The silhouette is small, but the budding flower is unmistakable.
Ivy asks, "So, who's the lucky one? Did I get a Grass-type?"
Orion steps closer to examine the screen. His eyes widen slightly. "Well, look at that," he says. "It seems like your wish was granted, Ivy. You got yourself a Budew."
Orion beams at Ivy, genuinely pleased at her luck. "Budew is an excellent choice, Ivy," he says, his voice warm and encouraging. "While Budew may appear fragile, don't underestimate its potential. It evolves into Roselia, and then Roserade, which is renowned for its exceptional strength as a special attacker and its poison attacks. With proper care and training, Budew can become a formidable partner."
Ivy is eager to meet her Pokémon, and the anticipation is practically palpable. "I would love to see Budew," she says, her voice tinged with a gentle urgency that hints at the growing connection she feels with the little Pokémon she has yet to meet.
Orion nods, understanding her enthusiasm, and turns to Pikachu, who is perched on the counter, observing the group with keen interest. "Pikachu, if you would be so kind, please watch the front," he says, his tone carrying both authority and gratitude.
Pikachu nods, its ears perked attentively, and gives a cheerful "Pika!" in acknowledgment before settling down to its post.
Orion disappears into the back, leaving Ivy and Harley to exchange excited glances, their shared joy creating a palpable atmosphere of giddy anticipation.
Minutes later, Orion returns, carefully carrying a small, clear terrarium in his hands. Inside, nestled amongst soft moss and delicate ferns, is a Budew.
The sight of Budew takes Ivy's breath away. It is even more enchanting than she had imagined. The small, bulb-like Pokémon has a smooth, green body that seems to radiate a soft, verdant glow. A yellow "hood" rests atop its head, resembling an unopened flower bud, adding to its air of delicate mystery. Three small leaves form its base, acting as tiny, stubby feet that ground it to the earth, while two small blue-green buds rest delicately on its sides, hinting at the vibrant blossoms that will one day emerge.
Ivy is completely taken by its gentle beauty. "It's perfect," she murmurs, her voice filled with awe. "Absolutely perfect."
She can already feel a bond forming between them, a quiet understanding that resonates deep within her soul, a recognition of shared values and a mutual love for the natural world.
Harley, too, is captivated by Budew's adorable charm. "Aww, it's like a little walking plant pot!" she exclaims, her voice laced with amusement and affection. "So cute!"
Ivy's eyes remain locked on Budew, and a soft, tender smile graces her lips as she imagines all the adventures they will share, the battles they will fight side by side, and the gardens they will nurture together.
"How much for this little darling?" she asks, turning her attention back to Orion, her voice filled with a gentle determination.
Orion smiles, sensing the genuine connection between Ivy and Budew. "The price is the same as for Houndour," he says, his voice calm and professional. "Three hundred fifty thousand dollars."
Ivy nods, unfazed by the amount. She is more than willing to pay any price to have this perfect creature by her side. "I'll get the money," she says, her voice resolute.
With a determined glint in her eyes, Ivy turns and strides purposefully toward the exit, ready to secure the funds necessary to make Budew her very own.
Orion watches her go, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He knows that Ivy will stop at nothing to acquire the Pokémon that has captured her heart.
Ivy swiftly returns, and hands the money to Orion.
"It is a pleasure doing business with you, Miss Ivy."
Ivy doesn't respond. She is eager to meet her new partner.
With the transaction complete, Orion carefully lifts Budew's terrarium and gently places it on the counter, allowing Ivy to get a closer look. "Go ahead," he says, his voice encouraging. "You can take Budew out now."
Ivy's hands tremble slightly as she reaches into the terrarium, her fingers gently brushing against Budew's smooth, green body. With a soft gasp, she scoops Budew into her arms, cradling it close to her chest.
Budew seems to respond instantly to her touch, nestling comfortably into her embrace, its small body radiating a gentle warmth. It looks up at Ivy with its big, innocent eyes, and a soft, contented sigh escapes its tiny form.
"Oh, you're so sweet," Ivy murmurs, her voice filled with affection. "I promise I'll take good care of you."
Budew seems to understand her words, nuzzling against her cheek in a gesture of trust and affection. Ivy's heart melts, and she knows that she has found a true companion, a partner who will share her love for nature and stand by her side through thick and thin.
Harley watches the interaction with a fond smile, her heart warmed by the genuine connection between Ivy and Budew. "Aww, you two are so cute together!" she exclaims, her voice filled with delight. "Looks like you've found your perfect plant buddy, Red!"
With their Pokémon acquired, Orion steps forward, holding two sleek, red and white devices. "Now that you're both official Pokémon Trainers, I believe you'll be needing these," he says, presenting a Premier Ball to Harley and another to Ivy. "A complimentary gift for joining the wonderful world of Pokémon."
He then pulls out two rectangular devices. "And, of course, no Trainer is complete without a Pokédex," he adds, holding up the devices for them to see. "Would you ladies be interested in purchasing one?"
Harley and Ivy exchange excited glances, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Definitely!" Harley exclaims, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Gotta catch 'em all, right?"
Ivy nods in agreement. "It would be useful to learn more about our new partners," she says, her tone thoughtful and practical.
Orion smiles, pleased to have made another sale. "Excellent choice," he says, his voice smooth and professional.
He rings up the Pokédexes, completes the transaction, and hands the devices over to Harley and Ivy, who eagerly begin exploring their new gadgets.
Harley grins. "Alright, time to see what this little devil is made of!"
Harley points the Pokédex at Houndour, and the device whirs to life, scanning the Pokémon with a beam of light. In moments, data appears on the screen, accompanied by a synthesized voice providing information about the Dark Pokémon.
[Scanning... Data retrieved.
Species:Houndour — The Dark Pokémon
Type:Dark / Fire
Height:0.6 meters
Weight:10.8 kilograms
Sex:Female
Known Moves:Ember, Leer, Howl, Fire Spin
Ability:Flash Fire
Description:Houndour is a cunning and disciplined pack Pokémon known for its eerie, coordinated howls. It communicates through a series of short barks and long howls that carry complex meanings — warnings, directions, and even emotional cues — understood instinctively by other Houndour.]
"Whoa, check it out! Houndour's got some serious moves!" Harley exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. "And 'Flash Fire'? Sounds badass!"
Ivy smiles, impressed by the Pokédex's capabilities. She turns her attention to Budew, pointing the device at the small Pokémon and initiating the scanning process.
The Pokédex whirs to life once again, its beam of light washing over Budew as it collects data. Moments later, the screen illuminates with information, accompanied by the same synthesized voice providing details about the Bud Pokémon.
[Scanning... Data retrieved.
Species:Budew — The Bud Pokémon
Type:Grass / Poison
Height:0.2 meters
Weight:1.2 kilograms
Sex:Female
Known Moves:Absorb, Growth, Stun Spore, Worry Seed, Sleep Powder
Ability:Poison Point
Description:Budew is a small, bud-like Pokémon that thrives on sunlight and clean water. Its body is green and smooth, with a yellow hood that conceals its face when it sleeps. Two small blue-green buds rest on its sides — these store both nutrients and mild toxins used for defense.]
"Fascinating," Ivy murmurs, her voice filled with genuine interest. "So Budew has both Grass and Poison-type abilities. And 'Sleep Powder'? That could be quite useful."
She gently strokes Budew's head, her heart swelling with affection for the little Pokémon.
Orion clears his throat. "Now," he says, "to properly bond, you must learn to capture." He demonstrates how to activate the Premier Ball, enlarging it in his hand. "Just press the button, aim, and gently toss it towards your partner. The ball will do the rest."
Harley, giddy with excitement, mimics Orion's action. She tosses the Premier Ball at Houndour. With a flash of red light, Houndour is drawn inside. The ball wobbles once, twice, then clicks shut.
Ivy follows suit, gently throwing her Premier Ball at Budew. The same flash, the same wobble, and a satisfying click.
With another press of the button, Houndour and Budew reappear.
"Now that you've both acquired your Pokémon, are you ladies interested in testing their abilities?" he asks, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "How about a friendly Pokémon battle?"
***
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Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.