Divided Lands...

Chapter 2: Starting a New Journey!

Monday.

Normally when the alarm went off at the side of Tranquil's bed, she'd dread the oncoming school day. But, this week would be different. She wouldn't be going to school and would be setting off on her journey. She leapt from her creaky bed and instantly got changed out of her pyjamas. She did have a trainers kit in her wardrobe, but she liked her current outfit so much that she just decided to keep with it. She still put her trainer kit in her new bag, just in case. She dove into the bag again, just to make sure that everything had been packed correctly. And, sure enough, all the contents of the gym challenge package were safe inside.

A high-quality map of the entire region that she had studied prior, a book about different Pokemon, and plenty of Potions and Pokeballs. The Pokeball factory had even given her three Ultra Balls upon hearing of her admittance into the gym challenge, as well as a courtesy tour. It was an amazing place for sure, and Tranquil was so glad she could finally have a tour she'd been hoping to get for so long before she left home.

Tranquil threw the backpack over her shoulder, tightening the straps and making sure nothing was loose inside of the bag. After securing everything, she put together her bed, wanting to give her parents an easy time and not leave work for them to do after she leaves. Tranquil knew that it must have been hard for them to let her go. She had overheard conversations about it, where they discussed whether to let her go around the region or not. But, they always had her interests in front of their own and ultimately decided to let her go, which Tranquil appreciated greatly.

But, Tranquil had hoped to at least do something for them as a goodbye and thank you for taking care of her. She reached under her bed, pulling out a cake that had a messy 'goodbye' written in white icing. She had spent a bit of time with a cookbook while her parents were asleep and cooked a double layer chocolate cake. She wasn't sure how they'd react to it, but she figured they'd like it no matter what. She opened up the door with her right hand while holding the cake container in her left arm, and walked down the stairs that stood just out of the room. She went into the small area between the living room and found her mom and dad sitting on the couch and waiting for her.

"Hello honey, what's that in your hands?", Tranquil's mother asked as her parents crowded around her and read the message atop.

"I bought some ingredients, and I wanted to make you a goodbye cake."

Her father took the cake, looking at the cake for a second, and placing it softly on the ground. He then looked at his daughter and hugged her so tight that Tranquil felt like she was going to pop. Her mother wrapped her arms around Tranquil as well, and all three ended up with tears in their eyes.

"I'll just miss you so much." Tranquil said softly, her voice cracking as she spoke to her parents. Her father then said back to her,

"We're going to miss you too."

A solemn moment followed with no one making a sound between them. Eventually, Tranquil broke through the hug and brushed the streams off of her cheeks. Her parents smiled at Tranquil and told her,

"I suppose this is goodbye for now. Just, stay safe and have fun with the gym challenge."

"I will!" Tranquil exclaimed with more enthusiasm than her parents had heard from her in ages. It made them immeasurably happy, despite the goodbye, that she was so excited for the journey. They both waved away Tranquil from the house, the girl running through the front door and disappearing up another street. Tranquil's mother then turned to her husband and asked,

"Do you think she'll be safe on her journey?"

"Of course. She's more resilient than you expect."

"What made you think that?"