Pokemon: Farm Story

The ancients once said: Buy fine horses in the east market, saddles in the west, bridles in the south, and whips in the north.

Natsume's current situation wasn't far from this.

At the entrance, he had Corviknight and Gardevoir. From the farm, he brought along the shiny Furret. By the lake, he picked up Zorua, who was hanging out with Slowpoke.

The reasoning behind this team was quite simple.

Corviknight and Gardevoir happened to be nearby. Plus, Gardevoir's Psychic abilities were exceptionally useful for wilderness exploration and locating things.

Poor Butterfree had just lost its role as the group's utility tool.

As for Zorua, it was necessary for finding Ogerpon—after all, Zorua was currently the only one who could track Ogerpon.

And the shiny Furret?

It was purely because Furret and Ogerpon had always gotten along well.

After all, those with similar personalities tend to click.

Simply put, substitute users are destined to attract each other!

It didn't hurt to bring it along anyway, so Natsume casually included Furret before leaving.

At the moment, Natsume's party consisted of four Pokémon, leaving two spots open.

Of course, this was only relevant to Trainers.

Natsume wasn't a Trainer. If he wanted to, he could bring along dozens of Pokémon without issue.

The six-party limit was merely the official recommendation for the optimal team size.

Six Pokémon were enough to form a balanced team without significant weaknesses while also remaining manageable for a Trainer's resources and energy.

In addition to his four Pokémon, Natsume carried a small bag containing gifts for Ogerpon, Poké Puffs, and a few Poké Balls.

Don't ask why—just in case he came across a Pokémon he liked.

A couple of days ago, Natsume had seen an adorable Alcremie online.

The comments mentioned that Alcremie was theoretically the Pokémon with the most forms—seven decorations multiplied by nine flavors made 63 combinations.

Including shiny forms and Gigantamax, there were 128 variations in total.

This reminded Natsume that some Pokémon indeed had numerous forms or distinct traits.

Take Vivillon, for instance.

Natsume had started entertaining the idea of capturing more Pokémon like this—maybe he could achieve the title of a master collector someday.

But that was a matter for another time.

"For now, I'll leave it to you to guide us, Zorua."

Seated atop his Gogoat, Natsume addressed the Zorua perched on the goat's head.

Zorua haughtily nodded in response.

Hmph, in the end, you all still need me.

This house would fall apart without me.

"Take care of the egg you brought back first before making such claims."

Natsume ruffled Zorua's fur so vigorously it looked like he might rub a hole in its head.

Ever since Zorua had brought back that egg, it hadn't done much to care for it—just occasionally glanced at it and played for a bit.

"Suo!"

That's not my child!

Shaking off Natsume's hand, Zorua stuck out its tongue before signaling Gogoat to move forward with a couple of taps on its head.

Initially, Natsume had thought of walking to their destination.

But Zorua protested, not wanting to waste too much time outdoors.

It had plans to sunbathe with Slowpoke later that afternoon.

(Slowpoke, still processing the idea: Sunbathe? Sure!)

However, Gogoat remained motionless, as steady as a mountain, completely ignoring Zorua's signals.

It slightly tilted its head toward Natsume, waiting for his command.

"Let's go," Natsume said.

At his word, Gogoat finally moved, starting with small strides that quickly transitioned into a gallop.

Despite the abrupt acceleration, the ride felt smooth and comfortable, with no hint of jolts.

If not for the rushing wind in his ears, Natsume might have thought they were still ambling leisurely along.

As expected of a Pokémon famed for its riding capabilities.

Much better than the shared Dodrios Natsume had ridden to school in the past.

"Suo, suo."

Though annoyed at being ignored, Zorua dutifully pointed the way for Gogoat.

Now wasn't the time to act up—Natsume would be upset if they delayed.

And an upset Natsume meant no tasty treats.

Zorua understood priorities well.

As for stealing other Pokémon's food?

Zorua wasn't the type to stoop so low.

"Suo, suo."

Following Zorua's guidance, Gogoat quickly brought Natsume to a desolate plain.

Apart from scattered rocks and withered weeds, there was nothing.

It was so desolate that not even Trainers bothered coming here.

This barren land was only appealing to Ghost Pokémon.

Even Pokémon that could endure harsh environments wouldn't like it here.

After all, while they might tolerate harsh conditions, who would choose to sleep under a bridge if a warm bed were an option?

Unless they were streaming for sympathy, of course.

"Suo."

Here we are.

Standing majestically on Gogoat's head like Simba from The Lion King, Zorua indicated the destination to Natsume.

Looking in the direction of Zorua's tail, Natsume saw...

Weeds.

"It really looks like there's nothing here."

Dismounting from Gogoat, Natsume sighed.

No wonder Ogerpon chose this spot to hide.

Even at such a close distance, the hiding place was flawless.

If not for Zorua, Natsume doubted he could've found it himself.

"Ogerpon, are you home?"

"I've come to see you!"

Crouching down, Natsume called into the seemingly small cave ahead.

His voice echoed through the tunnel, eventually reaching Ogerpon deep within.

"Mmmph!"

Ogerpon froze in place.

Like a rusty machine, it slowly turned around, step by hesitant step.

That voice...

It was Natsume!

Natsume was here!

"Mmmph!"

But my gift isn't ready yet!

Or rather, it feels like I'll never be ready!

Clutching its head, Ogerpon looked like the famous painting The Scream come to life.

Its entire demeanor radiated anxiety, unease, and a desperate urge to escape reality.

"Ogerpon?"

"Mmmph..."

Hearing Natsume's voice from the cave entrance, Ogerpon hesitated briefly before deciding to respond.

Picking up a gift it wasn't satisfied with—one it even disliked—Ogerpon began trudging toward the entrance, taking one hesitant step at a time.

Each step felt as heavy as lifting a mountain, requiring immense courage.

As it neared the entrance, Ogerpon paused, placing its unwanted gift on the ground.

It decided not to bring it out after all.

It's not anything important anyway, just like my other collections.

Let's just leave it here.

Ogerpon resigned itself to the thought, feeling a hint of self-abandonment.

**************************************

Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.

p@treon/GodDragcell