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

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Chapter 2.5

The first Pokémon materialized in a gentle cascade of light, resolving into a Chikorita who landed with soft precision on the polished floor. Her large crimson eyes blinked once, slowly, before tilting upward to study Ravina. The leaf atop her head swayed with an almost hypnotic rhythm, emitting a subtle fragrance like fresh-cut grass after rain.

"Oh." Ravina dropped to one knee, her movements deliberate to avoid startling the small creature. "Hello there."

Chikorita approached with measured steps, her nose twitching as she sampled the air around Ravina's outstretched fingers. After a moment's consideration, she pressed her head against Ravina's hand and released a cheerful chirp that sounded like tiny bells.

Ravina's lips curved into a genuine smile as she stroked the smooth leaf. "You're absolutely adorable."

Professor Elm beamed, his chest puffing slightly. "She thrives on affection."

The second Poké Ball clicked open, and a blur of blue burst forth with explosive energy.

"Totodile!" a guttural cry echoed through the lab as the small water-type materialized. Ravina had barely registered the flash of sharp teeth before the creature launched into motion, bounding across the polished floor with reckless abandon. He circled Professor Elm once before redirecting his momentum toward a nearby chair, his powerful legs coiling as he prepared to pounce.

Mrs. Elm's hand shot out with practiced reflexes, steadying the chair just as Totodile careened to a halt directly before Ravina. His wide jaws snapped playfully, creating sharp clacks in the quiet room as he stared up at her, a mischievous grin stretching across his snout.

Ravina took a measured step back, her lips twitching despite herself. "...You're a walking disaster, aren't you?"

"Most definitely," Professor Elm chuckled from across the room as the Totodile punctuated his agreement with another happy snap of his jaws.

Then came the third ball.

Professor Elm's fingers paused over it. "This one might take a little patience," he murmured as the Poké Ball opened.

A small Cyndaquil materialized, instantly recoiling as though the open air itself threatened him. He pressed himself close to the floor, eyes narrowing to cautious slits.

No flames erupted. No cheerful chirp. Only stillness as Ravina and the Pokémon measured each other from across the room.

Professor Elm rubbed the back of his neck. "He's always been a little shy."

"With everyone?"

"Most people."

Ravina lowered herself into a crouch. Cyndaquil tensed immediately, muscles coiled beneath his dark fur.

She froze, hand resting on her knee rather than reaching toward him.

"That's alright."

His nose twitched, sampling her scent from across the floor. Behind Ravina, the adults had fallen silent. Then—one tentative paw slid forward. Another followed. Cyndaquil advanced in measured increments, pausing every few steps to reassess the human before him.

Ravina remained perfectly still until he reached her. He leaned forward, nose brushing her fingers, and decided to stay there. The corner of Ravina's mouth lifted.

"Hi there."

A slight tilt of his head answered her. Slowly, she turned her hand palm-up, allowing another sniffing inspection. Then one tiny paw pressed against her fingers.

Something about that simple gesture struck Ravina with unexpected force. It wasn't dramatic—he hadn't launched himself into her arms or proclaimed her his favorite person through some magical connection.

He had simply decided she was safe enough to touch.

Ravina's finger traced along the edge of his paw.

"You're nervous, aren't you?" she asked softly as his nose bumped her hand again. She laughed quietly. "Yeah, I think I like you."

Cyndaquil lifted his head, and for the first time, a tiny line of flame flickered along his back.

Professor Elm's eyebrows climbed toward his hairline. Mrs. Elm's smile widened. Nostus simply watched, expression unreadable.

Ravina scratched gently beneath Cyndaquil's chin. His eyes closed in contentment, flames remaining—warm and steady, not defensive in the slightest.

"I believe that's your answer." Professor Elm's voice softened, drawing Ravina's attention from the small creature.

"My answer?"

"Which Pokémon you're meant to take." His smile remained gentle as he gestured with his chin toward the Fire-type.

She returned her gaze to Cyndaquil, who had pressed closer, his entire body now leaning into her palm. "...I should spend more time with them all."

"Sometimes connections form instantly." Mrs. Elm's voice carried warmth. "Often, they choose us before we choose them."

Ravina considered this, then carefully slid both hands beneath the small body. She waited for any sign of resistance—none came. As she lifted him, Cyndaquil curled instinctively toward her warmth, his nose finding the hollow between her collarbones.

Ravina blinked, then a slow smile spread across her face.

"Well," she murmured, looking down at the creature nestled against her chest. "I suppose you're coming with me."

A soft trill answered her, vibrating against her skin, and Ravina laughed.

"You'll need a name."

His eyes opened at her voice, the flames along his back having died away, though she could still feel his warmth through the thin fabric of her shirt.

"...Cinder." She tested the name. "Cinder?"

The Cyndaquil tilted his head, considering the sound, then pressed his nose firmly beneath her chin in what felt unmistakably like approval.

Mrs. Elm laughed softly. "I'd say he likes it."

"Cinder it is." Ravina's grin widened as she nuzzled the small Pokémon.

Nostus finally stepped closer, her shadow falling over them. Cinder looked up. And up. And farther up still. The tiny Fire-type stiffened, his body going rigid against Ravina's chest.

Nostus noticed immediately and lowered herself into a crouch—still taller than most people standing.

"Hello, Cinder."

He stared at her extended finger, then glanced back at Ravina as if seeking permission. Ravina smiled.

"She's alright," she confirmed with a slight nod.

After a moment's hesitation, Cinder touched his nose to Nostus's fingertip. Nostus grinned. "Good."

Then she turned her attention fully to her daughter. "Try not to lose him."

"Mum."

"I mean it."

"I'm not going to lose my Pokémon."

"Excellent." She clapped once as she rose. "That's one item off my list."

Ravina groaned, burying her face against Cinder's soft fur.