[E/s/c/a/p/e].:My life can start again~

[~Birdybot~]

Beads of sweat trickled down a thirteen-year-old's face as she screwed it up in effort, panting heavily. She wanted to simply fall, sail gently to a rose-laden ground, and sleep in a proper bed. Sleep for a hundred years. But she couldn't stop, not now. Behind her lay a trail of the evils and dispair which tainted her past life, in front the unknown. All she knew was that whatever lay ahead had to be better than the horrors which were behind. The images of Rukuna's last moments on this earth played over in her head, the sickening crack echoing in her mind.

Lumin angled her feathers, trying to catch an air current. She relaxed a little, leaving her wings outstreched but still as she let the wind carry her forwards. She was flying over countryside, no-one there to see her. Had she gone far away enough yet, though? The air current deposited her in the air again, and she worked her screaming white wings again.

The girl had noticed that she was flying lower than usual, but she didn't really care at the moment. She rubbed her throbbing temples, trying to keep the world before her eyes from swaying as she took a huge gulp of water from the bottle clutched tightly in a pale bony hand. The Starraptor 'morph moaned, straining herself. She wanted to see some sort of shelter, civilisation, before she landed. Her drooping eyes scanned the horizon in search of such a sight, but it was all forests and fields. A few Pokémon looked at her in alarm as she flew past, but that was the only signs of life.

Then came the screeches of Wingull, the smell and taste of salty air. The wide strech of water glittered in the warm sun. Lumin smiled weakly. The sea! She knew that many towns were built on the seashore to attract tourists, and so she dipped a wing and angled off along the coast. A couple of Wingull flew close to her, but she completely ignored them, focusing mainly on her goal; a place where she would be welcomed. She knew that a life staying in one place wouldn't be very suitable for her, so perhaps she should search for a travelling performer, or something... she didn't have anything perticular in mind.

Then Lumin could hear voices. Cheerful people, a curl of smoke rising from a few houses and a boat. She sighed in relief, then pulled her wings in a little, sinking softly to the ground. She winced in pain as she clamped her wings against her body, moaning and whimpering as she rubbed the tender but tensed muscles to try and loosen them. She felt terrible as she staggered into the town.

A few people looked at her. Well, Lumin did look a bit of a mess; tattered clothes, pale, stick thin, covered in scars, crooked nose as though it was brocken, in need of a bath and looked as though she would faint from pain at any moment. Her blue eyes looked at the trainers here. They all looked clean, washed, as though they lived in a city, rather than travelling all over the place... that was it! Lumin knew what she would do. She would no longer try and get a foster family of travellers, but rather become one herself. She would become a trainer. And if any of those scientists came after her, the last place they would look would be at a Laboratory!

Lumin smiled to herself as she found a large board with a map of Konika Village printed on. She traced the quickest route to the Laboratory, and set off. She was terrified when she came to the door, of course. She hated the fact that she had a fear of Laboratories. It was a flaw, a weakness. She stepped towards the door, winced as she drew in a painful breath, then rapped sharply on the door. She wondered what Pokémon she would begin her journey with. She didn't mind. A strong one. A friendly one. That was all she asked for; a friend.

[Prof. Aspen]

For a long moment, it seemed that no one was going to answer to the door. The lab remained quite still, even though from the windows it was obvious that at least the lights in the lobby were on and glowing. It seemed that the professor and her aides were probably in the back, and therefore unable to hear the knock upon the door -- if they were even in.

However, a moment later there came a small scratch upon the surface of the thick wood in response, almost as if something was behind the door, only to be followed by a small cry and the scampering of footsteps as whatever it was retreated across the surface of the tile that made up the flooring on the other side. Soon after, the distinctly heavier sound of human footsteps approached, as did the sound of a door knob turning as someone opened the door.

"Oh! I apologize, we were working on something in the back..." an ebony-haired woman smiled warmly as she became visible. Her long hair was pulled back into a messy bun with a pencil sticking through the center, and she had a pair of goggles hanging around her neck. A lab coat was tossed almost carelessly over her pale blue t-shirt, and her jeans showed obvious signs of wear and tear considering the various rips that were beginning to show. "Luckily Ria was around to hear or you may have been waiting a while..."

A small, blue creature was positioned on her shoulder, waving merrily in Lumin's direction. Judging by the slight indication of the woman's icy blue eyes as she mentioned the name "Ria", one could assume that she had been indicating the small Riolu. Really, it seemed even the name was a dead giveaway considering it was just an effeminate form of the first three letters of the species name.

However, it seemed that the professor finally took notice of just what sort of condition Lumin was in, for a flash of concern reared up almost immediately on her features as she took her eyes off her little companion and fully took in the other individual's appearance. "Dear, are you alright? Here, come inside, come now... I want to get a better look at you. No one should be walking around like that. Ria, go get Kiana. I know you always seem to know where she is."

If she had noticed Lumin's unhuman features, Professor Aspen obviously didn't care about them in the least as she held out a hand to the Pokemorph for support if she needed it. In response to her trainer's order, the Riolu that had been on her shoulder promptly hopped off and ran across the room to disappear into the passage that lead to the rooms that made up the lab beyond the lobby.

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[~Birdybot~]

Lumin was rather tense as the door swung open, revealing the lab's interior and a professor standing there. A white coat, and everything. Just like the nightmares Lumin remembered. She felt more at ease when she saw a perfectly happy Riolu with Professor Aspen, but was still nervous. Scared, although she hated to admit things like that. She watched Aspen's cold but kind blue eyes flicker to the cheery Riolu as she mentioned 'Ria', so the Starraptor 'morph assumed that that was the Riolu's name. She waved back at Ria, but it wasn't the energetic, happy movement the Riolu had made.

Lumin's eyes showed a spark of alarm at Aspen's next words. The coming inside bit would be terrifying and a daunting task, but she would be able to do it with little worry as long as she looked on the bright side and at the outcome of this visit; becoming a trainer. But the other suggestion... get a closer look. In the mouth of a doctor or friendly scientist, that meant a good, helpful thing. But, to Lumin, who rarely trusted people, if any scientist said it, they would probe around her wings, hurting. She walked in, eyes wary and fixed on Aspen.

She watched as Ria left to fetch this 'Kiana'. Was she a Pokémon, or a person? Lumin hoped she was a Pokémon, then it would be easier for her. She made guesses at what Pokémon Kiana would be. If Ria was an edited version of 'Rio' from 'Riolu', then perhaps Kiana was the same? Lumin couldn't think of any Pokémon whose name sounded similar to that. Maybe this time, it was a more original name.

Lumin was now alone with Aspen. The Professor. The Professor who was either nice or mean. The girl would try to avoid being examined, of course. She was in pain, tired, grubby, but that would stop her. No, of course not. She shook her head. "I'm all right, really. Nothing a bath won't cure." she smiled weakly, then winced, gritting her teeth to stop her going crying out. She had moved her shoulders in the motion of shrugging, and a stab of pain shot along her wings.

Lumin's face hardened. "All right. Fine. I am in pain. But... I'm scared. I'm really, really scared." she began, hardly believing herself as she gave herself away to a scientist and a stranger. "I-I've had bad experiences in Laboratories... that's where I became a Pokémorph. I managed to escape, but they killed my friend. I came here, looking to start my journey. You see, I think the last place they'd expect me to run off to is a Laboratory. And I think if I had Pokémon to protect me, I'll be able to stay away..." she trailed off. She watched Aspen's face for a response, good or bad.

[Prof. Aspen]

It seemed extremely unlikely that the professor was going to be soothed by Lumin's words, particularly considering the Pokemorph had just winced which contradicted them entirely. The woman's brow furrowed, her bottom lip becoming marked with pressure as she bit down on it, concern etched in every inch of her thin face. It was obvious that very few people came to her lab in such a condition, and unfortunately, though she was a researcher, she wasn't a nurse.

And unfortunately the nearest Pokemon Center happened to be in Purity Valley. No one had really even thought about building on in Konika Village, though the woman made a mental note to perhaps inquire about the possibility.

"You poor dear..." she said quietly after Lumin had finished speaking, her icy blue eyes quickly looking her up and down. "You're more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need... I do give out starter Pokemon, but I don't think you should go back on the road in such a condition. The Pokemon of my aides and myself make my lab more than safe."

"Riii!" the small cry that came from Ria's mouth as the Riolu reappeared on all fours announced that she had returned. Her crimson eyes sparkled excitedly, though it seemed she had come alone save for the relaxing, cool chill that seemed to accompany her as she drew closer to the pair.

"Ah... Ria, good, you found Kiana," the professor looked down at the small dog-like Pokemon as she skidded to a stop, grabbing on to her trainer's pant leg as the woman fixed her gaze on an area that seemed completely empty, at least, empty until a white form gradually began to materialize.

The Froslass that appeared was an elegant being, a Pokemon that seemed to drift in the air with such ease she almost seemed to be dancing with every movement. Even though her eyes seemed to hold a cold look, it nevertheless seemed that she was looking upon every living thing with some kind, protective air, particularly when her eyes settled on the Riolu that was smiling up at her.

"I figured maybe having Kiana here may help dull any pain your in... cold has a curious habit to do that," Morwen glanced at Lumin again, her Froslass drifting closer with an almost curious air as the Pokemon tried to get a better look at the curious individual that had entered the lab. Never before had she seen a humanoid that had so many Pokemon features... Pokemorphs weren't exactly a common sight in the Lanorae region. The resident Team Diamond seemed to focus more on Pokemon experimentation rather than human experimentation.

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[~Birdybot~]

Lumin watched as this Kiana. She wasn't sure whether this was quite the right thing, for she knew how scared she was about being treated at a Laboratory. For goodness' sake, she been kidnapped and mutated in one! She didn't know what to expect. Kiana could be anything from a helpless Magikarp to a rampaging Rhyperior. She just couldn't tell at this moment. Out of habit, she tried to remain expressionless, biting her lip to try and keep from showing fear or pain in any way.

Kiana emerged. A Frosslass, an always-female Ice type which evolved from Snorunt into this rather than Glalie. She couldn't blame those female Snorunt, really. Glalie were very male-looking indeed, and she was certain she wouldn't want to be a Pokémorph of that, although she had heard of many male trainers living Glalie. One of them was extremely famous, she recalled, whose Snorunt evolved shortly before a League battle... what was the trainer's name again? Ash, wasn't it?

Lumin watched the graceful Ice type move, and felt more relaxed, although still nervous. Her senses were on hyperdrive, registering every slight movement or sound that was made. She was having second thoughts about this, now... perhaps she should just go to one of those rental places and catch a wild Pokémon...

... no. She would persevere. She would be brave. She rolled her shoulders, then gasped in pain, remembering. Urgh, she really wished she hadn't flown such a long distance now. She was fine with just a little five minute affair, and that was without the loud of a backpack. She felt she would probably have to get a Flying type Pokémon at some point and teach it the move Fly using the HM. Ironic, of course, but better than this terrible pain whenever she took to the sky.

She showed Kiana the source of her pain, her tender, poorly spliced wings, where the tendons travelled up her wings and her skin changed to feathers. When this was over, she wouldn't want to hassle Aspen and herself by staying here too long... she felt she would probably be fine after a bath and a week or so of wearing a bandage. She thought about where she would be able to have a bath. The Pokémon Centre, probably. Or perhaps there was a pool of water nearby. Anything, really. Yes, this place was by the sea, as she recalled. She could just wash in there. She loosened her muscles, preparing herself for whatever it was Kiana would do.

[Prof. Aspen]

Professor Aspen gave a small indication of her head to the Froslass that had appeared. The woman was really only distantly aware of the cool presence the ghost type emitted, having grown used to it over the years, but it was evident that the closer Kiana got the cooler it seemed to be. The Froslass drifted around to Lumin's back, her eyes narrowing slightly for a moment before she began to speak in her Pokemon tongue.

`It may be a bit cool, m'lady, but at the very least it'll numb any pain until you can get to a Pokemon Center where you can be helped properly,` the words that could be translated from the numerous echoing sounds the Froslass made seemed to have an almost formal air to them as she raised one of her hands and placed it lightly between the large wings that were present. Her eyes took on a momentary icy glow, and almost immediately ice crystals began to develop rapidly, forming around the bases of the wings and between them in a somewhat flowery pattern. Her job done, the Froslass drifted away to float behind her trainer again, coming closer to the ground so that Ria could leap easily onto her head and settle down there.

Seeing that her Pokemon was done, Morwen put on a kind smile. "If there's anything else I can do please don't hesitate to ask. I'll admit I'm rather curious as to why you landed at my lab."

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[~Birdybot~]

Lumin winced a little at the sudden cold touch to her shoulders. Her first instinct was to lash out and run, but she forced herself to stay put, gritting her teeth as she concentrated on Kiana's looks. A Frosslas, eh? She had never seen one before, let alone this close up. She was an interesting sight, and very graceful, oddly so. As her eyes took on a paler blue colour, like ice, she felt even lower temperatures strike her back. She gritted her teeth harder, taking in deep breahs to avoid shock.

When Kiana removed her paw, Lumin felt warmer again, but her shoulders were still refreshingly cool. After the shock of sudden extreme temperatures, it actually did feel much better. She sighed, smiling. She would be sure to visit the Pokémon Centre, as suggested, of course, but for now, this would do nicely.

Lumin was glad that these people were nice scientists. It seemed an odd thing in her mind, the words 'scientist' and 'nice' or 'kind' next to each other. Almost an impossibility; what she was used to was painful experiments, tests, monitering, impossible excercises and more recently death along with the usual heartless cruelty. Her mind was merely starting to adapt to accomodate the friendlier outside world. After all, she did know hardly anything about it, having been brought up in a Laboratory away from prying eyes.

At Professor Aspen's question, she smiled. "Why did I land here? Well, I was just trying to find civilisation, so I followed the coast until I came here. I saw a Laboratory, and thought that it would be the ideal place to hide for no-one in Team Galactic would think I would hide in the very places I hate." she nodded, then added, "No offense, you're fine." She felt content with this answer, then remembered something else she had planned on the moment she had seen the sign. "Oh! Also, I noticed you give out starter Pokémon. Could I please have a look at Firecub and Seaward? Shinies, if you have them." she asked politely. Yes, a Pokémon would be a good thing to have. That way, if anyone attacked her, she would be able to fend them off with help. Plus, a Pokémon would make a good friend and keep her from being lonely.

[Prof. Aspen]

"None taken, I understand," Professor Aspen replied simply. She tilted her head slightly to the side, almost as if it was simply easier for her to listen that way, though she gave an affirming nod when Lumin mentioned the starting Pokemon.

"Yes, we do give out starting Pokemon to beginning trainers," she smiled faintly. "I would have suggested them for your journey to the next town, so all the same I'd be happy to show you what we have. We don't have any 'shinies' though, presently. That is a rare mutation after all..."

To be perfectly honest, Morwen Aspen never had really much understood the fascination shiny Pokemon gave some people. After all, it was really more so the personality of the Pokemon that caused the bond between trainer and creature to meld, not the colouration. To each their own, she supposed.

While ordinarily she might had allowed passage into the habitats located behind the lab, she thought it best that, in this situation, the Pokemon be brought out, thus she sent a glance in Kiana's direction and almost immediately the Froslass vanished from sight. "She'll be back momentarily," the professor mused, clasping her hands behind her back. And sure enough, two Pokeballs came floating out of the corridor that spanned between the bookcases, and promptly opened as the Froslass materialized again to reveal the blue, serpentine water-type and the orange, fiery lion cub.

Professor Aspen nodded in their direction. "Feel free to take a closer look."

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[~Birdybot~]

ooc// It's a short post cos I have no muse, and I tossed a coin to see which Pokémon was the friendly one.

ic// Lumin looked between the two Pokémon. She entirely understood about Aspen not having any shiny Pokémon as of present, for she knew just how rare they were. They must be as rare a Pokémorphs! Or something like that. The Starraptor 'morph sighed. These two Pokémon. She did supposed she prefered the looks of a Firecub, but if the Seaward was better suited to being a first Pokémon, then she would take it. Whichever Pokémon was hardy, loyal, adventurous, gentle and a strong fighter. Maybe not all those factors, but at the very least, one or two would be nice. Lumin closed her eyes, drawing herself together as she perpared to view the Pokémon.

When she opened them again, her vision was hazy, as though someone had covered her eyes in clouded glass. Her mouth twitched into a frown. A blind moment. How, how she hated them. And now, of all times... this was most inconvenient. She had been about to choose her starter, for goodness' sake! Swallowing, she descided not to mention it to Aspen, not wanting to cause any more trouble; she could still the the vague outlines of things, but she couldn't tell which starter was which. This was a mild blindness, and she knew it would wear off in a few minutes, an hour at most.

So, relying on her other senses to guide her, Lumin looked down at her arm as she felt a warm body press against her. She had no idea which one of the starter Pokémon this was, but it seemed that the other was a few feet away. She was unsure of what it was doing. The one by her arm, on the other hand, appeared to be... watching her? As if, perhaps, it was worried for her sake, or something... with the extra sense she could every now and then achieve during a blind moment, Lumin felt that this Pokémon was a little afraid of her, but still wanted to help. The other seemed to be staying clear of the odd-looking girl. A smile passed over Lumin's scarred face.

She stood up, nodding to the Pokémon - which, although she did not know this, was the Firecub. She looked to Professor Aspeon, smile growing larger. "This is the Pokémon I would like, please." she said politely, very sure of herself. She was tingling with excitement; the bright side to this would be the surprise when she found out what Pokémon this was at her side. She strained her eyes on Aspen, taking in any change in her blurred outline or emotion so that she would know when to hold out her hand to take her mystery Firecub's Pokéball and her starter pack. Then she would probably head over to the Pokémon Center to rest before continuing.

[Prof. Aspen]

Professor Aspen offered a slight nod and a smile as Lumin made her decision, her eyes twinkling warmly, as she recalled the other Pokemon, the Seaward, to its pokeball. The water-type disappeared without any complaint. It knew there would be other chances to get chosen by a trainer, it could easily wait. She handed the sphere back to her Froslass, and slipped the pokeball that belonged to the Firecub into the item pack that Kiana had been kind enough the fetch while Lumin was examining the starters. "It's Pokeball is in here, but you can feel free to keep it out if you wish. I'm sure it'd enjoy some fresh air."

She held the pack out for Lumin to take, still smiling faintly. [img]http://i40.tinypic.com/2e1zyo9.jpg[/img]
[b]Name:[/b] Your choice.
[b]Gender:[/b] Your choice [female dominant species].
[b]Level:[/b] 5.
[b]Attacks:[/b] Scratch | Growl.
[b]Nature:[/b] Your choice.
[b]Experience:[/b] 0.
[b]Happiness Status:[/b] 0.

[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem004.png[/img] Pokeball x5
[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem013.png[/img] Potion x5
[img]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem023.png[/img] Full Heal x3
[img]http://pokemonelite2000.com/rsitem294.png[/img] Region Map x1
[ Credits now being added ]

"I wish you luck on your journey," she ended, showing that there was nothing else she could offer before Lumin set off.

[ You may now move on to Route One! ]

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