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

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Chapter 2.3

Inside the laboratory, Professor Elm paced with restless energy. "Ravina!" He hurried over the moment she stepped inside. "Perfect timing!"

Mrs. Elm glided in from a side room, a tea tray balanced gracefully. "Good morning, dear."

"Morning," Ravina replied, her wariness evident as she watched the professor's manic movements.

"Tea?"

"Please." The smaller girl nodded, accepting the warm cup with both hands.

Mrs. Elm's gaze drifted fondly toward her husband. "Professor Elm has had three cups already."

"I needed them," he protested, adjusting his glasses.

"You forgot the first two existed."

"...That too."

From somewhere deeper in the building came the sound of a filing cabinet opening, followed by Nostus's voice. "Professor?"

Professor Elm froze mid-step. "...Yes?"

"Why is there a grant application from three years ago inside a textbook?" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "...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. "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, taking a sip of tea.

"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 shifted subtly. "The main roads around New Bark are safe, comparatively speaking. Rangers patrol them and 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 you're lending me one, why not just give me one of your Pokémon?" Ravina asked pointedly at Nostus, whose first response was a raised eyebrow.

"Ravina, my team is a pack of veterans."

"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."

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Chapter 2.4

Professor Elm's smile carried the warmth of someone genuinely passionate about his work. "Ahem, now that's settled." He placed the Poké Ball back on its velvet cushion with deliberate care. "These three have been raised here under my supervision."

"For your evolution research?" Ravina asked, her gaze still fixed on the trio of pristine spheres, each gleaming under the lab's fluorescent lights.

"Among other studies." His expression softened as he watched her fascination. "But I want you to understand—they're not laboratory equipment."

Ravina turned from the display case to meet his eyes, curiosity evident in her expression.

"They need partners," he continued, voice gentle but firm.

The statement caught her off guard. "Permanently?"

"If the bond feels right to both of you." Professor Elm's smile widened. "True partnerships shouldn't begin with paperwork..." Behind Ravina, Nostus cleared her throat pointedly, causing the professor to wince. "...Although apparently they do involve paperwork."

"They absolutely do." Nostus folded her arms, posture radiating bureaucratic authority. "Especially when the professor hasn't updated his transfer protocols since-"

"Nostus." Mrs. Elm's touch on her arm was light but effective. "Let her meet them first."

Nostus glanced from Ravina to the Poké Balls, then offered a wry smile. "Fair enough."

Professor Elm exhaled audibly with relief. "Right." He reached for the first ball. "Let's start here."