"That is more like it!"
Silas placed his hand on Jigglypuff's head and rubbed it firmly.
"Show some confidence. Jigglypuff is the greatest rock singer."
The moment his words fell, Jigglypuff's face filled with panic. The courage it had just gathered deflated by more than half. It hurriedly reached out and covered Silas's mouth.
"Jigglypuff! Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Gently removing its little hand, Silas looked at it seriously.
"In my heart, Jigglypuff is the most amazing rock singer there is."
Jigglypuff let out a small sound and tugged at his arm, swaying it back and forth as if acting spoiled, or perhaps trying to say that it really was not that capable.
That would not do.
Silas straightened it up.
"Jigglypuff, how about we set a small goal first?"
"Jiggly?"
(What goal?)
"Let us aim for five digits in fan count and hold a solo concert as the objective. What do you think?"
Jigglypuff felt conflicted. Its voice carried obvious timidity as it raised a finger and began counting.
"Jiggly…? Jigglypuff…"
Would that be too many? What if I cannot reach it…
"You will," Silas interrupted gently. "Jigglypuff can definitely do it. I believe in you."
His unconditional trust made Jigglypuff hesitate. The fear in its eyes lessened slightly.
"Min Min!"
(Jigglypuff, Jigglypuff, we will work hard together. Our band's goal this year is one million fans!)
Popplio's expression froze in shock.
"Lioo!!!"
(One million? Since when?)
Minccino covered its mouth and giggled, its fluffy tail swishing.
"Min!"
(I just decided it!)
"Lioo?"
(Is that too high? What if we fail?)
Minccino instantly revealed a sly grin.
"Min!"
(If we fail, then Popplio cannot sleep on the bed with us anymore!)
The playful banter between the two eased Jigglypuff's nerves. Compared to the ranch band's one million, its own goal of ten thousand suddenly felt much smaller and far less intimidating.
Just as Silas finished setting personal goals for the three little ones, a knock sounded at the door.
Diantha entered first. Behind her was Roxie in light disguise. Perched on Roxie's shoulder was a Pokémon with a red and white color scheme like a Poké Ball.
Hmm?
A Poké Ball… or a mushroom.
Thinking of a certain Pokémon, Silas instinctively took two steps back and assumed a defensive stance.
"Silas?"
Diantha looked at him in confusion.
"It is nothing." He quickly came back to his senses, waved his hand, stood up, and extended his hand toward Roxie. "I have long admired you, Miss Roxie."
"So the paparazzi rumors are true," Roxie said with a gossiping look, glancing between the two of them. "Diantha's rumored boyfriend, hello."
"Huh?"
Silas scratched his head in confusion. He was not one to browse the internet much and knew little about online gossip.
Considering Diantha's current status, he quickly explained, "Diantha and I are just friends right now. Close friends who traveled together."
"Roxie."
Diantha deliberately put on a stern face as if she were angry.
Roxie quickly apologized, though the look in her eyes remained mischievous.
While the two women talked, Silas and the three little ones surrounded the mushroom Pokémon.
Do not be fooled by its small, pitiful appearance.
Once Foongus evolved, it would become one of the most god tier Pokémon.
Of course, Silas personally preferred seeing Amoonguss from behind.
He casually turned Foongus around so that it faced away from him.
Every time he saw its front, the terror of being dominated by Spore resurfaced in his mind, sending chills down his spine.
"Foongus, from now on you can only face away from me."
He poked it lightly with his finger.
"Foongus!"
It let out a soft cry and reluctantly agreed.
"Very good. Here is a Poffin as a reward."
He did not forget the other three either. They each received one.
Glancing up and seeing Diantha and Roxie still chatting in the living room, Silas leaned closer and whispered to Foongus.
"Let me tell you something. In future battles, start by throwing out Spore right away. After that, use Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Rage Powder, then Protect, Giga Drain, Protect again."
The more he spoke, the more excited he became. He patted its mushroom cap firmly.
"Trust me. Any trainer and Pokémon that battles you will leave smiling."
"Foongus? Foongus?"
"Of course it is true."
As he spoke, Silas took out the special version Voltage Badge he had just obtained and showed it to Foongus.
"Look, this is the Gym Badge I just earned. I have five more like it."
"Foongus!"
(Amazing. Then I will listen to you!)
Foongus chose to believe him and thus embarked on a road of no return.
In the future, the Virbank Gym would undergo tremendous changes because of Silas's advice, rising to become one of the most difficult Gyms to earn a badge from.
A small Amoonguss would become the nightmare of countless rookie trainers.
Just imagining the future suffering of so many newcomers filled Silas with enthusiasm as he shared his experience without reservation.
Improving the overall quality of trainers in the new era was his duty.
"That is about it. Foongus, make sure you remember everything."
"Foongus Foongus!"
It nodded its mushroom cap vigorously, eyes sparkling.
It never expected the human before it to understand Amoonguss even better than it did. Its round pink mouth puffed slightly as it sought Silas's opinion.
"You want to teach other Foongus and Amoonguss?"
"Sure, sure." Silas nodded with a grin, then quickly added, "But if you cause trouble in the future, do not mention your master."
"Foongus Foongus!"
Foongus did not understand. This was clearly a method to benefit its entire species. Why should it not let others know?
Still, it nodded obediently. If its master said so, there must be a reason.
"That is all I can teach you. Practice diligently in the future."
He patted Foongus again and gestured for Minccino to take it to play.
In his heart, Silas made a firm decision to avoid visiting the Unova region as much as possible in the future. It was already corrupted.
"Mr. Silas, you must not lead Foongus astray."
He looked up to see Diantha and Roxie standing behind him with their arms crossed, faint smiles on their faces.
He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"When did I lead it astray? I only taught it a battle strategy."
Before they could question him further, Silas beckoned to Jigglypuff, changing the topic.
"Little one, are you ready?"
"Jigglypuff…"
Jigglypuff grabbed his arm and replied in a very small voice.
"No need to be nervous. Just treat it like singing at the ranch. Let Miss Roxie see whether you are suited to be a rock singer."
Roxie also gave Jigglypuff an encouraging look. She had just heard from Diantha that this was a Jigglypuff capable of electric vocals.
Without a doubt, it was a natural rock performer. She wanted to witness its ability firsthand.
Jigglypuff took a deep breath and mustered its courage, waving its little fists twice to cheer itself on.
Then it accepted the microphone Silas handed over, hopped onto the coffee table, its ears trembling slightly as it began this nerve wracking performance.
"Jiggly… Jigglypuff… Jigglypuff!"
Its unique electronic singing voice echoed throughout the room.
Roxie's eyes lit up instantly.
Then, unable to resist, she let out a yawn.
On the sofa, Silas and Diantha were already asleep, their heads leaning against each other. Minccino and Popplio rested in their arms. Even Cyclizar had fallen into deep slumber.
Those who believe in Jigglypuff will always believe in it.
(End of Chapter)