Sunlight stabbed at Zane’s eyes. He groaned, face buried in his arm. “Why can’t magical creatures come out at night? Like raccoons. Raccoons know what’s up.”

Lyra was already bouncing. “Come on, Zane! Best ‘get rich quick’ plan ever! We catch these BloomBounces, become the top supplier of magical plant growth, and boom! We’re rich! So much gold, I might even invent a new way to swim through it!”

Zane squinted at her, exhausted. “Yeah, and what am I supposed to do with all that gold? Buy a bigger bed so I can sleep longer? That’s all I want right now.”

Darius adjusted his bag like he was ready for battle. “Focus is key. We are ready.”

“Finally!” LoreKeeper zipped in front of Zane’s face, pink compass glowing. “This isn’t a royal brunch, sweetie! Get moving!”

Zane swatted at her like a fly. “Alright, alright, I’m moving!”

Lyra rubbed her hands together. “This is going to be so awesome! New inventions, all the money! The world is ours, and we’re taking it!”

Darius pointed towards the meadow like a commander leading his troops. “The BloomBounces are drawn to seeds and soil. We need to find where the earth feels alive.”

LoreKeeper’s needle spun, finding the direction. “Southeast, slowpokes. And try not to trip over your own feet.”

The group moved through the waking meadow. Wet earth. Flowers. Dew sparkling like glitter.

Lyra zoomed ahead. Zane yawned, dragging himself forward.

LoreKeeper hovered over a lush patch of grass, her compass expanding a bit. “This spot right here. Perfect for catching something magical.”

Zane yawned, even louder this time. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s just get it over with.” He looked around at the wildflowers shining in the sunlight. Even though he complained, he had to admit it was pretty. Not that he would ever say it out loud.

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Darius knelt, scattering seeds like it was a ritual. "Stay alert. Any moment now."

A tense silence settled over them. Even Zane was holding his breath. The wind whispered through the tall grass.

A rustle. Faint. Barely there. Imagined? Maybe.

Zane’s eyes snapped open, suddenly wide awake. Lyra crouched down, her focus locked in. Darius’ eyes were sharp, ready for anything.

Another rustle. Closer. A flash of green in the grass.

“There!” Lyra hissed, pointing to a patch of swaying grass.

Nothing. For a second.

Then, a tiny creature appeared. Fairy-tale cute. Baby bunny size. Soft white fur. Green-tipped ears. Big blue eyes.

image [https://i.imgur.com/SQn80yN.png]

Lyra gasped, her eyes lighting up. “It’s real!”

The BloomBounce tilted its head, blinking at her. “BloomBounce!” It bounced closer, saying its name in a cute sing-song voice.

LoreKeeper floated next to Lyra, her pink light buzzing. “Alright, Lyra, it’s showtime! Get that CaptureCube ready. And remember, gentle, darling. We’re not trying to send it into space.”

Lyra pulled the CaptureCube from her pocket. It pulsed in her hand, glowing softly. “Okay, but... how do I use it?”

“Focus and throw it, darling!” LoreKeeper urged. “Think playful invitation. Not taking a hostage.”

Lyra closed her eyes, taking a big breath. “Okay, okay, happy thoughts. I got this.”

Zane snickered. “Yeah, because nothing says ‘happy’ like your face right now, Lyra. Poor thing probably thinks it’s about to get robbed.”

Ignoring him, Lyra pictured the BloomBounce in her mind. Its cuteness. Its energy. She felt warmth grow in her chest, spreading to her fingers. The CaptureCube started to glow even brighter.

The BloomBounce hopped forward, curious.

Lyra opened her eyes, locking onto its gaze. Everything stopped. No sound. No movement.

Lyra grinned. A mischievous, confident grin. She flicked her wrist.

The CaptureCube shot out of her hand, streaking through the air like a burst of light.

Zane’s jaw dropped. “Whoa,” he whispered, eyes wide. It felt like time had slowed down.

The CaptureCube hovered, then exploded.

Glowing shards spiraled around the BloomBounce. Symbols flared. Energy crackled.

“Yes! Get it!” Lyra cheered.

Glowing runes lit up under the creature, forming a bright circle.

The BloomBounce let out another surprised chirp, pushing back against the magic. The air buzzed, glowing with tension.

Lyra held her breath. Heart pounding.

This was it. The moment of truth. Would the magic hold?