章節 112: Applin[443]
On April 1st, 200 of the Alliance Calendar, with rising temperatures signaling the onset of summer, the Paldea region officially welcomed the hot season.
The daytime heat was intense, so Naoki used the cooler morning hours to milk the Gogoat and feed the other Pokémon on his ranch. Once his chores were done, he decided to check on the progress of the fruit wine fermenting in the cellar.
Just as he was about to enter the house, his Rotom phone rang.
Pulling the phone from his pocket, Naoki glanced at the screen and saw it was Iono calling. He raised an eyebrow, paused for a moment, and then pressed the answer button.
"Hello?" he said.
"Hey, hey, Naoki! What're you up to?" Iono's energetic voice came through the phone.
"I just finished up my ranch work. I was planning to take a break," Naoki replied, letting go of the Rotom phone as it switched to hover mode, floating near his ear. He turned to the outdoor faucet to wash his hands.
"And you? Don't you have work today?" he asked. Gym Leaders rarely took time off, especially not during this season. They typically stayed at their gyms, prepared to take on trainers' challenges.
If it were Iono, Naoki figured she'd be live-streaming battles from Levincia Gym right now.
Iono chuckled mischievously. "Guess!"
Near the ranch entrance, Iono motioned for Koraidon and Cyclizar, who had noticed her arrival, to stay quiet. Koraidon, about to let out a sound, obediently closed its mouth.
"Huh?" Naoki was surprised. "Are you live-streaming outside right now?"
"Nope!" Iono teased.
Naoki paused, drying his hands with a towel. Thinking about Iono's playful personality, he had a sudden realization.
"Wait... Are you on your way to the ranch?"
"Bingo! Look behind you!" Iono exclaimed with a laugh.
Turning around, Naoki saw Iono standing on the grass not far away, waving energetically at him. Beside her, Koraidon and Cyclizar stood, watching silently.
Naoki shook his head, smiling helplessly. This was just like Iono.
He ended the call and considered the rising heat. Deciding it would be better to chat indoors, he invited Iono into the living room.
"Sorry to intrude!" Iono said cheerfully, following him inside.
"Are you here to attempt the trial again?" Naoki asked.
Iono nodded enthusiastically. "You got it! After my last attempt, I've come up with a strategy to counter Pawmot's hammer!"
In truth, she wasn't entirely sure why she'd come to the ranch but used this excuse to cover her visit.
"I see..." Naoki said, intrigued. Still, he felt something was a little off. From what he knew of Iono, she wasn't usually one to focus on honing her battle skills. She prioritized entertaining her audience over victory during gym challenges.
But perhaps Iono had changed her mindset? If so, Naoki was more than willing to help.
As the two of them entered the house, Koraidon and Cyclizar squatted on the grass outside, watching the scene curiously.
Cyclizar looked at Koraidon, then at the odd tree nearby, and asked in confusion, "Gao?" (Do you know that human?)
Cyclizar felt that Koraidon seemed very familiar with that human.
It had a positive impression of Iono, recalling how she had encouraged it during a low point.
Koraidon nodded sagely. "Raao." (You'll get to know her well soon enough.)
Koraidon believed that someday Iono would become an important part of their lives.
Cyclizar tilted its head, unsure of what Koraidon meant. "Gao..." (I don't get it.)
Inside the living room, Indeedee brought Iono a cup of refreshing black tea.
"Thank you!" Iono exclaimed, taking a sip. Her eyes widened with delight. "This is so good!"
Indeedee beamed at the compliment, cheerfully replying, "Indeedee!"
A moment later, Indeedee returned with some homemade snacks to accompany the tea.
"Wow, you're spoiling me!" Iono said gratefully, happily digging into the treats.
Naoki watched the interaction with a warm smile. Once Indeedee left, he asked, "How's your live-streaming going lately?"
"It's been great!" Iono said excitedly. "I switched up my style, and the popularity of Levincia Gym is soaring!"
Naoki, who followed Iono's page on PikaTube, nodded in acknowledgment. Though her popularity wasn't quite at its peak, she was undoubtedly on the rise.
He grinned. "But isn't Levincia Gym still open for challenges? Are you sure it's okay for you to be here?"
As far as Naoki knew, the Paldea Alliance had performance requirements for Gym Leaders and would occasionally send inspectors to test their strength.
Iono nodded and said, "Don't worry! Before coming here, I made sure to request three days of leave from the Paldea Alliance, and Geeta personally approved it!"
"I see!" Naoki smiled. It seemed that the Paldea Alliance and Geeta were both quite considerate.
After Iono finished her snacks and drank the black tea prepared she expressed her intention to challenge Pawmo's Lightning Trial once again.
Naoki called for Pawmot, and the two headed to the battle arena on the ranch.
Watching Pawmot brimming with fighting spirit, Naoki couldn't help but marvel.
"I didn't expect this!"
Iono tilted her head in confusion. "Didn't expect what?"
Naoki chuckled. "I didn't expect you to be so diligent and hardworking. You're a little different from what I imagined."
In Naoki's experience, trainers like Grusha or Larry rarely visited the ranch more than once, but Iono frequently returned to challenge the trials.
Was it possible that the Iono of this world differed from her in-game counterpart?
Regardless, if Iono was working so hard, Naoki resolved to help her to the best of his abilities. After all, she was his friend.
However, hearing this, Iono's cheeks turned red. The truth was, she wasn't here solely for the challenge!
Naoki, unaware of her flustered thoughts, continued, "Although I'm not an expert in raising and training Electric Pokémon, I think observing Pawmot in battle might give you some inspiration."
"So, in the next match, we won't go all out. Consider it a demonstration. Be sure to have your Pokémon watch carefully!"
"Eh?" Iono blinked in surprise before nodding enthusiastically.
"Alright!"
The first match began with Naoki sending out Pawmot, while Iono chose her Electivire.
As the battle commenced, Pawmot charged forward, its hammer sparking with electricity. Electivire braced itself, crossing its arms in defense. As the hammer came down, a surge of electricity erupted, but Electivire absorbed it completely into its body.
Naoki immediately recognized the ability. "Motor Drive," he remarked. "It nullifies Electric-type moves and boosts the Pokémon's speed instead."
However, Pawmot was no ordinary Electric Pokémon. Its hammer carried physical force alongside its electrical energy.
Electivire stumbled slightly from the blow, but Iono quickly issued her next command:
"Electivire, use Brick Break!"
Electivire roared, raising its hand to strike Pawmot, who dodged the attack with swift precision. Not missing a beat, Iono followed up:
"Thunderbolt!"
A brilliant burst of electricity surged from Electivire, aiming directly for Pawmot. Naoki, unfazed, calmly instructed, "Charge."
"Pawmot!"
Pawmot cried as it stood firm, allowing the Thunderbolt to hit. To Iono's shock, Pawmot absorbed the electrical energy rather than suffering damage.
"How is that possible?!" Iono exclaimed.
Naoki explained, "For Electric-type Pokémon, electricity can act as food. When a Pokémon uses Charge, it accumulates energy. If it absorbs the opponent's Electric moves during this state, it takes minimal damage while greatly enhancing its own energy reserves."
Iono's eyes lit up. "Using the opponent's attack as fuel? That's brilliant! Let's try it!"
Her Electivire nodded in understanding, ready to attempt this new strategy.
Naoki called out, "Pawmo, Discharge!"
"Pawmot!"
A powerful surge of electricity spread across the battlefield, heading straight for Electivire.
"Electivire, Charge!" Iono shouted.
Electivire roared, standing firm as it braced itself. Channeling Naoki's earlier words, it began absorbing the incoming electricity.
The electricity surged into Electivire's body, its energy levels rapidly climbing. Within moments, it felt its power reach an unprecedented peak.
In this state, if Electivire uses any Electric-type moves, their power will be significantly amplified!
Naoki nodded toward Iono and Electivire. "Give it your all!"
Iono was now fully immersed in the battle. She clenched her fists and shouted with determination:
"Electivire, use Wild Charge!"
"Pawmot, let's go too! Use Thunder Clap!"
The commands were given, and the two Pokémon sprang into action simultaneously.
Electivire's muscular frame was enveloped in crackling electricity, forming a shimmering suit of lightning armor. It charged forward with incredible speed, leaving scorch marks on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Pawmot channeled all its stored electricity into its hammer, which glowed with a radiant, silver sheen. Without hesitation, it dashed toward Electivire.
The two Pokémon collided in a brilliant flash of light, creating a massive sphere of electricity that engulfed them both.
Moments later, a powerful explosion rocked the battlefield, sending shockwaves through the air.
Both Pawmot and Electivire were knocked back, landing on opposite sides of the field. Neither had lost the ability to fight, but both were clearly exhausted.
"What a powerful clash!" Iono exclaimed, her eyes wide as she saw the faint scorch marks and bruises on Electivire's body.
Naoki smiled. "It looks like Electivire has already understood the lesson. There's no need to push it further. Let's end the battle here."
Iono nodded. "Okay!"
Naoki gestured to elder Indeedee who brought over bowls of fresh Milk to help the Pokémon recover their strength. The two Pokémon eagerly drank, their exhaustion easing as the soothing milk restored their energy.
Seeing their efforts, Naoki invited Iono and Electivire to rest in the living room.
"How was it?" Naoki asked with a smile.
Iono nodded enthusiastically. "As expected of you, Naoki! Your methods are amazing!"
Naoki chuckled. "When you head back, try incorporating this training method with your Pokémon. I'm confident that with consistent practice, the strength of the Levincia Gym will improve greatly."
"I'll definitely give it a try!" Iono replied eagerly.
As they relaxed, Iono's eyes wandered to the many strong Pokémon on the ranch. Curiosity piqued, she thought about Naoki's past.
According to Geeta, Naoki had come to the Paldea region three years ago after spending time traveling through other regions.
"By the way, Naoki," Iono asked, "where did you travel before coming to Paldea?"
Naoki paused, caught off guard by the question. After a moment, he smiled and replied, "I've been to quite a few places—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Kalos."
"Wow!" Iono's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've never even left Paldea!"
Naoki chuckled warmly. "When you have the time, you should explore other regions. Each one has its own unique culture, landscapes, and Pokémon. It's worth experiencing."
Iono nodded thoughtfully, then hesitated before asking, "What about your family? Don't you live with your parents?"
Naoki's expression softened. He shook his head gently. "No, they passed away a long time ago. I spent part of my childhood in Paldea, but later, we moved to Hoenn for my parents' health. After they passed, I began traveling through other regions."
He paused, his gaze distant. "Eventually, I got tired of wandering. So, I returned to my hometown, and inherited my grandfather's ranch."
Iono's expression fell. "I'm so sorry, Naoki. I didn't mean to bring up anything painful."
Naoki grinned, signaling to Iono not to feel awkward. "It's okay, it's all in the past."
Iono's eyes sparkled, and she nodded earnestly. "Naoki, you're really strong—not just in battles, but as a person!"
Naoki waved it off with a soft laugh. Instead of continuing the topic, he asked, "What about you?"
"Me?" Iono pointed to herself, slightly surprised by the question. When Naoki nodded, she began to speak.
"I grew up in Levincia. Like other kids, I left home when I was ten to attend Naranja Academy."
"That's where I met Bellibolt and Misdreavus. Together, we started my journey—challenging gyms, earning badges, and eventually, I became the Gym Leader of Levincia's Electric Gym."
"Life in the city must be lively," Naoki commented thoughtfully.
Iono hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. "I've never really experienced living in the countryside."
"That's a shame, isn't it?" Naoki said with a smile. "Life in the countryside is wonderful in its own way."
"In spring, the hills come alive with flowers, and you can see Combee flitting among the blossoms, gathering nectar."
"During summer nights, fireflies gather near the rivers. It's like watching the stars come to life on the water's surface. Sometimes, you'll even see Water-type Pokémon peek out from the river to enjoy the glow."
"In autumn, the forests turn golden, and you can go up the mountains to gather things like mushrooms, hazelnuts, and Berries. You might even spot wild Pokémon stocking up food for winter."
"As for winter... Well, it's freezing, so I don't venture out much. But on occasion, I'll take my Pokémon to the fields to build snowmen and gaze at the stars."
"On clear nights, with no clouds in sight, the stars and moon shine brighter than you can imagine."
Iono listened, her face lighting up with wonder and a touch of envy.
"That sounds incredible!"
"Doesn't it?" Naoki smiled, the thought of summer already filling him with anticipation.
Then, an idea struck him.
"Speaking of which, it's summer now. There should be fireflies tonight. Would you like to see them?"
Iono blinked, taken aback. "Really? Would that be okay?"
"Of course," Naoki said warmly. "There are guest rooms upstairs where you can stay the night. You can head back to Levincia tomorrow."
The guest rooms were well-kept, often hosting visitors such as Professor Oak, Arven, and Alder.
Iono smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. "Thanks! I'll take you up on that offer."
...
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sound of cicadas echoed faintly from the nearby hills.
In the tall grass near the river, fireflies began to flicker to life.
As the night deepened, the tiny glowing insects gathered by the water, their light illuminating the serene lakeside like countless tiny stars.
Naoki spread out a picnic blanket on the grassy riverbank. It was adorned with an array of snacks and treats.
Fresh milk pudding, honey cake, poffins, Pokéblocks, berry juice, and Moomoo Milk filled the picnic blanket, creating a feast for all the Pokémon on the ranch.
Excited, the Pokémon chased each other around the blanket, their cheerful energy filling the air. Across the river, a group of Psyducks sat in their usual dazed poses, clutching their heads as they stared blankly at the fireflies dancing above the water.
Iono released her team of Pokémon as well. The Pokémon on Naoki's ranch had dined with Iono's team before, so they were already quite familiar with each other.
As soon as they reunited, Pawmot hopped forward, releasing a small electric charge to greet Luxray and the others in the unique communication style of Electric-type Pokémon.
Flutter Mane seemed especially intrigued by Misdreavus, floating close and staring intently at the ghostly Pokémon. Misdreavus, unnerved by the scrutiny, floated away to hide behind Iono.
Watching this serene scene, Iono found herself feeling something she couldn't quite describe.
She had seen many breathtaking sights before—the dazzling million-volt lights of Levincia, the cascading beauty of Glaseado's waterfalls, and the vast olive orchards of the South Paldean region.
But nothing felt quite like this.
Along the riverbank, where the water flowed gently, groups of fireflies glowed faintly as they danced through the night air. Their shimmering reflections rippled across the surface of the clear water.
The tranquil night, the soothing hum of cicadas, the soft summer breeze...
This was a peace no city could offer.
"So beautiful," Iono murmured, a smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Naoki."
Naoki, leaning back on his hands, looked out at the luminous river, his gaze soft.
"I should be thanking you, too," he said quietly.
"Huh?" Iono blinked in confusion.
Naoki turned to her with a knowing smile. "You've promoted my ranch shop during your livestreams, haven't you?"
Iono's eyes widened in shock. "How did you figure that out?!"
She thought she'd been subtle!
"Your fans left messages on my shop's page." Naoki chuckled, pulling out his Rotom Phone to show her some of the comments:
[Recommended by Iono's livestream! The milk here is amazing—fresh, sweet, and delivered super fast by Dragonite. Highly recommend!]
[Thanks to Iono, I found this gem of a shop! The vegetables are so fresh. Now my grandma doesn't have to go out to buy groceries. Will definitely order again!]
Iono's face flushed crimson, utterly embarrassed.
"Thank you," Naoki said sincerely.
Iono scratched her head awkwardly, her blush deepening. She had always been someone who liked to help others, even as a livestreamer. In the anime, she often encouraged her fans and cheered them up during tough times.
"By the way," Naoki suddenly remembered, "did you take the Squawkabilly Flying Taxi to get here?"
Iono nodded. "Yup! There are taxi stations in both Levincia and Kosaji Town. It's really convenient!"
"How long was the flight?" Naoki asked curiously.
"Hmm… about six hours," Iono answered after a moment of thought.
Kosaji Town and Levincia are at opposite ends of Paldea. A six-hour flying taxi ride was already remarkably fast, considering the distance.
Naoki raised an eyebrow and asked in disbelief, "A six-hour flying taxi ride?"
Iono tilted her head, puzzled. "Huh? What's wrong?"
Naoki fell silent.
Six hours? That's too slow. This back-and-forth trip sounds like such a hassle!
"Let Dragonite take you back tomorrow," Naoki said, feeling a headache coming on.
Dragonite could reach Levincia in less than half an hour with its incredible speed—several times faster than the Squawkabilly Flying Taxi.
Now it was Iono's turn to look confused.
"Isn't that a bit much to ask?" she said hesitantly.
"It's fine," Naoki replied. "Dragonite needs to deliver goods to Levincia anyway. You can just go along for the ride."
"Alright then," Iono said with a smile. "Thanks so much!"
Not far away, Koraidon and Cyclizar were squatting on the grass, observing the two humans by the river.
Cyclizar turned to Koraidon, its expression curious. "Gaoo?" (Why can't we bother Naoki?)
Koraidon's tone was serious as it replied, "Awooo." (Naoki has something very important to take care of.)
"Gao?" (Something important?)
Cyclizar perked up with interest, but Koraidon remained quiet.
Koraidon glanced at the peaceful scene by the river, with Naoki, Iono, and the Pokémon happily gathered together. Memories from its past resurfaced.
It remembered a time long ago when a small child—Naoki's child—held its tail and asked in a tender voice, "When will you come back?"
Back then, Koraidon, still in its Cyclizar form, had promised to return soon.
But it didn't. And the child never saw it again.
The memory made Koraidon's heart heavy, but then it lifted its head resolutely.
Now that it was back, it would fulfill its promise.
The next time it saw that child, it would proudly say, "I've returned."
Early the next morning, Iono boarded Dragonite and returned to Levincia.
Just half an hour later, Naoki received a message from her:
[Iono: Thank you, Naoki! I had such a great time yesterday!]
Naoki smiled and sent back a cheerful emoji before pocketing his Rotom Phone.
It was another new day, and there was plenty of work waiting for him on the ranch.
While he was busy planting summer crops in the fields, Kelly arrived with a construction team in tow.
She waved to Naoki before glancing around with a mischievous smile. "Where's your girlfriend?"
Naoki blinked, confused. "What girlfriend?"
But then, he realized what Kelly meant.
"Wait… Are you talking about Iono?"
Sure enough, Kelly grinned. "Yup, the girl who came to the ranch yesterday!"
Naoki sighed. "Don't jump to conclusions. She was here to challenge the trial."
"Oh really?" Kelly said, a teasing look in her eyes. "But I noticed she looks at you differently."
Naoki froze.
"Differently?" he repeated. "No way."
Kelly shrugged and returned to overseeing the construction with her Machamp team, leaving Naoki bewildered.
He stood there for a moment, lost in thought.
What kind of look? Did Iono really look at him differently?
Shaking his head, Naoki decided it wasn't worth overthinking.
Besides, the house's videophone had started ringing, pulling him away from his musings.
With a shrug, Naoki turned and headed inside to answer the call.
Although Rotom Phones have become widely popular in this world, videophones remain essential.
This is because some trainers do not own a Rotom Phone or may lose theirs while traveling in the wild. In such cases, they can visit the nearest Pokémon Center and use the videophone to contact family and friends.
At Naoki Ranch, the videophone was retained and repurposed as a public line for the ranch. On most days, customers use it to place orders for vegetables, Moomoo Milk, Berries, and other fresh produce.
When the videophone rang, Naoki answered. A gruff voice came through from the other end of the line.
"Hello! Is this Naoki Ranch? I'm the owner of a dessert shop in the neighboring city. We're hosting a dessert competition soon, and we need fresh apples to make apple pies and candy apples. I'd like to place an order for a batch of apples from your orchard!"
"Got it! No problem," Naoki replied. After confirming the man's requirements, he asked for the delivery address and contact details, assuring the customer that the apples would be delivered soon.
Naoki took down the details:
Name: Cliff
Contact Number: 693-7394
Address: Shop 3, Blue Bay Street, Boping City
After hanging up, Naoki opened the map app on his Rotom Phone to check the distance between Kosaji Town and Boping City.
Driving there would take about an hour and a half.
With the location set, Naoki called on several of his Pokémon and made his way to the apple orchard across the river to start picking apples.
At this time of year, the apples in the orchard were big, round, and vibrantly red—each one looking irresistibly delicious.
The task seemed simple enough, so Naoki only asked Koraidon and Cyclizar to help him.
However, when Ogerpon and Gholdengo overheard the plan, they eagerly volunteered to assist as well.
Naoki handed them some cardboard boxes, instructing them to pack the harvested apples neatly into the cartons.
Both Ogerpon and Gholdengo were quick learners, mimicking Naoki's example with ease. They worked diligently, picking apples and packing them in an orderly fashion.
Pleased by their effort, Naoki focused back on his own work.
Everything was going smoothly until Naoki suddenly heard a startled cry from Ogerpon.
Naoki and the other Pokémon quickly turned to see what had happened.
"What's wrong?" Naoki asked.
Ogerpon pointed toward a peculiar-looking apple hanging on a branch.
"Oge!"
Naoki followed Ogerpon's gaze and spotted the "apple."
At first glance, it looked just like any other apple. But upon closer inspection, subtle differences stood out:
Large, round eyes had replaced the apple's stem, two caterpillar-like tails emerged from a hole in the back, and faint fang-like patterns decorated its lower surface.
Clearly, this was no ordinary apple—it was a Pokémon.
Naoki immediately recognized it as an Applin.
Startled by Ogerpon, the timid Applin quickly retreated into its apple shell, remaining motionless.
Watching the shy Pokémon, Naoki felt a wave of excitement.
Finally! It's here!
He had been eagerly waiting for Applin to show up in his orchard for what felt like forever.
Because Applin can help fruits and apples ripen faster!
With their presence, the orchard on the World Tree can flourish even better.
Thinking of this, Naoki paused his work and reassured Ogerpon, "Don't worry. It's also a Pokémon. Its name is Applin, and it lives inside apples."
Hearing this, Gholdengo looked surprised.
"Ghol" "Can Pokémon live inside apples?" it seemed to ask, its expression filled with amazement.
Ogerpon, on the other hand, looked terrified.
It was clearly worried: what if it accidentally ate an Applin hiding inside an apple?
"Pon..." Ogerpon seemed to spiral into anxious thoughts, and its expression turned even grimmer.
Noticing their reactions, Naoki quickly explained, "Don't worry. Applin doesn't start its life inside an apple. After it's born, it finds an apple to hide in and spends the rest of its life there."
"Ogerpon, you don't need to be afraid of it. As long as you pay closer attention when eating apples in the future, you'll be able to tell the difference between an Applin and an ordinary apple."
As he spoke, Naoki walked forward and gently placed his hand on the apple housing Applin.
The power of his dragon aura activated!
As a dragon-type Pokémon, Applin instantly felt a friendly presence.
It hesitated, then cautiously peeked its eyes out of the apple to observe its surroundings.
When Applin noticed the human standing before it, it instinctively tried to retreat back into its apple, wary and defensive. However, it quickly recognized the familiar aura radiating from this person.
"Hello, Applin. I'm Naoki, the caretaker of this orchard. You don't need to be afraid. No one here will harm you—not me or any of the Pokémon in this area." Naoki spoke gently, showing his kindness.
Applin stared at the human, still cautious. Its natural instincts told it to remain on guard—after all, it feared being eaten.
As an unevolved Pokémon, Applin was incredibly fragile. Many dangers could threaten its life:
If Applin lost its apple, the water in its body would gradually deplete, leaving it weak. If it couldn't find another apple quickly, it would perish.
A fall from a great height could also force Applin out of its apple, leaving it exposed and vulnerable.
Worst of all, Applin constantly had to stay alert for bird Pokémon, its natural predators. Even Pokémon like Noibat might mistake it for food and carry it back to their nests.
It didn't help that Applin looked almost identical to a regular apple.
But soon, Applin sensed a unique energy from the human in front of it.
This energy was calming, as if it was taking care of Applin and relaying thoughts directly to it:
"Don't be afraid. No one here will harm you—not me, and not the Pokémon in this orchard."
Gradually, Applin began to let its guard down.
Naoki knew that no Dragon-type Pokémon could resist the allure of the dragon's aura.
"Alright then, from now on, you can live here peacefully!" Naoki said reassuringly.
His plan was to help Applin eventually evolve into either Flapple or Appletun. By that time, the World Tree would have fully grown, and he would send Applin to live there. For Pokémon, the World Tree was an absolutely safe haven.
But before that, Naoki had one more thing to do.
"Come on, Applin, let's see what your ability is," he said gently.
Naoki conveyed his thoughts to the little Pokémon. Applin seemed to understand what he was asking, though it took a moment before it acted.
Finally, it hopped over to a slightly green apple hanging on a tree.
The next moment, a special energy wave emanated from Applin's body.
Under the influence of this wave, the green apple began to turn red right before Naoki's eyes, ripening into a perfect, glossy fruit.
Seeing this, two words popped into Naoki's mind: [Ripening Power].
This Applin's ability was perfect for enhancing the orchard!
A Pokémon with this kind of skill could nurture fruit trees, helping them grow faster and bear better fruit.
Delighted, Naoki decided to probe further using his dragon power. He sensed a thought from Applin:
[I ripened all the apples on this tree!]
Naoki blinked in surprise. "Really?"
Applin nodded in affirmation.
Naoki turned his attention to the apple tree Applin had worked on, comparing it to other nearby trees.
Sure enough, every apple on this tree was ripe and vibrant. The single unripe apple was clearly due to Applin not having reached it in time.
"Why are you doing this?" Naoki asked curiously.
Through the dragon's aura, he sensed Applin's thoughts again:
[I ate one of your apples. I need to repay you by ripening more apples.]
Naoki couldn't help but smile. He hadn't expected such reasoning from the tiny Pokémon.
"Have you been here for a long time?" he asked.
Applin replied that it had only recently arrived but had seen Naoki taking care of the orchard—watering the trees and tending to them with care. From this, it understood that this was Naoki's territory.
"I see," Naoki nodded. "You're a thoughtful one, aren't you?"
He gently placed Applin back on the tree and reassured it.
"In that case, you can stay here for now. Later, I'll take you to a safer place where there's no danger. You'll be able to care for an orchard there."
Applin chirped in agreement, settling itself among the branches.
With that, Naoki returned to work, joined by his Pokémon helpers. Together, they packed the ripe apples into cartons and loaded them onto a pickup truck.
Once everything was set, Naoki climbed into the driver's seat, pulling a cart of apples along with several Pokémon following the vehicle on foot as he drove off to deliver the goods.
Meanwhile, in the Hoenn Region…
In the heart of a sprawling forest surrounded by mountains, Mewtwo soared through the air, leading a group of clone Pokémon. For a long time, it had been searching for a place to belong, trying to uncover its purpose in this world.
Suddenly, Mewtwo felt a familiar presence.
It halted mid-flight, its superpowers activating as it slowly descended to the forest floor, accompanied by Meowth, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and other clone Pokémon.
The dense foliage parted as Mewtwo landed, and its sharp gaze locked onto two figures in the distance.
One was a Teddiursa, its small frame radiating a sense of courage and justice. The other was none other than Mew, whom Mewtwo once regarded as its "mother" and its fiercest opponent in battle.
章節 113: An Old Friend [444]
It had been several years since they last met.
The first time they encountered one another was on the Island, during a time when Mewtwo was still lost in its search for meaning. To uncover the purpose of its existence, Mewtwo had transformed the ruins of Team Rocket's former research lab into a grand castle. It invited powerful humans to this eerie banquet as part of its plans to prove the superiority of its kind.
It was during this fateful gathering that Mew appeared, breaking into the castle.
Mewtwo, created from Mew's own genetic material, engaged Mew in a fierce battle to prove that the clone was superior to the original. The fight quickly escalated, dragging in the Pokémon and Trainers who had been lured to the island.
Amid the chaos, a young Trainer named Ash stepped in to stop the clash, only to be caught in the crossfire and turned to stone. The Pokémon present cried out in anguish, their tears combining to miraculously revive Ash.
Witnessing this act of love and unity between humans and Pokémon deeply moved Mewtwo. It abandoned its plans for revenge and led the cloned Pokémon away from the Island in search of peace.
The second time they met was on a cliffside.
It was there that Mewtwo learned of the Great Hero Expedition Team and came to better understand Mew—the being it once saw as its "mother." At Mew's invitation, Mewtwo brought its group of cloned Pokémon to Naoki Ranch, where Naoki welcomed them warmly.
At the ranch, Mewtwo noticed how Naoki treated the cloned Pokémon no differently than any other. To Naoki, they were all living creatures with their own place in the world.
Perhaps out of gratitude—or perhaps for some other reason Mewtwo couldn't quite identify—it chose not to erase Naoki's memory of their visit, something it usually did for those who encountered it.
After leaving the ranch, Mewtwo and its companions traveled the world, searching for a sanctuary where they could live in peace.
But even after years of wandering, Mewtwo still hadn't found that place.
Yet, it didn't feel disheartened. Along the way, it met countless Pokémon and had ample time to reflect on life.
The human DNA within its body gave it intelligence and emotions beyond those of ordinary Pokémon. This journey of self-discovery had profoundly changed it.
Mewtwo's current state of mind was a stark contrast to the turmoil it experienced on New Island. It had grown from a creature filled with anger and resentment to one that understood the value of coexistence.
Through its travels, it had witnessed Pokémon treating it as an equal, not as something "other." For the first time, it felt like a part of the world—a being who had entered life as any other and would eventually leave it in the same way.
Now, reuniting with Mew, Mewtwo felt a surge of emotion. It found itself looking forward to sharing its experiences and hearing about Mew's own journey.
Suppressing its immense psychic power to avoid startling the forest's inhabitants, Mewtwo approached with its group of cloned Pokémon and called out telepathically:
"Mew."
Mew, napping beneath the shade of a towering tree, perked up at the familiar voice.
Still slightly groggy, it glanced toward the source and immediately recognized the figures in the clearing.
It was Mewtwo, along with the cloned Meowth, Pikachu, and others!
"Mi-u!" Mew chirped joyfully, springing into the air and darting over to greet them. It flew in circles around Mewtwo and its group, radiating excitement.
The commotion woke up Teddiursa and Zapdos, who were resting nearby.
Teddiursa's eyes lit up, and it rushed over to greet Mewtwo and its companions. "Ursa!"
Zapdos, unfamiliar with Mewtwo, seemed confused by its teammates' enthusiasm. Teddiursa quickly introduced the psychic powerhouse: "Ursa!" (This is Mewtwo, a good friend we met before!)
Realizing this, Zapdos relaxed. It nodded slightly at Mewtwo, acknowledging its presence.
Mewtwo returned the gesture before turning to Mew and Teddiursa.
"Long time no see," it said telepathically, its deep voice resonating in their minds.
"Mi-u!" Mew nodded enthusiastically, agreeing it had been far too long.
Curious, Mew tilted its head and asked, "Mi-u?" (Are you traveling too?)
Mewtwo nodded.
The Pokémon settled into the clearing, and Teddiursa brought out snacks made by Naoki from Zapdos's travel bag to share with the group.
Mewtwo glanced at the meticulously crafted treats, clearly made with care, and turned to Mew.
"Yes," Mewtwo said. "I wanted to see the world—and I'm searching for a place where the cloned Pokémon can live in peace."
Mew tilted its head and asked, "Mi-u?" (Have you found such a place yet?)
Mewtwo shook its head. "Not yet."
It explained that while the world was vast, many places were already occupied by humans, making them unsuitable. Mewtwo preferred a quiet, secluded valley—one untouched by humans, with a beautiful environment and abundant resources.
Of the three criteria, the availability of resources was the most important.
Initially, Mewtwo hadn't considered this, but as it traveled, it began to understand a fundamental truth: Pokémon needed food to survive.
For Mewtwo itself, finding food was no issue, but the companions it led were not so self-sufficient.
Every time they stopped to rest, Mewtwo's priority was finding a safe place for the group and then searching for food.
As it reflected on its journey, Mewtwo let out a rare sigh. "So, this is what life is. This is the life of humans and Pokémon born into this world."
Hearing this, Mew and Teddiursa exchanged a meaningful glance.
Both Mew and Teddiursa liked Mewtwo very much and already considered it a good friend.
In the past, when the night was quiet and everyone else was asleep, Mew would sometimes think about Mewtwo—wondering where it was and how it was doing.
That feeling only grew stronger after the World Tree began to flourish.
It would be wonderful if Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Meowth could come live on the World Tree with us.
Then we'd never have to be apart again!
Mew imagined the joys of seeing each other whenever they wanted, sharing fruit from the trees, stargazing, playing games, or inviting friends to explore secret bases.
Just thinking about it made Mew's heart feel light and happy.
Determined, both Mew and Teddiursa decided to extend an invitation.
Teddiursa stepped forward and said excitedly, "Ursa!" (Mewtwo, why don't you come live with us on the World Tree?)
Hearing the unfamiliar term, Mewtwo looked puzzled.
"The World Tree?" it repeated, its voice laced with curiosity.
Teddiursa nodded enthusiastically. "Ursa!" (That's right! The World Tree!)
Mew chimed in with a playful laugh. "Miu~" (Yes, it's a huge tree planted by Naoki! Many of our good friends live there now.)
Teddiursa's eyes sparkled as it added, "Ursa!" (If you come too, we can always be together!)
Naoki…
At the mention of that name, Mewtwo's mind wandered back to its last visit to Naoki Ranch. It recalled how the human had shared fruit wine with it and treated its group of cloned Pokémon with kindness.
"Naoki planted the World Tree?" Mewtwo asked.
Teddiursa nodded firmly. "Ursa!"
Mewtwo looked back at the group of cloned Pokémon that had been following it for years—Pikachu, Meowth, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Sandslash, Gyarados, Golduck, Ninetales, Nidoking, Vaporeon, Rhyhorn, Flareon, Rapidash, and wigglytuff.
Over time, the group had grown to include even more companions: a Mareep, a Purrloin, a Bunnelby, an Eevee, a Mudbray, and a Skiddo.
These Pokémon had all faced hardship at the hands of humans, and Mewtwo had stepped in to rescue them. They had been with it ever since, relying on its strength and guidance.
Mewtwo's gaze softened as it observed its companions. It knew it wasn't making decisions just for itself anymore—there were others who depended on it.
Mew and Teddiursa watched as Mewtwo's thoughtful silence stretched on.
"Miu?" Mew tilted its head, sensing the hesitation.
Meanwhile, Teddiursa looked disheartened, unsure why Mewtwo wasn't immediately agreeing.
"Ursa…" (It would be so nice if we could all live together…)
Mewtwo's silence lingered, but it wasn't dismissive—it was contemplative.
At that moment, Mew's expression brightened as an idea came to mind.
"Miu!" (I've got it!)
Mew flew up to Mewtwo, its face glowing with excitement.
Startled, Mewtwo looked at Mew quizzically.
Mew curled its body, concentrating intensely, and a magical blue aura began radiating outward.
The air around them shimmered, and the forest clearing transformed into a breathtaking new scene.
In the blink of an eye, they were no longer surrounded by trees, but instead floating above an enormous, towering World Tree.
Almost in the blink of an eye, all the Pokémon noticed the massive tree towering before them.
Their faces lit up with surprise.
"Pika!"
"Meow?"
"..."
Even Mewtwo, who rarely showed emotion, was visibly taken aback. However, it quickly realized that this wasn't real—it was a projection of the World Tree created by Mew's memories!
"So, this is the World Tree?" Mewtwo gazed forward, a trace of curiosity in its voice.
In comparison to the enormous tree, they seemed so small and insignificant.
"Miu!"
Mew nodded enthusiastically, its tail curling in excitement.
With a wave of its telekinesis, Mew gently carried everyone forward through the scene.
They floated above the dense, vibrant treetops of the World Tree, revealing an expansive area below that left even Mewtwo stunned.
From above, the size of the World Tree's ecosystem rivaled that of a human-built metropolis.
There were lush forests, rolling green meadows, clear streams winding through the foliage, and a sparkling circular lake in the center of an open clearing.
This was only what they could see from their vantage point—there was surely more beyond the horizon.
As they soared over the treetops, Mew took the lead in introducing the World Tree:
"Miu~" (This is the World Tree. Don't worry, it's very quiet here. Except for Naoki, who occasionally visits, no other humans come here. The tree is a sanctuary for Pokémon. Naoki even promised to help us build a headquarters for our Expedition Guild right here!)
Teddiursa chimed in enthusiastically: "Ursa!" (That's right! There will also be a Pokémon Tavern, Pokémon Café, Pokémon Restaurant, and even a Pokémon Hospital—all run by Pokémon!)
"Miu!" (And Naoki will plant lots and lots of fruit trees, so no one will ever have to worry about being hungry again!)
Teddiursa's eyes burned with determination as it added: "Ursa!" (We want the name of the Great Hero Expedition Team to be known across the world! We'll help every Pokémon in need!)
Hearing this, the group of cloned Pokémon behind Mewtwo gazed at the scene before them with awe.
Even before Mewtwo could respond, they looked visibly moved.
If they could have a home like this—where endless fruits grew, where they could play with their companions upon waking, and where they wouldn't have to wander aimlessly—it would truly be paradise.
Most importantly, it would be a place they could share with Mewtwo.
After introducing the World Tree, Mew and Teddiursa didn't press further.
They simply stood back, watching Mewtwo and the other Pokémon quietly, leaving the decision in their hands.
Although Mew and Teddiursa dearly wished for Mewtwo and its companions to stay, the choice had to be made by them.
Mewtwo turned to face the cloned Pokémon that had followed it for so long.
As its gaze swept over them, it could already see their answer written in their eyes.
"Do you want to live here?"
Pikachu, cloned from Ash's Pikachu, was the first to respond: "Pika-pi!" (Only if you're coming with us.)
The cloned Meowth, originally part of Team Rocket's experiments, gave a soft, thoughtful response: "Meow."
Mewtwo's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of emotion crossing its face.
Its sharp, glowing eyes scanned the faces of the other Pokémon.
Mewtwo noticed Pokémon such as Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise nodding to it in unison.
Closing its eyes for a moment, Mewtwo whispered, "I understand."
When it reopened its eyes, it turned to the expectant Mew and Teddiursa.
"Thank you, Mew, Teddiursa," Mewtwo's deep voice echoed in the minds of the two Pokémon. "We'll set out together to see the place you mentioned."
"Miu!" Mew let out a joyful cry, spinning in the air with delight.
Teddiursa nodded excitedly, adding, "Teddi!" (You'll love it there! Once you stay, you won't have to wander around outside anymore!)
Seeing how much these two Pokémon cared, Mewtwo felt a twinge of emotion it rarely allowed itself to feel.
"Alright," Mewtwo said with a faint smile. Then, looking at them, it asked, "Will you come with us?"
Mew and Teddiursa shook their heads.
"Ursa!" (Not yet. Naoki gave us a few missions to complete. Right now, we're helping a Pokémon named Jirachi!)
"Miu!" (But we'll be back by winter. Then, I'll show you my secret base—it has lots of toys!)
Seeing Mew's playful innocence, akin to that of a human child, Mewtwo couldn't help but smile.
Could this truly be the Pokémon it was cloned from?
Their personalities were as different as night and day.
The human DNA within Mewtwo had taught it what a mother was, and in a way, Mew was its "mother."
Yet, looking at the carefree, childlike Mew in front of it, Mewtwo pushed the thought aside.
"Very well," it said softly. "We'll wait there for your return."
Later That Afternoon
After delivering the apples to his customers, Naoki began the drive back to the ranch.
The earthy scent of the country road filled the air as Naoki drove his old pickup truck at a steady pace.
A group of Eeveelutions had claimed the passenger seat, pressing their fluffy faces against the window, eagerly watching the scenery roll by.
In the back of the truck, Koraidon and Cyclizar rode along, enjoying the breeze.
From time to time, Naoki passed trainers with backpacks, some battling wild Pokémon in the tall grass while others hurried along.
Watching these scenes, Naoki couldn't help but feel like a background NPC in a game, living a simple life—driving his truck, working with Pokémon, and running errands.
"Ordinary people in the Pokémon world must feel like this," he mused, chuckling to himself.
Suddenly, Naoki noticed a young trainer standing on the roadside, frantically waving for help.
Raising an eyebrow, Naoki pulled over and leaned out the window.
"Hey, what's going on?"
The boy's expression was filled with urgency. "Sir, please help me! This Litleo is hurt and needs treatment immediately!"
Naoki glanced at the Pokémon in the boy's arms.
The Litleo looked frail and weak, its fur disheveled, and its body covered in scars. Its eyes were shut tightly, and its breathing was shallow.
"Don't worry—hold on!"
Naoki reached into the back of the truck and pulled out a bottle of Life Goat Milk.
"Feed this to Litleo. It'll feel better right away."
The boy hesitated for a moment before taking the bottle and gently feeding it to the injured Pokémon.
The next moment, something magical happened.
The milk glowed faintly, turning into a soothing energy that coursed through Litleo's body, healing its wounds at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Within seconds, Litleo's fur regained its luster, its wounds disappeared, and its breathing steadied. Slowly, it opened its eyes.
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