It had been a while since Maru last visited the farm.
Not a regular at the saloon, she only learned afterward that everyone had helped Ron that day—when Robin came home and told her.
Stepping through the gate, she saw crops neatly sectioned, a fenced pasture in the distance with unfamiliar creatures (likely Pokémon), Shane tending to them, and Pam smelting ingots by the furnace.
She knew about their farm jobs—Shane's through her brother Sebastian, and Abigail's (saving for Kalos) through Abigail herself.
"How short a time," Maru mused, turning to Ron. "Last time I was here, we were fertilizing Strawberries together."
Back then, the farm was less wild—but nothing like this, now even providing jobs for Pelican Town's unemployed.
Robin beamed with quiet pride. Though not her farm, as the town's sole carpenter, she'd watched it flourish piece by piece.
The three chatted as they walked to the pre-marked brewery site.
Time was tight. Robin immediately began construction, Maru assisting, while Ron resumed building racks.
By dusk, both the brewery and racks were complete.
"Finally done!" Maru rolled down her sleeves, wiping sweat. "Hope Dad's cooking turned out okay."
Cauliflower and Cheese weren't cheap—even for Robin's family. And since Cauliflower was a spring crop with a long growth cycle, off-season orders cost double.
"What's he cooking?" Ron asked, handing drinks from Indeedee to them.
"Cheese Cauliflower and Pepper Poppers," Robin said. "Her favorites. She's been craving them forever since we rarely make them."
Maru, unashamed, confirmed it and urged Robin to hurry home.
Ron stopped them. "Why not eat here? Tonight's farm dinner includes those two dishes."
He hadn't planned it, but the brewery's timely completion deserved celebration—and meant hops could be brewed immediately after tomorrow's harvest.
"A thank-you for rushing the work," Ron explained.
Maru hesitated—then Ron added, "The cheese is made from Moomoo Milk. A Kalos specialty—different from local cheese."
"Then it's settled!" Maru declared.
Robin opened her mouth but held back—today was Maru's birthday. After texting Demetrius, she followed Maru into the cabin.
Inside, Rattata returned from chores, playfully wrestling with Froakie.
Robin spotted Machoke yearning to join. She patted its head, nodding permission.
Machoke bolted into the fray. The cabin erupted with noise.
"Need help?" Robin asked, watching Rattata wash vegetables.
"If you could wash the veg please," Ron said, consulting Gus's recipe as he seasoned the pot.
He disliked cheesy dishes, so this was his first attempt—but months of cooking had made him adept. It looked convincing.
Robin soaked Cauliflower, studying Ron's technique.
Admiring skilled cooks (her own efforts being… humble), she didn't hide her gaze.
Ron glanced over. "Something wrong?"
"Nothing," Robin smiled, focusing on scrubbing.
Meanwhile, Maru accepted fruit from Indeedee.
"Dee~"
"Thanks," Maru said, crouching to meet its eyes.
She'd long wanted to build a robot companion for her parents—but lacked ideas.
Watching thoughtful Indeedee, she pondered aloud.
"Indeedee."
Sensing Maru's thoughts, Indeedee froze, then darted to Ron, tugging his shirt while eyeing Maru nervously.
Ron kept cooking but followed Indeedee's gaze to Maru. "What's up?"
"I… don't know," Maru said, adjusting her glasses.
After a beat, Ron added ingredients and clarified, "Its ability's special. To care for people, it can predict your thoughts."
Maru paused—then laughed, meeting Indeedee's eyes. "Just kidding! Don't take it seriously."
"Indee?"
Indeedee burrowed deeper behind Ron. Maru's laughter boomed—she shared Robin's boldness, caring little for appearances.
Robin, knowing her daughter well, gently scolded, "Enough—don't scare it."
Maru softened, rummaging in her bag for a candy. As a clinic nurse, she carried treats to soothe sick children. Perfect for the situation right now.
She knelt beside Indeedee, offering the candy. "Sorry, sweetie. Try this. Just a wild idea—no one would actually do it."
"Indeedee…"
Indeedee took the candy, tilted its head, then unwrapped and popped it in its mouth.
"Dee!"
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)