"Come on, Crawdaunt, absorb this into your body."
Inside his Pokémon Center room, Silas carefully took the Mystic Water pendant from its ornate gift box.
As it drew close, a powerful suction force yanked it from his hand, and the pendant slowly sank into Crawdaunt's body.
"Caarr-daaauuunt~"
Crawdaunt let out a deep, satisfied cry, its fierce eyes narrowing in comfort.
'A 20% boost to Water-type moves… now Crawdaunt's Razor Shell will hit like an exploding wave. And once it masters Crabhammer…' Silas couldn't help but grin at the thought.
Ding-ling-ling! Ding-ling-ling!—
The Pokédex chimed suddenly. Silas's eyes widened.
"Eevee's about to hatch?!"
Without a second thought, he rushed out of the Pokémon Center, racing toward Petalburg Gym, joy plain on his face.
....
In the incubation chamber, Silas stood before the glowing egg, anticipation shining in his eyes. Beside him, May leaned against the glass, her small face filled with wonder -this was her very first time witnessing a Pokémon hatch.
'Big brother is so kind…' May thought happily, heart thumping with excitement.
The egg began to glow brightly.
Crack…
Thin fractures spread across its surface.
Snap!
A tiny, furry head poked out, cautiously peeking at the new world.
"Hello, little one," Silas said gently, his hand reaching out to brush her soft head.
"Vuii…?"
Eevee shrank back, hers ears folding nervously. But sensing no hostility, they perked up again. Big round eyes blinked curiously at the world outside.
She sniffed Silas's hand, then tentatively licked his finger.
"Eevui~"
"Haha, salty? That's sweat," Silas chuckled, scooping the newborn into his palm. With his other hand, he combed hers damp fur until it fluffed up slightly.
Eevee relaxed, let out a soft cry, and soon drifted to sleep against his warmth.
"So cute!" May squealed, eyes sparkling with envy. Her little fists clenched with determination.
"Someday, I'll catch an Eevee too."
.....
Silas took Eevee to the Pokémon Center for a full check-up. Nurse Joy confirmed it was healthy: its ability was Adaptability, and it had inherited Yawn and Wish as egg moves.
Meanwhile, Joy glanced at Silas's file, frowning thoughtfully. 'Corphish evolved… and now he's gained an Eevee from Petalburg Gym. The investment's official. I need to report this quickly. We can't let a trainer with this much potential slip away.'
But another trainer came up asking for treatment, and she had to push the thought aside.
.....
Over the next few days, Silas stayed in Petalburg City to avoid risking Eevee in the wild. Thanks to the nutrient solution provided by the Gym, the newborn developed quickly and passed through its fragile early infant stage safely.
Finally, Silas packed his things. "I've got the Petalburg Gym Badge. Next stop-Rustboro City!"
His time in Petalburg had been fruitful: Corphish's evolution, his authority within the League upgraded, and now Eevee-a brand new partner.
Before leaving, though, he knew he had to say goodbye.
.....
Outside the Gym, May stood with teary eyes, lips trembling as she struggled not to cry.
"Big brother, do you really have to leave? Can't you stay with me?" Her voice wavered with sadness.
Silas crouched down, brushing her hair gently. "I'm going on a journey, May-to collect badges and enter the League. When the time comes, cheer me on from the TV, okay?"
May bit her lip hard, but tears still slipped down her cheeks. Her innocent face, mixed with sorrow, tugged at everyone's hearts.
"Mr. Norman, Mrs. Caroline," Silas said, bowing deeply, "thank you for your kindness and guidance. I've gained so much from my time here."
Norman nodded, unusually solemn. "The Rustboro Gym specializes in Rock-types. The old Leader just retired, and the new one is still young. With your team's advantage, victory should come easily."
Caroline gave him a warm smile of encouragement.
May, however, wasn't finished. Sniffling, she pulled a disc from her pocket and offered it with both hands. "Big brother, this is a TM I took from Dad's room. I want you to have it."
Norman and Caroline's expressions darkened immediately. Both gave Silas a sharp, almost hostile look.
Norman sighed and forced a smile. "Alright, alright. Take it. Just a regular TM-consider it part of our investment."
Even so, Norman couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Why was his precious daughter so attached to this boy? Was it only because of one rescue? He didn't realize how much of May's childhood he'd already missed.
Silas, pretending not to notice, reached into his bag. "Then let me give something back." He presented a carefully preserved Starpetal Flower he'd found in the forest the day he saved May.
May's eyes lit up. "It's beautiful! Thank you, big brother-I'll treasure it forever!"
Silas smiled, waved one last time, and walked toward the city gates.
"Goodbye!"
The sunset stretched his shadow long across the road, carrying him toward his next adventure.
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(End of chapter)