A Helping Hand from Calyrex

Naoki followed Calyrex's gaze to an open patch of grassland where a small, delicate sprout stood resiliently against the elements, barely emerging from the earth.

Despite the chill of winter, the sapling retained its vibrant color, undaunted by fierce winds or heavy rains.

[World Tree Sapling: A young seedling that has absorbed a significant amount of grass energy. Due to the nurturing from the Gogoats, it has undergone a unique transformation, harboring a vast vitality within. Estimated growth to maturity: another 99,995.5 years.]

"That's the World Tree," Naoki explained with a smile.

"World Tree?" Calyrex murmured, slightly taken aback. He shook his head thoughtfully. "I've never heard of such a thing."

The two walked closer to the sapling, and the trio of Gogoats tending to it raised their heads to greet them.

"Baaaaa~" (The tree's doing well~) one of the Gogoats bleated cheerfully.

"Thank you all for your dedication!" Naoki patted its head, then began telling Calyrex about the World Tree's lore.

"There's said to be a fully grown World Tree in this world, often called the Tree of Beginning."

"The tree that birthed the world…" Calyrex echoed thoughtfully.

Naoki nodded, continuing, "It's believed that the World Tree has been here since the dawn of time, sharing a bond with a Mew. Ancient Pokémon call it home, and together with the tree, they're protected by legendary guardians."

The origins of the sapling, however, were harder to explain. Naoki pondered how best to share what he knew.

Curious, Calyrex turned his gaze toward the sapling, feeling a deep sense of majesty and warmth. Overcome by curiosity, he closed his eyes and used his power to glimpse into the future.

His eyes glowed softly with a faint blue light.

Through a vision, Calyrex saw the future of the sapling, grown into a towering tree reaching far beyond the bounds of the ranch.

So massive had it become that there seemed no room left on the ground for it.

With a tremor of the earth, the tree rose skyward with a piece of the earth beneath it. Upon reaching a certain height, it floated there, suspended magically.

In the future's dim light, Calyrex saw a variety of Pokémon gathered by the World Tree, including a beautiful bird Pokemon with golden-red, flame-like feathers. Each feather radiated brilliant, rainbow-like colors, casting vibrant hues in the sunlight. Wherever it flew, a rainbow trailed behind.

A mysterious, massive black dragon like Pokemon with a majestic, dark, and powerful aura. It coiled gracefully atop the World Tree. Alongside it, a humanoid Pokémon with incredible psychic power and a long tail stood, glancing around, while a pink, kitten-like Pokémon and a playful, flying Teddiursa chased after it. 

As the blue glow faded from Calyrex's eyes, the future glimpse ended, and he could no longer see into that distant moment.

Naoki, meanwhile, had decided how best to explain the origins of the sapling. "To understand this, we should start with the special grass cake I created."

He organized his thoughts, then continued, "The grass cake has a unique effect. When a Grass-type Pokémon eats it, it can enhance the growth of flowers, plants, and trees, even giving them a touch of magic."

"Grass cake?" Calyrex considered, recalling the grass dumplings Naoki had offered before. "Is it also made of grass?"

"That's right," Naoki nodded. "I can make one for you to try this afternoon."

"I look forward to it." Calyrex smiled.

Naoki went on, "This World Tree sapling started out as nothing more than a simple Miracle Seed. Are you familiar with Miracle Seeds?"

Calyrex shook his head.

Naoki explained, "They're seeds that contain special energy, boosting the power of Grass-type moves for any Pokémon that carries them."

Calyrex was thoughtful for a moment, then turned his gaze toward the three Gogoats grazing nearby. "So, they buried these seeds in the soil, ate the grass cake, and used their energy to nurture them, causing the seeds to sprout into what we now see as the World Tree?"

"Exactly!" Naoki nodded, impressed by Calyrex's quick understanding.

Calyrex possessed remarkable foresight, able to sense potential dangers and devise strategies well in advance. His wisdom and insight were unparalleled, far beyond what most human rulers could ever achieve.

"I understand the origins of this tree now," he said thoughtfully, "but I can feel it's still in its infancy and will need a long time to reach full maturity."

A hundred thousand years. The vast span of time weighed on Naoki's mind. If left to grow naturally, he realized, he'd long be gone by the time the World Tree reached its full size.

Just then, Calyrex's eyes lit up with excitement and resolve. "In that case, allow me to help it along!" he declared, his voice filled with anticipation.

A powerful aura emanated from Calyrex, and with a sweeping gesture of his arms, he released a wave of energy. Although the force was immense, it felt gentle—like a warm, refreshing spring breeze.

Naoki watched as Calyrex conjured a radiant green orb of energy. With a wave of his hand, the orb expanded outward, sending waves of light rippling across the pasture. Under the gentle influence of this energy, the once-withered grass burst back to life, and delicate yellow flowers bloomed vibrantly across the field.

The light continued to spread, reaching the World Tree sapling and enveloping it. Calyrex then lifted his other hand, and instantly, the sapling began to grow. Fragile branches became strong, new green leaves unfurled, and the slender trunk grew taller and sturdier, transforming visibly before their eyes.

Minutes passed, and Naoki noticed a dramatic change in the numbers representing the tree's growth timeline:

[World Tree Sapling: It has absorbed a great deal of grass energy and experienced a unique mutation, fostering extraordinary vitality. Estimated time until full maturity: 99,995 years.]

[99,970 years...]

[99,885 years...]

[99,600 years...]

The numbers ticked down rapidly, eventually settling at 97,995 years. Naoki was awestruck—Calyrex had accelerated the growth by 2,000 years in just minutes!

"To think... the World Tree might fully grow within my lifetime!" Naoki thought, feeling a swell of gratitude as Calyrex lowered his hands, visibly weary.

Naoki stepped closer and asked gently, "How are you feeling?"

The look on Calyrex's face revealed his exhaustion. "The life force within this World Tree is far beyond anything I've encountered. With my strength, this is all I can manage for now. It will take me a month to fully recover from the energy I've spent."

Hearing this, Naoki felt a pang of guilt. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to be so tired…"

But Calyrex shook his head, a warm light in his eyes as he replied, "Don't feel bad. This was my choice, and it's an honor to be part of something so meaningful."

"Calyrex…" Naoki was deeply touched.

He made a quick decision: he would prepare some nourishing treats for Calyrex to help him recover.

Naoki then led Calyrex to the glass greenhouse for a well-deserved rest.

The greenhouse was warm and inviting, filled with vibrant flowers on every stand, their gentle fragrance filling the air. Naoki had prepared the space carefully before winter, ensuring it was a cozy sanctuary. Against the left wall, a bookshelf held an assortment of books, and beneath it sat a plush sofa and a wooden coffee table. In the center, surrounded by the flowering plants, was an iron tea table.

Calyrex settled beside the tea table, and Naoki served him a cup of sweet black tea and a few delicate treats to help restore his energy. As Calyrex gazed around, taking in the lush greenery and blossoms, he murmured with awe, "The ingenuity of humans never ceases to amaze me. To see flowers blooming in winter without my powers… it's truly remarkable."

Naoki smiled, joining him at the table. "Yes! The world keeps evolving. Who could have imagined that, thousands of years later, humans and Pokémon would share the bond they do today?" 

"Yes!" Calyrex took a sip of the sweet black tea.

In the warm environment, surrounded by the fragrance of flowers, he felt both his body and mind relaxing.

The Dragonairs followed Naoki into the flower room, curling up on the sofa with their white bellies exposed, clearly enjoying the cozy warmth.

As Naoki watched, he calculated how long it would take for the World Tree to grow.

Calyrex could shorten the growth period by 2,000 years with each use of his power, but he would need a month to recover afterward. With one month equaling 2,000 years of growth, the 100,000-year timeline would require 50 months.

With 12 months in a year, that meant the World Tree would fully mature in about four years with Calyrex's help.

Four years…

Naoki was more than satisfied with that. Originally, he would have never seen the World Tree grow to its full height within his lifetime.

After a while, it seemed the Dragonairs had drifted off to sleep, curled up comfortably. The warm, peaceful environment was perfect for a nap, and the five Dragonairs were sleeping in a delightfully disorganized pile.

Naoki didn't disturb them. He stood, quietly leaving the glass greenhouse.

Back in the house, he took stock of the supplies and noticed that some seasonings and ingredients had been used up in his absence.

Taking the opportunity, Naoki called over Cyclizar, hopped on, and rode to Kosaji Town.

In town, people had already switched to warm winter clothes. Though it hadn't snowed yet, those more sensitive to the cold even had scarves on.

After restocking daily essentials, Naoki visited the seed shop.

The shop owner, Hugh, greeted him warmly. "Hey, Naoki! Long time no see!"

Naoki smiled back. "I had some things to take care of, but now I'm back."

"Ah, got it!" Hugh nodded, understanding. "So, what seeds are you looking for this time?"

"Carrot seeds—do you have any in stock?" Naoki asked, scanning the shelves.

With the new ice and snow fields, as well as the ghost fields, Naoki no longer had to worry about food for the Glastrier and Spectrier. He could plant ordinary carrot seeds there, which would soon grow into ice root and shade root carrots—just what the two horses loved.

Naoki also remembered Calyrex mentioning that he wanted to try carrots. Luckily, there were still several regular fields on the ranch where he could plant carrots for the Calyrex and experiment with different preparations to see if they had any special effects.

When Naoki mentioned this to Hugh, the shop owner immediately replied, "Yes, of course!" He left the counter and started gathering the seeds, expressing his gratitude to Naoki as he worked. "Thanks to you, my daughter Belle isn't afraid to leave the house anymore!"

Naoki was a bit surprised but quickly recalled the shy girl who feared going outside, worried that something would harm her. He had suggested giving her a harmless Eevee egg so she could grow comfortable around Pokémon from an early age.

"How's she doing now?" Naoki asked with genuine curiosity.

Ero beamed, explaining, "At first, Belle was very anxious, but after Eevee hatched, she started to come around. One day, Eevee accidentally wandered outside, and Belle worked up the courage to go after it. In a way, Eevee's been her little hero, helping her overcome her fears."

"That's wonderful to hear," Naoki replied with a smile, picturing the scene. A girl once so afraid of Pokémon finally healed through her bond with one—a truly heartwarming outcome.

After purchasing the seeds, Naoki said his goodbyes and headed toward the cabin that Kelly had built near the edge of the forest.

When he arrived, he found Kelly inside, sketching designs for a new house on a large notepad.

Hearing movement behind her, Kelly turned around and greeted him with surprise, "Well, look who it is! It's been a while since we've had a visit from you!"

Naoki gave a slight nod, as Kelly continued with a smile, "So, what can I help you with this time?"

"I'm looking to build a couple of spacious stables," Naoki replied simply.

Kelly raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Stables? Did you catch a horse Pokémon? What kind is it—a Mudsdale or perhaps a Rapidash?"

Naoki smiled mysteriously. "Neither!"

Kelly frowned thoughtfully, trying to guess. "Could it be… a Galarian Slowpoke?

Naoki laughed. "Slowpoke isn't exactly rideable! As for what kind of Pokémon it is, you'll just have to wait until you come to the ranch."

"Alright, keeping secrets, are we?" Kelly chuckled and let it go. She walked over to her designs and held up two stable plans. "Take a look and see which one you prefer."

Naoki stepped forward, examining both designs.

The first was a large, connected stable with ample space, designed to house several horse Pokémon together. The second design was a cozy, individual stable, a bit like a hut, perfect for housing a single horse Pokémon comfortably.

"This first design," Kelly explained, "is usually for larger ranches with multiple horse Pokémon all sharing the same stable area."

Naoki shook his head. "Let's skip the first one."

Since Glastrier and Spectrier weren't exactly close and had such different temperaments—one calm, the other fiery—they wouldn't be suited to living together.

"Then the second design it is," Kelly continued. "It's spacious on the inside and has a thick hay bed, ideal for keeping a horse Pokémon warm and comfortable."

Naoki nodded, satisfied. "Yes, let's go with the second one. I'll need two of them."

"Two stables, huh?" Kelly asked, intrigued. "So, two Pokemon?"

Naoki nodded in confirmation.

"Alright then," Kelly said, curiosity piqued but without pressing further. "How about I head over to your ranch this afternoon to check everything out?"

"Perfect."

With their plans set for the afternoon, Naoki hopped onto Cyclizar and headed back to the ranch.