"Machoke, are you alright?"
After the battle, Rex hurriedly approached Machoke, asking with concern.
Rex's worry was understandable, given Machoke's current state. It was covered in injuries, with the most severe being a large bite wound on its left leg.
Despite his trainer's concern, Machoke shook its head, indicating it was fine. Then, it laughed heartily, as this battle had shattered its previous nightmares, proving its efforts were not in vain.
Rex could empathize with Machoke's feelings. When Machoke was young, it had been severely bullied by a pack of Mightyena, even losing its right arm, leading to a long period of depression. Now, it had finally reclaimed some of its pride, and the thrill of revenge helped it suppress the physical pain.
Although Machoke felt the injuries were not a big deal, Rex still had Victreebel help with the treatment.
At this time, Geodude, having received treatment from Victreebel's Grassy Terrain, had stabilized its injuries. It only needed to be taken to Nurse Joy for further treatment in Fallarbor Town.
"Let's head back now!"
After treating Machoke, Rex spoke to the group.
The group was overjoyed to hear they could go back. They had feared they would die at the claws of the Mightyena pack but were saved by Rex's timely arrival.
When they learned that Rex was the helper their parents had hired, they felt guilty. After all, it was their sneaky departure that led to this series of events.
Each of the three children rode on a Swellow, following Rex's Swellow towards Rex's farm.
As they flew over the forest below, each had their own thoughts. They had been lost in this area for several days, and now, looking down from the Swellow, they could recognize many paths they had previously walked.
Arisa even saw a familiar path not far from the main road. However, at the time, they thought they were going in the wrong direction and changed course, missing the opportunity to leave the forest.
This realization made Arisa lament their poor luck. They had been so close to exiting the forest but had gone the wrong way due to their wavering resolve.
Soon, the group landed in the clearing in front of Rex's house. Officer Jenny and the three parents came out upon hearing the news.
"Arisa, Michel, Charles, I'm so glad you're okay!"
The parents ran to their children, hugging them tightly.
Though the children's disheveled appearance pained the parents, their safety was the greatest relief.
The children recounted their experiences over the past few days to their parents. When they mentioned encountering the Mightyena pack, the parents' hearts tightened with fear.
The parents exchanged glances, seeing the fear in each other's eyes. If not for seeking Officer Jenny's help and her recommendation to find Rex, their children might not have survived.
The parents then approached Rex, expressing their profound gratitude. Rex had essentially saved their families.
Rex managed to persuade the parents to return home. For him, helping was just a small favor, and he wasn't one to seek repayment for his kindness.
Given the children's poor condition and their Pokémon needing treatment, the parents decided to return to Fallarbor Town first. They would discuss how to repay Rex later.
"Rex, we really owe you this time. Without you, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"
After the parents left with their children, Officer Jenny thanked Rex.
Though she knew Rex's Pokémon were strong, defeating five Mightyena with just Machoke and commanding so many Swellow impressed her greatly.
"Officer Jenny, you're too kind. If you ever need my help, just ask!"
Rex felt grateful to Officer Jenny, who had helped him greatly after arriving in this world. Without her assistance, there would be no Rex's farm today.
"Alright, I'll remember that. If I ever encounter a tough situation, I'll definitely ask for your help. After all, your strength is quite impressive!"
Officer Jenny patted Rex's shoulder, smiling.
Though she hadn't seen the full extent of Rex's strength, the sheer number of Swellow he commanded indicated there were few things in the area that could trouble him.
After chatting with Rex for a while, Officer Jenny rode off on her Arcanine, which sped towards Fallarbor Town at an extraordinary speed.
This incident was just a small episode in Rex's life. He soon returned to training his Pokémon, knowing time waits for no one.
Three days later, the parents returned to Rex's farm with their children. This time, they brought a significant gift.
"This is too valuable; I really can't accept it. You should keep it for Arisa and the others!"
Rex tried to return the black belt to Mr. Cortez, declining the gift.
"Rex, please accept it. We don't have any Fighting-type Pokémon, and surely your lifesaving act is worth more than a black belt!"
Arisa urged Rex to accept the gift.
"Exactly, Rex. We want to thank Machoke for saving our lives. Consider this black belt a gift for Machoke."
Charles's father, Michel, agreed.
"Please accept it, Rex. I'll never forget what you did for Geodude."
Michel's father added emotionally.
Geodude's condition had stabilized after Victreebel's treatment and further care from Nurse Joy. It was out of danger and would be fully recovered after a few more days of rest.
Seeing their insistence, Rex accepted the black belt. Pokémon items were rare and often hard to buy, even with money.
The black belt, as a Pokémon item, would enhance Fighting-type moves' power when worn by a Fighting-type Pokémon. It was a great aid for Machoke, so Rex accepted it with gratitude.
"Rex, can we come to your farm to train our Pokémon and learn about Pokémon care from you?"
Arisa looked at Rex with hopeful eyes.
Beside her, Michel and Charles also waited nervously for Rex's answer. They had learned from Officer Jenny that Rex had earned eight gym badges and was about to participate in the upcoming Pokémon League.
For these rookie trainers, those who could participate in the Pokémon League were their idols.
"Of course, you can. We have two other new trainers at the farm, and you can all learn from each other and grow together!"
Rex agreed, enjoying the idea of having more people around.
"Great!"
Hearing Rex's agreement, the children jumped with joy.
The recent events had taught them their shortcomings, but they hadn't given up on their dreams. They wanted Rex's guidance to improve their Pokémon's strength.
(End of Chapter)