Author note:
Hey everyone! I am so sorry it's been so long since my last update. I got a puppy in December and she has been the BIGGEST handful. That coupled with home ownership stuff and random things going wrong and HUGE expenses, I haven't had any time for my hobbies. But I've got this chapter edited finally so I'm uploading it now! Hopefully things will resume on a normal schedule soon. I'm actually playing through Shield now and I'm going to be buying the expansion pass. Cannot WAIT for that!
Thank you all for reading and following! I hope to have CH.6 up next week! :)
_
Leon stood at the doorway of Professor Magnolia's house, looking out at his younger brother and childhood friend. Magnolia placed a gentle, reassuring hand on Leon's shoulder. His eyes darted in her direction, but only for a moment before they landed right back on the two young adults outside.
"Are you worried, dear?" she asked, her croaky voice resonating in the greenhouse of her home. Leon let out a heavy breath and placed a tense hand on the nape of his neck.
"Worried might be the wrong word," he admitted. "Maybe anxious? I mean… what possessed her to walk so far into the Weald? She knows how dangerous it is…"
Magnolia gave a sly smile. "She can defend herself just fine."
Leon shook his head. "No, she got hurt. I promise Lisbeth I would protect them. They haven't even left and she got hurt," he sighed. "How am I supposed to watch her and help her if I'm not there?"
"Well," she sighed. "Maybe you should put more faith in Hop." At her statement, Leon turned his head fully to the professor. The wrinkles beside her mouth curled around her genuine smile. Leon felt comforted by her. "They're very close, Leon. Maybe you should talk to Hop and tell him about everything."
Leon's eyes squinted toward the professor. "What do you mean everything?"
She smiled knowingly. "Tell him about your promise to her mother. Tell him why it's important to you."
Leon gave an inadvertent scoff and turned his attention back to the two outside. Rami was sprinting toward Isabella, chirping the whole way. It brought a smile to Leon's face, and Magnolia held in a chuckle at the sight.
"She means more to you than you'll tell anyone," the professor said. Leon spun to her at the accusation. She merely held her hand up in protest before he could speak. "You don't owe me an explanation. But if you intend to keep her safe, you'll need more hands than just your own." Leon said nothing. He hadn't expected anyone to confront him in such a blunt manner. He glanced back over his shoulder at her only to see her rolling around on the ground with Rami, squealing with delight. He could feel his cheeks warm, watching her react in soft sunlight. Perhaps it was becoming evident to others that his feelings were shifting from those of a platonic nature to more. He wasn't even sure what he was feeling or what to do with the emotions, so he knew talking to anyone about it would result in more confusion.
Leon pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut tight. It wasn't just him, though. He went for it and tried holding her hand. He wanted to see her reaction to it. She smiled. She smiled at him. She didn't let go. She didn't jerk her hand away. That had to mean something, right?
He shook his head for a moment before meeting Magnolia's eyes. "Nothing's happened… You know that, right?" She chuckled and gave him a soft pat on the arm.
"Dear, you don't need to tell me anything," she said. She took a cautious pause before saying, "Just make sure you know how you feel before you do anything." Leon held her gaze, searching for something more than that ominous statement. She said nothing more, and Leon accepted it with a solemn nod.
"Now, let's go out there. They're waiting for you."
As Leon walked through the front door, the sound of the shut behind him alerted Hop and Isabella. As soon as he caught her eyes, a radiant smile spread across her face. He could feel the pulse in his chest and the slight buckle in his knees. The involuntary reaction of smiling back at her was almost habitual at this point. He did his best to fight the reaction and allow the overeager smile fade into something more platonic as he approached them. The Pokeballs in the rucksack in his hand were shaking with wild excitement. This was as much of a big day for them as it was for Isabella and Hop. Isabella stood with purpose and took a few skittish steps toward him. Rami, chirping as usual, took a proud stance next to her with his chin pointed up toward Leon. Leon caught Hop's curious gaze from behind her. He could see the speculation and the gears turning in Hop's eyes. He was a clever boy, after all.
"Hey, Lee," came Isabella's quiet stammer. "I'm really sorry about how, uh… Trevor was acting." Hop approached the two of them with Wooloo trekking behind with a quiet hum to his demeanor. Leon held Hop's eyes, attempting to convey the fact he wanted to speak with his little brother in private. Hop's eyes seemed to squint in inquiry and then in understanding as Leon gave a slight tilt to his head.
"I'm sure he knows, Izzy," Hop rebuked with a gentle tap to her barren shoulder. She shot a glance to Hop with a calm blink and nodded. Leon's eyes seemed to lighten as she met his gaze again.
"I'm just glad you're both okay." Leon's tone was ebullient and genuine, and the calm seemed to wash over Isabella as her shoulders eased up. "You two are about to set off on an amazing journey. You need to be more careful," Leon warned. Hop nudged Isabella gruffly in the side with a smirk.
"I'm not the one looking for apples in a fog so dense you can't see your own hand in front of your face," he jested. With cat-like reflexes, Hop dodged her swipe as she clawed toward him with a snarl.
"Rami likes those apples!"
"That's not a good defense!"
"Ahx!" Rami charged toward Hop and, with an open jaw, lunged at his foot before being lifted in the air by Leon's firm grasp.
"And maybe a certain tiny Dragon needs to cool his jets and not be so hot-headed all the time, huh?" Leon mocked as he swung Rami from side to side. Rami let out a gruff sigh and wiggled with force in Leon's grip, but let his legs hang as he realized he couldn't do anything. Leon gave a cocky smirk before setting Rami back on the ground.
"Now, I know you two have a huge journey ahead of you and you don't want to waste much time here when you could be on the road, experiencing it. So I've brought you a gift." With that, Leon reached into his bag and threw the three Pokeballs into the air. Exploding with excitement, out popped a Grookey, a Sobble, and a Scorbunny. Wooloo, Ruby, and Rami began chirping and barking with glee before charging forward, initiating a colossal game of tag. Hop and Isabella began laughing, dodging the Pokemon as they ran around, between, and through their legs. Leon glanced at the Pokemon before looking straight towards Isabella. Despite her arm injury, she was smiling. Hop was right there with her, as well. He was cautiously close. Perhaps the Professor was right. Maybe he could rely on Hop to be there when he couldn't.
"So," Leon interrupted. "Let's let them play for a bit and see how they get along." Isabella and Hop looked to Leon with a light in their eyes and nodded. Isabella immediately pulled her Rotom phone out to document the play session. Leon put his hand on Hop's shoulder.
"Hey, can I talk to you? Just us?"
Hop met his gaze and nodded. The two brothers sauntered off with snake-like stealth. As they stepped over towards the lake, Leon took a healthy pause before crossing his arms over his chest.
"Lisbeth asked me to look over her," he explained, nodding his head in Isabella's direction. Hop stared with observant intent into Leon's eyes. "I think she wanted Trevor gone and for Izzy to branch out."
Hop nodded with a sluggish head tilt. Leon met his brothers eyes, curious at the lack of response.
"And..?" Hop encouraged. Leon scowled at his younger brother as Hop smirked.
"And I need your help. I have a lot of responsibilities and meetings coming up in preparation for the reveal, and I can't be there all the time," he relented. Hop grinned at his brother's request.
"Oh, the big and mighty undefeated Champion needs help from a lowly peasant? Blasphemy!"
Leon's hand swung quick to the back of Hop's head with a loud thud. Hop stumbled forward, laughing and rubbing the wounded spot.
"I wouldn't ask if I had another solution," Leon argued "I just… Something's not right with Trevor. Iz needs someone there with her. I don't want her alone with him." He turned to Hop fully and pointed with firm direction.
"You call me immediately if that fucker ever shows up. I will be there in a heartbeat."
Hop stopped laughing as Leon spoke of Trevor. Leon could see the cloud of thought in his brother's eyes but Hop held his determined silence. Leon, however, would not let that go by unnoticed. "What happened?"
"Nothing!" came Hop's immediate rebuke. Leon scowled at his brother and Hop put up his hands in defense. "They... may have broken up. I'm not sure."
"Why aren't you sure?"
"Because she didn't say."
"Well, why didn't you ask her?"
"Well, damn, Lee! Why don't you just stick your tongue down her throat?!" Hop snapped loudly. Leon's eyes widened for a brief moment before he shoved his brother, glancing around frantically.
"Fucking-... be quiet!" Leon hissed. Hop glared at his brother, leaning toward him.
"What - worried she might hear?"
"I'm asking for her mom, you twit," Leon rebutted. Hop held a firm gaze with his older brother. Leon knew his older brother was stubborn, but the unwavering dominance in his stare was unlike him. "Hop," Leon warned.
"You would tell me," Hop insisted. "You would tell me if something was going on with you and Izzy." Hop's tone held a sharp punch at his older brother, as if putting him on notice.
"She's my best friend, Leon."
Leon took a step back from Hop, uncrossing his arms. His citrine eyes darted from Hop's eyes to his facial features, desperate for some explanation for this sudden reaction. He was rarely referred to by his full name, especially by Hop. It was either Lee or some insulting nickname that was more of a pet name. To hear his full name like this, it meant something to him.
And the dictation he used was concerning Leon. Hop was almost possessive over her. Leon understood to a point. They were inseparable. Every meal, every trip, every task… There was little they didn't do together. One would wonder why Trevor found Leon to be the threat and not Hop.
"I know, little brother," came his response. Leon let out a deep breath. "That's not what's going on. I'm just worried." Hop's eyes squinted towards his brother before he nodded solemnly.
"I don't think she's telling me everything about what happened, and I don't want to push her," Leon stated, turning his gaze towards her. Isabella was reaching down, feeding the small grass monkey a piece of the Weald Apple Rami was fond of so much. Rami seemed irritated by the gesture, and attempted to grab the piece from Isabella. But as he reached, he stopped himself and gestured for Grookey to take the apple piece with a gentle, "Ahx." Leon smiled as he heard Charizard give an approving grunt.
Hop's hand landed on Leon's shoulder, and they met eyes once more. "Lee, she's going to be fine," he reassured. "We're going to train really hard on the way to Motostoke and I'll be there with her every step. I'll protect her. And I know I can call you or Chris if I need to." Leon nodded. He gestured for them to rejoin Isabella and, as they began to walk towards her, Leon stopped Hop once more.
"Text me. Every night. Just… let me know what you guys have been up to, okay?" Hop tilted his head. "Not even just for her sake. But this is a huge undertaking for you. And I remember how much fun I had. Keep me posted." Leon grinned at his younger brother, and headlocked him into an embrace. Hop began laughing with his brother, and it caught the attention of everyone in the area. Isabella smiled and chuckled at the two brothers as they began to wrestle onto the ground, getting caught in Leon's cape and fighting within it. Isabella glanced over their scuffle to see Sonia approaching the Professor's house. She offered a jubilant wave and hop as she scampered over to Isabella, Yamper in tow behind her.
"So the boys are at it again, huh?" she jested with a disengaged hand thrown behind her. Isabella grinned from ear to ear as she stood and gave an exasperated nod.
"You know them," Isabella agreed. Sonia smiled and offered a small hug to her friend. As they embraced, Yamper began to bark at Rami and joined in the game of tag. Sonia pulled away from Isabella and hovered her hand above the bruises on her arm. Concern seemed to be melting from her eyes.
"Leon didn't mention that it looked this bad," she said in a morose tone. Isabella's arm retreated back to her abdomen and she covered it with her other arm.
"It'll be okay," came the quick response. Her reaction time betrayed her, and Sonia caught the defensive and furtive undertones in her response. Sonia put her hands on her hips in a flippant manner, tossing them to one side. Her flame orange side ponytail bounced with her gesture, making a dramatic point. Isabella tightened her own grip, scowling towards her friend. "It'll be okay," she repeated, narrowly hissing through her teeth.
Sonia said nothing more.
"I am merely a text away," came her final thought. Isabella sighed at her, but gave an agreeable nod. Sonia then released her stance and gave a genuine smile. "So, new topic. I heard about what happened in the Weald. Why don't we go talk about it? I brought your favorite snack!" From her teal canvas bag, she revealed a delicately wrapped satin pouch. The blue ribbon wrapped around cascaded down with a small tag that read Bonbon. Isabella's sharp green eyes lit with excitement as she snatched the small purse from her friend's hands with a delighted giggle. She grinned at Sonia and ushered for her to follow her over to the small cherry bench by the lake to talk. As Isabella walked, she opened up her satin pouch to reveal the perfectly sculpted bonbons. She loved them. Sonia's aunt baked very well, and made these for her every so often. They were a light, delicate pastry filled with tender, caramelized apple cubes, coated in dark chocolate and chocolate shavings. Sometimes, her aunt would switch it with a vanilla coating and blonde chocolate shavings. Isabella's favorite was the ruby chocolate. It had a sharp tang to it, and was unlike any flavor she had ever had before. It was delectable and worth the extra cost. It was almost as if dark chocolate met raspberries and lemons, and made a beautiful child.
"So," Sonia began, taking a soft seat next to Isabella. "Tell me more about this Pokemon."
As the sun began to set, Hop and Isabella spent their time with Sonia and Leon, getting advice about their journey. The Pokemon had become tuckered out from playing and in what Isabella liked to call a cuddle puddle on the grass, congealed into one amoebic blob. She was so happy that they became such fast friends. Her and Hop took turns spending time with each Pokemon to see who they bonded more with. She was happy that Grookey seemed to get along with Rami, and even got to share an apple with him. Wooloo let Sobble ride him like a battle steed, and they charged around the yard like a mighty knight. Leon seemed content to take on Scorbunny, as he loved having another fire type for Charizard to take under his arm. Sonia and Hop were inside the Professor's house as she was giving him a lesson on making her all famous curry since he would now have to learn to help cook. Isabella stood on the edge of the lake, breathing in the crisp summer air. She was grateful for this opportunity, and grateful for the chance to deepen her friendship with Hop. But she was also terrified. There was a whole world out there, and she knew nothing of it beyond this part of Galar. Her memories of Johto are scarred and broken. They were painful. At least, they were from when she lived there. She enjoyed the visit every year to place the flowers on her father's gravestone. Ruby enjoyed those visits, too.
But the reminder of his absence was far more painful than anything else. She didn't remember the accident. Not much of it. She could remember the fire and the screams. She remembered her mom dragging her through smoke. After that, she remembered being on the dock and watching the ferry go down. She didn't see her mom for a few days after that. She was in the hospital. Within a few months, they moved here. She was only six years old at the time. She could remember the rest of her childhood. Just not that memory.
Isabella sighed, stroking her necklace with an absent mind. Perhaps it was for the best. Some things are best left alone.
From her pocket, her Rotom began to vibrate. Pulling the phone out, she checked the screen to see the caller ID read Trevor .
Her heart dropped into her stomach for a moment. She just stared at the screen, feeling each vibration of the phone with great intensity.
'It's not worth it. Don't answer it.'
The blood in her hands began to run cold. She could feel her body locking into position. With every vibration, her heart began to beat faster. Despite the chill in her extremities, her forehead and upper lip began to feel incredibly hot. She could feel the moisture wicking onto them.
And then the call stopped, and she could see the missed call icon on the top of her status bar. She exhaled with a deep relief, lowering her hand gently.
But within a second, the phone began to ring again.
Trevor
Isabella immediately swiped the red icon to the left, disconnecting the call and declining the interaction. Her heart rate was climbing higher and higher. She could feel her heart beating in her ears, and see the veins pumping blood in the peripheral of her eyes. Her head was pulsating.
More vibration.
Trevor
Another decline.
Vibration.
Isabella let out a strangled whimper and swiped the decline one more time.
It continued for several more calls.
After the eighth call, there was no vibration. No sound. She stared at the background of her phone, waiting with panic-stricken anxiety. A new text message came through.
Trevor has sent you a text message.
Isabella pulled the status bar down to read the message.
You better stop ignoring my calls and answer me NOW.
She stared at the message in frozen apprehension, as if time stopped all around her. Seconds went by, and then a minute. Then the vibration began again. Another call.
Trevor
Isabella couldn't move. She simply looked at the screen with a blank uneasiness and allowed the call to go to voicemail. Another text came in shortly after.
Isabella, stop being childish. Pick up.
Another call.
Isabella, sweetheart. You are not being fair to me. Please answer my call.
Another two calls followed.
Don't you miss me? Because I miss you. I love you. That's what you wanted, right? We just need to talk. And we can't do that if you're going to pull this kind of stunt.
Another call.
This is getting ridiculous, and I am getting upset. And I don't want to be upset. I don't think you want me to be upset, either.
Another call.
Isabella stared at her phone without movement, unsure of what to do or how to feel. She felt trapped in time. This didn't feel real.
Finally, a voicemail came through this time. Her status bar read with 15 missed calls and 1 voicemail. All the texts were on display. She read them over and over again, hoping to find some other meaning behind them. He wouldn't call if he didn't care… right? If he wanted someone with money or a job or prospects, he would just go get them. The only reason he would come back after that night in Wedgehurst would be because he loved her.
That's all she could rationalize.
Another call came through.
Trevor
She just stared at the screen. Isabella finally lifted her other arm, feeling stiffness in her joints, and swiped away the call.
"Not taking his call?" Isabella spun around, dropping her phone, and met Leon's cheerful, warm eyes and affectionate smile. Rotom immediately took flight, lifting back to where it previously was. Leon glanced from Isabella to her phone a few times. "Are you okay..?"
She said nothing. Isabella's mouth opened, but she couldn't breathe. Leon's smile began to fade into one of concern. The loss of his happiness is what snapped her back into reality.
"Yeah, no, I'm fine," she uttered, briefly sniffling and turning to grab her phone. Rotom was still displaying the text messages. She snatched the phone out of the air and muted it before shoving it back into her back pocket. "And.. no, not right now. He'll be okay," she forced with a chuckle. "He manages just fine without me."
Leon eyed her facial features with particular intent, glancing from her eyes to her chin. They traveled down her body to her arms, and he noticed she wasn't wearing the bracelet he got her for her birthday. His brow knit together a touch. She seemed to really love it, and he wasn't sure why she wouldn't wear it today. His eyes traveled to her wounded arm, and he looked at the bruising with curiosity. Isabella could feel his gaze, and immediately pulled her arms into her chest, covering a majority of the bruising. Leon brought his gaze back to her emerald eyes, but she looked beyond him into the woods with a vacant expression. Leon bit the inside of his mouth ever so gently. He could tell something wasn't right, but he knew he had to trust Hop to do his part.
"Are you cold?" he asked. Before she could answer, Leon pulled his Champion's coat off of his shoulders and embraced her with it. Isabella felt the soft tufts of fur rub against her skin and it set a shock through her system. Her eyes widened and she instinctively looked to Leon. He met her gaze and smiled down at her, pulling the front of the cape close together. With a loosely tied knot, he placed his hands on her upper arms and gave them a soft squeeze. "Is that better?"
Looking into his eyes brought her a comfort she hadn't felt in so long. The last time she felt this relief and warmth was by her old family friend after her father had died. She had never been so taken care of before. Not in this sense.
"Yeah," Isabella muttered. She held his gaze, and gave him a tender smile. His chestnut eyes looked impossibly warm in the sunset light, and the sounds of the gentle wind against the lake were so soothing.
It was perfection.
"Sonia wanted me to tell you that the food was almost ready, if you were ready to go in," Leon said in a sedative tone. Isabella's lips parted, as if she were ready to respond, but said nothing. Leon looked to her lips and then met her gaze again. He gently cocked an eyebrow. "...unless you're not?"
Isabella broke off the eye contact.
'Why am I having trouble breathing?'
"I'm sorry," she muttered. "I just.." Leon removed his hands from her arms and turned his head to try and meet her gaze. He then lifted the cape, catching her attention. They met eyes again.
"Just checking," he said. And with a smirk, he added, "... to see if you were doing your thing again and hurting yourself." Isabella let out a genuine chuckle.
"No," she responded. "I just feel.. Different."
"Different?" Leon's honest interest was a refreshing change from Trevor's deceit.
Isabella nodded, turning back towards the lake. Leon took a few steps and stood next to her. "Everything is changing. We're leaving home, we're going to so many new places, meeting so many new people…" she sighed briefly. "In some cases, I guess letting people go." Leon perked up for a moment. "I don't want to leave my mom alone."
Isabella's voice broke for a moment, and Leon turned his head towards her with no delay. "She hasn't been alone since my dad died. I don't know if she's ready." Leon placed a firm hand on her shoulder, and a gentle one on her opposite cheek, turning her face towards him. Her emerald eyes were glistening with prepared tears, yet none had fallen. Leon could see she was holding this back.
"I promise you that she's ready," he insisted, stepping with caution in front of her. "She's so excited for you, you know. I heard her bragging to Margaret from the library that you were going off to be so much more than she was." Isabella smiled, laughing with a sad undertone.
"You and my mom are suddenly best friends, huh?"
Leon laughed, pulling his hands away. "We're besties. She's my top friend on PokePush, you know," he jested. Isabella laughed. He grinned at her melodious laughter. He could listen to it for hours. "She's in my profile picture. Number one mom! Well, tied for first with mine. I have a pretty cool mom." Isabella began laughing more, holding her hand to her face to cover her mouth. Leon's grin grew wider as she laughed, the rosy color growing on her cheeks.
"You know, she taught me how to do my Champion's pose!" he exclaimed, proceeding to demonstrate his signature spin and point to the sky. "She made me do it for hours because I couldn't get it right. Such a stickler!" Leon began gesturing in a chaotic manner, purposefully making himself look more and more ridiculous by the second. Isabella began to double over, and soon collapsed into the bench behind her.
"Stop! Stop!"
Leon laughed at her reaction, slamming himself down into the bench next to her. It took a few minutes for her to settle down and stop from re-erupting into another fit. Before she knew it, they were sitting leg against leg, staring out at the lake together. She gave a brief sigh and looked over at Leon, only to meet his warm eyes already looking at her. They both exchange a soft smile. "You really think she'll be okay?"
Leon only nodded. "As long as you are okay, she will always be okay," came his tender response. Isabella closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. As she exhaled, she could feel Leon's arm wrap around her shoulders. She opened her eyes slowly, preparing for him to startle her in some way. Instead, she met the same warm expression that she always met. "You will be okay," he assured. "Hop will always be with you. So will Rami and Ruby."
His smile widened and, if possible, became more affectionate. "And I am always one text or call away." Somehow, even with all her support, that last statement seemed to be what she needed to hear. Yet, she felt guilt. Remorse. Maybe even anxiety.
"Lee, I can't take you away from your responsibilities," she insisted.
Leon scowled playfully. "They're my responsibilities, so take them off your shoulders."
She eyed him with cautious intent. "You'll really be there?" He nodded. "Even if it's 3 in the morning?" He nodded again. "What if I'm lost?"
"I'll find a way," he said.
"Lee, you get lost from your childhood home to the lab," she argued. Leon frowned.
"When have I ever gotten lost when it's been you or Hop that needed me?"
Isabella sat in deep thought, eyes darting from left to right as she scanned her memories. She couldn't recall a time that he wasn't able to get to her or Hop when she needed him the most. Even since he's been home last. From finding her at her and Hop's secret spot to finding her lost in the Weald.
"See?"
"But what about your life outside of this one?" Leon tilted his head at her statement. "You have all your League friends and the people you hang out with when you're not here with us."
Leon smiled. "I see them all the time. They'll manage." Isabella could hear the sincerity in his tone, and it put her heart at ease. Leon eyed her with a cautious interest. He weighed the pros and cons of telling her of his confusing feelings. He knew she was understanding. She was great at listening to any issue he had, and coming up with solutions. Maybe she was feeling the same. He kept thinking back to the Weald, where their hands touched and held. Where she smiled at him. Where his heart felt it.
"Lee?"
As he snapped out of his thoughts, he could see the curiosity in her gaze. She looked so gentle wrapped in his cloak. The toasted color of the fur with the lush reds pillowed around her gentle waves of amber hair looked like something out of a painting.
He felt obligated to tell her.
"Iz, I wanted to talk to you about something, but.."
"Hey, you two!"
Leon and Isabella turned to see Sonia calling out to them from the door.
"Come and get dinner! It's getting late!"
