The Rattata were already munching on their custom-made Poké Beans, while Ron fed another to Froakie perched on his shoulder.
The beans were clearly a hit—each Pokémon buried its face in its meal with happy focus.
Ron's cooking was good, sure—but these personalized treats, tailored to each Pokémon's unique tastes, were clearly more satisfying.
"Froak!" Froakie caught falling crumbs in its paws, then nuzzled Ron's shoulder affectionately.
For the desert trip, Ron had brought Gengar and Gloom along for safety.
Without Gengar sharing experience, Gloom's level had surged ahead—even if it still lagged slightly behind its shadowy friend.
Now, wielding its massive Obsidian Edge, Gloom cut an oddly harmonious yet eerie figure.
Waiting at the bus stop with his three Pokémon, Ron soon saw Penny and Pam approaching.
Knowing Ron was pressed for time, Penny waved quickly and headed straight to the farm. Pam hopped into the driver's seat.
It had been ages since she'd driven. Gripping the wheel, everything felt both unfamiliar and deeply familiar.
Before she could even recall how to start the engine, muscle memory kicked in. The bus rumbled to life. She stepped on the gas—and they rolled smoothly into the tunnel ahead.
---
Meanwhile, in the Desert…
Sandy was the second to hear the bus line would reopen—the first being the quiet woman who ran the other stall nearby.
They sold similar wares, neither particularly trendy, and the woman rarely spoke. So their relationship was… distant at best.
But boredom drove Sandy to chatter at her anyway—even if she never got a reply.
It was this woman who pointed out the newly renovated bus stop sign.
Sandy hadn't seen anyone fix it. She watched that sign every day through her window—yesterday it had been old, rusted, hanging crookedly like it might fall any moment.
But strange things happened here all the time. So she didn't question it. She just waited—eager for the bus, eager for the visitor from Stardew Valley.
Then, slowly, a bus appeared in the distance.
As it drew closer, Sandy waved excitedly. "Pam?!"
She waited as it pulled into the station.
Pam rolled down the window and called out, "Long time no see!"
"You too!"
The doors hissed open—and a stranger stepped off.
But thanks to Emily's letters, Sandy knew exactly who he was. "You must be Ron! Hi! I'm Sandy—Emily's best friend!"
"Hello," Ron said, already hurrying toward the Skull Cavern. No time to spare.
He'd earned the Skull Key recently—thanks to Gloom's newfound power. Ever since receiving the Obsidian Edge, Gloom had become unstoppable. Ron only needed to follow behind with Geodude, and they'd cleared the mines by season's end, claiming the key from the deepest floor.
Now, he inserted it into the cavern door.
Click.
With a groan, the door creaked open.
His goal today wasn't mining—it was finding dwarves.
Armed with bombs and milk, Ron began blasting through walls, scanning every shadowed corner.
Gloom stood guard like a knight, slicing through bizarre monsters the moment they lunged. Its defense and HP were maxed from months of mine combat—no real danger remained.
After another explosion, a crack appeared in the stone wall—revealing a dim tunnel beyond, faint firelight flickering within.
A helmeted figure peeked out, eyes locking onto Ron.
"New miner?" it rasped in Dwarven. "You carry something… fragrant."
Thanks to the Dwarven language guide, Ron understood perfectly. He offered a bottle of Moomoo Milk and explained his encounter with the other dwarf—and his need for their help.
"Help?" The dwarf narrowed its glowing red eyes.
Dwarves didn't do favors.
But they loved milk.
Its gaze flickered beneath the helmet. "Did he agree to help?"
When Ron nodded, two more dwarves emerged behind the first.
They exchanged silent glances—then held out their hands.
"Let's taste it first."
Ron quickly handed over three bottles.
With Gloom and Gengar having cleared the floor, the coast was clear.
The dwarves took sips, shared a look—and leapt out of the tunnel.
"But how do we get there?" one asked.
They knew humans had vehicles that connected distant places—but the thought of riding openly among them was unbearable.
Ron thought for a moment. He could drive. He remembered the route.
"I'll come back tonight. Alone. Pick you up myself."
"Deal."
Housing wasn't a concern. Wherever there were mines, dwarves could carve themselves a home underground.
Agreement reached, Ron generously gave them extra milk—and left.
Searching the Cavern had taken hours. By the time he returned, the afternoon sun hung high.
He found Penny sitting under a tree, deep in conversation with Abigail.
"So it's really happening? In three days, you'll be off to Kalos?" Penny said, smiling.
Abigail leaned against the trunk—excited, but nervous too. She'd never left Pelican Town. Never been away from her parents.
"Yeah… my Kalos adventure starts then," Abigail said—just as Gengar launched itself into her arms. She caught it with a laugh.
"That's amazing," Penny said softly. "I don't think I'd ever dare go alone."
Not just couldn't—wouldn't.
For Penny, stability was enough. She cherished quiet security. Though wild dreams sometimes flickered in her mind, she always returned to the comfort of what was safe, steady, and known.
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