"Just a second!" The response almost startled her, which was of course entirely silly given that she had expected it. The whole situation was a little overwhelming. Though this hadn't exactly been something she had dreamt of since she was small as it had with some, the prospect of finding her new forever-companion had her breast brimming with all sorts of whirling emotion. Imagine that you could just waltz into a shop one day, and take home your new best friend - or a partner, even! The kind that was always there for you, and you for them... forever. The thought of it seemed crazy, and yet here she was, sweaty palms pushed to the glass of The Pokemon Lab. Waiting.

Wren could hear the rustling of paperwork and other odds-and-ends from within, and finally decided to step indoors; albeit still planted awkwardly in the doorway as the man appeared and greeted her. "It's lovely to meet you sir, my name is Wren," though she might have appeared entirely warm, all smiles and curious green eyes, her heart was thudding nervously behind her ribcage; the sound of it beating rythmically at her eardrums. Feeling a little misplaced, the nineteen year old finally let go of the lab door to clasp at the pockets of her jeans - only to be whacked out of her airy state as the heavy glass panel thumped her on the shoulder. Ouch.

Well, now she looked stupid. The red-head made a vague attempt at a dry laugh, before finally stepping twoards the counter, holding the edge of it with both hands as if she were afraid to let go and do something embarrasing again. "I was in hope of getting a Starter Pokemon, if that's possible?"

Before the young man had the chance to respond, a jolly little lady also appeared; seemingly shoo-ing the man on and taking over the introductions herself. Wren smiled, perhaps a little more recovered from her awkwardness just moments before - and no doubt somewhat comforted by the presence of an elder person. Why was it always the way that somebody older and wiser appealed to the young? For whatever odd reason, Wren felt her muscles relax, "Nice to meet you Tate. There was nothing remotely scheduled about my flight, I'm new to the whole travelling thing and a nice man and his Golbat offered me a ride." The late-teen presented a thankful smile of departure towards the boy, assuming he would be on his way.

"I was glad to see The Lab was still open, I might need your advice on somewhere to stay after all of this," Wren felt all the more chipper as the kind woman presented the paperwork, the reality of the situation becoming a little more exciting than nerve-wracking. Though, her shortness of breath still seemed to suggest otherwise. The nineteen year old pushed her auburn hair back over her shoulders as she made sense of the pages in front of her, finding a pen on the counter and clicking it with her thumb in preparation to begin. She quietly wondered if all the starter's were capabale of human speech, she supposed they most likely learnt it during their time here at The Pokemon Lab. Her families friend, Kopia the Fearow, had taken a long time to learn english, and even when he had it was partial, like that of a toddler.

"Okay, here goes," emerald eyes glanced upwards with an anxious smile at Tate before Wren cleared her throat. "My name is Wren Cufling," she paused briefly to fill in the other non-asterixed personal details on the form. "My exerience with pokemon probably hasn't been much alike most people you see here," she figured she would tell Tate more clearly and mark down the most vital parts as the continued, "I grew up in Elara Town, and as you would probably know we are surrounded by mountains, woodlands, streams, the lot! I spent the entirety of my childhood learning to love Pokemon in their raw forms - wild. I observed them quietly as soon as I was old enough to understand them. I came to know the locals and their mannerisms, the way they reproduced without human intervention and everything of the likes. I'd never known them as a personal companion until my father nursed an injured Fearow back to health. Kopia became a part of the family, I learnt how to communicate more directly with Pokemon thanks to him. However, until recently I'd never sought to attain any others, so he has been the only one I've officially had in my care." She had of course rescued a fledgling Hoothoot from the stream once before, but returned it immeditaely to it's onlooking parents.

She felt a little uneasy for a moment, perhaps concerned she didn't have the right level of experience to attain a Starter. But she pushed on regardless. "My plans whilst in the region are a bit unclear. I started this journey in the hope to learn more about Pokemon and the world that revolves around them, I'm unsure where that will take me as yet. I hope that's not a deal breaker?" Wren glanced upwards uneasily before braving the storm and continuing onwards, "I did some volunteer placement with the Ranger's whilst I was still in school, I helped them care for a group of Pokemon that had been confiscated from an unkind trainer. Albeit more so ensuring they always had the supplies they needed than working directly with the Pokemon. I did enjoy it though, however sad it was. I also had a job at the Elara Town Inn, which involved communicating with the needs of Trainer's Pokemon as well as the Trainer's themselves." Hardly exciting. "I'm sorry to say I don't have any career plans, I'd like to see where my adventure with Pokemon will take me before making a decision like that."

The final questions were easy for her, "I have an admiration for all types of Pokemon equally. Naturally I am drawn to the flying types, thanks to my experience with the Fearow, however I believe I will adore my new partner rehardless of it's type," Wren smiled somewhat confidently, tucking a stray hair behind her ear and jotting her lack of preference down on paper. The ghost types always had made her feel a little unsteady, but she wouldn't admit that openly. "I will always ensure I can provide for any Pokemon in my care. If I do not find work on the road, Elara Town Inn have offered to take me back if need be. I also believe the majority of a Pokemon's needs can be met just with dedication and love, unless they become ill or injured of course and require a Potion. I am quite looking forward to taking my new partner out foraging for berries or whatever else nature can provide itself." With a conclusive exhale, Wren pushed her pen back to the paper and signed her name. Here goes.

Tate seemed to nod along with her responses, which played a small part in spurring her on, if even just a little. Should the woman change her expression to anything other than the mild impression she had so quickly become accustomed too, she would undoubtedly start to worry. Thankfully, the Lab Assistant seemed at-ease with everything she had to say. "As far as deal breakers," Wren gulped, holding her breath for a moment as though she expected bad news to follow. Much to her relief, it didn't. The young woman sighed with vague consolation as Tate revealed her success - she would get to meet some starters! "Thank you so much for this," Wren enthused rather prematurely, as the stout lady shuffled over to an amazing storage of Pokeballs. The redhead inched herself slightly away from the counter to stand more squarely on the floor, and watch with eager green eyes as Tate returned with three Pokeballs cupped in her arms. She wondered silently if they had been chosen specifically for her and what criteria they used to do so; regardless, the thought of it caused her heart to thump more heavily behind her ribs.

As though this process were as familiar to the accomodating woman as the most basic of day-to-day activities, she sat comfortably back in her chair to observe as the first Pokemon was released onto the floor. There, rather endearingly, sat a plump little owlet-type creature with the most perfect little bow of plumage upon it's breast. Wren smiled, naturally reducing herself to her knee's so she could communicate with the little creature more comfortably. "Hello!" Obviously, the creature's mischevious mention at another entirely different species of Pokemon flew straight over her head. Wren knew many Pokemon, but she certainly didn't know them all. "My name is Wren, it's lovely to meet you," her tone was quite soft, gentle, warm, all of which came inherently to the young adult. She mulled over the prospect of if Piplup was in fact the Pokemon's species as opposed to it's name as she initially assumed, and if it hadn't of been such a revered flying type she would have been much less likely to come to the realisation. "Rowlet?" she spoke meagerly, more so for her own confirmation than anything, a beam of disbelief becoming evident in the youthful contours of her features as she glanced towards Tate for some sort of verification.

So, what was she meant to ask her potential partner in crime? (Figuratively speaking, of course!) Come to think of it she hadn't even had the forethought to plan questions, which seemed no less than stupid at that point in time. She continued, oblivious to the apparent joke that had been played, "Well, Piplup, Tate thought you might like to meet me. I'm looking for a friend to take with me on my journey," the encouraging smile never left her freckle-dusted features, but her hands interlocked across her knees as she awaited the curious little characters feedback. By her voice, she seemed to be female? If Rowlet's were not rare enough, was she correct in assuming females were even more so? Wren could only vaguely remember reading loosley about them in her book. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected to be 'offered' one. Assuming the Rowlet would respond quite timely to her initial statement, Wren concluded, "You can ask me questions if you'd like?"

For such a rounded, endearing little creature, the seemingly flabbergasted tone that chirped from her beak was certainly a bit of a surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry!" Wren took a moment to try and make sense of the situation, clearly caught off guard and appearing a little embarressed about the Pokemon's correction. Was she a Piplup? Wren frowned,feeling a sudden wave of uncertainity - she was so sure that the rotund little creature was the rare Rowlet she had read about. Well, regardless, it was time to make ammends. "I've never met a Piplup before, you'll have to forgive me," earnest, Wren briefly brushed her palms to her chest so as to try and seem entirely genuine in her apology. The 'Piplup' continued however, and the teen wasn't quite sure whether her frustrated tone was due to her offence earlier or if it was just standard behaviour.

She felt a pang of guilt sink into the pits of her stomach, unable to restore the warm smile that she so naturally portrayed just moments before. It must have been hard for the Pokemon here to be displayed over and over again to prospective trainers, only to be turned down time and time again. The little birdlets words hit a nerve, one that was to thank for the young womans early-life views on trainers and those who sought to 'own' Pokemon like some sort of collectible item. However, thankfully, 'Piplup' continued in her (rather strong) speech and Wren was able to distract herself with it somewhat. She wasn't surprised the Pokemon had developed a sour oppinion of her peer's that had been taken before her. To some her words may have seemed bluntly conceited, but the redheaded girl could see past that. Perhaps something like a jealous child, Piplup coped with rejection in her own way.

It was hard to sustain a frown for long when the little bird suddenly seemed to glow with theatrics, her feathered arms flailing whilst she went on about performances and tricking unknowing people and Pokemon. Neither were things Wren had any interest in unfortuately, and she would be honest about that. "That sounds like mighty fun Piplup," she chuckled quietly, the kind gleam of her pea-green gaze returning to the wholesomeness it was before. "Well," with a breath Wren repositioned herself, unfolding her knees from beneath her to cross her legs on the floor. "I must admit I'm not much of a performer myself. In fact, the spotlight makes me rather nervous. I'm one of those people who needs to picture everybody in their underwear if I'm to survive any sort of public speech," Wren laughed again, hoping her company could find some humour in their less-than-perfect meeting.

She hadn't quite had the chance to explain her plans to the Rowlet when a more familiar Pokemon suddenly rolled out onto the floor, landing with an ungraceful thud against his head. Instinctively Wren leaned forward, as if to try to right the poor creature, however he seemed unfased and composed himself rather effortlessly, as though it were something he was well practiced at. "Hello Stufful, I'm Wren. Pleased to meet you," Wren smiled, somewhat enthralled by his charming eyes and big, goofy grin. Stufful were quite popular Pokemon, the kind that were dangerously adorable. They appealed to many female trainers for both their cuteness and strength. She could see why they were favoured, this little guy had plenty of heart-melting qualities. And as if he weren't sweet enough as he were (all bunched up on the floor, tangled in his own limbs), suddenly his chubby little paws were being waved beneath her nose with mention toward her freckles. Oh boy. Wren felt a rush of blood in her cheeks, and the need to saw 'Awww' was almost unbearable! But she restrained. "Oh, so you do!" she put a hand out to touch the underside of his arm gently, as if to get a better look. "They are beautiful spots."

Clearing her throat, Wren managed to pull her eyes away from the charming pink creature and back to her first aquaintance. Only now just noticing the menacing glare on her face. She supposed 'Piplup' thought she was going to be discarded again. "Stufful, Piplup just asked me what type of trainer I aspire to be," she sought to maintain her attentiveness on the owl-like Pokemon for the remainder of her response, ensuring she knew she still had her attention. "I'm afraid I don't have a very good answer to that just yet. I was hoping my Starter Pokemon and I would be able to venture together, go wherever the wind takes us and find what makes us happy. I do not see myself ever being a performer, but I suppose life is full of suprises," Wren's cheeks dimpled up into a wholesome smile, curious as to what reaction she might get from both of her new 'friends'. "Stufful, do you have anything you'd like to ask me?" She glanced back to the sweet, cherry-hued Pokemon for a moment, "Then, I would like to ask you a question, Piplup." If she hadn't already lost the Rowlet with her lack of interest in show-business that is.

Wren was relieved to find the Rowlet bounced back quickly from the prior comments, and eased comfortably back into their conversation with an elastic smile that seemed to twitch with every word spoken. As she’d suspected, ‘Piplup’ slipped and unknowingly revealed her true species. There was something oddly endearing about her mischievous ways, and though Wren definitely felt the Rowlet had a lot to learn and a lot of bitterness to let go of, she definitely felt they could learn to have fun together. Plus, knowing how long she’d apparently been here was enough to make the sympathetic teen gravitate towards her.

However, Stufful was rapidly becoming more and more what she had envisioned leaving with. He represented a creature much closer to her own nature, one that seemed he would enjoy an undemanding life - with no ultimate goals other than to develop a strong friendship with one another. He was simplistic, as she was, and nobody could deny how heart-melting that child-like giggle was. She laughed with him for a moment as he squirmed beneath her touch, and listened with a bemused smile at his question; even more so realising how perfect a match they might be. “I love… anything with Cinnamon Sugar! Donuts, toast… anything!” She loved having Cinnamon Sugar sprinkled onto some freshly toasted bread after dinner at night. Wren leaned forward, entirely with interest to return the question with a crinkled nose, “What’s yours?”

It seemed Tate’s alarm startled her as equally so, she had been entirely absorbed by the button-like eyes of Stufful as he smiled and giggled his way into her affections. Suddenly, she felt the rush of time; and though she had promised to ask Rowlet a question, it seemed she had best get a move on so Tate could go home. Out tumbled yet another Pokemon, this time something Wren wasn’t familiar with. Thankfully, he was an outspoken chap, and she reached her hand forward to shake his as he offered his spiel. Well, didn’t all that sound lovely! “That is quite the pitch, Snover. However I feel you’re a little over qualified to come with me, I worry you’d be quite bored following a simple sailer like myself around,” she smiled, warmly as always, “Thank you so much though, somebody is going to snap up your offer in no time.”

Well, there was a decision to be made, and it led to Wren gazing at Stufful with an adoring, however regretful twinkle. Any young girl to walk through these doors would surely feel as wholly for the little peachy character as she did, and he’d be loved beyond imagination. However, she wouldn’t make any final declarations until she gave Rowlet the freedom of choice. “Piplup,” she’d roll with it for now, that was a conversation for later, “I want you to think about your wish to be a performer and how important it is to you. If you’d like to live with a Trainer who has the same aspirations I think you should do that,” she breathed deeply and offered the little bird the same, wholesome smile she had worn all along, “But, I would also be happy to be your companion. I think we could have fun. The choice is yours.” It was time the Rowlet was offered her ticket away from the lab, and Wren was prepared to work with their differences.

Any doubt from the owl-like Pokemon and Wren would be as equally as thrilled to leave the lab with her heart-melting little acquaintance, Stufful. It was a tough decision, but she consoled herself knowing Stufful could woo just about anybody into scooping him up and taking him on their journey.