She wasn’t sure how long she snoozed. It was the quacking that woke her.

A Farfetch’d was exploring her makeshift camp, prodding at the tent with the tip of its leek. It was cautious, staying far away from the woman and the larger bird Pokemon, but it couldn’t seem to help a cackle of triumph as it found the 5-lb sack of sunflower seeds she’d been planning to set out for Dodrio.

Jess watched it with half-lidded eyes.

Male, from the curve of the tail and the lighter voice. Strong wings—it was clearly used to flying and had the meat to back up physical hits. Its leek was sharpened slightly, suitable for cutting or spearing.

She didn’t have to twitch to her hip to know her stylus wouldn’t be waiting there. It had been confiscated along with her license, visa, and badge when they’d caught her with Dodrio. But that didn’t stop the old habits, the old assessments. What could a wild Pokémon do? How could a wild Pokémon help?

They couldn’t. Not this time. Jess had to help herself.

”Aw, hell, look at you...” she said, rubbing her eyes with the back of one hand. The Farfetch’d, which had been happily pecking up some of the seeds, took note of her with clear alarm and made a startled dash for the tall grass. Jess made no move to stop it.

The seeds weren’t going anywhere. Neither was she. Farfetch’d would be back.

Little things took time. Building connections, earning trust, establishing a rapport. It was something people owed to each other, and something they owed to Pokemon. Jess had all the time in the world.

Her chin dropped down to rest on her chest and she closed her eyes again. Help myself.

Maybe she’d help herself tomorrow.

BEFRIENDING FARFETCH’D!