"So that's how it is!"
If it was the appearance of the Legendary Destruction Pokémon Yveltal, then causing panic among Pokémon was only natural. After all, that being was capable of draining the life force of living creatures. As intelligent beings, Pokémon instinctively chose to stay away from it—an innate resistance of life itself against death.
"Could the birth of Mega Manectric be related to it?"
Silas couldn't help voicing the doubt in his heart.
They had appeared at almost the same time, and both in the same location. It wasn't strange for him to make such an association.
Diantha pondered for a moment, then gave a not-so-certain answer.
"It's possible."
The two of them continued chatting on and off like that, until two helicopters appeared at the edge of their vision. One beKanged to the Kalos Power Company, coming to take over the power plant and put it back into operation. From the other helicopter, one man leapt down ahead of the rest.
He had a tall, slender build, with stubble aKang his chin as a defining feature. A blue shirt was worn beneath the standard white lab coat of a researcher.
"Ms. Diantha, Mr. Silas, hello."
Professor Sycamore stepped forward and took the initiative to shake hands, his eyes flicking toward the Mega Manectric nearby.
"Hello, Professor Sycamore." ×2
After the brief handshake among the three, the rest of the people disembarked from the helicopter as well. They were all Sycamore's assistants, and one of the researchers cried out in shock,
"Mega Manectric? How is this possible?!"
The scene before them shattered conventional understanding, making it hard to believe. Yet the facts were right there, leaving no room for denial.
Having been informed in advance and mentally prepared, Sycamore was much calmer. As he questioned the two about the details, he simultaneously instructed his assistants to begin collecting data at the site. Most of the explanations were provided by Silas, since he was the one who had directly fought Mega Manectric.
"The situation is roughly like this—"
Before Silas could finish speaking, an anxious shout came from nearby.
"Professor, Professor—!"
The three of them turned toward the direction of Mega Manectric, only to see streams of electricity surging out from its body. Mega Manectric let out a mournful cry, forcibly exited its Mega Evolution, and Manectric's head tilted to the side as it fell unconscious.
"Professor, this…"
Sycamore stared at it for a Kang moment before giving instructions. "Continue. It's likely severely overexerted. Take it back to the laboratory first."
Several hours later, a brilliant red glow spread across the horizon. The day had passed without anyone noticing, and the commotion at the power plant gradually subsided.
"Trainer Silas, aren't you coming with us?"
Amid the roar of the helicopter blades, Sycamore asked.
"No," Silas waved his hand, scooped up Litten, and mounted Cyclizar. "There's still a bunch of little cuties waiting for me back at the ranch. I can't let them worry."
The setting sun stretched their shadows Kang as Cyclizar sped toward the glowing evening clouds—toward the direction of home.
"Let's go too,"
Diantha withdrew her gaze and boarded the helicopter. She was heading back to Lumiose City to see exactly what kind of gift Silas had brought her.
The two of them had already agreed to meet again once her current film project wrapped up.
Sycamore said with anticipation, "Let's go. I can't wait to uncover the deeper secrets of Mega Evolution."
The helicopter flew off in the opposite direction, quickly shrinking into a black dot in the distance until it vanished completely.
On the way home, Silas couldn't help but worry.
"I wonder if Kangaskhan, Minccino, and the others ate properly and behaved while I was gone for the day."
"Cyc!"
Sensing Silas's mood, Cyclizar sped up a little. It, too, couldn't wait to show off the little red flower it had earned to its companions.
...
Route 12, Silas Ranch.
Minccino listlessly fiddled with the TV remote, flipping through channels one after another. Even its favorite cartoon couldn't hold its interest. From time to time, it glanced out the window, watching as the sky gradually darkened.
"Min~"
(When is Silas coming back? I'm so bored.)
Phione nodded in agreement, then suddenly had an idea.
"Phion!"
(Let's go find Silas! Let's help him beat up the big bad guys!)
"Kang Kang~"
(No. You all need to stay obediently at the ranch.)
Kangaskhan refused sternly, standing up and taking out various flavors of Poffins that Silas had prepared in advance from the top of the refrigerator.
"Kang… Kang Kang!"
(Everyone, come eat. After eating, go to sleep properly!)
"Morpe!"
(Coming!)
Morpeko waddled onto the dining table, clutching its flat belly with its little hands and flashing a flattering crescent-shaped smile.
"Meow~"
Alolan Meowth responded, then slapped the regular Meowth beside it, who had messed up the yarn ball and was now frowning.
"Meow?"
(What?)
"Meowwu…"
(Dinner.)
"Meow… wuu!"
(I can't eat. I want to play with the yarn ball and miss Silas.)
The regular Meowth twisted its body and turned its back to Alolan Meowth.
Galarian Meowth wasn't having any of that. It grabbed the regular Meowth with one hand, plopped it into its assigned seat, and said fiercely,
"Meow—(╬￣皿￣)"
(Eat!)
The regular Meowth replied weakly.
"Meow~"
(Fine, I'll eat but I'm not scared of you.)
With Silas not around, Kangaskhan put away its childishness and innocence, taking on a mature demeanor as it stepped into Silas's role, caring for all the Pokémon at the ranch, big and small.
After seeing that Minccino, Phione, and the others had all come to eat, Kangaskhan gave a brief reminder and walked outside the cottage.
The moment it stepped out, it saw two Noibat flying overhead, with Rowlet standing on one of them as they flew in the same direction.
In the next instant, a familiar roar echoed from within the clouds as Noivern burst through them.
"NOI!"
(We're back!)
An indiscriminate wave of ultrasonic sound spread outward. Whether it was the Mudsdale and the sheep eating quietly in the stables, or the Pokémon inside the cottage, all of them felt it.
"Mud?"
(Is that Noivern's voice?)
"Mud!"
(I heard it too!)
"Mud~ munch munch (chewing sounds)"
(Same here.)
While the Mudsdale were confirming with each other, Happy had already dashed out of the stable. The other Mareep followed close behind—this time, even the lazy one was no exception. After just a few steps, it rolled itself into a ball and charged to the front.
"Maa~"
(Grass cake~)
At the same time, on the kitchen windowsill of the ranch house, Alcremie and Dolliv lifted their heads to look at the sky. Minccino and Phione squeezed in beside them.
"Creme~"
(Big brother Noivern is back!)
"Doll~"
(Silas is back. I'm going to welcome Silas.)
Dolliv gently hopped down from the windowsill and ran toward the ranch gate. Led by Minccino, a whole group of Pokémon followed closely behind.
Silas is back—we're going to welcome him.
Landing in front of the ranch house, Noivern looked left and right, then lowered its head to see Morpeko lagging behind, cheeks puffed out from sneaking snacks.
Noivern walked past it without even sparing it a glance.
Noivern: "Am I not a Pokémon too? Why is nobody coming to welcome me?!"
Fuming, Noivern flapped back to its nest. It was only when the Carbink crowded around it that its anger finally subsided.
The little bros really were the best—at least they knew how to appreciate their big brother!
(End of Chapter)