#is oleana glaring at rose or wes? yes :)

[desertsportshipping]

I just wanted to say that I LOVE the tags on your recent post about Rose, and how Wes feels about him. Very good insight.

I feel like Wes sums up my stance on this pretty well...

The tags are under the cut for reference.

[stars-hearts-gems]

SWSH postwickshipping fanfiction part 4 (Champion's Ball)

Events follow THIS (CB #2) directly. Go on and read that first. (summary: Not long after the Pokemon Championship ends with Gloria declared the new Galar Champion, the annual Champion’s Ball is held at the Rose of the Rondelands Hotel in Wyndon. The ball is extra special this year as it’s a Champion’s Inaugural Ball, the time to introduce a new champion to Galar and to the world.)

Further reading: Champion's Ball #1

Words: ~2000

✨👗👑🌼💕💐💋

Had Gloria been closer to him as she tripped over her cape and careened off the stage, Bede would have made good on his earlier promise to be the Champion’s knight in shining armor. But, as it was, all Bede could do was watch.

Gloria fell out of the spotlight and into the darkened crowd like an uncoordinated duck diving into water. Her microphone bounced off the stage floor with a resounding thunk, and gasps reverberated through the hall.

Bede ran a few paces to the front of the stage alongside Leon, Raihan and Oleana. All four squinted out into the audience blindly; a second later, a spotlight operator trained his light on the area where Gloria had fallen.

The scene that met Bede’s eyes was quite different from how he had envisioned this night playing out. There, amidst a gaggle of well-dressed onlookers, was Gloria, tangled in her cape and missing her crown, looking horrified but miraculously unhurt. And kneeling next to her was none other than her dark-haired friend… what was his name? Han? Herb? Bede didn’t remember.

“Are you hurt, Gloria?” called Leon. 

Gloria shook her head silently, her face blooming red.

“Still got all your limbs?” quipped Raihan, trying in vain to diffuse the awkward situation. “Back up, folks, give them some room. Are your brains scrambled? Your Champion health insurance doesn’t kick in until tomorrow, you know.”

The crowd laughed weakly. People were craning their necks to get a view of what was happening on the floor.

“This young man broke her fall!” declared a tall man in the front row in a booming voice. “Bloody glad he did! That could have killed her!”

The crowd murmured appreciatively. 

“Oh, I’m sure it wouldn’t have been that serious,” said Oleana, looking pained. “If you’re really alright, Champion, completely unhurt, why don’t you pick yourself up and we’ll move on with the ceremony?”

Bede turned toward Oleana in outrage. 

“Can’t you give her a minute? She’s just had a terrible fright!”

Oleana ignored him. Her eyes darted toward the many television cameras now pointed at Gloria, who was getting shakily to her feet with assistance from… Chip. Yes. Chip. That’s his name, Bede thought, his heart blooming with jealousy as he noticed the boy’s hand on Gloria’s back. Stupid, stupid Chip.

“Don’t you worry, young lady,” boomed the tall man. “I myself have made many missteps on big stages -- never directly off them, but that’s beside the point. I’ve lived to tell the tale. Trust me, no one will remember this in a few months!” 

Gloria smiled weakly. Bede tried to catch her eye, but wasn’t successful.

“Yes, yes, Mayor Hardstone,” said Oleana eagerly. “Please, won’t you escort the Champion back onto the stage? And perhaps we can get this derailed evening back on track...” she added quietly.

“Don’t be silly, the honor should go to this young man,” Mayor Hardstone said genially, slapping Chip on the shoulder. “He was the one who lunged to catch her while the rest of us just looked on in dumb amazement.”

Bede glared, torn between anger and concern.

“Alright, well, I suppose,” Oleana said. “Come along, you two. Yes, yes, the show’s over. Well, I don’t mean the actual show -- I mean, well, never mind. Can we turn that spot off?”

The bright light snapped off, and Bede saw the shadows of Chip and Gloria walk around to the stage stairs. Chip initially seemed to believe that that was as far as he would go, hanging back away from the stage, but Gloria pulled him out into the light. The room gave a raucous round of applause at her reappearance -- the clapping and cheering was the loudest it had been all night, and continued on and on. 

“Thank you, everyone,” Gloria said sheepishly, once the din had died down again and she was handed back her microphone. “And as I was about to say before I … well, you know… As I was going to say, I’d like to thank my best friend, Hop, for always being there for me. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without his support, in and out of the battle arena!”

Bede’s frown deepened as he watched Chip -- er, Hop -- grin and wave out at the applauding crowd. 

“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!” cried Raihan, back on form as emcee. “Now, may I invite you to run, not walk, toward our absolutely decadent smorgasbord of fine food and drink available for your eating pleasure. And don’t forget to save room for a slice of that magnificent Charizard-shaped cake! I heard that it was so realistic, Leon tried to put it in a Pokeball!”

The crowd laughed. Bede rolled his eyes and glowered over at Gloria and Hop, who were standing very close and whispering to each other.

“We’ll be back in about 30 minutes to start dancing!” announced Raihan. “But for now, buon appetito!” 

An upbeat soundtrack accompanied the crowd’s mass movement toward the tables of food stationed around the edges of the room, which had been flooded with warm light.

Bede sought to salvage the evening by prying Gloria away from Hop. 

“Why don’t we go get you something delicious to eat, to calm your nerves?” Bede said to Gloria. “I can only imagine that if I had just fallen off a stage, I would want to drown my sorrows in chocolate cake.”

“Oh, sure, Bede,” said Gloria. “We can all go.”

“Or, better yet, you can go and get her something to eat,” Hop said to Bede. “We can’t expect the Champion to line up with everyone else. We’ll wait here.”

“Don’t you have your own date to bother? Or are you here all alone?” Bede said acidly.

“Whoa there, pal,” said Hop, eyebrows raised. “You remember Marnie from Spikemuth? We’re here together, I just don’t know where she’s gone off to. No need to act all –”

“Guys, guys,” Gloria said, holding up her hands. “Actually, you’re right, Hop, I don’t really want to get in the mix with everyone else because they’re all bound to be like, ‘Are you okay?’ and stuff. And I would really just rather forget about how I just… well, you know. So, could you actually get me something to eat, Bede? I’d love a fruit tart.”

Bede ground his teeth. He felt like the whole evening was collapsing around him. He’d really been hoping for some alone time with Gloria, a chance to show her how the greatness of Bede so outshined everything about Hop.

Bede’s answer suddenly appeared in the form of a young woman with a microphone and a man holding a large camera. 

“Champion! May we steal your friend for a moment?” the reporter asked, turning to Hop. “We’d like to interview you about what it’s like to be friends with the Champion, and of course about your act of heroism tonight!”

Bede rolled his eyes, but smirked hopefully.

“Oh, uh, no thanks,” said Hop. “There’s really nothing to say about me.”

“Certainly, there is!” prodded the reporter. “I even heard that you were with the Champion at Rose Tower during the Eternatus incident? Our viewers would love it if you would confirm that for us. Everyone’s dying to hear all about you, I promise!”

Bede thought he saw a hungry look in Hop’s eyes as he contemplated the offer. The boy had perked up at the reporter’s recognition of his involvement with Eternatus. Clearly, thought Bede, the kid was feeling under-appreciated.

“Oh, go on, Hop,” said Bede, causing both Hop and Gloria to turn toward him in surprise. “I’m sure the people would love to hear about all the grand adventures you and Gloria have had -- what are you waiting for?”

Hop glared at Bede for a second. He was clearly torn. But then, Hop’s face brightened and he turned back toward the reporter. 

“Alright, let’s do this!” he said, and the three strode off, leaving Gloria and Bede alone.

Bede turned to Gloria, placing a hand on her shoulder. 

“Alright, the evening is ours,” he said grandly. “Let’s get you some food.”

He saw Gloria hesitate, looking off toward the crowded tables with a worried look.

“And then we can hide backstage while we eat? For some peace and quiet?” Bede suggested.

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan,” she said. But Bede noticed she cast a look at Hop's retreating back even as she said it. He bristled.

"I mean, if you don't want to, that's fine," he said.

"No, I do, it's just..." Gloria said. Bede waited, but she seemed to have abandoned her sentence.

"Well, it would be nice if, as my date to this ball, you were able to spend at least a LITTLE time with just me," he said. "Or did you just say you'd come to this with me to make that kid jealous?"

"Oh, of course not!" Gloria said, her eyes snapping back to Bede's face. She looked stricken, and Bede instantly felt guilty for snapping.

"I'll get you a plate, I know what you like," he said, and before she could respond, he turned and walked briskly toward the heavily laden tables. The sight of her furrowed brow made Bede feel sick.

✨✨✨✨

~ Later ~

As the clock neared midnight, the last of the party guests clustered around the edges of the ballroom. 

The room looked even more cavernous to Gloria when it was empty. She couldn’t believe she’d face-flopped onto the carpet in front of all those people just hours ago.

She, Hop, Bede and Marnie were sitting on the edge of the stage watching the crowd thin out. Phones glowed as people hailed rides, some staggering away leaning on their friends.

Marnie’s brother Piers sidled up to the group.

“Alright there, mates? Good party, eh?” he gently cuffed Marnie in the head. “Look, me and some of the other gym leaders are headed back to Raihan’s apartment to keep things going for another hour or two. I’ve got some money here for a Corviknight taxi that’ll take you straight home, Marn. And I can fork over some for the rest of you as well, if you need it. I know it must be past your bedtimes!”

Gloria briefly caught Hop's eye. Neither particularly relished Piers’ insinuation that they were still children. But it was Marnie who spoke first.

“Quit it, you know we’re coming with you,” she said. “You can’t keep partying without the Champion, for god’s sakes, it’s her big night! And if she goes, we go.”

All eyes turned to Gloria.

Gloria's tiredness weighed on her, as did her residual embarrassment from falling off the stage. And as much as she hated to think it, she was somewhat eager to get away from the sullen, quiet Bede who sat beside her, sulking. She wasn't quite sure what she'd done wrong.

"Yeah, I want to come," she said, surprising herself.

"Suit yourself," Piers said with a roll of his eyes, but a smile on his face. "But I'd be amiss if I didn't warn you all: No alcohol, and believe me, I'll be watching. And you should really consider heading home by two at the latest. I know I can't really make rules for the rest of you, but that's when Marnie's Corviknight taxi will be arriving and I suggest you all do the same."

Marnie opened her mouth to protest, but Gloria cut in.

"Sounds fine, Piers. Thanks for inviting us," she said.

Piers nodded in approval of Gloria's diplomacy. "We'll meet out front in 10, okay?" he said. "It'll be Leon, Raihan, myself, Nessa, Milo, Sonia, and probably Gordie if his mother doesn't make him go home early."

Piers left. Gloria turned to the others.

"Well, I know Marnie's coming regardless, but you guys know you can go home if you want, I'm not trying to force anyone to stay up all night if they don't want to," she said.

Hop and Bede answered nearly in unison.

"I'm definitely coming," said each boy emphatically.

✨💃🏻🌸🌿❤️✨

[punz4lyfe]

Now you've been asked what you do like about him what about the opposite what don't you like about goh?

Aw man, this is gonna hurt.

TL;DR - Goh’s a completely lovable character, but I have three particular issues with him that I feel could become worse if not taken care of properly.

First off, DISCLAIMERS!! To all my fellow Goh fans, please know that writing this, I do not mean any hatred to Goh in anyway. I LOVE Goh, and if you’ve seen literally ANY of my past anipoke posts, you would already know that. These are just issues I find with his character that I want to be changed for the best.

Now with that outta the way, here’s what I don’t like about Goh:

1. His iffy character development. While he’s doing fine in becoming more open to people and more willing to help Pokemon, his fighting skills are what I have trouble with it. Let’s go back to his first ever official battle.

It was at Hoenn’s Frontier Cup where he used Scorbunny and Scyther against a trainer’s Mightyena. Despite having a type advantage with Scyther, he lost horribly, which is completely understandable. He’s a beginner and doesn’t possess the same kind of street smarts and experience Ash and many other trainers have. Alright then, so maybe this will lead to a change in character of wanting to become better in battles by getting some training with Ash, who made quick work of that Mightyena trainer. Surely we’ll get some development over this topic after this episode!

He beats Saffron City’s Karate Master and scores a free Hitmonchan.

...Okaaaay, I mean, we’ve never seen the Karate Master in battle before, so perhaps it was just another fodder trainer the anime is filled of. I sure we’ll get some more Goh development after thi-

He easily defeats and captures a powerful Flygon.

.....Alright, alright, it was only a wild Pokemon. Everyone can beat those, right? Heck, in the next episode, he technically suffers a curbstomp loss against Kiawe and admits he only battles Ash every so often. Perhaps this loss will encourage Goh to train more with Ash so he could become a stronger trainer. I mean, despite his good luck with Pokeballs, he’s gonna need to be as strong as he can be for tougher mons, like Legendaries. I’m 100% sure we’ll get something out of thi-

He takes down a wild Zapdos and NEARLY captures it.

.........Uh, okie dokes, it wasn’t a successful capture, and who knows? Even though we have not seen him battle/train that much on-screen, maybe he just got a little lucky. Even in the games, it happens to the best of us. Perhaps this barely missed victory will finally give Goh the time to actually development more on-screen so that he could have a better chance agai-

He defeats Oleana’s Milotic, using his fire-type Raboot who only wanted to use a weak fire-type move.

..............Allllriiiiight, maybe Oleana just got a little cocky later on. Plus, Raboot finished Milotic by evolving in Cinderace and finishing it off with Pyro Ball. With this powerful evolution in hand, maybe Goh will finally realize that, in order for Cinderace to reach its greatest potential, he must start training for once and obtain some proper development for a chance against stronger threa-

Cinderace fights decently well against Mewtwo, even lasting longer than Pikachu and being on-par with the more trained Lucario.

....................At this point, I’m all out of excuses for him. Overall, Goh’s development as a trainer is very rushed to the point seeing him achieve numerous victories despite all odds being against his favor to be iffy.

2. Slightly touchy topic, but there are some negatives with his whole catching all Pokemon goal. So Goh wants to catch every single mon he can in order to reach up to Mew, as he said to Mewtwo in episode 46. And yes, this includes Legendaries as well. Unfortunately, this is where my issues with his goal starts. First off, where in the world will Goh keep any Legendary he encounters? Cerise’s glorified garden dome? Yeah, keep Dialga and Palkia, literal beings of space and time, inside a glass dome with a bunch of weaker mons. And speaking of which, wouldn’t catching mons like the Creation Trio or the Island Guardians cause quite the upset in, well, y’know, the natural balance of things? Sure, Goh technically hasn’t caught a single Legendary yet (Eternatus doesn’t count because it had to be sealed away), with how the anime is playing out, issues like this will surely rise throughout the series.

And yes, the anime is playing it out for Goh to indeed catch every single mon before reaching Mew. If you pay attention to the openings as well as many of Goh’s own character moments, such as episode 46, then you can easily see the signs telling us that Goh is bound to catch them all, just as Ash is bound on defeating Leon. In the past, pretty much all of Ash’s traveling companions had their own goals as well, but it’s usually because of those goals is why they leave Ash by the end of their journeys, like May and Dawn pursuing contests in other regions, Brock wanting to become a doctor, Iris wanting to find more Dragon types, Kiawe wanting to become an Island Kahuna etc. Because of that, it becomes up to the audience’s interpretation (and fanfics) on how they achieve their dreams and what challenges they could face throughout the way. With Goh, there will a lot more focus and emphasis placed on his goal, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s too bad there aren’t really any stakes or obstacles in Goh’s journey!

Really now, another glaring issue with Goh’s goal is that he has NO trouble going through with it at all. From his very first fodder capture, all he has to do is get a good throw and then PING! Pokemon caught. Guess the thing of having to weaken a Pokemon first before capturing it has been retconned out of the anime forever. With that said, there’s absolutely no struggle for Goh to overcome in his journey, which kinda makes things boring. Where’s the challenge? Where are his rivals? Are there any doubts? Does he have any issue of having to catch and connect every single mon in existence? No, well then good for him I guess! Sad thing too is that he catches so many Pokemon with so much potential, but they then disappear completely after their debut.

Remember that free Hitmonchan he scored from Saffron’s Fighting Dojo who seemed completely willing to train with Riolu and Farfetch’d? Never seen again. That female Raichu who loves giving berries? Completely forgotten about. That Aerodactyl Goh resurrected and bonded with before catching? Thanos snapped. The Heracross Goh obtained from a trade at the cost of a second Pinsir he worked hard to find? Literally who?

3. And my biggest issue with Goh. The fact he’s somehow on the same scale as Ash.

Don’t believe me? Well, let’s go back to the ending of episode 46. After Mewtwo teleported him, Ash, Pikachu, Lucario, and Cinderace back home, Goh said this: “We’ve still got a long way to go.”

Excuse me, but WHAT?!?!?!

You BOTH got a long way to go, even though you both suffered a complete curbstomp from a mon that would probably even make the likes of Lance, Cynthia, and Leon comparable to Youngster Joey?!?! What the Distortion World?!?! Why is Goh and, by extension, the writers implying he and Ash are on even terms when it comes to being a trainer? Goh, as a reminder, you literally only began your trainer career 45 episodes ago!!

Alright, let’s talk about Ash for a second and what he’s been through since he started his trainer career. Ash started in Kanto, and while he really only fairly achieved three out of his eight badges (Brock and Misty’s were givens, Erika’s was a thank-you gift, Sabrina’s was all Haunter’s doing, and Jessie and James are complete jokes that no one should take seriously), he still partook in as many battles as he could against tough trainers while getting some pointers from the much more experienced Misty and Brock. After that, he went on to become a much more impressive trainer in later journeys. Instead of a full recap, I’ll just list two impressive things Ash has done in each region he’s journeyed through after losing in the Kanto League.

Orange Islands: Won his first official double battle with Pikachu and Charizard despite neither initially getting along at first and then defeated the Orange League champ, Drake.

Johto: Survived an entire forest of bloodthirsty Ursaring with his friends and defeated Gary’s Blastoise with his Charizard.

Hoenn: Helped stopped both Team Magma and Team Aqua’s elemental threats and reached Top 8 in the Hoenn League despite only two of his mons being fully evolved with one being a glass cannon bird.

Kanto again: Conquered the Battle Frontier and tied with May in his first ever contest.

Sinnoh: Helped protect a Riolu from the famed Hunter J and knocked out two of Tobias’ Legendary Pokemon.

Unova: Defeated Iris’ Dragonite twice (Charizard pretty much had the high ground in their fight) and helped protect Meloetta.

Kalos: Defeated four Mega Evolutions (Lucario, Abomasnow, Absol, and Sceptile) and was one of the main heroes against Lysandre.

Alola: Became an Ultra Guardian and conquered the Alola League.

And right now as of Journeys: Defeated Korinna’s Mienfoo and Mega Lucario with only Dragonite right after the two curbstomped Gengar and defeated Chairman Rose.

And this isn’t even scratching the surface, and yet, somehow, Ash is still on the same scale of Goh. This doesn’t make any logical sense, it completely negates Ash’s experience while over-wanking Goh’s, and it ruins any semblance of power scaling between the two. Logically, Ash should be leagues above Goh and the latter should always confide to Ash whenever he needs assistance or pointers, not “Oh, we both lost to a powerful legendary, guess that means we both have stuff to learn and we’re both beginners lul”. It’s like Deku and All Might both losing a villain that’s beyond both of their capabilities, and then Deku saying that they BOTH have much to learn afterwards! Does it make sense? HECK NO.

If they had to have Goh comment about their loss, why couldn’t he say something that would’ve made more sense? Maybe say something like “Wow, I can’t believe I lasted that long, honestly.” And then Ash would say, “Hey, you’re only getting better. And me and my team will always be there in case you need more training.” Have the two acknowledge the fact that even trainers like Leon wouldn’t fare any better than them against Mewtwo. Just absolutely anything that doesn’t completely ruin what we know of these characters to the point the two are considered equals, despite all the evidence saying otherwise.

I’m getting a little exhausted now, so I’m done, but thanks for asking, anon!

And for anyone reading, please feel free to agree or disagree. I’m completely acceptable to anyone else’s thoughts/opinions over Goh and would love to hear them.

[goldenworldsabound]

Victory!

Kabu retakes the Motostoke Gym Leader position, and Chairman Rose comes to congratulate him. No content warnings. Word count: 1144

"And- HE'S DONE IT FOLKS! Kabu has won the battle and become the new gym leader of Motostoke!" The crowd in the Motostoke Stadium was going wild. Kabu collapsed to his knees on the field, smiling as wide as he possibly could. Centiskorch, Arcanine, and Ninetales bounded out, tackling him to the turf, where he began to laugh amidst the thunderous applause and cheers.

He sat up, giving all of his Poke'mon a few pets as they snuggled him back while the announcer continued on.

"An absolutely stunning display by both trainers here today, folks!"

Kabu looked over to the field entrance, seeing Golden peeking out, looking absolutely thrilled for him. But she was...hesitating to come out on the field.

He smiled, and waved her over. At that, she looked around for a moment, heart pounding, before dashing across the field to him.

"Oh, folks, there goes Golden, Kabu's Johtonian girlfriend, to congratulate him!"

Golden tackled Kabu, his Poke'mon more than happy to pull her into the cuddle pile. They laughed together. Golden tried to speak, but Kabu couldn't hear her over the sound of the stadium. In a bold move, she pressed her lips to his, unable to express her joy for him in any other way. The crowd went wild.

------------------------

As Kabu came out of the locker room, hair still damp, Golden was surprised to see him looking at his phone.

"The Chairman wants to meet with us for dinner." He commented, looking up from the device to meet her curious gaze.

"Oh! That's right, he was here, wasn't he?" Golden grinned. "He must want to congratulate you!"

Kabu's face was back to his usual stoic expression as he looked back at the phone. "Yes, I suppose that must be true."

Golden tilted her head at him quizzically. "And?"

"Well, he'd like to meet now." Kabu clarified, blinking at her.

Golden opened and closed her mouth. "Oh! I see! B-but, um, gosh, this outfit probably isn't nice enough-"

"I mentioned that and he indicated that it wasn't meant to be something formal, anyway." Kabu replied, smiling a bit at her minor panic. "Don't worry." He pat her head gently.

"I'm not worried!" She said back, standing up straight suddenly. "Come on though, I guess we better not keep them waiting, Mr. Gym Leader." Golden grinned, relaxing her shoulders again, before taking his hand.

"Hmm." He hummed back, pleased by her teasing and the feel of her hand in his. He walked out with her, and the both of them were immediately blinded by the flashing of cameras in the stadium lobby.

"Kabu! How does it to feel to have won? Did you have any doubts about your victory at any point?"

"Golden, what was it like watching Kabu become the official gym leader of Motostoke? How are you going to celebrate?"

They were bombarded by questions.

"Now now, let them be." Chairman Rose's voice cut through the throng of reports. They parted as he strode forward to meet Kabu and Golden.

"Chairman Rose-" A singular reporter piped up.

"Really, there will be time for this later." He waved them off again, Oleana shooting the offender a threatening glare. "Congratulations, Kabu. Well deserved."

"Thank you, Chairman." Kabu bowed his head a little. Golden squeezed his hand gently.

"Let's get away from," He gestured with his hand, "this, and go someplace quiet to eat and talk." He smiled, before walking to the entrance, with Oleana, Kabu, and Golden following behind.

-------------------------

Dinner was unsurprisingly nice. Rose (presumably actually Oleana) had reserved a private area at one of the fanciest restaurants in Motostoke (which made Golden squirm since she felt wildly under dressed). No reporters or anyone to disturb them. Kabu seemed unperturbed, but hardly anything got a visible reaction out of him.

"Golden, Oleana tells me you're somewhat of a hero back in Johto." Rose said conversationally.

"Oh? Well, I...I suppose you could say that." Golden blushed a bit, rubbing the back of her head nervously. Kabu put a hand on her leg reassuringly.

"Now, don't be so humble. You almost single-handedly removed Team Rocket's presence from Johto, and did quite a number on them in Kanto!" Rose laughed jovially, as if discussing something far less serious.

"I'm surprised you knew about that..." Golden replied.

"Oleana did." Rose gestured to her.

Oleana nodded. "I make it a point to know who has made waves around the world. You were unusual, in that you didn't take much credit for it. But your takedown was masterful."

"With such strength as that, I'm surprised you didn't become a Gym Leader, like Kabu here!" Rose grinned. "Or, perhaps more so, an elite four member or Champion!"

"Golden attempted the league in Johto twice, actually." Oleana explained. "Once with the completion of the Johto badges, and once with the completion of the Kanto badges. But you were unsuccessful on both accounts."

"Yes, that's right..." Golden replied, looking away and frowning. She clenched her fists on her lap. She hated discussing this. She should have been strong enough to go all the way! Kabu's hand slid onto one of her clenched fists, pushing it down to lay flat. She relaxed the other as well, breathing out.

"Hm. I see. Well, it is very rare to see a woman Champion, after all." Rose mused.

"There are plenty of talented women." Kabu replied, meeting Rose's eyes. "There are many things that discourage them from such a path, including inconsiderate men. Let's discuss something else." His words were decisive, and Golden was grateful for them. She had never met Rose and Oleana before - but she couldn't say she was a huge fan of either.

"Apologies." Rose said, still smiling. "Let's talk about your victory, Kabu! You were the gym leader once before, weren't you? What inspired you to try again? I remember hearing you took that loss quite hard."

Kabu smiled a little. "You sound like a reporter now yourself, Chairman."

Rose laughed. "Fair enough! But I admit, I am truly curious." He leaned forward. "I heard it was your fight with Leon."

Kabu tilted his head a bit, thinking. "That was one factor. But Golden had been encouraging me for a long time not to give up." He smiled warmly, glancing at her. It was her turn to put her hand on his leg, giving a gentle squeeze as she smiled back at him. "Fighting Leon...was just the last push I needed."

"Aw, isn't that sweet." Rose smiled. "A romantic story, to be sure. It sounds like you two are a wonderful supportive couple."

Golden laughed. "Of course. This is the happiest I've been in a long time, to see Kabu take back the major league." She flashed a grin at him. "And I'll continue to support him, no matter what happens."

"I'm very glad to hear it." Rose remarked.

[feathers-and-fisticuffs]

Homecoming...

[Chapter List HERE]

Rose stared down at all of his work, scatter across his desk, scribbles and mess and chaos.  How had things gotten so out of control?

And Leon... Leon telling him to wait, that was the final straw.  He couldn’t wait another day.  It was too dangerous, word was already out and if all his research were to suddenly fall into the wrong hands tonight?

Galar, nay, the whole world would be doomed.

He alone was smart enough to make this work.  And Leon was the only one strong enough to stop it before it got out of control.  Bede had already been taken care of, Rose knew Opal would help the boy become everything he had pushed him towards and more, no thanks to Oleana’s meddling of course... He hadn’t wanted things to end that way, but he couldn’t lead the boy along further into danger. 

Basil, however, was another story.  But Basil had a good heart, a strong heart, and would never understand why things had to be the way they are.  If he let Basil in on the plan, he would run.  He would turn his back, and leave.

And it would be better for him, that way.

And Rose would fall on his own sword.  Galar needed a hero, they needed Leon.  He would play the part of the villain, and Galar would live on without him.

Basil spent two more days in his hospital bed, and Kabu spent those two days without letting Basil out of his sight.  Piers and Marnie even came to visit, and it made Kabu happy to see them getting along, and to see Basil smiling and laughing again.

While they waited for the release papers, they sat idly together and chatted.  Basil was antsy to get home, and Kabu was doing anything he could think of to keep him distracted enough to not think about it.

“How come Piers calls you Master?”  Basil asked after the two visitors had left.  “Its kind of weird.”

“Because he respects me, as his teacher.”  Kabu smiled.  “It’s not weird, it’s polite.”

“I don’t want to call you that it’s weird.”  Basil wrinkled his nose.  “I’m not some servant!  And you shouldn’t make Piers call you that either!”

Kabu laughed.  “I don’t make him call me anything.  He does it because he wants to show me respect!  Because unlike SOME people--”  He ruffled Basil’s hair playfully, “He has manners!”

Basil squeaked and tried to put his hair back in place.  “I have manners!”

“You don’t have to call me anything you’re not comfortable with Basil.  You can keep calling me Kabu, whatever you’d like.”  He chuckled.  “What brought this on?”

“Well... Mr. Rose always tried to get Basil and I to call him Dad and I just...”  He was obviously thinking of a polite way to say what it was he was trying to say.

“You don’t have to call me Dad if you don’t want to, Basil.  You’re not hurting my feelings I promise.  And you won’t hurt Rose’s feelings if you do.”

Basil leaned back then, thinking hard.

“Is there something else on your mind?”  Kabu inquired cautiously.

“Do you think Rose misses us?”  He asked quietly after a while.

Kabu squeezed his hand.  “I think he misses you both very much.”

“Do you think he’ll try to visit when he gets out?”

“Maybe,”  Kabu admit, though he hoped not, “We’ll just have to wait and see won’t we?  Unless you don’t want him to visit.  If you don’t want to see him again you won’t, I’ll make sure of it.”

Basil nodded then.  “Okay. I don’t know.”

The doctor came in with the papers, left him with some medicine, and told them Basil was free to go home.  Basil couldn’t be happier, and Kabu had to hold on to him to keep him from booking it out the door, walking him calmly out to the flying taxi so he didn’t knock anyone over in his haste. It was good to be going home...

************

“Milo?!  Nessa!  We’re home!”  Kabu called as they walked in the door, and found Milo at the table with Cyrus in his wheelchair at the table. 

“Welcome home!”  Milo grinned.

“Please make him go home...”  Cyrus growled pathetically.  “I can’t take it anymore.”

“Oh, we’ve had tons of fun!  He’s doing really well, I’d love to come back and help more!  Reminds me of taking care of my Nanna before she died.” 

Cyrus made an indignant noise.  “I’m 27!  And I’m not dying!”

Milo giggled and stood.  “Maybe not but you’re just as grumpy.  You two would have been friends.”  Basil and Kabu laughed, and Kabu told Milo he was free to go, thanking him again for helping out.

“Well Cyrus, you’re looking well.”  Kabu chuckled and cleared his empty plate for him.

“How dare you leave me here with those two!”  He seethed, but it didn’t sound very threatening.  “I’ve got a headache from him!  No one should be that bubbly!  And the girl was just mean!”  He pouted.

“Did you deserve it?”

“That’s beside the point!”

Kabu just chuckled, and Basil went to his room to change clothes.  Once he was gone, Cyrus wheeled around the table so he could lower his voice.

“What happened?”

Kabu explained, briefly, that he had been hurt by a Pokemon.  If Basil wanted to tell him that was fine, but he didn’t feel it was his place to tell someone like Cyrus what had happened.

Cyrus listened with a frown and looked towards the stairs.  “He doesn’t look like you at all.”  

That earned a scoff from Kabu.  “Yeah no shit.  He’s not mine.  I’m just taking care of him.”

“Oh.  Seems like a good kid.  Reminds me of the kids who used to work for me.  Real bright kids.  Good kids.”  He said solemnly.

“The ones you forced to help you try to destroy the world?”

A pause in the conversation.  “You’re making it sound like a bad thing.  And no, I didn’t force them.  I didn’t force anyone to do anything.”  That was almost the truth.

“What are you getting at, Cyrus?  Or are you just trying to test my patience.”  He put the dishes in the drainer then and turned to face him.  Cyrus was still staring at the stairs.

“If you think I’m such a bad guy, why would you ask me to tutor him?”

Kabu walked around him and pushed the wheelchair, earning a cry of protest.

“Hush.  If you honestly must know, I think it would be good for both of you.  And don’t think for a second I’d let you hang out around him alone.”  He threatened, pushing him to the living room and sitting on the couch in front of him.  “But if you’re going to make an effort, then I have to show you as much trust as you show me, understand?”

Cyrus leaned back, a glint of anger and annoyance in his eyes, but he held his tongue for the most part.  “Don’t touch my wheelchair.”

Kabu crossed his arms.  “Fine.  I won’t.  I was just trying to help.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.”

“You’re right.  I’m sorry.”

They sat in silence, glaring at each other for a while, unsure of how to proceed.  Basil fixed that problem by rushing back down and plopping on the couch by Kabu happily.  “Kabu Kabu!  Come look come look!”  He tugged on Kabu’s sleeve impatiently.  “Look look look hurry!”

Kabu was startled by this and stood with him.  “What what is it what’s wrong?”

“Come on ugh you’re so slow come on!”  He tugged him along up the stairs, and threw open his bedroom door.  “Look!”

Kabu stepped inside and his jaw dropped.  Everything had been rearranged, his garish beanbags had been replaced with cute chairs, everything had been decorated and updated and looked, well, amazing.  He pulled out his phone to text Nessa and saw a message there from her already.

<Got bored, hope the kid likes what I did. 💙

Kabu laughed and shook his head.

<What would I do without you two, Ness?

Basil was looking through all the new stuff, books and a tv and some games, there was even a black and gold vanity mirror desk to replace his sad little desk and mirror set up.  Nessa had even left a giant sampler of her makeup there, too.

<Well you’d be way less cool, first of all.

Kabu sat on the edge of the bed and watched Basil gleefully taking everything in, sneaking a few pictures to send to her.  Eventually Basil turned around and rushed back to him, giving him a giant hug.  

“Thank you Kabu..!”

Kabu laughed and hugged back.  “You’re welcome but don’t thank me, I didn’t know either.”  He smiled and showed him a picture of Nessa.

“NO WAY!”

“Yes way.”

“You two know each other for real!?”

“Why do you assume I don’t know these people we’re co workers!”  He teased.

“Because they’re so... Cool!  And you’re... weird.”  Basil teased back, making Kabu laugh again.  

“Keep talking like that I’ll let them keep you!”  He threatened, squeezing him a little tighter and poking his sides.

“No!  Kahabu!”  He wriggled out of his arms and rushed back to the other side of the room to look around some more.  “Can I meet her?  Oh, she wouldn’t like me.  I don’t want to meet here she’ll think I’m weird!”

“I think she’d love to meet you.  Despite what Cyrus said she’s actually very nice.”

“Marnie said sometimes she and Nessa go clothes shopping together...”

“Well that sounds like a ton of fun.”  Kabu stood again.  “Don’t wear yourself out too much, you’re still recovering.”  Basil was already curled up in bed with his pokemon snuggled around him, reading a book.  

He stepped back downstairs where Cyrus had moved to the staircase, listening to them with a small smirk.

“What, you knew?  What’s with that look?”

“What?  I’m not as heartless as you make me out to be.”  Cyrus shrugged.

Kabu shook his head.  Cyrus was a strange man indeed, he couldn’t get a read on what he was thinking at all.

************

Bede sat in the waiting room, surrounded by strangers, many of whom recognized him, all of them much bigger than him, gruffer and meaner and frightening.  He sat with his eyes glued to the floor, crumpled letter in his hands, fidgeting idly, waiting for his turn.  He wanted to run away, he hated it here, he should never have come.  He couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was staring at him.  Of course they were, look at him.  He was out of place, and out of his element.

Finally someone called him, and he stood curtly, making his way to the door with his head down.  The officer led him back to another room, gestured to a couch behind a little table.  At the front of the room was a large TV.  The officer reminded him of the rules, made sure Bede wasn’t carrying anything dangerous, or any recording devices, and that he was ready, and he nodded.  He could do this.

The lights dimmed slightly and there was an electric crack as the TV clicked on, and in front of him sat Rose.

He looked terrible.  His hair was a mess, dark circles under his eyes, he hadn’t shaved and his facial hair was getting scruffy.  His wrinkled orange prison clothes looked so strange, so informal, so messy on him.  Bede couldn’t manage out a word, caught off guard by his appearance, and the look on his face.

There was a moment of confusion, on Rose’s face, before recognition brought that small, familiar smile to his lips, that made Bede’s stomach turn.

“You came...”

[samsonet]

Make way for brotherhood (1/2)

Make way for Man!

Leon meets Bede.

~

It’s hard to get lost in Rose Tower. So many floors and so many rooms, yet for Leon, there’s only one direction: up.

And down, when challengers defeat him.

He never thought of himself as being a sore loser, but whenever Gloria wins, he has to hide his face. He’s not used to acting the graceful loser. Another unforeseen consequence of staking his identity on being unbeatable, it seems.

When he was Champion, he always knew where he was going, metaphorically: up. Always up. He had the region’s support, after all. He had a little brother to impress. He had Chairman Rose.

It’s hard to know where he is now, after Rose.

It’s a year after the Eternatus incident that Leon gets the message.

It’s more of a summons, really, Oleana standing before him to escort him to the meeting. Leon tries to say that he would come on his own time, but she only shakes her head. They both know that if she didn’t bring him, he would only get lost on the way — if he bothered to come at all.

So Oleana leads him down, out of the tower, and to Rose’s mansion on the outskirts of Wyndon.

There’s a boy standing outside the iron gate. Leon recognizes him, possibly: that sandy-blonde hair is distinctive. So is that uniform: the fairy-type dress, with the skirt tied up in a bow in the back.

“Bede,” Oleana says. “You haven’t gone in yet?”

“I haven’t decided whether I want to see him,” Bede replies.

They glare at each other. Leon feels like he’s walked into someone else’s story.

“Y’know.” He places himself between them, slightly facing Oleana. “I’m not sure I want to see him, either. Why don’t you go inside and give us some time to decide? I can’t get lost walking a straight line, right?”

Oleana still looks angry. The thing is, though: when it comes to Chairman Rose? Rose will let Leon get away with anything, and Oleana knows it.

“He will be waiting for you in the dining room.” She opens the gate and walks inside. “If young master Bede wishes to come inside, he should come with you.”

Then she leaves them alone.

Leon examines the kid.

The first time he’d heard of Bede, it was Rose passing him a league card showing the child he would be endorsing this year. There was always a new challenger every year, and Rose always said that this one would take the Champion title, but none of them ever did.

(“Nine-oh-eight,” Leon said. “Do you know if it means anything?”

“It’s still goroawase, but it references a Galarian word. Ku-re-ba. Clever.”

“Why is it clever?”

“...Leon, do you really not get it?”)

Then there had been the time Hop was so upset that he actually ran away rather than talk to him. That had worried Leon so much -- there were some things even he couldn’t protect Hop from, and he’d worried that something terrible had happened.

He asked Gloria about it, and she mentioned Bede.

It was the first time Leon had thought of the kid as a person himself and not just an extension of Rose. Did that count as a bad first impression?

And then Sonia mentioned he’d destroyed that mural somewhere...

“Hey,” Leon says, now. “Are you here because you want to be? Because if you don’t want to see him, I can tell him to leave you alone. He listens to me.”

Bede’s expression remains unreadable. “Yes. He likes you.”

He likes you.

Rose likes Leon the way a father loves his child. Does everything to make him happy, teaches him responsibility and discipline, naturally prefers him above all others.

Yes, if Rose treats his endorsees like his children, Leon is unquestionably his favorite.

He gets the feeling that saying that will only hurt Bede’s feelings, though, and he’s not here to bully a child.

What Leon says is: “Yeah, well, my image has made him a lot of money.”

(It might still be making him money, actually. Leon should really ask someone to check on that.)

Bede snorts.

They fall into silence.

Leon leans against the fence posts, waiting. For what, he doesn’t know.

He doesn’t have a grudge against Bede. He did, for a little, while Hop was still upset about their argument, but Hop got over it, so Leon did too. He rationalized it: kids don’t know any better. For someone from Bede’s background, a certain amount of aggression is to be expected.

Seeing Bede at the champion cup, bright-eyed and covered in pink, Leon had wondered what happened to the kid the chairman had endorsed. He looked so different, like a brand new person.

But Bede wasn’t a new person. Just a kid who’d gotten a second chance to grow.

“Have you been to the Circhester Gym?”

Bede stiffens. “You know I haven’t. I was disqualified, remember?”

“Hm. That’s true. Though I’m surprised Opal hasn’t taken you. Anyway.” Leon stretches his legs out and lets himself slide down the bars, coming closer to Bede’s height. “The gym mission there is a maze. You gotta pass through without falling into the traps, right? But the traps are all invisible.”

“So you get through by trial-and-error, and everyone watches every time you fall? That seems… cruel.”

“It would be. But the gym gives you this device that locates the traps. You can’t trust your eyes, but you can trust the gym’s guidance.”

Bede puts a hand to his mouth. “I suppose I can see the sportsmanship in that. Though I don’t understand why you’re bothering to tell me about it. I’m never going to challenge that gym myself.”

“It’s symbolism.” If you say something is symbolism, does that make it not symbolism? Whatever; Hop and Sonia can think about that later. “You guys -- you and Hop and Gloria and the rest of the season’s new trainers -- you’re really strong, you know? But that doesn’t mean that you can’t accept help. I know I’m not your brother, but… Look, Rose found me the same way he found you. If you want, I could… I could help you, too.”

Bede is silent.

Leon pulls out one of his league cards and a permanent marker (he may not be champion anymore, but old habits die hard), then scribbles his personal number on the back. “Here.”

The kid takes the card with his left hand, holding it carefully. His Rotom-phone appears and takes a photo, probably adding the number to the contacts list. Then Bede tucks the card into one of his sleeves.

“I don’t think I want to see him today,” Bede says.

“Oh. That’s — that’s fine. Can you find your way back from here? Do you want me to walk with you?”

The kid laughs softly. “We both know that you’ll just get us lost. No, you can go see the chairman, if you want.”

They part ways.

[nobodiesheartlessshitblog45]

A Fancy Party WIth Chairman Rose And Kanto Champ, And Lèon meets his childhood hero.

Juno was standing in front of the mirror looking at the dark blue strapless dress she wearing. Her long light brown hair in long braid, and wearing black heels. The 27 Old retired Kanto champion, lets out a sigh and looks at her partner Pikachu, Riply who was glaring up her, a black little bow around his neck.

Juno: I know, bud, you’re not happy. But we gotta look nice for tonight’s party. Just wear the bow tie for one night, okay?

Riply: Pika! Pikachu! (crosse his arms)

Juno: (kneels down) Riply, c’mon. It’s one night. It’s not going to kill ya. C’mon. For me~. (gives a sad face)

Riply looks at her, for a few and sighs, nodding in agreement. Juno smiles, and picks him and hugs.

Juno: Thank you. Now, let’s rub elbows with the fancy people and eat until we go into a coma.

Riply eyes light up at the mention of food, and hops onto Juno should and the two walk out the hotel room.

Meanwhile in the ball room, people and Pokémon were all dressed up and mingling and laughing, Juno and Riply walk into the ballroom and their eyes light up, classical music was playing softly in the background, and everyone was laughing and talking.

As this was going Chairman Rose a wearing a black tuxedo and red tie and as standing with Oleana who was wearing a short dress with Black high heels.

She didn’t say much, but looks over Rose who stood there looking at himself in the mirror fixing his tie and was looking at his hair.

Rose: Do-Do I look good? ... Is my tux wrinkled?

Oleana: (looks at him) ... Do you think I would let you walk in public with a wrinkled tux?

Rose: (chuckles and smiles) No. I would not. (looks around)

Oleana: May I ask why you are so  anxious for Champion Juno to show up?

Rose: Well, you know. She’s a ... very famous Pokémon master, and she’s a lovely woman. I-I was rather in enchanted by speaking with her, and well... I... ...  I did not say that.

Oleana: I will not repeat that.

Rose: Thank god.

The two walked over to the table where some the food was just Juno and Riply came walking into the ball room, the two walked as looks around in wonderment.

Juno: (thinking) Okay,Juno, just... relax. You’ve been to parties before, and this one is no different... Riply has my back.

As Juno was walking around, Riply looks around and spots the table with was laid out with food. Ripely eyes light and jumps off of Juno’s shoulder and heads to the table, running through people and Pokémon’s feet.

Arin: N-No...! Riply. Damn it...

Juno began to rushed pass the The crowd of people in Pokémon.

Meanwhile, Olena was about to grab some a piece of cake, she flet something run under her leg, and jumps back, rather spooked. Rose looks her.

Rose: Are... Are you alright, Oleana?

Before she could ask, Rose saw a Riply jump onto the table began eye all the cakes and sweets began helping himself to all the sweet goodness with wide eyes

As the two began to wonder where this random Pokémon came from was Juno was pushing through the crowd saying sorry and excusing me annoying both people and Pokémon. Rose and Olestra watched as Juno nearly knocking over a waiter.

Juno: Oh... Um, sorry. I... I was not watching where I was going. Hehe... S-Sorry.

She smiles sheepishly at him, who gives her annoyed look, and looks and sees Oleana staning in front her glaring.

Juno: ... Um... Hi there. Y-You... look you very nice... and kinda pissed...

Rose tries to his laugh as Oleana was towering over Juno, who stood there trying understand why she was mad.

Oleana lets out sigh.

Oleana: ... Is that your Pikachu? (ponits to the table)

Juno truns her to the side and Riply eating a huge thing of cake, pink and white frosting his face covering face and fur.

She just looks at Riply and back at Oleana, and Rose who watching with amusement.

Juno: ... Y-Yeah, he’s mine. (clear her throat) Riply.

Riley looks her, his cheeks puff with the cake her hand his mouth.

The three people eyeing, and Riply gulps and looks at Juno, who fave him annoyed look.

Riply: ... Pika... (picks up a cupcake and holds it up to her) Pika, pika!

Juno: Oh, my god... (facepalms) No... Riply... come here. (walks over and picks him up)

She picks up a thing of napkins and began to cleaning him, and looks at Orleana and Rose.

Juno: I am so sorry. He’s not  usually a this, and I’m a little bit more in control of my Pokémon. I’m not a complete slob. No! I mean... well, ya know what I mean...

Oleana didn’t say a word, while Rose tries to hold back laughter.

Oleana: Right, but for someone your age and reputation I thought you have a better control over your Pokémon. (looks at Riply) Your Pikachu as rather gasly manners.

Juno: ...Hehe. I’m sorry. I’ll keep a better eye on him. I-I’ll just deal with him. Haha. Mr. Rose. (nods and smiles)

Oleana rolls eyes and as Juno truns her back and was now glaring at Riply.

Juno: ... Why didn’t you wait a few more minutes!? Now they think majors slobs and crazy. That do have to say for yourself?

Riply looks at her and takes one bite of the cupcake, and Juno groans, and picks few napkins to clean him up.

After a few Rose got away from Oleana, and stood a few feet away from her, watching a bit.

Rose could help but look at her, again. She looks so different with they t-gray shirt and Black and red flannel jacket, and jeans and boots, but wearing a lovely dress. She looked, well, beautiful. Stunning to be honest, the man felt his heart beat a bit faster, when he shacks his head walks over.

Rose: Champion Juno.

She and Riply looks as the good chairman smiling at them.

Rose: Welcome. I do hope you and your Pikachu are enjoying yourselves. (reaches out and gently pats Riply)

Riply: Chhhaa~. (smiles, has the Rose was gently scratching his right ear)

Juno: Oh, yeah... Um, sorry about... (looks at Riply)

Rose: It’s fine. He’s a lively little Pikachu. (smiles at Riply)

Riply: Pika, pika!

Jumps out Juno’s arms on to Rose shoulder, the chairman was taken aback by this, but smiles more Riply began nuzzling his face.

Rose: Hahah. Hello, there, Riply, was it?

Riply: Pikachu~!. (nods)

Rose: Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Riply.

Juno: (smiles) He’s really taken a real shine to you, Mr. Chairman.

Rose: I can see that. (pets Riply) Do have the rest of team with you?

Juno: Yeah, but my Absol, Anthey, is resting right now. That battle with with Raihan was a tough one.

Rose: It was an stunning battle, and I have say you are very skilled with mega stone, truly. I haven’t seen anyone use a mega Evolution in years.

Juno: It’s a very power, but I think Dynamax is way more powerful. Never see anything like that.

Rose: Well, it is, but so is the Z ring and crystals. But they all have in common is how a trainer and and their Pokémon use them.

Juno: That’s true. (looks around) I’m really surprise you asked me to come in the first place, Mr. Chairman.

Rose: Why wouldn’t I invite you? It’s my honor to have you here. You are Kanto’s hero after all and champion.

Juno: Heh. I was a the Champion, but I’m retired.

Rose: Still you’re a hero. You and your Pokémon stopped horrid Team Rocket all those years ago.

Juno: I... I wouldn’t call myself that. I was doing ... what was right...

Rose: Well, weather I think you a hero. ...A lovely wonderful lady.

Leon smiles a bit at him, and Rose felt his heart beat a little faster. He turns pink, and looks behind and sees Lèon standing by, the young man was shaking a bit, and nervous look his face.

Rose: Ah, Leon, my boy. (waves)

Leon looks over, and spots him. Lèon felt his heart his leap into his chest.

Lèon: (thinking) Oh... My god. It’s her. She’s here! ... Leon is really here. Get a grip on yourself, mate. You get to finally talk to your childhood hero. ... My childhood hero...

Juno: You’re Lèon, right?

Lèon: (squeak) I am. (Thinking) Shite! I’m missing this up! (clears throat) Yes, I am. (thinking) Brilliant!

Juno puts Riply down and walks over to Leon, who now sweating bullets, and shaking.

Leon: (thinking) OHMYGOD! Oh, act normal. You and her a champions. Need to act like one. Not fanboying...

Juno: It’s an honor to meet you finally. (holds out her hand) I’ve seen your last with Steven Stone, absolutely phenomenal battling.

Leon: (squeals) REALLY?? (thinking) This... Is this a dream...?!

Juno: Yeah! I was honestly having a heart attack watching your battle.  One of the most intent matches I’ve even seen.

Leon stood there smiling widely, could not believe that he was shacking hands with his childhood hero.

Leon: I- I cannot believe you watched my battle... I-I can’t... You have no idea how much that means to me! You are... my hero. (eyes lighti g up more) You always inspired me to keep fighting. I’ve watched all your Pokémon battles, the ones that you won and lost, Champion Arin. You’re a ...  absolutely brilliant. (thinking) THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! YOU MESSING THIS UP, YA WANKER!

Juno: That’s... Wow. I can’t believe you’re my fan. I’m like your biggest fan.

Juno: ... REALLY?! (smiles)

Arin: Yeah, like, I’ve been following watching battles for a long time now... And... Well... C-Can Riply and I get an Picture and autograph?

Leon: ... HELL YEAH! (everyone stops and looks at him) I don’t care if people think I’m mad. Yes!

Juno pulls out her phone, Riply runs over, and hops on Leon’s  shoulder.

Leon felt Pride and excite has his childhood hero, snapped a picture of the three of them, and sighed her Photograph autograph.

Leon: C-Can you and Riply sigh  Charizard’s Poke’Ball? Please.

Juno: Yes, of course.

Riply: Pika~.

The sighed the Poke’Ball, and Leon began talking to Juno about Pokémon battling and Leon felt a lot  comfortable speaking with her.

They went to an large balcony that looked out a beautiful lake and  mountains. Leon let out his Pokéball Charizard.

The fire Pokémon roared and Juno walks to him.

Juno: Look at you. Nice to finally meet you, Charizard. (pets him) You really remind of my Chara.

Leon: Wow. It... kind of hard to believe that speaking to you, Champion Juno, the Kanto region, well, um, champs. Heh.

Juno: Call me Juno and I’m no longer the champion.

Leon: I know, but still, you were, but still a hero.

Juno: Heh. I’m not a hero, I’m ever another Pokémon trainer like you and everyone else. I’m not that special.

The two watched as Riply began talking to Charizard, and they seemed to be getting along well.

Juno: You have a beautiful Charizard, he’s well taken care of.

Leon: Thanks. He’s my best partner after.

Juno: Hehe. So...  Mr. unbeatable champ of the Galar region. How ya are you enjoying party? (stands next to him)

Leon: ... Can I be honest with you.

Juno: Sure.

Leon: I hate these kinda parties.

Juno: Tell. Me. About. It. (takes a sip of her wine) 

Lèon: Ya gotta dress up, put on a fake smile, talk to people who don’t know and will never meet again, while you’re bored to death.

Juno: I lived through it, and I  survive. I can’t tell ya how many times random people wanted to challenge me, had one asshole randomly challenged me in a grossry store, and I said no and stalked me though the whole store, demanding a Pokémon Battle.

Lèon: You’re kidding.

Juno: Nope, but he got kicked out for annoying the other customers. So, yeah.

Leon: That’s hasn’t happened to me yet.

Juno: It might, if have to stop to a thing of moo moo milk and the next thing ya know some jackass  challenges you in the frozen  section.

Leon burst into a fit of laughter, and Juno joined him, the kept talking telling stories about the crazy adventures they had when older fairy type trainer Opal came walking over.

Leon looks, and elbows gently elbows Juno’s up arm.

Leon: (whispers) Oy, mate, look alive.

Juno: Huh?

Leon: One our gym leader’s coming, it’s considered rude to ignore them.

Juno: Gotcha.

The two stood up, Leon fixing his tie, and Juno brushing her dress as the as the elderly Pokémon trainer walks over, Leon smiling sweetly at and bows.

Leon: Evening, ma’ma.

Opal: Hello, young Leon. Lovely to see you, love.

Leon: You as well. You looks lovely this evening.

Opal: Oh, such a gentleman. Thank you, dear.

Riply walks up to Opal and greats with a friendly ‘Pika’.

Opal: Oh, hello there. (smiles at him) Who’s the little Chap began too?

Arin: He’s my partner, Ma’am.

Opal: (looks at her) And you are, my dear?

Juno: (curtsies) I’m Juno  Andrews from Kanto.

Opal: Ah! The Kanto savior. (smiles brightly) What a lovely treat this. Isn’t it, Leon.

Leon: Indeed, Opal. (winks at Juno)

Juno blushes a bit, and Opel smiles happily.

Opel: My dear, I have heard so much heroic stories about stories about you. Fighting those dreadful Team Rocket. Giovanni was ann absolute scoundrel of a man, never did like him, always knew he was rotten trainer and man.

Juno, Leon, Riply and Charizard stood there awkwardly, the older trainer ranted on, just Rose came walking.

Rose: Um, My dear Miss. Opal, why... don’t you head inside.

Opal: (huff) Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea. Come, Lady Juno, do tell me about your adventures.

Juno: Um, y-yes. C’mon, Riply.

Riply: Pikachu. (he jumps onto Arin’s shoulder)

The two ladies walk back into the party, Juno holding me her arm to Opal as the two began talking.

Leon: ... Okay, did... that just happened?? (looks at Charizard) Charizard, Mate! We just met our hero! WE MET CHARMIN ARIN! JUNO IS HUGE FAN OF US!!!

Charizard let out an Excited rawr, while Rose looks over and sees Juno happily talking to Opal about her past adventures.

Juno was smiling a sweetly at the elder trainer. She had beautiful smile.

Leon: She’s brilliant! Absolutely brilliant, right, Mr. Chairman!?

Rose: Huh?! Oh, yes. Champion Juno is, um, lovely. Truly. (gose a little pink)

He watches as Juno holds up an ultra ball, and Wanda the Sylveon come. The Fairy Pokémon smiles happily at her trainer.

Juno: And this Wanda.

Opal: Aww, what darling Sylveon, and also very pink. (kneels down to Wanda)

Wanda walks Opal letting the sweet old lady petting her head.

Juno: She’s very sweet, and one of my strongest Pokémon, right?

Wanda lets out a proud yelp and nods.

Opal: I can see that. (stands up, and looks at Juno, Riply and Wanda) What a lovely team you have, Lady Juno. I do hope you and I can have a lovely Pokémon Battle soon.

Rose: (smiles politely) I look forward it, ma’am.

Opal gives Juno and her sweet smile and walks away to join the rest of the party.

Juno smiles, and let Riply and Wanda to go over and play with the other Pokémon as Rose walks over.

Rose: (thinking) Okay, steady on, old boy, just talk to her... You can do that... (walks to Arin) Heh, so, lovely party?

Juno: Huh? (looks at him) Oh, yes, it’s great.

Rose: So... How long are you planning on staying in the Galar  region?

Juno: Hm? I’m not sure, probably for a long time. I have a Pokémon Battle with Opal.

Rose: Heh. Is that right? (smiles) You better watch yourself, Champion Arin, she’s a tough one.

Juno: I heard, and I’m looking forward to it.

Rose: Heh. You...? Are you planning on staying Galar Region for long

Juno: Yeah, I differently. Wanna explore more of Galar. See what the sights and Pokémon. Already got a evolved my Corisquire into Corikight, so want learn more about this place as much as I can.

Rose: Sounds like a brilliant plan. And after that?

Juno: Well, I haven’t thought that far ahead, but... I not sure if I’m going back Kalos at all.

Rose: Oh. I didn’t know you were living in Kalos.

Juno: Yeah, I was traveling ... um, met someone and stayed about a few years.

Rose: Oh... So you are ... you are spoken for then.

Juno didn’t say anything at first as she was watching Wanda and Riply, lets out sigh.

Arin: Well, no... It’s a long story. I don’t want to get into it.

Rose nods, and takes a sip of his wind, trying to find the words but he opens his mouth.

Rose:: Well, then since you’re planning on staying for a while, maybe I... Well... (clears throat) I was wondering, Juno we you care to accompany me for lunch at, um, some point.

Juno blinks and looks him, he was smiling politely but was sweating bullets.

Juno: Are... you asking me on a date?

Rose: I... Um... (blushes more) Well... Yes... (thinking) Bloody hell, I missed up.

Juno: Yeah, I would really like that , Mr. Chairman.

Rose: (eyes lights up) R-Really?!

Arin nods and smiles, the Chairman’s face lights up, more smiles back.

Rose: Oh, well, fantastic. Hullbury city, there’s a lovely seafood restaurant. Dose. Thursday night at 6 o’clock?

Juno: Yeah, works for. But... (looks over at Oleana)

She was standing near by, watching the two off them closely.

Arin: Um, is she coming with us, right?

Juno: Don’t worry, I’m scheduling her to take the day off.

Juno: Oh, thank god. (sighs, and smiles) See you this Thursday.

Rose nods and watches as she walks away to Riply and Wanda.

Rose lets out sigh, walks away and mentally cheers to himself.

Rose: (thinking) SHE SAID YES!! WELL DONE ROSE! OKAY... Okay... just be professional, you’re at a party, plus Olestra will be on me about that.

He walked back into where few people greeted him

[ayma-nidiot]

Dawn of the Dark Chapter 16

This chapter can be found here on AO3.

Chapter 16 – Damn Them

With the long flight back to Wyndon and higher-quality medical care, Rose spent a good hour in immeasurable pain. All the while, the only thing he could think about was the battle that occurred in Cerulean Cave. “That damned Ash and Goh… I’ll get them yet.”

Giovanni ordered a few executive doctors, “Take him to the medical bay, and do not let anyone without top clearance enter. In his present condition, he is extremely volatile.”

“Yes, sir!” The two executives saluted and completed their command. Since Rose was visually fine for the most part, all they had to do was treat some abrasions on his abdomen and stick an I.V. in him.

“Damn… them…” Rose gradually calmed down as the mild sedatives took effect.

“Chairman Rose, take it easy!” Oleana knelt and took Rose’s hand into her own. “You don’t have complete control over your powers yet!”

“Don’t worry about it, Vice President of Macro Cosmos,” Giovanni spoke. “The sedative I’m giving him will temporarily inhibit Chairman Rose’s powers.”

“Are you sure it’s temporary only?” Rose asked. “I won’t let you take my powers away. I will complete my transformation into Eternatus. I will complete my goal if it’s the last thing I do. Nobody should have to go through what I went as a child…”

“Chairman, you don’t have to continue.” Oleana knew what Rose wanted to say next and stopped him.

“To answer your question, yes. Unless you want to go berserk, potentially get yourself killed in the process, and end up like Leon, I suggest you follow your doctors’ orders.”

“I’ll unwillingly oblige, then.”

When the doctors’ work was finished, Giovanni told them, “Leave us. …So, Rose. Would you care to fill me in on what happened before I arrived at Cerulean Cave?”

“When I managed to track down Leon, I had planned to challenge him to a battle myself. That was, until I discovered that Ash and Goh got to him first. Goh transformed into a Mew and injured me with a Psychic attack.”

“Well, we knew from the beginning that Goh is a shifter,” spoke Giovanni. “Still, we do have to be mindful of him, since he is a threat to our plans.”

“He’s not the only threat. It was only for a moment, but Leon returned to his normal self just to protect Ash. I saw that before that, Ash had pushed him hard in the chest.”

“So it’s true…”

“What’s true?”

“The information you just shared with me ties into what my operatives have been telling me. Whenever Ash battles a Shadow Pokemon, it regains its sanity. We believe he might have the power to purify Shadow Pokemon. We’re just lucky that he couldn’t fully purify Leon, so his powers haven’t been fully awakened. It is more imperative that we finish our Dark Balls as soon and as efficiently as possible. We can deal with Ash and Goh later, but if we can turn Leon into an obedient Shadow Pokemon…”

“Boss!” One of Giovanni’s Shadow Project scientists came barging into the medical bay. “There’s something that you should see! Come to the Pokemon Lab, please!”

“Business calls…” Giovanni patted the bed Rose laid on, earning him a glare from Oleana. “Do take care, Chairmain Rose. You’ll have your dreams of preventing that energy disaster, just be patient.”

“Hmm…” James, with Damian and Jessie with him, listened to Giovanni’s conversation as he followed him. “Methinks that the Shadow Pokemon Project is coming along nicely.”

“Mommy, do you think Leon’s gonna turn into a Shadow Pokemon?” Damian started to get scared of what Giovanni had in store next. “What’s gonna happen to us?”

“I don’t know yet, sweetie.” Jessie held onto her son. “You just stick with Mommy and Daddy. Do not even think about getting close to Leon, understand?”

“O-Okay.” Damian watched carefully as Giovanni talked to his lab scientists.

“So I hear that the Shadow Pokemon Project is going swimmingly,” spoke Giovanni. “How swimmingly, exactly?

An eager intern scientist jumped up with something in his hands. “Feast your eyes on this! Behold, several weeks of grueling work!”

“Hmm…” Giovanni took the object; it was a Dark Ball, sturdier and more elegant than the prototypical ones he’s used thus far. He spoke to the lead scientist, “Are you certain that this will work on Leon?”

“I’m 100% positive, sir. Once you use it on him, he will never be able to turn into a human again. For the rest of his life, he will be a Shadow Pokemon whose only purpose is to serve you.”

“Fine by me. Men!” Giovanni brought some of his grunts to attention and pointed to the cage that house the sleeping Leon. “We’re bringing his cage to Hammerlocke Hills. We’re going to force him to Dynamax there. Ready the helicopter at once!”

“Yes, sir!”

Leon remained asleep until the helicopter rattled upon passing Route 10. “Where… Ugh, what’s happening? Where am I?”

“Looks like our test subject is awake,” spoke Giovanni. “You don’t need to know where you are. All you need to know is that in a few moments, you’re going to become the most powerful Pokemon in the world.”

“I… I beg your pardon?”

“Why fear it? Once I use this Dark Ball on you, people will fear you!”

When Leon saw the device that Giovanni held, his eyes opened wide, and he struggled to break free of the cage. “No! I will never transform for someone like you!”

“You don’t have a choice. Once I use this on you, you will obey my every command without question.”

“Never!” Though it was painful, Leon struck the cage repeatedly with his wings and tail, eventually breaking free.

“Impertinent man!” Giovanni grumbled. “After him!”

“Ggh!” Leon’s wings were so sore that he merely rode the wind on his way to Hammerlocke Hills, hoping to find a suitable place to roost there. On top of what he endured breaking free of the cage, the power of Team Rocket’s experiments left him in so much pain that he cried. “So… So much pain… It hurts… Raihan, help me! Please!”

Having just finished his last gym challenge for the day, Raihan had every intent to go home to crash – that was, until he got a chill down his spine. “Ooh, that’s cold.”

“Daddy?” Lily looked up at her father. “Are you okay?”

“It’s… It’s Leon! He’s…” Without thinking, Raihan let out his Flygon and mounted him.

“Where are you going? H-Hey!” Lily sent out her Rapidash and followed. “Why aren’t you going home to rest?”

“I don’t know why, but… I feel it.” Raihan clutched his heart, which began to hurt slightly. “Your Papa is here, and he’s in grave pain.”

“Ugh, why is it snowing now?” Lily complained as, indeed, the weather took a turn for the worst. Like Route 10, Hammerlocke Hills had a light snowstorm covering it, making it hard for her and Raihan to see much of anything.

Raihan could, however, see a misty-looking shadow so bright that it cut through the snow. “I’ve found him! Leon!”

“Raihan?” Leon turned around and strained to fly in the direction where he heard Raihan’s voice come from. As soon as he spotted him, he hobbled about in the air trying to get to him. “Oh my Arceus, Raihan!”

“Leon!” Raihan caught Leon right before he slumped to the ground.

“Raihan! Oh, my love!” Leon cried into his husband’s shoulder. “Everything hurts! And they’re after me!”

“Shh… You’re going to be fine, babe.” Raihan stroked Leon’s long hair and kissed him. “I’m not going to let anyone harm you, even if I have to take on Team Rocket and Macro Cosmos all by myself!”

“Papa!” Lily cried as she Leon from behind. “Papa! Don’t leave again!”

“Lily, my girl,” Leon tried to reassure his daughter. “I’m here.”

It was during this moment that Giovanni’s helicopter arrived in Hammerlocke Hills. “Giovanni, I see our target! Your orders?” asked a grunt.

Giovanni didn’t respond straight away because he was interested in watching the scene unfold. “Interesting…” he spoke to himself. “I think I know how we can force our dear Leon to transform.”

“Sir! Orders?” the same grunt asked again.

“Ignore Leon for the time being. Capture Raihan, hold him in place, then await my command.”

“Yes, sir!”

Jessie, James, and Damian joined their fellow Rocket Grunts in their descent to Hammerlocke Hills. “We gotta help!” Jessie insisted.

“Right!” James followed with Morpeko at the ready, in case Giovanni ordered an all-out battle.

“Raihan, let’s go home,” Leon spoke up after hugging Raihan for a solid minute or two. “I’m tired and I’m sure you are as well.”

“I’ll be the one treating you, Papa!” Lily hugged Leon’s arm.

“Not if I don’t do it first! …Huh?” Raihan chuckled but stopped when he saw a few tall shadows leaning over him. Thinking that someone was after Leon and Lily, Raihan pushed them out of the way, screaming, “Leon! Lily! Watch out!”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about either of them!” one of the five grunts who held Raihan began. “You’re the one we’re after!”

“And what do you plan to do?” Raihan questioned, receiving a punch in the face as an answer. He barely grunted in pain.

“Daddy!” Lily cried. “No!”

“Stand back, Lily!” Leon ordered as he reached in his pocket for Charizard’s Poke Ball, but found that his pockets were empty. “What the… Where did my Pokemon go?”

“You don’t need to worry about them.” Giovanni revealed himself, juggling a Dark Ball with his right hand. “They’re being safely guarded in our Wyndon hideout.”

“Bastard!” Leon half-shifted, baring his fangs at Giovanni.

Giovanni laughed, turning his attention to his grunts that continued to torture Raihan. One of them even brought out his Fearow and ordered it to use Fury Attack on Raihan. “You can curse me out all you like, but if you don’t do something, your precious husband is going to be hurting a lot. And I think we both know what that something is.”

“Raihan…” Leon’s heart began to race so fast that it hurt.

“Don’t do it, Leon! Ack!” Raihan coughed out. “Just take Lily and get out of here! Forget about me!”

“I… I… But I have to…” Leon dreaded having to transform again, but if it was for Raihan…

“Hey!” Jessie protested when Giovanni took her Tyranitar’s Poke Ball.

“I’m going to need this. You can have her back afterwards.” Giovanni ordered Tyranitar, “Tyranitar, use your Hyper Beam, and do not hold back.”

Though Tyranitar was no longer Shadow because of what happened two months prior, Team Rocket had brainwashed her enough so she could do their bidding. “Raar…” she began to charge the Hyper Beam slowly.

It was the appearance of this Tyranitar that became Leon’s undoing. “Aaaaaaarrrgh!” He completely transformed. “Graaaaar!”

“Leon, no…” Raihan tried to regain his breath when the Team Rocket Grunts let him go. “Dear Arceus, no.”

“It’s a good thing he’s too weak to do much of anything. Well, I’m about to change that… Dark Ball, go!” Giovanni threw the Dark Ball at Leon, catching him successfully. He cackled as he held the occupied Dark Ball in his right hand. “Too easy… Like taking candy from a baby.”

“What did you just do to him? Answer me!” Raihan demanded while Lily clung to him.

“I’m not going to tell you, but I’d be more than happy to show you… See for yourself!” Giovanni tossed the Dark Ball in the air.

“What is that?” Lily held onto Raihan more tightly. In this new form, Leon was completely dark purple, except for his back fins, part of his belly, and part of his face surrounding his eyes. Shadows danced about him as his eyes glowed red. “…Papa?”

“This? You’re looking at Team Rocket’s greatest weapon! Your precious Papa can never turn back into a human again!”

“You can’t be serious…” Lily teared up.

“But I am! Why don’t I show you just how serious?” Giovanni pointed at Raihan and Lily and ordered, “Lugia, Aeroblast!”

Thinking fast, Raihan sent out his other healthy Pokemon, Duraludon. “Duraludon, use Iron Defense!”

“Duraludooon!” Even a defensively strong Pokemon like Duraludon could hardly stand up to Shadow Lugia.

“Leon, this is madness!” Raihan didn’t let himself get intimidated by Leon’s new form. “Stop it!”

“Didn’t you hear me the first time?” Giovanni laughed. “Nothing you do will turn this weapon back to what he once was. Lugia, put your back into it!”

“Raaaaaooo!” Shadow Lugia’s Aeroblast grew so strong that it not only blew Duraludon back, but it kicked up a lot of brambles and dirt.

The attack was even strong enough to knock down a nearby tree that Jessie, James, and Damian stood under. “Watch out!” James warned, running out of the way with his family. “Are you guys okay?”

“Waaaaah!” Damian didn’t quite get out of the way in time; a tree branch fell on his foot, nearly breaking it and leaving some deep abrasions.

“Holy shit… That’s the last straw! Let’s get out of here!” Jessie picked up her son and started running with James.

“Hmm?” Giovanni caught his operatives running out of the corner of his eye. “Tch. I should have expected them to abandon their post.” He then returned Shadow Lugia to his Poke Ball.

“What’s… hah… What’s the matter?” Raihan couldn’t get up on his own, and used Lily as a crutch. “I thought your Shadow Lugia was the most powerful weapon in the world!”

“But he can be even better. My plans cannot come to full fruition until we find Eternatus, so I better use Shadow Lugia sparingly for the time being. You get to keep your head for the day, Gym Leader of Hammerlocke. Haha!” Giovanni hopped into his helicopter and flew off.

“You’re not going anywhere, you- Hng!” Raihan couldn’t run a single step.

“Daddy, we gotta go home! Gardevoir, help us!” Lily and Gardevoir helped Raihan get on Rapidash. “Run fast, girl!”

“Neeeeeeigh!” With that, Rapidash galloped as fast as she could for Hammerlocke.

“Ugh… Giovanni… Eternatus… I’m going to get you yet, both of you!” Raihan vowed before passing out.

[samsonet]

Silver Dreaming (1/6)

It’s 2015. Professor Kukui is forming a league, and he wants Raihan to be its champion.

Raihan… considers it.

~

Raihan doesn’t know what this meeting is about.

The challenge season is over for the year. It went well, so there’s no reason to have a private meeting about it. Raihan hasn’t done anything inappropriate on social media, so it can’t be that. It might be about the project Rose is starting in the energy plant, but if that were the case, why hold the meeting in Rose Tower instead of Hammerlocke?

He steps in the conference room with just the tiniest bit of anxiety in his stomach.

Rose is there, of course, sitting at the other side of the table. Oleana is at his right hand, a pad of paper before her.

On the side nearest to Raihan, a man in a lab coat sits with his back to the door. He turns around.

And. Wow. His abs. Raihan was not expecting to see that today, but he’s not complaining. This guy works out. He’s even got a sexy scar right on his waist.

Focus, Rai, his eyes are up there.

The man has attractive eyes. He’s got a handsome face in general, actually, which makes it hard for Raihan to find a place to direct his gaze. He looks all over, from the man’s eyes to his arms to the tiny box in his hand to —

— to the wedding ring on his finger. Well. That solves that problem, at least.

“Thanks for your patience,” Raihan says, purely out of politeness. He takes a seat halfway between Rose and the man.

Rose smiles. “Now that we’re all here, allow me to introduce you. Professor, this is Raihan, Hammerlocke’s gym leader. Raihan, this is Professor Kukui. He’s Alola’s leading researcher, but today he’s here representing the Alola League.”

“The… what?”

Kukui laughs. “That’s what most people say. It’s a work in progress! But it’s coming along, yeah, like a Solarbeam!”

“...if I may. Raihan, the Alola region is a beautiful place. I’m sure you’ve seen many pictures of it online. It has many natural resources, as well as a rich culture that produces many strong trainers. Unfortunately, those trainers are often overlooked by the rest of the world. Professor Kukui is aiming to change that, and you might be able to help him.”

“How?”

“Let me ask you something first, cousin,” Kukui says, leaning forward. “You’re of Alolan descent, right?”

Raihan is mildly confused at the word ‘cousin.’ He’s pretty sure they’re not related. Is it the Alolan version of ‘mate,’ maybe? And it’s kind of rude to just ask about someone’s ethnicity, too...

Regardless, he answers: “My mum’s Alolan, but she’s been living in Galar for the past thirty years. Why?”

The professor grins. There’s a gleam in his eye. “It’s like this. Alola’s a pretty traditional place. We’re setting up a league, but there’s a lot of politics, you know? We have the trial captains, and I’ve got the Elite Four planned out, but there’s still one more spot that needs to be filled. The most important one.”

The most important one… Raihan has no clue what a trial captain is, and he’s only vaguely familiar with the concept of the Elite Four, but there’s no doubt what the last position is.

“Raihan, I would like to formally ask you to become Alola’s first Champion.”

He really just said that. He really did.

Raihan knows he’s good. He’s the eighth gym leader in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He’s got a win-loss ratio better than almost any trainer of the past twenty years. People tell him all the time that he could be champion of another region.

He didn’t expect anyone to straight up offer it.

Kukui seems to take his silence as a bad sign, because he speaks quickly: “Alola is a paradise, yeah! It’s summer all year round, and everywhere is full of amazing Pokémon and people. I know it’ll be a bit of a culture shock, coming from Galar, but I know you’ll be great there.”

“I’m not saying no. It’s just — I have contracts. The league has me for another two years, and my sponsors—”

“None of that will be any problem at all,” Rose says. He explains to Kukui, “In addition to running the league, I happen to own the company that sponsors Hammerlocke Stadium. If Raihan wants to leave, it will be no trouble to release him.”

“So… that’s good, right?”

They both look at Raihan expectantly.

There’s more going on here than what they’re telling him. There has to be. Why else would Rose be so agreeable to sending away his strongest gym leader? What could Professor Kukui possibly be offering that would make a deal like that make sense?

“Can I have some time to think about it?”

“Of course! I’m in Galar for the rest of the week. Of course, I’ll give you my number, so you can call me when you decide. Oh! You should have this, too.”

He hands over the box. Inside is… a bracelet. It has several blue beads on a thick wire. The centerpiece is a white stone, thick and flat, with a glittering blue crystal on top. The band closes with a hook-and-eye clasp. Raihan expects it to be too small, but to his surprise, it fits comfortably on his wrist.

“That’s a Z-Ring, yeah. It’s how we in Alola use our Z-Moves! I can teach you how to use them, so just give me a call when you’re ready, okay?”

Z-Ring. Z-Moves. Dynamax band. Gigantamaxing. Every region has their twists on battle, right?

He wonders how long it’ll take to learn Alola’s style. He wonders if he’ll have to unlearn everything he’s learned about Galar in order to do it.

“Well, I believe that’s all we needed to discuss with you, Raihan. Oleana will walk you out.” And without waiting for them to actually leave, Rose turns back to Kukui. “Professor, have you considered the blueprints I sent you? What do you think?”

Oh, so this is what the deal’s about? Raihan wants to wait here, listen in, have a say in all this.

Oleana taps his shoulder.

She is silent as they walk down the hallway. It’s only when they enter the lift that she speaks.

“The chairman meant it when he said he would allow you to go,” she says. “He sees opportunities in Alola. Having you there would be helpful in establishing Galar as the region’s foremost ally.”

“Yeah, I got that. But it’s not as easy as just packing up and flying out, right? What about the stadium? What about… you know.”

“We can find another gym leader. They may not be as good as you, but they will be enough. And as for ‘you know’... Well, Nessa was one of your rivals during your gym challenge, wasn’t she? With you gone, she’ll most likely be the one victorious during the finals. She’ll be the champion’s greatest rival, then. It won’t take much to rewrite that story.”

The lift makes a soft noise as it descends.

“It sounds like Rose really wants me to go, then. Do I have a choice here?”

“You do. You’re equally valuable if you stay, you know. As long as you give the offer serious consideration, the chairman will be satisfied.” She looks at him out of the corner of her eye. “If I may offer some advice… please take your time before giving the professor an answer.”

In other words: string him along until the last moment, so he’ll be willing to give Rose whatever he wants.

But Raihan knows that’s not a fair way to characterize it. It’s not Rose’s fault his secretary is so damn creepy. The guy is probably just excited at the idea of starting another league, at having one of his leaders at its beginning. There’s nothing malicious about that.

“I understand.”

*

There’s only one place he can go: back to the gym.

The place seems so normal, considering where he’d just come from. The league staff greet him the same way as always; his gym trainers are practicing, the same as always.

“Camilla, Aria, Sebastian. Let’s have a huddle real quick, okay? There’s something I have to tell you.”

The three of them look concerned, but they follow him into the small conference room without protest.

“So, I had a meeting with the chairman this morning.”

Sebastian blurts, “Is this about what we did to the Circhester Stadium?”

Camilla and Aria glare at him, the universal sisterly expression of shut your damn mouth.

“...no, this is not about the Circhester Stadium, and I am going to pretend you did not say that because I do not want to know what you guys did to the Circhester Stadium. Nah, this was a… Well, a job offer.” He takes a deep breath, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Alola’s setting up a league. They want me to be its champion.”

They all stare, wordless. Raihan hates it. Do they not think he’s good enough? Or worse — do they think he’ll take the offer and hop over to Alola without a second thought?

“Talk to me.”

Camilla takes off her glasses, wiping them with her shirt. It’s a nervous habit of hers. “That’s… that’s wonderful. You deserve it.”

Good. That’s good. “But…?”

Sebastian frowns. “But what about us, Rai?”

“Yes, Leader Raihan,” Aria says, “Of course we are happy for you, but there’s so much to consider. If Hammerlocke gets a new gym leader, there’s no guarantee they will keep us around.”

“Oh, don’t be like that. I’ve got some pull with Rose; if I leave, I’ll make sure he guarantees you guys get to stay as long as you need. And it’s still an ‘if.’ I haven’t decided whether I’m actually going.”

His trainers nod, but say nothing.

He sighs. “That was all I needed to say. You can go back to what you were doing.”

They leave, all of them giving him one last look before stepping out. Raihan closes the door behind them and locks it. Then he sits down and leans back, putting his legs up on the table.

Hey, his gym, his rules.

The only thing on his schedule for the next month is an exhibition match with Nessa, so he can afford to slack off for an hour. Especially if he’s doing research.

He googles famous Alolan trainers.

The first non-paid result is a listing of the top ten trainers of Alolan descent. Raihan is surprised to find himself listed as number two, right behind an Elite Four member from Hoenn. Number three is Professor Kukui, which is also surprising, then some golfer named Kahili and several other trainers from different regions.

As he reads what each trainer has been doing recently, Raihan realizes that, besides Kukui, none of the people listed actually lives in Alola. Some of them are like him, children of Alolan parents, but a lot of them were born in Alola and just… left.

He wonders why.

Searching Professor Kukui brings up some academic articles on various types of moves. Most of them are about Z-Moves, but he’s also written one on moves that are only effective in double- or triple-battles. Raihan adds that to his reading list.

The Images tab shows a lot of pictures of Kukui’s abs. Which. Is understandable. But not relevant right now, much as Raihan would love to take some time to fully appreciate them.

He scrolls through, quickly.

Hang on, is that…

It’s a picture of a younger-looking Kukui next to fricking dragon master Lance.

The picture links to an article in Kantonian, but there’s a convenient “translate page” button.

Kukui, a trainer from the carefree Alola region, defeated Champion Lance in a fierce battle Tuesday…

It goes on about Kukui’s team, his studies, his journey through Kanto.

When asked why someone from Alola would travel so far just to participate in the gym challenge, Kukui says, “Alola doesn’t have a league of its own, so a lot of trainers don’t feel like they can get stronger there. But Alola’s trainers are the strongest in the world… I want to prove that. That’s my dream, you know?”

Heh. He sounds almost like —

Nevermind who. Raihan thinks about that interview.

There’s a lot that a Champion does. Winning battles is just the foundation. They have to protect their region. They have to be experts in their region’s culture and history. And above all, they have to inspire pride. They have to be the kind of person that their region’s citizens will brag about, will trust completely, will love.

Would Alola’s people be proud of a Galarian import? Professor Kukui seems to imply so, but at this point he could just be desperate. Even so…

Being the eighth gym leader is nice. It gives Raihan a place to call his own, keeps him busy, keeps him from growing bored. He gets fanatic adoration every day, both in person and online. If he left, it wouldn’t be for the ego boost.

If he left, it would be because he truly believed he could represent Alola. He could master their battle style, show it off to the world, work with the professor and help raise a generation of young trainers who would reach even farther than he could.

The more he thinks about it, the more appealing it is.

He runs his fingers on the Z-Ring. Every stone is irregularly shaped, like the designer chose them for how they would feel rather than how they’d look. Somehow that makes the bracelet seem even more stylish. It’s comfortable around his wrist, like he was meant to wear it.

His Dynamax band never felt like that.

He pulls out the card with Kukui’s number on it and sends a text: Hey, it’s Raihan. I’d like to learn how to use a z move. I have some time tomorrow morning at 9. Can u meet me at Hammerlocke stadium?

The reply comes immediately: Of course!

Sweet. I’ll tell my ppl to let you in.

Raihan stands, sliding his phone in his pocket.

So this is it, then.