Kamala admires the Eevee, noting its cautious yet curious demeanor. It's so fluffy! she thinks, resisting the urge to scoop it up in a hug. She extends a hand slowly, palm up, trying to gain its trust. "Hey there, little guy," she whispers, her voice gentle and soothing. "I'm Kamala. It's nice to meet you."
The Eevee cocks its head, its large eyes studying Kamala intently. What is this human doing? it wonders. Is it safe? Despite its initial hesitation, there's something about Kamala's kind face and genuine smile that puts the Eevee at ease. It takes a tentative step forward, sniffing Kamala's outstretched hand.
Kamala remains still, holding her breath as the Eevee investigates. She can feel its warm breath on her skin, its whiskers tickling her palm. Please like me, please like me, she thinks, her heart pounding with anticipation.
After a moment, the Eevee seems satisfied. It nuzzles Kamala's hand affectionately, its soft fur brushing against her skin. Kamala exhales slowly, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "Aww, you do like me!" she says, her voice filled with joy. "You're so sweet!"
She gently strokes the Eevee's head, and it leans into her touch, purring contentedly. Kamala can't help but giggle. "You're like a little furball of happiness!"
The Eevee wags its tail, its eyes sparkling with delight. It seems to enjoy Kamala's attention, reveling in the warmth and affection she's giving it. It snuggles closer to her, rubbing its head against her leg.
Kamala is overjoyed. She's always loved animals, but there's something special about this Eevee that resonates with her on a deeper level. It's as if they share a connection, a mutual understanding that transcends words.
A frantic flurry of flapping wings erupts overhead. A dark cloud descends, scattering smaller Pokémon and creating a scene of havoc. The winged culprits are Murkrow, small, raven-like Pokémon with sleek, black plumage, beady red eyes, and a distinctive, feathery "hat" adorning their heads. Their dark feathers glisten ominously as they dart through the air, their mischievous nature evident in their every movement. They look like flying, feathered delinquents.
The Murkrow zero in on a group of young Pokémon huddled together near a cluster of berry bushes. The small group consists of a Pichu, its tiny body crackling with barely contained electricity, a Budew, its yellow hood trembling with fear, and a Magby, its beak aglow with a faint, flickering flame. They attempt to defend themselves, the Pichu sending out weak sparks, the Magby puffing small bursts of smoke, and the Budew releasing a faint, floral scent. But the Murkrow are too many and too aggressive.
With a swift dive, one of the Murkrow manages to snatch a small pouch made of woven leaves, containing the Budew's precious stash of berries. The Budew cries out in distress, its small leaves drooping with sadness as its precious berries are carried away. It wails.
The Murkrow, emboldened by their success, fly towards a nearby thicket, their cawing calls echoing through the forest. Unbeknownst to them, their raucous behavior has attracted the attention of a larger, more territorial Pokémon lurking within – a Skuntank, its striped back and bushy tail twitching with annoyance.
Eevee, despite being significantly smaller than the Murkrow and knowing they have a type advantage, bravely steps forward. It plants its paws firmly on the ground and lets out a series of fierce barks and growls, attempting to intimidate the winged bandits. It puffs out its chest, trying to look larger and more threatening than it actually is.
Kamala's eyes widen in concern as she watches Eevee confront the Murkrow. Oh no, Eevee, don't! she thinks, her heart pounding with anxiety. She knows that Eevee is outmatched and remembers Orion's warning about harming Pokémon. She can't directly attack the Murkrow, but she also can't stand by and watch the smaller Pokémon get bullied and have their food stolen. What do I do? she thinks, her mind racing. She needs to find a way to help without breaking her promise to Orion. Think, Kamala, think! How can I subtly help?
She glances around, searching for inspiration. Her eyes land on a pile of pebbles nearby. Okay, maybe I can use those as a distraction... she thinks, formulating a plan.
Seeing Eevee try its best to protect the smaller Pokémon, Kamala decides to act. Remembering her powers, she carefully embiggens one of her hands, making it large but incredibly soft and pillowy. She then positions her hand over the smaller Pokémon, creating a safe, cushioned shield to protect them from the Murkrow's attacks.
With her other hand, she grabs a handful of pebbles and throws them in the opposite direction, aiming for a cluster of trees away from the smaller Pokémon. The pebbles clatter against the leaves and branches, creating a diversion that momentarily catches the Murkrow's attention.
Taking the initiative, Eevee seizes the opportunity and releases a high-pitched shriek, a sound that pierces the air and startles the Murkrow even further. It then launches itself at the branch where the Murkrow are perched, its small body a blur of brown fur and determination.
The sudden attack catches the Murkrow off guard. Startled, the birds scatter in a flurry of feathers, abandoning their stolen loot. The pouch containing the Budew's berries falls from the branch, tumbling towards the ground.
Seeing the pouch fall, Kamala uses her embiggened arm and gently catches it, her enlarged hand acting as a soft, safe landing pad. She carefully lowers the pouch to the ground, ensuring that the berries are unharmed.
The Skuntank, annoyed by the commotion and sensing that it won't be able to get an easy meal, grumbles to itself and slinks back into the depths of the thicket, its striped tail disappearing into the shadows.
With the Murkrow gone and the Skuntank deterred, the forest slowly returns to its peaceful state. Eevee and the smaller Pokémon gather around Kamala, expressing their gratitude. The Budew chirps happily and nuzzles against Eevee in thanks, its leaves perking up with joy. The Pichu and Magby also express their thanks, their small bodies radiating warmth and appreciation.
Kamala smiles, her heart swelling with pride. She realizes that Eevee isn't just a cute Pokémon, but a brave and resourceful creature with a strong sense of justice. "You were amazing, Eevee!" she says, scratching it behind the ears. "You really saved the day!"
She glances around, thinking that she should probably return to Doreen soon, but Eevee nudges her legs insistently, its eyes pleading. It clearly doesn't want to separate from Kamala and wants to go with her.
Kamala is taken aback by Eevee's eagerness. "You… you want to come with me?" she asks, her voice filled with disbelief and hope.
Eevee nods its head emphatically, its tail wagging furiously. It cries out, a soft, joyful sound that seems to say, "Yes! Please!"
Kamala's face lights up with a radiant smile. She's overjoyed by Eevee's decision, feeling a connection between them that she can't ignore. She gently scoops up Eevee into her arms, holding it close to her chest. "Of course, you can come with me, little guy," she says, her voice filled with affection. "I'd love for you to come with me."
She knows that this is the start of a beautiful friendship, a bond that will bring joy and adventure into both of their lives.
The flock of Murkrow, thoroughly discouraged, disperses into the forest, their cawing calls fading into the distance. The forest slowly returns to its peaceful state, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and illuminating the lush greenery. Kamala and Eevee begin to walk back towards the meeting point, their steps light and their hearts full of happiness. Their shared experience of helping the smaller Pokémon has strengthened their bond, creating a connection that will last a lifetime.
***
Give power stones to support this book.
Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.
