Barley Beer

The next morning, after waking up, Naoki glanced at the calendar as usual. Today was August 13th, and a red circle was drawn around the number, marked with a red pen.

That was the mark Naoki made over a month ago when he started brewing beer. It meant today was the day the beer would be ready.

The thought of it instantly energized Naoki, shaking off any lingering sleepiness. He got up and made his way to the living room, with Koraidon following closely behind.

In the kitchen sister Indeedee, was already preparing a delicious breakfast for everyone.

Brother Indeedee was tidying up the mess Alcremie and the other Pokémon had left behind.

Meanwhile, Cyclizar lay in front of the fireplace, lazily squinting as if it still hadn't fully woken up.

Seeing this, Koraidon couldn't help but give it a warning call, "Raao!"

It was as if Koraidon was saying, 'You lazy bones, how did you end up like this?'

Hearing Koraidon's voice, Cyclizar immediately snapped its eyes open, noticing that everyone was looking at it.

"Gao?"

It felt a bit panicked, as if it had done something wrong.

Naoki chuckled and reassured, "It's alright, breakfast will take a while. Go ahead, rest a little longer if you want."

Relieved, but now wide awake, Cyclizar decided to shake off its drowsiness and trot outside to enjoy the fresh morning air.

The ranch in the morning was always so peaceful and refreshing.

A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of flowers and fresh grass. Dewdrops hung like little jewels on the leaves of the crops in the fields.

Glaceon was strolling, Dolliv was basking in the sunlight, Combee were busy working, and wild bird Pokémon perched on the roof, all creating a peaceful yet lively atmosphere.

Cyclizar loved it and soon began running joyfully across the grassy field.

Back in the living room, Alcremie stood on the cupboard, watching Indeedee prepare breakfast.

Pawmot had sprawled lazily on the sofa, its furry body wrapped snugly in the soft cushions.

The sunlight streamed in through the large French windows. As Pawmot lazily scratched itself, a few loose hairs floated in the sunlight, standing out clearly.

Naoki: "..."

It looks like I'll need to start serving more chicken soup to the furry Pokémon on the ranch.

He remembered that chicken soup was known for preventing hair loss and making Pokémon's coats shiny and smooth.

Not only Naoki but even Indeedee noticed the floating fur.

Indeedee quickly fetched some cleaning tools and tidied up the stray hairs from the wooden floor.

Naoki smiled, impressed yet again. "Truly a top-notch butler Pokémon!"

While waiting for breakfast, Naoki made his way to the cellar.

The cellar was dimly lit, and a soft fragrance filled the air.

Naoki sniffed carefully and detected the distinct aroma of hops and malt fermentation.

"It's ready!"

With excitement, Naoki descended the cellar stairs and approached the nearest oak barrel. He turned the valve, and golden beer flowed out.

A rich, malty aroma followed, filling the cellar with the smell of perfectly brewed barley beer.

Naoki called up to Koraidon, who was standing guard by the entrance, "Bring me a cup!"

"Raao!"

Koraidon responded and quickly trotted off to fetch a glass from the living room.

Naoki reached out and took the glass, filling it with freshly brewed beer. As he looked down at the golden liquid, the information about the beer appeared in his mind:

[Barley Beer (B): Beer fermented from malt and hops, an essential part of any pub. 

Cooking Effect: Intoxication. After drinking, a Pokémon will enter a state of mild tipsiness, allowing them to relax both body and mind. In this state, the recovery speed of injuries is accelerated. If a Fighting-type Pokémon drinks it before a battle, it may have unexpected effects. 

Evaluation: A basic barley beer, easy to make, a good choice for home or travel.]

Naoki chuckled, a bit surprised by the effect, but upon reflection, it made sense. 

It could bring peace to Pokémon, helping them fully relax.

Perhaps this would be something especially appreciated by Pokémon that are often stressed or overworked.

What piqued Naoki's interest, though, was that beer seemed to have a unique effect on Fighting-type Pokémon. Would it allow them to perform some sort of "drunken boxing" during a battle?

Coincidentally, Naoki had a Fighting-type Pokémon on his ranch—Koraidon!

He looked up at Koraidon, considering it for a moment.

But after some thought, he quickly abandoned the idea of giving it to Koraidon. What if it got drunk and went on a rampage?

It'd be fine with a regular Pokémon, but Koraidon was a legendary Pokémon. If it got tipsy and started wrecking things, nobody on the ranch would be able to stop it.

Satisfied with the brew, Naoki eagerly went to tell the good news to Indeedees, who also managed the Pokémon Tavern on the ranch.

"The beer can help Pokémon relieve fatigue and relax. If a Pokémon is injured, drinking this will speed up the healing process," Naoki explained enthusiastically. "We can add it to the pub's menu!"

"Ai eh?" 

Sister Indeedee, gasped in surprise, her eyes lighting up at the idea of such a helpful drink.

Naoki grinned and nodded. After breakfast, he asked the two butlers to use their telekinetic abilities to carefully transport an oak barrel full of beer to the back of the tavern's bar.

That way, if any Pokémon wanted to try it, the Indeedees could simply turn the valve and serve up a cup.

Over the past few months, the Pokémon Tavern had become a huge success, thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of the two sibling.

...

Not only do the siblings serve as bartenders to entertain the guests, but they also prepare food for hungry patrons.

In addition to the milk and berry juice prepared by Naoki, they've specially crafted easy-to-make treats, like sandwiches, buttered berry snacks, and buttered popcorn made from fresh corn for guests to choose from.

Thanks to their efforts and the growing reputation spread by Pokémon in the town, this once dilapidated old house-turned-tavern has become a beloved gathering place exclusively for Pokémon. 

Though the tavern's popularity slightly veered away from Naoki's original plan, it seems like a happy outcome.

Naoki usually doesn't interfere much with the Pokémon who gather at the tavern. But whenever a new Pokémon visits or one that piques his interest, he finds himself sneaking over to eavesdrop on their conversations, curiosity getting the better of him.

Today, Naoki came to the tavern with a specific mission: to observe the effects of his newly brewed beer. 

He munched on nearly a dozen pieces of seed crisps as he stood behind the bar with sister Indeedee, ready to greet and serve the evening's customers.

Brother Indeedee was bustling around in his role as the bartender, prepared to serve meals, clean up spills, or tidy the tables left messy by the Pokémon patrons.

The pub officially opened at 6:30 PM.

Soon after, the tavern's loyal customers arrived: Two Machamps. 

They approached the bar, intending to order their usual drinks—juice and milk—but quickly noticed something new on the menu.

"Ni Ke?" (What's that? Is it a new kind of berry juice?) Machamp curiously asked.

Sister Indeedee smiled and shook her head, "Ai Yi!" (No, it's beer! A drink that helps Pokémon relax and unwind!)

"Ni Ke?!" Machamp's eyes widened in disbelief. Could such a thing really exist?

Sister Indeedee smiled again, "Ai Ai?" (Would you like to try a glass?)

The two Machamps exchanged looks and, unable to resist their curiosity, handed over their payment and ordered two beers.

Naoki, grinning playfully, filled two large glasses of golden beer and slid them across the bar.

The Machamps sat at their usual table, gazing down at the golden liquid. The smell was… odd, not like anything they had ever tried before.

They hesitated for a moment but eventually leaned down and took a small sip.

As the beer traveled down their throats, the effects were almost instantaneous. Their cheeks flushed red, visibly entering a state of tipsiness. 

For the first time, the Machamps experienced the strange sensation of being lightheaded, as if walking on clouds. Their bodies felt weightless, their usual worries and fatigue melting away.

Though the taste was unusual, they found it surprisingly good!

The two Machamps raised their glasses and drank the rest of the beer in one go. With satisfied burps, they sat back, staring at one another in quiet amazement, too wrapped in the unusual feeling to say a word.

Naoki watched from behind the bar, thinking, "Is it that the beer's too strong, or do these two just have really low alcohol tolerance?"

Just then, a Quaquaval, known for its exuberant dancing, arrived at the tavern. Upon seeing the Machamps swaying in their chairs with glassy eyes, it stopped mid-step, looking thoroughly confused.

"Quac?" (What happened?) it asked curiously, noticing the strange dazed look on their faces.

..

Sister Indeedee smiled gently, her voice soft as she explained, "Ai ye." (They drank beer.)

'Beer... no wonder!' Quaquaval had heard of this drink, mostly enjoyed by humans. It found the taste a bit odd and had never been fond of it.

So, with a polite shake of its head, it declined Sister Indeedee's recommendation and ordered its usual tree juice, settling down to sip it slowly.

As time passed, more and more Pokémon wandered into the tavern.

Most were from the town, while a few were stray Pokémon drawn by the promise of free food and drink. There was a pair of Plusle and Minun, an Elekid, a Pikachu, and many others.

The once-empty seats in the tavern were soon filled, and the space buzzed with lively chatter. The Pokémon guests were clearly enjoying themselves.

Brother and Sister Indeedee looked on with joy as the tavern filled with life.

But Naoki couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.

Despite the crowd, none of the Pokémon were interested in trying the beer. The strange smell seemed to turn them off, and after serving the two Machamps earlier, he hadn't managed to sell another glass.

At that moment, the door of the tavern creaked open.

A Meowth walked in, a sad expression on its face, the golden coin on its forehead catching the warm light of the tavern.

Naoki immediately recognized it. He'd heard stories from Quaquaval that this stray Meowth lived in Kosaji Town, making its living by using its treasure-gathering skill to open treasure chests.

It was said that a trainer once tried to catch the Meowth, but it refused, saying it preferred the life of a treasure hunter—though treasure hunting often meant rummaging through trash cans.

Naoki had seen the Meowth many times before, always lively and full of cheer.

But today, something was different.

Meowth approached the bar, its head hung low, clearly in need of comfort. Normally, it would order its usual—a sweet and fragrant mix of juice and milk that always lifted its spirits.

However, before it could speak, Sister Indeedee's kind voice chimed in: "Ai Ai?" (We have something new today! It's a magical beer that helps Pokémon relax and soothe their souls. Would you like to try it?)

Meowth blinked in surprise.

Its heart felt heavy, and maybe this was just what it needed to ease the weight it carried.

So, with a small nod, Meowth agreed, "Meow." (I'll have one.)

It placed a round, shiny coin on the counter, worth 300 Poke Dollars—one of the treasures it had found while treasure hunting.

Sister Indeedee beamed with excitement as she poured a large glass of beer for Meowth and handed it to her brother, who carried it over to the table.

Meowth climbed into an empty seat, sighed deeply, and took a small sip of the beer.

Hearing Meowth sigh, Quaquaval turned around and asked, "Quac?" (What's wrong with you today?)

Meowth, upon being asked, couldn't hold back its sadness and began to complain: "Meow..." (I'm so foolish, really. I knew that the elegant Glameow from the rich family wouldn't be interested in me, but I just couldn't help myself—I confessed to her anyway...)

Quaquaval: "..."

Suddenly, Meowth's eyes lit up with admiration: "Meow!" (Oh, but she's so beautiful and graceful, meow! So elegant and noble! From the moment I saw her, I knew I had fallen in love, meow!)

Then, Meowth's expression became downcast and melancholic again: "Meow..." (But she turned me down, and now I've lost my love once again, meow...)

Saying that, Meowth took another big gulp of beer.

Its face flushed, its gaze became dreamy, and it entered a state of tipsy bliss.

Naoki, overhearing Meowth's lament, was surprised. 

"My goodness, this Meowth is such a romantic!" he thought.

But as the beer worked its magic, the sad thoughts seemed to slip away from Meowth's mind.

It felt light and carefree, as if floating on a soft cloud where time had stopped.

"Meow!" (This feels so good, meow!)

The other Pokémon in the tavern, watching Meowth, were puzzled. How could a Pokémon that was heartbroken just moments ago now look so blissfully happy?

Naoki couldn't help but explain: "That's the effect of the beer. It helps Pokémon forget their troubles for a while, relax their body and mind, and shake off their fatigue. After drinking it, just head home, get some rest, and by morning, everything will feel better."

Hearing this, the other Pokémon looked surprised.

'Beer can do that?' they thought.

Some of the Pokémon who originally weren't interested in the beer started to look a bit more curious and intrigued.

Seeing this, Naoki raised an eyebrow playfully: "Wait a second, don't tell me you all have broken hearts too?"

"Pikachu!" 

"Squeak, squeak, squeak!"

"…"

A wave of quick head shakes followed as the Pokémon insisted that they didn't! 

Some Pokémon even covered their mouths, giggling softly. The atmosphere in the tavern grew light-hearted and cheerful.

Naoki continued to chat with the guests, but just then, the tavern door creaked open again.

It was already late, and Naoki initially thought it might be Officer Jenny on her usual mountain patrol with her Growlithe. But as he looked up, he was met with an unexpected sight.

A whole group of Pokémon entered: Squirtle, Venusaur, Pikachu, Meowth… and leading them, a Golduck that had evolved from a Psyduck.

Naoki's eyes widened with surprise as the Pokémon filed in.

The group saw Naoki too but quickly parted to make way.

In the shadows behind them, a tall, feline-like figure with a humanoid body stepped forward, looking at Naoki with calm, emotionless eyes.

The tavern fell silent.

...

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