Sailor clutched the unassuming piece of driftwood, bewildered by Leah's delighted expression. After a pause, it proudly offered the wood to her.
"It's perfect for carving!" Leah examined the smooth wood, thanked Sailor, then scooped up both the Rattata and the Driftwood. After placing it safely in her cabin, she carried Sailor toward the farm's south gate.
Ron was deep in planning—marking zones for new coops and barns, installing fences for a small pasture where animals could roam, and sowing grass to prepare for winter.
Of course, this patch alone couldn't sustain all the farm's livestock through Winter. Marnie's hay was costly; relying solely on her would make animal husbandry unprofitable. Ron also planned to trial grass cultivation in Kalos. With Kalos still in May, grass could grow until winter. If supplies ran low, he could shuttle feed between regions. Winter meant lighter farm duties—commuting would be manageable.
As Ron hammered a fence post into the ground, a hand reached out.
"Need help?"
He turned to see Leah, Sailor nestled in her arms. On their detour home, she'd given Sailor homemade dried fruit. The Rattata now munched happily, cheeks full.
"Go play," Leah said, setting Sailor down. She hoisted a fence panel, scanned the farm, and winked. "Long time no see, busy man."
Her tone echoed Robin's so closely Ron nearly blinked. Didn't Robin say almost the same thing days ago?
"Long time no see," he replied, smiling awkwardly. "Haven't spoken all summer."
Leah's smile softened. "If you ever have a free moment… stop by. My place isn't far."
"Definitely! I'm sorry," Ron said. "Summer was… nonstop."
Between hops harvests and farm duties, he'd barely had time to breathe—let alone chat. Leah spent most days carving in the Cindersap Forest or foraging by the shore, rarely crossing his path.
She knew this. "So… if I'm free, can I visit the farm?" The question slipped out, a little bold. She didn't want their connection to fade. She still remembered their spring meeting—the season of renewal, quiet moments shared. Now winter loomed again. Harsh weather always made people crave closeness. She'd asked without overthinking.
"Anytime," Ron said. "Winter slows things here. Just come by anytime."
Leah's eyes crinkled warmly. "Where should these fences go?"
"From here to there," Ron gestured. "I'm planning on planting some grass."
Together, they enclosed the pasture. With Leah's help, it was done in minutes.
Leah gazed at the fresh plot and thought of her Deerling. Winter was hard for them too—wild greens vanished, forcing them to use all of autumn to stockpile. Though Gus's saloon and the Pokémon Center sold affordable meals, Leah preferred foraged berries and greens with her homemade dressing. For Deerling? Only Marnie's dry hay remained—a bland necessity.
"Preparing for winter?" she asked.
"Partly," Ron said. "But this won't be enough." He shared his Kalos grass plan. No need to hide it: Abigail's journey meant the time difference would surface eventually. Simple explanation—different regions, different climates. And for now, only Ron could travel there.
Leah's eyes brightened. "What's the price? Could you bring me some?"
"Take what you need," Ron said. "If it grows there, it's yours."
With that finalized, they chatted until dusk.
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The next day, Fall 6
Robin arrived early—determined not to miss Ron's departure or the new construction zones.
"The fenced areas," Ron pointed.
Crisp autumn air carried the scent of drying leaves. Trees tinged gold; morning chill had replaced summer's heat.
Robin followed his gaze. "Got it."
"Later, I'll expand the farm," Ron explained. "I'm planning on renting that plot over there, then build more Barns and Coops."
Robin listened intently, as if he were drafting a grand business blueprint.
"Understood," she said, then tilted her head. "All these animals… are you selling them to Kalos?"
Ron hesitated, then nodded—recycling the story he'd told Marnie.
"Ah, I see," Robin mused. Then her eyes widened. "Wait… wasn't this farm also sending these—uh, pets—to Kalos before?"
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