"Are you ready?" Naoki asked.
"Ready!" Elara clenched her fists, her face glowing with determination.
Beside her, Larvesta, Dratini, and her Terapagos all barked and chirped their own enthusiastic responses.
"Hahaha!" Alder burst out laughing at the sight. "That's the spirit! Since you're all so eager for class, let's begin right away!"
"Yeah!" Elara and her Pokémon cheered together.
The lesson was held in the wide, open pasture.
Alder stood with his arms folded, his mighty Volcarona hovering majestically by his side.
Across from him stood Elara, with Larvesta nestled in her arms and Dratini coiled at her feet.
Naoki, along with Koraidon, Ogerpon, and a few other Pokémon, watched from the sidelines.
"Before we talk about how to raise a Larvesta, we need to understand what makes it special," Alder began in a steady, teacherly tone. "Elara, do you know what Larvesta's special Abilities are?"
Elara immediately raised her hand. "Flame Body and Swarm!" Her dad had already told her about this!
"That's right," Alder nodded approvingly. "When Larvesta enters battle, the fiery power inside it surges to the surface, wrapping its entire body in scorching heat. Any opponent who makes physical contact risks being burned by those flames."
"And with Swarm, when Larvesta's stamina gets low, its Bug-type moves grow stronger and stronger, allowing it to unleash truly devastating attacks."
He looked at her seriously. "So then, Elara, do you know which Ability your Larvesta has?"
Elara paused, thinking back on their training together. She remembered how Larvesta's body would grow incredibly hot during battles… and how once, when she'd reached out to touch it afterwards, she nearly burned her hand.
"It's Flame Body!" she declared.
"Exactly." Alder's smile widened. "Yes, your Larvesta's Ability is Flame Body."
He continued, his voice rich with the rhythm of a seasoned teacher. "As a Pokémon with both Fire and Bug typing, Larvesta has a natural advantage against Steel, Grass, Ice, Fairy, Fighting, and even other Bug-types. In those battles, its attacks will deal serious damage."
"But…" His tone shifted, growing more serious. "With strength comes weakness. Against Flying, Rock, and Water-types, Larvesta will be at a disadvantage."
"As a Trainer, you must never rely only on favorable matchups. You must also learn to adapt in tough battles, using your Pokémon's other moves and strategies to fight back."
He chuckled lightly. "Of course, that lesson is a little advanced for today. For now, the most important thing for Larvesta is learning to control its flames, to train and refine their heat."
"When its fire burns at the proper intensity, Larvesta will one day evolve into the legendary Volcarona."
Alder's eyes gleamed as he leaned closer. "And as for training Larvesta's flames… your uncle just happens to have a special secret technique."
He smiled knowingly. Over the years, Alder had guided many young Trainers, Grimsley, Cheren, and countless others. But never before had he taught someone raising a Larvesta.
This technique had never been passed down. Until now.
Elara was different. She was the one who would carry on this secret training, raising her Larvesta into a Champion-level Volcarona.
'If she weren't Naoki's daughter,' Alder thought to himself, 'I'd want to make her my apprentice and train her personally.'
But she was Naoki's daughter, and he trusted his old friend to guide her Pokémon well.
Still, as Naoki's friend, Alder was more than happy to share everything he knew.
"Elara, listen carefully!" Alder said firmly.
Elara frowned, her hands tugging nervously at her sleeves. "But Uncle Alder… you just said so much already. I don't think I can remember it all…"
Alder burst into laughter. "Don't worry, I've written everything down in this notebook. If you ever forget, you can look it up. And if something still doesn't make sense, just ask me anytime."
From his coat, he produced a notebook bound in red leather.
It was obvious he had come to Paldea well prepared.
Elara accepted the book with wide eyes, holding it as if it were a treasure. Uncle Alder was truly so kind to her!
"Elara, remember to thank your uncle," Naoki reminded gently.
She blinked, then quickly bowed her head. "Thank you, Uncle Alder!"
"Hahaha!" Alder laughed heartily and reached out to pat her head. "I can't wait to see what kind of Trainer you'll grow up to be!"
"Yeah! I'll work hard with everyone!" Elara replied, nodding with fiery determination.
Naoki stood at the side, watching them with a proud smile.
Alder ended up staying at the ranch for nearly a month.
During that time, Elara and her Larvesta trained tirelessly under his guidance.
With Alder's professional expertise, his secret flame-training techniques, and Naoki's carefully prepared Pokémon meals, Larvesta's strength grew at an astonishing pace.
One bright, sunny day, Naoki personally tested the temperature and intensity of Larvesta's flames.
Compared to a month ago, the fire's heat and power had increased nearly threefold.
Such rapid growth in only a month was incredible.
Perhaps it was because Larvesta had been hatched in the Nursery Treehouse, blessed with such a special origin?
"Daddy, how is it?" Elara asked eagerly, clutching Larvesta in her arms.
Naoki gave her a thumbs-up. "You'd better thank Uncle Alder again later."
"Yes!" she chirped with joy.
Life returned to a busy but happy rhythm.
Every morning and afternoon, Naoki took Elara to kindergarten, where she studied reading, writing, and other basics, before coming home for a short nap.
After school, she would rush back to the ranch to practice with Larvesta.
At night, she fell asleep curled up with Dratini in her arms, gently channeling her gift of dragon affinity to help it grow stronger.
Though Dratini sometimes envied Larvesta's rapid progress, it never felt jealous. Instead, it only drove itself to train harder, determined to catch up.
With Elara's gift, there was no doubt that it would catch up one day.
The days grew hotter, the cicadas sang in the mountains, and the river behind the ranch gurgled with summer's arrival.
Kindergarten soon closed for summer break.
One afternoon, Elara was listening intently to Ogerpon recounting her stories of Kitakami Town when an unexpected visitor arrived.
Naoki, standing beneath the eaves, froze at the sight of the young woman before him, accompanied by a towering Pokémon at her side.
It was Koraidon.
And the girl was none other than… areJuliana.
"Mr. Naoki, excuse me," areJuliana said with a polite bow.
Elara peeked from behind her father's leg, wide-eyed as she curiously studied the unfamiliar older girl.
Naoki hesitated only a moment before regaining his composure.
"Come in," he said warmly.
"Thank you," Juliana replied, stepping inside with Koraidon close behind her.
The instant the Legendary Pokémon crossed the threshold, it stiffened, its body reacting to a terrifying yet familiar aura that lingered in the house.
Koraidon turned its head with a trembling shudder.
Its golden pupils locked onto the other Koraidon across the room, the one who had once fought four opponents alone.
"Ah…"
The newcomer Koraidon flinched, quickly retreating behind Juliana in fear.
"Koraidon, calm yourself," Naoki said firmly, casting a steady look at his own partner.
At once, his Koraidon lowered its aura, the oppressive pressure fading from the air.
"I apologize," Naoki said, turning to Juliana. "It seems your Koraidon once had a conflict with mine in Area Zero."
Juliana froze for a moment, unsure how to respond. After some thought, she raised her Poké Ball and recalled her trembling Koraidon.
At that moment, Indeedee arrived with a tray, setting down a cup of tea for their guest.
Naoki spoke gently. "So then, what brings you here today?"
Juliana nodded politely. "Mr. Naoki, I heard from the Professor about your work in Area Zero. I came to ask about the origin of Terastalization.
"It's not only Area Zero where it occurs. I've learned of a distant place called Kitakami Village, where Pokémon can also Terastallize. I plan to investigate there soon."
Naoki's eyes flickered in surprise.
Just then, Elara leaned over with curiosity sparkling in her voice. "Kitakami Village? Isn't that Ogerpon's hometown?"
"Bonn!" Ogerpon bounded forward, joining Elara's side.
Three Terapagos followed after her, their round eyes blinking curiously at the unfamiliar guest on the sofa.
Juliana's eyes widened at the sight of the little girl, the masked green Pokémon, and the three unusual companions she had never encountered before.
In that moment, Naoki looked at Juliana and Elara together and felt a realization settle deep within him.
The girl who traveled with Koraidon…And the girl who traveled with Terapagos…
Both were mentioned in Professor Sada's notes.
Before he could speak, Elara tugged on his sleeve and looked up at him eagerly. "Dad, I want to go to Kitakami too! Ogerpo said they have really yummy rice cakes there!"
"Bonn~!" Ogerpon nodded emphatically, though its expression softened into sadness.
It remembered how, long ago, its trainer would often bring back rice cakes from the village.
"Bonn…"
For the first time in a while, Ogerpon longed for its old home.
"Please, Dad?" Elara asked sweetly, tilting her head as she clung to his arm.
Naoki: "…"
With a quiet sigh, he stood, walking to the bookshelf. His hand lingered for a moment before pulling free a white-covered book, its spine marked with red and violet.
He handed it carefully to Juliana.
"Take this with you to the Crystal Pool in Kitakami Village," Naoki said. "There, you'll find the answers you're looking for."
Juliana's eyes widened slightly, but then she understood. Bowing deeply, she said, "I see. Thank you so much, Mr. Naoki!"
"Also, I have another favor to ask of you," Naoki said.
"Go ahead."
"This is my daughter, Elara. I hope you can take her with you to Kitakami Village and help look after her," Naoki continued.
Hearing this, Elara's eyes lit up with joy. "Daddy, I love you the most!"
Then, turning to Juliana, she asked brightly, "Big sister, I'm Elara! Are you a Trainer too?"
Juliana blinked in surprise before nodding. "Yes, I am."
Elara's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Then… can we have a Pokémon battle?"
Naoki: "…"
He reached out, gently pulling her back. "Alright, Elara. This time, Daddy promises, you and Ogerpon can go to Kitakami Village to see where it once lived. This big sister will take care of you on the way, and Entei, Suicune, and Raikou will be with you as well."
Elara looked at Juliana with hopeful eyes.
Juliana smiled and introduced herself. "Hello! I'm Juliana."
"Hi, Sister Juliana!" Elara said, practically glowing with excitement. "Let's go on an adventure to Kitakami Village together!"
The very next day, Elara, now on summer break, set off for Kitakami Village. By her side were Juliana, her trusty Terapagos, Larvesta, Dratini, Ogerpon, and the three Legendary Beasts: Entei, Suicune, and Raikou.
Naoki stood in the pasture, silently watching them disappear into the distance.
For a moment, countless thoughts ran through his mind.
Perhaps he should go along, meet Professor Sada, and tell her everything.
But fear gripped him. He didn't know when, exactly, Professor Sada stood at this crossroads in time. A single misstep could alter the past, reshape the future, and undo everything.
It was a terrible dilemma.
Naoki remained rooted there until Elara and Juliana were gone from sight.
Nearby, Koraidon rumbled softly, sensing his partner's heavy heart.
"Gah…," it growled gently.
It had never blamed Naoki.
On the contrary, because of all they had endured together, the present moment felt all the more precious.
After all, it had chosen to return to Naoki's side.
Naoki steadied himself, drew in a deep breath, and murmured, "Thank you… Cyclizar."
—
At five o'clock that evening, Elara and Juliana arrived in Emerald Town by bus and checked into the local inn.
Juliana sat on the sofa, flipping through the white-covered Scarlet Book. From time to time, her eyes drifted toward Elara, who was carefully feeding Larvesta and Dratini. The three Legendary Beasts rested nearby, their majestic forms softened with rare expressions of affection.
Juliana: "…"
This child… she's only six years old?
Even Juliana, herself a Champion, couldn't help but feel a wave of disbelief.
Only one thought filled her mind:
'As expected of Mr. Naoki, Paldea's number one Trainer. To entrust his daughter with such a lineup…'
Not only Ogerpon, but also Larvesta and Dratini, three playful Terapagos, and beyond that, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune.
The Legendary Beasts themselves.
Just then, Elara finished feeding her partners. Noticing Juliana's gaze, she tilted her head and asked eagerly,
"Sister Juliana, will you have a Pokémon battle with us?"
Juliana blinked, then smiled softly. "Of course."
"Yay!" Elara leapt up in excitement, grabbing Juliana's arm. "Let's go right now!"