>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social
Inside the laboratory, Professor Elm was excitedly pacing. "Ravina!" He called as he hurried over the moment she stepped inside. "Perfect timing!"
Mrs. Elm appeared from a side room carrying a tray. "Good morning dear."
"Morning." ravina replied, looking a little wary at the professor's manic disposition.
"Tea?"
"Please." the smaller girl nodded
Mrs. Elm smiled as she glanced at her husband, "Professor Elm has had three cups already."
"I needed them." he protested
"You forgot the first two existed."
"...That too."
From somewhere deeper in the building came a filing cabinet opening before Ravina heard Nostus's voice. "Professor?"
Professor Elm froze. "...Yes?"
"Why is there a grant application from three years ago inside a textbook?" He looked thoughtful. "...Which textbook?"
Nostus appeared in the doorway holding both items. "That isn't the part I'm concerned about."
Mrs. Elm smiled as Ravina accepted her tea and added. "I've decided this is going to be my entertainment while we're here."
Nostus pointed at her with the folder. "Go have your adventure."
"I'm going." Ravina retorted
"Good."
Professor Elm cleared his throat. "Actually, about that." He motioned for Ravina to follow him. "You shouldn't travel the route alone."
Ravina frowned. "I'm eighteen."
"That's not what I mean." Professor Elm's tone changed, just enough that Ravina noticed.
"The main roads around New Bark are safe, comparatively speaking. Rangers patrol themand other travelers use them."
He opened a door leading into one of the laboratory's smaller rooms. "But they're still wild routes."
Ravina looked inside and saw three Poké Balls that rested on a padded tray.
Professor Elm continued. "Most wild Pokémon avoid people." He picked up one of the balls. "Most."
Mrs. Elm leaned against the doorway behind them. "You don't need to be frightened of them."
"No." Professor Elm shook his head. "But you do need to respect them."
Ravina's eyes drifted toward the Poké Balls. "So you're lending me one?"
"Wait, if your lending me one, why not just give me one of your Pokémon." Ravina asked pointedly at Nostus who’s first response was a raised eyebrow.
"Ravina, my team is a pack of monsters..."
"Exactly! You have six!"
"Six veteran Pokémon who've spent years developing very strict opinions about whose orders they'll follow."
Ravina folded her arms. "...I'm your daughter."
"Which means they love you." Nostus smiled. "It doesn't mean they respect you as a trainer."
Ravina's ears lowered. "...Rude."
"Besides, they're all girls. It's not as though I've got spare Eggs lying around."
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
Nostus nodded toward the ball in Professor Elm's hand
"Start where I did."
Ravina puffed out her cheeks.
"...Fine."
Nostus grinned.
"There's my little Pokémon Master."
"Don't patronize me."
Professor Elm smiled. "Ahem, now that's sorted." He set the ball down again. "These three have been raised here as part of my research."
"On evolution?" Ravina asked, still looking at the trio of pokeballs.
"Among other things." His expression softened. "But they're not laboratory equipment."
Ravina turned away from the balls to look at him quizzically
"They need partners."
That surprised her. "You mean... permanently?"
"If both of you are comfortable with it." Professor Elm smiled. "Pokémon partnerships aren't supposed to begin with paperwork…" From behind the small girl, Nostus cleared her throat, causing Professor Elm to wince. "...Although apparently they do involve paperwork."
"They absolutely do." Nostus folded her arms. "Especially when the professor providing the Pokémon hasn't updated his transfer forms since-"
"Nostus." Mrs. Elm gently touched her arm. "Let her meet them first."
Nostus looked at Ravina and then smiled. "Fair."
Professor Elm gratefully turned back toward the tray. "Right." He picked up the first ball. "Let's start here."