Cadence's eyes were riveted on the spot where the glowing light swirled before forming a sphere. Two small feet appeared, and a paddle-like tail was emitted from its back. As if in slow-motion, at least to Cadence, it formed the round Pokémon Poliwag.

Cadence felt her jaw drop in shock as she squealed, delighted that not only did she now have a water-element Pokémon, but it was so adorable! The brunette kneeled next to the tadpole Pokémon, which looked at her with suspicion, large ebony eyes narrowed. Suddenly nervous, Cadence held out her hand to it. "Hullo there. I'm Cadence, your new partner."

For a moment it only stared, before lifting one leg to her hand, balancing on its flat tail and other foot. "Poli poli," It responded, voice hollow with an echo. The swirls on its tummy caught Cadence's eye and she could barely hold back her jubilance before sweeping the surprised Pokémon up in her hands, and returning to Aprille's side.

The rest of the day passed quickly enough, with Cadence naming her Poliwag companion Astrum. She was like Cadence, as well. Slightly shy but willing to be friendly once known. She and December, Aprille's eevee, got along very well, talking and socializing while Cadence and Aprille watched Karalyn recieve a Caterpie as her starting Pokémon.

Once it was over, each trainer recieved some basic supplies, due to their financial situations. It was done privately, to avoid embarassment. Because Cadence and Aprille were from poor families, each recieved five PokéBalls, two potions, three antidotes, one paralyz heal, and one awakening. Professor Willow took good care of her trainers.

With a sigh, Cadence and Aprille stepped outside the lab, past Karalyn's friends, heading towards Lead and Coal. Aprille had already talked to her parents, but Cadence still had to tell her own her decision. She'd been saving her allowance whenever she could to last her journey, and hopefully battling would earn her some more. Poliwag and Eevee jovially bounced between their trainers, often causing them to trip but never to fall.

"So," Aprille said during a momentary lapse in conversation. "Where are you going, Cadence? What league are you going to be in?"

The aforementioned brunette considered this question. "I've always thought I'd do the Mirage League. It's always been my favorite, and besides - my Grandfather always told me to go to it. Never knew why, though."

Aprille nodded her head. She knew Cadence held her late Grandfather in high esteem. "I hadn't decided. But maybe, we could go together? I don't really want to go by myself."

At the prospect, a smile formed on Cadence's lips. "Of course, Aprille! This journey is looking better all the time!"

The rest of the trip to Cadence's home was rather quiet, as Aprille discussed battles they'd seen or what trainer was the best. Aprille really adored electric types but had a love for the furry creature, so she was pretty sure she was given December to evolve her into Jolteon. Cadence didn't know much about Poliwags, but her PokéDex had given her some information.

"Poliwag - the Tadpole Pokémon. This timid Pokémon uses the swirl on its belly to hypnotize its opponents before finishing them off with water-based attacks. Specimen knows: Bubble."

December's had been more bright. "Eevee - the Evolution Pokémon. This friendly Pokémon is rare and known for the fact that it reacts in different ways to certain elements, and can evolve into many different choices. Specimen knows: Tackle and Growl."

But Cadence knew that Astrum would learn in time, and that he would be the best Pokémon ever. She just knew it. And by becoming a master of the Mirage League, she would be rich, and her family would move out of Coal and maybe into Crede.. Mew, they'd probably move out of the entire Lead County!

Cadence was taken out of her revelry when Aprille tapped her on the shoulder. "Aprille to Cadence! Come in, Cadence! You're home!" With a smile, Cadence saw her home, and could hear the sound of her parents cooking over a fire in the backyard.

Aprille and Cadence went around, her parents sitting of a wooden log/stool that they kept inside the house with the other wood lumber. It rained so much, they couldn't risk letting the lumber sit outside. Even then, the fire was built close to the house with a metal sheet over it to keep out the rain and let the family cook during a downpour. They had no electricity, after all.

Camille and Anthony looked up to see their daughter arrive with a short- haired brunette while they rested after breakfast. Camille's eyes were reproachful, yet there was delight and sadness in them. The main emotion in Anthony's was pride. He had adored his father, and Cadence following in his footsteps made him more proud then he could remember.

"Cadence," Camille started warily. "I know you're going off on your journey, but you still shouldn't have left without telling us! A little missed sleep would not have hurt us. Besides, it's Sunday, there's no work." That explained the late breakfast.

Aprille and December stepped back to allow Cadence to talk to her parents with dignity. "I'm sorry Mom, but you looked so peaceful.. And besides, I got there quicker without saying goodbye at the beginning. And this way, you'll get to meet Astrum."

It was then that the parents noticed the Poliwag, which was sitting there quizzically, tail making a tattoo on the ground as it waved vertically. Camille's eyes flew open and Anthony took in a sharp intake of breath, before the taciturn father spoke.

"Cadence.. I'm so proud of you. Maybe.. maybe you should take Vapor with you. He does nothing here, just lazes around when I let him out. And besides, he's getting old. Going on the journey will remind him of when he was young," Anthony's eyes were brimming with tears that he would never cry in front of others. He was losing his daughter. From his pocket on the inside of his vest, he drew a PokéBall, handing it to Cadence. "He can't fight as well anymore, but he'll always have good advice."

Camille was silent during this exchange, but nodded in assent. Her daughter could leave. With a sigh, and a softly whispered goodbye, Cadence went to Aprille and smiled warmly, a solitary tear slipping down her cheek and falling in a puddle on the ground. Aprille returned the grin, and they headed to the forest once more.