Wine
Arven was getting more confused by the minute. 'What is the World Tree? What is Zapdos? Are they Pokémon?'
'Wait'—he paused, eyes widening in realization. 'Mr. Naoki really can understand what Pokémon are saying!'
Unable to contain his curiosity, Arven asked, "Mr. Naoki, um... can 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 understand Pokémon speech for a short while."
Arven accepted it, examining the unfamiliar snack with a mix of skepticism and excitement.
Naoki continued, feigning seriousness, "This is the power of good food. A true chef can unlock the hidden effects of ingredients. There are even stories of a mysterious ingredient out there that can 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 encouraged him, smiling. "You might even understand what Mabosstiff says."
Arven glanced at Mabosstiff, who stood loyally by his side. At Naoki's suggestion, a hopeful gleam appeared in Mabosstiff's eyes.
"Woof-woof!"
Arven popped the snack into his mouth. As he chewed, a sweet flavor 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 understand Pokémon speech—an experience he had never imagined.
Naoki watched the heartfelt moment unfold with a warm smile. He glanced at Mabosstiff and said gently, "Mabosstiff, is there anything you'd like to say to Arven? Now's the perfect time to tell him."
Arven blinked, taken aback, then looked down at Mabosstiff, who gazed back up at him with a look of deep affection.
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 companion from that day on.
So, from that moment forward, Mabosstiff stayed by Arven's side, watching 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 changed—from a small, playful puppy into the steadfast, loyal companion Arven now called his "Godfather Mastiff."
Thinking of all they had been through together, Mabosstiff's eyes filled with sadness. It knew that Arven's life had not been easy; his parents' constant work often left 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 managed to say, "Thank you," his voice thick with emotion.
Naoki, Koraidon, and the other Pokémon quietly observed, moved by the bond between Arven and his loyal friend.
'No wonder Arven traveled all over Paldea to find a cure for Mabosstiff,' Naoki thought, reflecting on their deep connection.
Arven wiped his eyes, took a steadying breath, and turned to Naoki. "Thank you, Mr. Naoki. Really."
Naoki took a deep breath, then grinned, "Alright, let's forget the sad stuff for now. You're at the ranch, so let's make the most of this wintery countryside! This isn't something you get to enjoy in a big city."
"Right!" Arven replied with a smile, leading Mabosstiff outside to play in the snow.
Meanwhile, Naoki introduced the other Pokémon to Mew and Teddiursa, who had recently returned to the ranch.
After all their adventures, Teddiursa seemed different. Perhaps from meeting so many new Pokémon along the way, it had become even more lively and cheerful, able to make friends quickly with anyone.
Maybe it was just Teddiursa's natural charm.
As night fell, darkness blanketed the snowy world outside. Inside, in the cozy warmth of the ranch house, Naoki gathered everyone around the fireplace to enjoy the heat on this chilly evening.
The soft orange glow of the fire cast a warm light on the Pokémon, filling the room with a cozy atmosphere.
Koraidon lay sprawled on the carpet, head resting on its arms, looking completely at peace with its eyes closed.
Cyclizar stretched out comfortably, tail wagging contentedly.
Nearby, Pawmot and Alcremie chased each other playfully around the Christmas tree, laughing and tumbling as they went.
Meanwhile, Mew and Teddiursa enjoyed the honey pudding and honey tea Naoki had prepared, savoring 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 changed a lot, you know."
Teddiursa paused, looking up in mild confusion. "Ursa?" (What do you mean?)
Naoki chuckled, reminiscing about their first encounter. "Back then, you pretended to be a lost, helpless little bear and snuck into the ranch, hoping to steal some honey when I wasn't looking."
"Ursa…" Teddiursa felt a bit bashful, remembering that day.
Naoki laughed 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 an eye out for a 'honey-thieving baby bear.'"
Teddiursa's eyes widened in surprise, realizing what that meant. "Ursa?!" (So, you knew I'd come to the ranch to steal honey all along?!)
Naoki nodded, smiling. "Yes."
Teddiursa's expression turned thoughtful. "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 players sometimes see about a Pokémon in the game: "This Pokémon crossed time and space to meet you."
"Ursa…" Teddiursa didn't fully understand, but it liked how meaningful those words sounded. It smiled and replied happily, "I'm glad I met you too, Naoki!"
Naoki smiled back and asked, "Are you planning to continue your journey?"
At this, Teddiursa and Mew exchanged glances.
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, reaching 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 can come 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 adventures took it, Naoki would always hold a place in its heart.
Naoki chuckled, yawning as sleepiness crept over him. "Alright, it's getting late. Time to rest!"
"Ursa!" Teddiursa agreed, nodding.
...
November 25, Year 198 of the Alliance Calendar
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 turned to say goodbye to Naoki.
"We'll be heading back now. We'll come visit again when we get the chance."
Naoki nodded, looking at Arven. "Goodbye, Arven! Feel free to come 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, watching 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 corner.
Reflecting 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 Town over the next two 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 planned to stay home, cozying up with his Pokémon by the fireplace, reading books, and enjoying the peaceful winter days.
Naoki checked the inventory at home
"There's not much steak left, and we're running low on flour and seasonings. But we have plenty of eggs, thanks to the ranch, so there's no need to buy those in town."
"It's a shame the large greenhouse isn't finished yet; fresh, home-grown vegetables would have been perfect. But no worries—it'll be ready next year."
"Besides the basics, I should also pick up some Berries. I can use them to make Poffins as treats for everyone."
After making his list, Naoki grabbed a pen and paper, jotting down everything he needed to 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 place.
Snow blanketed the 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, picking up everything on his list. He loaded the bags onto the Gogoats, who dutifully carried the goods.
Once the three Gogoats were fully loaded, Naoki wrapped up his shopping and made his way back to the ranch.
Naoki called over Pokémon like Cyclizar and Pawmot to help carry the supplies back into the home, while he himself carried a few bags. By the time everything was unpacked, it was already four in the afternoon.
Glancing at the calendar, Naoki remembered that the fruit wine he'd stored in the wine cellar should be ready. He headed down to the cellar, found the oak barrels he used for brewing, and uncorked one. Immediately, a rich, fruity aroma mixed with the scent of wine filled the air.
Naoki's eyes lit up as he poured a glass. This particular wine, made from Pecha Berries, was a soft, pink color—clear and inviting under the dim light.
As he inspected it, details about the wine appeared in his mind:
[Pecha Berry Wine (B)]: Brewed from Pecha Berries, this wine combines the fruit's sweetness with a smooth, mellow flavor. It's especially appealing to certain Pokémon.
Effect: Grants poison resistance. Drinking this wine will remove poisoning effects from Pokémon and provides them with mild poison resistance, helping them withstand poison attacks. (This effect does not stack.)
Note: "A little goes a long way—don't overindulge!"
Seeing its effect, Naoki was pleasantly surprised. Poison resistance 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 chance to avoid poisoning altogether.
Encouraged by this, Naoki opened another barrel, this one containing Cheri Berry wine. He poured a glass 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 particularly enjoyable.
Effect: Grants paralysis resistance. It removes the paralysis condition from Pokémon and provides mild resistance to it, lowering the chance of becoming paralyzed. (Effect does not stack.)
Note: "A little warmth goes a long way!"
"Paralysis resistance, too!" 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 opened the last barrel, containing Sitrus Berry wine. He poured a glass and examined it:
[Sitrus Berry Wine (B)]: Brewed from Sitrus Berries, this wine has a sweet yet tangy flavor 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 last effect. While useful, it didn't quite match the benefits of poison or paralysis resistance.
Looking thoughtfully at the three barrels, Naoki wondered aloud: "If Pecha Berries provide poison resistance and Cheri Berries give paralysis resistance, then what effects would wines made from Salac Berries or Liechi Berries—ones known for boosting speed and attack—offer?"