Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 262: 261



"I am the King of Bountiful Harvests; you have nothing to fear," Calyrex spoke gently, looking down at the teapot before him.

He radiated a calming warmth toward the little Pokémon living within the teapot.

Polteageist felt this warmth and cautiously lifted the lid with its head, peeking at the mysterious Pokémon in front of it.

Calyrex smiled kindly, and Polteageist's eyes sparkled, looking far less frightened than before. It sensed no ill will from Calyrex.

Watching from nearby, Mike grinned, chuckling, "Looks like Polteageist has really taken a liking to your Pokemon! With him around, there's nothing to worry about. Once you're home, just let him keep them company, and they'll settle in nicely!"

By this time, Calyrex had gently picked up Polteageist.

At first, Polteageist looked a bit unsure, but then Naoki heard Calyrex say, "Just stay close to me for now."

Polteageist paused, then cheerfully agreed, twisting its small form. Two tiny purple legs stretched from the bottom of the teapot as it left Calyrex's hands, floating contentedly beside the crown atop Calyrex's head. It looked like a charming teapot ornament, perfectly suited to him.

"Next," Mike said, "you should use the Poké Balls to catch them. I couldn't get them to cooperate fully, so it'll be up to you to make them feel at home."

Naoki nodded; that made sense.

He took out two Poké Balls from his bag, tossing one gently at Sinistea on the table. The Poké Ball tapped Sinistea, turning it into a red light and drawing it inside. After a few small shakes, the ball stilled. Whether Sinistea accepted him or was simply too small to resist, the capture was complete.

Regions like Hisui had all sorts of methods for catching Pokémon, most of which didn't even require battle.

Some techniques included sneaking up from behind to catch Pokémon off guard or engaging them physically, dodging their attacks until they tired out, and then throwing a Poké Ball just as they were exhausted.

Various tools were also useful, like mud balls, smoke bombs, sticky globes, and berries.

Satisfied, Naoki put away Sinistea's Poké Ball.

Then he approached Polteageist, who was now looking at him curiously.

"From now on, we'll make a home together," Naoki said gently. "I'll take you back to a safe place where no Pokémon can harm you. And I promise to prepare delicious tea for you."

Polteageist looked at him with wide, coffee-like eyes, as if weighing his words.

Calyrex nodded warmly beside him. "I'll be going with Naoki too," he added reassuringly. The little head of Polteageist tilted thoughtfully for a moment before nodding.

It had decided to trust this human and his Pokémon friend.

"Then let's make it official, Polteageist!" Naoki said warmly, holding out a Poké Ball in front of the ghostly teapot hovering nearby.

Polteageist looked at the Poké Ball, a bit curious, and after a few seconds of hesitation, reached out a tiny hand to touch the button on it.

As soon as it touched the button, the teapot and its spirit form were drawn into the Poké Ball. It shook twice and then clicked still, indicating a successful capture!

Naoki couldn't help but smile, delighted to have added an authentic Sinistea and Polteageist set to his team.

With his goal achieved, it was time to head back to Paldea!

As expected, when the moment arrived, Mike felt compelled to ask, "Are you sure you won't stay in Galar? I'd be happy to offer you a generous annual salary if you do!"

A trainer of Naoki's skill would be valued anywhere, and for his company, signing a trainer like him could be an incredible opportunity.

Naoki could sense the sincerity in Mike's offer but simply smiled and shook his head. "Thank you very much, but I prefer my quiet life back home."

Realizing Naoki had made up his mind, Mike felt a pang of disappointment. "Are you sure you're not working for the Paldean League?"

The strength Naoki had shown seemed far beyond that of an ordinary trainer, and Mike could hardly believe he didn't belong to any league.

But Naoki's answer only surprised him more. "No, I'm actually a rancher. I run a small farm with my Pokémon."

"A... rancher?" Mike was dumbfounded. Had he heard that right?

Naoki nodded. "Yep, I raise Pokémon and grow crops—just a simple farm life."

Mike's mind raced as he took this in. 'Ranching, raising Pokémon, farming... could it really be true?' He couldn't help but imagine a scenario: what if this young man was once a renowned champion who, after years of battling, decided to retire to a peaceful life with his Pokémon?

The thought amused and amazed Mike. The idea of a former champion choosing such a quiet life showed remarkable resolve, something rare and admirable.

Mike finally sighed with a bittersweet smile, realizing that no amount of money could sway someone with such a steadfast heart. "If only I'd met you earlier," he murmured wistfully.

For a moment, Naoki felt a bit lost in Mike's words. But after a brief pause, he simply smiled and began to say his goodbyes: "We should be heading out. If you ever find yourself in the Paldea region, stop by Naoki Ranch in Kosaji Town. We'd love to welcome you!"

'Paldea region... Naoki Ranch in Kosaji Town.'

Mike mentally noted the location.

Naoki didn't say much more. He gave a nod to Mike, then headed down the stairs with Koraidon and the King of Bountiful Harvests by his side.

Koraidon carried the large bag of Corviknight feathers without complaint, as Naoki wasn't quite strong enough to manage it alone. Every time this happened, Naoki couldn't help but appreciate Koraidon's unwavering reliability.

By sunset, they arrived at Wyndon Station, ready to catch the last train to Hulbury. From there, they'd board a ship to Paldea.

The Galar region's steam trains were remarkably fast; in four hours, they reached Hulbury just as the clock struck 5 PM, perfectly timed for the last ship to Paldea.

Once aboard, Naoki, Koraidon, and Calyrex found a spot on the deck, gazing at the receding shoreline of Galar. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sea as the ship's whistle sounded, signaling their journey home.

As the Galar region slowly faded from view, the bustling port town of Hulbury blurred into the distance, its lighthouse becoming a faint twinkle against the evening sky.

Naoki, standing on the deck, turned to his companions, Koraidon and Calyrex, who shared his gaze toward the horizon.

"This trip to Galar was truly amazing," Naoki thought joyfully. He'd not only befriended the majestic Glastrier and Spectrier, but even the King of Bountiful Harvests had chosen to join him. Along the way, he'd encountered legendary Pokémon like Zacian and Zamazenta, and to top it all off, he'd acquired a genuine set of Sinistea and Polteageist teaware.

But more than these treasures, Naoki was most excited about returning home to his ranch and seeing all the familiar faces again.

He wondered how everyone on the ranch was doing.

'Were there challengers attempting the Green Grass Trial? Had the little blacksmith Pokémon finished forging its hammer? Had Naclstack evolved into Garganacl? Was Miltank adjusting well to its winter feed now that the fresh grass was gone? And were any new Pokémon visiting the cozy little tavern they'd built together?'

"Have Mew and Teddiursa sent back any postcards or souvenirs from their latest travels?"

The air was getting colder each day. Naoki thought of Combee and Butterfree, who had likely retreated to the warmth of the glass greenhouse by now.

He was eager for answers to all these thoughts. He missed everyone back on the ranch, just as much as they missed him.

Calyrex watched as Galar slowly faded into the distance. Memories of the past drifted through his mind-the once-prosperous land of Galar, the humans who revered him with offerings, the disaster that spread across the region, and his coronation ceremony at the Crown Shrine.

Then came his time of weakness, his energy spent, his beloved steed gone, and a long, lonely sleep in the snowy wilderness. Even after he awoke, he wandered aimlessly, his memories clouded, until he found himself alone on the vast fields of ice.

The King's gaze was calm as he looked into the horizon, with a wisdom formed through the trials he had endured. The memories of his past could not be washed away, just like the steadfast stones of the Crown Shrine, unchanged even through the years.

But then, one day, he felt a faint warmth-a renewed faith, faintly calling to him from across

the distant land of Paldea. At first, it was puzzling, but over time, the faith grew stronger, igniting from a small spark into a grand, blazing light.

It was his faithful followers, his "little believer," spreading his name once more in that

distant land. The gentle look on the King's face softened as he closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of their devotion. When he opened them again, he knew-the past was

truly behind him.

Now, he was no longer Galar's king, a figure of reverence. From now on, he was simply Calyrex, a humble rancher's companion.

The heavy responsibilities of a king rolled away from his shoulders like a retreating tide, leaving him feeling lighter than ever before. He turned from Galar's fading shores, ready for

this new life awaiting him in Paldea.

Paldea was his new home, yet Galar would forever hold a special place in his heart.

...

It takes three days to travel back to the Paldea region from Galar.

Naoki had been busy throughout this trip, but tonight, he finally found a rare moment to relax. Instead of wandering around the deck, he picked up a packet of black tea from the ship's restaurant and returned to his cabin.

The sea was calm at night, rippling only occasionally under the glow of the full moon, which made the deep blue waters look both peaceful and mysterious.

His cabin was small, about 20 square meters, with a bed, a bedside table, and a desk by the porthole-perfect for reading and writing.

Naoki released all his Pokémon, except for Spectrier and Glastrier. Calyrex floated gracefully above the floor, while Cyclizar examined a small ship model with curious eyes.

"Raao..." Koraidon let out a soft yawn, looking sleepy.

Noticing this, Naoki chuckled and said, "If you're tired, go ahead and rest."

But at Naoki's words, Koraidon seemed to shake off its drowsiness, stretching and standing

up, now watching Naoki's hands intently as he prepared the tea.

Naoki was making a special brew for Sinistea and Polteageist. These two Pokémon had a

magical quality—they could infuse their own powers into tea, making it part of themselves. As the tea steeped, a gentle aroma spread throughout the room. [Black Tea (C): Black tea brewed from standard-quality leaves, with a hint of bitterness.

Effect: Refreshing effect, Level 1. The strong bitterness has a surprising awakening effect on anyone who drinks it, human or Pokémon.

Note: Your brewing technique brings out the tea's bitterness, giving it the punch of a strong coffee. An unexpected result.]

Naoki looked at the tea, feeling a bit unsure.

"Refreshing, huh..." he muttered, considering his creation.

He had hoped to make something enjoyable to share with Sinistea and Polteageist, perhaps as

a way to strengthen their bond. But seeing how potent the tea turned out, he suddenly

wondered if this might not be the best offering after all.

Looking up, Naoki saw that Polteageist was staring at the cup of black tea. As for Sinistea...

well, Naoki wasn't quite sure where its eyes were.

The room fell into an awkward silence. Naoki broke it with a tentative question, "So... what do you think of the taste?"

Sinistea floated back a little, clearly unimpressed by the bitter tea. Polteageist, on the othern/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

hand, moved in closer, curious.

Its body had used up quite a bit of black tea while in storage, and it seemed eager to replenish

itself.

Naoki observed with interest. "Could it be that Polteageist actually prefers bitter tea over

sweet?"

Encouraged, he slid the cup of black tea over.

Though a bit hesitant, Polteageist leaned out of its pot, took the cup with its tiny hands, and

slowly poured the tea into its pot.

In no time, the small cup was empty, and Naoki noticed Polteageist's translucent body becoming fuller as it absorbed the tea's essence.

"Wow, that's incredible!" Naoki marveled. "It's actually merging its power with the tea to

strengthen itself!"

He recalled that the Pokédex mentioned black tea infused with Polteageist's had a distinct taste and aroma-quite unique, both in flavor and fragrance.

Just then, Polteageist, who had been content moments before, suddenly looked sorrowful. Its

face drooped as if it had just tasted the bitterness of life itself.

"Ah..."

The ghost pokemon in the pot let out a sad sigh, slumping against the edge of its teapot, arms

draped over the side like a miniature, melancholy philosopher. It looked into the distance with a face full of worries, occasionally sighing deeply.

Naoki blinked, puzzled. "Um... what's going on?"

Even Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, seemed intrigued. "Why has it become so

somber?"

Naoki shrugged. "I... I'm not sure."

He racked his brain, trying to recall any tidbit of knowledge about Polteageist's behavior.

Then, a realization struck him: 'Polteageist's mood might actually be influenced by the taste

of the tea it absorbs!'

...

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