The aroma drew an instant crowd.
Rattata lined up—and even Zubat squeezed in behind them, tails twitching eagerly.
Remembering his plan to assign Zubat to factory patrols, Ron dished out servings and left the farm.
Rain still fell outside. In his raincoat, he bumped into Penny, who'd just dropped off Pam with an umbrella.
It was Thursday—no classes. Penny chatted with Pam while eyeing the farm.
Spotting Ron, she waved cheerfully.
Pam glanced between them and bolted toward the bus. "You two talk! I'll wait in the driver's seat," she called, shutting the door and slumping into her chair.
"Morning," Ron greeted.
"Hi." Penny tucked a stray hair behind her ear, then asked softly, "When did you get back from Kalos?"
"Yesterday afternoon. But I'm heading back the day after tomorrow."
He hadn't returned Willy's boat yet—the keys were still in his pocket.
"Oh." Penny studied his face. "Thanks for the gift. You left so fast last time—I didn't get to say anything."
Ron winced, recalling Ditto's memory. "Don't mention it. I was… busy."
An awkward silence settled. Penny stared at her shoes, tongue-tied. She'd initiated the conversation but had no idea what to say. Their worlds barely overlapped—she loved books and children; he ran a farm. Her quiet nature made this worse.
'Am I boring him?' she fretted inwardly.
Ron stayed silent too. That "gift" wasn't his doing, and he'd genuinely forgotten her birthday.
He cleared his throat. "I'm running errands. If you're free, come by the farm. I made Kalos dishes—still on the table, untouched."
"Really?" Penny blinked. "Can I?"
"Sure. You'll have to hurry though—Pokémon might eat it all."
She giggled, covering her mouth, eyes sparkling. "Okay!" She dashed toward the farm under her umbrella.
Ron headed to the Community Center.
His recent Poké Ball stock was nearly depleted. With funds plentiful, he'd buy more—and consider recruiting additional Pokémon. Farm work was fully covered now, but expansion loomed. New labor would be needed soon.
Inside, warmth hit him like a blanket.
Joy huddled by the fireplace with Wigglytuff, hugging for warmth. The leaky roof made the room icy; she'd just lit the hearth.
"Ah, Ron," she said, turning.
"Morning." He walked past her to the counter, logged into the computer, and started ordering.
"Buying Poké Balls?" Joy asked, staying put by the fire.
"Yeah." He paused. "Do you know about Evolution Stones? How to get them in Kalos?"
"Hmm…" Joy thought. "Wigglytuff's Moon Stone was a lucky market find. You should check the city bazaars—vendors sometimes sell rare finds there."
"Got it." Ron nodded.
With his factory operational, he'd shuttle between Pelican Town and Santalune regularly. But distant cities? Unlikely. If Santalune lacked stones, he'd ask Abigail during her travels.
He dialed her number.
---
Meanwhile, in Kalos…
Abigail had nearly quit the endless queue—until Serena's curiosity won out.
They shuffled forward, nibbling street-vendor pastries, breath fogging in the post-rain chill.
"Lumiose is packed!" Abigail shivered, biting into ice cream. The cold shot straight to her brain.
Beside her, Serena winced from the same brain freeze. They burst out laughing.
Abigail exhaled, sharing a spoonful with Gengar. She scanned the street—stalls lined both sides of the queue, selling snacks and trinkets.
Ding!
A vendor's bell rang. "Sold out of Drumsticks and Wing Meat! Come back next time!"
Groans rippled through the crowd.
Serena's shoulders slumped. "I thought we'd get some today."
With Cyllage's Contest ahead, she couldn't linger. As for the next chance? It'll be the Lumiose's Grand Festival.
Just then, Abigail's phone rang.
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