The Snivy didn't show hostility like the Minccino, nor did it flee in fear like the Deerling.
It stood behind the snow-covered tree, holding Raven's gaze for a long time.
Only when Raven opened his mouth to speak did the Snivy seem to come back to its senses.
It gave him one last look, then silently turned and vanished into the forest.
"Wait!"
Raven's hand froze in midair.
But the Snivy was so swift that in the blink of an eye, it was gone.
Raven: "…"
Snivy!
He hadn't expected that a place like this would harbor such a Pokémon!
Dratini's growth was far too slow, and Raven had been debating whether to find a fast-growing partner—like Ash's Butterfree—to help him through the early stages.
But until now, he hadn't found the right one.
There were Cryogonal and Piloswine nearby, sure, but they were hardly suitable for beginners.
And now, the perfect candidate had appeared!
Snivy—the Grass-type starter of Unova. Gentle in nature, moderate in growth speed, with an evolutionary line that culminated in Serperior, a Pokémon with immense potential.
It was the ideal partner for a beginner!
But there was one problem.
That Snivy had run away…
Raven walked to the spot where it had stood, gazing toward the direction it had disappeared.
That was the forest's deeper region.
Though excited, he didn't let the moment cloud his judgment.
"Going deep into the forest alone to chase after Snivy would be reckless," Raven thought.
From what he knew, unless forced by unusual circumstances, most Pokémon stayed within a fixed territory.
They rarely left it, since wandering too far might mean trespassing on another Pokémon's land—and being attacked as an intruder.
Which meant Snivy was most likely still somewhere in this area.
As long as it didn't stray too far, Raven would eventually see it again.
"Maybe… I can ask the Minccino about it."
With that thought, Raven returned to the tent.
But the moment he stepped inside, he was stunned.
The once-grimy tent was now spotless, neat, and almost glowing.
The five Minccino were scattered around, diligently cleaning with their fluffy tails.
"What… what's going on here?" Raven asked, baffled.
"Dratini…" Dratini was curled up on a now-sparkling table, looking pitifully dejected.
Raven: "?"
Why did Dratini look so left out?
The next second, the answer became clear.
One Minccino had reached his side.
Seeing the dirty carpet under his boots, it let out a scolding cry: "Minccino!"
It pushed him aside with its tiny paws. Raven stepped away, realizing that Dratini had probably been "evicted" the same way.
Then, the Minccino began scrubbing the carpet with great seriousness.
Only when it gleamed again did it relax, wiping sweat from its brow and sighing: "Minccino~!"
Finally, everything was clean!
Since they'd be spending the winter here, there was no way they could live in filth.
Their home had to be the cleanest, tidiest place in the world!
Raven: "…"
So these Minccino just thought his tent was too dirty, huh?
Still, after their efforts, the place really did look much better.
The five Minccino hopped onto Raven's bed—the softest, warmest spot in the tent. From now on, this would be their nest!
Raven took the chance to glance at one Minccino's information:
Pokémon: Minccino
Type: Normal
Gender: Female
Ability: Technician
Moves: Tail Whip, Pound, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift, Helping Hand, Tidy Up
Friendship: 30 (Cap 100; exceptions may exceed cap.)
Record:
– Year 145, Minccino was born.
– Year 148, Minccino was invited to temporarily join Raven's territory.
With these five Minccino, plus the six Magikarp he'd already taken in, Raven's Pokémon population had risen to 18.
An impressive number indeed.
"Minccino?"
The Minccino looked at Raven expectantly.
He cleared his throat, sat on the bed with a smile, and said:
"By the way, Minccino, there's something I want to ask you."
They tilted their heads, puzzled.
"Minccino?"
"Do you know a Pokémon called Snivy? It's green, looks like a little snake."
"Minccino…?" They fell into thought.
Soon, one Minccino gave an answer: "Minccino!"
You've seen it? Raven raised an eyebrow. "Does it live in this area like you?"
The Minccino nodded. "Minccino!"
So that meant Snivy's home had been chopped down too?
Different Pokémon reacted differently.
Minccino fought to defend their home.
Deerling fled in fear.
But how would Snivy respond?
Raven couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt. All he could do now was make amends—help these Pokémon through the winter however he could.
Whether or not he caught it, if Snivy was willing, Raven would gladly let it join the settlement. By spring, he'd even plant a berry grove for it to call home.
That first night in the human settlement, the Minccino slept soundly.
The brazier glowed with orange warmth. No blizzards, no threats.
All five Minccino squeezed onto Raven's bed, surrounding him and Dratini.
Looking at the Minccino sprawled on his head, blanket, feet, and stomach, Raven couldn't help but twitch his lips.
"…Are you sure you're not too cramped?"
"Minccino~?" Not cramped at all!
They were perfectly comfortable—and besides, in their old tree hollow, they always huddled together for warmth.
Raven: "…"
Fine. Since they cleaned the place up, they could sleep on his head.
And truthfully… being surrounded by warm, fluffy Minccino wasn't so bad.
"Dratini, sleep," Raven whispered, stroking its head. "Go to sleep."
Nestled in Raven's arms, Dratini quickly drifted off in peace.
Whish!Whish!
In the darkness, two vines lashed upward, wrapping around a thick branch.
Snivy swung onto the tree, standing tall as it gazed down at the human camp, its fires flickering below.
"Snivy…"
(End of Chapter)