Since Naoki and his Pokémon were building their new home together, both he and the Pokémon were particularly excited and focused.
As Kelly and the old construction worker went about their tasks, Naoki often stood nearby, watching them dig the foundation, sawing the wood, and mixing the cement. Each moment felt like a step closer to a new chapter in their lives.
For Naoki, this new home symbolized much more than just a house. It represented a shared space, built with love and effort by him and his Pokémon—a true home. The entire ranch buzzed with an atmosphere of joy and anticipation.
Time passed swiftly in this happy atmosphere, and soon it was May 19th.
That evening, Kelly and the Machamp helping with construction paused for a break. Covered in dust and dirt, Kelly approached Naoki.
"By the way, Naoki, are you planning to participate in the fishing tournament tomorrow?" she asked.
Remembering how he'd been practicing his fishing skills, Naoki nodded. "Yeah, unless something unexpected comes up, I'll be there."
"Good! You'd better do your best!" Kelly grinned. "I heard Ivan's going to participate too. He's got some serious fishing skills. The townsfolk often see him strolling around with huge fish."
Naoki raised an eyebrow. "Why hasn't he mentioned it to me?"
Kelly looked just as surprised. "He didn't tell you? Huh, maybe he wanted to surprise you?"
Naoki: "..."
He shrugged it off. "I guess I'll find out tomorrow!"
The day was winding down, and Kelly, along with Machamp and the old builder, left the ranch. They planned to take the morning off to watch the fishing competition.
Naoki had no objections. Although he was eager to move into his new home, there was no rush. After all, they had been working hard for days. Another small delay wouldn't hurt.
After Kelly left, Naoki turned his attention to preparing dinner for the Pokémon. He wanted to be in top shape for the fishing tournament, so after dinner, he went to bed early, envisioning himself waking up refreshed and taking first place at the tournament.
But life doesn't always go as planned.
The next morning, just as Naoki was about to head to the lake for the fishing competition, an unexpected guest arrived at the ranch.
Standing there in stunned silence, Naoki watched as a girl seemed to appear out of nowhere, like a ghost.
She was incredibly beautiful, dressed in a delicate kimono adorned with pink cherry blossom petals. Her long black hair was elegantly pinned up, revealing a graceful swan-like neck. Yet, her expression was somber, her gaze distant and melancholic, as if the very life within her was fading away.
Suddenly, the girl lifted her foot and walked toward Naoki, flames flickering around her like ghostly fire.
Naoki's attention was instantly captured by the extraordinary sight.
At that moment, Cyclizar, who had been eagerly waiting to take him to the fishing competition, noticed Naoki wasn't moving. It turned its head with a confused look. "Gah?" it chirped.
Naoki glanced at the Cyclizar but realized something strange—it didn't seem to notice the girl walking towards them.
Startled, Naoki blinked in disbelief. "Cyclizar, can't you see the person over there?"
The Cyclizar looked in the direction Naoki pointed but saw nothing.
Naoki's breath hitched. 'Could this place really be haunted in broad daylight?'
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a voice echoed in his head. "This is an illusion."
Before Naoki could process it, a burst of flames erupted from the girl's body. Her figure flickered and shifted in the fire until she disappeared completely. In her place stood a majestic, fox-like Pokémon.
Its golden fur glistened in the light, and its nine, elegant tails swayed behind it. Bright red eyes stared at Naoki with a calm, unwavering gaze. The Pokémon's presence was regal, its body radiating both nobility and elegance.
That... is a Ninetales!
Naoki's eyes widened in shock.
The Cyclizar finally spotted the Ninetales and yelped in surprise. "Gah?!"
Hearing the commotion, Koraidon, Dragonite, and the other Pokémon hurried over. They eyed Ninetales with curiosity, sensing something extraordinary about this visitor.
But Ninetales wasn't concerned with them. Its gaze remained fixed on Naoki.
"Teddiursa and Mew told me there is a Pokémon Tavern here that can help Pokémon fulfill their wishes," Ninetales said, its voice calm and ethereal.
"Baby Bear and Mew?" Naoki's mind clicked. It all made sense. Ninetales must have come for the Pokémon Tavern he'd planned to open! Even though it wasn't fully built yet, it seemed word had already spread.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Naoki smiled kindly at the elegant Pokémon. "Do you have a wish you want to fulfill?"
The Ninetales didn't say anything, but a light flashed in its bright red eyes.
Suddenly, Naoki saw the world around him begin to change rapidly.
The ranch vanished, replaced by the sight of an old mansion.
A young girl in a kimono rushed inside, holding a Vulpix in her arms, her face filled with anxiety. "Please save this Vulpix!" she cried out to the mansion's owner.
Naoki noticed the Vulpix was badly injured.
In response to the girl's desperate plea, the owner of the mansion agreed, and with care, healed Vulpix's wounds.
From that moment on, Vulpix lived with the girl, growing alongside her, and sharing countless days together. As the years passed, the girl grew older, and Vulpix evolved into Ninetales. It watched over her as she aged, from the vibrant days of youth until her final breath.
The girl's hair turned white with age, and Ninetales stood faithfully at her side until her time came to an end. Even after she was gone, Ninetales remained by her grave for what seemed like forever—until the world changed around it. Forests grew, the sun rose and set countless times, and eventually, the tombstone faded into the passage of time.
Naoki, having witnessed the illusion created by Ninetales, felt a wave of emotion wash over him.
He softly asked, "Is this your wish?"
Ninetales looked at Naoki and gave a gentle nod. "My life is nearing its end. Before I disappear, I wish to see her again."
Naoki hesitated. He wanted to help fulfill the Pokémon's wish, but he was no Dialga, the legendary Pokémon of time, who could send someone back to the past. He was just an ordinary human.
Seeing the uncertainty on Naoki's face, Ninetales's eyes flickered with disappointment. "Is it impossible?"
Naoki sighed. "I'm afraid I'm just an ordinary human. I can't travel through time."
Without another word, Ninetales turned to leave, its nine tails swaying with each step.
Watching the noble Pokémon walk away, Naoki's mind raced. Suddenly, he remembered something—an old recipe he had made once.
Caramel-Flavored Cream Fruit Cake!
The special effect of that dessert was said to induce sweet dreams, allowing Pokémon to forget their sorrows and meet the ones they longed to see in their dreams.
"Wait!" Naoki called out, stopping Ninetales in its tracks.
Ninetales turned back, its eyes filled with confusion.
"Is your only wish to see her again?" Naoki asked.
Ninetales blinked and nodded.
A spark of hope lit in Naoki's eyes. "In that case, come with me. I may not be able to take you back in time, but I can help you in another way."