"Chiu?" (World Tree?)

  Zapdos tilted its head, genuinely perplexed. It had never heard of such a thing.

  For a Pokémon like Zapdos, moving from oory to another was nothing unusual. Over the years, it had ged homes thirty-eight times, and the abandoned power pnt was the first pce where it truly felt tent. Now, Mew and Teddiursa were inviting it to live in a pletely unfamiliar pce, and Zapdos found itself both fused and intrigued.

  Teddiursa eagerly nodded, its paws gesturing animatedly: "Ursa-Ursa!" (Yes! The World Tree! It's amazing! Calyrex loves it there too!)

  Zapdos blinked, its fusion only deepening. "Chiu?" (Calyrex? Is that another Pokémon? And what is this World Tree? How a tree be as big as a mountain?)

  Teddiursa paused, unsure of how to expin something so grand. It looked to Mew for help.

  Mew floated forward with a knowing smile, its voice cheerful aain. "Mew!" (Calyrex is a Pokémon who was once revered as a king! And of course, the World Tree is a tree! I haven't seen it myself, but I know it's there! You'll uand when you see it!)

  Zapdos's sharp beak hung open slightly in surprise, its curiosity growie its reservations. The thought of such a pce, bined with the idea of a Pokémon that was once a king, was almost too fantastical to believe.

  Still, the mention of the World Tree and the peaceful life it promised stirred something in the lightning bird. Retly, Zapdos had grown weary of the stant disturba the power pnt. Humans seemed to e in droves, eaore determiha to capture it. Even with its fearsome strength, the battles were exhausting, and it had no desire to keep living like this.

  But there was ohing Zapdos o know. In its experience, powerful Pokémon rarely weled intruders into their territories. It asked cautiously, "Chiu?" (If I go, will Calyrex drive me away?)

  Mew and Teddiursa exged surprised gnces before vigorously shaking their heads.

  "Ursa!" (Of course not!) Teddiursa said, its voice brimming with vi. "Calyrex is very kind!"

  Zapdos nodded slowly, processing their assurances.

  For a long moment, it stared at the two Pokémon standing before it. Their eyes sparkled with hope, and their siy was almost palpable. Finally, Zapdos posed o question, its voice softer this time. "Chiu?" (Why did you e all this way to invite me to live there?)

  Without hesitation, Mew answered, its tone filled with i joy: "Mew!" (Because if you live there, we aly together! We'll never have to be apart again!)

  Teddiursa nodded eagerly, its small paws g together. "Teddi!" (That's right! Zapdos, you're ood friend! We want to py with you forever and never lose you!)

  Good friend.

  Those words struck a chord deep in Zapdos's heart. It blinked, momentarily stuhe siy in Mew's and Teddiursa's eyes was undeniable.

  Zapdos felt its face grow warm, a noticeable blush spreading across its sharp features. Turning its head away, it closed its eyes and gave a quiet but clear answer: "Chirp." (If that's the case, I'll accept your invitation.)

  Hearing this, Mew and Teddiursa's eyes lit up with excitement.

  "Mew!" (Yay!) Mew cheered, its voice filled with glee.

  "Teddi!" (Hooray!) Teddiursa excimed, g its tiny paws.

  Zapdos watched their jubiion, feeling a warm glow in its heart. Was this what it meant to have good friends?

  With its mind made up, Zapdos accepted the invitation. The step was to take it back to the ranch to see the World Tree.

  Mew and Teddiursa pohe pn briefly before deg to apany Zapdos back to the ranch. They wao che the World Tree's growth aermine whether it was ready to be a home for their friend.

  Climbing onto Zapdos's back, Mew floated effortlessly into pce while Teddiursa secured itself with its small paws, ensuring they were seated fortably. With a powerful fp of its wings, Zapdos took off, electricity crag faintly around it. Leaving behind the power pnt that had been its sanctuary for so long, it soared into the clear blue sky, heading toward its new home with its two close panions.

  The abandoned power pnt grew quiet in their abses halls once again ed by silence.

  ---

  February 9, Year 199 of the Alliance dar

  Spring had arrived, bringing new life to the ranch. The entire area bustled with activity, a harmonious rhythm carried out by the Pokémon who called it home.

  The industrious Dragonites fronite Isnd had arrived, colleg the Moo Moo Milk Naoki had prepared for delivery. Each Dragonite carefully loaded their packs before taking flight, heading toward Kosaji Town to fulfill the ers' orders.

  The Gogoats, gathered he farmnd, radiated waves of green Grass-type energy that seeped into the soil. As the vibrant energy flowed, the farmnd became a sea of glowing green vitality.

  Earlier, one of the Dragonites had used Rain Dao ehe crops were well-watered. Now, uhe bined efforts of the Dragonites and Gogoats, the fields were flourishing, each crop brimming with life.

  Nearby, the Miltank were enjoying their own form of recreation. On an open patch of grass, they rolled around vigorously, mooing happily as they exercised in their pyful way.

  Ihe ranch house's cozy living room, Calyrex sat on the sofa, watg an animated Pokémon show. The Pokémon's expressive eyes gleamed with fasation as it leaned slightly forward, utterly absorbed in the episode.

  Sinistea and Polteageist floated nearby, watg the show alongside. Ever sintering this "television," Calyrex had developed a deep fasation with the strange, box-like device. It delighted in watg cartoons and had quickly bee fond of its new hobby.

  Calyrex showed no i in human news, cooking shows, or Pokémon sce programs. Instead, his preference y firmly with cartoons that depicted heartwarming friendships between humans and Pokémon.

  He watched so ily that he didn't even notice the tea on the coffee table growing cold.

  In front of the firepot far from Calyrex, Pawmot, Alcremie, G, and Dolliv were gathered around Flutter Mane, who rawled on a soft cushion, sn gently.

  Pawmot scratched its head, its expression puzzled. "Pamo…" (Why is it sleeping during the day?)

  Alcremie shook its head, fluffing its tail. "Alcremie." (I don't kher.)

  Looking at Flutter Mane's unusually rge form, Alcremie muttered, "Mree!" (It's so big!)

  G didn't join the entary. Instead, it gazed ily at Flutter Mas sharp instincts pig up on the Pokémon's primal energy. Something about Flutter Ma... wild and untamed.

  Suddenly, Flutter Mairred, as if sensing the versation. It opes eyes, their crimson hue glowing faintly in the dim light, and fixed its gaze on Pawmot, who was standing closest.

  "Pamo!" Pawmot squeaked, startled, and fell bato the wooden floor with a thud.

  Flutter Mane's half-lidded eyes sed the group zily, still carrying the faint glow of its ghostly energy. To the smaller Pokémon, the pierg red stare was dht terrifying.

  G's fur bristled in arm as it quickly darted behind Pawmot. Alcremie's whipped cream topping wobbled in fear, and Polteageist hid behind its teapot, peering cautiously out.

  For a moment, the room fell silent as Flutter Mane yawned widely, baring its sharp fangs. Then it suddenly let out a soft but resonant sound: "Mrrreeam."

  "Alcremie!" (Ahh!)

  "Bu-yi!"

  "Pamo!"

  The Pokémon jumped in fright. G's fur stood up on end like static, Alcremie's whipped cream practically shot into the air, Dolliv covered its spout, and Pawmot stumbled back, its small hammer clutched tightly in both paws.

  But even in its fright, Pawmot took a deep breath and stepped forward, holding its tiny hammer firmly. It stood between Flutter Mane and the others, its eyes narrowed iermination. Pawmot was ready to protect its friends.

  Pawmot ched its tiny hammer, steeling itself. It couldn't run away—not if it wao live up to its dream of being "Superhero Pawmot," the protector of its friends. The Pokémon around it were ting on it to stand firm.

  Flutter Mane seemed intrigued by the defiant stance of the little Pokémon. A spark of wild energy fshed in its crimsohe primal instincts of a battles stirring within it. Its fighting spirit was roused, and it let out a sound that was both a growl and a pyful invitation to duel.

  Just as the tension reached its peak, the door to the room swung open, and Naoki stepped ih Koraidon and Cyclizar trailing behind him.

  "...What's going on in here?" Naoki's voice broke the silence.

  Frightened, Alcremie, Dolliv, and Gmediately bolted behind Naoki for safety, peeking out cautiously from their hiding spots. Meanwhile, Flutter Mane didn't seem fazed at all. It kept its gaze locked on Pawmot, its i clear: it wanted a fight.

  Flutter Ma out anrowling sound, its stance firm as it issued a direct challeo the Pokémon.

  Pawmot froze for a moment, startled by the proposition. This Pokémon wao fight it? Then, it remembered everything it had been through—all the training and growth that had brought it to this point. It wasn't the same timid Pokémon it once was.

  With newfouermination, Pawmot gripped its hammer tightly and shouted back with resolve, "Pamo!" (Bring it on!)

  Koraidon, the se, sighed deeply, shaking its head as if to say, "Here we go again…"

  "Wait, are they really about to fight?" Naoki asked, gng at Koraidon for firmation.

  Koraidon nodded with a resigned look. "Raao…" (It seems so.)

  "I see…" Naoki said, relief washing over him. For a moment, he'd worried that Flutter Mane had lost trol and might have attacked the others. But it was clear now—Flutter Mane wasn't being aggressive; it simply wao spar with Pawmot.

  "You really scared me for a sed there," Naoki muttered, shaking his head. Then he raised his voice to address the two Pokémon. "Alright, if yoing to spar, let's take this outside! I'll be the referee of the match!"

  Flutter Mane's crimson eyes gleamed with excitement, and Pawmot's grip on its hammer tightened. Both Pokémon were ready for their showdown.

  Naoki saw this as the perfect ce to test Flutter Mane's strength while also giving Pawmot an opportunity to showcase its progress.

  He led the group to an open field he sheepfold, ahat had been specially prepared for the Grass Trial. The space was ideal—ft, grassy, and rge enough for the two Pokémon to battle safely.

  Naoki first asked Koraidon to expin the modern battle rules to Flutter Mane: in this era, victory is determined not by defeating an oppoo the point of harm but simply by rendering them uo titling.

  Flutter Mane listetentively and nodded silently, responding in its soft, haunting voice, "Mrrreeam..." (Uood.)

  "Well the ready!" Naoki stood at the referee's position. Oh Pokémon were in pce, he blew the whistle hanging around his neck.

  The sharp sound of the whistle marked the official start of the match.

  Pawmot was the first to act. With a burst of speed, it leaped into the air, its small frame moving with surprising agility. In its paw, the Thunder Hammer crackled with electriergy as it swung the on toward Flutter Mane.

  Flutter Mane's crimson eyes gleamed with excitement. Instead of dodging the attack, it charged straight ahead, letting out a battle cry that echoed through the open field.

  As it advanced, Flutter Mane's body shimmered with a radiant, jewel-like light.

  "Is that Pem?" Naoki excimed, his voice filled with surprise.

  He had expected Flutter Mao dodge or ter with a more strategic move, but instead, the a Pokémohe attack head-on. Its wild and fearless approach was a testament to its primitive roots, where strength and boldness ruled above all else.

  "Such a dired brutal battle style," Naoki murmured, the fierce determination on Flutter Mane's face. He couldn't help but admire its resolve.

  In mid-air, the two Pokémon collided.

  Pawmot's Thunder Hammer struck Flutter Mane's head with a loud crack, discharging a surge of electriergy that cshed violently with the shimmering light of Pem. The resulting explosio shockwaves through the field, scattering dust and debris.

  Both Pokémon were blown backward from the force of the impabsp;

  Despite the pain, Flutter Mane's eyes glowed brighter with exhiration. Its fighting spirit surged, overflowing with raw energy. It let out a guttural roar and raised its wing-like cws high, beating them against its spectral chest like a goril challenging its rival.

  As its cws moved, a Shadow Ball began to form in mid-air, its dark energy swirling and densing into a sphere of malevolent power. Flutter Mane gripped the Shadow Ball in its cws before ung it toawmot with a mighty throw.

  Pawmot swiftly asded into the air, skillfully dodging the ining Shadow Ball. As it rose, electric sparks crackled around its Thunder Hammer. With precise trol, Pawmot hurled the electrified hammer directly toward Flutter Mane.

  This time, Flutter Mane didn't charge recklessly. Instead, it mimicked Pawmot's evasive maneuver and dodged the attack gracefully. The hammer zipped past its spectral form, missing it entirely.

  Flutter Ma out a small, satisfied hum, thinking it had successfully avoided the strike. But just then, Pawmot's expression shifted into a mischievous grin.

  "Pawmot…" (Not so fast…)

  With a quick flick of its paw, Pawmot activated its ability to recall the Thunder Hammer. As if magized, the hammer spun back toward Flutter Ma incredible speed.

  From the sidelines, Naoki's eyes widened in astonishment. "When did Pawmot get this good with its hammer?"

  The se pyed out as if in slow motion. Flutter Maill unaware of the danger behind it, was struck from behind by the electrified hammer. The impaocked it forward, and at the same time, a surge of lightning enveloped its entire body.

  Caught in the dual assault of the hammer's ford the searing current, Flutter Mane was overwhelmed. Its glowing form faltered as it let out a soft cry before colpsing to the ground, uo tihe fight.

  Pawmot calmly extes paw, and the Thunder Hammer returo its grip as if obeying an unspoken and. Standing tall, the electrion surveyed the field with an air of triumph. Its bright red cape billowed dramatically in the wind, adding to its majestic appearance.

  In that moment, Pawmot exuded an undeniable charisma.

  "Alcremie!" Alcremie excimed from the sidelines, g enthusiastically. "Mree!" (That was amazing!)

  G nodded, its icy fur bristling with excitement. "Bu-yi!" (So cool!)

  Naoki approached the fallen Flutter Mah a sigh aly fed it a bottle of life-giving goat's milk.

  If he remembered correctly, Flutter Mane's base stats made it a formidable oppo in many respects. Its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed all boasted an impressive 135, giving it overwhelming power in ranged and tactical battles. However, its gring weaknesses y in its low base HP and Physical Defense, both sitting at a frail 55.

  For a Pokémon like Flutter Mane, which thrived on speed and special attacks, directly engaging in close bat oor choice. Yet, this a paradox Pokémon seemed determio prove itself as a "macho warrior," charging headlong into physical frontations it was ill-suited for.

  Flutter Mairred as the revitalizing milk worked its magic. Slowly, it opes eyes. The first thing it saw was Naoki, and then Pawmot floating nearby, looking at it with .

  "Feelier?" Naoki asked softly.

  Pawmot chimed in, its eyes bright with siy. "Pawmot?" (Are you alright?)

  Flutter Mane blinked in surprise, staring at Pawmot i murmured, "Mrrream…" (You're incredible…)

  Just then, Koraidon stepped forward with a knowing look and said, "Raao!" (I told you, didn't I? Naoki's Pokémon are all super strong!)

  Flutter Mane's pupils dited as it gnced between Naoki and Koraidon, its excitement growing. "Mrrream?" (Do you think I could bee that strong too?)

  Koraidon nodded firmly, its scales gleaming uhe sunlight. "Raao!" (If you listen to Naoki, absolutely!)

  Memories of past struggles fshed through Flutter Mane's mind—losing battles, being driven out of territories, and wandering aimlessly. The promise of strength was too tempting to resist.

  Its resolve solidified. With wide eyes and newfouermination, Flutter Mauro Naoki, its voice ringing with excitement. "Mrrream!" (I'll listen! I want to bee stronger!)