The library was hushed. Vincent and Jas sat quietly beside Penny, absorbed in picture books she'd picked for them.
Their birthday gifts—Red Plate and Melon—were already stashed in the RV. The library banned food, and Penny didn't have the habit of eating so many vegetables and Melon for breakfast anyway.
She herself pored over a textbook, jotting notes into a worn notebook. With Pelican Town's education fund stretched thin, the children used her childhood textbooks—edited and recopied by hand.
Having only two students meant it was manageable work. She filled gaps during their reading or her own study. Still, the material was outdated; she often supplemented it from newer books.
Outside, Indeedee perked up at this revelation. Note to self. It signaled Ditto to transform.
When silent and avoiding its telltale dot-dot eyes, Ditto made a passable Ron. Indeedee had drilled it on six words:
- "Happy Birthday."
- "Goodbye."
- "Busy." (If Penny tried small talk.)
Rude, but the best they could manage.
They entered the library.
"Morning, Ron!" Gunther adjusted his glasses, touched by the rare visit.
Since spring, Ron hadn't returned—not since submitting that Pokémon video. Understandable; managing a booming farm left little need for the library's meager stipend.
But Abigail's upcoming Kalos journey meant new data! He'd asked her to record footage with her Pokédex. Still… he'd hoped Ron might drop off something to tide him over.
"Indeedee!" Indeedee chirped for "Ron."
"Ron" scanned the room—and locked eyes with Penny across the shelves.
He strode toward her.
Gunther's shoulders slumped. Ah. Not here for me. It's Penny's birthday.
Penny's heart hammered as "Ron" approached. Her mind went blank—surprise and gratitude stealing her voice.
She barely registered how off he seemed. All she felt was tears welling up.
"Happy… birthday."
"Ron" stiffly handed her the gift. Indeedee's meticulous wrapping hid its contents.
"Thank you! I really—" She sniffled. "I never thought you'd get me something. Thank you."
Her whisper trembled, audible in the quiet library.
Ditto froze. Why isn't she reacting like Indeedee predicted? It glanced helplessly at Indeedee.
Indeedee panicked too. Neither "Goodbye" nor "Busy" fit this moment.
"Ron" hesitated—then gently placed a hand on Penny's head.
Pokémon loved head pats from Trainers. Since Penny was bowed, that was all it could offer.
Penny felt the touch—cool, lifeless. A fresh wave of emotion hit her… then a flicker of unease.
His hand is ice-cold.
"Indeedee—!" Indeedee's mental alarm blared. It intercepted Penny's thoughts—
—and issued orders.
"Indee, dee!"
"Don't… cry," "Ron" recited flatly. "Late. Busy. Talk… later."
He patted her head again, then turned stiffly toward the door under Indeedee's urgent nudges.
Gunther watched, irritated—then did a double-take.
Ron's eyes… those weird dot-dot eyes?
But "Ron" moved too fast. Gunther rubbed his tired eyes. Just sleep-deprived.
When he looked again, "Ron" had vanished.
"That was quick…" Gunther muttered, turning to Penny.
She'd buried her face in the gift. Jas eyed her with gossipy delight.
"Miss Penny… do you like that brother?"
Penny flushed crimson. "Study first! I'll be back."
She bolted outside—too late to catch "Ron." Remembering his "busy" excuse, she sprinted to the beach.
No sign of him. She dashed into Willy's shop.
"Willy! Did you see Ron?"
"Ron? Isn't he in Kalos?" Willy frowned. "Haven't seen him. He hasn't returned my boat yet—probably still away."
Penny froze.
That must be it.
Ron rushed back just to give her a gift—sailing through sea winds until his hands turned cold.
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