Seeing the excitement in Flutter Mane's eyes as it stared at him, Naoki was momentarily taken aback.
What had Koraidon said to it that left the ancient Pokémon looking at him with such eager anticipation?
Naoki glanced at Koraidon. The Pokémon tilted its head upward with an innocent expression.
"Raao~"
Raising an eyebrow, Naoki guessed that Koraidon had told Flutter Mane about how Pawmot became so strong under his guidance. Flutter Mane, who also desired strength, was now looking to him with hope.
"Do you want to become stronger?" Naoki asked directly.
Flutter Mane's reaction confirmed his suspicion. It nodded with such enthusiasm that its ghostly form seemed to glow brighter.
"Alright then!" Naoki exhaled deeply, already formulating a plan in his mind. Helping Flutter Mane grow stronger wasn't an impossible task. Its strength lay in its unique traits, but its reckless battle style needed refining.
Flutter Mane's battles thus far had relied on brute force, charging headlong into physical confrontations despite its fragile defense. To help it grow, Naoki resolved to guide it toward utilizing its natural advantages—its speed, special attack power, and ability to fight from the shadows like a true spectral tactician.
"In the last battle," Naoki said, thinking aloud, "you could have used your stealth and speed to your advantage. Instead of a direct charge, sneaking into position and attacking from the shadows would have been much more effective."
Flutter Mane tilted its head, clearly processing his words.
"Let's work on that," Naoki concluded, his voice resolute.
Hearing his agreement, Flutter Mane practically lit up with joy. It waved its spectral claws in delight and spun lazily through the air in an unrestrained display of happiness.
However, Naoki wasn't finished. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an empty Poké Ball, holding it up for Flutter Mane to see. "But before we start, there's one more thing to take care of."
Flutter Mane paused mid-flight, lowering itself to the ground and staring curiously at the red-and-white sphere in his hand.
It blinked, then glanced at Koraidon as if to confirm its thoughts. Koraidon rumbled in acknowledgment, recalling their conversation the day before about Poké Balls and the bond between humans and Pokémon.
With a soft sound of understanding, Flutter Mane floated forward. "Mrrream!"
To Naoki's surprise, it eagerly snatched the Poké Ball from his hand with its claw-like appendages. It tilted its head, examining the sphere with childlike curiosity, poking and prodding at its surface.
"What are you doing?" Naoki asked, bemused.
As if in response, Flutter Mane accidentally tapped the activation button. A beam of red light shot out, enveloping its spectral form and pulling it into the Poké Ball. The ball dropped onto the grass with a soft thud and began to shake.
One shake.
Two shakes.
Three shakes.
As the Poké Ball wobbled for a fourth time, its movements slowed, as if Flutter Mane was gradually acclimating to the space within.
When the red light on the Poké Ball finally disappeared, the sphere lay completely still.
Naoki stared at it, speechless.
He had never seen a Pokémon so eager to jump into a Poké Ball of its own accord.
"Well… I guess I've officially caught Flutter Mane," he murmured, still processing the surreal moment.
As a Ghost-type Pokémon, Flutter Mane naturally preferred the night and used daylight hours to rest and recover its strength. After the intense battle with Pawmot, it obediently stayed inside its Poké Ball, using the quiet space to sleep.
"Alright, everyone, you can go back to playing now!" Naoki waved his hand, signaling to the gathered Pokémon. They scattered with cheerful cries, each returning to their activities.
With the Pokémon occupied, Naoki decided to tackle some ranch chores. Grabbing his toolbox, he headed to the pasture to repair the worn wooden fences. After a year of enduring wind, rain, and the occasional headbutt from a particularly spirited Gogoat, some sections looked battered and unsightly.
This wasn't a job worth troubling Kelly over—Naoki could handle it himself.
The rhythmic sound of hammering echoed across the ranch, and the quiet day passed uneventfully.
By the time dinner was done, Naoki was thoroughly exhausted. He headed straight to bed, barely managing to pull the blanket over himself before drifting off into a deep sleep.
As the ranch fell silent, the Poké Ball Naoki had left on his bedside table stirred. After sleeping for most of the day, Flutter Mane emerged, brimming with energy.
It floated quietly in the dimly lit room, its crimson eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
Surveying its surroundings, Flutter Mane thought, 'It's dark. That means it's time to hunt.'
However, just as the thought crossed its mind, something Koraidon had said earlier came to it: there was no need to hunt here. Naoki would provide food for everyone.
'But how does he get the food?' Flutter Mane wondered, floating in a slow, contemplative circle.
'Could Naoki be going out to hunt for their meals?'
Flutter Mane tilted its head, doubtful. Naoki seemed… well, weak by comparison. 'How could a human catch prey good enough for it and the others?'
The more Flutter Mane thought about it, the more tangled its thoughts became. After a while, it floated over to Naoki's bed.
Hovering above the sleeping human, it stared at his peaceful expression for a moment before gently patting his cheek with its claw-like appendage.
"Mreeaam...!" Flutter Mane whispered, trying to wake him.
Naoki stirred slightly, groaning softly in his sleep but not waking up.
Flutter Mane patted his face a little harder.
Before meeting Koraidon, Flutter Mane would never have considered helping a weaker creature. But after their time together, it had learned the value of cooperation and mutual aid.
In the past, Koraidon often went hunting with Flutter Mane, as they could usually find more food under the cover of night.
Feeling something repeatedly patting his face, Naoki groggily opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw in the dark was a pair of glowing red eyes staring intently at him.
"Oh my god!"
Naoki yelped, instantly startled awake. He fumbled for the bedside lamp and flipped it on, flooding the room with light.
Only then did he recognize the source of the glowing eyes and let out a long sigh of relief.
"It's you… Don't scare me like that!"
The commotion woke Koraidon and Pawmot, who both rubbed their eyes groggily before looking toward Naoki.
"Pamo?" Pawmot mumbled sleepily.
"Raao?" Koraidon yawned, stretching its neck.
Flutter Mane let out a low growl, its stomach rumbling loudly. It glanced down at its own belly before tugging at Naoki's arm, trying to lead him somewhere.
Naoki tilted his head, momentarily confused by the ancient Pokémon's actions. But then he heard its stomach growling again and immediately understood.
"You're hungry, aren't you?" he asked.
"Mrrream?" Flutter Mane tilted its head slightly but nodded in agreement.
Naoki led Flutter Mane to the living room. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out some food: a sandwich, fresh fruit, a bottle of juice, and milk. Setting the items on the table, he gestured to them with a smile.
"I saved this for you since you were asleep during dinner," he explained. "Eat up!"
Flutter Mane peered at the unfamiliar food cautiously. Sniffing the sandwich first, its eyes lit up, and it grabbed the food with its claw-like wings, devouring it eagerly.
Naoki chuckled at the sight. "That's it! Enjoy!"
After Flutter Mane finished eating, Naoki stretched, feeling exhaustion tugging at him. "Alright, time for me to get back to sleep."
But Flutter Mane wasn't ready to settle down. Full of energy, it began to float around the room, curiously inspecting its surroundings.
Its exploration was less than graceful, however. While fluttering about, it accidentally knocked over a few items, creating a series of clatters and bangs loud enough to wake the entire house.
Koraidon sighed loudly from its spot in the corner. "Raao…"
Naoki pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is not going to work…"
No! Tomorrow morning, Naoki decided, he absolutely had to start training Flutter Mane to align its schedule with everyone else's on the ranch. This nocturnal routine wasn't going to work any longer.
So the next morning, facing Flutter Mane who looked sleepy and wanted to go back to the Poké Ball to sleep, Naoki, with dark circles under his eyes, proposed a plan to help it become stronger.
Thanks to the fact that Paradox Pokémon could understand human language seamlessly, Flutter Mane quickly grasped what Naoki was asking.
All traces of sleepiness vanished as it perked up, looking at Naoki with eager anticipation.
Naoki said, "If you want to become stronger, the first thing we need to work on is changing your battle strategy."
"Mrrream?" Flutter Mane tilted its head, puzzled. 'Battle strategy? What's that?'
Naoki continued patiently, "Before we start working on that, I need to know what moves you already know. Let's see what you can do! Show me your best moves!"
Koraidon added helpfully, "Raao!" (It's the attacks you use in battle!)
Understanding dawned on Flutter Mane. It gave a sharp nod before floating into the air and beginning its demonstration.
Naoki stood off to the side, observing closely and jotting down notes in his Pokémon Observation Journal. He diligently recorded every move Flutter Mane showcased.
Pokémon Observation Notes
Name: Flutter Mane (Paradox variant of Mismagius)
Type: Ghost/Fairy
Temperament: Not as ferocious as anticipated, though it retains the wild instincts of ancient Pokémon. Displays a lack of understanding about modern customs. Eats raw meat like a predator, mildly combative (?).
Hobbies: Not yet identified.
Favorite Foods: Grilled steak, berries, sandwiches.
Moves Known:
Ghost type : Shadow Ball, Confuse Ray, Phantom Force.
Fairy: Dazzling Gleam, Draining Kiss, Misty Terrain.
Psychic: Psyshock, Moon Blast, Imprison.
Rock: Power Gem.
Supportive Moves: Wish (restores HP), Parting Shot (lowers target's stats), Helping Hand (boosts ally's moves).
By the time Flutter Mane finished its demonstration, Naoki's notes were filled with details. He looked over the list, eyebrows raising in surprise.
"Wow, Flutter Mane, you've got quite the arsenal of moves!" Naoki remarked, clearly impressed.
The breadth of Flutter Mane's abilities covered multiple types, including Ghost, Fairy, Psychic, and Rock. Its range of supportive moves was equally impressive, with abilities like Confuse Ray for disruption, Wish for healing, and Helping Hand for boosting its allies.
Naoki's thoughts wandered to the supportive nature of Flutter Mane's moves. The image of it using Helping Hand on Koraidon during the demonstration popped into his head. He became curious about the duo's history.
"Did you and Flutter Mane ever hunt together in the past?" he asked, glancing at Koraidon.
"Raao!" Koraidon nodded enthusiastically.
"And Flutter Mane helped you while hunting?" Naoki continued, his tone incredulous.
Koraidon nodded again, its expression firm.
"Wow!" Naoki exclaimed.
With Koraidon's raw strength and Flutter Mane's disregard for type advantages, it wasn't hard to imagine these two being practically unstoppable in ancient times. Their combined power would have made them legends of their time, feared and respected by all.
A thought crossed Naoki's mind: 'What if, just what if, I set up an ancient-style doubles trial on the ranch, with Koraidon and Flutter Mane as the challengers? Would anyone even be able to pass it?'
He recalled a conversation with Geeta, where she mentioned that doubles battles were a hallmark of Uva Academy, the sister college to Naranja Academy. Doubles battles—where a trainer commands two Pokémon simultaneously in a 2v2 match—required synergy, strategy, and adaptability.
With Koraidon and Flutter Mane as the opponents, Naoki doubted anyone could clear such a trial. Their sheer power, coupled with Flutter Mane's unpredictability, would make for an almost insurmountable challenge.
'But that's a matter for later,' Naoki thought, shaking off the idea for now. 'The priority is teaching Flutter Mane how to harness its unique abilities effectively.'
After a brief moment of reflection, he turned to Flutter Mane and began explaining in straightforward terms, making sure it could follow.
"From my observation," Naoki said, "your biggest strengths are your speed and special attacks. But your physical durability isn't great. So you can't afford to fight opponents up close."
"Mrream?" Flutter Mane tilted its head, clearly puzzled.
Naoki elaborated, gesturing as he spoke, "What I mean is, you shouldn't try to ram into your opponents with your body, like you did yesterday with Pawmot. In battle, you need to keep your distance."
Understanding dawned on Flutter Mane as it nodded. Its bright, inquisitive eyes now carried a spark of determination.
"Good," Naoki continued. "The key is to use your strengths. Speed and surprise are your greatest weapons. Learn to keep your opponents guessing—strike when they least expect it."
Hearing this, Flutter Mane's body shimmered faintly, and a shadow began to spread around it. Before Naoki's eyes, it melted into the darkness, disappearing completely.
Naoki looked around but couldn't spot it. He smiled, knowing full well that Flutter Mane was still nearby, lurking unseen. This was the essence of a true sneak attack—disappearing into the shadows to strike at just the right moment.
"This is what I'm talking about," Naoki said aloud, though he wasn't sure if Flutter Mane could hear him from the shadows. "Sometimes, it's not about brute strength. Moves like this can be just as effective defensively as offensively."
The room was eerily quiet, with no sign of Flutter Mane. Naoki chuckled softly, his voice echoing. "When you fight, you need to think like a ghost—appear and disappear at will. Hit your opponent when they're vulnerable and vanish before they can retaliate."
"Depending on your opponent's type, you can select a move that takes advantage of type effectiveness, such as Power Gem, Psyshock, or Shadow Ball," Naoki explained, his voice steady with encouragement.
"Alright, Flutter Mane, come on out!" Naoki called, his excitement evident.
Slowly, Flutter Mane's ethereal figure emerged from the shadows, its body shimmering faintly in the light. Despite expecting this, Naoki couldn't help but marvel. 'Ghost Pokémon are incredible,' he thought.
To help Flutter Mane adjust its schedule to match the other Pokémon on the ranch, Naoki had called on three Gogoats to act as sparring partners. Their tough hides and resilience made them ideal for the job.
The Gogoat trio, understanding Naoki's intent, began to channel their power. Waves of vibrant green grass energy radiated from their bodies, transforming the pasture in moments.
"Me-eaah!"
Within seconds, a lush, verdant field of grass spread across the area, glowing faintly as if imbued with life. Their characteristic Grass Pelt ability activated, enhancing their defenses in the grassy terrain. The white glow on their fur was the visible sign of this.
Naoki observed the transformation, his mind briefly drifting to a comparison. 'The Grass Terrain generated after eating the World Tree's leaves feels so much richer and more vivid than usual.'
The grass energy was so potent it appeared almost tangible. The glowing blades of grass swayed gently, and Naoki could see the energy flowing into the Gogoat, invigorating them.
"Even the visual effects are incredible," he murmured, watching the shimmering grass field with fascination.
Meanwhile, Flutter Mane had already taken to the task, using Phantom Force to vanish briefly before reappearing near one of the Gogoat. It struck swiftly, its claws slicing through the air and leaving a visible mark on the Pokémon's side.
However, before Naoki could process the effectiveness of the attack, the radiant green energy from the Grass Terrain surged into the Gogoat's body. Within moments, the scar healed completely, leaving no trace of the injury.
Naoki's eyes widened in amazement. "Instant recovery?" That's an incredible healing ability!" he exclaimed, watching the Gogoat regain its vigor as if nothing had happened.
As everyone knows, Grass Terrain restores the HP of Pokémon grounded on the field. Normally, the recovery is minimal, just a slight boost to endurance.
But now, the recovery effect of the Grass Terrain was significantly enhanced.
Was it because the Gogoat had been eating the leaves of the World Tree? Or was it due to the influence of the special Leaf Cakes they'd been consuming?
Naoki was stunned by this discovery, but he also felt a twinge of regret.
The enhanced recovery from the Grass Terrain wasn't selective—it affected both allied and opposing Pokémon. This meant that unless the Gogoat could knock out their opponent in a single blow, battles would likely devolve into drawn-out exchanges.
It would be the kind of fight where one could almost hear someone yelling, "Stop! Stop already! You're just going to heal each other endlessly!"
Meanwhile, Flutter Mane and the Gogoat were locked in combat. The Gogoat remained calm and composed, while Flutter Mane gradually became exhausted. After what felt like an eternity—nearly three hundred rounds of attacks—the Gogoat stood firm, while Flutter Mane was left panting, utterly drained.
Finally, Flutter Mane gave in, collapsing to the ground in sheer exhaustion before drifting off to sleep.
Naoki sighed deeply. "…Seriously?"
With no other choice, he retrieved Flutter Mane into its Poké Ball for rest.
The Gogoat, still energetic, turned to face Naoki, their sharp eyes glinting with determination.
"Meh-eah," one of them cried softly, as if awaiting his next command.
Naoki approached them with a warm smile and began stroking their heads one by one. "You three are amazing. Thank you for working so hard!"
The Gogoat enjoyed his touch, responding with happy bleats. "Baa-aa!"
Such good Pokémon! Well-behaved, reliable, and so endearing—it was hard not to adore them. Naoki couldn't help but grin, his heart warmed by their loyalty and spirit.
As his thoughts wandered, he recalled the incredible sight of the Gogoat releasing massive waves of Grass-type energy earlier, blanketing the entire back pasture in glowing green vitality.
A bold idea suddenly sparked in his mind.
The Gogoats clearly have an impressive degree of control over Grass-type energy.
So the question was: could they refine this control further? Specifically, could they manipulate the Grass Terrain to benefit only their allies, without healing their opponents?
Naoki didn't think it was impossible. It would demand exceptional skill and focus from the Pokémon, but it felt like a goal worth pursuing.
As Naoki pondered the possibilities of Pokémon mastering and controlling energy at its peak, he gently placed his hand on the head of one of his Gogoats.
At that moment, the Gogoat let out a cheerful cry. "Baa-aa~!"
Naoki blinked, momentarily startled.
Before he could react further, a surge of Grass-type energy erupted from the Gogoat's body, enveloping the surrounding area in a lush and vibrant green terrain.
The energy formed a sprawling Grass Terrain so rich and vivid that it seemed almost alive.
Naoki stood frozen, staring in awe. He then turned his gaze toward the Gogoat, his mind racing with questions.
The Gogoat, now looking up at him with eyes as clear and serene as a spring-fed pond, seemed calm and composed.
Its expression carried a knowing air, as if it was trying to convey something profound.
Naoki's eyes darted down to his own hand, which was still resting on the Gogoat's horns.
A thought flashed through his mind.
'Could this Gogoat have sensed what I was thinking just now?'
Everyone knew that Gogoat could use their horns to sense human emotions. This ability allowed them to synchronize with their riders seamlessly, running as one and assisting humans in tasks and travel—a skill that had been documented for over 5,000 years.
'But could it go further than just sensing emotions? Could it grasp his thoughts as well?'
Naoki's voice trembled with cautious curiosity. "Were you… responding to what I was just thinking?"
The Gogoat nodded, its movements deliberate and filled with joyful affirmation. "Baa-aa~!"
Naoki's heart skipped a beat. The possibility seemed incredible, yet the evidence was right before him.
Feeling a mix of wonder and disbelief, he murmured softly, "Can you actually do what I just imagined?"
Once again, the Gogoat nodded eagerly, its joyful demeanor radiating confidence. "Mea!"
....
(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 339 @patreon.com/Keepsmiling818