[004] catch and keep

Don had finally figured out how to release his little snake partner from his Pokeball. He'd been a little disappointed at the look of the Snivy—in truth he'd been expecting something a little... cooler. But he knew Pokemon evolved, maybe it would turn into something really sick later. That thought was enough to give him hope.

While he'd (mostly) learned how to release Wilson from his Pokeball, Don hadn't quite gotten the hang of putting the Pokemon back. So, for now, the sassy little Snivy toddled along beside him, barely reaching up to Don's knee.

"You're not gonna be able to see over the grass, little guy," Don said, stooping to scoop the Snivy up and plop him on his shoulder. "There ya go!" Wilson sniffed, turning up his nose, but didn't make a move to get down. He didn't particularly like being snatched up like that, but he'd like drowning in the tall grass even less, if he was honest.

Just before his foot passed the boundary between dirt and knee-high grass, a voice lilted in Don's ear, saying, <Careful! Wild Pokemon live in the tall grass!> Don jumped, nearly dislodging Wilson from his perch, and turned to find the source of the warning floating just behind him. It looked like an ancient N64 character, all blocky and hard edges. Was it a Pokemon? A pop up appeared next to the pink creature.

Tutorial Quest: What's the Catch?
Accept? Y N

"Oh! Yeah, I do need to learn how to catch Pokemon, huh? I guess I just figured I'd... grab one if I saw it. But I don't know if that's how it works. Sure, I'll accept."

The popup disappeared with a flash and the pink creature twirled, seemingly pleased.

<Excellent! Wild Pokemon can be dangerous if you're not prepared. Let's use the buddy system! I placed a marker on your minimap. Follow that to find your catching buddy.>

Don gave a little salute. "Will do! Thanks... guy!" He turned his attention to the little flashing pip on his minimap, following it while carefully avoiding the longer grass. In short order, he caught sight of another person standing just outside the tall grass. A grin lit his face and he made his way towards the man with a wave.

"Hi! Are you my catching buddy?"

Navarre