The educational stages in the Pokémon world were unique, vastly different from what Naoki had known in his previous life.
Here, there were no elementary, middle, or high schools. Instead, children only went through kindergarten, academies, and universities.
Kindergarten, for children aged six to nine, focused on the basics, teaching reading, everyday knowledge, and simple Pokémon care.
At age ten, every child faced a choice:
One path was to receive a starter Pokémon and embark on a journey, discovering the world on foot.
The other path was to enroll in a Pokémon Academy to continue studying Pokémon more deeply.
Paldea had its own renowned academy, and other regions hosted similar institutions.
Universities, meanwhile, were reserved for researchers, scholars, doctoral students, and scientists, where advanced studies in Pokémon ecology, battling, and technology took place.
For now, Elara was still only four years old, too young for school.
But Naoki, Iono, and even the ever-helpful Rotom Phone had already begun teaching her some simple words. More importantly, however, Naoki had decided it was time to begin guiding his daughter in something far greater: honing her gifts of the Viridian power and the Dragon's bond.
...
Winter had settled across Paldea.
After a heavy snowfall, the entire ranch lay blanketed in deep drifts of white.
But today, the skies were clear. The sun shone warmly on the snowy fields, and the Pokémon wasted no time bursting from their shelters, playing gleefully in the snow.
They rolled giant snowballs into snowmen, pelted each other with snowballs, and darted through mazes they'd carved into the snowbanks. Laughter and cries filled the air.
Iono stayed inside to rest and care for the baby growing in her belly.
Meanwhile, Elara bundled up and followed her father outside.
"Daddy! What are we playing today?" she asked, hopping in the snow with bright anticipation.
Were they going to build the biggest snowman ever? Or have an epic snowball fight?
Naoki chuckled, shaking his head. "Neither."
"Huh? Then what are we doing?" Elara tilted her head, puzzled.
"Today," Naoki said gently, crouching down, "I'm going to teach you how to use the two powers inside you."
He beckoned to Koraidon, who padded over, snow crunching under its claws.
"Place your hand on Koraidon's head," Naoki instructed.
Elara obeyed without hesitation.
"Now close your eyes. Don't use words, speak with your heart. Listen for Koraidon's thoughts."
The little girl squeezed her eyes shut, her mittened hand resting on Koraidon's warm head.
In her mind, she whispered, "Koraidon, can you hear me?"
"Agahh!"
Her eyes flew open in surprise. She had heard Koraidon's voice, not with her ears, but with her heart.
At the same time, a faint green glow shimmered from her hand.
Naoki's breath caught.
She had mastered the Viridian power… on her very first try?
'Genius.' The word flashed in his mind.
'Could it be the influence of the treehouse? That magical tree nurtured not only Pokémon… but humans too?'
"Daddy, what's this light?" Elara asked, staring wide-eyed at her glowing hand.
Naoki composed himself and explained softly, "This is the Viridian Power. It's a gift from nature itself. With it, when you place your hand on a Pokémon's head, you can hear its thoughts and share its feelings without speaking."
Her eyes widened further.
"And there's more," Naoki continued. "This power can also heal. When a Pokémon is hurt, you can ease its pain and help it recover."
"The Viridian Power…" Elara repeated softly. She had never heard of it before. Then, suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Daddy! If Larvesta gets hurt, does that mean he won't need Gogoat Milk anymore?"
Naoki nodded. "That's right."
"Wow!" Elara gasped, practically bouncing in place. "That way, we'll never have to worry about Larvesta getting hurt again!"
Naoki chuckled, but raised a finger. "But remember, this power has limits. Use it too much, and your body will weaken. Unless there's no other choice, it's always better to use milk for healing."
Elara nodded seriously. "I understand, Daddy!"
Naoki looked at her fondly. Bathed in the sunlight, her green-lit hand resting gently on Koraidon's scales, she seemed almost ethereal.
This moment, her father's tender gaze, the warmth of his palm stroking her hair, Elara would carry in her heart for the rest of her life.
Naoki smiled softly and said, "Good. Now… it's time I teach you about the other power."
Naoki gently placed his hand over Elara's small one, helping guide her energy into Koraidon.
"It's called the Dragon Power," he explained softly.
"Dragon Power?" Elara repeated, blinking up at him curiously.
Naoki nodded. "It's a special gift. This power lets you form a deep telepathic bond with Dragon-type Pokémon, and it can even help them grow stronger, faster. If you master it, the Dragon Pokémon around you will flourish under your care."
Elara thought carefully. She tilted her head, recalling her Larvesta. "But Daddy… Larvesta isn't a Dragon-type. Isn't he Fire and Bug?"
Naoki chuckled. She was still getting used to remembering all the typings. "That's true. Larvesta isn't a Dragon. But…" His gaze softened as he looked toward the sky. "We actually have many Dragon friends."
Elara's eyes lit up as she gasped. "Dragonite? The ones who deliver supplies to the ranch?"
Naoki laughed knowingly. "Not those Dragonite. I know what you mean." He leaned closer, lowering his voice almost conspiratorially. "There's a place you haven't seen yet… an island near the great World Tree. A hidden island where countless Dragonite live together."
Her mouth fell open in wonder. "An island… full of Dragonite?!"
Naoki smiled at her awestruck expression. "Yes. It's a place you'll get to visit when you're older, beneath the level where the Expedition Guild is based. When the time is right, you'll go there yourself. And maybe…" He paused, letting the moment hang in the air. "Maybe a Dragonite, or even a Dratini, will choose you."
Elara's whole body trembled with excitement. "Wow!"
Her bright eyes shone like stars.
Naoki continued with a gentle smile. "If you can prove your strength to the Dragonite and earn their trust, maybe a young Dratini will choose you as its partner and travel with you."
Elara's eyes widened with curiosity. "A baby Dratini…? What do they look like?"
On the ranch, all the Dratini Naoki had once seen had long since evolved into Dragonite and joined the delivery teams. Elara had never seen their unevolved form before.
Naoki chuckled at her eagerness. "Would you like to meet them?"
She nodded so hard her hair bounced, and shouted, "Yes!"
The idea settled quickly in Naoki's mind. Staying at the ranch during the cold Paldean winter wasn't an issue, but Dragonite Island was warm year-round, like spring. It would be the perfect place to introduce Elara to the Dragon-type line and let her see them up close.
"Then it's decided. Daddy will take you to Dragonite Island so you can meet the Dratini," he said.
Elara's face glowed with anticipation.
Naoki made his preparations swiftly. He informed Iono and then spoke with Entei, Suicune, and Raikou, letting them know he would be taking Elara to the World Tree. The three Legendary Beasts nodded, agreeing to watch over the ranch while he was gone.
At last, accompanied by Larvesta, Elara followed her father through Giratina's Reverse World, the strange portal leading them into the skies above the Dragonite domain.
The scene that greeted them was breathtaking. The sky was a vivid, endless blue, the sea below sparkled like glass, and sunlight turned the waves into liquid gold. Ahead lay a lush, circular island crowned with greenery, and at its heart glimmered a clear lake.
From time to time, Dragonites soared up from the island's center, wings flashing in the light. Along the lake's edges and on the sandy beach, dozens of Dratini and Dragonair frolicked in the shallows, their serpentine bodies weaving gracefully through the waves. The entire island buzzed with life and energy.
Naoki watched fondly. Perhaps because there was no danger here, the Dragonite guardians allowed their young to leave the safety of the inner lake, letting them tumble about freely on the beach.
Elara's gaze was instantly locked on the lively scene. Her eyes sparkled. "Wow!"
Naoki chuckled. "Those small, blue ones are Dratini. And the larger, orange ones flying above? Those are Dragonites, the final evolution of Dratini."
"Dratini… Dragonite…" Elara whispered, as if tasting the names.
Just then, the group of Dragonite and their young noticed the visitors. Many of the Dragonite recognized Naoki. Their eyes lit up, and with joyous cries, they swooped over, wings stirring the air as they descended to greet him.
The younger Dratini, likely hatched within the past year or two, swam closer curiously, peeking their heads above the surf.
Naoki reached out, stroking the heads of the familiar Dragonite. "You've already evolved into Dragonite, haven't you?"
"AWoooo!" The Dragonite nodded proudly, their tails lashing in excitement, eager to show their progress.
Naoki smiled warmly. "You've worked so hard. You're incredible."
The praise left the Dragonite glowing with joy.
Soon their attention shifted to the little human girl standing shyly beside Naoki.
"Woooo?"
Far from being wary, the Dragonite approached gently, eyes wide with interest at the child's presence.
Naoki chuckled at their curiosity and introduced her. "This is Elara. She's my daughter."
The Dragonite blinked in surprise. 'Naoki had a child?'
Naoki glanced at his daughter. "Elara, why don't you say hello to the Dragonite?"
She straightened up, her little voice ringing out with confidence. "Hello, Dragonite! I'm Elara!"
"Wooo-woo!" the Dragonite chorused warmly.
Dragons naturally carried an instinctive closeness toward humans with the gift of Dragon Power. And with Naoki's aura flowing through his daughter, it didn't take long before the Dragonite were happily engaging with her in playful sparring, wings flapping and tails swishing as if they'd known her forever.
Nearby, the Dratini watched with wide, shining eyes. Their little bodies wriggled with envy, as though they wanted to join in but weren't sure if they could.
Elara caught sight of them and immediately beamed. "Dratini, do you want to play with me too?"
"Wooo!" they squeaked eagerly, nodding in unison.
Before long, Elara and the Dratini were on the beach, scooping sand with their tiny hands and tails, building lopsided sandcastles under the winter sun. The playful Dragonite even joined in, piling sand higher with their huge claws and wings, until a sprawling kingdom of sandy towers stretched across the shore.
Naoki and Koraidon stood a little ways back, watching the laughter and play. For a moment, Naoki simply basked in the joy on his daughter's face. Then a thought stirred within him. It had been years since he'd properly walked Dragonite Island. He wanted to see how the tribe was faring.
"Koraidon," he said quietly, "stay here and keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't fall into the water."
"Agas?" Koraidon tilted its head, then rumbled softly, a promise in its voice.
"I'll only be gone for a little while," Naoki reassured it.
Though it clearly wanted to follow, Koraidon finally nodded and stayed put, turning its gaze protectively back to Elara and the dragons.
So Naoki set off alone, wandering the familiar paths of Dragonite Island.
The orchard he had once helped the Dragonite plant was now flourishing, its trees heavy with fruit. The lake in the center shimmered peacefully, Dratini weaving in and out of its waters. Working Dragonite fished along the shore, while others lounged in the warm sand, resting their wings. The island had changed little, but its peace and prosperity made Naoki's chest warm.
On the far side of the island, he encountered two familiar figures: the towering giant Dragonite he had once guided here, and the venerable Dragonite Elder, wise and weathered with age.
The giant Dragonite's eyes lit up with recognition. It rushed forward, flapping its wings in delight, and expressed its gratitude in booming cries, thanking Naoki for bringing it here, for giving it a home and companions. It was happy beyond words.
The Elder Dragonite bowed its great head with dignity. It, too, offered its thanks. Under Naoki's help, the Dragonite tribe had thrived. Food was plentiful, their young grew safely, and joy filled their days.
The Elder spoke of its fondness for human food, though it stumbled over the name of its favorite.
Naoki chuckled softly. "You mean… Poffins?"
The Elder Dragonite nodded enthusiastically, eyes gleaming.
"I'll bring you some next time," Naoki promised.
The Elder let out a delighted rumble, tail swishing happily like an excited child.
Back on the beach, Elara was still deep in play, her sandcastle rising with the help of Dratini and Dragonite alike. Her eyes shone with wonder as she studied every detail of these new Pokémon.
To her, the Dratini and Dragonite were just as adorable, just as precious, as the Terapagos she played with at home.
A few Dratini had been shy at first, but now even they were playing happily in the sand.
Only one little Dratini lingered at the edge of the group, watching quietly with downcast eyes. It looked so pitiful standing apart from the others.
"Daddy said Dratini and Dragonite are Dragon-types…" Elara remembered.
This was the perfect moment to try the Dragon Power.
She reached out to the timid Dratini, closing her eyes to focus. The warmth of Dragon Power flowed gently through her as she whispered, "Dratini… won't you come and play with us?"
The little Dragon Pokémon froze.
A warm, soothing presence wrapped around its heart.
Startled, then overwhelmed with relief, it trembled with joy.
"Huh? Do you like this power?" Elara asked curiously, sensing its emotions. Then she smiled brightly. "This is Dragon Power! Daddy taught me how to use it. If you like it, I'll share it with you!"
The gentle energy pulsed through her hand again, and Dratini's tiny face lit up with happiness.
Without another thought, it slithered forward and nestled itself right into Elara's arms, chirping softly with contentment.
Some time later, Naoki returned from his walk and stopped short at the sight.
"Elara," he called gently, "it's time to head home."
"Okay, Daddy!" Elara stood up at once, brushing off sand.
But the Dratini clung to her leg, staring up with wide eyes full of reluctance.
"Wooo…" it whimpered.
Elara crouched down, stroking its smooth scales. "Be good, Dratini! I have to go home now. But I'll come play with you again next time!"
"Wooo…!" The little dragon shook its head, eyes glistening with sadness.
Elara blinked in surprise. Then she asked softly, "Dratini… do you want to come home with me?"
At once, the Dratini nodded eagerly. It could feel the magical warmth inside her, the power that would help it grow stronger, faster. And more than that, it trusted her kind heart. If this little girl could become its Trainer… then surely it could grow into something powerful one day.
Elara turned to her father, flustered. "Daddy…"
Naoki's brows twitched. This was… too fast.
Not even three hours, and already a Dratini had chased after Elara, begging to become her Pokémon.
Still, when he thought about it, it made sense. She carried the Viridian power and Dragon Power within her. To Pokémon, those gifts were irresistibly comforting. And children naturally bonded when they played together.
He exhaled slowly and asked, "Dratini wants to go with you. But are you truly willing to be its Trainer?"
Elara's eyes went wide. "Really?!"
Naoki nodded, but raised a hand to warn her. "Yes. But you're still very young. I'm not sure if you can handle taking care of two Pokémon at once…"
Before he could even finish, Elara shouted, "I'll try my best!"
Naoki nearly sighed aloud. Elara! She had no idea what she was promising.
Caring for two young Pokémon was not easy. At this stage, they were both still immature. If one ever felt she treated the other better, jealousy could easily grow.
Managing the bond between Pokémon was one of the hardest tests any Trainer would face.
...
Bonus @15000
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