The next morning, after breakfast, the three Swords of Justice waited quietly by the door.
The early sunlight washed over Lucien City, draping everything in a warm, golden haze.
From rooftops came the gentle cooing of Pidove.
Slowly, townspeople emerged from their homes, beginning another lively day.
Farmers slung tools over their shoulders and headed toward the fields. Merchants arranged goods brought from distant regions on their carts.
Miners and lumber workers marched out with Machamp and Machoke assisting them.
Women gathered to wash laundry together, chatting happily.Children chased each other through the streets, accompanied by playful Pokémon.
Laughter and cheerful cries, both human and Pokémon, filled the air.
The whole town felt alive.
"Let's go," Lucien said with a smile. "I'll show you the territory."
Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion nodded.
After witnessing Lucien's bond with Dragonite and the Squirrels yesterday, they were eager to see how the rest of the town lived with Pokémon.
They followed Lucien along a clean red-brick road. Spacious houses lined the streets, roofs decorated with bird Pokémon perched comfortably, watching the people below with innocent curiosity.
Not a trace of fear in their eyes, only calm familiarity.
In some courtyards, Lilligant swayed gently in the morning breeze, while Skitty rolled lazily on sun-warmed grass.
The Swords of Justice followed silently, their steps slowing as they stared.
Pokémon… living alongside humans?
Not in hiding.
Just as Lucien had told them.
"This area is our residential district," Lucien explained.
"Humans and Pokémon rest here together. Those Lilligant and Skitty, most were found in the wild."
"Some wandered here because they liked human food," Lucien chuckled.
"Others were injured in the forest and were nursed back to health by people. After recovering, they simply decided to stay."
Liked human food. Healed by humans.
The Swords of Justice exchanged astonished looks.
"Come," Lucien continued, "this is just where they sleep. Let me show you where they live."
They walked several more streets, gradually drawing the attention of the townspeople.
Upon seeing Lucien, people bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness Lucien! You're back!"
Lucien nodded warmly.
"I'm giving them a tour. Continue with your work, everyone."
The humans showed no fear of Cobalion, Virizion, or Terrakion, only curiosity and admiration.
It was the first time the Swords of Justice had been surrounded so closely by humans. Even Cobalion, usually composed, felt a flicker of nervousness.
But the humans' eyes were clear.
Not hostile.
Only friendly.
"What is happening here?" Terrakion muttered, genuinely surprised.
"It's simple," Lucien said.
"Much of what my people have today, their homes, their food, their safety, comes from the help of Pokémon."
"They saw the pure, gentle side of Pokémon. They worked together. They ate together. They survived together."
"When they find an injured Pokémon in the wild," Lucien added, "they help it without hesitation."
"I understand," Cobalion murmured softly.
As they spoke, they reached a plaza with a stone fountain. At its center was a fenced garden filled with blooming flowers. Vespiquen and Combee hovered gently between blossoms, while Petilil danced on the petals.
"This is our park," Lucien explained.
"Townspeople visit on their days off. Pokémon too."
The Swords of Justice looked up, and indeed, several children were laughing as they played tag with a group of Snower in the distance.
"It's unbelievable…" Virizion whispered.
"Yes! If I didn't see it myself, I'd think it was a dream," Terrakion added, eyes wide with wonder.
Lucien smiled.
"This is only the beginning."
The Swords of Justice immediately perked up, curiosity reignited.
Lucien led them out of the park and toward the edge of the town.
They climbed a gentle hillside. And the moment they reached the top, the sight stole their breath.
Before them stretched a vast expanse of farmland, golden and vibrant under the morning sun.
Wheat swayed gently in the breeze, soybeans glowed a healthy green, and the rice paddies shimmered like mirrors reflecting the sky. Cucumbers climbed neatly up their trellises, heavy with fruit. Everything looked well cared for and thriving.
Farmers moved steadily through the fields with tools in hand, tending to weeds, checking soil, and spreading fertilizer. Beside them, Pokémon worked naturally and effortlessly, Diglett and Dugtrio aerated the soil, while Grass-type Pokémon used their energy to nurture the plants.
Cobalion recognized the scene instantly, and for a brief moment he tensed. The Swords of Justice had seen humans force Pokémon to work like this before, treated as slaves, tools, or expendable labor.
But something was different here. These Pokémon didn't look exhausted or fearful; their movements were light, their eyes bright. They were working out of willingness, not coercion.
Terrakion glanced at Lucien, clearly wanting an explanation, but Lucien simply smiled and gestured for them to watch.
By midday, the sun grew hot. The farmers wiped their brows and walked toward a large tree at the edge of the field, taking a break in the shade.
Then they called out toward the working Pokémon. Immediately, Lilligant, Budew, Roserade, Dugtrio, and Marill ran over, responding cheerfully. The farmers opened their bundles and shared food with them, berries, fruit, bread, and cool drinks. Some even fanned the Pokémon gently, worried they might be overheated.
In the shade of that tree, humans and Pokémon rested side by side, laughing quietly and enjoying the breeze. The Pokémon leaned close for attention, and the farmers petted them affectionately. There was no fear, no tension, only companionship.
The Swords of Justice were stunned. The scene was the exact opposite of exploitation. It was harmony, true mutual care.