Chapter Text
“Yes mum, uh-huh I- uh-huh, yes I will be sure to let you know when we arrive. Give Ivy a hug from me and tell her I have a surprise for her!”
Cordelia couldn’t help but let out a tired sigh. She loved talking to her mom and her sister, but her mom could be a bit overbearing and had a tendency to drone on for hours. She was grateful however that they still managed to keep a good mother-daughter relationship despite the divorce many years ago and Cordelia choosing to stay with her father in Unova while her mother moved away to Galar. How many had it been? 8, 9 years? And in that time, her mother had inherited a younger daughter from a dead end love long ago, which changed a lot of things for her mother.
Cordelia’s mind had been all over the place since her morning began- from double checking she had everything packed up and put away, to arriving at the busy airport, her father’s unease weighing her down, and to top it off her bandmates sending them off with a big fanfare and crowd of friends and fans who would miss her dearly. “Cord, you ok?” A warm hand touched her shoulder and she looked up from her lap. “Ah yes dad, I’m good. ‘S all good here yeah.” Cordelia answered, trying not to sound stressed. They were already seated in the plane cabin and were awaiting takeoff. “What about you? Do you really think you can win her back?” It was the question that had been floating in the air, but they both had been dodging around it. “...It’s been almost a decade.” Her father stayed silent for a bit and she looked out the window. She loved both her parents, and had already accepted the fact that some people fall so hard for each other, they explode, then slowly fizzle and die out. Her father had taught her that through music and as such she uses songwriting as her outlet. So revisiting the topic now just seemed to throw them both in a funk.
“Well...Maybe I can’t, but I’ll be sure to give her one last rocking performance. Just like old times.”
Cordelia smiled a little. “Just like old times… hey listen, Pops, you think Galarians would like my synth? Think there’s a spot for me to thrive like we did in Opelucid?”
It had been quite some time since Cordelia had been to the region, far before she had her own musical enlightening. Her father hummed in thought.
“Hun, you’ve got a sweet sound, and you can also play a wicked guitar if you find them reluctant to hear the raw energy you bring. I’m sure you’ll figure a way to radiant that bangin’ energy again.” He perked right up, always so eager to discuss music with his partner in crime. The performer in him would often come out whenever they talked about her musical career and dreams. Her father played in a punk band in Opelucid before the Synth takeover of her generation rose up.
“Gee thanks, telling me I might have to switch to my backup instrument hah! I haven’t touched my Stratocaster in at least a year!” She said teasingly. “..But, you really think I could find my own spot again?”
He laughed and nodded. “You’re a seasoned musician, any group would be lucky to have someone with your knowledge and resourcefulness. It also doesn’t hurt that you’ve got a pretty face and rocking personality to boot. At least I did something right in my life.”
The two of them began to laugh and continued their idle chit chat during the plane trip. Eventually when everyone drifted off in the middle of their long flight, Cordelia put her earbuds in and quietly mulled over potential lyrics in her journal. She was too full of nerves and excitement to rest, so she channeled that into her music.
Flying so high, the world spinning below,
At night she wanders to and fro,
chasing blindly into the unknown and whispers softly
“Hello?”
My head is spinning round and round, can't you hear me make a sound?!
Calling out to the blind, it’s me, I’m here and I can’t see why
They say change is good, but ‘cha coulda fooled me
Chasing these dreams like some fairytale queen
But it's clear to see this aint a dream
The world doesn’t work like that,
And yet, life finds a way
Staying up through the duration of the flight took its toll on Cordelia apparently, she didn’t even remember landing or loading their belongings in the cab that would bring them to Motostoke. When she woke up, they were still in the cab, just arriving in the city. With a yawn, she pulled out her phone to check for updates. 8:26 A.M. That time zone change is gonna have her all messed up.
She looked to her side and saw her father scrolling aimlessly through his phone. “Hey Pops, d’ya call mum? I didn’t mean to sleep so long.” Cordelia asked softly, rubbing one eye. Her father peered at her and shook his head. “Ah sorry pal, I forgot she had said to let her know when we made it in." Cordelia yawned again and waved a hand. “Eh I’m sure it’ll be ok, I’ll just call her when we settle into the hotel. What time is the Gym Challenge Ceremony? I promised Ivory I’d be there and give her my present." She may be half asleep, but at least her priorities were still set. Cordelia remembered how excited her younger sister had been to surprise her with the announcement and she had vowed to be there for her, cheering her on as loud as possible.
"Hm? Oh right, the gym challenge begins tomorrow. Ummm, to be honest i don't remember Corde, maybe try asking your mom when you talk to her?" Her father replied with mild interest, much to Cordelia's chagrin.
"Tch...if you're gonna win her heart back at least try and take more interest in Ivory too. After all, if you succeed, she'll be your daughter too…" she mumbled as their flying taxi reached their stop.
When the pilot came down and opened her door, she happily got out and stretched before picking up her synth case and slinging it to her back while her dad picked up his immediate belongings. cordelia looked around at her scenery, the giant water wheels and steam powered engines of Motostoke attracting her attention. When her dad beckoned for her to follow him, she nodded and slowly followed his lead, breathing in the fresh crisp air.
“Cordelia? ...Cordi is that you?!” A voice called out, grabbing her and her father’s attention. “Hm?” Cordelia searched for a moment when her eyes fell upon a girl no more than 16 waving happily at her, the long black ponytail flowing in the wind.
“Ivory? ….No way!” Cordelia exclaimed as the two ran to meet each other in a big hug. “Oh gosh you’ve grown so much!!! And I see mum finally let you dye your hair too!”
Her sibling giggled as they let go of each other and started noting all the differences since the last time they had seen each other in person- which happened to be 5 years ago.
“You always seem to have a new hair color when you visit, Cordi! Or when we facetime. Ooh! Omg give me your phone!” The sheer excitement of Ivory made Cordelia’s heart sing, the two had become very close ever since Ivory was introduced to the picture, despite any differences their parents may share. “Check this out, I’m gonna hook. You. UP!”
Cordelia raised an eyebrow and watched curiously as Ivory pulled out a pokeball. “The professor granted me special permission to mod your phone myself with the region map and pokedex! Rotom, please be good to my big sis ok?” She explained briefly as the ball popped open and a Rotom appeared flitting about in the air.
“Don’t worry, think of this as an upgrade for ya! There’s a whole bunch of cool things to be done with a Rotom phone sis, ugh I can’t wait I’m just so excited!!”
“H-hey, what's it doing- ah! My phone! Eevee what did you do??!” Cordelia was shocked for a moment but relieved once the rotom that now lived in her smartphone safely floated above her palm. “Oh thank gosh, you really had me goin’ there!” She said in relief and her sister laughed before tugging on Cordelia’s jacket sleeve. “Oh I’ll tell you loads more about it, but first we gotta go see mom, I’m sure you and… dad are both exhausted from your long trip!” Ivory answered, practically dragging her older sister towards the hotel, their father waiting somewhat impatiently.
“Alright, come on girls, I’ll check us in and come find you and your mom la-”
“Oh no you don’t!” Cordelia stopped her father from shirking away and hooked an arm around his, now nestled between her sister and him. “We’re all gonna go say hi like the family we are, after all, there is MUCH to celebrate!”
The elevator ride up to their rooms was quiet, but Cordelia was stubborn and refused to let her father’s disdain for the child that came about as a result of her mother’s attempt at finding love again get in the way of such an incredible moment for Ivory. Neither Cordelia nor Ivory asked to be put in this situation, they just had to adapt as a result of the cards life dealt them.
“You better be nice, Pops, at least for her first three gym battles, you know how mum's with her ‘darling jewels’” She whispered to him, clearly still upset at how much a child he could be.
“Oh what luck! Our rooms are on the same floor!! Chairman Rose really was so nice to actually answer my letter from months ago! Oh gosh and Gym Leader Opal too! I have her to thank for my endorsement!” It was like hearing and watching an excited puppy trying eagerly to contain themselves, but failing miserably and honestly it just warmed Cordelia’s heart to see her sister so incredibly joyful and grateful for so much.
“I’m sure its because you’re just that swell of a trainer, Ivory, can’t wait to go exploring Galar with you and all it has to offer, we’ll probably end up singing lots of songs together!” She said with a wink, causing her sister to squeal in delight and rush to hug her again. “Oh Cordi!!! You really mean it? Y-you don’t have to follow me on my journey if you don’t want to, but...Thank you so much!”
As Ivory gushed on and on with Cordelia in the hallway, her father took the opportunity to resign himself to their room and promptly lock the girls in the hotel hall. The sound of the door clicking shut caught both girls off guard and they looked at one another, Ivory’s big smile from before fading and Cordelia sighed.
“I guess I’ll just have to tell mum pa’s straight beat from the trip. Come on, I haven’t gotten a chance to call her, so she has no idea I’m even here, we could surprise her real good ya?”
Her sister smiled once more and nodded happily as she led Cordelia down the hall.
“Hey mum! I’m back and found sum’n real special, wanna see?” Ivory asked innocently when she entered her hotel room. A tall slender woman with long black curls and glasses looked up from her sketchpad with a smile. “Well sure, what lovely thing have you found this time, dear?”
“Surprise!!”
“H-hey mum! I made it!”
Cordelia said shyly after she had peeked out from behind the doorway. The woman’s eyes widened and her smile grew as she stood up. “Oh goodness, Cordelia! Come in come in!” She urged happily and Cordelia obliged,, walking in after Ivory before giving her mom a warm hug. “I told you I’d make it!” She said happily, feeling comfort in her mother’s favorite perfume.
“Oh its been ages dear, has life treated you well? It looks like it, gosh you just get prettier every day don’t you?” Her mom was the exact same as she remembered, and Cordelia blushed a little in embarrassment as they pulled away. “Oh ma, you flatter me too much.”
“How could I not after all you’ve achieved in Unova!? My daughter, part of an extraordinary band that has created music for so many wonderful occasions, you know I watched every one of your shows!”
Her mom continued doting on her for a while and Cordelia could only smile and nod happily.
“Well, um, dad’s here too! Said he felt like it was important to be here to celebrate as a family an’ all.” She began and her mother raised an eyebrow, Ivory sitting on one of the beds in the room.
“Oh, your father really said that?” Her mother challenged and Cordelia gulped.
“Y-yeah! I mean you know, not exactly like that, always has to speak in his own way an’ all. Yep..family is important.”
Her mother searched her eyes and Cordelia hoped her bluff was enough. After a moment, her mom relented and shrugged. “Well, I suppose it is...nice to see Luke once more. If he decided Ivory’s induction ceremony was important that perhaps he has done some growing too, hasn’t he girls?” She replied with a smile, but Cordelia knew better and nodded nervously. Her mom tended to be very icy when the subject of her father came up, but rightfully so. She had been the witness to many stupid mistakes her father made until her mom finally had enough and moved halfway across the world.
Yikes…this is gonna be harder than I thought...
Suddenly, Cordelia began to rummage through her synth case and pulled out a gift box, wrapped in pretty pokemon stationary featuring her mom’s favorite evolutionary line- all the Eevee-lutions of course!
“Um, we uh, we got this for you too. He helped me pick out part of it.” She offered, wanting to quickly end the fierce tension that was always present when her father’s name came up.
Her mother was a bit skeptical but accepted the offering and opened the small box. “Wow...he sure does remember all the little details, right down to my all time favorite ink well. And...this?” She questioned, picking up a CD case.
“Oh that! That's my gift to you, its my own unreleased album of original songs the band and I threw together. I thought you could use a piece of Opelucid love here in Galar! I hope you can enjoy it while drawing!” Cordelia explained happily and her mother smiled too. “Oh Corde, I’ll cherish it forever. You and that synth and those v-singers you all use speak to my younger life.” She put the gift down in a safe place. “Well, I’ve got both my diamonds here with me, and the ceremony starts in a couple hours, wanna go grab a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant? They’re holding a lunch buffet for the gym challengers and their families.”
Ivory jumped up right as her mom finished. “OH. MY. GOD. I HAVE TO GO DOWNSTAIRS RIGHT NOW!!!! I’ll see you guys there, ahhh he’s here omg he’s actually here omg omg omg!!!” She said in a rush before throwing on her boots and jacket and running out the door, phone in hand.
Cordelia shot her mother a confused look and made a gesture asking why Ivory ran as if her life depended on it to which her mother chuckled and gave her a knowing look.
“She’s 16 and is a huge fan of this rock band from Spikemuth if I remember correctly, most importantly the guitarist ah...Vale? I think that's his name. She’s been on a serious rock kick because of them, reminds me of you at her age honestly. Doesn’t help that this boy is also single and 17.” Her mother said, gathering her belongings and purse. “Come on, before she embarrasses herself from how excited she is.”
Downstairs was becoming more and more lively by the minute it seemed, and a crowd had made themselves very well known outside of the building itself. “M-A-R-N-I-E, MARNIE MARNIE MARNIE YEAH!!!,” a large group clad in pink and black ripped jeans, crop tops, ripped tights, and heavy metal boots were chanting, waving about banners with a fashionable girl pictured on it.
“Guys GUYS!!! How many times I ‘ave to say it, Marnie is arriving later! Piers told us to run ahead to ensure everythin’s all good for the lady, yeah? Let these people enjoy their meals!” A voice shouted out and suddenly the crowd of rowdy punks quieted, a soft murmur rushing through the crowd, making way for the male to walk through. Ivory was trying very hard to see over the crowd, clearly knowing the owner of that voice, as if the clunk and clinking of metal chains and tapping of boots across the floor didn’t give it away.
“Ah, excuse me, I just- If you could just move for a sec- I need, I need to get up there uwah!” Ivory had been trying extremely hard to shove past as politely as possible to get to the clearing in the lobby and finally managed to get past, but stumbled and fell to her feet. To her surprise the footsteps stopped. “Oh? Are you alright?” Ivory froze, glanced at the pair of platform boots that stood in front of her and slowly looked up to see a gloved hand reaching out for her, the owner a black and blue haired male dressed in the familiar pink and black of Team Yell’s signature style. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, slowly reaching out for his hand. Once back on her feet, she still just looked at him in awe, the two girls behind him hiding smirks, one of them deciding to brush past the pair. He winked at Ivory and gave a humble bow. “Tha name’s Vale, love. And to whom do I owe the pleasure?” He said, making her heart skip a beat and blush a deep red.
“I-i I-i’m Ivory...I’m a h-huge fan of yours, um..p-picture?” She managed to finally stutter out, holding up her phone and pointing at it meekly much to his amusement.
“Ah a picture for the lovely lady indeed! Come ‘ere and say cheese!” He exclaimed, really making a show of it all. Ivory’s blush deepened, but she smiled, her heart going crazy as she had her rotom phone set to selfie mode- there’s no way in Arceus she’d be able to hold her phone steady to snap the pic. He grinned and placed his arm around her shoulder, making a peace sign with the other hand and she felt herself doing the same gestures and smiling brightly. Rotom snapped a few pictures and they changed poses each time, Ivory eventually mimicking his signature stage position, causing Vale to whistle lowly.
“Well well, Ivory was it? Would ya do me a favour then? Be sure to tag me in those when you post em~ And I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other around.” Vale concluded with another wink that nearly sent Ivory into hysterics as she watched the guitarist run off with his friends..
“Esmi, Ronnie, wait up!”
The girls weren’t too far ahead, being stopped for photos by some other fans as well before politely declining anymore and heading up the elevators.
Wow...what a dreamboat….hmm?
She looked down after finally snapping back to reality and noticed he dropped his jacket. The crowd of people that were focused on them a moment ago were now swarming around the elevators. After concluding no one was watching her, she picked it up.
“Hey Viv, what happened?” Cordelia said, conveniently running out from the next elevator to the lobby along with her mother. Ivory looked at her sister and just grinned like an idiot.
“I just became one of the most popular girls in all of Galar is what!!” She sighed happily, hugging the article of clothing to her chest. Her mom and sister just gave her curious looks before she answered them, walking over to the restaurant area.
“Come on, I'll tell ya about it over lunch!”