- Posting Speed
- 1-3 posts per day
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Preferred Character Gender
- Male
Character Sheet: Here
Location: Home - The Train
Mentioned: Everyone
Interactions: Everyone
Outfit: Usual Attire
"Mael, wait! Do you have your lunch for the train?"
"Got it covered, Mom."
"You've got your PokéNav?"
"Yes, thanks Joy."
"And your emergency underwear?"
"Geez, Joy! Yes."
"Alright girls, that's enough. Leave your little brother alone... But you're sure you've got everything, sweetie?"
"Yes, Mom." Mael said with a soft laugh, gently putting his baseball cap onto his head. "Man, the way you guys are talking, you'd think I was leaving forever."
Nurse Joy sighed and smiled at her son, crossing her arms as she stared at Mael. He was so much like his father, it was almost uncanny. "I know, Mael. I guess I'm just nervous about my little man leaving home." she said, her sweet voice concealing a tinge of sadness.
Mael turned away from the hall closet, smiling confidently at his mother and older sisters. To most, it would be near impossible to determine which of them was the oldest or the youngest, but Mael knew the difference. His mother had the kindest eyes and was noticeably taller than her sisters, the eldest daughter always had one stray hair that could never stay in place, and the youngest daughter was by far the shortest, but she was also the strictest and hadn't been afraid to lecture negligent trainers whenever they brought in their Pokémon for treatment. It was the small things; but Mael knew how to identify them with relative ease.
Smiling at his mother, Mael took a few steps forward and gently pulled her into a much-needed hug. Though Nurse Joy was taken by surprise by the sudden embrace, she soon softened up and hugged her son back. Soon, Nurse Joy joined in, followed shortly by Nurse Joy. Even their pet Herdier, "Stewart", joined in with the fun and nuzzled up to Mael's leg, happily barking at his owner. "I'll call you guys every day, don't worry. I love you all so much." Mael said, closing his eyes as he enjoyed what could very well be the last time he saw his family for quite some time.
Speechless and resisting the urge to cry, Nurse Joy held onto her son tighter, desperate to keep her baby boy from leaving. But she couldn't. It was his dream to become a Pokémon Master just like his father, and she wanted the best for her son. Mael needed to spread his wings like a Pidgeot and explore the Holon region and anywhere else he wanted to go until one day, he would return home after having the experience of a lifetime and an unforgettable journey.
A deep sigh passed her lips again as she pulled away from the hug, watching as Mael and his sisters backed away too. Wiping a tear from her eyes, Nurse Joy smiled at her son and spoke one last time. "T-The train... Will be here a-a-any... Any minute now... Y-You should... G-Get going, sweetie." sputtered the blubbering mother, trying desperately not to break down in front of her son.
An embarrassed blush spread across Mael's face as he saw his mother getting all emotional. She was always like this, especially around him, but Mael had to admit; it was better to have a mother who cared too much than a mother who cared too little. He nodded at her, quickly tossing on his backpack as he made his way towards the door. Pushing it open, Mael took one last glance back at his family and waved softly at them before he slowly crept out of the doorway and out onto the patio.
Taking a deep breath of that fresh country-side air in, Mael glanced out over the horizon that stood before his family's quaint homestead. The train station was only a few miles away; an easy bike ride, but also a pleasant walk. Placing his hands on his hips proudly, Mael nodded to himself and quickly made his way down the staircase leading up to the porch. His excitement was building and he could feel a deep energy bursting from within him. As he made his way down the road, he began to run, a wide smile creeping over his face.
His journey, had begun.
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Cross-Holon Railroad - Final Destination: Lavendillure Town
It didn't take long for the train to arrive at the station, but Mael had to admit that he wasn't expecting such a luxurious trip. Though the train looked like any other on the exterior, the interior was something else entirely. What made things even more special was the fact that Professor Cypress had personally paid for a VIP car specifically for the aspiring trainers in the "Better Together" program. Of course, there had been many trips along the way and Mael wasn't the first to be picked up, but it was still very exciting for the young man. Not only would he have a chance to meet some of the people he would be travelling with before they got their Pokémon, but he would also be able to put his feet back and relax in the comfort of a private area rather than sit uncomfortably with his bag in the more crowded sections of the train.
As he entered the cabin, Mael observed quite a few people; two young boys with matching apparel (Mael wondered if they were twins or if they had the same genetic trait that all female members of his mother's family possessed), a brunette girl wearing a Pokémon Ranger uniform, a blue-haired boy with big headphones on, a black haired boy who seemed to be a little older than he was, and girl with dark skin and braided hair. Smiling happily at them all, Mael waved softly and proudly announced "Hi! I'm Mael; guess we're going to be Trainers together, huh? Well, it's nice to meet you all!"