World Tree, Zapdos...

  Arven was getting more fused by the minute. 'What is the World Tree? What is Zapdos? Are they Pokémon?'

  'Wait'—he paused, eyes widening in realization. 'Mr. Naoki really uand okémon are saying!'

  Uo tain his curiosity, Arven asked, "Mr. Naoki, um... you actually talk to Pokémon?"

  Naoki smacked his forehead, suddenly remembering Arven was still there.

  He handed Arven a small snack. "Here, this is a special snack I made. When you eat it, you'll be able to uand Pokémon speech for a short while."

  Arven accepted it, examining the unfamiliar snack with a mix of skepticism aement.

  Naoki tinued, feigning seriousness, "This is the power of good food. A true chef unlock the hidden effects of ingredients. There are even stories of a mysterious ingredient out there that heal even the most gravely ill Pokémon!"

  Arven's eyes went wide, his awe unmistakable. 'How amazing!' he thought.

  "Go on, give it a try," Naoki enced him, smiling. "You might even uand what Mabosstiff says."

  Arven g Mabosstiff, who stood loyally by his side. At Naoki's suggestion, a hopeful gleam appeared in Mabosstiff's eyes.

  "Woof-woof!"

  Arven popped the snato his mouth. As he chewed, a sweet fvor spread through his mouth, and he looked at Naoki, delighted. It was delicious!

  After swallowing, he heard Mabosstiff speak.

  "Woof-woof?" (Arven?)

  Arven gasped. "Mabosstiff? Are you... talking?"

  Mabosstiff nodded, his tail wagging happily. "Woof-woof!" (Yes, it's me, Arven!)

  Arven stood there, speechless, feeling a mix of amazement and joy. He could truly uand Pokémon spee experience he had never imagined.

  Naoki watched the heartfelt moment unfold with a warm smile. He g Mabosstiff and said gently, "Mabosstiff, is there anything you'd like to say to Arven? Now's the perfect time to tell him."

  Arven bliaken aback, then looked down at Mabosstiff, who gazed back up at him with a look of deep affe.

  This was the child Mabosstiff had watched grow from day one.

  Arven was just a baby when Mabosstiff first met him. Back then, Professors Sada and Turo had brought Mabosstiff into Arven's life, telling it that Arven would be its panion from that day on.

  So, from that moment forward, Mabosstiff stayed by Arven's side, watg him grow. It saw Arven transform from a lively, carefree boy into a more reserved, sometimes lonely young man. And in that time, Mabosstiff also ged—from a small, pyful puppy into the steadfast, loyal panion Arven now called his "Godfather Mastiff."

  Thinking of all they had been through together, Mabosstiff's eyes filled with sadness. It khat Arven's life had not been easy; his parents' stant work ofte him alone, even during the holidays.

  Mabosstiff looked up at Arven and softly barked, "Woof-woof!" (I will always be here for you, Arven.)

  "Mabosstiff…" Arven's eyes grew misty, and he mao say, "Thank you," his voice thick with emotion.

  Naoki, Koraidon, and the other Pokémon quietly observed, moved by the boween Arven and his loyal friend.

  'No wonder Arven traveled all over Paldea to find a cure for Mabosstiff,' Naoki thought, refleg on their deep e.

  Arven wiped his eyes, took a steadying breath, and turo Naoki. "Thank you, Mr. Naoki. Really."

  Naoki took a deep breath, then grinned, "Alright, let's fet the sad stuff for now. You're at the ranch, so let's make the most of this wintery tryside! This isn't something you get to enjoy in a big city."

  "Right!" Arven replied with a smile, leading Mabosstiff outside to py in the snow.

  Meanwhile, Naoki introduced the other Pokémon to Mew and Teddiursa, who had retly returo the ranch.

  After all their adveeddiursa seemed different. Perhaps from meeting so many new Pokémon along the way, it had bee even more lively and cheerful, able to make friends quickly with anyone.

  Maybe it was just Teddiursa's natural charm.

  As night fell, darkness bhe snowy world outside. Inside, in the cozy warmth of the ranch house, Naoki gathered everyone around the firepce to enjoy the heat on this chilly evening.

  The soft e glow of the fire cast a warm light on the Pokémon, filling the room with a cozy atmosphere.

  Koraidon y sprawled on the carpet, head resting on its arms, looking pletely at peace with its eyes closed.

  Cyclizar stretched out fortably, tail wagging tentedly.

  Nearby, Pawmot and Alcremie chased each other pyfully around the Christmas tree, ughing and tumbling as they went.

  Meanwhile, Mew and Teddiursa ehe honey pudding and hoea Naoki had prepared, sav each bite.

  Arven was there, too, gently grooming Mabosstiff's fur.

  Naoki watched Teddiursa enjoy its honey pudding and, with a smile, said, "You've really ged a lot, you know."

  Teddiursa paused, looking up in mild fusion. "Ursa?" (What do you mean?)

  Naoki chuckled, reminisg about their first enter. "Back then, you preteo be a lost, helpless little bear and snuto the ranch, hoping to steal some honey when I wasn't looking."

  "Ursa…" Teddiursa felt a bit bashful, remembering that day.

  Naoki ughed and shared a little secret with Teddiursa. "Actually, I already knew about you before we met. The other ranchers nearby had warned me to keep a for a 'hohieving baby bear.'"

  Teddiursa's eyes widened in surprise, realizing what that meant. "Ursa?!" (So, you knew I'd e to the ranch to steal honey all along?!)

  Naoki nodded, smiling. "Yes."

  Teddiursa's expression turhoughtful. "Ursa?" (Then why didn't you chase me away? Why did you let me stay?)

  Any other person, Teddiursa thought, would probably have driven off a "thief" the moment they saw one.

  Teddiursa looked up at Naoki, putting down its honey pudding, eager for an answer.

  Naoki thought for a moment before responding, "Maybe it's because we were meant to meet. I believe fate brought us together."

  Just like the message pyers sometimes see about a Pokémon in the game: "This Pokémon crossed time and spaeet you."

  "Ursa…" Teddiursa didn't fully uand, but it liked how meaningful those words sounded. It smiled and replied happily, "I'm gd I met you too, Naoki!"

  Naoki smiled bad asked, "Are you pnning to tinue your journey?"

  At this, Teddiursa and Mew exged gnces.

  Mew nodded with a gentle "Mew!" (That's right!)

  Teddiursa added excitedly, "Ursa!" (The journey of the Hero Expedition Team isn't over yet!)

  But just as it spoke, Teddiursa's excitement faded a little. "Ursa…" (If that's the case, I'll have to leave you again, Naoki…)

  "Don't worry!" Naoki reassured it, reag out to gently pat Teddiursa's head. Teddiursa looked up, its expression softening.

  "If you want to go, then go! I'll be here at the ranch, waiting for you. Anytime you're tired, you e home, and I'll have a delicious dinner ready for you."

  "Ursa…" Teddiursa's eyes shimmered with tears of gratitude. It wiped them away, then looked up with determination. "Ursa!" (I'll always remember you, Naoki!)

  No matter where its adveook it, Naoki would always hold a p its heart.

  Naoki chuckled, yawning as sleepiness crept over him. "Alright, it's gettiime to rest!"

  "Ursa!" Teddiursa agreed, nodding.

  ...

  November 25, Year 198 of the Alliance dar

  On this day, Dr. Sada returned from her research at Area Zero and came to the ranch to take Arven home.

  "Thank you for looking after Arven," Dr. Sada said gratefully.

  Naoki smiled, shaking his head. "It was no trouble at all. Arven's been a great help around the ranch."

  Dr. Sada smiled warmly, then turo say goodbye to Naoki.

  "We'll be heading baow. We'll e visit again whe the ce."

  Naoki nodded, looking at Arven. "Goodbye, Arven! Feel free to e by anytime you want to visit."

  Arven, who had enjoyed his time here with Mabosstiff, nodded, waving to Naoki. "Goodbye, Mr. Naoki!" he called as he and Mabosstiff set off with Dr. Sada.

  Naoki stood in the pasture, watg until Arven and his mother disappeared from view. Only then did he turn and head back to the living room.

  It was November 25, with the New Year just around the er.

  Refleg on it, he realized it had almost been a full year since he arrived in the Pokémon world.

  The weather forecast predicted steady snowfall in Kosaji Towhe wo weeks, enough to bury the roads. Naoki decided it would be wise to stock up on New Year's supplies early.

  At that time, he po stay home, cozying up with his Pokémon by the firepce, reading books, and enjoying the peaceful winter days.

  Naoki checked the iory at home

  "There's not much steak left, and we're running low on flour and seasonings. But lenty of eggs, thanks to the ranch, so there's o buy those in town."

  "It's a shame the rge greenhouse isn't finished yet; fresh, home-growables would have been perfect. But no worries—it'll be ready year."

  "Besides the basics, I should also pick up some Berries. I use them to make Poffins as treats for everyone."

  After making his list, Naoki grabbed a pen and paper, jotting dowhing he o buy.

  That afternoon, he rode Koraidon to the town, with his three Gogoats following along to help carry the supplies.

  In winter, Kosaji Town looked like a whole new pce.

  Snow bhe rooftops, and both people and Pokémon walked the streets bundled up in thick winter coats and scarves.

  Despite the cold, the market bustled with life.

  Naoki moved through the crowd, pig up everything on his list. He loaded the bags onto the Gogoats, who dutifully carried the goods.

  Ohe three Gogoats were fully loaded, Naoki ed up his shopping and made his way back to the ranch.

  Naoki called over Pokémon like Cyclizar and Pawmot to help carry the supplies bato the home, while he himself carried a few bags. By the time everything was unpacked, it was already four iernoon.

  Gng at the dar, Naoki remembered that the fruit wine he'd stored in the wine celr should be ready. He headed down to the celr, found the oak barrels he used for brewing, and uncorked one. Immediately, a rich, fruity aroma mixed with the st of wine filled the air.

  Naoki's eyes lit up as he poured a gss. This particur wine, made from Pecha Berries, was a soft, pink color—clear and inviting uhe dim light.

  As he ied it, details about the wine appeared in his mind:

  [Pecha Berry Wine (B)]: Brewed from Pecha Berries, this wine bihe fruit's sweetness with a smooth, mellow fvor. It's especially appealing to certain Pokémon.

  Effect: Grants poisoance. Drinking this wine will remove poisoning effects from Pokémon and provides them with mild poisoance, helping them withstand poison attacks. (This effect does not stack.)

  Note: "A little goes a long way—don't overindulge!"

  Seeing its effeaoki leasantly surprised. Poisoance could be quite useful, especially against Poison-type moves. The effect wasn't overwhelming, but it would reduce poison damage and even provide a slim ce to avoid poisoning altogether.

  Enced by this, Naoki opened another barrel, this one taining Cheri Berry wine. He poured a gss to see its effects:

  [Cheri Berry Wine (B)]: Made from Cheri Berries, this wine has a slight kick, and Fire-type Pokémon might find it particurly enjoyable.

  Effect: Grants paralysis resista removes the paralysis dition from Pokémon and provides mild resistao it, l the ce of being paralyzed. (Effect does not stack.)

  Note: "A little warmth goes a long way!"

  "Paralysis resistaoo!" Naoki mused. He decided he would offer a taste to every Pokémon at the ranch—just a sip might be enough to give them that little edge.

  Finally, he opehe st barrel, taining Sitrus Berry wine. He poured a gss and exami:

  [Sitrus Berry Wine (B)]: Brewed from Sitrus Berries, this wine has a sweet yet tangy fvor that some Pokémon might find refreshing.

  Effect: Restores stamina. Drinking this wine helps to recover physical energy.

  Note: "Remember to enjoy responsibly!"

  Naoki paused, feeling slightly underwhelmed by this st effect. While useful, it didn't quite match the bes of poison or paralysis resistance.

  Looking thoughtfully at the three barrels, Naoki wondered aloud: "If Pecha Berries provide poisoand Cheri Berries give paralysis resistahen what effects would wines made from Sac Berries or Liechi Berries—ones known for boosting speed and attack—offer?"