Elinor sipped on her beverage as the story was told. Her eyes moved from Geena to Callan and back again. She knew the tale, but hearing it told by Geena was interesting enough on its own.

A small smile formed on her lips as Callan commented. She had not thought it that obvious, but perhaps that was her deluding herself. Still, she gave him a nod in reply confirming it was one of the reasons why she had to put distance between her family, even if they did not particularly enjoy that, to begin with at least.

“I hope so too,” Elinor commented, but she dared not hope too much. Hoenn was a savage region after all.

Geena had expected Callan’s question to come. Still, thoughtful folds appeared on her face as she worded her reply. “I asked myself that very question many times. I even tried to ask them once, but they didn’t deign me with anything I would call a real answer.” Geena said.

Elinor sighed. “Makes sense, why should my father share the details of his inner working with someone he perceives to be lower than him?” Elinor spoke.

Geena nodded. “Yes, I presumed that was why he didn’t answer me properly.”

Elinor’s gaze turned to Callan as some difficult words were about to be spoken. “Well, he did like to use that justification. But I quickly realized that love was but another tool for him and my mother to use.”

While the words were difficult what tension she held soon dissipated as she spoke. Perhaps it had simply been the lingering fear of backlash. “ ‘it is all for the family’ is what they used to say. But the more I have thought about it, the more I have realized that it was simply a matter of control.” Elinor replied. “As much as we would like to believe that we can control Pokémon. I am sure we can all agree that should any Pokémon set their mind on going against us, there would be nothing we could do about it.” She paused for a moment to breathe and take a sip from her cup, “And I personally think that was simply a threat they didn’t want to have looming around their little heir.” Elinor replied.

The Quagsire looked pondering for a moment, but then returned to its jovial smile.

“But at least I had you and the rest of the staff to pick up the pieces that my parents forgot about.” She beamed a smile at Geena.

Geena smiled as well. “I am glad you appreciate our efforts.” She momentarily paused, “And I would tend to agree with your assessment. Especially, since your siblings didn’t get quite the same treatment.” Once again Geena nodded. “Some might even say you were their favorite child. For all the woe’s it gave.”

“Though I presume that status might’ve changed,” Geena spoke in jest. Elinor caught on and smiled somewhat as well.

“Yeah, I think it might have.”

NPC: Geena Essert / AS OF YET UNNAMED KID
OOC: Takes place Post-Darkest day, but pre-Cyberchase conclusion
LOCATION: Pacifidlog Town

Callan listened as both Geena and Elinor began to talk about their old parentage again. His job here was done, and he felt like he had been intruding on a personal situation for the two of them. He finished his coffee, placing it down against the table. While he couldn't exactly understand the motivations of Elinor's family, or the need to sustain a legacy through his children, he could tell one thing, "Sometimes, I feel like the best way to resolve this situation is by talking to them." Cllan smiled.

"Perhaps you could speak to them, not as Elinor Anderson, but as Councilwoman Anderson, and save your other siblings from a similar fate."

Elinor appreciated his presence, and she certainly appreciated that Callan had pushed her to do this. It allowed for them to catch up, even if she currently felt that she was perhaps trauma dumping a bit on Callan. Though she supposed he had asked for this.

“Perhaps,” Elinor replied. Though firstly she knew any such plans would have to wait until the dome was removed, and secondly her relationship with her siblings wasn’t exactly the best, especially with @autmn. So, some bridges would have to be mended there.

“I will definitely think about it,” Elinor said.

Geena merely gave an understanding nod before taking a sip of her own drink. She knew well enough the troubles and obstacles Elinor’s mind could procure. But she was certain Elinor would find her way if she set her mind on it.


NPC: Geena Essert / AS OF YET UNNAMED KID
OOC: Takes place Post-Darkest day, but pre-Cyberchase conclusion
LOCATION: Pacifidlog Town

Callan paused, placing his cup down onto a mat as Elinor replied. "I'm sure they'll be different now. I don't know if they'll ever necessarily learn their lesson, or that they'll admit to their wrongs." Callan paused, squeezing her elbow as he leaned in to press his lips against hers. "But I think it'll be more of a shock to them if their favorite daughter returns to show them the folly of their mistakes, and acts in a way puts their own behaviours to shame."

Callan smiled. "I'll be heading out for now, enjoy your time together." Callan moved towards the Quagsire, taking out a Sitrus Gummy to offer to the cooking show enthusiast, before bowing slightly to his host. "Thank you for letting me stay here auntie. I'll have to head to prep for some operations however. Hopefully an Ultra Wormhole or an Ultra Beast hasn't invaded Lilycove while I was gone." He chuckled. "I'll see you back at Evergrande Elly."

Callan spoke truths. While she tended to look upon her parents as if they stood upon pedestals, were neither ULTRA BEASTS nor robots or deities of any sort, they were simply Human and she should think of them as such. However, she was not yet ready to confront them. Perhaps she never would be.

But for now, she had a lot of catching up to do. After a quick kiss between Elinor and Callan, the Gym Leader excused himself. Thanking Geena for the hospitality and offering the Quagsire a Sitrus Gummy as a gift on the way out.

And with that the pair of women were left to their own devices, spending much-needed time catching up.

FINISHING POST FOR ELINOR

NPC: Geena Essert / AS OF YET UNNAMED KID
OOC: Takes place Post-Darkest day, but pre-Cyberchase conclusion
LOCATION: Pacifidlog Town