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Forum Thread

Stardust

Forum-Index Fanmades Fanfictions Stardust
LuminianYung
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Trainerlevel: 66

Forum Posts: 832
Posted: Fri, 16/07/2021 20:57 (2 Years ago)
Stardust

Prologue


A lovely day in Luminia, just like any other day. Contrary to what one would expect above the clouds, it wasn’t always sunny. Thanks to the creator of these islands, the Rayquaza Tempest, these lands had their own weather system, separate to other areas this high above the ground…

Luminia was currently ruled by the benevolent princess Lumi, who refuses the title of Queen. So far, her rule is just and fair and can be considered by some, as a golden era. However, it’s debatable whether it was much different from Tempest’s rule.
The notable difference being that Luminia is much more accessible, both from the ground and those who wish to access the world below. Yes, there was strict security in accessing the kingdom but that was a definite necessary move, as there was much less space to run in Luminia…

The opening of the borders has certainly brought people in, but people have certainly left too…either way, business in Luminia has blossomed in ways that would not have been possible without the borders opening…
In short, Luminia was in a state of peace and normality.

This tale follows a young Rockruff, and it has to be said that he is no ordinary Rockruff. This Rockruff has quite the unique markings on his fur…more then just markings, in fact, he didn’t look like a normal Rockruff at all. Curiously enough, he looked just like a Cosmog.

This young pup is called Astrophel. He is known in Luminia as an astrologist and a clairvoyant, and while people don’t put much stock in predicting the future, Astrophel has shown to be surprisingly accurate. In comparisons to his other competitors of course… Astrophel still only had the reliability of around…20%. It may seem very low, but that was definitely higher then most of the other clairvoyants in the area…this was still a very unreliable skill to have if you went pokemon who specifically can sense the future, and similar skills then that.

Yet this was Astrophel’s livelihood. He was much more in tune with the stars and the constellations in the sky. Perhaps it was the colour and pattern of his fur that allowed him to turn out this way, perhaps he was actually part Cosmog…but he would never know. Not now.

Despite this, he was pretty self-conscious about the colour of his fur. He desperately wanted to be ‘normal’. A normal Rockruff. Normal Rockruff had brown and white fur…he stood out in the crowd. Even if he wasn’t a Rockruff, his fur colour and markings would make anyone stand out, unless they were naturally that colour…
He wanted to be normal. He wanted not to be looked at so much on the streets…he wanted only to be looked at when he had achieved something in his life. Once he was worthy of such attention, and not to be stared at because of his markings…

Astrophel was raised by Bryant, the caretaker of the Cloud Playground. Bryant was an elderly gentle giant who was well beloved by the community. It’s said that many of the young ones who went to play at said playground are taken care by him, and the children all love him, due to how accommodating he was. The citizens would often do favours for him as a result.

But Bryant raised 4 children from birth. He had plenty of help with this due to his reputation in the county. These were three Rockruff and one Growlithe. The Growlithe, named Favian, was most certainly related to him, he stated that the Growlithe was his grandson. Astrophel was one of the Rockruffs, and the other two Rockruffs were called Nemon and Oren. All four of them had such a tight bond that even if they didn’t look alike, they were as close as blood siblings regardless. Nemon and Oren went to open a Poffin and Pokeblocks shop in the Anthian District and have become very successful in their right. Favian had went on to become a librarian in the suburbs. While he didn’t bring in as much money as Oren and Nemon did, he brought forth a fountain of knowledge from being a librarian, and by extension, he had also chosen the path of becoming a scholar and mage. Thus, he was the most capable fighter also. Astrophel struggled in that regard. He was pretty average in every way, and was average in the culinary arts also. He felt like he couldn’t go on to help any of his siblings out of fear he would slow them down, despite them trying to persuade him to do so.

He set out his own path as a result, but he felt like he wasn’t accomplishing much. He took his elderly guardian’s advice at heart. ‘Never give up and live life to your fullest. Have fun.’ While he still had insecurities…he was still fairly satisfied with how his life was going so far, even popping in to help his siblings from time to time.

But at the moment…it was a couple of months away from a war that would plague the ground below… it was currently winter, and snow topped the houses and buildings around him. It was the Eve of Inviern, supposedly the day before the winter spirit blesses the land during the night, and spreads luck and happiness for the rest of the year. Tomorrow would be the Day of Inviern, where supposedly the winter spirit’s blessings would manifest into presents under a special tree…

Astrophel was on his way to a friend’s house. This friend was very well known in Luminia as a cheerful person who was really easy to get along with and is strikingly innocent for his age.

He would knock on the door of the large home of said house. It would take some time for the door to be opened but…

At the door stood…

Character Profile
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Astrophel

A young Rockruff with the fur colour and markings of a Cosmog. Is a fairly mild mannered individual who wants to do the best he can in his life. However, because of those fur markings, he is self-conscious about others staring at him for the wrong reasons. He's fairly average in his capabilities, both in combat and talent but it would be unwise for to underestimate him.

Offense: ** - Has the moveset Rock Throw, Sand Attack, Bite, Howl. All of these are standard moves learnt by Rockruff. Has not attended the school of magic and has a very unpolished method of fighting. He usually avoids fighting anyways
Defense: ** - He is not very sturdy, but it's unlikely he'd fall in one blow from an evenly matched opponent using a move of normal effectiveness.
Utility: **** - Because the nature of his job involves him travelling, he's noted to use what's available to him to good use. In a way, he has knowledge similar to a merchant. The fact he's travelled a lot also means he can put native items to good use also.

LuminianYung
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Trainerlevel: 66

Forum Posts: 832
Posted: Fri, 10/09/2021 21:29 (2 Years ago)
Chapter 1 – Eve of Inviern


“Emerald!” Astrophel called out happily. “You called me here tonight?”

“Of course!” The little Riolu at the door said happily. This Riolu had turquoise eyes and complimented them with a scarf. He also had black fur markings over his eyes, much like a Lucario. This was Emerald, sometimes referred to by the residents of Luminia as a ‘gem of Luminia’. He was perky, excitable, cheerful and overall easy to get along with. It has been said that it’s hard not to smile at his antics.

“Come in, come in! Don’t just stand out there in the cold! It’s almost the Day of Inviern!” Emerald said with a broad smile on his face.

Astrophel would enter Emerald’s home with a bright, festive smile on his face, once he entered, he would see that there were multiple guests already, undoubtedly all guests of Emerald. There was an Alolan Vulpix and a Shiny Mewtwo, the Mewtwo was on a bubble and the Vulpix was sat on the floor. This was none other then Winter and Typhoon respectively, some of
Emerald’s closest friends, and in Typhoon’s case…he was Emerald’s godfather.

Typhoon is also known for being the headmaster of multiple successful pokemon schools on the ground below, known for their unique school life, and also their unique lessons that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Despite his fierce appearance, he is one of the types that was insanely easy to get along with, and in truth…he was just that. It was hard not to like him, he had a patient demeanour, and a warm personality.

Winter was the apprentice of a famous hero in the distant kingdom of Shimo, and is gaining quite the reputation as one himself, though he was Emerald’s school buddy. Nothing would change that… and the duo had had quite a few adventures together. The two of them waved to Astrophel with serene smiles on their faces.

The next one, this time sat on a balloon, was A Lycanroc, who seemed to be a Dusk Form Lycanroc. But this one was special, and changed forms depending on the time of day. This was another one of Emerald’s closest friends, Fortem, who was a very well-respected knight in Luminia, known for his prowess as a defender. His ready mind and skills with using his rock attacks as walls served him well in this regard, and he also has some magical prowess under his belt too, in the form of water and light magic. He was quite the kind soul also, known for helping others.

The last one in the living room was a regular Mewtwo, wearing a small purple capelet and a little star band around one of his ears. He looked really nervous, and seemed to be twiddling with his hands. This was Hiro, a nervous guy who was Emerald’s adoptive brother. It seems as though he hid quite the past, but neither Emerald nor Hiro would divulge what that past was. Astrophel understood though, it seems as though the past did pain him quite a bit, and he was actively seeking to make
others happy.

As Astrophel walked in further, he would be able to see A Lucario, A Shiny Zoroark, A Shiny Suicune as well as A Shiny Zeraora. The Lucario was Yung, Emerald’s father. A well known scholar in Lumina, as well as a storywriter for children. He was a very patient figure and was known for helping others when needed. In fact, it was very likely that if you wanted a tour of Luminia, it would be him that showed you around. He was known for having quite a pleasant smile and disposition, that can put anyone at ease; a stark contrasts to Emerald’s smile which screamed that he was here for fun.

The Suicune was Azure. He was the owner of the Relaxation Parlour near the entrance of the suburbs, opposite the Bubble Emporium where Hiro worked at. He was known to be very lazy, sleeping for the majority of the day and even sleeping on the job on occasions. However, there were rumours that the lazy persona was just an act, as Azure, in actuality, was very intelligent and a natural-born ruler. Azure would neither confirm or deny this, but those who know him personally would know that he had those traits.

The Zoroark was Remus. He ran the party shop, and was also a well known DJ in Luminia. He was always looking to liven Luminia up with his parties, and was a very fun-seeking guy. He loved lighting up the room, and it was what he did best with his music as well as his party decorations. In fact, he was the one who made balloons near indestructible. When asked why, he simply laughed and would respond with; “I enjoy them, need I any other reason?”
The Zeraora…the Zeraora? Now this wasn’t someone that Astrophel had seen before. Who could this be? The four of them were just talking about…something.
Emerald rushed over and got Astrophel his gift. Astrophel in turn gave the gift he had prepared to him.

“Why don’t you open it?” Emerald said with a smile. He was happily hopping from side to side as he watched Astrophel.

“Eh…shouldn’t I wait for the Day of Inviern?” Astrophel said uncertainly, his tail swishing from side to side.

“I guess…” Emerald smiled happily. “Either way, we should go get food and drinks and then I’ve got some party games!”

After getting some hot chocolate, and some popcorn…or sweets. They had a lot of snacks around ready to be eaten, they set up some board games with Hiro, Winter, Typhoon and Fortem. It may…have descended into chaos.

“That piece was over there! Not here!”
“What are you doing?! That’s my property!”
“YOU MOVED TOO MANY SPACES!”
“That’s my money!”
“Get in the jail cell!”

It got a bit too rowdy...and the board games eventually had to be put away. The others went outside into the garden to enjoy some snow and the berries left on the trees.

As for Astrophel he...


Character Profile
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Emerald
A Riolu who has unique black fur markings around his face, somewhat making him resemble a mini Lucario. He wears a seafoam green scarf that matches his eyes. He is a very bright and spunky guy with a love for life and fun, always looking around for his next adventure. He is extremely easy to make friends with, it's hard to hate the guy when he is as understanding and as cheerful as he is.

Offense: **** - Has the moveset Force Palm, Attract, Ice Punch and Rain Dance. Emerald can hit hard. Extremely hard. Unfortunately, what holds him back is that he has to get up and personal in order to damage. But his melee attacks hit hard. He knows a few wind spells, and can manifest an axe with his aura, adding to said power. At least he has the speed for it.
Defense: * - It's very likely that Emerald will fall in a single blow. He just isn't sturdy at all. He relies on his speed to ensures his victories.
Utility: *** - He has studied rescue teams and has observed them before. As such, he does know a bit in the means of support. He has knowledge that helps him to adapt to the situations thrown at him. More realistic situations anyways.


LuminianYung
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Trainerlevel: 66

Forum Posts: 832
Posted: Mon, 18/10/2021 21:38 (2 Years ago)
Chapter 2 – The Bard of Frestlea


Astrophel approached the new face of the group, the Zeraora. Judging by the voice, this one was male… This Zeraora stood out amongst others, amongst the ones depicted in books of the kind, and amongst those he had seen visiting. This was a Shiny Zeraora from a distant glance, but any shades of green that the shiny form would have is replaced by a hue of sky blue. He thought it made him look better, but that was just him. Also, this Zeraora had made it a point to ‘wear the rainbow’, he wore a red ribbon around his waist, a straw hat that was adorned with a yellow ribbon as well as three feathers; one orange, one purple and one pink. He also wore a long green scarf. There was a small harp on the table, presumably belonging to him. He seemed very unique in a way…and not just because he was a mythical pokemon. He certainly wasn’t a regular around Luminia at any rate, Astrophel hadn’t seen him at all on the streets.
Astrophel approached the four that stood in the kitchen. Yung would turn and smile at the young Rockruff as he picked up his cup of tea.

“Ah Astrophel… I’m glad you could make it.” He chuckled lightly. “Emerald has been excited about inviting everyone over.”
Astrophel had a light smile on his face, his small, fluffy tail swishing from side to side. “Of course I had to come…it’s Emerald, after all!” He grinned.

“So you must the clairvoyant…it’s nice to meet you.” The Zeraora greeted Astrophel with a pleasant smile. His voice was light…kind of like a breeze in a sense.
“Ah…who are you?” Astrophel tilted his head.

“Forgive my impertinence.” The Zeraora tilted his hat. He seemed very well mannered…but Astrophel could sense he had a playful side to him. Being around Emerald and his father meant he could judge if someone had a playful side to them…after all, Yung mostly kept his side under wraps. “My name is Finn. I’m a travelling bard, from Frestlea.”

“A bard?” Astrophel asked, a little confused. “Like…you go around playing music?” He had never met one before.

“I go around, singing the exploits of those who have done good of this world…think of me as a storyteller, but I use music to convey the emotions while telling the story.” Finn smiled, as he brought out a harp. It was a small handheld one.

Astrophel looked the Zeraora up and down. He seemed pleasant enough…but he could sense there was so much more to him then meets the eye. It was very unlikely that a mythical pokemon could just simply be a wandering bard… or could they? After all… some legendaries and mythicals do prefer to live a life as ordinary as possible, free from responsibility…but even the most lackadaisical and lazy Suicune that was Azure, did make sure the water of the giant lake in Sleipnir Park was as pure as can be.

“Now…we have a small audience…why not a small song? Just a song I heard from my travels...” Finn chuckled softly. Yung held up a paw. “Let’s get those outside in first, perhaps they might like to listen too.” He promptly went and called the others inside, asking if they would like to hear one of Finn’s songs.

It took some minutes but everyone who had wanted to listen closely to his song…for some reason, Winter decided to stay outside alone…Astrophel didn’t realise that he was talking to someone…
Otherwise, Typhoon and Fortem, and Emerald all came in to listen, they all gathered in the living room with cups of tea, or hot chocolate…or any hot drink they could name; everyone had different preferences after all…

“Alright, let us begin.” Finn said with a smile on his face, as he held his harp besides him and…

“A tiny movement ticking softly deep inside…
A revolution growing slowly comes alive…
In time.
Look at the world, what do you think? Well do you feel a thing?
Do you belong? What do you do? Who are you?
Right in front of you, quick as a flash, don’t let it all disappear into ashes.
Maybe you can find the answers, seek out the truth, don’t let fate be the master.
Don’t hide, in the sorrow, follow the road to a better tomorrow.
Pain and hope both fight and beckon
Take control now, any second
Ahead is the unknown…
So which way will you go?"


Character Profile
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Yung
A Lucario who's appearance was little out of the ordinary, he looked as normal as a Lucario can be, except for his sky blue eyes...wears a black cape and a moon pendant around his left ear. He is very mild, and is said to be one of the pokemon most willing to help you out in Luminia. He is a storywriter, and also studies magic. It's said that he was very playful when he was younger, though he certainly had mellowed out. He still displays some of his playful tendencies from time to time however, though mostly within friends and family.

Offense: *** - Has the moveset Aura Sphere, Water Pulse, Psychic and Calm Mind. Fighting Yung at a range will tend to end up being a losing battle for the opponent. Combined with the magic he has mastered, as well as his penchant for ranged pokemon moves, he hits hard for anyone trying to keep a distance. It's also extremely hard to hide from him due to his aura abilities. However...he is horrendous at close combat. It's not hard to overpower him once you get close and personal.
Defense: *** - Yung can take a hit, and being a past adventurer saw him a lot of combat experience. He can usually take some hits, though he isn't an outright tank.
Utility: *** - Travelling a lot has enabled a wealth of experience in items and strategies in combat. He also has knowledge of things and items outside of this world, due to his past.

LuminianYung
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Trainerlevel: 66

Forum Posts: 832
Posted: Mon, 20/12/2021 00:15 (2 Years ago)
Chapter 3 – Stars of the New Year


It would be a short while later after the song ended. The group that had been listening to the song had split up to play around again. Emerald dragged Typhoon upstairs to his room to play his usual games. He would have pulled others up as well but Winter went outside alone…for some reason that Astrophel didn’t know about. Hiro and Fortem had went to talk with Finn, who was more then happy to talk to them about some other songs

And so Astrophel decided to talk to Yung and Azure, as well as Remus. Remus of course, would be discussing around the next opportunity that Astrophel and the other kids could come and help him tests his products, mostly the durability of his favourite subjects. Astrophel was mostly neutral on the activity, he didn’t enjoy it like Emerald did, but he supposed it was somewhat liberating, and fun on the occasion. Astrophel did like to help out with the testing though; he liked helping Remus out, and he was fun. Outside of his party knowledge, he was always joking around, and thinking of engaging topics in discussion about Luminia. And of course, he had the musical talent too, which manifested from time to time in concerts and in parties, and he offered music classes to some people…mainly people in Yung’s family.

Azure was perpetually asleep most of the time. But he had a very relaxing aura around him, potentially as a result of this. He was very easygoing and easy to talk to, much like Remus…unlike Remus though, where Remus could talk about almost anything and keep the conversation going, Azure was more the one who listened to your troubles and gave practical advice.

And Yung was somewhere in between. He wasn’t quite as conversive as Remus, nor could he give advice as practical as the advice Azure gives, but he was great at emotional support. He would always be there to help you through the darker times, and help you with his kind words, and ideas to clear the mind.

All three he looked up to in some fashion…they had all helped him in various ways.

“So that’s what you did today before coming, right?” Yung was nodding in understanding to what Astrophel was saying. Astrophel was just telling about the fortunes he had been reading using astrology. Well, more about his preparations for them at any rate. He had been prepared to read the stars tonight…

“Reading the stars is interesting~ But y’know? I think the future should just fall as it may!” Remus said with a small jump. “If you worry about it, then nothing will be done!”

“Then again…knowing what the future holds could be helpful.” Azure reasoned. “Preparations could be done for it.”
Yung just shook his head. “The future that everyone seeks is a different one…in the end…we all want different things.”

Astrophel listened and went silent. What did he want in his life? He felt like his appearance was always getting in the way of what he wanted to do… he didn’t have the appearance of his siblings, he didn’t have the knowledge of his adopted brother…the Growlithe grandson of Bryant… he felt like he was always in the shadow…but… other then being a clairvoyant he had always wanted to be-

His thought was interrupted as the first stars appeared in the sky in the night sky, and they grew numerous by the minute. He immediately wandered to the garden and jumped onto a nearby bubble to relax. He would be here for a while after all…
He was there for some time. Winter was initially startled by Astrophel suddenly coming out but Astrophel took little notice of what Winter was doing. He was near the fence near one of the berry trees, near the house, while Winter was all the way at the end of the garden…for some reason…he stared intently at the stars while looking at his materials that he brought with him…

Yung came out to check on him and Winter. Yung went to Winter first, and talked with him a little bit, ending in him chuckling and giving him a small present. It was some Luminian Sweets…though only Winter knew that. He then came over to Astrophel.

“How are the stars tonight then? You said you only read the stars at certain times of the year?” Yung inquired as he came to sit on the bubble next to him.

“Yeah…I only read them at certain times…only to read the future though. I can read them whenever I want for more…smaller things.” Astrophel said quietly. He was looking worried though…extremely worried…there was little point in hiding anything from Yung, he learnt so he began speaking…

“I sense some dire tidings this year…both Luminia and the ground below will get tied in something major…someone important…is in danger…and another too…in a different way…” Astrophel murmured, quietly. “…but…it’s not just about Luminia, it’s about…Frestlea…?”

Yung listened. He didn’t seem concerned…but he was taking the conversation seriously. “I see…I’ll remember it. Thank you.” He always took Astrophel’s premonitions seriously, even if some of them seemed out of reason…

Astrophel closed his eyes and breathed in…he looked down at the bubble’s surface. “…my future…your future…everyone’s…”
Yung put a paw on the young Rockruff. “Astrophel.”

The Rockruff looked up, looking at him with a sad expression as he looked at the Lucario.

“No matter what the future reads, in the end, it’s your future.” Yung shook his head. “The future isn’t preordained. You have the power to change the future…but that all depends on you.”

Astrophel goes slightly wide-eyed for a moment. His expressions was that of surprise now.

“…It’s your future. Don’t let some reading dictate that future…it’s your life, and you shouldn’t let fate take your life. You’re still the one in control” Yung smiled gently. “If you just do it…it’ll all work out. And if you need help…we’ll always be here. Us and your family.”

Astrophel looked up…and he gave him a small smile. He needed to hear that…he really did. And now…he felt like he could face the New Year a bit more… A bit of hope...perhaps he was being a bit too melancholy...

“…did you want me to read your future too?”



LuminianYung
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Trainerlevel: 66

Forum Posts: 832
Posted: Mon, 14/02/2022 22:56 (2 Years ago)
Chapter 4 – Inori


The Day of Inviern, came and went. Much like other civilisations, documented within the books stored in Luminia about other mythological worlds, the stores just didn’t open that day. It turned out to be a quiet day…there were not many people on the streets, everyone was mostly at home… all you could see was snow just slowly falling onto the streets, covering the city in a white blanket, as though it was being put to a night’s sleep…

But now, it was a few days after. The last day before the next year…
Winter had went down to the Arena today. It was the last day for some fights and its said that some more of the famous gladiators were coming along for exhibition matches before the New Year came along…

Hiro went back to work, at the Psychic Bubble Emporium. Mostly to check on the quality of the services he was providing before; ones that would bring fun and relaxation to the lives of people in Luminia, some of which can be stressful, which a bit of bouncing could relieve.

Finn had disappeared. All the information that everyone knew was that he had gone back to Frestlea, and had plans to visit again in the future, taking an interest in Luminia. It was effectively the ‘capital city’ of the islands after all.

Azure and Remus both went back to work respectively. They both just went back to what they were doing before…as normal, and as they did every year.

Typhoon would be around Yung’s home, as a guest. He had planned to celebrate the New Year with Emerald and his family in the morning, before he left to attend to his own family in Pastel Town, and Winter would leave with him.

There was some clamour in town today, after all, the New Year was coming, and as such, people were hard at work at putting decorations up. In Luminia, the citizens would adorn their houses with decorations involving stars. The belief was that each star in the night sky was a wish from the people of Luminia, and that putting stars out onto the streets itself, the wishes may be sent up to the sky, and perhaps, those above could be able to watch over and help grant the wish.

Astrophel had did his part in his home, helping his family set up stars around their home. Now he was headed over to Emerald’s home once again. He wasn’t invited this time but…he wanted to see how everyone was doing. Making rounds around Luminia to see his friends…he was impressed that Emerald kept up the commitment as frequently as he did, considering he had friends all over the city…

Arriving at Emerald’s home, he knocked on the door, and was greeted by Emerald. He cheerfully let him in and they began talking about random things. Things about their daily life, comics, and sweets. The usual talk. The usual bubble shenanigans.
But some time after they had been talking, another knock on the door could be heard, Emerald went to see who he was, and was instantly surprised…it was a Mew. At the door. Emerald tilted his head for a moment…

“Um…” Emerald was a little puzzled…

“Mr. Emerald?” The Mew tilted their head. “So is this where you live…?” She hadn’t seen Astrophel yet… And as for Astrophel, his jaw dropped. Just how many legendary pokemon was Emerald acquainted with? Emerald had always stressed his wants for a normal life because of the events he’s been through…

Emerald scratched his head. It took him a few seconds before he presumably recognised the Mew. “I-Inori? I-Is that you?”

Inori nodded. “The one who is also named the future and prayer, the one that grants others to see visions of their inner selves…that’s me!” She smiled. She seemed…less reserved? Less reserved compared to when they first met…she seemed more like…an atypical Mew. Curious, excited, and eager to explore and fly around…yet still exceedingly polite?

Emerald tilted his head curiously. “What are you doing here? I thought you live with your uh…relatives?” Emerald hadn’t actually met said relatives. Neither did the people who went with him.

Inori put their paws on her hips. “Well…I snuck out.” She smiled sheepishly. “My brother and guardian don’t let me leave so…”

Emerald paused. He had met this Mew because they were sent on a whimsical mission that Princess Lumi had sent him on… but he had no idea what he should do, now that she was here.

Inori clapped her paws. “I came to learn a bit about the lands here, really!” She smiled happily. “And I want to…well…be me! Not someone who has to hide away…do you know where I should start…?”

Emerald paused. He really wasn’t sure where this would go, and he certainly wasn’t qualified to give advice like that. He knew who to ask though…

“Hey Astrophel, gimme a second, I’ll just take Inori my dad…” Emerald looked and gestured Inori to follow. “I think my dad can help you better then…” His voice faded as he went upstairs, with the Mew following him, acting mild, yet excited.

Astrophel looked around, the house hadn’t changed much…now why would it? Why was he worried about something like that changing…?

He had been worried…a lot. It was just something that he did a lot. Throughout his daily life…there was always something to worry about. Was he late? Was he doing a proper job? What was he doing?

He was interrupted out of his thoughts when Inori came back downstairs with Emerald in tow…

Emerald looked at Astrophel. “Dad said we might as well teach Inori the New Year’s tradition about the stars?”

Astrophel nodded and began to explain about the tradition, and Inori would began to help, putting some last few token decorations up for them. She seemed excited to be helping and learning about everything. It seemed she was pretty sheltered…and thus she didn’t really know much either. Inori would learn about various sweets also, after seeing a bag of gummies at the table, and immediately took a liking to them. She would learn about other sweets from Emerald and Astrophel, and it was discovered that she definitely had a sweet tooth, much like them. The trio went into the garden, and played around in the snow. Most of the bubbles had been moved into the shed, and basement near the shed. All of the balloons had been moved too, to protect them from the cold. Inori also had a blast with these also, considering she enjoyed her own bubbles back home.

“Hey Inori, while we wait for dad to finish with his storywriting, shall we go get a snack from Summer?” Emerald suggested.

“Um…ok!” Inori nodded cheerfully. “Who’s Summer?”

Astrophel tilted his head a bit, before returning to the normal position. “Ah, you’ll see. She’s a Leafeon who runs one of the café’s in this city.”

“What’s a café?” Inori asked.

Emerald and Astrophel looked at each other. This was going to be a long conversation, of various magnitudes and directions to which the conversation will take. Astrophel breathed in and...

“We’ll explain as we move over there.”