Back home, Ron planted the Sunflower seed in a corner of the farm.
After watering it, he made his usual rounds—checking crops, inspecting Pokémon stats in his Pokédex.
First, the Kalos seeds: this morning's harvest was mostly shipped to Kalos, with smaller portions sold to Gus and Jodi. Some were saved for replanting—using the Seed Maker (from Evelyn's blueprints) to produce new seeds. Notably, Ron had selected only the highest-quality vegetables for replication, yielding superior seeds. This batch was planted without Speed Gro, to test natural germination rates.
Next, Hops: thriving despite no Speed Gro (due to limited pine tar). Harvestable by Summer 11, requiring Kegs and a brewery ready beforehand.
Ron planned to build the Barn on Summer 8—once Joy's shop earned enough Pelican Town currency—and then the brewery. Beer profits would fund the desert bus repair.
But repairing the Bus meant Pam would leave the farm to become its driver. By then, Ron estimated Sprinklers would cover the entire farm—making her departure manageable.
Shane, however, would stay. His diligent animal care was invaluable.
Finally, Pokémon: Oddish evolved into Gloom yesterday, now Level 22. Ron had invested all Potential Points into HP and Defense (not Attack). Why? Because mining at Floor 60 yielded a Crystal Dagger—rendering Gloom nearly invincible. It now charged into battle sword-first, forgetting to use moves entirely.
Also, rings found in the Mines worked on Pokémon too. The mining crew now wore Small Glow Rings, shining brightly on their daily commutes.
After distributing Potential Points and inspecting the farm, Ron called out Gengar from the shadows.
"Gengar!"
It floated forward, unusually subdued since the Flower Dance. No pranks, just quiet work.
Thinking ahead—returning it to Abigail, her Kalos journey—Ron pondered. With Indeedee's help, Gengar had found suitable tasks, boosting its strength to new levels. But its level lagged, as Ron hadn't let it join mining (fearing disruptions).
Staring at Gengar—whose grin had stiffened under scrutiny—Ron suddenly knew where it belonged: Skull Cavern.
Unlike Pelican's elevator mines, the desert used bomb-mining: explosive shortcuts saving time but risking danger. Perfect for Gengar—it could vanish into shadows during blasts. And with hands of its own, it needed no Geodude to carry chests.
"At this pace," Ron mused, "we'll reach the Mine's bottom by mid-summer."
He waved Gengar over. "Start mining with Rattata tomorrow."
Since elevators required his presence, Ron would join the crew until they reached the bottom, claimed the desert key, and checked the Adventurer's Guild for rewards.
"Gengar?" Gengar tilted its head, confused as Ron wandered off muttering about Kegs.
Indeedee offered silent comfort before sending Gengar back to work.
---
Summer 8
Though committed to mining, farm duties remained. After breakfast, watering, and checks, Ron paused at the task board—and saw the calendar note: Gus's birthday.
Rummaging through chests, he piled up random items, frowning.
Pam, tending the furnace post-watering, noticed his struggle. "Need help?"
Hearing it was for Gus's gift, she recalled, "He loves oranges… fish rolls, tropical curry."
Ron checked the orchard—no orange trees.
"…Anything else?"
"Diamonds?" Pam suggested after a pause. Rare, valuable, universally adored in Pelican Town.
They exchanged awkward glances.
"Too expensive?" Pam winced. "Honestly, he'll just be happy you remembered."
Ron hesitated—then pulled out Sailor's trash-bin treasure: the Diamond.
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