This is Darkest Nightmare's Dread. I've been on hiatus for a long time because work's been so hectic that I've been concentrating more on that than writing. Still, I've had this idea percolating in my head for a while now, and I've decided now is the best time to let it out.
First, a little back story.
-Intro-
Twenty-five years before the events of this fanfic, a series of laws were passed in the Hoenn Region that essentially elevated Ralts and its evolutionary family to the same level as humans, enabling them to enjoy the same employment opportunities and marriage opportunities as humans. Thus, Sharon Meyers the human and Tolasar-utaru the Gallade were married. They had a daughter named Sofia Utaru, a pale girl with blue eyes and green hair. Like most hybrids, she possessed incredible telepathy and telekinesis from a young age. However, this was not without its disadvantages. Sofia was mute, having never developed vocal cords, and when she was 5, she started having terrible seizures where her powers would go out of control, causing destruction in her immediate area. Worried about the quality of life their daughter would have, Sharon and Tolasar had her undergo a surgical procedure to place blockers in her cerebrum, which previous medical studies had proven would allow the human user to have better control over their powers while reducing them to a controllable level.
The procedure was a success. Sofia's seizures stopped, and as she grew older, Tolasar trained her in the use of her abilities, knowing the surest way to ensure his daughter wouldn't destroy everything would be to train her to control her powers. Over time, Sofia grew stronger psychically, though she was held back by the psionic blockers. When she was 10 Sofia asked her parents if she could have the blockers removed. "I have complete control over my abilities. Is that not why the implants were installed in the first place?" She asked. Realizing the blockers had served their purpose, Sharon and Tolasar scheduled the procedure to have the blockers removed. There were unfortunate complications. The hospital in Rustboro City that had carried out the procedure in the first place closed, and the only other medical facility was located in Pueltown, in the far-off Almia Region, where there was the possibility that they would be received in a less than friendly manner. Still, the family wasn't deterred, and moved to nearby Chicole Village to await the date for the procedure. The Chicole villagers were surprised by the foreign couple but received them well enough, throwing a small party to welcome them.
Sadly, that was the last happy memory Sofia would have. Shortly after she went under to have the psionic implants removed, Tolasar had a heart attack and died instantly. Sharon tried to take care of herself and Sofia, who suffered from terrible migraines after the operation, but every day was a struggle for the newly single mother. On Sofia's twelfth birthday, the poor girl discovered that her mother had passed away in her sleep. The doctors were unable to determine what had happened, but Sofia knew why her mother had passed. It was because she'd missed Tolasar so much. Sofia never smiled after that day, even though her adoptive mother Maya tried her hardest to keep the psionic girl happy. Her new older brother Ollie tried also, but to no avail. Sofia was deeply depressed, spending her time using her powers to perform tricks for Pokémon that came out of the nearby forest to watch the spectacle. Seeing how her adoptive daughter enjoyed interacting with Pokémon gave Maya an idea. "Why don't you study to become a PokémonRanger?" She asked Sofia. "It's gotta be better than sitting around all day with that frown on her face."
Sofia frowned slightly as she thought. As much as she missed her parents, she couldn't sit around and mope. "You are right," she telepathically replied in a rigid, businesslike manner. "My birth parents would not want me to sit around feeling sorry for myself. They would want me to put my talents to good use. Thank you for the idea, mother. I only wish I had thought of it myself." Maya was still disconcerted with the way Sofia talked, but she was glad she'd gotten through.
For the next four years, Sofia spent her time studying books published by Pokémon Rangers, learning about the various Pokémon she could encounter, as well as their capabilities. She became a common site around the Vientown library, preferring her studies to interactions with the various teen boys who were interested in romancing the young beauty. A couple times, she even talked briefly with Barlow, the leader of the local Ranger group, who seemed more than happy to have her if and when she decided to become a Pokémon Ranger. The day she turned 17, Maya threw a big party for Sofia, though she saved the best surprise for later. "I've been working with the Ranger Academy, and I just got you entered as a student!" Maya said excitedly. For a moment, nothing happened, but then, Sofia gave a smile so wide, Maya was worried her face would split. As her adoptive daughter hugged her, Maya laughed and said, "Now, classes don't start for another two months, so don't be packing up your stuff just yet!" As she got ready over the proceeding months, Sofia got noticeably happier. She didn't smile, but there was no doubt the hybrid girl was happy. The day before the entry exams, Sofia left early in the morning. (Finally. I can put my abilities to good use, just like my father wanted!) Sofia thought excitedly as she walked the lonely morning trail to the Ranger Academy, having no idea just what life had in store for her….
Hope you liked this intro chapter. Sorry if it was a bit dry, but it's my first foray into writing after a long hiatus. As for the rating I've assigned this fanfic, in the immortal words of Frank Sinatra, "The best is yet to come." Read and review! It's what inspires me to keep writing.