TMWolf: You know what? I feel like bringing in Leon early, so let's do that shall we? ;) That, and I think we need some sass to get the fun rolling a bit, yeah? After this, though, it's going to be weekly updates, so sorry to disappoint hehe. Gotta keep y'all in suspense, though, or something lol
Anyways, I put some major world-building points last chapter, so hopefully you didn't miss them. If you have any questions or comments feel free to review! Also, if you see mistakes, do let me know, I don't mind :)
And now time to bring in Leon! Or my version of him anyways!
P.S. Pokemon are fun to write hehe
02 - Wamth
There were a few things Leon was aware of when he came to.
One, he was rather warm, and last he recalled was being half-frozen.
Two, he was undressed and covered in blankets.
Three, he was in a cave.
And, four, he was being stared at by a Corviknight.
The dark-feathered bird tilted its head this way and that, watching at him intensely with its big, red eyes. It blinked once, peering closer and making his heart race a little faster. Was he dead and didn't know it and this was some strange bodily experience that let him witness the moment he became food for a Pokémon?
Thankfully, it was just a silly—perhaps even delirious—thought, as the Pokémon only cawed, shaking its feathers before hopping away. Growls and chirps and chuffs filled his ears next and he turned his face to look. If he weren't so exhausted, he would have jumped up in surprise at the sight of a Lucario, Lapras, Boltund, Corviknight, and Arcanine on the opposite side of the fire—along with a familiar Charizard. His companion was awake, watching him with a pleased smile. His long-time friend made to move, but the Arcanine let off a short barking growl while using its paw to push the fellow fire-type back down. To his surprise, his Charizard only grumbled back as its furry compatriot blew another small blast of fire onto its tail, which looked good, albeit a bit weak. Not unlike his owner.
"Where...?" Leon questioned, although it was more of a groan as he began to ease himself up. He found out just how weak he really was then, when the task alone was exhausting. He also underestimated the warmth of the blanket and couldn't help hissing when the cold air hit his bare skin. It was then he remembered he was practically naked save for his briefs. He couldn't stop the heat in his cheeks as he quickly pulled the blankets close, and glanced around for his clothes. He found them, to his surprise, hanging on the spikes of Lapras' shell, which had positioned itself near the flame—to dry them, he realized.
Well, if he was sure of one thing, it was that these Pokémon had a trainer. A smart one. One he no doubt owed his and Charizard's life to.
The young man glanced to the cave entrance, where a snowstorm brewed. It wasn't as bad as the one he remembered fighting through before they fell, but there was no way they could travel still. They were definitely trapped here, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The Pokémon were obviously friendly, and their trainer had saved him. Although, he had a lot of questions about that—some that did make him suspicious. After all, he couldn't recall many people who camped in caves in a blizzard in the mountains. The team was also strong-very strong. He could feel it. They might even be strong enough to take his on, which meant his Charizard was badly outmatched. They were helping his Pokémon, though, so surely their trainer wasn't a bad one?
The Lucario barked suddenly, jostling Leon from his thoughts. He was greeted with a bowl of hot soup. Not much, about half full. He couldn't help raising a brow—it knew not to feed him too much? Or had its Trainer told it to do so? He might have considered it was drugged, but his growling stomach demanded he ignore that concern. So, he chose to be grateful and sipped carefully to relish in the warmth it sent through his body. It gave him some strength, back, too—enough to chuckle at his long-time friend.
"Made a new best friend I see. You never cuddle with me like that," he winked, ever cheeky if he could help it. That, and he decided to believe they truly meant him no harm. His Charizard reared its head slightly, glared, and then turned around to pout and "ignore" him. He laughed, glad to see his Pokémon doing better. They'd almost died in that storm, and he wished he had never let themselves get into it, but it had been their only escape.
What a damned fool he'd been.
Worse still, the danger wasn't over. No, if anything, it was only beginning.
The Boltund's ears twitched and it stood up suddenly, tail wagging quickly while it yapped in excitement. The others also perked up, save for Arcanine who only lifted its head for a moment, but then refocused on Charizard's tail. Leon followed their attention to the front, where, of all things, a Tyranitar appeared. Instinctively, he tensed, if only because they could be territorial and cranky Pokémon and were one of the strongest kind to find in the wild. However, he soon realized the Pokémon were happy to see the beast, especially the Corviknight, which danced around it, flapping its wings, and exchanged some kind of conversation in the form of chirps, squawks, barks, and grumbles. Leon couldn't help laughing and shaking his head, having never seen such a strange sight.
"Ah, you're up. Thank goodness!" came a feminine voice, and Leon was presented with a woman covered head to toe in winter gear that carried a thin layer of snow on top, which she did her best to shake off at the entrance. She pulled her hood back and ski goggles free, revealing red locks under a warm hat, and a only lightly-tanned, freckled face. Her gloves followed in suit so she could give her bouncing Boltund proper attention before taking it up into her arms like a young Yamper. It was oddly cute, and it was obvious all her Pokémon shared similar affection for her. Love and respect was there; the kind you didn't find every day. It reminded him of his own team. He cringed knowing they were resting unknowingly in the Battle Tower. At least they were being cared for.
"Yeah. I... thank-you. I owe you my life," he nodded, eyes never leaving her as she came to sit by the fire, warming her hands. She glanced over at him, and then down. He frowned, confused, but then realized the position of the blankets, which didn't fully cover his front. His cheeks warmed once again as he pulled them back up with an awkward cough.
She chuckled, "Sorry. Your clothes should be dry now if you'd like to change."
"Ah, yes, I think I'd like that. Although, why did you...have to, uh..."
"Oh," she replied, realizing his meaning. She coughed herself, "Yes, well. They were wet and you were freezing. You needed to get warm—fast. Anyways, you can go change behind Lapras. Just be careful; she might play with your hair. She's cheeky."
"I see!" Leon laughed lightly, if only to be rid of his own anxiousness—it didn't work—as he stood up, blankets wrapped around himself, and did just that. To his relief, his garments were totally dry and also warm. He slipped everything on and began to fold the blanket, but was waylaid some when his hair was lightly tugged. He couldn't help chuckling as Lapras' face came ever-so close to his, gray eyes wide with curiosity. It hummed happily, nudging and lightly tugging at his clothes next. He rubbed its snout in response, "You're sweet, aren't you?"
It's chirp and smile were answer enough.
"Sorry—like I said, she's cheeky! But she's a sweet thing, I promise," the young woman grinned as he came back around. He was surprised to find she'd removed her jacket, revealing a more form-fitting long-sleeve. Then again, the fire was warm, and her Pokémon made a shield of sorts from the cold wind behind her.
"It's fine. You've raised some amazing Pokémon, by the way. All of them," he grinned, and then motioned to the Arcanine, "Did you teach them that—to keep the tail hot?"
"Sort of. It's a bit on instinct, too; Arc has always been protective, and fire types naturally have an affinity to each other. Well, to an extent. But in this case, he pretty much sees Charizard as his unruly Growlithe pup right now—hence the pinning antics. Don't worry, though; you can have your friend back once his flame is stronger. He's still recovering from his injuries, too. Speaking of, how are yours?"
"I'm tired, and a do have an ache in my side, but I feel fine otherwise. Mostly hungry. How long was I out?"
"One day... and a half technically," she hummed, and waved off his shock, "You took a slight fever, so it's only natural. Luckily your wound wasn't too bad. Charizard should be mostly healed by tomorrow, I think. Although...
The young woman looked to the entrance, "The storm is going to be going a while longer. Maybe into tomorrow but maybe not. All depends on luck and so long as some Ice Pokemon doesn't get pissed and start it over. Thankfully they seem to be at ease right now."
Leon frowned, "How do you...?"
"Tyranitar and I just went to check. They're used to me since I've been out here for months now, and I made a point to give them treats so they associate me with a good feeling. Still, I always bring Tyranitar. He may be type-weak, but he's still stronger and bigger than most of them, and a good glare can keep the unruly ones in line-," she spoke, though suddenly paused as if realizing something. She looked briefly at him, then back to the fire, cheeks turning a light pink, "Ah, sorry—I was rambling."
"No, it's fine—that all sounded fascinating, actually. You really know Pokémon, don't you?" he grinned, to which she shrugged sheepishly. "Seriously, I can tell from your team. They trust you a lot, enough so they were totally calm while you were away. Mine would be freaking out—especially Charizard."
She raised a brow, "Isn't that because you're bad with directions?"
It was his turn to blush, "Aaaah, what? How do you—?"
"I'd have to live under a rock and not just in a cave to know who you are, Leon," she chuckled, and held out her hand. "Here, I'll make things even: I'm Cassandra. 'Cas for short."
"It's nice to meet you, Cassandra. Wish I could surprise you with my name, buuut..."
"You were only the star of the Gym challenge, becoming Champion your first year and holding your title for ten years straight. But don't worry—I won't ask you to do the pose."
"Normally I wouldn't be so relieved to hear you say that, but I'm still pretty tired," Leon grinned. He paused, though, and regarded her curiously. "Where are we, if you don't mind?"
"You're on the western side of the Wyndon mountain range. The far west, to be precise. You'd have to cross two mountain peaks to reach the path in the safe area or the rails."
"We got pushed pretty far," he mumbled, glancing to his Charizard then back to Cassandra, "So if you're out here... you must have collected all the badges, but I don't remember you—or your team in the challenge."
Cassandra hummed as she finally took up her own bowl to fill with food, "Because I never went to the Championship Cup—I didn't want to."
"...Er... really?"
"What? Is that so crazy?" she snickered.
"Well... yes? Everyone who takes the Gym Challenge wants—wanted to try and beat me to be Champion. What about your sponsors?"
"I didn't have any."
Leon paused, brows scrunched, "That's not... you can't do the challenge without a sponsor."
"You can with special permission. I applied to the League and asked it be kept anonymous because I didn't intend to face the champion. I also made a 'donation', if you will, so that they technically wouldn't lose money even if they showed me on the viewers, so the League agreed. I guess I can understand the shock, though," Cassandra mused, sipping some of the warm fluid. "Not many do it that way. I think... its only ten so far? That's what I remember being told about a year or two ago, anyways. It might be more now."
"Dare I ask what the special permission was?"
"It's fine," Cassandra waved and began to rummage through the pack she had beside her. From it, she pulled out a case. When opened, he was presented with eight, glimmering badges. Definitely not Galar.
"Are those... Johto badges?" he balked.
"Yep. Kanto underneath, and then I have a few other regions along with them. Galar's been the most recent visit, and I just haven't left yet. I didn't really feel like taking on another Champion either—especially not here. It's too much work and all the cameras are... too much. I didn't want it all regardless if I won or lost. I didn't become a trainer for that kind of attention—no offense."
"It's fine, and I can't say I blame you. It's been... nice, in a way, since I was dethroned," Leon hummed, tugging a blanket he'd once discarded back around him.
Cassandra watched him for a few moments, "You sure you should be telling me that?"
"What? Gonna rat me out to the press?" he smirked with a wink, but then shrugged. "You saved my life. I don't see a reason to not be candid. Besides, we're sort of trapped here and all we can do is talk, right? And It's not like it isn't true. I worry about Gloria-the new Champion, to be honest. It's a lot of pressure for someone that age. I got lucky... or maybe unlucky. I think she is strong enough, but..."
"But you know how it is. Makes me glad the other regions aren't so bad. They don't even make you take on the role; you can let the previous one keep it. Made it easier for me to keep traveling."
Leon raised a brow, "So you are a Champion."
"Only on my League ID Card. Lance is still holding his position back home, Cynthia I think might have passed it on, and Steven is still there. Alder should be, too."
"No wonder your team is so impressive. They've all seen quite a lot."
"Lapras, Boltund, and Corv are all from here, actually, so I've only had them a little over a year, but they fit in well. Arcanine and Tyranitar I've both had since I started in Johto, and Lucario I picked up in Sinnoh. He likes to act like he was an original, though."
The Pokémon in question made a bark-like sound and proceed to turn away, arms folded, and nose held high. Both trainers chuckled.
"Uh-oh, looks like he's upset with you," Leon smirked.
Cassandra winked, "He'll get over it soon enough."
Arcanine let out a soft bark, catching their attention. The large Pokémon finally slipped itself from the Charizard, whom was all too happy to finally stand and stretch, shaking away the kinks. It brought its tail around to inspect, and, pleased with the results, turned to its fellow fire-type. The two exchanged barks and growls before the lizard-like Pokémon nuzzled hers gently then huffed as if it was beneath him. Leon couldn't resist laughing as he got up and approached his partner, whom happily nuzzled into his purple hair. In turn he wrapped his arms around the large creature's head, unable to stop a shaky breath.
"I'm so glad you're okay, bud... and I'm so sorry for what happened. I shouldn't have done that to you," he murmured. The Charizard rumbled deeply, but only returned the embrace and then set his chin onto the man's head.
"I think he forgives you," Cassandra smiled.
Leon chuckled, "I think so. He's always been soft on me. Surprised he hasn't run off with how much I rely on him to know where I'm going."
"Well, good thing about Charizard's—once you have their loyalty, it's a sure-thing you won't lose it. At least when it comes to a good guy such as yourself."
The young man turned to show off a cheeky grin, "So... you think I'm a good guy, huh?"
"Huh? Ah! Oh!" Cassandra guffawed, flushing some. "Evidently, I should have left you in the snow. But if you must know, yes. I think you're a good person. As does every Galarian and their Boltund. Now sit down and stay warm. Have a cuddle with Arcanine if you'd like."
"Oh, is it finally my turn?"
"I mean, Charizard is welcome to do it some more; Arcanine likes new friends," she smirked, earning a glower from the lizard and a toothy grin from her fire-type. "So.
She paused to wait for him to look, "How did you come by here, anyways? You two fell out of the sky, and you weren't exactly unscathed. Not to mention... this isn't exactly the kind of place people just fly to."
The grim look that suddenly came over the young man told her the answer was nothing good. The cheerful, energetic ex-Champion was gone, and a man with a burden was in his place. She couldn't help feeling bad. In truth, she asked mostly out of curiosity, as it wasn't often you found a Pokémon and trainer so injured. Wild Pokémon didn't make wounds like that, either. No, at most they could have maybe sporadic scratches and bruises, but the gashes and marks? The amount? They had been deliberately made. Precise. Only a human or a well-trained Pokémon would manage that. And, really, Charizard was strong. No wild Pokémon would be able to stand up to him. Even if he was at a disadvantage he could take most anything. Hell, she'd seen him take on a trained Gyarados and come out on top during a match, which was something big.
Cassandra watched Leon's face grow darker and more pained. She frowned. Just how bad was it?
Waving her hand, she spoke, "You don't have to tell me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stress you out. It's not my place to ask, so forget it. Just focus on getting 100% better."
"Thanks, sorry," he half-chuckled, his usually stupor hardly returned.
Truthfully, it was strange, not seeing the once upbeat Champion so boisterous. She only ever remembered him being all smiles and fanfare, although she supposed now it was somewhat forced. But even then, he seemed a normally a cheerful-looking person, and for all everyone knew he was . His little brother had said as much in interviews, and at the Battle Tower his jovial nature felt more genuine—from what little she saw when she was in town or had service anyways.
Maybe she—and the public—didn't know as much as she thought, which was a very likely possibility.
"Feel free to have more food if you want—there's plenty, and have a good amount of fish Pokémon I caught a few days ago to make more. There's enough for your Charizard as well, and I have treats they can enjoy when they're ready," she spoke up, breaking the tentative silence.
"Thanks, I do feel like I could eat some more now. Can't believe I was out for a whole day—and a half.
"Well, freezing half to death can do that," she replied as she held her hand out for his bowl. He did so gladly, and was even more glad for the soup, which he sipped readily. "I'm not sure I have warm clothes that will fit you."
"The blankets are fine. In fact, makes me feel like a kid again. Hop and I would do this every winter."
She laughed, "Sounds like you two had fun, although didn't you leave home when he was pretty young?"
"Ah, yeah—Went off at 10 on the challenge like an idiot who thought he was invincible... and then I was, but Hop was rooting for me the whole time even though he didn't fully understand at that age. I was lucky he was so supporting then and after. First year I was able to come home enough, but after that... It got busy."
"Yeah, I noticed Galar is a bit crazier about their Champions. In Johto all I had to do was give a radio host a few words. Other regions were about the same, but here? Oof."
"It's the sponsors," he shrugged.
"That's for sure. I mean, the League is useful, but I'm glad they're less strict outside Galar. It was awful waiting for clearance for my Pokémon—even the ones with regional cousins."
"Oh, right, if you're from Johto they'd need to check for any diseases. There's Pokévirus over there, right?" he inquired, earning a nod. "So... your Arcanine and Tyranitar are from Johto, and the Lucario was Sinnoh. Must have been quite the inspection."
"Yeah, and I had to send half my original team home when I went through customs. But, like I said, I got to add three new amazing members. In fact, Corvi there was the first. Found him as a Rookidee. Or, well, I should say he found me and my Pokémon. Little rascal tried to start a fight with Tyranitar."
Leon almost choked on his soup, coughing between laughs, "W-What?!"
Cassandra grinned as she motioned for her bird Pokémon to hop over, which he did to gladly accept strokes of his feathers, especially under his armor, "Yep. He, for whatever reason, was mad I was on his 'turf', I reckon. He started going at Tyranitar for some reason. Yes, I know. What a dork, huh? I can only assume he knew who looked the toughest, and figured that was his best shot to become top bird. Tyranitar was about to slap him across the ground, but my Pidgeot intervened."
"Pidgeot?" he chuckled.
"Bird-type."
"Aaah... so bird protecting its fellow type?"
"Well, that... and she decided to immediately adopt him. Tyranitar wasn't too happy, but it didn't take long for the little guy to grow on him. Pidgeot could always bring him around to anything, anyways" she hummed, rubbing Corviknight's neck, earning a gentle coo. When she glanced to Leon, she noted his slight confusion. "My Pidgeot and Tyranitar are a bonded pair of sorts. Have been since Johto, so just about or a little over a decade now."
"That's... I wouldn't expect that. Ah—hey, no get your own soup, ya big lug," the young man laughed as his Charizard came around, sniffing at his empty bowl. Cassandra grinned as she got another one together for the Pokémon and held it out. "Thanks."
"No problem. And, yes, I didn't expect it, either, but they're sweet to each other. Couldn't ever be an actual pair, of course, but she helped keep him calm—if only by giving him the business when he got too rowdy—and he would protect her from anything. Corvi here ended up being the 'kid' they never had, and I was just glad they got a few months to bond together before I had to send Pidgeot home and keep Corvi as my flying type. Tyranitar has been a good teacher, though, and they're practically inseparable."
"Oooh, that's why they were talking to each other earlier?"
She nodded, "Yep. Corviknight always likes to make sure his 'dad' is okay. 'Dad' does the same in kind. I know, it's a crazy family dynamic."
"No, it's... sweet, actually. And nice to see such different types getting along. Shame you won't find it in the wild."
"Maybe in the right environment, but when Pokémon are wild they have to adhere to different rules to survive. Better to stick with their own or similar types, but even then competition for resources can be too much."
Leon regarded her, "Are you some kind of weird Champion Professor?"
"Huh? Oh, no, no!" she laughed. "I just... like Pokémon. And I was tired of gym battling and championships, so I went out here probably a month after I finished the Challenge, and just... observed. First the regular Wild Areas, but y'know. Same thing. I survived. Watched. Learned. Interacted. It's... liberating, I guess. It's harder, of course, but seeing Pokémon in their native habitats and surviving every day is incredible. You never know if one day you won't make it, or if you won't see a companion again. I've watched Cubchus start without any hope of making it to tomorrow, and then suddenly they're an alpha Beartic that runs the colony. You get to see them fight and grow and then evolve without any help from a trainer. Then the paradigm will shift and change and get all thrown around when a newcomer arrives. And you see the weather make or break it all, too. It's just... wild.
She shrugged, "Of course I do miss the comforts of home. I 'return to civilization' every so often for a few months to take a break, and I'll probably return home at some point—I'm sure my other Pokémon are about to riot—but not yet."
Leon chuckled, "You know, for all I love Pokémon, especially mine... I never thought about it that way. I just remember the Wild Area teeming with opportunity, new Pokémon and friends... and the dangers of trying to survive. Especially in the northern half. It always would test you, try to break you. Most do. Every year so many start off with such high hopes, and yet so few end it. But it's not meant to be easy. Pokémon aren't just novelties. But... even then I don't think I've looked at it like you do."
"I'm a bit weird," Cassandra snickered as she slipped her Corviknight a treat, and then made sure to give the rest some, too, as they crowded around. Boltund promptly slipped into her lap, stretching out as lazily and as in-the-way as he could. She rolled her eyes as she began to rub his belly, earning leg kicks and a few sparks off the tail—thankfully nothing harmful.
"No, I think it's great," Leon grinned back, and she hated how easily that made her blush. Few people, besides maybe researches, seemed to care. "And I'm not saying it just because you saved my life."
"Oh, thanks," she scoffed, rolling her eyes again. "Nice to know all it takes is saving your life to be complimented."
"I mean, it definitely guarantees I will, but someone like you wouldn't need much to be complimented," he winked in kind, earning another blush.
"Isn't the dragon or weather or whatever's—gym-leader-what's-his-face rubbing off on you?"
He laughed, "You mean Raihan? Oh boy he'd cry if he heard you call him all that! But... maybe? We've been having fun at the Battle Tower lately."
"Well, thank-you—for the compliment. I admit I'm not used to it. I tend to get... weird looks more."
"To be fair, you are living in a cave."
"Would you rather be cramped in a tent out in that?" she rejoined, shoving a thumb in the direction of the entrance.
Leon paused, "It probably would be colder."
"Yes, it would," she chuckled. "Although, I guess we'll have to get used to it unless you want to sleep out here on the floor. I stick to the tent at night."
"Huh? Oh. Oh. I... I guess I'll try out here tonight."
"That was sarcasm. You're not staying on the floor, and I don't mind you sharing my tent. I'd rather you be warm than try to be modest. I'm not going to take it the wrong way if that's what you're worried about."
"You going to force me then?" he smirked playfully.
"What? You're my guest. I'll do no such thing," she quipped back, brow rising. "But if you would rather be cold and uncomfortable, then by all means. Although, you definitely won't get to have all the blankets or my sleeping bag if you do."
"Your...? Oh, right. I was lying in that wasn't I?" he hummed, then paused, recalling something. His face warmed a little, and he was glad his darker skin could hide a blush. "So, you really did get my clothes dry."
"I mean, yeah. It was that or you get hypothermia. If it helps... you're pleasant to look at?"
He practically chocked on the air, "Pretty—pretty sure that made it worse."
"Take it as a compliment?" she tried, somewhat sheepishly, but a bit more-so mischievously.
"Not sure I can share a tent now," he snickered.
"Oops? But, I mean, surely, I'm not the first person to see you half naked—besides family? Didn't you do a swimsuit cover?"
He was doubly glad blushing didn't show much, "I—that... that was... for sponsors."
"Uh-huh. Don't complain then, you had your briefs on, same thing."
"No, no it's not," Leon pouted, and then laughed along with her.
"Seriously, though, don't freak out about it. I was just trying to keep you alive, and your clothes were wet from either the snow or something else. That, and you warm up faster without them."
"True. Where'd you learn all this survival stuff? They give basic lessons to new challengers, but you're more advanced."
"Like I said, I've been out here a while and traveled a lot. I leaned from all the campers and back packers I could wherever I went... and then I learned how to adapt to here. But, really, I owe my Pokémon the most. Without them it'd be impossible."
"Y'know, I said the same thing about becoming Champion. Pokémon really are something. Heck, I owe Charizard my life, too. He's the one who..." he began, but his voice trailed, body growing tense again. Cassandra had been paying attention to her Boltund but lifted her gaze to find the pain in his golden eyes. Gently, she touched his arm, and sent him a warm smile when he looked up.
"You know, it's actually getting late, though it's hard to tell outside right now. You look tired, too, so you should try and get some more rest. Once the weather clears we can see about getting you out of here."
He managed a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "You tired of me already?"
"No, you've been a wonderful guest so far... but something tells me you need to get back—soon. Even if you don't want to."
"You're staying up?"
"For a bit longer. Arcanine will help keep the fire going during the night. Now, go take the sleeping bag and blankets to the tent and get some sleep. The storm should settle down in the morning."
Leon waited a moment before nodding. He took the sleeping bag and blankets with him to the large tent in the back, squirming in to set up bedding that would suit them both. She watched his little venture until he settled down, and then turned her attention to the Charizard, which lumbered over to the tent, sniffed for a moment, and then curled near the left side—where Leon was. He was a good Pokemon, with a fierce loyalty. It made her wonder even more what had brought these two this place? What could have forced them to run from a battle? What had pushed them to such desperation that they would risk flying through a deadly blizzard?
The thought plagued her long after Leon fell asleep, and even to when she finally called it quits herself and returned all but Arcanine to their balls to keep warm, her brave fire-type Pokémon going to keep watch. She slipped into the tent, careful so as to not wake the deeply sleeping man, and settled down. Before she managed to nod off, she happened to catch his face—once again contorted as some evil plagued him in his dreams. Like before, she reached out, this time touching his arm, and assured him he was safe. Once again, it seemed to soothe him.
Then she, too, slept, lost to her own dreamless sleep.
TMWolf: So, to be clear real quick: Cassandra has beaten Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh challenges and leagues (after a little over a decade so it's taken time). There's one more, but we'll get to it ;) Not too much sass at his time around, but it's a good taste. They're both adults so it's fine xD
FYI on strength reference: Arcanine, Tyranitar,and Lucario would be around lvl 100 essentially, the other three ~60 - 70 (I got to that by end-game preeeetty easy so it's within reason), with adjustments for "realism" aspects I include that you'll see later.