Returning to the flower bed, Shaymin couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated with its earlier actions. How could it have fallen asleep on a human's chest?
Rex watched Shaymin's expressions change rapidly and found it quite amusing.
"By the way, Shaymin, you haven't tried Pokéblocks before, have you? Here, take some."
Rex suddenly pulled out a handful of Pokéblocks from his pocket and walked over to Shaymin, offering them.
"I'm not eating your stuff."
Shaymin's slightly haughty voice echoed in Rex's mind.
Rex didn't withdraw the Pokéblocks upon hearing this but instead extended his hand in front of Shaymin, waiting for its choice.
Staring at the translucent Pokéblocks in front of it and smelling their enticing aroma, Shaymin couldn't help but gulp.
However, it remained still, clearly torn inside.
After seeing Rex's encouraging gaze, Shaymin finally made up its mind. It picked up one of the Pokéblocks and took a small bite, seemingly wanting to taste it first.
After chewing a few times, Shaymin's eyes lit up. It quickly tossed the whole Pokéblock into its mouth, closing its eyes as it ate, clearly enjoying the flavor.
One, two, three... The Pokéblocks in Rex's hand were quickly devoured by Shaymin. After finishing, Shaymin even let out a burp and rubbed its slightly protruding belly, clearly a bit overstuffed.
Seeing Shaymin looking so cute, Rex couldn't resist and reached out to pet its back. The soft texture made Rex reluctant to stop.
Surprisingly, this time Shaymin didn't resist being touched as it had before. It merely glanced at him and then did nothing more, implicitly allowing Rex to continue.
"Shaymin, it's getting late. Do you want to come back with me?"
Rex gently asked after checking the time.
Hearing this, Shaymin instinctively shook its head. It didn't want to leave Gracidea Garden—this was its home.
"Alright then, but I'll have someone regularly bring you Pokéblocks. Don't worry."
Rex gave Shaymin's head one last pat before speaking.
After bidding Shaymin farewell, Rex headed home. By this time, it was completely dark, and he had to find his way in the dark. Luckily, he had previously smoothed out the path, so he quickly made it back to his house.
"Boss, why are you back so late today?"
Yuli asked curiously.
Rex briefly recounted the afternoon's events to them.
"That's amazing, boss. You've gotten so close to Shaymin, yet we haven't even seen it," Yui said enviously.
Yuli and Karen didn't speak, but their envious eyes revealed their true feelings.
"You can take turns bringing Pokéblocks to Shaymin. Once it gets familiar with you, it will show itself."
Rex comforted them with a smile.
Yuli and the others found this idea excellent. They believed that as long as they persisted, Shaymin would eventually accept them.
The next day, Rex got up early. Perhaps because he had slept well in the afternoon, he couldn't sleep well at night. In the end, he had Haunter use Hypnosis on him, allowing him to fall asleep smoothly, but he still woke up early.
After preparing everything, Rex mounted Swellow and flew towards Lavaridge Town.
He had added nutrients to the incubator holding the Chimchar egg, so even if he didn't make it to Lavaridge Town, it would hatch within a week.
Departing early, Rex estimated that he would reach Lavaridge Town before noon.
Flying through the morning sun and among the clouds, Rex felt exceptionally cheerful, occasionally greeting flying Pokémon he encountered.
During his journey, he met a few trainers also traveling on flying Pokémon, but their destinations differed from his, so they just exchanged greetings and went their separate ways.
Upon arriving in Lavaridge Town, Rex had Swellow land in the open space in front of the Lavaridge Gym.
The gym's doors were open, but no one was in the hall. Rex heard some noise from the battle area, indicating that Flannery might be conducting a gym battle.
Not wanting to interrupt, Rex quietly walked to the battle area. Flannery was commanding her Magcargo in a battle against a young man's Golduck.
Rex decided not to disturb their battle and watched quietly from a corner.
Perhaps due to the type disadvantage, Magcargo was completely suppressed by Golduck.
As the battle progressed, Magcargo sustained more injuries and eventually lost to Golduck's powerful Water Gun.
"Lavaridge Gym is just a name with no real strength. You need much more training."
The young man taunted Flannery after recalling Golduck.
"You just won because of a type advantage. How dare you be so arrogant," Flannery's temper flared at the taunt.
"Anyway, I won. Give me the gym badge; I have to challenge the next gym."
Ignoring Flannery's anger, the young man demanded.
In the end, Flannery suppressed her anger and tossed the Heat Badge to him.
The young man took the badge without further provocation and left the gym. Passing by Rex, he paused for a moment but said nothing and left indifferently.
"Rex, you're here," Flannery greeted him energetically despite her earlier frustration.
"Yes, Flannery. I brought some specialties from Rex Farm for you."
Rex didn't mention the battle but instead took out a bunch of items from his backpack.
"Oh, let me see."
Back in the living room, Flannery curiously examined the produce from Rex Farm.
Most were berries, with Rex bringing a sample of each type, a bottle of juice produced by Polteageist, and freshly made honey from Combee.
Flannery didn't hesitate and started eating a berry, surprised by its excellent taste.
She then tried the juice and honey, finding them delicious and feeling much better.
"Your farm has so many delicious things. I'll definitely visit if I ever crave something tasty," Flannery joked.
"You're always welcome. I'm sure my farm won't disappoint you," Rex invited confidently.
Just the blooming flowers at Rex Farm would be a feast for Flannery's eyes, not to mention the other specialties.
(End of Chapter)