"Diet?"
Ron glanced into the bat cave, paused, then nodded.
"Later."
It wouldn't be hard—just build a scarecrow to cut off their crow buffet, and they'd slim down fast.
"You can't spoil them," Joy added. "Even Pokémon suffer health issues from obesity."
"Got it," Ron agreed.
They left the farm, passing the derelict bus stop.
"This bus goes to the desert," Ron explained. "It'll be repaired after summer. Then you can buy tickets to travel there."
Joy nodded, studying the old vehicle as they walked toward town.
Since they'd reached the settlement proper, Joy released her Wigglytuff.
The round Pokémon blinked curiously at its surroundings. As Joy knelt to explain, it chirped happily.
"You like it here too?" Joy stroked its head, taking its hand as they followed Ron.
They'd visited the Community Center before—but Joy needed to settle in first. So they headed there now.
"The town's small," Ron said, pointing to a path beside the Center. "That trail leads to the mountains. Higher up is Robin the carpenter's house—if you need furniture or repairs, go there."
Remembering his own renovation, he added, "She can fix houses… but don't bother repairing this place."
He explained about the Junimo—their magic, the Bundles, how they'd fully restore the Center for free once donations were complete.
"Ah, got it!" Joy took the key Ron handed her and stepped inside with Wigglytuff.
"Rest and unpack your room first," Ron said. "Then I'll show you around town—and we'll grab dinner at the saloon after."
The staff quarters had a small stove and full kitchenware—but no food yet.
No rush; she could stock up at Pierre's tomorrow.
Ron lingered by the door, watching Joy enter.
Inside, she immediately noticed the patched floorboards and repaired ceiling.
Of course it was him. She smiled at Wigglytuff. "Our new life starts now!"
"Tuff~" Wigglytuff replied.
After unpacking, Joy reemerged with her bag. "Ready, Ron! Thank you."
Ron waved and led her into town.
He still used his old Pokédex for payments and didn't know how to transfer money digitally—so they'd visit Lewis next.
"That's Pierre's General Store," Ron pointed. "You can buy most things there—but prices are steep. For ingredients, just come to the farm."
His fields now yielded green beans, carrots, and cauliflower—far better than his old potato-and-parsnip diet.
"Thanks," Joy said.
"And that's the Stardrop Saloon," Ron continued. "Open noon to midnight daily."
They soon reached Lewis's house.
"Come in!" his voice called from inside.
Ron opened the door to find Lewis scribbling at his desk.
"Who—? Ah, Ron! And you must be Joy?" Lewis stood abruptly.
All Joys looked alike across generations—he recognized her lineage instantly.
"Hello!" Joy smiled warmly. "I look forward to working with you."
Lewis nodded, then turned to Ron.
"She needs a Pelican Town account," Ron said.
"Right! Of course." Lewis took Joy's phone and installed the local wallet app.
Joy checked it—500G already loaded.
"What's this?"
"Every newcomer gets startup funds from the town's reserve," Lewis explained. "To help you settle in."
"Thank you!"
"No trouble. Find me anytime—I patrol daily."
After brief pleasantries, Ron and Joy left.
Ron transferred 5,000G for the seeds.
"That's too much!" Joy protested. "I only spent 2,400G!"
Ron froze. "All seeds cost that much?"
"Yes—if you buy 100, it's 10G each. Singles are pricier."
"…" Ron gritted his teeth, muttering, "Scumbag merchant."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just… avoid Pierre's store unless necessary."
"Why?"
"You'll see," Ron said, continuing the tour.
By afternoon, they reached the saloon.
"Afternoon~!" Emily called from the counter, turning with a smile. "Ron! And… you're new?" she asked Joy.
Gus emerged from the kitchen at the commotion.
"I'm Joy—a Pokémon Nurse. I'll be working at the Pokémon Center in the Community Center," Joy introduced herself.
"I'm Emily!"
"Gus," the chef added, studying Joy. "You look just like your mother."
So much so, he felt time rewind twenty years—to when he was lean and young.
"Eat something," Gus offered. "My treat."
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