"Oww…" I groaned, forcing myself out of my dreamy slumber "Was that necessary fletchling?"

I sat up in bed, pushing my covers back and stretching my arms above my head, shaking away the last remnants of a dream about Pokémon, like every night. A small, amber headed bird landed delicately in my lap and looked up at me with black, beady eyes. I glared at the little Pokémon, and it chirped back at me innocently. I sighed and dragged myself out of bed.

I examined myself in the mirror with disgust. My light, honey-brown hair stuck out from my head at a whole heap of awkward angles, I had a pattern on the left side of my cheek from sleeping on it and my eyes were lined with dark circles. Yuk. After some serious tugging and ripping, I managed to smooth out my hair, and then pulled on my favourite dress with a black blouse and a pleated red skirt that fanned out around me. I spent a good five minutes deciding how to wear my hat, positing it at different angles, putting different pairs of sunglasses with it and posing stupidly in front of the reflective glass. All the while, fletchling watched me curiously.

"Serena!" My mum called from downstairs, "Are you awake yet? Up and at em'! We've got a big day of unpacking and cleaning!"

"No!" I called back, "I'm still asleep! Hush!"

Even from upstairs, I could hear her chuckle to herself. I sighed to myself and looked at the little bird perched on my dresser. "What do you think the chances are of her having food down there?" I asked rhetorically, my stomach rumbling. The bird tilted its head to the side, trying to understand what I was saying. All Pokémon were like that with me. I envied people like my old friends who could talk with their Pokémon like they were humans as well. I guess I just couldn't connect with the curious creatures.

I trudged downstairs to see my mum slaving away in the kitchen. Fooood, I though dreamily. "Morning Miss 'still asleep'." My mum greeted me cheerily, "Come eat something. We have a big day and I know you're hungry."

"Maybe I'm not hungry. Did you consider that, huh, mum?" I said as she slid a plate of bacon and eggs towards me. I sat at the bench and dug in.

"Yeah right," mum snorted, "You're always hungry."

"Thanks mum," I said between mouthfuls, "It's delicious as always."

"Mmhmm," she said, "'Bout time you showed some gratitude."

I smiled sheepishly. I suppose I hadn't been thanking my mum enough lately, after everything she does for me. And I knew the moving from house to house was taking its toll on her. Sure, I lost some friends when we moved and get a little more heartbroken each time… but mum was the one who did all the hard work.

Mum dribbled on about unpacking, finding new friends, cleaning, settling the Pokémon down and how she promised that we wouldn't move again for at least another six months this time. She was cut off by a ding!-ing sound… the doorbell. My body tensed. New people.

My mum smiled. "We must have some cheery neighbours if they've come to greet us already! Serena, answer the door, would you sweetheart?"

I sighed and swung the front door open. I was greeted with the sight of two people – one boy and one girl – both of whom looked about my age. "Howdy!" said the girl, who was dressed in a pink shirt dotted with white bows and a pair of denim shorts. Her hair stuck up and out in a set of outrageous piggy tails. "I'm Shauna! You must be Serena, yes? Nice to meet you!"

"Uhh…" I fumbled for words. I didn't do well with new people. Yes, shock horror, I was shy.

"Oh!" Shauna went on, not noticing my discomfort, "And this is Calem! He lives just next door to here. Isn't that just the coolest?"

I directed my eyes to the boy that leaned against a tree that grew beside the front entrance. He wore a blue jacket with a white undershirt and black pants. He had dark, messy hair and bright blue/grey eyes that seemed to examine me with a lazy curiousness. "Hey."

"Anyways!" Shauna cheered, "Would you care to come on an adventure with us? It'll be super fun and amazing!"

"Umm…?" I frowned, confused, "An adventure?"

"Professor Skymore wants to give us a Pokémon each." Calem explained helpfully.

"A P-Pokémon?" I stammered. There was no way that I would do well with a Pokémon.

"Oh! That sounds absolutely delightful!" Came a familiar voice from behind me. Butt out, mum, I thought. "What a great opportunity Sweetheart! Go on, now, meet your new Pokémon."

"Uhh, I, umm…" I fumbled for words.

"Great!" Shauna clapped and jumped up and down, then hooked her arm through mine and dragged me with her as she skipped along. Calem casually strolled a pace behind us with his hands in his pockets. My mum waved cheerfully and Rhyhorn lifted its head sleepily at the commotion as we past it.

"Oh, I just know that we're going to be the best of friends Serena!" Shauna babbled on, "I bet our Pokémon will be best friends too! Oh, this will be so much fun!"

Yeah, I thought sarcastically to myself, SO much fun…