The Combees, who had been busily building their hive, immediately grew restless upon noticing the presence of an unfamiliar figure.
Some hurriedly flew back toward the hive, while others formed a defensive wall in front of Natsume, cautiously observing the stranger.
Strictly speaking, they were the intruders here.
But for wild Pokémon, such distinctions might not even exist.
"Hello, Combee. My name is Natsume."
"I'm the owner of this farm."
Pointing to the farm behind him, Natsume spoke with a smile.
As the energy of the Viridian Forest coursed through his body, a unique aura of harmony gently spread outward.
The tension among the Combee eased slightly.
Although they didn't exactly rush up to ask for a hug, they no longer seemed on the verge of biting him with Bug Bite—one of the few moves Combee could learn.
Combee, as a species, was relatively weak. With a base stat total barely over 200 and a move pool limited to less than ten, even Magikarp might mock them as amateurs.
When a Combee evolves into Vespiquen, though...
Well, it's still just okay.
Despite decent defenses, its Bug/Flying typing comes with multiple weaknesses, including a quadruple weakness to Rock. At best, it's passable.
Most of the time, it serves as a utility Pokémon, setting hazards like Toxic Spikes.
A few braver Combees cautiously approached Natsume, seemingly testing his intentions.
At the slightest movement from Natsume, they quickly fled back, giving him no chance to get closer.
A sharp buzzing echoed through the air.
As if receiving a command, the Combee dispersed, creating a path as if welcoming their queen.
And indeed, they were. In a Combee colony, there was only one queen: Vespiquen.
The Vespiquen's appearance resembled a regal figure in a voluminous gown.
Her two pairs of small insect wings seemed far too tiny to support her imposing form.
"Hello, Vespiquen."
Faced with the leader of the swarm, Natsume remained relaxed.
This is the confidence bestowed by the miraculous Hisuian superhuman physique—or so he liked to think.
If they both traded punches, it wasn't clear who would end up on the ground.
After introducing himself and the farm, Natsume extended an invitation to Vespiquen.
"Would you like to join the farm?"
Her crimson eyes reflected Natsume's image as she pondered his offer.
From the start, Vespiquen didn't have much of a choice.
The farm was the only area in the vicinity with an ideal environment.
There was an almost imperceptible energy lingering in the air. After just two days, Vespiquen felt her fatigue from leading the colony on a long journey dissipate significantly.
The constant exhaustion that had her on the brink of collapse vanished completely.
So yes, she was inclined to stay.
But if not here, where else could she go?
Abandon the fledgling hive, take the colony, and continue searching for another potential home?
That was an absurd idea.
Leaving wasn't an option, so why not stay?
Besides, she couldn't win in a fight.
Vespiquen glanced at Natsume's Persian and Butterfree, her thoughts heavy with resignation.
Yesterday, she had sent her Combee to secretly scout the farm.
The results were clear: if it came to a battle, her colony would be crushed in no time.
The Vespiquen had seen a group of Furret repeatedly charging at incredible speeds. Leading them was a pink Furret, so fast her keen Bug-type eyes almost couldn't follow.
She had also witnessed Butterfree showcasing its devastating Solar Beam, chilling her heart.
Its subsequent skill demonstrations only made Vespiquen question her very existence.
Aren't we both Bug-types?
Why does it feel like your Bug-type is on an entirely different level?
How did you learn all those moves? Could you teach me?
(Zorua, meanwhile, gave a smug thumbs-up and happily munched on an energy pokéblock from Butterfree.)
"I'll join!"
Without hesitation, Vespiquen followed her instincts.
Pokémon never yield!
...Unless there's free food and shelter.
These terms were simply too good to refuse.
Placing her hand in Natsume's, Vespiquen's eyes shone with determination, filled with longing for the promised food and comfort.
"I'll join—right now!"
"Ah? Oh, okay."
Vespiquen's decisiveness left Natsume momentarily stunned.
"That was... quick."
Had she already made up her mind beforehand?
Still, a peaceful resolution was always welcome.
After all, Natsume considered himself a pacifist—at least when unprovoked.
"Welcome to the farm, Vespiquen."
With practiced ease, Natsume completed the process of recruiting Vespiquen.
The queen extended her hand again—not to shake it but to eagerly accept another pokéblock.
The moment she tasted it, her eyes lit up.
"Wow, do all city Pokémon eat like this?"
The delectable treat left her envious.
From now on, she was determined to enjoy the finer things in life!
Persian and Butterfree exchanged glances from their spot by Natsume's feet.
"No battle today?"
How surprising.
Still, it wasn't a bad thing.
"Later, I'll expand the fence outward slightly," Natsume said.
"That way, your hive will be included within the farm's boundaries."
Initially, Natsume had planned to relocate the hive near the Berry Grove.
But since Vespiquen's hive was already partially constructed, he couldn't realistically move it intact. Expanding the fence was the simpler solution.
Besides, the area was already part of the farm, so it wasn't technically a violation.
---
On a nearby hillside, a humanoid Pokémon silently observed Natsume.
It could sense that he wasn't a bad person and harbored a sincere love for Pokémon.
A pure, selfless affection with no ulterior motives.
"Gallade," it murmured.
Turning away, the Gallade disappeared from the hillside in an instant, preparing to discuss matters with its sister.
At the same time, Natsume turned toward the hill, sensing something unusual.
His gaze found only an empty slope.
"An illusion?"
"No, there was definitely a Pokémon watching just now."
Natsume was certain of it.
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