Meanwhile, Ron arrived at the Adventurer's Guild.
Marlon sat in a chair, book in hand, the promised Poké Ball already resting in his palm.
"You think he'll show today?" Marlon asked.
Gil, napping in a lounge chair, lifted the hat from his face. "Doubt it. The farm's busy this season—autumn's harvest time. And the Stardew Valley Fair's coming up. Bet he's prepping for that."
The Fair? Ron paused outside the door. Right—Fall 16. Townsfolk displayed farm goods for Lewis's judging; winners earned Star Tokens.
And Star Tokens meant… Star Drop.
His hand stilled on the doorknob.
Logically, the first Star Drop should've been found on Mine Floor 100. But Abigail had cleared it for him while he'd been buried in Pale Ale production and autumn prep. He'd completely forgotten.
I'll check the chest later, he resolved.
Inside, Gil had already shifted topics. "Oh—the Desert bus line's open. Next year, we can hold the Desert Festival again."
Held on Spring 15–17, the Desert Festival held a special charm for the aging adventurers—far more than Pelican Town's other events.
"Ah, the Desert Festival," Marlon mused, glancing at the Poké Ball. "Haven't held it in years. The farmer's grandfather always scored the highest points."
Just then, Ron pushed the door open.
"Afternoon."
Marlon shot to his feet. "You're here! We were just talking about you. Thought you'd wait till Winter."
Ron met his gaze.
Marlon chuckled. "If you'd waited till Winter to claim this… you'd have regretted it."
"?"
Marlon placed the Poké Ball in Ron's hand.
Click.
A flash of light—and a small green hedgehog tumbled onto the floor.
Ron froze. Pulled out his Pokédex.
[Shaymin]
Gratitude Pokémon. When people rejoice that winter has ended with the turning of seasons and offer thanks to the heavens, this Pokémon appears—transforming barren lands into fields of blossoms.
A notification popped up:
Spirit Power Unlocked: Farm crop growth time reduced by 10%.
Ron looked at Marlon.
"Your grandfather set the order," Marlon said with a shrug. "When you reach Floor 100 of the Skull Caverns… I'll give you the second one."
Ron took a slow breath, scooped up the bewildered Shaymin, and left without a word.
"…Did he just get mad?"
"No idea," Gil murmured. "But this little guy's been vital. Without him, turning Pelican Town's forests into Pokémon-friendly habitats would've taken years."
Thanks to Shaymin, seeds left by the previous farm owner had flourished across the wilderness—ensuring wild Pokémon could survive without human care. Without those berries? Hungry Pokémon might've overrun the town long ago.
---
Ron walked slowly toward the farm, cradling Shaymin.
'Good thing I had no major planting plans this autumn,' he thought. 'A few days' delay won't hurt.'
He glanced down. Shaymin blinked up at him.
"Shaymin~"
Ron gently stroked its head.
Just then, he spotted Linus harvesting wild berries by a thicket.
Hearing footsteps, Linus turned. "Ah—afternoon, Ron."
"Afternoon."
Linus's eyes lit up at the sight of Shaymin. "Oh! Shaymin—you're coming to the farm with Ron now?"
"Shaymin!" it chirped.
"I've met him often in the wild," Linus explained. "Most of the berries that grow out here are all thanks to him."
Ron looked down. Shaymin nuzzled his palm.
"Then… the farm's in your care too," Ron said softly.
He joined Linus, helping fill the basket with berries while asking about Shaymin's habits. If it helps wild shrubs thrive… could it boost the farm's pasture grass too? With the barns and coops expanding—and winter looming—the thought sent a quiet thrill through him.
When the basket was full, Linus pressed a generous handful of berries into Ron's arms. "There's more than I can eat. Take them—Trubbish loves these too." He whistled toward the woods.
Trubbish emerged, chewing a scrap of trash, then trotted after Linus toward his tent.
Ron returned home just as dusk settled in. The Pokémon trudged back from the fields, weary but content.
Remembering the Star Drop, Ron handed the berries to Indeedee for distribution, then hurried to the storage chest.
During Abigail's mining runs, she'd brought back countless items. Too busy to sort them, Ron had simply given her a chest and forgotten its contents.
After digging through layers of ore and geodes, his fingers brushed against something smooth.
He pulled it out.
A single, shimmering Star Drop rested in his palm.
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