#little bro bede

[rockstar-roxie]

Hello, Gym Leader Roxie,

I see you've been having fun with... recent events.

@ballonleastadiumofficial

BEDE!!! MY MAN MY MAIN MAN!!!

“Fun” is a bit o’ a strong word, somethin’ more like “mildly entertainin’” would be more accurate… Either way, I’m more curious ‘bout how yer dealin’ with all this? Ya need anythin’ from me? And I ain’t tryna coddle ya or anything, before you accuse me of somethin’ like that.

[rockstar-roxie]

Bede, my man, do ya feel this way, like, ‘round all your friends?

I've seen multiple people dithering over the circumstances of their friendships-- "is it normal for your chest to hurt when you think about your friend?" "Is it normal to want to spend every moment with your friend?" and the like... well, allow me to put your fears to rest. It's really quite standard. It happens to me with some frequency.

[the-witchs-cafe]

Hop from Pokemon Sword and Shield would turn into a witch in Puella Magi Madoka Magica!

Cause of Witchification: All his life, Hop believed that he was destined to become just like his big bro, and that he had what it took to achieve just that; to carve his name unto stone and begin the tale of his legend, all in the efforts to make his brother proud as he walked in his footsteps. After all, he's attributed his vast knowledge on Pokemon battles to him continuously recording and rewatching Leon's matches, and, in a sense, Leon was the closest thing he had to a father figure; of course it'd be natural to be like the person he admires most.

In truth, the air of pride and arrogance he had showcased throughout the game's first half was nothing but a front; he had nothing to his name, a fact that has been hammered unto his head time and time again as he kept on losing to both Bede and the player with no time to breathe in between these hopeless matches- and, in the back of his mind, he knew that. After all, the walls of their home only displayed the memorabilia of Leon, with nothing to remember Hop by; an air of competition was bred by the other figures of authority in Hop's life, whether any of them were aware of the effects of their favoritism or not.

Hop looked up to his big brother - how could one not when his face has been plastered over every nook and cranny across Galar? -, he practically idolized him, so when he was presented with the reality that his pathetic display of weakness was doing nothing but tarnishing his big brother's name, it destroyed what little hope he had in himself and prompted him to take up other methods of battling that were so...unlike him. He even had to abandon Wooloo, his first partner, under the belief that it is was for the best if he had to live up to Leon's name, even after he had promised that they would be in the pokemon league together.

In the end, even after stopping Eternatus thanks to his intuition and knowledge, even after saving all of Galar with the player, his self-worth has been reduced to nothing. After witnessing his childhood friend defeat his hero, he realized that...there was nothing left for him. Everyone's moving on with their lives, including Leon, and he is now there left in the dark; lost after chasing the light of legend that is eternally so far away...

"You know, even when Sonia was saying that you and me looked like we could become heroes, I never really felt like one…"

Estimated time of witchification is speculated to be either during the aftermath of the second Darkest Day or in the middle of the post-game story.

[voidpunkanathema]

piers

Why I like them: Yeah he's hot, extremely entertaining and has great fashion sense but at the end of the day what I adore the most is that he's so stubbornly and unapologetically himself despite The Horrors. 

Why I don’t: They took my man's vocal chords 😔 Also I wish we got to see more of Spikemuth than just his alleyway and stage 

Favorite episode (scene if movie): He was in like one episode of any of the animes so that one I guess? Good ole Mournful Piers... 

Favorite season/movie: See above. 

Favorite line: Is "all of them" too much of a copout...? Guy's one snarky beautiful bastard through and through. Even when his dialogue's not particularly notable it's still an excuse to stare at him 

Favorite outfit: As cringe as Gacha games and the way they exploit FOMO to get all your dollars are you REALLY can't go wrong with Sygna Piers. His painted nails.... 

OTP: Piers/Raihan and Piers/Raihan/Leon all the way, sorry for being basic 😔 Something about thier whole dynamic is just, incredibly and profoundly pleasing, especially after the Star Tournament got added. Piers and Rai TOTALLY NOT FLIRTING when facing each other, Piers kind of taking Leons little bro under his wing...even in the base game Raihan shoots his shot *in the middle of a Kaiju rampage* and Piers sure does have somewhere to be quickly once all that nonsense is resolved...

Brotp: Several. Leon in the timelines Leon's not part of the polycule. Prehaps more controversially, a poster exists that implies he and Opal get along better than thier Galarian Star Tournament dialogue makes it seem so I think it might be fun if Bede wasn't the only feisty queer moron she's mentored. And also an..."interesting" fic I read once had he and Nessa be besties and as much as that fic was An Experience they were kinda cute together in it 

Head Canon: Many, but my main one is that his season was the same one as Leon and Raihan's and they hung out several times much like Marnie does with Gloria and Hop. Little 11 year old Raihan in particular had a fairly restrictive and shitty home life where he was subjected to immense and stifling pressure so of course he thought this scrawny little punk kid from Spikemuth was THE COOLEST and was kind of starstruck whenever thier paths crossed. No I don't have an ulterior motive for headcanoning this why do you ask /j

Unpopular opinion: "Greasy chaos demon that would knife anyone for 5 quid" memes are fun but aren't  really reflective of what we get in canon. Guy's soul is a latte /ref 

A wish: He shows up in a future game (and we finally get to hear him sing). Hopefully he's happier if it's a timeskip, guy deserves to rest and do things for himself for once. 

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: He shows up in a future Legends game. 

5 words to best describe them: Uh, "tired as fuck special guy?"

My nickname for them: oies, the rodent

[junglefurytrash]

WE HAVE BEEN FED! I'VE BEEN WAITING SO EAGERLY FOR THIS TO GET UPLOADED BY SOMEONE!!

So I got around to watching the PRJF Panel that got uploaded very recently, and as one of the resident regulars of JF's community I wanted to make a post sharing my favourite bits and thoughts/ramblings. Because I love this show, I love these doofuses, and this panel makes me laugh so damn much.

This panel once again reminds us all that Bede is so damn tall (so is Oliver [Swoop's actor] honestly), meanwhile Holly and Aljin are so teeny by comparison.

"And it was so fantastic, it was such a wonderfully set up.." >Anna proceeds to have a brain bluescreen and Bede comes to her rescue

"The best part of it [Power Rangers] now is coming to these and seeing all of you guys, meeting all of you guys, and hearing what it means to you", David oh my god you absolute sweetheart. 😭

Anna, instantly after: "Can you see why he's our mentor?"

"Personally, I have a lot of fond memories of sitting in a dark set, with this one over here" as she gestures to Bede and he gives an innocent little wave, oh my god these two give me so much happiness and life.

Additional happiness and life with Holly and Bede, I find it so funny that her strongest memories are of all the damn takes it took for him to do the Dramatic Cloak Flip ™️ in a way where it didn't land on anybody, her included (it absolutely had to have landed on her at least once during recording for her to say that which makes me cackle laughing), and the amount of fur that got flung everywhere on them from the cloak.

Even MORE from these two, Bede telling his goofy ass story while Holly is one chair away from him literally CRYING with laughter for the majority of it.

"You have the pizza you wanna have, babe." The way I thought of Fran saying that to Camille post-season o h my god do not tempt me, Sarah-

Anna: "Once a Ranger.." The Entire Room: "Always a Ranger!" Ya'll have me in tears again,,

I find it really sweet that even after so many years since Jungle Fury happened, those who worked with the stuntees and martial art professional trainers still remember the names of the people who taught them and did the stunt work and show a lot of appreciation towards them.

RJ's mannerisms being inspired by Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves makes so much sense, oh my god.

LITERALLY EVERYBODY MIMICKING RJ'S MANNERISMS IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS IS THE F UNNIEST THING.

I love the answers to the first audience-asked question of "What would YOUR animal spirits be?" David - Wolf or Husky (totally not influenced by the character he played, as he insists) Aljin - Lion (because he's a Leo, fair enough) Holly - Hummingbird (because she's chatty. ALSO I LOVE THAT, YES, please can someone give us a Hummingbird outfit for Camille) Anna - Cheetah (because she likes running even though she apparently sucks at it, honestly mood) Bede - Dragon (because he was born on the Year of the Dragon, if that's not a fuckin s ign idk what is) Nikolai - Lynx or Bobcat (because he's in the same boat as Anna, likes running and agility), but also perhaps a Chicken because of his birth year LMAO Paul (Finn's actor) - Lion also (also a Leo, and also likes lounging in the sun, honestly mood pt.2) Sarah - Goose (because it looks elegant initially but just shrieks a lot and she relates, honestly mood pt.3) Oliver - Ostrich (for no reason, bro just says that's what he thinks works)

"Would you go back and do it [the show] all again?" The entire cast: "YES!" 😭 ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Anna's eagerness about being part of the Power Rangers franchise and how much she loved/loves her character Lily is so pure and sweet, she's amazing.

"What do we think everybody, 16 year anniversary special?" YES, PLEASE, I WANT AN OUNCE OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE FRANCHISE!

THE FANDOM'S QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED! FRAN WOULD BE THE ORANGE OWL RANGER! I eagerly await to see any possible fanart from this.

"I got to do lots of backlanded slap moves which I really loved, and she [Camille] was a bit backhanded." Camille is the Master of Sarcastic Compliments confirmed.

I also love the cast (David especially) speaking so nicely of the writers even during the strike and complimenting them for how well they did the arcs for the characters, villains especially.

"What would be your choice of Ranger team to team up with if you had the choice to do so?" Holly, immediately: "Mystic Force!" <- Was in Mystic Force Sarah, also immediately: "Space Patrol Delta!" <- Was in SPD

The hypothetical villain team-up of Dai Shi, Lothor, and Mesogog would be hilarious, purely because Dai Shi and Mesogog have roughly the same ideals (erasing humanity so their own people can rule and live on the planet), and then there's Lothor who is c ompletely just off on his own adventure fighting ninjas.

Also Anna shrieking at the idea of the Rangers fighting Double Dai Shi is SO funny.

"This is my first ever one [convention], and I've just really loved meeting all of you, it's been incredible." SARAAAHHH 😭

"Would you guys be interested, those that are Rangers and whoever wants to, to end it with the morph pose?" Anna, in the most elated voice I've ever heard from a person: "I THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER ASK!" I will repeat again, thIS WOMAN IS SO AMAZING IN HOW MUCH SHE LOVES THIS FRANCHISE!

Bede and Holly trying their best in the group morph, because they have one but Jarrod's is literally just standing menacingly and Camille's is mostly a super fancy spirit-summoning arm and hand movement. Have I said how much I adore these two yet??

Nikolai, literally in the middle of the group selfie: "WAIT, WHICH CAMERA ARE WE LOOKING AT???" Holly: "I DON'T KNOW!"

This panel is just the most amazing thing, seeing almost all the cast of Jungle Fury together answering questions, laughing and being silly with each other during it, genuinely makes me so happy given JF is my favourite season (and honestly my comfort show).

❤️💛💙💜🤍🖤💚

[tamajam]

I would love to hear all your thoughts on Hop. All of them. Use the full word allowance(/lh)

ohhhhh my god you have no idea what you're asking of me.

thoughts under the cut cuz this post got long ehe. thank you for the opportunity my brain was going to explode <3

ok hop is DEFINITELY one of my favorite rivals in the franchise (at least out of what ive played aha) and has some of the best character development to me. i know sometimes the writing in swsh is a bit clunky but idc, the context is more than strong enough ok. heads up some of my own hcs might creep in here but i can't help it i have so many thoughts abt him all day

FIRST OF ALL the idea of our rival being the champion's younger brother is really great. i love love love it. hop starts off as borderline worshipping leon and fully believing himself to be destined to follow in his footsteps as champion. and why wouldn't he!! he grew up watching his awesome big brother on the tv, seeing how powerful and happy he looks, and his mom probably echoed a lot of those praises back at him as he grew up. lots of "oh, you're going to be just like your brother when you're older, aren't you?" especially when he's had his own first pokemon (wooloo<3) for a while by the game's start!!! like dude!!! this guy has big dreams and he's probably never had anyone tell him otherwise, he's barely had any exposure to anything else, of /course/ he's gonna think he's meant for this!

and we know from some of sonia's dialogue in the games that leon "practically raised" hop, and there's really no other father figure to be seen, so. just saying his only real guy role model is his bro like. of course he's gonna idolize the hell out of him

and i think that starting him off as this cocky and honestly kind of full-of-himself personality while still being a good kid at heart is a really cool thing, /especially/ when we get to see how his character develops through the story!!!!! his loss to bede paired with his repeated losses to the player /and/ his first gym loss at circhester is such a major hit to him, and we /see/ that!

seeing take wooloo off of his team is SO IMPACTFUL because it's shows how desperate and conflicted he feels! we see the cracks in his confidence forming and it culminated in this harsh move of removing his #1 pokemon, the one he's had since childhood, just to try and he stronger! he's grappling with having the idea of this dream he's been wanting his entire life shaken /and/ repeated losses /and/ the stress of trying to follow in his brother's footsteps?? the feeling that he's letting leon down, that he's not good enough?? that he's somehow a stain on leon's reputation just by being himself??

BRO!!!!!!! break my heart in half why don't you!!!

that moment honestly cemented him as one of my favs. just seeing him that desperate to win </3 and then the satisfaction of seeing dubwool leading his team afterwards, when he's realized that even if he does want to win, it won't matter if he's not doing it his own way. seeing dubwool again was like getting to see his arc starting to come full circle, not nearly as unshakably confident as before, but /genuine/ for probably one of the first parts of his story!

facing him in your battle is so great </3 seeing him emulate leon's movements like the little cheek slaps and when in the way he's animated directing his pokemon is so sweet. you really see that all he wants is to live up to this unreachable shadow he's lived under his whole life, and it's so heartbreaking to beat him!! seeing him get frustrated and pull himself together!! knowing that he still cheered you on in the champion battle, knowing you took that dream from him, because really, it's not even what he wanted. we see that at the end of the game when he takes on the research position under sonia, when he's finally able to act genuinely and start exploring interests that are his own rather than those he's grown up idolizing.

who knows if being a professor is really his passion?? who knows if he won't switch career tracks 4 more times in his life?? that's the power of it!! he had nothing else to look up to his whole childhood, so he never really let himself think about those things. at the end of the game he's finally doing it just for himself, to explore himself as a person, not just as a carbon copy of his brother! he gets to tell his own story instead of following the path of leon's and it's so good!!! thinking abt how he can flourish as a person, how scary it might be to finally be without a set path in front of him but simultaneously how freeing it might feel!!

i could talk abt him for DAYS

AUGH. he is so underrated </3 i hate how much hate he gets, it's unwarranted. yes some of the writing is weird yes some dialogue could be better written, but hop's character is just so interesting!!

i have so many headcanons abt him and leon and sonia and like. everyone but <3 here are some hop thoughts thank u for indulging me <333

[complete-idiot-inc]

So... I remembered my scrapped Galar fic story.

Just to let you know, please do not expect anything to come of this, this is just an incomplete framework for a scrapped story. And nothing more.

a variation of these events occurred in the pasio fic, which release has been delayed, but will be here shortly, I promise.

things of note: the twist initially was going to be that Rose was Ash's dad, which I changed because Peony is more fun. Also, the story was going to reveal that 2 years had passed since Ash left pallet town, hence all the hints towards it, and Ash just forgets his birthdays.

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

What if Ash got a genuine Galar journey, without ‘hey remember this?’

Galar, and like in every pokemon anime timeframe is non-specific (for now heh heh heh)

Main characters

Ash - 10(?) years old, similar to how ash is in the X & Y anime, not immature but still young, has lots of experience (Spoilers: About 2 years worth), and is willing to pass it on to others.

Gloria - 12 years old, forced by her overbearing mother to wait a couple of years before she can start her journey, so naturally, she's very passionate about the sport, starts out iris/misty-like before character evolution hits and becomes the in-between of Serena/dawn and iris/misty character types

Hop Dande - 10 years old, young, and very similar to Ash when he started, but even more headstrong if you would believe it, he let being the champion’s little bro go to his head and thus thought he was champion material himself. Leaves at some point to truly learn how to battle and makes his return during the Galar conference.

Allister Nion - replaces Hop after he leaves, his arc is just to build confidence in himself.

Secondary characters

Marnie Nezu - ash’s rival (14) is pretty much the same in-game, the only difference is she and Gloria were once friends. 

Bede - Gary but worse, belittles Ash any chance he gets 

Leon Dande - is less stupid than his in-game counterpart, and is quite similar to Ash. 

Sonia Magnolia - introduces him to Gloria and hop

Prof. Magnolia - a wise old lady that gives our heroes their starters.

Rose Patak - is near 1 to 1 but seems like he’s hiding something. 

Oleanna Olive - fakes being motherly but is very very rude and angry underneath

Team Yell - is just a bunch of street punks that interfere with anyone they perceive as a threat to Marnie.

Gym leaders

Milo Yarrow - the stereotypical kind farmer’s boy 

Nessa Ruina - ash’s cool big sis in a metaphorical sense

Kabu Hibana - gives ash a mentorship program (tony stark peter parker-esque)

Bea Saito - antisocial but very kind also being mentored by Kabu (might become ash’s companion during the isle of armor)

Opal Poplar - kind old lady who mentors bede (being his reminder to be kind)

Melony Makuwa - kind and motherly off-field, an ice-cold battler on the field.

Gordie Makuwa - overconfident almost to a fault and really rude sometimes.

Piers Nezu - snarky but somewhat kind, and very protective over Marnie, but still her brother.

Raihan Kibana - I can't put his personality into words but he live-streams his fights.

Ash lands in Galar and is introduced to Sonia and Leon

Sonia then takes ash to Professor Magnolia to get his starter and he meets Gloria and Hop

Leon then takes him to Motostoke to announce the start of Galar’s gym challenge

Our heroes go to budew inn and meet Marnie.

Battle against some team yell grunts.

Our heroes than just hang out and bond

Milo gym fight: ash wins, Gloria wins, and hop needs a rematch.

After hop’s rematch milo teaches ash how to cook curry.

Gloria and Ash get into an argument over methods of travel.

Team Rocket gets the focus in this chapter James catches a galarian Weezing and Jessie catches a sandaconda 

Hulbury but Nessa’s gym is closed.  

As it turns out Nessa's prized Drednaw is very, very sick. Which ash cures with some herbs.

Nessa Gym Battle: Ash wins, Hop wins, Gloria rematch.

Gloria catches a Yamper.

Gloria's rematch.

Our heroes then go to motostoke

Before any of them fight Kabu the first team rocket clash happens

It's a near standstill, but team rocket blasts off due to Gloria’s Yamper and Ash’s Pikachu.

Kabu introduces himself to Ash and the two have a “Queens. Brooklyn.” moment 

Grooky evolves into Thwackey during Kabu’s fight. 

And ash loses but he’s not upset given both Thwackey has evolved and that Kabu is really respectful to him.

Ash goes and trains with Kabu and the two bond a lot.

Ash accidentally calls him dad and kabu is kinda flattered.

Rematch! 

And a great surprise occurs Pikachu can Gigantamax!

Everyone looks on in aww.

Ash wins and Kabu gives him the most dad-esque interaction ever.

“That was some real fighting, ash, great job!”  

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

I'd like everyone to note that this was my very first time ever framing a story.

[kodzue-ken]

The Way to Victory

Character: Hop (pkmn sw/sh)

Genre: angst/comfort

Length: 7.3k

Notes: this is a crossover with fire emblem: three houses but it’s just the characters that are hanging around, this might not be fully edited

“Aw, man!” Hop cried, putting one hand on his hip and the other on his forehead, closing that eye and sighing. “I lost again! You’re so strong Bede! I’ll win next time!” Hop returned his Rillaboom and smiled at Bede.

“I know,” Bede scoffed, running his hand through his hair. “I’m much stronger than you, I don’t even know why you’re competing!” He laughed, returning his Gothorita. Hop’s smile faltered at his words but he kept it up.

“Well,” Hop began, “my bro’s the Champion, so I’m gonna make him proud!” He put both hands on his hips.

“Honestly, I doubt that,” Bede shrugged, “if you can’t beat me, then you have no shot against the Champion.” Hop felt tears fill his eyes for a second before he shook his head and smiled again. Bede stared Hop down as he opened his mouth to say something else, however, he was interrupted by the heavy sounds of a Pokémon making its way over to them. They both turned to see a large Mudsdale coming their way.

“Hop! Kiddo!” A familiar voice called, coming closer and sliding off the Pokémon.

“Auntie Leonie!” Hop forced a grin as he greeted her. The orange-haired female grinned and opened her arms for him.

“Come give me a hug!” Leonie laughed, Hop wasted no time in racing over to her and accepting it. Leonie laughed and patted his head. “I see you’re doing some battling! I’m actually planning on meeting Lysithea here, if she can leave Allistar alone for a second!”

Hop laughed and nodded his head, “she’s really learning a lot from him, at least, I think she is.”

“Well, you know her,” Leonie agreed, she then turned her attention to the white-haired boy. “Who are you?”

“I’m Bede. I’m a challenger for the Gym Challenge and I was recommended by the Chairmen!” Bede scoffed, waiting for Leonie to act in awe of him.

“Neat,” was the only thing she said before she turned back to her Mudsdale and opened her arms. Hop watched as her Glaceon leaped into the waiting arms of her trainer. Hop watched as Bede stared with an incredulous look on his face as Leonie simply hummed and turned her attention back to Hop.

“Is Lys close?” Hop asked, remembering the blatant refusal to be called “auntie” or “aunt” by the short white-haired girl.

“Should be,” Leonie nodded, “Bead, was it?”

“Bede,” Bede corrected with a smile, adjusting his jacket a little and nodding his head. “I’ll be going now, better get stronger so we can have an actual battle next time. Or, don’t, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll beat you every time,” Bede scoffed as he walked off.

“Alright now, you listen-“ Leonie began.

“It’s okay Auntie, I just need to do a little more training,” Hop smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets.

“Alright. But at least let me heal your Pokémon,” Leonie said, reaching into her saddlebags and healing them. Hop watched her as he fidgeted his feet, thoughts racing.

“Here you go, kiddo,” Hop lifted his head and smiled, taking his Pokémon back.

“Thanks, Auntie Leonie!” He grinned and went to race off.

“Ugh,” a voice stopped him in his tracks. “Of all places to meet. Why here Leonie, there are bugs!” A head full of white hair entered the area and Hop grinned.

“Lys!”

“Huh?” Lysithea lifted her head and when she met Hop's eyes she smiled. “Hey there, Hop,” she waved.

“Are you both gonna battle?” Hop asked.

“Yep! Lysithiea wanted to fight so we are!” Leonie bent down and allowed the Glaceon to jump from her arms.

“I did no such thing. That’s childish,” Lysithea scoffed, bringing her own hands up to pull the Umbreon off her head.

“Er...” Leonie sweatdropped, “of course not. You just wanted a friendly meet up and the best thing to do at one of those is having a pokemon battle?” Leonie sounded strained as she spoke but Lysithea shrugged.

“Sounds right to me,” she turned to Hop, “are you gonna watch?” She asked.

“Maybe for a little,” Hop nodded, thinking it would be a good idea to watch strong people battle so he could learn a little more.

“Of course,” Leonie said, deciding not to mention that Hop had changed his mind from before, she assumed it was nothing more than a change of mind because Lysithea had arrived and he didn’t have to wait. She nudged her Glaceon towards Hop and Lysithea soon did the same with her Umbreon. Hop settled himself on a small rock with Umbreon and Glaceon right next to him.

“Weavile!”

“Chandelure!” The two released their Pokémon and Leonie was awed at the sight of Lysithea’s Chandelure.

“It evolved!” She gushed, “where’d you get the Dusk Stone?”

“Allister gave it to me,” Lysithea hummed, very proud of her pokemon.

“Of course he did,” Leonie murmured, “did you pressure him or did he actually give it to you?” Hop laughed a little while Lysithea narrowed her eyes.

“Ugh! Chandelure, flamethrower!” Lysithea pointed, even though there was only one target, Hop assumed she just liked to do that when she battled. Her Pokémon listened and set a stream of fire towards the dual type.

“Night slash!” Leonie calmly ordered. Hop watched as Leonie still looked calm even though she was at a type disadvantage.

It was better than him, at least.

Hop said he would only watch a little but he was soon mesmerized by the strength that Leonie and Lysithea displayed. Leonie’s Weavile had been wiped out by Chandelure only for Leonie to snap around and knock Chandelure out with her Mudsdale. Lysithea frowned and released her Trevant, where Leonie let out another cry of surprise about her Phantump evolving. Hop ran his fingers through the two eeveelutions fur and hummed. Lysithea never showed any interest in the gym challenge, only an interest in Allister and about his gym (Lysithea just wanted to become a gym trainer or someone that could help Allister if he got sick, even though Bea could’ve taken over the gym for that day)

Hop envied her. Lysithea has set her sights on something and was shooting for it. Hop had also heard that Lysithea wanted to open a bakery, so she was trying to get more money, but Lysithea wouldn’t ever admit it. 

Leonie, on the other hand, participated in the gym challenge when she was younger. Hop assumed Lysithea had as well but she never said so, claiming that it was “childish to get into it”. Leonie had made it to the final but never got past the other gym challengers. If anyone asked about her time in the challenge she would simply laugh, and say that she had a wonderful time but now likes to be a guide to the next generation of gym challengers.

Hop had heard the tales from a few other gym challengers that a “women riding a Mudsdale” had helped them get somewhere. He was proud of her.

Because she had a place. A dream. And she had done it.

“Hey!” Hop called out, Lysithea and Leonie stopped their battle. They were both down to their last pokemon; Leonie’s Lucario and Lysithea’s Aegislash.

“What’s up, Hop?” Lysithea asked.

“I had fun watching your battle but I think I’m gonna go now!” Hop waved, patting Glaceon and Umbreon and standing. “I’ll see you later!”

“Yep! See you kiddo!” Leonie grinned and waved. Hop smiled at the two and walked away.

He walked through the areas of the Wild Area and let his thoughts go.

What’s to say that Bede isn’t right? Bede is someone that he had to fight again. Those were the rules of the gym challenge.

Bede was strong.

Bede had full confidence in his Pokémon.

Bede was recommended by Chairman Rose.

Bede had beat Hop more than once.

Bede was stronger.

Hop had no chance.

Hop was weaker.

Hop couldn’t ever hold a candle to Leon.

Hop felt the tears come back as he shuddered and walked through the Wild Area. Hop hated it, was there really no chance for him? He was stuck in his head.

Hop didn’t stand a chance. He was a fool for thinking he could become Champion, a real idiot for thinking he could beat Leon. He couldn’t even beat some of the gym leaders in one go, even if it was a bad matchup for them. There was no reason for Hop to continue the gym challenge if he knew that he couldn’t do anything. Instead, all he’d be was a disgrace to Leon. Even though competitions weren’t held in Galar, Hop was certain someone would find out that the mistake that was Hop was related to the competition idol, Lorenz. Hop felt the suffocating thoughts swirl around in his head and he realized that there was no point in the gym challenge. He should just go home and maybe see if his pops would introduce him to the ways of competitions, maybe Hop could be worth something there.

Let Bede win. Hop decided, after all, if Hop has no chance, who would?

“Anyone actually,” Hop mumbled, it wasn’t like Hop was the person to beat, in fact, he was sure anyone could.

“I wanna go home,” Hop murmured, glancing up at the sky.

———————————————————-

Postwick was a good town. Hop trudged up the hill and towards his house. He spotted the house at the top of the hill now had a “SOLD” sign, as he watched the door open and a boy with ashy-colored hair stumbled out, turning and calling out over his shoulder. “I’ll be back soon!” He turned forward and started jogging in Hop's direction. As he got closer Hop noticed that he had pale green eyes.

“Hi,” Hop waved, catching the other guy's attention.

“Hello!” He smiled, “my name is Ashe, it’s nice to meet you!”

“I’m Hop!” Hop forced a smile. Ashe nodded his head and moved past him, leaving Hop to continue his walk.

He reached his house and raised his hand to knock on the door. As he did the door swung open and Hop found a Sudowoodo staring at him. “Hey,” he said.

“Sudowoodo,” Sudowoodo said back.

“Is that my SON!” Claude appeared and shoved his Sudowoodo out of the way.

“Hey, dad!” Hop grinned and stepped inside, almost immediately Claude pulled Hop into a huge hug that lifted him off the ground.

“You’re just in time, I know you probably didn’t come home for this but will you watch it with me?” Claude, who was still holding Hop, made his way into the living room where the TV was on and showing a competition. Hop laughed a little and nodded his head as best he could.

“Sure, dad,” Hop said. Claude let out a booming laugh and settled down on the couch still holding Hop. Sudowoodo had shut the door behind them and came into the room, Hop then realized that all of Claude’s Pokemon were sitting out, except for his Rillaboom. The Liepard, named Leicester, settled itself cozily in the corner but was close enough to be a part of the rest of them.

Hop was always in awe of his father's Pokemon, they just looked so strong and had been raised with love and care. Hop turned his attention to the TV and smiled when he saw Lorenz standing on stage with a bunch of other competitors.

Lorenz was wearing a purple suit with two “tails” that matched his hair, there was also a sprinkle of gold accents throughout. Of course, there was the Lorenz staple, a red rose, tucked into his breast pocket. His long purple hair was pulled to one side, where it was then braided into a waterfall braid. On the other side of his head, he had two small clips, one was a rose and the other was a small dragonish-looking wing. Hop had once asked his fathers about the hair clips, curious about why his papa would pick such ones. Lorenz and Claude had smiled and asked him if he believed in past lives. When Hop has said maybe Lorenz and Claude have told him that they picked the rose as something that was purely Lorenz but the wing had come from a discussion they had where Claude had mentioned that if he was born in a different place he would’ve loved to roam the skies on a Dragon/Wyvern, along with a bow; but Claude had said that part wasn’t necessary. To bring his attention back to the TV, Hop lightly slapped his cheeks and stared. Standing next to Lorenz were Salazzle, Espeon, and Roserade, Lorenz’s usual team for completions.

Claude smiled at his husband and Hop could practically feel the love they had for each other. As the other contestants were being introduced Claude turned to Hop. “Something’s on your mind,” he said. It wasn’t a question, Claude just knew.

Hop nodded, “yeah, but can we watch this first?” Hop hadn’t watched a competition in a while, so he was a little curious.

“Introducing our last competitor! He’s on a winning streak right now, but who knows what he has planned,” the announcer cried, his voice booming over the TV, “his name is... Lorenz von Riegan!” Once his name was called, Lorenz swept forward and his Roserade released a stream of flower petals that Espeon lifted so they fell around him. As the petals touched the floor Salazzle huffed and they burned up a little, showing no trace of what he just did. Lorenz took a deep bow before returning to his natural position.

As the competition began Hop was in awe of Lorenz’s ability, Hop had never seen Claude battle but Leon had said that if Claude really wanted to do the gym challenge to become champion, no one would stand a chance.

When the competition finished, Lorenz got first place, Claude turned to Hop, and Hop nearly started crying the second he smiled. “Now, why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you, Hop,” Claude put his hand on Hop’s head and ruffled his hair.

“Do you think I can drop out of the gym challenge?” The words fell out of Hop's mouth before he could stop them. Claude’s eyes twinkled knowingly as he stared at him.

“I do,” Claude said, nodding his head and closing his eyes.

“Th-“ Hop began

“But is that what you really want?”

“Huh?” Hop blinked.

“I asked you if that is what you really want,” Claude repeated, “I know that you’ve been wanting to do this for years, not even Lee telling you no couldn't stop you.”

“Maybe I had my eyes opened,” Hop argued.

“Maybe you did,” Claude agreed, nodding his head, “although, did you open them yourself, or did someone else open them for you?”

“W-what are you talking about?” Hop asked.

“Hop, my son, I need you to understand something,” Claude said, pulling on Hop’s arm so the teen was wrapped in Claude’s arms as they sat on the couch, Claude waved his hand so his Quagsire could turn off the TV which was now playing interviews with the losing competitors.

“Understand what, dad?” Hop murmured, and even though his words were muffled Claude seemed to hear him clearly.

“You need to understand that if you’ve come to a realization, who and what gave you the realization? If it came from within you, started by you, thought through by you, and the only help you got from others was that they would stand by you, then you were the one who came to a realization. Because it all started with you and it ended with you, too. However, if someone else gave you the idea, and they were the ones who forced you to come to a realization, you can’t say that you came to a realization, can you?” Claude’s words were spoken in such a soft tone that when he finished, Hop felt tears springing into his eyes and he didn’t say anything except push himself further into Claude’s arms and let the tears fall.

Claude said nothing but let Hop cry.

Claude smiled at him, for he was sure that Hop had realized what was running through his head.

Claude pressed a kiss to the top of Hop’s head and pulled the boy closer and leaned back.

Soon, he was close to falling asleep and by the soft snores that came from the boy laying on his chest, Hop already had.

When Hop woke up he was fully wrapped in a blanket, like a blanket burrito, and there was a wonderful smell coming from the kitchen. Hop unraveled himself from the blanket and made his way into the kitchen and spotted Claude cooking something.

“My son has woken up!” Claude cried when he spotted Hop standing in the kitchen. Hop laughed and nodded his head. 

“I’m here,” he agreed, moving to go sit at the table and wait for Claude to be done. A plate was set down in front of him and Hop wasted no time in digging in, the food probably the best thing he had ever tasted in a while. Claude was always good at cooking. Lorenz on the other hand? Let’s make sure he stays to baking. 

“Want to talk a little more?” Claude said; he wasn’t looking at Hop. Hop decided it was because he couldn’t face him.

As if Claude heard him, he snapped his head around and held his gaze.

“Sure,” Hop agreed.

“I’ll always believe in you, Hop,” Claude said, grabbing Hop's hand, “I know that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Hop, my son, I know you can win,” Claude smiled, it was warm.

So warm.

Hop would’ve cried again if he had the tears.

“I lost a battle,” Hop began, he looked up to Claude’s gaze and noted how nothing changed, nothing shifted. “It was against this kid named Bede. He was recommended for the gym challenged by Chairman Rose, did you know that?” Hop stumbled through his words.

“I didn’t know that,” Claude nodded, there wasn’t a shift in his eyes or face, he just kept staring at Hop, looking at him. Holding his gaze with nothing but love in his eyes as he listened to what he was saying.

“I lost against him and he said that I wouldn’t stand a chance against Lee and that I had no shot at winning,” Hop admitted, he wanted to tear his gaze away, and focus on something that was in the distance.

But he couldn’t.

“He’s a terrible person,” Claude said, raising his coffee cup to his lips, Hop hadn’t noticed that.

“He was strong, though,” Hop said.

“Doesn’t change much,” Claude nodded, “kid seems like a dick. Being strong doesn’t change your personality. If anything, it makes it worse.”

“Really?” Hop questioned.

“Look, Hop, if you want to drop out of the gym challenge, I’ll let you,” Claude said, “but I want you to look inside yourself and make sure that’s what you want to do,” Claude stood and moved so he was sitting next to him and pulled him into a hug.

“I don’t think I want to drop out,” Hop mumbled, “I want to beat Leon.”

“That means you have to train a little more, trust in your Pokemon, because they will always be there,” Claude nodded his head and released Hop. “I’ll take you to the train station, does that work? Where were you?”

“I was in Stow-on-Side,” Hop said.

“Well, I don’t have a flying type with me but I can take you to the train station. Believe in yourself, Hop,” Claude smiled and stood, holding out his hand. Hop took it and Claude pulled him into the foyer.

“I’ll go get everything,” Hop said and darted off into the living room. Claude watched with a smile on his face.

“Let’s go!” Claude said, opening the door as Hop came bounding back in. “Lorenz is coming home soon, by the way.”

“He is? Papa is coming home?” Hop grinned.

“Yeah,” Claude nodded and grabbed Hop's hand and the two began the walk to the train station.

When they reached it, Hop turned to face Claude and smiled warmly. “Thanks, dad,” he said.

“Of course, Hop, I love you,” Claude smiled and pressed a kiss onto Hop's forehead.

“I love you too!” Hope grinned and they hugged one more time.

Claude watched as the train holding Hop slowly moved away, he smiled and touched his forehead slightly before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. “Hilda? Yeah, it’s me, can you do something for me?”

———————————————————-

Hop laughed and he jumped into the air as he held onto the gym badge he had just gotten, he was making his way to the Pokemon center before the ground started rumbling. Hop’s head snapped in the direction he thought it was coming from. His feet were moving before he had a chance to stop them and he raced toward the area where the mural was.

“Hop!” Cried Sonya when she saw him, Hop picking up his speed so he could reach the redhead faster. “Somethings happening at the mural!” She shouted.

“Let’s go!” Hop bounded past her as he ran towards the stairs and jumped up them, skipping steps until he reached the top. Bede stood there and next to him was a Copperjah that didn’t look like Bede’s Pokemon.

Bede must’ve heard the footsteps because he spun around and fixed Hop with a look. Hop’s breath caught in his throat when he saw him.

Bede looked like a mess.

Even though it couldn’t have been more than a few days since Hop had last seen him; Hop knew that he hadn’t slept at all. The eyebags were huge (they were so big they probably could’ve carried all of Lorenz’s suitcases, Hop thought, in an attempt to bring some light to the situation) and his eyes seemed too wide. Hop stared at him for a second longer and that’s when he realized that Bede was shaking where he was standing.

“Oh, it’s you,” Bede said, “how nice of you to come watch me! I’m doing this for the Chairman-he NEEDS Wishing Stars, however, so I’m going to need you TO LEAVE!” He shouted.

“Bede-,” Hop began.

“NO! I can beat you, you’re easy to beat, you-you-you’re,” Bede took a deep breath, “fight me.” His words weren't questions.

Hop had no chance, he hadn’t gone and healed his Pokémon after the battle with Allister so he knew it would be even harder to win. As Hop hesitated Bede seemed to grow more agitated. His eyes were darting around and his breathing got a little more labored.

Hop was panicking.

“Come on, Hop,” Sonia spoke from next to him, causing Hop to turn her way with a start. He hadn’t noticed her before. Hop was stuck in his head and thinking when he heard the clicking of heels.

“Not today, dickwad,” a familiar voice echoed. “Your battle is with me.”

Hilda Goneril.

With pink hair and an outfit that was ready to walk down a fashion runway, she stood there and glared. She took a few steps forward and he stared at her light pink ankle-high heeled boots (The family had gotten them together to give to her, Lorenz jokingly suggested a rose instead).

Bede stared at the newcomer and nodded quickly. “Fine then.”

“Oh, goodie!” Hilda laughed, “I even brought something for you!” Bede sent out his Duosion and Hilda only smiled as she struck a pose and released her Clefable. Bede seemed to smirk at the sight of her Pokémon, after all, she didn’t have an advantage. Hilda hummed and put her pointer finger on her lower lip. “Hmm... seems like I don’t have an advantage. This is certainly a small issue! Hehe!” Hilda giggled and waved her hand. “Night slash! Hehe!”

Bede’s eyes narrowed and Hop could only watch the way Hilda battled Bede. It looked like Hilda was lost. She kept returning and sending out her Pokémon. Her Aromatisse made an appearance, as well as her Alcrimie and Sylveon. Bede looked baffled as he watched her laugh and prance around. Somehow, much to Bede's chagrin, she had managed to knock out his Duosion and get his Gothorita down to about half health. Laughing again, Hilda returned her Sylveon and released her Togekiss. She was rocking back and forth as she watched the battle. Being slightly giggly she ordered her Pokémon to strike with Pluck. Gothorita stumbled but didn’t faint yet. Bede’s eyes narrowed.

“You’re just like Hop!” He snarled, “worthless. What are you even doing??” Through his cold words, Hop could pick up on the distress and strain that seemed to be holding him in place. It seemed like Bede was doing something in order to prove his worth, even if he had none. Hilda’s lip curled a little as she stared at him.

“Come on back, Togekiss,” she ordered, Bede stared at her and Hop could see the beginning of tears in his eyes. “Tyranitar!”

Gothorita, who was already weak, fell.

Hattrem and Ponyta never stood a chance.

Bede returned his Ponyta with wide eyes and the shaking of his body got bigger. “No.” Was the only thing that slid past his lips. “I was recommended by the Chairman! He trusts me! I’m doing this for the Chairman! I was the strongest! I-I-I should’ve been able to win! I-“

“That’s enough, Bede,” Chairman Rose made an appearance. He stared at Bede with a look of disappointment and something else in his gaze.

Hop could only stare as it all unfolded in front of him.

Bede was going to be kicked out of the gym challenge? Wasn’t that a good thing? Hop could’ve had a chance!

But then Hop thought about Bede’s face.

No, Hop decided, he wasn’t going to be glad Bede was forced out of the gym challenge, he wasn’t going to stoop to his level.

Hop watched as he was led away, watching as Hilda raced up to him and pushed a bag into his hands before turning and making her way back to Hop. 

“What was in the bag?” He asked.

“Brownies, Claude told me to give them to him,” Hilda nodded.

“He told you to give them to him?” Hop tried to sound anything but hurt.

“Yeah, he put a small dosage of stomach poisoning in them, he should find the need to vomit once or twice, nothing else,” Hilda shrugged, linking her fingers together and stretching them above her head as she rocked back onto her heels.

“I’m sorry, you did what?” Hop blinked.

“Nothing to worry about,” Hilda nodded, “now come on, Marianne is waiting.”

“Wait!” Called Sonya, she was staring at the mural, which cracked and began to fall.

Hop was still reeling from what he had just learned about the legend and he silently thanked Bede. He followed after Hilda as she made her way down the steps and towards a familiar blue-haired woman. Marianne was holding her Cubchoo in her arms, while her Flygon held onto her shoulder from behind. Her Vaporeon found herself uncoiling from around her legs and trotting up to Hilda, who smiled and released Sylveon. The two eeveelutions pushed their heads into each other and let out small cries.

“Aww, look, Marianne!” Hilda gushed, “doesn’t this look familiar?” She winked.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Marianne murmured.

“They act just like Claude's and Lorenz’s do!” Hilda whined. 

“If you say so,” Marianne hummed, her Rapidash trotted up to her with a small bag in its mouth. Marianne took it with a soft smile and turned back to Hop and Hilda. “Claude made brownies.”

———————————————————-

Hop made his way out of the Hammerlocke gym, grinning widely as he stood in front of the gym. Standing before him was Raphael with Ignatz close by his side.

“Hey there kid,” Raphael laughed and waved his hand.

“Hello,” Ignatz said politely.

“We watched the match, you did really well,” Raphael said.

“I think that Uncle Ignatz could give him a run for his money, maybe even take the title,” Hop admitted, “maybe because he does weather while you go for straight power...” Hop trailed off.

“Could be,” Ignatz nodded, pushing his glasses up his nose, “happy you trained with me now?” Ignatz smiled.

“I always thought it was important,” Hop smiled. Ignatz smiled and Raphael clapped him on the shoulder. The two adults laughed as Hop nearly stumbled to the ground.

“Oh? You think I could be defeated?” Raihan appeared behind the trio and caused Hop to jump in surprise.

“Well,” Raphael said, “Hop just did.”

“That he did,” Raihan agreed, “it was certainly a good battle.”

“Want to go out to eat? Ignatz here can make a great curry!” Raphael’s booming laughter filled the street and Ignatz smiled up at him and shook his head.

“I have a feeling that Hop wants to make it to Wyndon as soon as he can, we can all go out together after the tournament,” he smiled, sticking his hand into his pocket. Hop flushed at his words but nodded a little bit.

“I would like that a lot,” Hop admitted and flashed a smile at Ignatz. “I might be able to catch the last train if I head out now,” he said.

“You really are their son,” Raphael snorted, “during their gym challenge Claude left as soon as he beat the last gym leader and when the tournament came to a close Claude wiped the floor with everyone,” he laughed.

“Dad became Champion?” Hop blinked, tilting his head to the side.

“Just for a little, he soon forfeited his title so he could go chase after Lorenz who was in Sinnoh doing his competition thing,” Ignatz supplied, “people were super shocked by it but I’m surprised it took him as long as it did.”

“Oh, totally,” Raphael snorted, “when he found Lorenz, apparently he had a glow up. Lorenz used to have the most hideous hair,” he said.

“I know, for some reason, dad leaves a glamor shot with it up,” Hop mumbled. “Papa takes it down quite often, I’m not sure how sad it is to have so many of that one photo,” he put a hand on his chin.

“No way, I can’t believe that,” Raphael shook his head.

“No, no, I can most definitely believe that, it’s Claude after all,” Ignatz sighed, “I’m just curious about what Lorenz does to get him back.”

Hop thought for a moment, “if I’m right, I think papa uses his Espeon and puts everything Claude usually uses super high up somewhere and then refuses to help him,” he pondered. Ignatz and Raphael burst out laughing and shook their heads.

“You have the craziest home life,” Raihan observed. Hop laughed and pulled his water bottle out of his bag and started to drink. 

“Aren’t you dating Leon?” Ignatz raised an eyebrow.

Hop spits the water he was drinking out.

“Maybe,” Raihan shrugged his shoulders, “better get going Hop. The train’s leaving soon,” he nudged Hop into the train station direction.

“This conversation is nowhere near over,” Hop called over his shoulder as he started to jog away.

———————————————————–

Hop stood in the lights of all the other people and gym leaders. He couldn’t believe it, he had gotten so far. Marnie had been the hardest rival he had to face but he had pulled through and now had a shot to take Leon down.

He glanced around him at all the other gym leaders who were also trying for the same thing. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy but he also knew that he believed he could win.

Hop was certain now.

He was going to beat Leon.

As he turned back to enter the waiting room there was a familiar voice behind him. “Wait!”

Hop turned and froze when he saw Bede making his way over to him. His eyes seemed clearer and he looked like he had fallen asleep since the last time Hop had seen him. He adjusted the pink and teal shirt he was wearing before running his hand through his hair.

“I want to have a final battle with you,” he said. “I want to prove that I’m strong. Oleana was the one who forced me to get those Wishing Stars, and yet, the Chairmen disowned me,” his voice was quiet and Hop stared at him.

“I’ll accept,” Hop said, even though the announcer was saying other things.

“If I lose, I’ll stop being a Pokémon trainer,” Bede said, holding out his hands.

“Fine,” Hop said, staring back at him. There was no hostile look in his eyes, no look that would draw out the hatred Bede must’ve felt towards Hop, instead he looked calm.

“The Champion himself has accepted this challenge!” The announcer cried.

Why? It wasn’t Leon’s battle.

It was his.

And he was going to win.

They walked to their places and both looked at each other. “One last battle,” Bede said. “Mawile!”

“Rillaboom!” Hop clutched onto his bag before narrowing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

“Play rough!” Bede ordered, flinging his hand out. Mawile lunged off the ground and threw herself at Rillaboom.

“Snarl!” Hop retaliated. Mawile stumbled back and Rillaboom suddenly snarled, dark energy shooting out at Mawile.

“Once again!” Bede called, and his Mawile sprung forward, she looked ready to go.

“Rillaboom-!” Hop cried. Rillaboom jumped to the side and sent Hop a small nod. “Drum Beating!” He ordered.

“No!” Bede cried, watching as Mawile fell to the ground and he had to return her. “Gardevoir!”

“Rillaboom, back,” Hop returned his Rillaboom and released his Corviknight.

“Dazzling Gleam!” Bede ordered, Gardevoir spread her arms out and small blasts of energy went flying at Coviknight.

“Steel Wing!” Hop countered and watched as Corviknight extended out his wings and spotted the silvery sheen that covered the wing as he flew at Gardevoir. Bede looked furious at him but Hop couldn’t care less.

Hop was going to win this battle.

“Dazzling Gleam, again, Gardevoir!” Bede growled out and his Gardevoir did what was ordered.

“Come on, again Corviknight!” Hop clenched his fists. Coviknight lunged once more and Gardevoir stumbled to the ground.

“Why are you beating me??” Bede cried out, the distress in his voice high. “Rapidash!”

“Steel Wing,” Hop ordered.

“Physic!” Bede cried. Corviknight took the hit full force and nearly fell out of the sky.

“Come on! Hold it together for one more Steel Wing!” Hop begged.

“Finish it!” Both Pokémon raced at each other and landed their attacks. When the dust cleared both Pokémon were down.

“Tsk. What’s with that calm expression? Think you’re going to win?”

“Not really,” Hop admitted.

“Hatterene!”

“Rillaboom!” Hop glanced down at his bracelet and he clenched his fists.

“We’ll show you a truly great pink. It’s time for my dear Hatterene to Gigantamax!” Bede returned his Hatterene and the Pokéball enlarged. He threw it over his shoulder and Gigantamax Hatterene appeared. Hop took a deep breath and called his Rillaboom back.

Hop patted the top of the big Pokéballand tossed it behind him. “Max Starfall!” Bede ordered, his voice loud to be heard over the crowd.

“Max Darkness!” Hop ordered his Dynamax Rillaboom. Bede’s Hatterene hit first and sent a powerful stream of stars towards Rillaboom. Hop held his breath and Rillaboom retaliated with his Max Darkness. Hatterene seemed to be low on health.

“No!” Bede cried, “I’m strong! I’m stronger than this! Hatterene! Max Starfall!”

“Rillaboom! Max Darkness!” Hop gasped, he believed in himself. He could win.

Hatterene fell and Bede returned the Pokémon to his Pokéball. “Good battle,” he clenched his fists close to his chest. “At least everyone can see how good fairy types are. Well, as I said, I’ll retire from being a trainer.”

“No,” Hop shook his head, surprising himself.

“No?” Bede sounded confused.

“You’re a great trainer, why would you throw it all away because of one battle?” Hop walked forward and held his hand out. “I think you’re a strong trainer.”

Bede blinked before walking up to him and grabbing his hand, “maybe you’re right...” he looked up at the crowd who were all yelling their praises and Bede felt a small smile etch itself onto his lips. “Good luck with the rest of your challenge,” he said, shaking his hand and turning the other way.

———————————————————–

Hop took a deep breath as he made his way through the tunnel to make it to the stage, for the second time. He was glad that Chairmen Rose had been able to be stopped, but that was then and this was now. This was it.

The final battle.

Hop was going to win.

He stood in the middle of the field and watched as Leon made his way to meet him. “If it isn’t my little bro!” Leon laughed, “I’m proud of you for making it here, but don’t think I���m going to give up my title so easily!” Leon laughed.

“Well, Lee,” Hop grinned, “I wouldn’t want you to!”

“Let’s make this a battle they’ll be talking about for ages!” Leon put his hand out.

“Let’s do it!” Hop grabbed his brother's hand and they shook hands. As they walked back to their places Leon called over.

“We’re gonna have a champion time!” He struck his pose and Hop felt a grin coming onto his face.

“You know it, Lee,” he said. They both took a deep breath and started their pre-battle rituals. They both rubbed their wrists and jumped in place for a second before bringing up their hands and slapping their cheeks. Leon grabbed his cape and threw it off, pulling out a Pokéball as he did.

“Aegislash!"

“Dubwool!”

“Sacred sword!” Leon ordered, “little bro, super effective attacks are a good way to go!”

“Cotton guard!” Hop ordered. Dubwool covered itself with cotton so the sacred sword damage was less.

“They’re still super effective!” Leon laughed, “but don’t get caught up in them! Once more!”

“Zen Headbutt!” Hop cried. The two exchanged blows like this a few more times until the Zen Headbutt landed a critical hit.

“Nice one, Hop! Think about your next move!” Leon laughed, returning his Aegislash. “Haxorus!”

“Body Slam!” Hop cried first.

“Dragon Dance!”

“Again, Dubwool!” Hop was clenching his fists now as he watched the battle.

“Dragon Claw!” Haxorus slashed outward and Dubwool collapsed.

“Snorlax! Heavy Slam!” Hop reminded himself to breathe as he watched the battle in front of him.

“Dragon pulse!” Leon ordered but blinked when Haxorus lurched forward and then stopped. Telltale small streaks of yellow flash up his body, Heavy Slam had paralyzed him. Hop’s face lit up at the chance and he shouted at Snorlax.

“Hammer Arm,” Snorlax swung its fist and slammed it into Haxorus who went flying back. “Once more!”

“You’ve grown up, little bro!” Leon laughed as he returned his Haxorus. “But you won’t get much farther. Seismitoad!”

“Snorlax, back!” Hop curled his fingers around the Pokéball and then released his Rillaboom.

“Muddy Water,” Leon waved his hand.

“Drum beating!” Hop’s face glowed when Seismitoad went down with that one hit.

“You know when to make a super effective attack count, Hop!” Leon laughed. “Cinderace!”

“High Horsepower!” Hop bounced on the balls of his feet and he grinned.

“Pyro Ball,” Leon waved his hand, “I’ve got you here!”

“Rillaboom!” Hop cried, the Pokémon had managed to hold on. “Come back!” He returned his Rillaboom and grabbed another pokeball. “Snorlax!”

Leon was watching his brother with a proud grin. He was so proud of how far he had come and couldn’t wait to tell him. Leon watched as his Snorlax appeared before him, swinging his arm quickly and causing it to slam into Cinderace. “Counter!”

“Snorlax!” Hop cried out, watching as the Pokémon let out a loud cry before falling as well. “You did well,” he pulled back the Snorlax before throwing out his next Pokémon, “Corviknight! Drill peck!” Cinderace jumped away from the attack but didn’t count on Coviknight swooping in again and delivering the blow. Cinderace fell to the ground and Leon called it back.

“You’re doing so well, Hop,” Leon grinned, “but I’m not letting you get any further! Dragapault!”

“I’m gonna beat you, Lee!” Hop played with the edge of his glove and pointed forward. “Steel wing!” Dragapault flew back a little before shaking its head and steadying itself.

“Dragon darts!” The small dragons on top of Dragapaults head were launched at Corviknight. Corviknight dodged one only for the other to hit.

“Come on, Corviknight! Steel wing!” Hop ran his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath as Corviknight flew at the Dragapault.

“Dragon pulse!” Leon didn’t seem too concerned that he was on his second to last pokemon, instead, he looked excited.

Attacks were exchanged until both Corviknight and Dragapault were knocked down. Leon pulled out his Charizard’s pokeball and looked at Hop.

“This was an exciting battle, but I’m not letting you beat me! Charizard!” Leon cried.

“I will win, Lee!” Hop said determinedly, “Pincurchin!” He released the electric type and stared at the bracelet that was on his wrist. 

“You’ve done well to get me here,” Leon said, “but this is as far as you’ll go, you won’t beat Charizard! Gigantamax go!” Leon held the big Pokeball in his hand and he grinned as he threw it behind him.

“Come on, Pincurchin,” Hop murmured and did the same.

“Max Flare!” Leon laughed.

“Max Thunder!” Hop ordered. Charizard powered up and launched a flaming hot attack and Hop brought his hand up for a second. Pincurchin was holding on and summoned waves of electricity that it threw at the Charizard.

“Max Flare again!” Leon ordered.

“Come on, come on, come on! Pincurchin Max Thunder!” Hop was holding his hands close to his chest. Pincurchin launched its attack and it was enough, Charizard began to shrink and fall to the ground. Leon turned and returned his Pokémon.

Hop stared.

“Pincurchin shrunk back to normal size and jumped into the air along with Hop.

“I won!” He laughed. “I really won!”

“I’m proud, Hop,” Leon said, walking towards the middle of the field. “I don’t think I can express how proud I am of you,” he smiled, and put his hand on Hop’s head and began to mess up his hair. “That was an amazing battle, thank you, Hop.”

Hop had no clue what was going on. He had beaten Leon and then there were so many people talking to him, all saying different things.

Hop managed to get away from everyone and found himself staring at his family. “Great job out there, Hop,” Ignatz said, his smile warm.

“That was a great battle, kiddo,” Leonie patted him on the back.

“That was certainly a great battle! I have no idea how you could do all that,” Hilda said, rocking back and forth on her heels.

“It was very cool,” Marianne smiled. 

“That was totally amazing!” Raphael said, his laughter booming off the walls.

“You definitely deserve the title of Champion,” Lysithea smiled and ran her fingers through her hair. 

“Oh, is that my son?” A voice Hop hadn’t heard in a while spoke from behind him.

“Papa!” Hop cried, spinning around and jumping into his arms. Lorenz laughed and spun around. Claude appeared and wrapped both of them in a hug.

“I’m so proud of you, you did absolutely amazing!” Lorenz sang and waved his hand as he pulled Hop further into his arms and out of Claude’s. “It was an amazing battle,” Lorenz smiled widely.

“Are you glad you didn’t drop out, Hop?” Claude asked.

“Yes,” Hop nodded, “I am, and I understand what you meant.”

“I’m glad, I love you, Hop,” Claude put his hand on Hop’s shoulder.

“I love you too,” Hop smiled.

“Don’t leave me out of this!” Lorenz laughed, pressing a kiss to Hop and Claude’s cheek.

Hop was proud.

Hop was happy.

Hop won.

[crystalelemental]

Sync Grid Analysis - January 2023

Alright, let’s take a look at expanded grids and-BEDE???

Bede No we’re going straight to this one.  Bede, what the fuck are you doing here, bro?  You, like, just came out.  Are you seriously telling me that literally any PokeFair, at any point, is on the docket for expansion?  I don’t like this.  Bede didn’t need help.  He was recent.  He was fine.  But somehow he jumps the queue and gets to have an upgrade before they take a serious crack at Lance or Steven?  Okay buddy.  Sure.

2/5 gets Max Super Powered 1, and Unbending.  ...sure.  That’ll help.  4/5 gets Max Countdown 2, and Recuperation 2.  This isn’t terrible.  Max Countdown salvages a little bit of turn delay issues in CS, while Recuperation 2 is a solid 40% recovery on sync, which isn’t too bad.  5/5 is Max Damage Guard, and another +100 on Max Smite.  Okay.

Let me cut to the chase: as a more modern unit who was already good, and had good tools?  This expansion is worthless.  2/5 offers nothing worth taking, but the 5/5 stuff is stupid.  I’m sorry, what is this supposed to do?  It’s all-in on Max Moves, a thing you can only do once.  This doesn’t fix anything!  It doesn’t change anything!  Bede definitely had limitations that could’ve been addressed, but this is slingshotting off in another direction!  What he needed was gauge control.  What he needed was some consistency.  What he needed was for Cresselia to not be immune to confuse and thus able to ignore him entirely.  Or better yet, Piercing Gaze to not need an evasion debuffer for it.  Bede’s problems exist, and are fully not addressed.  Instead they opted to see if he can tank?  He cannot.  I do not get this one.  Bad expansion.

Cynthia Why?  No really, I’m asking, because this doesn’t actually seem like a net positive.  Just like every other goddamned time this comes up, Cynthia does not have the free energy to do this!  Especially not with prior expansion!

Like okay, let’s say you don’t take Fierce Entry 1 because it blows, and you ignore every other grid node but the sync damage and the other three from the original expansion.  Right?  Great.  2/5 gets Burst In (which is atrocious for her) and Surging Sand 2, both for 7.  That’s 20 energy left to pick two of the 5/5 nodes.  At 4/5, she gets...Slash Crit Strike 9.  No, really.  That is actually what it says on this datamine.  Okay, maybe her energy is fine.  Because the other is Dust Kicker.  And that fucks.  Cynthia can set her own Sandstorm now.  Consistently.  Literally every sync.  5/5 then offers First Sync Defense -2 on all foes which is cute but unnecessary, and...Sand Alert 5.  The madmen actually did it.

Okay so I’m gonna backtrack a bit.  Without knowing placement, this could be either a disaster, or the best grid expansion to ever exist.  It depends entirely, and exclusively, on placement.  If Dust Kicker and Sand Alert are right next to each other, we win.  If they aren’t, energy is a problem and you can only pick one or the other before you have to give up other essential tools.  I’m also really, REALLY hoping that Burst In is the node above the lower sync damage one.  Because you need Sand Shelter, which can circumvent that tile.  It saves energy for free.  But if you need to take it, now you’re kinda wasting extra to be immune to your own demanded weather.  I’m really, really nervous.  This is either an apotheosis, or a curse in disguise, and I’m not sure which yet.

Diantha Wait, Diantha gets an expansion too?!  Baller.  Whatcha got for me, girl?  2/5 gets On a Roll 1 and Speedy Entry 1.  I’ll take it.  60% chance to debuff her needed devastation multiplier stat, and +2 speed with mega evolution is very nice for someone as gauge hungry as she is.  4/5 gets Recharging Stri-holy shit.  Okay, so Dazzling Gleam now pays for itself, that’s a hell of an upgrade.  She also gets Satisfied Snicker, which is effectively Snarl effect on all moves, but specific to attacks, unlike Satisfied Snarl which can work on debuffing status moves.  So okay, honestly, 4/5 looking hella worth it.  Free CS action in Dazzling Gleam combined with a guaranteed -1 special attack.  I like it.   5/5 grants Propulsion 9 on trainer move, which is basically just “Yo SS Wally, catch,” and also...Initial Synchro Healing 1.  Why Initial?  Just let her constantly regen HP for the team, this didn’t need to be initial.

5/5 seems pretty useless.  I know, I know, fast ramping and all that, but Diantha’s needed sync nuke requires a slower process given that nothing can rapidly debuff special attack well enough for a turn-3 sync, and initial healing isn’t as useful as consistent.  But that 4/5 upgrade is stupid good.  2/5 isn’t bad either, though I’d probably skip On a Roll 1 if you have Satisfied Snicker.  Well done, Diantha.

Wally Oh hey, Wally’s the general pool expansion!  That’s cool, I like Gallade even if it’s not Gardevoir, I’d love to see this thing back in action.  Let’s see, +20 atk and sp atk, to be expected.  Here I Come: Ferocious Moves, gives +1 to both offenses.  Okay.  Critical Eye 2 on Dire Hit, now that’s special.  Capped crit in one move.  Speedster Sync 5 is alright, based off speed, so all he needs is something to buff his speed reliably, and he’s golden!  And...HP +50.  ..........where’s the speed buffing?  What do you mean one of his special tiles is +50 HP, he’s a Striker.  He doesn’t need HP.

Listen, I’m not here to shit-talk Wally, but I am here to shit-talk this expansion.  Are we serious with this?  I appreciate his trainer move now being +2 to both offenses, and immediate crit in one turn, even if it still takes 4 turns of setup.  But Posthaste 2 requires him to take hits, and that’s not something that happens reliably or consistently.  Not all stages play that game, and Wally’s sync is fully reliant on speed.  I recognize his move damage is fairly high, but his multipliers for move damage are shit, and he didn’t exactly gain any help there either.  Also I somehow blocked from my mind that his natural sync nuke is fucking Cakewalk, because he doesn’t have access to Close Combat until after he mega evolves.  Prior it’s just Low Sweep, which also got no utility.  This...feels bad, man.  Wally really didn’t get what he wanted.  Full disclosure, self-sufficiency was the wrong way to go with Wally.  His needs are just way too high everywhere else for this to feel all that useful.

Marlon Common Grid War Act...14?  Is it 14?  We’ll say 14.  Is underway!  Marlon gets First Aid 4, Barricade Buddies on X Def All, Team Pinpoint Entry 1, and some sync effects that he’ll never use because no EX.  Marlon’s not going to be great.  But I also have a strange affinity for him after the first Gauntlet where he salvaged a run with Lysandre and SC Jasmine.  Self-applied Endure isn’t bad, and defense buffs with potential immunity to debuffs is okay.  I don’t think he’ll be exceptional, but he’ll at least be tolerable.

Blaine Get Winona’d, chump.  No MPR.  Just one application on first sync.  Which he’s likely never taking.  Blaine has some advantage over Winona in that his sync gets naturally more benefit from his weather, but is otherwise worse because Air Slash’s 60% flinch rate rules and Hurricane is real DPS.  I think what hurts the most is Hostile Environment 2.  Like okay, he has HE1 by default, but only a 40% burn rate?  Marley got 50%.  His sync multipliers are Solar Flare 5, and Interference Sync 5.  Which are pretty synergistic with his kit.  Don’t know why they gave Fire Spin Flabbergast 4, but sure.  And he got...Follow Through on trainer move.  I guess to limit his support needs?  I dunno.  I don’t think it’s working.  I imagine Blaine can work to similar effectiveness as Winona when supported, but Blaine also can’t reliably buff his own attack.  Meaning he needs that kind of support.  Which SS Morty can’t provide.  SS Kris blends beautifully with Winona, but Blaine does not reap the same rewards.  It’s tougher for him.

Marshall Ah, the weak link of the Unovan E4.  On a Roll is guaranteed defense drops, into Relentless for a fun sync multiplier.  Staggering 2 is legitimately hilarious.  That might just be his best utility.  Like he can accidentally flinch off either a guaranteed defense drop, or a healing move.  That’s funny.  Especially in Gauntlets that don’t gain immunity to flinch.  That’s really funny.  Safety Tether and Tough Sync 3 are there.  Safety Tether in particular isn’t too bad either.  Sharp Entry isn’t bad, Berserker on trainer move is designed to avoid needing X Atk MPR.  Marshall has some funny tools, but I hesitate to call him good.  Mostly because...his defenses are complete crap.  Like, special defense barely breaks 100 at 5*.  That’s atrocious.  Safety Tether can help you take a hit, but sync will kill you.  His physical defense isn’t much better.  So while he has recovery in Drain Punch, he’s not functionally going to be able to use it.  His self-sufficiency tools are also just too slow.  Hitting -6 defense on a foe by himself is a six turn process, with four turns of setup.  He requires a lot of help.  He’s effectively a glorified Tech support to debuff defense for a more capable ally, but if you wanted that, just use Brawly, who has better bulk and a full-ass Potion for the team.  You don’t need Marshall.

[selfshipmess]

tag dump! ignore this dododoo

(also im gonna start putting (P) or (R ) at the end of my tags,, just so yall can tell if its Platonic or Romantic since i have a bunch of young familial f/os and a few people have gotten the wrong idea ;;^^)

[bratniadusza]

E2 Chase?

You guys can kill me right now for finishing this old Emoji Challenge for so long xD So sorry for waiting that much anon friend ;-;Still few requests to go and few people to apologize :v xDThank you so much for requesting this! :D It was so much fun to do! C:

He’s probably amazed because someone can shoot better than him :v xDHope you like it C:

[rockstar-roxie]

Pelipper mail! Two packages appear! One is wrapped in a thick pink ribbon and has a tag reading "To: Roxie" in neat, angular handwriting. The second is smaller and sports wrapping paper patterned with Galarian Weezings and a tag reading "Roxie" in light, flowing handwriting.

The first box contains multiple objects. The first is a choker in dark purple and yellow, studded with paler purple spikes like the bumps around a Toxtricity's wrists. The next is a small plush toy Toxel, the electricity on its head being made of a shiny material the crinkles when rubbed and the rest being deceptively soft to the touch for its looks. The box also contains a mixed bundle of fresh berries- multiple Shuca berries, Pecha berries, and Cherri berries tied together with their own pink ribbon. At the very bottom of the box is a plastic sleeve containing what seems to be a piece of cardboard. Removing it from the protective sleeve reveals a fairly convincing mock league card- it uses a picture of Roxie onstage at her tour's Ballonlea performance, lit up by spotlights and belting lyrics. It sports the Galar league's poison type style border, a large number "157" in the corner, and an iridescent foil finish. On the back of the card are small graphics portraying the team of pokemon she listed to Bede earlier- Amoonguss, Garbodor, Seviper, Drapion, Crobat, and Scolipede- as well as a large picture of a Toxic Badge. At the top is a small blurb: "Roxie, esteemed Gym Leader of Virbank City Gym in Unova. A poison type trainer, fierce battler, and interregionally renowned musician." It seems Bede hasn't exactly gotten the hang of the flowery and sensationalized descriptions on official league cards. On top of the box is a card, sporting Bede's signature. The lines are straight and neat, although it looks like they've been erased and redone multiple times in an attempt to make them perfect. The card reads "I seem to remember you expressing a desire for a 'cool custom card' in the past. I expect this will suffice, but if not, I've no doubt that you'll find the other gifts suitable in their own right~"

the second box is much smaller, and only contains one item: A pair of large earrings. they depict two Koffings made out of polymer clay dangling from silver chains. The earrings come with a note in flowy cursive: "Ms. Roxie, I was delighted to hear that Bede had decided to invite you over for our Delibird Day festivities. I meant to bring up the idea to him myself, you know, but he set his mind on it before I even had the chance to. I do appreciate you offering that boy your friendship... I like to think you've got him slipping out of his Torkoal shell more and more by the day. Enclosed you'll find some of my old earrings. now, I hope you don't mind getting some old woman's hand-me-downs, but I think they've about run their course with me, and they just cried out to me that they'd like to be with you. I do hope that they'll serve you well, and that you'll continue being so refreshingly, unapologetically 'you' in the new year to come. The world needs more trainers like you... and not just poison type trainers made my job so much more interesting, hm-hm! Best regards, Ms. Opal"

@ballonleastadiumofficial

(*A wide grin adorns Roxie's face as they accept the two packages and excitedly plop onto the floor to open them, much like a kid on Delibird Day morning. She chooses to open the package wrapped in a pink ribbon first, undoing the mentioned ribbon, and practically tearing off the lid.*)

(*Roxie's grin widens even further, if that's even possible, eyes lighting up as he picks up the first item. She admires the Toxtricity inspired choker for several heartbeats before immediately clasping it around her neck, continuing on with the gift-opening seconds after.*)

(*They grab the Toxel plush, giving it an experimental squeeze. Once deemed soft and squishy enough, Roxie sets it on their lap to observe her going for the bundle of berries still inside the box. Although she'll likely give the rest to her Pokémon, she can't help but take one for herself and shove it in her mouth.*)

(*While chewing the sweet Pecha berry, Roxie almost misses the last item sitting on the bottom of the gift box. With a quick wipe of their hands on her pants, she gently picks up the protected cardboard. Their brow furrows slightly in confusion, only for them to immediately raise in surprise as soon as the mock league card is revealed. An excited gasp leaves his lips, bringing it closer to their face to admire it. Roxie's fingernail, painted with chipped purple, traces the front of the card as she takes in every detail. Once done, she flips it around to reveal even more. Assuming the small paragraph to be written by Bede himself, Roxie feels her chest swell with warmth.*)

(*Blue eyes drift back to the discarded lid, discovering that there's a card attached to it that she should probably read. An affectionate chuckle leaves their lips, setting the card down a bit nicer than before.*)

(*Now time for the second, smaller box. Roxie doesn't waste much time opening it of course, revealing a pair of Koffing shaped earrings... In true Roxie fashion, he's taking the earrings he already had in out of her ears and putting in her new pair. After admiring themself in the nearest reflective surface, they turn their attention to the note that had come with the earrings.*)

(*Whilst reading the flowy writing, Roxie's wide smile fades into something softer... Her fingers grip the note a little tighter as they feel their face getting hot with flattery and appreciation. And if her eyes got a bit misty, well that's something she'll keep to herself. With only a few breaths to let the nice words of both Bede and Opal sink in, she launches themself from the floor to begin writing thank you notes.*)

[rockstar-roxie]

Heya Bede!! CONGRATS ON 200!!!🤘

Here’s the team I’d use ta absolutely destroy you HAHAHA!! I ain’t givin’ you their abilities or movesets as there’s no way you’d know what they are before battlin’ me >:]

Amoonguss

Garbodor

Seviper

Drapion

Crobat

Scolipede

In no particular order other than I’m leadin’ with Foxglove, my Amoonguss, and endin’ with Arsenic my Scolipede!!

...

...Hm.

Ehehe. Ehehehahem~

Ahem.

It seems this little development entirely slipped my attention. Apologies. Although Im sure you're all aware that I've been... considerably busy as of late.

I'm not surprised by this, of course. Breaking 200 followers should be trivial for an elite trainer such as me. It just goes to show that many of you have at least some semblance of taste~

Regardless, I suppose I ought to celebrate somehow. If for no other reason than to keep the lot of you entertained. Hmph... under normal circumstances, I'm loathe to openly share my strategies with others... however, perhaps I'll make an exception this once. Let's say that anyone who reblogs this post with their pokemon team will receive a detailed account of my opinions on each member, along with my assessment as to how I'd best them in battle. I'm sure you'll find it to be very informative~*○°☆

[the-witchs-cafe]

This isn't a request so much as food for thought.

I was scrolling through your blog and came upon the post stating that Bede would witch out (which, yeah he would), and reading the tags I saw that you said Marnie may-or-may not survive. I've come to throw my hat into the ring.

Marnie, for all her seeming apathy, is in a much better mental state than both Hop and Bede; sure, she may have had to deal with her fan club and eventually inhereting her bro's legacy, but she seems to rise to the challenge and see what lies ahead as a chance to better herself (and learn to smile every now and again). If she were to become a Puella, I could see her clinging onto hope, even if it was just out of spite.

You want to know who's more likely to Witch out? Who started out wanting to make things better for his hometown, to make it so they weren't overlooked anymore, but came to resent the gym system he joined and was often ignored because he didn't use the gimmick? Who saw himself as little more than a failed has-been by the time the protag sees him?

Piers.

Pal, not only am I thankful for this analysis, but do note that I am eating it up as we speak. Honestly, I had the same line of thought when it came to Marnie; that the stress caused by Team Yell and the circumstance of her home must have been crushing her, but, unlike Bede and Hop, she rose through the crushing stress of her circumstances thanks to the memories she had created and a new healthy circle of connections she had forged throughout her journey.

On the other hand...

OH MAN, PIERS. Now that's a man who lost all will to move on! I also find it really sad that (at least initially) I had the thought that maybe Leon would have a shot at surviving, too- so now we got an older and younger sib who lost their accompanying half ;M;

I can also see his warlock form being mechanical in nature; Piers tried to change the system from within, only to end up as another, yet defective, cog in the machine, after all. *Gisela has entered the chat.*

[zeraphiimm]

Always thinking never making content, that's my specialty you guys..

My little... Fucked up normal AU... Instead of being all cool and famous in Galar, they're just some Weird Men(i use that term loosely) in the UK and they're all stupid and British and struggling in their own ways, hold on man I need a minute,I need aminute/hold on...,,

Piers and Marnie live in a dingy little flat in such a grody part of town, all their stuff is in boxes cause whenever they move, they never stay for more than a few months at a time. Piers works at a shitty little music store down the street and uses the equipment there to make his own songs. He's self produced and his songs never get more than a couple thousand streams, but Marnie likes them. As long as she's his number one fan that's all that matters.

Marnie is a growing girl, she needs her ENRICHMENT. So she takes the train a town over, walks to the Library, and picks a few books up. (Always on hamsters other rodents alike.) She Also Very Much watches creepypasta AMVs on youtube using their computers.

She has a few internet friends, Hop, Gloria, Victor, and Bede. She wants to meet them one day seeing as they all live relatively close and they get along fairly well (Sometimes she has to yell at Bede to be nicer but he usually straightens up around her after being told off.)

Hop is a little silly she thinks, he lives in a more rural neighborhood. He shows her pictures of all the animals nearby, his favorite are the sheep that belong to a neighbor's farm.

She'll sit in the library for hours until her big brother pulls her back to her no wifi, no hot water, stupid dumb idiot home.

Raihan, the Librarian, watches her come in each day and helps her reach for books she can't get on her own. She needs help navigating the computers sometimes and Rai is very surprised to learn that a girl her age has Never owned a computer in her life.

Raihan watches Piers stop by every day, and even though he kinda smells like ciggies and looks like he hasn't had proper sleep in a good 6 years, Raihan will work up the courage to talk to him one day. (Piers will ignore him until he is inevitably worn down ofc.)

Walking into the library, there's a little pet bed sitting at the front desk and people often wonder "oh! A little cat? A little cat for me to love and hold and kiss? At the library??" No, fuck you!! It's a giant lizard that Raihan rehabilitated himself and now it sleeps in a little pet bed and greets you when you walk in!

Raihan volunteers at a sanctuary for reptiles and Sonia works with him, she focuses on all the research and medical staff.

Raihan is... Also a self-proclaimed influencer. He has around 400 followers and won't stop falling for the fake promotion bots. (He thinks he'll make it big one day.)

Nessa helps Rai out, it's mostly just photography tips for his social media and how to put on makeup. He's grateful, really! It just gets hard to listen when she starts talking about things like Framing and Composition, he thinks about why he can't just post a mirror selfie and call it a day. This is why he only has 399 followers. (He lost one.) Rai also has a secret second account where he'll fact-check every single "Did You Know?" Page and call them out in the comments when they're wrong. A secret account of course... because he can't ruin his "cool guy" reputation.

Raihan introduces himself to Leon at the gym they both frequent and Raihan makes it apparent that Leon has the same name as a Chameleon at his sanctuary. Admittedly that is... kind of a stupid way to introduce yourself to someone, but Lee thinks he's really funny anyways.

They spot each other and become gym bros, sharing routine secrets and setting up a friendly rivalry between themselves.

On certain days, Rai will sit back and watch Leon use the punching bag, he learns Very Quickly that this man is under an Alot Of Stress.

Leon works for a Stupid Fucking Company and sits in a Stupid Office, filing Stupid Papers and making Stupid Calls, and writing Stupid Emails.

It would be extremely boring if it weren't for the constant stress that his employer/CEO puts on him 24/7.

He would quit if he could, but Rose says that he's his best employee, his right hand man, his favorite!! If he leaves then Rose's company is left in shambles, and Leon doesn't want that!! (He actually should want it, really.)

Leon thinks about his old life, slower times, it was easier back in the countryside. He thinks about his little brother, and how he misses him so much. He won't be able to move back home until he finishes uni, he worries about how Hop is holding up.

Surprisingly, he's fairing well, he laments to the local sheep population about his problems. Sometimes he'll vent to the chickens too, but they scare him a bit. Beaks are sharp after all.

Hop helps out on Milo's farm in exchange for some allowance, he'll use the money to take the tram to the city and see his big brother and internet friends.

The city is a lot different than back home, but the view from Leon's apartment window makes him feel like he's on top of the world. As much as Leon worries about Hop, Hop will worry right back. But they both know that sometime in the near future, everything will fall into place, and everything will work out just fine.

[wattpadscapcons]

YO THANKS FOR THOSE REQUESTS THEY WERE SO SWAGGY 🙏🙏🙏

im in a Bede simp mood, so how about Bede with an S/O who comes out as a trans dude?

~🕷

(2/2) "ah I didn't specify I don't think,,,,is a fic ok?"

I suppose I could manage a short fic, I'll at least do my best. Bede is kinda a douche so I might have some trouble...

I mean that only in the kindest way possible Norman.

=

Transitions (Bede x Trans-male Reader)

You've been acting off all week, shying away from conversations, wandering off when you two were supposed to be shopping together, and worse of all, staring into space so often that you barely hear when he's talking to you anymore. At least, that's how he saw it, in reality, you were just thinking.

=

Many things could go wrong, and that's you fear right now. You're lost in all of those negative thoughts again. Trying to plan out a best case scenario with someone rather unpredictable as Bede is no easy task. His reaction could either make or break your heart, and you are far from wanting to find out which it was going to be. You're brought back to reality to Bede shaking you lightly. He's pissed.

=

"eh?!"

"Finally...I've been talking to you for the last ten minutes. Did you not hear a word I said?"

"Ah...no I was a little preoccupied thinking."

"Right. I should've expected that. You've been doing that a lot lately. I should be happy that you didn't wander off this time."

".......Sorry."

"If you're not wanting to spend time with me, don't wait until I'm already dressed and leading you around town next time."

"Bede! It's not like that!"

"I'm going back to my gym to train, let me know when you're done "thinking"."

=

You know there's no point in trying to argue with him, he's just going to get angrier if you do. The fact that he thinks you're blatantly trying to ignore him is rather ridiculous to you. He knows you really well by now, doesn't he? If anything you had expected him to pester you until he got an answer to why you were acting differently, but there's no point in thinking about that now.

You watch as his figure disappears in the crowd before your mind returns to the negative outcomes that have been tormenting you. At this point, you're feeling like you're going to need help, but that means you have to explain to Hop why you're feeling so anxious. You knew he'd understand though.

=

"Hey Y/N! How's it going? Been a while since we last talked."

The voice of your dear childhood friend was welcoming to hear, even if it was just over the phone in a video chat. Rotom is steadily keeping it within your ear shot as you continue towards Hammerlocke.

=

"Yeah, sorry about that Hop, being the champion isn't always the easiest job, especially not lately."

"You're not looking as happy as you did when I last saw you, something happen with Bede?"

"Not yet.-"

"Not yet? Y/N-"

"I've been pretty distant from him lately and he's angry about it."

"Are you not happy being with him?"

"No! I am! But that's kind of what I'm afraid of. I have something important I need to tell him and I'm afraid that might just ruin things altogether..."

"You finally coming out of the closet?"

Your head quickly turns to face your phone with a look of pure surprise. The fact that he could be so perceptive was almost scary.

=

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you're half right."

"You're bi?"

"I'm trans."

"Well, thank you for trusting me with that information. I know that it's hard to tell the people you care about in the fears of that they might not accept you for it.-"

"Ugh! Get out of my head!"

"Oh........so that's why you called me..."

"Yeah, I really don't know how he's going to react and my brain is just telling all of the ways it could go wrong."

"Well, if that does turn out to be the case, not saying it will, I will always be there for you, ok? As for how you could tell him? I'm not sure, my big bro always told me that communication is best face to face, but in your case, that might be a little too difficult to achieve."

".....Back to square one again..."

"I mean, I could tell him if you want. He might not believe me though."

"I'd rather not. I appreciate the offer but I don't think he'd be very happy hearing it from you."

"Fair point. Well, I'm running short on time, my research team is conducting some field experiments today and I need to be there to make sure they don't blotch the results. Talk to you later Y/N!"

*click*

"Well, that went as expected at least."

=

It'd be a few days later until he actually asks you why you've been acting off rather than continuing to be passive-aggressive about it. Though he seems more awkward and extremely tense about it instead. One could only wonder what'd they see by glimpsing into the guy's mind.

=

"Y/N?"

"Hm?"

"I want to know why you've been acting weird. Am I doing something wrong? It seems like every time we've been out together for the last month you've been just....ugh."

"It's nothing you've done! I've just had a lot on my mind is all."

"You've said that so many times you're starting to sound like a broken record."

"Well... I've been wanting to tell you something for a while, and have just been caught up in all the things that could go wrong if I told you?"

"What did you do?"

"Nothing!"

"Then what is it? You better have a really good reason for this."

"Well, I guess I could quote Hop and say "I'm coming out of the closet?""

=

His eyes went wide for a second.

=

"So you're gay?"

"No! I'm trans."

"That would still make you gay...?"

"Oh shut up!"

"Is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"Yeah..."

"For god's sake....you had me afraid you were going to dump me."

"I've been with you for years! What the fuck Bede!"

"How'd you expect me to feel when you'd been getting so distant?!"

"........I don't know. I'm sorry I didn't really think about it much."

"Well try to be a little more upfront with me next time. I don't have a problem with you being trans. Whatever makes you feel happy is fine with me. Just remind me of your pronouns so I don't end up misgendering you."

=

Well, that was somewhat painful. Maybe you should've just said it earlier instead of waiting. Regardless, he doesn't seem to care, so long as you're happy in your own skin. Though he did seem to leave out the part that he's trans himself. Wonder if he was just saving you the embarrassment....