>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social
The first Pokémon appeared in a soft burst of light to reveal a Chikorita. She landed neatly on the floor, blinked once, then looked up at Ravina in a Calm and Curious manner as the leaf atop her head swayed gently.
"Oh." Ravina crouched. "Hello."
Chikorita stepped closer and sniffed at her fingers for a moment, before deciding Ravina was acceptable, she gave a cheerful little chirp.
Professor Elm nodded proudly. "She loves attention."
The second Poké Ball opened and a blue shape erupted from it.
"Totodile!" an animalistic cry called out as Ravina barely had enough time to register teeth before the little Pokémon bounded across the room. He circled Professor Elm and jumped against a chair, nearly knocking it over.
Mrs. Elm caught it with one hand as Totodile skidded to a halt in front of Ravina and stared up at her. A huge grin stretched across his snout.
"Very probably."Professor Elm laughed as Totodile snapped his jaws happily.
Then came the third ball.
Professor Elm hesitated for just a moment. "This one might take a little patience." he added as the Poké Ball opened.
A small Cyndaquil appeared, who immediately seemed to regret being visible as he lowered himself close to the floor and his eyes narrowed into cautious little slits.
No flames nor chirping, Just a watchfulness as Ravina and the pokemon looked at each other.
Professor Elm rubbed the back of his neck. "He's always been a little shy."
"With everyone?"
"Most people."
Ravina crouched, causing Cyndaquil to tense.
She stopped, she didn't reach toward him or call him over. She simply rested one hand on her knee.
"That's alright."
His nose twitched as Ravina waited. Behind her, the adults went quiet until eventually… One small paw moved forward, then another as Cyndaquil approached slowly. Every few steps he stopped and watched the human in front of him, considered for a moment, then continued.
Ravina didn't move until he reached her, He leaned forward, sniffed her fingers and decided to stay there. Which made Ravina smile.
There was one small turn of his head in response. So she very slowly turned her hand palm-up to let Cyndaquil sniff again. And then placed one tiny paw against her fingers.
Something about the gesture hit Ravina harder than she'd expected. It wasn't dramatic, He hadn't leapt into her arms, He hadn't instantly decided she was his favorite person in the world.
He'd just decided she was safe enough to touch.
Ravina gently brushed one finger along the side of his paw.
"You're nervous, aren't you?" she asked as his nose bumped against her hand. She laughed softly. "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 raised his eyebrows in surprise, Mrs. Elm smiled and Nostus said nothing as she observed.
Ravina scratched gently beneath Cyndaquil's chin, His eyes closed like he was enjoying the attention, the flames stayed, warm and steady, they didn't seem agitated in a defensive manner.
"I think that's your answer." Professor Elm's spoke up in a softened tone.
Ravina glanced up. "My answer?"
"Which Pokémon you should take?"
She looked back toward Cyndaquil, the little Fire-type had leaned farther into her hand. "...I haven't met them properly."
"You don't always need long." Mrs. Elm smiled. "Sometimes they decide."
Ravina considered that for a moment then carefully slid both hands beneath Cyndaquil. She waited a moment for resistance. But none came, he allowed himself to be lifted to her body, Once against her chest, he curled instinctively toward the warmth of her body.
Ravina blinked for a moment, then smiled.
"Well." She started as she looked down at him. "I suppose you're coming with me."
Cyndaquil made a tiny sound in agreement, and Ravina laughed.
"You're going to need a name."
His eyes opened as she studied him, the little flames had died away again but she could still feel the warmth through her clothes.
"...Cinder." The Cyndaquil stared at her as she repeated. "Cinder?"
He gave another curious head turn, then he pressed his nose under her chin.
Mrs. Elm laughed. "I think that's approval."
"Cinder it is." Ravina grinned
Nostus finally stepped closer. She looked down at the Pokémon in Ravina's arms. Cinder looked up at the new shadow, and up. and farther up, then the tiny Fire-type stiffened.
Nostus noticed immediately and crouched but was still taller than most people would have been standing.
"Hello, Cinder."
He stared at her as Nostus offered one finger. Cinder sniffed it, then glanced back toward Ravina as if checking. Ravina smiled.
"She's alright." she confirmed with a nod.
After a moment, Cinder touched his nose to Nostus's fingertip and Nostus grinned. "Good."
Then, turned her attention to Ravina, "Try not to lose him."
"Mum."
"I mean it."
"I'm not going to lose my Pokémon."
"Excellent." She clapped as she stood. "That's one item off my list."
Ravina groaned.