Note: I've changed it somewhat, but nothing important was taken out.
NOTE FROM SUP3RGIRL {Hello reader! If you've stumbled across this page, perhaps my title caught your eye, or maybe my brief summary (despite it's vague-ness). Anyways, thank you for clicking. And please enjoy this first chapter. You will notice (eventually maybe...) that this is written in a journal-sort-of format, and everything is from one person's POV.}
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June 23. {prologue}But My Home is in Hoenn!
[6:42 am]
So far, I've been on this ocean route for almost 2 hours, and nothing exciting has happened thus far. Just, an endless plain of...sea. This route is taking way too long to Surf through.
Now… introductions are in order, yes? My name is Talullah Marie Pardee, try saying that fast several times. I reach about 5"6 in height with a normal body weight of 130 pounds; I love my food and don't plan on missing out on it, thank you. I can proudly say that I maintain a nice, year-round tan thanks to my work trips and training. My pale blonde hair reaches just below my shoulders and my bangs are side swept to the right. My eyes are green, its shade resembling the colour of celery. I think I first got into Pokemon due to my parent's influence: Mum was once a world-class Coordinator, and my father is a water Pokemon enthusiast.
As for me, I've been working with Juan, the water-type gym leader in Sootopolis for the last few years and have tagged along with countless researchers to further my studies. I have worked hard enough to land me a position as the assistant caretaker of the Lilycove Aquatic Center, which is the main reason to why I'm going back home now. Not too bad for a 17 year old, don't you think?
Now, Mum's retired from Contests and father's whereabouts are unknown (or so my mother informs me). Also, since Mum is now a business partner in several of the Coordinator and Trainer products, I often got the pleasure of appearing on ad campaigns. Don't take me for just a spoiled brat though, when it comes down to it, I do my share of work and more. However, despite all the fun and luxury, the truth is, I've only seen Mum 3 times in last 2 years and Father has been absent since my 1st birthday. Holidays were usually celebrated with my friends and family presents were exchanged by mail. I often wondered what I wouldn't trade for a normal life with Mum and Father together.
In my lap was an issue of "Coast to Coast" the water Pokemon magazine. I was flipped to a page concerning the opening of a new Conservatory in Sinnoh. My eye was caught on small thumbnail of the commissioners. He stood near the front, basking in the glory of his good looks. I'll have to remember to tear it out later. See there? Blonde hair, blue eyes (atleast that's what it looks like) and a unique style; sweet. I skimmed through the article looking for a name.
"Damn, it's too hard to read." Disappointed, I closed my eyes to enjoy the soft spray of seawater as Lapras smoothly cut through waves. If I squinted hard, I could just see the sloping shores of Lilycove.
"We're almost there!" I urged Lapras to pick up from cruising speed, my heart pounded with excitement.
After almost half an hour later, I jumped off of Lapras' back and returned her to her Pokeball for some well-deserved rest, promising to treat her as soon as we get settled. Wallowing in the clear shallows, I could clearly see my hot pink toenails and wiggled them deeper into the wet sand; strange, but I really do love that squishy feeling between my toes. The breaking waves pushed me towards dry land and tried to pull me back through the undertow as the wet spray soaked the bottom of my light blue shorts.
"Man! I'M STARVED!" I shouted into the wind, holding onto my grumbling tummy as I trudged up the beach. "I hope Chef Boudoir remembers that I'm semi-vegetarian and my preference for fluffy pancakes and syrup". Now I'm getting hungry.
After the long walk from beach to home, I waited outside the huge gate, and made faces into the security camera. My quick fingers pressed the buzzer in rapid succession, letting the ring echo in the still morning air and soon, one of mother's jumpsuit wearing protégées jogged towards the gate. With a grimace, I noted that the poor guy tripped over his own feet while adjusting the ensemble.
Moments later, we (and by that I mean me) sauntered through the front doors and dropped my bag with a solid 'thunk' on the polished wooden floor. A chorus of welcomes greeted me and I happily returned the formality. I also took a mental note of who was 'fresh meat' and who was an old timer; it's always a good idea to take notice of the newbies and warn them of the impending stress ahead (AKA, me). The same black and white leather furniture and indescribable modern art adorned the foyer and the same huge cream and white rug sprawled through the center of the room. Happily, I breathed in the smell of fresh lilacs and honey with an undertone of wax; nothing had changed in the last few years.
Soon, I heard heels clacking upstairs which was soon followed by Mum's low melodic voice. "There you are, honey! Come, come!" She beckoned towards me and glided down the stairs with an inviting smile.
I had a split second glance of her before being enveloped in a tight embrace. The long unused scent of sweet pea and amber dissipated throughout the foyer. I distantly remembered that Mum mixes that essential oil fragrance uniquely for personal use and it always gives me such a nostalgic feeling. In what seemed like forever, Mum let go of me and looked me over with appraising eyes. An eyebrow went up for my lack of shoes, but she hadn't commented…just then.
"Come little Princess, we'll eat first and catch up. You must be simply starved!" I think I blushed back there; no one's called me that nickname for forever.
She pulled me towards the patio, where I saw with delight, an arrangement of plates and covers. The large glass table was set for two with pure white porcelain, polished silver cutlery and large crystal goblets. Shooing her assistants inside, Mum poured fresh Miltank milk into the goblets and lifted the plate covers to reveal the results of Chef Boudoir's labour. Mini vegetable frittatas, an assortment of fine cheeses, a bowl of fresh cut fruit, freshly baked breakfast rolls, hash browns, Mum's favoured malted waffles and my favourite pancakes, as well as accompanying condiments adorned the table. Chef went all out today, and I couldn't have been happier as I forklifted a stack of thick pancakes onto my plate and soaked them thoroughly with syrup. Some people think it's gross, but I have a penchant for (sickly) sweet things.
On the occasion that I came up to breathe while attacking my food, I couldn't help but stare at Mum as she filled me in on the new project that she's been working on. Something about a new PokeGear application, maybe. Admittedly, I was analysing her appearance instead of listening properly; her long dark hair cascaded down her back and framed her ivory face instead of compacting itself into a tight chignon, and her usual strict business suits were replaced with curve hugging jeans and a long sleeved white V-neck shirt. Through her thick hair, I noticed diamonds winking on her earlobes and a silver necklace that I sent to her last Christmas.
Weird, she used to always wear a formal suit. But she still looks good.
Mum noticed me staring and smiled that understanding motherly smile. "It was time for a change, don't you think?" I nodded fervently, and poured milk down my throat to clear away the sweetness.
"I think you look a lot better in that than in those boring grey suits, Mum." I informed her. "It suits you much better." She beamed at me, as if she hadn't heard such compliments before. Mum daintily wiped her lips and dropped the cloth on top of her plate. "If you would like, we can go to the boutiques for some new clothes,"- here she indicated my old shorts and well worn t-shirt, not to mention my lack of shoes - "Or visit the Safari, I know how you love that place."
I hesitated to reply, it was still too early for any of the stores or the Safari to be open, and I was still tired from the early morning surf. Instead I suggested going to the pool and letting my Pokemon rest. She looked taken back, but soon recovered to grant me permission and motioned for one of the protégés to bring me to the pool. As I left with Sergio, her personal assistant, I caught a glimpse of anxiety on my mother's face.
"Hey, Sergio" I questioned him, "what's happened to Mum? She used to be all business and so, so uptight." I had no idea what I had just wrought upon myself with that one innocent question.
He hesitated before answering curtly, "since it's you, Miss Talullah, I don't think Ms. Pardee would mind me clarifying. I mean – " he coughed "- I'm sure this matter was cleared during breakfast."
Now near the sea-water pool, I let out my other Pokemon to stretch and swim. One by one, they appeared in flashes of red light. Sergio noticed the new additions to my team, politely commending my efforts to raise them well. Although vast majority of my team consisted of water types I occasionally keep normal or mixed type Pokemon as well.
My Kingdra whom I caught as a Horsea during a trip to Kanto swam majestically through the water. Beside Lapras, Starmie's red jewel sparkled brightly as it floated lazily on the water, allowing my mischievous Vaporeon to push it around the pool. Felix, my spoiled Persian lounged lazily on dry land, basking in the warmth of the rising sun. Juan's parting present, a rare purple Clamperl that he nicknamed Vive propelled itself across the pool with Watergun. Shifting my gaze towards my Pokemon, I masked my confusion. Nothing was brought up…that I could remember anyways. However, I did not stop him, my curiosity was overwhelming as I dug myself deeper and deeper into the inevitable.
Not noticing my ignorance, Sergio continued in his well trained manner. "Just a few days ago, Ms. Pardee – your mother, received a letter from your father in Sinnoh." I cocked an eyebrow, carefully concealing my surprise. "Apparently there was some debate over your well being and since then, she has been continuously on edge. I believe the change in appearance and manner is the result of that letter."
He frowned suspiciously. "I'm sure you've gone over this matter, yes?"
"Thank you Sergio, if you would please set out some food for my Pokemon, I think Mother's waiting for me." I nodded believably and stiffly walked out of the room, hoping to find the truth. My head felt like a blank slate, hoping that the small portion of me that doubted Mum was wrong. Dead wrong.
I found her sitting primly on a white leather couch in the library. She was reading as I walked in, though I can see that her eyes weren't moving though she stared intently at the page.
"Hello dear," she snapped the book shut, and pushed herself off of the couch. "What shall we do today? Have you decided yet?"
I smiled casually. "Oh, but I'm so tired and I haven't had a proper sleep. How about we go out tomorrow?" She blanched and her mouth formed a perfect "O". Regaining composure, Mum tried again. "But today's perfect outside, tomorrow's going to be raining and I only have a few days home before I have to work again."
"Good point." I stretched and flopped lazily on the couch beside her. "But I really just feel like sleeping now." She twitched and breathed in quick, uneasy breaths. "But really dear, I mean, we should go early if we want to catch the good sales at the Lilycove Department Store. Oh, and your favourite store has a new collection."
I stared at her, astounded. When has she ever cared about sales or shopping mobs? I remember that she once blocked the entire Department Store so that she can shop freely without disruption. "Oh really." I started to feel suspicion settle into my conscience but nonetheless, agreed.
Soon, we climbed into her black luxury sedan, and I prepared myself for a long car ride to downtown Lilycove. Mum insisted that I borrow a pair of her shoes until I get my own. They were a size too small for me and pinched my toes viciously. I slide out of them and prepared myself for the worst.
"So, Mum. Um… have you heard from Father lately?" I pretended to be absorbed in the floor mat, and crossed my legs. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and cleared her throat noisily. Mum exuded an air of nervousness, which made me extremely guilty, but my curiosity and suspicion overrode that emotion quickly.
"Are you sure?" I inspected my fingernails and chewed a hangnail.
"Yes, ofcourse!" She snapped, though her voice cracked and she slapped my hand away from my sharp teeth. I recoiled a little at her aggressive action. Instead of quieting me down, I grew angry, knowing that she was definitely hiding something.
I fixed her with a cold stare. "Sergio would never lie. You received a letter –"
She looked horrified. "My own assistant!"
"Yes! Exactly when were you planning on telling me?" I exclaimed angrily. "If it was news from Father, you should've told me during breakfast!"
"Little Princess – "
"DON'T! – I don't care if you and dad had a bad fall out. But I'm the daughter! It's my right to know! Did he say something about me?" My cheeks were flushed with anger, my voice was hoarse with choked tears. The look on her face told me all I need.
"It was about me, wasn't it?" I asked in an accusing tone. She nodded, her hand covering her eyes. "What did he say?"
She shook her head silently, though her lips were trembling and tears were leaking through her fingers. They dripped onto her jeans, making dark spots on her knee.
I clenched my hand, though my heart softened at the sight of my mother in such distress. "What did he say?" I repeated again, more firmly this time. I could feel a burning in my throat and eyes, tears threatened to break loose at any moment. My heart felt cold, my curiosity was overwhelming. What on Earth was in that letter?
"Your father – " She buried her head on my shoulders, I can feel the wetness trickle through my shirt, but paid no attention. I nodded to show that I was listening and absent-mindedly patted her back.
"He wants you in Sinnoh - tomorrow!"
She reached into her jeans pocket and shoved a piece of paper at me. I took the heavy paper carefully, and smoothed out the lines and wrinkles. I saw tear stains dotting the paper and multiple rips along its length, hastily patched up with clear tape.
"Greetings Serena,
It's been a long time since we have last made contact with one another, and I do remember our promise to cut off all communication. However, our daughter is already 17."
I took a deep breath. This was definitely my father writing this. My chest felt tight as I kept reading.
"You do know what this means, don't you Serena? On the child's 16th birthday, she was to come to Sinnoh to live with me in the Pastoria Gym. You ignored my letter last year concerning the same matter, and I overlooked it, seeing as how Talullah was training with Juan. It is time for her to spend time in Sinnoh, under my care and supervision. Rest assured that she will be welcomed here, and her position of Assistant Director will be transferred to the Valor Lake Pokemon Conservatory as well as a position of caretaker in my Gym. I will send my trusted student to Hoenn on the 24th of June to pick up my daughter. Please inform her of this and have her ready to leave as soon as possible."
I reread it, once, twice. There was no signature, no name of recognition. Still, I held onto it, and traced over the blocky letters as if I can channel myself into my Father's scripture. I'm going to Sinnoh? But Hoenn is my home, it always has been!
My head felt like it was about to burst from the plethora of emotions running through my head. I sat there numbly as my mother called to me.
In just six words, my life had changed. Forever.
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Well, that's it. I apologize for the prolonged prologue. I wanted everybody to get a sense of who Talullah is and where her background lies. Now that you've read it, how about some feedback? Am I still too "wordy" and not to the point?