Pokemon: Farm Story

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Natsume casually sorted through the remaining packages.

Aside from the regular gifts he had prepared, most of what was left were little surprises he'd put together.

For example, the Shiny Stone he bought for Minccino.

If Minccino wanted to evolve, it would need a Shiny Stone; otherwise, it would remain a Minccino forever, regardless of its strength.

It's like how WarGreymon needs MetalGarurumon to become Omnimon. No matter how hard it tries, it would only remain WarGreymon.

Of course, there's also the possibility of becoming VictoryGreymon.

Apart from Minccino, he had also prepared gifts for other Pokémon.

Some might ask: wouldn't those Pokémon who didn't receive special gifts feel unbalanced or upset?

Well, there's no helping it.

Natsume could only strive to treat his closest Pokémon fairly.

Anyone with two kids or even just one cat at home could relate to this.

Even if you aim to treat both children equally, a little favoritism is inevitable.

After all, humans aren't machines; it's impossible to divide love or care perfectly into equal portions.

If any of his Pokémon did feel unhappy, Natsume would just have to make it up to them later.

As for Pokémon he wasn't particularly close to, like the Oddish on the farm that he rarely interacted with?

Natsume naturally wouldn't prepare gifts for them.

A head rub and a couple of Pokéblocks during a walk would be more than enough.

He wasn't some overly generous tycoon handing out evolutionary stones and rare items to every Pokémon he met.

Even if he had the money, he wouldn't spend it like that.

Or rather, maybe he wasn't wealthy enough yet—compared to an oil baron, anyway.

"These can wait; no rush to deliver them now," Natsume said. "First, I need to check on Ogerpon."

After packing up the remaining gifts, he called Persian over to watch them, intending to take a few Pokémon to look for Ogerpon.

He wouldn't feel comfortable leaving the packages with just any Pokémon.

It wasn't that he worried they'd steal anything but rather that they might give in to the persistent pleading of other Pokémon and sneak a peek at the gifts.

Like kids with new toys, who often can't resist opening them before they get home.

But if Persian was in charge, Natsume had complete peace of mind.

Every team needs someone to play the "bad guy"—someone who can step in when necessary to refuse unreasonable demands.

It sounds simple, but not everyone can do it.

If someone you're close to tugs at your sleeve and begs for a small, seemingly insignificant favor, would you refuse?

Most people find it difficult.

But Persian could.

Not only could it refuse, but if Corviknight came over and started pestering, Persian might even throw in a Power Gem to teach that fool a lesson—let it experience the might of the farm's second-in-command.

Hmm…

Something about that sounded off.

Let's go with "vice leader" instead.

"I'll leave these here for now," Natsume said as he shoved the unopened packages into Persian's nest under its disapproving gaze.

"You didn't even ask me!"

Persian opened its mouth as if to meow a complaint but ultimately let it go.

It rarely said no to Natsume anyway.

And so, with its tail flicking in resignation, Persian decided to find another sunny spot to nap in, leaving the pile of gifts behind.

"Next up, let's find Ogerpon."

Scratching his head, Natsume pondered which Pokémon to bring along.

According to Zorua, Ogerpon's little hideout was quite a distance from the farm.

There was also a path leading to a water source nearby, where wild Pokémon occasionally passed through—some of them even aggressive.

So Natsume figured he'd better bring two Pokémon with him, just in case.

If some battle-hungry wild Pokémon or Trainer challenged him to a fight, he couldn't exactly yell, "I choose you, Natsumemon!" and jump in to brawl with them himself.

That would be a bit much, no?

Although those Trainers who lock eyes and immediately demand a battle aren't exactly calm either.

"Who should I bring?"

Muttering to himself, Natsume absently toyed with Persian's tail. When he turned around, he found a large black figure blocking the doorway.

With its back to Natsume, Corviknight had been silently crouching there, waiting for him to notice.

Wow, what a floorboard this floorboard is, thought Corviknight, deeply focused on the step below.

It stared intently, as if studying the patterns on the doorstep. What was so fascinating about that step?

After watching the back of Corviknight's head for a few seconds, Natsume seemed to understand.

"This time, I'll need a mature and steady Pokémon," he said loudly, ensuring Corviknight could hear.

The bird remained motionless, only shifting its gaze.

Hmm, what lovely grass this grass is.

"Preferably one that's strong and reliable," Natsume continued.

Corviknight raised its head slightly.

The wind today is particularly noisy.

"Better yet, a Flying-type Pokémon."

Corviknight's beak twitched into a barely contained grin, harder to suppress than recoil on an AK.

"With that in mind, the choice is obvious."

As Corviknight prepped its pose, Natsume said, "I'll bring the shiny Pidgeotto!"

"CAW?!"

Corviknight squawked, utterly shattered.

"CAW! CAW! CAW!!"

It flapped wildly, rushing over to Natsume like a tantrum-throwing llama, tears and spit flying everywhere.

If not for Gardevoir's timely Psychic barrier, Natsume would've been drenched.

"Calm down!" Natsume barked, smacking Corviknight on the head.

It wasn't anger; it was just that without the slap, the dizzy bird probably wouldn't hear him clearly.

"CAW…"

Corviknight sat dazed on the ground like a duck, stars spinning around its head. It gazed at Natsume with newfound reverence.

No wonder he's the boss—what terrifying strength.

Compared to him, even Persian seemed insignificant now.

Thinking this, Corviknight felt its odds of taking the "vice leader" position improve significantly.

"Alright, get up," Natsume said, exasperated. "I'll take you along this time."

The bird's antics made it seem like Natsume was some cruel Trainer who mistreated his Pokémon.

***************************************

Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.

p@treon/GodDragcell