The conversation she had with her mother from the previous day would not leave her mind. It kept coming back, resurfacing as easily as reading the title of articles that revolved around romance focused events- which were mainly double battles and consisted of couples. Vivian would be lying if she said she hadn't searched them to find Leon's name and if he was partnered with anyone. A wave of relief would wash over her and then she would realize that she was slacking.

With work going nowhere, she decided that it was time for a break. A walk around Wyndon to help clear her mind and set her back on track.

As she left the hotel, she avoided the shops and more bustling area of the city. Eventually, she found her way to a park. There weren't many people around, most were just passing through. This seemed like a good spot to relax and enjoy some fresh air. When she found an open park bench, she was quick to drop onto it. A hand gripped onto an old Pokeball. She smiled at it before gently tossing it into the air to let out her Dragonite.

"Sorry, I meant to let you all out more," she apologizes. The dragon Pokemon doesn't seem bothered by it. He stretches his little wings, letting them flap without lifting him into the air. "I'll make sure there's a day for all of us to just go out and travel."

Or camp. That was a thing here. She wouldn't mind trying that but would have to find time to buy a tent first…and then figure out how to set it up. But that would be a problem for another day.

While her thoughts were on camping, her Dragonite was looking around the area. He walked a bit away from her to see more of the park, but had come back to sit beside the bench. Vivian scooted over to the edge so she could lean against him.

"Do you like it here, Altair?" He replies with a content cry. "It's nice here. The park reminds me of the one back home." Minus the Bug Pokemon. "But there's still so much of this region we haven't seen…"

The Champion sighs. It reminded her of her old travels when Altair was just a little Dratini. They were both so enthusiastic about seeing the entirety of Johto and when their energy ran out, they would sit underneath a tree to recover. Pokemon would pass them, some would grow curious and stay awhile before going on their own way.

For a moment, she almost forgot that she was in a different region. Her worries were being washed away by old memories. It was almost like she could doze off with no issue…

"Vivian? That you?"

"Huh?"

Her eyes open when her name is called. She is met with a shining golden color and gets lost in them. They were so pretty and it was amazing she hadn't noticed this before- had she? Then she blinks and realizes that Leon was literally face to face with her and she hadn't responded at all. Her cheeks go red.

"L-Leon?!" She jumps to her feet. "What are you doing here?"

"I was on my way to the station but ended up here," he admits with a laugh. It was a very nice laugh, one that she wouldn't mind hearing again. "But I'm glad I came across you and your Pokemon!"

His head turns to Altair, who had also gotten to his feet. Leon's eyes were practically sparkling when finally able to see her Pokemon. It reminded her of the look in her eyes whenever she stumbled upon a new dragon type.

"This is my trusty partner, Altair. We've been together from the start."

The Dragonite tries to mimic a hello and holds out its claws for a shake. Leon takes it without any hesitation.

"Wow…I've never seen a Dragonite before. You're pretty strong, aren't you, buddy?"

Altair wasn't a prideful Pokemon, but he gave a confident nod in response.

"Really? I know they're rare, but…are they that rare here?"

"They can't be found here," he states. He lets go of Altair's claws and turns to Vivian. "If there were any, I think Raihan would have gotten his hands on one by now."

"Raihan…He's the dragon…trainer here, right?"

"Gym leader. And yeah. He's got loads of dragons."

"I'd still love to see his team." She recalls a quick look of his team from the research she was doing, but it was always better to see a trainer and their Pokemon up close. "I wonder if he comes from a clan too."

"A clan?"

"Mhmm. Back home we have a dragon clan that's known for, well, specializing in dragon types. And I'm part of it."

"No way! So, you kept quiet about your speciality all this time, huh?"

"It wasn't intentional!" She defends. "But I guess the Meowth's out of the bag." She shrugs. It's not like it was a big secret or anything. Truthfully, if anyone wanted to ask her if she specialized in a type or not, she would happily answer.

"I'm going to be looking forward to fighting him. I'm sure Charizard is too."

"We won't go down that easily."

"I expect nothing less from a Champion."

There's a spark between them, each raring to go for a battle. It would be nice to have a little friendly match, but having a battle beforehand would make the show a little less authentic.

"So, you said that this region doesn't have the Dratini line. What kind of dragons live around here?" She couldn't help but bring up this question. It had been on her mind since the day she arrived, it was just tucked away so it wouldn't interfere with her duties. But if there was one thing she was looking forward to, even more than exploring the region, it was to find the dragons that inhabited it.

"I know it's not my area of expertise, but…there are a few that can only be found in Galar."

"Can you show me where?"

Leon grins.

"Of course. Let's go dragon hunting!"

~…~

"We're lost again, aren't we?"

She made a mental note to not let him lead the way the next time they were to travel together. Getting caught up in the moment and forgetting about his special talent would only lead to this. Being lost. Out in the snow, of all places.

Although Leon claimed that there was a dragon that could be found in the snowy climate, so they were on the right track. Vivian hoped so anyway as there were different parts of the region covered in snow.

"Maybe? I think we're in the right area." Leon says as he scratches the back of his head. "Duraludon are mainly found in the cold."

"You've caught one before?"

"No. Almost, but Raihan got it before me."

"Huh…well if it's like most dragons, they're going to be hard to find."

Silently, she prayed they were in the right area and that they could stumble upon one. The chances were low, even lower if they were in the wrong area. And if that were the case…at least she could explore a new part of the region! Even if it was cold. And only getting colder.

She shook her head. It would be fine! She could handle the snow! As long as she didn't think about how cold she was, everything would be fine.

After searching through the snow, no dragon type appeared. There were familiar ice types like Sneasel and Delibird that showed up. There was even a Galarian Darumaka which had surprised her. And a small Pokemon that Leon had identified as a Snom. Which was pretty cute for an ice type Pokemon.

"I'm starting to think we might be in the wrong place after all," she replies while trying not to let her teeth chatter away. So much for ignoring the cold when they were constantly facing ice type Pokemon. She was forced to rub her arms to generate heat. At least the scarf kept her warm.

"Maybe not. Sorry about bringing you to the wrong place."

"Don't worry about it. I saw something new today, and that was good enough." She smiled at him, hoping he wasn't too down about it.

Her body shivers and she had to wonder how Leon wasn't bothered by the weather. Not once had she seen him shiver or even catch goosebumps on his skin. Meanwhile, she felt like she was caught in a blizzard.

Vivian wasn't one for staying out in cold areas for long. She liked to joke it was because she was a dragon tamer and that the chilly weakness rubbed off on her. She couldn't hate the snowy areas, they were beautiful in their own right and held so many wonders but she could only withstand the cold for so long.

Then she feels something warm placed around her shoulders. It's thick and heavy, but wonderfully warm. She wants to bring this thing and wrap it around her entire body to fight off the cold. Vivian tugs on it, trying to see what it was exactly.

"A blanket?"

"Nope. It's my old cape?"

She pulls it a little more and can see how and where it's supposed to hang around her shoulders. It was a tad too large for her, the ends of it hitting the snow so she had to pull it up to ensure it wouldn't get dirty.

"Thanks," she breathes. "You don't need it?"

"I've gotten lost in the cold before. I can handle it. And if it gets worse, I can have Charizard heat me up."

"Alright, if you're sure…though I think this thing is big enough for both of us to share."

Her face heats up and it's not thanks to the cape. Her mind goes to them being huddled under this large cape for warmth together. She couldn't take back that offer now, but part of her wanted that to happen. Another part made her try to cover up what she had just said by pointing to a group of Snom huddled together. Thankfully, that proved to be a great distraction, for both of them.

"Think we should call it a day?"

"I think so. We don't want to be out here in the dark."

"Okay. I checked the map earlier and if we head north we'll either wind up in Wyndon or…Circhester? So, I think we'll be fine."

"Onward!"

"I'll lead the way!"

Leon stops in his tracks and gives a nervous laugh. An apology slips out, and he waits for her to lead the way.

They end up in a snowy city, definitely not Wyndon so that meant Circhester. It looked like a nice and cozy place for being stuck in the mountains. It surprised Vivian to find out there were hot springs here.

With the moon rising above, the city began to light up. Small lights illuminated walkways and lampposts shined in the larger areas. When trying to look up in the sky for a taxi, it proved hard to spot one.

"Would you be alright staying in a hotel here?" Leon asks.

"I don't mind. As long as we get out of the cold, I'll be fine."

Leon was about to lead the way before Vivian could remind him about his sense of direction. She opted to ask a nearby man, who pointed out the hotel they were in search of. After giving him a thanks, the couple made their way over.

Entering the hotel was like receiving a hug from a fire Pokemon. The cold was being brushed away and now she was feeling too hot. Maybe it was thanks to the cape that she still had around her. As much as it pained her to let it go, she had to return it to Leon.

"Thanks," she mutters.

"Any time," he replied with a wink. It made her heart thump against her chest.

Leon was the one who offered to deal with checking into the hotel. Vivian remained beside him, listening in. The receptionist was more than happy to accommodate the ex-Champion of the region. He typed away on his computer, eyes going over and over the screen. Then his brows furrowed and his lips pursed into a thin line.

"We seem to only have one room available at the moment. If you don't mind sharing a single, the room is all yours."