After lunch, Silas took a short nap indoors with Minccino and the others.
When the weather outside had cooled slightly, he called Cyclizar over, took out a freshly made batch of Poffins from the Poffin box, and evenly divided them into two paper containers.
It wouldn't be polite to visit empty-handed. Bringing some of his newly made Poffins was perfect—it would also let them have a taste.
Since today he was heading out to take care of proper business, Silas didn't bring Minccino and the others along. He only called Cyclizar and set off for Shalour City.
In the height of summer, there were few people out in the city, and those who were outside moved in a hurry.
Today, Shalour City's highest temperature had reached forty degrees Celsius. The ground was scorching hot from the sun. Silas didn't linger, urging Cyclizar forward at a brisk pace toward the Shalour Gym.
After informing the staff at the entrance, Silas was crouched down checking Cyclizar's footpads when a pair of cool little hands suddenly covered his eyes.
"Guess who I am?"
The deliberately mature voice carried a playful lilt at the end. Silas didn't even need to guess to know who it was.
"Korrina, stop teasing. I brought you some tasty snacks."
"Really? Where?"
Everyone acknowledged Brother Silas's cooking skills. If she weren't still attending school, Korrina would have clung to Silas's ranch every single day and refused to leave.
Just thinking about it made her swallow unconsciously.
"Here! I just made these Poffins today. Both people and Pokémon like them. You can try some."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony, Big Brother Silas."
Korrina broke into a wide grin and eagerly grabbed two Poffins.
She handed one to the Riolu beside her and took a big bite of the other.
Her cheeks puffed up high. Before she'd even finished chewing, she spoke indistinctly, "So good! Way better than the ones I buy outside."
"Big Brother Silas, if only you were my real big brother, I could eat delicious cooking every day. I'm so jealous of Serena!"
Silas handed the remaining Poffins to Korrina, reminding her to share them with her Pokémon, before walking into the Gym.
He found Gym Leader Gurkinn, who had just finished a Gym challenge. His long eyebrows nearly covered his eyes as he smiled at Silas.
"You've come at just the right time, Silas. The items you redeemed a few days ago were just delivered by the League. You can take them back with you."
"What a coincidence!"
Silas was pleasantly surprised. He'd thought it would take longer.
The five Shiny Stones weren't a big issue, but the Xtransceiver had been sent from the Unova region—just the travel time alone would have taken over a month.
Opening the wooden box Gurkinn handed over, five Shiny Stones of identical size were arranged neatly inside.
Their crystal-clear exteriors shimmered brilliantly, and at their centers it seemed as though a tiny sun had been sealed. When held in the palm, they were faintly warm.
After storing the Shiny Stones in his satchel, Silas accepted the other item, a device resembling a wristwatch: the Xtransceiver.
Following the instructions, he powered it on. Inside was a saved number.
Gurkinn's explanation sounded beside him.
"That number belongs to the other Xtransceiver you redeemed. You can try initiating a call."
"Alright!"
Silas gave it a try.
After a brief wait, the Xtransceiver split open into two screens. One showed him; the other flickered before revealing his mother.
"Mom, long time no see."
Silas waved in greeting.
"Oh, it's Silas. I was wondering what was making that noise."
On her end, his mother Grace was also marveling at the device. When it first arrived, she had thought Silas had accidentally written down the wrong address while ordering something.
When Serena had wanted to touch it, she had even refused, reminding her not to meddle with her brother's belongings.
Through the screen, Silas explained how the Xtransceiver worked and told her that with it, they could contact each other anytime.
"Where's Serena?"
"She's upstairs building a little nest for a Fletchling. It rained yesterday, and she found a soaked Fletchling on her way home from school. She insisted on bringing it back."
"Then let her keep it. It'll give her something to do…"
"Mom, who are you talking to?"
A series of rapid footsteps sounded as Serena ran downstairs and stood on tiptoe to see.
"It's Big Brother! Mom, give it to me—I want to talk to him!"
When Serena appeared on the screen, Silas smiled warmly. His little sister was truly adorable.
"Serena, have you missed your big brother?"
"Mhm, mhm! I miss you, Brother! I miss Minccino and the others. I miss eating the food you cook…"
Serena chattered nonstop, pouring out her thoughts without giving Silas any chance to interject.
After answering a few of her curious questions, Serena suddenly remembered something and lifted up a small bird Pokémon.
"Brother, can you take a look at Fletchling?"
At her words, Silas focused on the Fletchling.
It was tiny, about the size of Serena's palm.
The little Fletchling looked listless, its head drooping weakly, its entire body lacking vitality.
Silas examined it carefully through the screen before saying, "It probably caught a cold. Give it some cold medicine and let it sleep well, it should recover."
"Really? Brother, you're amazing!"
Hearing his little sister's praise, Silas couldn't help but smile.
"Remember to let it drink warm water and don't let it get exposed to cold drafts," he added.
"Got it, Brother!" Serena nodded vigorously, carefully cradling Fletchling back in her arms before leaning toward the screen again. "Brother, are Minccino and the others doing well? I've drawn so many pictures of them."
"They're all doing well. There are some new partners at the ranch too, I'll introduce them to you next time."
"Then when I'm on vacation, can I come to your ranch to play?"
"Well…"
Silas thought for a moment. "That depends on whether Mom lets you. If she does, you can come stay for a few days."
"Big Brooo~"
Serena puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
"Alright, alright, I was teasing." Silas was charmed by her puffed-up expression. "When you're on vacation, let me know. I'll pick you up and you can stay at the ranch for a week, okay?"
"Yay!" Serena's mood instantly cleared. Hugging Fletchling, she hopped up and down in place. "Brother, you have to keep your promise!"
After chatting a while longer, Silas ended the call himself.
Whenever he thought of Serena, he couldn't help but smile. The little girl was simply too lovable.
He then spoke with Gurkinn again, asking him to keep an eye out for an Indeedee on his behalf.
After leaving, he went to find Siebold.
Siebold was at his restaurant developing new dishes. After explaining his request, Silas prepared to leave.
Before departing, he made sure to give Siebold the Poffins.
Siebold took a bite and repeatedly praised them, saying the flavor was exceptionally delicious.
Blastoise, Barbaracle, and Gyarados all enjoyed them as well.
Politely declining Siebold's invitation to stay for dinner, Silas called Cyclizar and hurried back to the ranch.
After being out for a while, the temperature had dropped somewhat by the time they returned.
Minccino and the others ran out of the house to greet him.
Silas first went to the silo to fetch shears and some tools before heading into the Mareep pen. It was time to shear the Mareep again.
Counting the days, it had been just over a month.
Shearing their wool would help the little sheep feel cooler and more comfortable.
However, with the previous failed attempt at shearing Lazy Mareep still fresh in their minds, the sheep didn't quite trust him. As soon as they saw him approach, they scattered.
Fortunately, one remained behind.
Lazy Mareep, as always, was fast asleep.
After glancing at the four other little sheep outside, Silas began shearing Lazy Mareep's wool.
(End of Chapter)