Chapter Text
Liko and Roy were sitting aboard the Brave Olivine later in the day after their conversation with Liko's father Alex.
"Are you okay, Liko?" Roy asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." She answered.
"Ok. You seemed pretty- well not sad exactly, but not happy to be home, and not just because you wanted to keep exploring. Is something up with your parents or something?" He prodded. Liko was surprised. This was shockingly perceptive, especially for Roy.
"I mean, not exactly. I've just kind of always felt that they liked the thought of having a daughter more than having me.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know, like they love that I exist, but never act like they really know me or what I like. It's like I'm just 'their kid,' not 'Liko.'"
"Like all they care about is your existence? Not you?"
"Yes!"
"Then tell them that!" Roy leaned forward onto his hands.
"Really? You think that's a good idea?" Liko fidgeted with her pendant.
"Nothing's ever gonna get fixed if you don't talk about it!"
"I don't know. I'm not very close to my parents. I don't know how they'll react."
"Don't you regret that? Not being close to them?" Roy scooted to sit beside him.
"I do, but what if something bad happens? What if they get mad at me?"
"You have us! The Rising Volt Tacklers! We'll help you out! But it'll go fine, you'll see."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. And hey, if you want, I'll be there with you!" He smiled.
"That would be nice. Dad said Mom would probably be back around six. I can call them then."
After a moment, she flapped her hands. "Ugh! I'm so nervous!"
"You've got this, Liko! You're super strong!"
"Yeah! I've fought the Explorers! I can talk to my parents!"