The Angler went utterly still.
Caroline, who had been about to take her leave, paused—then laughed softly. "Your fishing thod is… rather unconventional."
Froakie hopped onto the bank and puffed its chest proudly.
Mission accomplished, Ron stowed the fish in his backpack and smiled at Caroline. "Preparing for the Stardew Valley Fair."
"I see," Caroline murmured, recalling Pierre's own frantic Fair preparations. She smiled faintly.
After bidding Ron farewell, she returned to the general store.
Pierre had been buried in the greenhouse all week. Hearing the door, he stiffened—ears perked. He cared about Abigail too; he just hid it better.
"She didn't call, dear," Caroline said gently.
Pierre huffed. Feigning indifference, he patted soil over a seed, sprinkled fertilizer, and stood. "I didn't ask—" he muttered. "I'd rather plant more vegetables. At least they'll bring honor to the store at the Fair!"
Caroline smiled. "Everyone's preparing for the Fair."
"Then the general store will win again!" Pierre declared, diving back into his work.
---
Back at the farm, Ron placed the Angler in a tank. Under its resentful glare, he rewarded Froakie with a Poké Bean.
This Legendary Fish was an old river resident. Every Fall, anglers arrived with special bait, tugged for hours—only for it to snap the hook free and vanish to the sound of frustrated shouts. Today, it had taken the bait without suspicion… only to be slapped senseless by a blue frog.
"Froakie!" Froakie tapped the tank glass. It shrank into the corner.
Ron pondered. 'If Froakie can help catch fish… what about ocean Pokémon?' Clauncher would be even better divers. The only hurdle: transporting them via Poké Ball.
But he wouldn't try this near Willy. Not out of secrecy—but respect. Willy's eyes lit up recounting rod-and-reel traditions. Using shortcuts would feel like wielding an electric shocker before a master angler. Besides… Willy had offered him a Stardrop.
Ron turned to other tasks.
---
Three days later, Kalos
Abigail lingered in the Pokémon Center hallway, hesitant.
Serena, hair freshly braided and heading to breakfast, spotted her. "Morning! Sothing wrong?"
"Mm—" Abigail rubbed her neck, shaking her head. "Nothing. Let's eat."
'Today's my birthday,' she thought. 'By Pelican Town's calendar.' In Kalos' calendar? She'd celebrate three birthdays this year. Back ho, birthdays were quietly noted on the community calendar—friends simply showed up. No announcents needed.
"Missing ho?" Serena guessed.
"A little."
"I did too, when I started traveling," Serena said softly, patting her back. "Want to call them later?"
Abigail hesitated, cheeks warming.
Serena didn't press. They reached the dining hall—
—when Joy approached. "Good morning, Miss Abigail. A package from Ron." She handed over a bulging parcel.
"Mine?" Abigail blinked. "But the dress was supposed to be at the Cyllage Center… How did he know I'm here?"
They were still en route, resting at a naless town's Pokémon Center.
She accepted it with thanks, sat, and unwrapped it.
Two handwritten letters.
"Ooh, what's this?" Serena asked—then froze. Abigail's eyes glistened. "From ho?"
"Mm." Abigail opened the first: Caroline's warm, chatty notes. The second, signed 'Pierre', held only a 20,000G check—exchanged through Joy.
"Today's my birthday," Abigail whispered, revealing snacks she loved, packed tight. Two athysts rested beside a note: '—Ron'.
Serena's breath caught. She gently dabbed Abigail's tears. "Ah… your first birthday away from ho. No wonder." Her voice softened. "Happy Birthday, Abigail. I'm sorry I didn't prepare anything."
"It's okay," Abigail shook her head, smiling through tears. "Having you here… is enough."
Otherwise, even the boldest adventurer would crumble—opening a gift from ho in a foreign land, wrapped in love across oceans.
'You are not alone.'
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