A huge welcome to our newest patron, 'Cesar'! Supporters like you are the reason these stories can be shared with the world. You're now part of the community that helps decide which adventures we translate next!
New story! Please support by adding to your collection! Thank you :)
--------------------
"Thanks," Ron said, turning to leave the saloon.
Just outside, he saw Penny struggling to lower Pam onto the ground beside their RV. She opened the door, glanced up—and locked eyes with Ron.
Before he could say anything, she flushed with embarrassment and ducked inside.
Living in an RV was Penny's deepest shame. While everyone else in town had proper homes, she and Pam were crammed into that tiny, rickety vehicle.
The walls were paper-thin. On stormy nights, thunder would shake the whole thing, leaving her trembling under her blankets—until Clefairy entered her life.
Honestly, even Ron's run-down farmhouse felt like a palace compared to this.
All she wanted was a real home—a place that felt safe.
But she couldn't even afford a Poké Ball for Clefable. After it evolved from Clefairy, it could no longer stay with her overnight and now slept at the library instead.
Penny waved goodbye to Clefable, then peeked out of the RV. Seeing Ron had left, she shut the door.
Inside, the dim light cast long shadows over Pam, who lay on the bed, drunkenly cursing fate.
Penny sank to the floor, tears falling silently.
The RV felt as dark and hopeless as her future.
Maybe… maybe fate really is fixed?
---
Meanwhile, Ron had only glanced at the RV before walking away.
He'd considered giving Penny a Poké Ball—but not yet. They weren't close, and 5,000G was still a huge sum for him. Plus, once the Nursery was done, he'd need a Poké Ball for the Ditto he was due to receive.
Back at the farm, Robin sat in front of the half-built Nursery, wiping sweat from her brow. Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong, calloused arms from years of carpentry.
She waved when she saw Ron return.
He walked over with the three spaghetti meals and handed one to her.
At 240G each, it wasn't cheap—certainly not for Ron's current budget. Robin immediately waved her hands. "Oh no, that's too kind! Really, I can't—"
"Farmers deserve to enjoy life too," Ron said firmly, placing the meal in her hands. He sat down, opened another plate, and called Froakie over.
Froakie practically teleported to the dish, grabbing a fork with one paw and devouring it rapturously.
Robin hesitated—then sat beside him.
"You're right," she smiled, taking a bite. "Gus makes the best spaghetti in town. My absolute favorite."
She watched Froakie, so blissful it nearly wept, and gently ruffled its head.
"Yours too, huh?"
Froakie nodded frantically, eating as if this might be its last meal.
"…" Ron looked away, pretending not to see its pathetic enthusiasm.
"By the way," Robin said between bites, "The Egg Festival's the day after tomorrow. Will you go?"
"It's mostly for kids—but it's fun. Everyone in town shows up. A good chance to meet the folks you haven't met yet."
She added thoughtfully, "And if people see you looking happy and settled, they'll stop betting on how soon you'll give up and leave."
Ron chuckled and nodded. "I'll be there."
After lunch, Robin returned to construction. Ron took Geodude and headed to the lake to fish.
—
The next day
Ron pushed open his farmhouse door—and spotted a letter stuffed in the mailbox.
Assuming it was another invoice from Lewis, he opened it idly… only to find an invitation from the Wizard, asking him to visit.
The Wizard lived in a tower deep in the Cindersap Forest—a place Ron hadn't visited yet, having no reason to go.
After a moment's thought, he recalled Geodude and Orthworm into their Poké Balls, left Froakie a plate of fried fish and bread, and set off.
Exiting the farm's south gate, he entered a vast, lush forest.
It looked slightly different from the game—but the ranch and a small log cabin still stood in their expected places.
The ranch sold chickens, ducks, and cows—essential if Ron ever started animal husbandry.
Just then, a girl stepped out of the cabin, followed by a pink fawn with tiny flowers blooming in its fur.
"Slow down, Deerling!" the girl called, rolling up her sleeves and holding a basket.
Ron pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the fawn.
[Deerling]
[Season Pokémon]
[Its fur changes color and scent to match mountain grass. Hides in thickets when sensing hostility.]
The Pokédex's voice caught the girl's attention. She turned—and jogged over with a bright smile.
"I bet you're my new neighbor!" she said cheerfully. "I'm Leah—I live in that cabin!"
"I'm Ron."
"Nice to meet you! Heading into the forest?" Leah asked.
She loved wandering these woods. Sometimes, nature rewarded her with gifts—raspberries, wild wasabi, or nameless fruits hanging from branches.
Perhaps because of her deep connection to nature, wild Pokémon rarely attacked her. Many even helped her—reaching fruit she couldn't.
Ron shook his head and pointed to a distant spire piercing the treetops. "I'm going there."
"Oh—the Wizard's Tower!" Leah followed his gaze. "We can walk together for a bit—but I won't go deeper."
The farther in, the more dangerous the Pokémon grew. Though few targeted her, she wouldn't risk Deerling's safety.
"Let's go," Leah said, stepping ahead. "I know a shortcut—saves tons of time."
Ron hurried to catch up.
"By the way," Leah asked as they walked, stroking Deerling as it nuzzled her, "did you bring a Pokémon?"
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)