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echantedtoon · 1 year ago

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A Champion Time For The Heart Ch24 The Months Between

-SEPTEMBER-

Days passed as you all traveled more and more by train. Resuming your routine of sleeping on the seats during the nights and talking or watching videos during the day with your friends. Victor keeping track of your all's travels with his regional maps as you did. Days were a blur with all of you keeping up the routine and eating from your food rations and taking turns walking up and down the aisles between the train seat to keep up exercise. Silver seemed content to sleep the days away on the table between you four not that you all minded too much. You weren't sure exactly how much time had flown past since you all had left Hammerlocke. You had felt guilty for a bit after your encounter with Raihan. You....did find him somewhat annoying for how he acted towards you, and maybe you should've apologized for the hoodie attack and technically threatening him with Silver, but at least now you seemed to have made up with him and he seemed to understand your stance of 'No' with him. You would apologize to him next time you saw him, which was most likely at the Championship matches at the end of the year if you did ever see him again. Just to keep the peace and give you no lose ends to fix once you leave at the end of the year. You'd feel better once you made sure there wasn't any problems you would've caused....Even if this world was fake and just a dream...Oh. Speaking of which, you still had one lose end to make sure to tie up before you left.

Which is why Gloria blinked at you now from what you asked. "Whatcha mean by that?"

"Well....I was thinking of leaving at the end of the year after the Championship Matches are over," you explained, "And where I'll be returning too...It's not suitable for pokemon for...a lot of reasons I don't want to get into. So I need too know he'll be taken care of if I do end up leaving." You didn't want to explain that in your world there WAS no pokemon beyond toys and video games and Silver most likely wasn't going to be coming with you. But you wanted to make sure he'd be taken care of if you did left, even if nothing here was real and just a dream. Asking Gloria to take him seemed like the best option. She used him to battle before and would take good care of him in your place. "You're the only one I can trust to take care of him if I do go. His pokeball's always in my bag, so if I leave you can just take him.....Can I count on you to do that for me?"

".........I guess so! Tho I don't understand why ye can't take 'em with ya."

You were relieved that problem was taken care of. Again you were against leaving things unresolved. It wasn't until about three days later when you all were almost out of food did you four FINALLY arrived back in Postwick. How did you know? Well the familiar town and the farm houses with flocks of wooloo the shepherds were herding in the fields as you all went past gave it away before you arrived around noon at the train station. Gloria was first to excitedly get up from her seat and run to the entrance, followed by Hop and Victor with you with Silver at your feet bringing up the rear. The fresh air with the scents of flowers and freshly cut hay filled your nose again as you walked out of the stuffy train car. Thank goodness. You were starting to feel like you would never stop traveling like that but it felt good to arrive back in Wedgehurst Station for the moment. The beautiful lush green and small town was just what you needed for the moment. Walking through the station after the three of them you nearly bumped into Victor outside the station as he took in the town as well. Oh. That's right! Gloria mentioned Victor had started traveling around before she did so he must've been away from home for longer. It'd make sense for him to wanna take it all in.

"I see nothin's changed," he commented with a knowing smile looking at the surroundings before stopping up the path and hill heading up back towards his mother's home. "I wonder what Ma's up to?"

"Why don't we go find out?!," his sister piped up excitedly before turning and pushing Hop's shoulder making him wobble. Before like a rapidash she took off running away from them both. "RACE YA!!"

Hop blinked. "HEY!!" Before he raced after her. "THAT'S CHEATING, MATE!!"

Victor laughed a bit before jogging after them up the path towards Mrs. L's and Mrs. G's houses. You only sighed and with Silver at your feet just slowly walked after them. Taking in the beautiful nature around you..but you couldn't help but notice differences now. The grass around you seemed a paler green, the air seemed a little cooler, and the trees' leaves seemed to dawn an orange-yellow tint to them...Almost like it was fall time-..Wait....How long had you been traveling?! Your mind wracked for the answers as you walked, the others running ahead of you and quickly disappearing up the corner with the stone bridge leading to Gloria's house. ...Must've been traveling for most of the year actually and almost fall time. Everything seemed to go by so fast but feeling like a long time ago at the same time. You followed the dirt path up the hill along the stone fence up towards the stone bridge. Crossing it as the stream underneath you gurgled out. Silver gave a curious chirp as you crossed and looked over the side as you passed. Passed the Welcome To Postwick sign and right up to it. A cottage like in a cliche fairytale greeted you as well as leaved vines hanging all over from the roof hanging down from it. The front of the house consisted of potted plants and flower bushes, a wheel barrel with a few gardening tools inside, and a small space of fertile brown dirt surrounded by a ring of stones filled with more plants. You walked until you could fully see the front of the house and smiled at the sight. Both the twins were hugging a woman who they hadn't seem for almost a full year. Their mother. Mrs. G was standing there, happy tears streaming down her face with her bright smile, and one arm around each of the children. Hop was standing off to the side smiling but not interrupting the happy reunion. You slowly caught up walking up the steps to the front of the home and stopping just in front of the gateway with a smile on your face. Mrs. G looked exactly the same except the knees of her overalls were dirty and so were the pink floral gardening gloves she was wearing. Around her feet and near the flower beds were some fresh bags of dirt and a couple gardening tools. She must've been gardening when you all arrived.

"OH MY BABIES!!," she cried and pulled away with the biggest smile on her face. The twins smiling and looking almost on the verge of tears as well. One of her pink gloved hands reaching up to rub her teary eyes....which left dirt streaks on her face not that she cared looking at the both of them a small choked smile reaching your ears...and despite it being a happy sight....you frowned. ...You couldn't help but picture the parallels between them and your own mother...she wouldn't have hugged you or greeted you like that. She scowl, scold you, and asked what took you so long to respond. After all she wasn't gonna be around forever and she put all this work into raising you. You owed her at least a phone call after all- "I watched your matches on the telly." she said smiling and gently placed a motherly hand on her children's cheeks with pride. "You did so well. I'm so proud of you for making it this far!" Heh. Your mother would've just asked you why it took so long and again why you hadn't visited her sooner. And then criticize everything she thought you did wrong or could've done better. And THEN said you should've tried harder.

"Aw Ma! Sttoooopp," Gloria faked embarrassment and lightly waved her hand. "Yer embarrassin' me."

"Did you see my blogging updates?," Victor asked hopefully.

Mrs. G then quickly turned her smile to her son's excited face and his bright smile became wider when she nodded. "Yes! Yes I did! You caught such beautiful imagery! And those pictures you sent me of Gloria's battles are already hanging up on our wall." You couldn't remember the last time your mother praised you actually for your efforts. "You're getting so good at it!"

He smiled prouder. "Actually it's become really popular since I've been capturin' the stories of two Gym Challengers!" He pumped a fist with a determined look. "AND ONE DAY I'M GONNA BE A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER N' WORK FOR POKE-WRITES!!"

This finally seemed to snap you out of your sad daze with a blink...and rose a confused brow. "What the world is Marco Cosmos?"

Hop turned to you with a smile. "Ha! Only THE number one media corporation in Galar! The company's made up of news reporters, move directors, show producers, actors, journalist, writers, photographers, and all kinds of other people in careers. They're also the ones who broadcasts the official pokemon matches and producing the magazines that Nessa usually stars in. Vick's been pinning to be one of the top photographers there."

"And I WILL be!!," Victor said determined, "All I have to do is keep on going and one day land a job there!"

Mrs. G finally noticed you all there as well and smiled in yours and Hop's directions. "Well if it isn't you too!"

You waved and Hop greeted her. "Hey Auntie G! Miss me?"

She chuckled and reached over to ruffle his head. "Yes I did, Hop. You've been doing a great job as well. I'm sure your mother and grandparents will be so proud! Have you went over to see 'em yet?"

Hop shook his head. "Not yet! But I bet they'll be excited to see me huh!?"

She chuckled. "Why don't you go over and say hi? Oh." She blinked as an idea flashed over her face before holding up a finger. "A better idea! When you go over tell them you're all invited to dinner! We can have a small dinner party and catch up on what you three's been up too!"

Hop lit up at the idea and nodded. "That's a great idea! It's been so long since we all got together anyways!" he turned and you had to quickly grab Silver and move aside as Hop ran past you. "I'll be right back!" And finally Mrs. G seemed to notice you and smiled.

"Y/n!," she greeted you and you blinked looking up at her, "I thought you wouldn't be too far behind. Victor's been telling me all about the trouble you've been helping to keep her out of."

......Gloria tossed her brother a scowl as he looked away and you sighed with a chuckle. Silver looking up at you within your arms. "Yeah...Well I can't say it wasn't an interesting experience." You slowly placed Silver back onto the ground before leaning back and crossing your arms. "Certainly had it's ups and downs. But overall it was certainly a fun adventure." You admitted with a smile because honestly...it really much was. Other than your Spikemuth incident, and the few run ins with Oleana, and what happened with Bede. But you knew Bede would be fine. After all he becomes Ms. Opal's successor after the end of the game and all. "But I see you've been well." You said gestured to her gardening tools and she chuckled.

"Well around here you have to prepare your soil for all the snowfall winter brings. It's good to get it done in early fall," she explained also confirming your suspicions, "That way you don't have to do too much during winter."

"Fall already huh? Which month is it exactly? I haven't been keeping track too well."

She chuckled. "September fifth actually. But don't worry too much about it, it's understandable you would get distracted by it all. I suppose you're all here to wait out until the finals in December?"

You nodded again. "Yeah. I mean there really is nothing else to do until they face off against Leon right?"

"You mean after they decide who gets to face off against him." You gave a small huh and she chuckled. "Silly me. You must've not know. Before the finals there's a show down between the final challenges until one comes out victorious, then the Championship Cup takes place a few days after that."

"Oh! That makes a lot more sense. Uh...Hey. Can I borrow your shower and laundry room? I could sure use it right now."

She gladly nodded and gestured to the home. "By all means. I think you all should go unpack and wash up before dinner. We'll certainly be hearing a lot from you all."

You smiled and you, Victor, and Gloria all went inside. All excited not just for dinner but for you having a small break from traveling for a moment. As Gloria and Victor went to unpack in their rooms you obliged and used the shower and then borrowed the washer and dryer for your clothes. Having to wrestle Silver's hoodie off of him to wash real quick. If it was becoming fall and then eventually winter then he'll certainly need it being a water type but you weren't just going to allow him to wear a dirty jacket. You also decided to wrestle Silver into the shower once you were dressed and ready waiting for your clothes to dry up. He was easier to bath than a cat as he liked water and didn't really move a lot when you rubbed soap on him until it was his face. Then he squirmed and chirped annoyed .....But after you promised him all the food leftover in your bag (there wasn't a lot left anyways. Just maybe two or three days left of food.), he reluctantly conceded and let you wipe his face clean with a small cloth. You were glad he was clean at least....but it did back fire a bit on you. After you were done and wrapped him in a towel...he didn't move when you got up looking at you expectantly. When you didn't immediately pick him up he flopped onto his side and let out a loud yell until you did. And with a scowl walked out with him wrapped up like a swaddled baby in your arms. And you were spotted.

"Hey Y/n what was that-...." Gloria blinked seeing your frowning form and Silver peeping out from the towel....before her cheeks puffed out. "PFFFTT!!! AHAHA!"

"Oh ha ha. Very funny."

You somehow managed to get Silver to get out of your arms long enough to retrieve your things from the dryer and stuff them back into your bag with what little belongings you had. By the time you were done Mrs. G had come back inside and was taking off her garden gloves to find you and the others sitting down on the couch and talking. The muchlax and Toxel Gloria had sent her mother asleep in the small bed in the corner. You all continued to chatter, well the twins did as you sat there letting them talk as you finally got the chance to relax, as Mrs. G went ahead and started getting dinner ready and on the way. You weren't really too sure how much time had passed as you were in peaceful rest listening to them talk answering every so often when they asked you something, before the door rang. Gloria jumped up so fast Silver fell off the couch spook with a chirp as she raced to the door to answer. And on the other side was four other people. Hop, Mrs. L, and Hop's grandparents who also seemed very happy to see all of you. Many greetings were exchanged and hellos were said before Mrs. G directed Gloria to show them to the couch. You opted to pick up Silver and move to sit on the floor with Hop allowing the older couple to sit on the couch with Mrs. L. And they began speaking more. About their battles with the Gym leaders and what they were like. You personally thought Allister and Piers was the nicest but then again this wasn't your journey. At one point both challengers brought out their Badge Circles to show off all of their winnings. Gloria having two extras from insisting on battling every Gym Leader at least once, Gloria showing off all the pictures of the curry and poke dex challenge she was doing, she was almost done with them both too as they were both nearly all the way full. You were proud of their progress! And so was everyone else who listened with smiles on their faces as they both let them talked about their achievements, and Victor wasn't left out either! Being complimented for the fabulous pictures he took and the popularity his blog had been and you couldn't help but agree. Gloria was going to be a great champion. Confident, always jumping in to lend a hand, maybe a but oblivious but she always seemed to be able to bounce back like a rubber ball. And Hop was going to be a great professor! Smart, always thinking even without realizing it, eager to do more. And Victor would be a great photographer. Patient, always looking for the best out of anything, and level headed. Great to have in his future line of work. Everything would be falling into place soon. Which meant that very soon you'll also be able to head home soon.

"Is this the same Drizzle you two used in those battles?" You blinked out of your thoughts and found Mrs. L looking at you and Silver half laying in your lap. "Oh wait a minute. Wasn't he a sobble at the beginning of the year?"

It took a moment of just sitting there and blinking to figure out she was asking you but you did eventually speak. "Huh?.......OH! You m-mean Silver! Yeah." You embarrassedly replied. Feeling a bit silly taking so long to respond. "Yeah. He's a big boy now." He seemed to take this as a compliment and smiled from where he laid on your lap. "Wouldn't be here without him!"

"I see. So are you staying in town then?," she asked politely just making small talk.

And at this you paused.....before shrugging with a small frowned. "Uh......Kinda?" she blinked at you in slight confusion as you sighed. "I mean....I guess I would be sleeping on their couch for at least three or four months...but at the same time I don't wanna just be a freeloader y'know?" Yeah. With how hard you had to work in school, and taking on all those jobs to just help your mom pay bills, you weren't exactly one to want to go on free rides without having any work to pay the toll. It just felt...wrong. Sure you accepted a few free things on your journey like a couple meals and clothes, but those were for survival reasons and you did pay it back in one form or another other than money. "I guess I could just borrow Gloria's tent and sleep in one of the fields or in the yard or something?? I've done it before and it's fine. I mean I have a sleeping bag too."

At this Mrs. L looked at you like you were crazy. "You want to sleep in a tent? With winter and snowfall right around the corner? Child, you seem to be having a hankering for a death wish or seem to believe you're some ice type pokemon. Surely there's something else." By now everyone else seemed to turn to you as well as you shrugged.

......You shrugged. "Like I said I really don't wanna freeload or just take up someone's space and food and...and well other things without paying them back. It's...." You looked away under all the intense gazes squirming like a worm. A guilty feeling bubbling up. "I-It's how I was raised." A small silence coming from yours ....before Hop piped up.

"Hey Ma." Mrs. L turned to him with a hum as he smiled and pointed. "You moved all the storage in the basement to the shed right?" She nodded again and he brightened more. "Ya said you were thinking of renting it out to your friend. But since he changed his mind.." He glanced between you blinking totally not believing his words and his mother. "I dunno. Maybe you can rent it out to someone else? Maybe someone who's responsible and trustworthy?"

"And really helpful!," Gloria added catching on with a smile, "And nah cause a bunch of trouble!"

"And someone who helps keep these two outta trouble," Victor added with a mumbled. Causing both his sister and friend to scowl at him.

Mrs. L hummed actually thinking dawning a thoughtful look.....before turning towards your still disbelief self as you blinked. Wait...Did they just?...What were they .....HUH!? Did they just offer- A hum silenced you of your thoughts as you snapped up blinking at her. Mrs. L regarded you with narrowed golden eyes as she pondered and you found yourself gulping feeling oddly small under the older woman's gaze. Reminded you of your mother's disapproval stare at...at...well anything you did-

"Have you ever worked?" She asked and you flinched blinking.

"H-Huh?"

"Have you ever worked?," she asked casually but seriously leaning back onto the couch, crossing her arms, and crossing her legs too with the same studying look. "As in have you ever had a job?"

O-Oh. That. You shakily nodded with a gulp. "Uh...Y-Yeah I-I've worked before."

"What kind of jobs?"

"Uh....Well when I was thirteen I used to b-babysit a lot." Mostly for your mother's friends and she made you but then started making you get other more serious paying jobs when she realized you could actually help pay bills. "And I was a dog-..Uh pokemon walker." You couldn't say dog walker here when dogs weren't a real thing here. "And a bunch of odd jobs kids do. Mow lawns. Rake leaves. Shovel drive ways. Y'know that kinda stuff. Then I got a part time job at a bakery in my town for a while until I couldn't work there anymore." You really liked the job but it started to affect your school study time so your mom made you quit in favor of another much more ....stressful retail job dealing with Karens. But that's besides the point. "And my last job before I came here was working at a small convenience store for a bit."

Her pose and expression didn't change as she hummed again. "Have you ever rented a room before?"

......With another sigh you nodded. "Yep. My mother started charging me rent once I turned eighteen." Yep. As soon as you turned eighteen your mother started charging you fifty dollars a month for rent on top of using the paychecks you earned anyways to pay bills, groceries, and other things. So it's not like you haven't experienced that before. "And I've stayed in motels before and paid so it's not like I haven't ever paid for a room to stay in."

Mrs. L blinked for a moment but then looked to everyone else as the children looked hopeful, and then back to you as you watched with nervous anticipation. There was no way she was just gonna agree to this would she- "Well if I do rent out to you, I hope you realize I would expect help with the chores."

....You blinked. Wait. REALLY!? You nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less."

"And rent would be a hundred fifty dollars a month. I wouldn't want to fight with anyone on the matter of money since I'm not asking a whole lot. That should be more than enough to cover your part of the bills."

Your eyes widened....ONLY A HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS A MONTH!? THAT WAS A FREAKING STEAL!! YOU WERE LIKING THIS IDEA A LITTLE MORE! You nodded eagerly. "Yes! I completely understand-" You froze...Money.....Oh well of course she would ask you for money for living in her home and using her things. But that was the problem. You didn't have a hundred fifty dollars let alone enough for four months!! Hell. You didn't even have most of what Leon gave you. Paying for five meals plus tips twice had drained you of most savings and only had about seven dollars and some cents left. Barely enough for a small pizza. "But...I don't really have a job or really a lot of money on me. So I wouldn't be able to pay you. Not to hassle you for your already generous offer." You clarified holding up your hands. "I'm just saying how my situation is at the moment."

"That fancy clothes store up the way there is hiring," you blinked over to the new male voice and found out it came from Hop's grandfather who rubbed his chin, "She could get one there if she really wants too."

"....T-That sounds like a great idea!," you perked up smiling. "I can see if I can get a job there sure!"

"The I guess it's settled," Mrs. L said finally breaking the stiff pose and smiling. "Go get yourself a job and we can talk about getting you settled in."

You nodded in agreement and smiled. This was great. Maybe things were finally starting to look up for you. At that moment Mrs. G had walked back in with a smile. "Hey everyone. Pasta's ready. Come eat!"

That night you had borrowed the couch after dinner and Hop's family left back to their own home. The next morning for once getting up bright and early, only cuz you heard Mrs. G cooking in the kitchen, and forced your tired self to get up with a yawn. Getting dressed and finding Mrs. G in the kitchen cooking up some kind of omelet with Silver tiredly yawning at your feet and trudging behind you with a giant yawn himself.

"Good morning!," the older woman greeted you from the stove with a smile flipping one omelet, "How did you sleep last night?"

You yawned before waving your hand. "Good thanks. It was a change from sleeping on a train at least. Where's everyone else?"

She chuckled. "I can imagine. Oh those two? They're taking the chance to sleep in. Are you planning on going job hunting?" You nodded and she picked up the fully cooked omelet with the spatula moving it to a plate. "Well here. Eat this first. It's chilly and it would do you good to go out with a full stomach."

After politely eating the omelet and grabbing Silver something to eat as well, you bid Mrs. G good bye and went off into the chilly morning towards the fancy store you remembered Lee getting you those new clothes, went in, and as politely and professionally as you could walked right up to the front clerk desk. There was only one person in there and you recognized her as the manger! So when you walked up to her with a smile and asked her about the job positions....She turned you down....WHAT!? Well it turns out the new position of cashier was already taken just a week prior and they had/didn't need any new openings. Well this was JUST GREAT!! But never the less you thanked her for her time and ended up leaving. Well now what!? Once again fate decided to throw a curve ball at you. Sigh. Oh well. Maybe you could work something else out with Mrs. L or Mrs. G? It was when you were passing by the small grocery store on your way back past the train station did you get a stroke of luck. Silver had spotted something yummy displayed in the windows he wanted and literally death gripped your pants let an chirped loud enough to wake the dead until you looked at him. Like a toddler he excitedly look between you and the window and pointed to it! You looked over...and groaned realizing he was pointing at some fruit displayed in the window.

"But you JUST ate breakfast before we left!" He puffed out his cheek and tugged on your pants leg again. "Oh alright!"

Reluctantly you gave in and trudged to the window. You had some spare dollars to spend anyways, and you could afford to buy him at least one fruit so he'd settle down. You needed to think in order to figure out what to do next and him busy eating would help. So you tired and annoyed walked into the familiar store with silver at your heels excitedly and a bell going off above your head. The inside was cool, and it looked exactly like a regular convenience store with a bunch of shelves with things labeled with prices and a few freezers stuffed with more foods. Taking a look at the aisles they seemed to stacked with the regular food you'd find in stores like back where you came from as you stood there taking it in until a small noise made you look over towards the register. You looked over to a counter and a middle aged man with dark brown hair and mustache smiled from behind the register. A thick sweater and cap sitting on his body as he smiled. Oh hey! It was the store owner from earlier this year.

"Mornin'!," he greeted with a wide smile, "Welcome to Postwick General Store! Is there anything I can help you with?"

You smiled back politely and pointed to the window and the small crate of fruit on display. "Yeah. I saw some of the fruit there and was wondering how much it costs?"

"Oh? You mean the payapa berries!" You nodded and he smiled. The berries were a purple-pink in color and shaped kinda like pears. "There was a surplus of them and we got overstock, but 'round here we don't waste anything. So they're on sale for fifty cents a fruit." He shrugged. "If I don't end up selling them I can always turn them into food for my lil furfrou at home...Are you interested in buying some?"

You nodded. Yeah! You'd be able to buy a few. You decided to grab four of them out of the basket and with Silver eagerly watching at your side you brought them up to the counter to pay for them. After all you'd only lose around two dollars then. "Just these thanks!" You said placing the fruits on the counter as the man took his time counting them up on the register.

"So what brings you out here this early in the morning?," he asked making polite small talk.

You decided to humor him and shrugged. "Well I heard there was a job opening in the clothes store but...Eh. Turns out someone else got it before I could.''

"Oh I see. Sorry for your loss then. That'll be two dollars." You reached to dig around in your pockets for the money and he turned to you to wait patiently....before he suddenly blinked and gazed upon your y/f face and f/c eyes and f/c hair....And hummed. "My memory ain't what it used to be when I was just a wee lad but you look vaguely familiar. Have I perchance seen you before Young lady?"

You nodded pulling two dollars out of your pocket. "Yeah. Earlier this year with Leon." His expression lit up in realization as you handed him the money. "Here you go."

he gladly took them from you. "Ah! You were that young lady with our undefeated champion. You two must be good friends."

You shrugged. "Well what can I say? He is a really good guy." And began passing the fruit from the counter to Silver's chirping eager self who took them from you.

The man hummed watching the exchange between you and Silver...before smiling. "Young Lady." You blinked up at him with a hum. "You said you were looking for a job here?"

"Well...only temporary. I'm planning on leaving here when the Champion Matches start."

"I see." His smile widened. "Have you ever worked in retail before?"

"Yes I have. Why?"

"The winter months are always the busiest around here. I could use someone to help this old man with the cleaning and heavy lifting around this place. How would you like the position?"

And you had gawked at him. Not really believing what the man was offering you.....but you had smiled and happily accepted. Agreeing with him to start later that week! It was perfect! When you got back the twins were already up and groggily eating breakfast and you found Hop with them too. Turns out they had been planning on going out to some of the nearby fields and trying to catch a few more pokemon and practice battling with one another. After all Hop said they'd need all the practice they'd get and you agreed. Later that day you had gone over to Hop's house finding Mrs. L working on the soil around the flower beds near her front door. She was happy to see you and greeted you politely. After greeting her back you explained the events from that morning and agreed you could go ahead and come in after gathering yours things and Silver. And you did. Politely following her inside as she gave you a small tour of the big house that you had only been in once.

"Down there's the kitchen," Mrs. L explained to you pointing to your left side to the kitchen as you stood in the door way holding your big bag and making sure Silver didn't wonder off from you. Then she pointed down to the right towards the living room where you could vaguely see Hop's grandparents watching something from the couch. "That's the living room down there. Up stairs is mine, my parents, and my sons' bedrooms. Those are off limits unless I ask for some help cleaning." She then walked over to the wooden door right next to the stairs that you had originally thought was a closet and opened it to reveal a not so scary pair of stairs leading down to the basement. "And this is the basement. Follow me please."

"Ok."

You followed Mrs. L down the stairs with Silver behind you and downstairs was a...completely empty and very dusty room with one or two electric outlets here and there and one other door that might've been a closet. At the bottom of the stairs Mrs. L look half embarrassed back to you. "I apologize for the mess. After my friend dropped out last minute we haven't really used it. We don't have much storage so it was easier to clean out the shed and move everything into there." She shook her head and pointed to the door. "But it has a completely working bathroom with a shower. "

"No no. It's fine," you assured her with a smile. "It's a lot better than sleeping outside in a tent. I don't suppose I could borrow a broom and duster?"

"Of course. Come on. I'll give you a hand."

That's how pretty much most of the month went from then. You and Mrs. L took too sweeping, and mopping and dusting the room and basement stairs until it was all cleaned up. And you borrowed some different cleaning supplies to scrub down the bathroom provided for you and the place was up and ready for you and Silver. That night spending your first night sleeping there, using your sleeping bag for a bed. That weekend you started your new job at Mr. Frederick's store and it was...pretty peaceful. Every day from Nine A.M to six P.M you'd go and help Mr. Frederick with anything he needed. From restocking and carrying things around to sweeping and mopping the floors to wiping down the shelves to even manning the register and closing some days when Mr. Frederick had to run out or wanted to spend time at home. And it was nice to be doing something with your time, earning retail wage but it was worth it! Even got the weekends off. When not at your job you were helping Mrs. L or Hop's grandparents with anything they needed. Babysitting the grandpa's purrloin, helping to do dishes, or just cleaning in general. It seemed to be going well. The only problem was that Silver sometimes butted heads with the mischievous purrloin but both were easily sated by food. Speaking of which you couldn't have him running around after you all the time so you came up with an idea. Hop and Gloria (and Victor to keep an eye on them-) would go out each day to practice battling or go pokemon hunting, so you ended up stopping Hop one day to ask him a favor of taking Silver with him from now on when he went out with the guys.

"Huh? But why?," he asked you totally confused.

"I can't keep an eye on him all the time between my job and helping your mom. Besides, this way he'll be able to be helpful if you need to use him in battle and keep him out of trouble when I'm not around."

Luckily for you Hop did agree and although reluctant Silver didn't fight back when you told him to go with them every day when you worked until they came home with Silver usually tired and just flopping himself at your feet demanding attention from you and sometimes food. The whole system was working out for you really well as the days flew past, the trees and plants dawning a variety of oranges, yellows, browns, and reds as fall came in full swing and it started to get chillier and chillier. And at the end of the month (had to keep track of days in order to pay Mrs. L the rent each month) you paid your first lump sum of rent to your...technically landlord you guessed. Things were actually starting to go well.

-OCTOBER-

Days passed, and it was pretty much the same routine day by day and you were enjoying it. The small freedom of space and privacy, a nice work environment, nice people to live around, friends, and absolutely no pressure or anyone breathing down your neck it was...nice. In fact you didn't realize it until one day in the middle of October you had just given Mrs. L the rent for that month and before you could leave she asked you to help her get some decorations from the shed. And you were so confused.

"Decorations?," You asked her raising a brow and crossing your arms. "For what?"

Mrs. L chuckled at you. "For Halloween obviously. The town's not really big enough for the traditional trick or treating so every year we have a small Halloween party here for family and friends. Considering Halloween is a week away now I could use some help decorating the house."

Oh. So that was it. You forgot some holidays from your old world existed here as well. You agreed seeing that it was a week away. WOW. Time was flying past when you were occupied. You followed her and Hop's grandfather out to the shed and opened it to lots of boxes. Wow lots of boxes. How'd they get so much stuff to fit in one tiny shed. Box after box you helped take out and lug on over to the house. Around ten in total and all were filled with various items such as plastic skeletons, various ornaments shaped like various ghost pokemon, plastic pumpkins, and a whole lot more. A bubble of giddy excitement entering you at the very thought that would be free to help them decorate! You hadn't been this excited since....since....the plastic pumpkin you were holding in your hands lowered as you stared blankly at it.....You....You couldn't actually remember the last time you actually celebrated.....anything! Your birthday, Easter, Halloween, Christmas!! Your mom always said you all couldn't afford anything and you shouldn't be distracted from your work or studies. Not candy or gifts or even a small piece of cake. You didn't need materials to celebrate but even a small card would've been nice. In fact this might've been the first time you'd actually be celebrating an actual holiday for a long time...How much have you MISSED!?!?

"Y/n?"

"Ha!" You jumped at the sudden voice snapping you out of your thoughts and your head snapped over your shoulder to Mrs. L. The woman had paused in her task of hanging up a spooky orange and black garland on the wall from her step ladder noticing you had stared off into space. The plastic pumpkin dropped back into the box in front of you with a small thud.

"Is everything alright, Dear? You looked lost in space."

"Uh..." You quickly smiled and held up a hand nervously. "Course! Sorry about that! I was just lost in thought for a moment."

"Hm...Alright then. If you say so. Would you be a dear and come help me hold this up?"

"O-oh. Sure! Not a problem!"

Hop was pretty delighted to see how you all decorated the place when he arrived back with Silver ever tired in tow and you were proud of your work. Not going to lie you were pretty excited about this small party too, Mrs. L assuring you were more than welcome to join. More days passed and you got more and more excited with each passing day you worked getting a chip in your step from the anticipation you were feeling. Until the spookiest day of the year finally arrived. Mr. Frederick was nice enough to let you have the holiday off and in turn you got to help with everything! Mrs. G, Mrs. L, and Hop's grandmother were delighted to have another lady around to talk to while making the food and you were....Having the absolute time of your life making food while Hop's grandfather started setting up some of the party games! Caramel apples! Popcorn balls! Pumpkin Pie! Home made pizza! And of course candy! It was just some random brand bought from the grocery store you currently worked at but it was good enough for you! Of course the food you made specifically came out a bit sloppy looking or a bit burnt as you weren't the best cook, but it was all in fun! There was also so much other stuff that was to be had. Hop's grandfather set up a few things. A pinata shaped like a haunter filled with more candy. A small tub with water that beheld bobbing for apples. And a few other things. So imagine everyone the teens' shock and delight at seeing everything set up and ready to go!!....Well almost. At one point while you all were waiting for the Pizza to cook Gloria took you aside and found her in what was a headband with Eevee ears attached to it and upon your confusion produced one similar to hers and slapped it over your head. You blinked for a moment...but laughed and rolled with it! It was one holiday you could dress up anyways. Turns out you two weren't the only ones either as Hop wore a plain wooloo mask and Victor adored a pair of stantler antlers.

IT. WAS. A. BLAST!!!

So much happened. Some basic spooky sounds played from somewhere as you all enjoyed the time. Victor managed to wack the pinata open blindfolded grinning like a man who won the lottery. You attempted to try and get an apple from the tub but failed and ended up sputtering on some water hacking and coughing earning a few laughs. Mrs. G tried it too but had to stop in order for Gloria to fish her mother's glasses out from the tub which you did tease at. The only one able to get an apple was Hop...and then Silver when he used his tongue to literally snatch them all from the water to eat it. A small pumpkin carving content you also decided to join cuz hey...When was gonna be the next time you would be able to carve a pumpkin? Might as well enjoy these freedoms while you have them before returning home to your mom's and college's rules. Your jack-o-lantern's face came out lopsided but you didn't a bit. You had fun! And then the food was great too! Won't bore you with the details but it was absolutely delicious! The night went on until it was nearly midnight and everything was winding down...Til Gloria decided it was a good idea to tell a ghost story.

"HEY!," she piped up all of a sudden as Victor yawned. "I gotta idea! Let's tell a ghost story!"

"Glory, it's late," Victor grumbled, "N' I'm nah in the mood ta 'ere one of yer ghost stories 'gain. If it's bout that girl with the letter from Hammerlocke again I swear I'll drown in boredom!"

"HEY! She was TOO a ghost!"

"Ye got no proof-"

"How about the story of the mysterious ghost pokemon of Slumbering Weald?," Hop suggested to keep them from fighting again. "You know. The invisible pokemon that aren't really there but haunt the deepest most foggiest parts of the Weald." Hop dawned a creepy smile holding up his hands." People say if you run into them you're never seen again!"

"Hop pal. We've heard that one SO many times before I know it word for word. And it's not Ghosts. Some people were probably just spooked by some wild ghost type pokemon and made up the story."

"What about you Y/n?" You paused in the middle of eating some kind of chocolate candy as Gloria looked at you. "Have any ghost stories from the Kalos Region?"

You perked up they turned to you. "Who? Me?"

"Yeah! Tell us a ghost story from the Kalos Region!"

Oh crap. You didn't know any ghost stories from Kalos let alone any story from any region!! .....Quick. Use a story that you've heard from your own world. Straightening up you smiled brightly. "I don't know any ghost stories from there." They looked crestfallen. "But I do remember this one ghost story I heard when I was a kid. The Headless Horsem-... Ahem*. The Headless Rapidashman."

"Ooh. What's that bout?"

"I wouldn't mind hearing a new tale myself," Hop's grandfather chimed in happily.

You smiled. "Alright then. *Ahem* Once upon a time a long time ago there was a Man called Ichabod Crane who was as skinny and looked a lot more like a gangly scarecrow. He was a traveling teacher and one day came to the town of ...uh..Poke Hollow."

You told them the story as the adults smiled amused at the semi terrified looks on the three teens faces as you acted out and hammed up your Pokemon twist on the story of The Headless Horseman.

They all screamed and Victor even fell off the small footrest he sat off with an 'Oof' landing on the floor as everyone chuckled at their reactions. Even you despite their frowns. BEST. HALLOWEEN. EVER!!

-NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER-

Days passed and things went back to normal around there. Silver went with the others as you either worked at the store or helped Mrs. L around the house with anything she needed. Eventually helping to put away all the Halloween decorations some time later after the spooky holiday. November felt like a blur as everything passed, you almost asked about Thanksgiving but figured they wouldn't celebrate it let alone even know what it is. The days got colder and colder with December approaching and with it the Champion Matches and your trip back home. To your mother and your trip back to college. Oh your mother was going to flip when you suddenly showed back up after being gone for nearly an entire year....and you were dreading that outcome. What would she do? Yell at you that's for sure. But what if she decided to kick you out because she thought you 'ran away' or something?! The downward spiral of what if scenarios and thoughts made you feel queasy but shook them off. No matter. What ever happens happens. You'd deal with it when the time came to deal with it. Sometimes you'd even chat with Hop before he headed out with the others.

"Good luck shiny hunting today. And thanks again for taking Silver."

Hop nodded. "No problem. It's like Raihan said! We'll need all the time we can get to prepare for the finals!"

You blinked confused. "When did Raihan say that?"

"When he saw us off at the train station remember?"

Oh yeah. You forgot he did end up seeing you all off at the train station before leaving for Postwick. Gloria had been running ahead of you guys and Hop was right behind here with you all.

"HURRY UP!," she called back towards all of you running towards the station. "We'll miss the bloody train!"

"Wait up, Gloria! I'm coming too!", Hop called after.

"Yer both bloody nuts you are! The t-train won't come for 'nother hour!," Victor huffed with you in tow. Until you all reached the station at around eleven in the morning.

Once you all got to the station is when you all got a chance to sit down and catch your breaths. And chat since you had a good hour before the train actually came. So you opted to ask Hop how his Battle went.

"I had Raihan beat in no time!," he beamed, "Once I got my head on straight and stopped doubting every decision I made that is.." he gave a nervous chuckle. "Heh. But it was a real good show down! I couldn't stop smiling through it all!"

''And you never stopped nattering on through the entire battle. You're pretty different from the Champion in that." ......You groaned as they looked over and slowly you did too. You knew that voice, and weren't really surprised to see the Dragon Boy again walking into the station smiling lazily. Oh what now? "But your strength is genuine. As proven by the dragon badge you won from me. You came at me with the force of a raging storm and even I was blow away. "

"You?," you asked raising a brow, "What are you doing here?"

He chuckled and waved a hand to you. "Hey there, Miss! I just came to some of the actual few challengers I've had this year off. No biggy. And see how the sass master herself was doing without me.~"

You deadpanned. "Uh huh...Well with that aside, what did you wanna tell them?"

"Hm?...Oh right!" Then he turned his attention onto Hop and Gloria. "Ok. Listen up you two. Battle your way through the Champion Cup tournament to face Leon. One of you ought to. "

"I reckon I'm still the favorite to win but I'm up against my true rival, Gloria!," Hop spoke confidentially, "So I'll wring every last thing I learned during my battle with you Raihan to beat her!" Before whirling around and pointing at the girl's chuckling face. "So get a move on, Gloria! The train's waiting!''

"Hop the train's not gonna be 'ere for 'nother hour!"

....Hop blinked and slowly put his hand back down. "Oh yeah...I forgot."

Raihan chuckled also flashing one of his signature smirks that had many fans swooning. "Be sure to keep your head on your shoulders. And take all the time you can to prepare. After all Lee's called the 'Unbeatable' and 'Undefeated' Champion for a reason. You'll need as much of a chance as you can get against him."

The rest of that convo before he left was a blur and you couldn't remember all of it, but did remember you did try apologizing to him for the Hoodie incident. And technically threatening to soak you with water gun. But he just laughed it off and seemed to forgive and forget...making a joke if you really wanted to say sorry to have dinner with him before you declined sternly again and then resumed waiting with the others until you did end up leaving Hammerlocke again and coming back to Postwick. Small world huh? But anyhow, life went on. As November came to a close you gave Mrs. L the rent for that month and next month in advance since you weren't really sure when you would be leaving...Until one of the guys told you they'd be leaving the sixteenth.

"Wait. Really?"

"Yep!," Hop replied, "It's gonna take us a couple days to actually get to Wyndon City even by train, and there's a strict deadline we have to meet or else we'll be considered forfeit." He sighed sadly and reached up a hand to rub at his neck a bit. "Man. It's a shame we won't be able to spend Christmas with Gramps or Gran...Or Mum. Or even Lee. But I put so much hard work into this." He gave a determined look. "I just know I can't lose if I try my best!"

"That's the spirit! Don't worry. I'm sure everything will turn out fine in the end."

And you were pretty sure it all was going to. After all. You played through the game before....Although you couldn't help but feel like you were still forgetting something VERY important...Oh well. You were going to be home soon enough. You already had enough to deal with worrying about what was gonna happen once you get back, so you shouldn't worry about what was going on in the game world too much as soon you wouldn't be a part of it anymore. Hopefully. Having already given Mrs. L the rent for both months you'd be staying, you also gave Mr. Frederick your two week's notice in advance explaining your situation to which he gladly understood you wouldn't be working for him for too long. Never the less you still worked hard despite having to leave soon as a means to keep your mind of when you'd finally go back. Helping Mr. Frederick to stock up on plenty of supplies for the holiday rush. Helping Mrs. L and her family decorate and carry the Christmas decorations from the shed. And planning ahead with Victor before going and buying the supplies you all would need for the trip to Wyndon City. It would take a good seven to ten days by train to get there so it was best to plan ahead and get the supplies all bought and separated ahead of time. Had a hard time keeping Silver out of it though. By the tenth of December the first snowfall of the year had fallen at last blanketing the town of Postwick in snow and you all were awoken to Hop's excited whooping of joy. Groggily getting up and going to the source of said commotion in your Pjs with everyone else to see what it was all about. And you under stood why when Hop lugged what was a box about the size of a small coffee table into the living room area beaming with complete awe at it.

"What *yyaawwwwnn* is that?," you asked yawning and pointing to the box.

"Lee sent us presents early!,'' Hop shouted already prying the cardboard box apart with his bare hands to get to the inside. "He sends us a package every year when he can't join us!"

"Huh. He sent it early this year. The dear must've known you all would leave soon and wanted you to have it," Hop's grandmother reasoned and it seemed to make sense. Leon was a considerate enough guy to do that.

You watched with a smile on your face as Hop dug into the box, gasping and almost squealing in delight at pulling out other smaller things wrapped in shiny wrapping paper as the family received their gifts. ....Couldn't remember the last time you even received one gift- You shook you head. NO! Now's not the time to be thinking about those sad thoughts right now Y/n. Especially when they were in a good mood.

Hop gasped again tearing open his to reveal a....book?? He held out to show everyone. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT!! IT'S THE LIMITED EDITION OF PROFESSOR MAGNOLIA'S DYNAMAX THEORISM ENCYCLOPEDIA!! IT HAS THE ENTIRE HISTORY AND LORE BEHIND THE DYNAMAX AND GIGANTOMAX PHENOMENON!!" He immediately opened it and flipped through a couple pages before stopping at one. "And it's even SIGNED?! These sold out completely last year! Where did Lee get one of these?!"

"Y/n! There's a package for you!" You were snapped out of your daze when Hop beamed at you and held up a smaller box that had been delivered separately from their own gifts. The small box Hop held was just an ordinary square box that looked no bigger than a toaster. On the side of said box was your name as well as the address of Hop's house. "You didn't think Lee would forget about you did ya?"

You continued to stare at the box as every one watched, until you slowly reached over and took the box from him. The plain cardboard felt light in your hands and when you shook it, you could hear something lightly shaking from the inside. Leon..sent you an early Christmas gift as well? Well you certainly weren't expecting that. It was really nice of him but again he didn't have to do anything this extravagant. But your curiosity got the better of you so you decided to open it and look inside. F/c eyes going wide at the sight..before you slowly reached in and pulled out a scarf. A blue scarf and right with it was a matching blue hat perfectly knitted that looked like an adorable sobble, and under both of those was a small tin of chocolate chip cookies.

"Aw. That's adorable. What a thoughtful gift," Mrs. L cooed seeing the little gifts in your hands.

You however still stared at the gifts..before smiling. Happy tears coming to your eyes at your first proper Christmas gift for in a long, long time. After that things were still peaceful. Until the day finally came that you all would leave for Wyndon on the sixteenth. And like the other three who were giddy with excitement, you made preparations. Going to the store to help out with cleaning down practically everything and restocking as much as you could before leaving for good as a thank you to Mr. Frederick for helping you out and going back at the end of the day as you had a few other things to do. The first thing being when you got back to shower and afterwards borrow some cleaning supplies from Mrs. L to deep clean her basement and it's adjourned bathroom as a last thank you as well. And after all you didn't want to come off as a bad roommate to the family that showed you so much kindness. Having paid for this month in advance you weren't worried about paying for December rent. When all was said and done, you did the last few tasks of helping out Mrs. L if she asked for anything of you and repacking and making sure you had everything of yours ready to go, as well as making sure Silver would have enough room in your backpack to sit in again. He could use a break from the cold from you making him go out with the guys all this time. By the end of it all you were absolutely exhausted, and easily fell asleep into your sleeping bag. Dozing off for your trip tomorrow....Which...came sooner than expected when you suddenly found yourself woken so early in the morning by someone relentlessly shaking you like a dumb maraca!

"Y/N!! WAKE UP!!," someone shouted really loudly into your ear shaking you harder than a leaf in a tornado.

"AH!!," you ended up wrenching yourself up blinking and half expecting it to be your mother which caused the mild panic you felt...before deflating with a groan when you realized it was just Hop smiling before you. He was already wrapped up in a winter coat, scarf, and other things to keep himself warm. "Darn it, Hop..*yyaaawwwwnn*" You mumbled reaching an arm up to wipe at your eyes. "What time is it?"

"Five in the morning." You stared at him. "......What?"

"FIVE in the MORNING!?," you asked gobsmacked. You must've look a sight all tired eyed and messy haired. "Hop, the sun's not even out! For what reason are we having to get up THIS early?"

"You need to wake up or we'll miss the morning train out of town," he explained like it was the most casual thing in the world.

"Train? Train to where?"

"To Wydon City of course! If we wanna make it to the matches on time we have to leave!" He lightly tugged on your arm to get your still half awake self up. "C'mon! The others are already waiting for us at the station!"

He turned to run off leaving you sitting there for a long pausing moment blinking tiredly at the wall as Silver groggily got up next to you...Before your eyes suddenly widened at the slap of realization. OH CRAP!! THE TRAIN TO WYNDON CITY!! THE CHAMPION MATCHES!! YOUR TICKET H O M E!! DUH!? And it was about to leave! Quickly scrambling up you scrambled around to throw on a pair of clothes that weren't pjs and a coat. Rolling up and packing away your sleeping bag. Silver let out a loud chirp when you picked him up and practically shoved him into your bag before hoisting him over your shoulders. Wobbling a bit not used to the added weight after so long. After all you hadn't carried him like this since Circhester. Making one last sweep around the place you made sure you had gathered everything and everything was in it's place before leaving back up the stairs. Finding Hop and Mrs. L decked in her own winter wear waiting for you.

"There you are Y/n. Are you ready to leave?" You nodded. "Oh good. Let's all be off then. I'm seeing you all off. "

Flashlights in hand being your only light other than the other buildings against the early dark morning as you all left through the snow, cold hit your face as soon as you stepped out the door, and snow crunched under your feet as the three of you left off carefully trudging down the roads to the station. Being careful not to slip down the hill as you all walked down it and across the bridge over to the station. Snow clinging to your bodies as you all walked up to the door and went inside. The inside wasn't really any warmer than the outside having an open area for passengers to just bored and get off the trains at will. And in there on some of the benches were the twins and Mrs. G decked out in winter wear and ready to go with their bags full. Having turned their heads towards your light when the door opened.

"HOP! Y/N!," Gloria greeted with a big smile on her face standing up. "You made it."

Hop nodded before turning his attention to the clock on the wall. "...Five fifty four. Almost time for the train to arrive! OH MAN!! IM SO EXCITED!!"

"I KNOW!!" Gloria held a fist up. "I'm so pumped ta be goin' ta the finals and showin' all I can do out there! I know we can do it-"

Your mind clouded out the rest of what everyone was saying as you stared off into space. So this was it huh? All the work you did with traveling and helping them avoid danger and even on a couple cases winning battles like with Raihan with Silver's help. ..And all of this would all be ending just at the very end of this month. That was about two or so weeks and then...Back to walking on eggshells around your own Mum, no more celebrating holidays, and going to college working a bunch of jobs to hopefully pay your student debt for a degree you came to conclude you didn't want. And possibly losing your home and having a big fight with your mum if this somehow wasn't a dream and you've actually been teleported to some world for a real long time. You were lost in thought and didn't even notice the loud noises of the train coming in or the good byes the mothers were giving the guys. Even if you did notice you would've most likely had only felt sadness.

"C'MON Y/N!! THE TRAIN'S 'BOUT TA LEAVE!!"

That finally snapped your attention back to the present blinking. A loud train horn sounded off startling the four of you into turning to the train, then you happened to glance at the clock hanging upon the wall and noticed that it was six in the morning. As the mothers waved good bye, the four of you went towards the gate and watched as Gloria slipped a single dollar into the slot of it. It made a ping noise and you guess it unlocked because the three of you easily slipped by and towards the train. The grey and yellow train's doors slid open with a whoosh sound as the three of you entered just as another horn sounded off startling you a bit. Inside was who you assumed to be a train conductor who gestured for you all to exit through another door to the right which lead to the passenger cars and other people who happened to be on the train with you three. There was about fifthteen other people with you so the four of you had to go to one of the back seats. Yellow painted metal bars were everywhere along with Blue seats with a table between the two of them. Above each pair of seats was a small area to put luggage. You three sat down just as the train was starting off. Looking out the window and waving their goodbyes even though you were sure their mothers couldn't see them anymore. You sat there with the reality all laid out on the table for you to look at ....and you inhaled deeply before exhaling. This was it. The champion matches. The final endings of the game. Gloria would become the new Champion and then the game would come to it's final conclusion and then after that. Surely....SURELY!! You would wake up from this dream. Back to your mother. Back to your college plans. Back to normal reality. You were going home.

.....But then......

Why didn't the idea of that make you happy?

#a champion time for the heart #pokemon leon x reader #reader x leon #leon x reader #pokemon leon #pokemon shield #pokemon swsh #pokemon sword #pokemon sword and shield

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pokeexehasstoppedworking · 2 years ago