Chapter 178: The Visitor
Chapter 178: The Visitor
With the construction of their new home together, Naoki and his Pokemon were filled with anticipation and dedication.
As Cri led her Machamps and the veteran builder in the construction, Naoki often stood at a distance, watching them lay the foundation, saw wood, and mix cement...
They eagerly awaited the completion of their new home, where they would begin a brand-new life together.
For Naoki, this new home held extraordinary significance.
It wasn't just a house, but a symbol of the bond between him and his Pokemon, a testament to their collective efforts. The entire ranch buzzed with a joyful atmosphere.
Amidst this anticipation, time quietly slipped by, leading to May 19th.
On this evening, as the sun began to set, Cri and her Machamps took a break from their labor. Covered in dust and dirt, Cri approached Naoki.
Cri: "By the way, Naoki, are you planning to participate in the fishing competition tomorrow?"
Naoki, who had been practicing his fishing skills over the past few days, nodded: "Yes, I plan to join if all goes well."
"Then you'd better give it your all!" Cri exclaimed. "I heard that Evan is also participating. That guy is incredibly skilled at fishing. People in town often see him walking around with a huge fish he's caught."
Naoki furrowed his brows, confused: "Why hasn't he mentioned it to me?"
"He didn't tell you?" Cri echoed his surprise, pausing to think for a moment. "Maybe he wants to give you a surprise?"
Naoki: "..."
Never mind, he thought. I'll deal with it tomorrow.
As the day drew to a close, Cri and her Machamps, along with the veteran builder, left the ranch, planning to take the morning off to attend the fishing competition.
Naoki had no objections, even though he was eager to move into his new home as soon as possible. He knew that a little more waiting wouldn't hurt.
After all, he had already waited this long; a little while longer wouldn't make a difference.
As he watched Cri's figure disappear into the distance, Naoki turned to prepare dinner for his Pokemon family.
To be in top form for the fishing competition the next day, Naoki retired early after dinner, intending to get a good night's rest.
He expected to wake up early the next morning, head to the exciting fishing competition at Unity Lake, and win first place.
However, plans often go awry.
The following morning, just as Naoki was about to set out for the competition venue, an unexpected visitor suddenly arrived at the ranch.
Naoki froze in his tracks as he beheld a ghostly figure of a girl appearing out of thin air in front of him.
She was a stunningly beautiful girl, dressed in a kimono adorned with pink sakura petals. Her long, black hair was elegantly pinned up, revealing a swan-like neck that was flawless and fair.
With a distant gaze, the girl looked fragile, as if the spark of life within her was slowly fading away.
Suddenly, the girl lifted her foot and stepped forward, treading upon a wisp of ghostly flame.
Naoki's attention was instantly captured by this unbelievable sight.
At that moment, the Motostoke Moto-Moto that was supposed to take him to the fishing competition turned its head in confusion, letting out a curious "Moto?"
Naoki glanced at the Pokemon, only to realize that it seemed completely oblivious to the girl approaching them.
Naoki paused, then widened his eyes in disbelief: "Mo- Moto, can't you see the person over there?"
The Motostoke Moto-Moto looked in the direction of his finger but saw nothing.
Nothing? Could it be a ghost appearing in broad daylight?
Naoki inhaled sharply, and suddenly, an unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind: "It's an illusion."
Before he could react, the girl walking amidst the flames suddenly erupted in a burst of fire.
It was... a Ninetales?!
Naoki's eyes widened in surprise.
At that moment, the Motostoke Moto-Moto, who had finally noticed the sudden appearance of Ninetales, let out a startled yelp.
"Garchomp?!''
Hearing the commotion, Garchomp, Dragapult, and other Pokemon came rushing over. After taking in the situation, they curiously turned their attention to the unexpected visitor, Ninetales.
Ninetales seemed unconcerned by the other Pokemon and directed its calm gaze towards Naoki.
"Bearbie and Mew told me that there's a Pokemon Tavern here that can help Pokemon fulfill their wishes."
Bearbie and Mew?
Upon hearing these names, Naoki instantly realized that Ninetales had come to the tavern! Although the tavern wasn't fully constructed yet, it wouldn't stop him from starting his business.
After a brief moment of thought, Naoki asked, "Do you have a wish that you want to be granted?"
Ninetales remained silent, and a glimmer flashed through its crimson eyes.
Then, to Naoki's surprise, the surroundings began to transform.
The ranch disappeared, and in its place stood an ancient mansion.
A girl in a kimono rushed into the mansion, anxiously cradling a wounded Vixen in her arms. She pleaded with the mansion's owner, "Please save this Vixen!"
Naoki could see that the Vixen was injured.
The owner of the mansion agreed to help and treated the Vixen's wounds.
From that day on, the Vixen stayed with the girl, accompanying her as she grew up. As time passed, the Vixen slowly grew older and larger until it reached the end of its life.
The girl's hair turned white, and the Vixen evolved into a Ninetales.
Ninetales stood guard at the girl's gravesite, unwilling to leave. As time flowed like a river, the world underwent drastic changes. A forest sprouted, and the tombstone was eventually swallowed by the passage of time.
After witnessing the illusion created by Ninetales, Naoki felt a surge of emotion.
He asked, "Is this your wish? To see her one last time?"
Ninetales looked at Naoki and nodded gently. "My life is coming to an end. Before I fade away, I want to see her one more time."
Naoki was silent. While he had the desire to help Pokemon fulfill their wishes, he wasn't a wish-granting machine, nor could he send Ninetales back in time like the Time God, Dialga.
Seeing the expression on Naoki's face, a hint of disappointment flashed in Ninetales' eyes. "Is it impossible?"
"Actually, I'm just an ordinary human," Naoki admitted.
Hearing this, Ninetales turned and started to walk away.
As Naoki watched its retreating figure, his mind raced, and suddenly, he remembered a dish he had made in the past.
- Caramel Cream Fruit Cake!
The effect of that cake was 'Sweet Dream', which could help Pokemon temporarily forget their worries and sadness and allow them to see whoever they wished for in their dreams.
With newfound determination, Naoki called out, "Wait!"
Ninetales turned around, curious.
"Do you just want to see her one last time?" Naoki asked. "No matter the form?"
Ninetales nodded slightly.
"In that case, follow me," Naoki said. "I can make it happen."
(End of Chapter)
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