After colleg Snorx's Poké Ball, Naoki remembered the purpose of his trip to Artazon Town.

  The girl gnced apologetically at the empty snack boxes that Snorx had devoured.

  "I'm so sorry, but all the snacks for the Bug Catg test have beeen by Snorx. If I use the remaining berries to make them again, it’ll take about an hour..."

  By now, the first group of bug-catg trainers who ehe nature park had likely already returned with the Bug-type Pokémon they caught.

  Naoki saw the situation for what it was. He had only e to enjoy the atmosphere of the petition and wasn’t particurly ied in catg Bug-types.

  "In that case, don’t worry about it," Naoki said with a reassuring smile.

  The girl still looked apologetic. She had been the oo ihers to the Bug Catg test, and now their preparations had fallen short.

  To make up for it, she said, "I’m truly sorry. We host two Bug Catg tests a year, one now and another in the fall. I’ll write to your rand invite you to participate ime."

  Naoki smiled and nodded. "Alright, I’ll e by then."

  He g the y entrao the nature park and said to Cyclizar beside him, "Let’s head back."

  "Raao," Cyclizar responded, carrying Naoki out of Artazon Town and back to the ranch.

  The ranch was as lively as ever. Upourning, Naoki dismounted Cyclizar and noticed Koraidon lying on the grass, basking in the sunlight.

  Walking over, he gently called out, "Koraidon?"

  Hearing Naoki's voice, Koraidon immediately lifted its head and turo look at him.

  "Are you feelier?" Naoki asked softly, sitting down beside it.

  Koraidon blinked, startled that Naoki had picked up on its mood. Its expression turned downcast as it murmured,

  "Raao..."

  Naoki thoughtfully munched on a piece of seeds before stroking Koraidon’s head.

  "If something’s b you, you tell me. Are you upset because I seemed to favor Cyclizar yesterday?"

  Koraidon's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. It shook its head quickly. "Raao! Raao!" (No, not at all!)

  "Then what is it?" Naoki coaxed gently. "Did I do something wrong?"

  Koraidoated before l its head onto its paws, a mencholy look spreading across its face.

  How could it expin something like this?

  After a long pause, Koraidon quietly murmured, "Raao..." (I want to stay with Naoki forever.)

  Memories of the past fshed through Koraidon’s mind.

  The younger Cyclizar had always admired it from afar, staring at it with wide, curious eyes.

  Even though Cyclizar had once been timid around it, it had made efforts to get closer and bee friends.

  Cyclizar had shared gifts with it that Naoki brought back, even to share its mother's love when it learned Koraidon had none.

  Koraidon didn’t want its younger self to ehe same hardships it had. It wao protect its past self from the dangers of the mae and the perilous world beyond.

  Yet, Koraidon also loo remain with Naoki a little longer. It wasn’t ready to disappear—not yet.

  Naoki, unaware of these heavy thoughts, specuted aloud, "Did you see the news on TV about people dying and leaving Pokémon behind to live alone in the world? Is that why you’re upset?"

  Koraidon g Naoki, startled. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, it nodded, choosing to let him believe the simpler expnation.

  "Raao." (Yes.)

  "You silly thing," Naoki said with a soft ugh, patting Koraidon’s head affeately. "But you’re not like ordinary Pokémon!"

  He looked thoughtful for a moment before expining, "When people die, they don’t just vanish. Their souls leave their bodies and linger in the pces they loved most."

  "They remain until the gatekeeper of the spirit world, Dusknoir, es to guide them into the spirit world for reination."

  Naoki smiled reassuringly. "If Dusknoir ever es for me, I’ll t on you to protect me. Then I stick around as a soul and stay with you forever."

  Koraidon listened ily, its gaze unwavering.

  Naoki had indeed never shared these things with Koraidon before.

  But as Koraidon absorbed what Naoki said, it was struck by a s realization: it wouldn’t be able to stay with Naoki forever. Wheime came, and it had to leave, who would be there to proteaoki?

  "Raao!"

  The thought caused Koraidon to suddenly stand up, its golden eyes widening in arm. It began pag, its movements frantic.

  This won’t do!

  But what should it do?

  An idea fshed through Koraidon’s mind.

  Got it! It should teach its younger self some skills so that its past version could proteaoki in its pce!

  Seeing Koraidon’s sudden burst of activity, Naoki could only sigh in exasperation.

  "...Calm down," he said gently, "We don’t o think about things like that right now. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I’ve got plenty of life left in me!"

  It felt a little unlucky to talk about death so casually, and Naoki quickly waved his hands to end the topic.

  "Alright, alright! Let’s stop talking about that!"

  Hearing Naoki’s words, Koraidon paused, visibly rexing.

  Naoki exhaled, relieved. "See? There’s o worry about that kind of thing."

  Koraidon nodded. "Raao!" (Got it!)

  Seeing its mood improve, Naoki couldn’t help but smile. He reached out pyfully, ping Koraidon’s nostrils. "Alright then, I’ll sleep on the floor with you tonight!"

  It was a small gesture, but Naoki k would help reassure Koraidon.

  As Alder had once said, no one could predict the future. What mattered most was cherishing the present and enjoying every moment with one’s Pokémon.

  Hearing Naoki’s words, Koraidon’s eyes sparkled with joy. Without warning, it tackled Naoki to the ground, pinning him with its massive cws before lig his face with its big tongue.

  Naoki, now covered in sticky Pokémon slroaned silently.

  Never mind... as long as Koraidon was happy.

  O had fis affeate assault, Naoki stood up, wiping his face. "Alright, go py with everyone! I brought back a new Pokémon today, and now I o help it settle in."

  Koraidon nodded eically before bounding off to joihers.

  Naoki watched it for a moment before heading off to find the perfect spot for Snorx on the ranch.

  Meanwhile, Koraidon approached Cyclizar, its gaze serious as it stared into its younger self’s eyes.

  ...

  Finding a suitable spot for Snorx on the ranch wasn’t as plicated as it seemed.

  Snorx was a remarkably easy-going Pokémon. It didn’t care much about its surroundings—whether it had a roof over its head or not. As long as the enviro wasn’t too extreme, like a frozen tundra or an active volo, it could happily sleep anywhere.

  After a quick survey of the ranaoki’s eyes nded on the open space across the river. The area acious and peaceful, making it a perfect spot for Snorx.

  He also sidered the Pokémon’s uraits.

  Slides, seesaws, sand pits, tree swings, and maybe even a trampoline using Snorx’s soft belly...

  The ideas made Naoki chuckle, and he immediately crossed the stone bridge to the other side of the river.

  Standing in the open clearing, he pulled Snorx’s Poké Ball from his pocket.

  "Alright, let’s try this out," he said, tossing the ball.

  In a fsh of white light, Snorx materialized on the grass, already lying on its bad sn loudly.

  Naoki chuckled softly. "So gentle... and its belly really could work as a trampoline."

  With a pyful grin, Naoki carefully climbed onto Snorx’s massive belly, grabbing handfuls of its plush fur for bance.

  Soon, Naoki rawled out across Snorx’s enormous belly, which was delightfully bound as soft as a water bed.

  Snorx: zzZ

  “You’re still sleeping soundly, huh?” Naoki muttered, boung twice to test its resilience. Snorx didn’t budge an inch, seemingly unbothered.

  Above, the sky stretched in a vibrant blue, adorned with fluffy white clouds. A gentle breeze swept across the vast, open fields that extended as far as the eye could see.

  Naoki y back against Snorx’s belly, his expression curious and amused, treating it like an open-air bed.

  Two words came to mind: pure bliss.

  It wasn’t just children—adults would also love Snorx’s unique charm.

  After lounging for a while, Naoki relutly stood up, brushing fur from his clothes. He g the surrounding greenery, his mind already buzzing with ideas for the area.

  “First, we’ll pnt a big tree o Snorx,” he mused aloud. “I’ll hang a wooden swing from its branches so my Pokémon and I enjoy the breeze while swinging.”

  He paused, envisioning the se. “, we’ll dig out a rge sandpit right here. Fill it with golden sand for building sandcastles and basking in the sun.”

  Finally, Naoki decided, “We’ll set up a slide and a seesaw over on that side.”

  In his mind, the perfect rexation park was already taking shape, with Snorx at its heart.

  Sandpits and swings were easy te—all it required was a trip to town for supplies. As for the big tree, he po enlist the help of the Calyrex to speed up its growth.

  True to his word, Naoki got started that very afternoon. He drove into town to p order for lumber and purchased a sapling guarao grow tall and sturdy from Hugh’s Seed Shop.

  He then visited the department store to buy a brightly colored slide and seesaw. To plete his preparations, Naoki made a detour to the beach, where he loaded the truck with fine, golden sand before returning to the ranch.

  With everything gathered, Naoki rallied his Pokémon to help bring his vision to life.

  Using a hammer and screws, they worked together to install the slide and seesaw on the grassy field. They dug a rge pit with shovels, carefully spreading the truckload of sand inside.

  , Naoki phe sapling at the ter of the park and called on Calyrex to lend its power.

  In a fsh of green energy, the tiny sapling transformed into a majestic tree nearly eight meters tall, its thick branches swayily in the breeze.

  The final touch was assembling the swing and seg it firmly to the sturdy tree.

  By the time evening arrived, the sky ainted with hues e and pink. Naoki stood at the edge of the newly pleted park, beaming as he addressed the gathered Pokémon.

  “Alright, everyone! From now on, this is your new py area. Have fun!”

  He hadn’t even finished speaking before aed group of Pokémon charged toward the park.

  Ogerpon eagerly explored the swing, quickly figuring out how to sit and sway bad forth with ease. Its delighted giggles filled the air.

  Dragonairs took an immediate liking to the slide, flying up to the top befliding down with excited hums.

  Meanwhile, G and Alcremie tentatively approached Snorx. After some cautious poking and a reassuring nod from Naoki, they began hopping onto Snorx’s belly, treating it like a trampoliheir ughter echoed across the ranch as they bounced and pyed.

  Watg his Pokémon enjoy themselves in the park he had created filled Naoki with pure joy.

  Determithen the boween Snorx and the other Pokémon, Naoki headed back to the house. He rummaged through his berry stash and prepared twe batches of Glutton Poké Blocks, crafting them with care.

  Ohe Poké Blocks were ready, he returo the park and hahe treats to the eager Pokémon.

  “As a thank-you for letting you all py on its belly, give this gift to Snorx!” Naoki said with a smile. “And don’t fet to say thank you to it.”

  “Pawmot!”

  Pawmot nodded eagerly, took the two boxes of Poké Bloaoki handed over, and dashed back to Snorx with them.

  Snorx, still half-asleep, she air as the entig aroma of the Poké Blocks reached its nose. Slowly, it opes drowsy eyes.

  In front of it stood a group of tiny, cheerful Pokémon. They were smiling up at Snorx, expressing their gratitude and the delicious treats.

  For a moment, Snorx stared in mild fusion, clearly taken aback by this ued gesture.

  But soon, it recovered, took the two boxes of Poké Blocks, and swallowed them in a single gulp.

  Feeling full and tent, Snorx let out a deep, satisfied sigh, stretched its limbs, and reed bato the grass. Its enormous belly y exposed, inviting the small Pokémon to tinue using it as a trampoline.

  Naoki stood at a short distance, watg the heartwarming se unfold. A smile spread across his face.

  “Perfect,” he murmured. “The amusement park is a success.”

  on his list was creating a Wooloo ranch to raise the fluffy sheep Pokémon. But before diving into his projeaoki decided he deserved a good night’s rest.

  After a long and productive day, he returned home, eager to enjoy the delicious dihat sister Indeedee had prepared for him.

  Meanwhile, in the Johtion...

  In a coastal city called Alto Mare, the expedition team had finally arrived after a long sea journey.

  Alto Mare was a stunning city of waterways, with intricate als winding through its streets. As the m sun cast its gentle light, the ey seemed to glow with a tranquil radiance.

  Residents navigated the als in ft-bottomed boats, their Pokémon apanying them as they began their daily routines.

  The harmonious sounds of market vendors, flowing water, and the chimes of the grand cathedral’s bells iwined, creating a lively yet seremosphere.

  At the very top of the cathedral, unnoticed by the bustling crowd below, stood a Zapdos. Its sharp, pierg eyes sed the city while a small satchel rested across its side.

  Beside it were two smaller Pokémon: a Teddiursa and a Mew.

  Teddiursa stood at the edge of the cathedral roof, gazing over the vibrant city with awe. Its round eyes reflected the beauty of the als, markets, and the colorful hustle and bustle below.

  “Ursa!” (How beautiful!)

  Mew’s bright, azure eyes sparkled with excitement as it observed the humans and Pokémon scurrying through the streets and the tempting aroma wafting from food stalls.

  “Mew!” it chirped, turning to Teddiursa. (Let’s go get some snacks!)

  Teddiursa nodded eagerly in agreement.

  The two Pokémon turoward Zapdos.

  Zapdos, t and majesticed at them with mild amusement before letting out a resigned sigh. “Zap.” (Go ahead. I’ll stay here and wait.)

  Its imposing size made it difficult to move unnoticed in a crowded city, so it opted to remain on the rooftop.

  “Mew~!”

  “Ursa~!”

  Mew and Teddiursa happily grabbed a few wild berries from Zapdos’s satchel before leaping gracefully off the cathedral roof.

  Before nding, Mew silently transformed its appearance, shapeshifting into a small Totodile. Disguised as the pyful Water-type Pokémon, it joieddiursa in blending into the crowd.

  The pair scampered down the cobblestoreets until they reached a cozy food stall brimming with delicious treats. Their eyes lit up as they spotted the died berries on dispy.

  The shopkeeper, a kind, elderly woman with white hair, noticed the two Pokémon and broke into a warm smile.

  “Well, aren’t you two adorable?” she said. “Are you hungry? Would you like some died berries? Here, have a taste!”

  She hahem two skewers of died berries.

  Teddiursa and Meted the treats gratefully, pg several wild berries and small pearls on the ter in exge.

  Naoki had taught them an important lesson: If you want something in a human town, eal it. Always offer something in exge.

  The old woman blinked in surprise, touched by their thoughtfulness. Her smile grew even warmer.

  “Oh my, you’re paying for the berries? olite little darlings you are! Here, have two more skewers. These are on the house.”

  With their purchases secured, Mew and Teddiursa waved goodbye and darted bato the alleyways, their bellies full and their hearts light.

  But just as they were about to return to Zapdos, Teddiursa froze mid-step. Its ears twitched, and it turned abruptly, staring down the alley.

  “Mew?”

  Mew, now ba its inal form, tilted its head in fusion before following Teddiursa’s gaze.

  Standing at the end of the alley was a young girl in a short skirt. Her wide, curious eyes were fixed on Mew.

  Before either Pokémon could react, the girl darted forward, leaning in close to i Mew’s shimmering body.

  “Mew!”

  “Ursa…” Teddiursa murmured uneasily.

  Suddenly, the girl’s expression softened, and she broke into a radiant smile.

  Then, her form began to shift.

  The girl’s body transformed, her silhouette being sleeker and more streamlined. Her lower half turned a vivid red, shaped like jet wings. Her feet resembled fins, and a blue triangle emblem appeared on her chest.

  Her upper body remained white, with red markings around her fad triangur ears. A white pentagonal pattern adorned her forehead.

  It was her than Latias.

  The legendary Pokémon blinked with an i, pyful glint in her eyes and smiled warmly at the stunned pair.

  For a moment, Mew and Teddiursa stood frozen, their astonishment mirrored in their wide eyes.

  ...

  Bonus Chapter