Chapter 2

The First Partner

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Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social 

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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.

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Chapter 2.1

Morning arrived in New Bark Town not with a sudden blaze, but with the gentle insistence of gulls calling over the rhythmic hush of waves against the shore. Ravina's eyes fluttered open to the unfamiliar ceiling, the events of yesterday filtering back slowly: Johto, New Bark, Professor Elm, and her mother's mysterious errand. She groaned, rolling onto her side as sounds from downstairs drifted upward, cupboards opening, the clink of ceramic, and footsteps with far too much energy for this hour. Nostus.

When Ravina reached the kitchen, her mother was already a portrait of efficiency. Dressed for work in her open white coat, Nostus cradled a coffee mug while the dining table had transformed overnight into a command center. Folders stood in neat stacks, some sporting colored tabs, one even boasting a handwritten index taped to its cover.

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

Nostus glanced at the clock. "Long enough."

"That's not an answer."

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

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

"An astute observation."

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

"Not reorganized." Nostus sipped her coffee. "Triaged."

Ravina stared at the organized chaos. "That sounds worse."

"It is."

She fumbled in the breadbox, dropping two slices into the toaster with a clatter. "So how bad is it?"

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

Ravina waited, butter knife hovering. "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 huffed as 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."