That meant Joy would have to start working here the moment she graduated—in just ten days.
"No problem," Joy smiled.
She'd trained in far harsher conditions during wilderness rescue missions. A little disrepair didn't bother her.
So Ron left Clefable at the farm and walked Joy toward the Community Center.
The moment she pushed open the door, a Junimo—identical to her hair clip—bounced out.
The green creature, with its stick-thin legs, chattered excitedly as it ran up to her.
"Oh… nice to meet you," Joy said, stroking its head. She instantly felt a deep sense of kinship.
"You can understand them?" Ron asked, surprised.
Joy turned to him and hesitantly recounted her encounter with the Wizard—and the potion he'd given her.
Ron suddenly realized: the labels on the offering scroll weren't just for his convenience.
They were there so the Wizard could save the potion for the incoming nurse—Joy.
Once Joy finished chatting with the Junimo, Ron led her toward the beach.
"They said they'll bring me some very strong Pokémon to treat," Joy murmured. "That's why they need me."
"I wonder what kind…" she added, half-worried, half-excited. "I'll study hard. See you in ten days."
"See you then," Ron said. He pulled out a Farm Totem and handed it to her. "Next time, I won't come pick you up. Just hold this, think 'farm,' and you'll teleport here."
The moment Joy took it, curious, the totem's eyes glowed red.
Ron snatched it back and shoved it into her backpack without explanation.
"Ah—sorry! I got too curious," she admitted sheepishly. "I couldn't help thinking about what you said…"
Ron waved it off and guided her to the dock.
Willy was still inspecting his miraculously returned boat. Seeing Ron approach, he immediately shielded it behind his back.
"No. Not happening," Willy said firmly.
"…I know how to sail now," Ron insisted.
"That was luck! If I'd known it was your first time, I'd never have lent it!" Willy shuddered, remembering the boat's drunken S-curves across the bay. "What if you lose both boat and passenger next time?"
"I won't—I promise." Ron added, "This is my second trip. Or third, if you count round-trip."
"Hmph!"
"Please…" Joy clasped her hands together. "I need to get back to Kalos…"
Willy studied the earnest girl from Kalos, took a long drag of his pipe, and finally sighed. "Fine."
Relieved, Ron helped Joy onto the boat.
As they sailed, Joy watched the sun sink below the horizon. "So this is your first time sailing?"
The boat moved surprisingly smoothly—nothing like a novice's handling.
"Third," Ron corrected.
Joy laughed softly. "Then you're really good."
Once they were far enough that Pelican Town vanished from sight, Ron returned Joy to Santalune Forest.
"I won't walk you in," Ron said, nodding toward the distant lights of Santalune City. He handed her Geodude's Poké Ball.
He wouldn't need Geodude once strawberry planting began.
Though Geodude could fish alone, Ron didn't trust it near Water-type Pokémon.
But Santalune's wild Pokémon were weak—like his Level 6 Fletchling—so Geodude would be more than enough for protection.
And Joy's Jigglypuff, while lacking attacks, knew Sing—perfect for escaping tough spots.
"This is Geodude. Borrow it until you return it in ten days," Ron said. "Be careful."
"Thank you. I'll take good care of it," Joy promised, smiling as she took the ball.
After walking a short distance, she glanced back—Ron was still watching her.
Her heart softened. She waved, then strode confidently toward Santalune City.
Once Joy disappeared from view, Ron returned to the sea.
He sailed back to Pelican Town, returned the boat to Willy—who was waiting anxiously at the dock—and arrived at the farm just before midnight.
Moonlight bathed the fields as he stepped inside—and there, waiting in the corner, was Clefable.
It hurried toward him.
Clefable knew what tonight meant—for both it and Penny.
Without a Poké Ball, it had always been "wild"—only allowed in town because of its gentle nature and the barrier's grace.
Just as Penny longed for a real home…
Clefable longed to be hers.
"Let's go," Ron said, ruffling its head as they walked toward town.
Clefable didn't rush. It gazed at the moon, remembering the day it first fell to Pelican Town.
Unlike other Pokémon that escaped the farm, it had fallen from the sky.
That day, a girl sat weeping alone by an RV—hidden from the world.
And Clefable landed right in her arms.
Once, it dreamed of reaching the moon like other Clefable.
But bonds formed… and it chose to stay.
Ahead, Penny waited by the RV.
She saw Ron speak to Clefable, give it a gentle nudge, wave at her—and leave.
Clefable slowly approached.
Under the silver moonlight, Penny knelt and held out a Poké Ball—its button facing Clefable.
Just as she'd imagined countless times, she whispered, "Clefable… will you become my Pokémon?"
Clefable looked at her—then softly chirped, "Clefa~"
It pressed its forehead to the button.
Click.
Red light enveloped it.
Tears streamed down Penny's face as the ball snapped shut—then trembled gently in her hands.
Ding!
A flash of white light confirmed the capture.
Penny stood, cradling the ball against her chest, and whispered:
"I choose you… Clefable."
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)