----
The outskirts were quiet and serene, far from the chaos of larger cities. By 4 p.m., Eric was racing against the clock he needed to complete his errands before 6 p.m. sharp.
This town didn't believe in overtime; when the clock struck six, every shop and stall would close like clockwork.
The town embodied a slower pace of life, a place where "rise with the sun, rest with the moon" wasn't just an ideal it was reality.
Mesagoza's main hub for supplies was its bustling farmers' market. While the market teemed with vendors hawking fresh produce and local goods, Eric had long since learned to avoid the outer stalls.
These vendors were infamous for their sharp tongues and even sharper practices whether it was rigged scales or swapping fresh fruit for rotten ones.
He had experienced this firsthand shortly after arriving in the town. Thinking the Pokémon world was devoid of shady characters, Eric had naively purchased a bag of apples, only to find half of them overripe or rotting. It wasn't until a kind elderly shopkeeper pointed it out that he realized he'd been swindled.
That was the day Eric became a minor legend in Mesagoza's market. Marching back to the stall, he'd grabbed the offending vendor by the collar and dragged him to the local authorities, despite the market manager's attempts to mediate. Ever since, he'd been both respected and feared, with vendors giving him a wide berth.
Today, however, Eric bypassed the chaos of the outer market, heading straight for a familiar shop.
---
"Seed Wholesale"
The name was simple, straightforward, and entirely unpretentious. The store was small, only about 30 square meters, but every inch was packed with neatly categorized packets of seeds.
Outside, a kind-looking elderly woman dozed in an old recliner. Her white hair glimmered under the late afternoon sun.
"Mrs. Juniper!" Eric called softly as he approached.
The woman stirred, her keen senses honed even in her nap. She opened her eyes and adjusted her glasses, her wrinkled face breaking into a warm smile.
"Ah, Eric! It's been a while. How's that farm of yours coming along?"
"Getting there," Eric replied, helping her stand. "The land's ready, so I'm here to pick up some seeds."
"Well, let's not keep you waiting," she said, shuffling into the store with his help. "What are you thinking of planting?"
Eric listed the crops he had in mind. "Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, cabbages, and cucumbers. Just a small batch to start."
Mrs Juniper nodded approvingly. "Good choices for this season. Everything on that list should do well in Mesagoza's soil and climate. You've done your homework."
She expertly selected the seed packets, sealing each one neatly and labelling them. "Potato seeds, 80 Pokédollars a bag. Cucumber seeds, 140. All told, 600 Pokédollars."
Eric handed over the money without hesitation. Compared to the costs of setting up the farm, this was pocket change.
However, as he inspected the packets, one caught his eye. A sixth packet of strawberry seeds had been added to the mix.
"Strawberries?" Eric asked, puzzled. "I didn't ask for these."
Mrs. Juniper chuckled. "Consider it a little gift to celebrate your farm's start."
Eric hesitated. "I can't accept that. You're already giving me a great deal."
"Nonsense," she said, waving him off. "Unless…" Her eyes sparkled as an idea struck. "There is something you could help me with."
Intrigued, Eric followed her as she shuffled to the back of the store. Unlocking a small cabinet, she carefully retrieved an item swaddled in soft cloth.
She turned, cradling a Pokémon Egg.
"Could you take this?" she asked gently.
The egg was striking, its red base adorned with grey-black stripes that swirled in intricate patterns.
Even before Eric could speak, he felt a warmth emanating from it, a sense of potential life waiting to hatch.
"This egg was left here by a trainer passing through," Mrs Juniper explained. "They never came back for it, and I don't have the means to care for it properly. But you… you're a trainer. You'll know how to look after it."
Eric stared at the egg, then back at Mrs. Juniper. He could see the hope in her eyes.
"I'll take it," he said finally, his voice steady.
Mrs Juniper's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Eric. I know you'll take good care of it."
---
Meanwhile, back at the lighthouse research lab in South Province Area One…
Arven dashed inside, his heart full of excitement. After an eventful day with Eric, he was eager to share his adventures with his parents.
But as he entered, the dimly lit room greeted him in silence. A note lay on the kitchen table.
Arven froze. He didn't need to read it to know what it said.
His arms fell to his sides, the excitement draining from his face. His chest tightened, and his eyes stung with unshed tears.
"Lies…" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"…You promised."
----
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