Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 319: Hell Valley



"This is the community center. Let's rest here for the night," Hideko said as she led Naoki to a modest two-story building. She smiled warmly and added, "Tomorrow, the mayor will come to take you on a tour of the rice fields and apple orchards here in Kitakami Township."

"Alright." Naoki nodded, feeling a bit worn out after the day's travels.

Hideko pushed open the door, and Naoki stepped into the community center. After showing his ID badge to the staff at the front desk, he heard the attendant say, "Welcome to Kitakami Township. Your room is on the second floor. If you're hungry, head to the restaurant on the right. The township has arranged a welcoming dinner for you."

Naoki thanked the staff, went upstairs, and left his luggage in the room before returning to the lobby. Hideko guided him to the restaurant, where an older man with a bald head, a white beard, glasses, and a traditional kimono was waiting.

As Naoki entered, the man stood up with a broad smile and extended his hand.

"You must be Mr. Naoki, here from the Paldea region for the agricultural exchange. I'm the mayor of Kitakami Township.

Welcome!"

Naoki returned the handshake with a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's a pleasure to be here." After a brief introduction, they all sat down at the dining table.

The dinner featured local specialties: apple pie, candied apples, sticky rice cakes, mushroom soup, and sushi. While the meal wasn't overly extravagant, its variety showcased the region's distinctive culinary traditions.

As they ate, the mayor introduced the itinerary for the agricultural exchange.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll accompany you to visit the rice fields in Kitakami Township. By the way, does the Paldea region grow rice?"

Naoki thought for a moment before replying, "The main crops in the Paldea region are wheat and corn. Rice isn't common there, at least not near Kosaji Town. I can't speak for other parts of the region, though."

"Ah, I see!" The mayor nodded thoughtfully before smiling again. "Last year, Kosaji Town's agricultural output was incredible! It even made it into the World Agricultural News!"

Naoki chuckled modestly. "The weather in Kosaji Town was excellent last year-ideal for crop growth. Plus, the people there hold deep reverence for Calyrex."

"Calyrex?" The mayor's curiosity was piqued.

Naoki explained, "It's a legendary Pokémon said to bless the land with fertility and ensure abundant harvests. The farmers believe that by showing their devotion, they can enjoy favorable weather and prosperous yields throughout the year."

"Fascinating..." The mayor's face lit up with wonder.

"To express their gratitude, the townsfolk built a shrine in its honor and hold annual festivals to celebrate its blessings," Naoki continued.

The mayor marveled at the tale. "Such devotion... It's no wonder Kosaji Town has been so prosperous. What do they call this Pokémon?"

Naoki smiled. "It's known as Calyrex, though many simply call it the King of Bountiful Harvests."

"Calyrex..." The mayor repeated, mulling over the name. "It's incredible how these legends shape our communities. Here in Kitakami Township, we have our own stories about legendary Pokémon."

Naoki remembered the guidebook he'd read earlier and raised an eyebrow. "Are you referring to the legend of the Oni?"

The mayor was surprised. "You've heard about it already?"

"I read about it in a tourist guide on the way here," Naoki replied.

"Ah, of course!" The mayor chuckled. "Yes, Kitakami Township is home to a well-known legend about the Oni and the three heroic Pokémon that protected our town. We've even built statues in their honor. The story has drawn many trainers and tourists over the years."

He paused, his tone becoming more reflective. "Thanks to the legend, our once-quiet farming village has gradually become more prosperous. Tourism has breathed new life into this place."

Naoki nodded, understanding how such legends could boost a region's economy and cultural identity.

The mayor continued, "The statues of the three Pokémon-Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti-stand in Loyalty Plaza in the northwest part of the town. After we finish tomorrow's work, I recommend visiting them."

"I'll make sure to stop by," Naoki said with a smile.

"That's settled, then." The mayor offered a kind smile. "Have a good rest at the community center tonight! If you can't sleep, feel free to take a stroll around town."

After dinner, the mayor bid Naoki goodnight and left the community center to return home.

With his stomach full and the day's journey catching up to him, Naoki retired to his room and went to sleep.

...

The Next Morning

Naoki rose early, refreshed and ready for the day. After a hearty breakfast, he joined the mayor and several others to visit the rice fields just outside Mossui Town. There, he observed farmers tending to the fields, their hands deftly planting young rice stalks into the

waterlogged soil.

Nearby, Wooper and Clawitzer could be seen assisting the farmers, standing on the raised ridges between the paddies and carefully monitoring the process. The sight of Pokémon seamlessly integrated into farming life fascinated Naoki.

After watching for a while, Naoki decided to participate. Guiding Koraidon to a safe spot nearby, he stepped into the muddy fields to experience rice planting firsthand.

"How's it going? Getting the hang of it?" the mayor asked with a curious smile.

Naoki nodded confidently. "It's not too difficult, though it's a shame the conditions in Kosaji Town aren't suitable for growing rice."

Kosaji Town's agriculture mainly revolved around animal husbandry and staple crops like wheat and corn. Transitioning to rice cultivation would require specially designed fields, which seemed impractical.

The mayor nodded knowingly. "Each region has its own strengths. Rice is one of Kitakami Township's specialties, and we've embraced it wholeheartedly."

"Oh, that reminds me," the mayor added. "You must try our sticky rice cakes before you leave! They're made with this very rice and are a local delicacy."

...

Naoki finally got to try the famed sticky rice cakes at lunchtime.

After finishing his work in the rice fields, Naoki had intended to return to the community center for lunch. However, as he was leaving, a kind elderly woman approached him with an enthusiastic invitation to her home.

"Come, have lunch with me and try the sticky rice cakes I made!" she said with a warm smile.

Naoki blinked in surprise, taken aback by her hospitality.

'Was everyone in Kitakami Township this welcoming?'

It wasn't long before he realized the reason behind her kindness: the plot of land he and Koraidon had worked on that morning belonged to her.

"Please, make yourself at home!" she said cheerfully, ushering Naoki inside before bustling

off to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

Naoki hesitated for only a moment before deciding to accept her invitation. He found the simplicity and warmth of the people in Kitakami Township deeply endearing.

In the Yard

While waiting, Naoki released his Pokémon into the small but meticulously maintained yard

to stretch and relax.

The elderly woman lived alone. Her husband had passed away years ago, and her son had moved away, only visiting during major holidays. The solitude of her life tugged at Naoki's heartstrings, making him reflect on the challenges faced by both people and Pokémon in their

later years.

The yard itself was charming, with neatly trimmed grass and a small fountain shaped like a

Magikarp in one corner.

Dragonite and Cyclizar curiously examined the fountain, their eyes sparkling with

fascination. Meanwhile, Flutter Mane lurked in the shadows under the eaves, silently

observing the surroundings.

Koraidon and Naoki stood by the stone path, quietly watching their companions explore. Pawmot, ever the curious one, suddenly perked up and let out an excited cry. "Pawmot?" Naoki looked over, puzzled, and saw the Pokémon darting toward a nearby

window.

Inside the house, the elderly woman was busy in the kitchen. She noticed Pawmot peeking through the glass and smiled warmly. Pushing the window open, she said, "Are you hungry?

Lunch isn't ready yet, but here-have a cookie I just baked!"

"Pawmo! Pawmot!" Pawmot chirped happily, eagerly reaching out with its small paw to accept the treat.

It turned around and zipped back to Naoki, its excitement evident as it gestured for him to

follow.

"What's going on?" Naoki asked, his curiosity piqued. He got up and followed Pawmot

toward the window to see what had caught its attention.

Soon, Naoki understood why Pawmot was so excited.

In the kitchen, there was a Slugma!

The Slugma was nestled beneath the stove, using its natural body heat to help the aunt cook.

"Pawmot!"

Pawmot chirped happily. It had been wanting to make friends with a Slugma for a long time!

The aunt noticed Pawmot's enthusiasm and chuckled warmly. She glanced at the Slugma, then back at Pawmot, and said with a smile, "Ah, so you spotted the Slugma?" Naoki was equally surprised. "Auntie, can you find wild Slugma here in Kitakami Township?"

"Of course!" she replied, just as the pot on the stove began to bubble, signaling that the food

was ready.

As she dished out the food and placed the sticky rice cakes onto plates, she continued, "You can find Slugma up on Oni Mountain behind the town. They live in a place called Hell Valley." "Hell Valley?" Naoki stepped forward to help the aunt carry the dishes to the table. The aunt nodded. "Yes, it's a geothermal area where volcanic gases rise from the ground, making the air extremely hot-almost like a scene from hell itself. That's why the locals call it

Hell Valley."

Despite the ominous name, she explained, Hell Valley had been a popular training ground for

trainers and travelers since ancient times. "Many trainers go there specifically to hone their

skills," she added.

"I see..." Naoki nodded thoughtfully. With such an environment, there were bound to be many Fire-type Pokémon living in the area.

It was decided he would go explore Hell Valley later in the afternoon!

"Lunch is ready! Come and eat!" the aunt called to everyone outside. Within minutes, all of Naoki's Pokémon, including Koraidon, gathered around the table to

enjoy the meal.

The Slugma also emerged from under the stove. The aunt handed it a berry, and it happily

began munching away.

"I found this little Slugma on Oni Mountain," the aunt shared. "It had fallen from Hell Valley

and injured itself on the mountain trail. I gave it a berry to help it recover, and ever since, it's been living here with me."

"That's wonderful," Naoki said softly, genuinely moved.

"Oh, by the way!" The aunt suddenly remembered something, her expression turning serious.

"If you plan to visit Oni Mountain, be careful not to wander too far!"

Naoki was slightly taken aback. "What do you mean?"

The aunt explained, "There's an old legend about the Oni that the three companion Pokémon

drove away. They say it still roams the mountain. If you encounter it, it's said that the Oni will

steal your life."

A Oni...

Naoki furrowed his brow. If his guess was correct, this "Oni" was likely a specific Pokémon.

But what kind?

Could it be some kind of legendary Pokémon with ghostly attributes? Hearing the warning,

Naoki hesitated briefly.

He turned to look at the Pokémon accompanying him. With them by his side, even if the oniNôv(el)B\\jnn

was a legendary Pokémon, it wouldn't be too dangerous, right?

The aunt murmured softly, her tone carrying a sense of foreboding: "There is a shadow that draws near at dusk, just outside the village-be vigilant.

Put on your mask quickly to hide your face.

Whether the shadow is human or oni, just bow your head, and you'll be safe.

If the shadow lacks a mask, pray it's a human.

Your shadow, as precious as your soul, must always be protected by a mask.

If the oni sees your true face, tragedy will surely follow. Should the oni claim your soul, you'll never return to the village again."

"This is a ballad that's been passed down through the generations," the aunt said with a

grave expression. "It's said that someone encountered the oni on Oni Mountain long ago and never returned."

Naoki nodded thoughtfully.

It was clear that the people of Kitakami held a deep fear of this oni.

Was it because this oni was responsible for the deaths of the three Loyal Pokémon?

After lunch, Naoki bid the kind aunt farewell.

With the afternoon free, he decided to explore Oni Mountain and search for Hell Valley to see

if he could encounter any Slugma.

Pawmot, enamored with Slugmas ever since watching an animated short called The Slugma's

Hearth, refused to stay in its Poké Ball. Instead, it eagerly flew alongside Naoki, determined to befriend the Slugmas and invite them to visit the ranch.

Oni Mountain was vast, and without a detailed map, Naoki wasn't sure of Hell Valley's exact

location.

To make the search easier, he had Koraidon take to the skies, scanning the sprawling mountain range below.

Pawmot also hovered above, its bright eyes scanning the landscape with curiosity.

Before setting off, the aunt had mentioned that Hell Valley was located halfway up the western side of Oni Mountain.

Despite her directions, Naoki had no luck finding it after a long search. Frustrated, he directed

Koraidon to land randomly on the mountainside, hoping to identify Hell Valley based on the Pokémon in the area and changes in temperature.

Looking around, he saw that most of the Pokémon nearby were Bronzor and Sinistea.

The Sinistea were extremely timid, scattering in panic as soon as they noticed him.

The Bronzor, however, were far less skittish. They floated serenely, their metallic bodies emitting soft, jingling sounds, seemingly unbothered by the arrival of Koraidon and Pawmot. "No Fire-types here, and the temperature is the same as at the base of the mountain..." Naoki muttered, scanning the area thoughtfully. His eyes landed on a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff above. He turned to Koraidon and said, "Let's check the top of that waterfall."

"Ah, gah!"

Koraidon responded enthusiastically. It crouched low, then leapt upward with its powerful legs, landing steadily on the rocky cliff edge. The area was eerily quiet, devoid of any wild Pokémon.

Naoki surveyed his surroundings, his brow furrowed in confusion.

At that moment, Pawmot, floating nearby, suddenly let out a surprised cry: "Pawmot?"

"What is it?" Naoki asked, following Pawmot's gaze.

In the distance, a green figure was peeking out from behind the cliff edge, watching them.

As soon as it realized it had been spotted, the figure turned and ran, quickly vanishing into the craggy terrain.

Naoki stood frozen, slightly stunned.

'Was that... a local villager?'

...

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