Scrunchie, a small girl lost in the vast darkness of her manor, sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor of the main hall. Sheets of paper, covered in intricate Pokémon techniques, fluttered across the room from a distant desk, spinning through the dim light. She giggled, proud and excited, her eyes sparkling.
"Finally… I found the Pokémon who will help me become a master," she whispered to herself. "It looks precious… like jelloo."
The sudden buzz of the doorbell made her glance up.
"Come in," she called, trying to sound calm.
The old man, the manor's caretaker, stepped inside cautiously, his brow damp with sweat. His eyes darted nervously around the hall, as if he sensed something lurking in the shadows.
Scrunchie's smile widened and ran towards him.
The old man's gaze softened as he noticed her enthusiasm. "I see… you have finally made your hardest decision?" he said, a warm light in his eyes. "So, whom have you chosen?"
Scrunchie pointed to a drawing tucked into the shadows of the hall walls, one among many she had hidden there. The image showed Ditto, her favorite Pokémon.
The old man's eyes twinkled. "Ah… Ditto," he said with a knowing smile. "I knew you'd pick Ditto, even if something stronger had crossed your path." He reached into his pocket and handed her a small, sugared chocolate from the shop in town she loved. "For you—just a little reward."
Scrunchie accepted it with a beam of joy. "Thank you! You always know what I like," she said, nibbling at the sweet treat.
Then, she asked, "Where's your Macho?"
The old man froze, overwhelmed, a shadow of concern crossing his face. Scrunchie, however, didn't miss a beat. "He needs more training and practice in his moves to fight against his opponent?" Her voice held the certainty of someone who already knew more than she let on.
Macho—was busy delivering heavy packages, he explained with hurdled voice scratching his chin and laughing nervously. Scrunchie frowned. "But you're the only worker here at the manor. Why send him elsewhere?"
Caught off guard, he admitted, "He's helping the neighbor. I… I'm old now."
Scrunchie tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That's not good. But… it's fine.""
""I'm off to the garden" And with that, she ran toward the main door leaving the old man speechless in a dark hall.
"Take me with you," he called out nervously. "I'm… afraid to stay alone in the manor."
Scrunchie glanced back, smirking. "If you want to come, then hurry up. We have wild fellow Pokémon to train."