I must have sat there for 10 minutes after Leon told me to pick a starter pokemon. How did people normally come to a decision? Did they go more off type or looks? Or just whatever called to them from the get-go?
"Can I pick two?" I ask, rubbing my chin.
Leon glanced up from his nails, head tilting towards the sky for a moment to think. "...Yes. No… I dunno." He finally decides on it.
I raise my eyebrow, "You sound pretty unsure over there."
"Well, I've never heard of anyone asking for two before."
"What do people usually do with the third one then?" I ask. "When Sonia and you went on your journey what happened to the third pokemon neither of you picked?"
Leon gave an unsure shrug, "I- I don't know."
"Was it just cast aside and left to fend for itself…?" The thought lingered in the air, a heavyweight on our chests.
"I… Don't know." He says weakly,
"Feeling abandoned…" I shake my head.
"This feels like a philosophical kind of question that only Professor Magnolia knows the answer to…" Leon requested with a desperate frown.
"So are you saying that when Byla picks one, and then I pick one.. the last one will be left alone, never feeling good enough because it wasn't picked?" Hop asked, his voice slowly fading into a horrified whisper.
I cover my mouth, "No…" we snap our attention to Leon for answers. Panicking for a moment he shakes his hands back and forth.
"N-No. No no, I wouldn't let that happen. The third one would go with me." He assured us. "I'll take them."
I shake my head, "But you already have a whole team!"
He stepped back when we stepped towards him, "You can have more than six pokemon…!"
I hold my hands up dramatically, "Yeah, and then the rest goes into some weird box thing, never to be opened again!"
Hop looks puzzled, "Box…?"
"Yeah, my Mum told me about them. Apparently, when she was younger you could only legally carry around 6 pokemon at a time. Then, once you started to get more, you had to put any new pokemon into a box if you didn't plan on releasing them."
"Oh my goodness." Hop shook his head, concerned.
"And it gets worse! Nowadays you can carry the box around with you, but back in my Mum's day, you had to drop the box off at a poke-center and leave it there. It was like getting money out from a bank! You had to go into your account, and transfer pokemon like they were money!"
"No…!" Hop looked ready to cover his ears, pale,
"It's true," I say solemnly. "They would put them into a box then store them away so they can never see daylight!" I wail.
My father was the kind of man to do this. He had hundreds of pokemon. He wanted to " Catch 'em all" as he told me. Which isn't a bad thing at the start. But once they were caught they were tucked away in that box and never seen again. Even after my Father caught every pokemon in this region he never released them. They are still stuck in that box, having been there for over 20 years…
Can you even imagine that? Being free one day and then suddenly never being able to see the sun ever again? Everyone you once knew is gone forever, and you are alone. All alone...
My Mum at least released most of hers and the ones she kept she let them roam free in the fields.
"It's downright criminal." Little to my realization the three young Pokémon in front of me was very aware of the conversation. The situation seemed to dawn on them as the blood drained from their faces. They turn to Leon with looks of fear, betrayal, and anger.
His voice is small when he speaks, "I-I hear P-Pokemon are very comfortable inside the box storage-"
"How do you know?" Hop and I approached him, demanding answers. "Have you ever been inside it? What does it look like inside a box? Or a pokeball for that matter?"
"I-I don't-" Leon slowly sinking back into his chair, looking ready to be swallowed up by the ground to avoid this conversation. "Look I don't even use the boxes myself. I don't know how they work…! I just- I-I'll take the pokemon you don't pick and it will travel with me." He assured us weakly. "Champion's promise.' He crossed his fingers over his heart.
Watching the action Hop and I share a look. We trusted Leon, so we nodded.
It was settled.
At least… I thought it had been.
I never would have realized the impact my little speech would have on the three starter pokemon behind me. But that wasn't till a little bit later…
Strategically each would do wonders in different situations. Each one could help me in many situations but eventually, I thought, perhaps fire would be best? I say this mostly because I struggle to start campfires on my own.
So, clearly that personal benefit should be my biggest decision here. It's like how my Father picked a water type as a starter just because my Mum picked fire. He wanted to be her rival so he let the sole notion of beating her with a type advantage be his deciding factor.
Now that I think about it, I think a lot of people pick their pokemon based on that. Or if it is cute. And the bunny is cute.
I reached forward, curious to the Scornbunny. Cute and adorable, looking at me with big eyes and a furry face.
It gave a tilt of its head, enticing me closer and then-
"AHH!" I screamed when sharp teeth dug into my flesh. The bunny bit me!
Screaming I wave my hand back and forth to get released. Scrambling back to hold my aching finger close to my chest, I shriek in rage, "Up yours!"
Hop rushed to my side with a dumbfounded expression.
"Are you okay?" Hob grabs at my hand to assess the damage. "It's bleeding..!"
"It tasted human flesh!" I howl
Leon leaned over his seat when I held my finger up to him. Eyeing it quizzically, he pulled out a handkerchief and gently wrapped it around my finger, "Pokemon don't eat humans." He patted my hand assuringly, knowing the injury wasn't actually as bad as I made it out to be. But it sure did hurt! "I'm sure it was just shy and reacted without thinking-"
We look to the Scornbunny just to see it flipped me off ! Of all things! Where did it even learn that?!
"Did you teach it that?" I accuse Leon as if he should do something about it. The champion in question was frozen at his seat, eyes so wide.
"Uh…" he shook his head wildly realizing what I meant, "What? No no! I would never! I have no idea where it picked that up from. It's just- it-It could have been Raihan! Yeah, we caught these three pokemon together to give them as gifts. So it probably got it from him."
Did he go pokemon hunting with Raihan? Did he do that often? How often did they go do things together like that? I say this purely out of curiosity and totally not because I ship the two of them and have done so for the last 2 years. That is definitely not why I want to know...
"Excuses." I pursed my lips. "But by all means, definitely go into detail about Raihan and your adventure." I gesture for him to continue.
"It's true!" he paused, "What? Oh uh- what just went hunting together? Got some dinner after."
"Dinner." I nod repeatedly. Forget my injured finger, this took priority. "Anything fancy?"
"...No? Just some burgers? I took a few selfies. They are on his page if you don't believe me-"
"I believe you." I explain easily, "Just wanted to make sure." I was definitely going through Raihan's Instagram page later to look at those selfies. But back to the Scornbunny! Looking towards it, I gasp indignantly when it taunted me, flipping me off a second time for good measure.
Leon winced at the sight, "I-It gives it some… personality, don't you think?" he chuckled nervously.
"It's gonna get punted into the pond!" I stand, pissed. Hop holds onto my arm, giving it weak tugs.
"Byla noooo, it's practically a baby…!" Hop rushed to stand between me and the Innocent pokemon. He was rewarded with this action with a firm kick to the back by the Scornbunny, sending him spiraling into the bushes.
"Hey!" I bark, "Don't mess with my Hop! I mean- the Hop!" I stomp after the beast, watching it scurry back.
The snarky little Pokemon dares to stick it's tongue out at me, ramming the Sobble and Grookey in small tackles before lifting its arms in victory.
Leon makes no attempt to move from his chair, watching the scene with a concerned but slightly amused look. "You okay, Hop?" he asked his brother
"Ugh…" Hop rubbed his lower back with a frown. "Are all Scornbunnies like this?"
"No." Leon snickered. "Not that I've seen."
"Come back here!" I wave my still injured finger around. That thing wanted a fight? Then I'll give it a fight!
I wanna say normally I'm very even-tempered, but I draw the line when Hop is messed with!
Stumbling onto the court meant for Pokemon training I ran around to grab at the scornbunny, maneuvering pass the Sobble and Grookey that squeaked in panic.
The Scornbunny eventually leaped into the closest tree, escaping my grasp. "You can't stay up there forever!" I shake my fist at it. It growls back and I sigh.
Walking backward to keep my eye on the furry beast I find myself almost taken out when I trip over Sobble. The little pokemon cries out in shock.
Then the biggest tears I've ever seen in my life begin to build in its eyes.
What have I done?!
"Oh!' my heart ached at the sight. Tears, my one weakness. "Oh, I'm sorry little one. Oh. Oh oh no." I coo, kneeling to check on it. "Don't cry." I plead with him. "If you cry I'm gonna start crying and this will just get messy." I pat its head. "There there."
It sniffles, looking at me with big eyes. Inching closer it pressed it's head to my hand for comfort.
Yeah.
I was dead.
"Well, aren't you cute?' I wiggle with my finger for it to come closer. It seems intrigued, taking two little steps then falling flat on its belly. It was done, having moved as far as it wanted to.
It was lazy. It was easily spooked. It was adorable.
"This one," I whisper quietly, lifting Sobble into my arms.
"You want Sobble?" Hop grinned,
"Yes!" I gush, loving how Sobble snuggled against me. It was so cute~
Leon stepped closer, "Excellent choice, Byla." he praised, patting my head. I frown a little at him, but appreciate it enough to let it slide.
"Alright!" Hop cheered, "Well if you're gonna pick Sobble then I'm going to pick-" his eyes trail up to scornbunny. It hissed, it's mouth flaming slightly as if it was preparing to attack Hop.
This was enough incentive for him to step towards Grookey instead. "Grookey!" he declared.
The monkey squeaked, shocked to be chosen. Thrilled it leaped into Hops arms and nuzzled against his chest. Like love at first sight Hop was melting, smiling wide.
"Oh gosh~ so cute!" he cooed
Leon smiles, "Great!" he praised, "I'm glad you two were able to find some partners." he looked towards the tree. "That just leaves the Scornbunny."
Ah, yes, I could see the blood lust in its beady little eyes. It kicked at the ground, punching the air and anything it could get it's mitts on.
If that wasn't enough, the wretched spawn pointed to me, lowering it's furred thumb to the ground.
"I don't think it likes you," Hop whispers weakly
"That's fine, I don't like it either," I grumbled, holding my Sobble protectively
With an easy smile, Leon approached the tree slowly, holding his hands up to signal he meant no harm.
"Guess you'll be coming with me." Leon says, "Charizard can show you the ropes."
The Scornbunny gave him a confused stare, then snapped it's attention back at me. Its nose wiggled, ears twitching.
I'm not exactly sure what convinced Scornbunny to act the way it did. Perhaps it was just that it didn't want to go with Leon. Or perhaps it had been my big rant from a few minutes earlier. A rant that instilled a small fear in Scornbunny of being tucked away into a box with a trainer that already had six other pokemon.
And me, having only one, seemed like the much better choice to avoid that.
So it took once bounding leap from the tree, landed with a flourish, and burst into a run.
I braced myself when it came right for me.
Instead of attacking or trying to bite off my finger, however, it grabbed at my leg. Tight, clinging almost, it held strong to my lower leg.
"Hey…!" I say, trying to shake it off. Why was it even clinging to me in the first place?
The Scornbunny wouldn't budge, holding my leg like it's life depended on it.
Leon watched with a tilt of its head. "Oh." he realizes, "I think it wants to go with you?"
"Wha-?" I gawk at him. "But I picked Sobble!"
"And scornbunny picked you." he mused
"It bit me!"
I hop around, refusing to be saddled with such an ill-tempered pokemon. If I was going on this dumb pokemon journey than I was at least going to have some say in my company!
"I thought I could only choose one anyway?"
"I don't mind you taking two." Leon admits, "I already have a full team and then some." Eye raised his eyebrow, reminding me that I was the one who pointed that out earlier. Curse past Byla. "Plus, Hop already has two pokemon. And now you can have two pokemon." his eyes glint playfully, "Also, Scornbunny seems happy with you."
"You and I are reading it's reactions to me very differently." I frown at him.
"It doesn't seem to like me either." Leon shows this by stepping closer. The Scornbunny hid behind me, hissing at him.
"Maybe it thinks you're gonna put it into a box." Hop jokes. Yet the joke was proven true when the Scornbunny's ears flopped down, eyes widening with worry.
"Oh gosh, it does." I realized with a gasp. "Oohhh…."
"I wouldn't do that." Leon says quickly, hoping for the bunny to understand.
It glared at him with a resentful and untrusting look. Well, that was definitely my bad. Painting Leon like some villain…
"You won't go into a box.' I tell the scornbunny. It looks up at me, mouth hanging open a little to show some adorable bucked teeth. I give it a little wink, "You're a pain, but you aren't going in a box."
I seem to have surprised it enough for it to lower it's head and slowly lean it's head against me. It hugged me for a long time and seemed to have no intention of letting go.
Okay… maybe it was kind of cute. Just a little.
"Then… you're going to keep scorbunny?" Hop smiles, giving me his best perky smile to convince me to say yes. Not sure what he had to gain from me taking Scornbunny anyway, but...
I frown. I definitely wasn't bringing this thing if it was going to bite me again but- maybe. "Maybe. "I say out loud. "We'll see."
"Sounds good to me." Hop grinned, winning me over with his carefree attitude.
"Why don't you start by giving your pokemon some nicknames?" Leon offered. "You don't have to of course, but some trainers like to do this."
"Nicknames huh?" Hop rubbed his chin. "I have always called wooloo, Wooloo but… I guess I could try a nickname for Grookey." he sat down to think about this. Finding some answer within himself he gasped. "Hip!" he declares.
"Hip?" I question
"So that we can be Hip Hop!" He lifts up a peace sign
I snort, my heart fluttering. "That's so dorky~" I loved it.
"What are you going to name your pokemon?" Hop smiles sweetly
"I dunno." I admit.
"You could start with the scornbunny." he says. I look down at the little bugger with a scowl, the creature still clinging tight to my leg.
" Carn." I say without a second thought
Hop lifts and lowers himself on his toes, "Oh, like carnation~ The flower!"
"Like Carnage, the action." I correct with a blank face
Hop's smile falls into a worried expression " Oh." He stepped back, "It suits your Scornbunny well."
"Yes, it does. And my Sobble will be…" I lift him up. He wiggles a little in my grip, smiling sweetly. I fawn over him quietly, "Umi~"
Hop looks unsure, "Is that another shortening of something like Carn?"
"Nah~ Just something cute."
"Oh." Hop chuckled, nudging me. "Cool."
Happy with our choices I hear Hop's Mother approach us.
"Alright, enough with this pokemon nonsense." She chided us. She regarded Leon with a disapproving frown, her opinion on Poke journey's very different to her son's.
"Just getting them prepared for it." Leon reports, stepping towards her with a fragile look. She sighs, her sour attitude shattering with just a glance at Leon. They stood on different opinions to Hop's journey, having been arguing about it for the last few weeks as far as Hop had told me. "He's ready to go." Leon adds in.
"I know. It's good to be prepared." She looks at Hop, her baby, and I worry she might start crying. My Mum, who had arrived with her, takes her to the side to console her friend best she can.
My Mum had to convince me to leave home, but Hop's mother is quite the opposite, wishing more than anything that her little boy wouldn't leave the nest. It was hard on her a few years ago when Leon left, winning the title of Champion at the young age of 10.
Since then he has been in and out of the house, barely able to stay longer than a week before the Chairman was whisking him off for press conferences and other champion duties.
It only got worse when the accident with Hop's Dad happened. Similar to my old man he had been a pokemon trainer. The stark difference is that Hop's father didn't have a choice in coming home.
There had been an accident back when Hop and I were around 8 years old.
A long and sad story short, Hop's Dad didn't make it home. The whole neighborhood was devastated.
It took me weeks just to accept what had happened as real. It just didn't feel right. A man I would see every day suddenly gone without warning. He had been like a father to me, taking me under his wing after my own had run off. I didn't know how to comfort Hop when I myself couldn't even fathom the situation.
That year had been the hardest this town had ever faced.
When we turned 10 Hop didn't even want to think about leaving home as Leon had. The death of his Dad was still too fresh, too terrifying. So we settled on waiting a few years. Both Hop's mom and I were not against that in any way.
Somewhere along the line Hop's fear seemed to fade into eager excitement. My best bet was on his brother.
Leon had done his best to fill in the gap of Hop's life.
The Champion had taken it upon himself to be the best adult male figure for Hop in his younger years.
A role model to inspire to be like and learn from was something Hop desperately needed for a long time. Leon was the best person to turn for that, after all. He couldn't be in two places at once though.
I guess that is why Hop is so fixated on his older brother and all his pokemon battles/interviews.
Ah, the late nights Hop would call me at 3 in the morning to gush about his brother. Both love and hated those moments.
But hey, now it was Hop's turn to try and grab at the spotlight and show his brother the person he had grown into. It didn't take a genius to see how much Hop wanted to make Leon proud.
I guess that's why Hop's Mum couldn't find it in herself to say no to Hop leaving. How could she deny her son the one thing he wanted most after all?
"Alright everyone, let's get the table set up while I get dinner cooking." My mum was wheeling out the grill
"While you do that, why don't we prepare for our journey!" Hop grabbed my hand to yank me towards the pokemon training area in their yard.
I give a worried frown, "Prepare?"
"With a pokemon battle!"
Oh no. "Oooh I-I dunno, Hop. I mean, we just got our pokemon. I hardly know what their moves are." I say. "Why don't we wait till tomorrow or something?"
Or never.
How about never? That sounded so much better.
"Aww come on." He puckered his lower lip pleadingly. "Please?"
I recoil, unable to say no when Hop looked at me like that. It was criminally unfair. "I- you- ughhhh. Fine." I sigh. Spun under his arm to my side of the pavement Hop gives a snicker of victory.
"Alright!"
Leon stepped back with a smile, folding his arms to watch with his Mother. My Mum watched me from the corner of her eye, giving an encouraging smile. Even mouthing "at least try". She knew me too well.
I'd very easily throw this whole thing without a second thought.
"Well- I guess I'll… pick Sobble first." I look at my shoulder and my pokemon blinks, bewildered. "You ready, Umi?"
It stares at the field before leaping down, slowly sauntering towards the middle to square off.
I didn't like this. I felt like I was conforming to the backward society structure I so greatly detested. Hop's eager eyes were like a net, drawing me closer and closer until I could no longer escape.
"Let's go, Wooloo!" Hop gave a dramatic pose, undoubtedly practicing for the last few days just for this moment. Rolling onto the pavement Wooloo gave a wide-eyed look to Umi, who returned it with a slow blink.
This was going to end badly, I could already tell. Utter humiliation and stab to my ego. I should probably prepare a coffin and write down my eulogy.
This was like an unknowing agreement to this journey with this one pokemon battle. Everyone was watching expectantly, giving smiles as Hop called the first attack. Yes, because watching Hop's older pokemon beat up my baby pokemon is entertainment.
"Tackle!"
My Sobble, little Umi, didn't even attempt to dodge. Though, even if it tried, it wouldn't have gotten far on those little stumpy legs of his.
Smacked across a few feet it stood with a dazed look. Catching it's bearing's I fumbled with a response. What moves did a Sobble know anyway? Tackle too? It was a water type some water move maybe?
"Uh- Umi use- um… Use tackle?" I commanded. Umi glanced back at me and I faltered. "Or not…"
Umi gave a little bristle, slowly inching forward to give a tackle in return. At least… attempting to.
It gave up halfway, too lazy apparently to even finish off its own move. It was then smacked back by another tackle from Hop's Wooloo.
This time, when Umi was sent back, it made no move to get up.
"You okay?" I asked it. It huffed, lower lip trembling as it made a little blubbering noise. It wasn't hurt, it just didn't like being smacked around.
Inching closer it moved behind my ankles to hide away from the fight.
"You can give up," I say
"Byla, no no, you can't just give up. Leon said incredulously. What's the law that says I can't Leon! Show me the law!
I waved my hands to gesture towards my Sobble, hoping this alone would explain why there is no way I could continue this fight. Clearly it had no intention of battling. Giving it a little nudge back onto the field I stepped back, very unsure of this. It felt like I was a parent, forcing my child to join a sport they definitely weren't qualified for. Or interested in…
Seeing Wooloo readying one last tackle move Sobble's eyes geared up. It looked at me like I was sending the poor dear off into an unwanted war zone. Total crocodile faked tears but man were they working on me.
This Sobble was too much like me for its own good.
"I call Sobble back!" I declare.
"What?" Hop threw his hands up, "You mean you're switching it out? I don't think you can-"
I gave him my best tearful look, which he flinched to immediately. Yup, Sobble was definitely like it's trainer…
"G-Go ahead.' Hop looked away, struggling to disagree with me.
"C'mere Umi~" I clapped my hands towards the Sobble letting it leap into my arms. Prepared to just forfeit I stepped backwards.
Only to feel a lighter weight on my leg.
Without my call or permission, the Scornbunny had leaped onto the field.
"Wha- Carn!" I yell
"Switching out Sobble for your Scornbunny." Leon nods, "Good tactic."
"That is not what that was." I shook my head in disagreement, but he didn't seem to hear me.
Unlike Umi, who seemed to much rather lay down and die than fight, Carn was gearing up to go. Punching the air with a fiery determination in its eyes.
I could already sense the trouble this was going to cause…
"Uh, maybe we could end this-"
Carn was charging forward. Using a quick attack it gut-punched Hop's poor Wooloo right on its soft side. The Wooloo let out a shocked yelp, rolling back. It seemed extremely affective- even though that type of move shouldn't have been that damaging…?
"Oh.' I winced, nearly covering my eyes when Carn, without my order, commenced using ember. Wooloo's soft fur was consumed in small flames as some as the droplets of ember grazed the tufts.
Wooloo shrieked, distracted long enough for Carn to get a good sucker punch to its jaw!?
"Fighting-type move?" I gawk. Was a Scornbunny even physically able to do that? If it was a head-butted, maybe that would have made sense, but a full-on fist toss?
I wasn't that well versed in types and type moves, but clearly that wasn't normal, right?
Hop even seemed dumbstruck, recoiling in surprise, "Whoa!" Watching his Wooloo collapse to the ground he slowly lifted his pokeball to collect it. Calling back his Wooloo he kept his eyes locked with Carn, wide and terrified.
"Uh..." Leon swallowed, not sure what he could say. It wasn't like he could stop the battle just because Scornbunny knew a move it typically shouldn't.
"Hop." I say cautiously.
Hop and I gawked simultaneous looks of discomfort and concern. I shook my head at him, but he gave me a look like his hands were tied.
"Don't do it." I mouth.
"I have to." He replies.
"No, you don't…!" I mouth back angrily and he gestures to Grookey to take to the field.
"Let's go Hip!" Hop says, with the confidence of a man that had no idea what horrible thing he has just done.
A grass type, against a very power-hungry and bloodthirsty fire type?! That poor thing was going straight to an early grave!
I attempt to make this painless, calling out a weak but desperate, "C-Carn..! Use- Tackle-" It spat out a wave of it's Ember attack before I could even finish.
What was even worse was that the Scornbunny looked bored as it did it. Like it was very aware of the type advantage and felt not even an ounce of challenge from the sweet little Grookey.
Hip fell over almost instantaneously, the battle sort of anticlimactic. The area was silent for a few seconds, only breaking when Hop lifted his Pokeball to call his defeated Hip back to him.
"I lost…" he says softly.
"Good job, Byla!" Leon praised, "You're already growing really accustomed to this!"
I'm sorry, but was this man blind?
Clearly, I didn't say an entire word during that whole confrontation.
My Mum did see this, however, and looked downright giddy. It's like she knew. Of course she knew.
If I kept Carn by my side then I would be forced to continue into unwanted battles!
This couldn't do…I can't allow this to come to pass. Whether it killed me or not, I had- no, I needed to convince Leon to take Carn before Hop and I left tomorrow.
Hop was approaching me with a wry smile of discomfiture, "Whoa Byla, you really learned your type advantages." He chuckled.
No no, don't start that. No, I didn't.
Carn was running around squeaking in victory, pumping it's little paws and even snapping it's battle-hungry gaze to Leon's Charizard like it wanted to take it on.
Leon was smart to quickly put his Charizard away, giving the Scornbunny a little shake of his head.
"Still, you managed to beat my two pokemon with your one." Hop glanced at the ground, a distant look in his eyes, "That Scornbunny sure is something."
"Yeah…."
I stared at the Scornbunny, watching it thrash violently into the dirt. Distracted by a passing speck in the air it followed after it, attempting to eat and bite the silly thing. It definitely was something alright…
"Is your Sobble alright?" Hop inquired, reaching out to pat Umi's head. Umi gave a little purr, nuzzling his palm before getting comfy along my shoulders. The lazy fella looked ready for a nap.
"Yeah, Umi is good. Was no match for Wooloo." I chuckled. Hop gave a small smile, a tad pleased to hear that.
"Here Hop," Leon held out his hands, "Let me heal up your Pokemon."
Handing his brother his two pokemon Hop smiles, nudging me.
"Well hey, here.' He handed me a bit of money.
"I don't want your change," I say, not even sure why he was giving me this.
"No no, it's for the battle." He laughed, "Since you beat me!"
Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that. If you lost you had to be humiliated AND hand over your hard-earned cash. Pokemon battles are great.
Sense the sarcasm there?
"I don't know Hop, this is your allowance money," I say awkwardly, trying to hand it back. He wraps his hand around my palm, forcing me to close my fingers around it.
"We're pokemon trainers now~ it's part of the deal. 'He chuckled. "I got a lot more saved up for the journey anyway." He pats my knuckles with his palm, a friendly gesture.
A gesture that was making my heart go all a flutter~ gosh his hands were soft~ And he smelled so niceeeeeeee.
I really needed to focus, because my next sentence came out as "I-you-K~ Cool. You're cool."
"Nah, you're cool~" he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, "We're pokemon trainers now!'
My cheer with his was very lackluster in enthusiasm, but Hop made up for it for the both of us.
"Come eat!" My Mum calls as she lifts a few Kabobs to show us.
"Yeah!" We rush to the table.
Hop swung his leg over the bench to sit beside me, offering me a kabob he snatched in passing, "Think you'll be okay with- Carn, was it?"
"Carn." I nod. "I dunno." I rub my sore neck, motioning to Umi. "I think I'll be okay with Umi though." my little Sobble circled the main table, eyeing the kabob's with pleading looks. It waited for my Mum to notice it, giving a soft whine.
My Mom visibly melted any thoughts of saying no to such a sweet little one and offered him a few slices of meat that had cooled.
I honestly couldn't tell if it was a crybaby or conniving. It often used tears to get it's way. Very manipulative.
Chomping down on my Kabob I watch my Umi attempt to stuff its entire mouth with the Kabob's contents in one go. Barely able to fit even two pieces into it's tiny mouth I snatch the kabob and shake my head. "No. Small bites."
It whines, chewing the meat it had slowly. After a while, it opens its mouth expectantly. Such a baby.
...Yet here I go hand feeding it anyway.
Though, I guess that was okay, since Hop was also doing that with his Hip and Wooloo.
Halfway through the meal, Carn tugs on my pant leg. It motioned to its mouth. Raising my eyebrow I toss a chunk of meat it's way. It leaps into the air like a breaching whale-lord, catching the meat between it's bucked teeth.
So I had an overachiever and an underachieve pokemon.
I feel exhausted already.
"So you two feel fully ready for tomorrow?' Leon asked us. NO.
"Yeah!" Hop cheers
"Yeah…" I say, despite my eyes clearly pleading, end my suffering.
" Alright, listen up new trainers. 'Leon cleared his voice, somehow making it a tad deeper to show he was serious. The table quieted to look his way, our parents giving little, if not worried, smiles. "Believe in yourself and your pokemon. If you trust in one another and carry on battling side by side, then someday… you might even become worthy rivals for me, the unbeatable champion." He winked, and Hop gasped beside me.
Heavens no. No no, never. That very idea is like nightmare fuel.
And what is worse, Leon looked right at ME when he said it. Get those golden irises out of here Leon!
"I'll come knocking on your door to challenge you before you know it, Lee!" Hop declared. He slammed his hand on the table to look at me, "Guess that makes us rivals, Byla!"
I give a slow blink, lost for a moment. "...Why?"
"Because we both are aiming to be champion. But only one can do it!" He jabbed his thumb to his chest, "And it's gonna be me."
I wasn't aware that Hop truly believed I wanted such an obscure and stressful job like being the champion. A job that literally drove Leon into collapsing…
I'm not kidding it was on the news. He collapsed halfway between two towns with a high fever from over-exhaustion. He claims to have been given more time off to ensure this never happens again, but those bags under his eyes say otherwise.
"Uh…" I struggle to come up with a reply. I give a shaky thumbs-up, unable to form any words of rebuttal. "Right on, Hop." I say. If Hop wanted to try and be Champion, then he has my full support. I think he'd be great at it, anyway. Hop is great at everything~
Though, I might be a little bit bias.
Leon gave a hearty laugh. "Glad to see you two in such high spirits!" He ruffled Hop's hair. "Honestly, watching you two battle made me want to let out Charizard to join in all the fun!"
I slowly turn to him, eyes narrowed and mouth hanging open. How would that have even worked?
Level 80 against level 3? (Though that is highly debatable that Carn is at level 3 with how crazy it battled…)
"That sounds like a terrifying idea," I say
Leon snorted, "I know~" he laughed, "It was just exciting to see my little brother blossoming into a new trainer. Made me think of Dad."
Hop's eyes couldn't have been wider, "Really?" He asked quietly.
"Yeah. He'd be really proud to see you heading off Hop." Leon grips his shoulder. "Can't wait to see where it'll take you."
Hop shifted in his seat, looking down at his knees with a small but happy smile. I can't help but feel warm in my chest, happy to see Hop so pleased.
"You're gonna be real tough Hop," I say.
"Especially with my rivals' help." Hop seemed determined for things to be this way, even despite how I rolled my eyes.
Leon gave a little laugh, "You've got a lot of promise yourself, Byla. In fact, I have a favor to ask you… be a real rival to Hop, would you? Push him, and make the both of you stronger." With such a serious request I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly.
Feeling a lot of expectations on my back, I gave a weak nod, faking confidence, "Oh yeah, of course. Sure. I'll- I'll push him. I'll bully him even."
"What?' Hop whined, "No~ don't do that." He nudged me and I smile. "Well hey, Lee! Now that you've seen me battle you gotta let me join the Gym challenge now, right?" Hop asked hopefully.
His brother was caught off guard, "You?" He asked, "Join the gym challenge?" He seemed to glance towards their mother. A pokemon journey was one thing, but the gym challenges. The stress of that alone was a lot. I had the feeling Leon was a little unsure on agreeing to this.
"Why in the world would you want to join that, dear?" Hop's Mom chipped in.
"Because it's the biggest event here in Galar! Only true pokemon trainers join it! It's the best way to grow and show your skills." his eyes were dazzling, filled with vigor and determination. I feel tempted to fan myself, in awe of him. I restrained myself from doing that.
Leon asked cautiously, "You think you're ready for the single greatest competition in our region? Not putting the cart before the rapidash there, little brother?" He gave a weak smile, wanting Hop to really understand what he was asking for.
My own desire to defend Hop came bursting upward before I could stop it, "Of course he's ready!" I slam my hand on Hop's shoulder, proud. "He knows all there is to know about Pokemon. Plus, he's analyzed every single one of your battles. He's researched the other gym leaders too, knowing their type advantages, their pokemon, their fighting styles. He's got this whole challenge in the bag!" I proclaim.
The entire table gawked at me, my Mum's lips curling into a knowing smile. Even Hop was surprised by my declaration, giving a slow if not shy smile.
"Gee, Byla." he grinned, "Thanks."
Leon glanced at his Mom, who lifted her eyebrow at him, "Well.. y-you need more than research though. You need to be able to train your pokemon really well. Plus, you're still kind of young, Hop." his protective side was showing, worried Hop's hopes might be trampled on if Hop were to attempt this.
"You joined it when you were ten!" Hop huffed, "I'm 15…! I can handle it." The look in his eyes was something I knew Leon could never say no too. In fact, it seemed to inspire the champion, maybe even remind him of himself.
'Well, if that is really what you want to do, you two need to do a whole lot of learning about Pokémon."
Excuse me. Did he say.. . you two? No no. No no no no, I know where this is going. I had a feeling convincing Leon of Hop was going to come back and bite me in the butt! I just knew it! Me and my big mouth!
"Especially you, Byla." He gives me a serious look.
Boy I will smack you! Hop never once mentioned me! Don't rope me into this!
"Before you think about getting gym badges, it's best you two get a pokedex first." He instructs.
I DON'T WANT GYM BADGES.
Leon lifted his own Pokédex, old and a little worn down to give an example. Yeah, I knew what it was, and I DIDN'T WANT IT.
"It's best to know what pokemon you might be dealing with and it's fun to keep track of all the info you gather. It's a record of every trainer's love and passion for pokemon training."
Ahh, the one thing I have no love and training for.
"Right right, we're one it" Hop gave a determined nod, hooking arms with me.
Hop.
"We're on it!" He cheered.
No.
"Looks like it's off to the pokemon research lab for you and me, Byla!"
NO!
"That's the kind of enthusiasm a trainer needs, Hop!" Leon agreed with a matching grin to his brother. "I'll let the professor know to expect you."
SOMEONE END ME.
I look to my Mum for aid, sending signals with my eyes for her to say something against this. Casually leaning her chin against her palm she softly cooed, "Oh~ This sounds like such a wonderful idea. You two are going to have so much fun~"
MUM!
I felt like I was being dragged into the hunger games or something! A tribute that had no chance of escaping.
I sure did try though, let that be known.
"Well hey I mean- I'm not really that confident in my ability to be a trainer. I don't think entering the gym challenges would really be the right thing for me…" I say with a weak laugh.
"Oh Byla," Hop gave me a side hug "Look at you, being all humble~" he poked my nose. Don't be cute with me Hop..
"Believe in yourself Byla." Leon cheered me on. "You're so much stronger than you think!"
Oh, I'm plenty strong, believe me.
"Listen, whatever happens, you have my full support." Hop grabbed my shoulders to look me dead in the eyes. "I believe in you."
Legs shaking, sight fading, my will being so easily persuaded…. Ughhhh, dang it.
"Well- if you say so." I mumbled, glancing away when my face felt hot.
"Great! Then let's get to it! Let's head to bed right now so we can leave early tomorrow morning!"
Curse it all.