Pokemon: A Different Path

Naoki noticed that Professor Oak and Lance quickly accepted the notion that he could understand Pokémon's speech. With a quiet chuckle, he thought to himself, 'This truly is the Pokémon world. Anything seems possible here.'

The evening's banquet was winding down. The once-lively sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and friendly chatter gradually quieted as guests began departing. Naoki glanced at his watch and realized it was already half past ten.

'How did time fly by so quickly?'

Glaceon and Pawmot were stifling yawns, their exhaustion evident. Taking note, Naoki gently recalled his Pokémon into their Poké Balls, giving them a chance to rest after the eventful evening.

The manor's host, Clay, was now busy bidding farewell to the remaining guests. Among them, Lance and Professor Oak were also preparing to leave. As the Kanto League Champion, Lance had a packed schedule. Between league responsibilities and his part-time role as an investigator tracking Team Rocket's activities, his work never seemed to end.

After exchanging goodbyes, Lance threw his cape over his shoulder with dramatic flair and disappeared into the quiet night.

Professor Oak, meanwhile, turned to Naoki and extended a warm invitation: "Naoki, if you ever find yourself with some free time, you should visit my lab in Pallet Town. I'd be happy to host you and your Pokémon."

Hearing the offer, Naoki's heart skipped a beat. Pallet Town—Ash Ketchum's hometown, a place steeped in Pokémon lore. The thought of visiting such an iconic location excited him, but reality quickly tempered his enthusiasm. Traveling all the way to the Kanto region would require a significant investment of time, something not easily spared.

With a polite smile, Naoki replied, "Thank you, Professor. I'll make sure to visit with everyone from the ranch when the opportunity arises."

Professor Oak beamed with delight. "I'll look forward to it! The Pokémon at your ranch must be fascinating, especially those we don't see in Kanto."

Naoki nodded. The Pokémon at his ranch were indeed unique, and he could tell that Professor Oak's curiosity was genuine. In fact, Oak looked as if he might ask Naoki to send some of his Pokémon over to the lab for study, had Naoki not already established his ranch as their home.

As the professor prepared to leave, he added, "I should be going now. In a few days, I have to attend a seminar in Johto, so I need to get back to Pallet Town soon. You should also get some rest, Naoki."

"Safe travels, Professor," Naoki said as he watched him leave, thoughtful.

'Professor Oak, the Pokémon research authority...' A sudden idea came to him. 'If I brought Calyrex to meet him, could its existence be officially recorded in the Pokémon Encyclopedia or even published in a research paper?' The notion of increasing awareness and faith in Calyrex among the wider Pokémon community was appealing.

However, his current visit hadn't included Calyrex, which left him feeling a twinge of regret. Still, there would be plenty of future opportunities.

Naoki leaned against Koraidon and surveyed the manor. Cynthia, Caitlin, and the other notable guests had already departed. Even Nimona and her father were nowhere to be seen. It seemed the banquet was truly coming to an end.

His gaze was drawn to a figure walking briskly past—a man with sharp features and an air of quiet authority. The man, now dressed in a tailored brown suit, radiated an aura of power. It was none other than Giovanni.

Naoki couldn't help but murmur, "Tch, his presence is something else."

"What?" came a familiar voice.

Naoki turned to see Alder approaching. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just struck by that man's commanding aura."

Alder followed Naoki's gaze but couldn't place the figure who had already disappeared into the night. He shrugged and said, "Are you ready to head back?"

Naoki nodded, and together, they exited the manor, hailing a taxi to return to their hotel. During the ride, Alder asked, "So, what's next for you? Heading back to Paldea, or sticking around Unova for a while?"

Naoki thought briefly about Unova's legendary Pokémon. The one most accessible to him at the moment was Kyurem, who resided in the Giant Chasm.

After some thought, he asked, "How far is Lacunosa Town from Driftveil City?"

"Lacunosa Town?" Alder raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "That's in the northeastern part of Unova! It's quite a trek from Driftveil City. Are you planning to go there?"

Naoki explained casually, "I've heard about the legend surrounding Lacunosa Town. I'm fascinated by it and thought I might take a look for myself."

"The story from Lacunosa Town?" Alder tilted his head in thought, his expression briefly puzzled before realization struck. "Oh! You mean the tale of the man-eating monster?"

Legend had it that a long time ago, a meteorite fell from the sky and landed amidst the sprawling, jagged mountains north of Lacunosa Town. A ferocious, icy beast was said to have emerged from the crater, its presence accompanied by howling winds and an unbearable chill. The beast was rumored to prowl the town at night, snatching people and Pokémon alike to devour them.

To keep the monster at bay, the townsfolk built high walls to encircle Lacunosa Town and imposed a strict curfew, ensuring everyone stayed indoors after sunset. Even now, long after the legend faded into folklore, many of the town's residents still adhere to the tradition of staying indoors at night.

"You know that story too, Mr. Alder?" Naoki asked, intrigued.

Alder hummed thoughtfully, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Of course. Back when I was traveling across the Unova region, before I became the League Champion, I heard plenty of local tales. I suppose you're curious about whether the so-called monster is a Pokémon, aren't you?"

Naoki leaned forward, his interest evident. "Do you think it is?"

Alder shrugged with a good-natured laugh. "Who knows? No one's ever actually seen the beast. Some folks think it's just a story adults made up to scare kids into staying home after dark."

Naoki, however, was less skeptical. The thought of such a creature hiding away intrigued him deeply. "Is Lacunosa Town really surrounded by walls like the story claims?"

Alder shook his head. "Not anymore. If there ever were walls, they were taken down ages ago. These days, Lacunosa Town is just an ordinary place—no different from, say, Kosaji Town."

"I see…" Naoki mused, nodding thoughtfully.

The taxi pulled to a stop outside their hotel. Alder stepped out first, stretching as he glanced at Naoki and his companion, Koraidon.

"Get some good rest tonight! You can decide what to do tomorrow with a clear mind," Alder advised, clapping Naoki on the shoulder.

"Will do. Goodnight, Mr. Alder." Naoki smiled, said his farewells, and headed into the hotel. After a quick ride up the elevator, he entered his room.

Following a brief shower, Naoki settled onto the bed, his thoughts drifting to the possibility of visiting Lacunosa Town. This trip had already stretched into a week-long journey, and heading to Lacunosa Town would mean venturing into the wild, mountainous terrain that lay beyond it—the location of the fabled Giant Chasm.

But how long would that take? A week? Two? Perhaps even more? The Giant Chasm was vast and treacherous, and without a clear guide, searching blindly for Kyurem's lair seemed futile.

More importantly, Naoki thought about the Pokémon back at his ranch. A pang of guilt tugged at him. They'd miss him if he stayed away much longer. And truthfully, he missed them too—the bustling fields, the lively camaraderie, even the antics of his mischief-making Pokémon.

"No," Naoki concluded softly, staring at the ceiling. "This journey has been rewarding enough."

He reflected on the accomplishments of the trip—learning how to make specialized Pokéblocks, presenting the Rotom Phone project, and building valuable connections with people like Lance and Professor Oak.

The food left in the ranch's refrigerator was likely running low, consumed by the many Pokémon. Although the Indeedee siblings were skilled at handling household tasks and managing the ranch, taking money into town to buy supplies was a daunting challenge for them.

Meanwhile, the barrels of fruit wine brewed in the cellar last month were probably ready to enjoy.

Naoki knew he had to return home.

With this resolution, he felt at ease. Closing his eyes with peace of mind, he decided to catch a boat back to Paldea the following day.

...

As the first rays of sunlight filtered into his room, Naoki shared his plan with Alder over breakfast.

Alder listened with visible regret. "I wanted to show you around Unova more—maybe even treat you to some Castellia Cones!"

Naoki smiled. "There's always next time. Besides, Mr. Alder, I'd be delighted if you came to Paldea as my guest."

Alder let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "I doubt I'll have the time! Ever since the Elite Four heard I was back, they dumped all their work on me. And guess what? Caitlin, and Shauntal, are already off vacationing at Cynthia's villa!"

Naoki raised an eyebrow. "It sounds like champions like Cynthia have it much easier than you. Even Steven Stone seems more relaxed—and Diantha? She has time for movies and tea parties!"

Patting Alder sympathetically on the shoulder, Naoki offered a warm smile. "Hang in there!"

Alder sighed dramatically. "This title isn't meant for humans. If someone beats me one day, I'm going to take my Volcarona back to Floccesy Town and enjoy a quiet life."

Naoki chuckled. "Who knows? Maybe a new champion will rise in a few years."

He paused, thinking of Iris.

Alder smirked. "I'll take your words to heart."

He accompanied Naoki to the docks, buying him a ticket for the cruise bound for Paldea.

The melodious whistle of the cruise ship echoed across the bustling port, accompanied by billows of white smoke rising into the azure sky. The luxury liner gradually pulled away from the dock, its majestic frame gliding across the gentle waves.

Standing on the deck, Naoki waved enthusiastically. "Goodbye, Mr. Alder!"

Alder crossed his arms, his smile softening. "Goodbye, my friend."

He remained at the pier, watching the ship shrink into the horizon until it disappeared entirely.

Turning to the Volcarona beside him, its luminous wings radiant as the sun, Alder felt a surge of gratitude. If not for Naoki's assistance, his cherished partner might not have survived its illness.

As if sensing Alder's thoughts, Volcarona flapped its warm, fiery wings gently, offering silent reassurance.

Alder closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he reopened them, clarity and determination filled his gaze.

"Huh—it's time to go, old friend. We have to get serious and do something that only we can do!"

Alder's voice was resolute as he spoke to his Volcarona, its radiant wings casting a warm glow.

The bond between trainers and Pokémon goes far beyond endless battles. It's about companionship, understanding, and a shared journey. Alder, having been through so much, knew this better than most.

One of Alder's first acts after returning to the Unova Pokémon League was to host a televised trainer exchange program.

Sitting in a brightly lit studio with his Volcarona by his side, Alder addressed the camera, his tone sincere and heartfelt.

"…When I saw my longtime partner, Volcarona, so weakened, I felt like my world was falling apart," he admitted.

"The relationship between trainers and their Pokémon is about more than battles. As someone who's experienced this firsthand, I want every trainer in Unova to understand: treat your Pokémon with care and respect."

He paused, his voice steady but emotional. "If fate permits, they'll be with you for the rest of your life. Pokémon are companions who stand by your side through everything, often longer than anyone else—even your parents."

Alder's words carried a profound truth. "Nothing stays strong forever, and the lives of Pokémon, like ours, are not eternal. But the time we spend with them, the memories we create—those are eternal. That is true happiness."

His words were heartfelt, touching trainers across the Unova region. Many watching the program were moved to tears.

Young trainers, some not even twenty, turned to their Pokémon with a newfound appreciation. The weight of Alder's words sank in. The bonds they shared with their Pokémon were extraordinary, going beyond companionship to form connections deeper than any other.

The ship carrying Naoki and his Pokémon had not yet left Unova's waters. Thanks to the ship's satellite TV, Naoki and his Pokémon caught Alder's broadcast.

As the champion's heartfelt message reached them, Naoki and his Pokémon sat in quiet contemplation, visibly moved by Alder's sincerity.

But soon, a sly smile crept across Naoki's face.

The storyline of the Unova region had been altered.

Because of his intervention, Volcarona had survived. Instead of despair, Alder had become a champion of bonds and trust between humans and Pokémon.

From his actions today, it was clear that Alder would continue to spread his beliefs throughout Unova, encouraging a deeper connection between trainers and their Pokémon.

"I wonder," Naoki mused aloud, "if Team Plasma's 'Pokémon Liberation Speech' will still have the same impact as it did in the games."

Alder's renewed strength and resolve might change the course of history. In the pivotal championship match against N, where beliefs were put to the ultimate test, Alder might stand firm.

If one of the legendary dragons—Reshiram or Zekrom—chose Alder instead of N or the protagonist, what would the future of Unova look like?

It was thrilling to think about the possibilities.

...

Meanwhile, in a small town, outside of a convenience store, a man with pale skin and flowing light green hair stood still. The brim of his black baseball cap cast a shadow over his face.

Through the store's glass window, he watched the broadcast on the TV screen inside. Alder's passionate speech echoed in the man's ears.

After a moment, the man lowered his head, his expression obscured. Silent, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the bustling town.

...

Posting this chapter to let you know that I'll be releasing one chapter daily on Patreon, just like I used to on Webnovel. These posts will be free for everyone, so you won't need a subscription to read them. I'll continue this until all the chapters are fully uploaded on Scribble hub

...

 You can support me on Patreon and read upto 40 chapters ahead at patreon.com/Keepsmiling818