Chapter 10: Preparing for Winter, Fallen Leaves Bed
The next day, Entei once again ventured out to search for food.
Taking care of Holt had become Entei's most important responsibility. With winter approaching, Entei knew that if they didn't prepare enough food, Holt might starve.
Entei couldn't let that happen, so before winter arrived, it had to bring back as much food as possible and stockpile it in the cave.
After eating his fill, Holt felt energized but also very bored being alone in the cave. So, he insisted on joining Entei on its food-searching journey.
Entei, of course, didn't refuse.
The human and Pokémon wandered through the forest, and with Holt's guidance, Entei brought back more than just Berries—chestnuts, nuts, mushrooms, and more.
In just a month, the cave was filled with small piles of mountain goods—full and plentiful.
"This should be enough. With all this food, we won't have to worry about starving during the winter," Holt thought to himself.
Although he now had 15 Shock Points, they were only enough to buy three bottles of MooMoo Milk, which wasn't really practical.
Seeing the food stockpile nearly complete, Entei didn't venture out as often.
The outside temperature had dropped significantly, and as a Pokémon, Entei could clearly feel that autumn was ending and the cold winter was about to cover the land.
Looking at the cave they had made home, Entei felt something was missing.
What was it?
They had food, and Holt wouldn't have to worry about hunger for a while.
With Entei there, Holt didn't have to worry about the cold either.
Entei's gaze lowered and landed on the thin layer of leaves where it and Holt had been sleeping.
That's it! There were too few leaves here. Holt might feel uncomfortable while sleeping. It needed to gather more leaves to make the bed softer.
Determined, Entei left the cave and headed back to the forest to collect more leaves to bring back.
Once Entei left, Holt was left alone in the cave.
He was still too young to do anything on his own, but that didn't stop him from letting his mind wander.
"It's been almost two months since we arrived at Mt. Tengan. Other than Entei and a few ordinary Pokémon, I haven't seen any other Pokémon around."
The Ho-Oh Sacred Guardians were made up of three Legendary Pokémon—Entei, Suicune, and Raikou.
It was said that they were once ordinary Pokémon, but after they perished in a great fire at the Burned Tower in Ecruteak City, they were resurrected by Ho-Oh and became the Legendary Beasts.
Holt could understand not seeing Ho-Oh, given its nature. Ho-Oh was probably off somewhere doing something important.
He also understood not seeing Suicune and Raikou, as they, too, had their own missions.
But... why had he not seen Marshadow yet?
According to the Pokédex, Marshadow resided in Mt. Tengan. Unlike Entei, Suicune, and Raikou, Marshadow stayed here most of the time, only leaving to test those selected as Rainbow Heroes by Ho-Oh.
Could it be because of its personality?
Holt remembered the Pokédex mentioning that Marshadow was shy and weak, unwilling to reveal itself in front of humans. Some even believed it was just a myth.
"Well... it doesn't matter!"
Whether he met Marshadow or not, it didn't bother Holt as long as he had Entei!
After eating Berries for several days, Holt was starting to get a bit tired of them.
He opened the system shop to check out the variety of foods available.
But considering his current situation, he finally decided to exchange for just one bottle of MooMoo Milk.
With 5 Shock Points deducted, a bottle of MooMoo Milk appeared before him.
Just as Holt was about to drink it, a message flashed across his panel.
[Where did this come from? What did this human just do?]
[From Marshadow Shock Points +10!]
What? Marshadow?
Holt froze for a moment, still holding the bottle, his mind filled with uncertainty.
Marshadow's Shock Points had appeared, meaning Marshadow was nearby, secretly watching him!
Sure enough, Marshadow must have known that Entei had brought him to Mt. Tengan...
But where was Marshadow now?
Holt cautiously turned his head, scanning the surroundings. Since Marshadow's power came from shadows, it usually hid within them.
He focused on the darker corners of the cave.
As his gaze passed over a shadow, he suddenly spotted a small figure composed of gray mist, standing quietly in a hidden corner, watching them.
It was Marshadow! It was there!
Holt was stunned.
[Discovered? How did this human detect me?!]
[From Marshadow Shock Points +15!]
Marshadow's eyes showed obvious surprise.
It took pride in its ability to hide. Normally, no human or Pokémon could detect its presence unless it wanted to be found.
So how had Holt noticed it?
Both human and Pokémon stood still for a moment.
But quickly, Marshadow regained its composure.
Logically, it should have immediately retreated into the shadows and disappeared from sight.
But looking at the little human, Marshadow couldn't help but recall the scenes it had seen in his dreams.
His parents had died protecting Pokémon.
And they had lost their lives to protect unknown Pokémon.
Even for someone who despised and distrusted humans like Marshadow, it couldn't deny the actions of those two "foolish" humans.
"Marshadow..."
At this moment, Marshadow could somewhat understand Entei's actions.
Just then, Entei returned.
It brought back more soft golden leaves and spread them in a place where the wind wouldn't reach. Then, it gently placed Holt on them.
After doing this, Entei turned to Marshadow and spoke through telepathy.
"What are you doing here?" Entei silently communicated with Marshadow.
Before Marshadow could answer, Holt, who had finished part of his milk, extended the bottle toward Entei, as if offering to share it.
Seeing this, Entei frowned slightly, its gaze expressing disapproval.
The little one was using his strange power again.