So this is it, the final chapter of A Life Less Adventurous. I think it's a little on the short side but it felt good to finish like this.

Big thank you to: Light-Sakura, Starfie1407, Storm Dryu, Lightwoldheart, ClitchGirl23 and splitheart1120 and to everyone who has reviewed this story! You've been great!

So I won't leave you hanging. I don't own Pokémon.

Act Three – The Epilogue

Emily finished packing her bag for the third time that morning. She was still in a buzz about leaving on her journey. Aged ten and three days, Emily was more than ready to get started on her Pokémon journey and make her father proud.

There was a knock on the door. Dawn popped her head round to look at Emily. The young girl was wearing a pair of denim dungarees with a pastel pink blouse underneath them. Emily smiled at her mother and bounded towards her.

"It's today, mum, can you believe it?" Emily sang.

"I know, it's a big day today," Dawn agreed, "But you must hurry. Paul and I have something for you."

"OK!" Emily yelled. She grabbed her bag and rushed out of the room, following Dawn down the stairs to the kitchen.

Paul was sat talking to Will and Pepper as the two younger children ate cereal. In Pepper's case, she was attempting to eat with a spoon but was failing miserably. The three year old just didn't know how to do it. Will was eating peacefully, watching as his father tried to help his sister.

"Good morning!" Emily greeted her family with large smiles. The three occupants of the breakfast table looked up and smiled at her.

"Emi," Pepper said with a wave. She unintentionally waved her hand she was holding her spoon with. Milk splattered on the table.

"Emi," Will said, "You go long?"

"I'm going for a while," Emily replied, "But I'll call every chance I get so you won't miss me!"

"Yay!" the two children cheered. Paul got to his feet and walked over to his adopted daughter. He handed her a Pokéball.

"It's for you," he told her, "Because we knew how much you wanted one."

"Wow," Emily said as she pressed the button on the Pokéball. In a bright flash a Piplup appeared and waddled round on the spot for a few seconds. Emily jumped on Paul, giving him a bear hug. "Thank you so much."

"It's no problem," Paul said as Emily climbed off him. He went to stand next to Dawn, putting his arm round her waist. "Now just remember what I told you."

"I know, I know," Emily said, "Always keep positive, stay calm and enjoy yourself."

"That's right," Paul said.

"And don't be afraid," Dawn added, "Because you're going to do fine."

"Really?" Emily asked, "Thanks mum!"

There was a slight pause as Emily gazed up at her adoptive parents. She was smiling at them and they were smiling at her. Finally Pepper made a noise that made Dawn rush off to see to her. Paul let out a sigh.

"I can't believe you're ready to leave already," Paul said, "It seems like only yesterday when I took you in."

"I know," Emily said, "But I'm so excited."

"I know," Paul said, "So go out there and teach them who's boss."

"Right!" Emily yelled, "I'll be the master co-ordinator in no time."

"Uh uh," Pepper argued from the table, "Me master cordinator."

"OK then," Emily reasoned, "I'll be the master until Pepper comes along."

"Yay!" Pepper yelled. Dawn laughed at her daughter's expression. Emily rushed over to Will and gave him a tight hug. Will hugged her back. Next, Emily went over to Pepper and hugged her too. Dawn got a hug and a kiss as well. Finally Emily went back to Paul and hugged him.

"I'll miss you," she told him.

"We'll miss you too," Paul admitted.

"Phone us if you get home sick," Dawn said. Emily nodded as she pulled away from Paul. She bent over and picked up her Piplup. The two looked at each other and smiled. Will climbed out of his seat. Pepper was picked up by her mother and carried to the door.

It was finally happening. She was going out on her own. Emily felt a rush of emotions as she walked to the front door. She was excited, scared, sad and happy all at the same time. She walked away from the house but stopped after a few paces to look back at her family.

"Wish me luck," she said happily. She put Piplup down on the floor.

"Good luck!" Will and Pepper yelled at the top of their lungs. Emily laughed. She set off at a sprint down the garden path with Piplup running behind her.

"Good bye!" Dawn yelled.

"Bye!" Emily shouted back.

"Piplup!" Piplup added.

The family slowly walked to the end of the garden path to see Emily race down the street. Dawn passed Pepper onto Paul so that she could wave at Emily. The whole family waved her good bye.

She turned while running to wave back, smile plastered on her face as she was finally starting her own tale, her own journey and her own life. Setting off from the life less adventurous to the life worth while…

THE END

I was actually happy with an ending for once. I hope you've enjoyed it! Thanks for reading. Check out my blog/homepage for upcoming stuff!

Until the next fic.

RSx