Leon was about to approach Poliwhirl to check its injuries when the group of Poliwags rushed over and blocked its path. They were terrified, after all, this human had just defeated their leader. But to protect Poliwhirl, they straightened up and glared at Leon with feigned fierceness.
"You're really loyal to Poliwhirl, huh? Don't worry, I won't hurt it. I just want to treat its injuries," Leon said, shaking the bottle of medicine in his hand.
But the Poliwags still refused to move, not letting Leon get close to Poliwhirl. You beat our leader to this state and now you're saying you won't hurt it? Who the hell would believe that!
Faced with these stubborn little creatures, Leon felt utterly helpless. He didn't have a good solution at the moment. He couldn't just knock out all these Poliwags—Poliwhirl would never agree to follow him then.
Just as the standoff continued, Poliwhirl, lying on the ground, weakly stirred awake. It let out a soft cry, signaling the Poliwags to move aside. The Poliwags exchanged glances. Though reluctant, they obeyed their leader's order and stepped aside for Leon.
Leon crouched beside Poliwhirl and treated its wounds with the medicine. Once done, he took out a Poké Ball and said, "Even though you agreed earlier to become my companion if defeated, I still respect your choice. If you're willing, touch this Poké Ball. If not, I won't force you."
Poliwhirl looked at Leon's sincere expression and recalled how he had carefully treated its injuries earlier. It felt moved. It did want to become Leon's companion—it had promised, after all, and Leon's strength had earned its respect. But it couldn't bear to leave the Poliwags behind. If it left with Leon, what would happen to them?
Leon noticed Poliwhirl's hesitation and felt a surge of joy. Perfect, my goal was these Poliwags anyway! He quickly added, "If you're worried about the Poliwags, I can take them with us."
"Poli?" Really?
"Of course. I'm a lord, after all. Taking care of a dozen Poliwags is nothing," Leon assured, thumping his chest.
Poliwhirl was deeply touched. It hadn't expected this human to take in the Poliwags just for its sake. This guy's actually pretty nice! Still, it felt guilty, as if it were burdening Leon. Sensing this, Leon continued, "Don't feel bad. I'm not raising them for free. I'll need them to help water the farmland with Water Gun."
Hearing this, Poliwhirl felt much more at ease. Being useful is good. That way, he won't abandon us. And watering farmland? That was child's play for them—they sprayed water at each other all the time while playing. It turned to the Poliwags and asked if they were willing to come along.
The Poliwags, of course, wanted to follow. Though they'd miss their home, they'd miss Poliwhirl more. Without their leader, they'd be bullied mercilessly here. Might as well go with Leon and live comfortably in human territory.
Seeing the Poliwags' willingness, Poliwhirl made its decision. It reached out and lightly tapped the Poké Ball, turning into a red light as it was absorbed inside. The ball wobbled twice before settling with a ding, signaling Leon's successful capture.
He picked up the ball. This wasn't his first time catching a Pokémon, but excitement still surged through him.
"I caught Poliwhirl!"
Leon struck a triumphant pose with the Poké Ball.
"Damn, no matter how many times I say it, it's still so cringe! But it feels weirdly satisfying!"
After the embarrassing declaration, Leon released Poliwhirl—he still needed it to lead the Poliwags. He brought them to meet the waiting Marills. The two groups had lived near Moonview Lake before and were familiar with each other, so they got along well. After exchanging greetings, they followed Leon away from the lake, their eyes filled with anticipation for their new lives.
By afternoon, Leon and the Pokémon had safely returned to the territory. The entire journey had been nerve-wracking—he'd been afraid of running into more trouble.
Can't be helped. I've only left twice, and both times ended badly. Last time, at Ironthorn Mountain, he'd run into an Onix. This time? Even worse—an assassin. Leon decided he wasn't cut out for travel. Better stay home and farm.
Players working the fields at the territory's edge were the first to spot Leon and the large group of Pokémon behind him.
"Look! Lord Leon brought back more Pokémon!"
"Our lord never comes back empty-handed."
"Last time, the Digletts helped with farming. Wonder what these Pokémon do."
"Just go ask him. Let's go!"
The players jogged over to Leon, greeted him respectfully, then eagerly asked about the Pokémon.
"This is Poliwhirl and Poliwag. These are Marill. They're all Water-types," Leon briefly explained.
"Water-types? Can they control water? Does that mean they can help irrigate the fields?" Ethan Carter immediately connected the dots to their irrigation troubles.
"Exactly. I caught them to solve our watering problems," Leon said, giving Ethan an approving look. The kid was sharp.
"Seriously? Does that mean we don't have to haul water back and forth anymore?"
"That'd be amazing! I'm so damn sick of spending all day carrying water!"
"Long live Lord Leon!!"
"Don't celebrate yet. These Pokémon aren't free to use. Like the Digletts, you'll need to rent them," Leon doused their excitement.
The cheering players froze. They were already drowning in debt. Renting Water-types would just pile on more. How would they ever pay it off?
Leon knew their situation but didn't elaborate. Instead, he led the Pokémon to a field.
"Poliwag, Marill, use Water Gun!"
"Poli!" "Marill!"
The Pokémon sprayed the field with water, soaking it in moments.
"Holy shit! They can just shoot water like that?!"
"That's so fast! If we did it ourselves, it'd take a whole day!"
"Enough talk, I'm renting! What's a little more debt at this point?"
Seeing the results, the players changed their tune immediately. Debt? Bring it on.
"If money's tight, you can always share a rental," Leon suggested.
"Share? Water Gun's strong, but one Pokémon can't cover that much farmland, right?" The players were confused.
"Not Marill. Share Poliwhirl."
"Poliwhirl? Why?"
"Because Poliwhirl has a move even better for irrigation. Poliwhirl, use Rain Dance!"
"Poli!"
At Leon's command, Poliwhirl began drumming its belly. Soon, dark clouds gathered overhead.
"No way..." The players stared at the sky in disbelief.
Pitter-patter.
Heavy rain began pouring down.
Ethan wiped the water from his face and muttered,
"Isn't this just fucking artificial rain?!"
(End of Chapter)