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Valerian wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this.

He had prepared himself for a formal affair. A dignified handoff. Perhaps some words of guidance from a polished professional in a tasteful lab coat. Instead, well…

Director Beck was professional enough. She dressed the part, and had a way of commanding attention without raising her voice. He liked her. She reminded him of his mother in a way. Someone who could run a country while making it look like a light workout.

Then the professor entered.

Or rather, he was was found. Face-down in a puddle of his own coffee. Hair a mess. Facial hair present.

Valerian stared, then blinked once, slowly. [color=pink][i]’This is fine,’[/i][/color] he thought. [color=pink][i]’Everything’s fine.’[/i][/color]

And then the Champion showed up. Loud. Late. Carrying donuts. Talking a mile a minute like she was doing a stand-up routine. Flirting with the Director. Valerian didn’t know whether to be offended, charmed, or concerned. Probably all three.

By the time they were led into the terrarium, his expectations were thoroughly demolished. But at least it was beautiful. The zones were intricate, the space massive. Something about it actually felt… impressive.

Maybe things were turning around.

And then he saw the Pokéballs.

He found the one labeled Valerian and picked it up carefully. He took a breath. Pressed the button.

Light flashed. A shape emerged.

Small.

Round.

Fluttering Wings.

Legs.

…So many legs.

He froze.

[color=pink]“No. No, surely not—”[/color]

The Pokémon hovered in front of him. Bright eyes. Delicate wings. A sparkle of Fairy energy.

A Cutiefly.

[color=pink]“No.”[/color]

His lips tightened. His posture didn’t change. But inside? Screaming.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just looked at her. She floated closer and gave a happy little chirp. She was cute. She was polite. She sparkled. She was a Bug.

For a moment, the princely facade fell. [color=pink]“Of course I received a Bug!”[/color] he exclaimed. [color=pink]“Of course the universe looked at me and said: Give him the most polite insect imaginable!”[/color]

The Cutiefly did not give a damn about Valerian’s freak out, and quietly perched herself on his shoulder.

He sighed. She may have been a Bug, but she was still a Fairy… [color=pink]“Ugh, you’re lucky you’re cute…”[/color]