Chapter 3: Solving the Food and Clothing Problem — What Did You Just Call Me?
Johto Region — Azalea Town, a place where humans and Pokémon live together in simple harmony.
Surrounded by lush forests and towering trees, the small town was filled with cobblestone paths and colorful houses of various designs.
On the outskirts stood a small market. On certain days, people from nearby villages gathered here to sell home-grown fruits, vegetables, and handmade clothing.
It wasn't just a place for trade — it was where neighbors exchanged news and strengthened their bonds.
A woman arrived early and secured a good spot for her stall. She planned to sell clothes she had sewn herself. Recently, several families in town had newborn children, so she had prepared many sets of baby clothes.
Some were large, some small — all handmade with care. She was very satisfied with her work.
But the market was still empty. It made sense — it wasn't even six yet, and the other vendors hadn't arrived.
She sat on a bench and began reading a book.
Suddenly, rapid footsteps approached.
Thinking a customer had arrived, she looked up — only to freeze in shock.
Before her stood an orange-red Pokémon over two meters tall. Its overwhelming presence alone made her tremble with fear.
The Pokémon looked incredibly powerful.
It was Entei.
After waking up, Entei had rushed to the human town, hoping to find clothes for Alex. Luckily, he found this woman selling baby clothes while no one else was around.
Human transactions required money — something he didn't have. So he brought other items to exchange.
Entei shook his body and dropped several Fire Stones onto the ground. Then he let out a low roar and pointed at the baby clothes with his claws, expressing his intention.
After recovering from her shock, the woman understood.
This Pokémon wanted to trade Fire Stones for clothes.
Swallowing nervously, she nodded.
Understanding her response, Entei randomly took several pieces of baby clothing and left immediately. He came and went like the wind. If the Fire Stones hadn't remained behind, she might have thought she was dreaming.
After all — what kind of Pokémon would trade for clothes?
Baby clothes, no less.
Soon after, several villagers arrived carrying vegetables. Seeing the stones in her hands, they spoke with envy.
"Where did you get so many Fire Stones?"
"My son's Eevee needs one right now!"
"These look high quality — where did you buy them?"
The woman explained what had just happened.
"A red-orange Pokémon shaped like a lion… could it be Entei?"
"A Legendary Pokémon?! That's incredibly rare!"
"You're so lucky! It's a shame you didn't take a photo!"
"But why would Entei exchange items for baby clothes?"
News of Entei's appearance quickly spread throughout Azalea Town. Everyone talked about it excitedly.
Meanwhile, Entei had already returned to the cave.
Alex was awake, sucking his finger and staring blankly at Entei before breaking into innocent laughter.
Entei helped him get dressed — a difficult task. Unlike humans, he had no hands, only claws, making the process clumsy and chaotic.
Only after finishing did he realize he could have used his Psychic power to help — though his talent in that field wasn't strong.
He truly wasn't suited for raising a child.
Maybe finding a humanoid Pokémon to help would be more practical.
But no — he would not trouble others.
He would raise Alex himself.
With that decision, Entei gently picked Alex up with his mouth, placed him on his back, and left the cave to search for Miltank.
Despite running at great speed, his back remained incredibly stable. Alex sat comfortably, grabbing Entei's mane and occasionally trying to bite it.
His tiny teeth couldn't even scratch the fur, but he stubbornly continued.
Entei ignored the behavior and soon reached the meadow where the Miltank herd lived.
The Miltank were surprised by the strange pair and asked what was happening. Entei explained and expressed his request.
A request from a Legendary Pokémon could hardly be refused — especially since the Miltank found the human child adorable. They happily agreed.
After setting Alex down, the child smelled milk and clumsily crawled toward the Miltank.
He hesitated slightly at first, but hunger quickly won. His stomach growled loudly, and he lunged forward, drinking eagerly.
Entei watched silently.
After drinking his fill, Alex crawled back to Entei's side, raising one small hand as if asking to go home.
A Miltank kindly offered to accompany them, but Entei politely declined. He preferred not to stay with other Pokémon.
However, he promised to bring Alex regularly until the child was weaned.
On the way back, Alex babbled happily — then suddenly screamed.
Warm liquid ran down Entei's back.
Alex had wet himself again.
Entei sighed helplessly and carried him to the river to clean up.
Afterward, they returned to the cave, where Alex quickly fell asleep.
Four Months Later
One afternoon, as usual, Entei went out while Alex slept.
Alex was extremely well-behaved. Aside from occasionally wetting the bed, he caused no trouble.
When he woke and found Entei gone, he would simply wait. If hungry, he drank the milk Miltank had prepared for him and then slept again until evening.
At night, Entei always returned.
Alex needed Entei beside him to fall asleep — he was clearly very attached.
But tonight was different.
It was already dark, and Entei had not returned.
Alex nearly cried from anxiety but held back. He knew Entei disliked seeing him cry.
Unable to wait any longer, Alex crawled out of the cave to search for him.
Though he could walk now, he wasn't skilled at it yet and found crawling faster.
He soon reached the riverbank and stood up to look around.
Before long, he saw Entei running toward him from across the river and shouted happily.
At that moment, a powerful gust of wind blew.
Alex lost his balance — and fell into the river.
Entei moved like lightning.
He caught the child in his mouth before the current could carry him away and returned to the shore. His expression was terrifyingly serious.
"Growl! Why did you come out?! Do you know how dangerous that was?! What if I had been one second late?!"
Entei was truly furious. The thought of losing Alex filled him with fear.
Alex was frightened and wronged. This was the first time he had seen Entei so angry. He didn't know how to comfort him and looked like he might cry, desperately holding back tears.
Seeing this, Entei realized his tone had been too harsh and tried to calm down.
He was about to speak more gently —
When he suddenly heard a small, trembling voice.
"Dad… Dad… don't be angry…"
Entei froze.
His voice trembled.
"You… what did you just call me?"
Alex looked at him with tearful eyes and struggled to speak.
"Papa… Papa…"
Time seemed to stop.
Only the moon and stars continued to shine in the night sky, silently witnessing this deeply moving moment.