Pokemon: Farm Story

"You've been through a lot, Absol."

Watching the obediently crouched Absol, Mei felt a mix of emotions.

Somehow, this Pokémon's personality didn't quite match its appearance.

Normally, Absols were known for their aloof and dignified nature. They would appear before humans briefly before vanishing just as quickly. Even when captured by trainers, they tended to maintain a certain level of reserve.

But this one… felt a little strange.

It repeatedly challenged an obviously stronger opponent out of sheer stubbornness. Then, in a final act of defiance, it tried to go big—only to nearly get itself killed.

In short, it really shot itself in the foot.

Honestly, the fact that it was still alive was kind of impressive.

"Sol?"

Tilting its head, Absol didn't quite understand why Mei seemed so sentimental.

It felt fine. More than fine, actually.

Sure, it almost got obliterated this time, but regret? Not a chance.

Well, okay—if it had to reflect on anything, maybe it should have planned its attacks better.

In hindsight, it should've stayed far away, built up its power, and only moved in to strike at the perfect moment before making a quick escape.

Yeah… that was the way to do it.

Lowering its head, Absol was already constructing a brand-new battle strategy in its mind.

Though, to be fair, calling it a "battle strategy" was a bit of a stretch—it was more like imagining itself utterly thrashing that Pokémon.

A lot of people have probably had a similar experience:

Arguing with someone, only to stew in frustration afterward, feeling like they hadn't responded as well as they could have. Then, in their head, they replay the scenario, thinking of all the perfect comebacks, imagining themselves verbally destroying their opponent… and finally, satisfied, drifting off to sleep.

That was exactly what Absol was doing right now.

"Absol, what are your plans from here?"

Watching Absol's contemplative expression, Natsume asked the question softly.

He didn't mind taking in another Pokémon for his farm—there were plenty already, so one more wouldn't hurt.

If Absol wanted to stay, it was welcome. If it wanted to leave, he would let it go without hesitation.

"Sol."

Plans? None, really.

"Then how about joining my farm?"

"I actually own a pretty big one nearby."

"Sol?"

A farm?

Absol thought for a moment and realized there was no real reason to refuse.

After all, Slowking had already subtly worked on convincing it.

For example:

Natsume is an amazing guy. Free food, free lodging, and guaranteed work.

Everyone on the farm is talented and interesting. They all speak well, and the vibes are great—I totally love it here.

…Okay, maybe the wording was a bit off, but that was the gist of it.

At least, that's how Absol interpreted it.

"Sol!"

I'm in!

Absol made the decision without hesitation.

Seriously, where else would it find such a good deal?

As for becoming a trainer's Pokémon?

Absol had no interest in that.

Sure, it wanted to grow stronger and didn't mind battling, but there was a key difference—

I want to get stronger because I want to, not because you told me to.

If I slap a passing Mightyena, it's because I felt like it. If you tell me to fight another Pokémon, that's your problem, not mine.

And if you like battling so much, why don't you fight yourself? You've got hands and feet, don't you?

In short, this Absol had a bit of a rebellious streak.

But it liked Natsume, so listening to him didn't seem so bad.

Natsume shall be protected!

…

Maybe.

Glancing at Slowking, who was lost in thought, Absol hesitated.

Something told it that fighting this guy wouldn't end well.

And that high-and-mighty black bird behind him? Also felt out of its league.

As Absol's gaze landed on Corviknight, it had a realization.

This bird radiated cold, steely energy—completely unreadable.

Coincidentally, Corviknight was thinking the exact same thing.

Since they hadn't interacted much yet, and Corviknight had been standing further away, it hadn't caught most of Natsume and Absol's conversation.

So from Corviknight's perspective, Absol seemed just as cold and aloof as any other of its kind.

Tch, I don't really get along with this type. —Both of them, simultaneously.

"Alright then, I'll be counting on you, Absol."

Natsume pulled a shrunken Poké Ball from his pocket, enlarged it, and set it down in front of Absol.

Without hesitation, Absol lightly tapped it with the blade-like horn on its forehead.

As the red light flashed, it remained perfectly calm, letting the Poké Ball pull it inside without resistance.

Seeing this, Corviknight became even more convinced—

Yep. Definitely one of those cool and aloof types.

But in reality, Absol was just thinking—

Damn. Human technology is insane.

Absol couldn't even begin to wrap its head around how Poké Balls worked.

Even with all its knowledge, it was completely beyond comprehension.

So, Absol had to admit—humans were impressive.

And Natsume was impressive.

He could do things even Pokémon couldn't.

No wonder Slowking calls him "Boss Natsume."

In Absol's mind, a simple equation took shape:

Natsume can heal me, but Slowking can't. So Natsume > Slowking.

I can't beat Slowking, so Slowking > Me.

Therefore: Natsume > Slowking > Me.

Perfect logic.

With that realization, it felt even more at ease about being captured.

"Sol."

Nice to meet you, Boss Natsume.

Emerging from the Poké Ball, Absol greeted him naturally.

"…Huh?"

Natsume stiffened mid-motion as he put the Poké Ball away.

Where did it learn that?

He didn't exactly dislike the title, but it was a little embarrassing.

"Ya-don!"

Rejoice!

Out of nowhere, Slowking, who had been spacing out for a while, suddenly pulled out a brand-new, unopened notebook and raised it high in the air.

For a moment, four pairs of eyes locked onto Slowking.

And then…

"Ya-don."

Uh… forgot the next part.

After a brief pause, Slowking quietly put the notebook away.

…Yeah, no, that was way too embarrassing. I should never have trusted that Zorua.

Decision made: the moment it got back, it was eating Zorua's dinner.

"You… this… ugh, forget it."

Watching Slowking's completely unbothered expression, Natsume began to doubt his own hearing.

Had he imagined it?

But judging by Mei and the others' reactions… no, Slowking definitely spoke.

After mulling it over, Natsume decided to drop it for now and turned back to Absol.

"Absol, was this the forest you used to live in?"

Pulling out his phone, he displayed a map for Absol to see.

Ever since hearing Steenee's story, he had been keeping an eye on this place.

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