"Sun sun~"
The Sunkern in Haley's arms chirped upon hearing this.
Haley couldn't help but rub the Sunkern's head.
"The festival, is it tomorrow?" She glanced at the date, then took out her Pokédex to check. "Ah, it is tomorrow. Then after Abigail finishes her Gym challenge, let's stay here for the festival and leave tomorrow?"
Since the location of the next Pokémon Contest hadn't been decided yet, there was no rush. After a brief discussion, everyone agreed.
Meanwhile, in Pelican Town.
Robin led Team Rocket and their furniture back to the farm via the mountain path.
Meowth looked around as Robin introduced the town. By the time they returned to the farm, the sky had completely darkened.
Thanks to the street lamps Ron had installed, it wasn't pitch black.
They made their way smoothly to the empty house.
After placing the furniture, Robin glanced at the group unpacking their luggage and smiled. "Welcome to Pelican Town. You're going to love it here."
With that, she bid farewell and left.
Once they confirmed Robin had gone far enough, Meowth excitedly dove onto his bed.
The room wasn't too large, but it comfortably accommodated three beds plus wardrobes and such. For Team Rocket, who had wandered with their targets for so long, the last time they had a fixed residence was back in Alola.
"It's so soft, meow." Meowth rolled on the bed, rubbing his full belly.
After being treated by Maru and then having dinner at the Carpenter's Shop with Robin, Meowth felt like he was in heaven. "The last time we didn't have to worry about housing or food was back in Alola, meow."
That had been another home for them.
Although that Bewear always interfered with their evil deeds, it never let them suffer. Even when they got blasted off during mischief, Bewear would always catch them right away.
"Alola..." Jessie also collapsed onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I wonder how Mimikyu is doing."
"It should be living happily with Bewear." James also thought of his Mareanie. After putting his luggage in the wardrobe, he said with a smile, "Better than getting blasted off with us."
"Wobbuffet~"
"I didn't tell you to come out." Jessie raised her Poké Ball and recalled the Wobbuffet that had popped out on its own.
Actually, they had considered quitting their villainous ways more than once before.
But because they always wanted to stay together as three, those thoughts never amounted to anything.
"If—I'm saying if—if we get used to living here... should we just quit Team Rocket like Cassidy and Butch did?" Jessie propped her head up, turning to look at James and Meowth sprawled on their beds.
"Quit Team Rocket, meow." Meowth repeated. "If this place really—really can accept us."
Meowth rolled on the bed as he spoke.
That was what he said, but from what Meowth had observed so far, this town's people were almost excessively simple and honest. If they knew they used to be villains, would they still allow them to stay?
Meowth thought uncertainly.
They had expected this dilemma to keep them awake all night, but perhaps they were tired, or perhaps they had found a long-lost sense of security in this small town. In any case, before long, steady breathing filled the room.
Time shifted to the next day.
Ron woke up unusually early this morning—the first time he had deliberately risen early this winter.
Glancing at the Pokémon sleeping in the house, Ron tiptoed to the breeding hut.
This Rotom hadn't caused any trouble since arriving at the farm. If anything, it had casually helped him complete one of Mr. Qi's tasks. Indeedee had relayed this last night, which reminded Ron about the batteries.
Battery packs were also on Willy's boat repair list, so this needed to be put on the agenda now.
Ron did have the blueprint for the Lightning Rod needed to generate battery packs.
Normally, those things only produced battery packs during thunderstorms. But after receiving this Rotom, Ron discovered that among its moves was Thunder—exactly what he needed.
Uncertain if it would work, Ron had made a Lightning Rod early this morning, preparing to have Rotom test it.
He only needed five battery packs. If Thunder could serve the purpose, then by tomorrow he could have his battery packs.
With that, after smelting some iridium bars, he could begin preparing to repair Willy's boat and set off for the Fern Islands—Ginger Island—to expand his territory.
Thinking this through, Ron released the Rotom from the breeding hut.
Though unclear what exactly the Rotom had experienced while completing Mr. Qi's task, the good news was that this Rotom had completely changed from its previously mischievous nature and become extremely obedient.
Even when Ron released it, it didn't zip around like it had in Lumiose. It hovered quietly before Ron, awaiting his command.
"Rotom, use Thunder!"
There was no target. Rotom didn't recognize Ron as its Trainer. And yet—
Rotom still dutifully used Thunder at Ron's command.
A thunderous crash rang out as a bright yellow bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking directly toward Ron.
Before Ron could react, the lightning abruptly changed course and slammed into the Lightning Rod.
The last bit of mischief in Rotom's heart vanished completely. The corners of its mouth, usually upturned from pranks, finally drooped down.
"Well done." Ron said, heading to the workbench to make four more Lightning Rods. From the nearby cabin, Team Rocket ran out with terrified expressions.
"Did you take insulation measures?!"
"Where's the twerp? Where?!"
"Meowth and the others haven't done anything yet, meow!"
"Wobbuffet!"
The shaken group only slowly calmed down after confirming there was no Ash and no Pikachu around.
Turning their heads and seeing Ron standing frozen in place, Meowth stiffened for a moment, then scratched the back of his head with his paw. "G-good morning, meow. We had nightmares. We act like this when we have nightmares. D-don't mind us, meow."
"Ahaha, y-yes." Jessie laughed awkwardly. "G-good morning."
"Good morning. Go to that building over there for breakfast. You can help Indeedee out." Ron kindly threw them a lifeline.
The moment they heard there was food, Team Rocket dashed together toward Ron's house.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)