Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 263: Return to the Ranch



On October 28 of the Alliance Calendar, Naoki's ship finally arrived in the Paldea region, docking at the port of Lumina City.

Once on land, Naoki set out toward his ranch, with Koraidon carrying a bag full of Corviknight feathers. Unlike the Galar region, Paldea didn't have trains connecting every city, so most travel was done by bus or riding Pokémon.

Since carrying such a large bag on the bus would be difficult, as soon as Naoki left Lumina City, he released Spectrier and Glastrier from their Poké Balls. He placed the bag of Corviknight feathers on Glastrier's back while he and Calyrex rode Koraidon and Spectrier, heading toward Kosaji Town.

After a few days of travel, stopping and starting along the way, they finally reached Kosaji Town on the evening of October 31.

Seeing the familiar road that led to the ranch, Naoki's heart filled with excitement. After being away so long, he wondered how everyone back at the ranch was doing.

As he neared his home, he spotted a large truck coming down the road. He immediately recognized the truck-it was Zack's. Zack drove it daily to local ranches and farms to pick up supplies.

It was close to 5 p.m., just the time when Zack would be making his rounds. Naoki quickly guided Koraidon to the side to let the truck pass.

Spotting Naoki from afar, Zack honked twice in greeting. As he got closer, he stopped the truck, rolled down the window, and leaned out with a big smile. "Back already?"

Naoki smiled back. "Yep! All done and ready to finally come home."

Thinking of Naoki's ranch, Zack's face filled with admiration. "Your Pokémon are amazing! While you were gone, they managed the ranch just as well as if you'd been there yourself. Truly impressive!"

Zack's gaze shifted to Koraidon, and he smiled, waving. "Good to see you, Koraidon!"

Koraidon gave a happy cry, "Raao~"

As Zack's eyes fell on the unfamiliar Pokémon next to Naoki, he assumed it was one Naoki had caught on his trip. But then his gaze landed on the Pokémon riding with Naoki on the horse, and he suddenly froze.

There was something familiar yet extraordinary about this Pokémon's appearance. Could it be...?

Zack's face lit up in shock as he jumped out of the truck. "Is this who I think it is?!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

He stared at Calyrex, who returned his look with calm, gentle eyes, seeming to sense Zack's reverence.

A slight smile played on Calyrex's face, and he nodded to Zack.

"Oh my...!" Zack couldn't hold back his surprise.

This regal look, that elegant posture, those kind eyes-could it really be the legendary King of Bountiful Harvests, Calyrex.

The legend was true!

Naoki had not only met Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, but had managed to bring Him back to Paldea!

Overcoming his initial shock, Zack quickly pulled Naoki aside to whisper privately.

"What in the world happened?" he asked, trying to keep his voice down.

Naoki gave him a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"

Zack lowered his voice even further. "Isn't the King of Bountiful Harvests supposed to be Galar's protector? How did you convince him to come here?"

If the people of Galar learned that their region's symbolic Pokémon, Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, had been taken to another region, would they try to reclaim him? Zack worriedly considered the worst, imagining that such an act might even lead to tensions-or worse, a conflict between the two regions.

Naoki chuckled, looking a bit exasperated. "It's not that serious," he assured, thinking back to everything he had shared with Zack about Calyrex's past. He had told them the legendary tales of Calyrex, once revered in Galar for riding across the land with his loyal steed, blessing the people with bountiful harvests. But Naoki realized he hadn't mentioned the sadder parts of Calyrex's story-how he was forgotten by the people and stripped of his powers.

With that in mind, Naoki explained everything to Zack, recounting how Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, had been gradually forgotten, his temple left in ruins, and how he had wandered the icy wilderness, powerless and alone.

Hearing this, Zack frowned, visibly indignant. "How could they forget a Pokémon who brought them so much? That's unbelievable!"

"Exactly!" Naoki nodded. "When I arrived, I nearly froze in the snow myself. I can't imagine how a Grass-type Pokémon like Calyrex managed to survive there for so many years."

"Well, it's a good thing you brought him back!" Zack said. "Since they don't seem to appreciate him, we'll take care of him here! If Calyrex needs believers, I'll spread his story to every town on my route!" he said, clearly inspired.

Naoki chuckled. "Great, I guess you're officially Missionary Number Two!" He could already see Zack as Calyrex's enthusiastic advocate across the Paldea region.

But, on a more serious note, Naoki continued, "It's important to remember it wasn't the ordinary people of Galar who forgot about Calyrex. It was the Galarian royal family. They erased all records of him to claim his achievements as their own and to keep their rule intact." Zack sighed. "Well, that explains a lot. Thank goodness the monarchy is long gone. It's the era of the Pokémon League now."

Naoki nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

After finishing their conversation, Naoki and Zack turned to rejoin Calyrex, who was waiting a short distance away.

Zack gazed at Calyrex with a mix of admiration and respect. After a moment of hesitation, he managed to say, "Lord of the Harvest, please feel at home in our town. We'll honor and believe in you alongside Naoki!"

Calyrex gave a gentle nod, smiling warmly. Zack, catching that smile, couldn't help but grin back. But suddenly, he remembered his responsibilities, gave himself a little slap on the forehead, and dashed back to his truck.

"I Almost forgot! I still have deliveries to make. You guys should head back to the ranch! Dragonite and the others have missed you!"

Naoki nodded, watching Zack's truck until it disappeared down the road before setting off on his own journey. He rode on Koraidon, with Calyrex beside them, while Glastrier trailed

behind, carrying the bag of Corviknight feathers.

"This is our home," Naoki said, as they passed under the Naoki Ranch sign.

They made their way through the main gate, and Calyrex took in his new surroundings with curiosity. Neat rows of fields and flower beds now wilted with the season, and yellowing grass stretched out before them.

Naoki looked a bit sheepish, "Since winter's coming, everything's looking a little faded."

Calyrex gave an understanding nod and smiled. "I see," he replied warmly, "But I can already imagine how beautiful it will be in spring."

In the pasture, several Pokémon lay lazily in the grass, absentmindedly tugging at weeds. Pokémon like Pawmot, Alcremie, Glaceon, and Naclstack lounged about with their backs to the entrance, gazing at the blue sky with a mixture of boredom and longing.

Alcremie sighed, "Alcremie..." (So boring...)

Naclstack echoed, "Stack..." (Boring...)

Pawmot exhaled, "Pawmot, Pawmot." (Naoki's been gone for ages. I wonder when he'll be

back...)

Glaceon, usually happiest in winter, sighed as it gazed wistfully at the sky. Although it once loved the chill and snow, now it seemed to prefer the fresh scent of flowers, the warmth of the sun, and playing with everyone on the green grass. Thinking of this, Glaceon let out a soft,

wistful sigh.

"Glaceon..." (If only...)

Several of the Pokémon glanced up at the endless blue sky, all letting out a united sigh.

"Even the sky seems empty without Naoki here," one of them murmured to the others.

Just then, Koraidon, ready to announce their arrival, felt Naoki gently cover his mouth. Confused, it looked up, only to see Naoki making a "shh" gesture, his eyes glinting with

mischief.

Though puzzled, Koraidon followed Naoki's lead, keeping quiet as Naoki tiptoed closer to the Pokémon, who were still gazing at the sky, oblivious to his approach. Coming up behind

Pawmot, Naoki gently covered its eyes.

"Guess who?" he whispered with a playful grin.

Startled at first, Pawmot immediately perked up, recognizing Naoki's voice. Its face lit up

with excitement.

"Pawmot!" (Naoki!)

Though he couldn't understand every word, Naoki didn't need any special translation; he could feel Pawmot's joy as it squirmed and wiggled in his arms.

With a chuckle, Naoki lifted Pawmot up, tickling it under its little arms. "I'm back!" he

announced.

"Pawmot~!" Pawmot chirped joyfully, pressing its face against Naoki's in pure affection. The little electric Pokémon gave him a tiny zap of excitement.

Nearby, the rest of the Pokémon began to crowd around, their eyes sparkling with happiness

at Naoki's return. The world seemed brighter, the sky more vivid, now that he was back.

Naoki put Pawmot down and stroked its fluffy head.

"Alright, everything's taken care of, so now I can stay at the ranch and spend the winter with

all of you."

Hearing this, the Pokémon were overjoyed. Naoki's return was like bringing color back to

their world.

Alcremie spun around in a happy twirl, arms wide. "Mree!"

Naoki grinned, reaching down to pick up Alcremie, who nuzzled into his shoulder. "Alright,

you get a hug too, Alcremie," he said, smiling.

"Mree-" Alcremie hummed, delighted.

Then Naoki turned to Glaceon, who stood nearby with an air of proud indifference, though its

eyes betrayed a hint of anticipation.

With a knowing smile, Naoki leaned down and scooped up Glaceon, who squirmed

momentarily, trying to appear aloof.

Fortunately, Glaceon only gave a small, symbolic struggle before settling down in Naoki's

arms, looking a little embarrassed.

"How have you all been?" Naoki asked.

"Pawmot!"

"Alcremie!"

"Stack!"

"Bui!"

The Pokémon all responded enthusiastically.

Naoki held Glaceon for a moment longer before setting it down. Just as he was about to introduce them to the Calyrex, he noticed five hopeful Naclstack gazing at him with eager eyes, clearly wanting hugs too.

Naoki sighed inwardly. "Guess I'd better work on some super-strength training later!" he thought. "If Ash can lift a Cosmoem weighing nearly 999kg, surely I can manage a Naclstack!"

Just then, a cheerful "baa!" came from nearby. Naoki turned to see more Pokémon from the ranch running toward him excitedly: three Gogoats, Butterfree, Dolliv, and Dragonite. Their joyful noise was loud enough to catch the attention of the Indeedees, who opened the door and, upon spotting Naoki, hurried out to greet him with bright smiles.

In no time, Naoki found himself surrounded by a crowd of joyful Pokémon, each one eager for

his attention. He gently reached out, petting them one by one.

"Dragonite, it's so good to see you! You're as strong as ever!"

"Gogoats, you all look a bit thin. Don't worry, there's still grass from the last harvest. I'll

make some fresh grass dumplings for you soon."

"Dolliv, it's been a while!"

"Butterfree, are you getting used to the greenhouse?"

Each Pokémon responded with delight.

Dragonite hugged him affectionately with a soft, "Awoo~"

The Gogoats bleated happily: "Baa~"

Dolliv chirped with a happy, "Dolliv~" Butterfree fluttered joyfully: "Fwee~"

Naoki then turned to the Indeedees, smiling with gratitude. "Thank you both for all your hard

work while I was away!"

Brother Indeedee, standing tall, nodded seriously, while the younger Indeedee, grinning brightly, added, "Ai-ye" 'We're happy to help!'

After greeting everyone, Naoki led them over to meet their new friends: Calyrex, Glastrier,

and Spectrier. He also released Cyclizar, Sinistea, and Polteageist from their Poké Balls.

Introducing each one, he said, "This little one here is Sinistea, and the one looking a bit thoughtful is Polteageist."

"This is Spectrier and Glastrier, and here is the King of Bountiful Harvests, Calyrex."

The ranch Pokémon all blinked at the new arrivals, then chorused in unison to welcome them

warmly.

Calyrex smiled, looking over the Pokémon with a gaze full of kindness and warmth. "I am Calyrex," he said with a gentle smile. "Just like Naoki, I'm a farmer. I hope you'll guide

me as we grow together."

...

This is a bonus chapter for reaching 1000 Power Stones.

The next bonus chapter will be released at 1500 Power Stones.