"Good heavens—so beautiful." Emily gazed at the unfamiliar fabric in her hands, eyes wide with delight. "I never imagined you'd bring this back for me!"
The weave and patterns were unlike anything in Pelican Town. Coincidentally, she'd been pondering whether to design formal wear for Kalos—and had been struggling to source suitable textiles. Her gratitude was genuine.
Ron simply waved it off and took a sip of beer.
Once Gus finished his order, Ron collected the meals and headed toward the farm.
---
At the farm…
Since Ron hadn't specified his return time, everyone had turned in after the day's work. Indeedee, worn out from managing the farm alone, had fallen into a deep sleep.
But the Rattata remained awake, crowded on the bed.
Partly because lighter workloads meant less exhaustion.
Partly because the bed felt strangely empty without Ron.
Then—Sailor's nose twitched. A rich, familiar aroma drifted toward the cabin.
No one delivers food this late… Could the saloon's scent have carried on the wind?
Sailor sniffed again. Its nose knew food—but not who carried it.
"Ratta—ratta!"
No—someone's bringing us food!
It shot upright and scampered to the door. In an instant, every Rattata scrambled after it.
"Indeedee—?"
Indeedee rubbed its eyes, listening to the excited chatter. Then it froze—and turned toward the door.
Creak.
Ron stood there, arms laden with bags.
"I'm back."
Amid the joyful swarm, he barely reached the table. "This is from the saloon. This is from Kalos—slow down! Wait!"
He held up a Poké Ball.
"Everyone, meet Nacli."
A red flash—and Nacli appeared among the Rattata.
Flustered by the circle of curious faces, it shrank behind Ron's legs.
Before it could retreat further, warm eyes met its own. Then cheers erupted.
"Ratta!"
"Nacli…"
Indeedee padded over. Hearing hearts was its gift—and in Nacli's silent memories, it saw everything: nights huddled in a salt-crusted burrow, surviving in alien soil, clinging to hope that tomorrow, its Trainer would return.
It stopped before Nacli.
"Indeedee."
Welcome home.
"Nacli."
That night, the farm stayed up late—not just to celebrate Ron's return, but to welcome a new family member.
Nacli sat beside the Geodude, nibbling on Poké Beans and Poké Puffs, watching Rattata and Froakie tumble playfully. Slowly, quietly, the hollow space inside it began to mend.
---
The next day, Fall 8
After the late night, even Indeedee slept in. By the time Ron rose, noon sun warmed the fields.
After lunch, he checked the mailbox—and found a letter from Marlon.
Ten days had passed since clearing the Mine's deepest level. Ron had completely forgotten the promised Pokémon from the Adventurer's Guild. Marlon, ever patient, had simply mailed a reminder.
No urgent need for another battler, Ron thought. But I'll stop by later.
And since Penny's RV was on the way to the Guild—he'd deliver the Kalos book he'd brought for her.
---
At the RV…
With Pam sober and Gus's saloon offering fresh dishes, Penny had finally shared a proper dinner there with her mother last night.
She'd spotted Ron—seen him hand a gift to Emily.
She didn't resent him for it. But her quiet insecurity flared: Why her? What does she have that I don't?
She never felt she measured up. Not Abigail's courage. Not Emily's warmth. Not Haley's radiance. Not Maru's wisdom. Not Leah's grace.
Just… ordinary.
So ordinary that when she couldn't love herself, she couldn't believe she deserved love.
A sharp sting jolted her hand. She looked down—a nick from the knife. Blood welled.
She dabbed it with tissue, sank onto the sofa. The cramped space pressed in. No proper home… how could I ever—
Knock. Knock.
She stood, opened the creaking door.
"Afternoon," Ron said, holding out the Kalos book. "Thought you might like this—wait. Your hand?"
He'd seen the blood before she could hide it.
"It's—nothing," she murmured, curling her fingers. "You… brought me a gift?"
Ron set the book aside, gently took her wrist. "Let's go to the clinic first. We'll talk after."
And without another word, he led her toward Harvey's.
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