"What are your plans now?"
"I'm not sure yet. I plan to find a job in Slateport City to stabilize myself first."
"Why don't you go home? It's dangerous for a girl to wander around alone."
"I don't have a home."
"Honk, honk, honk!"
Time passed as they chatted, and the sound of the cruise ship's horn interrupted their conversation. The ship had already docked at Slateport City's pier.
Through his conversation with Karen, Rex learned a lot about her. She grew up in an orphanage in Sunyshore City in the Sinnoh region. The orphanage was government-run and housed many homeless children. Once they turned 15, they had to leave and fend for themselves.
Karen, now 16, left the orphanage last year and began working various jobs such as a restaurant server, salesperson, and kitchen helper. Her job on the Dazzling Star was the best she had found so far, so she cherished it. However, she was still fired.
Rex and Karen walked side by side off the Dazzling Star, returning to the beautiful coastal city of Slateport. Rex was happy as his farm was not far from here, and he would soon be home.
Karen, on the other hand, felt a bit lost. Although she had been to Slateport City before, it was always brief because the Dazzling Star didn't stay long.
"Karen, do you want to work on my farm for now? I really need people."
Seeing her lost expression, Rex couldn't help but ask.
His farm had only three people, and since he often went out, Yuli and Yui would be quite busy. As he developed the farm, the workload increased.
Of course, Rex prioritized hiring people with good character. He didn't want a repeat of the situation with Yuta.
"Can you give me some time to think about it?"
Though Karen thought Rex was a good person, her recent encounter with Jeston made her cautious. This caution was a habit she developed over the past two years of working various jobs.
"Of course. I'm just offering you an option; the decision is yours."
Rex had no intention of forcing her, unlike Jeston.
"So, you're getting off here too? Great, I'll make sure to give you a warm welcome in the future."
As they walked and talked, Jeston appeared, leering at Karen before threatening Rex.
"Heh, seems like your mouth still needs some treatment."
Rex said, rubbing his fist.
"Hmph!"
Knowing he was no match for Rex, Jeston left with a cold snort, looking rather ridiculous and embarrassed.
"I agree to work on your farm for now, Rex!"
After Jeston left, Karen suddenly decided.
It was clear Jeston's threats had scared her. She felt safer staying near Rex, so she didn't hesitate any longer.
"Alright, let's go!"
Rex gave her a reassuring look and led her towards the Pokémon Plaza.
Soon, they arrived at the bustling plaza, with flying Pokémon landing and taking off frequently.
Rex didn't waste time and called out his Swellow. With its size and strength, carrying Rex and Karen was no problem, though its endurance might be shorter. However, flying from here to the farm was a minor task for it.
Karen had never flown before, so this was her first time. Initially nervous, she clung to Rex's arm. But soon, she began enjoying the flight, trying to catch passing clouds and waving to flying Pokémon.
When they landed at the farm, Karen looked reluctant, clearly wishing the flight had lasted longer.
"Boss, can Swellow take me for a ride in the sky sometimes? I've discovered I love the feeling of flying between the clouds. Up there, I can forget my worries. For the first time, I felt what freedom is like."
Karen asked excitedly, looking at Swellow.
"If you like flying, you can raise your own Swellow. I forgot to mention, every employee at Rex Farm can have a Taillow. There's even a Swellow colony here. You can ask them for help anytime."
Rex understood Karen's excitement. His first ride on Swellow wasn't much different. But he wasn't sure if her enthusiasm was a fleeting interest or a genuine love for flying.
"Oh, Akiko, you're here!"
Rex exclaimed, seeing Akiko playing with Marill. Since the orphanage was rebuilt, Akiko had been enrolled in school by Grandma Nieno and hadn't visited the farm in a while.
"Brother, you're back! Our school is on break, and I was bored, so I asked Yui to bring me here."
Akiko hugged Rex happily.
"Boss, welcome back!"
Yuri and Yui came from the backyard, their clothes dusty from tending to the farm.
"You've worked hard. By the way, this is Karen, our new employee. Please get to know each other."
Rex introduced Karen to Yuri and Yui.
While they got acquainted, Rex unpacked the local specialties he bought on his trip, as well as jewelry made from green shards from Wazuwazi Island, placing them on the table.
Then he released his Pokémon, who had been cooped up in their Poké Balls for most of the trip. They joyfully ran to their usual spots.
Hoppip and Lileep went to the backyard with Hoppip's group, Heracross and Machoke headed to the forest, Flaaffy trotted to its Mareep herd, and Haunter stayed by Rex's side.
Only Lapras, new to the farm, remained. Rex took it to the artificial lake where a group of Poliwag, Magikarp, and Feebas lived, ensuring it wouldn't be lonely.
Chapter end.