Chapter 274: Aftermath and the Conclusion of the Event

Notice: Kommo-o has absorbed the Muscle Band. Kommo-o's level has increased to 57.

Notice: Annihilape has absorbed the Expert Belt. Annihilape's level has increased to 58.

Natsume distributed the last two treasures to Kommo-o and Annihilape. After allocating the treasures, he made his way to the underground ice cave.

At that moment, snow was falling inside the farm's underground ice cellar. Abomasnow lay lazily in the snow, looking very much like a Slaking.

"Abomasnow~"

Abomasnow picked up a Berry encased in ice and popped it into its mouth, savoring it with a look of pure contentment. Meanwhile, the Frosmoth hung quietly from the ice pillars in the cave, seemingly having decided to make this their new home. However, the Snover were nowhere to be seen.

"Abomasnow, where are the Snover?" Natsume asked, hands in his pockets as he approached Abomasnow.

"Abomasnow~"

Abomasnow lazily pointed toward the cave entrance. The Snover had gone out to play.

Natsume looked at the carefree Abomasnow and asked, "How do you like it here? Want to stay a few more days?"

Abomasnow thought for a moment. While the snowy mountains of its homeland were more comfortable, this place wasn't bad either.

"Abomasnow~"

Abomasnow decided to stay a bit longer.

Natsume smiled. "Alright. If you need anything, you can ask Housekeeper Rotom or Indeedee."

Abomasnow nodded slightly.

"Then I'll head out for now."

After saying goodbye to Abomasnow, Natsume flew out through the passage and into the farm's bamboo grove. The Snover, it seemed, were seeing Lapras for the first time. They were excitedly riding on Lapras's back, drifting along the river.

Natsume smiled at the scene. "Looks like everyone is settling into farm life pretty well. Speaking of which, I wonder if those Swablu and Altaria have left yet."

Natsume had been hoping to have the Swablu and Altaria migrate to the farm.

"Since things are settled here for now, I should go back and check."

Natsume made up his mind.

At Oranguru's cabin by Towada Lake, the sky had already darkened. Outside, a snowstorm raged. Natsume pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside.

Oranguru's treehouse was warm and cozy. The light from the Volbeat illuminated the room brightly. Many wild Pokémon had gathered inside to rest. Yuki was also there.

Yuki stood up from her chair when she saw Natsume enter. "Good evening, Natsume."

Beside her, a Greedent quickly jumped onto the chair she had vacated.

"Good evening. It seems even livelier here now," Natsume remarked, looking at the gathered Pokémon.

"Well, this place is a sanctuary for Pokémon, after all," Oranguru said, looking up at Natsume. "Would you like a cup of hot tea?"

"Sure, thanks."

"There's no seat left, so you'll have to stand."

Natsume didn't mind. "That's fine. By the way, have those Swablu and Altaria left yet?"

Oranguru poured Natsume a cup of tea. "They flew south. But I think if fate allows, you'll meet them again."

Oranguru handed the teacup to Natsume, who accepted it. "I hope so."

Though it was a bit disappointing not to see them, as Oranguru said, if fate allowed, they would meet again.

Yuki looked at Natsume. "Is everything settled at the farm? And what about Yveltal?"

Natsume nodded. "Yes, everything's taken care of. As for Yveltal, it's temporarily sleeping at the farm."

"Eh?" Yuki looked surprised. "Sleeping at the farm? Is that... safe?"

Natsume held the teacup, watching the steam rise. "It's fine. We just need to find Xerneas."

Yuki blinked, then chuckled. "Xerneas, huh? You make it sound like you're talking about finding a Pikachu or something."

Natsume smiled at Yuki. "That's a bit of an exaggeration. What about the officials? How are they handling this?"

"The officials?" Yuki thought for a moment. "There's not much impact on our side. It's mainly the Frozen Bear League that's dealing with the fallout. They're probably struggling to restore the local ecosystem. Thankfully, Yveltal didn't rampage in a city, or it would have been a disaster."

"Delibird~"

As Natsume and Yuki were talking, a Delibird fluttered in through the window.

"Hello, Delibird."

Natsume extended his arm, letting Delibird perch on it. He smiled at the Pokémon. "Thanks for delivering the message earlier."

"Delibird~"

Delibird waved its wings, then hopped up onto Natsume's shoulder.

Yuki also looked at Delibird. "Did you find anything outside?"

Delibird shook its head. It had been patrolling outside, looking for anyone in need of help. Delibird was always so eager to assist.

"Would you like to come with me?" Natsume suddenly suggested. "I think there's a job that would suit you perfectly."

"Delibird?"

Delibird looked at Natsume curiously.

Natsume explained, "In the city, there are many people who can't go out to find food, so they need deliveries. My farm has a group of Pidgeotto who handle this kind of work. Would you be interested?"

Delibird's expression turned serious.

"Delibird!"

It thumped its chest proudly. Helping humans who couldn't find food? That was a job it could handle.

Natsume smiled. "Very reliable. Then, let's get started."

He took out a Poké Ball.

"Delibird~"

Bang~

The Poké Ball opened, and a red beam of light enveloped Delibird, pulling it inside.

Shake~ Ding~.

Delibird, successfully captured.

Yuki gave Natsume a strange look. "Natsume, the Gym Leader, I feel like there's something off about your capturing methods."

Natsume chuckled. "Don't worry about it."

He finished the tea in his cup.

"Well, I should head back now. Oh, and the farm's autumn harvest is coming up. Make sure to come visit."

Yuki nodded. "I'll definitely be there."

"And Oranguru too."

Oranguru nodded slightly. "I'll go as well."

"Then, goodbye, everyone."

Natsume waved and disappeared from the warm treehouse.