Chapter 2

The First Partner

Travel Journal — Day 2

Mum said Professor Elm only needed one small favour.

I've learned that when adults say “small favour,” they usually mean something that somehow takes the entire day.

Still... I get to meet one of Professor Elm's Pokémon today, So I suppose I can't complain too much.

 

Morning came quietly to New Bark Town.

Ravina woke to gulls calling somewhere beyond the houses and the low, steady hush of waves rolling against the coast.

For several seconds she simply stared at the unfamiliar ceiling before she remembered.

Johto, New Bark, Professor Elm, and whatever mysterious errand her mother had volunteered her for.

She groaned softly and rolled onto her side from downstairs. She could hear the unmistakable sound of cupboards opening, ceramic touching ceramic, and someone moving around with far too much energy for this early in the morning.

That could only be Nostus.

By the time Ravina reached the kitchen, her mother was already dressed for work. Her white coat hung open over her clothes, a mug of coffee rested in one hand, and several thick folders had somehow appeared across the dining table overnight.

Each one had been labeled, Some had colored tabs, One even had a handwritten index taped neatly to its cover.

Ravina stopped halfway into the room. "...You've been awake for how long?"

Nostus glanced toward the clock. "Long enough."

"That's not an answer."

"It's the only one you're getting."

Ravina wandered toward the cupboards. "You've been here one day."

"An Astute Observation."

"And you've already reorganized Professor Elm's paperwork."

"Not reorganized." Nostus took another sip. "Triaged."

Ravina stared. "That sounds worse."

"It is."

She found some bread and dropped two slices into the toaster. "So how bad is it?"

Nostus's expression became very still. "...There is a drawer in his office labeled 'Important Things.'"

Ravina waited. "And?"

"It contains receipts, three research proposals, an expired ferry ticket, half a sandwich wrapper and a birthday card he forgot to send four years ago."

Ravina snorted. "You like him already."

"Professionally, he terrifies me."

"Same thing."

Nostus's mouth twitched. "Mrs. Elm asked if you'd come by once you're ready."

"For the errand?"

"Mhm."

"What am I actually doing?"

"Professor Elm can explain it."

Ravina narrowed her eyes. "You know."

"I do."

"And you're not telling me."

"I am practicing restraint."

"That's very mature of you."

"I thought so."

Ravina retrieved her toast and then paused. "How far am I going?"

"Several hours if you walk at a sensible pace."

That got her attention. "...Several?"

"Mr. Pokémon lives beyond Cherrygrove."

Ravina stared at her. "You neglected to mention the part where the 'small favour' involves leaving town."

"I assumed the travelling part would improve your opinion of it." Nostus smiled over her coffee. "You came to Johto to see Johto, remember?"

"I came because you came to Johto."

"Details."

Ravina sighed dramatically. "Fine." She took a bite of toast. "But if I'm eaten by something in the woods, I'm haunting you."

"I'd expect nothing less."