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Chapter Text

"I'd like 7 yards of this pink satin, 3 yards of this tulle, although if I want the skirt to be poofier...on second thought make it 9 yards cut into 3 yard pieces each please, I need 4 yards of this burlap but can you please be a dear and cut it into 4 inch strips, oh and once you've cut that can I get 4 yards of that lace vinyl? It'll be cute on my table!"

"Yes ma'am, I'll be right on it!" [FN] [LN] beamed a bright smile as she cut up the fabric the woman laid onto the cutting table. Oh how she loved her job so much!
...
Not really, she really couldn't stand it at times, when she reached the burlap she wanted to flip the woman off and tell her to cut her own burlap, or go invest in some burlap ribbon if she needed it cut that small. Why did the roll have to be cheaper than the ribbon?!

Just as she finished up, her phone let out quite a loud sound, alarms blaring to show it was time to wrap things up, clock out, and go home! Despite how annoying that alarm was to hear in the morning, it was very much welcome at the end of the day. She waved for another employee to take over for her, put away the bolts of fabric she had cut from into the appropriate holding rack, ran to the back to swipe her ID to clock out, grabbed her bag from her locker and left for home!

At home - FN's POV

I slumped onto the couch as I listened to the sound of the microwave heating up my frozen box dinner, it was another tiresome day....
BUT NOTHING COULD BEAT TODAY BECAUSE FINALLY-!!!
I had to hold myself back from tearing open the heavily taped package carelessly as I propped the package that I had picked up from my mailbox onto my lap, and carefully set aside the envelopes that had arrived for me beside me.
I carefully used the scissors set on my coffee table to open the package, only to find ANOTHER tightly wrapped package inside. BUT I DIDN'T LET THAT DRIVE ME CRAZY! I WASN'T ABOUT TO SO MUCH AS SCRATCH MY PRIZE!
A little focus and some tlc with the scissors and finally the package was open!
So what was my prize?
...
IT WAS THE LEON'S ADVICE SWORD & SHIELD S-P TRAINER CARD COLLECTION BOX!!!
...Well it was all written in Japanese, so technically it should be called Dande's Advice, but I'd translated it...

I carefully opened and removed the card storage binder, the promo card, and the 5 small Pokémon card packs that it came with. I put away the promo card into the binder and tried my luck with the 5 packs, each pack had only 5 cards each only, but to no avail, I got nothing that I'd truly wanted, but with a holographic Gardevoir, Cresselia, and a full art Lycanroc V I couldn't complain much. Besides, with the envelopes beside me, I have a few more packs to open! As I opened the envelopes, I put away the Dande Trainer cards and the and Lizardon cards that I'd gotten from them.
I know, I know, my friends all told me, "There's magic in the feeling of pulling for a card you want vs. just buying it", but there was no way I'd be able to pull for the Japanese version of these! This is America for freaks sake, and Japan is in Japan!
After I put those up, I took some time to appreciate the binder. I gazed affectionately at the artwork, Leon sitting together with Hop on a bench putting his hat on Hop's head and perhaps ruffling his head as well, Charizard asleep in the bottom corner, a fire blazing somewhere near them while a Barbeque was happening in the background that was obviously their house. The silhouettes of 3 people were in the background as well, I found one to be Hop and Leon's mother who was obviously grilling the food, but the other two were unfamiliar (perhaps other relatives or maybe family friends).
But my gaze was mainly fixed on Leon, the way the light set on him, the loving gleam in his eyes towards his brother, that pure truly happy smile.

"He really is smiling," I said softly to myself as I kept gazing at the binder before hugging it close. Whenever I saw Leon in the anime, games, or specials, he never really seemed to smile from the heart unless it was during an amazing battle, or when he had some time with Hop and friends. Other than those times, the other times the smiles seemed forced, it had to be obvious that Leon had pressures and great responsibilities put on him as a Champion, and those pressures may at some point beat him down...but not for this one time, even for this one moment locked in artwork, he could smile freely.

In case it wasn't totally obvious, I stan/simp/adore Leon, like, A LOT! I had such a burning crush on him it wasn't funny.

As I took a deep breath, put my binder aside and gave myself a few cheek slaps like Leon and Hop do, I set on my mission as I placed the Vivid Voltage packs before me.
I was going to try to pull to get the Full Art Trainer Leon cards, both the Holographic and the Rainbow Rare, someway, somehow! I refused to give in and just buy it online!
I had 12 boost packs to try, certainly I could at least get 1 Leon early on and then get the Rainbow later on.....right?

As I opened the 11th pack, at the end the one to greet me was, Rainbow Rare Opal. I certainly adored her, but she was no Leon. Same with the Full Art Hop that was in my 6th pack, I was thrilled, but no Leon.

"Last pack, oh man my luck," I pouted as I opened the 12th pack, shuffled the last 4 cards forward to fix the order so the rares were last, "there's no way I'm getting a full art Leon, more so the Rainbow Ra-."

I almost squeezed too hard at the card that was before me. In my hands was THE FULL ART TRAINER LEON CARD! AND IT WASN'T THE LAST CARD! A peep of rainbow color showed behind it to show it was a Rainbow Rare, BUT I DIDN'T CARE! NOTHING COULD BEAT THI-

As I set Leon's card down on the table to avoid damaging it, I check the card behind, and I quickly put the card down and threw myself into the couch and screamed into the cushions! (I lived in a cheap apartment complex, my neighbors were very fussy with noise, so I always had to keep my voice down when watching anime or playing games or getting things in the mail)
IT WAS A RAINBOW RARE FULL ART TRAINER LEON!!!

After I regained my composure I still had some time controlling my breath, but I just couldn't, "What even is this pack? The GOD pack?! Oh thank you Pokémon gods, I mean Arceus, or whoever, thank you!" I carefully put them up in the binder and just in time, as I heard the microwave beep to show my food was done.

After a nice meal of the usual: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, with some Corn on the side; I was on my bed with my Nintendo Switch in hand.
My new Leon Binder was proudly displayed at the top of my bed frame's shelf, right next to my Tales Series figures and Leon figure! All my plushies seemed to watch over me as I had numerous Pokémon, Anime Characters, and Kirby toys put about.

I was playing my Pokémon Shield as I couldn't afford to get Sword; cause soon after I had gotten Shield I began a shopping spree for Leon and the new Galar Pokémon merch.
I had beaten the game on the 3rd account and was now debating on creating a 4th to replay it again, maybe this time as my first nuzlocke, and also my first time as a Male Protagonist...
Hey don't look at me like that!
There are plenty of guys who play Pokémon games as a FEMALE protag, don't go shaming on me cause I want to try a MALE protag run. Hmph!

As I did my Battle Cafes on my main account with the Female Protag named after me, I stared at my team as I left to go to the Isle of Armor to go collect some Apricorns.
Why? Cause in my favorite Pokémon Discord group, we had a very special SHINY dealer. His trades were legit and quite fair, 1 shiny Pokémon for 1 special Apricorn ball, and not the ones that were common or bought in a store or a watt trader. I'm talking: Heavy Balls, Love Balls, Lure Balls, Friend Balls, Level Balls, Safari Balls, Sport Balls, Moon Balls, AND Dream Balls! All of which were hell to get from the Cram-o-matic machine, but you could get 1 of each of a few of these through the Ball Guy.

Once I got nothing from the Cram-o-matic machine, I decided to call it a day on my account and tucked myself into bed, giving my figures and binder a soft smile, "Goodnight guys. Night Hop and Leon, welcome to the family. Don't worry, I'll make a new account tomorrow, and I'll work hard to give you a really good battle Leon. Then I'll save those apriballs, trade them to the shiny dealer, and get MORE shiny Pokémon! Maybe another shiny Alcremie or Milcery, a shiny Rookidee, another shiny Goomy, a shiny Milotic, or maybe a shiny Charman-"

It never took long for sleep to take me usually. Before I knew it, I was standing behind the counter of what was obviously a Pokémon themed Bakery. I could never tell my family and friends this, but all I ever wanted to do in life was own my own Pokémon themed Café or Bakery! Was that possible? Probably not, since I'm not sure how copyrights work at all; plus, competition in the field of sweets was no joke I've heard.
The lucid dream played out as it usually would, people coming in with their Pokémon and ordering away at sweets. Some familiar characters from anime and other video games would stop by too, I mean how awesome is it to have Sephiroth sitting feet away from you ordering a Burnt-Caramel Vulpix Sundae?!

And then HE walked in. It was like my mind put on a filter in my eyes to make everything about him brighter, a few light bubbles and rays floating about to rose tint the view as Leon entered into the Cafe with Charizard and Aegislash in tow. Sweet Jesus I had it bad, so bad I didn't even hear him as he spoke, even though I was focused on his face and saw his lips obviously move. It was his eyes that held me in place. Those beautiful golden eyes, they reflected everything, his feelings, how he felt about what he'd see, they were truly a window into his soul...and what a beautiful soul it was.
"I want to kiss them..." I softly murmured to myself, not even realizing I was voicing my thoughts out.
I didn't snap out of it until Leon's hand waved in my face, "Pardon me? I couldn't hear you."

"Oh! Gosh, sorry Leon, I kinda spaced out there for a second! I'm so sorry!" I apologized quickly, keeping my head down to prevent him from seeing my now flushed face, "W-What was it that you were saying?"

Leon gave a chuckle as he gestured with his hand that it was no problem, "I was just asking how you were, and if I could get the usu-"

"The usual! Right!" I quickly turned my focus to gathering the sweets into a box, if I continued to stare into his eyes I felt I'd get lost in them and never be able to return, even as I handed him the box of sweets I kept my eyes down, though that wasn't helping as I was now staring down at his lower half, "I-I-I'll have your Hot Lickwi-I MEAN Litwick Cocoa out in no time! P-Please take a seat where you'd like!"

Leon took the seat closest to the counter and gave another chuckle, "Easy, we're in no rush. In fact, we weren't going to have these to go," he began unpacking the sweets onto the table to give to Charizard and Aegislash, "we planned to eat in tonight."

"O-oh. Sorry, I'm just really spacy today...." I said as I felt my face burn a few more degrees hotter. And this is why I'm single still...

"If there's anything on your mind, I'm free to listen," Leon spoke warmly, "but if you're not up for it I understand."

I kept my mouth shut tight and quickly turned to the machine to heat the milk for the Hot Cocoa. Just HOW could I say that what troubles me right now is the fact that I like you Leon, like you so much, no, love you so much and just looking into your eyes is far too much of a blessing for me to have that I feel like I could die happily at any second. How could I say I want to be with you forever and if it were possible I'd want to make you the happiest man in Galar, though I'm not sure how. How do I say that I want this dream to never end tonight because it's the only place where I can see YOU Leon? How? HOW?

Leon seemed to take that as a sign that I didn't want to talk about it as he gave a glance to the menu before turning to me again and gestured for me to come over as he pointed at the menu, "Say. What's this new item? Sounds rather interesting."

"Ah! Give me a moment!" Just as I was about to finish with the Hot Cocoa, another customer walked up to order a Swablu Shaved Ice. Before I could turn to work on that order as well, a tiny puff of light brown walked past me and began working on the Shaved Ice with ease. It was my shiny Swirlix that I had traded an apriball for, his name was Cocoa. Cocoa turned to the Hot Cocoa and gave a few chirps as if to say for me to focus on delivering the drink to Leon. Another chirp and a few more cries alerted me to the fact that I wasn't running this establishment alone, I had Cocoa, his lovely companion a female Swirlix named Candy, Cake the shiny strawberry Alcremie, Ichigo the ruby cream strawberry Alcremie, Milk the shiny Milcery, Peter the Cinderace, Apple Pie the Appletun, and the little Charmander I named Lizardon. A few loud cries could be heard from outside letting me know that a few other of my Pokémon were working outside, especially Nevermore my Corviknight's cry, he worked on delivering our ingredients and would go out shopping for more ingredients with Yukina the Froslass and Lalafel the Clefable using a Flying Taxi cab we acquired when we were running low.

God, I loved all my Pokémon. If I could get more, this Café could expand in size to serve more customers and I could have more help in making more menu items. Speaking of menu, I quickly finished the Cocoa and delivered it to Leon's table, "Which item?"

"This one right he- Aegislash!" Leon began to ask, that was until Aegislash suddenly had me wrapped in his ribbon and was pulling me in for a tight hug, happy with the sweets it ate.

I smiled happily and gave him a few pets, giggling happily as I snuggled him a bit, "You're happy I know. I'm so glad you enjoyed the sweets. Did you enjoy them Charizard?"

Charizard gave a small roar to show it's satisfaction before turning to Leon and the menu. I saw which one he had pointed to so I chuckled still in Aegislash's embrace, "Ah! That's the new Gratin a la Pumpkaboo, don't worry, no Pumpkaboos were harmed in the making of this dish!"

"Then I think I'll have a bowl," Leon smiled, Aegislash and Charizard both let out a small cry making him chuckle, "better make that 3 servings."

"You got it! 3 Gratin a la Pumpkaboos coming right up!" I beamed, before I remembered I was still being hugged by Aegislash, "I'll uh....get on that as soon as I'm free."

Leon got up and immediately tried coaxing Aegislash to let go of me, to no avail. As Leon tried to reach for me, Aegislash would pull me away and out of Leon's reach like a child trying to keep their candy/toy from being taken away. This whole scenario was just making me laugh, what kind of dream was this? As I kept being swung this way and that way I noticed the gang making the gratin and getting it set to deliver, ah how I loved my Pokémon, they could handle the cooking while I was occupied.

Just as Peter was coming with the platter holding the gratin, Aegislash tugged me to the side a bit hard causing me to bump into the platter. Fortunately, all that fell was one spoon, "Oh dear."
As if in apology for the minor accident, Aegislash let me go and began to tilt forward, almost like it was bowing.
I grinned and smiled softly up at him and gently responded, "It's ok. It's just a spoon. Be very careful next time though, hugs are fine, but no swinging them around unless out in a field with no one else around, okay?"
Aegislash seemed to nod in understanding.

I knelt down and prepared to pick up the wooden spoon to take it back to get washed and bring a replacement when a large hand covered my own. I didn't need to lift my head to know who it was, that Dynamax band was a dead giveaway. My heart was going 100 mph, 200, 300, no it kept going up as I felt his hand squeeze mine, and he spoke softly, so softly I was getting butterflies in my stomach.
"You know. I've been coming here every night for quite some time...months in fact...."
I almost swallowed hard, just what was he bringing up?
I felt Leon pick me up quite a bit, just enough for him to look into my eyes, this time I couldn't look away despite how badly red I knew my cheeks were.
"Do you think this time, you can finally tell me your name?"

It felt like time had stopped. Leon. Leon was asking for my name. MY NAME! I could die happily now...Well, actually he'd always ask each time, BUT STILL!!! Oh god, thank you! Thank you!
I smiled happily, trying my best to keep my cool as I began to warmly reply, "My name is -"
Just as I opened my mouth to say even the first sound to my name, suddenly the sound of the door being forced open, the windows being shattered, and the bell on the front door falling to the ground broke the tender moment Leon and I were having.

I turned to look at the squad now in front of the Café, the terrible, the awful, oh the most evil group that a Pokecafe could have!!! The Totodile Police!!!!

"We've warned you 100 times now ma'am! You can't have a Pokémon themed establishment open to the public without proper permissions! It's a violation of copyright protocols! It's practically infringement!!!" The head Totodile shouted through a megaphone.

"I AIN'T GOING BACK TO JAIL POPO, YOU HEAR ME!!!" I shouted at the head Totodile as I grabbed a hose and began firing whipped cream provided by my Alcremies. Everyone began waging war on the Totodile Police, cream, cookies, and 170,000 kilocalorie cake flying just about everywhere, even poor Leon was caught in the crossfire as a victim almost getting buried in cream. Yes, this was mainly how my dreams typically went, and they usually seemed to end with something happening after Leon asks for my name. I felt upset, finally, FINALLY there was a good mood and atmosphere to tell Leon my name, possibly more, and then the Totodile Police have to come ruin it. It's just not fair. It's not fair!

"IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!!!" I woke up screaming as I bolted up in my bed...or at least it would be my bed, if it was my bed, "-Uh.........Where....?"
I saw no Pokémon plushies anywhere save an Eevee on a counter top by a TV. And I owned no Eevee doll, just Eeveelutions. No shelved bed frame, no Leon's advice binder, no figurines, a wardrobe that clearly wasn't the one I had back home.
I blinked unable to even move even as the door to the room opened and a very familiar tall thin lanky boy with brown hair walked in rubbing his eyes groggily, "Sis, come on. Could you keep it down? Mum and I are trying to sleep."

"Uh, who?" I asked before a woman stepped into the doorway, even with the illumination of the light shading her face I knew who she was immediately upon staring at her, "What's wrong dear? Have a nightmare?"

That....that was Gloria and Victor's Mom, Mum, however you wanted to call her! I once again froze unsure of what to do or say, but as I looked at my hands I noticed they were rather, small. I quickly spotted a mirror on the wardrobe, it called to me as I shot up from the bed in a fright and quickly ran over to look into the mirror.
My [HL][HC] hair was gone! Replaced with short brown hair, how dark or light I couldn't tell in the dark light of the room.
My [EC] eyes were now a golden brown.
And I was a bean pole......I mean I didn't think my shape was that great before but, this was just a straight line! I'd rather have my old body than be this tiny scrawny thing!

"Gloria dear, are you alright?"

I froze again, it felt like my skin was turning to ice. Gloria. That was the female Pokémon Shield protagonist's name. Which means...
I gave myself one more look, reached up my hand, took a fingerful of my cheek and pinched and pulled as hard as I could, "Itai itai itai itai itai itai!!!"
"Have you gone mental already, Sis?" the boy spoke again, as I turned to look at him, only one character fit his description.
"Victor?" I silently breathed out.
"Who else?" Victor responded before yawning and giving a wave and leaving, "Just go back to bed and everything will be right with the world. Goodnight."

I felt a pat on my back and turned to see Gloria's Mum rubbing my back with a gentle smile that made me want to cry, "Just relax and try to go back to bed dear. It was just a dream, just remind yourself that you're safe and sound at home."
I felt my cheeks tinge a bit pink, I had never received such motherly love in years, and this wasn't even my real mom! "S-Sure..."
She gave me a kiss on my forehead, wished me goodnight, and left the room, turning at the doorway to wave at me before she closed the door.

I could only blink in astonishment at the turn of events, one minute I was at work, the next at home fangirling over Leon, dreamt about my Café and Leon for the thousandth time, was interrupted for the thousandth time, and now, I was Gloria....

"Yep...I should go to bed and lay off the frozen meals for a while. This is too much for one night," I told myself as I dragged myself over to the unfamiliar bed and rolled myself up in the blankets, "When I wake up, I'll call work and request a day off for my health, and go get myself a treat from the corner store. Mhm, that's right, just working too hard is all. Goodnight."

I woke up due to the insistent knocking on my door making me curl up in the sheets. The voice speaking sounded distant to me, I didn't even know who could be knocking on my door at this hour, "I'll wake up later. I paid my rent for the month already. So go away."
"Are you still half asleep, Glor? Wake up!"
My door suddenly flung open making me bolt up in my bed in a fright, "WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA THERE BUDDY!! YOU CAN'T JUST BARGE INTO A LADY'S ROOM LIKE THA-!!!"
"Mum, told me to wake you up. You've been asleep for hours and skipped breakfast, did you forget that Hop was coming later today to tell us something about a surprise?"

I blinked at Victor staring at me. I turned my head to look around the room again and at my hands once more before only having one thing to say about the new reality I was finding myself in, "Well, shit..."

Chapter Text

Hello! My name is [FN] [LN]! I'm a 20 year old woman from the states. So why I ask...AM I IN THE BODY OF A 10 YEAR OLD GIRL?!
If anyone knows, please kindly let me know. I'd be very grateful!

I mumbled to myself as I munched on some toast at the dining table. So far it doesn't seem that Gloria's mum, nor her brother Victor have taken any notice that Gloria, well, isn't acting like Gloria.
I wondered if I should praise myself for not letting it be so obvious, or if I should be worried that they haven't noticed at all.
Either way, I began to think, or perhaps overthink as I usually tended to do when I was stressed about something.
I thought about how Victor and Gloria were present at the same time, when in game only one was shown, so what was the other doing while the other was becoming Champion? And which of us was going to do the Gym Challenge? I mean Leon only endorses the player and Hop, so which of us is it? Is this somehow an alternate timeline where Leon will endorse all 3 of us? Just what was going to happen and if it really is just one of us, what will the other be doing? I mean, if Victor gets picked then what do I do? Sit at home and make cookies with Mum? I mean cause that doesn't sound too bad, especially since I had no desire to be a Champion.

Just as I took a sip of orange juice, a Wooloo rolled into the kitchen. It wasn't rocket science for me to figure who he belonged too as a mop of small darkish purple hair ran into the kitchen after it.
"There you are Gloria! Your mum told me you were still asleep when I came by earlier."

I could only stare and blink incredulously at him, my toast dropping from my hands to the plate with a small clang, my jaw beginning to drop as my heart began to race and my brain began to fail. Only one word escaped managed to escape my lips, "Hop?"

"Who else? I said I had some big news to share, remember?"

"Hop?"

Hop began to give me a look over before speaking, "You still half asleep mate? Come on! I bet this will wake you right up! Lee's having an exhibition match soon, it'll be on the telly next week!"

Victor rolled his eyes as he munched on a scone, "We already knew about the exhibition match. If that's your surprise then you're a bit behind on the news there bud."

"Well here's something I bet you didn't know," Hop said as a matter of factly, before pumping his arms in his little energetic manner, "Lee's gonna be coming here to Postwick to visit Next Week! I can't wait! Surely he'll bring a gift for us, and I'll do my best to get him to endorse me for the Gym Challenge this year! You'll see!"

I cannot. He is so freaking CUTE!!!

I got up from my seat and rushed to Hop, throwing myself at him in a huge hug, no longer able to control my emotions or mouth. I just began gushing, "Oh my god, you are soooooooooooooooooo CUTE!!! How are you this cute?! Omigosh, I don't care what anyone says I'm going to root for you and protect you with everything I have!!!"

"Gloria?! Cute? W-Wha-?!" Hop said in shock as he threw his arms up quickly and frantically in an attempt to not lay his hands on or around me. He could only give Victor a helpless look, the other boy staring with saucers for eyes too as Hop asked, "Mate? Is everything alright with your sister?"

"She seemed to have a nightmare last night. She's been a bit out of sorts since then," Victor answered as he shook his head, trying to compose himself from what he was seeing.

Hop's cheek began to flare red as he was now listening to my humming against his ear. He lowered his hands to pat my shoulders in an attempt to get my attention, "Uh, Gloria? Think you can let go now? It was just a nightmare mate. Besides, we got to think of what to do when Lee comes next week. Come on."

"Give me a few minutes! Pleeeeeaaaase~!!!" I begged as I hugged him tighter making him flinch.

"Sis, he's not a baby," Victor spoke up, now walking over, appearing set to pry me off of Hop at any given moment.

"But he is baby," I responded and immediately shut my mouth to keep from spilling more. Of course he was a baby to me, he was like what? 10? Most Pokémon journeys start for trainers at age 10, there was no way for me to know without asking. But 10 or 14, it didn't matter, I was still older, possibly double what he was if he was 10!

"I'm 3 months older than you Gloria! I'm no baby!" Hop replied now a bit more frantic to get out of my arms.

I blinked dumbly even as Victor helped remove my arms from Hop. 'So Gloria was younger than Hop? That was interesting, though they still were about the same age. Ah, my guess as to Hop being 10 was correct!' Though that only made my protective instincts kick in more! And it made me question things more.
'Do I really have to win EVERY battle against him? Couldn't I just let him win, at least a handful of times? Does it even matter if I win against him in the Finals? Couldn't he face Leon like he wanted to?'

"Geez Gloria, I think you're still half asleep there," Hop let out a sigh of relief after being freed from my grasp, before returning to his energetic self, "Anyways! We got to think about how to get Lee to let the both of us take that Gym Challenge mate! I'm sure we could handle it, no sweat!"

The fact that he was saying that while facing me and referring to 'both of us' made me realize he was asking me to join the Gym Challenge with him, but what about Victor?
I turned to Victor curiously, though I still addressed Hop, "I see, though what about my brother? Is he not joining us for the Gym Challenge?"
I truthfully didn't want to partake in it to begin with...

Both gave me a look like I had grown two heads, Hop rubbed the back of his neck nervously while speaking, "Gloria, I think maybe you should take a nap and wake up properly."

"You're seriously making me worry Sis. I think you really should head back to bed for a while," Victor replied, a bit of a concerned look in his eyes as he spoke, "How did you forget that I'm studying to become a Detective in the Police Force?"

It felt like a bolt of lightning had struck me. 'Is that why when you play as Victor, he has a Pikachu plush in his room, where as I have an Eevee?! I mean, yeah I know, Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee reference, but STILL! This is what Victor was doing while I was running around Galar and becoming the Champion? This is what he was doing despite the danger I was in during the Eternatus battle?! Then that means.' Another bolt struck me as I swirled into a vortex of disbelief, 'I'M THE PROTAGONIST!!!'

I felt myself slump making both reach out their hands as though they were prepared to catch me if I fell, "Sorry for the concern guys. I think I'll take up that offer to go sleep a bit more..."

The two boys gave each other a concerned look before nodding and responding to me, "Sure thing Gloria. I can come by tomorrow if you're feeling better and we can talk about Lee and the Gym Challenge then."

"Yeah Sis. It's not like 1 day would hurt. I'll let Mum know you're not feeling well, okay?"

"Okay..." I answered before returning to my room, closing the door behind me and letting out a huge sigh as I threw myself into bed. I didn't feel like sleeping, plus I wouldn't sleep tonight if I slept now. So many thoughts were swirling in my head, this was seriously still too much for me to process mentally. So I grabbed a journal and began to write what I learned so far in it.
So far I know:
I'm stuck in Gloria's body (note: How is unknown, Gloria's whereabouts are unknown too)
Gloria and Victor are 10, Hop is 10 but 3 months older.
Victor is studying to become a Pokédetective.
I'm apparently here 1 week before the events of the game (note: according to Hop saying Leon is coming to visit in a week)

I began to scratch my head as I began to write about what was to come, my thoughts on it, possible outcomes, possible consequences, just anything to keep my mind working.
Which got me to thinking...How do I get home?
As that thought began to kick in my head and I was prepared to write about it I heard footsteps heading towards my door so I quickly shut off my lights, slipped into bed, keeping the journal under the blanket with me, and faked being asleep before the door to my room was slowly creaked open. I didn't have to peep to realize it was Gloria's Mum checking in on her, she was such a sweet woman. After a few moments I heard the door close and then retreating footsteps, and I knew she had left back to her business. Judging by some murmuring I was hearing, Hop was still here. Possibly worried about Gloria, or perhaps he was just hanging out with Victor. Certainly, if he was friends with Gloria he had to be friends with Victor too. Ah, hearing his Wooloo's bleats made me regret heading back to my room. I just wanted to stuff my face in it's wool and cuddle it! I'd definitely do that tomorrow!

Once I was certain the coast was clear, I grabbed a flashlight and used that as a light source while I wrote more. After a bit of deliberating, I had made up my mind.
"Yosh!" I whispered to myself as quietly as I could, "I'll let Hop down gently tomorrow. I'll tell him I can't do the Gym Challenge cause my dream is to open up a Pokémon Café and or Bakery. Then, he can go and become Champion and face Leon like he wants, and I'm sure Leon would be happier to lose to Hop than to Gloria...heh, IF he loses. Yep! It's a win-win for everyone!"
Though soon that thought vanished and the deeper thoughts soon kicked in to disturb my attempts to sleep, "Though, I don't know what Gloria actually wanted to do. Considering how adamant Hop was about the Gym Challenge, maybe Gloria wanted to become a trainer too. Maybe she wanted to join it too. Grrrrrrr, so troublesome! I'll never know what SHE wants cause SHE'S NOT HERE!"

After flailing about on the bed for a while, I finally passed out for the day in a dreamless sleep, at least until somewhere past midnight. I awoke to a very rumbly tummy and decided on sneaking into the kitchen to sneak some snacks. I got there no trouble at all and praised myself, [FN], you are one stealthy ninja! As I opened the door to the fridge I suddenly noticed the sounds of small steps beside me, as I looked down I quickly noticed, I wasn't alone.

I almost screamed! In front of me was a very sleepy looking Munchlax, but despite the drowsiness, he gave me a curious look as to why I was raiding the fridge at night, "Munch?"
All I could do was whisper to him, a finger to my lips to gesture silence, "I'm just gonna get a little something. I promise I'll give you a midnight snack too, but you have to promise to keep quiet, okay?"

He seemed to take a few moments to drowsily think before mimicking me by putting a tiny finger to his lips and nodding in adamant agreement.
'Oh lord, he's so cuuuuuuute~!'

I nodded silently before peeking in and figuring what to grab. I made some sandwiches for me and Munchlax, just basic, but boy were they tasty. Once we ate our snacks and Munchlax cleared the evidence by eating every single crumb and licking the spoon I used clean. Though I didn't return that spoon back to the pile, but hid it so no one would use it. No offense to Munchlax but I wasn't sure how clean it's mouth was, I'd just find it and wash it tomorrow!

"Goodnight buddy," I whispered as I pat Munchlax's head who was now drowsily nodding off in place before slouching and walking back into the dark living room.

Back in my room tucked into bed, I fell into a deep sleep and fell into my lucid dreams yet again.

I was back in the café/bakery. Everything seemed to be going like usual, though it seems Barret and Marlene stopped by. I swear seeing characters in your dreams never gets old!

A ring of the café bell at the door, and once again I was struck speechless.
That familiar purple hair, red cape, white shorts on white tights, and those beautiful golden eyes.
I could never get used to it no matter how many times this happened.

"Hey! Charizard and I came to eat in today!" Leon waved over cheerfully as he walked in through the doors.

I shook my head to quickly get my head together and not say anything stupid this time to him, "S-Sure! Just take a seat I'll be with you shortly to pass you a menu!"

I set a plate of nice fresh warm Combee Waffles with Honey and a hot cup of Eevee Latte and a small cup of Bouncy Brionne Soda down before Barret and Marlene, "Here ya go, sweetie~! And some coffee on the house for you Barret."

Marlene looked at her plate with sparkles in her eyes, grinning from ear to ear as she tried to carefully used her little butter knife and fork to cut up her waffles, though Barret quickly took them from her and began to help her cut them up when she was having trouble cutting the waffles small enough.

With both of them served I turned to head over to Leon's table with a tiny hop in my step, "So," I began as I gave him a menu, "No Aegislash today?"

"I figured you wouldn't want him to wrap you up again and bother you during work," Leon answered as he seemed to quickly skim the menu in a hurry.

"Oh he's no trouble Leon! He's an absolute sweetheart~! You should definitely bring him in next time for a meal!" I beamed, I wasn't joking, I adored all of Leon's Pokémon, hell I loved most all Pokémon in general!

Leon seemed to quickly turn away, though I swore I could see some red on his ears, "Ah, well, next time sure. Oh! This looks good, can me and Charizard both get a serving of Cheesy Whimsicott Meatloaf, oh and a large Cheesy Rowlet Pizza?"

"Let me guess, and a Hot Litwick Cocoa as usual? Or would you like to change things up with something new today too?" I said as I wrote down the order on my tiny notepad waiting for his confirmation on a drink.
It wasn't really a random guess, it seemed like every time Leon came in for the past months, he always would take a Cocoa to go. Having him eat in was now new though.

He rubbed the back of his head, still not looking towards me, the red on his ears seemed to be getting darker, "Y-You know me so well. Yeah, I'll take a Cocoa."

"Roger!" I saluted happily as I skipped over towards the kitchen window as my Cinderace Peter was handling cooking today, "Peter~! Two Cheesy Whimsicott Meatloaves and a Cheesy Rowlet Pizza please~"

I begun to hum happily to myself as I began working on Leon's Cocoa, my Pokémon all scurrying here and there, cooking, cleaning, taking orders and serving. This was the dream! Well...I mean it IS a dream after all. I took some chances to peek over at Leon's table, at times our eyes would meet and either he'd hide his face behind the menu to which Charizard would let out a small whine or I'd quickly put my head back down earning a few whines from my Shiny Swirlix Cocoa. Ah, stealing glances at Leon was so childish, even more so to just hide right after being caught.

Just as I was done I heard the click of three plates, and saw the Meatloaves and Pizza ready on the window, Peter giving me smile, "Cinder!"

"Thank you so much Peter!" I beamed just as he nodded with such a happy smile and returned to his place at the stove. Just as I began to put things on the plate I began to realize one thing...I wasn't very good at carrying a large tray, "Uh...how am I gonna? Guess I'll make two trips...or three."

Before I could even set down the tray a large arm appeared in front of me and took the tray no trouble, the gun on his other arm letting me know just who was giving me a hand, "I got it. You need help takin' it to that guy's table?"

I smiled up at Barret, "Yeah, thanks Barret. I don't think I quite can handle carrying so many things without making a mess."

"Should take it easy next time. Maybe, one plate at a time."

Now I pouted, I wasn't THAT weak, "Come on Barret, that's too inconvenient for a customer."

"Gives you more chances to go to his table though," Barret said with a knowing grin that made my face burn red. I guess there wasn't any hiding my feelings for Leon from everyone else.

As we reached Leon's table, I noticed him staring at us intently, his eyes a little wide even as Barret set the tray down on the table, "Here ya go. Special from the little lady of the house."

"Barret! Geez!" I nudged him in the ribs as he walked past me to go back to Marlene, I set down the food off the tray and onto the table, "Thank you for the wait, Leon."

"No problem...but-" Leon began just as Barret called out for me, "Hey! You sure you don't want us to pay for any of this? You know, you never ask for any gil and all."

I turned to Barret with a knowing smile and waved to him, "It's all good. I've already told you lots of times Barret, this is just a dream, no need for money here," I saw him opening his mouth to protest as he usually would so I beat him to the chase, "Besides. Marlene loves to help with clean up, so it's fair and square. Well and she's cute as a button, so she'd always pass. Tell her if she wants to play with any of the Pokémon that it's okay, although Peter is on chef's duty today."

Barret closed his mouth but smiled and nodded before returning to his table.

"You two...are rather close, are you?," I heard Leon say, I couldn't quite pick up what emotion was in his voice though, but it certainly wasn't his usual cheerfulness.

I nodded, "I've known Barret for years, Marlene too. We're old pals."
Not that I could tell him I know them from a Video Game, that'd possibly break this entire reality, er, Dream.

"Does he know your name too?" Leon asked a bit curiously, but with his eyes covered by his bangs like that it almost felt a little threatening as I answered, "Y-yeah?"

Silence ensued awkwardly as Charizard was just devouring the Pizza happily. One of us certainly had to break the silence first, might as well start, "U-Uh...Leon? You good?"

"I want to know..." Leon seemed to mutter to himself, it was so low I had to lean down closer to try to hear, "Come again?"

Before I realized it Leon had my shoulders in his grip, but it wasn't harsh or tight, it was just enough to draw me a little closer to where his face felt so close to mine, his eyes locked onto my own, "I want to know your name too!"

If I was flustered before, NOW I WAS FLUSTERED! "Uh, Leon, hold on, just calm down!"

"It's always like this! I come to see you, but any time I ask for your name I never get to hear it! Something always happens to stop it! Everyone else can be so close to you, but yet I don't feel like I can," Leon said almost painfully, "Everyone else seems to know your name! Everyone...but me."

"Leon..." I felt hurt, this was jut a dream, but even so, even in a dream I didn't want to see him or let him feel like this. If I could tell him my name I would! But the moment I try, I knew something would happen to keep it from happening. I didn't know why it was happening though.

I took a deep breath. Come on [FN] [LN]! This is MY DREAM, I should have the right to tell him MY NAME!

"Is that all you wanna know? You don't have to go scaring her and Marlene for that! Mans gotta have some manners when asking for a lady's name."

I quickly turned to see Barret walking over with a pissed off look on his face, Marlene was under the table shaking a little with a fearful look on her face, from the angle we were at facing her table she must've thought Leon was trying to hurt me and so Barret started coming over.

"If her name's all you want then let her go, I'll tell ya. Her name's -" Barret spoke up but as I predicted, the second he even tried to say my name, the wall caved in, and who was there, it wasn't the Totodile Police this time...

"Alright, now we grab all these robots and turn them into scrap!"
"ZAKO!"
"Huh?"

I blinked dumbly at the intruders at my wall, I could only whine, why them of all the evil beings in existence to disturb this moment, why them, "The Dark Axis? Oh, Give me a break..."
Charizard seemed to let out some fire with a growl as if warning them not to come any closer.

"These are the wrong coordinates! Whose the bucket head who put us down here?! You miserable bunch of mechanized metal morons! Robots are in the city, that's where we should be invading! But no! You put us down at a place filled with these smelly organics!" Zapper Zaku shouted angrily, "What are you waiting for you idiots! Scatter the BaguBagu and turn this mess into stone!!!"

I immediately flinched and trembled in Leon's hands. Being turned into stone was NOT how I wanted this to end!
I quickly turned to look at Leon just as I saw the tiny green insects being launched, turning the food on tables to stone, a few non-combat customers were stung and turned to stone as well. Charizard threw out a flamethrower at those coming closer to us as Leon pulled me closer and began to move back away from the fray, Barret joined in and began shooting some down BaguBagu as Marlene could only try to run for cover behind the counter, my Pokémon gathering to protect her from any that dared to move closer.
As happy as I was to be in Leon's arms, I needed to end this! Not only for me, cause I wasn't sure how being turned to stone in my dream may affect me OR Gloria waking up, but also more importantly for Marlene's safety as well!
There was only one way to end this! And no, it wasn't calling for Captain Gundam!

"L-Leon!" I shouted gaining his attention as I clutched his shirt tightly and looked up at him in a panic, "Leon! My name is-!!!"

I sat up in bed, blinked a few times before falling back down onto the bed with a relieved sigh, "Ah, no stone time for me and Marlene, yay~"

Just as I prepared to curl back to sleep, the door to the room opened, "Gloria, breakfast is ready."

I blinked a bit sleepily, but I guess I had slept enough, after all, Hop was stopping by later. I'd have to no choice but to let him down about the Gym Challenge.

I'm sure he'll understand!

As I watched the clock tick by in the living room, in rolled in the oh so familiar little ball of white floof, "Baaaaaaaah."
And there goes my heart-!

"Gloria! Mate, you feeling better toda-uh, what are you doing to Wooloo?" The familiar voice of Hop came as his footsteps seemed to come to halt.

I removed my face from Wooloo's wool, holding the tiny ball of fluff in my arms like a baby, and gave Hop an awkward smile, "Snuggles~?"

Seeing both he AND Victor standing in the doorway giving me odd looks, I began to pout, "Oh come on! He's so fluffy and soft, how can you not want to just hug him?!"
It was making me more nervous when their expressions wouldn't change, 'come on, I can't ACT LIKE GLORIA cause I never MET GLORIA! In the game we play as 'OURSELVES', not as Victor OR Gloria. This is becoming a challenge...'

"Fine..." I pouted as I set Wooloo down, "buncha prunes."

Hop was the first to snap out of his expression and begin with his energetic gestures again, it was obvious what he came here to talk about, "So mate, lets get onto a plan to get Lee to endorse us for the Gym Challenge!"

Yeeeeaaaah, not too thrilled on that notion. Time to give him the facts straight up that I wont be joining him.
I kinda twitched a little nervously as I cleared my throat to speak up, "Eh-hum, Uh, Hop, about the Gym Challenge..."

"Yeah?!" Hop said so enthusiastically, sparkles in his eyes and with such a cute smile on his face it was making it harder to do this.

I bowed deeply as I almost shouted, "I'm sorry but I-!-!-!-!-!"

"Huh? What are you sorry for? You kinda just cut that off," Hop asked curiously.

I felt a bead of sweat dropping down my neck. I was certain I shouted 'I don't want to do it!' I didn't just malfunction and freeze from saying it, did I? Ok, lets do this again!
"Hop, I do-! -! -! -! -! Gym Challenge!"
I heard Hop jumping with excitement as I covered my mouth with my hands. I said 'I don't want to do the Gym Challenge' though-

"I knew you were with me Gloria! Together we'll give Galar the battles it's been waiting for! And when I become the champion, I'll be so great! You just see! I'll be just like Lee and keep battling strong opponents and helping other trainers get stronger! Just like Lee wanted!"

I felt a hand on my back as Victor was suddenly besides me, "You okay, Glor? You're kinda pale."

I shook my head, now was not the time to mentally panic or breakdown, I could do that later.
I put on the best façade of a smile I could and tried mimicking Hops energetic style of gestures, "Y-Yeah...Just a bit too excited for the Gym Challenge you know!"

"Right?!" Hop beamed.

"Yeaaaah!" I faked cheerfully back, I felt my stomach going into knots, and it wasn't the kinda of knots I got from being near Leon...

"Let's head back to my house and come up with a plan! My Mum can whip us up some snacks while we plot!"

I hesitated for a bit before I felt Victor pat me on my back towards Hop, "Well, go have some fun! It'll do you some good and give me some peace and quiet."

I turned to him with a pout before looking back at Hop a little helplessly. My mind was just too busy racing.
Something was keeping me from being able to refuse Hop's invitation to the Gym Challenge, but what? Was it Gloria herself keeping me from quitting the challenge? Or was it some other influence?

"Hey! We can also review all of Lee's matches! A good trainer needs to know their opponent after all!"

At that my head perked up, my eyes sparked back to life, and my heart was soaring. Reviewing Leon's matches?! In other words, free content that the game NEVER showed us?! Sign me up!
"Well! What are we waiting for Hop! Let's a go!"

"Yeah! Come on!" Hop shouted just as happily as he and Wooloo rushed out the living room and out the door. Just as I was going to head out of the living room, Hop ran back in again, "You best bring a notebook to take some notes mate! We're not gonna take it easy on the reviewing!"

"Gotcha!" I shouted as I ran into my room to grab an extra notebook and the notebook I used for the current situation notes.

As I exited the house I saw Hop waving at me from the bottom of the hill, "Come on! Race you there!"

I pouted again, "I really don't want to race though Hop."
Oh, so I can refuse THAT but not the challenge huh.

Hop rubbed the back of head sheepishly as I walked up besides him and the two of use walked down the road to his house that was just a little bit away from Gloria's own house.
As we walked together to his house, I just had to ask, "Say Hop...Does your family have like, a family album or something?"

"We do. Why?"

I felt my heart gushing, "C-Can I see it then?! I really want to see you and Leon when you were little and when you were babies!!!"

Hop threw his arms up in his shocked expression, though his cheeks were becoming scarlet red, "Y-You want to see our b-baby photos?! W-Why?!"

The determination was flowing through me and was possibly flaring in my eyes as I simply stated, "Cause WHY NOT!!!"

"F-Forget about it, Gloria! No way you're seeing those!!!" Hop shouted absolutely flushed as he quickly turned and began running towards his house. Wooloo rolling right after him.

"Hop! Come on!!!" I pleaded as I chased after him.

"No!"

"Pretty please, Hop!!!"

"NO!!"

"I promise not to tell a soul about what I see! I swear!"

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!"

I could only pout as we entered into his house to discuss our little plan and review the matches in his room.
Guess no fan service for me today...

Chapter Text

I sighed happily, full and content as I snuggled up into my, or rather Gloria's bed.
Today had just been SO GREAT!!! Except for 1 little strange thing.

"Gloria dear, you seem so upset. What's wrong?"

I stared up at Hop's Mum, I had unconsciously kept swirling the spoon into the plate of curry she offered me. At that moment an idea struck me. It may feel bad to trick her like this, but no mother could resist-!
I sighed as I responded, "I'm grateful that Hop's trying to help me become a Pokémon trainer, I really am, but the thing is..."

"What dear?"

"I really wanted to see Hop and Leon's baby pictures," I whined, "But Hop said it was forbidden. I really wanted to see how cute the two of them were."

Hop's Mum seemed to perk up at the mere mention, "Yes they were. I should have the album in the living room. Would you like to come see it?"

SCORE!

I beamed up at her, "Would I ever!"

I followed her into the living room and as she opened the album up, I shut my mouth tight. What was being shown to me was TOO FRIGGIN' CUTE!!!

Hop- Hop was just so TINY!!! SO SMOL!!! SO PRECIOUS!!! OH ARCEUS, MY HEART, I CAN'T!!!
And LEONNNN!!!!!! DON'T GET ME STARTED ON HIM!!! SO CUTE!!! AND OH GODS HE WAS LIKE GLUED TO HOP!!!
OH GOD THEIR LITTLE VANILLUXE PHOTO, THEIR TINY CHEEKS PRESSED ON EACH OTHER WITH THAT GOOFY VANILLUXE GRIN!
SOMEONE!!! ANYONE!!! MAYDAY!!! MAYDAY!!! MY HEART IS OVERLOADING HERE!!!

He was practically hugging or holding Hop in like every photo, it was too much for my brain and heart to process.
Though that cuteness was replaced by a bittersweet realization once I realized, once his few Champion photos ended, he wasn't in hardly any photos afterwards. There were a few, yeah, but a few...like handful few.

"Poor guy. He loves Hop so much and he never got to spend much time at home once he became Champ, huh?" I mumbled softly.

"Hm? What did you say dear?"

I shook my head softly, "It's nothing. Oh! Goodness! Glaciers! The two of them in a bathtub with little Ducklett toys! That's so cuuuuuuteeee~!"

"Aren't they?! And this one is from when we first brought Leon to the Hospital to meet Hop."

"Awwwwwwww~!"

"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!!!"

We both turned to where the shriek came from to see Hop in the entrance to the living room, his face ruby red.

"Just some reminiscing," Hop's Mum said happily.

"You were so cute, it's overloading my system," I replied with a slap happy grin.

"Gloria." Hop said softly lowering his head for a moment before raising it again to shout as best he could, his face was a pure tomato, "FORGET EVERYTHING YOU SAW JUST NOW!!! FORGET IT!!!"

"No," I deadpanned. Nothing in Heaven or Hell will ever make me forget this.

"C-Come on Gloria! You can't just-"

"No."

"F-Fine! Then I'll ask to see YOUR baby photos when I go to your house then!"

"Go ahead."

"Huh?....That doesn't bug you?"

"Why? You get to see how someone you like grows up, it's honestly fun~"

At that Hop's face seemed to explode and he sat beside me silently, just nodding every little while as we all looked through the photo album.
I didn't get to see Hop's Mum's face, but if I had, I would've seen the soft smile she was giving the both of us as she watched us interact.

As I was heading back home, Hop's Mum came to see me out, "Gloria."

"What is it Ma'am?"

She gave me a little wink and a thumbs up, "If you keep it up he'll be around your finger soon, so go easy on Hop, please."

"Eh?" I responded watching her go back into the house, "Eh?"

I blinked a bit dumbly at the memory, "What was that about though? I mean yeah Gloria is 10, but I'm like 20. He's a baby, there's absolutely no way. Nuh uh, pass."

I rolled up into my sheets, I'd promised Hop we'd review more of the matches these next days and it was agreed on that the barbeque was happening in 5 more days.
Just 5 more days and the game would start. It still seemed so far away...

5 Days Later

I sat on the couch, waiting for the live streaming of Leon's exhibition match to start on my Rotom Smart Phone that I figured out how to use. Not that I could understand the Galar lettering system though.
As the countdown hit 0, the video began to play, exactly like it was in the opening to the game. The same speech by Chairman Rose that usually the professors would give us for Pokémon games played through, the same popping firework explosions, and finally...standing there on the field, was the man I was in love with the most. How I wanted to pause the stream on his close up with that sexy smirk, but unfortunately the site streaming strangle had no option to do so, and he immediately did his 'Charizard Pose', his hair and cape flowing perfectly as though he'd practiced this a million times. Raihan was his obvious opponent, and Leon seemed to be enjoying himself regardless.

"What a Chonky Boi," I giggled out as I watched Charizard Gigantamax, I questioned why Leon had called it a 'Dynamax' in the intro when Charizard was obviously Gigantamaxed.

A ding of the doorbell, Hop's voice energetically booming, "Hello, hello!", and I began to try mentally preparing myself for what was to come.
Ok, that was a lie, I am MAJORLY INTERNALLY FREAKING OUT ABOUT GOING TO SEE LEON!!!

"Oh! That your flash new phone, Gloria? Were you watching Lee's exhibition match on it?"

Oh boy here we go.

"But you can't cheer him on with your hands full! You know the only way to properly cheer on Lee would be with his famous Charizard pose!"

"Right!" I shouted enthusiastically, certainly the Charizard pose was his staple, EVERYONE cheers him on with it!
...But if it were just me alone, I'd cheer Leon on by peppering his face with kisses before the battle would even begin...I MEANT ON THE SCREEN!!!
Not like I could say it aloud, lest Hop find me absolutely Sus....well, Susier than I am now.

On cue, in came Gloria's Mum to talk to Hop, seems like she had forgotten that Hop had been mentioning for the past week that Leon was coming to visit.

"Never mind watching the match now, Gloria! I've got it recording at home anyway. I record all my brother's matches. We can watch it later!," Hop quickly spat out, obviously urging me to hurry, "Come with me, Gloria! He should be here any minute! And Lee always brings presents when he visits, so I wouldn't forget that Bag if I were you!"

"Gotcha," I said as I got up to go get the bag that was in my room. Though as I raised my head, I saw Hop running out the door, his Wooloo right behind him, "Now I've got to run! See you at mine later!"

"Man he runs fast," I mumbled to myself as I blinked dumbly at the empty spot where he was standing. I took a deep breath before preparing to walk out of the living room....BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST!
I stopped, turned around and kneeled in front of Munchlax who was sleeping and gave him a tiny pat on his head, which woke him up and as he looked about startled I gave him a tiny smile before whispering, "Wish me luck, pal. Tomorrow I'll possibly be leaving on my Pokémon Journey."

"Munch?" He seemed to say questioningly, but with another yawn it was obvious he was still sleepy and possibly didn't even hear me.

"Promise you'll take care of Mum and Victor while I'm gone?"

He seemed to nod before he slumped over again, tiny snores in a rhythmic pattern, he was asleep again.

I stood up, gave myself the same cheek slap that Hop and Leon do and headed towards my-I mean Gloria's room, grabbed her hat and her Mum's old bag, and just like that, I was ready to leave! Though not without getting some compliments from Gloria's Mum cause it just wouldn't feel right without it~.

Upon exiting the house I could see Hop waving frantically from below the hill near the intersection where the gate to the Slumbering Weald was.

I made my way down and met the same dialogue I expected to hear, "Hahaha! Have a look at you, Gloria! That old Bag looks like it could pull you over! At least we know that it should hold anything Lee might bring, even if it's as big as a Snorlax!"

I tucked my lips into a pout at his somewhat insult to me and my-I mean Gloria's Mum's Old Bag. Just as I was about to fire back about his green bag, the sound of a loud thud could be heard.
We both turned our attention to the wild Wooloo trying to tackle down the gate to the Slumbering Weald. Which made me wonder, why did this little fella want to go into the Slumbering Weald? For now, I'll just think it's for, PLOT.

"A Wooloo...But what's it doing there?"

I could only shrug as we watched it ram the gate again, making Hop chuckle but still firmly warn it, "Hey! You silly Wooloo! I see what you're up to! Don't go using Tackle on the fencing! Now, you listen! No going past that fence! No! Everyone knows there are scary Pokémon living in Slumbering Weald!"

The Wooloo only gave us one curious look and a bleat before returning to Tackling the fence just as Hop turned to me to speak again, "Now that that's taken care of..."

I could only blink dumbly at him. 'Just 'WHAT' was taken care of? Did he not still see and hear the Wooloo trying to Tackle down the fence still? Absolutely NOTHING was settled! This is why it breaks the fence later on in the game! Negligence! I call negligence!'
I was in so much disbelief at his words that I didn't hear him when he asked to race to his house and suddenly dashed off, his Wooloo rolling on after him. I could only sigh as I headed towards his house, obviously not in a racing mood after he just took off without so much as a 3-2-1 countdown, plus, I knew Leon wasn't at his house, we needed to go to the station.

As I walked up to his house and opened the door, I was met with Hop quickly grabbing my wrist and dragging me inside to the kitchen. Possibly a little frustrated at how long I took to arrive.

"Mum! Is he here?!"

Hop's Mum turned to the both of us with a surprised look before giving us a soft smile, "There you are at last, Hop! Oh, and you've brought along Gloria. Hello, dear. I see things are still going quite well."

That sudden add-on made me tilt my head curiously, but then I remembered her words from 5 days ago, and Hop still had a grip on my wrist. So I only had 1 conclusion...She was shipping US! 'NO!'
I shook my head a tiny bit furiously at her as Hop spoke up, "Yeah, yeah, but where's Lee? Have you got him crammed in a cupboard?"

The image of her opening up one of the upper cupboards to reveal The Champion of Galar curled up inside giving us an enthusiastic smile made me snort and giggle aloud with no restraint. I waved my hand to show I was okay as I figured the two were probably giving me odd looks right now. I mean, 'come on! You can't just say something like that and expect me NOT to picture it!'

"He's still not here yet! For the Hundredth time... Honestly, Hop, you must learn some patience! He's probably only just arrived at the station in Wedgehurst."

"Then that's where I'm going! You know Lee is hopeless with directions. I'll make sure he doesn't get lost on the way!"

I felt myself sweating a little, 'surely...surely Leon couldn't get lost on a straight road to home...could he? I mean I know he's bad with directions, but a straight road, surely...' But the more I thought-

"Oh, will you?" Hop's Mum said cheerfully before sighing, "Yes, that probably is for the best..."

Then I felt my head drop, I saw no hope in the future, 'Nope, he really could get lost on a straight road. Oh dear.'

Hop turned to me with a smile, finally releasing my wrist, "You've got to come with, Gloria. You've still never met my big bro, right? You can't miss out on your chance to meet the undefeated Champion!"

Although, to be honest. I had no interest in meeting the 'undefeated Champion'...the one I want to meet, the one I want to know, the one I desire to love, is just 'Leon'. Sure the title is a part of him now, but still...it's just Leon being Leon that I want, no masks, no acts, just him being himself.

"I'll wait for you out on the route!"

I snapped out of my thoughts in time to hear the front door slam shut. That boy could move. I let out as a sigh as I gave Hop's Mum an awkward wave, not wanting her to stop me to give advice about Hop. I bolted out the door, my heart thumping in my chest as I ran down the route. It was actually much bigger than in the game, but then that made sense, Postwick wouldn't be a small town with just 2 houses and a few fields. There were numerous fields, a windmill, and plenty other houses along the way, and the view straight on was clear. Wedgehurst wasn't close like in the game, but it at least was in the viewable distance. My heart was racing, in a few minutes I would see Leon... Leon! I didn't feel prepared for this, but I couldn't stop my legs from taking off, as if I was flying through the scenery that Route 1 had to offer.
Speaking of viewable in the distance, so was Hop.

I could hear him shout out, "Let's get a move on! Only remember, Gloria...Wild Pokémon could come- H-Hey! Wait!"

I had bolted past him shouting back at him, "Yeah, yeah, no Pokémon, no tall grass! Hurry up, Hop! Let's go!"

The scenery had become a blur as I dashed down the road, all the fields and flowers blending into a beautiful smear, even as I crossed the bridge across a small river. All I could focus on was the mass group of people I could see just a bit past the bridge, and part of me was bummed not to get there fast enough to have been in the front. Now as I came to a halt behind the grown adults that obscured my view, I could only listen to the rustling of fabric and suddenly people began cheering, Leon must be doing his Charizard pose. Then-

"Hello, hello, Wedgehurst! Your Champion, Leon, is back! I promise I'll keep doing my best to deliver the greatest battles for you all to watch!"
Ah, my heart~ I haven't even seen him yet and I was already set to swoon!

As the crowd cooed and babbled at Leon's awesomeness, I heard the sound of footsteps rushing behind me to see Hop finally coming to a stop besides me, a pinch out of breath, "Geez mate. You could've waited for me."

I smirked and turned to him with a sly smile, "This coming from the guy who asks me to race him all the time with no countdowns or warnings."

Hop could only give me a silly grin and sheepishly rub the back of his head at my response, no way to fire back at me on that one. His grin kept getting wider as he listened to the people praising his brother.

Though as Leon asked the people about training, I remembered this moment, the people claimed to keep on training but that he and his Charizard were too strong for them to even think to face. Even though, that's what Leon wants. He wants the people of Galar to get strong so they can face him. He may not expect defeat, but he definitely wants a battle that he has to struggle for. He just went on about people continuing training and not 'shying away from battles' not even a minute ago, and here the people were basically shying away from even the thought of facing him. It was kinda counter productive.

"My wish is for Galar's Trainers to work together to become the strongest in all the world!"
Charizard let out a howl making everyone cheer again.

Yep. That's his dream alright. And my dream...IS NOT TO BECOME CHAMPION! NO THANK YOU!
I'll just do this Gym Challenge, help save the world, give Leon a good battle, and then depending on whatever forces sent me here I may get to go home after that, or finish post game and go home!

"Lee!" Hop shouted loudly as he literally began hopping behind the adults waving his hand in the air frantically to get his attention.
"Hop!" We heard in response just as the crowd began to part like the Red Sea to allow Leon to walk through, "So, my number-one fan in all the world has come out of his way to pick me up!"

I could only freeze in place, my hands stiff to my side as my heart began racing at the man before me and Hop. I'd always seen him from up close in my dreams, but in reality, this close, where was a hand fan when you needed one?!

"Look at you, Hop!" Leon said so happily, and in his eyes was much affection, "I reckon you've grown...exactly an inch and a quarter since the last time I saw you!"
"Bingo!" Hop said happily, "That's the sort of sharp eye that's kept you undefeated so long, eh, Lee?"

I felt myself giggling. If only that 'sharp eye' could help him with directions though.

"And these bright eyes over here..."

I stiffened up again as I locked eyes with Leon at last. Oh-Oh no I was not prepared for this, "I've got it! You must be Gloria- am I right? I've heard loads about you from my little brother."

'Technically I wasn't, but it's not like saying that now would do me any good so'- I just nodded.

"I'm the Galar region's greatest-ever Pokémon Champion-and a massive Charizard fan, too. People call me the unbeatable Leon!"
'Can I just call you 'Love'? That'd be so much better!'

My face was flaring hot and I for the life of me couldn't get one word out, my lips shut tight for fear I may squeal if they opened.
"Come on, Lee! And you, Gloria! Bet I can beat the both of you back home!"
Saved by the Hop!

And once again, no countdown, no warnings, Hop ran off back down the road back to his house leaving me and Leon to watch him run.
"That Hop... Always wanting to be the best, isn't he?"
'Well...he technically does have you to compete with Leon. How much pressure and expectations must be on him for being the 'brother of the Champion'?' I mean, even in his house, almost all the displayed photos are of Leon, all the trophies, medals, plaques, all were Leon... there was hardly any photos or records of accomplishments of Hop displayed. Poor baby...
"With a proper rival of his own, I bet he'd push himself to become something truly special..."
I wanted to open my mouth to say something, but shut it again. Yes, a proper rival could lead Hop to get all the way to the finals of the Gym Challenge, but pushing could also lead to breaking... I'm sure if I just let him win a few times he'll be fine, but...I just had my worries.

Leon turned to the crowd, gave them a Charizard pose and his parting words, "Well, everyone! I bid you farewell for today! But don't you fret... I'll always be around to make sure everyone in Galar can have a champion time!"

I knew what was going to happen now as Leon turned towards the bridge, completely ignoring me and rushing after Hop who had rushed back a bit and was now waving frantically for us.

I sighed and began to give chase too just as Leon's Charizard flew next to me. The large lizard seemed to be keeping up with me with no rush to join Leon and Hop, as I suddenly began to slow down.
The sudden sensation of having the wind taken from me was kicking in which threw me for a loop as I came to a stop to grab and lean on the fencing nearest to me. I gasped for breath for a bit before sinking down onto the ground right there. I could hear Charizard giving a few grumbles, but I couldn't get anything out other than raising my hand to signal for him to give me a few minutes.

"Just...what...is...happening?" I asked myself between breaths as I sat down, my back leaning on the fence. Gloria couldn't be that weak, I mean in the game she basically can clear the entire Gym Challenge in a day if given all the luck, crits, good Pokémon, and Raid Dens for Exp Candy...except there are moments where we stay at Inns so I guess it'd take more than a day. And the whole Eternatus thing left us 3 days delayed for the Champion battle. As a game character in a game where stamina didn't exist as an option for players, why was I having trouble with-
Then it hit me.
Is it... is it because 'I'm' in Gloria's body? In this world, which to my world doesn't exist in reality, the people here have no stamina or sense of fatigue, especially the player. Since if the player could get tired, that'd delay training, battles, and so much. Come to think of it, most the other characters don't really seem to feel hungry or eat. Victor take a sandwich into his room and then he won't come out for hours. Sure Gloria's Mum cooks for us, but I've never seen her or Victor come eat, just me and Munchlax... I've been the only one with a grumbly tummy... BECAUSE I'M NOT FROM THIS WORLD!

Now it all made sense to me why I was so tired. It was because, while it IS Gloria's body, it was ME that was in control. A 20 year old from the US-of-A, whose lifestyle consisted of standing for long hours, but walk wise isn't much more than perhaps walking around a store for a bit. When I got home I hardly exercised, I wasn't overweight nor extremely thin, so it never bothered me to work out. So that early burst of a mad dash despite my small break at the station had wiped my reserves. My small breakfast of 1 egg and 1 small toast this morning was burnt away in minutes! And now I was close to running on empty.

I looked up when I heard Charizard grumbling again, "S-Sorry about this. I...I'll be fine, in just a minute! I-I promise!"
The lizard's gaze was fierce, but yet it didn't feel scary or threatening. He tilted his head this way and that as he kept staring into my eyes. Curiously. Questioningly. Then they seemed to widen before settling into something soft and the large lizard sat down on the ground in front of me. He let out a few soft sounding roars that it made me wonder what was going on, "Is everything...okay?"
He nodded, continuing to stare at me, his eyes not leaving mine.
"You could go on ahead, I'll be up in a few."
He shook his head and gave a snort, his eyes still not leaving mine.
"Uh, well...?"
The gaze was so focused. I wondered what was going through his head, it was like he was trying to see past me. I mean I know eyes are the window to the soul and all, but-oh!

My gaze softened as I let myself relax, my voice becoming much more mature in sound despite it still being Gloria's voice, "You can tell...I'm not Gloria, can you?"
He nodded, which gave me some satisfaction at coming to a realization within seconds, "I see... Do you know who I am?"
Charizard nodded again making me smile that someone in this world knew of my existence, but at the same time my head was filled with so many questions, but mainly just, "How do you know?"

Charizard seemed prepared to roar and grumble an answer when two mops of purple hair were heading our way waving their hands, "Gloria! Charizard! There you two are! Is everything alright?"
I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly as Hop and Leon came into view, "Sorry. Just needed a breather, I must've ran too fast earlier. Charizard just stuck back to keep me company."
Charizard nodded in agreement with my statement, watching me as I slowly got up using the fence as a crutch, "I'm ready to go now."

Leon seemed to look at Charizard for some confirmation on the situation, and with a nod from the large lizard, we headed back as a group towards Hop and Leon's house.
My brain was running a million miles an hour on that walk. So many questions on what just happened with Charizard and what would happen in a few minutes. In a few minutes I'd have my starter Pokémon, we'd get to eat, I go home for the last time before the main event happens and then the next day I have to battle Hop for the first time, I'd let him win the first one of course, and then the stuff at the Slumbering Weald happens, and oh boy, so much to go on.
But with a small grumble of my tummy that no one else heard, I happily welcomed the idea of a barbeque right now!

Chapter Text

As we stood there outside of Hop's house near the barbeque pit, Hop couldn't wait a second longer, "Come on, Lee! We got Gloria here now! You promised us a present! So out with it! You brought Gloria and me Pokémon. You did, didn't you? I know you must have!"

'It's like watching a child asking for permission to open their Christmas presents before the family could get a camera ready.'

"Right then!" Leon said with a chuckle, "The greatest gift from the greatest Champion... It's show time, everyone! Take a good look, you two!"
With a flick of his wrist, 3 Pokéballs flew in just about perfect sync out towards the little battlefield area by the house pond. And from those 3 balls appeared the starters, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. As they did their little routine as they did in the animation of the game, "All right! Line up, everyone!", Leon called for them before turning to me eagerly, "Which will-?"

I already knew in my heart who I wanted, Sobble had given me a bit of a hard time with my choice, but there was no hesitation.
I walked up before Leon could finish, sat down seiza style in front of Scorbunny due to my small dress and gave him a tender smile, "Will you come with me? It's alright if you don't want to."
Scorbunny gave me a happy grin and began to do his little trot in place, "Scor!"
I could only assume that meant, yes.
A tiny sigh of relief left me as I held out my hand, "Glad to have you, Peter!"

I knew in the animation it was supposed to be a fist bump, but I couldn't help myself, though I wasn't expecting him to just freeze up and stare up at me with such wide eyes, blinking occasionally and tilting his head in confusion when I just gave him his name. The lack of energetic movement made me a little nervous that I may have broken this poor little creature somehow, "Uh, do you not like the name? I can always think of something else. I-If you don't want to be named that's fine too!"
Almost immediately he burst back to life and began to frantically wave, hop, and shake his head when I mentioned naming him something else or taking back his name.

"I'd say he likes the name you gave him just fine," Leon responded with a chuckle just as Scorbunny gave me a tiny high five on my still outstretched hand when I wasn't focused on him.

At the tiny contact I could feel my heart just being filled with warmth I hadn't known in years. I truly wanted to cry now, so many emotions were hitting me at once. And before I could say anything Peter had hopped into my arms and began to snuggle with me happily, I had to fight back those tears immensely as I held the tiny bunny in my arms tightly, "Thank you, Peter," I turned to Leon, trying my best not to cry, and with a gentle but large smile simply said, "Thank you, so much."

Leon could only nod back at me as Hop now walked up, set to pick his starter, "So it'll be Scorbunny for you? Nice one! Then I'll go with...," he scanned the last two, but it was obvious who he'd choose, "Grookey! You're mine! I'm aiming to be the next Champion, so be ready! You and I'll be doing some serious training!"
Grookey seemed thrilled to be chosen, and immediately had no problems with Wooloo. The two seemed so happy to be working together.

"I bet you will be, Hop," Leon chuckled happily, just about set to rustle his little brother's hair, "That's why I brought along these Pokémon for you and Gloria. So the two of you can battle and train and grow stronger together... to try to reach me!"

Both me and Hop nodded just as Leon walked past us to head towards Sobble who was now looking around sadly at not being chosen by me or Hop. He stared down at the tiny lizard and happily grinned, "And you'll come with me! Charizard will show you the ropes. He's strict-but real strong and real kind, too!" And like that Sobble was happy again.

The sound of hands clapping loudly drew our attention towards the house as Hop and Leon's Mum came walking towards us with my-I mean Gloria's Mum and Victor in tow.
"All right, enough of all this Trainer nonsense for one night! Dinner's ready, children. Bring along your Pokémon, and let's all eat!"

Part of me wanted to laugh at that quote since Leon was a full grown adult not a child, but then I had to remember that Leon was her son too, so it made sense.

Everyone was chomping down on Meat Skewers as the barbeque continued on. I began to compare the game to the difference that was happening before me: it was getting darker where as in game it was sun out during the feast, Victor was now here with Munchlax though he mainly was just reading a book about Laws as he ate, Leon and Hop's family Purrloin was there as well as their Grandparents and a few other people that seemed familiar but I had no clue, there was party lights set up, Charizard had made a little campfire near us and was laying comfortably asleep between the fire and us, and finally there was the bench Leon and Me were sitting on that their Grandfather pulled out of the shed that clearly wasn't put out in the game.

Leon kept giving me Trainer's advice, which went in one ear and out the other as I just focused on the way he'd eat the meat skewers in his hands. 'Look! I'm not a professional Pokémon player nor a Nuzlocker, I just knew basic type match ups and I don't have the brain for big move plays!' Though I'd look away for a while every while as staring at his lips for too long was making me want to lean forward to kiss him. Just as I looked away for like the 100th time, Hop came running over excitedly, a meat skewer in each hand, "Don't go leaving me out on that advice, Lee! It's no fair for Gloria to just be the one to hear it!"

Hop took a seat on the bench on Leon's right side munching away at one of his skewers just as Leon flicked his finished skewer stick into the campfire and began to repeat the same advice he was telling me to Hop. Just as Hop finished his skewer and tossed the empty skewer stick into the campfire, I saw Leon place his hat upon Hop's head with a rustle making Hop chuckle, "Hey! Come on, Lee! Not in front of Gloria! Cut it out!" And just like that, Leon smiled... a REAL smile. The entire scene came into my view and I froze in place as the image flashed through my mind...the binder back at home merging with what was before me...

"It's real... The scene...the smile...they really happened..."

"What was that, mate? Sorry about that, we didn't hear you," Hop spoke up, informing me that I had let my thoughts mumble out again. 'I really should learn to keep my mouth shut, but-'
Charizard let out a strange curious grumble as he looked at me again upon waking, that same focused gaze. Come to think of it, I still didn't know how Charizard knew I wasn't Gloria, more so who I actually am.

Leon seemed to look at Charizard in thought as he spoke up, "What's wrong? Did you dream about going to that café without me Charizard?"

I almost choked on a small piece of sausage as the word 'café' left Leon's lips. With the raging question of how Charizard could know had flooded my mind, that one word was making me uneasy and nervous. I decided to keep my mouth shut, there was no telling what I'd say or do if I did, and even if I could ask...Charizard can't speak human talk so I'd never get an answer!

"Café? What café, Lee?" Hop asked curiously.

Leon looked a bit troubled, as if he was trying to figure how to tell his tale before opening his mouth, once his thinking was complete he turned to Hop to answer, "The truth is...Charizard and I have been having synced dreams. I'm not sure how, but he just ends up in my dream when we go to sleep, and not just Charizard, but my other Pokémon as well."

Hop had stars in his eyes at the prospect of sharing a dream with your Pokémon, "Whoa! That sounds awesome! Anyway, you guys go to a café in your dream?"

Leon nodded, "I stumbled upon it when I was getting lost in my dreams one day...and I met someone really special there..."

Hop was now munching on his skewer eagerly as he listened intently, all of us focused on his tale so much we didn't hear someone approaching, "Oh my? A special person, Leon?"
It was Hop and Leon's Mum with a knowing smile on her face as she stared at Leon.

His cheeks slightly began to tinge red as he spoke, "I-I suppose, though I haven't ever been able to get her name despite me going to the same café in my dreams for every night for the past... hmmm, 8 months or so I'd wager."
My emotions suddenly were slamming into me, my skin was beginning to pale yet my cheeks were starting to slightly blaze. 'He couldn't be talking about...it's just NOT POSSIBLE...it's all just a dream so-'
"But whenever I ask, something just happens to stop her from saying it. I thought maybe if someone else could tell me her name I'd finally know, but that didn't make a difference either...and I kinda got into a bit of a heated argument with her recently so..."
I blinked dumbly, 'I don't recall a heated argument with Leon, I don't recall that ever! I mean he got a bit upset about not getting to know my name 5 days ago, but it wasn't an argument-'
"So I've kinda been avoiding going to her café for the last 5 days because of it," Leon said as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head nervously.
'THAT'S WHY HE NEVER SHOWED UP?!' My eyes widened, for the past 5 days Leon hadn't come to the café at all, it was odd, he usually came everyday and to just suddenly up and vanish like that...now I knew why.

"I'm pretty sure she's so mad at me she possibly hates me now," Leon said with a chuckle but his eyebrows furrowed sadly, his smile forced.

"THAT ISN'T TRUE!" I found myself shouting as I hopped up and off the bench to stand in front of Leon, "SHE COULDN'T POSSIBLY HATE YOU LEON! NEVER!"
"G-Gloria?!" Hop just about shouted as he watched the drama unfolding before him.
"HOW CAN YOU KNOW IF SHE HATES YOU WHEN YOU HAVEN'T EVEN GONE TO SEE HER ONCE IN THOSE 5 DAYS?! IS SHE REALLY THAT TERRIBLE OF A PERSON IN YOUR EYES?! YOU JUST SAID A FEW SECONDS AGO THAT SHE WAS SPECIAL!!!"
"Gloria?" Leon asked in surprise at my sudden outbursts.
"I KNOW SHE DOESN'T HATE YOU CAUSE I COULD NEVER HATE YOU!!! BECAUSE I-!!!" Seeing Charizard give me a wide eyed stare made me come back to my senses, my cheeks beginning to blare red as I realized what I was about to shout, "I-I.....I HAVE GREAT WOMEN'S INTUITION!"
At that Charizard rolled his eyes in annoyance and let out an exasperated snort before returning to lay his head back down.
'This...this is why I'm still single...and even Charizard knows it...tragic...'

I felt a clap on my back and I turned to see Victor besides me giving me an awkward smile, "Riiiiiiight, 'Great Women's Intuition', my hide. Take it easy sis, geez, he said it was just a dream, nothing to go getting all emotional over."
"Yeah, Lee said it was all in his dreams so it's all right, mate," Hop said with an awkward smile too, "After all, a dream is only a dream, right Lee?"
Leon looked in thought for a few moments before giving a reply, "I do know that it's just a dream; however, for me...I feel like it can't be coincidence that I keep dreaming of going to the same café night after night. The customers there are usually almost always different, but she's the one person that never changes since it's her café. Call me crazy, but, I think the reason I go every night is so that I can try to find her."
"And if you find her, what will you do?" Leon's Mum asked curiously.

That question was making my heart race. 'Leon...Leon is looking...for me...Aaaaaaaa I can die so happy now! Though I wanna know! If he could ever find me what would he say or do? Tell me Leon!'
Leon's cheeks burned a bit brighter red, "W-Well I...I would first thank her for all the Hot Cocoas she's given me...and get her name once and for all!"
I felt myself subconsciously nodding rapidly earning an odd look from Victor.
"And then...I"
'I?'
"I...."
'I?!?!?!?!"
"I WOULD ASK HER TO BE MY FRIEND!"

I felt a thunderbolt pierce me, I swear I could feel it crit as I internally fell into the pool of despair that was the 'Friend Zone'.
Charizard let out another exasperated snort and I sat back down on the bench to keep myself from keeling over onto the ground in hopes the earth would just swallow me up.

"Oh, is that so? And here I was hoping you'd say you would be bringing back a beautiful young lady to marry," Leon's Mum teased.
"Mother! It's not like that! I don't even know her name!" Leon fussed in response.
Suddenly I found myself wanting some popcorn. Flustered Leon. It was entertaining as heck!

"What does she look like? Perhaps we could help you look for her," she asked.
Leon closed his eyes as he began describing my details, it made me blush to think he was imaging me behind those closed eyes, right now, "She has [HL][HC]hair, her eyes are [EC], she seems a bit on the short side but I don't mind. Come to think of it, I don't even think her café has a name either. Though you probably wont see her around. I've searched most all of Galar and it's dining, I couldn't find her café or her. She may be in another region."

"Or maybe she's just someone you made up in a dream," Hop spoke up making me flinch, "I mean seriously Lee. It's in a 'dream', she might not even be real."
Ah for once I wanted to grab Hop's shoulder and shake him senseless and tell him, 'Baka! I'm right here! [FN] [LN]! Said owner of that nameless café, [FN] [LN]! That's me!' But I knew better than to even speak up on that.
Leon flinched also, the smile on his face was somewhat pained. It was obvious he'd considered it could just all be in his head, but even still, "That may be the case, but...if Charizard's dreams could be synced to my own, I'm almost positive hers are somehow synced to mine too. I'm not sure how or why, but either way I enjoy our time together regardless." He stopped to take a sip of some water he had before adding on, "If it does turn out she's just in my head, I guess that's just it. I'd have no choice but to stop searching for her and get over it. For starters, I'd have to stop going to her café somehow and-"

I grabbed the drink that was beside me and quickly jolted up in a panic, "NO! YOU CAN'T! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! YOU CAN'T GIVE UP!"
I ignored everyone's stares and calls, my heart was about to burst as were my tears. I knew I was being selfish; as long as I came from another world, as long as I was in Gloria's body, I could never tell him who I am, he could never be as close to me as he is in my dreams with a 10 year old girl...what's even worse is...he'd never be able to find me...and that means-!
"I KNOW I'M BEING SELFISH BUT LEON PLEASE! THINK ABOUT HOW SHE'D FEEL IF SHE NEVER GOT TO SEE OR TALK TO YOU AGAIN! IF YOU JUST UP AND DISAPPEARED AGAIN WITHOUT EVEN SO MUCH AS A GOODBYE-I-I-!"

I felt a hand begin rubbing on my back and from the corner of my eyes saw Victor, "G-Glor?! H-Hey! Don't cry! Hey! Calm down! Just calm down and breathe! Sis, breathe!"
It took me a few seconds and the feeling of Scorbunny embracing my leg for me to realize I had begun to hyperventilate. The pain in my chest was unbearable, but it wasn't up to me, I had no choice in this matter, it's all up to Leon in the end, and I...I, "A-AT LEAST!!! At least...tell her when you plan to just disappear, Leon....Please..."
An awkward silence ensued as I whimpered and sniffled every so often. I couldn't bring myself to stare at them, because I knew they must be giving me either awkward or pitiful looks.

"...Sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset with that..." Leon spoke awkwardly, possibly wondering why it was making me so emotional. I didn't dare look at him or else I might end up breaking down into a sheer fit of tears.

"Let's change the subject matter. We're here to celebrate after all. To Leon returning home after so long," Hop and Leon's Mum spoke up with a clap to declare the end of this topic, but the pain was still fresh.
"Y-Yeah! To Lee finally coming back home for a while and to our new Pokémon!" Hop proposed the toast as he raised his can of soda high, obviously trying to lighten up the mood as well. He turned to me with a slight smile as he turned his soda to me, "Cheers?"
I sniffled for the last time before I used my sleeve to harshly wipe my eyes, determined to stop crying, this was a bar-be-que for Arceus's sake! I raised the drink in my hand and replied, "To Leon being back home, to the new Pokémon, and to good food and company! CHEERS!"

"AH! GLORIA WAIT THAT'S-!!!"
"SCOR!!!"
"SIS WAIT!!!"
"WHOA MATE, THAT'S NOT-!!!"
"GRAWWWWRRRR!!!"

If their stupid expressions and outstretched hands weren't enough of a give away of the blunder I just made, the familiar burn down my throat sure was. Though even after 1 swig of the alcohol in that cup I still didn't stop chugging down the entire thing. The burning sensation it left as a trail from my mouth to my throat, to my chest and stomach was nothing compared to the burning pain I still felt in my heart. However, I had completely forgotten that I wasn't in my old body, "Ah...shoot...," and my usual tolerance for alcohol was intensified via a 10 year old girl who'd never even had a night cap in her life.

Even Charizard was giving me a worried look, completely alert and up now as I swayed in place, giving a few hiccups before I leaned onto Victor for support murmuring to myself, "*hic* Oh man do I feel...good..."
At that I felt Victor stiffen up a bit as he held me up, turning to shout at the adults eating over at the tables, "Mum! Gloria's just drunk an entire glass of the heavy stuff!"

"Gloria? You okay?!" Hop asked in a worried tone, though I wasn't sure which Hop was speaking to me, the right Hop, center Hop, or the left Hop.
I grinned like an idiot and immediately pulled myself away from Victor's support and threw myself into Hop's arms, my brain was gone, "HOPSCOT-*hic* HOPPY!!!"
"W-WHOA! Gloria?! C-C'mon! Snap out of it mate! Hang in there!"
All I could do was rub my cheek against his with a silly grin, "So squishy~ suri suri~"
I was so out of it I couldn't see how red Hop got and how flustered he got that he could no longer form sentences, no, not even intelligible words! His brain becoming nothing more than white noise.

"Oh, oh dear, I'll go get her some water," Hop and Leon's Mum quickly stated before she ran back into her house in a panic.
"She has some water right here. Here, we need her to drink this," Leon spoke up a bit too late before his Mum ran off. He grabbed my glass of water and turned to me now, "Gloria. I have something for you to drink. Think you can handle it?"

Hearing Leon speak to me, I turned to him, my face flushed red with both my feelings and out of the warmth the alcohol was giving me as it spread through my body. I felt my lips twitching, first becoming a large grin that could make the Cheshire cat proud, before becoming a pinched frown, then back into a grin, then back into a frown, and so forth. I had a huge sense of euphoria washing over me at his call, and yet the deepest sense of dread at the same time. As I pulled away from Hop, I threw myself knees first into the ground before Leon and buried my face into his lap making his legs flinch and twitch at the sudden invasion.

I refused to budge my head to even take a sip of water as I spoke, "Leon..."
"Yes? It's going to be alright. It's normal to feel hot and troubled because you just drank some beer, but if you drink some water it can lower the effects. So come on, raise your head and take a few sips, okay?" Leon said softly, trying to coax me into drinking the water in his hands.
I still wouldn't raise my head, instead I merely pouted into his lap, "Leon...please don't go away...please don't, Leon..."
"If you're talking about not leaving Postwick, I'm not leaving anytime soon, I have a bit of time to spend here. However, I do have to return to my apartment afterwards."
I nuzzled his lap, feeling tears stinging the corners of my eyes, still not satisfied with that answer, "Promise me Leon...promise me you won't go away...not without even a goodbye...I don't want a goodbye like that..."
"..." I felt Leon petting my hair, he probably could feel me crying into his lap, I was already visibly shaking, "I promise. I won't leave without saying goodbye, Gloria. Now. Will you drink some water?"

I sniffled a bit but nodded my head into his lap, slowly raising my head to look up at him, tears and snot visible all over my face, but I was too drunk to care. I took the glass from him shakily and began to drink the small glass of water as he stroked my hair softly. His Mum came running with a large glass of water, and everyone coaxed me into drinking the other glass. Once I was calmed and tuckered out, Victor lifted me on his back for a piggy back ride, set with Mum to take me home despite Hop and Leon offering to help take me home.

"We're terribly sorry for this," Leon apologized to my Mum, "I should've noticed she'd grabbed my glass sooner."
Mum just shook her head, "It's alright. It's our fault for not keeping an eye on her better."
"But boy, she sure got emotional pretty fast with all that dream talk," Victor piped up, curiosity all over his face.
"Yeah," Hop chipped in crossing his arms, he seemed to be putting his brain to the test, "I wonder why though."
A clap of hands from Hop and Leon's Mum to drop the subject again, "Either way. Please let us know if something happens or if her condition worsens. We promise to help."

Mum and Victor nodded, and just as Victor turned around to walk back home, I spoke up, "Leon..."
"Yes? I already promised I won't leave without saying goodbye," he replied making me shake my head and try to turn to look at him despite Victor trying to hold me steady, "Please...go see her at the café again...she doesn't hate you...promise me you will Leon...promise?"
I felt Victor flinch but the agitation in his voice was evident, "Seriously, Glor. Just why is that so important to yo-?"

Large. Warm. I felt something large and warm on my head, rubbing softly. The voice that spoke was gentle, so gentle it set me at ease, "I promise I will."
"You'll make up with her?" I softly spoke as I turned my head enough to lock eyes on those beautiful golden spheres I loved so much.
"Mhm. Promise," Leon replied softly, his pats were increasing my drowsiness, soon I couldn't hold my eyes opened and softly closed them, a smile gracing me as I nodded slowly and satisfactory at his answer. And soon, sleep took me into my café as I rode on my brother's back, back home for the night.

Leon side

Leon watched as the woman and her two children and their Pokémon left down the road towards their house. It had been quite the crazy evening.

"What do you think that was all about, Lee?" Hop asked as he turned to his older brother curiously.

Leon could only shrug as he let out a huge sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck a bit sheepishly.

"Seems like it was just a ladies intuition," His mother spoke up gaining the two boy's attention.
"A Ladies intuition?" Hop asked curiously, "Is that why Gloria got so strung up on Lee's dream talk?"
She nodded, "Women can be very sensitive to other's feelings, especially when it comes to the topic of love and romance you see."

Leon felt himself choke on air as he tried to settle himself from a quick coughing fit, "*cough**cough* Love?! *cough*Romance?! I just said I wanted to be friends with her!!! *cough**cough*"
She gave him a sly smile, "Oh yes, sure, just friends. With the way you were coming to life speaking about this mysterious dream lady, it gave me the sense that it was a bit 'more'. And I'm certain Gloria picked up on that as well."
Leon felt his face burning, "It's just friends. Besides...It-It's just a dream..."
"Of course, of course," She spoke slyly as she turned to return to the barbeque, leaving Leon flustered as he murmured to himself, "Mom sure is sharp. I'll have to be more careful next time."

It had certainly been a long day it seemed, and as Charizard let out a large yawn, he knew it was time to call it a day. "I'm turning in for the night, mother." He called out to his mother who was returning back to the barbeque, she raised her hand in a small wave to signal she heard him as Leon prepared to head inside.

"You're going to sleep already? It's still pretty early," Hop said a bit disappointed at how little time he seemed to have with his older brother.

Leon gave his brother a few pats on his head before taking the hat back off his head and placing it back on, "Me and Charizard have had a day with travelling up here, he could use a rest. And just now I feel like I've been drained despite not doing much." As he noticed Hop lowering his head a bit sadly, he placed his hand upon his little brother's shoulder encouragingly, "Make sure to spend tonight with your new partner! Growing a strong bond with your Pokémon is a big part of becoming a great Pokémon trainer! The greater your bond the further you can go!"

Hop seemed to cheer up immediately, "Yeah! Thanks, Lee! I'll definitely play and spend a lot of time with Grookey and Wooloo tonight!"

Leon gave him a satisfactory nod as he turned to Charizard, and the two headed to Leon's room.

Normally Charizard would sleep in his Pokéball , but tonight Leon felt like letting him stay out to sleep near his bed. As Leon covered himself up, his thoughts began to spin on the events of earlier, "Promise...huh?"

Charizard let out an exasperated snort, and as Leon turned to look at him he could see the large Pokémon giving him the knowing, 'Why is that so hard to do, even a child could do it' look.

"Sorry, buddy. I just can't figure how to go about things when it comes down to her..."
His mother's words echoed in his head, "With the way you were coming to life speaking about this mysterious dream lady, it gave me the sense that it was a bit 'more'."
His own words echoed back, "I just said I wanted to be friends with her!!!"

"Just be friends, huh?" Leon seemed to whisper out before he covered up his face, feeling the heat that was now rising into his cheeks beginning to scorch his fingers, "Just why couldn't I be honest and tell my Mother I'd like for that woman and I to be more than that?"
He heard Charizard give out another snort and he knew he was being silly, "I really need to pull myself together. If I just sit back someone else might take her before I can even tell her a single thing...and I just barely got the courage to start eating in to be closer to her rather than watching from afar."
Charizard let out a chuff, and as Leon turned to look at his partner, he could see the determination in his dragon like eyes, he couldn't give up on her now!

"Guess we'll go visit her café tonight, huh?"
Charizard nodded and curled himself up on the rug, his tail lifted to prevent anything from catching on fire.
"I promised I'd bring Aegislash the next time I went, so I guess he'll come too."
Aegislash's Pokéball seem to wiggle in excitement on Leon's desk making him chuckle. Out of all his Pokémon, Charizard and Aegislash loved seeing her the most. The others had no qualms with her, but these two shared a deeper bond than the rest.
Sleep was getting into Leon's eyes, "I wonder how, I should approach her...I hope she's not too mad at me...If only I could get her name..."
The memory of when he first met her began to play as he closed his eyelids to attempt to sleep.

It had been a long day of exhibition battles, press conferences and meetings with his sponsors and such, not even any time for some fun training. As Leon's head hit his pillow he fell into a deep sleep.

He was in Wyndon, surrounded by people with no faces, all of them expressing their praise at his strength, praise on his undefeated streak, people offering him sponsorships, deals, people proposing absurd ideas for publicity and papers began to rain down like snow. He was utterly surrounded. All Leon wanted was to be allowed to go out training with his Pokémon or perhaps even get to battle a strong rival, something to give him proof he could still get stronger. But the voices just got louder and louder, chanting for their 'undefeated champion', not once did anyone call him by name. As he tried to push past the crowd he only seemed to be swept away in it, he reached for his Pokéballs to find he had none. He shut his eyes and began to wish to be somewhere quiet, somewhere where he didn't have to be 'the undefeated champion', somewhere where he could be free to be himself.

"L-Leon?!"

As he opened his eyes slowly, a woman came into his view. She had [HL][HC], her eyes were quite a pretty shade of [EC], and with as wide as they were open, he got a great view of them. She was in a [FC] uniform, a slightly frilled white apron tied on, and a white bandana tied on her head. She held a large broom in her hands, apparently sweeping the sidewalk in the front of what appeared to be a dining establishment of sorts due to the few tables and chairs present.

Leon could only wave, somewhat grateful to be away from the swarm from earlier but still not too thrilled with being spotted by a fan.

She seemed to look around him, "Is it only you? What are you doing here?"

"Oh, well, my Pokémon have had a long day so they're resting," Leon said with his usual grin, and struck his famous Charizard pose, "But worry not! They'll be in top shape in no time and ready to face more battles!"

"You really..."

Leon didn't move from his pose, "Don't worry! I'll always be around to make sure EVERYONE can have a Champion time!"

"aren't smiling..."

At that Leon's eyes went wide, his expression a mix of his usual smile that he always put up for the masses and pure surprise at her words, "Huh?"

She looked at him a bit determined as she pulled out a menu and held it out, almost shouting out, "Would you like to eat something?!"

Oh right, this was a dining place, so of course as a worker she'd have to pull in customers. And what better of a customer than the reigning champ. This was just a dream, so, might as well just go with it Leon thought, "Sure," he took the menu and quickly skimmed over it as he took a seat at one of the tables. Everything looked so tasty, but he had his reputation and image of the champion to maintain, even in a dream, so he quickly ordered, "I'll have a Sneasel Burger with Pickles and an Eiscue caprese salad, then."

She leaned in to stare into his eyes, her lips pulling into a huge pout, "Oh...is that so?"
He felt himself leaning back into his chair as she leaned in, her eyes locked onto his making him a bit flustered, "Um, yes?"
She pulled back and turned away, "Give me a minute..."
He watched as she entered into the dinner, restaurant, bar, café, whatever it was, and he found himself suddenly wondering, "Wait, how am I going to pay for that?" When he felt for his Pokéballs earlier, he had no wallet on him either. Dream or not, it still made him feel a bit guilty.

The sound of the bell ringing from the door was heard and he saw the woman walking over to him with just a mug in her hands, some Pokémon following behind her. He saw a pair of Swirlix, Some different color Alcremies, an Appletun, a Charmander, a Dubwool, a different colored Milcery, a Cinderace, a Froslass and Clefable, even a Frosmoth and Corviknight! He could only blink as she gave him a serious stare, "Here in my café we have one condition to eat here."

"That is?" Leon asked curiously, if it was a battle he'd gladly do so, if he only had his Pokémon.
To his surprise she gave him quite a grin, "To give us a smile!"
A smile? Really? That was it?
Leon gave her the usual smile he always gave to fans and paparazzi, "Will this do?"
Silence ensued, he felt a little nervous when he saw her lower her head, "You still aren't smiling..."
"Uh...huh?"

Before Leon could say anything further the smaller woman pointed at him and gave the most cheeky grin he'd ever seen, "Get him guys!"
And with that command he was toppled over in his chair being smothered by licks, nuzzles, and rubs of all the Pokémon that were there. Corviknight quickly kept him from just crashing onto the floor, but all the Pokémon had their chance to play with him. The Swirlix's were up in his face licking him to no end, Froslass and Clefable gave pats, Frosmoth tried landing on his head and knocked off his hat to ruffle her wings in his hair, Appletun nuzzled his leg, Charmander was trying to hug his other leg, Cinderace had his entire torso in an embrace and was nuzzling into his chest, the Alcremies were offering some cream in the midst of the playful chaos as the tiny Milcery just spun happily about, and Dubwool was licking and nuzzling his belly.

Leon could not hold it any longer, he found himself petting and hugging the Pokémon around him, his cape falling off as he laughed and tried to find a way to calm down this playful mass of Pokémon, "Ahhahahahaha! Stop! Heel! Hahahahaha! O-One at a time! Hahahaha! Come on! Hahahahaha! I can hardly breathe! Hahahahahaha!!"
As the Pokémon stopped he began to play with them, the overbearing weight of his cape and 'crown' lost beneath him, he was free to be himself, to just be 'Leon'.
He got up and began to pet and inspect Corviknight and the Pokémon, "You all look pretty strong! I bet your trainer must be pretty good! Ah!" He knelt down as Dubwool licked his leg, "Hahaha! Hey now! No more tickles okay," as he pet Dubwool he suddenly didn't seem to be able to stop, "Oh, you're really soft. Your trainer must take good care of your wool. And you two's fur is just as clean, soft and sweet smelling," Leon said as he began to pet the two Swirlix. "Especially you, you look like you've been rolled in cocoa powder!"

Boy did the shiny Swirlix like to hear that as he threw himself into Leon's arms and nuzzled into his chest, crying in a mix of sadness and happiness which made him pet the small Pokémon more.
Leon turned when he heard the sound of footprints, but his hands kept stroking the Pokémon in his arms.
He was met with those pretty [EC] eyes, and the smile on her face was so tender and loving he felt his own cheeks flaring as she spoke to him affectionately, "Now that, is a smile."
She held out the mug to him, "Here. Have a Hot Litwick Cocoa."

He took the mug from her and gave it a sip. The sweet hot cocoa and marshmallows melted in his mouth, but wait, was that vanilla ice cream giving it more sweetness? And with a hint of spice? He'd never heard of a spicy hot cocoa. He could pick up on cinnamon, but not the other spice. It wasn't a Tamato berry, nor Figy or Cheri Berry. He couldn't quite figure what it could be, but whatever it was, the smooth drink was warming him up, both inside and out. As he lowered the mug his eyes were met with a gentle smile, the woman's [HC] hair shining and her [EC] eyes seemed to glisten in the warm light of dusk, "So, what do you think?"

It took her waving her hand in his face for him to realize he had just been staring at her and gave her no reply to her question. His cheeks were possibly bright red with embarrassment of being caught staring as he finally answered, "Oh, uh, well, it's good! Really good."

"We're glad you like it," She said with a smile just as someone seemed to be calling and waving in the distance making her turn towards them and waving back, "Oh dear, we're about to be packed. We gotta get back to work."

The Pokémon all headed back towards the café, some entering others going around, each seemed to have their own roles. Leon watched as the woman headed towards the café, turned on her heel and gave him a tender smile, "Next time you want to order something, just be honest with yourself. No acts, no fronts, just be you. Oh and about payment, it's just a dream, so no payment is necessary, but a smile will do still!"

His heart had never felt more at ease. As he looked down at the Hot Cocoa Mug in his hands, he found himself thinking, 'This has to be the best cup of cocoa I've ever had in my life.'

She gave him a wave and another smile before turning to run back towards the café, "Stop by next time, Leon!"

"Ah! Wait!" He called out, gaining her attention. As she stopped and turned around he called out again, "Your name! You never told me your name!"

"Oh!" She exclaimed before she ran over to him, "I almost forgot about that."

"Sorry, I almost forgot to ask," Leon apologized as he waited intently to hear her name.

She took in a deep breath and gave him what he would consider as one of her most beautiful of smiles, "It's okay. My name is-"

And suddenly the sound of an alarm blaring loudly clanged in Leon's ears and the entire scene seemed to vanish like a telly being click off by a remote and suddenly replaced by blinding bright light as his eyes opened. The white light settled to show the shadow of his blinds and curtain on the ceiling, showing it was morning, his alarm clock blaring it's siren to ensure he was awake. He recalled he had an exhibition match today and he even planned some training. He had his day planned out, but he let out a sigh as the memory of the woman in his dreams was on his mind. He couldn't even get her name...

"Oh well, it was just a dream," He said to himself, little did he know that from that night onward he'd find himself at her café for the next 8 months worth of dreams.

And to his shock one day after about 2 month of dreaming-

"I wonder why I can't get her name, if it's not one thing it's another. Why is it that when I ask for her name something happens and I can't hear it?" Leon pouted as he found himself awake again.

Charizard who had been resting by his bed and not in a Pokéball nodded in agreement.

"But man, if her Hot Cocoa is that good in my dreams, I can only wonder how much better it'd be in out here for real. Even her Ribombee Chocolate Cake that you had looked good too!"

Charizard let out a happy growl, and Leon turned to stare at his partner, "Hm? You agreeing with me?"

Charizard let out a growl of satisfaction making Leon cock his head in curiosity, "Too bad it was just a dream though, right?"

Charizard nodded. "And she had such pretty [HC] hair." Charizard nodded. "Her eyes could put anything else with the color [EC] to shame." Charizard nodded. "Charizard...what was your favorite part of the dream?" Charizard made some gestures, raised his hands to his mouth to mimic eating, rubbed his belly satisfactorily, and then lowered his head and gestured for Leon to pet his head.

Leon's eyes widened, but he complied and pet Charizard, just like how the woman from his dreams pet Charizard after Charizard allowed her too out of thanks for the sweets. He sat back in silence for a while before finally asking, "Charizard...have you been having the same dreams I have when you're in them? I mean-Oh boy this is confusing...Am I in your dream or you in mine? And how is that even possible to begin with?"

Charizard seemed to shrug before thinking and pointing towards him as if to say it was all in Leon's dreams.

Leon looked in thought, "I should test this. I'll bring the others too and we'll all see if it's real!"

Certainly enough, the same thing happened with all the other Pokémon, and that made Leon all the more certain, "If you all are in my dreams and we're all synced somehow in them, then-SHE MUST TOO!"

All the Pokémon nodded in agreement, "I mean think about it! The people in my dreams don't typically have faces unless I know them or have seen them! Sure some of the customers at her café have faces, but I don't see them too often, but I've been seeing her practically every night for coming up on 3 months now!" Again a cry of agreement, "She has to be real...why else would I be dreaming of her nonstop? I know! We'll go looking around Galar for her café after training! How does that sound?!"

All the Pokémon cried happily, and from then on whenever Leon had some free time, he searched all over Galar! But after 6 months of searching in Galar with the little free time he'd have, he found no trace of her. Maybe she was from another region? Either way he didn't have the free time to go to another region to go searching...so his search, was put on hold. At least, until he could find some time to try one region at a time. There were times where he questioned if she even was real, but every time he saw her in her café his determination to find her only grew, along with his feelings.

As Leon found himself in his dream, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and when he opened them he and Charizard were in front of her café. They saw some people sitting in the chairs patiently waiting, and he saw the same man he saw 5 days ago leaving out the doors of the café with the same small girl in tow. What was his name again? Barret? He felt his jealousy prickling at him again but tried to push it down, she had said that Barret was just a friend, so, there shouldn't be anything to be jealous of...but the memory of how close they seemed, when he saw the two of them playfully acting and talking to one another, with the small girl between them, they gave off the picture of a perfect family and that frustrated him so much, combined with how poorly he conducted himself that day 5 days ago, he couldn't bring himself to come back.

The man named Barret seemed to spot him and waved over at him, "Hey! If your lookin' for her she went out back! Café is closed till she comes back with some ingredients, she hasn't taken off yet so if ya run you might catch her!"

Leon didn't even hesitate, his legs carried him around the café, it had been 5 days, he wanted to see her. No. He needed to see her! If he didn't, he wasn't sure if he'd ever get the chance to see her again! He pushed out the jealousy that Barret had been the one to see her off earlier, and as he turned the corner he spotted her closing up the trunk to the Corviknight Taxi cab she had, her Corviknight proudly sitting on top ready to pull it away when given the order. Her hair seemed silkier than he remembered it, her eyes much more radiant, everything about her was so much more than before.

There wasn't any way Leon could lie to himself or anyone else anymore. He wanted it to be more. So much more.

He could hear Charizard land behind him as he raised his hand and he smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks already beginning to flush, "H-Hey, how've you been?"

Chapter Text

Kairi's Side

I found myself in my café after possibly one of the biggest mistakes I could make in the history of mistakes. I silently cursed and prayed under my breath that I didn't do or say anything too stupid after chugging that entire glass of beer. I pinched the bridge of my nose trying my best to remember anything I might've done, but the last thing I recalled was seeing 3 Hops talking to me before everything became a blur.

"Um, [FN]."

I looked down to see Marlene tugging on my apron to get my attention, she and Barret sure have been coming over a lot recently, "What's wrong sweetie?"

"There's no cakes or cookies in the window."

I blinked dumbly before turning to my display case that normally was filled to the brim with displays of sugary goodness that could be ordered and purchased. That clearly wasn't what I was seeing now. The case was indeed absolutely empty and as I racked my brain as to 'why', the answer had struck me like a lightning bolt. I had stopped making sweets for the case when Leon suddenly stopped coming, cause my mind was in too much of a daze and panic at his abrupt absence.

"Oh dear...Ah! Don't worry Marlene, I'll have some sweets whipped up in no time!"

"Can I help?" She beamed happily.

"Only if you get your daddy's permission, wear the safety gear, and pay attention to the instructions. Your daddy and I wouldn't want you to get hurt," I answered as I pet her hair.

"Okay!" She turned and ran to go ask Barret if she could come bake.

I let out a huge sigh as I rushed to the back to go grab the ingredients. As I did I noticed something major...the majority of our ingredients were running out of stock. I was fortunate that Barret and Marlene were the only ones here, no one else had come just yet, but still, "Just how much of a daze was I with Leon disappearing that I neglected to send Nevermore, Yukina, and Lalafel to go get some more ingredients?"

I quickly ran towards the front and bowed deeply as Marlene ran over to me with a smile on her face. It seems like Barret gave her permission, but for right now.
"I'm so sorry Barret, Marlene! We're almost out of ingredients and I need to go get some! I'm sorry for this inconvenience, I must've spaced out big time this week!"

"You sure did. Even got that Flynn guy's order wrong, twice."

I beg for my best friend's forgiveness that I got her husbando's order wrong twice in a row. "Yeah...It was a good thing Yuri was there, he and Repede managed to get me back into the zone."

"If that guy is on your mind so bad, you should go take a day off to go see him."

My face burned red at that, "W-Who says he's on my mind?! Who are y-you talking about anyways?!"

"That Leon fella, who else?," Barret said as a matter-o-factly, "Can't lie to us, we know ya got somethin' for him. Just spill it to him already."

"That obvious, huh" I nervously sweated, "Well...even if I wanted to see him, I don't know where he'll be. That man is pants with directions after all. I can search one place and he'll just end up in another. Besides, it's obvious he's upset that he can't even get to know my name with all the bad things that happen when someone or I try to say it." That and he's already told me he wants me in the Friend Zone, so I'm a little hesitant to say those three magical words. And it's not bibbidi bobbidi boo.

I felt a tug on my apron and looked at Marlene as she twiddled her thumbs innocently, "You can try making something sweet for him. Show him he's special even if he doesn't know your name."

Ah Marlene! I love you to bits!
I reached down to pet her head with a huge smile, "Great idea, Marlene! I'll give that a shot! I can think of a sweet I don't typically have on the menu and whip it up for him! If he doesn't show up today either I'll store it till he comes!"

The two gave me a smile and a thumbs up as I ran to the door to flip the sign to closed and began to shut down the lights, giving the two a wave as I ran to the back instructing my Pokémon as I did so.
"Alright guys, this is an emergency ingredient run! Peter! You, Apple Pie, Lizardon, Cake, Cream, Candy, Cocoa- well, Kitchen and Waiting Staff! Your job will be to look after and clean up shop for a bit while Lalafel, Yukina, Nevermore and I go to go buy ingredients!"

The Pokémon let out a cry to tell me they understood and everyone but my traveling party ran back inside to tend to the café. I put Yukina and Lalafel into their Pokéballs, as there was only so much space in the Corviknight Taxi. Nevermore flew atop the Taxi, set to venture off once I was secured inside and gave the take off order. I checked to make sure there was plenty of room in the Taxi's front and in the trunk, nodding with satisfaction as I saw it was plenty as I closed the trunk. I was fortunate my Corviknight was of Impish nature, his higher defense gave him more endurance to carry heavier weights and not be too bogged down by it.

"H-Hey, how've you been?"

The voice made me freeze in place but yet turn towards it's source.
Standing there rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, a nervous smile with a tiny tint of red on his cheeks, was the Champion of Galar, Leon.

A million thoughts filled my brain, especially the thoughts of what had happened back at the Bar-be-que, but before I could even begin to process even one of those numerous thoughts my body moved on it's own. My legs rapidly dashed towards him, arms extending out and wrapping tightly around him gripping the back of his shirt as my body slammed straight into him with no brakes, "LEON!!!!"

I could hear him panicking as he almost fell backwards, putting power into his legs and core to keep himself standing. I couldn't feel his hands or arms on me so I had to assume he just threw his hands up in his panic and was now too confused or unsure of where to even put them. I'm sure his panic only grew as I found myself sobbing a bit into his shirt, my grip on the back of his shirt monstrously tight to keep my face buried into his shirt.

"H-huh?! What? Why are you crying? D-did I do something wrong? Ah! It's because I've been absent for a while, isn't it? S-Sorry about that! I really am sorry! It's just...a few things happened so I couldn't come and-well."

'I DON'T HATE YOU! I DON'T HATE YOU, SO PLEASE DON'T DISAPPEAR AGAIN!' Is what I wanted to scream out with all my heart and soul, but I knew better than to court trouble now after all the trouble I caused back at the bar-be-que.

"I promise I won't just disappear like that again, so please...stop crying."

It was then that the realization of the situation fell on me as I felt one of his hands settle along my upper back to trace gentle soothing circles and the other began to stroke through and pet my hair.
I was HUGGING LEON, my arms struggling to wrap around him, telling me of how broad his chest was, my face buried within it to show how soft it was. And what's more, Leon was HOLDING ME in return! I pulled myself a bit back and released his back to bring up and rest my hands against his chest, and I almost perished right there at the mere contact. Good Sweet Arceus he works out, if it was feeling this good to touch through his shirt imagine touching it without-
My brain quickly shut down that dirty thought and began sending me signals to draw my hands back from his chest soon or else my hands may begin to squeeze those savage tits of his till the Miltanks come home.
I'm certain my face was blood red about now as I slowly lifted my hands reluctantly, "Oh, uh, S-S-Sorry."

"It's alright. Are you alright now?"

I merely nodded, my eyes just focused on the sword and shield design on his shirt, I couldn't bring myself to look up into his eyes right now, I needed to calm myself down first.

"I was told the café was closed until you came back with some ingredients. What happened?"

And a normal conversation was one way to quickly calm down, "O-Oh. Well. I kinda have been spacy the last few days, messing up and having to redo orders, and, uh, I kinda forgot to stock up on ingredients and I kinda burned through them all. So now...we're kinda out of food to serve."
I twiddled my thumbs innocently, but even I could tell how unprofessionally stupid I sounded as a café owner to completely neglect the café like that.

Silence ensued for a bit until Leon finally spoke up, "Was it...because I wasn't coming?"

My face flared up again, I wasn't sure if I imagined that soft hint of happiness in his voice when he asked that, but...
'YES LEON! I WENT CRAZY WONDERING WHY YOU SUDDENLY VANISHED RANDOMLY! I FELT LIKE YOU MIGHT'VE JUST GIVEN UP ON SEEING ME CAUSE YOU CAN'T GET MY NAME OR FIND ME! ALL I COULD DO DAY AFTER DAY WAS PRAY YOU'D WALK THROUGH THOSE DOORS!'
....Or so that's what I wished I could answer with but a simple response seemed better, "W-Well, I got worried and couldn't stop thinking about it! You always came every night even at last minutes, s-so when you suddenly disappeared like that I...I was...scared."

I felt him flinch, "I was scared...that I'd never see you again...that maybe...you got fed up cause you can't get my name...it hurt to even think that the last I may ever have seen of you was seeing you in so much pain for feeling left out...I didn't know what I could even do to-"

Warmth, I was surrounded by it as I was pulled into his chest, his arms around me once more, "I'm sorry. I really am."
I felt tears stinging at the corners of my eyes, it was taking everything in my willpower to not let them flow.
"I never meant to make you feel like that, honest. I just, needed a bit of time to sort myself, and I gave it a lot of thought."

I gripped his shirt a bit before nodding to acknowledge his words. My heart was absolutely over the moon here.
As I drank in the affection he was giving me, it was cut short as Nevermore let out a cry as if to ask if I was taking off to go shopping or not, "AH! Right! Ingredients!"

As Leon pulled away slowly, he asked, "May I join you? I could help you bag and load them."

I looked up at him to see him giving me a large smile, and of course I wasn't about to refuse, "I usually have Lalafel and Yukina deal with it, but sure! More help is always appreciated!"
Boy did his eyes light up, they were practically sparkling and I was reminded of a Yamper. There's puppy dog eyes and then there's Yamper eyes.

As I was about to hop into the taxi a pair of ribbons bound me and pulled me close. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was, "Ah! Aegislash! Nice to see you too~!"

"I forgot I was bringing him today," Leon said a bit nervously as he watched his partner hugging the small woman happily, "Though there's no space in the Taxi for all of us."

"You can call them back in their Pokéballs and we let them loose once we get to the store. I'm bringing Yukina and Lalafel to help with getting things after all. They're used to shopping alone, so I'm not worried about them getting lost in the store."

Aegislash's ribbons seemed to sag in sadness at that remark. I could only pat his sash/ribbon/hand things, "So sorry. But the café doesn't have any ingredients to make food today. So we have to go get some. I promise I'll whip you up something extra tasty when we get back!"
At that Aegislash let go, the gem that seemed to be it's eye blinked closed with a happy look as it pressed Leon's Pokéball and entered it. Charizard also following suit.

"Well then, now we can get going!" I said happily as I turned back towards the taxi.

We both hopped into the Taxi and sticking my hand out the window gave the side of the door 3 smacks, and thus we had take off!
We had a minute of pure silence before Leon broke that silence by clearing his throat and speaking up first, "So, well, about earlier. I really am sorry."

"I know. You don't have to keep apologizing Leon. I get it. If the tables were turned and I never got to know your name, I'd be pretty upset too."

"That may be impossible to not know my name though," Leon said with a tiny smirk and pointed to himself, "Champion of Galar at the age of 10, The Undefeated Champion here, most everyone everywhere knows my name."

I could only nudge him firmly in the ribs with a pout, "Show off! I don't find bragging to be impressive you know, besides, where I'm from there's no-"

"Where you're from there's no what? Where are you from anyways?"

My skin was turning to ice, 'I can't believe I almost let that there's no 'real' Pokémon Champions on Earth, cause there's no 'real' Pokémon on Earth, or whatever dimension of Earth I live in. Was the Pokémon world even called Earth? I mean in the Pokémon Heroes' movie Misty did say the 'Earth was so pretty, so blue'. So a different dimensional Earth? Ah, what am I even thinking of right now?! Just calm down and get back to the conversation, but think of somethi-!'

I felt two pairs of hands firmly on my shoulders as golden eyes came into focus before me, "Are you alright?! You're getting really pale! Do you not feel well?"

I shook my head, "N-No! I'm fine! J-Just, y'know...a bit...scared..."
'Scared I may spill everything out to you if I could. And if you knew the Earth I belonged to was a different dimensional Earth...I really don't want to think about it...I really don't...'

"Scared? Of?" Leon asked curiously before it began to morph into concern, "Is it height? Or does it have to do with being alone with me? Or?"

I quickly shook my head, "Oh, No No No No! I'm not scared of you or being alone with you if that's what you're thinking! I'm not scared of heights either! It's just...y'know. Bad things seem to happen when I try to say my name, and we're both in a suspended taxi cab 100s of feet up in the air, so I'm a bit afraid that saying where I'm from may lead to something bad happening...D-Don't get me wrong! I really do want to tell you! I really do! But I just...can't."

I felt one of his hands reach up to softly rub the top of my head as he spoke softly, "I understand. It's alright. I won't ask again. So it's alright."

'Ah Leon, what are you doing to me. Seriously.'
My heart was going ballistic with the soft touch, I drew in whatever courage I had to grab his petting hand and drew it down to my cheek as I rubbed lightly on it feeling him freeze and his breath hitch for a moment as the color and heat began to return to them. That was all I needed to speak clearly and confidently, "Leon. I want you to know now. Just cause you can't know my name or where I'm from, it doesn't mean you're less to me. In fact, I was actually hoping to pick up some extra ingredients to make you something special that isn't on the menu. I haven't really thought of what to make, in fact I'm still not sure of your tastes yet. But, I want to make you something. Something better than just Hot Litwick Cocoa to show that you're special to me."

He didn't move a muscle, nor even let out a peep, his expression seemed frozen in place, my confidence and courage can only last for so long. 'Did I say something wrong? I mean he did practically say at the bar-be-que he'd friendzone me, so maybe I overstepped my bounds? Maybe I was reading his feelings wrong? Ah! Stupid [FN]! Stupid Stupid [FN]! I shoulda waited before saying anything like that! One does not simply ESCAPE the friendzone so easily!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!! Dumb Stupid Thirsty Head Empty Little [F-]!'

"I'm sorry but that wont be possible," Leon finally spoke with a serious expression.

'AH! I told you it was bad timing! [FN] [LN]! You dumb thirsty tho-!'

A cheeky grin graced his lips as his eyebrows lifted to give be an arrogant expression, "Nothing you can or will make can ever top that Hot Litwick Cocoa of yours as being special."

"Huh?"

"Because," he grinned so wide I swore I could see the Cheshire cat nodding in approval, "It's the first thing you ever made for me!"

And suddenly all the confidence was gone, my head gone empty with both happiness and absolute relief that I hadn't screwed over anything. I let go of his hand to pout, I had genuinely poured out a part of my feelings and he had to break that. "Leon! Come on! I was being serious!"

"So was I!" Leon said cheerfully, "That Hot Cocoa of yours is special to me."

'I'm so happy! But that's not what I was going for!'
I sunk my head as I began to sulk, "And here I was putting serious thought into it. I mean you were so upset 5 days ago, you just up and vanished, so I wanted to do something to show you're special. I mean... I'd like to prove it..."

A scene from one of my favorite 'yuri' animes played into my mind. Come to think of it. Haruka wanted to be special to Yuu, so Yuu asked her to think of something they both could do that they'd promise not to do with someone else. Of course Haruka went with 'a kiss' to prove they were special to one another, cause what other option would a kawaii wholesome yuri anime called 'Sakura Trick' pick?!
I mean I could try it, but come on it's anime, it'd never work like that.

"L-Leon!"

"Yes?!" Leon yelped in surprise at my sudden jump from sulking to eagerly staring into his eyes.

"I want to prove that you're special to me! In this case," I said happily at first before nerves kicked in at the line I was about to say, my face started burning with each word, man how'd Yuu get this out of her mouth, "Let's do something that we'd never do with anyone else! That'll prove that you're special to me!"

"Huh?" was all Leon managed to get out, his own two cheeks starting to turn red as the cogs in his head started to turn.

"S-So? Can you think of anything we could do? Ah, but remember! It has to be something we can't do with no one else!" I asked nervously, my face slightly red as I twiddled my thumbs. 'C'mon [FN][LN], in all my life anime lines have never once helped me, if anything he's probably thinking of a special handshake or a special code or-'

His expression was unreadable. Just what was I seeing in his eyes? As I watched his Adam's apple bounce in a hard swallow, I followed his lips as he stammered, "T-Then, a...k-kiss? Perhaps?"

...

'OH ANIME GODS!!!! IT WORKED?!?!?!!!!!'

"I-I mean if you're okay with that! I-it was a-all I could think of! Honest!" Leon began to panic at my surprised reaction to having an anime scenario work for once.

"N-No! It's fine! I mean if it's you it's fine! I mean, but...!" I began to try regaining my breath, I was beginning to hyperventilate at the idea that Leon wanted to KISS ME! "But...if it's a kiss, then...would you be fine with just me?...I mean, I said something we'd never do with anyone else...so if you want to get a girlfriend then..."

I felt his hand grip me firmly, his eyes gazing into mine dead on in all seriousness despite how red his cheeks were, "So long as it's just you...I'm fine."

My heart was going easily over 200 bpm right now. ' 'I want to be friends' my hiney', not like I'd try to stay put there either way.
"Well, if you're fine with me, I have no objections if it's you, but I will say...I-I've never...kissed someone before..."
'At least in real life. In online role plays I've been kissed plenty.'

"Me neither, but, it happens all the time in movies and on the TV, plus this is a dream so, it shouldn't be so hard," Leon said nervously.

"S-should I close my eyes?"

"That might make it easier, maybe."

I nodded and closed my eyes, feeling one of his hands slowly raise up to prize my cheek, feeling his rough thumb pad stroking my cheek softly. My heart was hammering against my ribcage, 'should I pucker my lips? Or would that make me look like a Magikarp? Should I open my lips a little or-?'
As I felt his breath graze my lips I did what I could to hold myself still, but still found myself shaking a little in my seat. As his lips softly pressed on mine I let out a tiny hum as a shiver went down my spine like electricity. It was chaste, but still I was internally freaking out. The freak out only grew as he pulled back for a brief moment before pulling me closer to him to press another, more deeper kiss on me.

'Leon is kissing me....THE LEON IS KISSING ME!!!' It was all that was scrambling around in my head as he kept kissing me, just when my lungs started feeling a need for air he'd pull back for a few moments before pulling me back in, testing different things. At first it was merely brushes of our lips and small pecks, then he began testing on nibbling my lower lip, different angles, different intensities, though he never seemed to try using his tongue. Probably because he wasn't sure on it, or perhaps the movies and television he'd seen didn't do deep French kisses. Part of me wondered...I'd seen plenty of romance animes and hentai to know at least a bit about deep kisses...so...just how would he respond to a true deep kiss? Besides, if we're talking anime, the kiss in Yuu's room in episode 3 was actually pretty hot...

I felt myself swallow as I decided to at least try to kiss him back once rather than just let him continue to rain kisses down on me, "L-Leon. Wait."

"Ah! S-Sorr-!" He almost pulled back fully just as my hands reached up to cup his face in my hands to stop him from fully pulling away, "Let me have a try, please. One sided is no fair."

I took advantage of his surprise to kiss him as his mouth was slightly open. I just followed the scene in my mind, despite our sitting position compared to being on top of him, there's also no cream on his lips to lick, so it would be a bit different alright. I licked his lower lip and gave a light tug on it with a kiss just as I could remember, there'd be no pulling back to talk about 'how sweet the cream tastes', so I just decided to lightly open my mouth to place back on his to try actually kissing him. Though I did want his consent, so rather than just jabbing my tongue into his mouth I kept using my tongue to lick the seams for the top and bottom of his lips to ask permission. I even removed one of my hands from his cheek to find his hand, gently holding and intertwining my fingers with his, the warmth spreading through me as I felt his fingers lace with mine and squeeze back just as gently as I was. When I got his permission in the form of his mouth opening a bit wider, I tried exploring his mouth a little, putting his tongue into battle with mine, but having no trouble taking him down. For an undefeated champion, he gave up that clash of tongues in record time.

Before I even knew it I was being pressed down into the taxi seat as he leaned down on me, our lips would part and return to each other like dance partners eager to meet on the dance floor. Though despite it appearing as though he was being the aggressor, when I pulled back once to look at his face, the tiny string of saliva connecting both of our lips broke as his licked his lips slowly. His eyes were unfocused and glazed over, if there was an expression for 'melt like cream', he was definitely 'melted like cream'. One hand was preoccupied to hold his own as the other was cradling his face and drawing him closer to continue kissing.

Though as we kept parting to regain our breath I finally took notice somehow. It had been quite some time since we had taken off. The market wasn't 'THAT' far away. So...why hadn't we stopped yet?
I pulled away from Leon, panting to regain my breath as I quickly placed my hand on his lips as he leaned down for another kiss, "L-Leon, wait. Something...something's a bit off. The market isn't this far away usually."

Almost immediately Leon's face went from soft pink strawberries to a boiled tomato as he seemed to come out of his trace like state, "O-oh! You're right! T-The market!"
We both awkwardly sat back up, but still not letting go of our entwined hands. Although both of use were equally confused when all we could see through the window was just forest, forest for miles.
I rolled open the window and called up, "Nevermore? Where are we?"

I heard Nevermore give a cry, but it wasn't like I could tell what was going on, but if I had to guess...probably taking a detour after he possibly heard us making out inside the taxi...I was grateful to not be caught in public doing that, cause there's no telling if 'Popo the Totodile' would be there to arrest us for 'PDA'. I could only roll back up the window as the cab started to turn away from the forest ahead.

"So," Leon said a bit anxiously, "D-Did you find out what was wrong?"

I nodded, "He was just trying to give us some privacy, because, y'know..."

Both our faces were beet red and an awkward silence ensued as we watched the forest slowly start to give way to some buildings up ahead.

"S-So?" Leon broke the silence again, "H-How was it?"

"The truth?"

"Yes."

"The honest truth? The sober truth?"

"Y-Yes."

"Or may lightning strike me down?"

"Ye- I mean, don't put it like that or lightning may really strike you!"

I twiddled my thumbs, "It was nice, so nice I want to do it again..."

His face turned bright red again as he cleared his throat, "Um, well, I-It was good for me too. A-And I would want to again...too..."
I looked up at him, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks again as we both stared at one another. We both began to lean in again just as Nevermore let out another cry as if sensing what we were about to do and the taxi began to rattle a bit harshly as I was thrown into Leon's arms.

"Ah! Alright alright! We'll behave!" I pouted with rosy cheeks, "I know you're probably getting a bit cranky at carrying the Taxi for so long. So I'll let you rest when we get to the market."
Nevermore let out another cry as if saying 'You'd better keep that promise or so help me'.

"Sorry about that, Leon."

"It's alright," Leon said softly, "It's not like I'll be disappearing again. So we'll have plenty of time for that some other time."

'Oh god my cheeks are gonna explode with how hot they are', "So did that prove you're special to me?"

"And more..." Leon answered as he rested his head on my forehead.

Silence ensued for a while, and I began to wonder, shouldn't one of us, y'know, ask the other person out then? Or would that be too soon? Or does this mean we already are dating? I mean-I'm so lost! This is why I've been single I'm telling ya! I can't read a room!
'But I mean we've jumped to kissing without dating! Is that okay?! I mean, doesn't that just make us 'Friends with Benefits'? Ah! But I don't got enough confidence or courage to just up and say, 'Leon I love you! Please be my boyfriend!' Or the sort, I was so much more confident when I believed all this was just purely a dream and not a 'synced' dream. Now that I know it's ACTUALLY him in my dreams, it takes quite a bit to gain the courage and confidence to say something versus when before I could just easily do it...Ah the second hand embarrassment.'

As the taxi rattled I realized we were in front of the market already. I slightly pouted, reluctant to pull away from Leon, "Awww, we're already here."
Though a tiny little blue croc with a police hat walking nearby made me pull back immediately squeaking in fear, "Oh no! Popo is here..."

"Popo? Who is that?" Leon asked curiously as I pulled him down to hide in the taxi as I pointed at the tiny Pokémon patrolling about, "That's my friend's Totodile, Popo. He's a very strict, law abiding Pokémon, and he absolutely can't stand my café simply because to him it's going against so many rules...and so far he's the only Pokémon in this dream world that can talk so...yeah, he's-"

"Oh! That Totodile from a week back that invaded your café! That's him?"

"Yep. And we'll have to be ninja stealthy to avoid his detection, though once in the store he can't bother us since we'll just be ordinary citizens."

"Though why would he bother you outside of the store though?"

"Abuse of authority really. He doesn't like me due to all the trouble I give him when he tries to shut down my café, that and I've had some times where I wasn't supposed to be in a place at certain times and that caused misunderstandings that he wants no explanation for. AND, he just doesn't like me."

As Popo began to cross the road I turned to Leon quickly, "Now's our chance! Let's go!"
Just as I opened the taxi door the entire area began to swirl, wobble, and blur. Like someone was spilling acetone on the world until everything went black for a second, I turned to see Leon was no longer beside me and before I could open my mouth to call for him-Everything went white and soon it faded into the ceiling.

"Glor! Sis! Wake up! You gotta go to Hop's place remember? Get up!"
"I have some medicine in case you don't feel too well, dear. You did drink an entire glass of alcohol."

'Ah, why did it have to be a dream? I just wanna stay in my dreams with Leon forever as 'ME'. Not venturing out into the Pokémon world as 'GLORIA'. PLUS, I didn't even get my shopping done for my café. It's so not fair...'

Chapter Text

I was practically in a daze for the entire morning. Today was the day I'd set off to start this whole, Gym Challenge spiel.
Oh who am I kidding! I kept replaying the entire make out session with Leon the entire morning so much I couldn't focus on anything!

As I basically dragged myself somehow to Hop's house I saw him and Leon outside, both of them waiting for me. The two of them were talking, all I heard was Leon asking Hop if he and his Grookey built up some understanding and love. When he said me and my Scorbunny were fast friends, I felt the guilt striking me. I had passed out drunk last night, I didn't even get to spend that long with Peter, and yet the tiny bunny seemed so happy to be with me. Ah, and all I could think about was about my dream last night with Leon! I'm so sorry Peter!!!

"Then listen up, new Trainers!......Believe in blah blah, blah blah blah blah, then someday, worthy blah blah, unbeatable Champion!"

I was so fixated on his lips I wasn't even paying attention to dialogue, I already knew the gist, believe in yourself, your Pokémon, Heart of the cards etc, train hard to take Leon down.......
...in a 'Pokémon Battle'! I mentally slapped myself for letting my mind wander to the sinful side for a moment.

"What're you looking at her for, Lee?!" I heard Hop whine, "I know Gloria's kinda spacy still this morning, but I'm the one who'll be coming to challenge you!"

Called out by Hop. I gave him the best betrayal look I could give, 'How could you betray me like that, Hop?! I thought you had my back? Your mom is even shipping us! How could you be so cruel!'

"If you think Gloria might be able to challenge you, then I guess she's my first rival!"

I could only stare blankly at Hop as he ranted on, 'Ah the betrayal! The drama! Someone fetch me some popcorn and tissues I may start crying!'

"Just having a Pokémon with you doesn't make you a real trainer, you know."

....Aaaaaaaand Good Feeling is GONE! I could feel a vein tick as he went on to spout about how 'Proper' Trainers raise Pokémon to be first-rate. 'I wanted to let you win this battle, Hop. But just for that running of your mouth I'll beat you to the ground as best I can. I might not be the BEST at Pokémon, but I know my type match ups to some degree, I know a few tricks, and I know what Pokémon you'll be using...so...TOUGH!'

"Oh, and you think you're worthy of of calling yourself such a proper Trainer already, Hop?" Leon butted in, seemingly to my defense, or perhaps he just saw the opportunity to have us battle and was taking it,' ...I'd like to think it was to my defense though, ah Leon, how I love you, a girl can dream ya know...'.
"Guess I'll be the judge of that! Let's see how you handle yourself in battle against your friend, if she's up for it." 'And it was the latter, I still love you so much Leon'.
"What do you say? Willing and ready to take Hop on in the first-ever Pokémon battle of your life?"

I felt myself sweat a bit, the realization finally kicking in despite my earlier aggression. I mean it wouldn't be the FIRST Pokémon battle of my life 'game wise', but it IS my FIRST Pokémon battle in real life. 'How would this even work? Was is turn based like in the game? Or was this gonna be like the anime where you gotta be fast thinking and can use the area around you? How would I know what moves my Pokémon learned? How would I know when they even learned a new move or leveled up?! Natures? Stats? PP? I mean the judge function is only after beating Leon once at the Battle Tower, but still...I'm seriously freaking out about this now. I'm used to seeing all the information given to me on a SCREEN. Suddenly my knowledge of Pokémon is at absolute ZERO'.

"Whoa there! It's alright, we're not forcing you to do it. I can offer you some advice even, you just-," Leon scrambled to say causing me to break out of my thoughts. He sure looked panicked but serious at the same time. Why?

"Huh?! W-W-Wait! I'm fine! I just spaced out there is all!" 'I didn't think my freak out was that bad...'

"Mate, you were turning so white like paper, I could've written on you," Hop threw in, his own expression was mirroring Leon, I could see a trickle of sweat running down his face, "If you're still not feeling too well, we can try this some other time."

'Huh...I guess it was that bad. Though, is it really okay for me to proceed on without battling Hop? Peter wont get to learn Ember without beating Wooloo, but my battling skills...'

The sound of a Pokéball opening interrupted my thoughts as the tiny bunny appeared before me. He let out some cheerful cries before turning to Hop with a determined gaze.
"Peter?"

Leon placed both hands on his hips and gave a satisfactory grin, "I'd say Scorbunny feels ready to take on Hop. So, Gloria, I'll ask again but remember that no one is making you. Would you and Scorbunny be willing to take on Hop in a battle?"

I looked down at Peter and saw the fire in his eyes. He was ready, he was always ready.
At that look I couldn't help but give in, "Well, if Peter wants to, then I'm game."

Leon nodded, "Looks like everyone's on board, Pokémon and Trainers alike. Then let's do this! Remember, believe in your partner Pokémon! And care for them, too, with all your heart. Do those two things, and I'm certain you'll learn to choose the moves that suit your Pokémon."

'Mhm, so Heart of the Cards and Friendship. Yu-Gi-Oh taught me well on that.'

"And more importantly...to have a champion time battling with them!"

I almost fell over. I get that 'Champion Time' is like his signature catchphrase, but it made me miss the Leon who comes to my café at night. The Champion part of him was a little overbearing, especially since this was his home, who was going to judge him here? Though I had to wonder, if he's this much into being the Champion, if he is that is, how would he truly feel no longer being the Champion? I mean sure his rare card says he's livelier, and he's getting to work on his dream, and he's portrayed as happy, but...is that really all? This is no longer just a game anymore after all...

Hop brought me back as he spoke up, "I've watched EVERY match that Lee's ever had! I've read every book and magazine he left behind at home, too! I know exactly what to do in order to win!"

I could only sigh as Peter and I walked towards our spot on the battlefield, my anxiety hitting me as I walked on. Well, it's not like it's an important match, it's basically like tutorial in the game, even if you lose the game presses on for the first 2 Hop battles, other times you're forced back to try again, but this isn't the game so losing isn't such a-

I immediately stopped and wiped my eyes, a bead of cold sweat dripping down my face as I stared at the ground. I was thankfully standing in the spot I needed to be standing in, but I wasn't facing towards Hop yet. 'Surely I just imagined that...it's my anxiety getting to me. Yeah, that's what it is, that's why my vision went black with some white words before me. Yeah. Just stressed is all, relax [FN], relax, this battle will be over soon. Even if Hop wins it won't-'

"Hey mate! You ready?!"

I swallowed hard as I whispered to myself, "You've got to be kidding me..."
'Does this mean, I can't lose a match? Fail what? How? What? What does that mean? What happens if I fail? Give me a break here, it's just the tutorial. I wanted to let Hop win just once at least despite him pissing me off a bit, but-'
Everything in my vision went all pitch black yet again for the 3rd time, 4 Bold Italic words appearing before me, 'You lose, You fail.'

Peter's cries made me let out a huge sigh as I turned towards Hop. I wasn't about to try to find out what failure meant, doesn't mean I don't feel bad for what I'm about to do.
But this sure was pressure being put on my shoulders now.

As Hop did his little Pokéball slap pose I quickly wondered about Pokéballs. If Pokéballs were just a simple means of transport for the Pokémon or a living space, does that mean Wooloo was shaken around with that slap? Huh, I wonder.

As he called out Wooloo he shouted out to me energetically, "A Pokémon battle it is, then! I've got two partners with me!"

I rolled my eyes, "Hurray for you. I only have one, but he's all I need for this 2v1 now."

I wasn't sure what I was going to do, I knew Peter was level 5 and only knows Tackle and Growl for now, and learns Ember when he beats Wooloo, but, how was this going to go in the future? 'I'm only familiar with the game, so how am I going to beat-'

My eyes widened as a transparency appeared before me. The transparency was exactly like the game screen, showing both side's level, name, gender, Peter's HP and my 4 options. Seeing as that Hop wasn't ordering his Wooloo to attack me, it began to hit me. What was happening, was just like the game, turn based but regardless of turn the faster Pokémon goes first.
I felt uneasy and yet relieved at the same time, if I could see what I needed and have the time to pick a move I'd be okay. I would certainly be okay, for once I wanted to thank whatever gods were available for helping me with this, but at the same time I still wanted to strangle them for putting me in Gloria's body.

"Peter, give it a good Growl!"

"Tackle it, Wooloo!"

Peter was obviously faster, and with a cry, "Scor!", Wooloo's attack dropped before it could hit Peter, making the tiny bunny rub his nose almost in a cheeky way, as if to tell the rolling ball of wool that he could handle those blows all day.

'Yosh, so far so good, now to just spam Tackle till Wooloo goes down!'

Three rounds of exchanging tackles and soon Wooloo was down and Peter's health was looking right good, about 80% I'd say. The numbers rose and I saw Peter's level rise as well as his stats along with the notification that he learned Ember. All according to the game.

"It's not over yet!"
'Oh yes it is...'
"I've added another trusty ally to my team!"
'A Grass type that I'm about to absolutely torch...'

And out came Grookey, I didn't even hesitate, "Peter, Ember!"

Peter blew out a tiny little flame from it's mouth out at Grookey making the poor Grass monkey run about with his tail on fire taking a Huge chunk of HP off him. Super Effective indeed.

Hop's eyes went wide with both surprise and admiration as he spoke up, "Did you already know about type advantages?!"

I know this was in the game but...
I fell to my knees and hunched over to stare at the ground, I felt so bad, it hurt so bad, 'couldn't I just let him win on- oh, black screen and white bold words again, guess not. But, how? Just how was he this-DENSE?!' I faked a hurt tone and threw in some fake sniffles as I spoke, "Seriously, Hop?! We studied together for a week, *sniffle* and you're asking me if I know 'Type Advantages'?!?!!!!...*sniffle* What kind of low trainer are you taking me for? I properly took notes and studied too!"

"Huh?! I'm not- I didn't- I mean I-!!?!" Hop shouted surprised at my action, throwing his hands up in shock for a few seconds before regaining his cool, "A-Any ways, we're in a battle right now! Grookey, Scratch!"

As soon as Grookey put out the flame on his tail, he ran towards Peter, raising his paw high and slashing down on the small bunny, drawing his HP to half. Though that wasn't concerning me as much as the sad thought that I had literally set a poor tiny monkey on fire and my bunny got sliced. Pokémon battles can be pretty painful to watch, even as a tutorial battle. Why do Pokémon and people love these things?! I mean I get it's the game and that's how things are, but actually standing here witnessing this, I feel bad for both my Pokémon and theirs...'THIS IS WHY I DON'T WANT TO BECOME A CHAMPION! I JUST WANT TO PEACEFULLY RUN A POKéCAFé!!!'

I stood up, it was time to end this either way. I'm so sorry Hop.
"Peter, Ember one last time!"

And with one ember, Grookey fainted making me wince. I actually wanted to run over and cradle the poor little thing, being hit by fire twice, a super effective hit, must hurt a lot.

Hop let out a huge groan as he held his head in disappointment, "You beat my two Pokémon with your one?! You and that Scorbunny are too much! Well, that was a shock! Guess I know now why Lee thought he should give you a Pokémon, too..."

I chuckled and gave him a cheeky grin as Peter rubbed his nose triumphantly.

Leon nodded approvingly, "You and your Pokémon all fought hard. Made me almost want to let out Charizard and join in on all the fun!"

"Yamete..." I muttered as I gave Leon a shocked Pikachu face. I know he wont do it, but I can actually legit see him actually doing it!

Leon knelt down to pet Peter making the small bunny blush from his praise, "Good effort out there, Scorbunny! Why don't I get you all sorted?"
And with that he pulled out a potion and began to heal up Peter, but yet, he wasn't healing up Wooloo or Grookey. My guess was that he doesn't have anything to heal a knocked out Pokémon and is expecting Hop to go to the Pokémon Center.

Once he was done he turned to me with a smile, "And, Gloria, you've got real promise! In fact, I've got a favor to ask you..."

'Yes, Leon! I'll marry you! Ah, I wish...' I nodded, already knowing what he wanted to say and I decided to steal his thunder, "Gotcha! Be a real rival to Hop and push him and myself to get stronger! Right?"

He blinked a few times before chuckling, "What are you, a Psychic Pokémon? You took the words from my mouth almost word for word."

I smirked, "Don't worry I will! I won't even have to be a jerk rival like Hop was being a bit earlier!"

"Hey! Not cool, mate! You're making me sound like a bully now!" Hop whined a bit before turning towards Leon, "Don't worry about that Lee! I already want to get stronger and stronger! You've seen me battle now, Lee, so come on- you've gotta let me take on the Pokémon Gyms!"

"You? Join the Gym Challenge?" Leon said in surprise, his surprised Pikachu face was absolutely amusing, "You think you're ready for the single greatest competition in the Galar region? Not putting the cart before the Rapidash there, Little Brother?"

I could see where he was coming, after all, I did just thrash Hop in MY first ever battle. Though he basically says the same thing whether Hop wins or loses this battle either way. I got lost watching the two speak, reminiscing to the game. It made sense, Hop did lose his first battle and the first thing he does after he loses is ask to join the challenge? It's a bit absurd, and I could see why Leon was shocked. Though even when Hop wins, it still made sense for Leon to be surprised Hop wanted to take on the challenge, cause it was almost like Hop was growing cocky, therefore jumping ahead without thinking. Leon probably thought he was letting victory get to his head. Though, I still can't figure about the 2nd battle...when he loses Leon will endorse him, probably in hopes that Victor or Gloria can help him grow stronger, but if Hop wins that battle depending on if he won or lost this first battle...

"Hey, Gloria? Can you even hear us?"

I blinked a few times to see Hop waving his hand in my face, "Huh, oh, sorry, was spaced out there, Pokédex right? We have to go get a Pokédex from the Pokémon Research Lab, right?"

"Huh?" Hop said in surprise, "You were, actually paying attention while spaced out? Never heard of anyone able to do that."
'Well, it does help me that I know the game...'
"You'd probably better go tell your mum that we're heading out, though."

"R-Right!" I answered just as Leon ran off without calling on Charizard to guide him. 'That poor man is gonna get so lost before he can even make it to the Pokémon Research Lab...that's probably why Gloria or Victor and Hop had so much time to go into the Slumbering Weald and run into Zacian or Zamazenta.'

Hop went ahead just as Leon was now out of sight, and just as I ran up to him at the gate to his house, like a cue, we heard The Crash.

"Gloria! Did you hear that just now?"

I nodded to confirm to Hop I heard it. How could I not hear it? It sounded so loud I wondered if Leon had heard it.
With no further words needed we ran towards my house and saw the locked gate had been busted open.
'This never would've happened if Hop had been more firm with that stubborn Wooloo rather than just assuming it'd stop! And why was that Wooloo so determined to go into the Slumbering Weald?! Is the grass there so tasty you can't live without it or something?!'

"That gate's open! And the Wooloo that was there..."
'Wait? I didn't pay attention this morning and I was out cold last night with alcohol in my system. Was that Wooloo tackling it, ALL THAT TIME?! Seriously, WHY?!'
"It was tackling the fence pretty hard earlier. You don't think it actually broke through there, do you?"
'So it was there in the morning...I didn't notice...Fine! I'll call negligence on my part for failing to notice too! Though I suppose it's fine, we kinda do need to know about Zamazenta's existence for the rest to come after all.'

"Oh I bet it did. Such a stubborn thing...just why though...why does it need to go there?" It wasn't leaving my mind on just WHY. Plot Wooloo I suppose? But still!

"But it's off-limits! Nobody's supposed to go in there! I remember the professor's granddaughter went in once, and she came back in a real state. And that was nothing compared to the earful she got from the professor afterward!"

That made me start to think. 'The professor's granddaughter would obviously have to be Sonia, but I don't ever recall getting more about that. Sonia never mentioned it, and it never gets mentioned again in the game. So we never know what happened, or maybe Magnolia had another granddaughter...huh...'

"Gloria...What do you say?"

I shook my head. Now wasn't the time to space out in thoughts, plot needs to go on, "We've got to save it!"

"Right? Even if we're not supposed to, this is the kind of scene where you simply have to do what's needed! Hope you're ready for anything, because we're going in, Gloria!" That was all Hop said before dashing into the forest, stopping to wait for me to follow behind him as we both ran in.

As we got in standing before the first patch of tall grass Hop took a look around, "That Wooloo...Where'd you think it got off to?"

I began to look around as well, I'm pretty sure only the first 3 patches of grass have level 2-3 Pokémon, but ahead...well that's level 45 Pokémon territory. What would that Wooloo need here? The fog was so thick, and it only seemed to be getting thicker since we came in.

"The fog is really coming on thick now...If we don't find that Pokémon soon, this might be trouble," Hop said seriously as he kept searching around.

"Then, let's hurry before it gets worse!"

Hop nodded and dashed off ahead, stopping to let me catch up, making sure I could see him so we wouldn't be separated. True to the game, I ran into 2 encounters, 1 in each patch of grass. Hop was helpful as he healed up Peter to make sure we'd be able to face what was to come ahead. Though all we had ahead was 1 more random encounter before we'd meet either Zacian or Zamazenta, and as we started approaching the 3rd large patch of grass I heard the howl. That was undoubtedly Zamazenta's cry. I'd know my Shield doggo's howl anywhere!

"Did you hear that? Was that a Pokémon crying out, you think?!"

"Sounds like one," I answered just as a wild Skwovet came out from the 3rd patch of grass, "Peter, Ember! Then Tackle it!"
"Scor!" Peter cried out as he burned the Skwovet with an ember first and took a tail whip before tacking it and making it faint.
"That's my good boy!" I praised him making the tiny bunny rub his nose happily.

Again Zamazenta let out another howl, possibly trying to make us leave, but with no Wooloo in sight, I knew we were about to press on.

"Come on, Gloria! That Wooloo might be in real trouble!" Hop aid before running on into the fog, this time not even stopping to let me catch up to him.

"Hop, wait for me!" I ran into the fog after him, there was only 1 path to take after all. The further in I went, the thicker the fog was getting, and once I saw Hop in the fog, I ran over to pat his back to let him know I found him.

"Ah, sorry I ran off without you, Gloria," Hop apologized, and just as the fog got a little thicker he grabbed my wrist as though he were nervous or afraid we'd be separated in the fog, "This is mad... I can't even see my own hand in front of my face! I think I get now why this place is off-limits..."

He looked around, though I wasn't sure if he was looking for that Wooloo still or for the way back as the situation was now a bit troubling. The sound of approaching footsteps made Hop pull me a bit closer as we both kept trying to find where the sound was coming from. That was until my Shield doggo, Zamazenta, basically appeared out of the fog before us making Hop let go of my wrist and throw his hands up in sheer shock, "What in the-?!"

"Grrrrrriiieeeld!!!" Zamazenta howled out making me almost laugh. The earlier howling was much more effective at intimidation and introductions, this one was giving me Scooby Doo vibes.

Another cry and I knew it was time to start to fight him, or was he even really here? I mean it is an illusion of some type but I'm not sure how it works or nothing. Either way, with Hop's two Pokémon still knocked out, I was only one left with a Pokémon that could fight, "Peter, try an Ember!"

Peter launched the tiny little ball of fire out of his mouth, only for it to phase right through Zamazenta as I knew it would. No moves would have any effect, and as Zamazenta's gaze fixed on me, I could swear I saw him flinch and his eyes widen a bit in surprise. Why though?

"Wha-?! The move had no effect on it?!" Hop almost shouted.

"Let's try something else. Peter, Growl!" I commanded, and the tiny bunny cried out as loud as he could only for Zamazenta to seem to wobble like the illusion he was.

Zamazenta seemed to snap out of whatever trance he was in to opened his mouth as though he were about to howl, only for a mass of fog to start appearing around him and around us making it harder for me to see the screens before me. This was actually dangerous, if he actually would decide to attack, I'd be completely screwed.

"Gloria! I can't see anything! You OK?! Gloria!" I could hear Hop shouting desperately, but I couldn't see him at all.

'One more time. Just one more time then this segment will be over.'
"Alright, lets try something more physical! Peter, Tackle!"

I saw Peter run into the fog to try to attack Zamazenta one more time, but as usual, Peter's foot went right through him.
And once again, Zamazenta's illusion created more fog. This time however it was so much I couldn't even see the tip of my nose.

"I can't see anything! Uwaaaaaah!"
That was the last thing Hop shouted out before I heard a thud and everything went silent. I started to sweat as I recalled Peter quickly back into his Pokéball to keep him from getting hurt. This was all part of the game, it was alright. I'd just faint and when I awaken, Leon will be there. Yeah...Leon will be there...Leon...Leon...

Despite the assurance that the game wouldn't hurt us, my anxiety was kicking in. Before us, past this fog was level 45+ Pokémon, if even one decided to attack us while we were unconscious... but Zamazenta and Zacian wouldn't let that happen...would they? They wouldn't, I mean, I'm sure the reason for the illusion and fog is to keep us from going any further in towards danger or letting danger come to us before help can arrive... but still...I-It's alright! Leon's certainly coming for us right now! By now he has to know we're not at the Lab yet. He has to know where we are. And he'll come for us! Leon will definitely be there for us. Leon...

My vision started to blur, my senses starting to dull, the immense fog was messing with my hearing earlier too, so much so that I didn't even realize my voice changed as I silently whimpered helplessly before passing out, "Please help us......Leon..."

Chapter Text

Leon's side

Leon stared blankly at his reflection in the bathroom mirror as he brushed his teeth. His eyes were unfocused, his lips pulled into a large smile, cheeks tinted a dusty rose, his mind in a daze from the dream he had last night. When she had asked him for some way to prove that he was special to her, he wasn't truly thinking when he answered, he was joking, well partly, he did answer with what he wanted deep down, he figured she'd probably pout and ask him to chose something else. For her to accept 'that'. It made him so insanely HAPPY as he kept replaying the entire dream in his mind.

Leon sheepishly called out to her after he came around her shop to catch her before she could leave. He didn't expect what came next.

"LEON!!!!"

Time just slowed as he saw her put out her arms and rush to him, she slammed into him wrapping herself around him and pressing herself to him in a tight warm embrace. He quickly put his muscles to use to keep himself from toppling over with her in his arms. Though it was tempting to just let her tackling him to the ground, just like in those romance films he watches with Sonia, Nessa, Milo and the others when Sonia would organize a movie night. His hands shot up though, afraid to put his hands on her anywhere, afraid to destroy the moment he was being given.

His thoughts immediately ceased and turned to a new topic the moment her heard a sob come out of her. Feeling her grip the back of his shirt so tightly, her tears soaking onto his chest, his first thought was that it was his fault. His fault that he hadn't returned in a week, his fault for just disappearing like that without a word, he had no clue how she was feeling these past 5 days, but he would do anything to stop her tears. He kept apologizing, finally wrapped his arms around her carefully, tracing circles on her back and stroking her hair as gently as he could, just like he used to do for Hop when he was little.

He felt her hands shuffling from behind him, her voice a little shaky still as she apologized, what she was apologizing for he wasn't sure of.

He began to ask her about why for once she was leaving her café, in all his months of visiting her café she'd never had to leave for an ingredient run. The café was usually like a well oiled machine, capable and self-sustaining with no need for a shut down. The only question on his mind was, "What happened?"

She twiddled her thumbs, she looked so guilty as she spoke, "O-Oh. Well. I kinda have been spacy the last few days, messing up and having to redo orders, and, uh, I kinda forgot to stock up on ingredients and I kinda burned through them all. So now...we're kinda out of food to serve."

Leon blinked a few times as silence ensued between them. She burned through all her ingredients? How was that possible? She seemed perfect in every aspect of her café business, to find this little flawed piece of her was so relatable and adorable. As Champion he had a perfect image to maintain, but he knew he wasn't perfect, heck he always was getting lost during travel. Knowing she was so spacy made him adore and wish to support and protect her more than before now. Though Leon wondered, just what happened for her to have spaced out enough to-
"Was it...because I wasn't coming?"

He wasn't prepared for her answer to his slight realization, "W-Well, I got worried and couldn't stop thinking about it! You always came every night even at last minutes, s-so when you suddenly disappeared like that I...I was...scared." His heart felt like it was soaring and yet being washed with guilt at the same time. She was thinking of him, and he was only thinking of himself when he chose not to return. She was always surrounded by so many customers that adored her, he figured she wouldn't miss him...why did he think she wouldn't be worried about him just vanishing like that?

Gloria's words at the Barbeque slammed into his mind, "IS SHE REALLY THAT TERRIBLE OF A PERSON IN YOUR EYES?!"

Leon flinched. He didn't think she was a terrible person, he just felt he couldn't mean much, just being a regular customer among many other customers and all. He continued to listen as she continued, "I was scared...that I'd never see you again...that maybe...you got fed up cause you can't get my name...it hurt to even think that the last I may ever have seen of you was seeing you in so much pain for feeling left out...I didn't know what I could even do to-"

That was all Leon could take. He pulled her close, his heart thrilled to have a place in hers and yet shredding itself with guilt, "I'm sorry. I really am. I never meant to make you feel like that, honest. I just, needed a bit of time to sort myself, and I gave it a lot of thought."

He had given it so many thought. Thoughts of frustration, how powerless he felt even in a dream to try to express his feelings, thoughts of her and how much she meant to him, whether to leave or return, how to talk to her again, how to apologize for his behavior, how to get their relation to progress from what he felt was just being a café owner and a customer...to at least the level of friends to start...

The cry of her Corviknight brought him back to reality that she was leaving to get some ingredients. He asked to accompany her and was beyond the stars that she allowed him to come along. His Aegislash slightly delayed them, but with her promise managed to settle him down. Both Aegislash and Charizard entered their Pokéballs and into the taxi and off they went on their quest for some ingredients at the store.

He tried to break the silence by continuing his apology but was immediately shut down, "I know. You don't have to keep apologizing Leon. I get it. If the tables were turned and I never got to know your name, I'd be pretty upset too."

Ah, just how adorable was she planning on being?

"That may be impossible to not know my name though," Leon bragged with a smirk as he gestured to himself, "Champion of Galar at the age of 10, The Undefeated Champion here, most everyone everywhere knows my name." Even she knew his name from the moment they met, and yet he still had no name for her...

He chuckled as she nudged him in the ribs, a slight pout on her face, it was cute, "Show off! I don't find bragging to be impressive you know, besides, where I'm from there's no-"

Leon got curious as he asked when she paused, "Where you're from there's no what? Where are you from anyways?"
If he could find where she was from, that would at least narrow his search for her, but-

And then that cute look was gone...her pout was shifting to a shocked expression, her face becoming sickly pale as if the blood that was dusting it with a tender glow was being drained away. Leon had never seen her give off that expression, sure he had seen her scared a little for the first time when those strange tiny robots came into her café the last time he visited turning things to stone. But this was a whole other level of fear or discomfort.

He quickly reached out to grab her shoulders, "Are you alright?! You're getting really pale! Do you not feel well?"

"N-No! I'm fine! J-Just, y'know...a bit...scared..."

"Scared?" Leon began to ask, "Of? Is it height? Or does it have to do with being alone with me? Or?"
His mind raced with so many thoughts, but the biggest was just what triggered it? If he could find what it is he'd handle it. If he knew what it was he could avoid it in the future. She was precious to him, to see her like this was unsettling.

"Oh, No No No No! I'm not scared of you or being alone with you if that's what you're thinking! I'm not scared of heights either! It's just...y'know. Bad things seem to happen when I try to say my name, and we're both in a suspended taxi cab 100s of feet up in the air, so I'm a bit afraid that saying where I'm from may lead to something bad happening...D-Don't get me wrong! I really do want to tell you! I really do! But I just...can't."

He felt relief wash over him. He knew bad things did seem to happen when he'd try to find anything about her, much to his disappointment, but at least he knew now what it was that triggered that reaction. He softly reached up to pet her head, assuring her, "I understand. It's alright. I won't ask again. So it's alright."
His entire body stiffened and his breath hitched the moment she reached to guide his hand to her cheek and pressed against it so tenderly. His face a few degrees hotter, but he didn't dare move or speak, he wanted this moment to last for as long as possible, to put this moment into his memories forever. Even in a dream, something could feel 'like a dream', it was a bizarre feeling.

"Leon. I want you to know now. Just cause you can't know my name or where I'm from, it doesn't mean you're less to me. In fact, I was actually hoping to pick up some extra ingredients to make you something special that isn't on the menu. I haven't really thought of what to make, in fact I'm still not sure of your tastes yet. But, I want to make you something. Something better than just Hot Litwick Cocoa to show that you're special to me."

He wasn't sure how to respond to that. His own heart was beating like crazy, just what was happening right now? Though as he thought about her words, one thing was clear at least that he could answer with, "I'm sorry but that wont be possible."

Before he could process the sudden look of fear in her eyes he grinned quite deviously, "Nothing you can or will make can ever top that Hot Litwick Cocoa of yours as being special."
"Huh?"
That wasn't a lie. No food could top that one simple drink. All for one simple reason.
"Because," he smiled so brightly, "It's the first thing you ever made for me!"
It was the first thing he ever had on his first unexpected visit to HER café, it was the drink SHE first gave him, it was the drink that bound him to HER. To try to top that, would be quite a challenge and feat if she could.

He felt a little sad when she released his hand, that tender moment replaced with a pout, "Leon! Come on! I was being serious!"

Her cheeks were so puffed up, she looked like a tiny Skwovet, he couldn't help but smile, "So was I! That Hot Cocoa of yours is special to me."

She lowered her head and began to sulk, "And here I was putting serious thought into it. I mean you were so upset 5 days ago, you just up and vanished, so I wanted to do something to show you're special. I mean... I'd like to prove it..."

He watched her sulk and felt a little sad about dashing her hopes like that, she honestly was being so genuine in her desire to try to prove that he was special, but before he could reach out to try to console her he was surprised when her head bolted up to stare into his eyes.

"L-Leon!"
"Yes?!" He yelped out. He didn't realize she was actually so close to him, she smelled so sweet, like cake, their noses could almost be touching, if they moved any closer together-
"I want to prove that you're special to me! In this case. Let's do something that we'd never do with anyone else! That'll prove that you're special to me!"
"Huh?" He wasn't even sure what was happening anymore. He couldn't stop from taking in her face, his focus trailing down but stopping on her eyes to appreciate how lovely they were before continuing their decent. His face began to burn, oh Arceus she was close, too close, so close-
"S-So? Can you think of anything we could do? Ah, but remember! It has to be something we can't do with no one else!"

Leon felt himself swallow, his focus had now trailed to her lips. Her beautiful lips. His only thought, his only desire at the moment, "T-Then, a...k-kiss? Perhaps?"

That sudden look of surprise on her face brought him back to reality. Just what had he asked for?! They hadn't even reached the stage of friends and he was already asking for a-
"I-I mean if you're okay with that! I-it was a-all I could think of! Honest!"
Even with his earlier thought, Leon couldn't bring himself to turn down what he asked for. If anything, he could play it off as a joke if things went bad, yeah, just a joke-

"N-No! It's fine! I mean if it's you it's fine! I mean, but...!"
Oh Arceus, she was okay...so long as it was him???!!!
"But...if it's a kiss, then...would you be fine with just me?...I mean, I said something we'd never do with anyone else...so if you want to get a girlfriend then..."

He didn't want to stop to process her words any further. He gripped her arms firmly not to steady her, but to hold himself steady as he focused on her. Get a girlfriend? He hadn't even stared at or thought of dating any other girl before meeting her, aside from a small crush he once had on Sonia years ago. Was he fine with her?! She was all that was in his mind besides his battles. If she was giving him the chance to progress their relationship, he wouldn't refuse that opportunity, if he had to shoot past the friend's phase so be it!

He locked his eyes on her and his mind was set, "So long as it's just you...I'm fine."
He wasn't lying. So long as it was JUST her. There wouldn't be another.

"Well, if you're fine with me, I have no objections if it's you, but I will say...I-I've never...kissed someone before..."
"Me neither, but, it happens all the time in movies and on the TV, plus this is a dream so, it shouldn't be so hard."
"S-should I close my eyes?"
"That might make it easier, maybe."

Leon swallowed again as he watched her eyes close. He drew closer, his nerves high as he leaned in, his breath tickling her lips before he pressed his lips on hers briefly. He was certain this wasn't how it was like in those romance movies he'd seen, but her lips were so soft, and so warm, just like every part of her. When he heard her give out a soft hum in response to the tiny peck, that was all the confidence he needed to pull back for a moment before trying again, this time deepening it and trying new things, each never truly felt quite like the kisses from the movies, but he couldn't say it didn't feel right, despite not having any experience or idea of what to do it still felt perfect to him.

"L-Leon. Wait."

"Ah!" Leon snapped quickly, preparing to pull away at the thought that he might've pushed the envelope with her invitation for a kiss a little too far, "S-Sorr-!"
Her hands reached up to cup his face making him focus on her once more. She was flushed but her eyes were filled with so much affection, "Let me have a try, please. One sided is no fair."

He stiffened a little when she put her lips onto his lower lip, taking the opportunity when he slightly opened his mouth to gently and slowly run her tongue on it, doing her best not to let it her tongue slide in before closing her lips around it and lightly tug on it. Pulling back so slowly a bit before slowly lowering herself back to lick the seam of his lips, she even shuffled a hand to lace her fingers in his, squeezing ever so gently making him squeeze back just as affectionately.

He realized what she wanted and granted her it by parting his lips slightly to let her in. The second he felt her tongue graze his own with a small prod it was like electricity shooting up and down his spine as he quivered slightly. In the movies it was usually the other way around he believed, so when her tongue prodded his once more, he took that as a sign for a battle. Though despite his efforts, every roll, graze, and stroke of her tongue on his was super effective that he lost that battle in record time. And for once, he was a bit frustrated for losing, but another soft stroke of her tongue in his mouth and he admitted defeat happily, though putting it away in his heart to not lose next time.

When her tongue hit a soft spot in his mouth he groaned softly as he shifted and softly leaned forward and moved to lay and press her down on the taxi seat. He was being swept away by every sound she made, her scent, her taste, and her warmth, oh her warmth, he hadn't noticed until now with her pressed so closely to him, her body was actually pretty warm. Was it supposed to be this warm? It was so comfortable and she was so soft. His mind was almost preparing to go blank, all he could think of was her, kissing her, holding her, touching her, proving to her just how special she was just as she was proving how special he was to her. His sense of control almost prepared to be stripped away until her hand reached up to press on his lips to stop him, "L-Leon, wait. Something...something's a bit off. The market isn't this far away usually."

In mere moments Leon's face blared bright red as he responded to her words, being brought back to the reality of what they were originally setting out to do, "O-oh! You're right! T-The market!"

The two sat back up awkwardly, and as she tried to figure what going on, especially with nothing but forest being displayed before them, Leon internally scolded himself. It was only supposed to be one kiss, just A kiss, but he had been the one to push it into much more. He felt his body slightly trembling at the thought of how far he'd gone, how close he was to losing his sense of reason, to give in to what he began to desire in that moment. Oh Arceus, if they had continued just a bit longer, he might've-

As he heard the window close he swallowed a little before asking, "So. D-Did you find out what was wrong?"

"He was just trying to give us some privacy, because, y'know..."

Silence ensued for a while again, making Leon nervous as he finally decided to break the silence first once more and ask, "S-So? H-How was it?"

"The truth?"
"Yes."
"The honest truth? The sober truth?"
"Y-Yes."
"Or may lightning strike me down?"
"Ye- I mean, don't put it like that or lightning may really strike you!"

He watched as she twiddled her thumbs, he cheeks tinting a cute shade of pink, "It was nice, so nice I want to do it again..."
Just what was she doing to him, he wondered as he cleared his throat, his face burning bright, "Um, well, I-It was good for me too. A-And I would want to again...too..."
As he gazed into her eyes he found himself leaning in again, she was leaning in as well too, though the rattle of the taxi and the cry of her Corviknight made the both of them stop as she was thrown into his arms, "Ah! Alright alright! We'll behave! I know you're probably getting a bit cranky at carrying the Taxi for so long. So I'll let you rest when we get to the market."

She looked up at him apologetically, "Sorry about that, Leon."

"It's alright," Leon said softly, loving the feeling of her being in his arms again, "It's not like I'll be disappearing again. So we'll have plenty of time for that some other time."

Arceus, was it possible for her cheeks to be so red?

"So did that prove you're special to me?"
Did that prove she was special to him? Did it ever! And perhaps maybe, just maybe, it was showing him he could be more, much more.
"And more..." Leon answered as he rested his head on her forehead. He was content with tonight's dream, oh how he didn't want it to come to an end, but the rattle of the taxi revealed they were at their destination.
"Awww, we're already here." Leon felt himself chuckle at her small pout, though that pout soon became panic as she ducked in the taxi and squeaked out, "Oh no! Popo is here..."

He listened to her explain about the tiny little Totodile that was wearing a police hat and had a baton in hand strolling along the sidewalk trying to hide him. He recognized it as the same Totodile that invaded her café on his first time deciding to eat in.

"Now's our chance! Let's go!" As he felt her hand pull his the alarm sounded off loudly in his head and he knew it was waking time.

As he rinsed his mouth he couldn't help but grin happily and chuckle as he kept recalling the kiss, "I'd say I made some good progress! Gotta admit, she was way better at kissing than I ever could. I'll have to practice so I wont lose that battle next time! Though what does that make us now? I suppose that would make us officially girlfriend and boyfriend or perhaps even lovers?! Ah, I can't believe I managed to tell her how I-"

Suddenly the color drained from his face and he stared at himself in the mirror blankly, the realization dawning on him, "I...didn't tell her how I feel. Oh Arceus, I didn't tell her a thing! I was touching and kissing her, pushed her down, and I almost even went further and I never once said that I loved her! Sure she gave the OK, and it seems like she wanted it as well, but I wanted to put my heart into it! S-S-So then what does that make us? I mean it can't just be friends, but without expressing feelings in words I can't say we're actually lovers! T-Then what-"

Suddenly a movie scene came to mind and three words flashed in his mind, 'Friends-With-Benefits'~

He slammed his head against the mirror firmly groaning, but not enough to break it, "I don't want to be 'THAT'! Ah, I had the chance right there...why didn't I speak up?! It's going to be awkward when I see her again!"

The knock on the door made him flinch and shake before bringing him back to reality, "Leon, dear, you're taking quite a bit of time this morning. Your breakfast is going to get cold."

"S-Sorry, Mother. I'll be down shortly," he responded quickly, giving a sigh of relief as he heard her footsteps recede, "I'm going to have to come up with some way to tell her next time..."

He went down to have breakfast with Hop and his Grandparents as his Mum cleaned the dishes when they were done.
As Hop ran out to go meet with Gloria outside, Leon finished up his cup of coffee and prepared to follow before he heard his mother speak up, "Leon."
"Yes, Mother?"
She gave him that 'I know all' look and a small smirk as she spoke up, "Remember, if you want to go further than kissing you better be prepared to and marry that girl first. You don't just touch a girl carelessly without giving her that promise."
Leon just about choked on air as he had a mild coughing fit, he opened his mouth to prepare to refute her words but then cleared his throat, he knew there was no winning in this case. He answered in all seriousness, "I-I know! Trust me, I do intend to marry her first before anything like that, I promise."

"Although..."

Leon waited and listened intently as his mother seemed to think a little, "Hm?"
She gave him a small teasing smile before giving him a serious stare, "Personally, I think it's fine so long as she gives her consent and as long as you grant her your consent, and if it's the waist up on her it should be fine, but the waist down on her even with her consent is off limits until marriage though, Leon."
"MOTHER!"
She could only chuckle as Leon tried to calm down and relax to stop his burning face.

Leon saw the opportunity in front of him to test the two new trainers before him as Hop began to run his mouth about 'proper trainers', though it was obvious the other girl was still a bit spacy this morning. He had been concerned that she'd be ill after drinking that entire glass of alcohol accidentally last night, but she clearly was still a bit aware, a Pokémon battle shouldn't hurt, and if it was apparent that she was in no condition to, he'd call the battle off, "Guess I'll be the judge of that! Let's see how you handle yourself in battle against your friend, if she's up for it. What do you say? Willing and ready to take Hop on in the first-ever Pokémon battle of your life?"

He wasn't prepared for the response Gloria gave him. It reminded him of the response 'SHE' had given him when he asked where she was from in his dream last night, her skin was becoming sickly pale like the blood was being drained, she looked paralyzed with fear, "Whoa there! It's alright, we're not forcing you to do it. I can offer you some advice even, you just-"

Almost immediately she seemed to come back to reality, "Huh?! W-W-Wait! I'm fine! I just spaced out there is all!"

"Mate, you were turning so white like paper, I could've written on you," Hop spoke up, Leon could see a trickle of sweat running down his little brother's fearful face, "If you're still not feeling too well, we can try this some other time."

Perhaps that was for the best. If she was spacing out this badly a Pokémon battle may be too much-

"Scor!" Her Scorbunny, Peter as she named him, came out of his Pokéball and looked up at Hop determined.

It seemed he felt ready despite his trainer spacing out. To have that much trust in her, Leon couldn't help but grin, "I'd say Scorbunny feels ready to take on Hop. So, Gloria, I'll ask again but remember that no one is making you. Would you and Scorbunny be willing to take on Hop in a battle?"

Gloria looked at the tiny bunny before looking back up at Leon, "Well, if Peter wants to, then I'm game."

Leon nodded satisfactory at her answer, "Looks like everyone's on board, Pokémon and Trainers alike. Then let's do this! Remember, believe in your partner Pokémon! And care for them, too, with all your heart. Do those two things, and I'm certain you'll learn to choose the moves that suit your Pokémon. And more importantly...to have a champion time battling with them!"

As Gloria headed to her spot she seemed to freeze in place, not turning to face Hop. Had she spaced out again?
"Hey mate! You ready?!" Hop called out to her.
She didn't move, just as Leon was about to call out to her, her Scorbunny let out a cry, and she turned around, as if the tiny bunny had given her the confidence to turn.

As the battle began she seemed surprised about something, but soon she was practically radiating confidence as she commanded her Scorbunny. She beat Hop's Wooloo with ease, Scorbunny still in top shape, and as Hop threw out Grookey, he knew Gloria had the type advantage, so if Hop wanted to win, he'd have to hope Scorbunny didn't have Ember ye-

"Peter, Ember!"

As the tiny bunny blew out a tiny flame at the Grass Monkey, Leon let out a sigh, victory for Hop didn't seem likely. Though he was proud as he nodded satisfactorily. These two would definitely grow stronger together as rivals. Leon was sure of that.

As Leon ran out to head towards the Lab, he ended up lost and was taking the long way around towards the road to Wedgehurst. It took him some time, but as he came to the exit, he wondered if he had to turn left or right. Before he could make that call, Charizard came out of his Pokéball with a small grunt and began leading the way towards the Lab.

"Sorry about that Charizard. Thanks for helping me out," Leon chuckled as he followed his partner.

Charizard let out another snort as he continued to lead the way.

As Leon waited outside the Lab for a while, he saw no sign of Hop or Gloria. Certainly the two would've made it already, and they wouldn't have entered into the Lab without him, if they did they should be out by now. As some fans came over to try to speak to him he asked if they had seen the two youngsters. To his disappointment, no one had seen them even enter the town since the day when they came to pick him up from the station.

"Maybe they're at Gloria's house. Charizard, sorry to ask, but can you lead the way there? It's just the house down from our house," Leon asked sheepishly.

Charizard gave him a roll of his eyes, but turned about and began to lead the way.

As they passed their house, Leon's gut felt like it was going in knots. His senses were telling him that something was wrong. Really wrong. For as eager as Hop was, he wouldn't just dawdle like this. He'd have been at that Lab faster than a speeding Rapidash to get that Pokédex, even if it meant running off without Gloria. And that feeling only grew as Charizard came to stop before they could reach Gloria's house. Charizard was staring at the now broken fence leading towards the Slumbering Weald.

"How did that break open?" Leon asked himself. The fact that Charizard was dead set on not moving forward and was fixated on the path towards the forest was putting his already knotting stomach into an absolute frenzy, "You don't think..."

Certainly Hop and Gloria wouldn't have gone into the Slumbering Weald. It was off limits. And Hop knows that best of all. Though that feeling he was getting-

"eon......on....."

Leon turned towards Charizard quickly, "Charizard, did you say something?"

Charizard shook his head.

"Leo...n.."

Leon looked around nervously, whatever was making that sound like it was calling for him, it was so faint, like it was miles away, but it sounded like-

"Please help us......Leon..."

Leon felt a chill go up his spine as it sounded like the words were being whispered into his ear carried by the wind. He gripped the rail of the fence as he covered his mouth, he felt so nauseated, his stomach was doing flips. It was her voice...it was HER voice calling for him. But why was he hearing her calling him for help? Why her? What was-

Charizard let out a growl and began to head towards the Slumbering Weald stopping before entering to turn to Leon with a fierce look and gesturing with his head to follow him into the forest and make haste about it.

"What's wrong, Charizard? Hold on! I-I'm coming!" Leon spoke up as he began to regain his composure, certainly she wasn't here, she couldn't be. He'd searched most all of Galar, no trace of her at all. He shook the thought of her out as he began chasing after the large lizard. As the fog thickened the deeper in they went, he made sure to stick to watching Charizard's flame to keep himself from getting lost. That bad feeling intensifying the further in he went, he felt certain now, Charizard was leading him to Hop and Gloria. Though why were they here in the Slumbering Weald?

"Baaaaaa!"

Leon stopped in time to spot Charizard staring down at a small Wooloo cowering in the tall grass, judging by how frightened it appeared, he didn't think it belonged in the Slumbering Weald.
What was it doing here then? As Charizard kept the tiny sheep Pokémon company he thought he heard Hop's voice just a little further up ahead in the fog.

Leon threw aside his thoughts as he ran ahead into the fog without his partner and within a matter of seconds Hop came into Leon's view, he was on his knees cradling Gloria and calling to her, but it seemed the girl wasn't responding, "Hop! Gloria!"

As Leon knelt beside his brother, Hop could only turn to stare at him in shock before finding his voice, "Wha-? Lee? How'd you manage to find your way here? You're pants with directions. You always get lost."

Leon felt relieved to see Hop was at least unharmed, he wanted to chuckle and laugh at his brother's true statement but for the situation that was before him he could only give Hop a firm response, "Oh, that's nice to hear from the little brother who had me worried sick! I'd been waiting ages for you two, and you never showed! Of course I came looking for both of you!"

Hop shrunk a little at his older brother's scolding, but then he gasped as he seemed to recall something. He looked frantically left and right, forward and backward and Leon wanted to ask what he was searching for until his little brother beat him to the punch, "Wait, where's the Wooloo?! We were trying to rescue that Wooloo!"

Leon's scolding eyes softened as he turned back to see Charizard leading the tiny Wooloo from earlier over, "The little chap's just fine," though he turned back to Hop with a stern look again as he looked down at the unconscious Gloria, "I wish I could say the same for you two. What happened, Hop? You know this place is out of bounds."

Hop shrunk a little at that, but Leon took in a breath before adding on with a grin, "...But it took courage to come in here all the same. And I can understand well enough why you did it. You did good, Hop!"

Hop scratched the back of his head sheepishly at his older brother's praise before slightly sulking as he looked down at Gloria, "At least that Wooloo's all right...I thought we'd had it when that weird fog started rolling in and that mad Pokémon attacked...then Gloria won't wake up and..."

Leon couldn't pretend he didn't hear that as he gave his brother a mix between stern and concerned look, "Attacked by some mad Pokémon? What are you talking about, Hop?"

Hop flinched but answered readily, "It seemed loads stronger than any Pokémon I've ever seen. And it just had this sort of presence...None of Gloria's Scorbunny's moves didn't even touch it. I mean, really- they seemed to pass right through it!"

Leon crossed his arms and tried his hardest to think of a Pokémon that could possibly do that, but nothing was coming to mind, "The moves passed right through it? So, the fearsome Pokémon they say live in the Slumbering Weald...Are they actually illusions or something?" Well if he couldn't think of it that was alright. Leon could only grin and pat his brother on the head affectionately, "Get strong enough and maybe the two of you could be the ones to reveal the truth someday."

Hop grinned happily for a while before remembering the weight in his arms and his expression slightly saddened despite his best efforts to grin, "Y-Yeah...but Gloria..."

Leon nodded as he reached out his arms, "I'll carry her home. You can explain a bit more in detail on the way. For now, let's simply get out of this place. You'll be alright now that I'm here with you!"

Hop lowered his head, but he soon regained his determination and nodded as he handed Gloria over to Leon.

As Leon lifted the young girl in his arms he swore he could see Hop pouting out of the corner of his eye. He did recall his mother mentioning that Hop seemed to have a crush on Gloria ever since they were children. And despite that Hop declared her his rival, it seemed those feelings were still there. Oh, his big brother instincts were kicking in as he gave Hop a large teasing grin, "Pout all you want, Hop, I know you want to carry her, but for right now it's easier for me to do it."

Hop's face immediately burst red and his shout turned to a squeak, obviously flustered by his brother's teasing, "I-I did not want to carry her! I just felt a bit responsible, and she wasn't waking up when I called, and so well I- Come on, Lee!"

Leon could only chuckle and laugh at his brother's expressions and quick responses to denying his feelings. He could see why his mother loved to tease him on his affections towards a certain café owner...touché, he'd stop there.

As they all walked out of the forest with Charizard and the tiny Wooloo as their guide, Hop tried his best to explain what happened in the fog. How the Wooloo had been tackling the gate and entered the forest, how they tried to find it but the fog rolled in, and about the large dog like Pokémon that appeared before them and began causing more fog to appear. So much thick fog that he couldn't see even a centimeter through it. Hop explained how he recalled feeling something push him to the ground before he lost consciousness and that when he woke he was on the ground and so was Gloria, but she wouldn't wake no matter how much he called her or shook her.

Leon was processing all this before he heard Hop's voice speak again, though it seemed uncertain, something Leon had never heard coming from Hop before, "Lee, Gloria's going to be okay, right?"
He couldn't answer that truthfully. The young girl seemed unharmed, breathing, just not regaining consciousness. For now the best course of action would be to return her home to inform her family of her condition rather than blindly carrying her to a medical center without letting her family know first what was happening.

Before Leon could respond, Gloria let out a tiny groan, and as her eyes peaked open he thought for a moment that he saw her bright brown eyes turn [EC] before he blinked and saw them as brown again. He wasn't sure about setting Gloria down as she seemed to start waking up Hop happily calling for her, but that tiny flash of her eyes reminded him. Now his mind was back to thinking about earlier, that he had heard 'her' voice calling for help, it was starting to consume him; if she was in trouble in some way, how could he help her? Did he have to sleep? If he only knew where she was, or had some way of contacting her other than just in his dreams. He felt like he was about to go mad, Hop had already given him a scare by coming into the Slumbering Weald, but to not know if she was safe or okay was becoming too much. If he could just call her to ask, he'd be able to feel the weight leave his heart.

"Huh?"

He blinked and looked down to see Gloria now staring up at him making him stop in his tracks. He took in a breath to calm himself, "Are you alright, Gloria?"

She took a deep breath and then...

Well he didn't expect Gloria's face to turn red, or for her to start kicking and squeaking out, "LEON?!?!?!!!!! WHA-?!!! I-I-I-I I- Uh...!"

He used all his muscles to keep a hold on Gloria to keep her from falling and felt himself chuckle a bit nervously. If she had this much energy, then she'd be alright. He took another breath to still keep himself calm from his internal panic, whether he liked it or not, he'd have to wait for the night to make sure she was safe...right now, getting Hop and Gloria out of this forest was his duty.

Chapter Text

[Back to Reader-san Side]

Darkness...

There was nothing but darkness as far as the eye could see... It paralyzed me.
Childish as it was to admit, I had a deep fear of the dark, especially being alone or 'not alone' in it.

"Where am I? Is this one of Zacian and Zamazenta's illusions? Gah, how am I supposed to know what happened between us passing out and waking up?! The game only shows us waking up afterwards after all..."

"That is because I wished to speak with you, Gloria, or should I say, [FN]."

I quickly turned around in a panic to try to find who was speaking to me, only to be blinded briefly by a bright golden light that began to shape and take form. It illuminated the darkness around, it's bright yet gentle warm glow easing my fears, and as the shape neared it's completion I relaxed to a degree when I noticed what it was turning into.

There before me, surrounded by a brilliant golden aura, was the god of all Pokémon, Arceus.

I could only stare in awe as he gazed down on me, "Your mind has been filled with question after question since you first came to this world."

I nodded.

"Actually, I should be saying, since 'I' brought you into this world."

"Huh?!" I blinked dumbly up at the Pokégod, "What? Wait. YOU brought me here?!"

Arceus nodded, "To me more precise, I called your soul into this world, [FN]. I haven't the power to pull your body from that world."

'That...might explain why I'm in Gloria's body...but at the same time it DOESN'T explain it! And WHY does he know my name?! What reason could he have to call ME here?!'

"So many questions I see. To begin with, I called you to this world due to an 'accident' which occurred in the Land of Dreams."

"Huh?" It seemed like that was all I could say, after all, it seemed he could read my mind so words seemed pointless as I just tried my best to listen and make sense of his words.

"I'm well aware. In your world, our world is considered 'fiction', a mere game and or show to be played and watched to pass the time for entertainment. Your world is credited to giving life to our own, and so to ourselves."

I could feel myself sweat, was he perhaps upset on that fact? What did he think of learning his world is considered a plaything? I almost couldn't breathe with the sheer pressure and anxiety I was feeling.

"Do not fear, [FN]. I bear no ill will towards the humans of your world, nor to yourself," those words set me at ease as I let out a sigh of relief, "Which brings me to the 'accident'."

I listened intently.

"As you've possibly already guessed, our world isn't linked to your world physically or in any way. As we are 'fictional' to you, you too are 'fictional' to us. So there's no possibility of our worlds syncing or colliding; however, one day a little over 8 months ago, one of the humans of our world managed to slip into your world through the land of dreams."

"A person slipped into our world through dreams?" I repeated to myself before realization hit me like a semi-truck, "Wait! I-it was Leon! Wasn't it?!"

The Pokégod nodded once more, "By the laws of the worlds, it never should've been possible. And yet, he continued to return to your world through your dreams, he sought you out relentlessly due to the growing affections he felt towards you."

My cheeks felt like they had been set on fire, "A-Affections?! F-F-For me?!?!?!!!"

"Yes, for you," Arceus stated bluntly, "His ever growing love lead him to your world without fail, and your world alone. He is quite a splendid human for the people around him and the Pokémon. Which is why, I decided to try to call you forth into this world."

"Huh?"

"Leon longed to find you, so I attempted to call you [FN] here to meet him; however, the laws of your world seem to state that you yourself cannot enter into this world, you can only enter this world through the use of what your people call, 'Protagonists'."

"So that's why..." I stared at my hands, "That's why I'm Gloria..."

"It was an unforeseen error upon my part," Arceus seemed to nod in apology, "and more so that you've been tied into the laws of this world, you cannot turn from them."

I nodded, "I think I get it. You tried to call me, but only my soul came, it entered Gloria's body, but since this is a 'game' in my world, I gotta 'play' the game before I can have any type of freedom."

Arceus nodded, "Brilliant as always, [FN]. Which is why I sent you those warnings during your first battle. I am not certain how the world would take it if you 'lost' the game due to a failure."

"I see...though, how do you know my name?"

"I looked through the memories contained within your soul before you were placed..."

I stared at Arceus and he stared back, the silence ensued for a while before I bowed, if I was red earlier I was putting a tomato to shame right now, "I-I'm so sorry for the inappropriate things you may or may not have seen."

"Apology accepted. Speaking of memories, your companions and those that have synced into your dreams should have their memories of you as well."

"Companions?" I began to get confused, what companions could I possibly have? I lived alone in my apartment dealing with the daily hustle and grind. My so called 'Mother', who was my foster mom, and her bratty son didn't care enough to inquire about me. In fact I left to live on my own as quickly as I could to get away from them. The only friends I had were basically my big brother's band members and even then I never really got to see them or him...aside from on T.V.

"I see you've gotten even more questions once again. Quite a handful you are. By companions, I mean the Pokémon you've captured and battled with in the past."

I blinked up at him. My Pokémon? What is he getting at? Past Pokémon? What?

"I see I'll need to simplify my explanations towards you," Arceus spoke up which made me flinch in embarrassment, he had just called me bright earlier, guess he was now having second thoughts to that statement, "As I've stated before, I am aware that this world is but a game to your world. I am also aware that you've played through this 'game' more than once, have you not? Every Pokémon that you've captured, named, and cherished has kept their memories of you, those with no name that were never truly interacted with will not. They will certainly aid you in this endeavor, as well as those who have memories from your dreams."

I opened my mouth but he cut me off, "To put that simply, as an example, as you've been syncing dreams with Leon, his Charizard recognized you, did he not? That is an example of the Pokémon keeping their memories of you. While you may have the appearance of the small girl known as Gloria, they can see through to who you really are underneath, because their bond with you is that strong. If you require further examples or confirmation to such, try speaking to your partner, Peter."

"Peter?" I questioned, "He remembers me? How? That would explain why he seemed to put so much faith in my battling ability, but then, why is he a Scorbunny and not a Cinderace then? Oh wait...this is like a new game, so of course he'd be a Scorbunny. Wait, does that mean that all my other Pokémon are out there with memories too?! Oh dear, what if they think I abandoned them cause I'm not there?! They must be as confused as I am! A-And what about Pokémon I've traded for?! Does that mean I'll never see them again?! Oh god, if I could never see Cocoa, Sherbet, Sorbet, Neapoli-tan again or anyone else I'll-I'll-!"

"Quite the troublesome questioning lady you are. For now, you must clear the story of this world. You mustn't lose a single battle and you must not tell a soul of this. Do so and I should be able to separate your soul from that child's body and send you home."

I took a deep breath to try to calm myself, panicking wasn't gonna help, "Gotcha...though wait," that didn't last long, "what happened to Gloria?! Is she in my body?!"

The light was getting brighter around Arceus, all I heard from him was, "Do not worry, she is not in your body, and she is safe and sound."

I was blinded by the light before it settled back into a soft darkness and I could feel my body and slowly began to open my eyes.
"Huh?" I wasn't expecting to be greeted by a pair of beautiful golden eyes, I could feel the muscles in his arms and chest slightly trembling and I heard him take a deep breath before he asked me, "Are you alright, Gloria?"

I wasn't prepared for this. I had just finished my conversation with Arceus and it kept replaying in my head, even as I took a deep breath, it replayed in my head, and my face turned red and I began to struggle to get out of Leon's arms, "LEON?!?!?!!!!! WHA-?!!! I-I-I-I I- Uh...!"

Oh, I was not ready to face Leon after hearing from the god of all Pokémon that Leon himself was in love with me. Like, LEGIT in love with me! I-I mean I kinda knew, but nothing said nothing known.

He held me in his arms tightly, refusing to let me fall or set me down. I could only futilely quiver in his arms against his chest, his very muscular arms and chest as I whined softly, "Leon...I can walk now. I'm okay." Though deep down I didn't want him to let me go by any means.

"I'll be content once we get you safely home," Leon replied, "You were passed out for quite some time."

Come on. I know I've been pretty bad with my image these past few days, heck this whole week actually, but I did not need to be babied to this extent. I pleaded one last time as I saw the exit to the forest coming up making me flail a bit more in his arms, "Leon, please! I don't want my mom to panic or worry! I'm fine! I'm really fine! So put me down, pleeeeeeeaaaase..."
I even threw in some pitiful looks in Charizard's direction, if Arceus was right and he did have memories of me from the dreams, he should know how bad I'm freaking out here right now and help me out.

And with Leon not budging on his grip, Charizard came to my rescue by giving Leon a firm bump with his head and snorted trying to gesture with his head and neck to set me down.
"Hm? Charizard? You want me to set her down?" Charizard gave him another bump, "Alright, alright."

Just like that, I was back on solid ground giving Charizard a big smile, "Thank you pal~ Leon was being so stubborn."
Charizard let out a soft roar as if to say 'You're Welcome', and Leon chuckled a bit, "Geez, you two are speaking like I'm not standing right here."

Hop bounced over and pat my back softly before asking, "You sure you're okay, mate? You were out like a light back there."

I pounded my chest proudly, "Takes more than some blimey fog to keep me down...I mean I was put down, but well, gah- you know what I mean! I'm just fine!"

As we exited the forest and made it to the front of my house, Leon gave me a once over before he nodded, as if telling himself that I was A-OK, and turned to walk off with Charizard trailing behind him his Rotom Phone out as though he was making a call to someone.

Hop was about to follow him but stopped to turn around to speak to me, "You REALLY sure you're okay, Gloria?"

"Naturally!" I piped up, "I'm as fit as a fiddle!"

The worried look that Hop had on all the way through the walk in the forest disappeared, his normal happy go lucky smile breaking through, "Well then, don't forget to tell your mum we're off to Wedgehurst now. She'll go spare if you leave without a word- even worse than Lee just did for me back in the Slumbering Weald. We still got time to go get those Pokédex!" And like that, he ran off into the distance.

I let out a huge sigh, I had so much to process right now, but the game was truly starting...though could I call this a game anymore though? Either way, confirmation was there, I couldn't lose a match, so says the Pokégod. The consequences if I did, unknown.
As I turned to enter the house, Peter came out of his Pokéball and began to follow me up the stairs/hill to my house. Which reminded me, Peter supposedly had memories of me...I'd have to talk to the little bunny alone later.

As Peter ran inside ahead of me he stopped before my mum, giving little cheers making her smile, "Well now, isn't Scorbunny just a sweetheart!"

I felt myself sweat drop, I was certain I told her I named him, "His name is Peter though..."

Ignoring what I just said she continued on with her babying, "And yes, I heard the news from young Leon. I'm glad someone bothered to call to tell me! Off to Wedgehurst, aren't you?"

'Oh so that's who Leon was calling...' I felt myself pouting, I wish I could tell her I was a grown woman inside here, but I could only whine, "It's not that far, mom..."

Once again she ignored me as she walked over placing money into my hands without even asking if I needed or wanted it...though not like I'd say no to free money, but it still made me feel guilty, "Here we are! A bit of pocket money for your journey. Buy yourself a little something at the Pokémon Center. Maybe some Potions or something! Remember that Scorbunny will battle to the very end for you...So don't you go pushing the poor dear too hard!"

With exp candies available in raids, yeah, it wont be too hard, trust me. I already know the team I want, it wasn't my actual Champion team from my first playthrough but it'll be close! And I know a few extras to try to find. I'd just have to pray they would be my actual Pokémon and not random wild versions. Though Arceus did say the Pokémon I've had in the past will help...so guess I gotta find them!

I turned to pay attention to my Mum once more only to flinch when I watched her kneeling down to pet and baby talk to Peter, but still finishing up by asking him, "Look after my little Gloria!"

"MOM!"

She turned to give me a warm smile, "Come home to rest anytime you need. After all...east or west, home is best."

Ah! My heart! She's not even my real mom...but she'd started to grow on me. I hardly ever had reason to return home in the game save to fly over here to go to the Slumbering Weald for the rusted sword and shield.....I might fly over here for dinner on some occasions...

Just as I was about to leave I heard a grouchy voice, "Geez, not even so much as a goodbye to me? C'mon sis, what did I ever do to you?"

I paused and turned towards the kitchen to see Victor and Munchlax standing there, both with their hands crossed and a pout across their face. It was kinda adorable.
"S-Sorry, kinda spaced out there."

"You sure you're gonna be able to handle this with being that spacy?" Victor said as mockingly as he could, but his eyes couldn't lie that he was worried.

I gave him a chest bump, "Leon won't even know what hit him! I mean it!"
Seriously, I'd have no trouble. I've played so many times, resources were available in the raids, and the Pokémon I'll be having are all technically veterans who've beaten this entire game before and will comply with me without me having to struggle starting from scratch! I should thank Arceus for that, I was not confident I'd be able to handle training wild Pokémon, especially with the 'badge limits'...I'm not sure if that'll apply to Peter and the others though...I mean will it? I maybe should limit myself, Hop would certainly freak out if he saw me with a Cinderace in like record time...

"Yeah right," Victor said rolling his eyes.

"Don't believe me just watch!" I shouted with a pout, "You just study hard for me!"

He stared at me for a while before raising his hand, to which I just assumed was for a high five, and with a large grin gave him one before I knelt down to pat Munchlax who was still pouting, "Don't worry...I'll be back once this is all done..."
I stopped myself before I could promise, after all, the one returning wont be me, I'll be going home after that...and Gloria can come back home to her family.

"Bye guys! See ya soon!" I waved as I headed out Peter right behind me as I made a dash towards Wedgehurst.
This was it, the actual start, and was I going home after all this? I don't think so, I mean right after the battle with Hop at Professor Magnolia's home I was set to head to the train station to go to the Wild Area for some training and foraging for resources and items. So this was truly it...

I stopped at the Route 1 sign where Hop was waiting for me. He gave me that cheeky grin as he spoke excitedly despite putting his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner, "Here we go! This is quite the big step, you know."

"Hop..." I said happily, I could feel tears in my eyes at how wholesome he was~

"My first step toward becoming the next Champion!"

And the happy feeling flew off...'C'mon Hop! That line woulda been so wholesome without the add on!'

I just let out a sigh as he continued on, after all, chasing Leon has been his dream perhaps since childhood, "Guess I'll probably train up Grookey a bit by having it battle against Pokémon in the tall grass."
Staring at the tall grass I wondered if I should follow suit, but I remembered, there's only 1 potion and 2 paralyze heals on this route, and overdoing it could lead to losing a battle....I could try battling once and just go through and then head to the lab, after all in the game the Pokémon Center isn't available to go into until after meeting Sonia cause that one guy with a Wooloo blocks it...though that's in game, the guy could just move out of the way if I asked politely, right? Though I wasn't about to chance that. I'll go on a training spree once I get my Dex and can use the Center to my hearts content! Besides, I'll have to return to Route 1 cause...that was were I caught Nevermore, my Rookidee and my future Corviknight in the past. Certainly the tiny bird Pokémon was there, right?

"Gloria," Hop regained my attention after he waved his hand in my face, "You hear a word I said?"

I shook my head and turned to him a bit surprised by being pulled out of my thoughts, "Huh? Yeah. Purple Roof building with a giant Pokéball on it, that's the lab, go there. Got it."

Hop paused for a moment as if debating whether to run ahead or not, but quickly made his decision as he smiled at me once again, "Alright! If you know where to go then I won't have to worry! I doubt you'd get lost like Lee does. Well, I'm off to train then!"

And with a dash out into the tall grass, Hop was out of sight. It was my turn to follow suit, though I wouldn't be overstaying my welcome on Route 01. I'll stick to my plans...

Chapter Text

One step into the tall grass and I was greeted by a level 6 Skwovet.
Sure, Peter was 1 level higher than it, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try battling it!

I blinked in astonishment as the Skwovet fell unconscious when Peter beat it.

That...That was TOO CLOSE for comfort!

I had forgotten that Tail Whip can lower defense and I also forgot that Ember hardly does anything if not super effective. So when the tiny Skwovet used Tail Whip on Peter, I brushed it off, at least until he got in a critical hit Tackle. I watched Peter's HP drop immensely and fought hard and finally beating it with a few tackles leaving Peter with an uncomfortable 6 HP! I was fortunate it just kept spamming Tail Whip, but if at any point it had decided to Tackle again...I didn't want to think about it.

I returned the tiny bunny into his Pokéball as I ran through the round about. In the game this was just a small tiny curved detour, but in reality it was rather long and wide. I continued on avoiding any other Pokémon and picking up the 3 items along the way. I debated using the potion I had just received, but as I finally cleared the grass area, I decided against it in favor of using the free Pokémon Center after I'd speak to Sonia.

Once I exited the round about, I took a bit of a stop at the bridge to catch my breath. I'd have to learn to be more active, that was a certainty. With breath obtained, I walked into the town, spotting Charizard alone with some fans. At the sight of me he walked over to me, almost cheerfully if not for his stoic sharp gaze that to most seemed to scream 'Violence'. I chuckled as I gave him a few pats earning a few envious stares from the fans as I began to walk towards Sonia's Lab with Charizard in tow.

As expected, Leon stood in front of the door before turning to me with a smile, "Well done! You reached the goal and managed to find the Pokémon Research Lab! You did a far sight better than I did my first time. I'm hopeless with directions."

Any sane person would probably wonder how a guy can get lost on a straight road, but lo and behold, here stands one who can. And by golly I loved him for it.

"See how your world has already grown, all thanks to having Pokémon with you?"
'Oh it's more than grown even before Peter came into the picture.'
"I know I'm sure glad I've got Charizard with me...to keep me from getting lost all the time."
'That slight pause, musta felt he was bragging and tried to cover it up with another true statement. Ah, you loveable doof~'
"Now, in we go!"
He made it seem like we were about to go on a ride in an amusement park, but that vision was soon busted as he just casually opened the door and stepped in. Charizard let out a small roar as if to say he'd be waiting outside and gave me a small nudge on my back as I began to walk in.

How to describe Sonia's Lab...it was like walking into a comfy serene Library. The smell of books was just everywhere, the expected silence that was slightly disturbed by the sound of the air con and the beep of equipment, the quaint décor, the advantage of the natural light flowing in from the greenhouse to perhaps cut costs on electricity. This was a place I'd sit down for a good manga series, light novel, or manhua along with some tea and snacks.

Leon looked around as if he was in awe, "I've got to give it to Professor Magnolia. Everything in here looks fascinating..."
I tilted my head in confusion. 'Had he not been here before? Or was it so drastically different from the last time he was here? I wish I knew...'

"Bow wark!"

I stiffened up. I did my best to keep from squealing. I knew what was coming. And I was not completely mentally prepared for this-

"Yamp!"

'SWEET HOLY GRAIL OF CUTENESS!!!'

Sonia's Yamper basically pranced his way over to Leon, barking happily up at him as Leon kneeled down to give him some pets.

"What is it today, Leon? Looking for info on another never-before-seen, superstrong Pokémon? I wish you'd stop with these outlandish requests."

On cue, all our attention was on the ginger haired woman coming down from the upstairs area.
"Good to see you, too, Yamper!", though Leon appeared more focused on the tiny dog Pokémon before us rather than the lovely woman before us. "Yamper here is a real champ when it comes to helping you find your way around," Leon then turned to me to begin explaining, "He came to my rescue plenty of times back in the day, when I got lost on the road."
It strangely made me feel relieved, but yet still...why was I starting to feel so....

"Oh yeah, and that's his Trainer, Sonia," Leon seemed to just mention as though he had forgotten she was standing right next to us.
"What can I say about Sonia?" 'I didn't ask though...'
He smiled as he answered his own question, "Well, I like the way she cooks. She makes food you can gobble down in a flash."

'The way she cooks...' I didn't like the way my heart began to squeeze and ache at that, 'If I asked him if he had to pick between my food and Sonia's food...I wonder whose food he'd pick...'
And yet, I didn't want to hear the answer...

"Tsk," Sonia clicked her tongue a bit frustrated as she replied, "What kind of an introduction is that? Did you forget we were rivals during our Gym Challenge? It wasn't just Yamper helping you out. I did, too."

She then turned to me, though I was still somewhat spacy, "Anyway, nice to meet you! Name's Sonia. I'm the professor's assistant. "
"This is Gloria," Leon quickly answered for me, "She's a new Pokémon Trainer. Set her on the right path, would you?"
And like that, Yamper pranced forward earning Leon's attention as they guided him out of the lab. Probably trying to lead him to Magnolia's house, maybe...

Sonia let out a huge sigh once Leon closed the door behind him, "What does he think I am? He's always got his head in the clouds. It's no wonder he gets lost all the time."
I couldn't even respond to that before she nodded and cut me off first, "Oh. Looks like you've got a Rotom Phone. Hey there, Rotom!"

The orange phone flew out from my bag and flew in front of us beeping and bopping rather than speaking, though Sonia for one seemed rather pleased. "Rotom Phones are handy little things, aren't they? They've got a map and a navigation tool. That said, Leon still gets lost, so..."
Again with Leon...I felt myself beginning to pout. Just what was her feelings towards him? I mean I know they're childhood friends and all, but...
"Oh, sorry," she apologized for her derailment of the topic at hand which was the dex, "So tell me, do you know a lot about Pokémon?"

The game typically gives you two choices here, but since this was a new reality and not a game to a degree then...,"I wouldn't say a lot, but I'm no spring chicken either. Despite all I know, there's always much to learn. Right?"

Sonia nodded happily, "Well said! In that case, I'll make it so that you can use the Pokédex on your Rotom Phone!"
Seems like the dialogue didn't change with my answer, she just responded how she does when you pick 'You bet!".
She fiddled with Rotom for a bit before adding on, "Just so you know, that Pokédex is a gift from my gran! Could you let Gran know that you received the Pokédex?"
My attention immediately went to Yamper as I saw him hopping up by Sonia's foot. With how fast he came back, he couldn't have led Leon to Magnolia's, maybe he just helped him find Charizard or perhaps he helped him find some store or place he wanted to go that was within the town?

"Hello? Wow, you sure are spacy, kinda reminds me of Leon when he gets something on his mind."
I quickly raised my head up, cheeks flaring red, "O-Oh, sorry! You wanted me to go inform your Grandma right?"
Sonia nodded, "She lives in the house down along Route 2. You sure you'll be okay finding it?"
'Oh great, now she thinks I'm inept at directions too...' I gave her a smile, "Sure. I'm pretty good with reading maps and I'm not afraid to ask for directions if I do get lost."
That seemed satisfactory enough as she gave me a nod and a small wave before walking back to go back up the stairs to what she was researching earlier.

My fists clenched tightly as I felt an urge to spin around and ask her what was on my mind, 'How she felt about Leon'. Fortunately, I was able to keep my cool and simply turned to leave the lab, taking deep breaths to calm myself from the surge of emotions that were swelling up. I know if I spoke to her again she'd simply reply with the game quote: Leon's a right amazing Champion, and I'm basically just an assistant...I'm not even Gran's official assistant, either. I've just been calling myself one...Somehow, it makes me feel a little restless.
And that somehow, was what was making me the most anxious...

The sound of footsteps approaching alerted me to the all too familiar scene, "Hey there, Trainer. Sorry to stop you."
A man in a suit walked over, he looked just like the Technology Enthusiast guy at the beginning of the game, that I didn't speak to cause I was taught not to talk to strangers. It made sense to me in the game, cause well, newbies gotta start somewhere for the game to progress, but in what is considered a reality, a guy doesn't just walk up to you to give you free stuff simply cause he loves new trainers...if anything that seemed rather fishy to me.

"You just left the Pokémon Lab, right? So that means you've got a Pokédex, yeah?" He said scratching the back of his head before putting out his hand to hand me a Potion that I cautiously took, "I love talking to new trainers and giving them useful stuff."
'Come to think of it, if this was the same tech enthusiast guy from earlier then that means he was near my house and just decided to randomly come here after I came here?! Come to think of it, he's been hanging out in the midway between me and Hop's house for well over a week! Was he stalking me?! Or maybe even Hop too?! Whoa calm down, calm down, don't assume just yet, I still need to-'

As I looked up, I noticed he was no where to be seen, 'he musta left after I took the Potion and gave his speech about how to use a Potion and about talking to people and reading things...I mean yeah I know some of talking can lead to free items and Pokémon, but others are a battle so I wanna avoid that unless it's worth it...Also, I really need to confirm with Hop, if he just loves new trainers like he says, then Hop shoulda gotten a Potion too, if not...' I felt a chill go down my spine as the anxiety of Sonia's feelings for Leon were pushed away and replaced with an anxiety and fear of possibly being stalked by some middle aged man while I'm in a 10 year old's body.

Wedgehurst was much bigger than the game made it out to be, which only showed us 2 houses, but it had more than that. There were even roads that lead off the path towards what seemed to be some beautiful golden fields with some hay bales neatly rolled and spread out. I bet those paths would end past the fields, but would still lead you to the nice green hills and mountainous regions in the distance. This was truly a beautiful town, Postwick was more like a village settlement (houses and nothing more), but with that one straight path they have the ability to get their supplies from this little town. They had a train station to come and go from the city or to the cold chilly south in the Crown Tundra, a Pokémon Lab, a Pokémon Center, a grocer, lush scenery and fertile land, fields for the kids and Pokémon to play in, and even a clothing store despite how simple the clothes are. All this place needs is a diner, bar, restaurant...or a café.

I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head as I began to imagine setting my café here. 'I could set it here and fill the people and Pokémon of Wedgehurst with smiles with my cooking, Nevermore wont have to be used as a taxi for grocery runs since there's a grocer in the middle of town (though maybe he could, maybe), any extra revenue I can get I could invest in promoting the town to build a playground in the fields for the kids and Pokémon, maybe even invest in a small clinic for people since I'm not sure about a doctor for people, we do have one for Pokémon though. I could even build a house here or in the middle between here and Postwick on Route 1 rather than live in a story atop my diner. Yeah, a small quaint home, with plenty of space and yard for my Pokémon and 2 lovely children can be running around in, and Leon right there with th-' My poor brain began to ache as I internally began shrieking as loud as a Banshee at what I was allowing myself to envision.

As I rapidly fanned myself I noticed Hop in front of the path leading to the Pokémon Center, on cue, "Got your Pokédex from Son-IAH! Whoa mate! You okay? You're red as a tomato!"
"Ah, I'm good, I'm fine! I just got over excited is all," I lied as I kept fanning myself, I couldn't tell him I was fantasizing about a life with his older brother.

Hop just grinned happily, "That's the spirit! It's time to meet lots of different Pokémon and start building up a strong team! But battling a strong Pokémon in the wild can leave your team in a bad way. Not to mention-" Speaking of bad way, I already know the speech, I don't need to hear it again, 'sorry Hop', "Yeah about that...I kinda need to take Peter to the Pokémon Center. So can I? And before you get all snippy with me, I've been in one."
"Geez, Gloria. Just trying to help, but then I don't think you need me to tell you what you already know," Hop said nervously as he walked by me and I headed into the Pokémon Center.

Once inside on cue, another person turned to us, he seemed like a teenager and I wasn't sure if he was even a Pokémon Trainer, but judging by the lack of visible Pokéballs on him I had to guess not as he spoke up, "If you two kids are Pokémon Trainers, you might want to buy some Potions before you head out!"
I ignored him as I walked up to Nurse Joy and handed her my Pokéball containing Peter. I wasn't going to go all out on Potions, my Pokémon weren't even at 20+ HP, so berries would suffice and would be far more frugal to use for the meanwhile.

I felt a pat on my back as I waited on Peter to be cured. Hop just gave me a smile as if to comfort me before saying, "I'm heading to Route 2, Gloria! Come find me, maybe, when you're done here!"
Well, I was planning on doing some shopping before Route 2, so he'd have a little wait, I just nodded at him as he left the Center.
I heard the chime and turned to see Nurse Joy giving a slight bow before handing my Pokéball over to me, "Thanks for waiting! Your Scorbunny should be all better now!"
"Thank you!" I chimed happily as I turned to leave, hearing her happily chiming as well, "We hope to see you again!" I stopped in the doorway and turned on my heel, "Don't you mean, you don't hope to see me? If I'm coming that means my Pokémon is badly sick or injured."
She looked in thought and it almost made me laugh as I left out of the Pokémon Center to head to the grocer!

At the grocer I bought 10 of each berry putting me 2,400 Pokédollars down of 31,400. With 29,000 Pokédollars in my bag I stood before one of the biggest places I typically spent my money on, the clothing boutique. I had already determined I wouldn't do anything to change Gloria's hair and eyes, but the one thing I could do was give her some new clothes!

I had to figure what clothes would be good for the Wild Area, especially since most the time I'll probably be out camping in various weather. The clothes I had on were good for some windy days, maybe even a bit of chill, but with no leggings, pants, or stockings, my legs would freeze during cold weather like blizzards or snow. And what about for rain. I quickly settled on grabbing some Light Blue Denim Trousers for 7.8k, a Green Pleated Miniskirt for 3.4k, a Yellow and Red Loose Top for a total of 1.98k, an Orange Hoodie for 2.1k, an Orange and Green Scally Cap totaling 3k, some White and Black Thigh-High Socks for 1.98k, and some Brown Loafers for 6.74k. I had 2,000 Pokédollars left, but I didn't need glasses, a new bag, or any gloves, though having a pair for a just in case I need to deal with something situation arose, gloves could come in handy...but still no.

As I went into the dressing room after buying my clothes, I noticed I had some clothes in my bag, though wouldn't really use them much. I apparently had a pair of gloves red and blue, even 2 pairs of glasses red and blue, Red and Blue Striped Tops and a White Loose Top, and Black and White High Socks. Also, my bag seemed limitless, despite the amount of clothes I had just got including a new pair of shoes, they fit in no problem, like an inventory box. I removed my Pink Simple Shirt Dress, my Grey Knitted Parka, the Green Knit Beret, and my Green Plaid Socks. I wouldn't wear my loafers just yet, only for when in the city or in sunny areas with no mud, so I put on my Black High Socks, my Light Blue Denim Trousers, my Yellow Loose Top, my Orange Hoodie, and my Orange Scally Cap, and slapped back on my Brown Ankle Boots. Looking at myself in the mirror I could only smile, I looked and felt like a mini Charizard! I'd wear my other outfit once I get to Motostoke!

As I left the store I hear the woman shouting a thanks and for me to stop by again. Oh I'd stop by again for more clothes now that I knew my bag was limitless, but...I'd have to wait till I could get more money by grinding for items to sell, raids, and if I can get to the Isle of Armor, I could get that guy to dig me some watts and trade those watts to the Digging Duo in the Wild Area for even more items! Cause the Galarian Star Tourney wasn't an option till end game, and I mean end game.

I remembered to grab the Poké Doll that was by the side of the shop and I recalled, there was a Rare Candy near the Lab...I'd have to grab that later on the way back when we get set to go to the Wild Area....or I could grab that AFTER I get the Pokéballs from Leon and return to Route 1. Route 1 is where I had caught my Rookidee who eventually became my Corviknight, Nevermore. So I'd pray he was still there...

Once I hit the last house on the path that was leading to Route 2, I saw Hop waiting there for me as I ran up, "Listen Gloria. I've been thinking...If you're a Pokémon Trainer now, you must want to try your hand at the Gym Challenge, right?"
'Well, duh, I have to do that if I don't want some divine punishment of some sorts...' I know the only two options are Gym Challenge? and What's that?, but I already know so, "Yeah? I mean you're the one who asked me to help get Leon to endorse you, remember? Then you changed tunes and said you wanted Leon to endorse the both of us! I said I wanted in too, plus what kind of rival would I be if I backed out?"
Hop began to sheepishly rub the back of his neck as his cheeks began to flare red, "O-Oh, did I? Wait, yeah I did! Though so far you got one win over me and Lee doesn't seem to think I'm up to snuff..."

I hooked my arm with his, "Then we convince the Professor! That's a surefire way to get Leon to endorse us! So let's a go!"
Hop's face did not settle down on the blood rushing to it and he could only make unintelligible noises that presumably were words as I dragged him along. 'For once, I'm not roped into your business Hop, now you're wrapped in mine bud, for the Grand Arceus's plan!...or at least I assume it's his plan...what even is his plan...?'
I stopped at the Route 2 sign, surely Hop would want to do his training on his own, but for right now he was too occupied with regaining his senses as I saw him rest his head against the post. I musta taken him by surprise with that arm link, but this was the perfect opportunity to continue things, "Well, we're at Route 2. This is the perfect chance to get some training in and fill up our teams, maybe!"

Hop seemed to get back as he turned towards me, his cheeks still somewhat pink, "Y-Yeah! It's time we filled in our teams a bit-"
I could hear rapidly approaching footsteps storming our way, and within seconds, wala, "And I'm here to teach you how! You'll need to catch Pokémon if you've got any hope of filling in that Pokédex."

Hop could only step back and pose in surprise as Leon just shot up to us out of nowhere, "Lee?! Where'd you come from?"
Good question. He came from behind us which means he was still in town when Yamper lead him out, but where in the town was he?
In typical Leon fashion, he ignored Hop's words and continued on with his lesson on Pokémon, "Every Pokémon has got a type or two, which can make it good against some opponents but poor against others. That's the reason you'll want to catch different Pokémon-to cover one another's weaknesses. Now, let's all have a champion time as I show you how it's done!"

I wanted to fall over, it was still a shock to me that the Champion himself was becoming the tutorial for us, though for me, the process would be a bit different with captures.
As a wild Wooloo came out of the grass, Leon tossed a Pokéball, "Out you go, Rookidee!" And out popped a level 10 Rookidee facing up to this level 7 Wooloo, though that only left me with more questions. Where did Leon get this Rookidee? Why? What becomes of it afterwards since he already has his team? Will he eventually train it? And what about this Wooloo, what would he do with it?
"This is the way a real Champion catches Pokémon!" Leon shouted as he reached for, pulled out, and threw a Pokéball right at the Wooloo. 3 rolls of the ball and all we could hear next was a click to show it was caught as Leon returned the Rookidee back into the Pokéball and went to pick up his new Wooloo.

"Typical Lee!" Hop praised him, though I could only pout, not ALL captures go that smoothly, you usually would have your Pokémon do battle first to capture it, though with these Pokémon, the catch rate is actually pretty good, especially for the level they're at.
Leon turned to me, "I'll give you some more Pokéballs. In return, I'll only ask that you catch plenty of Pokémon! The Pokémon around here seem easy to catch. Almost like they're itching to join some Trainer's team, wouldn't you say?"
I graciously accepted the 20 Pokéballs, but I wondered why he wasn't giving any to Hop. 'Was Hop loaded with Pokéballs already? Like Goh?! Probably, I mean, if you look at their house they are a bit well off, especially with Leon getting so many sponsors and money from winning battles, he must send them some form of support. Where as I live in a small cozy home...' I felt myself wanting to jab him in the ribs if that's why. I tried my best to recall where my team members were, some I was going to switch out, but I swore to myself I was going to find all my partner Pokémon, even if they don't join my Champion team, they'll be my life long team!

"Show your Champion something good, all right?" Leon said knocking me out of my stupor just as he began to run ahead to Magnolia's house.
I felt my cheeks go pink as I internally muttered, 'I'll show you something good back at the café, as for a great battle, you'll have to wait a while till I can reach the Champion title match.'
"All right!" I heard Hop shout, once again pulling me from my thoughts, "I'm gonna catch loads of Pokémon. The professor will be shocked when she sees!"
As Hop ran off I could recall, during our battle in Magnolia's, he's only going to have his Grookey, Wooloo, and a newly caught Rookidee...not quite 'loads' of Pokémon, is it? Then again I wasn't one to talk, if I recall I did catch just about every Pokémon on both routes, but the Dex isn't important, besides, how would I complete the Dex without the trade feature? I mean I'd be gambling trade and that's a no-no for me. And just cause I caught every single Pokémon available doesn't mean I used them, I mainly just boxed them after I helped them evolve later...and Arceus said, only those I named that I cherished...so here in Route 1 and 2, the only Pokémon that come to mind are my Rookidee, Nevermore, and my shiny Chewtle, Kame. Sure I had a Nickit named Swiper and a Yamper named Bolt, but Swiper was only used up till Milo's gym when I finally boxed him...and Bolt was boxed after Nessa's gym...

I shook my head as I sighed and turned around to go to Route 1. First things first, I needed to find Nevermore, then Kame...though if I remember correctly, Kame was after the whole spiel at the Professor's house. I was running from her house back to the train station when I saw this angry Chewtle chasing me in the middle of the road. I respected it chasing me for so long and initiated the encounter and lo and behold, a full odds shiny. I knew I had to catch him no matter what and he stuck with me till the very end, despite that I did box him to catch and train other Pokémon in end game, he was still, precious to me. So, if I wanted to get him, I'd have to be patient and wait till this Professor's house stuff was all over.

On the way back I remembered to grab the Revive that was behind the rock near the steps and the Rare Candy near the Pokémon Lab as I approached Route 1. With no more sleeping Wooloo in the way I made my way to the beginning of Route 1 and that first patch of grass should be where I found him. Only issues was the flock of Rookidee before me...
"How do I find out which one is Nevermore if any of these are at all?!!"

'Think! Peter seemed to recognize me at first, so Nevermore should too! What could I do to-' At that moment a lightbulb went off in my head. I could simply call for the Pokémon using the method I used to do when I would play with my Pokémon in camp, and it wasn't a whistle! I cleared my throat and did my best to recall whatever pieces I could remember:

Some of the Rookidees flew off, but I didn't stop, I was determined! Whenever I played with Nevermore in camp I'd jokingly read some of Edgar Allen Poe's Poem 'The Raven' aloud as I played. But I was running out of pieces that I could remember from the Poem! I didn't have the luxury of having the Poem before me. I only had 2 pieces left!

Almost immediately I took notice of one Rookidee getting very close, so I smiled as I knelt down in front of it and said the last piece:

It's eyes widened for a bit before hopping closer and around me as if examining me, and I felt content as I reached down to pat the tiny bird Pokémon, "It's you, huh Nevermore."
The tiny bird chirped happily before nodding and flapping his wings happily.
"You can tell it's me? I'm sorry that there's not much I can do about my appearance though," I apologized to the small Pokémon.
As if to assure me he was fine with this arrangement he hopped on my lap and rubbed his head against me making me pet him softly. Peter even broke out of his Pokéball to join in and began to hug the small bird as well, the two were always very close even though at first all they'd do was fight in camp even up till they were in their final evolutions, but overtime and winning the Champion battle together, they became inseparable.

"Nevermore," I spoke firmly as I pulled out a Pokéball, "I know you've probably been confused and still are, but, will you join my team to take on Leon once again? I could use your help, please."
"Scor Scorbun!" Peter threw in, whatever that meant.
Nevermore stared at the two of us for a moment before turning to stare at the Pokéball for a split second before pecking it and entering the ball. It didn't even roll in my hands as it immediately clicked without a fuss. I held the small ball close as I felt some tears starting to fall, my voice trembling, "Thank you so much, my dear friend."
Scorbunny gave me plenty of hugs and I resolved to train up these two a bit before we'd go to Route 2 to handle the trainers along the way. I still had to go pick up Kame after all!

After a bit of back and forth between Route 1 and the Pokémon Center, which earned me many looks from the Nurse Joy there due to my earlier comment; though seeing my Pokémon so happy with me she was at least convinced I wasn't abusing them and was properly training with them.
I was content seeing Peter and Nevermore at level 7 and after making sure they were in tip top shape, made my way to Route 2. The highest level Pokémon those random trainers have is Youngster Benjamin with 2 Blipbugs, a level 5 and a level 7; and Hop's highest level is his level 8 Grookey. Yeah I'm confident, plus I'll get Exp from those trainers plus any encounters I face. I'd rather be over leveled than under leveled, after all, if I failed there was no telling what failure would entail.