The Rosebud Condition

02 | Firey Passion

Poliwag splashed in the waters of Malie Garden and Petilil rustled the grass in nearby patches. The sun shone bright and glinted off the golden Altaria statue atop the tower that was built in Malie Garden. 

Many golden statues of Pokemon from Johto resided in the garden. Horsea, Altaria, and Swablu. Along with the statues, Johtoian music played through the air and the scent of food native to their culture could be smelt. 

Maybe that was why her family moved there. To feel closer to home. To not feel so distant to their roots. To give their child the experiences they did, even if they were far, far away.

They had moved to Ula'ula Island of the Alola Region to help their child.

A woman cried out. "Rose! No sweety. Don't go in the tall grass! Pokemon could hurt you if you don't have a Pokemon of your own!" 

The three-year-old stopped mid-step and turned around, swiftly being swept into the air by the person who had called her name and held in her arms.

"Be more careful Rosebud." The older woman scolded lightly.

Rose smiled, a pink tint slowly began covering her cheeks. "Okay, mama." Her voice was as soft as the petals she was named after; partially due to her shy and timid nature and partially due to her illness. 

The little child had thick light brown hair that went a little past her ears bright blue eyes. There was a mole under her left eye. Her mother said it was a beauty mark.

Rose crawled around the soft grass of the garden and the soft tune of the harmonious music made the child feel at peace, even if her body was dying. The child didn't know that. She only knew she hurt and more often than not she would hurt so much she wouldn't be able to move or she'd get so sick that she would cough until a red liquid would spatter in her hand. 

Rose sat in front of a flower in the garden. It was beautiful. She loved flowers.

"Rose what do you have?" Her mother called. 

"Flower," she answered.

"Do you want to bring it to mommy?" She asked, coming up behind her child.

"No."

"No? Why not." 

"It's too pretty. I think it belongs here where it can live." Rose said deep in thought.

Rose's mother paused and smiled. She was smart for someone so young. She already valued life.

"Your birthday is soon. Do you know what you want yet?"

Rose sat in silence. She didn't have anything she really wanted that she could think of. Was there? 

She looked at the flower in front of her. "More flower?" 

Rose's mother tilted her head. More flowers? An idea popped in her head.

~ ~ ~

The day of Rose's birthday came quickly and her mother's plan soon came into play.

"Where are we going?" Rose almost whispered.

Rose's mother had driven Rose to a beach and then they had been ferried across the water to a large red and white building. Her mother had said it was a Pokemon Center. 

"It's a special place." Her mother spoke after they stepped off the ferry.

The sound of the ocean and the smell of salt filled Rose's scenes. The way the sun sparkled off the endless rolling waves reminded the child of diamonds.