PyroFluff

Francine "Fran" Ann Flamara gazed back wistfully at her home, longing to press her hand against the stone wall one more time. In front of a sienna-colored door stood her mother; and next to the pale, lanky figure, the man she knew as her father for thirteen years. Simply glimpsing at the vacant expressions they wore on their faces caused a sharp, somewhat painful feeling to seize her chest. Don't they even care that I'm leaving? she thought darkly.

"W-well, goodbye!" the girl managed to call while taking in a breath of crisp air. "I'll miss you two!"

For a split second, Fran didn't move. Rather, she lingered in the genial sunshine that spread around the yard to see how her parents would react. Much to her dismay, however, her father merely gave a curt nod before following his wife into the house. Hurt, Fran closed her eyes, then turned to the snowy white Swanna who had been waiting patiently the entire time. "Ready to go, Odette?" she inquired, a small smile painted on her lips.

"Na." came the bird Pokémon's gentle reply. Odette spread her wings apart slightly; just enough for her trainer to climb on with her duffel bag. Once Fran was settled on her back, both of them took flight. Having rode on Odette several times, Fran remained calm and silent until the very end, when solid ground greeted them. As she brushed a strand of blonde hair out of her face, a whispered comment was audible: "I'll miss you too, Odette... I wish I never had to leave you." While she spoke, unshed tears glinted in the corners of her eyes. "You... were my only true friend..."

Immediately, she threw her arms around a surprised Odette, the first drops falling and smearing on her cheek.  "Swa... na..." Odette cooed, taking a step back. "Well... I can't stay here forever... as hard as this may be, goodbye. I... hope we can meet again someday..." Fran tried to look her straight in the eye, but found herself avoiding her glance. The next thing she knew, her friend flew into the distance, milky feathers darkening into nothing.

Fran could only wander around Azure Bay, ignoring eager tourists snapping pictures of the islands dotting what appeared to be an endless sea. Many noises combined with crashing waves, but one in particular sounded clear and firm in her mind: "Fran... come to me..."

Any person would find themselves shocked at such a voice. It didn't belong to anyone she knew; strangely, though, Fran found herself swiftly moving towards it. Along the beach she went, following the sound. Eventually, she arrived at the location where the voice seemed loudest: a petite, rocky cave sitting on an island. Without any hesitation, she stepped in.

A sharp caw cut through the air the minute Fran's shoe touched the inside, followed by a blazing orange figure leaving overhead. Between the flaps of huge wings, a single tan feather fluttered down from above, bright scarlet flames dancing on its edges. Fran reached a trembling hand forward to catch it before staring at the object. Despite the fact that the fire was growing being evident, its holder was completely unharmed. "H-how is this possible?"

Quietly, she left, still clenching her new item in her palm. She didn't know what it was or where it came from; but she did know that it was something she wanted to keep.