The little yellow creature, oblivious to Valeria's scrutiny, basks in the crowd's attention. "Awww, look how cute it is!" one woman squeals, snapping pictures with her phone. "Is it someone's pet?"
Pikachu puffs out its chest, striking a heroic pose for the cameras. "Pika!"
Another woman reaches out to pet Pikachu, but the yellow mouse gently slaps her hand away with its tiny paw.
"Pika-pi!" Not today, lady.
A few more attempt to touch it, only to be met with nimble dodges and playful nips.
Valeria watches the scene unfold, her mind racing.
What exactly is that thing?
Its appearance is different from any creature she has ever seen. It reminded her of the mutated animals that had attacked the city a few days ago.
Could it be another one? Did some slip through the containment field?
Driven by a sense of responsibility, she decides to take action.
"Excuse me," Valeria says, raising her voice to address the crowd. "Everyone, please step back."
The women turn to look at her, their expressions curious. Valeria steps forward, flashing a polite but authoritative smile.
"I'm Valeria Richards, of the Fantastic Four. I need you all to vacate the area, please."
A murmur runs through the crowd. "The Fantastic Four? Really?"
"Is she serious?"
Valeria maintains her composure, her eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of resistance. "I understand you're all curious, but this creature is unknown. We don't know its capabilities, or if it's dangerous."
She pauses, letting her words sink in. "For your own safety, please move back. We'll handle this."
The crowd hesitates for a moment, then slowly begins to disperse. The women, though disappointed, recognize the authority in Valeria's voice and the logic of her warning. They retreat a short distance, their eyes still fixed on Pikachu and Valeria, murmuring amongst themselves. They were far enough to be safe, but close enough to watch what happened.
Valeria, satisfied that the crowd is at a safe distance, turns her attention to the small yellow creature.
Alright, little guy. Let's see what you're made of.
Valeria extends a hand toward Pikachu, hoping to get a closer look.
"Easy, there," she says softly. "I'm not going to hurt you."
Pikachu tilts its head, regarding her with bright, curious eyes. But as Valeria moves closer, the mouse suddenly darts away with a burst of speed.
"Pika-CHUUUU!"
"Hey!" Valeria calls out, surprised by the sudden movement. "Stop!"
The creature zips through the park, its small body a blur of yellow against the green grass. It leaps over a park bench, narrowly avoiding a collision with a pigeon. Its tail, shaped like a lightning bolt, wags back and forth.
Valeria, determined to catch it, breaks into a run. She pushes past bewildered onlookers. "I said stop! This is for your own good!"
Pikachu seems to be enjoying the chase. It giggles as it makes its way toward a nearby street. Cars honk, people yell, but Pikachu just keeps running. Valeria grimaces, knowing she needs to act fast before it causes any trouble.
"I am going to catch you!"
Valeria's long legs pump, closing the distance. She reaches for her utility belt, pulling out a miniature net launcher. With a flick of her wrist, she fires, the net whistling through the air.
THWIP!
But Pikachu is too quick. It leaps to the side, the net harmlessly tangling around a lamppost.
"Pika!" Pikachu taunts, sticking out its tongue.
Valeria scowls. Okay, Plan A failed. Time for Plan B. She grabs her silver watch, activating its energy scanner.
Maybe I can stun it to slow it down.
A beam shoots from the watch, aimed at Pikachu's tail. The rodent glances back, its eyes widening in mock surprise. It then slams its tail on the ground.
KRA-KOOM!
The beam ricochets off a mirror, looping back toward Valeria.
"Oh, come on!" she groans as the energy beam hits her square in the chest, sending her stumbling backward.
Pikachu chuckles, a high-pitched, electric sound that seems to echo through the street.
This thing is playing with me.
Realization dawns on Valeria, and a wave of annoyance washes over her. She, Valeria Richards, one of the smartest beings on the planet, is being toyed with by a yellow rodent! She won't allow it. No more kid gloves.
She reaches into her belt, pulling out a small, spherical device. Time to bring out the big guns. This is a miniature containment unit, designed to trap even the most powerful energies. She presses a button, and the sphere glows with a soft, blue light.
"Alright, furball, game over," Valeria says, her voice firm. She throws the device, aiming to encase Pikachu in its energy field.
The sphere hurtles toward Pikachu, but at the last moment, the rodent unleashes a blinding flash of electricity.
ZZZZZZZAP!
The electricity surges into the sphere, overloading its circuits.
"Pika-CHUUUUU!"
The device explodes in a shower of sparks, the blue light replaced by a searing yellow. The electricity arcs outward, engulfing Valeria in a crackling wave.
Her hair stands on end, frizzing out like a dandelion gone to seed. Her face darkens with soot. She smells burnt toast. Valeria staggers, clutching her chest, every nerve ending tingling.
"Ugh…" she grunts.
Pikachu, unharmed, perches on a nearby trash can, its eyes sparkling with laughter.
"Pika-pika!"
Valeria stares at the giggling Pokémon. "It can discharge electricity?!"
Her brow furrows, disbelief warring with a rising sense of scientific curiosity.
That's impossible.
She knows every animal on Earth, every species cataloged, studied, and documented.
Nothing like this exists!
The surprise quickly morphs into pure, unadulterated annoyance. Enough is enough.
"Okay, pal," she says, her voice dangerously low. "You asked for it."
And with that, Valeria Richards, soot-faced and hair-fried, charges after the electric mouse, her determination burning brighter than ever.
But, as she rounds the corner, Pikachu suddenly darts inside a building. Valeria halts. She takes a good look at the building. It's called "Pokémon Home".
Dominating the storefront is a massive sculpture — a red and white sphere, a perfect replica of a Poké Ball. The top half gleams a vibrant red, the bottom a pristine white, divided by a thick black line that wraps around the entire structure. It's almost cartoonish in its simplicity, yet imposing in its scale.
Posters adorn the windows, showcasing a variety of creatures she doesn't recognize. One features a winged reptile with a flame at the end of its tail, blazing with fiery intensity. It had orange skin and a long neck. The poster labeled it "Charizard". Another displays a hulking turtle with cannons sprouting from its shell, its blue skin glistening with simulated moisture. That one was "Blastoise," apparently. Other posters had vibrant colors.
What are these things?
A large sign hangs above the entrance, practically screaming for attention.
[Pokemon Home Grand Opening! Experience the world of Pokémon and come get your first Pokémon partner. Prices are currently discounted.]
Pokémon? Valeria frowns.
She has no idea what a "Pokémon" is. A new kind of pet? A genetic experiment gone wild? The questions swirl in her mind.
Given Pikachu's antics, she remains suspicious. The creature clearly possesses unusual abilities. And now it's inside this "Pokémon Home," whatever that is.
Cautiously, Valeria approaches the entrance, her senses on high alert.
If that little electric rat is any indication, this place could be a lot more than just a pet store.
She adjusts her utility belt, double-checking the settings on her gadgets.
She steels herself, takes a deep breath, and steps toward the entrance.
The interior is surprisingly spacious, far larger than the building's exterior suggests. Rows of sleek monitors line the walls, displaying what appear to be informational videos about the creatures featured in the posters outside. Soft, inviting sofas are scattered about, offering places for visitors to relax. Against one wall, a row of vending machines hums quietly, filled with colorful snacks and drinks she doesn't recognize.
What are Pokéblocks? And what kind of drink is a MooMoo Milk?
Another section displays what seems to be merchandise: rows upon rows of spherical objects in various colors and designs. They must be the Poké Balls mentioned on the sign, but Valeria has no clue what they're used for. Closer inspection reveals other items, neatly organized on shelves. Potions, sprays, and salves, each labeled with strange symbols and names.
Are these medicinal items?
Her gaze drifts further back, toward a counter that spans the width of the store. Behind it sits a complex-looking machine with wires, screens, and blinking lights.
Some kind of healing device, maybe? Or a high-tech Pokémon grooming station?
And there, standing on the counter, is Pikachu, looking quite pleased with itself.
Behind the counter is a young man, seemingly around Valeria's age, scratching Pikachu behind the ears. He has blonde hair that seems to defy gravity, styled in a way that's both neat and slightly disheveled. His eyes are a striking shade of blue, bright and alert, and crinkling at the corners as he plays with Pikachu. He's wearing an outfit that strikes Valeria as… unusual. A white suit with green accents, complete with a long tailcoat, gives him an almost whimsical appearance.
Is he the one running this store?
As if sensing her gaze, the young man looks up, his blue eyes meeting Valeria's. A warm smile spreads across his face.
"Well, hello there!" the young man says, his voice friendly and welcoming. "Welcome to Pokémon Home! I see you've already met our electrifying mascot." He gestures toward Pikachu, who gives a cheerful wave. "Pika!"
"I'm Orion Oak," he continues, hopping over the counter with surprising agility. "The Owner of this fine establishment. Welcome to the Pokémon Home!" He offers her a polite bow.
***
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Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.