As autumn gave way to winter, the golden leaves that once danced gently through the breeze were replaced by delicate snowflakes, drifting down from the pale sky above. The first snow arrived softly, covering rooftops, roads, and the pasturelands where Wooloo grazed, wrapping the landscape in a peaceful white blanket.
In December of League Calendar Year 201, the Paldea region experienced its first official snowfall of the season, just as the meteorologists had predicted. And not long after, the New Year arrived.
With the ground frozen and fields barren, farming work came to a halt. Villagers who typically rose with the sun and toiled until dusk now found themselves indoors more often, sharing stories and laughter with their Pokémon while sitting in front of crackling fireplaces. The scent of simmering soups and baked bread wafted through the homes, mixing with the piney aroma of woodsmoke.
Their basements and cellars were stocked with winter staples: smoked sausages, cured cheeses, preserved fish, hearty barley loaves, bottles of warming winter wine, hunks of bacon, and jars of dried mushrooms gathered from the surrounding forests.
Naoki's ranch, as always, was well prepared.
Months before the first snow, he had begun storing food and provisions to prepare for winter's bite. Even Flutter Mane, who was known to worry constantly about running out of food or snacks, had calmed down after seeing the fully stocked pantry. She even floated around with a rare, serene smile.
That morning, a familiar voice called out through the frost-tinted air.
"I'm here!" Iono chirped brightly as she stepped onto the ranch.
It was New Year's Eve, and Naoki was already bustling about. The barn was swept, Pokémon had been fed, and the chimney sent a warm plume of smoke curling up into the wintry sky. Naoki was in the middle of wrapping small presents for the Pokémon, organizing the evening's ingredients, and preparing the boxes of fireworks he planned to set off later to ring in the new year.
When Iono arrived, she found him inside, brush in hand, writing out a couplet with practiced strokes. He hadn't bothered with these traditional poems in previous years, but something about this moment felt different, perhaps it was the anticipation of a new beginning.
Reading over his shoulder, Iono tilted her head. "In the twelfth month, there's fish and shrimp aplenty—come the New Year, even the chickens and ducks are plump… What's it mean?"
Naoki chuckled as he pasted the calligraphy onto the doorframe with a bit of flour paste. "It's an old saying about celebrating a rich harvest. When people have plenty of food and family around, the new year feels even more special."
"I love that," Iono said, her voice warm. "It just sounds so homey."
Naoki smiled, brushing his hands on his apron. "There are still some packages that need sorting. Want to help me out?"
"Absolutely!" she beamed. With a flourish, she tossed two Poké Balls into the air. "Come on out, guys!"
In a flash of light, Bellibolt and Mismagius appeared and happily waddled toward the fireplace, joining Cyclizar, Koraidon, and Pawmot, who were already curled up around the warm glow of the Slugma in the hearth. Laughter and soft Pokémon cries filled the air as the group huddled close, whispering and giggling like children beneath a blanket fort.
Meanwhile, Naoki and Iono got to work. The stack of boxes they were unpacking had arrived via Squawkabilly Express. Inside were goods from all over, luxury snacks from Galar, berry preserves from Johto, dried fruits from Kalos, and even handwoven decorations from artisans in Hoenn.
They opened the boxes and carefully sorted their contents, glancing now and then at their Pokémon family gathered around the fireplace. In the stillness of the moment, with snowflakes tapping against the windows and the scent of cinnamon and pine lingering in the air, everything felt just right.
"It really feels like a home," Iono said softly, resting her chin on her hand and gazing at the cozy gathering.
Naoki turned toward her.
"I still can't believe I'm getting married soon," Iono continued, voice tender and eyes slightly distant. "To think I'm about to start a family… It's not something I ever pictured growing up. But now, in just three months, I'll be starting a new chapter."
"Before I met you, I never imagined it either," Naoki said, smiling thoughtfully.
Iono blinked. "Really?"
"At the time, I thought I'd spend the rest of my life here. Just me, the Pokémon, and the ranch. I loved the simplicity of it. The peace. I thought that was enough."
He glanced back at the Pokémon, his eyes softening.
"But then I started to see families come by the ranch, parents helping their kids learn about Pokémon, couples working together to care for their team. I couldn't help but wonder what it might be like... to share this life with someone."
"And now?" she asked gently.
Naoki's smile widened. "Now I can't wait for spring."
He meant every word. It was astonishing, really—how their paths had crossed. He, a quiet rancher from Paldea's rural west; she, a bubbly Gym Leader from the city lights of Levincia in the east. Two completely different lives that somehow managed to intertwine.
In the beginning, Naoki worried he might have to choose between spending time with Iono and being with his Pokémon. But those fears vanished quickly.
"Let's just bring them along!" Iono had said cheerfully, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I can't go anywhere without my Pokémon, and you can't either!"
And so, they did.
They traveled together. Cared for Pokémon together. And the Pokémon, in turn, adored them for it.
Not far away, the Indeedee siblings were watching the scene unfold.
The younger sister tilted her head, her expression dreamy. "Ai~" (They look so happy~)
The elder brother nodded with quiet approval. "Ai."
They were both genuinely glad for Naoki.
The sister's eyes sparkled with anticipation. At last, she'd get to put her baby-care skills to use! She had trained diligently, attending courses taught by their parents and even reading parenting books intended for human parents.
Turning to her brother, she declared with authority, "Ai Ai." (I'll take care of the baby. You're on diaper duty.)
The brother froze. "Ai Ai?!" (Wait, what?!)
Then he paused, thinking hard. "Ai Ai." (They'll probably use disposable diapers.)
The two had been taught to handle both modern and traditional baby supplies, but they were betting on Naoki opting for the easier route.
The sister nodded slowly, accepting the logic.
She was just about to add something else when a knock echoed from the front door.
Naoki and Iono both paused.
Eager to avoid any further discussions about baby poop, the elder Indeedee hustled to the door and opened it.
But instead of a visitor with snowflakes clinging to their coat, he found two small Pokémon grinning up at him.
"Teddi!"
"Mew~!"
His eyes widened with surprise, then softened into a smile.
It was Teddiursa and Mew—finally home after their long travels.
Every Pokémon was home now. Not one was missing.
With a delighted squeal, Teddiursa scampered inside and leapt into Naoki's arms.
"Teddi~!"
Mew floated behind, giggling, her tail curling in the air like a ribbon, her laughter like tiny chimes.
"Mew~"
...
Bonus