Alliance Year 198, late December.
The Paldea Region was hit by a snowfall that lasted for nearly half a month.
A thick layer of snow covered the roads, blocking the path to the farm, and even Zack's big truck couldn't drive in.
With no other option, Zack had to take a few days off, planning to resume deliveries once the snow subsided a bit.
Early in the morning, Naoki took his tools and headed out with Koraidon and Cyclizar to shovel the snow.
Standing in the snow, he gazed in the direction of Porto Marinada Town and inwardly thought, "As expected."
Just as he predicted, the road was buried in snow, making it impassable for trucks.
"Luckily, I had prepared supplies for winter in advance, so there's no need to brave the snow to go to town," Naoki thought to himself.
In this kind of weather, people stayed indoors, and it was rare to see anyone outside, even the Trainers and Travelers who usually roamed around were nowhere to be seen.
The road to the town was blocked by snow, and with no one coming, the farm seemed isolated from the world, like a paradise.
As far as the eye could see, everything was a vast expanse of white.
Being here, it felt as if one's soul was cleansed.
Naoki enjoyed the leisure, standing with his eyes closed in the snow, savoring the pure atmosphere of solitude.
However, the next second, a series of hoofbeats clattered past him.
Naoki opened his eyes to see Glastrier galloping wildly through the snow.
Naoki: "..."
The peaceful atmosphere was instantly shattered, forcing Naoki to detach from the tranquility he was enjoying.
Not only was Glastrier running around the farm, but with the cessation of snow, the entire farm came to life.
Smoke rose from the snow-laden rooftops, as his sister Indeedee prepared breakfast for everyone.
Pawmot flew out of the living room and into the Chicken House to care for the hens.
Glaceon, together with Dolliv and Alcremie, played a game of drawing with their footprints in the snow.
Dragonite and Dragonair, who were working, also arrived at the farm. Led by Dragonite, they strapped on their saddlebags and set off for Porto Marinada Town, carrying fresh milk to deliver to the customers there.
Naoki couldn't help but sigh deeply; although the farm was cut off from the outside world, it was hardly lonely here!
Koraidon and Cyclizar stood on either side of Naoki, watching the lively scene and letting out joyful growls.
"Ah~ Garsis~"
"Gao~"
Naoki noticed Cyclizar's scarf was coming loose, so he went forward to re-tie it.
Seeing this, Koraidon also stepped forward, chest puffed out.
"Alright, alright, I'll tie yours again too," Naoki sighed helplessly. "Seriously, like a kid."
"Ah Garsis~" Koraidon let out a growl that sounded like a charm.
With that expression, it really resembled an enthusiastic golden retriever.
Naoki gently pushed its head aside and continued the day's snow-shoveling work, checking the other facilities around the farm as well.
Back when the temperature dropped last month, he had turned on the heaters in both the Chicken House and the Pokemon House.
During this time, both the hens and the Miltank stayed inside the heated rooms all day and night without venturing out.
Arriving at the Pokemon House, Naoki saw the Miltank, and greeted them with a smile, "Good morning, everyone! A new day is starting!"
"Moo~"
The Miltank lay on their soft straw beds, responding happily.
"Good."
Naoki picked up a brush to groom their fur, then filled their feed troughs and water basins with Berries and hay, before saying goodbye to the Miltank and leaving the place.
Next, they arrived at the Chicken House.
Pawmot was here chatting with the hens.
Standing with arms akimbo in front of the hens, it smiled while constantly chirping, "Pamo, Pamo Pamo!"
Seeing Naoki come over, Pawmot flew to his side, "Pamo~"
Naoki curiously asked, "Can they understand what you're saying?"
Pawmot nodded repeatedly, "Pamo!"
These chicks are its good friends!
Huh? Can Pokemon and ordinary animals communicate? Naoki looked surprised.
Having lived in this world for so long, Naoki had gradually learned some information.
As far as he knew, there were also many ordinary animals in this world.
But it was somewhat different from what he initially thought.
There were no large carnivores like tigers, elephants, lions, or sharks; instead, there were only edible animals like chickens, ducks, geese, cattle, pigs, fish, and shrimp.
As for how people in this world distinguish between ordinary animals and Pokemon, perhaps it's by seeing if the ordinary animals can use Moves?
Though some people do use parts of Pokemon as food...
For example, Slowpoke's regularly shed tails, Veluza's shed flesh, and Klawf's shed claws.
However, Naoki, since arriving, had never eaten any of these things.
It's not that he's overly compassionate, he just feels that Pokemon's emotions and intelligence are quite close to humans, with some people treating them as companions and family.
Under such circumstances, eating them gives a certain indescribable feeling.
After contemplating for a moment, Naoki bid farewell to Pawmot and turned to leave the Chicken House.