"His suspicions are valid," Sabrina finally said, stepping back. "They delayed the arrest, were confrontational—excessively so—and there's an unaccounted, enraged Pokémon." She then extended her hand toward Alex. "Hand over the Tyranitar as evidence."
Alex fished the Poké Ball from his bag and handed it over.
"I'll have to investigate further. You understand, Gavin?" Sabrina asked as Alakazam stepped protectively between them.
"Of course. As you please," Gavin said, maintaining a polite smile.
Sabrina then read the memories of the captured Rangers, including the woman's.
"Quite the operation they had going," she commented, eyes narrowing.
"The woman is Orin's girlfriend, and the junior is complicit. They'll all be arrested—not just for her crimes, but also for purchasing poached and experimented Pokémon from the Black Market."
"Perhaps we can arrange something else for young Briar," Gavin offered. "Clearly, he was led astray by his senior, Orin."
"You'll have to take that up with the League. His family will certainly move to do so."
"Very well. I'll leave this matter in your hands," Gavin said, conceding. He had done his due diligence for the boy's family—now, they would have to clean up his mess.
Gavin gave Alex a proper look, a glint of regret in his eyes. The boy would have to deal with the fallout of arresting Briar Thornhart.
"You have exceptional skills to track a bounty and defeat both a junior and senior Ranger in the forest. Would you be interested in joining us?" Gavin asked sincerely.
"Thank you, but I prefer taking down criminals over wild Pokémon. Besides, my mom's a Jenny—so it's only fair I take up a job that gives criminals headaches," Alex replied respectfully.
"A shame. I'll take my leave, then. It was a pleasure, Sabrina," Gavin said, mounting his Salamence. The Noivern rider followed closely behind as they took off.
"You sure like getting yourself into trouble," Sabrina said, arms crossed. "The mayor, Don, Monica, Darren, and now the Thornharts."
"Occupational hazard, I'm afraid," Alex replied. "Bounty hunters tend to make enemies left and right, from both the criminal Underworld and the League. It's part of how we're able to stretch the League's laws and still contribute to society."
"Be careful. Too much freedom or chaos comes with its own set of problems. I hope you manage to survive the fallout. Goodbye, Alex."
With that, Alakazam teleported her away—fugitives and their belongings in tow.
Alex was left alone on Route 8, a few hours from home, with Hydreigon by his side.
'Did I just get a new scout in the form of a young master?' Alex thought with excitement.
Briar Thornhart sounded self-important enough to come pick a fight with him in the shadows. Alex couldn't wait to profit off the hitmen that they would send his way. With luck, he wouldn't even have to leave the farm to find a good fight.
'I'll have to apologize to the girls, though…' he lamented.
He was about to bring danger home—literally. Hopefully, his talk with Vera would convince a few of them to leave him. The farm was already set up, and they had enough money and experience to start new lives elsewhere.
Alex pushed the thoughts aside and rode Hydreigon home. On the way, he checked his accounts and noticed an extra two million deposited for the woman's bounty.
Nothing came from the Rangers, though—there were no bounties on them, and the League didn't seem inclined to compensate him. In fact, they might even be considering punishing him because of the Thornharts.
In any case, Alex would simply have to bear with it.
A few hours later, he arrived home just as the sun peeked over the horizon, marking the start of a new day. He wasn't tired or sleepy, but after the long trip, a bath was definitely in order—maybe even a massage.
Hydreigon landed smoothly on the balcony, and Alex dismounted, releasing the rest of his Pokémon to frolic and go about their day. He greeted Absol with a few affectionate rubs before heading inside.
Inside, he was welcomed by the beautiful sight of all six girls stirring in his bed.
"Sorry for waking you, girls. Don't mind me—I'm heading to the shower," Alex said, already stripping out of his clothes as he walked to the bathroom.
Purchasing the Cinccino had definitely been one of his better impulse buys—they kept up with everything. Cleaning, organizing, laundry—there was never a need to lift a finger. They managed the mansion and even took care of the girls' houses.
After a quick rinse, Alex eased into the bath, letting the hot water and bath salts work their magic. His muscles relaxed, and the lingering fatigue began to melt away.
That Champion-ranked Salamence had been a real source of stress for Alex. It was on a completely different level compared to Elite-ranked Pokémon.
When it locked eyes with him, Alex's instincts screamed certain death. There was no comparison—it was the kind of pressure only a true apex predator could exert.
Suddenly, the girls filed into the spacious bath one after another, each in all their radiant, unashamed beauty.
"Alex, we want to talk," Vera said, stepping forward as the unofficial representative.
"Of course," Alex replied casually, already prepared for anything they might bring up.
"I've spoken with the others," Vera began, her tone calm and serious. "Some of us have decided to stay, while others feel it's time to move on. I'm staying. I still have studying to do if I want to become a certified breeder."
To become a breeder, one needed to pass a comprehensive exam covering Pokémon knowledge—everything from berries and Pokéblocks to egg groups, egg moves, and even Pokémon meat. Breeder ranks included Junior, Senior, Chief, and Master, each more respected than the last.
"I've decided to leave," Maris said, her voice steady but warm. "Running the farm was an amazing start to my career, but my real goal is to manage companies. I want to become a successful businesswoman. This job gave me valuable experience and financial freedom—and the sex was a great bonus," she added with a cheeky grin, "but I'm aiming for more."
"I'd like a stake in your company, if you'll have me," Alex replied smoothly. "Take whatever funds you need to start something of your own. Nyx can help you steer clear of shady partners. And if any trouble shows up, just send them my way."
"That would save me years of work," Maris said with a genuine smile, leaning in to give him a deep, grateful kiss.
"I'm leaving too," Elara said. "I need access to top-tier engineering labs—real companies, with cutting-edge materials and tech. What I can do here is limited. And that gun you gave me? It was insanely illegal. I'm an industrial manufacturer, not an arms dealer."
"I'm sorry for putting you in that position, Elara," Alex said sincerely. "Do you want me to connect you with Devon Corp in Hoenn? They're the ones who built the Jennys and my guns."
"I'd appreciate the help. Thank you," she replied.
"I'm leaving as well," Lyra added. "Learning to navigate the forest was invaluable, but I need more if I want to become a strong trainer. I need to catch and raise Pokémon myself. And honestly, the farm never needed guarding—you've got your Elites for that."
"You're wrong there," Alex said. "I could always use more bodyguards. I keep making enemies left and right. And the training grounds are always open for you, Lyra."
Then came Nyx. "I want to stay forever," she said bluntly, sinking into the water beside him. "As long as I can fuck you every once in a while, I'm good. I don't need a marriage certificate—just don't throw me away when you do get married."
She was simply content with her current lifestyle: a behemoth of a server to run her games and programs, justified access to the dark web, a powerful protector, and a dom who knew exactly how to stir her insides. As far as she was concerned, this was the ideal life.
"Same," Kaia added with a playful smile. "I've got everything I need—an orchard of my own, strong Pokémon to watch over it, and a stud of a lover to keep me warm at night."
The truth was, none of the six believed they deserved a "proper" relationship. Not with a loving husband or children of their own. Their pasts weighed heavy on them. The memories they carried made them feel used, dirty—unworthy of more.
Sleeping with Alex, someone who knew their history and still accepted them, felt safer than chasing something they believed they didn't deserve.
Meanwhile, Alex was oblivious to their need for a psychiatrist. He had a few screws loose himself, truth be told—and probably needed one just as much.
In the end, three chose to leave, one decided to stay a little longer, and two chose to rely on Alex for the rest of their lives.
Alex wasn't the least bit bothered by their decisions. He had never seen himself as a romantic, nor as someone who needed to be in a relationship. His past-life girlfriends knew that all too well.
He had no intention of searching for a partner once he was old and grey—he'd always assumed he'd grow old alone in his previous life, and with only his Pokémon for company in this one.
After all, who in their right mind would willingly choose someone as emotionally unavailable as Alex? Someone who chose the battlefield over building a family. Who, time and time again, chose violence without hesitation.
Who had only ever known love in the thrill of the fight—and nowhere else.
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