armyinform Chapter 248: The Song of the Reins
Chapter 248: The Song of the Reins
Chapter 248: The Song of the ReinsThe old village chief instinctively dismissed his initial thoughts.
"After all, it's just a legend," he muttered under his breath. "Legends aren't real!"
But as he looked at Naoki, standing in front of him with a hopeful expression, he couldn't help but realize the truth: regardless of whether the King of Bountiful Harvests, Calyrex, truly existed, it was the legend that brought tourists to this remote village. And thanks to those visitors, Freezington had started to thrive once again.
With a smile, the old chief said, "Well, since you came all this way, I'll do my best to help you make the reins!"
Naoki beamed and handed over the Radiant Flower and a tuft of Glastrier's mane. "Thank you so much!"
The chief inspected the materials carefully, his hands trembling slightly. "I won't lie-I'm not sure if I can make something as perfect as my great-grandfather did, but it's high time we revived this old tradition!"
The thought of restoring the village's lost art filled the old man with renewed determination. Maybe this would attract even more tourists!
With a burst of enthusiasm, the village chief dashed into another room, returning with a needle, some thread, and a determined glint in his eye. He sat down on the sofa, straightened his back, took a deep breath, and began stitching furiously.
Naoki watched in stunned silence as the old man sewed with unexpected speed and intensity. "Uh... isn't this a bit dramatic?" Naoki muttered, blinking in disbelief.
After what felt like hours, the chief gave a triumphant shout and held up a rough, hand- stitched rein.
"There!" he declared proudly.
Naoki inspected the reins with a raised brow. Something felt... off. Hesitantly, he asked, "Is this... finished?"
The chief shook his head solemnly. "No, my eyesight's not what it used to be. I couldn't sew all the details properly. We'll need someone with steadier hands to finish it."
"Of course," Naoki thought, recalling the game's plot. In the game, it was Uncle Peony who handled the last steps.
Still, Naoki figured it was worth trying. "Mind if I give it a shot?"
The old chief blinked in surprise. "You know how to sew?"
"A little," Naoki replied sheepishly. "I've had to patch up my clothes from time to time back on the ranch."
With a nod of approval, the chief handed him the materials, shuffling aside to let Naoki take
over.
Naoki carefully studied the half-finished reins. "Okay, first like this... then that... and finally, we stitch it here," he mumbled to himself, slowly working the thread through the mane and flower petals.
As Naoki focused, the chief leaned back, humming softly to himself. "I remember... When my grandpa taught me the story, he said that when making the Reins of Unity, the crafter had to sing a special song with gratitude in their heart. Only then would the reins be complete." Naoki froze mid-stitch. "A... song?"
The old chief nodded, then cleared his throat and hummed a familiar tune. "Something like this: 'The flowers curl up round and tight, the mane is stitched with all our might... to honor the king with gifts so bright!""
Naoki's face flushed. "Do I really have to sing it?"
The chief gave him an encouraging smile. "Of course! You can't finish the reins without the song!"
Naoki sighed, knowing the old man wasn't going to let this go. He remembered how, in the game, Uncle Peony had to sing this song while stitching the reins-much to his own embarrassment.
"This is just like those cringy Z-move dances..." Naoki muttered under his breath. But there was no turning back now. He had come too far to quit. At least there wasn't a crowd watching. With a resigned sigh, Naoki gritted his teeth and began to sing awkwardly:
"The flowers... curl up round and tight~"
"The mane... stitched with all our might~"
"Yes! That's it!" The old chief clapped his hands enthusiastically. "Now sing it again, with more heart!"
Naoki's face burned with embarrassment, but this time, the words came a little more easily. "The flowers curl up round and tight, the mane is stitched with all our might, to honor the king with gifts so bright~"
As the final stitch was sewn, a snow-white rein sparkled under the soft light, emitting a faint, cool breeze.
The old village chief's jaw dropped in disbelief. "It's... it's done! The reins are glowing! No way! Does this mean all those stories my great-grandfather told me were true?!"
He stared at the reins, utterly bewildered.
The old man looked at Naoki, clutching the reins in his hands, and hesitantly asked, "Are you... looking for the King of Bountiful Harvests?"
Naoki gave him a small nod. "Yes."
The old chief leaned closer, his heart racing with curiosity. "And... did you find him?"
Naoki hesitated, unsure how to explain Calyrex's situation. After a moment of thought, he shook his head. "Not yet."
Disappointment flickered across the chief's face. He sighed before speaking again, "If... I mean, if you really find the King of Bountiful Harvests, would you come tell me? I've always
wondered if those old legends are real."
Naoki smiled softly. "If I see him, I will."
He thought to himself, 'That is if the King is willing.'
...
Later, after leaving the old chief's house, Naoki spotted a cozy bed-and-breakfast in the heart of the village. He decided not to bother the Ryan family again and instead booked a
room for the night.
Koraidon trotted along beside him, while Glastrier was tied to the fence outside the inn.
Since being defeated by Koraidon, the once-proud steed had become unusually compliant, bowing its head in quiet submission.
Inside, the proprietress greeted them warmly and served a meal of hot soup and freshly baked bread. The room was dimly lit, with the flickering glow of lanterns casting soft light across the wooden walls, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
After settling in, Naoki released Cyclizar from its Poké Ball. The three companions sat cross- legged on the tatami mat, sharing a meal and quietly enjoying the sight of snowflakes drifting lazily outside the window.
Naoki glanced at the snow falling gently beyond the eaves, wondering aloud, "The King hasn't returned yet. Maybe he's still
"Nieeeh!" Glastrier neighed, tossing its head. 'Humph. Fine, this human was at least useful!'
If it couldn't outmatch that red Pokémon, Koraidon, it might as well submit to the human-
bearing gifts-just like it had once obeyed Calyrex.
Naoki couldn't help but sigh. "This horse is too easy to bribe..." Glastrier was clearly a survivor-submitting only when overpowered and ready to flee the
moment things went south. Naoki realized this was probably how it had once abandoned
Calyrex when the king lost his power. Well, no point in dwelling on it now.
The day had been long, and Naoki felt the fatigue of running around the snowy fields catching
up with him. Deciding to call it a day, he retired to his room at the inn to rest.
...
The next morning, Naoki awoke to the light of a new day, feeling refreshed. After a hearty
breakfast with Koraidon and Glastrier, he caught a glimpse of Calyrex waiting discreetly near the edge of the village.
Without a word, the King of Bountiful Harvests turned and floated away, expecting Naoki to
follow.
"I guess he wants to talk in private again," Naoki muttered. "Let's go!"
He returned Cyclizar to its Poké Ball and took the reins. With Koraidon and Glastrier trotting
along beside him, Naoki made his way to a cliff overlooking the snowy village.
Calyrex was already there, waiting.
Naoki pulled out some translation seed crisps he had brought along and popped them into his mouth. Instantly, Calyrex's thoughts became clear to him.
"I've figured out where my other steed is!" Calyrex declared, his voice solemn.
"It turns out that Spectrier has taken over the Crown Shrine."
Calyrex's expression clouded as memories resurfaced. "The shrine was once a place where we
spent many joyful days together. But when I lost my strength, I avoided it to spare myself the
pain of remembering. I didn't expect Spectrier to claim it for himself in my absence." Naoki offered a gentle smile. "Don't be upset. I finished sewing the Reins of Unity last night. Want to try them out?" Calyrex shook his head gently. "I am not angry... just... nostalgic." When Naoki revealed the glowing reins, Calyrex's eyes softened with gratitude.
"Yes, these are the Reins of Unity. I owe you my deepest thanks, Naoki. You've done so much
for me already. From here on, leave everything to me."
With a wave of telekinetic energy, Calyrex lifted the reins from Naoki's hands. They floated
gracefully to him, glowing brighter with each passing second.
Calyrex's gaze shifted to Glastrier, standing patiently beside Koraidon. The reins drifted over
to the icy horse, wrapping neatly around its neck.
The moment the reins settled into place, a radiant burst of light enveloped both Calyrex and
Glastrier. Their forms shimmered and merged in a brilliant display.
...
This is a bonus chapter for reaching 1500 Power Stones.
The next bonus chapter will be released at 2000 Power Stones.