In-game, eating this boosted stamina.
But what about in reality?
Ron cradled the palm-sized fruit, deep in thought.
Could it even be planted?
He carried the Stardrop straight to the Seed Maker and took a steadying breath.
'If it fails… I'll only lose one. The Fair will have more later.'
He dropped it into the input slot.
A soft hum filled the cabin.
Ron crouched by the output chute, waiting.
Nearby, Shaymin trailed Froakie, nibbling wild berries Indeedee had distributed. Since Ron was preoccupied, Indeedee had guided the new arrival through the farm—a place both familiar and changed. They'd even visited the previous owner's gravestone.
Chewing a blueberry, Shaymin observed quietly. Different owners, different priorities. Livestock remained, but fewer Pokémon lived here than expected. The cabin held only two beds: a tiny one for Indeedee, Ron's larger one beside it. No Pokémon huts existed. Those who preferred indoors slept crowded with Ron; others nestled in nearby caves. Work existed—but lightly. Ample rest. Quiet contentment.
As a Gratitude Pokémon, Shaymin sensed that emotion everywhere here:
Pokémon, grateful for fresh berries and Ron's cooking.
Shane, content with his wages and Jas and Maru's smiles after work.
Ron himself—regretful one moment for delaying Shaymin's return, then quietly content realizing he could aid pasture growth.
Shaymin swallowed its berry, trotted to Ron's feet, and chirped softly.
"Shaymin~"
Ron scratched its head. "Settling in?"
"Shaymin!"
He glanced back at the silent Seed Maker. No seed. It probably won't work.
He stood, shrugging off disappointment. If it only boosts stats… skipping one won't matter.
I'm in Stardew Valley, not cultivating immortality.
He lifted Shaymin. "Dinner plans?" he called to the berry-gathering Pokémon. "Gus debuted a new dish this morning. Want to try it?"
"Ratta!"
"Froakie!"
Cheers erupted. Ron smiled. "Consider it Shaymin's welcome feast. Ready?"
He left Poké Beans for Nacli and Geodude, then turned—
A soft green glow shimmered from Shaymin's fur.
It drifted down Ron's arm, settling on the Seed Maker.
Ding!
A cloth-wrapped seed tumbled out.
Ron froze—then lifted Shaymin with a laugh. "You did this?"
"Shaymin!" it affirmed, eyes bright.
Ron secured the seed carefully, then led the joyful procession—Shaymin and Froakie on his shoulders, Pokémon trailing behind—toward the Stardrop Saloon.
---
The next morning…
Ron rose before sunrise.
Though last night's feast had run late, the mysterious seed pulled him from bed. After starting breakfast and asking Indeedee to watch the stove, he headed to the fields.
A central plot remained empty. Uncertain how large the Stardrop plant might grow, Ron chose to give it generous space. He dug, planted, watered. Just in case, he installed an old basic sprinkler beside it.
Next, he inspected the crops. Indeedee's earlier seed purchases from Pierre had matured perfectly for the upcoming Stardew Valley Fair.
Fair winnings alone wouldn't yield enough Star Tokens for another Stardrop…
But Ron had a secret weapon: Penny.
As if balancing her difficult childhood, Penny possessed uncanny luck in chance-based matters. That spring's potato harvest? Her blessing had eased Ron's early struggles. He'd simply ask her to try the Fair's luck wheel. For getting enough Tokens to redeem the Stardrop? It was likely more than sufficient.
He scanned the fields: seasonal vegetables were stockpiled, premium eggs and milk from long-raised livestock, Sailor's dumpster-found gems and minerals ready for display. Only fishing lagged behind—Ron had barely cast a line since early spring.
But… must fish be caught by rod?
His gaze drifted to Froakie, just waking and nibbling breakfast at the table.
A quiet smile touched Ron's lips.
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