After parting ways with her assistant, Viola stepped out of the Gym—and nearly collided with Ron strolling through Santalune City.
"Ron?" She approached with a smile. "What brings you here?"
"Picking up gifts for a friend," Ron said. "Haven't found the right thing yet."
"Have you had dinner yet?" When he shook his head, she brightened. "Want to join me? I've got a reservation. Afterward, I'll help you shop."
Ron hesitated—gift-shopping wasn't his strength—then nodded. "Sure."
"Great!" Viola fell into step beside him. Though she wasn't sure what training Ron had given her Combee, she genuinely appreciated his care. Her own efforts with Orthworm paled in comparison.
"Oh right—my sister, Alexa," she said. "She's been eager to interview you. Have you got time?"
"Interview?"
Ron paused. If he hadn't already signed the export contract—and committed to hiding Pelican Town's role—he might've used it to promote his products. But now? No. He shook his head.
Viola wasn't surprised. She'd met many quietly capable people—like that girl from Lumiose years ago with a Dedenne… and a Zygarde named Squishy. No one guessed her second Pokémon was a Legendary. Thankfully, the girl only sought adventure, not League glory.
Viola smiled at the memory.
"What's funny?" Ron asked.
"Nothing." She glanced at him. "Just… remarkable people often share a trait. They carry strength without needing to show it. The less you have, the louder you prove it." She chuckled softly. "Anyway—keep the 'Pelican Town Breeding Facility' secret safe. You're the owner, right?"
"?" Ron stared, unaware the "Pelican Town Breeding Facility" had become Kalos gossip thanks to Viola and trainers from Laverre City.
"Never mind," Viola said lightly. Spotting the new restaurant ahead, she steered them inside.
"Good evening, Miss Viola. Table for two?" A server bowed.
"Reserved," she confirmed.
"This place is the spot," Viola explained as they were seated. "Reservations only. Ingredients shipped daily from Lumiose."
Ron scanned the menu—and froze.
Limited Edition! Lumiose Specialty: Meat!
"…"
Viola caught his expression. "Something wrong?"
"No. How much is dinner?"
"Not cheap—but my treat. Don't worry about it." She waved a hand.
Ron fell silent, then thanked her. As they sat, he pulled several packets from his bag. "I happen to have some of this… if you'd like."
Viola's eyes lit up. "You do?! Perfect—I was stressing over what to bring my assistant!" She accepted them gratefully. "Must've queued forever! I heard lines in Lumiose stretch from the shop to the city outskirts."
"…A friend waited," Ron hedged.
"Thank you!" She tucked the packets away.
The meal arrived—Kalos-style preparations of Pelican Town ingredients. Sweeter than Gus's cooking, unfamiliar but not unpleasant. Ron ate politely.
After dinner, they wandered Santalune's fashion district. Kalos earned its "Fashion Capital" title: boutiques glittered with accessories. Ron felt overwhelmed.
"Who's the gift for?" Viola asked.
"A… girl. Very stylish. Loves photography." He glanced at her camera.
"She'd get along with me!" Viola laughed, leading him to a boutique. With funds to spare, Ron also selected fabrics for Emily, books for Penny. Gifts for Leah and Maru proved harder to find in Santalune.
Arms laden with packages, Viola teased, "All for girls? You must be quite popular back home."
"Just… things that suited them," Ron said.
He cared for nearly everyone in Pelican Town. After helping during summer, he'd grown to see the town as family. Traveling meant bringing something back—a fishing rod for Willy from Coumarine, trinkets for Leah and Maru from Lumiose.
Pelican Town was no longer just a place he lived.
It was home.
And home deserved souvenirs.
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