"You want to hire the Fossil Duke's two Indeedee to help at your ranch, Silas?"
Nurse Joy tilted her head cutely and pondered for a moment.
"I've met those two little ones before, they're both very well-behaved children." Her tone shifted slightly, and her brows furrowed. "However… because of the passing of the Fossil Duke, they've suffered quite a heavy blow. Their current condition isn't good at all."
It was largely because of the Fossil Duke's death that the Indeedee pair refused to accept reality and were unable to move on.
They had shut themselves inside their house for several days now and had even developed anorexia.
"I see," Silas said in understanding. "Thank you for letting me know, Nurse Joy."
When humans and Pokémon live together for a long time, they cease to be separate—they become inseparable from one another.
Especially after forming a deep bond, the loss of one side deals an immeasurably heavy blow to the other.
The thought made Silas reflect on the little ones at his ranch. If they were ever separated, they would surely feel heartbroken and devastated as well. A sour ache rose in his chest.
"Cyc?"
Cyclizar leaned its head out curiously, studying Silas with puzzled eyes.
It could sense that Silas's mood had suddenly turned low, though it didn't understand why. So it simply rubbed its head against his arm in a clumsy attempt at comfort.
"I'm fine."
He was still young. That day was still very, very far away. And he believed that when the time truly came, he would be able to face it calmly.
Quickly collecting himself, Silas vigorously rubbed Cyclizar's head.
Cyclizar didn't understand what had happened; it only knew that Silas seemed to be feeling better. It opened its mouth and gently bit onto the hem of Silas's pants, revealing a silly, vacant grin.
"Nurse Joy, could I borrow your kitchen for a while? I might have a way to deal with the two Indeedee's anorexia."
"You're planning to cook something delicious?"
"Mm."
He nodded.
"Come with me. I heard from my sister in Shalour City that you're quite the culinary master, Trainer Silas."
"She regretted for a long time that she didn't get to taste your cooking last time."
"If you'd like to try some, Nurse Joy, I'll make extra."
The two of them, along with Cyclizar, headed to Nurse Joy's small kitchen. It was fully stocked with all kinds of cookware and seasonings.
Silas sent Cyclizar out to purchase a few additional ingredients, then began preparing the dish.
He didn't have a direct cure for anorexia—but he did have a recipe that could make Pokémon want to eat.
Clang, clang, clang!
A plate of spicy, fragrant Mapo Tofu came out of the wok, its bold aroma surging forward in a wave of steam. Even the usually composed Nurse Joy swallowed unconsciously.
"It smells incredible. Your cooking truly lives up to its reputation, Trainer Silas. May I have a taste?"
After setting aside a generous portion for Nurse Joy, Silas wasted no time and hurried off toward the Fossil Duke's estate.
Knock, knock, knock—
He gently rapped on the door. They didn't have to wait long.
The iron gates of the manor slowly opened, revealing a Pokémon rarely seen in the Kalos region—
The Big Blade Pokémon, Kingambit.
"I'm Silas. A few days ago, Gym Leader Gurkinn helped connect me with Butler Bron. I've come today to pay a visit."
"King!"
Kingambit's fierce expression softened. It reached out and pushed the iron gate—
There was a loud crack as the entire gate was lifted clean off its hinges.
Silas: "…"
Kingambit didn't seem to think anything of it. After letting Silas in, it calmly set the gate back in place.
Well… that certainly fit Kingambit's typical personality.
Sitting upon the "stool" formed by its own hair-like structure, Kingambit led the way while Silas followed behind, curiously observing it.
Kingambit was the evolved form of Bisharp. Its evolution didn't depend on level but rather on displaying true leadership qualities—a very demanding condition.
After evolving, Kingambit's appearance had changed drastically compared to Bisharp.
If not for its similar coloration and the blade-like crest on its abdomen, it would be difficult to tell they belonged to the same evolutionary line.
The most striking change was its blade-like mustache and the massive black sword atop its head.
The three gleaming blades, combined with its sharp gaze, gave it an especially intimidating presence.
Following Kingambit into the manor grounds, Silas soon met Butler Bron.
He was an elegant elderly man with a neatly groomed mustache.
"You must be Trainer Silas. Welcome to the Fossil Manor."
His greeting was warm, and his etiquette impeccable.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, with Gurkin acting as an intermediary, both sides felt reassured. They quickly moved on to the purpose of Silas's visit.
"To be honest, young Silas," Butler Bron said, "The Indeedee pair's condition is very poor. They haven't yet emerged from the grief of the Fossil Duke's passing. You may have made this trip in vain."
"I learned about their condition from Nurse Joy in advance. I've brought a method that may help with their anorexia. Would you allow me to try?"
"Very well. Please follow me."
They made their way to the rear of the estate. This area had once been where many Pokémon resided, but now it felt spacious and empty.
Very few Pokémon were in sight. Butler Bron explained that after the Fossil Duke's death, most of the Pokémon he had adopted could no longer be properly cared for.
The majority had been entrusted to the League and sent away to begin new lives.
The few that remained were Pokémon the Duke had caught and raised during his younger days as a Trainer. They refused to leave.
For example, the Kingambit they had just seen, and the elderly dragon-like Pokémon before them—Drampa. Both had been companions of the Fossil Duke in his youth.
"Drampa, I've brought someone who wishes to adopt the two Indeedee."
"Dram…"
The aged Drampa lifted its head slowly, fixing its gaze on Silas.
Its yellow eyebrows rose, and its pink eyes widened.
"Cyc!"
Cyclizar, who had been quietly following, suddenly stepped in front of Silas and let out a displeased roar at Drampa, a dangerous glint flashing in its eyes.
"Cyclizar…"
Silas called gently from behind, placing a hand on Cyclizar to signal it not to act rashly.
"Dram…"
Drampa withdrew its gaze, apparently acknowledging Silas.
Seeing this, Butler Bron explained as they continued walking.
"Drampa was the Fossil Duke's very first partner. In the past, it was Drampa who cared for the Pokémon here."
"Mm."
Although Drampa was a Dragon-type Pokémon, its temperament was surprisingly gentle, and it was especially fond of children.
As the elder figure of the manor, it was only natural that it would test someone who might take the two Indeedee away.
Not dwelling on the small incident, they passed through an overgrown forest path that hadn't been tended in quite some time and arrived at the small cottage where the Indeedee siblings lived.
Butler Bron stopped at the door and held Cyclizar back.
"Young Silas, Indeedee have locked themselves inside that cottage."
"Cyclizar, wait for me outside. I'll be out shortly."
After reassuring Cyclizar, Silas stepped forward alone.
He pushed open the cottage door.
Inside, everything was neatly arranged, not a trace of neglect in sight.
His appearance instantly drew the attention of the two Indeedee, each busy with their own tasks.
They cried out in surprise and hurried forward to assist him.
One removed Silas's coat and took his basket, while the other brought him a steaming cup of red tea.
They had mistaken him… for the Fossil Duke.
(End of Chapter)