Caroline was endlessly grateful that the general store was right next to the Community Center. That way, if Abigail ever needed her, she'd know immediately.
"I got it," Abigail said, carefully packing the Poké Balls into her backpack.
This batch would save her a significant amount of money in Kalos.
She glanced at the closed door, slung her pack over her shoulder, and headed to the farm.
It was her last day—she still had to help harvest the final batch of hops and dismantle the trellises.
At the farm, work was already in full swing.
Summer's heat had faded as autumn approached.
Tomorrow, Pam would resume driving the Bus. Today, she worked with renewed energy, gathering the last Hops and yanking down the now-useless trellises.
Spotting Abigail, she waved warmly. "Wish you all the best in Kalos!"
"Thanks!" Abigail smiled shyly and joined the harvest.
Ron was busy tidying up too.
Since the Pokémon were part of the farm family, they'd join tonight's jellyfish festival. As he worked, Ron briefed Indeedee on the evening's plan—especially not letting anyone sneak onto the boat to Kalos.
Losing labor wasn't the main concern. It was the journey itself: if a Pokémon stowed away unnoticed, five or six days without food or water on the boat could be fatal.
Indeedee nodded solemnly, then laid out strict rules for the Rattata crew.
Geodude and Orthworm were easy—too big to hide. But Rattata? Tricky.
"Ratta!"
"Ratta."
With their promises secured, Indeedee turned to autumn planning—a task Ron had entrusted to it. He'd left cash for seed purchases, though most would come from the farm's existing stock. The brewery ensured a steady income; this was just about diversifying crops.
To Indeedee, it felt like being handed the reins while the parents were away—the ultimate test of responsibility. It stood tall, ready.
Work wrapped up by 4 p.m.—dismantling trellises took time.
Indeedee prepared a lavish farewell dinner.
"Got your tent?" Ron asked, handing Abigail a portable camp kit and extra Gengar-flavored Poké Beans for the trip.
"Got it! All packed!" she said, taking them.
"And take this Cookout Kit too," Ron added, pulling out a compact stove.
Unlike ordinary fires, this one—crafted from the tool kit—was a self-sustaining, portable hearth. Instant ignition, endless fuel, extinguished only when manually shut off. Essential for wilderness survival, especially since Abigail had no Fire-type Pokémon.
"Thank you, thank you!" Abigail accepted everything gratefully. With her new Pokédex, Ron had also transferred her Kalos funds.
In Santalune City, they'd part ways: Abigail to adventure, Ron to scout factory land.
After dinner and final packing, they headed to the beach as dusk fell.
Pierre had just set up his stall when he spotted Abigail laughing with Ron as they approached.
He quickly looked away before their eyes could meet.
"Dear…" Caroline gently nudged him.
"Hmph." Pierre adjusted his glasses, placing his Seafoam Pudding on display.
It was practically a horror dish—only Willy liked it. But some seasonal treats, however revolting, were eaten yearly out of stubborn tradition… only to confirm, once again, that no one actually enjoyed them.
Robin and Joy soon arrived at the stall.
Joy admired Pierre's decorations, buying several to brighten her room. Then she noticed the glowing green goo in blue cups—and Robin's conflicted expression.
"What's this?"
"Seafoam Pudding, sweetheart," Robin said, frowning. The memory of its bizarre, nauseating taste had faded, leaving only a vague impression of "ocean and summer."
"Everyone eats it on this day," Robin added. "Want to try? We'll share one portion."
"Everyone?" Joy glanced around. Sure enough, several people held cups—but most grimaced, faces hidden.
Nearby, Willy slurped his bowl with delight.
"Alright, I'll try it," Joy said, splitting a cup with Robin.
The moment it hit her tongue, Joy gagged. "What is this? What's in it?!"
"A bit of Midnight Carp, some Flounder, and squid ink," Pierre said with a practiced merchant's smile.
He had no fear of recipe theft—it was so vile, only Willy or some festival daredevils would ever make it.
Joy nearly retched.
Soon, it was time to launch candlelit boats.
Ron stood beside Abigail as she pushed her tiny vessel into the waves.
Its flame flickered—until luminous jellyfish began rising from the depths, glowing softly beneath the surface.
Abigail watched her boat drift, excitement settling into calm… then a quiet pang of homesickness bloomed in her chest.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)