"If you two keep running, my Gyarados won't be so polite."
Rex called out to the two men who had tried to flee.
"Rooaaar!"
Still in its Mega form after defeating Swampert, Totem Gyarados let out a thunderous roar, baring its fangs and radiating pure menace.
"Haha, hey there, kid… Look, we've got nothing to do with Eck, alright? We were just sent by the Hunter Guild to help with transport. That's all."
The two men froze at the warning. They didn't dare keep running—one hit from this Gyarados and they'd be done for.
"Whether that's true or not, we'll find out soon enough. For now, just stay where you are and don't move."
After one last warning, Rex stopped paying them any attention and went over to check on Yui and Karen.
Using his ability, Rex could sense their life force—both were extremely weak, clearly seriously hurt. But since they weren't in immediate danger, he allowed himself a small sigh of relief.
Then he saw the bruises on their faces. Rage surged uncontrollably through him.
He had always seen Yui as a little sister. Seeing her hurt like this… how could he not be furious?
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Rex walked up to Eck, who still wore a defiant sneer, and without hesitation slapped him hard across the face.
Even though Rex held back slightly, his strength was enough to swell Eck's face instantly. Several of his teeth flew out.
But Rex wasn't done. He picked up the same stick Eck had used to beat the girls—and began hitting him with it.
"That's enough, Rex. He's been punished."
Seeing Eck barely conscious, Yuli stepped in to stop Rex.
Though she too was seething inside over what Eck had done to her sisters, she didn't want Rex to end up with blood on his hands.
"Huff…"
Rex exhaled slowly and finally calmed down. He lowered the stick.
He then contacted Officer Jenny, asking her to coordinate nearby units to take the criminals into custody.
From her, Rex learned that the man before them—Eck—was a notorious hunter wanted by the Pokémon League for a long list of crimes.
He had evaded capture multiple times. This time, with him behind bars, it was unlikely he'd ever have another chance to wreak havoc.
As for the two henchmen, they were also known to the League—low-ranking thugs of the Hunter Guild. They'd be locked up for a few years at least.
"Yui, Karen, I think it's best if you both come back to Rex Farm and rest for a while."
Yuli turned to the now-awake girls and spoke gently.
Rex had already used his power to treat most of their injuries. Though they still looked pale, they were no longer in serious condition.
As for Rex, he was playing with Zorua nearby.
Zorua, who had been lost in despair earlier, couldn't believe the tables had turned. Its injuries had also been healed by Rex's powers.
Now fully recovered, Zorua was full of admiration and snuggled up to Rex, allowing him to pat its head without resistance.
Rex, for his part, was genuinely fascinated by Zorua. Pokémon this rare were nearly on par with mythical legends.
So he played with Zorua for a bit, teasing it occasionally. In return, Zorua joyfully bounced around and showed off its powers by transforming into other people or Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Yuli tried to gently persuade the girls to return to the farm and recover. After all, if she and Rex hadn't arrived in time today, things could've ended in tragedy. The thought alone made Yuli uneasy.
"Rex, Karen and I want to keep traveling. We can't give up on our dreams just because of one setback!"
Yui stood before Rex, eyes firm and resolute.
No one knew what was said afterward, but somehow it was Yui and Karen who managed to convince Yuli instead.
"I see… I understand your decision."
Rex hadn't expected their will to be so strong. Most rookie Trainers would give up after something like this.
"By the way, what about this little guy?"
Rex held Zorua up by the scruff of its neck and turned to ask them.
Dangling helplessly, Zorua looked utterly defeated as it glanced between them.
"Could we let Zorua stay at Rex Farm for now? We're not strong enough yet to keep it safe."
Yui had thought it through.
After the incident with Eck, she knew that a rare Pokémon like Zorua would only bring them more trouble. They weren't ready to protect it.
"I don't mind. Zorua, would you like to come back and live with us?"
Rex set Zorua down in the grass and asked sincerely.
If Zorua wanted to leave, he wouldn't stop it. Pokémon were sentient beings, and Rex believed in respecting their choices.
Zorua looked at Yui, then at Rex, and finally nodded happily.
"Welcome to Rex Farm, Zorua."
Rex smiled and patted its head.
"Rex, could we borrow a Cottonee or two? Now that we're traveling, we've realized how convenient it is to have a healing Pokémon with us."
Karen asked with a sheepish smile.
"Of course. When I get back, I'll send you two Cottonee. Consider them a gift for your journey."
If they'd asked for a different Pokémon, Rex might have hesitated. But Cottonee? Not at all.
Thanks to careful breeding, the Cottonee population in his greenhouse had grown so much that it was starting to overflow.
"Thanks so much, Rex!"
Yui and Karen beamed.
"Oh, and here—this is for you."
Rex handed Karen a Poké Ball.
"Huh? What is it?"
She took it curiously.
"Why don't you open it and see?"
Rex grinned, deliberately being mysterious.
Karen opened the Poké Ball—and out came a massive, sleepy-eyed Pokémon scratching its head.
"Snorlax!"
Yui and Karen shouted in unison.
(End of Chapter)