#and fdjhhfdj SORRY for the length omg-- no need to match ofc & lmk if youd like anything changed!

[shutter-snap]

Todd had noticed early on that the animals of Spirale were far shyer and less approachable than most Pokemon back home. There were exceptions in both worlds, of course, like curious young fox cubs approaching for nuzzles and pets in the forest here, and grumpy Tyranitar warning him off with powerful roars back in Lental, but overall Todd had found himself struggling to truly connect with his subjects here in the same way he could at home.

He had taken it as a challenge to be met, and had thrown himself into his research in order to better understand the new breeds of wildlife and how to communicate with them. It's taken tireless effort, and he has to admit that this “petting zoo” is a... welcome break.

The creatures at this event aren’t Pokemon, but they behave more like Pokemon than many of the other animals Todd’s met so far. In addition to their friendly curiosity, there seems to be a sense of awareness of his intentions and goodwill that is wonderful to see. He wonders whether that’s unique to these types of creatures, or whether he’s finally learned enough about the fauna of the island to express himself in ways they more readily understand.

He takes picture after picture, breaking here and there to run his hands through soft fur or across glittering scales and thank his new friends with warm smiles and warmer words.

Most of the animals look as though they’d be most at home deep in the forest when they’re not out visiting people in town. Many have the sort of muted color schemes that one would see on Buneary or Shroomish-- excellent for camouflage against the twigs and debris of Radiale’s forest floors-- with breathtaking blues scattered here and there on the wings of what Todd’s friend Barry has described as “magical” beings.

Todd is sure to line up his shots so that each pattern pops against the background of the village; he’s just about finished finding the perfect angle with which to highlight the pale gray of a Noctowl-like bird’s feathers when his shot is suddenly interrupted with a flash of bright yellow that definitely does not belong to any of the visiting animals.

Wh-- hey! He recognizes that tail!

Todd lowers his camera for only a moment before lifting it again, shifting to focus more directly on the mousey shape of a Pikachu a small distance away. Is it here with a trainer, or has it come on its own to investigate the wildlife just like Todd has? ...or maybe it’s even intended to blend in with the animals, awaiting pets and adoration from the human visitors?

He observes for a few minutes, snapping another round of photos just of the Pokemon. Finally, his excitement at seeing a creature from home gets the better of him, and he waves to catch the Pokemon’s attention.

“Pikachu, over here!” Hoping for one more quick shot if it turns to face him, Todd fumbles in his bag for an apple and rolls it gently in Pikachu’s direction.

“How are you liking the event? Have you made friends with any of the animals?”

@lightoball​ !