Pokémon: Farm Story

As the sun's glow fully faded beneath the horizon, the bustling world fell silent for a brief moment. Yet it wasn't long before it sprang back to life, as if the nocturnal staff had clocked in, ready to revel in the pleasures of the night.

People often imagine the night to be tranquil.

But in truth, the night is always teeming with stories, and the world of Pokémon is no exception.

Many Pokémon that snooze away the day in their nests stretched their stiff limbs and emerged from their cozy shelters to hunt for food. Even a bear waking from hibernation will prioritize gorging itself. After all, survival comes first.

Besides the naturally nocturnal Pokémon, some others also chose the cover of night to avoid human activity.

"Rustle, rustle."

"Munya?"

A bush swayed gently, and a small, dark green head cautiously popped out.

Its starry eyes were filled with nervousness and unease. Although it knew this might be risky and perhaps even inappropriate, it couldn't resist the allure of a certain pile of junk.

Earlier that morning, Natsume had cleared out some old, unusable items. Among the pile were broken furniture, children's toys, marbles, playing cards, and toy soldiers.

If young Natsume had come across these treasures, he would have been ecstatic. But as an adult, they failed to stir any emotions in him.

No nostalgic joy. No cringing embarrassment over old memories. It seemed those once-vivid and joyful recollections had quietly faded, like childhood and youth slipping away unnoticed. Perhaps that was simply growing up.

"Munya."

The Pokémon in the bushes tilted its head, gazing curiously at the marbles sparkling under the moonlight.

Though cheap, the glass orbs took on a gem-like brilliance beneath the silvery glow, exuding an air of value.

And so, they captivated the attention of a little Pokémon with no concept of worldly riches.

Peering at the seemingly silent two-story house nearby, the Pokémon confirmed it was completely dark and quiet.

Although Persian, being nocturnal, might still be awake, living alongside Natsume had partially adjusted its habits.

After careful "analysis," the Pokémon decided the time was right to make its move.

"Munya-munya."

It pulled out a stealth suit it had meticulously crafted earlier that day. Humming a cheerful tune, it donned the outfit. Though the melody was random and improvised, it brimmed with the whimsical charm of a child's boundless imagination.

Once fully dressed, the little figure's eyes turned sharp and focused.

Operation Nighttime Treasure Hunt! Initiate!

Mimicking a pose it had once seen somewhere, the Pokémon dived forward, flattening itself to the ground. Wrapped tightly in the stealth suit, it cautiously peered through a gap, checking the house for movement.

All clear.

Nodding in satisfaction, the Pokémon admired its execution.

I've got talent, don't I?

Even as it stifled its excitement, it reminded itself not to get cocky. Steeling its nerves, the Pokémon resumed its stealthy crawl forward:

Wriggle, sneak, roll. Stop. Peer through the suit. Repeat.

The so-called stealth suit was actually just a tattered, dark green windbreaker, adorned with makeshift camouflage like grass and ragged cloth strips. Though crude, the details revealed the creator's earnestness in crafting the "gear."

Throughout its operation, the Pokémon adhered strictly to a silent approach, making no noise at all.

But it failed to notice several pairs of eyes watching from the second-floor balcony.

'So this is the green-headed thing you mentioned?'

Persian glanced at the Corvisquire crouched beside it. Though silent, its expression spoke volumes.

Corvisquire, spreading its wings, was about to unleash its signature raucous cry when Persian shot it a sharp glare. The glint of claws peeking through its paw made Corvisquire gulp.

The cawing sound died in its throat.

'Yeah, that's the one spying around yesterday!'

'This creep's totally a pervy stalker!'

Corvisquire flailed its wings and widened its eyes to emphasize its point, attempting to communicate through exaggerated gestures.

But the display... well, let's just say it left much to be desired.

'You might consider a career in pantomime or comedy.'

Butterfree patted Corvisquire's wing with approval. This kid, it thought, could save the performing arts industry.

While the others remained unbothered, Buneary appeared genuinely concerned. Nudging Persian, it whispered softly into its ear.

Should we go wake Natsume?

Persian tilted its head, glancing at the shadowy, wriggling figure on the ground below.

After a brief pause, it nodded.

Go ahead. It's worth notifying him about this.

Receiving approval, Buneary leaped from the railing and trotted back inside.

---

"Bun."

With a graceful leap, it landed softly on Natsume's bed without disturbing him.

Gently nudging his face, it whispered a call.

"Hmm? What's up, Buneary?"

Rubbing his drowsy eyes, Natsume sat up, puzzled. Though his mind was still half-asleep, his hand instinctively reached out to pat Buneary's head—a familiar motion to anyone who's ever kept a pet.

"Bun."

Natsume, there's a strange Pokémon outside.

Buneary explained the situation in detail: the Corvisquire secretly watching its phone on the rooftop earlier, dramatically posing under the moonlight to "reflect on life," and then noticing the strange creeping figure on the ground.

"I see."

Casually dismissing the Corvisquire's dramatic antics, Natsume quickly got dressed and headed to the roof.

"Let's go take a look. Remember to keep quiet, okay?"

"Bun."

Covering its mouth with its ears, Buneary nodded solemnly. Not a peep from me!