[color=6ecff6][h2]❄Erika Olson❄[/h2][/color]
[hr]
So this was it! The doors to the lab flung up with an enthusiastic Pokemon Professor inviting them all inside at last, and not a moment too soon as things were a bit uncomfortable out here...

... But before they managed to get inside, Professor Kalmia addressed a man who Erika had not noticed until now. A man with a very ludicrous outfit for a more modern age and in Erika's blunt opinion, he did not pull it off. That made two odd characters today but that whole image was a bit dampened by the revelation that this man was presently a member of the Elite Four. Someone that Erika would probably face one day, according to her mother's wishes. Speaking of which, I wonder if they battled each other. A mystery for later as Erika's attention was brought promptly back to Professor Kalmia and definitely what was bound to be the most memorable event in Erika's life. Her first Pokemon.

[color=82c6cf]'Oh, yeah, you. Erika. Hm-hm.'[/color] Kalmia smirked as Erika was up next. [color=82c6cf]'I don't believe the idea of Pokémon battling will be all that new to you, eh? Well, it's still your first Pokémon, but I saw it apt to give something a little more... complicated. Ti-hi.'[/color] Kalmia handed over a Pokéball and a Pokédex.

[color=82c6cf]'She should remind a bit of home~!'[/color]

Erika felt pure elation as she stepped forth and claimed her items. What did the Professor mean by complicated? The question was quickly out of her head as she heard Kalmia's last bit of information. An Ice-type! Surely! Erika thought back to her mother's teachings about typing and all that, recalling that Ice types were tricky with hardly any resistances but strong offense effectiveness to several other types. Erika's mind pondered that for a second before quickly getting lost in the thrill of receiving her first Pokemon and more than that, what was bound to be a lifelong friend. She stepped off to her own corner of the lab, just like how the others were doing, and opened her Pokeball to reveal a...

[color=6ecff6][i][center]- You've obtained Snorunt! -

Pokédex Entry #361 – Snorunt, the Snow Hat Pokémon. They're found in snow-regions in groups of five. In warmer seasons, they tend to sleep deep in caverns. They can survive on only eating snow and ice. According to old folklore, a house visited or inhabited by a Snorunt is sure to prosper.

- Would you like to give Snorunt a nickname? -[/center][/i][/color]

So read the text on the Pokédex, and upon the last bit it offered a virtual keyboard on the screen.

...Snorunt. Erika beamed with delight the moment she laid eyes on her first Pokemon ever! In fact, she felt her eyes water a little as the possibility of her crying with joy was almost a reality given the circumstance. [color=6ecff6]"H-hi!"[/color] Erika stuttered slightly as she knelt down on both her knees to be more level with companion. She left her mouth open and a few quiet sounds came out in her many attempts at trying to say something, but she just couldn't find the words! With everything happening, it was just too much to handle. The promise of adventure, life on her own, and of course, her very own Pokemon! Erika just couldn't help it anymore, she broke slightly and cried as she reached out with a smile to embrace her new friend and Snorunt eagerly leapt into her arms. 

The two hugged for a moment before Erika finally set down Snorunt. She had gotten a bit lost in the moment but finally returned to reality, wiping her cheeks from the running tears. She had hoped nobody saw that as it was a tad embarrassing to have been the only one to cry. Anyway, continuing on.. Erika finally picked up her Pokedex and saw that she had a chance to formally name her friend, but honestly, Erika was never too creative so she just entered three letters to keep it short, just like how a nickname is supposed to be. [color=6ecff6]"S-N-O."[/color] Erika spelled aloud before saying the name. [color=6ecff6]"Sno!"[/color] She gave her Snorunt a pat on the head to try and indicate that this will be her name. [color=6ecff6]"It is nice to finally meet you, Sno. I'm Erika."[/color] Erika introduced herself in a bit of a hushed excitement, afraid others would listen in. Sno returned the introduction quick bow and a matching smile.

Thrilled, Erika gave Sno another pat to the top of Sno's cone before returning to her feet and trying to focus back on the Professor but couldn't help looking down to her little friend every so often.