"Wait here a moment," Ron said, turning toward the Geodude line.
Penny was still mentally calculating how many spins she'd need to earn 500 tokens for the rug—when Ron returned, arms full of Star Tokens.
"This one, right?" He handed the coins to the shopkeeper.
"Huh?"
"A housewarming gift," Ron said with a nod toward the Geodude. "I traded some Poké Beans for them. These tokens lose value after the festival anyway."
Penny accepted the soft sage-green rug, hugging it close with a quiet, grateful smile.
---
Nearby, Pam wandered the stalls. Spotting Penny laughing beside Ron, clutching the rug, she paused—then softened into a gentle smile of her own.
---
By afternoon, as Ron headed back to the farm, he crossed paths with Emily and Sandy.
"I don't know when I'll see you again," Sandy murmured, releasing Emily's hands and studying her face.
"I'll visit whenever I can," Emily promised.
"Don't lie—you're never free!" Sandy laughed, then—without warning—gave Emily a light shove toward Ron. She darted onto the bus.
As it pulled away, Sandy leaned from the window: "Emily! Be happy!"
"Huh?" Emily blinked, then spotted Ron standing there. "Oh—you were here? No wonder… Sandy, really…" She muttered under her breath, cheeks flushing. Once the bus vanished into the tunnel, she gave Ron a flustered wave and hurried off.
Before Ron could process it, Indeedee trotted up behind him, chirping knowingly:
"Indeedee? Indeedee~?"
Ron crouched, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No. I'll say it again: no. They're just townsfolk. That's all."
"Indeedee?" Indeedee tugged its beret low, voice dropping to a mock-serious whisper. "Indeedee?"
Ron plucked the hat off its head.
Indeedee froze—then bounced anxiously until Ron resettled the beret. It clutched the brim and scurried toward the farm.
Ron exhaled in relief…
…only to freeze.
A parade of Rattata marched ahead of him—every single one wearing a matching tweed beret. Froakie sat proudly in their center like a crowned monarch.
Ron's temporary mind-reading flared: Froakie and Sam teaming up at the fishing stall… Froakie snatching fish mid-cast… tokens piling up… berets claimed as spoils.
He walked silently at the tail of the procession.
Back at the cabin, Indeedee watched the beret-clad crew, then wordlessly placed its own hat on the bedside table. It was no longer special.
But today was still wonderful, it consoled itself, before eating dinner and curling into sleep.
---
The next day—Fall 17
Sailor rose before dawn.
Slipping past the other sleeping Rattata and Ron, it scaled the fridge, snagged a loaf of bread, and slipped out the door.
Rain misted the morning air. Geodude and Nacli moved sluggishly in the damp.
As Geodude prepared to haul Crab Pots, Nacli hesitated—then followed.
"Ratta? Ratta!" Sailor patted Nacli's side. Salt crusted its paw.
Ugh—sticky.
"Naclic… Naclic…" Nacli explained softly. Its body shed salt constantly; moisture made it worse. Desert-born, it craved dryness.
Sailor patted Nacli's head.
Wait here. I'll take you to the desert later.
Nacli's cube-like eyes brightened.
After washing its paws at the pond, Sailor headed to the shore. Ron had added more Crab Pots recently—work was heavier.
"Early start today, Sailor," Willy called from his fishing spot, pipe in hand.
"Ratta! Ratta!" Sailor chirped (though he wouldn't understand).
Willy chuckled, handed his rod to Krabby's claw, and joined Sailor. "Big plans today?"
"Ratta!"
With Willy's help, the morning's work wrapped by nine.
Sailor pressed a plump Crab into Willy's palm, then led Geodude toward the bus stop.
Willy watched them go, smiling. He placed the Crab in the holding tank—never eating shellfish in front of Krabby. Even if Krabby might enjoy it, the gesture felt wrong. If he got cravings? He'd visit Gus's saloon.
He reeled in a fish, tossed it gently to Krabby.
"Breakfast is served."
Krabby clicked its claw in thanks.
Willy settled back, rod in hand, as rain softened to drizzle—and the sea breathed on.
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