Ron stepped carefully around the rolling Zubat, plucked the Rattata clinging to his clothes one by one, then turned to meet Froakie's expectant gaze from his shoulder.
He sighed—but didn't put it down. Instead, he walked over to his tool kit with Froakie still perched on his head.
The farm had enough Wood and Iron Bars for crab pots. Ron gathered materials and crafted three.
For bait, he used insect meat harvested from cave monsters during mining.
Once prepared, he grabbed the pots and left the farm again with Froakie.
He'd wanted to make more, but iron was prioritized for sprinklers—so three would have to suffice.
Crab pots worked in any water body—but yields differed:
– Freshwater: Freshwater Snails, Periwinkles and Crayfish
– Seawater: Shrimp, Crabs, Lobsters, Clams, Cockles, Oysters and Mussels
So he needed to go to the Beach.
Thankfully, the Mine Cart shortcut from the Farm to the Blacksmith saved time.
At the dock, Ron knelt, loaded each pot with bait, secured ropes to posts, and lowered them into the sea.
Froakie watched silently from his shoulder.
Just then, footsteps approached. After dropping the last pot, Ron turned—and saw Emily standing by the shore.
"Evening," he greeted.
"Ah—good evening!" Startled by his voice in the dim moonlight, Emily quickly smiled. "What are you doing?"
She peered closer. "Oh! Crab Pots?"
When Ron nodded, she sat beside him. "Done? Need help?"
"All set. You? What brings you here?"
Emily hesitated. "Well… tomorrow's my birthday. My best friend lives in the desert. Since the bus is out, we only talk through my Squawkabilly."
After work, she'd rushed here. Flying over the ocean was faster than the defunct bus tunnel—so Squawkabilly always returned this way.
"Happy birthday," Ron said after a pause. "A day early."
Emily chuckled softly. "That's why I almost didn't mention it."
Bringing it up felt like fishing for gifts.
"But thank you," she said, gazing at the endless sea. "I just… miss her."
She got along with townsfolk, but Sandy was her only true friend—the only one besides Haley who celebrated her birthday.
"If only the Bus could be fixed…" she murmured, eyes on the stars.
At least she had Haley. But Sandy? Alone in the desert with just a strange shop tenant for company. Without Squawkabilly's letters, she'd be utterly lonely.
So Emily often sent Stardew Valley flowers to comfort her.
"It'll happen soon," Ron said. "By Mid-Summer, I'll fund the repairs."
With his growing Pokémon team, he'd reach the Mine's depths by Summer—then tackle the Skull Caverns, which yielded Iridium for more advanced Sprinklers. Higher-level monsters there meant better EXP too.
"Really?" Emily's eyes widened. She covered her mouth. "Oh my gosh—really? If the bus runs again… I can visit Sandy for her birthday!"
Sandy's birthday was in fall. Emily had already prepared a gift—but nothing beat being there in person. To explore Stardew Valley together…
Emily turned to Ron, chin in hand. "If you need help, please ask me. Anything I can do—I'm here."
Ron nodded.
Emily reached out to stroke Froakie's head—
—and froze.
In the distance, a Squawkabilly soared toward them.
Emily leapt up, catching it—and the parcel tied to its talons.
Inside: a stunning aquamarine gemstone, a folded fabric, and a letter:
"Dear Emily,
How's Pelican Town? Happy Birthday!
(But knowing you, you're reading this before the day even comes…)"
Crouched on the dock, Emily read until tears welled up.
Sandy always knew her tastes—but right now, she craved conversation more than gifts.
Ron watched her for a long moment, then knelt beside her and gently patted her back.
---
Meanwhile, at the Stardrop Saloon…
Willy had reeled in a great haul today—so he drank heavily, grinning.
Across from him, Clint watched Willy's drunken haze deepen. Finally, he downed his own beer and hauled Willy upright.
"Should I… give her a gift?" Clint muttered, supporting Willy's weight.
He'd long prepared one: a flawless Amethyst from recent mining. Perfect for Emily.
"No one… steals a sailor's catch!" Willy slurred, nonsensically.
Clint sighed, steering him toward the beach.
As they passed through the woods, Clint spotted two figures huddled by the shore.
"Is that… Emily?"
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)