[color=orchid][h1][center]Sophia Danvers[/center][/h1][/color]

[color=orchid]"Ha! Just as I thought!"[/color] Sophia shouted as the battle concluded. The ice-type had actually put up a better fight against the fire-type than she'd expected, but she wasn't going to admit she thought that. She turned to Oscar. [color=orchid]"Though don't let it go to your head. Remember how you were no match for me."[/color]

Her confidence was evident on her face as she looked at Rheese. [color=orchid]"Yes, that's right. You wanted to know how the battle went? It was all too easy for me. If things keep going this way, this journey will be no trouble at a-"[/color]

[i][color=darkorchid]"Sophia."[/color][/i]

Sophia's eyes glazed over. The sudden voice in her head was like a cold touch, sending a shiver through her. [color=orchid]"E-Excuse me just a moment,"[/color] she muttered to the other trainers, turning away from them.

[i][color=darkorchid]"Sophia,"[/color][/I] her mother's distant-sounding voice repeated. The link between Sophia and her family members was usually stronger, clearer than this, but then again, she'd never been this far from them. [i][color=darkorchid]"I assume you're strong enough to hear me, even in Kosei. I hope I'm not mistaken."[/color][/i]

The words stung, as usual. [i][color=orchid]"I can hear you, Mom,"[/color][/i] Sophia replied in her head. [i][color=orchid]"Guess what? I had my first match earlier, and I won."[/color][/i]

[i][color=darkorchid]"Oh, well done."[/color][/i] Each word dripped sarcasm. [i][color=darkorchid]"A beginner level battle. How very promising. You know, it's going to take you more than just luck to get anywhere."[/color][/i]

Sophia's sense of triumph vanished like sunlight masked by clouds. [i][color=orchid]"I know, Mom..."[/color][/i]

[i][color=darkorchid]"You understand why I got you to travel so far, don't you?"[/color][/i] The young psychic had to strain to hear the message. [i][color=darkorchid]"This way, it's harder for us to communicate. You're a big girl, Sophia. You can't rely on me and your father any more. Now, you're on your own. When you come back, you can tell us all about your journey. Make us proud."[/color][/i]

[i][color=orchid]"I will do..."[/color][/i] Sophia clenched her hands into fists by her sides. [i][color=orchid]"I promise you, I will."[/color][/i]

[i][color=darkorchid]"Good,"[/color][/i] came the sickly sweet reply. [i][color=darkorchid]"You love and respect us, don't you? Prove it. After everything we've taught you, you'd never be so inconsiderate as to disappoint us, would you?"[/color][/i] Sophia winced.

[i][color=darkorchid]"Would you?"[/color][/i] The tone took on a knife edge.

[i][color=orchid]"No..."[/color][/i] Sophia answered. [i][color=orchid]"No, I wouldn't."[/color][/i]

[i][color=darkorchid]"From the day you were born,"[/color][/i] her mother continued, [i][color=darkorchid]"I had a feeling you'd grow up to represent the family well. But we both know the future isn't set in stone. So, make sure you don't prove me wrong."[/color][/i]

[i][color=orchid]"I'll prove you right, Mom."[/color][/i] Sophia braced herself for the reply. Nothing. [i][color=orchid]"Mom?"[/color][/i] Still nothing. Her mother had blocked her out without so much as a goodbye. She took a deep breath to control her shuddering, her high spirits utterly deflated. Gothita looked up with concern, placing a stubby hand on Sophia's leg. Regaining her composure, the trainer forced a smile. [color=orchid]"I'm alright."[/color]

She raised her head, acting as if nothing had happened. [color=orchid]"So... Who wants to look for Pokemon?"[/color]