Scene 25: Happy Birthday

Lyrik always appreciated the birthday parties her Grampa Fuji threw for her, but after her parents left Lavender Town it was never the same. Every birthday that her parents missed was just a reminder of how much it hurt to have them gone… But this year was different.

This year, Lyrik was turning 10years old. That meant she was finally old enough to start a journey and get her Pokémon License! She talked non-stop about her plans to Grampa Fuji and anyone who would listen.

She already had her 3 Poke'mon to start a journey with and she'd done all the research:

Normally, a kid would visit the Region's Pokémon Expert in charge of giving out Starter Pokémon to Rookie Trainers starting out on their journey, in her case, Professor Oak. But that would mean she would have to travel all the way to Pallet Town..! Professor Oak would set everything in order in registering her as an official Pokémon Trainer, and only after receiving her Pokémon License would Lyrik be allowed to register for the Indigo League and compete to collect Pokémon Gym Badges. However, thanks to her Grampa Fuji pulling a few strings (he knew Prof. Oak from their younger days), Lyrik wouldn't have to go through all that hassle. Prof. Oak would be sending her license and information to the nearest town or city with both a Pokémon Center and Gym.

The year had passed quickly, and before she knew it, it was May 4th. The day before Lyrik's birthday. She couldn't contain her excitement. She and Mr. Fuji had discussed it already. She didn't want a big party, or anything, she just wanted to start her journey. Knowing that she'd be leaving first thing in the morning, the other townsfolk gave their congratulations early. Reina promised to keep up with the volunteers and to help her Grampa Fuji all that she could. Lyrik made a final trip to the Pokémon Tower to pay her respects to Marowak. She prays at the grave, saying her final goodbye. Mr. Fuji makes all her favorite food and Lyrik ends up lying awake for hours before she can finally fall asleep. She's just too excited for the next day.

Lyrik is so out of it, she doesn't even notice her Pokémon sneak out of the bedroom. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur meet in the kitchen. They understand that this is a big day for Lyrik, and although she didn't want to celebrate it, the Pokémon want to show their love and appreciation for her as a Trainer.

They talk amongst themselves, pulling things out of the cabinets and fridge. None of them have ever tried to do something like this before, but for Lyrik, they would give it a try.

Lyrik wakes in the early morning. She jumps out of bed and rushes to her closet. Lyrik picks out the clothes she had prepared for her journey: a purple mid-length sleeved top that fell off slightly off the shoulders with matching purple ankle boots, a simple blue-jean skirt paired with a set of turquoise tights and a red belt the same color as her bright hair. After double checking her supplies she slips her yellow cross-body bag's strap over her head and hurries out.

But as soon as she reaches the living room she stops. There's a giant cake in the middle of the table with a little sign saying, "Happy Birthday!" There's a mess from the kitchen to the table of icing & sprinkles and the tiered cake is leaning to one side threatening to collapse. Her shoulders slump, "Grampa! I told you I didn't want a cake for my birthday!" Mr. Fuji comes out of his room, stifling a yawn, "I know, I know… That's why I didn't…" He also stops at the sight of the cake.

Lyrik's Pokémon jump out from behind the monstrosity of a birthday cake. By the looks of their cake-battered hands and faces, Lyrik and Mr. Fuji suspect that they had something to do with this. Lyrik kneels down to their level, "Did you guys make this for me?" They look at one another and smile. Lyrik gets a little teary-eyed. She had become slightly uncertain whether or not her Pokémon liked her. She was always a tough and strict Trainer towards them, but she loved them dearly. She never would have suspected that they'd do something like this for her.

Lyrik pulls them into a hug, nearly suffocating them, "Thank you! Y'all are the best!" She finally stands, ready to begin her journey. But before she leaves, there's one more surprise. Mr. Fuji pulls something from behind his back.

"I know I promised that I wouldn't get you anything, but I saw this & knew you had to have it." It's a scarf- deep blue… just like Pearl's. She touches the fabric gingerly with her fingers, feeling the soft and slightly tattered edges. Lyrik knew that it had to be the same one. Lyrik smiles at the gift. She doesn't have the words. She jumps into her Grampa Fuji's arms. His face is in her hair, holding her tightly, "Be careful. Stay safe." Lyrik nods her head. "I will."

And soon enough, she's running off. Gramma Pearl's scarf wrapped around her neck and her Poképals on her heels. Lyrik is finally headed off on her Pokémon Journey..!