Even knowing what's coming, the beam of light is a little startling. Carolina reacts better than Maine did: he'd thrown himself sideways, arms over his head to protect it. In comparison, Carolina's slight start is nothing.

Then, the little creature appears. Maine peers down at it, curious to see what Carolina's is like. It's red, for one. Cute, for another.

Are all Pokémon cute? Maine is starting to think so.

"Charmander," Maine repeats in greeting, then gives the little creature a thumbs up. Blue-chan makes an excited sound, obviously wanting to play. But Maine holds back, wanting to give Carolina room to get to know the creature. Wanting to give her more time to smile, too.

And she is smiling, obviously charmed by the little guy. Maine smiles too, pleased.