Pokemon: A New Path

The next morning, Naoki began organizing the Pokémon on the ranch for their morning jog. Even Dolliv, who usually preferred to stay out of sight, was gently nudged into joining. Starting from the front steps, they jogged past the glass greenhouse and the orchard, circling the edge of the pasture.

Caught off guard by Naoki's sudden enthusiasm for exercise, the Pokémon exchanged looks of bewilderment.

The more active Pokémon, like Koraidon, Cyclizar, Pawmot, Gogoat, and Dragonite, found the run easy and kept pace with ease.

But for Pokémon like Indeedee, Glaceon Alcremie, Miltank, and Naclstack, who were used to a slower pace, the jogging was a challenge.

Miltanks, panting heavily, finally decided rolling was easier than running. Curling up into a ball, they swiftly rolled along, making its way from the back of the group to the front.

Nearby, Spectrier and Glastrier watched the spectacle from their stable, munching on carrots and enjoying the lively scene.

After completing a lap, Alcremie flopped onto the grass, completely exhausted, a look of pure misery on its face.

"Mree…"

Naoki stood before the group, facing their puzzled expressions, and explained:

"I'm sure you're all wondering why I asked you to start exercising today."

Dragonite nodded its big head. While it didn't mind the workout, it was certainly surprised by this new routine.

"It's because I've learned that the stronger and healthier a Pokémon is, the longer it can live happily in this world," Naoki explained.

'Live longer?'

The Pokémon blinked, looking at Naoki with puzzled expressions. Most of them didn't really understand what he meant by "lifespan."

Sensing their confusion, Naoki tried to explain further. "Lifespan means the time we get to spend here together. For most creatures, it's limited, and it varies based on who they are."

He paused, realizing that a detailed explanation might only make them feel sad, so he softened his message. "In short, if we get stronger, we can all be together for a long, long time."

The Pokémon's expressions brightened as they grasped this idea, nodding with newfound determination. Even if they didn't understand every part, the last sentence was clear.

As long as I become stronger, I can stay with Naoki forever!

Naoki glanced at the Pokémon in front of him. Some looked lost, while others had clear, understanding expressions. Indeedee, the caring brother and sister Pokémon, appeared to grasp his words.

Then, Pawmot raised its paw and chirped, "Pawmot?"

Since all the translation seeds had been consumed, Naoki couldn't directly understand what Pawmot meant.

Seeing his confusion, Pawmot darted over to the glass greenhouse, calling for Calyrex to join them.

With Calyrex's telepathic help, Naoki understood what Pawmot was asking: "What about your lifespan, Naoki?"

Naoki paused, then smiled softly. "Me? I'll live for about a hundred years."

Seeing the puzzled faces, he clarified, "That means I'll live to be a little over a hundred."

But Pawmot, not entirely satisfied, pressed on. "Pawmot?" (What happens after a hundred years?)

Naoki considered his words carefully before explaining, "In human terms, it likely means death. Death is when you leave this world forever."

Hearing this, the Pokémon gathered in front of him looked downcast. They understood the concept of death, having seen it happen to other Pokémon during past events like the forest fire. They knew that death meant closing your eyes and never waking up, and being laid to rest in the ground forever.

"But don't worry," Naoki continued with a warm smile. "Even if I were to pass on, I'd still be with you. I'd come back as a ghost and stay by your side. I'd be with you forever."

After all, ghosts were very real in this world, and if the gatekeeper of the spirit world—Dusknoir—ever came to guide him away, Naoki believed his Pokémon friends would stand by him. By then, the World Tree would have grown tall and strong, and he imagined living happily there with his Pokémon friends, watching over the ranch together.

Pawmot's eyes glistened with tears. "Pawmot?" (Really?)

Naoki nodded, reassuring them. "Of course, it's true!"

At this, Dragonite swept him up into a big hug, relieved and overjoyed.

"So," Naoki chuckled, patting Dragonite's large, gentle claws, "ready to train hard?"

"Awoo!" Dragonite nodded enthusiastically, determination rekindled.

"Then let's keep going!" Naoki took a deep breath, smiling as he prepared to lead them again.

However, the Pokémon stood still, glancing at each other before making a series of chirps, growls, and sounds that Naoki couldn't quite understand.

Koraidon stepped forward and took Naoki's hand, while the other Pokémon gathered around, forming a tight circle around him. They nudged him forward, making it clear he was now a part of this workout, too.

Watching from the side, Calyrex laughed, translating the Pokémon's sentiment with a warm tone: "They're saying, 'We want Naoki to live a long life too, so Naoki should train with us!'"

Just as Naoki wished to be with them forever, they, too, wanted him to live a long and healthy life so they could all stay together.

Naoki couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of humor and gratitude. "…So, I guess I've dug my own grave here?"

---

Training wasn't just about exercise; it also required proper nutrition. With care, Naoki used the life-giving milk from Gogoat to prepare an array of nutritious meals for his Pokémon.

The effects of the milk were almost as miraculous as the sacred Ash of Ho-oh.

In a way, you could say that Pawmot and the others were practically dining on holy nourishment. With the vitality and power from these supplements, the Pokémon on the ranch showed remarkable transformations in just one week.

That afternoon, Naoki gathered everyone from around the ranch to check on their progress.

Butterfree looked particularly vibrant. Its wings, delicate-looking yet strong, shimmered with a newfound brilliance under the sunlight, their black-veined patterns standing out boldly.

Naoki inspected it closely, jotting down observations in his notebook:

[After extended consumption of Milk of Life, Butterfree appears to have undergone a secondary development phase. Its wings are now sturdier and capable of generating stronger gusts when it flies.]

Satisfied, he moved on to check on Cyclizar.

"Raao~" Cyclizar stretched out its limbs in a playful display of cooperation.

"Hmm, Cyclizar's physique seems noticeably stronger," Naoki observed with a smile, noting the new muscle definition and its slight increase in height. "If this were a game, Cyclizar would probably have earned the 'Big Badge' by now!"

He chuckled to himself, documenting Cyclizar's growth in his notebook.

Next, he examined Koraidon.

Compared to the others, Koraidon's changes weren't as noticeable. Perhaps it was because Koraidon was already a powerhouse on the ranch? Its scarlet muscles, taut and powerful, would undoubtedly make any other Pokemon envious.

Then he turned to Dragonite, giving its scales a curious poke.

"Interesting… its scales feel denser," Naoki murmured, noting that Dragonite's resilience seemed to have increased significantly.

"Perfect," he smiled, "soon I can discuss the details of the Storm Trial and Lightning Trial with Dragonite and Pawmot. Judging by the timing, students from the Paldea Academy should be arriving here shortly."

He recalled what Rika had mentioned about the Paldea League planning to broadcast updates about the forest fire that had shocked the entire region. When the news aired, it would likely attract many trainers to learn about Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, so Naoki wanted to be prepared.

At that moment, the nearby Miltank could hardly contain their enthusiasm, mooing and shifting impatiently, eager for their own checks.

Naoki turned his head, catching sight of the Miltank trio, each brimming with energy and letting out enthusiastic "Moo!"s.

Naoki chuckled. "Alright, go ahead! Just be careful and watch out for other Pokémon!"

"Moo!" The three Miltanks flexed their sturdy limbs, then curled into balls and started rolling joyfully across the grass.

Watching them, Naoki jotted down a note in his journal:

"After drinking the milk, the Miltanks seem to have boundless energy. They're always lively and use rolling as their exercise of choice."

He couldn't help but compare them to the Skiddo that used to consume tons of grassy treats and burn off the energy by dancing around the pasture. However, Miltank had a more direct approach—rolling, rolling, and rolling nonstop.

With enough training, Naoki mused, they might even become as formidable as Whitney's Miltank, which had challenged many trainers with its formidable Rollout. The question was, could he train them to match that level here on the ranch?

While he mentally mapped out a training regimen for the Miltanks, Naoki continued to check on the other Pokémon's progress.

Currently, there are around thirty Pokémon living on the ranch, excluding those who come and go.

Among the residents were three Gogoats, three Miltanks, five Naclstack, and three Combee. Alongside them were Cyclizar and Koraidon, Glaceon, and Pawmot, the Indeedee siblings, Butterfree, Dragonite, and Diglett.

Then, of course, there was Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, along with His loyal steeds, Spectrier and Glastrier, and the royal tea set companions, Sinistea and Polteageist.

Several Dragonite and Dragonairs from Dragonite Island came to help out, though they didn't live on the ranch full-time. There was also the mischievous Gimmighoul, who hid in the ranch's cozy tavern and rarely made an appearance.

All in all, it was an impressive roster of Pokémon to manage. Remembering each one's moves and preferences would be a challenge for most, but Naoki had long since started a detailed observation log to record the moves, dietary needs, and overall conditions of each Pokémon on the ranch. It was his way of making sure every Pokémon had the attention and care they deserved. 

By the time Naoki finished recording all the Pokémon information, the evening had already settled in.

It was the weekend, and the Pokémon Tavern was closed, so after dinner, Naoki settled on the sofa with his Pokémon companions, tuning into the Paldea News Channel on TV.

After a few minor updates, the broadcast finally shifted to a report on Kosaji Town.

On the screen, a female reporter, holding a microphone, faced the camera and began briefing the audience on the forest fire that had struck the area.

"…Today is May 22nd. Five months have passed since that heartbreaking disaster. I'm sure many viewers are curious about the current state of the forest and the Pokémon who survived. So, today, we'll be taking a look at the recovery efforts here."

On the screen, the reporter pulled out a Poké Ball and released a large Pokemon. She climbed onto its back, and together they took to the skies, flying toward the forested hills.

As the camera panned over the landscape, a lush, vibrant forest came into view, filled with tall trees and dense, healthy grass. The sight left the audience stunned.

"Wait, wasn't this place completely destroyed by the fire?" someone in the audience exclaimed in surprise. "How could it look like this now?"

"Yeah, trees don't grow back that quickly!" said another voice.

"What exactly happened here?" came another puzzled remark.

Just as the audience was steeped in confusion, the reporter and her Pokemon landed gracefully at the foot of the mountain. 

Upon seeing the scene, the reporter smiled warmly. "It seems the recovery efforts here have been quite successful!"

"I'm sure everyone watching is curious. This area suffered a devastating fire, yet now, it appears as if nothing happened."

The audience at home nodded in agreement.

Without further suspense, the reporter continued, walking along the newly built path that wound up the mountainside.

"As it turns out, shortly after the Paldea League sent teams to restore this forest, a legendary Pokémon with a compassionate heart arrived. Unable to bear the sight of the devastation, it used its immense power to revive the mountainside, bringing the forest back to life."

"Wait, could that even be possible?" Viewers watching the broadcast were taken aback, their faces reflecting disbelief.

"What kind of Pokémon could restore an entire forest?" another viewer murmured in awe.

Onscreen, the reporter kept walking up the trail, narrating as she went. "In fact, there are stories of this Pokémon that have been passed down in Kosaji Town!"

"Some say this Pokémon is the King of Bountiful Harvests, who blesses farmlands with fertile soil and brings abundant crops to those who believe in Him. Others say He was a kind-hearted ruler in ancient times who would come to the aid of injured Pokémon."

"It sounds almost like a fairytale, doesn't it? I was stunned when I first heard about it myself! But witnesses say they saw this Pokémon performing His miracle, and even our region's Champion was there to see it!"

"And I imagine you'd like to see who this remarkable Pokémon is," she added with a smile.

By now, the reporter had reached the top of the path, passing through a traditional torii gate and arriving at a newly constructed shrine.

In the center of the shrine stood a statue of the legendary Pokémon. The figure depicted a serene expression, exuding kindness and wisdom.

The reporter looked up at the statue, speaking in a reverent tone. "This is the Pokémon who restored this mountain to its former beauty. His name is Calyrex, known as the King of Bountiful Harvests in the legends of Kosaji Town. Doesn't He look friendly?"

The camera zoomed in, capturing a close-up of the statue within the shrine.

The statue of Calyrex, facing the screen, seemed to smile gently, as if offering a warm greeting to everyone in Paldea.

...

Stones💎💎