This was Joy's first Luau.
Standing beside Robin, she looked down at Wigglytuff beside her.
"You have to put in something you like," she murmured. "What do you want to add, Wigglytuff?"
"Tuff—"
"The microphone's no good."
Wigglytuff dug through its backpack, then held up another item. "Wigglytuff?"
"A Pecha Berry's fine." Joy smiled, patting Wigglytuff's head and guiding it to the Pokémon queue.
Haley was next, dropping a raspberry into the pot while cradling Sunkern. Squawkabilly tossed in a shelled nut.
Just then, Ron arrived with his Pokémon crew—farm work finally done.
Lewis had messaged him about the potluck's Pokémon tradition, so Ron had opened the fridge, letting each Pokémon pick a favorite ingredient.
Everyone's preferences varied—there were no duplicates. But since Orthworm and Geodude loved rocks/minerals (inedible for potluck), Ron left them at the farm with treats.
"How lively… just like when he was still here."
The idea of including Pokémon in the Luau potluck came from the previous farm owner. Evelyn pushed George's wheelchair, watching the long line of Pokémon, eyes closed in nostalgia.
"Hmph." George grunted but didn't argue, pulling a leek from his pocket—a spring keepsake.
Evelyn smiled. Though George's leg injury made him seem impatient with crowds, he secretly cherished these gatherings.
Years passed, people changed—but the same festival, same weather, same place—moments could still whisk you back to cherished pasts.
After Indeedee (last in line) added its Berry, townsfolk took turns.
Joy jogged to Ron. "What are you adding?"
She'd brought her hometown's specialty.
"Cheese from Moomoo Milk."
"I knew it!" Joy laughed. "Still not sold out?"
Ron shook his head. "I might export some to Kalos. The rancher mentioned dairy shortages there—better than selling it for cheap via the shipping bin."
Selling to the townsfolk was one thing; underselling willingly was another.
"Not bad," Joy said, opening her container and adding its contents to the bubbling pot.
Marnie stirred, glancing up with a smile.
They'd bonded during Tuesday fitness sessions—both caretakers (animals vs. Pokémon), both naturally empathetic.
Joy returned the smile. "Need any help?"
"No, dear," Marnie said. "It's your first Luau! Enjoy it."
Once all ingredients were added, rich aromas filled the air.
Snorlax shot upright, placing Jas and Vincent (who'd been climbing its belly) aside. It stared at the pot, eyes wide (though still slits)—glinting with anticipation.
No Governor meant no formal serving order. Gus ladled potluck into bowls, handing them out.
Most Pokémon got small portions (except Snorlax). Special tiny bowls awaited them.
In the corner, Linus stood apart—Trubbish's stench kept him isolated.
Though he bathed Trubbish regularly, its natural odor lingered. He hadn't let it add ingredients or join the queue.
Joy approached with two bowls. "Try it—it's delicious." She patted Trubbish's head.
As a nurse, she treated all Pokémon equally—but understood why others avoided Trubbish near food. (Food safety mattered—just as Ron wouldn't let Orthworm add rocks.)
"Trub…" Trubbish sipped, then sadly ate its "special" garbage, eyeing the playful Pokémon enviously.
Indeedee noticed. It trotted over, listened to the group's thoughts, then called to the Pokémon.
They froze—then scattered without explanation.
Moments later, they returned hauling wood.
To the broken bridge!
It led to a small islet, abandoned since the planks snapped years ago.
Pokémon worked in sync, rebuilding the bridge in minutes.
Ron recognized the wood—his lumber, stolen by Sailor's crew.
"Indeedee~" Indeedee led Trubbish across.
Pokémon didn't mind its smell—Sailor was a trash-can connoisseur, after all.
They lit a fire on the islet and played together, a joyful reunion.
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