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echantedtoon · 1 year ago

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Love Doesn't Do Encores Ch31 The Calm Before The Next Storm

(IMPORTANT UPDATE: Hey everyone. There's been a slight mix up. Instead of Cerulean City the in story city origins for reader or reader's ID I'm replacing it with Lumiose City due to the mix up within the regions they're in. Apologies. Also! If anyone has any questions feel free to ask them and I'll answer them in the comments. Like Ch25 this will just be a mostly filler chapter with most time skipped things before we get to the Post Game events. This will also be separated by months to keep track of time.

-FEBRUARY-

You were stunned. Absolutely STUNNED to say the least.

Piers had looked in you in concern as you stared on in shock as you almost panickily examined the ID card in your hands and the nurse delivered your lunches. It..looked just like your driver's license(one of the few things you had actually wanted to learn without your mother nagging you-) you had left back home minus the fact that you had the pokemon world's region and city on it instead of your town's. Albeit slightly worn and dirty from assumedly being left out in the elements for a while. You then turned to the small bag in front of you the nurse had brought over but other than it being also torn and a bit dirty, nothing was inside it either. It looked just like a plain traveler's bag you'd buy to take on a hike with you. Your confusion only heightened as you ended up blankly staring at the ID card for a long moment. Piers stared at your silence as the TV reporter on screen went on about Leon's winning streak staying in tack for more years to come apparently.

"Oi. Y/n?" You jumped whipping your head back to Piers as he raised a brow at you. "You 'right there? You're awfully silent all o' all sudden."

"Uh...Y-Yeah." You blinked staring back to Piers for a moment before returning to the ID card..and shrugging. You know what? You've seen too much by now to not be surprised by anything anymore but hey. At least you had an actual ID for anything in case you needed it. You'd relax and figure this out later then. Placing the bag and ID to the side you smiled back to him to ease his concerns. "Yeah. I'm just fine. Just wasn't expecting to see that now of all times I guess."

Piers hummed before nodding. "I suppose when you're chased by corviknight you don't really think about seeing somethin' ya dropped again. Oh. That reminds me." He pointed at you. "Leo gave me a call 'fore his big battle. You're bein' discharged from the hospital first thing tomorrow mornin'."

You perked up. "Wait. Really!?"

He nodded. "Doc says you're fine and they're releasing us tomorrow since most of the chaos and excitement should be died down soon enough. M' sure your mates will be here tomorrow mornin' ta see ya off."

You smiled wider. You'd get to see the guys again after not seeing them for over a month other than your brief encounter with Victor at Hammerlocke! "That's great! I can't wait to see them again! And you must be excited to see Marnie too huh?"

"Ya ain't wrong." He sighed. "It'll be good ta see her again. ...But anywho. I believe ya were 'bout ta tell me how that dinner you n' your mate attended with Oleana and the Ex-Chairman went."

"Huh? Oh right! Well it was around the time I got finished playing that temporary delivery boy job for the seafood restaurant. I got back and met up with Gloria near the front of the store before we went inside."

You continued into the evening telling Piers all about the dinner you and Gloria had to endure with Mr. Rose and Oleana and he gave a hum every so often as a response. When you were finished he had a few choice words about the two of them. 'Bloody scumbags' and 'insane criminals' being some of his ways to describe them and you sorta agreed. When he inquired what had taken place after he had left you all at Rose Tower all that time ago you again happily indulged him. After all it was thanks to him that you were all able to storm into the tower in the first place plus it was nice to tell someone about your experiences. And of course, when you told him about you're little encounter with Oleana giving her back the key card- ....He broke out laughing again. Oh if ONLY he had been there to see the look on her face when you spat her own words right back in her face! You didn't mind. In fact you liked his laugh. In fact you liked Piers very much as a person. Sure he seemed pretty distant, uninterested, bored, rude, and maybe even scary to someone but that was far from the truth. He was actually....Really REALLY nice to be around. Sure he was a mostly serious guy but he was also smart, caring, passionate, not afraid to help out others in an instant, patient, sometimes even playful and teasing, and someone who could be a good listener. No wonder he was such a good gym leader AND big brother. And no wonder everyone eventually liked him after a while. But with also an air of authority and...something else you couldn't quite place around him. Appeal maybe? He did seem like the guy to be a great friend. Man. Where was someone like him when you were growing up? You two could've been great friends. Oh well. All too soon dark came in the form of night, nurses delivered dinner trays, and then Piers had to excuse himself back to his room for your two's last night at the hospital. Bidding him goodnight you yourself put yourself to bed because come morning you would see your friends again. It was harder to fall asleep that night due to the excitement you felt but you also found yourself waking up early in the morning just as the sun was starting to poke through. Probably the earliest you had EVER woken up. Yawning and a bit tired, but too excited to see everyone after so long. Getting up and making your bed and trying to make yourself look presentable for when they arrived. And you didn't have to wait for too long. You were just watching the morning news, something about the Vice Chairman taking all Mr. Rose's old funds and putting them towards rebuilding projects, when lots of footsteps stormed towards your room. And the door was SLAMMED opened without any warning. You yelped jumping and snapping your head to the door, TV remote dropping from your hands.

"Y/N!!"

"GAH-" You were nearly knocked over back onto the bed when a whole bunch of blur's dogpiled you and on instinct your arms shot up .....but you blinked. "GUYS!?" The three blurs that had nearly tackled you down to the floor was the guys! Victor, Hop, and Gloria! You stood there stunned to say the least before you smiled brightly. "GUYS!! What are you doing here?"

"We were worried sick about you, Mate!," Hop answered pulling away from you the other two following suit. You smiled at his concerned golden eyes that scanned over you for a moment before he asked. "Are you alright!? You were knocked on the noggin harder than Raihan's Max Steelspike attack and left Victor outside the city! We were worried sick!"

"I'm fine. I'm fine!," you assured him before looking over and noticing the eyes of both twins staring up at you as well and you held up your hands smiling at them. "I swear I'm ok. The doctor said I was perfectly fine! Only a giant headache for a little bit. But what about you guys? Are you alright?"

"They're perfectly fine." A new voice cut through the air before any of the three could answer you and as you four looked up you again paused..before smiling again. Because standing in the doorway in his usual champion attire and cape was LEON! The purple haired man was smiling at you from the doorway looking no worse for wear except for the slight remains of his once black eye that was nearly gone. In his hands was your pack and he walked in. "A few scrapes and bruises but thankfully nothing serious."

"Leon!,'' you greeted happily with a bright smile. "What are you doing here too?"

"I wanted to come by and see you off myself with the others. Besides someone had to escort these guys here in the big city. Oh. Here. Before I forget." He held out your pack to you with a smile. "We brought your things over so you could back into some regular clothes. Don't worry. Everything should still be in there where you left them."

You gladly took it from him. "Hey. Thanks Lee! That's really nice of you." You brought it into your arms before looking back to the smiling champion. "Hey. Congratulations on the win by the way! I really enjoyed your battle. How's Raihan?"

Leon chuckled with a bright smile crossing his arms. "Thanks! Rai's doing just fine! He snatched up his team and headed back to Hammerlocke sometime yesterday. He's been given the go ahead to just head home and see what he can do to help the repairs. The Vice Chairman took over all of Mr. Rose's operations so it's only a matter of time before things should be completely back to normal."

You sighed in relief. "That's good. Especially since you guys caught Eternatus." You smiled and turned back to Gloria and Hop who blinked at you....before looking at one another. "....What?"

"Um...Y/n. We didn't catch that thing," Gloria said looking back to you confused and you froze eyes widening.

"WHAT!?"

"We did something better!," Hop chimed in with a smile and thumbs up to you. "Zacian and Zamazenta destroyed Eternatus in a giant explosion of light! So I don't think we'll have to worry about it anymore."

Again you paused staring at them. Gloria...DIDN'T manage to catch Eternatus?!....But you soon calmed down and shrugged it off. You know what? Why not? Gloria lost to Raihan in the finals and Leon's still champion. So why not have Eternatus destroyed instead of captured too in this world? As long as it couldn't harm anyone it was good enough for you and as long as the guys were fine you were ok with the outcome.

"Y'know what? That's good enough for me." You smiled. "Where are you guys heading after this?"

"Home of course."

"Postwick?"

Victor nodded. "And I 'pose you'll be headin' back home huh?" When you gave him a confused 'Huh?' look he gestured to the door. "Y'know. Back ta the Kalos Region. Glory told us ye might be headed back there after the final matches were over."

OH! That's right. You did tell Gloria that in case you did accidentally go poof back to your home back where ever you came from. You smiled wider. "Actually, I made up my mind to stay in Galar for while."

You received gasps and some happy smiles. "Really?! No way!"

You nodded. "Yeah. It turns out I like this region a lot so why not stay?"

"Does that mean you're gonna be traveling Galar more?"

You paused in thought. That...was a good question. What WERE you gonna do now that you were stuck in Galar permanently? Anything you wanted you guessed but you weren't too sure yet. What you wanted right now though was to just settle down in one place for a bit and live life stress free for a while. So you shrugged at Victor's question.

"I don't know. I really haven't figured that out yet, but I think I would like a small break from traveling for a bit."

Leon lit up. "Then why not come back to Postwick with us?,'' he suggested catching everyone's attention with his big smile, "Mum still hasn't found anyone to rent the basement room since we left last year. I'm sure if you ask she'd be more than happy to let you stay until you figure out where you wanna go from here."

"Ya Y/n! You can stay with us in the meantime! It'd be nice ta have another girl ta hang out with!," Gloria agreed with a smile.

...I mean it sounded like a plain! And you wouldn't mind hanging around your friends more, and Mrs. L was a pretty nice enough landlady to have! And it wouldn't be anything permanent. Just until you figured out what you wanted to do now. So you happily accepted his proposal.

"You know. I think I'd like that! Are you going to be coming with us as well?"

To your surprise Leon nodded to your question with a bright smile. "After with what happened I want to make sure everyone got home ok, and because after all this time I wanted to be able to see Mom and my grandparents again. After all Valentine's Day is nearing. What better way to celebrate the holiday of love than spending time with your loved ones?"

Ah. So Valentine's Day WAS a thing here too. You nodded in agreement again. He had a point. After all Valentine's Day was all about celebrating all kinds of love. Not just Romantic love.

"Lee jus' wants an excuse ta see Sonia that day.~,'' Gloria teased with a sly smile.

And like before the champion sputtered a bit red rising to his cheeks as he attempted to laugh off Gloria's tease by holding up his hands and laughing. ..But you all could see through it. "Haha! Come on, G-Gloria! It's not like that! Sonia and I are just best buddies! Just like Raihan and I are."

"Is that why you're face is red?"

"Hop! Please!"

You ended up chuckling at everyone before they left you in your room for a moment so you could change into some regular clothes and throw on your coat. After all it was early February, it was still somewhat chilly outside. After throwing on your coat, you threw your pack over your shoulders, and picked the ID card back up, shrugged, and pocketed that too before you left. You'd worry about that later and focus on more important things like heading back to a home now. After all, you didn't have anything else to worry about after all......Right? You got changed and exited your old hospital room to meet everyone and a certain someone who was waiting for you as well. You had just stepped out and paused when the sight of a pink handed water type in that hoodie standing at Leon's side caught your attention...Or well he did when he alerted you to his prescence with a very loud chirp making you look at him. In an instant he was walking towards you looking bored with his arms up and out like a toddler expecting a hug. You instantly smiled.

"SILVER!!" You instantly crouched down arms out towards him as he walked towards. "Silver c'mere boy!" he went right up to you and you snatched him right up bringing him into your arms as you stood and he laid his head on your shoulder with a relieved sigh sound as you proceeded to hug him. "Oh! There's my handsome guard pokemon! Were you good while I was gone?"

"He was an angel." you turned to Leon who smiled. "He did exactly as he was told the entire time you were in the hospital and stuck to Victor's side making sure he was ok. It was honestly kinda cute watching him follow Vick around." Victor grumbled in embarrassment next to Lee and reached up to pull his beanie over his face. Making Lee chuckle before pointing towards a nearby elevator. "Come on. I have a flying taxi waiting for us outside to take us to the Wyndon Station. We'll take the evening train out of town and back to Postwick."

Sounded nice to you and for once you didn't mind traveling by corviknight. Leon lead you all into the elevator where the five of you was all a buzz with life and it made you smile as you followed Leon out of the elevator and through the hospital. You didn't see Piers on your way out which made you a bit sad you couldn't say goodbye or thank him for helping you, but you figured he had more important things to deal with like making sure Marnie was alright which you understood. Leon lead you all out of the hospital and to a corviknight Taxi of course. Being outside again was refreshing but it being early February it was still fairly chilly outside. And you all piled in. Really it was all just a happy blur on the ride to the station. You sitting beside Leon with Silver still seated lazily in your arms, which the three guys seated across from you two chatting away excitedly at the prospect of heading home at last. And you couldn't blame them after all all of you were heading home. And it was a blur when you all got on that evening train and again sat down in those blue seats. Home. The word rang in your mind and it made you smile. You've never been so happy to hear those words before but now you had a reason to be happy. Because for once you were actually heading HOME.

-Short Time Skip-

Like before many days passed on the train and it wasn't boring. The three would busy up your time talking to you excitedly about Leon's match against Raihan, all the cool things Raihan did with them while under his care, and what happened after the battle between them and Externatus. And you listened eagerly. Ok. Maybe Raihan wasn't so bad with how well Leon trusted him to take care of the guys. And nights were spent well sleeping. More than once you'd wake up and find Leon passed out next to you with his hat over his face and his cape draped over Hop's sleeping form like a makeshift blanket. It was so sweet of him. But the train ride had to come to an end and yours did too. You all arrived at Wedgeherst Station on Valentine's Day no less really early in the morning. How did you know? Well you were asleep before being jostled away by Leon persistently shaking your shoulder until with a snort you woke up and turned your blurry vision to his smiling face as he greeted you.

"L-Leon? What-" You stifled a yawn.

"Sorry to wake you up," he apologized removing his hand from your shoulder smiling. "But we're nearly there."

You were about to tired ask what he meant when the conductor's voice came over the loud speaker ahead of you both. "ZZZTT. Attention Passengers!," the conductor announced over the speakers to anyone left on board. "We'll be arriving at Wedgeherst Station within ten minutes. That is all."

Your tired eyes looked up at the speakers before turning back to the window of the still dark night. The sun wasn't even up yet. OH! The morning train must be arriving to Wedgeherst Station. Already the other guys were already groggily getting up and looking around and gathering their things. Guess you should too. You slipped your pack over your shoulders and pulled a slipping Silver off the table and into your arms as he gave a groggy noise but didn't wake up to wait. And you didn't have to wait long. Just as the sun rise was coming over the horizon and the town appeared in the window. And you all stood up as the train slowed until with a metal screech it came to a complete halt in the station's doorway.

"Attention Passengers! We have now arrived in Postwick! The morning train leaving Wedgehurst Station will depart in fifthteen minutes! Please exit or enter the train within that time. That's all!"

The first ones to get off were the kiddos as they all literally ran to the exit Leon right behind them followed by you carrying Silver bringing up the rear. The air was still relatively chilly out including the station but you paid it no mind as you stepped off and was met with an even bigger surprise.

"MOM!" "MUM!" "GRAMPS! GRAN!"

You paused blinking as you stepped through the ticket gate to see the sights. It was...the guys' families! All of them! They were there! Mrs. G crying lightly and hugging the twins. Mrs. L doing the same with Leon and Hop but in a slightly bigger hug as their grandmother joined with Leon's grandfather proudly smiling and patting Leon's back as the Champion smiled embarrassed and there was-....You blinked wide eyed as you saw who was also there smiling at them all. Sonia and Ms. Magnolia! You smiled and walked on over towards her since they weren't in the middle of hugs like the rest.

"Sonia!," you greeted and it was like a switch had flicked on as practically everyone looked at you. You waved at Sonia who blinked towards your direction but smiled seeing you. "Hey! I haven't heard you in forever!" Well not since Piers told you she was watching Marnie for him! "Where were you?"

Sonia smiled her blue eyes towards you and smiled. "Y/n! Is that you? I thought you were..." Her smile dropped as her hand was held up towards you. "You were..unconscious in Wyndon Hospital. Are you alright? You had everyone worried sick."

You waved her off smiling. "I'm fine. I promise. The only thing I got was a giant headache but that's way gone too."

Sonia sighed placing a hand to her chest as everyone around you slowly let go of their hugs. "Well that's a relief. I thought we'd have to worry about something far more worse than just Eternatus on our hands but it seems you surprised us again."

You chuckled. "Yeah. But speaking of surprises I wasn't expecting to see you guys here!" You turned to Ms. Magnolia. "What are you guys doing here?"

"The same thing as everyone else here, Dear," Ms. Magnolia answered you gesturing her free hand around to the others. "To greet the Unbeatable Champion and the Heroes of Galar of course. This should make for an interesting Chapter in Sonia's book for certain."

You blinked back to Sonia. "Book?"

At the question the red head flushed shyly and brought a hand up to lay her face in it. "W-Well...yeah! I've been writing a book on my entire journey including all my findings! In fact I'm almost done with the last chapter! I was hoping to get everyone's accounts over lunch and permission to use you all in my book. But since you're here too I don't suppose I could ask you the same thing?"

A ...book? OH! That's right! During the game's end Sonia did end up writing a book on the entire event leading up to Eternatus and it's defeat. Guess this was still happening. You happily nodded. "Sure! I don't mind a bit."

She happily clasped her hands in front of her. "Wonderful! I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say!''

"That's all fine and dandy but I believe there is one thing I need to do." Ms. Magnolia turned and you blinked as she walked towards Leon who smiled at her stopping in front of him. "Sonia's told me everything that happened Young Leon." She smiled at him. "Congratulations, Champion. And to the heroes who saved Galar and possible the whole world from a terrible fate. Here. I've got a little something for you as celebration." Reaching back into her coat, she pulled out what looked to be a small container that instantly caught Leon's attention. "Here. It is Valentine's Day after all. You children deserve some of my famous sugar cookie surprise brownies as reward."

"Professor Magnolia," Leon said taking the box happily. You guessed if he loved Sonia's curry a lot her grandmother's cookies must've been to die for. "Why you didn't have to come all this way and do that for us."

"After everything you all have achieved it's really the least I could do. The Wishing Stars that make dynamaxing possible are parts of Eternatus. And when Eternatus was awakened, dynamax energy flooded the entire region. Because of that dynamax pokemon were popping up all over the place causing trouble across all of Galar. But Hop and his friends came to our rescue." She smiled over to Hop and the twins who blinked and looked at one another. "The dynamax phenomenon has long been an important part of Galarian culture. I hope everyone will use the power of dynamaxing correctly in the days to come. So young ones. Please do what you beleive is best. And congratulations to you of course, Leon, for winning another Champion Match and remaining the strongest trainer in Galar. You must've given poor Raihan a run for his money as they say."

Leon chuckled a little bit doing his habit of placing a hand on the back of his neck. "Gee. Thanks Professor."

"It's Valentine's Day already?"

Mrs. L finally had spoke up when she answered your question making most everyone look at her. "Yes! And your all invited for lunch today! It's been too long since we all last saw one another and I think it's about time to catch up."

"That sounds like a great idea!," Sonia commented clapping her hands, "I can bring one of my curry dishes for everyone!"

"A lunch together on the holidays with the heroes of Galar? How could we refuse?," Mrs. G replied chuckling. "Don't worry about appetizers. I can bring over a few tossed salads if that helps."

"That'd help a lot. Thank you."

Ms. Magnolia shook her head. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline the generous offer. I still have final preparations to do back at the lab for Sonia, and I really must be going now." She turned back to Leon. "It was nice to see you all again Young leon. Keep up the fighting spirit."

"Wait, Granny! I'll walk back with you!"

You waved good bye as Ms. Magnolia turned and slowly started out of the building followed by Sonia who walked after her promising she'd see you all again at noon. Good. You could do with a nice family dinner even if it was more with friends than family.

"Poor Professor Magnolia," Mrs. G commented once the two were out of the building. "It seems she's quite bothered by the Chairman's..Uh..E-Ex chairman's actions since she helped carry out so much of the researching into Dynamaxing for him."

Oh. Well when put like that you guessed her feelings were understandable. "Never the less, everything's alright now and we have the children to thank for that." Mrs. L then looked back to you who blinked. "And I believe I also owe you a thank you for rescuing my Little Lee and making sure the other children were safe and sound."

You...blinked before immediately holding up your hands to her. "Oh! N-No! It's fine! I'm just glad everyone's ok! Really it's no big deal-"

She cut you off. "I'm well aware of how you feel. Leon made sure to tell me EVERYTHING that had happened over the phone so we wouldn't get worried. He's also told me about you having no where currently to stay." You blinked..before turning a raised brow to the Champion who cleared his throat and looked away from your face. "I suppose the least we could do for all your help is let you rent the basement room again until you can get back on your own two feet."

You blinked back to her in surprise. "Wait. Really!?"

She nodded. "Why not? You were a good tenant the last time you stayed with us, and I haven't really found anyone else to rent the room to. You also did save Leon from something terrible. It's the least I could do in return."

"I- Wow-...I mean..." You smiled thankful at her. "Thank you so much!"

She smiled at you. "It's no problem really. You can simply help by working around the house and the yard."

"Speaking of the yard, did you all rent out the fields yet?," Hop asked his mother and you looked at him.

"Renting fields?"

He nodded. "Mum owns some farmland she rents to the local farmers to grow stuff on or to just keep their giant herds of wooloo and dubwool in. It works out pretty well for everybody."

Ah. So THAT'S how Mrs. L made money being a stay at home mom all the time. You had just assumed Leon sent her money being rich and famous. Speaking of which she clapped her hands gaining everyone's attention. "That's enough of that now. It's chilly here. I say we all go home and warm up for the holiday lunch later today and have a nice hot breakfast."

Everyone agreed and headed towards the door. Leon following behind everyone but not before his grandpa pulled him to the side by putting an arm around his shoulders and leaning him over to whisper.

"Sonia's a wonderful friend, Lee. If you really want to impress her now would be a great time for a romantic gesture."

"G-GRANDPA!!"

You didn't hear the scuffle having gone out of the building but you all slowly walked your way down the street towards the houses until you all finally got to the split paths between the two houses. Bidding Mrs. G and the twins good bye for the moment as they all left to go settle back down into their own home while you followed Leon back to his home where Mrs. L offered you to just go and set your things back in your basement room. You did and came back up the stairs with Silver in tow now having been awakened and tailing you like a puppy but you didn't mind. You missed him following you around like that. You offered to help cook with Mrs. L and Leon's grandmother who were happy to accept your help as the boys caught up with their grandpa in the living room. It was still early in the morning but considering you all were cooking for about eleven people it understandably took a while. By the time noon DID role around people showed up. First was Sonia who knocked at the door, sadly Ms. Magnolia couldn't make it. Something about having to finish making arrangements to transfer the lab over to Sonia since she was retiring and Sonia was now promoted to the Postwick's Pokemon Professor. HEY! Good for her. Then came the twins and Mrs. G. The lunch wasn't anything too special. It was just like the other times you ate with them. laughing. Cracking jokes. Smiling. The guys happily told everyone aaallll about their experiences and what happened. With Sonia nodding as if taking notes. And you were happy to indulge her too as the hours ticked by and soon the light faded on Valentine's day. The twins and their mother eventually bid everyone good night. Same with Sonia. You helped Mrs. L clean up after everyone before bidding everyone goodnight yourself and going down to your room. Setting up your sleeping bag and getting in with Silver curling up next to you. You sighed. Falling asleep quickly as long last you felt at peace with yourself. Because for a once-

You felt at HOME.

-MARCH-

"Uh...What exactly is going on around here?"

It had been about a month since you arrived back in Postwick and already so many things had happened. Your Valentine's Day was great! And so was the rest of the week as the guys and Leon got to hang out with their families before he sadly had to once again take off for Wyndon again at the request of the new Chairman. Well he WAS still Champion after all. He still had a lot of responsibilities now that there was repairs going on. As for you, you got settled back into your basement room and had tried to once again (and succeeded in-) getting that job at Mr. Frederick's grocery store up the road a bit. And Mrs. L had instead started charging you a hundred dollars a month in rent instead of a hundred fifty. You suspected it was because of helping Leon but when you asked she claimed you were probably wanting to save money in order to move out once you figured out what you wanted to do again. Fair enough. If you were living in Galar now you'd need money to buy a house. The guys had been pretty chill. Usually going out to explore the fields or practice battle. Sonia had even published her book a week after you all arrived! Even making a free digital copy anyone could read on the web although you hadn't read it yet. Her publisher worked FAST! But that's not why you had woken up today. You had woken up to a whole bunch of commotion from downstairs and figured everyone was up, but when you came upstairs the strong scent of lemon and cleaning supplies hit your nose stronger than that roof piece did. And the sight of Hop wiping down one of the WALLS with a small rag certainly caught your tired brain off guard. Were you still dreaming???

"Oh uh. Good morning, Y/n!," the boy greeted your tired bed headed stare with an awkward smile. "Did I wake you up?"

"Kinda." You yawned reaching a hand up to rub your eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Oh! Spring cleaning! We do it every year once the weather's warm enough!"

"Spring cleaning?" He nodded. Oh. Makes sense. Lots of people did Spring Cleaning. You know you and your mom sure did.

"Yep! Once a year when it's Spring we clean the house literally top to bottom! But that's not the only reason why we're sprucing up the place!'' He turned back to the wall wiping it down with the biggest smile on his face. "I want everything to look it's best when Lee comes back this weekend!"

"...Say what now?"

"Lee called last night when you went to sleep! He's visiting us again this weekend and he's bringing a really special surprise for Glory! I dunno what it is yet but it's gotta be good! So today the house and then tomorrow the yard and shed! You wanna help?"

You shook your head no. "Sorry I can't. I have to work if I'm going to pay your mom that rent money for this month...But tell you what. Tell your mom to leave the basement and I'll clean that for you guys when I get back from work tonight. Ok?"

He beamed. "Yeah! That'd be a big help thanks!"

So Leon was coming that weekend huh? It'd be nice to see him again after so long. You just wondered what this 'surprise' was. Whelp you didn't have to wait long to find out that either because as he promised he showed up that weekend. The guys were pretty excited to see their big brother figure again and you'd be lying if you said you weren't excited to see him either. After all he was one of the few friends you had really. You kept your word of cleaning out the basement and downstairs bathroom for Mrs. L which she was grateful for but sadly weren't able to help much else due to your working. But it was alright. Mrs. G and the guys came over to help out and prepare things before Leon's big arrival that Saturday. And you were lucky enough to have the weekends off in order to see him. And then the day came. It was pretty early in the morning when someone bursts through the basement door startling you awake as Hop rushed down the stairs to wake you.

"Y/N!! WAKE UP WAKE UP!!"

"Huh?....What the-"

"LEON'S HERE!!", Hop excitedly called out for you from the basement stairs grinning like he had won a million dollars. "Everyone's here waiting for Mom to come back with him from the station! Come on before you miss him!"

You groaned. Oh. Right. It was THAT Saturday. "Alright. Alright. I'm up."

You groaned but did get up in order to go greet Leon. Whelp! You did want to see Leon again anyways. So you stumbled out of your sleeping back, slapped on come clothes that weren't PJs, and made yourself presentable in the bathroom before heading back up the stairs with Silver at your heels. But you were NOT prepared again for what you saw in the living room. Yes. Everyone was there. The guys, their moms, Leon's grandparents, and even Lee himself! But what you WEREN'T expecting was the extra person in the room. As soon as you had walked in someone had looked up from you at the couch and you paused seeing the much older man. And your eyes widened! NO. WAY. IT WAS KABU!! The older gym leader was sitting there in ordinary clothes right next to Leon and had looked up at you when you walked right in but paused in the doorway surprised. Kabu? Here? What in the world was one of the gym leader's doing here?

"Y/n!" You jumped when Leon smiled at you and gestured for you to come in as you stood there. "It's great to see you! Come in! You remember Kabu right?"

"Uh...Y-Yeah." You blinked before slowly walking in Silver at your heels. Still confused, you raised a hand and smiled at Kabu anyways. "Hey. Nice to see you again."

To your surprise instead of waving back the older man bowed to you. "It is an honor to meet our great champion's family and friends."

"Y-Yeah. Likewise. *ahem*....So what brings you to Postwick?"

"That's what this meeting here is all about." Leon looked back to Kabu who sat back up and looked to Gloria who you now realized was sitting across from him and Leon.

"Yes. You all must be very surprised someone like me decided to make the long journey here with Leon but rest assured that I had a purpose." His somber but calm expression met Gloria's. "You see there is a very good reason why I'm here. It is to see you." he then pointed a finger at Gloria.

Everyone looked surprised but more so Gloria who blinked and pointed at herself. "Ye came all the way from Motostoke jus' ta see ...me?" Kabu nodded but to her confusion. "But why?"

"A very good question to ask. And I have a very good answer. You see...I am in good shape for my age." ...You blinked raising a brow as he stated a ..true but very out of no where fact about him. "More than most people my age are, but as healthy as I may be it doesn't get rid of the fact that I am growing older. I have been the Fire Type Gym Leader for many years but it goes without saying I can't just keep that title forever. Like everyone there will be a time that I will decide or need to retire, but I can't as there's no one else to take over Motostoke's gym." ....He leaned forward making Gloria blink. "As with any Gym leader I study my opponents' moves, strategies, skill sets, and a slew of other variables in order to dictate their attacks. It's rare that I find a trainer who could not only beat me on her first try but in a way I wasn't expecting. Leon's judgement is something I respect highly and he wasn't wrong when he saw great potential in you Ms. Gloria."

The whole room fell silent for a moment as Gloria just..stared at him with the boys exchanging looks with each other before she spoke again. "Uh...W-Well thank ye. But what does that have ta do with anythin'?"

"It has to do with everything. Ms. Gloria if you're willing to accept my offer, and with your mother's permission of course." He nodded to Ms. G for a brief moment before turning back to her. "I would be honored to take you on and train you to become the new Fire Type Gym Leader of Motostoke."

Your. Jaw. DROPPED!! As did everyone else's besides Leon who smiled happily towards the shocked Gloria as she just sat there as kabu's words sank into everyone's heads. Kabu wanted to train HER!? As the new Fire Type Gym Leader for Motostoke!? THAT CERTAINLY WASN'T IN THE GAME!! After a moment of silence Gloria eventually sputtered out some noises that sounded like she was trying to talk gesturing her arms to him and around the room. Looking between him and Leon. Back and forth. Back and forth between the two league members before she finally let one word escape her mouth.

"WOT!?"

"Yes. Honestly with your skills and quick thinking I'm sure you'd make a great future gym leader. All you need is some guidance."

"I-I-I heard you b-b-but....WHY me!?" She gestured to herself again as if that was obvious. "I-I can't b-be a gym leader! I-I...I d-don't have the steel nerves it t-takes ta be one!"

"I thought you'd say that actually." She turned back to Leon who smiled warmly at her. "That's why I came up a plan that'd help you with your stage fright and anything else you might need improving on." With one hand Leon reached into his shirt's pocket and produced what looked like a tanish-golden colored train pass before holding it out to Gloria. "Here."

She blinked at it for a moment looking between Lee and the card before slowly taking it. "...What's this?"

"It's an exclusive Armor Pass."

"Armor Pass?," she asked him raising a brow.

He nodded with a hum. "Uh huh! With this you'll be able to directly go to the Isle of Armor station and catch one of their special taxi's to the island. That's where I trained when I first became Champion around your age. You see there's a very special dojo there with a very special teacher who specializes in training people into becoming better trainers. He's helped other people in the league before just like me. In fact he's pretty famous! You might even know about him. His name's Mustard."

You rose a brow. Mustard?? What kind of name was that?

"MUSTARD!?" You jumped hearing Hop shout eyes practically popping from his head with how wide they were in amazement. "As in like the old Champion who had the old title of Champion before he was defeated!? THAT MUSTARD!?"

Your eyes widened at Hop's words before turning to Leon who nodded. A former Champion?! No wonder Hop sounded amazed. "That's right. He's been running the dojo for years now and helps improve peoples' battling as well as themselves. I think it would be a great idea to have Gloria pay him a visit as I believe he'd be able to really help her come out of her shell. That is if she accepts Kabu's offer." He looked back to Gloria who still blinked at him. "You don't have to if you don't want to Gloria but know that you won't be in it alone."

"Yes. It's going to be hard work but that's what makes the end goal much more meaningful. But it depends on your answer."

Gloria blinked. Looked around the room at all of you. Looked at Leon. Looked at Kabu. Looked back down to the pass in her hands......Before smiling brightly like someone had just given her a brand new gym badge before looking back at Kabu! "YES!! O' course I accept ye offer! How can I not!? I just- Wow! THIS IS AMAZING!!"

A few smiles were shared even by the older man as Kabu bowed to her-

"Wait. When does she leave for the Isle of Armor?"

"Oh. Next Thursday. The train to the isle is already scheduled to arrive at noon then."

"NEXT THURSDAY!?" Everyone jumped as all of sudden Gloria shot up to her feet in panic. Hands grabbing her cheeks as a wave of fear washed over her all of a sudden. "T-THAT SOON!? I JUST- ....I NEED TA GO PACK!!" And with that she turned and fled. Silver having to literally jump out of the way as Gloria sped off out of Hop's out throwing the door open with a BANG behind her in her rush. Leaving everyone there sitting in silence...Until Mrs. G sighed.

The Isle of Armor?? Why did that sound familiar to you?...Oh well. You didn't pay it much mind but you were happy for Gloria to get such an unexpected surprise! Being trained by both a gym leader and a former champion sounds like a dream come true for someone like her. You didn't know all the details but Kabu talked for a while with Mrs. G getting Gloria's Mother's permission to train her before leaving back for Motostoke on the evening train. Leon himself left the very next day after carefully walking Gloria through everything including where she needed to go showing the place on her regional maps before leaving again. The life of the Champion must've been busy especially with fixing up after Mr. Rose. ...Huh. You wondered if they ever caught Oleana yet? Days passed and you kept going to and from work but you saw Gloria again when she and Mrs. G came into the store to purchase more traveling supplies for her trip to the Isle of Armor. There she gave you her finished Curry Dex book claiming she didn't want the prizes she would've gotten anyways since they were toys and she was too old for them. Fair enough. And apparently Leon left her a gift and note in his room upon leaving. She was happy to show off her new Charmander to you. AH! And THERE'S the final gifted pokemon of the game. You ended up just putting the curry dex book thing in your pack with your other belongings. Soon Thursday rolled around and Mr. Frederick was nice enough to let you have the day off so you could see Gloria off with the others that afternoon. You, Hop, Victor, and Mrs. G all traveled with her to the station. Gloria both giddy and nervous with a big old stuffed pack on her back. Mrs. G asking over and over again if Gloria remembered to pack everything she needed. First aid kit. Food. Clothes. A coat. Her sleeping bag. Etc. When you got to the train station Practically no one was there except for one or two other people and the station master behind the counter as usual. You did pause to look at the other two people who were dressed somewhat strangely and very colorfully waiting for the train as well. One had really BRIGHT pink hair and the other guy wore this gigantic top hat with pokeballs floating around it like some psychic pokemon. Wha- How was he doing that? Your attention was brought back to the present as the distant sounds of the evening train approaching caught everyone's attention.

"There's the train!," Mrs. G commented before grabbing Gloria by the shoulders with a look. "Are you sure you packed everything you needed?"

"Yes, Mum! For the millionth time I double checked this mornin'. I'll be fine travelin' there. Lee said he was gonna meet me at the taxi station anyways."

Mrs. G still didn't look so sure but Victor assured her. "Don't worry none, Mum. Glory's gonna be fine on her trip there."

Eventually she did sigh and remove her hands from Gloria. "You're right. I just can't help but be worried about her traveling by herself. You all are growing up too fast for my liking."

"She'll be fine!," Hop said smiling widely before looking to Gloria, "You're gonna do great Glory! I know you will! You're my rival after all so you have to do your best or else I'll become a better trainer than you."

Gloria smiled back at him. "Ha! We'll see 'bout that. OH! I almost forgot! I got something for ye!" She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a pokeball, holding it up to the purple haired boy. "'Ere! I had a couple a few extra o' these wee ones lying about an' I know they mean a lot ta people in a special way so I got ye one."

Hop slowly took the pokeball from her. "A pokemon? For me?"

She nodded. "It's a rare find I had been gifted by Sonia back at Wyndon but I have no use for it. But don't see what it is til ye get home. Ok?"

Hop again blinked but smiled widely. "Wow! This is amazing Glory! Thank you." he excited turned to Victor holding up the brand new pokeball. "Hey, Vick! Look what Glory gave me!"

"You gave Hop a pokemon?"

Gloria turned to you and nodded. "I gave all me rivals an extra pokemon I got from the rotomi boxes ta show there's nay hard feelings. After all you said I shouldn't cause any bad blood between me rivals."

You smiled. "Oh ..Wow, Gloria. That was really nice of you! What did you give them if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh nothin' special really. I gave Marnie a wee purloin I found and I sent Bede a lovedisc before we went ta see you at the hospital."

You froze. .....And blinked. "Wait, wait, wait. You gave BEDE a what?!"

"This cute water pokemon I found called a lovedisc," she gushed obvliviously. "It was jus' the cutest wee thing shaped like a sweet lil heart! I figured since Bede's always wearin' pink and he has works with cute fair type pokemon it'd be perfect! An' I gave Hop one of the extra pokeballs I had forgotten in me bag." She paused with a hum rubbing her chin. "I can't remember what pokemon it was but I'm sure Hop will love it all the same!"

You wanted to facepalm right then and there. Because as soon as the words 'I gave Bede a lovedisc' slipped out of her mouth so obliviously you knew she had once again blundered. And you had a good reason why. There was ONE specific pokemon Dex entry you specifically remembered about luvdisc-

"Its heart-shaped body makes it popular. In some places, you would give a Luvdisc to someone you love."

AND she gave one to Bede who she already flustered with accidentally making him think she was trying to gift him an applin. Great. You sighed but figured maybe Bede wouldn't know or he wouldn't think much of it since she also gifted Marnie a purrloin and Hop a....mystery pokemon you have yet to figure out. Here's hoping. The sounds of the train came further and further until with a high pitched screech it stopped right in front of you all and the station master announced it.

"The train to the Isle of Armor has arrived! Those with an Armor Pass please board the train! The train will departing in fifthteen minutes!"

"That's me cue!" Gloria said as the other two weirdly dressed people walked up to the station master. She turned back to all of you with a smile. "I guess this is good bye for now."

"Don't worry about us," you assured her smiling. "You're going to do great out there!"

"Yeah! Glory, you'll do great!" "It's gonna be great to have a Champion brother and Gym Leader Rival!" "I'll miss you, Sweetie."

Hugs were had all around and good bye's were exchanged before Gloria a little tearfully joined the other two weirdly dressed folks in line for the train as the station master checked their passes.

"Do you have an Armor Pass?"

"Naturally. I have made all the proper preparations which you can observe with unclouded eyes."

"Hee hee! Of course! I totally have one!"

"Then please allow me to check your passes."

You all watched as the weirdly dressed people handed their passes to the station master who proceeded to look over both behind the booth. Huh...Why did those two look familiar? Deja vu again. But you shrugged it off. Lots of different people in the pokemon world. They probably just reminded you of some you've seen before. After a moment the station master handed the two back their passes and they stepped out of the way for Gloria to walk up and also hand him her pass Leon gave her. It was also at that moment the doors to the train opened and something came walking out of it. You turned ..and blinked as a SLOWPOKE slowly crawled it's way out of the train's doorway and into the station. It's dopey grinning face smiling at nothing as it randomly crawled into the station. Wha- What was a slowpoke doing here? Silver noticed too and chirped at it curiously gaining it's attention...or more so the food Silver held that he had been snacking on. the slowpoke peeked it's interest at that and came towards Silver making him chirp in warning backing up behind your legs holding his precious food from it's reach.

"Aw. Hey little guy." You slowly kneeled down to the pokemon who tilted it's head curiously but otherwise none threateningly at you as you kneeled down catching everyone's attention. "Where did you come from?" Of course it didn't answer you but made a happy noise when you reached out to pet it's head. CUTE!

"Oh a slowpoke!" "Hmph. To meet a slowpoke. Such a thing is simply elegant."

You paid no mind to the other two adults but the station master peeked out of his booth to see the thing before giving a groan. "Uh oh. Looks like another one's gotten on the train and ridden over from the Isle of Armor. Hey you're all pokemon trainers right?" He asked you all. "If Slowpoke blocks the ticket gate, it'll cause trouble for other customers. Slowpoke are actually really heavy. So do you think you can catch it for me?"

"I think it's just hungry," you answered back noticing the way it kept staring at Silver's food as your brave guard dog cowered away from the dopey looking teddy bear thing.

"If that case I can lead it out of the station with this." You turned to Victor who reached inside of his pocket and pulled out what looked like those granola breakfast bars that no one really liked besides him. Carefully peeling off the wrapper he exposed the granola berry mix thing and went over to the slowpoke. It was pretty easy to catch his attention as it almost immediately turned it's head to him. "C'mon boy! Ye want it? Come get it." And like magic the pokemon turned and slowly began following Victor as he made his way to back out of the station. The slowpoke slowly but surely following behind.

The station master sighed. "Thanks much! Slowpoke can be a big trouble to move sometimes." And he went back to finish giving Gloria her pass as Victor continued to lead the pokemon out of the station.

"Hmmm? How interesting. I must say your catching style is quite simply elegant." "Whoa amazing! The way you're catching that slowpoke is the absolute coolest!"

Victor chuckled nervously as he continued leaving. "Are you guys getting on the train too?"

They both turned to Gloria and the pink haired lady nodded. "I'm heading to a place called the Isle of Armor! I'm gonna catch some rare pokemon and do some training!"

The blonde haired man nodded. Again HOW were those pokeballs floating around his hat?? "I've heard it's a place where one can catch rare pokemon and do lots of training."

Before Gloria could say anything else the station master turned back to the three of them. "We apologize for the wait. We have checked your Armor pass. All aboard the the train to the Isle of Armor! Mind your step when boarding. Please be aware there will also be a connection along the way."

"Okaaay!" "Understood."

The pink haired lady turned back to Gloria. "Let's hang if we meet up again, 'K? Bye bye then! See ya!"

The taller blonde man reached up to tip his hat slightly to Gloria. "Yes. Perhaps we shall meet again sometime. Well then please excuse me."

And both turned to board the train. You all watched them go before Hop hummed. "I could be wrong..But that lady looked familiar."

"You too huh?" Hop nodded and you hummed. Ok. That was strange. Hop seemed to kinda recognize them too so it's more than a deja vu affect. ...Well considering those two were in Wedgeherst Station that means they must've been from Postwick too right? You must've seen them around before and not paid them much attention beforehand. Yeah. That must've been it.

The station master ended up giving Gloria her pass and she quickly boarded the train but she paused and looked behind her at you all....Smiling sadly and waved. You all waved back to her smiling and in Mrs. G's case crying lightly until the doors closed and the train moved. And she was off. You were certainly going to miss having her around but Leon promised to call you all and let you know when he and Gloria met up at the taxi station. And you weren't going to stop her from going on this amazing chance to be trained by strong people. Although you still felt deja vu from all this for some reason. Oh well. When you all eventually started making your way back out from the station, you ended up running back into Victor who managed to catch the slowpoke. Good for him. Hop and him talked for a moment mentioning Gloria leaving Victor her...Sword?? You were confused but paid it no mind on your way back home. Hop was curious to see what kind of pokemon Gloria had given him and you were also curious. She said she left him a pokeball she had forgotten was in her backpack, but exactly what kind of pokemon was that? Once you all got home Hop couldn't wait anymore and threw the pokeball then and there in the hallway. And what popped OUT of it shocked you all. In a bright light out popped an....Apple? With..eyes? You were extremely confused at first seeing it because what WAS that thing? However the shocked gasped and almost worrying expression that came over Hop's face made you look to him.

"Hop? What's the matter? Are you ok?"

"I-...She just-...That a-.." He stammered and sputtered looking between you and the pokemon that blinked around the place curiously. Before Hop finally looked to you shocked and pointed at the pokemon. "THAT'S AN APPLIN!!"

AN APPLIN!? Your eyes widened as you suddenly looked back to the pokemon. THAT was an APPLIN!? Why in the world would Gloria give Hop an applin of all pokemon!? Isn't an applin supposed to be the symbolic pokemon of love in Galar or something!? Wait. Didn't she say she had forgotten what kind of pokemon was left in her bag?? WHERE DID SHE EVEN GET AN APPLIN IN THE FIRST PLACE LET ALONE FORGET SHE JUST HAD ONE-....You paused. The distant memory of you guys back in Hammerlocke came to mind. The day that Gloria helped that kid with his crush who moved away. The day Bede mistook her trying to give HIM that applin. THAT applin. ...THIS APPLIN!! The same applin she slipped into her backpack claiming she'd figure out what to do with it later but you both had forgotten it was even there this ENTIRE time! And now Gloria had mistakenly given it to Hop forgetting what it was and just as a platonic gift between friends. .....OH NO!!

"W-WHY WOULD GLORY GIVE ME AN APPLIN!?...Unless..." Hop paused. His golden eyes widening before slowly looking back towards the pokemon. "Unless she's trying to tell me that she..." In an instant his face lit up brighter than a firework on the fourth of july.

"Actually this might've been an accident on her part."

He looked to you. "H-HOW CAN THIS BE A MISTAKE!?"

...How were you going to explain this when he hated Bede? "Well-....Uuuhhhh...I-..."

"T-This is really unexpected!" Hop muttered to himself reaching his hand up to rub his chin in thought. "I-I mean I know w-we're close but I never expected...THIS!!"......He suddenly smiled before narrowing his eyes. "HA!! Well then this just makes things all the better! In that Mareep Head's face! I can't wait to see his reaction when he knows not only am I Gloria's one true rival but the one true person she'll ever show affection to as well!!"

...A slap sounded out as you utterly AND literally facepalmed.

-APRIL-

You had..tried to explain to Hop what happened but gave up half way through and decided to let Gloria handle it whenever she saw him again. She'd probably be able to make him listen to her if she explained it to him anyways. The last two to three weeks of March went off without much excitement other than Hop receiving a book in the mail and Sonia completely taking over the lab for the now retired Professor Magnolia. But over all the days went by the same. You went to work, paid rent, help Mrs. L around the house, and Hop and Victor would go off and go off to try to catch pokemon or hang out. Sometimes Victor would even show you the pictures he shot with the new camera Leon gave him for Christmas last year. Until one day at least. You had woken up around eight o'clock in the morning and got up and went upstairs to go out the door to head to work with Silver at your heels, but when you were about to exit the house you were stopped by Mrs. L.

"Y/n!" You had paused in the doorway door open about to step out when you looked over and saw a slightly worried expression on the older woman's face as she walked out from the kitchen towards you.

"Hey. What's up?," you asked turning to her as she stopped in front of you.

"Have you seen Hop today? He wasn't in his room this morning when I went to go wake him up for breakfast. Do you know where he went?"

You blinked. Hop was gone? You shook your head. "No I haven't. I just woke up a bit ago myself. But I'm sure he's just probably out with Victor again. Did you ask his mom?"

Mrs. L shook her head. "No. ...But you have a good point. I'll go ask her when I get a chance later."

"Ok. If I see him in town I'll tell him to call you or something. But don't worry. I'm sure he's fine."

And you were sure he was since you didn't have any bad feelings about this. Mrs. L agreed with you before you were able to leave and head back into town where you met up with Mr. Frederick. The day was nothing special. He had you clean out a mini freezer and stack a few new cans on a shelf, but that was about it as he handled the register. You didn't see any signs of Hop or Victor while you were working and you didn't see any signs of Mrs. L coming worriedly into town looking for him so you assumed everything was well. It wasn't until around noon that something did happen. You were in the middle of sweeping up the floor when Mr. Frederick called you over. He had just received a call on the phone near the cash register and had gotten off of it before calling you over.

"Miss Y/n?"

You looked up from your sweeping as Silver sat boredly by and over to the older man behind the cash register. "Yes?"

"I had just received a call that a package had just arrived for me down at the station," he explained with a smile, "I don't suppose you could run down over there and pick it up for me? The Station master should know I'm sending someone to pick it up."

You smiled at him widely. "Sure! I'd love too. It shouldn't take too long."

"Thank you kindly. Hurry back now."

Leaving the broom leaning against the wall you slowly made your way out the door and down to Wedgeherst Station with Silver in tow which you didn't mind. It probably beat him staying there bored out of his mind. You smiled humming to yourself enjoying the warm weather in the new spring air. Pretty flowers and grass everywhere. The Postwick country side was beautiful! It beat the crowded Wyndon in your eyes. Plus who knows? You might see some cool wild pokemon. Soon you reached the station and noticed the train in the station. Oh. It must've just arrived you thought. You went right up to the station master and asked with a smile.

"Hi! Mr. Frederick sent me to pick up a package for him."

The man on the other side smiled. "Oh of course! He said he'd send someone over the phone. Just one moment."

The man reached onto the floor beneath him and soon you were given a decently heavy box about the size of Silver. Not heavy enough where you couldn't carry it but def enough to where you would HAVE to use both hands to carry and it would slow your movements. With it securely in your arms you turned and like a cliche movie accidentally bumped into someone. You yelped as the bump made the weight of the box accidentally shift and you dangerously tilted to the right. In a blur of blue, someone's arms shot out and grabbed the box before you could fall over thankfully making you still stand.....You sighed and pulled up on the box along with the blue sleeved hands helping you safely shift the box back in a safer hold. Sighing in relief you turned to the owner of the hands as they let go of the box.

"Pardon me my dear lady." .....You blinked. WHAT THE HECK- A man with blue eyes and pal tanish-blonde hair in a blue suit smiled at you. "That was rather rude of me to bump into you like that. My apologies.~"

"Uh..." Oooook. Well there WOULDN'T be anything wrong with the guy really. If his hair wasn't styled in a weird do....That looked like a LITERAL sword! You stared at him for what was probably considered rude before turning to the guy right next to him who looked the same except he wore a red suit instead of a blue one and his hair was styled up in what looked like a shield!! WHAT-..You stared at their weird hairdos for a little longer before eventually snapping out of it and clearing your throat. "Uh. I-It's fine. My bad. Thanks for the help though."

"Brother." The sword-hair guy turned to the shield-haired one. "We should get on the train. Now."

The blue suited man nodded before turning back to you. "Please excuse me." And both scrambled around you and through the ticket gate. Into the train they went all of a sudden like you the time that onix chased you.

You just watched as they both disappeared. You also thought you saw the red suited guy holding something but you couldn't be too sure since they left so quickly and you were more focused on their weird hair. "What the world was that all about?"

"HEY!! COME BACK HERE THIEVES!!"

Hey! You knew that voice! Your head snapped up just in time to see HOP of all people come running through the station just as the announcer called out that the train was about to leave. "HOP!?" You called out to him but for whatever reason he didn't even look at you. He shoved some kind of card into the ticket gate before he too entered the train- "HOP!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? GET OFF THAT TRAIN!!" He didn't listen. His form disappeared into the train as well and before you could even move the train took off! "HOP!!" You yelled running up to the ticket gate and stopping still calling out even though it did absolutely nothing. "HOP COME BACK!!"

It was no use. The train ran and ran until the last freight car completely left the station. You stood there SPEECHLESS for a good few moment because...WHAT JUST HAPPENED!? Did Hop really just- ...What did he just DO!? You stood there continuing to stare for a long time before one thought crossed your mind. YOU HAD TO TELL MRS. L!! Sharply turning you clutched the package to you and ran from the building, Silver giving a noise and running off after you. As fast as you could you ran all the way back to the store. Startling Mr. Frederick at seeing your panting self. Delivering the package and briefly explaining that there was a family emergency before again leaving. Running down the path way back down towards Mrs. L's house. And it was with this running that you happened to bump into another person you knew. VICTOR! He just ran out in front of you away from where Sonia's lab was located not paying you any attention as you skidded to a halt.

"VICTOR!?"

The boy skidded to a stop before whirling around at you running towards him and he blinked wide eyed. "Y/N!! WHERE'S HOP!? HE WASN'T AT SONIA'S LAB!"

You also skidded to a stop in front of his panicked face breathing raggedly. "YEAH I SAW HIM!" You pointed back up towards the train station. "HE JUST HOPED ON THE TRAIN CHASING AFTER SOMEONE!!"

"W H A T!?" Victor screeched hands flying up to grab at his beanie. "YOU MEAN HE'S G O N E!?"

"Flew outta here like a zubat outta heck! Victor WHAT is going on!?"

"I-...I-I don't know!" He gestured around in a panic. "We went ta put back the blasted sword n' shield they used to destroy Eternatus but then these two weird blokes with giant hair came outta now where and managed ta make off with the bloody shield!"

"WHAT!?" The sword and shield they used to destroy Eternatus!? And the shield had been STOLEN by- You paused...Wait. Big hair- YOU SAW THOSE TWO AT THE STATION!! That means the thing that red suited was carrying must've been the ancient shield the guys used in game to destroy Eternatus! But why in the world would they take it!?

Victor nodded. "W-We thought he'd be at the lab but he nay was an' then Sonia's dynamax detector whatchamacallit picked up some weird spike in Turrfield! And....A-AN I DON' KNOW WHAT TA DO!?"

"Then that's where they're heading!"

"How do you know!?"

"Call it a hunch." You grabbed him by the shoulders. "Listen to me. Everything's gonna be fine. Ok? I won't you to go back home and pack what you need to go! We're heading for Turrfield on the next train! Meet me by the store so we can get supplies ok!?"

Still shaken up and panicked Victor managed to nod to you and you both ran back towards the houses. You HAD to tell Mrs. L and tell her to call Leon! You didn't know what was going on but this was NO coincidence. But upon arriving at the house you discovered no one there but Hop's grandparents. When you asked panicked where his mother was they answered she was currently out. Something about a problem with the fencing in one of her fields and a famer and she possibly wouldn't be back for HOURS. You gritted your teeth but there was no time to argue. Instead you raced to the basement and in a haste packed up EVERYTHING of yours into your bag as fast as you could. Slapping your sleeping bag on top and strapping it in before racing back towards the stairs to meet the concerned grandparents. You couldn't explain now but you DID tell them that you were going after Hop to Turrfield and to tell his mom and Leon as fast as they could. They were shocked and you would've loved to explain to them more about what was going on but you didn't have time to explain everything. Instead you ran out of the house and down the path. Running into Victor again as he was already running up the road ahead of you with his giant pack heading towards your meeting place the store. Good! With Silver at your heels and your lungs heaving you ran all the way back to the store to meet an anxious Victor already waiting there.

"WELL!?"

"She wasn't home! But don't worry I made sure she'd know!,'' you reassured him seeing the panicked look on his face. "We just need to get supplies and get on the next train out of here after him!"

"T-That w-would be the new evenin' train at five thirty!"

"There's an evening train now?" He nodded. "Good! That just means well catch up to him faster." You grabbed his arm pulling him into the store. "Come on. We need supplies before we go."

It was almost like when these guys took off from Wyndon all over again only this time it was one guy chasing down thieves you had to worry about and he was all alone without anyone to help him if he got in trouble. You explained rather hastily and apologized to Mr. Frederick that you probably not be coming back and were leaving on such short notice as you both bought a lot of supplies Victor just SHOVING them in his bag before you two scurried away back down to the station and just....sat there and waited. It was the only thing you could do for the entire five and a half hours it would take for the evening train to arrive. In between that time you tried your best to comfort an anxious and blubbering Victor as he stammered and explained to you everything that happened in the Slumbering Weald. Them putting the items back to running into Sonia to them appearing claiming to be the 'King of Galar' and then Hop running off after the two before he could stop him. You tried to calm him down while trying to keep yourself calm. You didn't know much about what was going on but either way you were going to find out! After feeling like an eternity just WAITING there the train you both were waiting for arrived. Not wasting any time you two scrambled to it squeezing past the gate and falling into the train. Bolting for the nearest blue seats as if THAT would make the train go faster. What felt like another eternity was actually five minutes when the train finally started off and you looked out the window. Catching your reflection staring back in the light of the setting sun before sighing.

You could never really catch a break for long around here could you?

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pokeexehasstoppedworking · 3 years ago

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Love Doesn’t Do Encores Ch31 The Calm Before The Next Storm