"Gengar?"
Gengar emerged from the shadows, nuzzling Abigail's hand.
"I'm okay," Abigail said softly, stroking Gengar's head. She turned—and saw Caroline watching her from a short distance away. Their eyes met, and Caroline smiled gently, warmth in her gaze.
As they looked at each other, the luminous jellyfish followed the candlelit boats farther out to sea.
A distant bell chimed—marking the official end of summer's final day.
The crowd began to disperse. Only a few townsfolk remained—those who knew Abigail would leave for Kalos tonight.
When Willy brought his boat around, Caroline stepped forward and hugged Abigail tightly.
"Safe travels, sweetheart."
"I'll miss you all," Abigail whispered.
Sam watched with open envy—but he knew he couldn't leave Jodi and Vincent. Leaning against a post, he gave Abigail a small smile. "Good luck."
"Will we see you on TV?" Vincent asked, looking up.
"Joy says we will!" Abigail replied. "If there are battles, they'll broadcast them on the Pokémon Center's screen."
Ron wasn't staying long—just a few days—so there was no tearful farewell for him. He glanced once at Abigail, still being fussed over by Caroline, then turned to make sure every Pokémon had left the beach.
"Indeedee~"
"Go on home," Ron said. "I'll be back in five or six days. The farm's in your paws."
"Indee!"
Noticing the Rattata still lingering, hearts heavy, Ron added, "I'll bring Poké Puffs when I get back."
"Ratta?"
The Rattata, born and raised in Pelican Town, had never heard of Poké Puffs.
"It's tasty," Ron explained. "Everyone gets some. But in exchange—you work hard while I'm gone."
"Ratta!"
Only after they'd trudged off down the path did Ron finally board the boat.
Caroline slowly released Abigail's hand and gave her a gentle push. "Go on, then. Good luck."
Abigail nodded and stepped onto the small vessel.
"Ready?" Ron asked.
"Let's go."
She turned away quickly, not daring to look back at the worried faces on shore. Clutching Gengar close, she watched as the boat pulled away from the coastline.
"Already missing home?" Ron asked as he steered.
"A little," Abigail murmured, eyes fixed on the horizon. "I've never left Stardew Valley before."
At most, she'd visited the Desert when the bus still ran.
She'd imagined this moment countless times—expected to feel pure joy. Instead, her heart was tangled: excitement for the journey ahead, sorrow for what she was leaving, fear of the unknown, and a quiet thrill at stepping into true independence.
Her purple hair fluttered in the sea breeze as she stared at the moon. With every wave, her anxiety seemed to drift away.
"I've dreamed of this so many times," she said softly. The boat had caught up with the glowing jellyfish, their lights shimmering across the water. "Even now… I'm afraid this is all just a dream."
Moonlight fractured on the waves, blending with the jellyfish's glow—as if they were chasing the last echoes of summer together.
Ron glanced back one last time. Once Pelican Town vanished from view, he dropped anchor. After securing Willy's boat, he tapped his Pokédex as usual—and in an instant, he and Abigail stood on the outskirts of Santalune City, still bathed in moonlight.
"…" Abigail stared, stunned. She whipped her head toward Ron, mouth opening and closing, overwhelmed by questions. "How—?!"
"This is the only way to reach Kalos," Ron said. "Have you heard of totems?"
"Totems?"
"Yeah." Ron rummaged in his pack and pulled out a Farm Totem. Remembering how he'd nearly used one up explaining it to Joy, he didn't hand it over. "This is a Farm Totem. It'll take you straight back to Pelican Town. If you ever need to get home fast, use this—it works the same way we just arrived."
"Then why sail out at all?"
Ron shrugged. "No idea. You'd have to ask my grandfather."
He could teleport directly from the farm—but the tutorial for reaching Kalos was so detailed, he saw no reason to skip steps. Rules existed for a reason, and Ron never tested them out of curiosity.
"Okay," Abigail said, taking the totem. Afraid of accidentally activating it, she tucked it carefully into her special pocket—alongside her Badge Case and Ribbon Box, ready to hold her future Gym Badges and Contest Ribbons.
"So… where to next?"
Ron looked around. "Let's stay at the Pokémon Center tonight."
Trainers could lodge there for free. Hotels existed too, but the Center was closest.
Ron had no real experience living in Kalos—he'd only spent half a day in Santalune City before—so he couldn't help much. At best, he'd check local prices and compare hotel rates.
The farm had earned plenty from the Kalos food company this summer. Renting land and building a factory would cost a fortune, but supporting Abigail was well within budget. If her initial funds ran low, he'd send more.
Just then, they reached the Pokémon Center. The glass doors slid open, and Abigail immediately spotted the Santalune City Nurse Joy behind the counter—smiling warmly at them.
"Oh! Nurse Joy?"
"Hello! I'm Santalune City's Nurse Joy," she said cheerfully. "How can I help you?"
Abigail blinked—then remembered the group photo Pelican Town's Joy had shown her.
"They really do all look exactly alike…"
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