Pokeball

“This is an invention of mine.”

He held forward a small metal sphere. Dull black grooves formed lines, and runes criss-crossed its shape, leading to six, evenly spaced points of magical focus. Each focus point was formed of two concentric circles, connected to four others in each cardinal direction. Additionally, the sphere seemed to be composed of two hemispheres, the top red, the bottom white, both equally polished and shiny metal.

“I call it,” Oak continued. “The Pocket Monster Ball.”

Leaf faced him with a quizzical stare.

“Because you see, it’s a ball for monsters that fits in your pocket.”

“Well, I mean. That sounds cool, Professor. But what does it do?”

“Ah, of course. You see,” he began to point towards the concentric circles. “Each of these runes can be linked to a monster that you find in the wild via contact. Once linked to a monster, it forms an empathic bond between the wielder of the Pocket Monster Ball, that’s you, and the monster in question. This should, first and most importantly, make the monster docile enough for close inspection and analysis. But it will also make the monster amenable to commands, allowing for experimentation the likes of which the scientific community has yet to see.”

“Wow!” Leaf was totally lost, but it sounded cool. “That sounds really cool, Professor.”

“It is, isn’t it? Furthermore, touching the rune that’s linked to a monster will allow you to shrink it down inside the ball for easy transportation. Touch it again and they come popping back out. Fascinating, wouldn’t you say?”

...

“I know you’ll make me proud.”

Leaf smiled. Blinked back the tears. “I will, Professor.”

“Good.” He turned back to face his desk. Then spun right back around. “Oh. But do remember, the Pocket Monster Ball can only hold six monsters at a time. Once you’ve filled it up, you can bring it back here and I’ll give you a new one.”

- Chapter 5