The lottery animation on the screen slowed, each passing Pokémon icon taking longer to cycle. Valeria watched, her fingers hovering just above the 'confirm' button, a mix of anticipation and curiosity bubbling within her.
The final silhouette resolved, shimmering with a faint, lunar glow. It was unlike anything she had seen before.
"What is that?" Valeria asked, her voice hushed with intrigue.
Orion stepped closer, a knowing smile on his face. "Ah, that's Lunatone. It's known as the Meteorite Pokémon. A Rock and Psychic type, it draws power from lunar cycles and cosmic energy."
Valeria's eyes widened. A Pokémon born from the cosmos, powered by moonlight? It sounded like something straight out of her father's wildest theories. "It sounds amazing. Can I meet it?"
Orion chuckled and turned towards a back room. "Of course. Lunatone doesn't really 'do' enclosures. It prefers to… float." He returned a moment later, escorting a peculiar Pokémon. Lunatone, a crescent-shaped creature resembling a fragment of a moon carved from pale stone, drifted silently through the air. Its single crimson eye glowed with a soft, steady light, radiating an aura of profound calm and mystery.
Valeria stepped forward, her scientific mind buzzing. Lunatone's body was a textured, cratered surface, unlike any terrestrial rock she'd ever studied. It moved with an effortless, silent grace, its rotation almost hypnotic. She pulled out her Pokédex, the familiar weight of the device a comforting presence in her hand.
She aimed the scanner, and the Pokédex whirred to life, displaying Lunatone's information: Rock/Psychic type. Ability: Levitate. Origin: Meteorite. The details spoke of its connection to lunar phases and its ability to manipulate gravity, making it immune to ground-based attacks.
"Its psychic abilities are quite formidable," Orion explained, noticing Valeria's intense focus. "It can control its environment with telekinetic force, and its resilience is impressive. While Beldum is still growing, Lunatone could offer immediate support. It's a Pokémon that relies on strategy and defense, a perfect complement to your analytical approach."
Valeria approached Lunatone cautiously, extending a hand. "Hello," she said softly. "You're quite… unique." Lunatone tilted slightly, its eye pulsing with a gentle light. It seemed to observe her with an ancient, quiet intelligence. Valeria felt a strange connection to the creature's serene presence, a stark contrast to the frantic energy of her own world. It felt like looking at a piece of the night sky, brought down to earth.
Valeria's Pokédex buzzed as she scanned Lunatone. The screen lit up with data, Pokédex Entry: Lunatone
Species: Meteorite Pokémon
Type: Rock / Psychic
Height: 1.0 m (3′03″)
Weight: 168.0 kg (370.4 lbs)
Sex: Genderless (no male/female)
Moves:
Tackle
Harden
Confusion
Rock Throw
Moonblast
Moonlight
Hypnosis
Ability: Levitate — grants immunity to Ground-type moves and associated hazards
Description: Lunatone is thought to have originated from a meteorite — its body resembles a crescent rock, and it was discovered at a meteor impact site. Its presence is linked to lunar cycles: legends say it becomes more active under the light of a full moon.
Lunatone doesn't walk — it floats silently above ground using psychic powers and keeps a calm, mysterious demeanor. Its glowing red eye seems to stare into the cosmos, and legend holds that its stare can lull foes to sleep or unsettle those who meet it under moonlight.
Though not physically imposing, Lunatone combines rock-type resilience with psychic mystique. It is often regarded as a guardian of lunar secrets, a cosmic wanderer whose origins lie beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Valeria looked at Lunatone, then back at Orion. "How much does it cost?" she asked, her voice steady.
Orion's smile shifted slightly. "Ah, yes. The price. The introductory discount period for Lunatone has recently concluded. Its full price is now 750,000 dollars."
Valeria didn't flinch. She reached into her specialized utility belt, producing a sleek, credit-card-like device. "I'll take it." She swiped the card, the transaction completing with a quiet beep.
Orion nodded, impressed by her swift decision. "An excellent choice. And as a thank you for your purchase, please accept this." He presented her with a standard Poké Ball. "It's a complementary standard Poké Ball."
Valeria took the Poké Ball, its familiar weight grounding. She looked at Lunatone, who had been observing the exchange with its usual placid gaze. "Ready for a new home?" Valeria asked softly. Lunatone pulsed its crimson eye, a silent affirmation. Valeria carefully aimed the Poké Ball and pressed the button. A beam of light shot out, enveloping Lunatone. The creature offered no resistance, its form dissolving into energy and being drawn into the sphere. A soft click echoed in the room, signifying the successful capture. Lunatone was now hers.
Orion watched Valeria cradle the Poké Ball containing Lunatone. A subtle shift occurred in his demeanor, his playful curiosity replaced by a more somber gravity. He turned to Valeria, his expression earnest.
"Valeria," he began, his voice losing some of its usual lightheartedness, "there's something else. A mission, if you will."
He explained that he'd received an urgent directive regarding a significant event. "We need to plant an immense number of Berry seeds," Orion stated, his gaze steady. "It's crucial for an upcoming world transformation. More wild Pokémon will be arriving soon, and we need to be ready to support them."
Valeria's brow furrowed, her mind instantly racing through scientific possibilities and potential ecological impacts. "More Pokémon? Here? That's… a lot to consider. A massive undertaking. But also, incredibly exciting." She paused, her gaze thoughtful. "Planting that many seeds on a global scale… that's going to require significant resources. Do you have a plan for that?"
Orion shook his head. "That's where I was hoping you might offer some insight. And doesn't have to be on a global scale. The size of a region or city will be enough. Your family has… extensive connections. And resources. Do you have any ideas on how we could accomplish such a massive planting and cultivation effort?"
Valeria tapped her chin, a spark of her father's ingenuity igniting. "My parents," she mused, "they work with government agencies, have access to advanced agricultural technology, and vast research facilities. They might be able to help us devise a method for large-scale planting and cultivation. I can talk to them. I'll get back to you."
Orion nodded, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "That would be a tremendous help, Valeria. Thank you."
Valeria purchased a few containers of Moomoo Milk and a selection of Poké Blocks from Orion's store, placing them carefully into her utility belt. She gave Lunatone's Poké Ball a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you, Orion," she said, her voice firm with newfound purpose. "For everything. I'll speak with my parents about the Berry seeds. We'll figure something out." She glanced at the Poké Ball, a determined glint in her eyes. "And Lunatone and I will be ready."
Orion offered a warm smile. "I have no doubt you will be. Your willingness to help is greatly appreciated. Safe travels, Valeria."
With a final nod, Valeria turned and walked towards the exit, the weight of her new Pokémon and the urgency of her mission settling upon her. She stepped out of Pokémon Home, ready to face the challenges ahead, both in her family's lab and in the wider world.
Orion watched her go, a quiet sense of anticipation settling over him. The influx of Pokémon was coming, and the world would certainly be transformed. He hoped they were all ready.
***
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