This is still a bragging Squawkabilly.
Naoki couldn't help but think.
But right now, the important thing needs attention. He continued to ask: "Can you take us over there?"
The Squawkabilly was slightly tipsy from drinking too much berry wine earlier.
Seeing this human and the Pawmot needing its help, the Squawkabilly immediately puffed out its chest and promised: "Squawk!" (Let's go! I'll take you there now!)
After all, it eats and drinks here for free every day, and it's starting to make it feel a bit embarrassed.
Naoki: "..."
He intended to say it's too late now, but seeing the expression on Pawmot's face, he swallowed back the words he wanted to say, preparing to accompany them for a night journey.
If all goes well, they could be back before dawn tomorrow.
The Pokémon on the ranch were all asleep, and Naoki didn't disturb them. Taking advantage of the night, he rode on Koraidon, brought along Pawmot, and followed behind Squawkabilly towards the south.
Squawkabilly had a lot to say. While leading the way ahead, it chattered non-stop.
"Squawk!" (Let me tell you, I've been to many places before. Not just forests, I've even conquered the ocean!)
"Squawk!" (The ocean, the ocean, you know? It's vast; ordinary Pokémon simply can't fly across it! Only me, the world's most exceptional Squawkabilly, can do it!)
Naoki: "..."
Koraidon: "..."
Pawmot was quite attentive while listening to Squawkabilly brag about itself.
Perhaps because it was about to see its mom and dad, Pawmot couldn't help but reveal a childlike state of mind.
Naoki smiled and looked at the Pawmot flying ahead.
If possible, he planned to bring Pawmot's parents to the ranch as well, allowing their family of three to reunite on the ranch.
Once the World Tree grows up and the Exploration Team Union is established, they could even let them work as clerks at the item shop, selling berries, milk, and other things to other Pokémon.
However, Naoki wasn't certain that they'd definitely find Pawmot's parents this time.
From what Squawkabilly said earlier, it encountered Pawmot's parents a year ago.
At that time, Pawmot had just been carried away by Bombirdier, arriving at the ranch.
And now, more than a year has passed. No one can guarantee that those two Pawmots are still in that forest and haven't migrated elsewhere.
Thinking positively, at least they finally had news about Pawmot's parents this time; there's always more solutions than problems.
As long as the two Pawmots haven't been captured by a Trainer, they can definitely find them!
The wilds of the Paldea Region were shrouded in night.
The population in the Pokémon World isn't as numerous as Naoki's previous life, which ensures there are still many undeveloped areas in the wild.
The ecology of these places is well preserved, with plenty of Pokémon residing within.
Although Squawkabilly's flying speed isn't as fast as Dragonite's, it was much quicker than Pokémon like Noctowl.
Naoki looked at the time on the Rotom Phone, and after about an hour and a half of flight, a vast, boundless natural forest finally appeared ahead.
This forest was completely enveloped in darkness, yet through the hazy moonlight, Naoki clearly saw a towering tree standing at the center of the forest.
At this moment, Pawmot also saw that big tree.
"Pawmo! Pawmo!"
It hurriedly called out to Naoki twice, then impatiently flew towards that big tree.
Squawkabilly is somewhat puzzled: "Squawk?" (Why is it suddenly so excited?)
Naoki smiled and said: "Maybe it's been a long time since it returned to its hometown?"
With that, he and Koraidon followed.
Squawkabilly also followed closely behind.
Arriving at the big tree in the woods, Pawmot had already descended onto the grass, looking left and right as if trying to identify the direction of its home.
Seeing Naoki come down, Pawmot called out, then started running in one direction.
Halfway, Pawmot saw a clearing.
While reminiscing about its childhood, it pointed at the clearing to Naoki and said: "Pawmo! Pawmo!"
It was on the rock there once when it was asleep and got carried away by Bombirdier!
Naoki slightly smiled and reminisced with Pawmot: "I still remember when I first saw you, you were stealing chicken feed in the Chicken House, that time you were just a little one."
"Pawmo～" Pawmot felt a bit embarrassed.
At that time, it really was starving, plus the grain-made chicken feed was quite tasty!
Passing the clearing, Pawmot continued onward.
The vague memories in its mind began to clarify as the surrounding scenery became familiar.
Bristling underbrush, towering trees, a gently flowing stream...
Soon, Pawmot arrived before a snow-laden tree, suddenly stopping.
Naoki looked up and noticed Pawmot's expression seemed quite emotional at the moment.
Following Pawmot's gaze, Naoki saw a dark hollow under the big tree.
Naoki suddenly realized that it should be Pawmot's nest here.
"Go ahead!" Naoki gently encouraged from behind: "Your mom and dad must be waiting for you at home."
"Pawmo!" Pawmot nodded heavily, wiped its moist eyes, then crawled into the tree hole.