"Welcome, everyone, to the Devon Corporation exhibition. Today, I will be announcing a groundbreaking piece of news."
On stage, the host from Devon Corporation spoke with passionate enthusiasm.
"Several months ago, Devon Corporation, in collaboration with the Mossdeep Space Center, successfully launched the first artificial satellite into outer space."
A wave of astonished murmurs erupted from the audience.
Researchers and representatives from various companies were visibly shocked, finding it hard to believe.
Rocket technology within the League had long been mature. However, breaking through the blockade of the ozone layer was an entirely different matter.
"The Xtransceivers many of you have recently used rely on signals transmitted by this artificial satellite. This technology originated from the Pokémon Navigator or PokéNav that Devon Corporation released many years ago."
The host continued speaking eloquently on stage, while most people in the audience were busy discussing how exactly Devon Corporation had managed to send the satellite up.
Even Silas was curious.
The Pokémon that resided within the ozone layer would not casually allow anything to trespass into its territory.
Since Devon Corporation had chosen to reveal this news now, it was clear they had no intention of hiding anything.
"Please take a look."
The host raised his hand, and a giant screen descended.
Displayed were astronomical data and space related phenomena recorded around the world on the day of the satellite launch. One by one, the images dimmed.
Only the last one remained.
On Ula Ula Island in the Alola region, at the Hokulani Observatory, a once in a century event had occurred. A large scale Minior meteor shower had descended.
In the Pokémon world, almost anything could be linked to Pokémon.
It was perfectly reasonable that the success of launching a satellite into outer space had something to do with Minior.
If Rayquaza were to learn about this, it would probably be speechless in complaint.
Compared to massive iron balls, it much preferred Minior as fast food.
If it missed a chance, who knew how long it would have to wait for another.
As for lumps of metal barging into its territory from the ground, it would deal with them after filling its stomach.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is only a hypothesis proposed by several of our astronomical doctors," the host continued. "To verify it, we will launch another satellite during the next Minior meteor shower."
Upon hearing this, an astronomy professor at the venue informed everyone of the time and location of the next large scale Minior descent.
It would take place in July, within the territory of the Azoth Kingdom on the Nebel Plateau in the Kalos region.
"Minccino, would you like to go watch the meteor shower?"
"Min?"
(What is that, Silas?)
Silas explained briefly to Minccino and Dolliv. The two little ones immediately became excited.
They grabbed onto Silas's arm and began acting cute, insisting that he take them along.
"Alright, alright, I will take you with me."
Silas agreed readily. He had already been thinking about it.
Not only Minccino and the others. Depending on the situation, he would bring as many of the ranch Pokémon as possible. Everyone could relax and rest for a few days.
Just as Silas was being sweet talked by the two little ones, he suddenly felt a prickling sensation on his back.
Diantha shot him a displeased look. When Silas turned to look at her, she gave a soft huff and turned her head away.
"Diantha, are you angry?"
Silas asked boldly.
"No."
"But you are not even looking at me properly."
"Stop bothering me."
Silas signaled to Minccino with his eyes, asking the little one to help find out what was wrong.
Why was she suddenly upset?
He had not done anything.
Thus, Minccino temporarily became the messenger between the two.
After a few exchanges, when Diantha realized that Silas still had not grasped the reason, she let out a sigh herself.
She thought to herself, why am I beating around the bush with this block of wood? I am just looking for trouble.
She truly could not understand how someone could be so perceptive regarding Pokémon emotions yet so dull when it came to human feelings.
"We are going to watch the meteor shower together in July," Diantha said straightforwardly.
Silas answered frankly, "Sure."
Then he added, "Even if you had not said it, I was just about to ask whether you wanted to come. Also, why were you angry just now?"
Diantha muttered to herself, "I'm not angry, I'm not angry. I chose this myself."
As Devon Corporation's major announcement spread, this year's World Expo gradually approached its conclusion.
Before leaving, Silas found the person in charge at Devon Corporation and asked them to deliver a letter to their young master.
The contents of the letter were simple. Silas invited him to attend the fireworks festival in June.
With today's itinerary concluded, Silas and the Pokémon returned with a great sense of fulfillment.
They had not only witnessed new technologies, but Minccino had also taken many photographs.
Everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely, and Morpeko was especially satisfied.
With so much free food available, it had almost been reluctant to leave.
After departing from the Expo, it was time to part ways.
Silas and Diantha would return to their respective busy schedules, agreeing to meet again in July for the meteor shower.
"Let's go buy you some little outfits."
Spreading out a sheet of paper from his crossbody spatial bag, Silas stood up and headed toward the clothing street.
They visited shop after shop, making a large purchase.
The styles of clothing requested by the little ones at the ranch were all different. Without visiting several stores, it would have been impossible to gather everything.
It took him over an hour. Carrying large and small bags, Silas mounted Cyclizar and began the journey home.
Upon returning, they were immediately surrounded by a crowd of Pokémon.
This time even Diancie was present. She had taken a day off.
"Do not rush. I bought something for everyone."
He scooped Popplio, who had leapt onto him, into his arms, while the other little ones pounced forward as well.
"Kang!"
Kangaskhan put on a stern face and scolded them. Only then did the little ones obediently line up.
One by one, they waited quietly for their gifts. That was more like it.
After distributing the presents, Diancie, Alcremie, and the others could not wait to change into their new outfits.
Each piece had been chosen by themselves, and every one of them loved how they looked.
Even the younger sister Indeedee was no exception. She was particularly fond of the maid outfit she had selected.
"Indee?"
(Brother, do I look like a maid in this outfit)
The elder brother Indeedee glanced at her and responded in a calm tone, then proactively handed a towel to Silas.
That indifferent attitude made the younger sister Indeedee puff her cheeks up like a pufferfish in anger.
After wiping his face, Silas noticed the younger Indeedee in her little maid outfit and gently placed his hand on the horn on her head.
"Of course you look like one. You are adorable in this outfit."
"Indee~~"
The younger Indeedee pressed her lips together, secretly smiling. Her heart leapt with joy. She even shot her brother a smug look, as if to say that Silas had much better taste.
Diancie's outfit was a pure white princess dress, perfectly matching her identity and temperament.
She could easily wear it on stage for a performance.
Alcremie wore a fluffy skirt.
Each of them was either cute or beautiful, each with their own unique charm.
Just as Minccino and the others were about to run off to play, Silas called out to Minccino, Popplio, and Diancie.
"How has your singing practice been lately? There will be a fireworks festival in mid June. Everyone can freely sign up to perform."
He glanced at the three little ones.
It was time to apply a little pressure.
Since they had chosen this path, even if they were not aiming for perfection, they had to show the proper attitude.
This fireworks festival would serve as a test.
"I will sign you up. That night, you will perform on stage. It is time for the ranch band to make its debut."
"Min!"
"Lioo!"
"Ah!"
The three Pokémon reacted in perfect unison, first with shock. Then they began counting the days on their fingers.
There were only a little more than two weeks left.
In an instant, they lost all interest in playing and immediately ran off to train.
(End of Chapter)