Chapter 1 ~ Gloomy skies
The delicate pattering of incessant rain awoke the slender girl, whose violent thrashing calmed as she opened her bleary eyes. Wiping at her sleep filled eyes she yawned, her teeth pointed, like a cats.
"That same flashback" she murmured, half to herself, half to the small Pokémon lying on her downy pillow. The Ralts squeaked quietly as a response, rolling over. Smiling softly at the psychic type she padded out of the room, her bare feet silently hitting the carpeted stairs. Her short windswept hair was ruffled from her tossing and turning, black bags fringing her half closed eyes. Sorrow tinged her expression, a few tears clinging to her lashes as she lethargically made her way downstairs.
"I hate rainy days." She proclaimed to her adoptive parents when she entered the room, ready to drop unconscious. "I get my power from the sun, so it doesn't help when the freaking clouds cover it." She rolled her amethyst eyes, forked tail twitching agitatedly as she ate breakfast.
"We know Kiara" her adoptive mum replied disinterestedly. Kiara shrugged one slender shoulder, ignoring her mum's dry remarks; she was always like that in the morning. She laid her head on the polished table top, jumping as her father entered.
"Morning sweetheart." Her greeted her, and she smiled in response, her drooping eyelids fluttering in an attempt to keep them open. Kiara opened her mouth, remembering an issue that had been bugging her for a while.
Why is it that ten year olds can go on a journey, but I can't. I'm fourteen and since I've moved here, I've never been outside the town. It's like I'm trapped, living a life of security, but my heart longing for one of adventure.
"Dad... When can I go on a journey? You know I've been wanting to." her purple orbs were large and pleading as she looked up at her father, watching fearfully as his pale face turned from white to cerise, vein throbbing in his forehead, jaw clenched.
"And we've discussed this" he said shortly, through pursed lips.
"But"
"No buts" he cut across her sharply, his voice rising slightly, red spots on his cheeks spreading over his heated face.
"Dad! If ten year olds are mature enough to travel, surely I am! What are you afraid of?" she asked desperately "I'd be fine and I would always have Jade" she gestured upstairs, where her Ralts was asleep.
"It isn't that, it is just with your..." he trailed off uncertainly
"My what, father?" she replied icily, liquid eyes hardening and narrowing dangerously
"Your... your condition" he spat out. "But enough of that! You are the child and you will listen to me. You are not going on a journey and that is final!" he roared in her face, spit flecking his plump lips. Kiara backed away, confusion and hurt lancing through her expression, tears filling her eyes, but she scrunched them up, refusing to let any fall.
There was a bald man, up in her face, yelling, calling her names, followed by a brutal slap. They were talking, discussing her fate. She laid, cheeks stinging as they turned back to her, advancing slowly...
"Go to your room!" he shouted furiously, cheeks bulging. Whimpering, she turned and fled gladly to the sanctuary of her room, slamming the door behind her and flopping heavily onto her bed. Tears welled again, but this time she let them fall, sniffling quietly, the salty drops splashing in her lap. Her lip quivered as she gazed outside, tears melding with the falling rain. Still it pattered, pelting her window and roof, every thump like footsteps coming to drag her back to a beating.
I can't stay trapped. A safe life is not necessarily a happy one and I need to get out. I have to see the world. I'll leave today, because it will just eat away at me until it drives me mad. I'm sick of everyone treating me like dirt because I'm different. If I go out, maybe I'll meet people who are less judgemental.
She came back to reality when a small hand tapped her arm. She looked down to see Jade holding her capsule and took the red and white ball off of the diminutive Pokémon.
"Jadey, are you sure?" using her nickname for the Ralts she used when she was young, never able to break the habit. When the Ralts nodded, Kiara grinned, sharp teeth peeking out over her bottom lip. She felt happier than she had in years, stroking the green helm absentmindedly. "I'll pack now then" she said, standing up. First she clipped the capsule onto her necklace, a faded, frayed ribbon. She then grabbed her hip pouch, clipping the black bag around her thin waist and placing a few berries in it, along with some food for herself which she had in her closet, in case she got hungry at night. Finally she drew out a slightly worn charcoal grey hoodie and buried her face in it, smelling the familiar scent and sighing. Such memories she had with that article of clothing, often bad, but also good. It was her favourite and she hugged it close, before pulling it on, the jacket still dwarfing her slender form.
"Raa!" Jade cried, jumping into Kiara's waiting arms. She smiled as the Espeon morph cradled her squirming form, running a bony finger over the pinkish horns, causing her to shudder. Kiara put the Ralts in her hood so she could carry her easily, the Pokémon clinging to her mauve hair squeaking in surprise, crimson eyes wide and curious. Kiara watched the Ralts, a small smile playing on her lips; it was impossible not to smile at the cute antics.
"Are you ready, Jadey?" Kiara whispered, apprehensively eyeing the window.
Now that I'm actually here, it's hard to leave. This place is the only peaceful place I've known, where I've been accepted. I don't know what's out there, but I guess there is only one way to find out. At least I'm not alone in leaping blindly off the edge of this cliff. I'll always have Jade.
Kiara opened the cool window, her warm breath misting up the glass as she pulled her hoodie tighter around her. Slipping lithely out she took a deep breath, looking at the slippery tiles in front of her. Closing her eyes tightly and holding her breath she placed her right foot forward and slid down the roof, hitting the muddy ground with a squelch, mud splattering everywhere. The breeze played with her short hair and the rain drove into her face, stinging.
I'm finally out. Now begins my journey through Sinnoh. Now is my turn to travel, meet Pokémon and experience the wonders of the world. It is my first step on the road of a trainer. I know it will be tough, but I'm sure I'll meet amazing people and Pokémon.
"Now is our time, Jade" Kiara said, standing on the road leading out of Twinleaf town, her Ralts nodding on her shoulder. Purple eyes met red, and with that silent agreement she ran, leaving her home behind her. She ran under the gloomy skies.