kimono shop, Dylan was pondering how to find the adorable Ogerpon, when Lillie's voice came from behind.

Dylan turned around to see Lillie standing gracefully, her long, golden hair cascading like a waterfall. She was dressed in a pink kimono adorned with cherry blossoms, her slender waist tied with a white sash.

The girl seemed a bit shy, her hands clasped behind her back, her fair face tinged with a faint blush, eyes full of expectation.

"It's beautiful—no surprise, you're my precious little sister."

Dylan smiled warmly, giving a thumbs-up to the girl in her kimono.

"Hehe~ This is my first time trying on a kimono," Lillie said, her radiant smile brightening her expression as she glanced down at the kimono.

In the tropical Alola region, kimono culture didn't exist, so this truly was her first experience wearing one.

In fact, Lillie had been intrigued by the idea since meeting Ilene. Girls always have a penchant for beauty, and Ilene's dignified and elegant appearance inspired Lillie to give it a try.

"It suits you. If you like it, buy it," Dylan said with a smile.

"Though it's not practical for the wild, it's perfect for town or home."

"Alright~!"

"If you find more you like, pick a few. It'll be a feast for my eyes."

"Ugh… Brother, what do you mean by a 'feast for your eyes'?"

Her face turned red again, but with a pleased expression, she continued browsing the other beautiful kimonos.

"Lillie isn't done yet?"

Ilene approached from a distance, carrying a shopping bag in her hand. She had just gone to buy some drinks.

"She seems to really like kimonos. Aren't you going to try one?" Dylan asked with a chuckle.

"I'm not into kimonos. Here, want some fruit tea?" Ilene shook her head. She preferred elegant dresses.

"Sure. Hmm? I'll check over there," Dylan replied, noticing something as his eyes lit up. Taking a cup of fruit tea, he headed toward a tree not far away.

Ilene tilted her head curiously.

"Why are you hiding here all alone?"

Dylan's gentle voice reached the little creature that was curiously observing the crowd from afar.

"Oge?"

The green little Pokémon froze, turning its head to see Dylan smiling warmly at it.

Startled, it quickly hid behind the tree, peeking out cautiously with half its face.

"Am I that scary?"

Amused, Dylan crouched down, observing the timid little creature as his Viridian Force subtly emanated.

The natural, sweet energy calmed Ogerpon's nerves, its curiosity piqued as it tilted its head.

"Oge…"

"Don't worry, I'm not here to harm you. I'm Dylan. What's your name?"

"Oge~Oge!" The little Pokémon chirped more cheerfully, curious as to why this human could understand it.

"Ogerpon? What a cute name. Were you watching them play? Why not join them?"

Dylan glanced at a group of children playing nearby.

"Oge…" Ogerpon's tone turned somber.

"Do they dislike you? I see… How about I play with you instead?"

Dylan's warm and sunny smile left Ogerpon momentarily stunned.

"Oge?"

The little Pokémon hesitated, torn between its longing to approach Dylan and its lingering fear.

It was lonely—desperately yearning for a friend, for someone to play with.

But past experiences had left scars. To the villagers, it was a "terrifying ghost," often driven away in panic whenever it appeared.

This rejection had left a psychological shadow, and whenever it faced the villagers' angry glares, Ogerpon would tremble in fear.

And yet, it never once sought revenge.

Though the villagers were like mere grains of sand before its strength, Ogerpon never wished them harm.

Despite the fear, insults, and even stones hurled at it, it always refrained from retaliation.

Instead, longing for connection, it donned a mask time and again, sneaking into the town's corners to watch the humans, envious of their interactions.

Such was Ogerpon—a lonely, timid little spirit.

"I'm serious. Can I be your friend?"

Recalling the in-game Ogerpon trembling in fear before the villagers, Dylan smiled gently and extended his hand toward it.

"Oge…"

Slowly, Ogerpon inched forward, its cautious movements stirring Dylan's emotions.

Centuries of solitude—how much suffering had this little one endured?

Finally, Ogerpon stood before Dylan.

"From now on, I'll call you Ogy. You're just too cute," Dylan said with a smile.

"Oge?"

(End of Chapter)