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“Good morning Dear!” An elderly woman waved towards Libby and her Mudkip, Kappa, as they crossed the meadow towards the Pick a Peck of Colours Flower Shop. “You're so lucky to be here in spring. The flowers are at their peak.”
But as Libby waved back to her new neighbour, her smile was strained. Kappa leapt through the now familiar purple and yellow blooms, but even his delight wasn't enough to cheer Libby's mood. If only there was more to Floaroma Town than just flowers –
Shooting past her right knee, a jet of water interrupted her thoughts. Kappa, impressed with his flower watering skills, danced from foot to foot, tail fin flapping.
“Mudddkip!”
Libby scratched his head and his fin wagged faster.
“At least one of us likes it here. I can't even get a morning coffee.”
Or see my friends. Or go to a restaurant. Or go shopping. It's been three days and I already regret leaving Lumiose City. If we weren't family…
Pushing the door open, Libby followed Kappa into her cousin's flower shop, and was greeted by the high pitched chirrup of a very energetic Shellos, trailed by a youngster in a blue hat.
“Bubble, come back. Don't harass them, they've just walked in!”
But Bubble and Kappa were already racing each other to the flower displays, weaving between stacks of Pokémon themed watering cans and sticker stands.
Where’s Amy and Sarah? They're supposed to deal with the customers. Glancing around the room, Libby's shoulders tensed. They're not here.
“Excuse me, can you help me with something?”
Libby straightened her apron. I suppose I do work here now. She took a breath. “Of course, what can I do for you?”
The youngster led her to the sticker stands. “I want something cool for Bubble’s Pokéball. But I don't know what works? These look good,” he pointed to a lightning bolt sticker and a flame sticker, “but they don't seem right?”
But Libby was distracted watching Kappa and Bubble as they watered each of the flower displays in turn. After each one, Kappa jumped up and down on the spot.
Following her line of sight, the youngster peered around the stand too. “Looks like they've become best friends. Bubble doesn't often meet Pokémon that can put up with his energy.”
“Hmm, in that case, maybe that's what your sticker should show off?”
“What stickers do you have on your Pokéball?”
Heat rose up Libby's neck. “None. We don't do that in Lumiose City. Everything is kind of different here.”
“What??? You're from Lumiose City? Why do you have a Mudkip and not a Froakie? Why don't they use stickers over there? That's so weird! Do you eat Lumiose Galette every day?”
Libby's mouth opened and closed like a Feebas. But despite being exposed as a fish out of water, she couldn't help but laugh.
“Back again Anthony? I'm surprised you have any space left for more stickers?”
Amy's footsteps echoed on the purple and blue tiled floor as she walked towards them. Libby grinned, tension easing, and as Amy took over with Anthony's request, she made her way to the office room out the back, and the pile of paperwork waiting for her.
At least I know what I'm doing with paperwork, even if it isn't as organised as Quasartico’s.
Kappa followed, curling up for a morning snooze on the windowsill, but they were both surprised when Sarah entered.
“Hi Libby. I remember you said yesterday that you missed your morning coffee, so I brought you this.”
Sarah held out a steaming mug that filled the air with a rich scent; sweetness and bitterness combined.
“It's berry tea,” she said, pushing the mug into Libby's hand, "it's the least I could do, all things considered. I'm so grateful you came to help us out. With Jess off travelling we wouldn't have been able to stay open.”
The warmth of the mug spread through Libby's hands, and this time her smile was genuine.
“Family should help each other shouldn't they? Anyway, how’s Jess getting on with her Berry training?”
“You know Jess. Always the best at whatever she does,” Sarah rolled her eyes and gestured to the stacked documents on the table, “except paperwork.”
Libby laughed, waving away Sarah's apology about the state of the paperwork, before taking a gulp of berry tea.
The flavour was tangy and bright, smoothed out by sweeter hints. It's not coffee. But it just might be better.
“This is delicious!”
“I knew you'd like it! But now I've got a job for you both.”
Kappa jumped off the windowsill, tail fin moving from side to side and front feet stomping the ground.
“Well, I guess we're ready.” Libby set the now empty mug down and knelt on the floor to hug Kappa, “What have you got in mind?”
*
The sun warmed Libby's neck and the dry earth crumbled beneath her fingers. Kappa weaved between patches of wildflowers, hopping in and out of the stream, and Libby stretched, taking in the view. A gentle breeze tugged at her curly hair. Now this is part of Jess' job I could get used to.
Route 205 was deserted and only the occasional calls from a flock of Starly disturbed the quiet peace.
Libby reached into the pocket of her apron, pulling out another seed and burying it with care in the soil.
“Kappa, I need you again.”
But Kappa was already at her side, nudging her out of the way with his head. Libby stepped back as a pulse of water covered the soil, and admired the other patches of damp earth that stretched along the side of the route.
These berry plants will look beautiful when they've grown and –
“Mud, Mud, Mudkip!”
Bouncing in circles, Kappa scattered wet soil across the path and Libby laughed, kneeling on the ground and scratching his head. “You’ve done a great job buddy, well done.”
Kappa took off, diving into the stream, disappearing beneath the clear surface.
I guess he's not quite ready to head back yet. Libby sat down in a patch of wildflowers, savouring the heat of the sun and the soft grass beneath her palms. Me either.
But just a few moments later, Kappa burst from the water and raced to Libby's side, depositing a small white pebble at the side of her pink trainers.
“Muuud, kip, kip, kip!”
“Oh, Kappa, thank you.” Libby stroked the back of his neck as he flopped down next to her. “I'll add this to our jar.”
Images of Kappa emerging from a waterfall in Lumiose City Park, carrying a white pebble, filled her mind.
He was so happy, and I was so proud of him, that we started our own tradition. But I didn't think we'd be able to carry it on when we moved here.
Libby picked up the rock. Its smooth surface glittered in the sun and its weight was comforting.
He's settling in so well though. He loves the flowers, the Pokémon, my cousin's…I suppose that berry tea was delicious. And today was actually fun.
Gran always said that home isn't a place, it's who you're with. Maybe I should give Floaroma Town more of a chance?
Rolling onto his side, Kappa snuggled in closer and Libby tickled his chest. I think I will.