After both Pokémon were taken out by Bellossom with a single sword strike, Clemont suddenly remembered the name Pelican Town.
It was from the last Pokémon Contest—Serena's return debut to Kalos. Even Clemont had specially cleared a day to attend.
Therefore, he had a deep impression of that girl from Pelican Town who had brought a Gengar.
Afterward, he had specifically investigated this place and discovered that this name had trended on Kalos's internet for a period of time not long ago.
Among the repeated mentions was Pelican Town's Pokémon breeding institution.
"Congratulations, this is your badge." Clemont said, giving Ron the Voltage Badge. Thinking of the shortage of Rotom, Clemont asked with little hope: "By the way, I heard your Pelican Town has a breeding institution. I wonder if you would accept Pokémon breeding orders?"
"What kind of order?" Ron paused, then added: "I'm the—uh, person in charge of that institution."
Clemont was stunned. He then tentatively asked: "Then, would you—be willing to breed a batch of—Rotom? The League offers a very high price. If you're willing, I can pay a fifty percent deposit first."
Ron immediately agreed.
Seeing Ron agree so readily, Clemont instead became somewhat hesitant: "Have you bred Rotom before?"
Seeing Ron shake his head, the light in Clemont's eyes instantly extinguished. He took a deep breath: "Then it seems—you still need to know about Rotom's situation first before deciding."
Although he really wanted to hand this matter over to Ron without concern, out of his not-yet-extinguished conscience, he still informed Ron of the problems that would be encountered in breeding Rotom.
The most crucial point among these was that Rotom would escape through electrical circuits, so they could only be bred in rooms without any electrical appliances. Otherwise, the vast majority of each day would be spent searching for Rotom.
Especially since Rotom's racial nature was to love playing pranks.
"I see."
Ron paused upon hearing this, falling into silence.
For no other reason, Ron was simply pondering one question—does Pelican Town even have electrical circuits?
Ron's silence, to Clemont, meant that he had decided to refuse. So Clemont took a deep breath, consoled himself, and said with relief: "It's fine, this matter doesn't force you—"
"Besides this, there's nothing else?"
"Uh, yes, nothing else."
"Then no problem." Ron immediately agreed.
After obtaining Rotom's Poké Ball from the grateful Clemont, Ron left Lumiose City.
The Team Rocket trio behind him were still discussing what they had just witnessed.
"That Bellossom, it might even be stronger than the twerp's Pikachu." Jessie stared at that Bellossom dragging its sword behind Ron, and couldn't help but lower her voice to discuss with James.
"Maybe it's that sword that's strong," James stared at that sword.
As for Meowth, it was currently walking cheerfully beside Bellossom, celebrating its first battle victory.
"You'll absolutely become the strongest Pokémon in Kalos, meow!" Meowth said, its gaze stopping on that treasured sword.
Based on Meowth's intuition, it felt this thing was definitely not simple.
But because it had become friends with Bellossom, it had no desire to take that sword.
This was probably what humans called "honor among thieves," Meowth thought, vigorously patting Bellossom's shoulder: "You'll definitely make those Pokémon who looked down on you see you in a new light, meow!"
"Bellossom!"
As for Froakie, who hadn't appeared at all today, it sat coldly on Ron's shoulder, pondering in what form it should make its appearance next time.
Two days later, Pelican Town.
Afraid Emily would be too lonely, although she said on the surface that she definitely didn't want to keep Emily company, Sandy still got on the bus to Pelican Town.
As for her Cacnea, she brought it along too, planning to leave it at Sam's place for a day.
She had long seen that Sam liked this Cacnea. But because Cacnea was more suited to living in the desert, she wasn't worried at all that Sam would keep her Cacnea and not return it.
"Cacnea~"
"You'll stay at Sam's for a while first. I'll pick you up tonight." Sandy said, knocking on Sam's door.
"Who is it?"
Vincent opened the door, saw Sandy standing at the entrance, and the Cacnea in her arms.
"Who are you looking for?" Vincent looked up, staring at Sandy and asked.
"I'm looking for Sam. I contacted him yesterday." Before Sandy could finish introducing herself, Sam excitedly rushed out and snatched away the Cacnea: "I'm here—no problem! It'll stay at my house today. Have fun!"
Saying this, the door slammed shut.
Then, a cheer came from inside the house.
"Brother! Are you saying this Pokémon will be at our house today?!"
"Cacnea~"
Sandy smiled helplessly, then turned to knock on Emily's door.
"Who is it?" Emily opened the door, looked at Sandy, then froze, staring motionlessly at Sandy: "You, why did you come? Have you had breakfast?"
"I've eaten." Hearing Emily's weak voice, Sandy sighed and walked into the house.
Whether it was psychological or not, she also felt that the house was somewhat cold without Haley.
She, an outsider, felt this way—let alone Emily.
Thinking this, she sat on the sofa. "I'm not here for free—this morning you have to go pick Crocus with me. I didn't get a single one at the Festival of Ice—"
Before she finished speaking, Emily suddenly threw herself onto her.
She then felt Emily's head bury into her shoulder, and immediately after, she heard Emily choke back a sob.
"Alright, alright—I'm here with you, aren't I?" Sandy softly comforted her. She suddenly froze, then reacted: "Are you sick?"
"Mm—" Emily responded.
Normally, she shouldn't be this fragile. Even if she really missed Haley, she wouldn't have been completely devastated four days after Haley left.
But she was sick.
She was weak right now.
"Have you seen a doctor? What did Harvey say?"
"He prescribed medicine—" Emily said. "Yesterday Maru sent me home—last night I was cold and exhausted—I wanted some water, but I couldn't lift my hand at all—"
At that time, she kept thinking, ah, if only Haley were here.
Even if she would make a few jokes, or say something slightly harsh, Haley would still take good care of her, would light the fireplace in the house, would help wipe the sweat from her face.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)