Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 413: Reunion

Chapter 413: Reunion

The first thought that popped into Naoki's mind was: This is definitely a Squawkabilly who loves to brag.

But the matter at hand was urgent. Setting aside his thoughts, Naoki pressed on. "Can you take us there?"

The Squawkabilly, now slightly tipsy from drinking too much fruit wine, flapped its wings and puffed out its chest proudly. "Squawk-squawk!" (Of course! I'll take you there right now!)

After all, it had been eating and drinking at Naoki's place for free every day. It would be embarrassing not to return the favor when needed.

Naoki hesitated. It was late, but one look at the eager expression on Pawmot's face made him swallow his objections. "Alright," he said, preparing himself for an overnight journey.

If things went smoothly, they could be back by dawn.

With the ranch now peacefully quiet, and the Pokémon all fast asleep, Naoki decided not to disturb them. He grabbed what they needed, hopped onto Koraidon with Pawmot, and followed the loud, talkative Squawkabilly as it took to the skies, heading south.

The Squawkabilly, as expected, wouldn't stop talking.

"Squawk!" (Let me tell you, I've been to so many places before. Not just forests—oh no, I've even conquered the vast oceans!)

"Squawk!" (You know the ocean, don't you? It's massive. Ordinary Pokémon wouldn't even think of flying across it! Only I, the greatest Squawkabilly ever, can do it!)

Naoki: "…"

Koraidon: "…"

Meanwhile, Pawmot listened with rapt attention, taking every word the Squawkabilly said quite seriously. Perhaps it was the anticipation of meeting its parents again, but in this moment, Pawmot displayed an innocent eagerness, like a child awaiting a long-awaited reunion.

Naoki smiled as he watched Pawmot.

He couldn't help but hope that if they did find Pawmot's parents, he could bring them back to the ranch. Reuniting the family would not only bring joy but also create an opportunity for the family to help out. Once the World Tree grew to its full height and the Hero Expedition Team's union was established, perhaps they could work as clerks in the prop store—selling berries, Moo Moo Milk, and other goods to fellow Pokémon.

But there was no certainty in this quest. Naoki was keenly aware that finding Pawmot's parents wasn't guaranteed. The Squawkabilly's account suggested it had encountered Pawmot's parents over a year ago—around the time the young Pokémon had been taken by a Bombirdier and subsequently brought to the ranch.

Now, over a year has passed. The forest was vast, and there was no way to ensure the two Pokémon hadn't migrated to another area.

Despite the uncertainty, there was a silver lining—at least they finally had a lead on Pawmot's parents. And as the saying goes, there are always more solutions than problems.

As long as the two Pawmot hadn't been caught by a trainer, there was still hope of finding them!

The wilderness of the Paldea region stretched vast and dark under the night sky.

The Pokémon world's population wasn't as large as the world Naoki remembered from his previous life, leaving much of the wilderness undeveloped. These pristine areas maintained their ecological balance, serving as thriving habitats for countless wild Pokémon.

Squawkabilly's flying speed wasn't quite as swift as a Dragonite's, but it easily outpaced Pokémon like Noctowl.

Naoki glanced at the time on Rotom's phone. After about an hour and a half of flying, they approached a sprawling natural forest.

The forest lay blanketed in shadow, illuminated faintly by the hazy moonlight. Standing tall in its center was an enormous tree, far larger than the surrounding canopy. Its silhouette dominated the horizon, a lone giant amidst the sea of green.

Pawmot's eyes lit up as it spotted the towering tree.

"Pawmot! Pawmot!"

It turned excitedly toward Naoki and called out twice before darting off toward the massive tree, its small paws moving quickly with eager anticipation.

Squawkabilly tilted its head in confusion. "Squawk?" (What's it so excited about all of a sudden?)

Naoki chuckled. "Maybe it's been a long time since it's been back home," he said, nudging Koraidon to follow.

The Squawkabilly squawked but quickly flapped after them, keeping pace.

When they reached the base of the tree, Pawmot was already on the ground, darting around the grassy clearing, as if trying to reacquaint itself with its surroundings.

Naoki dismounted and approached the young Pokémon. "Did you find something?"

Pawmot turned to him and chirped urgently before sprinting toward a specific direction.

Partway through, they arrived at a clearing. Pawmot paused and stared at the empty space before pointing at it with its paw, chirping, "Pawmot! Pawmot!"

It gestured to Naoki as if to say: This is it! I used to sleep on a rock here before the Pokemon carried me away!

Naoki smiled fondly at the memory. "I still remember the first time I saw you. You were stealing feed from the chicken coop. You were just a little kid back then."

Pawmot chirped bashfully, "Pawmot~"

It was true. Back then, it had been so hungry, and the grain-based chicken feed was delicious!

The group continued their trek beyond the clearing. The vague memories in Pawmot's mind began to resurface more clearly, guided by the familiar sights and sounds of the forest.

The rustling of deep bushes, the towering silhouettes of snow-dusted trees, the soothing trickle of a gurgling river—all of it painted the picture of a home long left behind.

Eventually, Pawmot stopped abruptly before a tree covered in snow.

Naoki glanced at Pawmot, noticing its clear excitement as it stared intently at the base of the large tree.

Following Pawmot's gaze, Naoki saw a hollow in the trunk, nestled just above the ground—a small, dark tree hole.

Naoki quickly realized: This must be Pawmot's old nest.

"Go on," Naoki encouraged softly, his tone warm and reassuring. "Your parents must be waiting for you to come home."

"Pawmot!" The little Pokémon nodded firmly, wiping its damp eyes with its paw before darting toward the tree hole.

As Pawmot crawled inside, Naoki stayed outside, quietly observing the surroundings. He noticed that the tree hole was well-maintained and not abandoned. A few faint footprints dotted the snow around the area—prints left by Pokémon that seemed to match Pawmot's kind.

This likely meant Pawmot's parents were still living here.

Naoki let out a sigh of relief, his heart swelling with happiness for Pawmot.

Finally, he thought, a happy ending. The family will reunite after so long. Parents and child will embrace, their tears of joy reflecting the bonds of love and home.

However, the heartfelt scene he envisioned didn't unfold as expected.

From the tree hole, a sudden flash of lightning erupted, followed by Pawmot's startled cry of "Pawmot!"

The next moment, the little Pokémon dashed out of the hollow, visibly panicked.

Naoki froze. "What…?"

Two larger Pawmots emerged from the tree hole, their fur bristling with hostility as they glared at the younger Pokémon. Their eyes were filled with suspicion, their stance ready for confrontation.

The larger Pawmots were clearly on edge, and their expressions reflected nothing but anger as they sized up the strange visitor.

Pawmot frantically waved its paws, trying to explain, "Pawmot, Pawmot!" (Mom, Dad, it's me! I'm your child!)

But the larger Pawmots only grew angrier, one of them growling menacingly: "Pawmot!" (Liar! Our child doesn't look like you. Leave! Stop pretending to be our baby!)

Hearing this, both Naoki and Pawmot froze as realization dawned.

Pawmot glanced down at its fur, its expression shifting as the truth sank in. The difference in its fur color—something it had never truly considered before—was the reason for its parents' rejection.

But Pawmot wasn't ready to give up. Shaking its head vigorously, it tried a different approach to prove its identity.

"Pawmot, Pawmot!" (Mom, Dad, do you remember when we went foraging for berries in the forest? I fell into the river and almost got swept away! A little boy in a straw hat rescued me, and you gave him lots of berries to thank him!)

The two larger Pawmots paused, their hostility faltering. For a moment, they exchanged uncertain glances.

Pawmot pressed on, desperate to close the gap between them. "Pawmot, Pawmot!" (Last year, I wandered outside while you were digging a burrow at home. I fell asleep on a rock, but then a Pokemon swooped in and carried me away to a faraway place!)

At this, the suspicion in the larger Pawmots' eyes softened. Their fur bristling eased, replaced by a glimmer of disbelief.

One of them, its voice trembling, asked cautiously, "Pawmot…?"

Pawmot nodded vigorously. "Pawmot!" 

Naoki watched as the two larger Pawmots hesitated for a moment longer before their emotions broke free. They rushed forward, embracing their child tightly. All three began crying loudly, the reunion overwhelming them with joy. 

Naoki let out a deep breath of relief. "Hah… Looks like everything worked out." 

Beside him, Koraidon, who had been observing the scene quietly, let out a contented sound, its massive tail wagging slightly. "Raao~" It, too, was delighted for Pawmot. 

Meanwhile, the Squawkabilly fluttered proudly nearby, puffing out its chest. "Squawk!" (Did you see that? The amazing Squawkabilly has once again proven it's the most helpful Pokémon in the world! I reunited the Pawmot family all by myself!) 

The boastful Pokémon already envisioned itself recounting this tale triumphantly to the other Pokémon back at the tavern. 

As the three Pawmots slowly calmed down from their tears, the younger Pawmot began telling its parents everything that had happened since it was taken away. 

It shared how it had landed on a human's ranch and been warmly taken in. It recounted how it grew stronger, evolving into its current form, and how it had met so many new companions who had become like family. 

The two older Pawmots, who had waited tirelessly in the forest for their child's return, listened intently. Their expressions shifted between amazement and gratitude as they turned their gaze toward Naoki. 

The two stepped forward, leading their child with them, and bowed their heads toward Naoki, Koraidon, and Squawkabilly, their eyes filled with heartfelt appreciation. 

Naoki offered them a gentle smile. "You're welcome. Your child is incredible and has brought so much joy to the ranch." 

The adult Pawmots exchanged a quick glance before scurrying back to the tree hole. Moments later, they returned, carrying several vibrant fruits, which they placed at Naoki's feet. 

It was a simple, genuine gesture of thanks—a heartfelt offering from wild Pokémon. 

Naoki accepted the fruits with a warm nod before glancing at Pawmot. 

The young Pawmot turned to its parents, its expression earnest and hopeful. "Pawmot, Pawmot!" (Mom, Dad, come live with me at the ranch!) 

The older Pawmots tilted their heads, exchanging confused looks. 

Noticing their hesitation, Naoki stepped in to explain, crouching to meet them at eye level. "Pawmot is inviting you to come live with us at the ranch. It's a safe place with plenty of space and food. You won't ever have to worry about being separated again." 

"Pawmot!" The younger Pokémon added emphatically, nodding its head. 

The two older Pawmots looked at Naoki, then back at each other. Their eyes betrayed a mix of emotions—relief, hope, and uncertainty. 

For them, this forest had been home for many years. Leaving it to move to an unfamiliar place was no small decision. For wild Pokémon, migration was rare unless driven by necessity, like natural disasters or dwindling resources. 

Sensing their unease, Pawmot stepped forward, its tiny chest puffed out with determination. "Pawmot! Pawmot-pawmot!" (I'll protect you, no matter what!) 

After being separated from their child for so long, the two adult Pawmots were reluctant to part ways again so soon.

They exchanged glances a few times, silently considering their next move. Finally, after some careful thought, they made their decision.

This time, they would stay with their child, protect it, and ensure they would never be separated again.

The two Pawmots hurried back into the tree hole and emerged moments later, dragging out a collection of berries, chestnuts, and pinecones—supplies they had carefully stored for the winter. Now that they had decided to leave the forest and start anew, they wanted to bring these provisions with them to their new home.

Naoki watched with a gentle smile and said nothing. Thankfully, he had brought a large bag with him on this trip. It turned out to be just the right size for packing up all the gathered food.

After everything was securely packed, Naoki helped the two Pawmots settle onto Koraidon's back. With Squawkabilly leading the way, they began their journey back to the ranch.

By the time they arrived, it was already three o'clock in the morning.

The hour was late, so Naoki suggested that Pawmot and its parents rest for the night. He promised to show them around the ranch and properly introduce everything once they had gotten some sleep.

"Pawmot!" the younger Pawmot replied eagerly. It had grown stronger and was no longer the vulnerable little Pokémon it once was. Now, it could take care of its parents properly.

With excitement in its step, Pawmot led its parents to a cozy spot for the night.

Naoki turned to Squawkabilly and handed it a generous bag of fruits and drinks as a token of gratitude.

Squawkabilly puffed out its chest proudly, its feathers shimmering with satisfaction. "Squawwk!" (Of course, this was all thanks to me!) It grabbed the reward bag in its talons and flew off into the night, its wings flapping rhythmically.

Exhausted, Naoki guided Koraidon back to its resting area, then stumbled into his room. The moment his head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep.

.....

When Naoki finally woke up the next day, it was already 11 o'clock in the morning.

Today was special—it marked the final day of the year 199 in the Pokémon world, a time of reflection and celebration as the New Year approached.

After a quick lunch, Naoki began preparing a grand New Year's Eve dinner for all the Pokémon on the ranch.

This year's celebration was shaping up to be even more lively than the last. The ranch had grown in size, now bustling with more Pokémon companions, each bringing their unique charm and energy.

While Naoki busied himself with preparations in the kitchen, the Pokémon in the living room were chasing and playing with one another, their laughter and cries filling the air with warmth.

Occasionally, some Pokémon would dart over, their playful antics nearly toppling the basin Naoki used to hold food. 

Naoki sighed and shooed them away, herding the mischievous Pokémon back toward the living room or suggesting they visit the World Tree. 

Cheering loudly, the Pokémon raced off, their excitement echoing as they dashed toward the Reverse World, where the majestic World Tree stood tall. 

The tree shimmered with a vibrant green glow, its brilliance illuminating the surrounding area. The Pokémon gathered beneath it, tilting their heads to gaze at the extraordinary giant. The starlight cascading from the World Tree fell gently upon them, filling the air with a serene, almost magical energy. 

On Flower Sky Island, Giratina was busy giving commands to its Rotom partner. After just a few days of practice, it had mastered using the Rotom Phone with voice commands. 

Though Pichu TV offered entertainment, Giratina found itself drawn to surfing the Pokémon forums instead. Exploring posts about unfamiliar topics seemed to intrigue the Pokémon far more than passively watching shows. 

Back at the ranch, Pawmot was proudly showing its parents around. With an animated expression, it eagerly introduced them to the hens in the coop, chatting about its responsibilities and workplace companions. 

By evening, Naoki had prepared an impressive feast for the Pokémon. The dining table was laden with delicious dishes, enticing aromas wafting through the room. 

The Pokémon gathered excitedly, their cheers giving way to the joyful sounds of feasting. Once their bellies were full, they retreated in contented groups to the warm, cozy carpet. Snuggled together in twos and threes, they drifted into a peaceful slumber, the room filled with a tranquil warmth. 

Naoki paused to take in the scene, a smile playing on his lips. Turning to sister Indeedee, he joined her in tidying up the now-messy dining table. 

Outside the window, snowflakes had begun to fall once more. The world beyond was blanketed in a soft, white glow, the chill of winter offset by the warmth inside. 

In the distance, faint crackles echoed. Fireworks lit up the snowy night sky, their brilliant colors celebrating the arrival of the New Year. From Kosaji Town came laughter and cheers, carried by the crisp winter air. 

As time passed, the vibrant bursts of fireworks gradually faded. Silence crept over the night until the only sound was the occasional whisper of the wind. 

Just when Naoki thought the festivities had ended, a soft, melodic chime resonated from the direction of Kosaji Town. 

The ethereal toll of the New Year's bell drifted through the quiet night, marking the close of the 199th year in the Alliance Calendar.