The hardest part of communication is often the initial step of establishing a connection.
Most people aren't inherently lacking in the ability or talent to communicate. Yet, they appear unskilled at conversation because they falter at building that first bridge of communication.
This is especially true for Ralts, a Pokémon that can sense human emotions and flee at the slightest hint of unease.
However, for Natsume, this wasn't much of a challenge.
With a calm mindset and a touch of psychic power, earning the trust and affection of Ralts was an effortless task.
After all, Natsume had earned the nickname "Little Charmer of Daitaka Preschool" for a reason.
"Ralts, Ralts!"
Before long, the little green Ralts were crowding around Natsume, chattering away non-stop.
They eagerly shared their curiosity about the farm, their experiences so far, and even whispered complaints about their older siblings.
The last part, in particular, gave them the vibe of classic backstabbers.
Selling out their older siblings right after meeting someone new—whether it was out of naivety or genuine affection for Natsume, who could say?
Even though people say "the eldest brother is like a father," Gallade didn't seem to hold much authority in the family.
"Alright, alright, let's go meet the others on the farm," Natsume said with a chuckle, scooping up a Ralts that had climbed onto his head and cradling it in his arms.
Turning to the observing Gallade and Gardevoir, he added, "Shall we?"
"Gallade!"
Gallade raised an arm in agreement. Since the newcomers didn't have gifts prepared, at the very least, they should introduce themselves.
After all, it would be awkward if, after living on the farm for a while, they were mistaken for outsiders due to their low profile.
Gardevoir, on the other hand, remained indifferent.
It didn't particularly care as long as no one forced it to bond with others.
True social anxiety.
Gardevoir embodied the essence of true social anxiety: not announcing it to the world, not retreating to a corner to stand out, nor engaging in eccentric behavior to attract attention.
Real social anxiety involved blending seamlessly into the crowd, minimizing one's presence.
Laugh when others laugh, cry when others cry—thus the origins of "delayed laughter" and "delayed tears" (or so it claimed).
After formally capturing Gallade and the Ralts group, Natsume released them again and began the walk back to the house.
Not capturing them wasn't an option; leaving them unregistered on the farm made him uneasy.
Believing in the inherent goodness and moral integrity of humanity often left people vulnerable to malice.
Natsume had no intention of becoming the protagonist of a melodramatic tragedy.
No misunderstandings, no slapping contests.
He had neither the need nor the patience for such nonsense.
He'd rather spend that time napping with his shiny Furret.
Speaking of which, due to its intense training regime lately, Furret was no longer as soft and plush as before—its once-cuddly body had hardened slightly.
A pity.
But no matter—there were plenty of other Pokémon on the farm to cuddle.
Take Lopunny, for instance.
Though Lopunny had yet to share Natsume's bed, it was tempting.
While its fluffy, humanoid form was undeniably adorable, something about it still felt a bit... awkward.
Perhaps one day, when Natsume decided to embrace his inner "Dark Emperor," he'd proudly step into the world of furry fandom.
"Everyone, we have new friends!"
Pushing open the door, Natsume was greeted by a flurry of Pokémon scurrying out from all corners of the house.
Minccino was the first to hop down from a windowsill, inspecting the Ralts group hiding behind Natsume, as well as the flanking Gardevoir and Gallade.
Satisfied, it nodded approvingly.
Diligent newcomers—good, good.
For Minccino, cleaning wasn't the issue—it had to do that anyway.
What it couldn't stand were Pokémon that lacked motivation.
It particularly disapproved of Togepi and Hisuian Zorua.
Hisuian Zorua, a perennial wallflower in the household, had recently teamed up with the troublemaker Togepi.
Now the duo spent their days causing chaos across the farm.
Stealing eggs, sneaking into storage, and yes—literally "petting the dog."
A Mightyena's rear was nearly rubbed bald.
From a distance, the shiny patch of fur on its hindquarters gleamed conspicuously.
"Mimi!"
After a brief introduction, Minccino happily returned to its cleaning duties.
Another satisfying day.
Following Minccino, Lopunny, Emolga, Butterfree, Zorua, and Persian all came forward to greet the newcomers.
As for Shiny Furret and Corvisquire?
Furret was outside training tirelessly, only returning for meals and rest.
Corvisquire, on the other hand, had become a recluse, binge-watching shows upstairs in increasingly unhealthy positions.
Its once-fit frame was growing rounder by the day.
Unable to stand it, Natsume assigned Furret the task of dragging Corvisquire out daily for training.
Do what you must—just don't overdo it.
At this rate, Corvisquire might soon turn into a feathery ball, unable to fly.
The thought of it rolling around on the ground, frantically flapping its wings, was both amusing and tragic.
"But space is becoming an issue," Natsume mused, glancing at the crowded living room.
When he first moved in, it had just been him, Butterfree, Persian, and Corvisquire.
Back then, the space was more than adequate.
Now, however, with the growing number of Pokémon in the household, the space was feeling cramped.
Sure, they could all technically fit, but comfort was another matter.
If fitting was all that mattered, a cramped internet café booth would suffice.
Thankfully, the new home under construction—a spacious three-story villa—was nearly complete.
It boasted plenty of rooms, more than enough for the current Pokémon.
By the time space became an issue again, the farm would have reached a new level, complete with facilities like breeding houses.
So, Natsume wasn't too worried.
"Gardevoir."
"Gallade."
The two Pokémon introduced themselves warmly, only to discover, to their surprise, that many Pokémon on the farm shared similar stories of having fled from hardship.
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