The typhoon lingered over Shalour City for several days. Then, on the afternoon of the fourth, it suddenly made a sharp turn and shifted back toward the open sea.
According to the meteorological station's predictions, the typhoon would gradually dissipate on its way toward the Sinnoh region.
The sudden arrival of the storm had left all the Pokémon at the ranch feeling stifled and restless, and Silas was no exception.
Being stuck indoors all day long made anyone feel suffocated.
On the very day the typhoon departed, the dark clouds scattered, and the golden light of the setting sun streamed into the cabin.
Almost at the same moment, Silas and Kangaskhan rushed outside, eager to bask in the rare sunshine.
Only Morpeko was an exception. For it, these past few days had been pure bliss.
It ate until full, then slept. After sleeping, it ate again. There was nothing else to worry about.
Well, not entirely nothing. Morpeko had not skipped a single day of training.
Standing in front of the house and breathing in the fresh air, Silas turned his gaze toward the sea.
There, in the direction where the typhoon had retreated, a magnificent post storm spectacle unfolded. The evening glow was breathtaking.
Half the sky was painted in brilliant colors, and exclamations of amazement rose one after another from the Pokémon around him.
It was their first time experiencing a typhoon, and also their first time witnessing such a beautiful sunset.
From the orange red hues above the distant ocean, to the gradually blending pink and purple shades in the middle, and finally the pale blue overhead, layers of clouds were wrapped in radiant light. Even the sea breeze carried a warm touch as it brushed gently across their faces.
Tonight's sunset was exceptionally stunning. Minccino hurried inside to grab a camera and began snapping photos rapidly.
It did not forget to take pictures with the sunset as a backdrop. The little ones were having tremendous fun.
Silas, meanwhile, first headed to the beach to check on the Heliolisk tribe. Thankfully, they were safe and unharmed.
When the Heliolisk leader saw him approach, it handed back the storage battery and heater.
Silas noticed that the battery was fully charged.
"The young Helioptile are all right, correct?"
"Helio!"
The leader shook its head to indicate that none of them had fallen ill, and that it was all thanks to Silas's help.
Once again, the Heliolisk leader expressed its gratitude.
Silas personally checked each of the young ones to confirm they were healthy before finally leaving.
After the typhoon, there were still matters at the ranch that needed attention.
For example, cleaning.
Under the direction of the Indeedee siblings, everyone pitched in to help.
Seeing that he could not contribute much there, Silas went to inspect the farmland, examining crop growth and any damage sustained.
The losses were within an acceptable range. Some plants had been broken or destroyed by the wind, but the growth of corn and wheat had not been delayed.
Judging by the timing, it was nearly time for harvest.
Then there were the sunflowers.
Damage there was minimal.
Only three or four buds had been blown off, while the rest stood resilient and strong.
Through his system, the sunflowers showed as fully mature.
Silas planned to harvest them early the next morning. It would serve as a perfect excuse to send Kangaskhan away.
He still needed to finish decorating the cabin and complete the all important birthday cake with Alolan Meowth and Cyclizar.
Having mapped everything out in his mind, Silas leisurely made his way to the berry orchard.
Tropius and Meganium invited him over to take a look.
"The seeds have already sprouted?" Silas was pleasantly surprised by the speed.
Looking at the nearby sign, he saw they were Nanab Berries.
"You both worked very hard to get them to sprout so quickly."
He praised them sincerely, thinking once more that hiring Tropius and Meganium to help had been the right decision.
Tropius, however, asked anxiously if the remaining seeds would sprout properly.
"There is no need to worry. The rest will sprout sooner or later."
Silas reassured it and stepped closer to Meganium.
Standing near it felt like bathing in a forest breeze, refreshing and extraordinarily comfortable.
...
"Girl, I will leave this area in your care."
Silas stepped forward and patted Kangaskhan's armored leg, pointing at the golden sunflower field before them.
"Kang!"
(Leave it to me. I will watch over it for you!)
"Phion! Phion!"
From the pouch, little Phione poked its head out, eager to claim a share of the credit.
"Yes, yes. Little Phione can help with harvesting too."
Smiling, Silas gently rubbed its head and then exchanged a subtle glance with Alolan Meowth.
After whispering something to the regular Meowth and Galarian Meowth as an excuse, Alolan Meowth slipped back to the cabin ahead of time to begin decorating.
Standing on the ridge of the field, Silas observed for a moment.
Among the tulip field, Kangaskhan and the two Meowth worked in seamless cooperation.
Each time Galarian Meowth swung its claws, one or more flower heads fell. The regular Meowth picked them up swiftly and tossed them into the large basket Kangaskhan carried.
Seeing that they handled everything smoothly, Silas felt at ease and departed.
Back at the cabin, aside from Alolan Meowth busily decorating, there was not a single Pokémon inside. Cyclizar had taken them all out to play.
The Indeedee siblings were busy with work and would not return all morning.
Rolling up his sleeves, Silas called out to Alcremie, who had been hiding in the cupboard.
"Cream?"
Alcremie did not understand why Silas had asked it to stay inside today.
Even so, it obediently waited.
Silas held out his palm to catch the sweet scented Alcremie and smiled. "In a little while, you will help me make Kangaskhan's birthday cake."
"Cream!"
Alcremie was stunned at first, then overwhelmed with joy. It clenched its tiny hands into fists as if cheering itself on.
It would work together with Silas to create an incredibly delicious cake and give their big sister Kangaskhan a perfect birthday.
Alcremie's adorable expression made Silas want to pinch its cheeks. He set it gently on the counter.
All the ingredients for the cake were prepared in advance, including fruits and chocolate for decoration.
Tying on his apron, his expression grew serious.
This was the first birthday since they had come to the ranch together. The first birthday celebrated with everyone.
There could be no mistakes.
With Alcremie assisting at his side, their coordination was smooth and natural.
Before long, the cake base was baked. They added the prepared ingredients layer by layer.
By the time Silas heard cheerful chatter outside, he had just placed the final strawberry on top.
At that very moment, a familiar interface suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[Birthday Cake (A+): A cake specially made to celebrate birthdays. During the preparation, the chef's emotions were infused into it, giving rise to subtle extraordinary changes.
Dish effects: Happy Birthday: On the birthday itself, when a Pokémon makes a wish, there is a chance that it will come true.
Parental Love (exclusive to Silas's Kangaskhan): When Kangaskhan eats the cake on her birthday, all her attributes increase by five percent, and the baby Kangaskhan's attributes increase by the same amount.]
"Infused with emotions?"
Silas stared at the panel as it disappeared, recalling the thoughts he had while making the cake.
Was he turning into some kind of magical chef in the Pokémon world?
(TN: Isn't he one already?)
The cake's effect was astonishing, filled with endless possibilities.
"Kangaskhan will be back soon. Alcremie, let us get ready."
…
After finishing work in the fields, Kangaskhan washed the two Meowth clean. Near the wooden bridge, they encountered Minccino and Cyclizar returning.
As they walked back toward the house, they met the Indeedee siblings on their way home after putting the agricultural products in the bin for sale.
The Pokémon chatted and laughed along the way, and Kangaskhan wore a gentle, loving smile.
Until she pushed open the door.
"Kangaskhan, happy birthday!"
(End of Chapter)