Without heeding Robin's protests, Demetrius stepped out.
His yellow hazmat suit vanished into the green rain.
Robin—whose courage had barely held while fetching Joy—felt something snap inside her.
Before she could speak, tears spilled down her cheeks.
How could he? With a wife and two children at home, and the outside world an unknown threat—he abandoned them for his research.
Joy, just removing her raincoat, noticed Robin's distress and hurried to wipe her tears.
"Are you okay?"
Robin took a shaky breath, glancing at Joy. Realizing she shouldn't burden the girl, she forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just… go downstairs. Maru and Sebastian are there."
Joy hesitated but respected Robin's space. She patted her hand and headed to the basement.
The basement was damp and musty. Inside, Sebastian sat at a table playing a board game with Maru.
"You're here!" Maru greeted Joy, inviting her to join.
Once Joy sat down, Maru frowned. "Where's Mom? She wanted us all in the basement earlier—why isn't she down yet?"
"She… argued with your dad," Joy said carefully. "He insisted on going outside."
Sebastian, who'd just rolled a six, paused and glanced at the basement door.
Soon, Robin entered, eyes red but smiling. "Joy, are you alright? Didn't get wet, did you?"
Relieved by Joy's shake of the head, Robin joined them on the couch, and the four played quietly.
---
Meanwhile, at Pierre's General Store…
Gengar trailed Abigail as she tugged on her raincoat, ready to bolt for the door.
"No!" Caroline's grip tightened on Abigail's arm. "You're not going anywhere today!"
"But I promised!" Abigail protested, staring at the downpour. "Even if it were red rain, I'd go!"
Caroline rarely refused so firmly. "You're staying put! What if this rain harms you?"
Abigail argued, "I'm just going to the Mines! If the rain's dangerous, the mine's the safest place!"
Pierre watched silently from the counter as Abigail strained toward the door.
"Let her go," he suddenly said.
"Dear?" Caroline stared, stunned.
"If she's set on Kalos," Pierre said, adjusting his glasses without looking at them, "she'll face the unknown alone someday. Every choice matters." His voice grew low. "Consider this her test. If she's harmed by recklessness…"
He met Abigail's eyes. "We'll forbid Kalos. It means you can't judge danger wisely."
Courage and wisdom were equally vital for adventurers. Though Pierre lacked travel experience, his merchant life demanded constant risk assessment—balancing boldness with prudence.
"What's your choice, Abigail?"
Outside, green rain poured. Caroline released Abigail's arm.
Surprisingly, Abigail stilled.
She walked slowly to the door, extended her hand, and caught raindrops.
The emerald liquid dried on her palm. She sniffed it, rubbed her fingers together.
Silence hung as Pierre and Caroline waited.
An hour passed.
Convinced the rain was harmless, Abigail pulled her raincoat back on, added a mask, and sealed every gap in her clothing.
At the door, she turned. "I'm leaving."
Caroline's heart clenched—but Pierre held her back. She forced a smile. "Be careful, sweetheart."
Abigail disappeared into the green deluge.
Caroline watched until her daughter vanished, then a tear traced her jawline. She yanked her hand from Pierre's grip—but didn't challenge his decision. Her emotions churned.
"If she's unharmed," Pierre said, pushing his glasses up, "take the Poké Balls I've been stockpiling. Let her bring them. Don't say they're from me."
Caroline wiped her eyes and nodded.
---
Meanwhile, at the Stardrop Saloon…
Gus had sent letters to everyone. Though staying home was safe, isolation during crises bred fear. Better to gather.
As townsfolk arrived, Gus handed out warm towels at the door to wipe off green rain.
Pam and Penny's RV stood beside the saloon. After receiving Gus's note, Penny was zipping up her raincoat to seek shelter—
—when she spotted Pam's worried face.
"What's wrong, Mom?"
"I'm thinking about the farm…"
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