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jedifarmerr · 2 years

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Javier's Having a Baby

Pairing: Javier Peña x F!Reader/OFC (no y/n or physical descriptions but has backstory.)

Chapter/Series Rating: E (18+)

Word Count: 4.5k

Chapter Warnings: morning sickness, nausea & vomiting (1 instance), language, little bit of smoking, just a lot of fluff for this one.

Series masterlist

Chapter 2 : The Realization

The smell of pancakes and bacon wafted through the house.

A far cry from the usual scent or lack thereof on a typical work week. Any other day breakfast was a quick grab and go in a race out the door, but this morning you resisted the urge to hit the snooze button and hauled out of bed early to whip up something special.

The table was set, food dished out – it was all very Leave it to Beaver.

You heard the heavy thump of a man on a mission barreling into the room. His brunette hair was tousled from raking his fingers through it repeatedly; his tie cockeyed, but at least his white button up and slacks were neatly pressed – thanks to you.

Javier scanned the room, “Hey honey, where’s my-”

“By the door.” His blood moon eyes shot to you then to where you were pointing. “Papers are in your briefcase and I packed you a lunch. Now, get over here before it gets cold.”

Javier wandered over like once he got close it would suddenly disappear in a cloud of smoke. The idea that someone was taking care of him still felt like a dream.

He sat down in the chair then kissed your cheek. “You didn’t have to do this,” he said, but the bags under his eyes said otherwise.

“I wanted to,” you piped up, carefully peering over the rim of your mug. “It’s a big day after all.” The words rippled like skipping stones along the once calm sage liquid. His lips twitched with an ambiguous hum of recognition. You took a cautious sip of the warm drink while he doused his plate in syrup. “Do you know which way you’re leaning?”

The conflict in his eyes answered first, then a subtle shake of his head. “Just gonna see how today goes.” He tried to smile, but only one side of his lips cooperated.

Two months of endless back and forth phone calls and the DEA was throwing up a Hail Mary – flying out a half-dozen of their best and brightest to seal the deal.

Since deciding to explore the option, the door on his time with the DEA and years spent in Colombia had been cracked open. Memories he’d long kept at bay flooded his mind. Vague stories slipped from his lips in the runoff of overflowing thoughts with nowhere else for them to go.

Each one slotted into place – a near portrait of that period in his life. Composed of more pieces than just that of what Javier told you. Few were from Steve, far too many from Joe’s past ramblings; he boasted of his ex-partners deeds like they were somehow an extension of him. Then there was the rumor mill of his ex-colleagues which, like a Wikipedia page, held a bite of truth. It was odd how obsessed they were, jealous no doubt as they pointed out his absence at events such as Joe’s wedding; sharing not-so-hushed theories on why the agent hadn’t carved out time in his schedule as if Javier could leave Colombia at the drop of a hat.

Obviously, Javier didn’t talk much about the more traumatic events. Just like the news coverage, his stories were censored but no less devastating. It wasn’t like there was any pretending that part didn’t exist. Especially when it came back to haunt him in the dead of night.

Within weeks of dating you experienced the first of many night terrors. Knowing better than to wake him, he thrashed around like a palm tree in the midst of a hurricane while whimpering the names of faceless people you’d only ever hear of in his unconscious state; you helplessly waited it out by his side for that gasp of air, signaling his submergence from the past.

Would it ever go away, you didn’t think so, but found some sort of comfort in knowing he’d never wake up alone. At least not anymore. His panic-blown eyes would always find you with open arms, there to ground him to the present with soft reassurances that never failed to lull him back to sleep.

“You still not drinking coffee?” Javier pointed a half-eaten piece of bacon at your mug.

You set it down with a small thump. “Don’t remind me,” you groaned. “I miss it but - I don’t know. Something about the smell still makes me wanna gag.”

Javier smacked his lips, “I thought you were feeling better?” He studied you from top to bottom.

“I am,” you assured. His eyes went narrow and you sighed in defeat. “For the most part…but have ya ever thrown up on something and for awhile you can’t eat it without being reminded of how sick you were?”

Javier grunted, “Chicken wings.” He shuddered. “Still can’t touch ‘em.”

The experience must have scarred him because he promptly dropped the subject. Veering the conversation far away to your itinerary for the day then a back and forth of what sounded good for dinner.

Once finished, you gathered up the plates and dropped them in the sink. The scent of lemon coated the sponge as a small hum drifted around the room while you scrubbed at the sticky porcelain.

Like a silent predator, Javier snuck behind you. His large hands framing the arc of your hips, making you jump at the sudden collision of your back to a warm, broad chest.

He burrowed into the crevice of your neck and you giggled his name. The dishes clinking together in a forgotten heap as you swiveled around, looping your arms around his neck.

His smile was soft but not assuring. Brown eyes wandering a stray and searching the depth of your eyes for guidance as if they were crystal balls that could show him the way. It tugged at your heart and you wished for it to be so simple.

You teased down his hair then adjusted his tie. “Perfect,” you beamed with a pat to his chest. You handed him the suit jacket from off the counter. With a shrug, he fitted it just right over his broad shoulders. Very few people could pull off a tan suit but he was definitely one of them.

“Very handsome,” you said and grabbed at his tie, tugging him closer. “Ya know,” you whispered, “I think someone might be gettin’ lucky tonight.”

A pleased sound rumbled from deep in his chest as his grip on you tightened.

“Now that’s all I’ll be thinking about.” His husky voice tickled the shell of your ear.

“Hmm. Seems my plan is working,” you teased, then met his lips in a tender kiss.

His hands surged to cup your cheeks and you relinquished control to him. The peck instantly turned heated as his lips moved with a sheer determination to forget his troubles in your pliant body and supple mouth. The weight that burdened his shoulders poured into you and it lifted for a moment.

You were left gasping for air once he broke the kiss. The sound of your heavy breathing mingled in the space between you, his forehead resting against yours.

“I should get going,” he whispered after a long moment, but remained stuck in place as if you were glued together.

“I love you, ya know that right?”

He chuckled softly and grabbed your hand, guiding it to his lips and placing a soft kiss on your knuckles.

Javier left your embrace with a low groan that mimicked the one he made when getting out of bed in the morning. You followed close behind as he headed to leave. He swung his briefcase over his shoulder and you handed him his lunch on his way out the door.

“I’ll see ya tonight,” he said. You nodded and leaned against the solid wood frame. The fall air carried a chill in the morning and you wrapped your arms around you for warmth.

With one last glance, he waved goodbye before hopping in his jeep. The engine roared to life, and you watched until his car disappeared down the street. The brave smile you were sporting faded at the shut of the door.

The rest of the morning continued much like any other after that.

There was the usual morning traffic on your drive into work, luckily the commute was short, a perk of living just miles from downtown. Cordial, you greeted your coworkers with a smile on your way down the hall. Situated at the very end was your office.

It was quaint with tinted blue walls just a shade above sanitary white. A desk, bookshelf and two armchairs filled the space. A chunky computer plopped in the middle of your desk, taking up the majority of the area.

The morning was clicked away on the two-toned keyboard. Not a disruption to be had until lunch time when a small knock echoed on the glass pane wall overlooking the cubicles. Promptly followed by Amanda stepping in through the wide-open door.

“Hey,” she said in that high-pitched voice that meant she needed something. “Sorry to bother you, but uh - ya happen to have a tampon?” She flashed an oopsie grin; she was always bumming them off you, not that you cared.

“Yeah, I gotcha,” you said with feigned annoyance.

A few worthless items tussled around the metal confines of the bottom drawer when pulled open. The sealed box of tampons was situated right in front.

When did you buy those? You actually couldn’t remember.

Amanda pushed the small of her back against your desk and leaned in. “Not gonna lie I was startin’ to panic a little, three days late, but-” She swept her bangs like they were a bead of sweat with a whoosh of air.

You pushed out a half-hearted chuckle, trying to remember when your last period was.

It was as if all her worries were suddenly transferred to you, the tampon acting as a baton. She stuffed the wrapper into her pocket with an easy grin. “You’re the best,” she said before sauntering out the room.

Leaning back in your chair, a pen clutched between your teeth, you tried to think whether Amanda’s period came before or after yours.

Well, it had to be before.

Right?

A memory made your head tilt like a confused dog. Your eyes steadily growing wider and wider as you thought back on all those times when you’d been fresh out, instead offering her a quarter to buy a shitty cardboard one from the vending machine.

But wait. If she was late…

The chair wheels skirted along the carpet, your body shot up like a revved up engine. Busting open the top drawer, you slapped the planner down in front of you. The paper slicing your finger, staining the corner of the week red.

Sucking on it, you squeezed your eyes shut and sifted through your memories for when your last period was.

Your eyes snapped open - it was the weird one; you’d never had a period so short and light, hardly any cramping.

But if it was then.

“Shit. Shitshitshit,” you mumbled under your breath while flipping back through the beginnings of November which had been plagued with a stomach bug – past October where talks of the DEA preoccupied your mind all the way to September.

A soundless gasp parted your lips. You were late.

No – you counted the weeks. More than late.

You’d completely missed a period.

A wave of nausea – no, vomit slammed into you. You slapped a hand over your mouth and dashed to the bathroom. The stall door boomeranged against the wall as your knees collided against the cold tile.

Your spine curled over the toilet, the truth purged from you. This wasn’t a stomach bug, you were – oh shit. You gasped and gasped for air, “Fuck,” you hurled.

After a few seconds, only harsh panting echoed around the toilet bowl. You wiped away the stray tears on your cheeks and the spit dangling from the corner of your mouth.

The flush of the toilet roared as you slumped down, resting your lead-heavy head against the stall wall.

Could it be?

Were you pregnant?

---

“We hope to hear from you soon,” the silver-haired man said.

The undertone of impatience that slithered through the cracks of his grin made Javier’s plastered on smile falter. His nod coming as firm as his handshake.

He waved goodbye to the others and took another look at the building. It was just as he remembered in 1988 – 70’s modernism with big windows and cold, beige concrete walls. Yet when he walked out of the atrium, it didn’t feel the same at all.

With his hands shoved in his pockets, he headed off to his car. The door slammed shut behind him. He popped open the middle console immediately and rummaged through CDs, bypassing the loose sleeve of nicorettes for the red and white carton stashed at the bottom.

The slim stick perfectly slotted between his lips, and the familiar weight left his mouth watering. He clicked at the lighter, once – twice. Until it sizzled orange and sweet smoky relief consumed his lungs.

He’d given up the bad habit – for the most part – but there were certain situations where a nicorette just didn’t cut it.

The cigarette fell limp as he turned on the ignition, maneuvering out of the lot. When he arrived the sun had been proud in the sky. Now, street lights and neon signs lit up the near desolate streets. The meeting had run much longer than he expected.

If it weren’t for the repulsive amount of ass-kissing, he would’ve been home by now.

Home.

His eyes closed and he inhaled again.

The last thing Javier wanted was to reminisce on his ‘glory days’ but the endless prattling of expectations that followed wasn’t much better.

They talked of the plans for the future. A new branch in El Paso was to be up and running in a few months time, his duties consisting of running the division along with a few others along the Southernmost border of Texas – as they claimed, that’s where the real war was at.

The job honestly sounded similar to his role in Cali. He was the face, a person calling the moves but would it be like that again?

Was he just filling a role? A puppet in their game of rigged chess?

Javier took another long drag.

The politics of it all had always made his skin crawl and the man who was leading the charge oozed with the charisma of a corrupt senator. Silver-hair quaffed to the side, he spoke with the ease of a summer breeze yet his every word carried the chill of winter. The fellow colleagues were all equally invested, spewing the propaganda with conviction.

Courage.

Devotion.

Above all integrity.

Integrity, he scoffed while lighting up another cigarette.

He’d be the first to admit, he was far from perfect. He’d acted in ways he never would’ve imagined; bent the rules and compromised his ethics. And yes, it spiraled out of control and the consequences of it would forever horrify him but he could rest at least knowing it was never out of selfish ambition.

His decisions came from a state of pure desperation – after watching innocent people pay with their lives – years of injustice winning time and time again. It wasn’t to further some corrupt agenda based on greed and deceit.

Was he naive to have thought they were all on the same team – that the system had his back?

Was it credulous to think they cared about winning the war – not just pretending. He obviously knew others shared in his testament, Steve and Joe, along with countless others.

But that didn’t matter.

Not in the long run.

Not when the system backing all the efforts was compromised. Then he was just a pawn, a conflicting testament.

How he wished to go back to when he didn’t know, when he had believed – it would be so much easier.

Smoke flared out his nostrils; the cigarette flew through the crack in the window like a fly. He pulled into the driveway and his eyes fluttered shut, gaining the strength to gather his things from the passenger seat.

The soft yellow hue of the porch light guided him home.

A sweet, homey scent mingled with take-out Italian as he opened the door. His wife was standing in the kitchen with a gentle smile on her lips, he flew towards her. His briefcase thudded to the floor and his arms wrapped around her, the outside world seemingly disappeared in the familiarity.

She nuzzled into his neck; the stench of cigarettes incriminating him like a hickey. Yet, she said nothing of it and clung tighter to him.

“Hi baby.” The sweet whisper hit his ear and he hummed at it.

“Hi,” he said, “Sorry I’m late.” He kissed the side of her head, stepping back as his stomach rumbled.

“Nothin’ to be sorry for.” She smiled, but it didn’t come with the same ease as others in the past. Before he could think much of it, she popped open the microwave. “I put it in for a few seconds. I’ve already eaten but I’ll sit with ya.”

She insisted on carrying his plate to his seat then grabbing a beer for him. By the time she settled in next to him, he’d already scarfed down a quarter of the meal.

“You wanna talk about it?”

Javier swallowed and faintly shook his head. His thoughts were too cluttered and he needed time to process and sift through them. Funny. The whole ordeal was meant to offer clarity, but his brain was muddier than before.

“Later. Promise.”

The brittleness of his voice made her head tip to the side and hand squeeze at his forearm. The warmth of her palm was soothing. “How bout you tell me about your day,” he said not a moment later, needing a distraction.

Her back immediately straightened up as if remembering something. “Oh.” Her eyes rolled skyward, arms folded in front of her on the table, a mindless tap of her fingers against her elbow. “Um - well, I just got off the phone with your dad.”

“Yeah? What’d he have to say?” Javier took another bite.

“Oh, not much. Just - uh - wanted to know the plan for Thanksgiving.”

Javier’s chewing slowed. There was definitely something off about her. Her voice was a tad pitchy and she was fidgeting like a child at church. He’d thought it had something to do with his current predicament, but he realized there was more to it. Something else was causing her antsiness.

“Forgot that was next week,” he said, not giving away just yet that he’d caught on. He angled his body slightly towards her. “What about work? Any stories?” His gaze flickered around her, searching for non-verbal cues in a secret game of hot and cold.

She hemmed and hawed through trifling tidbits until he couldn’t take it anymore and firmly said her name. “Tell me what’s really going on,” he said once he had her full attention.

“Huh?” A look of feign confusion rounded her eyes.

His head ticked back and forth, “I know somethings up.” Her gaze plummeted to the table with a gulp that zapped the playfulness from his demeanor. Replacing it with a festering ball of anxiety. “Woah - hey. What happened?”

“It’s nothing,” she waved off like it was trivial but the slight tremble in her hand said otherwise. “Let’s talk about it later.”

Alarm bells started to ring. That wasn’t like her, she never held something in. She was the complete opposite of him in that regard.

“Why not now?”

“Cause, Javi.” His eyebrows probed for an elaboration and she huffed as if it was obvious. “You just got home, it’s been a long-”

His hand enveloped hers and her lips clipped together, meeting his gaze. A cloud of unmitigated suspense in her eyes.

“I don’t care what day I’ve had. Please, just tell me what’s goin’ on.”

She shot him a look that said, you sure about that? Before relenting moments later with a small bob of her head, pushing up on the table to stand on wobbly legs.

Her fingers drummed sporadically along her thigh as she dragged her feet to the kitchen.

“I was gonna wait to tell you,” she said with a hint of a smile that quelled his unease a fraction. “But I guess I wasn’t very good at hiding it, huh?”

He tilted his head with a lighthearted huff.

To his confusion, she opened the miscellaneous drawer full of things like scissors and receipts of major purchases to pull out a shiny, slender, white box.

If she wasn’t acting so nervous, he’d think she got him a gift, but whenever she surprised him with one in the past she was basically jumping out of her skin to give it to him.

He could practically hear the count of her steps; the slight shake of the box in her grasp. Stopping at the edge of the table, she handed it over and then immediately clasped her hands behind her back.

There was no hint of what laid inside. No label. Or wrapping. If she didn’t look so woozy, he would’ve shaken it.

Ticking the lid open, her breath caught and he checked in before continuing. Her blessing came in a fast nod.

Placing the lid on the table, he picked up the white, plastic stick. “What’s this?” He asked, squinting at the blue lines, a key on the side.

Pregnant. Not pregnant.

His head whipped up then right back down. Glancing between the fine print and a strong blue line, the smaller one while a tad faded, was ever present.

Was he seeing this right? He blinked and opened his eyes as far as they would go.

“I was gonna wait till you got home but then you were late and I just couldn’t take it anymore and I thought if I’m not then-”

“You’re pregnant?” He gazed up at her, his tongue darting out to wet his drying lips as his brow squeezed tight.

Her gaze fell to her wringing hands as she quickly jerked her head.

“And - and you’re sure?” He asked, inspecting the device front and back.

Pregnancy tests had come a long way since he’d last seen them; it honestly aged him. He’d basically used a chemistry set with Lorraine, seriously the thing had test tubes and droppers. This seemed far more reliable and generally foolproof; still, he’d experienced the elusive false positive.

Luckily, if that was the case, it wouldn’t lead to a shotgun wedding and a runaway groom.

“Well, I took two more just to be sure.” She swayed in the direction of the bathroom door where the other positive tests must’ve been stored away.

“Oh,” he breathed out, lips stuck in a small o-shape. The reality of it permeated his skull but had yet to fully sink into his brain.

He looked down once again at the test - specifically the word pregnant. It was happening. He was going to be - he gulped - a dad.

The word echoed around his shell-shocked brain; his heart began to hammer into his throat. He choked out a sound and his hand shot over his mouth.

He felt – actually he didn’t know how he felt.

With Lorraine, it was doom; a feeling of being completely stuck.

It was far from that feeling, but it was one he’d never experienced before. Was it fear? Panic? Disbelief? Perhaps excitement? Even joy? Was it possible to experience all the above at once?

He shook his head to clear his mind. It didn’t work.

“I know we didn’t really plan this,” She timidly said while twisting the band on her finger.

Javier blinked up at her, worry marring her face. “I’m - I’m not - I just - I.” His jaw clamped shut, the feeling was ineffable. So he instead reassured her by beckoning her to him; he turned to the side of the chair, making room for her between his thighs.

At eye-level with her belly, his hands smoothed over her hips and waist. He gazed up at her then back to her stomach to place a soft kiss before dropping his forehead atop it.

Her breath escaped soft and surprised; the sound of it was a punch to his gut. She raked her fingers through his hair as a warm smile parted her lips with a giggle.

He’d never seen her like this, she was glowing with happiness and his chest ached. The idea that she’d been so willing to give this up, this moment, any dreams of a child all because he meant more to her than any of it combined. Javier would never understand how he came to deserve her - how she could possibly love him so much.

Rising from his chair, Javier cradled the back of her neck and tilted her chin up. The soft light of the chandelier danced across her glossy eyes.

A saltiness simmered at the back of his throat, he swallowed it down but it seeped into his voice. “I love you,” he said and water brimmed in her eyes. “So much.” He kissed her forehead and the force of it had her steadying herself with the lapels of his jacket.

“You’re not upset.” She breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Of course not,” he said, “Are you?”

“No, no. Not at all.” She smiled so wide it looked like it hurt and he couldn’t help but return it.

Javier intently listened as she buzzed through all the details, the moment of realization and all the missed signs. The longer he stood there, the clearer it became and when she kissed him, a resolve warmed his chest.

“I’m not gonna take the job,” he said when he pulled away.

“Javi, no - no. I don’t want you to give this up because of this. Look at Joe and Steve.”

“It’s not that.” He shook his head and searched for the words.

Javier didn’t know how to tell her that when they talked about him traveling to El Paso or Presidio that all he could think about was how much he didn’t want to leave her - how he’d grown so used to coming home and falling asleep next to her.

He didn’t know how to tell her he enjoyed the peace. Maybe he really was getting old because the stillness had become more appealing than the life of a DEA agent. It no longer thrilled him; the sparkle had faded like a knockoff gemstone.

Javier finally believed the words he had once spoken, he had done enough. While the words were bittersweet, there was a sense of tranquility that came with them. A closure that came with knowing there was nothing left to give to the DEA – not without the price of losing himself.

Seemed his father was right, Javier had wanted to change the world, but it had changed him. The life he never imagined for himself was the one he was now choosing.

He was scared shitless, but as he looked at his wife, he knew it would be alright.

“It’s not the life I want anymore,” Javier finally said, and he meant it.

#javier peña x reader #pedro pascal fanfic #javier peña fanfiction #narcos fanfic #javier pena x reader #javier peña #javier peña x ofc

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kassymalone · 11 months

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Allow me to share with you, dear reader, a story of what happened today. There is no lesson to be learned in this story, no deeper parable: it is merely a snapshot of a moment in time.

So Manchester City (the football team, not the city) has won the treble (which seems to be a big deal if you’re into football), so naturally this is cause for Manchester city (the city, not the team) to celebrate.

On Friday some representatives from the business improvement district came by to warn us that if City won the treble, there’d be a parade that went right by our shop. Today, that parade happened.

It was a nice day. Even on the way to work this morning, they were starting to close off the roads in the city centre. At lunch time it was 31 degrees, an absolute anomaly in the north of England, with a powder blue sky and next to no breeze.

At around 2pm they started.

The vuvuzelas.

If you’re lucky enough to never have heard a vuvuzela (and you are lucky), imagine if someone made a goose out of cheap plastic, somehow turned the volume up ten times louder than you thought possible from such a little thing, and then gave it to a small child.

HONK, HONK, HONK-HONK-HONK, HONK-HONK-HONK-HONK, HONK-HONK. If you know the song you know it. The parade wasn’t due to start until 6.30pm, but around 2pm it started.

The workers rolled the security fences out around 3pm, closing the road directly in front of our shop. Luckily we had already made the target for the day, because our business tanked after that. Not for lack of people - the people were gathering all along the road, staking out good places.

Fast forward to 5pm. The honking in unbearable, I have to close the doors just to hear the person next to me speak. We’re packing up early because of how quiet it’s become. Outside, a sea of powder blue (the teams official colour) is lining the street, the shirts looking like they drained the colour straight from the sky. Horns are honking, people are yelling.

I look to the doors. A child has climbed a lamp post, and is sat quite happily on the crossbar. I look away. When I look back, a couple of hefty young men have climbed another lamp post. The third time I look, they’re all shirtless. The street is getting busier and busier, the door to our shop is blocked by people.

At this point, the light is changing. All the shirts that took the blue sky left an angry slate grey in its place. The temperature drops rapidly. Horns are honking, people are yelling.

Thunder rumbles.

The sky opens.

The entire crowd cheers.

Not a single person moves from the spot they’d been staking out for hours. They cheer, chant, and jump in place, but they don’t move as hail the size of marbles rains down from above.

Finally, we closed. In the time it took me to cash up the tills, I managed to miss the actual parade.

“They weren’t wearing any shirts!” the young Indian girl working with me gasped “And it was raining! They’re going to get sick!”

What else would you do, stuck on a parade float in a thunder storm because people have been waiting literal hours to celebrate you? Might as well give them a show.

It was still raining when I locked the door, and that was long enough for me to get completely soaked. The parade was gone, and everyone else is leaving too - the die-hard fans following the parade route, everyone else ducking through back alleys and side roads. A blue river of people flowing towards the buses, trains and trams, squealing and splashing through the rain and cold, wet puddles, the kind of wet you forget exists until the next time it thunders.

The bus is so busy I seriously consider just walking home. Its an hour walk, in a thunderstorm, but I think about it. By the time I reach my stop the heat is starting to return, and the petrichor is almost suffocating. Students crowd in their doorways smoking, dressed in bikini tops and shorts and talking about Amsterdam.

I finally open the door and a ginger cat screams at me. Some normality at last.

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girlinlotsoffandoms · 1 year

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she's her daddy's girl, her momma's world - chapter 38

Easter time is here

it's Maya's first Easter!

shoutout to @backyard-shenanigans1 for the prompt!

Read on AO3 or below

“OK, I think that’s everything,” Stella said as she placed Maya’s stuffed diaper bag with the plethora of other stuff near the front door. “We should be good to go!”

Kelly checked from his spot in the kitchen. His attention was fully on finishing feeding Maya, the six-month-old just having started experimenting with eating solids, but he spared a playful look towards Stella. “I hope so. I don’t think there’s anything else in the loft you could pack.”

Stella rolled her eyes and went back to checking each of the bags.

“Stel, seriously, we’re not even going to be gone for a full weekend. I promise we have everything we need.”

Stella sighed but left the bags alone. She made her way over to the kitchen and leaned against the counter. “What if we forgot something?”

“We’re going to my mom’s house, just a few hours away. If we did forget something, we could easily run to the store and grab it.” Kelly soothed, walking over to stand behind Stella. He put his hands on Stella’s shoulders and started massaging gently. “Relax honey.”

“It’s Maya’s first Easter, I just want it to be perfect.” Stella moaned, leaning back against Kelly.

Stella had never been incredibly sentimental, even for Maya’s first few holidays, but then she got RSV and had to be hospitalized and it freaked Kelly and Stella out far more than they were willing to admit. They weren’t close to losing Maya, something both of her parents knew and were thankful for, but it was a wake-up call for them. Now, Stella was bound and determined to enjoy every day with Maya and celebrate all the holidays and milestones even if Maya wasn’t old enough to remember them.

Kelly was just along for the ride, there to love his girls and keep Stella grounded when the stress of all the “special moments” got to be too much. Times like now. He wrapped his arms around Stella’s waist and hugged her close, placing a kiss on her temple. “We’re going to have a nice weekend together as a family and Maya is going to have as much fun as her little six-month-old body can handle. All of that is going to make this weekend perfect.”

Stella hummed and turned around to face Kelly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “All these years and you still know just what to say.”

Kelly smiled but before he could respond there was a screech from the kitchen and the messy baby currently trapped in her high chair and wanting attention. The parents chuckled and broke away from each other.

“Do you want to get the yogurt monster cleaned up or pack the car?” Kelly asked playfully, eyebrow raised.

Stella laughed. “I’ll take Maya.”

Kelly nodded, gave Stella one last kiss, and moved away to start loading all of their bags into the car. Stella made her way over to Maya and groaned, noticing the baby had somehow gotten yogurt all over her face and in her hair despite being clean when Kelly fed her.

“How’d you get so messy, huh?” Stella asked, grabbing some wipes to try and clean Maya off.

The only response Stella got in return was a smile, a giggle, and more yogurt.

… … …

The Severides were on the road an hour later than planned, thanks to the needed but unplanned bath Maya needed, but it was still early enough that the roads were surprisingly clear. Thanks to her early morning wake-up, Maya slept for most of the car ride, allowing her parents a few quiet hours to talk.

They made great time and arrived at Jennifer’s house with plenty of time for Jennifer to love on Maya before the baby went down for her nap. Kelly and Stella talked with Jennifer over lunch and when Maya woke up the real fun began.

A giant spring festival with music, games, Easter bunny pictures, and Easter egg hunts was happening in the city square. Even though Maya wouldn’t be able to participate in too many things, the family decided to go. The weather was perfect and some time outside would do them all some good.

It was a very child-friendly festival and had activities and egg hunts for kids of all ages, even infants. Maya loved getting to play with other babies her age, looking at the animals at the small petting zoo, tasting the tiny bits of food her parents would share with her, everything….except the Easter bunny. She hated the Easter bunny and every single picture Kelly, Stella, and Jennifer got of their meeting had Maya giving the poor guy the meanest stare she could manage.

Jennifer tsked playfully at Kelly as she looked at the pictures they got. “She definitely got that look from you.”

Stella cackled and soon Kelly joined in. He couldn’t argue—Maya might look like Stella, but she inherited his facial expressions.

Maya started losing steam after a few hours. The family headed back to Jennifer’s so Maya could nap and they could all rest up for the next day’s activities. It was going to be a long day, complete with the long drive back to Chicago, and they all needed to rest.

… … …

Easter morning dawned bright and early with Maya waking up just as the sun was peaking over the horizon. Kelly brought her into bed so Stella could feed her. When she was done, Stella laid Maya in between her and Kelly, hoping the little girl would fall back asleep for a little while longer.

Unfortunately for her tired parents, Maya found playing with her feet and giggling at her mommy and daddy to be way more entertaining.

The little family of three spent a few lazy, peaceful hours in bed before they could no longer ignore the need to get up for the day (and the need for coffee). They met Jennifer in the kitchen and the three adults worked together to make breakfast, Maya being passed between them for cuddles and attention.

They had a few minutes after finishing breakfast before they needed to get ready for church. As Kelly, Stella, and Maya relaxed on the couches in the living room, Jennifer slipped into her room before returning a few seconds later with a large, pink basket in her hands and a huge smile on her face.

“Maya’s Easter basket,” Jennifer answered as if it was the most obvious thing. She laid a blanket out on the floor before moving the basket and setting it up on the ground.

“What’s all that?” Kelly asked as he watched his mom sit the basket down on the coffee table. It was a BIG basket, overflowing with toys, snacks, books, and clothes, with more that Kelly couldn’t see.

Stella, who had Maya on her lap, sat the baby on the blanket in front of the basket. Everyone laughed when they saw Maya’s eyes widen at the sight in front of her and her chubby little hands immediately started reaching for all the contents inside.

Kelly shook his head with playful disbelief. “Mom, she’s six months old…. That basket is three times her size!”

“It’s her first Easter, Kelly,” Jennifer declared, glaring at her son before turning her attention back to her granddaughter. “She deserves a special Easter basket.”

Kelly scoffed but didn’t say anything else, just sipped his coffee and watched the scene in front of him. He knew better than to try and talk his mom out of spoiling his daughter—she’d been doing it since before Maya was even born.

They all watched Maya explore her basket for a few more minutes before they had to start getting ready for the rest of the morning’s activities.

Church wasn’t really Kelly and Stella’s thing; they usually only found themselves in a church for special occasions like weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Jennifer, however, attended regularly and insisted that Kelly, Stella, and Maya join her for the Easter Sunday service while they were visiting.

Kelly and Stella eventually agreed but it led to Stella having a minor freak out about an Easter dress for Maya. That, in turn, developed into coordinating outfits for the family.

The sanctuary was packed, as was typical for holiday services, and Maya did surprisingly well at keeping quiet during the service.

Jennifer, ever the proud grandmother, took Maya around after church was over and introduced all of her friends to her granddaughter. Maya thrived at all the attention, smiling and giggling with every introduction.

“Thank god she never went through the ‘stranger danger’ phase.” Kelly joked as he and Stella watched from a distance, smiling at the sight of Maya. “She might’ve withered away from lack of attention.”

Stella snorted. “Stop it. Everyone loves cute babies. She just happens to be the cutest baby ever. And the happiest.”

Kelly couldn’t argue with that.

After Maya’s parade through the sanctuary, they headed out for an Easter lunch before saying goodbye to Jennifer and heading back to Chicago. The trip home wasn’t nearly as peaceful, with Maya fighting her nap and fussing the entire way home.

Even with an overtired baby crying in the backseat and a 24-hour shift waiting for them the next day, there were no regrets about the weekend—Maya’s first Easter was a success.

#she's her daddy's girl her momma's world #maya severide #kelly severide #stella kidd #stellaride #easter #girlinlotsoffandom writes #girlinlotsoffandoms fics

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puffpasstea · 2 years

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Satellite

A/N: Thank you all so much for all the love on the previous chapter. Here's the next one. I LOVE hearing your thoughts, suggestions, and speculations about what's happening next. Please enjoy! And let me know what you think. Feedback is always very much appreciated!

Warnings: Angst, consumption of alcohol, drunk Harry.

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Chapter 5

I stood up in my seat, looking left and right as the house lights were dimmed in preparation for the screening to begin. I wanted so desperately to be out of here. To run and hide somewhere only I knew. I walked down the aisle, heading for the exit as fast as I could manage in my gown and heels.

“Psst. Wait! Where are you going?!” Harry whispered from his seat, two rows away, watching me with puzzled eyes.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry. I can’t open those doors.”

“ What? why not?! It’s- not an airplane! I just need to leave! You can close it right back behind me. Please- I- i'm not supposed to be here.”

“I’m sorry, just doing my job. I was told those doors don’t open until the end of the screening.”

Dejected, I apologized for trying to get the organizer to break the rules and went back to my seat.

Harry had turn around in his seat, his eyes were still on me. "You okay?" He mouthed, a frown on his face.

I shook my head reassuringly and gestured for him to just turn back around and forget about it. Reluctantly, he eventually returned his attention to the screen in front of him.

It was probably not a great idea to leave anyway. when I thought about where I might go, if I were to leave, my brain went blank. Everyone I knew in LA was in this room right now. Never, in my life, have I dreamed of finding myself in a situation where I’d be rounding up my acquaintances in fucking LA! Who- or what- have I become? How did I wake up and find myself here? In this massive dress, at this massive event. I don't even recognize myself anymore. It felt surreal to even be having this problem. What am I upset about?? Being written about in fucking gossip columns?? A few days ago, this never would’ve even been a reality for me. Everything seemed to happen so quickly. I could never live at this pace. The only person who knew what this felt like, and the only person who could help me make sense of it, was Harry. He was, conveniently, also involved in this whole fiasco. Though he was sitting just two seats ahead of me, and I could literally see the back of his head, he felt miles away. I felt trapped. Like a sitting duck. I threw myself back into the chair and waited. Waited for this night to be over.

I tried my best to focus my attention on the film, remembering that I’d never actually seen the fully formed and final product. While I was present for the filming of the major scenes, and I got to watch some director cut clips whenever my input was necessary, I had yet to see the entire film from start to finish. Now that I was finally about to see it, my mind brought me back to ten months ago. I recalled running lines with Christopher; watching Harry, Sienna, and Christopher rehearse scenes in their spare time; and going over the script with the actors and director to help explain the literary background to the text. Seeing these scenes from the perspective of an audience member gave me a new found respect for the process of filmmaking. Somehow, knowing how those moments actually came together in real life only made them more impressive to watch on film.

The time we'd spent together behind the scenes seemed so distant now. Early mornings playing music from Christopher’s playlist to keep myself entertained as he sat in the hair and makeup chair for hours, getting into character; or lunch breaks when Harry would share his food with me to make sure I was still eating even on my worst days. Everything seemed so small and manageable then. Despite all these having taken place on a giant film set, the fact that they were all actors; big, important stars with thousands of fans, was never a factor in how we interacted. Perhaps a testament to their humility, or the director’s commitment to creating a professional work environment, either way, I’d grown to feel as though my time on set was just a regular day at work. Now, though, everything felt so complicated. It was difficult to lose myself in the film, or even the memories that it had brought back to my mind. I had this nagging, paranoid feeling that I was being watched even in the darkness of the screening room. That my facial expressions, movements, actions were being photographed or recorded to be reported on for the whole world to see. My skin felt translucent. My thoughts and feelings were not my own. I was going crazy.

After the film had ended, the director and producer were invited to the front to say a few words about it. Their speeches, followed by more expressions of gratitude from Sienna and Harry, were generously received with several rounds of applause reverberating throughout the audience. Harry congratulated his co-stars and posed for group photos with the cast and director. I watched as he smiled, wrapping his arms around Christpher and Sienna. He looked right in his element. His joy reflected the pride he took in being part of this film and in working with people that he sincerely liked and respected. He and I were definitely living completely different lives. I could never do this. And, watching him tonight, witnessing how rewarding this all was to him, I wanted nothing to get in the way of his career. He deserved every bit of recognition and celebration that he was getting. I could never let my own anxieties, or the struggles of our relationship, get in the way of what he does and what he means to so many people. I’d never be able to forgive myself if I let us hold him back in any way. Though it broke my heart to stand on the sideways and watch him kiss Emma’s cheek and hold her hand upon returning to his seat, I knew that she was the better choice. She is a model; she already had a place of her own in his world. She wouldn’t feel like an outsider, always tagging along for his benefit. She's used to being in public, having countless eyes on her on a regular basis. Besides, there was already a history there. They’d been together before, she knew his friends, his family, the nature of his work, and she’d chosen to go back to him anyway. I can't replace that. They were meant to be.

The doors opened and people began to split into two groups: those we had gained the honor of being invited to the dinner reception were heading in one direction, while the rest of the audience headed in the direction of the main exit. I didn’t know if I wanted to stay, or if I should just leave.

“Please, Emma! Please! Just…wait for me. Okay? I’m not abandoning you. I promise. Please believe me? I just need- she just doesn’t- I-” Harry struggled to form a complete thought. I hated feeling like I was eavesdropping on their argument, but I felt too paralyzed to walk away.

“Just- wait." Harry wrapped both of his hands around hers, squeezing them earnestly. " Oh, I know! Chris can keep you company.” Harry tapped Christopher’s shoulder, asking him to step in and accompany his date to the reception. Though Christopher was slightly taken aback, he gladly agreed.

“Give me a few minutes. I’ll be right back. Okay?” Emma relented, giving Harry a quick peck on the lips before heading off with Christopher and promising to wait for him at dinner.

I felt Harry’s arm grab my shoulder as I headed for the exit. “Not this way. There’s a back exit.”

“What?”

“If we go out this way, there are gonna be people waiting on the other side with cameras and microphones and things. We’ll leave out the back.”

“Harry, we need to talk…” I followed after him like a puppy after its owner as he led the way through the emergency exit.

“I know.” We waited in the stairwell while Harry texted his driver to meet us at the back door.

“So you know about the- umm- about the-“

“The tabloid articles literally going up the second that we got here? Yes. And I’m dealing with it.” He explained that,though pictures can, and often do, get taken by just about anyone, they can’t be used in publication without his manager's approval, so he had a few choice words for his team.

“Is that what you and Emma were arguing over earlier?”

He nodded, searching his phone log for Jeff’s number. “I’m so sorry you’ve been put in this position. If I’d known…I’m just sorry.”

I could see the hurt in his eyes. He was genuine. My inexperience and inability to handle internet gossip had cast a dark cloud over what should’ve been his big night. He should be out celebrating his success in this film, and his big leading role, but instead, here he is, hunched over and hiding in a dark and dusty stairwell, waiting for his car to arrive to stealthily run away. None of this would be happening if I weren’t here tonight.

“Don’t be sorry, Harry. It’s not your fault. Just- take me home?”

He didn’t seem to hear what I said. “ Don't worry. Fixing it as we speak.” He pressed “call” on Jeff’s number and went into a heated discussion with his team.

"No, I'm still at the venue. Are you? Jesus, Jeff! Well, then whose fault is it? Stuff like this just doesn't happen. It's not about me, it's about my friend! She didn't sign up for this. It's her privacy."

From what I could understand, because Jeff needed to be present at the screening himself, he'd left someone else on the team in charge back at the office, and that's who must have okayed the photos, unaware of who the other faces were, they only focused on how Harry looked in them and let the whole thing slip by.

"Fine, we'll talk later." Harry signed deeply, pocketing his phone, and struggling to look back at me. “I'm so sorry. Ummm.. Just…lay low for a few days. The news cycle will move on eventually. Maybe try not to go online too much in the meantime.” He smiled nervously, his eyes scanning my face for signs of forgiveness.

“I’ll be okay. It's fine, Harry.”

"'S really not."

We rushed outside as soon as Harry received word that his driver had arrived. Harry held the door open for me, helping me into the car and tucking the ends of my dress safely in before climbing into the back seat next to me.

“I- don’t wanna make you late to the dinner thing, but, do you think the driver could maybe take me home?” I reached over to the driver's seat and told him to add the address to Harry's place.

“What? Why? No, you’re coming with me!”

“It’s just been a long night and I’m tired.”

“But, this is the fun bit. I promise! No more cameras and stuff. Just food, and everyone you know, and nothing else. I wanna celebrate, and I want you there with me! Please?” He reached for my hand as he spoke.

“Emma will be there with you.” I reminded him, doing myself to keep my expression positive.

The mention of her name caught him off-guard. The conflict was written all over his face.

“Want you there, too.” He mumbled, sitting back, his voice barely over a whisper.

“I think…it’s best for everyone if I’m not.”

“Are you- wait, you’re giving up on me? On us?”

“There is no ‘us,’ Harry. I don’t think there ever was.”

“You don’t mean that. Right? You can’t mean it. I know my not telling you about Emma was wrong, and I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t think you’d care. I didn’t know how you felt. Things are complicated right now. But I can fix everything! Please. Bare with me?”

I couldn’t stifle the bemused chuckle that left my lips. "complicated" was an understatement. He was talking about “fixing everything” as if we were a busted pipe.

Lost for words, I reached over and held the hand that he’d rested on his knee. “You’re gonna be okay no matter what, Harry. I'm sure of it.”

“N-no. Don’t.” he shook his head frantically. “Don’t do this. Please don’t. Just a few hours ago you said you wanted to be with me. I- I know the photos of us all over the internet are scary, believe me, nobody gets that more than I do.” He untangled his hand from mine and reached over to cup my cheek, his rings cool against my blushing skin. “I’ll do better from now on! I promise. You want me to get them scrubbed from the internet? I’ll call people! I can do that! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” With our faces now inches apart, I could see the tears forming in the corners of Harry's eyes. In all the time that I had known him, I'd never seen Harry so distraught before. It broke my heart into a million pieces, and just for a moment, weakened my resolve. I imagined an alternative world in which I'd cave, take his lips in mine, and change my mind, kissing him deeply and plunging into this with him. I wished, more than anything, to be the kind of person who could handle doing something like that. But, the sad reality is that he and I just aren't made for each other.

“Stop being so hard on yourself, Harry. You can’t fix everything; you can’t control everything. Some things are just irreparable, and that’s okay.”

He laughed in disbelief. “That’s bullshit. If I fucked it up, then it’s on me to fix it. I love you. Yes? I Love you. And you love me. Hmm? Shouldn’t that be all that matters anyway?”

“Sometimes love just isn’t enough.”

He sniffled, looking upwards to keep from crying.

I could see the lights of the Hotel sign getting closer. We were almost at the dinner reception.

Harry refused to let things go. He came back with another round of arguments. “I’ll break up with Emma. Tonight. I swear I’ll do it at dinner! Then we can go home together, and-”

I took his face in my hands and kissed his forehead. “She’s lovely, Harry. Perfect for you. Really. I mean it. You go in there and celebrate. Enjoy your night, with that brilliant, beautiful girl by your side. You’ve earned it. I’m just gonna ask your driver to take me home, okay?”

“So, what- you and I-”

“Are friends. Will always be. I’ll see you in the morning.”

***

Back in the safety and privacy of Harry’s home, I couldn’t wait to reach my designated guest room, upstairs, before I began taking my clothes off. I tossed my purse somewhere in the entryway and took off my shoes in the hall. Letting my dress hang on the back of the couch, in the living room, I threw myself, face first onto the plush love seat, my feet dangling from the armrest. The events of the day replaying in my mind. After the noise, crowds, and flashing lights I'd been plunged into, the silence of the house felt painful, so I turned the TV on for some background noise. Every time I blinked, the image of Harry's pleading eyes, inches away from me, flashed in my mind. I couldn't quite shake the doubt that I'd made the wrong decision. That I should be with him right now. That we should be together. Fantasy is a powerful thing. Even though every bone in my body knew that being with him could only end badly for both of us, I couldn't help but wonder what it'd be like.

Eventually, I made myself a nest of throw pillows and blankets, and at some point during the night, fell asleep in Harry's living room. I have no idea how long I'd been asleep for, but at about three in the morning, I heard several loud thuds outside, and the sound of footsteps approaching. If I hadn't been at Harry's place, secure with state of the art surveillance and 24/7 security, I'd definitely be panicked right now. I dragged my sleepy body over to the main doors, and looked on the camera screen. It was Christopher, Sienna, and the hollow shell of what once used to be Harry.

Harry was being propped up by both of his friends' arms holding and dragging him along. I wasn't sure if he was conscious. Frantic, I pushed the doors open and ran outside.

"What the hell happened? Is- is he okay?"

Upon closer examination, I saw that Harry was awake, and that he had a cast on his arm.

"Holy shit! What the fuck happened to your arm?"

"M-Matilda? Is that you? W-wait. that's not your real name. What was it again? S-something with an "A"? Anne! No, that's not it. Anne's my mom. Wait, is it?" Harry was babbling.

"He's too out of it." Sienna warned.

"He's- he should be fine. He's just drunk, and, well, maybe also a little high on pain meds." Christopher laughed. "Help us get him inside?"

Collectively, we managed to drag Harry's uninhibited form into the house and lay him down in the blanket nest I'd slept in. As soon as I was certain that he was safe and situated, I turned to his two companions.

"Someone wanna fill me in?"

Christopher and Sienna exchanged glances.

"What? Why are you looking at each other. Tell me what happened!"

"Well- We're not sure we know what happened...entirely." Sienna started.

"So, he, ummm...He skipped the dinner reception." Christopher tried to offer a synopsis. "Showed up to the afterparty drunk like a fish. His arm was bleeding. Was acting like an ass to his girlfriend or date or whatever, what's her name?"

"Emma" Sienna reminded him.

"What happened to his arm?"

"Who knows?" Sienna shrugged.

"It bled through the first half of the afterparty." Christopher giggled. "Sorry, it's not funny. It was terrifying, if I'm honest. Every time we or Emma tried to ask him about it, his story changed. First he said he punched a wall. Then he said he broke a glass? or a mirror fell on him? nobody really knows what happened but we eventually took him to the emergency room. It's in pretty bad shape. He may not pick up a guitar for a few weeks."

"Holy shit."

"Yeah, I'm not sure he fully understood that part. Might have to tell him that again once he's sobered up. And, well, I don't think he's gonna wanna talk to me."

"What the fuck happened at this afterparty?"

Christopher finally explained. He'd watched Harry behave like a complete jerk all night; he couldn't take it any more and he went to confront Harry. Christopher had yelled at him to stop wallowing in mistakes that were his own making, and to get up and do something to get his shit together. Harry, in distress, yelled back, telling him about what'd happened between us in the car ride over. Their yelling competition accidentally caused Emma overheard some of it, and everything went south from there. Harry, clearly couldn't, or chose not to, handle everything falling apart and everyone being so hurt by him all in one night. He decided he needed to do some more drinking and self-sabotage and ended up here.

I said nothing for a moment, simply watching Christopher and Sienna's tired faces and processing all the information they'd laid on me. Finally, I turned back to look at Harry's semi-conscious figure, slumped on the couch with his arm propped on a pillow.

"You guys have had a long night. I've got it from here"

"Are you sure?" Sienna put an arm on my shoulder.

"If you'd rather not be alone with him, we can stay." Christopher offered.

"N-no. It's okay. He's seen me through my lowest moments. I owe him this, at the very least. We'll be fine. You guys go."

"Alright, call us if you need anything."

Securing the gates after Sienna and Christopher had left, I went back to the living room and stood over the couch, looking down at Harry, unsure where to even begin.

"Harry, how are you feeling? What've you done with yourself?"

"I- uhhh" He seemed to lose his thought almost instantly. "I - think-" Hi reached out his one functioning arm, so I leaned over and eventually sat next to him to be within his reach.

"Tryin' to say I love you." He sat up, using the support of his pillows, and leaned over to kiss me. His soft, wet lips touching mine for a moment, I relaxed into the feeling before pulling away just as quickly.

"Harry, you're drunk. And high apparently."

#harry styles fluff #harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #matilda #harry's house #harry styles writing #harry styles fic #harry styles fanfic #satellite #hs3 #harry styles angst

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echantedtoon · 5 months

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A Champion Time For The Heart Ch6 The Entrance Ceremony

You had a ...peaceful time helping Mrs. G in the kitchen cooking up some lunch for the guys...but by the time they all came back it might as well have been their dinner instead. Victor looked tired but still smiled, probably still happy to be able to get home and see all his family and friends, and in his possession was a small little pokeball and a new band around his wrist. That must've been the extra starter pokemon from Sonia! When his mother asked him about it, he answered that Victor had in fact received a small eevee to help him on his journey to over come the gym challenge. Well that was a nice thing for Sonia to do. It was also nice to just to listen to him talk about the small adventure he had taking pictures for the online blog he had. And made Gloria squeal with delight upon surprising her with a handful of polaroid pictures for her pokedex book. Next thing you knew it was already night and you were fast asleep....Only to be woken up VERY early in the morning by Silver grabbing at your face demanding food. ..Whelp. You couldn't go back to sleep now even if you wanted too so with a groan you got up and dressed, and went to go fix Silver something to eat. Only to be stopped again when there was a knock at the door. Confused you went to go answer it, but was surprised when you saw none other than Leon there.

"Leon?" You blinked. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey, Y/n!" He greeted giving a smile. "I decided to swing by before I head back."

"Back? You mean you're leaving now?"

To confirm your question he nodded again. " Yeah! But I didn't catch the morning train, got lost in the dark hours of the sun rise and somehow ended up circling my way back in front of my own house." He gave a sheepish chuckle and one hand came up to rub his head. "Not sure if I should consider myself lucky or not, but now I have to wait for the afternoon train at Twelve."

You rolled your eyes but smiled. Yep! That was definitely something Leon would totally do, game canon or not. You shook your head before looking back to him, not minding the Sobble who jumped onto your overalls and started climbing up you like a cat would. "Are you looking for Gloria? Her Mom said she left I think."

"Actually I was looking for you!"

That certainly caught you off guard as you blinked and your Sobble finally managed to flop itself over your shoulder as you blinked and pointed to yourself, "Me? Why?"

He looked over for a moment still rubbing his head nervously before closing his eyes and sighing. "Y/n...Never in a million years did I think Hop or Gloria would think taking off into Slumbering Wield would be a great idea, and honestly..That place is so unexplored and full of dangers I wouldn't be even caught lost in there." He looked back up to you. "Those two could've gotten seriously lost or...well I don't want to think about what could've been worse. I don't know how you figured out how they were in there, but that was some quick thinking on your part. As Champion I should thank you for your efforts, but as a big brother I could never thank you enough. But I'd like to try." He smiled real widely at you with that goofy grin you always saw.

You stood there for a moment brain processing what he said, before asking, "Huh?"

He chuckled at your reaction to him. "You lost all your stuff being chased by those wild corviknight right?" He gestured towards the door. "There's a local market and clothes store just across from the Pokemon Center in town. If you're going to be traveling all over the place with Gloria then you're going to need your own separate stash of clothes and food to sustain yourself. I can help in that department."

You stared......Was...W-Was Leon offering to BUY you new clothes?? Your brain finally clicked back to normal and you instantly shook your head holding up your hands. "N-No! I couldn't ask you to do that!"

"And have you travel around Galar with no supplies at all?"

That made you pause. You didn't really have any supplies did you?.....Literally nothing but the clothes on your back, a back pack, and one pokeball for the sobble on your shoulder. And now that he mentioned traveling with barely anything-.....You were REALLY under prepared and hadn't even thought of that! No food, barely any clothes, and overall no money at all to buy things with. So in much easier terms, you were absolutely hopelessly broke. BUT Leon was offering to pay for anything you needed- NO! You shook your head. You only helped out because you knew someone would be in danger and you knew the things had to progress in game if you wanted to get home. It'd be wrong to accept money just because you helped him out....But then again you still had nothing, and it'd be better not just for you but for Gloria too if you guys needed supplies for two people traveling around a giant region for who knows how long. Plus Leon is THE Galar Region Champion! He's the most popular person in all of Galar with millions of fans. Logically he'd probably have cash to spare for the supplies and not put a dent in any of his paychecks and you DID need the supplies. So technically he'd be helping out Gloria as well as endorsing her too if she insisted on having you come along.

"I mean-.." You started raising a brow. "Are you sure? I really don't mind and you don't have too!"

"If I didn't I wouldn't have offered, Y/n!" He gave a smile and again gestured towards the door. "Plus..I could use someone to help make sure I didn't get lost on the way there again. I wouldn't want to loop in front of my house again."

Well....Considering all the factors and that he was totally willing- "I mean....Sure! Ok!" You nodded and smiled. "I'm gonna need some supplies if I'm going to be traveling I guess. And since you're offering I guess I can't say no. Oof!"

That earned you a friendly pat to the shoulder from Leon as he smiled. "That's the spirit! Mrs. G won't mind if we leave now. She's already busy anyways."

You nodded in understanding and when he gestured for the two of you to leave again, you walked your way over to the door, Leon being the polite gentleman he was opening the door for you as you stepped out back into the world and the two of you were off. Walking down the road and passing all the normal things you all had done previously on your way towards the Center, which was pretty easy to spot as it was bright pink. And again people awed and waved at Leon as he smiled and waved back. At one point stopping and agreeing to take a picture with a young boy who couldn't have been much older than five or six as his presumed mother took his picture, before thanking Leon and allowing the two of you to continue on they're way. The smells of flowers and vegetation was in the air. You didn't see Hop or the twins on your way there though despite being out catching more pokemon. You just hoped they didn't decide on going back into Slumbering Wield again. Once you two got to about the center, Leon turned to you and gestured for you to follow him to the left past as a couple of elderly ladies walked past the both of you, both giving Leon a 'WOW!' kinda look. The building he led you too was a brick building with a green and white striped awning over the doorway and a sign above it reading 'Postwick General Store'. In front of the store was a couple crates of you assumed crops the local farmers produced.

"There it is!," Leon explained to you walking towards it as you two got close to it. "Should have everything one needs if they're going on a journey. It's where I got my supplies for my journey long ago, so it should have everything you all need." He assured as you two finally got near it. Once again reaching out and opening the door for you, a small bell going off above you, to which you thanked him and walked in. The inside was cool, and it ...looked exactly like a regular convenience store with a bunch of shelves with things labeled with prices and a few freezers stuffed with more foods. "See? What'd I tell ya?!"

Before you could say anything a different voice caught your attention. "Well, Well. As I live in breath." Both of you looked over to a counter and a middle aged man with dark brown hair and mustache smiled from behind the register. "If it isn't little Leon the champion, eh? Last time I saw you, you weren't much bigger than a beanpole. Now what pleasure does this old soul have to have you walking in here?"

The purple haired man happily waved to him. "Hey, Mr. Frederick! Long time no see!" He happily patted your shoulder. "My friend here needs some supplies, and being the best store in Galar, I thought you would have just the things we needed!"

The old man laughed and nodded smiling. "Well you ain't wrong! Look 'round and see if there's anything to your liking."

That was enough signal for Leon to grab onto one of those convenience store baskets and nod towards the food on the shelves. "C'mon. We'll want to find non perishable foods that'll last longer for long trips! So they should be in-..." He gave the aisles a look..and rose a brow. "Uh.."

"In the last aisle to the left," the older man corrected him.

Leon pointed to the left. "What he said! I remember now!" You chuckled at him, but he seemed to ignore them as he walked over and you followed. Taking a look at the aisles they seemed to stacked with the regular food you'd find in stores like back where you came from, and the aisle you guys went too could have what could only describe as camping foods. All packed away in plastic wrap and such so well they looked like a hiker's paradise. Especially when Leon hummed at what was available. "I guess a couple trainers already been here. Usually there's a whole lot of this available. But y'know what, that's perfectly fine." You watched curious as he just started grabbing a ...lot more than what you were expecting as he started just grabbing handfulls of packages from the shelves before you. "You can never go wrong with lots of rice and sausages."

"Uh..." You raised a hand.

''There's also plenty of pasta and salad mixes too," he mumbled to himself grabbing more handfuls of plastic wrapped packages of instant foods, "I think you'll like the moomoo cheese here. I used to use these a lot as cheese usually lasted a long time, like these bean tins here. Although steer clear of the pungent root. It's edible but has a strange smell too it. Coconut milk is also good to have on hand, canned moomoo milk is always good-"

"Leon," you interrupted his rambling as he hummed and looked to you. And you pointed to the now almost overflowing basket, "Isn't that uh....a little much for just me?"

He looked confused for a moment, before looking to the basket and seeming to get it. "OH! Nonono. I was grabbing some for the guys as well. ....I...probably should've mentioned that before we got here I guess, but it slipped my mind." He gave an embarrassed smile. "Sorry about that."

"It's alright." You assured him as he turned. "I think that's really nice of you to help us like this anyways."

"Well, a journey is never easy and if I can make it easier for them I will." Well you couldn't argue with that. By the time you two had walked out of there, Leon was holding two bags and you were holding two after helping to separate them between the four of you after paying the man with what must've been this world's version of a credit card, and you once again started following him after he turned to you once out of the store and said, "Follow me!" He nodded ahead of you and there was something you recognized. It was the clothing shop you'd encounter in the beginning of the game. It looked fancy compared to other buildings in town, with mannequins wearing clothes in the window, Sign above reading 'Cothes Mart'. "We can grab you two or three outfits in there and that should be that." He paused...before grunting and turning back over his shoulder. "Oh no."

you stopped and looked at him, before glancing at your sobble, then back to Leon again. "What?"

He stared at the pokemon center. "I forgot to stop by the center for something." He turned back to you. "And I have limited time...Here! How's this? Go inside there-" he nodded to the store. "And ask for Martha, she's the lady that owns the store. She knows my mom since she shops here all the time. Tell her that I sent you and to put it on my mom's tab, I'll digit my mum the money to pay for yours!"

You gave him a deadpanned look. "Leon, no offense, but wouldn't that just look like I'm trying to bum off you? If anyone could do that, then it probably would've happened a lot more with you in a lot of identity theft."

"Oh yeah! Tell her 'I got lost on a barn's roof!' That's the code I set up with her after one of my getting lost sprees. Hehe," he gave a nervous chuckle and you couldn't help but roll your eyes. How could anyone get lost and end up on top of a barn? Only Leon you supposed.

You nodded. "Alright. Won't you get lost? No offense."

"None taken. Ill wait for you outside the Center, just be sure to make it quick. I don't think I'd want to miss my second train of the day."

You nodded before the two of you parted ways, you going towards the building, semi heavy bag of foods in your hands towards the double glass doors. Once you reached the door open, a small bell went off and you stood in aw at the fancier looking store than the previous general store. There was....a LOT more included in here than you remembered in game. Much more clothes racks. Much more shoes on shelves. Much more bags. And MUCH more shelves of clothing.

"Good Afternoon, Young Lady." The lady's voice spooked you enough to make you jump, nearly knocking the chirping sobble off your shoulders as you turned to a middle aged dark brow haired lady who looked about the same age as Gloria's Mom as she smiled at you cheerfully. "Welcome to Clothes Mart. Feel free to ask for help if you need anything."

"Uh...." You blinked before clearing your throat. "Y-Yeah?....Martha?" You asked hesitating before pointing at her and she nodded.

"That's me! How can I provide you excellent service today?"

....You looked around a little bit before walking up to her, a few other ladies and young girls were looking at the clothing, this Martha raising a brow as you approached. Eyeing the others around you before clearing your throat and looking back to the slightly confused lady with uncertainty. "Uh...I got lost on a barn's roof?"

She still looked confused for a moment before her face instantly went from confused to overjoyed like a person had waved a full stack of a million dollars in front of her face. "OH! Of course. Would make sense since the Champion is in town." You sighed relieved as she stood from her place behind the counter with a smile. "Although I wasn't expecting Leon's cute country gal coming in.~ And just in time by the looks of it." She gave a criticizing eye over the overalls and green gum boots you wore.

It took a moment for you to register what she had said, and your Sobble gave this Martha lady a scowl as she looked you over. ...And you instantly held up your hands, red faced. "WHA- OH NO!! DEFINATELY NOT! I'M NOT-..HE'S...W-Were just..Friends." Well...You couldn't say exactly that you guys were friends since you've only know him a total of what...two or three days at most outside of a video game. But it was the only thing you could think of to call this.

She paused to look at you for a moment but shrugged. "Small mistake. Any friend of Leon's is a customer of mine." You lightly scowled at her as she smiled and sat back down. "Do let me know when you're finished, Ma'am. And don't be afraid to ask for assistance!"

"R-Right. Ok." You quickly shuffled away shaking your head from the encounter and looking at the Sobble. "Can you believe that?" The Sobble chirped and nodded in agreement with your statement and you couldnt agree more. "My thoughts exactly."

It didn't take long for you to pick out just a few shirts, two black with a pink pikachu and green eevee, and a blue one with an arcanine, and some plain black sweats to go with them. A pair of really good sneakers, a plain blue dress you thought was nice, and a jacket. Before you realized that it'd be impossible to carry it all with your small old backpack. Probably why Victor didn't want to take it in the first place you thought, but managed to find a rather large grey plaid rucksack, it was perfect with it's multiple pockets and size. You were quick to try and check them all out as this Martha lady wanted to chat but you didn't feel so talkative after the way she seemed to judge you with her eyes and quickly just left as fast as you could after she had apparently finished punching everything into someone's online tab she kept and wishing you a "Champion Time, with your 'Friend'!" and to "Stop by anytime!". Man you couldn't walk out faster and get outside holding the heavy bags of clothes and food you had gotten. Thank goodness because you surely just wanted to get back to Leon and help him back to the train station. Just your luck too as you walked past the Postwick's general store and towards the center, you managed to catch sight of Leon. He was leaning down and signing a small girl's book while her assumed mother watched.

"LEON!!," you called out and he looked up smiling at you waving a hand, one of the bags hanging from your wrist.

He waved a hand back, finished signing whatever the excited young girl was holding out to him before nodding to her and her mom before picking up his two large bags and walking towards you as you continued to walk towards him. "Hey!" He greeted once he was close enough smiling. Glancing at the new backpack on your back and the new bag in your hands. "I see you got some new kicks! Good! Sorry I took so long, but I got a lil caught up as you could see."

You smiled rolling your eyes, "I know. And it's fine....Are you sure about all this stuff tho? It's really no big deal-"

"Exactly!" He stated with a wink. "It's no big deal to me either, and I'm not bothered in the least." He gave that wide champion grin. "I make it a habit to use my position for as much good as possible, especially now with the power crisis." He turned to walk back down the road towards the train station and you followed.

"Power...crisis??" Oh yeah! Wasn't there a plot in the game involving that kind of thing? You tucked away that information just in case.

He nodded as you two walked. "Yeah. Been having it ever since I was about sixteen. The Chairman's been trying his best to help and look into the problem, I think?? But so far there hasn't been much progress unfortunately."

"Oh. I see..." You glanced down to the bags he held. They looked a wee bit fully than you last seen. "What did you get at the Center anyways?"

He seemed to perk back up at the mention. "OH!" He held up the bags. "Some more things that trainers would need for the long trip! Potions, antidotes, one or two revives and awakenings, and a few healers. Trust me. They're going to need them for their pokemon in case there's no pokemon center nearby to help them."

You nodded as the two of you continued to walk all the way to the train station, still no signs of the two children. You remembered someone saying that there was a lot of wild pokemon on Route 2 so maybe that's where they went?? The two of you walked the rest of the way to the train station and he was nice enough to hold the door to the station open for you to walk in, you thanking him. The inside wasn't anything special. A bunch of waiting seats, a man in a small stall like area who seemed to not pay attention to you, what must've been this world's version of an ATM next to a vending machine along side the far right wall, a clock above them, and a pay-to-enter entrance to a grey and yellow train. Well, at least Leon won't miss his evening train. Speaking of Leon he seemed ecstatic.

"Phew! Made it just in time! And not a minute too soon it looks like." He glanced at the clock on the far wall and frowned again. "Ten fifty eight! It's going to leave in two minutes!" He quickly turned back to you and you blinked as he held out the two bags. "Shoot! I'd sworn we had more time! I have to get on before I miss the second train in one day! Could you give these to the kids for me!?"

You took the bags from him as he nudged them towards you Sobble chirping in curiosity at them as you blinked again. "W-W-Wait! You're not saying good bye to them first?"

"Well I kinda don't have a lot of time," he said gesturing between the clock and train, "I can't be late for this one!''

"Oh right!" Your eyes widened at the clock. There was now one more minute before noon, when the train leaves. So you pushed Leon who blinked. "You should get going then! You only have one minute!"

"OH RIGHT!!" He quickly turned and made a run for the pay-to-enter entrance, once again taking out what must've been a pokemon world's credit card and either letting the machine scan it or pushing it into a small slot in the side, you couldn't tell past his cape that swished around with his movements. He managed to get past the bars and stopped at the other side to give you one last smile. "Thanks for helping! Maybe we'll get to see each other again-"

HONK!!

Both of you jumped at the loud train horn going off and you pointed. "LEON!!"

"I KNOW I KNOW!! BYE!!" Grabbing his hat he ran to the double doors that opened and closed behind him with a whoosh noise.

You sighed in relief and the train chose that exact moment to start pulling away with a metal groan. Followed by the click-clacking noises you knew only trains could make and you sighed. You did end up just sitting down in one of the waiting seats arms and feet sore from carrying all the things with yo-

"LEON!!" You and your Sobble jumped, the small pokemon tumbling into your lap as you turned your head and a familiar purple haired boy came running in and you whipped your head around to the blur of Hop rushing in. Sliding to a stop in front of the entrance to the train watching as it continued to go past. "AH MAN!" He deflated with a sigh. "...I'm too late."

"Hop?"

It was his turn to jump and snap to you as you sat there with a brow rose staring at him. And he relaxed. "Y/N! What are you doing here? WAIT! Did Lee come through here already!?"

Your Sobble chirped in annoyance righting itself up at Hop, and you nodded as the last car of the train flew by. "You just missed him actually...Hey. Where's Gloria and Victor?"

He groaned and reached a hand up to rub his head. "Ah man. I really wanted to say good bye...Oh. Glory's battling Victor down the road." He pointed his other hand out the door. "I was kinda hoping I'd get a chance to see him go, y'know..." He looked at you again and seemed surprised at the bags around you...and pointed. "Hey. What's all that you got there?"

You blinked for a moment before looking to the bags, and smiling. Holding out one to the younger boy. "Leon left you guys a fair well present."

You perhaps should've seen it coming when Hop's excitement was reignited when he heard Leon left him a present and you gladly handed over one of the bags to which he opened up in a hurry but looked utterly confused at all the healers and camping food until you explained the reasons why Leon got them all for him. Which he understood with a nod. And after a moment more of resting you decided to walk back with him towards the road, but the two of you ran into another familiar face in the form of the twins. Or more like she almost ran into the two of you as she ran into the train station pulling her brother behind her as you got up from your seat. Your sobble still sore over how many times he already fell from your shoulder and so resorted to gripping your shoulder sleeve harder.

"Geez Glory!," Hop commented raising a brow, "What's gotten you in such a hurry? I thought that was my thing."

"Sorry," she apologized leaning over to look around you and Hop at the station, "Did Leon leave yet? You said somethin' about stopping him so we could say good bye."

He again sighed and slouched a big bag in his hands. "Yeah he's gone back to whatever he was doing. I suppose I can't catch a train after all." ...He gave a small smile though. "But I guess I can't complain! He's the Champion! So of course he's gotta be like SUPER busy! We'll come face to face again soon enough!"

Gloria smiled back and nodded in agreement. "YEAH! Besides, maybe we'll see him at the Opening Ceremony tomorrow!"

You nodded at them. Although you knew he wouldn't be there as in game if the current events kept up, but you didn't want to break their hearts or anything so soon.

"Are you endorsed trainers?," a man's voice asked from behind the three of you turned around to the man in the small store like stand in the train station. His smile widened as he nodded to his side where a stack of books was settled. "Would any of you three be interested in joining in our charity dex events?"

"Charity dex?," you asked obviously confused.

And the man nodded again gesturing to the two different book stacks one smaller than the other. "Yes! For just five dollars you can purchase one of two dex books and enter the dex challenges to win a variety of prizes! All proceeds goes towards the power crisis fund raiser."

There was that mention again about the power crisis. You wondered how dire it was exactly. Gloria seemed to take interest in it though and walked right up to the stand staring at the books. "....What's exactly the challenges?"

"Well there's the Poke-Dex challenge and the Curry-Dex challenge?" He explained holding up one of the small books, it had a picture of a plate of some kind of food etched into it. "The challenge is too take a picture of every labeled curry, or pokemon, on the pages and when your albums are fully completed, you turn in into your local pokemon center to claim your prizes! And there's no time limit. It's all for charity and you get a neat scrap book out of it. We already sold a few to some people on their way on the train. Would you be interested in joining one of the dex challenges?"

"I dunno. Sounds like a scam to me, Glor," Hop commented glancing at the books. "I always thought photography was Victor's gig. And we're already got the gym challenges ahead of us tomorrow.......Glory?"

Dexes?? As in completing the entire pokemon dex for this game?? Was this how it was manifesting in this game? You guessed so. It WOULD be weird if Gloria just discovered her pokedex had a limit of numbers in order to 'complete' it like a game's challenge. but a curry dex?? You faintly remembered there being some kind of food challenge in game but you couldn't remember it too well.

"I can't believe you wasted twenty dollars on two scrape books and camera film." Hop gave a small frown at the rolls of film and books Gloria was carrying along with the bag of goodies provided by Leon from earlier. "You don't even have a polaroid camera for all of that."

"No, but Victor does! I'm sure he won't mind if I take his old one." She gave her brother a look and Victor rolled his eyes. "Besides! It'll be fun and easy! Just fill up a whole book with pictures of pokemon and curries! How hard can it be?"

Hop's face deadpanned. "That's not exactly what I meant."

The four of you had left the train station not longer after that and had taken a small detour to the grocery store you were previously in that morning so Gloria could buy herself a decent amount of film rolls. It was crazy how many rolls of film you could cheaply buy in this world for a mere ten dollars, although you were sure Hop disagreed. So you decided to change the subject by asking them a question.

"So," they both turned to you, "We're leaving for the Entrance Ceremony tomorrow morning right?"

"YEP! Bright and early! The morning train leaves at seven thirty sharp and we have to get our Dynamax bands from Professor Magnolia tomorrow! So we're gonna have to get up real extra early if we don't want to miss it. These train conductors are always on time, whether it's a good or bad thing. But those bands will be worth it to be able to dynamax and complete our Badge Circles!"

"I see. ...What's a badge circle??" You don't remember hearing anything like that from the game even when you played it way back when. "I don't think I know how these gyms and badges work."

They both gave you a confused look and for a moment you thought you goofed up before luckily Gloria unknowingly saved face for you when a look of realization came over her. "OH RIGHT!! You're not from this region so you wouldn't possibly know how the gyms work!" You thanked whatever god was listening for this great save as Gloria happily explained. "You see there's ten gyms each with their own gym leader unique to their own type of pokemon, but in order to compete in the finals at the end of the year you only need eight badges to complete your Badge Circle. A Badge Circle is like a puzzle but instead of carboard puzzle pieces you use badges to make it, then you present it to the official board who helps host the Gym Challenge. They're also the ones who's going to be checking to make sure your endorsements are legit at the Entrance Ceremony," she explained as you listened. Never knew when this info might come in handy later. "That's where four of the gyms are optional. While usually they give you they're own unique piece for the Badge Circle..Both Rock Type and Ice Type Gyms offer the same shaped badge. So does the Fighting and Ghost Type Gyms. So usually you'd pick either one of the two choices, grab it, and then move on. Lots of people don't see the point of battling both gyms for the same piece as it's not required." She smirked before pointing a confident hand forward. "BUT NOT ME!! What's the point of me joining the Gym Challenge if I don't at least try out every gym at least once! We have a full year until the finals anyhow! That should be plenty of time for me to get what I need!!......Plus...m-maybe because I'm also kinda hoping to get some pictures and a few autographs. It's not everyday you get to see such famous people. Hehe."

You rolled your eyes with a smile. Just like a teen meeting a famous person but Hop sighed again. "I just don't see why you're going through all of this trouble. Won't it make more sense to just focus on one thing?"

"Hop you need to broaden your horizons a bit! It's gonna be our first times away from home! It's not just about the Gym Challenge!" She smiled widely at him. "It's about seeing new things! Meeting new people! Getting to see all kinds of new pokemon! It's...." Her smile dropped for a bit as she looked down. "It's actually a bit scary.....but I guess that's what's also making it so exciting." She smiled again. "Plus I know you're also doing the challenge so it's not like I'll be going into it alone right? Ill have my best bud and bro going through it with me!"

Victor looked off to the side and Hop stared at her for a moment before clearing his throat and nodded looking away. "Y-Yeah! You're right. "

"See? Told you! It'll be fun! And I'll have Y/n as a traveling buddy anyways! So it should be fine."

You nodded in agreement as the three of you continued to walk back towards their homes, and both children mentioning the new pokemon they had been able to catch while out on their little adventure today.

"So how many pokemon did you guys catch?," you asked curiously.

And Gloria proudly answered, "NINE! And Hop caught five!"...Before she hummed. "Although Vic seemed to have o' bit of trouble with it."

You did a double take at the two. "Wait. You guys caught fourteen pokemon between the two of you in the few hours I was gone!?"

"Yeah! Hop's really lucky! He's got a shiny butterfree!"

Hop gave a sheepish smile and in a similar fashion to Leon raised a hand to rub the back of his head. "Well I guess I was just lucky to catch it off guard enough to catch it in the farmer's meadows."

Oh yeah. Weren't shiny pokemon a pokemon born with a rare color variety compared to most of their other kind? Wow. Well it sounded like the two of them certainly had a fun time out and about. "Wow. It sure sounds like you guys had a fun time." The three of you were coming up to the roads that split into to directions to both of the children's homes.

Gloria nodded again. "Hey! Hop! Come over to my house so I can practice my camera."

Victor's brow rose again, "Don't you mean my extra camera?"

"Same difference! If I take pictures of all the pokemon we caught then it'll be good practice and give me a head start on the challenge! Plus who else would have a picture of a shiny butterfree?"

He sighed. "I swear you can bounce forward on anything like a ball."

You chuckled as the three of you made it to Gloria's house. Finding her mother in the kitchen cooking food and the first thing you noticed was the delicious smell coming from the kitchen stove, whatever she was cooking smelt of spices and your stomach growled. She looked up for a moment and smiled at the three of you, asking what the bags were for once she noticed, so you explained to her what had happened with you and Leon that morning as the two kids went off towards the door outside. She chuckled when you explained how Leon got lost on his way to the train in the early morning and got lost to only somehow end up back in front of his own home. Calling him 'a sweet young man for helping the kids out like that' and asking how your day went. Overall it was pretty well and you soon found yourself sitting down at the kitchen table resting yourself from all the walking around town you did. It was still fairly early in the day being only twelve something in the afternoon- You jumped when your Sobble all of a sudden chirped curiously and half climbed onto the side of your head to look towards the opposite side of the house as a flash of light came from one of the windows from outside. A minute long pause. And then another went off. A total of fourteen flashes with about a minute pause between them and while you tried to wrangle your sobble from your face without hurting it and it was enough to catch Mrs. G's attention as she stared with a brow rose.

"Gloria, what are you kids doing? I hope you're not practicing electric type moves near the house" her mother demanded. "You already almost caught your bed on fire from teaching your scorbunny Ember inside!"

"It's fine Mum!," Gloria's voice came followed by her head appearing in said window and waved what could only be described as a polaroid camera. "We're taking picture of our pokemon! Can you believe that I already have fourteen pokemon for the dex challenge!"

Her mother gave her a confused look placing a hand on her hip, "Dex challenge? What are you talking about?" She asked just as her Munchlax came toddling him yawning with another green pokemon behind him. He must've smelt the food and woken up you figured.

However Gloria's eyes lit up with a gasp! "Make that soon to be sixteen! You caught a Budew!?"

"Oh?" She glanced at the pokemon at her feet glancing up at her. "Oh yes. It was one of the two that always hangs around the flower beds. I always thought they were rather helpful for planting so I thought-" She paused as Gloria was already gon-

BANG!!

Both of you and the three pokemon jumped and turned to Gloria in the door's entrance camera in hand and scorbunny at her heels as she grinned at the Pokemon at her mother's heels before lifting the camera at them. "SAY CHEESE!!"

"Gloria! What are you-" She was cut off by two flashes that blinded you for a moment and you reached your hand up to cover your face as a white coated your vision. "GLORIA!!"

"Whoops. Sorry Mum!"

"WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING!?"

"Taking pictures of pokemon. Duh."

"I can SEE that! Or I would if you hadn't blind sided me.....Wait. Isn't that Victor's camera? What on earth were you doing playing with it!? You know that's not yours!"

You groaned and rubbed your eyes as they contined to talk. You trying to rub away the white dots that came with the flash as your sobble sat there. And you suddenly felt a small hand pawing at your face, as if your sobble was mimicking the movements you made at the attempt of clearing your vision. It was cute....But it would've cuter if you could see it.

"But Mom," Gloria pleaded, "It's for a good cause I promise. There's this Dex challenge and if you fill up the entire book with pictures when you can win something! Plus it's fun! And he's totally cool with lettin' me borrow it!"

"Only cuz ah now you'd just take it anyways!," Victor called from outside.

"Well watch where you're pointing that thing! The last thing we need is you blinding someone."

"Yes, Mom." "Sorry Ms. G."

You finally opened your eyes still lightly rubbing them as you blinked and your vision was slightly blurry, but it quickly cleared revealing the two teens and their mother standing there as they looked at you. And Mrs. G held out a hand to you.

"Oh dear. Are you alright, Y/n?"

You nodded. "Yeah. I guess. It was just real bright for a moment." You paused as the camera was held out pointed at you by Gloria.

"Hey, Y/n. Can I take a picture of your sobble?"

A picture of your- "Oh. Yeah sure! Just lemme close my eyes for a minute." She nodded as she held the camera up to her face and you slammed your eyes shut as the words left her mouth.

"Hey Sobble!" The pokemon turned to her. "Say cheese!" Another flash of white lit up everywhere and your sobble chirped in surprise as his eyes went wide and it swayed as you reopened your eyes. Gloria smiled as the camera made a whirling noise and a moment later a perfect picture of you with your sobble staring towards the camera came out through a slot in the bottem as she grabbed it. Examining it with a smile. "Yep! That makes seventeen now!"

You gently took the sobble off your shoulder and into your arms as it swayed wide eyed, before shaking it's head and scowling towards the three teenagers, letting out a very loud squeak of annoyance at her before leaning back into your arms like a cat would still glaring at the two of them. You kinda felt bad so you ended up scratching it's back making it give a pleased sound and smile after a moment. What a cute newt thing!

"Hey Glory. Shouldn't we be dropping off some of your pokemon at the center for your rotomi boxes?," Hop asked

Gloria nodded before looking at him. "Hey. Doesn't your grandpa have a purrloin?"

"Yeah he sure does."

"Think he'll let me take a picture of it?"

"I don't see why not! C'mon!"

"Wait! What about lunch?!," Gloria's mother called after them already running out the door. She stood there for a few moments, before sighing and shaking her head. "I swear! If those two were pokemon they'd be rapidashes for how fast they head off to things."

You chuckled at her. The rest of the day went by very quickly. You had ended up helping Mrs. G clean up after she had started cooking and she gave you some curry as a thanks. You never had this kind of dish before. It was some rice with some kind of red sauce with the same spice smell from earlier, but neither of you were complaining as you ate. It was actually pretty good. Nice to have a peaceful meal considering the past couple days with how chaotic they were. Although you did have to keep your sobble from trying to grab food from your plate and to appease it you fed it a few peices of pokemon food after Mrs. G offered. Gloria and Victor didn't return until later that evening where you assumed she had dropped off some of her pokemon with Hop. The camera secured around her neck by a strap and her hands was one of the journals you noticed she had purchased. So you asked about it and her face lit up and she showed the both of you the eighteen pictures she had taken along with a bunch more Victor had given, something about him not needing them anymore anyways. Some of them you had recognized. Gloria's scorbunny. You and your sobble. Mrs. G's two pokemon of course, and a couple of Hop's. Including a yamper like Sonia's. What you didn't recognize was a few new ones which she gladly told you the names of them. But the most surprising one was her phone but it looked as if it was posessed by a rotom. When asked Gloria explained that it was perfectly normal for someone to have a rotom phone with their very own rotom. She probably assumed you didn't have any of that back in 'Kanto'. Time flew by and other than Mrs. G scolding Gloria for snapping a picture of the curry she had saved her for dinner, it was pretty easy for you to follow your routine before once again falling asleep on the couch and dozing off for the night. Until the very next day of course. You were just laying there peacefully snoozing away peacefully until you felt a harsh shake on your shoulder and a light was shown on you. Of course you being asleep ignored it in favor of turning over on the couch and curling into the blanket even more. Again a harsher shake made you groan in protest at whoever was trying to kidnap you from slumberland.

"Y/N!!" A young girl's voice shouted fairly close and loud next to your ear. Startling you awake with a snort, sitting right up and blinking and rubbing your eyes at the harsh light that extended on you. "Time to wake up or we'll miss the train to Motostoke!"

"Uuuuuhhh," you groaned peeking your eyes open and blinking groggily up at the form of Gloria smiling at you. You yawned a bit. "Gloria? Wha-....*yaawwn* What time is it?"

"Six o four in the morning!," she stated happily before leaning back up and it took you a moment to figure out it was still dark in the early hours of the morning and the light was coming from the light bulb above you. "You need to hurry up and get ready before we're late! I still need to pick up my Dynamax band from the Professor too!"

"M' up," you mumbled reaching a hand out to slowly toss off the blanket from your form as Gloria backed away.

She turned as you both heard her mother's tired voice call to her, asking what was up. What you needed to wake you up was a nice hot shower so that's exactly what you did. Dragging yourself out of bed, you trudged into the bathroom and took a deserving hot shower, brushing your teeth, and opting to instead of the overalls lent to you by Mrs. G wore the black shirt with the Eevee print, slacks, and the non rubber shoes you also picked up. By the time you came out, with everything else in the gray plaid bulking back pack of yours, the smell of food was already in the air and it didn't take you too long to find out why when you look over and saw Gloria holding what could've only been described as a plain waffle in one hand obviously in the middle of eating it, and going through her big brown back pack with the other as her mother looked at her.

"Uh huh. And are you sure you got plenty of clothes?," Mrs. G asked raising a brow, "Extra pokeballs? Your region map? How about the revives Leon was nice enough to get you?"

"Yes Ma!," the teen mumbled half way through eating, "I already went through this last night!"

"Well it never hurts to double check! Especially since you can't lose that endorsement letter or else they won't let you register for the challenge at all," she looked up and noticed you before smiling, "Ah! Y/n! Good morning, Dear. I hope you slept well."

You nodded shifting the backpack over your shoulders, "Yeah thanks! ......Hey. Where's that sobble?" You rose a brow while looking on the floor. Strange the little guy wasn't around.

"He was hungry so I gave him some food to tide him over for you. And speaking of which you must be hungry. I'll get you some breakfast. You aren't starting off your trip on an empty stomach."

"But Mom! That's gonna take even longer! Vic's already waiting for me! We still need to grab the dynamax bands before we go and we'll miss the train if we wait-"

"How about you guys go get the..bands and I'll *yaaawwn* meet you at the train station?," you suggested. You weren't really in the mood for any arguing in the morning, and to be honest you were hungry and the idea of starting a long trip on an empty stomach just didn't appeal to you.

You were lightly surprised when Gloria agreed to it and after a few more moments of going through her pack, left with Hop you assumed, as her mother kindly handed you over some food. More waffles but you weren't complaining. Your sobble at some point noticed you were awake and soon enough you felt that familiar feeling of the little guy crawling up your clothes only to plop itself into your shoulders. It really liked being carried around didn't it? Your muddled mind didn't know when but sometime after you finished the pancakes you were out the door bag in your hands, one hand holding it and the other digging through it to make sure all the few belongings you did own for now were secured. Sure enough you found the non perishable food Leon had given you, the few clothes, and of course your Sobble's pokeball tucked somewhere in the bottom of it all. You decided to keep your sobble out for the time being as it seemed to enjoy being out. The early morning light was starting to peek through with the light pinks and yellows of the sunrise. Already as you made your way to the train station, you saw the farmers and their wooloos out in the fields. Early to bed early to rise you guessed. You saw no sign of the teens besides Victor who waved at you and gestured for you to come wait with him, guessed they were still getting the dynamax bands from the professor, even as you walked right into the train station. So you did the only thing your tired self could do. You once again plopped yourself into one of the seats tiredly and waited for the two to arrive. It couldn't have been that long(or maybe it was but you didn't notice) but you perked up at a familiar voice.

"So out with it, Glor! How many did you catch again?"

"I already told you eight! You saw me take pictures of them yesterday remember?"

"Oh right! Sorry that's just the sleep talkin'. " You turned to the door as the young voices got louder. "But look at how many you caught! You're well on your way to building a fine team! I caught myself a special one not to brag."

" I KNOOOWWW!! I'm so jealous you caught a shiny before me!" Gloria walked right into the train station with Hop right behind her.

He shrugged with a proud smile. "Well what can I say? I'll make a difficult rival."

"Where are we heading again?"

"The Gym Challenge will begin Motostoke and our train's waiting so let's go-" He paused finally looking away from her and seeing you two sitting there. Upon catching his eye you smiled and waved mumbling something like 'Good Morning'. And he smiled. "Hey! Y/n you're here!" You stood up to meet them with a light yawn as they approached. "I thought you'd be on the train already.''

You chose not to mention you haven't gotten any money to pay for the ticket entrance and waved. "Nah. I said I'd wait for you guys at the station and I wanted to keep my promise." Looking to Gloria you noticed something around her neck, so you pointed and asked. "Hey. Isn't that your brother's camera?"

"Aye." Victor rose a brow crossing his arms at his sister. "Don't go runnin' 'round crazy with that thing if you value ye life." He jabbed a thumb to the awaiting train. "Anyways it's nearly seven thirty. We should probably get on before it takes off." He suggested and the lot of you agreed. Walking towards the small gate-

"Not so fast you three!," an older but familiar lady's voice cut through the air and the three of you all turned around as a result.

Hop's golden eyes widened. "Wha-? What're you doing here, Mum?" He asked turning around just as the two mothers of the children walked right in. You were confused at first two, before seeing what they were holding in their hands and you immediately understood why they had followed you here.

"I knew this day was coming since the moment you chose Grookey as a partner, Darling," the older woman smiled fondly at him, a smile you remember your own mother used to have way back when. She held up the small rolled up thing in her hands. "You took off so fast you two didn't take any sleeping bags. Did you forget you probably won't be able to afford hotels most of the time or won't be able to sleep in one every night? You can't expect a free bed around every corner."

Both looked immediately sheepish as Mrs. G spoke. "Professor Magnolia was kind enough call and let us know that you three would be setting out now." She held up a small looking back of her own. "So here. A little last gift to see you well set on your way. All the kit you'll need for camping! And the reason why you should always double check BEFORE you take off like your brother." Gloria made a face and looked away before her mother made her take the small kit, which consisted of a small compact tent you could carry over your shoulder and another sleeping bag, before crossing her arms with a frown. "Honestly! I swear you'd lose your head if it wasn't attached to your neck sometimes."

"HEY! I only forgot this one thing," she protested and her mother hummed.

" Ah yes. Like you forgot to tell me about how the two of you snuck off into the Slumbering Wield." In an instant she froze and you could've sworn a little color drained from Gloria's face in that moment. "And yes, I heard the news from young Leon. I'm glad someone bothered to tell me!" She sighed and her other hand was held out to you. "Here we are! A bit of pocket money for your journey. Buy yourself a little something at the pokemon center. Maybe some potions or something!"

You stopped and blinked at the small twenty bill in her hand before shaking your head. "Oh no! I couldn't possibly take your money! I-"

"Happened to save my child from a dumb idea. It's not much but something tells me you could use it anyways."

Well......It wouldn't hurt to have some money on you in case of emergencies even if it wasn't much. So you reluctantly took it from her. "I....Thank you."

She nodded to you before turning to Gloria and pointing a finger at her with a serious look. "Now. Remember that Scorbunny will battle to the very end for you so don't you go pushing the poor dear too hard! Come home to rest anytime that you need. After all east or west, home is best." She smiled. "No matter what happens out there, if you and your partner are together I know you'll be fine. Take my advice to heart Sweetie. As long as you have your pokemon at your side and the energy to carry onwards, you'll naturally find that you always have a smile on your face."

Gloria stood there for a moment before nodding to her mother and you blinked when she all of a sudden hugged the older woman, seemingly startling her too for a moment before she smiled and hugged the child back tightly like any mother would....Well except maybe yours. She was always seeming to be too busy working or making sure you worked hard to get good grades or worked hard enough to help out with the bills with your after school jobs. You didn't notice the frown come over your face as Hop mimicked his friend in giving his own mother a hug who like the other mother mirrored a smile and hugged back patting his head followed by Victor.

"Remember. No matter what happens out there, if you and your partner are together, I know you'll be fine."

Hop smiling pulled away and gave a big grin. "Thanks Mum! And just think of how lucky you are!" He raised a determined fist. "Mother to the first ever pair of Champion Brothers! Because I'm certain to be the Champion next! You'll see!"

She nodded in agreement but her face was amused. "Of course you will, Darling. Anyway, do have fun and take care of yourselves. And don't be too worried about not winning. You're welcome back home anytime."

Home huh- A loud train horn sounded off startling the five of you into turning to the train, then you happened to glance at the clock hanging upon the wall and noticed that it was seven twenty eight in the morning. Two minutes before seven thirty and the deadline for the train's departure. So you decided to point this out, having the two kids make a worried frown before taking a few steps back.

"We'll be off now!," Gloria explained lifting her hand a moment to give a quick good bye to the two mothers and turning to the train. "C'mon guys! We're off! Don't want to miss the train!"

You nodded in agreement tailing right after her with Hop behind you. "Wish us luck! Not that we'll need it!"

As the mothers waved good bye, the four of you went towards the gate and watched as Gloria slipped a single dollar into the slot of it. It made a ping noise and you guess it unlocked because the four of you easily slipped by and towards the train. The grey and yellow train's doors slid open with a whoosh sound as the three of you entered just as another horn sounded off startling your sobble a bit making it cling to your shoulder harder. Inside was who you assumed to be a train conductor who gestured for you all to exit through another door to the right which lead to the passenger cars and other people who happened to be on the train with you four. There was about fifthteen other people with you so the lot of you had to go to one of the back seats. Yellow painted metal bars were everywhere along with Blue seats with a table between the two of them. Above each pair of seats was a small area to put luggage. You sat down just as the train was starting off. Gloria breathing a sigh of relief from all the weight she was carrying. You assumed she was carrying more than you already along with the camping equipment she was given just a few moments ago. You ended up looking out the window and watching the station and small town of Postwick move away from your view and starting on your way. Beside you Gloria sighed and slumped into the soft cushioned seat.

"Man. We just left and I'm already feeling beat."

"Well look on the bright side," Hop suggested, "We're finally heading out on our journeys! And Lee told me Motostoke is a good place as any to start off an adventure."

"Oh really? How come?," you asked curiously as he explained.

"Well besides the obvious Opening Ceremony going on there. Motostoke is surrounded by a giant piece of land called the Wild Area. It's a real sight! There's all sorts of wild Pokemon just wondering about everywhere you look! Plus you can camp out, do a spot of fishing, and sight seeing! I don't think I could ever get tired of it!," he explained smiling widely, "But I don't think we'll be able to see it. The Entrance Ceremony's in the town not the wild. But on a lighter not! There's loads of brilliant trainers and all kinds of pokemon out there waiting for us! My excitement's running ahead of me faster than this train can go!"

"Yeah? Well it's too bad. Would've loved to take a couple more pictures." Gloria sighed leaning more against the wall of the train. " Im already starting to understand why Victor likes it so much. Like I wouldn't make it a living like he wants to but it's a nice hobby."

You nodded agreeing with her and extended your arm to allow your sobble to crawl along your arm and onto the table, watching as it curiously crawled up to the window and looked out at the world passing by. You all sat there for who knows how long chatting, the kids pulled out their phones and showed you a few pictures of what looked almost like a castle's high walls and beautiful scenery surrounding it. It was quite lovely. At one point someone said it would take at least a few hours to get to the town so all of you had plenty of time to relax but you couldn't help but let your mind wonder. What was happening back at your home? Was your mother worried about you suddenly going missing? What happened when she went to wake you up but found you completely gone? Did she call the police to file a missing person's report yet? Counting today it would've been five days that you had disappeared and that must've been worrying. And if this happened to just be a crazy dream you surely hoped you would wake up sometime soon. You were soon snapped out of any bad thoughts though. How? Simple the train suddenly slowed down out of no where it caught you off guard and you ended up hitting the table in front of you your poor Sobble chirping in shock as it was sent tumbling across said table and into Hop's extended arms as he thankfully caught the poor thing before it could splat onto the floor below. What the world was that!? Your head turned as Gloria nudged your side. you gave her a questioning look about to ask if she was alright but she pointed out the window and you looked. There was.....Nothing but nature?? Which wouldn't be strange since it was the out doors, and you WOULD have chalked it up to just being another stop on the way to Motostoke but then why did the train suddenly stop like that? Granted you never rode on a train before but you were pretty sure they weren't supposed to stop suddenly enough to ram yourself into a table. One of your hands rubbed your sore ribs where they had hit the table, surely leaving a bruise later but no real damaged luckily. So why had you all suddenly stopped in the middle of seemingly no where? Around you other people were also noticing, muttering to themselves, some getting up to peer out the windows or to take a couple steps up the alley way as to walk up to the engine car.

"Attention Passengers!," a man's voice blared from a loud speaker somewhere, "Due to some unfortunate events beyond our control we have decided to take a quick stop at Wild Station. We apologize for any inconvenience and to please wait patiently while we fix the issue. We thank you for your cooperation."

"Wha- Wild Station? That's just outside the town!," Hop exclaimed holding your sobble in one arm while staring at a map on his phone with the other. Confusion on his face. "Why didn't they just stop inside the city?"

"Let's find out!" Gathering her things into her arms Gloria was quick to jump past you.

"WHA- Hey wait!," you called out extending an arm out to her as she darted up the car past other people.

You stared after her for a few seconds before turning to Hop who shrugged and got up to after her which you followed obviously. The three of you hurried after her as Gloria trotted up to the exit and with a whoosh the doors opened with her stepping out and the two of you followed. On the other side was another train station. Only this one had slightly different colored brick walls and there was a whole bunch of leaves and twigs scattered about. Besides the four of you there was a couple looking over a map in one corner of the station looking confused and lost, a map just sitting in the waiting chairs, and someone who looked to be in some kind of uniformed green vest.

You gave a confused look around. "Where the heck are we?"

"Ill check!'' Before you could respond Hop had already turned to the man in the vest and asked, "Hey, Mr. Station Master!" The man hummed and turned to him. "Isnt this the Wild Area? What're we stopped here for?"

The man sighed crossing his arms. "Yes....This is the Wild Area Station makes no mistakes. I'm sorry to tell you that the train is halted due to a flock of wooloo."

"WHAT?!," both you and Gloria said at the same time.

A giant herd of wooloo!? Oh great! Now what were you all supposed to do?

Hop however wasn't the least bit concered. "What's there to be sorry about? This is brilliant!"

Gloria gave him a look that looked like he just did something crazy. "What is?"

He excitedly smiled widely at her. "This Wild Area is massive!" He explained the sobble in his arms giving a noise of annoyance at his sudden movements. "There are loads of pokemon to battle here! You don't get it do you, Glor? This is the best possible place to put together the greatest team!"

"I don't think we should be taking off, "Gloria pointed out and you nodded agreeing. "We have to get to the Entrance Ceremony soon or else we'll be considered forfeiting our sponsorships entirely!"

"That's the smartest thing you said all day," Victor mumbled.

"They take it that seriously?," you asked lightly surprised as she nodded.

"Something about a long time ago a lot of trainers tried to sneak their way into the challenge by claiming they were late to register or something like that. Since then the rules have been pretty strict. Which is why I want to register first and then come back here if I have a chance."

"When is the deadline?"

"Midnight. And as much as I'd love to explore around...Im kinda nervous about securing that spot."

You could totally agree with her on that point Buuut- You pointed behind you. "But the train's going to be backed up for a while by the looks of it. Maybe we can walk? How fair is this Motostoke?''

"Let's step out and see. The map said it shouldn't have been too far away I think."

That wasn't a bad idea and with no objections the four of you stepped out and what you saw made you pause. As soon as you stepped out you were hit with the strong rays of sunlight making you blink but once your (f/c) eyes managed to get a hold of themselves...Well....Breathtaking was a pretty good way to describe it. A giant meadow stretched as much as you could see with a giant lake, a few scattered trees, and A GIANT WALL! A giant wall was set up with a few bridge like structures to the right and you could see a few very tall buildings/structures ahead. You saw what you thought was oil rigs movie, a giant clock which reminded you of Big Ben back in your world, a few sky scrapers, and a few other things you were too far away to make out. Over all it was a very strange but pretty sight as the wind blew through the trees.

"Look at that!," Hop said in awe pointing at the buildings which must've been a decent half mile away. "That's Motostoke way off that way! And between here and there are countless new pokemon waiting to be met!"

Gloria hummed. ".......Well it would be cool to explore somewhere we won't get in trouble I guess."

"EXACTLY!!" He pointed towards the meadow. "Im itching to just see what's out there. It's not too far away and we can probably spare a couple hours. I mean we have until Midnight right? And we left pretty early in the morning."

She hummed again. "Well when you put it that way it does sound like fun!" A smile crossed her face again. "I can take a whole bunch of pictures for my scrapebook! And catch a few more pokemon of course."

You weren't sure that was a good idea- "Well well. You two running off again?"

The three of you turned- You blinked surprised. "Sonia?," you asked. True to your word the orange haired professor's assistant was walking right towards the four of you with a smile. "What are you doing here? I don't remember seeing you get on the train."

"Of course you didn't. I didn't enter the train through the station right side of the station," she smiled. "Besides. I figured it'd be an opportune time for me to travel for my research." Sonia gave a sigh and looked to the ground shaking her head. "My grab gave me a proper earful in her own way. 'Those two young trainers are setting out on a journey, but what are you doing with your life?' Her words not mine."

"Ouch Professor," you commented, "That sounds rough." You didn't mean to be so blunt but you kinda understood how she felt. Your mother had asked you similar things to that while simaltaniously pushing you to study more, go to college, and get a job-

Sonia waved you off. "Ah. Never mind that. Nothing to worry yourselves over. " Her eyes lowered back to the teens next to you. "Besides I've been more curious about that pokemon you two met in the forest. I'd been thinking I should look into it so the timing works out fine! If I discover something really huge then maybe even Gran'll admit I got some talent."

Pokemon- OH RIGHT!! You nearly forgot the legendary pokemon they saw in the fog. Although you were still unsure what it was exactly. A thought suddenly struck you. In the game Sonia would uncover some amazing things important to the plot of the game. If ONLY you could remember what it was!

"Yikes." Hop made a cringe face. "Being an adult got it's own challenges eh?"

You frowned and gave a chuckle and shake of your head which made him look at you. "Oh you have NO idea."

"I said you needn't worry about it," Sonia stated a little more firmly. "I'm glad to be on the road really! It's been ages. It'll be great fun to fish and camp and rough it outside again."

"Uh huh. Well you have fun with that! Meanwhile.." He turned with a smile. "I heard there's natural dynamaxing pokemon in the Wild Area! I'm off to go stick my head in as many of those red dens as I can find!"

"Not. So. FAST! Mr. Impatient!" He yelped when gloria grabbed him by the hoodie and with the same frown as her mother stared at him when she yanked him back. "We only got here and you want to run off again into the wild??"

"Oh c'mon Glory. I promise Ill meet you up back at the Entrance Ceremony."

The young girl hummed. ".....What time is it by the way?"

"Oh." You glanced to sonia as she rolled up her sleeve and glanced at her watch. "According to this it just turned Eleven thirty in the morning."

She hummed and slowly released her friend. "Fine. But let's agree to meet at the Entrance Ceremony at six or seven in the after noon. That should be enough time for the both of us to explore and get to the town before it gets dark." She gave a concerned frown. "I really don't want you hurt or lost."

Hop paused for a moment before looking away coughing his cheeks having a light pink hue. "Um....YEAH! I can totally do that!"

Her smile returned. "Then it's settled! Can't lose my rival before I even join the challenge."

"GREAT!!" He turned again. "I'm going to battle the snot out of a bunch of dynamax pokemon and fill in the tale of my legend!" And he ran off.

"DONT YOU DARE FORGET HOP!!," Gloria hollered after him.

Victor sighed before looking at Gloria and You, "I'd better go with him and make sure he doesn't really forget. I'll see you two later."

Both you and Sonia shared a chuckle at their childish behavior before she looked at you. What cheek. Dynamax pokemon are really on another level you know." She glanced to Gloria. "You'd better dynamax your partner pokemon too if you want to take on opponents that strong." She directed Gloria to the wild. "He's right about red dens. You'll find spots here and there in the Wild Area that emit a red beam of light. If you think you're up to it, check it out. They're usually cave openings with dynamax pokemon inside. But PLEASE be careful. It can be dangerous at times. I wish Hop would've waited for me to warn him before he ran off like that."

Gloria nodded in understanding as you looked down to your sobble climbing up your leg. Hop must've put him down when you weren't looking. "I understand Sonia! You don't have to worry about me!"

Sonia nodded to the two of you. "So with that Ill leave you two off here. The Wild Area is waiting for you. This is the start of your real adventure. Take care now."

You watched as she turned to walk away and....you weren't sure what really compelled you to say it in that moment but you reached your arm out after her. "Ms. Sonia!" She stopped and turned to you with a hum. You paused uncertainly if you should say anything. Would it affect the progress of the game's route? "I just....wanted to let you know that....You really are a great scientist already. And you're going to find a lot of things."

She blinked at you in surprise for a moment not sure what to make of your words, but settled on a smile and nodded. "Thanks. Your kind words mean a lot but we'll have to see what I actually accomplish. I wish you the best sights and experiences of Galar a tourist like you can have!" Before she turned and walked her way towards you assumed Motostoke.

"Wow." You jumped and looked to Gloria who smiled. "That was really nice of you. Even if it was a little out of no where."

You shrugged. "I guess I know how she feels a little bit. Sometimes a few kind words is what someone needs."

"Lee always says something similar, but I think he calls it 'champion encouragement'." She suddenly snapped her head forward and pointed. "Well you heard Sonia! I want to try out my first dynamaxing battle before I take on any gyms! We got about seven to eight hours to get some battling and sight seeing in so I say we give this day all we got!"

-time skip five hours forward-

You lost track of how many times Gloria pulled you along this way and that....but it was an eventful few hours.

You lost count of how many pokemon Gloria tried to battle. Key word being 'tired'. The first pokemon she tried to battle was one you remembered. An Onix. A. GIANT. MASSIVE!! AND CRANKY!! ONIX!! Probably didn't help Gloria snapped a picture of it before trying to battle it. You had to literally grab her and drag her behind you as you ran. Terrified scorbunny at your heels as it charged towards the two of you. Not the greatest start to be honest. But it wasn't as worst as her first dynamax battle. She had found an opening in the cliffside of a cave with red aura around in, one of the dynamax dens and she ran into it without a second thought with you chasing after her. Inside the dark was lit up by a GIGANTIC DIGLETT with the red-black cloud hovering over it's dynamax form. You nearly fainted then and there but when the thing ROARED you felt like you were about to have a heart attack!!! Your sobble poor thing made a small squeal of fright before forcing itself into your backpack to hide immediately. Things just went downhill from there when in the middle of the battle Gloria decided to dynamax scorbunny and all of a sudden you both were having a very hard time standing up from the shaking ground and the debry the attacks caused to the point you literally yelled that you both had to leave then and there but she couldn't hear you past all the noise and therefore barked orders to her gigantic scorbunny from her holding onto the ground. With you clinging onto the cave's wall for dear life hoping it would be over soon. Thankfully it did. It was all a blur really. You vaugly remembered Gloria somehow capturing the diglett and returning scorbunny to it's rightful size. And you two carefully climbed around disheveled cave floor until managing to get out of the cave....where the both of you collapsed onto the ground.

"HOW THE HECK CAN STADIUMS HANDLE THOSE THINGS!?,'' you yelled out dizzily into the soft grass. In the game you didn't have to worry about debry being flung at you or the ground giving away suddenly. BECAUSE IT WAS A GAME!! REAL LIFE POKEMON DYNAMAX BATTLES WERE NOTHING LIKE THE GAME!!"

Gloria raised a weak hand. "T-They were made a long time ago with top professors, contractors, and researchers to build them strong enough even a dynamaxed monchomp with the strength of a thousand earthquakes couldn't shake it. Dunno how but man I'm glad they did."

You could 100% agree with that! It took a minute for the both of you to recover before the two of you got up, dusted yourselves off, and went off again. Gloria managed to resume battling and taking photos of a few pokemon. Although some of the pictures were so blurry from the pokemon moving they would be no use at all and she didn't catch a lot of the pokemon she tried to battle. But she did win a few and even had two other dynamax battles within the dens you guessed the boys didn't come across. Catching one of them but not the other as you struggled to not lose your lunch or have a heart attack both times. You were not a fan of wild dynamax battles after that. At one point you even came across what Gloria explained was a wild berry tree and demonstrated how to get the fruits off them by forcibly shaking it until a couple berries fell off it. They all had a somewhat bitter taste you didn't like when you tried them tho, but your sobble seemed to enjoy up as you handed them right over when they extended their....hands?? Paws??...towards it. You couldn't remember how much time had passed before the two of you finally had a chance to sit down under the shade of a tree and have a break. Gloria took the time to go through all the pictures she took, must've been about thirty, but only twenty one were salvagable. Curious you took a peak at the pictures she showed you. The pokemon she got pictures of were a onix(of course angering it-), roselia, vespiquen, and a few others. Not a lot but certainly a decent haul for her. It was you who eventually asked the question-

"Hey. What time is it?"

Gloria responded by quickly pulling out her phone and checking the time on it. And she blinked. "It's four twenty seven! It's already been about five and a half hours!"

"Wha-" You looked up to the sky. Didn't look like sunset yet, but it was definitely about late after noon. You two hadn't even noticed the time fly by. "We've been out here nearly all day!"

With a hum gloria quickly scrambled to pick up her things. "I think we better head to Motostoke now. I don't really know how long it'll take to walk there and I did promise Hop we'd meet him there."

You nodded scooping the confused sobble into your arms. The walk there was pretty uneventful as you two walked what must've been half a mile, your eyes widening the closer you got, until you finally got there......AND. IT. WAS. NOTHING. LIKE IN GAME!! The entrance to Motostoke was all bricked with a medieval ages meets industrial period kind of look. All the buildings you could see were brick other than the familiar pink pokemon center and there was A LOT MORE people and buildings than in game you remember....makes sense you supposed. This was a real world and so of course there would be a lot more people and buildings. It was so crowded you were certain if Gloria wasn't walking beside you, you were sure you would've easily watched her. The first place you two stopped was the pokemon center where Gloria went inside to heal her pokemon from todays battle and put away any new ones she caught into those Rotomi box things. You were busy marveling at the busy streets and environment around you. You had never been in a city before let alone a town like this so it was quite a shock for you to see. This place even had GIANT WORKING GEARS BUILT INTO IT'S VERY WALLS!! It was like a real steampunk town. But once she came out she.....stopped and stared around her.

"So which way to the ceremony?," you asked her gazing at a few stores lined across the street.

She looked really unsure now fidgeting with the straps of her bag and looking around her. "U-Um...I don't know."

You snapped your head to her. "You don't what?!"

"Im sorry!" She apologized looking around. "I know it's here! I just.....don't know exactly where in town."

You wanted to facepalm but decided not too to avoid hurting her feelings and looked around as well as people and their pokemon passed you two. No signs of Hop or any indication of a ceremony anywhere in sight. No other trainers, no signs, certainly no ceremony!

Gloria suddenly held up her phone. "Maybe I should call him? He might already be there waiting for us-"

"HEY YOU TWO!!" A familiar voice called out and to both of your relief you turned and walking towards you with a shopping bag in one hand, yamper at her feet was your saving grace Sonia waving at you. "Over here!"

"SONIA!" Gloria smiled. "Boy are we glad to see you! We ran into a 'Leon situation' here."

That made her laughed. "Oh really? Real ace of you to make it through the Wild Area. And a Leon situation huh?"

Gloria nodded sighing. "We're kinda lost. Do you know where the ceremony is?"

"You're first time in a city and already lost? But Motostoke is big right?" Gloria nodded and Sonia smiled. "Not to worry. Sonia is here to show you around a bit."

"Thanks, Ms. Sonia." Gloria politely smiled at the older woman. "Could you point out where we gotta go?"

Sonia hummed. "The Entrance ceremony huh? I get a bit worked up when I think how exciting and moving it was to actually stand on a stadium's pitch for the first time." Sonia smiled off thinking of an old memory most likely. She shook her head. "Anyways. Brilliant young trainer who braved the Wild Area! Do you remember what your goal in Motostoke is?"

"I'm here for the Gym Challenge!," Gloria shouted determined smile on her face and Sonia nodded.

She nodded. "Yep! The Gym Challenge Opening Ceremony!" She pointed behind her at the busy street. You Guess since she once too here attending the Gym challenge with leon as kids she would know where it would be. "Use that lift over there to get to it K? OH! By the way the ceremony tomorrow is being held at the Motostoke Stadium ok?"

......You looked at Gloria. "There's a stadium here AND a second ceremony tomorrow??" Gloria shrugged at you.

"Well, laters!" She waved a hand at you two. "I'm going to swing by the shops while I'm here but don't forget to register at the Stadium,k?" Gloria nodded and Sonia went to tur- She stopped. "OH! I forgot. I got you a little something." Reaching into her coat pocket and fishing around, she pulled out what looked like at first glance some kind of training card before holding it out to Gloria who curiously accepted it...And her eyes WIDENED at it.

"NO!! WAY!!" She stared wide eyed between the card and Sonia. "Is this what I think it is!?"

She giggled. "Yep. I know Leon already sent myself and Hop a couple so I figured it would be the perfect start off to your own collection."

Gloria gave off a girly teen squeal and practically shoved it into your face making you blink. "OH MY MAGIKARP!! LOOK!! I GOT A LEAGUE CARD!!" You blinked and true to her word it was a card. And on it was a picture of Leon sitting down looking off somewhere. She smiled widely pulling it from your face. "Thanks so much So-...." She blinked. "Hey where'd she go?"

You shrugged. "I guess she left. Come on. We better get going."

She nodded ad the two of you made off for this lift at the end of the street. Along the way you guys passed a few stores. A flower shop, a cafe, a book store, a record shop, a barber shop, and another clothes shop. Once you two were at and on the lift....you became unsure again.

"Um. Now what?"

"I dunno..." Something caught her eye as she looked over and pointed. "hey what's that?"

"What's what?"

"This panel has a button." She pressed it.

"AH!!" You instantly fell to your bottom and Gloria grabbed onto the small pedestal as the lift suddenly lifted the two of you up and around, until it suddenly stopped again and you groaned. Pushing yourself up...and hearing a snicker. You shot a look to the teenager who was snickering behind her hand. "Nice to see you're still standing." You muttered pushing yourself up to your feet again and looking over, in front of the both of you was a giant building with glass doors, in front of the doors was two men in some kind of uniform and sunglasses like some bodyguard and some man with.....A Pokeball head?? Was waving to a few people passing by. A mascot maybe??.....You pointed at the building. "You think that's it or what?"

She went to answer but someone already beat here to it. "Gloria! Ms. Y/n!" Both of you looked over and the boys was making his way towards the two of you. "You made it too? "

You rubbed your aching back. "Yeah. Where are we?"

"Motostoke Stadium! This is where the Opening Ceremony will be held!" He exclaimed excitedly pointing to the large building behind him. "Everyone'll be watching the Opening Ceremony for the Gym Challenge! My mom, your mom, the whole world!! It's getting me a bit nervous really." He shook his head. "Naw. This isn't nerves. I'm only trembling because I'm so excited!"

"Well I say we go it and get registered before it gets too dark," Gloria suggested.

"You're right!" He turned back to the stadium still pointing. "Come on, Glory! It's time the world knows our names!"

As the three of you rolled up to the doors one of the two men standing in front of the door held one of their hands out in a clear stop motion in front of you four.

"Can I see your sponsorship letters please?," He asked holding out his hand and Hop didn't hesitate to pull his out of his pocket and have the letter over to the man in the meantime the twins had slung her backpack off her shoulders and went digging through it. You hoped she didn't forget it all the way back in Postwick. The security guard carefully examined the piece of paper in his hands. Running a hand across the red unbroken seal, holding it up to the light, and then taking a small device out of his pocket. A small green light came out and scanned it for a few seconds until there was a small ding from the machine and the man nodded before handing it back to him. "Head on inside and sign in Trainer. Next!" Saying a quick thanks Hop quickly snatched the letter back just as Gloria pulled out her own (thank goodness she still had it) and handed it to the man who repeated the same process from before he too handed them back hers and allowed them to go. But when you made a move to follow them he held another hand up. "Sorry, Ma'am. Only registered trainers, staff, and authorized personal are allowed inside. You'll have to wait out here. It's the rules."

You paused for a moment before looking at Gloria uncertain who smiled. "It's alright Y,n. Just wait for us out here ok? It shouldn't take too long. I mean we're just signing in!"

"Well...Alright if you say so." You gestured to a nearby bench. "I'll just wait for you two over there ok?"

They agreed and left you standing outside the stadium as they went inside. Not that you minded waiting of course. Your feet ached and your shoulders from carrying around your backpack all day, so plopping on the bench you gave your sore body a rest before slinging your pack off your shoulders. Your sobble had decided now would be a good time to fully crawl out of your pack from where its been hiding out this whole time and you let it climb on you when you placed your bag down with a sigh and leaned into the bench. FINALLY allowing yourself to rest for a while. You waited for a little while as people passed you, going up and down the lift and and streets as the body guards still stood there making sure no one entered without permission. A few teens Hop's age excited including" one boy with bright white fluffy hair and a long pink coat and you thought he looked rather grumpy. At one point you thought you heard a happy yell from somewhere but ignored it as it was probably a child playing somewhere. The sky slowly turning to a light pink as it got later in the day. Eventually the two did come back out but with what looked like white work out bands on their wrist that didn't have the dynamax bands on them. You waved at them as they walked right on over to you.

"Hey guys. Did everything go well?"

Victor nodded before smiling, "Although we might have to part ways for a while."

She gave her brother a confused look. "Whatcha mean?"

"I've decided to join Hop on this little adventure If he doesn't mind."

"Really!? That's awesome! Of course!" Hop was quick to agree with a friendly punch to Victor's shoulder. "Why wouldn't I want one of my greatest pals joining me while I write my legend? It'll be grand to have a traveling buddy of my own!"

"NO WAY!!" Gloria's large smile returned! "Oh this is great! We'll be able to see each other for a while more. I haven't been able to see you since you went on a journey last year so this is totally a win win for me in everyway!"

You nodded. "Oh. How'd the registry go?"

She waved a hand. "Oh y'know. We got our Challenger Bands we're apparently supposed to wear all the time so everyone knows we're a part of the registered trainers group. Our own League cards for the challenge. And we got to meet some of the rival trainers in there too! I liked the Sherry girl. She seemed really shy."

"I heard she was sponsored by the Gym Leader Milo but I can't be too sure," Victor replied before looking up at the sky. ".....But in any case I believe we should all head to Budew Drop Inn before the actual ceremony tomorrow." He turned to Gloria. "That way I can show you all the new pictures of pokemon I've gotten. You can use them for that dex challenge thing you told me about."

They turned and you nodded in agreement standing up and grabbing your bag, your sobble grabbing onto your bag as your hoisted it back over your shoulders and followed them guessing they must've known the way.

"By the way how many pictures of pokemon did you add to your collection?," Gloria asked glancing at her twin.

"Um." He made a thoughtful face. "Well let's see. Nessa's Aquarium has at least one of every water type pokemon...and with how many nature preserves I've stayed...and with the hundreds of tourists with different regions pokemon....and trading pictures with fellow photographers from different regions at the International Photographers Expo..........Six hundred thirty four different pokemon!"

There was silence for a moment.

"........WHAT?!"

The four of you made it down the street and over to the six story building that certainly looked like a fancy hotel. Along the way the children explained that the Chairman had not only endorsed as well but apparently paid the hotel in advance to allow all the trainers to stay the night before the actual ceremony took place the next day and the challengers were officially given the go ahead to start their journey. But a small surprise awaited the four of you yet in the hotel when you walked in and you looked around. There was a couple potted plants, two pairs of stairs leading up to another level with furniture, a sign in desk, and an elevator like a regular hotel but the thing your eyes were drawn to was the golden statue. It reminded you of those knights in ancient fairy tales. The golden man stood with his sword held up to the sky, a gleamering shield on his other arm in defense, and his face one of determination to not fail. Quite the craftsman ship. And standing right in front of it with a small yamper at her feet was-

"SONIA!" Gloria loudly greeted startling the poor lady and making her turn around.

Upon seeing who it was she sighed and smiled. "Oh it's just you guys. You gave me quite the jump scare there. But it looks like you both got yourselves registered." She nodded to the arm bands before her gaze drifted to Victor as she blinked. "....Oh. Hiya! I don't think we've met."

"This is my brother, Victor. He's gonna be with Hop for a while. But what are you doing here? I thought you were going out to study."

"Yeah." Hop chimed in. "What are you doing at our hotel?"

"Oh!" She shifted the many shopping bags in her arms. Guess she did go shopping while here after all. "I'm researching the mysterious pokemon that are said to be in the Slumbering Wield. I reckon if I look into some of Galar's lengends I might figure something out. Care to join me?" She gestured to the statue. "You're here already anyways."

"SURE! It'd be fun!" She turned to you."Hey. Y/n new to Galar. I don't think she even knows the legends."

"That's perfect then! While you're doing that, Im gonna go stand in that long like up there and secure a spot for us ok?"

"But I-" You raised a hand as theVictor turned and walked away leaving you with sonia and the other two...and you sighed. "I don't think I was that way when I was fourteen."

Sonia chuckled. "We were all like that at one point or another. But would you like to hear one of the legends? A newbie to Galar like you might enjoy some foreign tales."

"I'd like to hear too!"

You stared at her for a moment before shrugging. "Why not? I was just cast out from the little tribe."

She chuckled even more before she turned towards the statue. "Alright then. I'm sure you've seen the statue then.''

"Yeah." You rose a brow looking back up to the handsome man's golden face. "Who is he anyways?"

"It's a statue of the hero who once saved the Galar Region. I can run through the legend right quite if you fancy?" You nodded and that was all she needed to continue. "Long ago a great black storm covered the Galar Region." She gazed back to the statue. "People called it 'The Darkest Day'. The land was assaulted by gigantic pokemon but they were defeated by a single young hero bearing a sword and shield. This statue here is meant to depict the young hero of that legend. We still don't understand what kind of sword and shield the hero actually had. And what this 'black storm' is supposed to be is just another mystery. Whatever it was, it blotted all the skies across Galar. I suppose that tracks with it being 'the Darkest Day' but still..."

Hop blinked blinking at the golden statue's face and scratching his head. "Huh...I suppose that hero must've been about as strong as Lee then. Looks like you're going to have your hands full with plenty research though, Sonia. Black storms and swords and shields and all..."

"You'll be alright Sonia!"

She chuckled. "Heh. Thanks. I'll muddle through somehow. Don't you worry." She shook her head. "But legends aside. You three are staying at the hotel tonight though, right? Shouldn't you check in?"

"Probably so. Victor's holding our place in line." With a smiled similar to Leon he smiled widely at her. "And we'll look out for you too, Sonia! If we hear anything about any hero or whatnot we'll tell you!" Gloria nodded with a hum.

Sonia bowed her head in thanks to the two. "Thanks so much. Even if you don't find anything the thought's appreciated." As the kids said good byes and walked around her to a stair case you paused as she lifted her head and gazed at you. "I hope you enjoyed my little tale."

You smiled and nodded. "Yes. It was really entertaining. Thanks for telling me."

She nodded. "And thanks for taggin' along with the kids this far. I know we're practically strangers but there's just....I don't know....really good aura about you." You chuckled. You? Really good aura? That certainly was a first. "I'm sure Lee appreciates it too. He's always so worried about Hop. He practically raised him after all-" All of a sudden it was like a switch flipped off in her mind and her happy smile went to a sudden shocked face. "Oh no. I didn't mean to mention that. Please forget I even said that."

Your brow rose confus- "Y/N! C'MON! We got our room key already!"

You looked up to Gloria's call before back to Sonia before waving good bye and leaving. Wondering what the heck that was all about. Oh well. You had bigger things to worry about- Like the the fact that the three kids had gotten into a fight with four punk rockers!! You had just walked up the stairs and instantly was face to face with the three teenagers up in the faces of four people who dressed in black and red from their face paint to their outfits shouting something about they're going to cheer someone on and no one could stop them. You couldn't tell between the seven people shouting at one another and the front desk clerk trying to calm them down. THANK GOODNESS FOR THE YOUNG GIRL WHO STOPPED IT ALL!! She walked up the stairs and stopped next to your shocked state. A look of shock coming over her own face for a moment before she sighed and that snapped you out of your trance long enough for you to look at her. She was a teenager same around the same age as the other children with black hair tied back in two ponytails by red ribbon, a pink dress, with a black leather jacket and boots.

"What are you lot doin' here?" She had asked in what sounded what a brittish accent but you were sure Britain wasn't a thing in this world. Instantly the fighting stopped from the punk rockers as the they looked to her shocked like a couple toddlers caught taking candy. One shouted what you assumed was her name. Marnie you thought? As they stuttered out excuses. "I know you all are terribly curious 'bout the other gym challengers, but you gotta show a bit of restraint." Well it was nice of her to settle them down before she apologized. "Sorry 'bout them. They're just a bunch of my fans. Call themselves Team Yell and follow me around. cheerin' for me. I think they've let it all go to their heads a bit.....Come on you lot. Back home with you now!" She sighed as they guiltily slunk away past you down the stairs. "They're just so caught up with wantin' to support me and all that they tend to get a bit short with other Gym Challengers. Sorry if they caused you any trouble."

With that she simply walked past the lot of you, got her room key, and just walked away like it never even happened. You were still in a bit of shock but shook it off in favor of getting to the room you'd be bunking in with Gloria and have a small break from today. The inner workings weren't too different from the hotels you've been to before and was more than eager to plop yourself down and have a rest. The rest of the afternoon was a blur. At one point all three kids were sitting around the bed helping sort through Victor's collection of photos and helping Gloria glue in quite a lot of them into that small book of theirs. Hop mentioned about calling room service and Gloria suggested the four of you order each a different curry to help her fill in a bit of her curry challenge book as well. Which you had no problem against. It was free room service and you were interested in trying some of this world's curry since it was supposed to be world famous as Sonia told you. You ended up randomly choosing Sweet Curry as someone phoned it to the front desk and waited for it too arrive. It was pretty good. But it wasn't too different from Mrs. G's curry you had tasted other than the sauce on the rice tasted a mildly hot enough to be sweet. Of course that didn't stop Gloria was taking your curry's picture along with Hop's that had a massive egg in what was call a bitter boiled egg curry, Gloria's was a dry smoked tail curry(you hoped that wasn't an actual tail, and you think Victor's was leek curry with some kind of veggies decorating the plate. You ended up letting your sobble finish what food was leftover after you ate and soon you two found yourselves bidding the two boys good night and went to finally rest for the night. After getting a quick shower you decided it was best to go to bed since the actual Ceremony was tomorrow. Gloria had gotten the bed and you borrowed the sleeping bag Mrs. G had given Gloria. As the darkness slowly consumed your vision as your eyelids drooped you vaguely registered your sobble climbing on one of the shelves.

.........

CRASH!!

Both of you were startled away in the dark from a giant crash and a couple panicked chirps before you were tackled by an invisible spooked sobble burrowing under your arm as Gloria turned on the lamp to reveal the pokemon's mess.

"Y/n! Your sobble knocked over the shelf!"

"Uuuuuuhhhhh!!!"

#pokemon leon x reader #reader x leon #leon x reader #pokemon leon #pokemon sword #pokemon shield #pokemon sword and shield #pokemon swsh #a champion time for the heart

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A Champion Time For The Heart Ch6 The Entrance Ceremony

(Expect new twists to old chapters as well as new add ones and completely new chapters starting right after Ch25.)