Dragonite Island, at the central lake:
A group of Dragonites surrounded the now smaller, yet still larger-than-average Dragonite, their eyes wide with curiosity and innocence.
"Ouch?" (How did you become like this?)
"Awooo?" (This is so magical! Now you can play with us, right?)
"Awoo!" (Come with us to pick berries from the trees! And catch fish in the sea!)
"Ouch~"
Naoki sat on the grass, leaning against Koraidon, casually eating the seeds while listening to the Dragonites chatting amongst themselves. There was so much ambient noise, though, that he could only make out a few words here and there.
The formerly giant Dragonite seemed to enjoy the kindness and warmth shown by the other Dragonites. Now that it was smaller, it no longer appeared intimidating, and its overwhelming aura had faded, making it seem more approachable.
But Naoki knew that its strength hadn't diminished in the slightest. If provoked, this Dragonite could unleash its fury without hesitation, leaving nothing in its wake.
Whatever the group of Dragonites said to the larger one seemed to excite it. Naoki watched as they all flew off together, disappearing into the sky. He shrugged, unconcerned. "Well, it's not like they'll destroy the world… right?"
Turning his attention back to the Pokémon playing nearby, Naoki noticed that Alcremie, Butterfree, Glaceon, and Cyclizar had all returned to their normal sizes and were happily playing with a group of Dragonair and Dratini.
But... where was Pawmo?
Naoki stood up, scanning the area, but couldn't spot Pawmo anywhere.
Just then, a massive thunderclap echoed from the other side of the island.
Startled, Naoki and the Dragonites nearby took to the air to check on the source of the sound.
Naoki rode on Koraidon and followed the group towards the direction of the thunder.
From afar, he finally spotted Pawmo near the ocean's edge.
Pawmo was gathering strength.
Thunderclouds rapidly formed in the once-clear sky, and intense electrical energy began to gather within them. Soon, a brilliant blue lightning bolt shot down, striking Pawmo directly.
With an excited roar of "Pawmo!" blue electricity crackled across Pawmo's fur, and its eyes glowed with electric power. A powerful current surged from its body, shooting down into the sea below.
"BOOM!"
A massive wave erupted from the ocean, sending water crashing in all directions.
When the sea finally calmed, Pawmo grinned, revealing two small, pointy teeth.
Nearby, a few Dratini watched Pawmo in awe, clearly impressed by its ability to control lightning. If they had hands, Naoki was sure they'd be clapping.
"You gave me a scare..." Naoki exhaled with relief. He had briefly worried that Pawmo had gotten into a fight with some wild Dragonite.
At that moment, Pawmo spotted Naoki.
"Pawmo!" it called out happily, flying towards him.
Seeing this, Naoki thought to himself, 'Pawmo's gotten a little too used to flying.' Ever since it had gained the ability to levitate, he'd rarely seen it run on the ground.
"That won't do!" Naoki said, crossing his arms.
"Pawmo?" Pawmo looked puzzled, tilting its head in confusion.
Naoki asked, "Do you want to evolve into Pawmot?"
Pawmo's eyes sparkled with determination as it nodded enthusiastically: "Pawmo!"
Naoki explained gently, " If you keep flying all the time, you won't be able to evolve into Pawmot."
Pawmo looked puzzled for a moment, but Naoki continued, "From what I've learned, if Pawmo wants to evolve into Pawmot, it needs to run hard on the ground. After covering a certain distance, it can evolve while running."
Understanding dawned on Pawmo's face. "Pawmo…" (I see…)
Naoki smiled warmly. "So, starting today, we need to get back to basics. No relying too much on flying. Try running more, okay?"
"Pawmo!" Pawmo responded enthusiastically, ready for the challenge.
"That's the spirit!" Naoki said, patting its head. "Go play with the Dratini for now, and when we get home, we can run together."
Naoki himself realized he could use the exercise. With all the rich food he ate—meat, fish, and treats—combined with Pokémon handling most of the farm work, his own physical activity had dwindled, leading to a bit of weight gain.
He pointed to the lake behind him. "I'll be by the lake. When you've had enough fun, come find me there."
"Pawmo!" Pawmo nodded, understanding the plan.
With that settled, Naoki rode on Koraidon and headed back to the central lake.
As soon as they landed, the group of Dragonites who had flown off earlier returned, each carrying piles of fruit and a few even holding sea bass.
Naoki raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Then, he noticed the formerly giant Dragonite approaching him, its arms full of fruit. It placed the fruits in front of Naoki with a pleased expression.
"Roar!" the Dragonite cried happily.
Naoki blinked, watching the display. He popped a few seeds into his mouth, still processing what he was seeing.
Suddenly, the Dragonite's voice seemed to be automatically translated in his mind.
"Ho-woo...Ho-woo!" (My... friend... thank you... for the food... I'm giving... you!)
Naoki was taken aback. 'Did the giant Dragonite really consider him a friend?'
"Friend?" Naoki asked, uncertain.
The Dragonite continued, though its words were a bit broken and hesitant: "Roar, roar... Roar!" (You... Dream... Bear... helped me... find my companions... I thank you... You are my friend, mine!)
It seemed the Dragonite was still adjusting to this new environment, and its ancient language made the translation a bit unclear. But Naoki understood the sentiment—it was grateful, and it considered him a friend.
To be honest, Naoki was genuinely happy.
"Are you planning to stay here forever?" Naoki asked, curious about the giant Dragonite's future.
The giant Dragonite nodded with enthusiasm. "Roar!" (Yes!)
"That's great!" Naoki said, sincerely happy for it.
With a joyous energy, the giant Dragonite turned and ran off, heading toward its new home on Dragonite Island.
As Naoki watched it leave, a thought crossed his mind about Bill—the researcher who had been investigating the giant Dragonite. He wondered how Bill would react to this news.
Knowing Bill's personality, Naoki figured he'd likely be overjoyed to learn that the giant Dragonite had found the companions it had been searching for all this time.
Naoki picked up the fruit the giant Dragonite had left for him, handing one to Koraidon before taking a bite himself.
"This is wonderful," Naoki said aloud, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him.
Koraidon glanced up, curious. "Raao?" (What's so great?)
Naoki smiled at it and said, "I never imagined that one day, I'd be able to personally take part in this world, helping Pokémon just like some of the trainers do."
Koraidon tilted its head in confusion. "Raao?" (I don't get it.)
Naoki chuckled. "What I mean is, it makes me happy to be able to help Pokémon."
If his journey to this world had any greater meaning, this must be it: helping Pokémon, forming bonds with them, and in the process, finding healing within himself.