In the dim forest, a Gardevoir stood silently with several Ralts, waiting.
About a month ago, the forest they lived in underwent a sudden and eerie transformation.
From the forest's heart came an indescribable presence, an oppressive aura that lasted only a moment but was enough to unsettle every Pokémon in the area—especially the Psychic-type Gardevoir.
Had it not been for their ancestral ties to the forest, Gardevoir would have instantly teleported away with her younger siblings.
And that's precisely what she had done initially—rushing home with Teleport to gather her Ralts siblings.
As for her Gallade brother?
He'd manage. Probably.
But for various reasons, they hadn't been able to leave immediately. Troubled by this growing unease, they stayed a while longer.
It wasn't long before the forest began to die.
Starting from the central spring, "death" quietly spread.
Trees turned an ashen gray and withered, crumbling to powder at a mere touch. The ground cracked and became barren, while the once-clear spring transformed into a stagnant, turbid pool.
The Pokémon residing near the center visibly aged at an alarming rate.
Within just days, those closest to the source became frail and decrepit. Muscles atrophied, bones weakened, and even minimal movement inflicted severe damage upon their bodies.
Fleeing wasn't an option—they could only lie helplessly, waiting for death to claim them.
Their clouded eyes reflected no trace of hope or will to live.
Gallade had witnessed all of this firsthand during his reconnaissance.
That moment, he wholeheartedly agreed with his sister's initial instinct.
We should have fled this place ages ago!
Luckily, their home on the forest's outskirts had spared them from the worst effects.
Even so, fatigue weighed heavily on Gardevoir and her siblings. Their psychic powers grew dull, and their internal energy became sluggish and unresponsive.
Given time, they, too, would succumb to the same fate as those at the forest's center.
Determined to protect his family, Gallade had quickly whisked his siblings away from their long-time home.
Leaving behind the memories of their years there was painful, but their lives were far more valuable.
You can rebuild a home, but there's no coming back from death.
"Gallade!"
A sudden ripple in the air heralded Gallade's arrival in front of Gardevoir.
"Sis?"
His psychic link reached out, connecting their thoughts.
Gallade began relaying everything he had observed and the conclusions he'd drawn.
First, his assessment of Natsume: this human seemed trustworthy.
Not only was Natsume kind, but he also had the resources to care for their family. The Pokémon living on his farm were healthy and thriving.
Moreover, Natsume wasn't an ordinary human. There was something about him—an energy within him that resonated deeply with Gallade's Psychic senses.
This mysterious energy was the Viridian Force, an innate gift Natsume had struggled to control in his youth. Back then, it had made him a magnet for Pokémon, much like a walking treasure trove.
Even now, Natsume was still like catnip to certain Pokémon. The neighbor's Glameow, for instance, practically turned feral every time she saw him.
"I think we should approach him. He seems reliable," Gallade concluded confidently, seated cross-legged.
Despite being the elder sibling, he had no qualms about deferring to Gardevoir's judgment.
After all, his analytical skills left much to be desired.
Why stress myself when I have an external brain to do the thinking?
After a moment of thought, Gardevoir made her decision.
"We'll meet him."
Even if they ultimately chose not to stay, they could always retreat if necessary.
This was no small step for Gardevoir, given her acute awareness of how humans often coveted her kind.
To most humans, Gardevoir was irresistible—a combination of power, elegance, and allure.
Whether they sought strength, beauty, or companionship, there was no reason to reject her species.
Even for those with niche tastes, the male "Sirknight" form offered its own appeal.
Gallade, meanwhile, had always been a little less popular—through no fault of his own.
It wasn't about strength or appearance; it was just human preferences.
The human psyche truly is a strange and terrifying thing...
---
Unaware of the impending arrival of a "Gardevoir family," Natsume was busy reviewing his farm's layout.
Natsume spread out the farm's blueprints, gesturing as he spoke. Beside him stood muscular girl Miss Machamp, who had been overseeing the farm's construction.
Thanks to her efficient work and agreeable nature, Natsume saw no need to hire another construction team. After all, horror stories about dishonest contractors were rampant online. He'd even considered capturing a few Pokémon specialized in construction to handle things himself.
"Leave it to me!"
The muscular girl slapped her chest with a resounding thud, brimming with enthusiasm. As she took the blueprints, she couldn't help but marvel at Natsume's progress.
Now, Natsume was even expanding his Pokémon population, bringing in entire families.
Her own life had transformed alongside the farm's growth. No longer teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, she could finally afford small luxuries: Grabbing street snacks without checking prices, adding sausage and eggs to her instant noodles....
Just keep working hard! Next month, maybe I'll myself to something even better!
"Work hard, everyone!" she rallied her Machamp crew.
"Let's do this!"
Behind her, the team of Machamp and other muscular Pokémon raised their fists, their spirits ablaze with determination.
Watching this display, the shiny Furret lounging by Natsume's feet gave an approving nod.
Good energy. Nice!
Just as Natsume was about to head off to prepare pokéblocks, a Mightyena wearing a red scarf dashed toward him.
"Woof! Woof!"
The recently evolved Mightyena skidded to a dramatic stop, wagging its tail as he delivered an urgent message to Natsume.
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