Estimated Reading Time: 30 Minutes
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Leafstorm
Squirtle leapt onto Leaf's stomach with an unexpected thud, his smooth, brown shell pressing into her midsection. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as the wind was knocked from her lungs. "Ugh, Squirtle!" she groaned, her hands darting to shove the grinning turtle squirrel off of her. He tumbled off the bed with a soft thump. She scowled, clutching her stomach, but couldn't hold back the faintest smile at her companion's antics.
Squirtle: "Squirtle!" (I'm hungry!)
Leaf: "You're hungry, aren't you?"
Squirtle: "Squirt!" (Yes, woman!)
Leaf: "Ok, lemme get you something to eat."
She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet brushing against the cool floor. Stretching briefly, she shuffled to her mini fridge, pulling the door open with a quiet creak. The chill wafted over her as she retrieved four small tins of wet Pokémon food. Carefully, she portioned the food into individual bowls, placing them down for her team of now four with Fate added to the party.
The four eagerly approached, their eyes sparkling with anticipation as they dug in with happy noises. She watched them fondly, leaning against the wall as they finished their meal. Once the bowls were empty and her companions licked their lips in satisfaction, she gently recalled each one into their Pokéballs. Their glimmers of light faded, leaving her room quiet once again.
She slipped into her favorite outfit, pairing a snug, white V-neck tee with a pink plaid skirt that swayed just above her knees. To complete the look, she slid on a pair of cute knee-high socks with tiny pastel hearts. Standing in front of her body mirror, she adjusted her skirt and spun lightly on her toes, watching the fabric flare out. A small, satisfied smile spread across her face as she admired her reflection.
Grabbing her bag, she headed out to the cozy LoFi Café, the familiar scent of coffee and warm pastries greeting her as she stepped inside. The soft hum of chill beats filled the air as she approached the counter. After scanning the menu, she ordered a steaming latte and a freshly made breakfast sandwich. Taking a seat by the window, she unwrapped her meal and savored the comforting flavors while soaking in the café's laid-back vibe.
She went on her phone and saw that Ness once again texted her.
[- Ness
DM
Ness: If it's cool with you, I would like to talk about what happened.
Ness: But only if you're ready. No presure!
Ness: *Pressure
…
A small smile tugged at her lips as she read his text, her eyes lingering on the neatly edited words. Of course, he corrected himself—he always did, even when it didn't matter. It was so him, the way he strived to sound like an intellectual, this larger-than-life scholar in his own mind. But she saw through the façade.
Beneath the carefully crafted sentences and vocabulary, he was a jumble of awkwardness and vulnerability—a lonely, chaotic mess. Yet, there was something charming about it, something that tugged at her heart. He didn't need to be perfect; she could help him untangle himself. She could fix him.
She sat at her corner table in the LoFi Café, her latte cooling beside her as she scrolled through TikTok. One hand rested on her stomach, gently rubbing it while the other flicked through an endless stream of parenting videos.
She couldn't stop picturing it—her and Ness together, caring for a baby like a perfect little family. The thought made her cheeks warm. If she delivered the baby, he'd have to notice her more. They'd share everything—the late-night feedings, the laughter and struggles. It would bind them, keep them together. And soon, he would realize what she already knew deep in her heart—that they were meant for each other~
She picked up her phone, ready to text him back, but a sudden notification from Twitter caught her eye. Curious, she tapped the app, only to be greeted by a flurry of tags and direct messages. The screen seemed to flood with notifications. Her heart raced, but not in a fun way. She was absolutely terrified.
[- Sextoiiis
DM
Sextoiiis: hey cutie ;)
…
[- racoon-dickstop
DM
racoon-dickstop: holy shit ur like da hottest girl I've ever seeen
…
[- fingerjabbs43#
DM
fingerjabbs43#: do u have sex with ur pokemon
fingerjabbs43#: dont ingore me pokebitch
…
[- Lopunny's fluffy ass
DM
Lopunny's fluffy ass: i wanna see u dressed up as a sexy lopunny
Lopunny's fluffy ass: as u can see from my name i REALLY love lopunny
…
[- Loocario69
DM
Loocario69: damn ur so fuckin hot
Loocario69: i wanna suck on ur tits
…
[- Tomatosoop
DM
Tomatosoop: Do you perhaps have an Eeveelution? I'm a Pokemon breeder. If you ever want one, please feel free to message me back. I make sure to breed the best like no one ever was. They are EV trained and well behaved. If you don't believe me, I can send you my address and show you in person.
…
[- Ness's ultimate fanboy
DM
Ness's ultimate fanboy: so like did ness actually get you pregs
Ness's ultimate fanboy: because if he did I'mma gonna find you and slice your stomach open. he's mine and only mine do you hear me?
…
[- fuckingcucking
DM
fuckingcucking: did he feel good?
fuckingcucking: hey! why r u ignoring me?! was he good or nah? i feel like he was terrible because that guy built like a twig. not me though i'm a big strong man with a twelve pack. i know im better than that fuck in bed. he might look all cute like one of them kpuppers wtf ever their called but boys like those are only good for there looks also he they all look the same and look like girls. what u need is a real man who could fight bears and wrestle aligators instead of singing some stupid gay pop song
Leaf: What?
fuckingcucking: u herd me. ness is a fuckin pussy boy who cant protect a fragile girl like u
Leaf: He's strong. He's in smash for a reason...
fuckingcucking: imma beat his ass and then fuck u while he watches. i love watching other men watch their women get fucked by me. im the cuck master!
You have blocked fuckingcucking
…
Her phone buzzed relentlessly, the sheer volume of messages making her palms sweat. She scrolled through them, trying to make sense of the chaos, but the sheer number was overwhelming. What once was her sanctuary—a place to share her love for Pokémon and help others with tips and advice—had turned into a nightmare.
Her "innocent educational Pokémon" brand, something she had poured so much effort into, now felt shattered. Post after post labeled her with cruel, degrading names, the word "whore" flashing in her mind like a neon sign she couldn't escape. No one cared about her carefully crafted tutorials or her passion for the Pokémon world anymore.
Instead, her page had become a magnet for men who twisted her content, leaving comments that made her stomach churn. They dragged her Pokémon into their sick fantasies, turning everything she loved into something ugly.
She set her phone down turning off the notifications. The café's soft ambiance did little to soothe her. All she could feel was the crushing weight of humiliation and the sinking realization that her reputation might never recover.
Her hands trembled as she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. This was all Red's fault. Her jaw tightened, teeth gritting as the memory replayed in her head. If he had just kept his mouth shut, if he hadn't caused that stupid scene with Ness, none of this would've happened. He humiliated her—right there in front of everyone. Right in front of her crush...
Her chest tightened, a mix of anger and shame swirling inside her. What would Ness think of her now? Her frustration began to fade, replaced by something colder and heavier. Fear. He's being too nice and calm about the situation. He's definitely embarrassed to be around me.
She felt the prick of tears in her eyes, her vision blurring as her emotions swelled. No, not here. She couldn't cry in front of all these strangers. Swiping at her eyes, she hastily gathered her things. Her chair scraped loudly as she stood, drawing glances she didn't acknowledge.
With her head down, she rushed out of the café, the door's bell jingling faintly behind her as she stepped into the crisp air, hoping it could cool the storm inside her.
She pulled out her phone and checked her schedule, her thumb swiping down the screen until she confirmed it—no work today. For once, relief washed over her. She couldn't imagine dragging herself to work feeling this low. She didn't have it in her to put on a brave face, and the thought of disappointing the Pokémon she cared for made her stomach twist. It was better this way.
Turning on her heel, she headed back home, her steps heavier with every block. The moment she stepped into her room, the familiar scent and warmth brought a fleeting sense of comfort. She wasted no time taking off her outfit, replacing it with soft, oversized pajamas that felt like a hug.
Climbing onto her bed, she sank into the mountain of blankets, pulling them over her head like a shield against the world.
She reached for her phone again, opening YouTube with a quiet sigh. Scrolling through, she found a meditation video and hit play. The gentle sounds of calming music and the soft voice of the speaker filled the room. She closed her eyes, allowing her body to relax into the bed, letting the calm voice guide her through this moment.
Video: "Alright, let's get started with your meditation journey. Find a comfortable position and relax. Notice how the body is feeling at this moment. You don't need to change anything about the mind, your thoughts, the heart, your emotions, the body, or any sensations. Just simply allow what's happening. How does your body feel right now?"
Leaf: (I feel… Heavy.)
Video: "Maybe there are thoughts or emotions coming up. Just let everything be here. Now, I'm going to invite you to take a deep breath in through the nose, and as you exhale. Breathe and hold for three seconds."
Leaf: *Breathes in*
Video: "Hold for three. One, two, three. Now exhale for six."
Leaf: *Exhales*
Video: "Very good. Now again."
Leaf: *Breathes in*
Video: "One, two, three. Very good. Now exhale for six."
Leaf: *Exhales*
Video: "Excellent. One more time. Hold for three."
Leaf: *Breathes in*
Video: "One, two, three. Now exhale for six."
Leaf: *Exhales*
Video: "Now, take your attention to your body. Start with your feet. As you breathe normally, notice any tension there, and as you exhale softly, imagine that tension melting away. Slowly move your attention up to your legs, your hips, your belly. With each breath, release any tightness, letting it go."
Leaf: *Breathes in and out*
Video: "If you'd like, you can focus on a calming word or image. It could be a word like "peace" or "calm," repeating it gently with each breath. Or, imagine a serene place—a beach, a forest, or a quiet meadow—whatever feels calming to you. Picture every detail of this place, how it looks, feels, and sounds."
Leaf closed her eyes for a moment, letting her mind wander back to her hometown. She could almost feel the warm breeze against her skin as she imagined herself running through the tall, swaying patches of grass. The sound of the grass brushing against her legs, the fresh scent of nature filling her lungs, and the excitement of the hunt—catching wild Pokémon, feeling that spark of discovery every time a new one appeared.
She smiled softly, remembering the innocence of those days, when everything was new and unknown. Back then, she never could have imagined how far she'd go. The thrill of first discovering the world of Pokémon had been enough to keep her dreaming, but it wasn't just the catching that had fueled her. It was the adventure—the challenges, the victories, and the growth.
She had gone from that curious, wide-eyed kid to beating the Indigo League, becoming a Champion—an accomplishment that still felt surreal, like it could only happen to someone else. And then, even more unbelievably, an invitation to compete in Smash had come her way. At such a young age, she had already experienced more than most could ever dream of.
Video: "When you're ready to finish, begin to bring your awareness back to your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch your arms, and slowly open your eyes. Take one more deep, grounding breath, and as you exhale, feel yourself fully present, calm, and at peace."
Leaf slowly opened her eyes, blinking in surprise as the darkness of evening settled around her. The room felt quieter than before, the soft glow of the streetlights outside casting gentle shadows. How long had she been lost in her thoughts?
She glanced at her phone and froze when she saw the time—two hours had passed. It felt like only minutes. She had truly lost herself in the meditation, the world outside slipping away as she focused on her breath and thoughts.
Leaf stood up, feeling the gentle stretch of her limbs as she moved. A sense of lightness lingered from her meditation, and she welcomed the fresh air outside her room. She smiled as she reached for her Pokéballs, releasing her Pokémon one by one. Their cheerful cries filled the air as they materialized, eager for some exercise.
Together, they set out for a refreshing walk, the crisp night air brushing against her face as they made their way to the Pokepark. The soft rustling of leaves in the trees and the distant chirps of nocturnal Pokémon was the perfect place to unwind.
She let her Pokémon roam freely, watching them play in the open space—some chasing after each other, others practicing new moves or rolling in the grass. A sense of peace washed over her as she leaned against a nearby bench, her arms crossed as she simply enjoyed the sight of her friends so happy and carefree.
Her phone lay forgotten in her pocket, and for the first time in a while, she didn't feel the need to check it. Instead, she let the world around her fill her senses—the laughter of her Pokémon, the tranquility of the park, and the warmth of being fully present in the moment.
?: "Leaf!"
Leaf's breath caught in her throat as she whipped around, her gaze instantly locking onto Ness. He was running toward her, his footsteps quick and light, a sense of urgency in his stride. When he saw her, his eyes widened with recognition, and his face lit up with a bright, genuine smile that seemed to make the whole world around her seem to glow.
Ness: "Hey! *Huffs* I've been trying to contact you."
Leaf: "Y-yeah, sorry…"
Ness: "Are you mad at me?"
Leaf: "N-no."
Ness took a seat next to Leaf, the gentle rustling of leaves around them the only sound for a moment. They both sat in comfortable silence, watching as Fate and Lucky tumbled and played together in the soft grass.
After a few moments, Ness cleared his throat, breaking the stillness. "They're cute, aren't they?" His voice was light, almost hesitant, as if he were trying to ease the tension that had quietly built up between them.
Leaf: "Yep."
Ness: "So uh… S-sorry about the whole situation. I had no idea Snake was there."
Leaf: "Ness…"
Ness: "But don't worry! I'll talk to him. I just never know where he is."
Leaf: "It's fine."
Ness: "Huh?"
Leaf: "Everything's fine."
Ness: "I don't-
Leaf: "You don't have to talk to Snake or fix the problem."
Ness: "But…"
Leaf: "I know you're trying to help, but I'm honestly fine. I'm not even mad. I just wanna be alone."
Ness: "Do you… Do you want me to go then?"
Leaf: "Yes." (Wait, no! What am I saying?!)
Ness: "Ah, ok…"
Ness stood up, his eyes catching Lucky's attention. "Lucky!" he called, his voice bright and playful. But the Espeon, lost in the fun of his game with Fate, simply ignored him, blissfully unaware. Ness chuckled under his breath, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he extended his hand, focusing his psychic powers. In an instant, Lucky was lifted off the ground, his paws flailing in the air as he tried to fight the invisible force holding him. Lucky let out a soft, annoyed cry, his eyes narrowing in irritation. Ness shook his head, giving Leaf a teasing look and pulling a mock frown, as if trying to get her to laugh.
But Leaf remained still, her gaze distant, her face unreadable. The playful gesture didn't have the effect he hoped for. "Geez," he muttered softly to himself. I better do what she asked and leave...
He gave her one last, faint smile, as if to reassure her that he hadn't forgotten their unspoken understanding. Waving goodbye, he turned and walked out of the park, leaving Leaf alone with her thoughts.
Leaf's heart pounded in her chest, the weight of her actions sinking in. Stupid! Why did I push him away? The thought echoed in her mind, leaving her feeling even more isolated. The warmth she'd felt earlier, watching her Pokémon play and the brief connection with Ness, seemed so distant now. She felt the heaviness settle back in her chest, like a cloud pressing down on her.
She stood up from the bench, her legs feeling a little unsteady as she returned her Pokémon to their Pokéballs, the light red glow of the devices flickering as they disappeared. She was aware of the hunger in her stomach, but the thought of eating felt overwhelming.
Without another thought, she turned and made her way back to her room, the world around her fading into the background. Once inside, she threw herself onto her bed, she pulled the blankets up over her body and buried her face in the pillow, trying to escape from the whirlpool of thoughts that consumed her.
Here I am again, hiding in my room... The thought echoed through Leaf's mind, sinking deep into her chest. She felt like she was trapped in an endless cycle of regret and self-doubt, unable to break free. Every part of her screamed to get up, to go find Ness and apologize for pushing him away, for the way she'd acted, but her body felt like it was glued to the bed.
Her throat tightened as the tears began to well up. They slid down her cheeks, each drop carrying with it a weight of guilt and frustration. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stop the tears, but they kept coming, as if her body couldn't hold back the tidal wave any longer.
Leaf: *Sniffs* *Sobs* *Sobs*
Leaf's sobs echoed through the room, each one a mix of sorrow and frustration. She lay there, feeling the weight of it all, when she suddenly felt the familiar warmth of her Pokémon gathering around her. Fate nudged her gently, and Charizard gave her back rubs. Without thinking, she pulled them all into her arms, burying her face in their fur. The Pokémon didn't struggle, didn't pull away. They simply nestled into her embrace, their presence offering a safe space.
Through her tears, she whispered, "You guys are the best…" Her voice cracked, but she didn't care. They were there for her, as always, when she needed them the most.
After a while, the tears finally subsided, and Leaf wiped her eyes, feeling a dull ache in her chest. She picked up her phone, despite the nagging feeling that it might not be the best decision. Her fingers hesitated for a moment before she unlocked it, unable to resist the pull to check what was happening on Twitter.
She scrolled through her feed briefly, then found herself clicking on Ness's page. Her stomach sank when she saw it—his account was flooded with countless comments. Harassment. It was like a storm of negativity and lots of sexual comments swirling around him. The thought of him enduring all of that made her stomach churn.
What surprised her the most, though, was that he hadn't deleted his account. The few posts he had made were from a while ago, but they were still trending, still drawing in an overwhelming amount of attention. She never once thought he would get this popular. She wondered how he was dealing with this?
Leaf's gaze lingered on the screen, her fingers tightening around her phone as the comments blurred before her eyes. A lot of them were about the baby—speculation, judgment, and cruel assumptions from people who didn't know the full story. Each word felt like a dagger, not just aimed at her but at Ness too.
Her mind drifted back to the conversation they'd had, his voice echoing in her memory. She remembered the look in his eyes, the mixture of fear and determination as he'd told her, "I'm not ready… but I won't abandon you. We're still going to be friends."
Ness had been a lot kinder than she had given him credit for. Despite everything, despite the tension and the mess of their situation, he hadn't turned his back on her. He hadn't ghosted her, even though it would've been easier for him to do so.
Deep down, she knew that Ness had never asked for this responsibility, that he wasn't ready to be a father. But there he was, trying to make the best of the situation, even if it wasn't his place. After all, this child wasn't even his. It's Nate's.
That fucking bastard, she thought bitterly. The man who had abandoned her without a word, leaving her to face everything alone. The anger surged in her veins, burning hot. He's the one who left me in this mess. The more she thought about it, the more she seethed. That vile clone had vanished without a trace.
What's worse is that they look exactly the same, she thought bitterly. Yet they couldn't be more different. One was awkward, sweet, and would do anything to make things right. The other? Pure evil.
Leaf's chest tightened as the realization hit her like a wave. What I'm doing to Ness… She let the thought linger, and with it came a heavy weight of guilt. Unlike Nate who abandoned her, she's trying to cage Ness into staying. She's being evil like Nate, but in her own twisted way. She had been so focused on her own desires, her own plans, her own hopes for the future, that she hadn't stopped to really think about what her crush needed or wanted.
Ness doesn't deserve any of this. The truth stung. He was trying so hard to be there for her, to be her friend, and all she did was push him away. Each time he tried to reach out, she withdrew, building walls that were slowly becoming impossible to break down, yet still expected him to be there for her. This isn't healthy.
She had convinced herself that if she delivered the baby, things would somehow work out. At first, it might have seemed like the beginning of something new—maybe even a bond forming between her and Ness. But the more she thought about it, the more she saw the truth. Eventually, the frustration would spill over. It was inevitable. A baby was a huge responsibility, and a fantasy couldn't sustain a family.
Leaf swallowed hard, her hands shaking as she thought about what would happen if she went through with it. If she gave birth, she would ruin both of their lives—Ness's and her own. She was being selfish. She had convinced herself that the baby was the answer to everything, but in reality, it was just a way to win her crush's heart.
Her tears began to well up again, but this time they were different. They weren't just for herself—they were for the mess she had created. For Ness. For the baby. For everyone who had been caught up in her desperate grasp for something that couldn't exist.
Leaf's heart raced as she stood up, her hands trembling. The weight of everything she'd realized had pushed her to action. She returned her Pokémon to their Pokéballs, their gentle eyes meeting hers as she tucked them away. They didn't protest, sensing the shift in her energy.
She grabbed her keys, feeling the cold metal against her palm as she locked her door behind her. There was no more time for hesitation. She needed to make things right, to stop running away from the truth.
Her footsteps were quick, almost frantic, as she made her way to Ness's room. With each step, the knot in her stomach tightened, but she couldn't stop now. She reached his door and knocked with urgency, her hand almost slamming against the wood.
Knock!
Knock!
Her pulse quickened, and she held her breath, hoping he was there, hoping he would open the door. Every second felt like a lifetime, and she had no idea what she would say once he answered, but it didn't matter. She couldn't wait any longer. It was time to face everything.
The door creaked open, and Leaf's breath caught in her throat. There he was, standing in front of her, his familiar handsome face looking even more striking in the soft light of his room. Ness tilted his head slightly, his brow furrowing with concern as his eyes scanned her face. His expression softened with genuine worry.
"Leaf?" he asked, his voice cautious. "Is everything okay? You look terrified."
Leaf: "N-Ness… I… I'm sorry." *Sobs*