Pokemon: I'm a Farmer

Knowing it couldn't just sit there taking hit after hit, the Totem Gumshoos suddenly bolted forward. Using the uneven cave walls as footholds, it leapt with surprising agility, closing the distance to Swellow in a flash. Dark energy surged in its jaws as it lunged forward with a powerful Crunch.

But Swellow remained calm. With a swift flick of its wings, it vanished from the Totem's sight mid-air. A sharp pain burst across the Totem's back, and before it could even react, its huge body was plummeting.

Boom!

Its bulk slammed into the cave floor, kicking up a thick cloud of dust. The tremor dislodged bits of rock from the ceiling. Despite its toughness, the Totem lay there for a moment, dazed and winded. And that was even with Swellow choosing not to pursue a follow-up.

The Gumshoos slowly got back on its feet, shaking off the blow. But now its mind was clear—it had realized that it stood no chance against this flying menace. A flicker of hesitation flashed through its eyes as it began to back away, planning a tactical retreat. It would bide its time and reemerge once Rex had gone.

The Totem let out a few low growls, summoning a wall of subordinate Gumshoos and Yungoos to shield its exit. Then it turned and started toward a narrow tunnel behind it.

"Hey, hold on!" Rex called out. "I didn't come here to fight you—I'm here to study your aura. I'm not your enemy!"

The Totem paused.

It remembered someone else had come here before with an Incineroar, asking to study its aura. That guy poked around for a while but eventually gave up and never came back. Still, the Totem had no intention of sticking around for another session of being stared at. It kept retreating.

"Swellow! Block its path!"

Rex gave the order without hesitation. The Gumshoos lackeys might form a wall on the ground, but Swellow could simply fly over them. Most of those Pokémon didn't have the means to strike airborne targets.

Before the Totem reached the tunnel, Swellow had already swooped in and was hovering in its path, letting out a sharp cry—a warning. One more step, and it would attack again.

The Totem grimaced. For the first time in ages, it was irritated with its minions. Why hadn't it made sure they all learned a ranged attack like Fling? Maybe then this bird wouldn't be so untouchable.

Still, it understood the threat. If it kept going, Swellow would launch a devastating strike. And with its aura still recovering, a direct clash wouldn't end well.

After a few tense moments, the Totem relented. It wasn't worth losing its comfy lair over pride. Besides, it had already been studied once before—it could suffer through another round.

With a low grunt, the Totem turned and began walking slowly toward Rex.

"Uhhh…" Rex took an uneasy step back. Watching the enormous beast—and its entire entourage—close in on him was… nerve-wracking. He couldn't show weakness now though. Not after everything he'd done to establish dominance. One wrong move could unravel it all.

Thankfully, Swellow dropped into place above him, glaring down at the Totem. If the giant Gumshoos made a false move, Swellow would attack instantly.

But the Totem kept its cool. It stepped up to Rex and extended one paw.

"I guess we have an understanding, then," Rex said with a nervous smile as he reached out and shook it.

The tension in the air dissipated. The surrounding Gumshoos and Yungoos relaxed, and the Totem no longer looked ready to pounce.

"Jumpluff, come out and use Grassy Terrain!"

To show his goodwill, Rex released Jumpluff, who began healing the wounds of the Totem and its minions.

The Totem grunted in approval. After getting a taste of that refreshing healing field, it even cracked a small smile—an odd sight on such a fearsome face.

Then it turned and led Rex deeper into its lair.

What Rex saw next stunned him.

To reach the Totem's den, one had to pass through a narrow tunnel, just barely wide enough for the bulky creature to squeeze through. But once inside, the space opened into a massive chamber. High above, a wide hole in the ceiling bathed the area in natural sunlight.

Dozens of berry trees had been planted in this sunlight-rich patch of soil. Though the fruits were unfamiliar to Rex—likely native to Alola—many were ripe and ready to pick.

Near the back was a crystal-clear pond. Judging by the gentle flow of water, it wasn't stagnant either. Nearby, a thick bedding of dry grass marked the Totem's resting spot.

"This place is amazing…" Rex muttered.

He had seen wild dens before. Most were crude, messy, and smelled terrible. But this? This was practically luxury by wild Pokémon standards.

He decided to set up camp right there.

It was the perfect base for his research—sunlight, water, and a living specimen right beside him.

The Totem Gumshoos returned to its bed, laying down with a huff. It eyed Rex warily, clearly displeased about having to share its space, but bound by the agreement, it begrudgingly allowed it.

Rex, for his part, ignored the creature's simmering resentment and quickly set up his tent, smiling with satisfaction.

(End of Chapter)