DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Pokemon or the names of the Pokemon used. They are Nintendo owned.
It was the soft light fitting in through with the curtains and spilling on to her face that woke Astrid. She furrowed her brow at the light and tried her best to cover her face with a blanket, but the waves and particles found a way to seep through the cracks in the fabric. She let out a quiet yawn and tossed the blankets off of herself with slight finality. Astrid lifted her head from the pillow, knowing her borealis colored hair was in tangles and bunches around her face.
She moved her legs to the edge of the mattress and let them slide over the corner. The hardwood flooring was ice cold, making her retract her toes for a second. She glared downward hoping that she could somehow warm up the spots she would be stepping on. She wondered why waking up was always so hard for her, when her mothers words echoed from the opening in her door.
"The early spearow gets the wurmple, and being a slakoth won't get you anywhere in life!" The tall Labei woman spoke in a sweet and comforting tone to Astrid. Astride mother was tall and tan skinned, much like herself. Her mother, Taya, had longer ears than Astrid, but her hair was shorter on her head and swung just above her shoulders. She looked very matronly in an apron and spent most of her day cleaning up after her glameow, who was rather sassy in nature. "Don't forget to take Sherbet with you when you go, or she get upset with you." Taya motioned to the love ball on Astrid's vanity and gave a wink before turning to return to the kitchen.
Astrid adjusted her lapin-like ears and let herself slip off the bed. She shifted toward her vanity before deciding to get dressed before playing with Sherbet. The idea of having to cross the icy floor to her wardrobe was treacherous, but she made the journey anyway. As she placed her hand on the handle a soft dinging came from over her shoulder - some soft chiming that was almost ethereal. Thinking Sherbet was angry with her for not greeting her immediately, Astrid spun on her heel and let out a sigh of defeat. She was greeted by nothing. She blinked for a second and scratched the back of her head. She looked to her nightstand and noticed her Pokégear flashing. Astrid's eyes caught fire instantly - her heart about to pack a suit case and head to the orange islands from the stress load it was receiving. Today was the day Astrid would be granted her very own Pokédex. She must has just gotten the email on where to meet Pofessor Zelkova. She realized that she'd forgotten to breathe, and was probably turning blue. She took a moment to catch her before throwing on her outfit for the big day. She wore a cream colored top made of soft, simple wool. Her skirt was high-waisted and of a pastel brown hue - it reminded Astrid of the color of her mothers coffee, since she used a lot of creamer. She spent more time than she would have liked choosing her stockings, but settled on an off-white pair that came up to the thigh and had small hearts in a garter line up to her hips. Her favorite pair of booties to match her black cardigan, which both had little pink buttons on the side.
Astrid combed out her long, pastel hair, making sure to be extra careful around her ears, and grabbed her belongings as swiftly as she could without falling over herself. Lastly, she grabbed Sherbets pokéball and smiled at it as she let the Pokémon out to stretch its legs. She ran her finger over the glittering button and the top popped open with a bright flash of light. A soft pink Azumarill materialized in front of Astrid and her anxiety seemed to wash away some. Sherbet had been with Astrid since she was just an Azurill. Sherbet let out a similar yawn to her owners and turned to face Astrid. The pokémons face lit up with delight and she began to sing with excitement for the day that was ahead of them. Sherbet seemed almost as pumped as Astrid was.
Taya called from the living room, summoning her daughter to the family room at the front of the house. Astrid knew that this was the moment she was about to leave all that she knew behind her and expand her mind and her strength far beyond anything she's ever known. Sherbet made a mad dash for the front room, clearly ready to get on the road - Astrid not trailing too far behind, her pink purse was the last thing to swing out of her room as the door slammed shut - a soft chiming noise racing past her window.
The pitter-patter of Astrid and Sherbets feet could be heard throughout the whole house as they raced one another through the hallways. Sherbet thought she was would get the upper hand and used aqua jet to zoom around the corner to the family room. Astrid, prone to accidents, slipped on the small puddle Sherbet had made and landed with a crash on her side. The Pokemon immediately felt terrible and rushed to the girls side. Taya, who was sitting on the couch let out a bellowing laugh at her daughter. "Clumsy as ever," Taya said with a chuckle as she rose from her seat. "You truly are my child after all!"
Astrid giggled with her mother and picked herself up off the floor and brushed herself off. Sherbet began to blow dry the spot on her stockings that was wet. She strode across the room to her mother, whom had moved to the kitchen. Astrid took a seat at the breakfast nook and looked down at the plate in front of her. Her mother had made Cinnamon rolls with orange zest and mint sprigs, Astrid's personal favorite. Her eyes lit up and she dug in without warning. Sherbet was scanning something in the corner of the family room closely, but Astrid was too focused on the fluffy deliciousness in front of her. Taya finished drinking her glass of coffee and stood watching while her daughter finished eating her breakfast. Eventually, Taya's Glameow, Silver, had come into the room and jumped up next to Astrid's plate. Astrid eye'd the cat for a moment, making sure she wouldn't take a swipe at her buns. Silver just let out a purr and rubbed her face against the edge of the plate before setting over by a sugar holder. Astrid considered herself lucky.
As soon as she was finished eating her food, she leaned back in her bar stool, her stomach full. She let out a sigh of indulgence and looked to her mother, whom hadn't moved since finishing her coffee. Taya just smiled at her, examining Astrid's face and posture. Astrid's left eyebrow raised with curiosity and almost instantly Taya's face swelled with tears. Astrid threw up her hands in defense, but her mothers embrace was soon upon her - squeezing her sides so tightly she thought her head might roll off her shoulders. Taya tried her hardest to regain her composure, but the thought of Astrid leaving was simply too overwhelming for her. She soon let go of Astrid - who had to grasp the counter to regain her breath - and took a step back. "I'm sorry honey!" Taya had clearly noticed Astrid was struggling after her hug. "I just want to make sure I remember everything perfectly!" The tall woman let out an embarrassed chuckle and tilted her head to the side. "It's almost time for you to go meet the professor and the others," Taya said, moving back I tot the family room and over to where Sherbet was standing, poking at something with her tail and... Laughing? Taya bent over and picked up a round pink orb, the size of a baby. Astrid shifted in her seat to look more closely at the strange object, only to realize that it was a Pokemon! Taya moved slowly back to her daughter and held out the small pink puff. "For my gracious and loving daughter, who has always dedicated herself to helping others and for sacrificing everything to achieve your dreams."
The Happiny blinked at Astrid with wide eyes. It's little feet swinging under its rounded bottom. A smooth rock was placed in its tiny pouch and, to Astrid's surprise, She had two curls on the top of her head. The Happiny let out a cheer of delight and began to squirm in Taya's arms, clearly ready to walk on her own. Sherbet who was bouncing up and down behind Taya trying to play with her new friend some more, was starting to become impatient and began poking Taya in the rear with her ears and whining. Astrid reached out and took her new Pokemon in her hands and gave her a soft squeeze. The Happiny giggled and adjusted her rock so that it wouldn't fall out of its pouch. Astrid looked back to her mother with tearful eyes. Taya looked away in a second and moved her hands in rejection. "Don't start crying! You'll get me started again too!" The woman moved to the counter and grabbed a tissue to wipe her face. "So, how about you give that Happiny a nickname? Any ideas?" The mother said looking at the Happiny, who was now singing a song to Sherbet. Astrid looked around the room, trying to gather ideas for something cute, but it was far harder than shed expected. Happiny continued singing and when Taya broke Astrid's thought process. "She seems to like singing, why not name her Melody?" She kneeled I front of the Happiny who was glad to have another audience member, and Astrid couldn't think of a better name for the new addition to her family. Astrid gave a wide grin and nodded in agreement. She placed Melody in the floor and gave her mother a hug.
"Okay, okay, enough of the sappy stuff. Have you got all your things?" Taya pulled a list out of her apron pocket and began to rattle off numerous items that Astrid had had packed and ready to go for weeks. When she finished reading the list - and checking to see if Astrid had truly packed it - she let out a sniffle and turned her nose up. "Okay... It's time." Taya looked into Astrid's eyes deeply. Astrid looked back with the utmost determination. Her mothers seemed to like this spunk. "You will always have your home here with me." Taya nodded, her long ears bowing slightly. "And if you ever feel lost, just remember that there will be people to help you and that you can achieve anything. You are my child, and I definitely didn't raise door mat," Taya gave a hearty laugh. Astrid blushed, knowing that her temper can be intense when she's pushed. "Give this world hell, Kid. Your future is in your hands now, I just hope I gave you all the proper tools and skills to help carry you to the top." Taya placed her hand on Astrid's shoulder and she leaned in, planting a kiss on her daughters forehead. "I love you." Astrid smiled, her face a rose color from embarrassment. Taya adjusted Astrid's right ear, and glided over to the front door and opened it slowly. The light filtered in and soon filled the whole room. The sweet scent of the forest washing over her. Astrid moved into the opening of the door and looked out. Her entire community was standing at the gate to her village. In an uproar, they all began cheering and screaming her name. Astrid blushed and looked to her mother over her shoulder. Taya gave her the final nod and started waving. Silver had woken up and was circling Astrid's legs, wiping her face all over her stockings. Silver clearly wanted all the other Pokemon to know who Astrid belonged too. Astrid pat the Glameow on the head and took her first step out of the door.
Her village was only a community of 137 Labei. They lived in the trunks of thick, giant trees that stretched up fifty feet. Each home had windows, doors and flower planters carved into the wood. Their community garden was blooming and some of the berries had already fallen to the grown in ripeness. The plush grass cushioned her feet as she moved gracefully through the ocean of familiar faces and hands gently caressing her hands as she passed. Her village Shaman and Priestess were standing at the head of the crowd closest to the large archway gate. The archway was made of two formidable trees, bent and twisted around one another - each covered in garlands of hang moss, flowers and vines. As she approached the exit to her home, the shaman, Favaza, greeted her with open arms, squeezing her shoulders lightly in his palms. He was an Elderly Labei male, his skin wrinkled around his eyes and mouth from smiling so often. Her turned to face the crowd and they all silenced themselves at once.
"Astrid, my child, my how you've grown." His voice was rough and wispy at the same time - as though knowledge and wisdom flowed through him. "The time has come for you to leave your home behind and travel the world, learning the secrets and seeing the beauty of this region as I once did as a young lad." His yellow eyes flashed with memories for a second before he continued, smiling wider now. "No matter where you go, Flora Village will forever be your homeland. Never forget the forest that birthed you and nurtured you as a babe." His wide set smiled turned on Astrid, who was standing tall and proud in front of him. "Now I bless thee, go forth and conquer your destiny." Favaza finished with finality, throwing his arms into the air. The crowd went crazy, screaming and cheering again. Astrid gave a bow to her people, waving at all over them. She glazed over the hoopla, and caught a glimpse of her mother in the door to her house. Silver was sitting on her moms shoulder, Taya blowing her daughter a kiss. Astrid acted as though she caught it and tucked it into her purse. She gave both Taya and Favaza one last nod and spun on her heel. The road out of Flora Village was lined with Lilies - Astrid's favorite flower. She knew that on this glowing day, nothing and no one would stand in her way. She bent her knee and crossed the threshold into the vast region of Vestiria - Sherbet and Melody singing a travel song together.