A Love -Hate Relationship

18

You've Got A Friend In Me

A/N: This Fan Fiction is based on the Galar region and games (Sword/Shield) featuring CanonXOC

The Sun was setting over The Aisle of Armor. Hop and Anani were finally back comfortably in their regular clothes.

"I hailed for an Air Taxi." said Hop, "Should be here shortly.

"Not too soon, I hope." said Anani,"Master Mustard said he wanted to speak to me before we left." she stated.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting." said Mustard as he stepped into the room, "I needed some time to prepare the armor."

"Armor?" Hop blinked, "But Master...isn't that a Poke'ball?"

"Good eye, young Hop." Mustard chuckled and tossed it up into the air. A small bear Poke'mon appeared from the light. It was a fiesty young fighter with a lot of potential.

"Wicked!" said Hop, "It really is a Poke'mon!" he grinned.

"Bear?" That small bear blinked curiously as it hid shyly behind the master's leg, carefully studying the two young trainers.

"Don't be fooled~" Mustard chuckled, "This Poke'mon is in fact the secret armor of the Master Dojo." he stated, "Say Hello to Kubfu!"

Kubfu?" Anani blinked and gave the small bear a sweet smile, "It's so cute!"

"Bear Bear..." Kubfu whimpered shyly clinging to master Mustard.

"Cute indeed." he chuckled, "And tiny..." he said, "But raise it with diligence and it will become strong enough to see you through any battle." he said as he gently pat the Poke'mon's head, "No opponent will be able to get past it." he said, "This little one in particular has amazing potential!" he stated, "The problem is...it's a bit shy."

"HaHa, Aww." said Hop, "It kind of reminds me of Anani when we first met~" he chuckled teasingly winking at her while she blushed.

"I'm afraid it just doesn't seem to have much confidence in itself." said Mustard.

"Yep." Hop nodded, "Just like Anani!" he grinned.

"Precisely!" said Mustard.

"H-Hey, Master!" she blushed shyly, "You think so too?"

He nodded.

"Which is why, I was thinking, Anani," he blinked, "If Kubfu joins you and your team on your adventure, you can help break each other out of your shells." he stated, "So take good care of Kubfu." he said,"it's in your hands now~"

Anani blinked a few times as she leaned down to the small bear's level.

"B-Bearma..." Kubfu looked up shyly at Master Mustard who nodded his approval. After blinking a few times itself, the Poke'mon carefully approached Anani and offered its paw. Locking eyes with the new found friend, smile smiled and nodded, gently tapping her fist to the offered paw, and they both shared a smile.

"I promise." she said softly with a firm nod, "I will take good care of this gift.
"I believe you will." Mustard nodded, "The two of you should become the best of friends." he stated, "You must build up trust!" he said, "This Kubfu has never really explored beyond the Dojo so an adventure of growth should do you both good." he said, "You will learn, grow and discover more about yourselves," he said softly with a nod, "And each other."

"You're so Lucky, Anani!" said Hop, "I kind of regret not taking the armor now." he laughed softly. In the distance the cry of a Corvicknight echoed across the sky, grabbing their attention.

"That must be our Taxi." said Hop, "We best be off, Anani."

"What? You're leaving already?" said Klara.

"I'm afraid we have to." said Hop, "We are Gym Challengers after all!" he shrugged, "And if we miss tomorrow's opening ceremonies, we may as well kiss our shot at the Championship goodbye!" he stated.

"Very well then." said Avery, "I suppose all we can do from here is...wish you luck." he bowed, "We'll be rooting for you." said Avery, "And know that you always have a place here with your brothers and sisters."

"Aye." Hop chuckled, "I dare say I think I might actually miss you lot!" he laughed.

"One thing's most certain, Avery..." Anani giggled, "You certainly won't be someone I forget!" she stated.

"And I you...Anani." Avery sniffled and gave her a tight squeeze until she squeaked.

"And...the same goes for you as well, Klara." said Anani.

"Awww..." she sniffled before throwing herself into the hug as well "Get gone before I cry~!" she joked as they released her and waved while the two young trainers boarded their Taxi.

"Good bye everyone!" said Anani as she waved while they lifted to the air, "I'll be sure to come back and visit real soon!"

"Indeed you will..." Mustard chuckled as he waved farewell, "Perhaps much sooner than you may think.

XXXXX

The sky darkened with the setting while Anani and Hop gazed into the sky as they flew.

"Well...that was a right day of training we most certainly won't forget, will we?" he chuckled.

"Definitely not." Anani smiled.

"And you!" said Hop, "What with Punkoon's evolution, Sobble, Nikit, Zorua and now our newest friend, Kubfu, You're party's filling out quite nicely isn't it?" he laughed, "I say, I got some catching up to do~"

"Fuuu~" Kubfu purred as he took in the sight of The Aisle of Armor disappearing in the distance.

"Fret not, Mate." said Hop, "You'll surely come back to visit home one day." he said, "And mean while, I am your new Trainer's ultimate best rival!" he stated, "So you can bet that I will help you both get stronger~" he grinned, "I promise you that!"

"Bearma bear bear~!" He chirped.

"Hop..." Anani said softly.

"Aye?" he blinked "What's up, Anani?" he asked.

"Nothing, really..." she blinked, "I just feel...like I can't thank you enough, you know." she said softly, "So thank you, Hop...for everything." She said with a smile. Hop blinked his wide Hazel eyes and gulped slightly as he blushed.

"Bah, I don't need any of that..." he said softly with a chuckle, "Sure, we may be rivals Anani." he stated, "But you'll always have a friend in me, mate." he grinned, before yawning and stretching his arms to the sky, leaning back in the carrier bench with his arms out stretched over the back on either side of him, "Man am I knackered." he chuckled, "Here's hoping we make it up in time for the Opening Ceremony!" he laughed jokingly. As though Hop would risk missing such a chance. And thanks to his lack of patience, there would be no risk of Anani missing it either. Night had fallen by the time they made land in Motostoke. Burnt out and exhausted they hobbled their way over to the Budew Drop Hotel and checked into their rooms. It didn't take them long to Polish up for bed. There wasn't a doubt that they slept deeply that night. Because the instant their body hit the bed and their face touched the cooling pillow, they were out for the rest of the night.

To Be Continued