Humans and Pokémon are both parts of this world.
As a transmigrator, Raven knew very well that humans and Pokémon could indeed live together.
But how could he reach peace with the Minccino?
Raven sank into thought.
The knights nearby stood with weapons in hand, watching the little beasts warily.
For a moment, both sides were locked in a standoff.
The Minccino's tiny faces were full of fury. They showed no intention of backing down.
These humans had cut down the great trees they lived in, destroyed their homes. They were determined to drive these villains out of the forest!
"Minccino!"
The Minccino began hurling the stones and twigs in their paws at the humans, trying to chase them away.
"Your Highness, be careful!" A knight moved in front of Raven.
Seeing their companions attacked, the three Snover finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"Snor!"
They stepped forward, unleashing their signature moves toward the Minccino in the branches.
Ice Beam!
Razor Leaf!
Icy Wind!
White frost, razor-sharp leaves, and chilling winds swept toward the tree.
One Minccino was struck before it could dodge, falling from the branch without even crying out.
The other four, seeing this, flew into a frenzy.
"Minccino!"
They retaliated with Swift and Double Slap.
"Stop this!" Raven tried to intervene.
But the Minccino were too enraged to listen.
They leapt from the trees, charging from all directions at the Snover and the surrounding humans.
"Dratini, Thunder Wave!"
Dratini darted forward, sparks of yellow lightning crackling from its body, striking a Minccino that had lunged at a woman.
The Minccino froze mid-swing, paralyzed.
Seeing this, Raven gave a stern command:
"Aelif, take the people and get them out of here!"
"Yes!" Aelif nodded. "Your Highness, please be careful!"
Soon, only Raven, a handful of knights, and the battling Pokémon remained in the lumberyard.
Watching the chaotic scene, Raven felt a pounding headache.
It seemed he'd have to wait for the battle to end before he could talk.
There was no helping it—Pokémon battles should be fought with Pokémon!
He waved the knights back and called to Dratini:
"Twister!"
"Draaa!"
Dratini gathered Dragon-type energy. A violet storm spiraled from its mouth, blasting a Minccino that had pounced toward a Snover.
Another Minccino, enraged at seeing its comrade struck, darted in from the side.
Its little paw raised high—Pound!
It was fast. Despite Raven's quick order to dodge, Dratini's lack of battle experience left it a step too slow.
The paw struck Dratini squarely.
"Bind!" Raven countered immediately.
As the Minccino landed, Dratini's long body coiled tightly around it.
"Minccino!"
It struggled, but Dratini's grip only tightened. It had no hope of breaking free.
"Thunder Wave."
Sparks flared again. The Minccino convulsed, then slumped, unable to fight.
Raven looked around.
The battle was over.
All five Minccino lay defeated on the ground.
The Snover bore their own wounds, glaring at the little Pokémon angrily.
"Enough, Snover!" Raven sighed.
"Snor?"
They turned to him.
Raven stepped forward with Dratini, crouching before the five fallen Minccino, wondering how to speak.
Their expressions varied—some were sobbing openly, some had tears brimming, others bit their lips in stubborn defiance.
It's over… we've lost!
They couldn't protect their home. The bad humans would take it from them and drive them out…
"Minccino!" Villains! one cried, weeping.
In their minds, they already saw themselves trudging through endless snow, a bundle tied to a stick over their shoulder, homeless wanderers.
Raven: "…"
"Please, stop." His voice cut through.
The five Minccino froze, looking at him with wide eyes.
Their gaze was tearful yet defiant, making Raven feel like some kind of cruel tyrant forcing them into submission.
He let out a long breath and said sincerely:
"I'm sorry, Minccino."
The little Pokémon blinked in shock.
Not just them—the Budew hiding in the shadows also froze in surprise.
Had they heard correctly?
This human… was apologizing?
"Minccino?" one of them asked tentatively.
"I admit, we destroyed your home. But if we hadn't, not only I, but also the people behind me would have perished in this storm." Raven spoke quietly.
His tone was so heavy that the Minccino instinctively glanced toward the distant humans watching them.
Death…
To them, death was terrifying.
It meant never waking up again, never tasting pine nuts or berries again, never playing with their companions again.
"We need the wood. With it, we can build strong houses that will shield us from the wind and snow, keep us alive through this winter."
"I know we destroyed your home. I truly am sorry. But if we stop, we won't survive."
His gaze swept across the little Pokémon.
He wouldn't force them away, nor could he halt the logging.
There was only one path left.
"To make amends, we will do everything we can. I swear, as lord of this land, when winter ends and spring returns, we will plant and nurture a forest for you—a grove filled with berries. That will be your new home, with more fruit than you could ever eat."
"Until then… if you're willing to trust us, you can treat our settlement as your temporary home. We'll face this cold winter together."
(End of Chapter)