"Chiu?" (World Tree?)
Zapdos tilted its head, genuinely perplexed. It had never heard of such a thing.
For a Pokémon like Zapdos, moving from one territory to another was nothing unusual. Over the years, it had changed homes thirty-eight times, and the abandoned power plant was the first place where it truly felt content. Now, Mew and Teddiursa were inviting it to live in a completely unfamiliar place, and Zapdos found itself both confused and intrigued.
Teddiursa eagerly nodded, its paws gesturing animatedly: "Ursa-Ursa!" (Yes! The World Tree! It's amazing! Calyrex loves it there too!)
Zapdos blinked, its confusion only deepening. "Chiu?" (Calyrex? Is that another Pokémon? And what is this World Tree? How can a tree be as big as a mountain?)
Teddiursa paused, unsure of how to explain something so grand. It looked to Mew for help.
Mew floated forward with a knowing smile, its voice cheerful and certain. "Mew!" (Calyrex is a Pokémon who was once revered as a king! And of course, the World Tree is a tree! I haven't seen it myself, but I know it's there! You'll understand when you see it!)
Zapdos's sharp beak hung open slightly in surprise, its curiosity growing despite its reservations. The thought of such a place, combined with the idea of a Pokémon that was once a king, was almost too fantastical to believe.
Still, the mention of the World Tree and the peaceful life it promised stirred something in the lightning bird. Recently, Zapdos had grown weary of the constant disturbances at the power plant. Humans seemed to come in droves, each one more determined than the last to capture it. Even with its fearsome strength, the battles were exhausting, and it had no desire to keep living like this.
But there was one thing Zapdos needed to know. In its experience, powerful Pokémon rarely welcomed intruders into their territories. It asked cautiously, "Chiu?" (If I go, will Calyrex drive me away?)
Mew and Teddiursa exchanged surprised glances before vigorously shaking their heads.
"Ursa!" (Of course not!) Teddiursa said, its voice brimming with conviction. "Calyrex is very kind!"
Zapdos nodded slowly, processing their assurances.
For a long moment, it stared at the two Pokémon standing before it. Their eyes sparkled with hope, and their sincerity was almost palpable. Finally, Zapdos posed one last question, its voice softer this time. "Chiu?" (Why did you come all this way to invite me to live there?)
Without hesitation, Mew answered, its tone filled with innocent joy: "Mew!" (Because if you live there, we can always play together! We'll never have to be apart again!)
Teddiursa nodded eagerly, its small paws clapping together. "Teddi!" (That's right! Zapdos, you're our good friend! We want to play with you forever and never lose you!)
Good friend.
Those words struck a chord deep in Zapdos's heart. It blinked, momentarily stunned. The sincerity in Mew's and Teddiursa's eyes was undeniable.
Zapdos felt its face grow warm, a noticeable blush spreading across its sharp features. Turning its head away, it closed its eyes and gave a quiet but clear answer: "Chirp." (If that's the case, I'll accept your invitation.)
Hearing this, Mew and Teddiursa's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Mew!" (Yay!) Mew cheered, its voice filled with glee.
"Teddi!" (Hooray!) Teddiursa exclaimed, clapping its tiny paws.
Zapdos watched their jubilant reaction, feeling a warm glow in its heart. Was this what it meant to have good friends?
With its mind made up, Zapdos accepted the invitation. The next step was to take it back to the ranch to see the World Tree.
Mew and Teddiursa pondered the plan briefly before deciding to accompany Zapdos back to the ranch. They wanted to check on the World Tree's growth and determine whether it was ready to be a home for their friend.
Climbing onto Zapdos's back, Mew floated effortlessly into place while Teddiursa secured itself with its small paws, ensuring they were seated comfortably. With a powerful flap of its wings, Zapdos took off, electricity crackling faintly around it. Leaving behind the power plant that had been its sanctuary for so long, it soared into the clear blue sky, heading toward its new home with its two close companions.
The abandoned power plant grew quiet in their absence, its halls once again consumed by silence.
---
February 9, Year 199 of the Alliance Calendar
Spring had arrived, bringing new life to the ranch. The entire area bustled with activity, a harmonious rhythm carried out by the Pokémon who called it home.
The industrious Dragonites from Dragonite Island had arrived, collecting the Moo Moo Milk Naoki had prepared for delivery. Each Dragonite carefully loaded their packs before taking flight, heading toward Kosaji Town to fulfill the customers' orders.
The Gogoats, gathered near the farmland, radiated waves of green Grass-type energy that seeped into the soil. As the vibrant energy flowed, the farmland became a sea of glowing green vitality.
Earlier, one of the Dragonites had used Rain Dance to ensure the crops were well-watered. Now, under the combined efforts of the Dragonites and Gogoats, the fields were flourishing, each crop brimming with life.
Nearby, the Miltank were enjoying their own form of recreation. On an open patch of grass, they rolled around vigorously, mooing happily as they exercised in their playful way.
Inside the ranch house's cozy living room, Calyrex sat on the sofa, watching an animated Pokémon show. The Pokémon's expressive eyes gleamed with fascination as it leaned slightly forward, utterly absorbed in the episode.
Sinistea and Polteageist floated nearby, watching the show alongside. Ever since encountering this "television," Calyrex had developed a deep fascination with the strange, box-like device. It delighted in watching cartoons and had quickly become fond of its new hobby.
Calyrex showed no interest in human news, cooking shows, or Pokémon science programs. Instead, his preference lay firmly with cartoons that depicted heartwarming friendships between humans and Pokémon.
He watched so intently that he didn't even notice the tea on the coffee table growing cold.
In front of the fireplace, not far from Calyrex, Pawmot, Alcremie, Glaceon, and Dolliv were gathered around Flutter Mane, who was sprawled on a soft cushion, snoring gently.
Pawmot scratched its head, its expression puzzled. "Pamo…" (Why is it sleeping during the day?)
Alcremie shook its head, fluffing its tail. "Alcremie." (I don't know either.)
Looking at Flutter Mane's unusually large form, Alcremie muttered, "Mree!" (It's so big!)
Glaceon didn't join the commentary. Instead, it gazed intently at Flutter Mane, its sharp instincts picking up on the Pokémon's primal energy. Something about Flutter Mane felt... wild and untamed.
Suddenly, Flutter Mane stirred, as if sensing the conversation. It opened its eyes, their crimson hue glowing faintly in the dim light, and fixed its gaze on Pawmot, who was standing closest.
"Pamo!" Pawmot squeaked, startled, and fell back onto the wooden floor with a thud.
Flutter Mane's half-lidded eyes scanned the group lazily, still carrying the faint glow of its ghostly energy. To the smaller Pokémon, the piercing red stare was downright terrifying.
Glaceon's fur bristled in alarm as it quickly darted behind Pawmot. Alcremie's whipped cream topping wobbled in fear, and Polteageist hid behind its teapot, peering cautiously out.
For a moment, the room fell silent as Flutter Mane yawned widely, baring its sharp fangs. Then it suddenly let out a soft but resonant sound: "Mrrreeam."
"Alcremie!" (Ahh!)
"Bu-yi!"
"Pamo!"
The Pokémon jumped in fright. Glaceon's fur stood up on end like static, Alcremie's whipped cream practically shot into the air, Dolliv covered its spout, and Pawmot stumbled back, its small hammer clutched tightly in both paws.
But even in its fright, Pawmot took a deep breath and stepped forward, holding its tiny hammer firmly. It stood between Flutter Mane and the others, its eyes narrowed in determination. Pawmot was ready to protect its friends.
Pawmot clenched its tiny hammer, steeling itself. It couldn't run away—not if it wanted to live up to its dream of being "Superhero Pawmot," the protector of its friends. The Pokémon around it were counting on it to stand firm.
Flutter Mane seemed intrigued by the defiant stance of the little Pokémon. A spark of wild energy flashed in its crimson eyes, the primal instincts of ancient battles stirring within it. Its fighting spirit was roused, and it let out a sound that was both a growl and a playful invitation to duel.
Just as the tension reached its peak, the door to the room swung open, and Naoki stepped inside with Koraidon and Cyclizar trailing behind him.
"...What's going on in here?" Naoki's voice broke the silence.
Frightened, Alcremie, Dolliv, and Glaceon immediately bolted behind Naoki for safety, peeking out cautiously from their hiding spots. Meanwhile, Flutter Mane didn't seem fazed at all. It kept its gaze locked on Pawmot, its intent clear: it wanted a fight.
Flutter Mane let out another growling sound, its stance firm as it issued a direct challenge to the Pokémon.
Pawmot froze for a moment, startled by the proposition. This Pokémon wanted to fight it? Then, it remembered everything it had been through—all the training and growth that had brought it to this point. It wasn't the same timid Pokémon it once was.
With newfound determination, Pawmot gripped its hammer tightly and shouted back with resolve, "Pamo!" (Bring it on!)
Koraidon, observing the scene, sighed deeply, shaking its head as if to say, "Here we go again…"
"Wait, are they really about to fight?" Naoki asked, glancing at Koraidon for confirmation.
Koraidon nodded with a resigned look. "Raao…" (It seems so.)
"I see…" Naoki said, relief washing over him. For a moment, he'd worried that Flutter Mane had lost control and might have attacked the others. But it was clear now—Flutter Mane wasn't being aggressive; it simply wanted to spar with Pawmot.
"You really scared me for a second there," Naoki muttered, shaking his head. Then he raised his voice to address the two Pokémon. "Alright, if you're going to spar, let's take this outside! I'll be the referee of the match!"
Flutter Mane's crimson eyes gleamed with excitement, and Pawmot's grip on its hammer tightened. Both Pokémon were ready for their showdown.
Naoki saw this as the perfect chance to test Flutter Mane's strength while also giving Pawmot an opportunity to showcase its progress.
He led the group to an open field near the sheepfold, an area that had been specially prepared for the Grass Trial. The space was ideal—flat, grassy, and large enough for the two Pokémon to battle safely.
Naoki first asked Koraidon to explain the modern battle rules to Flutter Mane: in this era, victory is determined not by defeating an opponent to the point of harm but simply by rendering them unable to continue battling.
Flutter Mane listened attentively and nodded silently, responding in its soft, haunting voice, "Mrrreeam..." (Understood.)
"Well then, get ready!" Naoki stood at the referee's position. Once both Pokémon were in place, he blew the whistle hanging around his neck.
The sharp sound of the whistle marked the official start of the match.
Pawmot was the first to act. With a burst of speed, it leaped into the air, its small frame moving with surprising agility. In its paw, the Thunder Hammer crackled with electric energy as it swung the weapon toward Flutter Mane.
Flutter Mane's crimson eyes gleamed with excitement. Instead of dodging the attack, it charged straight ahead, letting out a battle cry that echoed through the open field.
As it advanced, Flutter Mane's body shimmered with a radiant, jewel-like light.
"Is that Power Gem?" Naoki exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.
He had expected Flutter Mane to dodge or counter with a more strategic move, but instead, the ancient Pokémon met the attack head-on. Its wild and fearless approach was a testament to its primitive roots, where strength and boldness ruled above all else.
"Such a direct and brutal battle style," Naoki murmured, observing the fierce determination on Flutter Mane's face. He couldn't help but admire its resolve.
In mid-air, the two Pokémon collided.
Pawmot's Thunder Hammer struck Flutter Mane's head with a loud crack, discharging a surge of electric energy that clashed violently with the shimmering light of Power Gem. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves through the field, scattering dust and debris.
Both Pokémon were blown backward from the force of the impact.
Despite the pain, Flutter Mane's eyes glowed brighter with exhilaration. Its fighting spirit surged, overflowing with raw energy. It let out a guttural roar and raised its wing-like claws high, beating them against its spectral chest like a gorilla challenging its rival.
As its claws moved, a Shadow Ball began to form in mid-air, its dark energy swirling and condensing into a sphere of malevolent power. Flutter Mane gripped the Shadow Ball in its claws before launching it toward Pawmot with a mighty throw.
Pawmot swiftly ascended into the air, skillfully dodging the incoming Shadow Ball. As it rose, electric sparks crackled around its Thunder Hammer. With precise control, Pawmot hurled the electrified hammer directly toward Flutter Mane.
This time, Flutter Mane didn't charge recklessly. Instead, it mimicked Pawmot's evasive maneuver and dodged the attack gracefully. The hammer zipped past its spectral form, missing it entirely.
Flutter Mane let out a small, satisfied hum, thinking it had successfully avoided the strike. But just then, Pawmot's expression shifted into a mischievous grin.
"Pawmot…" (Not so fast…)
With a quick flick of its paw, Pawmot activated its ability to recall the Thunder Hammer. As if magnetized, the hammer spun back toward Flutter Mane at incredible speed.
From the sidelines, Naoki's eyes widened in astonishment. "When did Pawmot get this good with its hammer?"
The scene played out as if in slow motion. Flutter Mane, still unaware of the danger behind it, was struck from behind by the electrified hammer. The impact knocked it forward, and at the same time, a surge of lightning enveloped its entire body.
Caught in the dual assault of the hammer's force and the searing current, Flutter Mane was overwhelmed. Its glowing form faltered as it let out a soft cry before collapsing to the ground, unable to continue the fight.
Pawmot calmly extended its paw, and the Thunder Hammer returned to its grip as if obeying an unspoken command. Standing tall, the electric Pokémon surveyed the field with an air of triumph. Its bright red cape billowed dramatically in the wind, adding to its majestic appearance.
In that moment, Pawmot exuded an undeniable charisma.
"Alcremie!" Alcremie exclaimed from the sidelines, clapping enthusiastically. "Mree!" (That was amazing!)
Glaceon nodded, its icy fur bristling with excitement. "Bu-yi!" (So cool!)
Naoki approached the fallen Flutter Mane with a sigh and gently fed it a bottle of life-giving goat's milk.
If he remembered correctly, Flutter Mane's base stats made it a formidable opponent in many respects. Its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed all boasted an impressive 135, giving it overwhelming power in ranged and tactical battles. However, its glaring weaknesses lay in its low base HP and Physical Defense, both sitting at a frail 55.
For a Pokémon like Flutter Mane, which thrived on speed and special attacks, directly engaging in close combat was a poor choice. Yet, this ancient paradox Pokémon seemed determined to prove itself as a "macho warrior," charging headlong into physical confrontations it was ill-suited for.
Flutter Mane stirred as the revitalizing milk worked its magic. Slowly, it opened its eyes. The first thing it saw was Naoki, and then Pawmot floating nearby, looking at it with concern.
"Feeling better?" Naoki asked softly.
Pawmot chimed in, its eyes bright with sincerity. "Pawmot?" (Are you alright?)
Flutter Mane blinked in surprise, staring at Pawmot in awe. It murmured, "Mrrream…" (You're incredible…)
Just then, Koraidon stepped forward with a knowing look and said, "Raao!" (I told you, didn't I? Naoki's Pokémon are all super strong!)
Flutter Mane's pupils dilated as it glanced between Naoki and Koraidon, its excitement growing. "Mrrream?" (Do you think I could become that strong too?)
Koraidon nodded firmly, its scales gleaming under the sunlight. "Raao!" (If you listen to Naoki, absolutely!)
Memories of past struggles flashed through Flutter Mane's mind—losing battles, being driven out of territories, and wandering aimlessly. The promise of strength was too tempting to resist.
Its resolve solidified. With wide eyes and newfound determination, Flutter Mane turned to Naoki, its voice ringing with excitement. "Mrrream!" (I'll listen! I want to become stronger!)
...
Next chapter is @ 1.5K Powerstones