"Squeak?"
Greedent looked surprised at the unfamiliar Pokemon in front of it.
As Naoki finished speaking, Greavard couldn't help but look up and wag its tail at him, making a happy panting sound.
"Greavard is also very cute!" Lono said softly, "But speaking of which, there's a rumor that Greavard is a Pokemon reborn from the soul of a deceased Pokemon. Have there been Pokemon passing away here before?"
Naoki nodded, "The forest fire from the year before last took away the lives of many Pokemon here. This place is the cemetery I built for them, where the bodies of those unfortunate Pokemon are buried."
Saying that, Naoki squatted down and waved at the Greavard.
Upon seeing this, Greavard eagerly wagged its tail and trotted over.
Lono also squatted down beside him.
Greavard looked at Naoki, then at her, before happily wagging its tail and nudging Lono, as if inviting them both to play together.
The two played with Greavard for a while, and seeing that the ghostly issue was solved, Naoki prepared to head back, noticing that Lono started shivering from the cold.
Was Lono really afraid of the cold?
Realizing this, Naoki stood up and spoke to the surrounding Pokemon:
"Alright, Greavard doesn't mean any harm, it probably just wants to play games with you."
"Squeak..."
Only then did Greedent and the other Pokemon realize.
Although Greavard had scared them over this time, it seemed it had never actually hurt them.
Since that's the case, why not let Greavard stay here and live?
Greedent and Tinkaton happily made the decision.
"Everyone should go back now! It's so cold, staying outside might make you sick," Naoki said with a smile.
The surrounding Pokemon responded in unison, bidding farewell to the two, each heading home.
Naoki headed in the direction of the ranch with Flutter Mane.
However, half way there, Flutter Mane suddenly stopped, as if it had discovered something, and turned around to look behind.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Flutter Mane?"
Naoki turned and followed Flutter Mane's gaze, seeing the Greavard quietly following them.
Greavard, realizing it had been discovered, buried its upper body in the snow, with its tail wagging.
"It seems like it really wants to play with us!" Lono said.
Naoki could see it too, so he waved at Greavard, calling out, "Greavard, come over!"
"Woof!"
Upon hearing the call, Greavard immediately sprinted over, circling around the two.
Looking at this pitiful Greavard, recalling Naoki's mention of the forest fire, Lono made a decision.
"Naoki, let's adopt it!" she said.
The thought had crossed Naoki's mind too, the ranch was missing a watchdog Pokemon.
Especially Greavard, among many canine Pokemon, it was one of the most loyal to Trainers.
Although its evolved name is rather funny... from Greavard to Houndstone.
But it's just perfect for helping herding and protecting the Wooloo on the ranch.
With this in mind, Naoki nodded and then squatted down to ask Greavard:
"Greavard, would you like to live with us?"
"Woof?" Greavard stopped running and looked up.
"It means living in our place, there are many other Pokemon there who will become your friends, so you'll never feel lonely again." Naoki said with a smile.
Understanding the words, Greavard eagerly nodded, letting out an excited woof.
"Then let's look after each other from now on!"
"Woof!"
The two adopted the Greavard and brought it back to the ranch.
As for this new member of the ranch, Pawmot and the others were all very curious, gathering around to look at the Pokemon.
But Greavard seemed rather silly and not too bright, just following Naoki and Lono around like a little tagalong.
Naoki knew that Greavard considered him and Lono as its owners now.
This kind of Pokemon is inherently close to humans, not to mention that they had food prepared for Greavard.
"So simple-minded!"
Naoki couldn't help but feel.
And Greavard's behavior was especially strong when Lono was preparing to leave the ranch and return to Levincia City.
It barked anxiously, appearing as if it didn't want her to leave.
Seeing this, Lono softly comforted, "Don't worry, I'm just going to Levincia City to handle some human work, it won't be long before I come back to see you."
Naoki also nodded, "That's right, don't worry!"
Although the Paldea League had granted a break for Gym Leaders, Lono also had her family in Levincia City. Since it's close to the New Year, she had to return to visit her parents.
Though the two are currently in a relationship, they have yet to reach the stage of meeting the parents.
Before that, they need to go through a period of adjustment.
Because he and Lono are two completely different people.
One is a rancher living in the countryside, the other a Gym Leader living in the big city.
If they wish to live together, they must first understand and get to know each other.
Upon hearing their reassurance, Greavard finally stopped obediently.