"Rex, shouldn't you let Swellow go to Nurse Joy for treatment first?" Officer Jenny asked urgently as she saw Rex flip onto Swellow's back, ready to leave.
"Almost forgot, thanks for the reminder, Officer Jenny. Swellow, use Rest!"
Rex glanced at Swellow, knowing it could definitely make it back to Rex Farm despite its current disheveled state. However, to ease Officer Jenny's worries, he decided to let Swellow heal itself first.
Following Rex's command, Swellow folded its wings and fell asleep, and its injuries began to heal at a visibly rapid rate.
"Swellow!"
After a few minutes, Swellow cried out and woke up from its slumber, fully healed, though it had consumed some of its stored energy.
"Well then, goodbye, Officer Jenny!"
Seeing Swellow fully recovered, Rex waved to Officer Jenny and flew off towards Rex Farm on Swellow's back.
Officer Jenny and her Arcanine exchanged looks of envy.
"Arcanine, I should get you a Rest TM. Once you learn it, you can heal yourself too."
Officer Jenny patted Arcanine's head. Arcanine agreed, nodding enthusiastically, though the movement aggravated its injury, causing it to gasp in pain.
Seeing this, Officer Jenny quickly recalled Arcanine into its Poké Ball and ran towards the Pokémon Center in town. Without the ability to heal itself, seeking Nurse Joy's help was the best option.
After returning to Rex Farm, Rex didn't idle. He informed Yuli and the others about selling Taillow eggs, then asked Yuli to contact Uncle Henry to build an incubator for storing the eggs.
Although Officer Jenny could help him get a Pokémon breeding license, Rex only planned to sell the excess Taillow eggs for now, not expanding further due to the limited manpower at Rex Farm.
After handling these tasks, Rex began to consider heading to Lavaridge Town, as he still had a Chimchar egg that needed to hatch. It was time to bring the little guy into the world.
"Hey, Flannery, are you in Lavaridge Town recently?"
Rex called Flannery to inquire.
"Rex, I've been at Lavaridge Gym, accepting challengers' battles. What's up?"
Flannery asked curiously.
She had been unable to leave Lavaridge Gym lately, as her grandfather, Moore, was traveling, leaving her to handle the challenges.
"I got a Chimchar egg in the Sinnoh region recently. I'd like to use the Fiery Path near Mt. Chimney to hatch it. Is that okay?"
Rex briefly explained his experiences in Sinnoh to Flannery.
"A Chimchar, huh? That's a great Pokémon. Feel free to use the Fiery Path anytime you want!"
Flannery agreed without hesitation.
"Great, today's a bit tight on time. I'll come find you tomorrow."
Rex said after checking the time.
After ending the call with Flannery, Rex remembered he hadn't updated Professor Birch about the package delivery, likely due to subconsciously avoiding it because of the test.
But Rex knew Professor Birch meant well, and he had gained much from Professor Rowan. Holding a grudge would be petty.
"Professor Birch, I've delivered the package to Professor Rowan."
Rex said directly when the call connected.
"I've heard from Professor Rowan. Great job, Rex. He speaks highly of you!"
Professor Birch praised.
Rex shared his experiences in Twinleaf Town with Professor Birch, who listened attentively and shared his thoughts occasionally.
After ending the call, Rex felt relieved and satisfied with the conversation. Both avoided mentioning the test, reducing awkwardness. Rex decided to selectively accept tasks from Professor Birch, as the rewards were enticing.
Feeling he had no pressing matters left for the day, Rex decided to visit the terraced garden.
"Shaymin, I haven't visited you for a few days. Want to come out?"
Rex called out.
After calling, Rex sat on the grass, leaving the decision to Shaymin. If it wanted to see him, it would come out.
After a while, without seeing Shaymin, Rex lay down, gazing at the clouds and the flying-type Pokémon passing over the farm.
Feeling his eyelids grow heavy, Rex breathed the purified air, filled with floral scents, and soon fell asleep, a smile on his face, dreaming sweetly.
Hidden in the nearby flowers, Shaymin was annoyed. It thought Rex came to play with it. As a shy Pokémon, Shaymin debated whether to approach, but Rex fell asleep, seemingly ignoring it!
Angrily, Shaymin hopped onto Rex's chest, but before it could do anything, Rex hugged it like a plush toy.
Startled, Shaymin thought Rex had woken, but realizing he was still asleep, it relaxed.
Shaymin tried to wriggle free without waking Rex, but soon realized the comfort of being held, especially feeling the strong life energy from Rex.
Feeling drowsy, Shaymin also fell asleep on Rex's chest.
Both slept soundly until the evening, waking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Rex, waking up, noticed the sleeping hedgehog-like Shaymin on his chest, his first close encounter with it.
Not wanting to wake Shaymin, Rex stayed still, but Shaymin, sensitive to its surroundings, soon woke up too.
Their eyes met briefly before Shaymin quickly darted back into the flowers, not hiding but keeping distance.
(End of Chapter)