"Mom," May whispered, her voice filled with a quiet determination. "I'm not trying to catch it. I'm just trying to help it get to those berries."
MJ watched her daughter, a soft smile touching her lips. May is so much like Peter, she thought, always seeing the good, always wanting to help. The girl's focus was complete, a laser beam of pure, earnest intent.
May slowly backed away from the tree, giving the Joltik plenty of space. She settled back onto the mossy log, keeping her movements slow and deliberate. Her eyes remained fixed on the little yellow Pokémon. She didn't want to spook it.
The Joltik's large blue eyes tracked her every move. It chirped once, a tiny, questioning sound. The faint crackle of static around its fur seemed to lessen, then return in short bursts.
It looked from the handkerchief to May, then to the berries, then back to May. Is it safe? The Joltik's tiny thoughts buzzed with caution. Will she hurt me?
May remained perfectly still, her hand resting on her knees. She didn't move a muscle. She just waited, an unspoken promise of safety in her posture.
It's okay, her silent message broadcast. I'm not a threat. I just want to help.
MJ saw the Joltik's hesitation, its nervous energy. She also saw May's unwavering patience. Her daughter was not just acting; she was truly connecting, waiting for trust to bloom in the little creature. She's got this, MJ decided, a sense of pride swelling in her chest.
The Joltik let out another tentative chirp. It eyed the soft blue cloth on the ground. The berries looked so close, so delicious. It was tired of slipping. The human remained still. The cloth looked… safe.
Slowly, cautiously, the Joltik began to descend the tree trunk. Its small, adhesive legs moved with more confidence now. It aimed for the handkerchief. Its tiny, fuzzy body vibrated less, conserving its static charge.
It reached the ground, landing softly on the cloth. The Joltik paused, its little antennae twitching. It looked at May, its large blue eyes filled with a new curiosity.
Chirp, chirp! A soft, grateful sound.
May's heart fluttered. It worked! She offered a gentle, reassuring smile. The Joltik took a few more hesitant steps, moving off the handkerchief and onto the soft grass. It then chirped again, looking directly at May.
It took another tiny step, then another, inching closer to her outstretched hand. Its movements were slow, almost deliberate. The static charge around its body was barely noticeable now.
As it came very close, May felt a faint tingle on her palm. It was a barely-there static shock, like touching a balloon after rubbing it on her hair. She didn't flinch. She kept her hand perfectly still.
It's still cautious, May realized. But it's not afraid anymore. Not really.
The Joltik reached her fingertips, its tiny legs barely touching her skin. Its large blue eyes looked up at her, full of wonder and a touch of lingering shyness. May felt a connection, a tiny spark of understanding pass between them. It was a silent conversation, a bond forming.
She slowly, carefully, reached into her pocket. Her fingers closed around the smooth, cool surface of the Poké Ball. She didn't activate it. She just held it.
Then, with gentle precision, she extended her hand again, offering the Poké Ball to the Joltik. It was an invitation, not a command. This is a choice, her gesture communicated. A safe place, if you want it.
The Joltik looked from May's expectant face to the offered Poké Ball. Its tiny head tilted again, a flicker of uncertainty in its bright blue eyes. The moment stretched, holding its breath. May's heart gave a heavy thump against her ribs.
Please, little guy. Please.
She kept her hand utterly still, not daring to move a single muscle. She wanted this. She wanted this more than anything. But it had to be Joltik's choice.
The Joltik let out a soft, almost imperceptible chirp. A tiny spark, no bigger than a pinprick, danced across its fuzzy fur. It was a silent decision, made without sound.
Slowly, deliberately, the Joltik began to move. It crawled forward, its minuscule legs making barely any sound on May's skin. It reached the edge of the Poké Ball, paused for a split second, then, with a soft hum of static, it curled itself inside.
[CLICK!]
The Poké Ball glowed, a warm, pulsing red light emanating from its center. It vibrated softly in May's palm, a gentle hum against her skin. Then, with a quiet, confident sound, it clicked shut.
May gasped, a small, joyful sound escaping her lips. Her eyes widened, tears pricking at the corners. She had done it. She had found a partner.
"Oh, Mayday!" MJ exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion. She rushed forward, sweeping her daughter into a fierce hug. "You did it, honey! I am so proud of you!"
May clutched the Poké Ball tightly in one hand, returning her mother's hug with the other. A profound sense of accomplishment washed over her. It was a feeling unlike anything she had ever experienced before.
"Look, Mom!" May's voice was bright, almost breathless. "I got one! It chose me!"
She gently pressed the central button on the Poké Ball. A flash of bright white light erupted from the sphere, then dissipated. Joltik materialized, small and fuzzy, hovering for a moment in the air before landing softly on May's shoulder.
Chirp, chirp!
It nestled into the curve of her neck, a soft, comforting weight. A faint, happy crackle of static emanated from its fur. Joltik was home.
MJ watched the tiny creature settle, her smile widening. "It loves you, sweetie. It really does." She ruffled May's hair, her eyes shining with pride. "Your patience, your kindness… it really paid off."
May beamed, a joyous, uninhibited smile that lit up her entire face. She felt a connection, a profound sense of belonging. Joltik was her partner, her friend.
We're a team now, she thought, a warm glow spreading through her chest.
***
Give power stones to support this book.
Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.