Three or four days ago, Poochyena's older brother successfully evolved into Mightyena.
While Natsume's care and feeding played a big part, his own natural talent also contributed to the achievement.
The newly evolved Mightyena was noticeably taller than his unreliable father, towering over him like a true "wolf" rather than a mere "dog." When they stood side by side, it was hard to tell who the real parent was.
Since arriving at the farm, Mightyena had been especially lively, dutifully fulfilling his responsibilities while often wandering around various corners of the property. The red scarf tied around his neck was a gift from Natsume, who had personally put it on him.
Good, well-behaved Pokémon always hold a special place in people's hearts, and Natsume was no exception. Although, truth be told, the ones who cry and make a fuss often seem to get more attention.
"What's the matter?"
"Woof! Woof!"
"Oh, I see."
After crouching down and communicating with Mightyena, Natsume understood the situation.
A Gardevoir was waiting just outside the farm. She wanted to meet him and discuss moving her family onto the farm. Unsure how to handle this alone, Mightyena had come to report it to Natsume.
For now, Gardevoir was being watched by Mightyena's parents. As Dark-types, Mightyena and his family could counter Psychic-types like Gardevoir effectively. Psychic-type attacks would barely affect them.
Although Gardevoir's ability to use Teleport could prove tricky in a fight, at least they weren't completely powerless against her.
Side note: In games, certain matchups are absolutely immune. For example, Ground-type moves deal zero damage to Flying-types, regardless of level differences.
This means, theoretically, even if Groudon used Precipice Blades on a Pidgey, the damage would be... zero.
But in reality, immunity isn't absolute. It exists only when the strength gap isn't significant.
If the disparity is vast enough, even Lightning moves can kill Ground-types. Immunity translates to "minimal damage" rather than none at all.
Otherwise, people could simply swarm Groudon with Pidgeys. After all, its Ground-type moves would be useless, and it can't even fly.
Of course, Groudon knows more than just Ground-type moves.
---
"Garde..."
Gardevoir, waiting quietly outside the farm, raised her head at some point.
Her crimson eyes reflected Natsume's approaching figure.
Just as her brother had described, this human radiated an inexplicable sense of warmth and comfort.
The closer he got, the stronger this feeling grew—like lying in a sunlit meadow on a lazy afternoon.
Pure bliss.
Except, perhaps, for those allergic to pollen. For them, this would be hell on earth.
"Hello, Gardevoir. My name is Natsume."
"Garde."
Hello, Natsume.
Nodding slightly, Gardevoir initiated communication.
Her psychic tendrils extended and linked with Natsume's mind, allowing him to "hear" her voice clearly in his head.
Her tone resembled that of a quiet, aloof girl who prefers solitude—distant even during rare moments of interaction.
"I'd like to bring my brother and sisters to live on the farm," Gardevoir stated plainly. "Is there anything we need to do? Battle? Or something else?"
She got straight to the point. Gardevoir found human conversational tactics baffling, so she avoided unnecessary pleasantries.
Her brother, however, seemed oddly comfortable with them. Gardevoir neither understood nor wanted to understand.
"Something to do, huh?" Natsume mused, tapping his chin. "I'd say helping out around the farm is the main thing."
"Since you're Psychic-types, I might rely on you for security and occasionally managing certain areas."
He had no objections to Gardevoir and Gallade joining the farm.
After all, no one transported to the Pokémon world can resist the allure of Gardevoir. It's like Yu-Gi-Oh! players during the GX era—they can't resist using banned cards.
Why not bring a touch of chaos to this otherwise orderly world?
That said, Natsume wouldn't tolerate freeloaders on his farm. If they joined, they had to contribute in some way—nothing too strict, just a general understanding.
If even this was unacceptable, then Natsume wouldn't accept them. After all, Pokémon were like children; excessive pampering would only spoil them.
"Understood."
Gardevoir nodded. To her, these conditions were negligible.
If Natsume had demanded nothing at all, she would've been suspicious.
So far, her impression of him was excellent. Using her psychic abilities, she could sense no malice, greed, or other dark emotions from him.
"Can I take a tour of the farm?" she asked after some thought.
Although she had observed it from afar, Gardevoir preferred to inspect the place openly and formally.
"Of course!" Natsume replied, recognizing her interest.
Turning to Mightyena's parents, he patted their heads and handed each a few Pokéblocks before addressing Gardevoir:
"Allow me to be your guide."
"Garde."
Thank you.
*********************************************
Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my Patreon.
p@treon/GodDragcell