The warm afternoon sun bathed the peaceful clearing as Robert's Pokémon enjoyed their well-earned feast. Charmeleon, Pidgeot, and Beedrill indulged in their energy cubes and the premium Miltank milk, their contented expressions making Robert smile.
However, just as everything seemed calm, a sudden rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. Before anyone could react, a small yellow figure darted out from the undergrowth, making a beeline for the food box next to Charmeleon.
Without hesitation, the little intruder dipped its head into the dish and began eagerly lapping up the premium milk, its tiny body trembling with delight.
Robert blinked in surprise. "What the—?"
As the small creature continued drinking, Robert quickly activated his system to analyze it.
[Pokémon Identified: Pichu]
Category: Mouse Pokémon
Type: Electric
Height: 0.3m
Weight: 2.0kg
Gender: Male
Ability: Static (Has a chance to paralyze opponents on contact)
Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod (Draws in Electric-type moves, increasing Special Attack)
IV Stats: HP (28), Attack (29), Special Attack (31), Defense (26), Special Defense (25), Speed (31)
Moves: Thunder Shock, Charm, Tail Whip, Volt Tackle, Sweet Kiss
Strength: High Ordinary Rank
Robert's eyes widened in shock. A wild Pichu? And it's got 2V stats?
It had been a while since he found a high-IV Pokémon in the wild, and to stumble upon a Pichu with excellent Special Attack and Speed was nothing short of a miracle.
"Looks like my luck is finally turning around," he muttered under his breath.
Charmeleon's Fury
Meanwhile, Charmeleon had finally noticed the intruder. The moment it saw the tiny Pokémon drinking its milk, its fiery tail flared up, and an angry growl escaped its throat.
"Ahhh~!" (Hey! That's MY milk!)
It clenched its claws, ready to swat the tiny rodent away.
But before it could make a move, Robert quickly stepped in.
"Hold on, Charmeleon! Let it drink," Robert said calmly. "I'll pour you another serving. It's just a little guy—it won't drink that much anyway."
Charmeleon huffed, crossing its arms with a grumble.
"Ahhh~" (Fine. I guess I can be generous just this once...)
Satisfied with Robert's promise, Charmeleon returned to its own meal, chewing on an energy cube with a loud crunch.
Pidgeot and Beedrill, who had only just noticed the commotion, briefly glanced at the tiny Pichu. However, after confirming that it wasn't stealing their share, they quickly lost interest and went back to enjoying their food.
Pichu's Panic
Pichu, who had been completely absorbed in the delicious milk, suddenly froze when it heard Charmeleon's earlier roar. Realizing that it was surrounded, the tiny Pokémon let out a panicked squeak.
"Pichu~!"
Without a second thought, it scurried away from the food box and dashed toward a nearby tree, hiding behind it with only its small round ears peeking out.
Robert chuckled. "Well, well. Where did that confidence go? You didn't seem so shy when you were stealing someone else's food."
He slowly crouched down and spoke in a gentle voice. "Relax, little guy. No one's going to hurt you. If you're still hungry, go ahead and finish your milk."
Carefully, Robert picked up the half-empty food box and placed it a short distance from the tree before stepping back.
Pichu's tiny nose twitched as it inhaled the lingering scent of the premium milk. It hesitated for a moment, its large round eyes darting between Robert and the food.
But in the end, the temptation proved too strong.
Scurrying out from behind the tree, Pichu hurriedly resumed drinking, its small tail wagging in delight.
Robert watched with amusement. This little guy is adorable... but more importantly, it has solid potential.
A Golden Opportunity
As he observed the tiny Electric-type, Robert's mind began formulating a plan.
Pichu is a rare find, and it's already strong for a wild Pokémon. If I train it properly, it could become a powerful Pikachu—or even a Raichu.
His gaze turned thoughtful. But catching a Pokémon like this won't be easy. Young Pokémon like Pichu are naturally wary of humans. If I try to capture it directly, it might run away...
A battle would be the most effective way to weaken it and ensure a successful capture.
Robert's fingers curled around a Poké Ball. Charmeleon should be able to handle it without too much trouble...
Just as he was about to give the order, something unexpected happened.
Pichu's Unexpected Decision
Pichu, who had just finished its milk, suddenly let out a contented sigh and lay down on the grass, rubbing its round belly. Its expression was one of pure bliss.
Robert smirked. Looks like I fed it at the perfect time. Now, I just need to—
Before he could move, Pichu's ears perked up, and it abruptly opened its eyes. In a flash, the tiny Pokémon leaped to its feet and turned toward Robert.
"Hmm?" Robert tilted his head in confusion. "What's up, little guy?"
Pichu stared at him for a moment, its big black eyes filled with an unreadable expression.
Then, out of nowhere—
"Pichu!"
The tiny Pokémon dashed forward and sprang into the air, grabbing onto Robert's pant leg. Before he could react, it quickly scurried up his torso, climbed onto his shoulder, and began nuzzling his cheek affectionately.
Robert froze in shock.
"What... just happened?"
Charmeleon, Pidgeot, and Beedrill all turned their heads in unison, staring at the unexpected scene.
Charmeleon blinked.
"Ahhh~?" (Wait... what?)
Pidgeot let out a questioning chirp.
"Bi~?" (Did it just... capture itself?)
Beedrill tilted its head, buzzing in confusion.
"Hiss-beer?" (So... we're just accepting this now?)
Meanwhile, Pichu continued to rub its tiny face against Robert's cheek, giggling happily.
Robert let out a small laugh, his initial surprise fading into amusement.
"Well, that was easier than expected." He gently patted Pichu's head. "Looks like you've already made up your mind, huh?"
Pichu let out a cheerful cry.
"Pichu~!"
Robert sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. "And here I was, getting ready for a battle. Guess I didn't need to after all."
With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a Poké Ball.
"Alright then, little guy. If you really want to come with me, let's make it official."
He lightly tapped the Poké Ball against Pichu's tiny body. With a soft click, the ball opened, and a beam of red light engulfed the Pokémon, drawing it inside.
The Poké Ball shook once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then—ding!
Pichu was caught.
Robert smiled as he picked up the Poké Ball, tossing it lightly in his hand. "Welcome to the team, little buddy."
Charmeleon huffed.
"Ahhh~" (Tch. What a weird way to get caught...)
Pidgeot chirped in agreement.
"Bi~" (At least it saved us the trouble.)
Beedrill simply buzzed, still unsure how to process what had just happened.
Robert laughed. "Alright, let's finish our meal. After that, we've got some training to do."
As the sun continued shining down on them, the newly expanded team enjoyed their peaceful afternoon, unaware of the adventures that awaited them just ahead.
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