Lynelle couldn’t go back to sleep. Her mind kept recalling the weird dream she had earlier. For once in her life, attempting to sleep was not helping her.
So, she decided to go for an early morning run along with her Lucario, one of the things she does to calm down and clear her mind.
But even that didn’t help her.
When they returned, Lynelle went straight to her bathroom and splashed some cold water on her face. She released a defeated sigh and looked at the bathroom mirror, she noted the slight bags under her eyes and sighed heavily. “Arceus above, I look horrible.” Lynelle begrudgingly admitted and wiped her face dry.
Despite being awake, Lynelle was still feeling her tiredness from last night. Even though she has done some all-nighters due to her job, she recalled clearly that none of those times were as tiresome as she’s feeling now.
She sighed heavily. As she entered her bedroom, her phone began ringing. She looked over and saw that it was Sonia calling her. Lynelle immediately answered the call, glad to have someone she could talk to.
“Hello?”
“Morning, Sleepyhead! How’s your first night in your new flat? Oh yeah, I accidentally made a lot of pancakes so I thought to call you if you’d be interested.” Lynelle heard the peachette’s cheery voice through the phone. She smiled hearing how energetic and cheery Sonia was, just something she needed in her rough morning.
“It’s pretty okay. Pancakes sounds good, I’ll be there and… I have something that you may want to know.”
“Another nightmare?”
“...Kinda? I don't think it was some sort of nightmare... but it was a weird dream."
“Really...? Okay, come here and let me hear it.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Lynelle ended the call and gestured her Pokémon to get ready. As they did as told, Lynelle stared blankly at the window, remembering the fear and confusion she had when she saw the two lights that appeared earlier. So many questions began spiraling in her head. what where those lights? what do they mean? Why did they appear outside her window?
and what did they want from her?
Lynelle sighed and stood up to get ready. she didn't want to waste anymore time moping around when she had to go Wedgehurst. She hopes that when she tells Sonia her dream, the peachette will ave something to say.
~~~~
~~~
~~
~
As the two women ate their fluffy pancakes and drinking their hot coffee, Lynelle told Sonia her dream with as much detail she could remember.
“Two lights guided you to a shrine with two rusted things? What were those things?”
“I… can’t remember… I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Then you saw the same lights outside your window the second you woke up?”
“Y-yes…”
“Hmm… fog… tall, overgrown trees that blocks the light from the sun…. There’s only one forest that is simillar to what you described and that’s…
…The Slumbering Weald.”
Lynelle stiffened at the mention of the Slumbering Weald. She had thought that the said forest was the place where she was at in her dream, but then she realized that she has been to some foggy forests in her travels before so she labeled it unlikely.
But Lynelle remembered the first time she went into the forest. The eeriness, the cold wind she felt, the confusion and fear she felt when she wandered inside, she felt all those past feelings in her dream. Uncanny as it seemed to her, she couldn’t ignore the similarities.
“The Slumbering Weald… should we go check it out?” Lynelle voices out, then saw Sonia slightly flinch. “Well…love to, but it’s off limits. You need permission from my Gran’ to be able to enter. But uhhh… she doesn’t want me to go back in there again. *sighs*”
“Again?”
Sonia flinch again, then sighed. “I went in there once, only to comeback completely… “messy”. Gran’ really chewed me out that time, hehehe…” She sugarcoated her rough experience in one word. Lynelle hummed in response and then remembered the short story Leon shared about a friend of his who went into the Slumbering Weald.
“Huh… wait, so you’re the friend Leon mentioned that went into the Slumbering Weald once and got out completely scathed.”
“I’m sorry, he said what?”
“Well… he mentioned that a friend if his went into the forest and came back out scathed. Also, she was lectured by her grandMother afterwards. Now that you mentioned that you went in once and then got lectured by your grandMother, I put two-and-two together and realized that it was you he was talking about.” Lynelle stopped with a smile on her face from seeing her peachette friend getting flustered.
“L-Let’s just move on from my silly mistake ahahaha-”
“*RING RIIING!*”
Both women jumped from the loud ringtone coming from Lynelle’s phone. The ravenette grabbed her phone and saw Leon’s name on the screen. “It’s Leon.” She blurts out, alerting Sonia. “It’s Leon? Answer it!” Lynelle softly giggled at the peachette’s energy and answered the call.
“Hello? Leon?”
“Hello hello, Lyn’. Are you busy?” Leon’s voice was cheery and enthusiastic. Lynelle couldn’t help but smile at how happy he sounded, not noticing the smirk from the peachette sitting in front of her.
“Uhm… well yes I-” Lynelle stopped midway when she saw Sonia shaking her head, as if gesturing Lynelle to say no. “Uhm… n-no, not really. W-Why?” Lynelle stuttered.
“Well… can you go to Wedgehurst? There’s something I wanted to show you.”
“How convenient. I’m actually in Wedgehurst right now.”
“Wait really? Saves me the time! Meet me at the train station as soon as you can. I’ll be there.”
“Okay, try not to get lost though.”
“Ahaha… you already caught up to my horrible sense of direction… anyways, I’ll be fine, I have Charizard with me so need to worry.”
“I know… but still.”
“Haha, alright alright. I’ll keep that in mind. See ya there soon!”
Lynelle smiled as she puts away her phone after Leon ended the call. She giggled softly as she recalls the recent conversation. Sonia smirked at how her ravenette friend was giggling and smiling wide. She definitely thought that just the voice from the undefeated champion himself was the reason the ravanette was smiling so much
“So, you guys are calling each other now~?” Sonia asked in a sing-sang tone, making Lynelle look at her with a raised eyebrow. “No. That was the first time.” Lynelle casually answers. “Really? Kinda seemed like you guys have called each other before this. But anyway, you should go now.” Sonia smiled as she gulped down a whole pancake, which made Lynelle jolt in surprise but didn’t dare question it.
“S-So you have a speculation to what my dream was about?” Lynelle asks, still surprised about what just happened. “All I can say that it has something to do with the Slumbering Weald… and… that’s a dangerous place all by itself. We can check it out in another time – when we get approval from Gran’ herself… if we can convince her that is.” Sonia gave her a reassuring smile.
“Gotcha. Thank you so much for helping me, Sonia.” Lynelle weakly smiles. “It’s no problem, this is crucial information you’re giving me and helping you with your nightmares is the least I can do.”
“What? You’re doing a lot for me.”
“Well…thanks. But if you say that, then these nightmares are really bothering you huh?”
Lynelle went silent and nods. “It’s just that… this is the first time something like this happened to me… and I don’t know what to do.” Lynelle lowered her head down on the table, the weight of confusion and uncertainty held her down. Sonia felt bad for her friend. Just the sight of the ravenette slumped down in a depressed-like state didn’t feel right to her in the slightest.
“Lyn’, I’ll do whatever I can to help you figure out these nightmares, what they mean and why you’re getting them. So don’t worry!” Sonia looked at Lynelle with a bright and confident smile. The cheeriness and confidence oozing off from the peachette was enough to make Lynelle smile.
“… Thank you, Sonia.” She smiled widely, the feeling of relief and happiness swirled within her. She was incredibly glad to be friends with Sonia.
“No prob! Now go to the station. Leon’s probably looking for you now and will likely get lost while doing so.” Sonia laughs. “I’m surprised he can go his whole day with horrible sense of directions. I’m off to make sure he doesn’t.” Lynelle stood up and went towards the doors, not before waving the peachette goodbye.
“See ya~” Sonia says in a sing-sang tone which made Lynelle playfully roll her eyes as she exits the house.
~~~~
~~~
~~
~
Lynelle made it the train station, but she didn’t see the purple-haired champion anywhere. ‘Where is he? Did he get lost again?’ she wondered.
“Can’t believe Champion Leon came here in Wedgehurst. He’s just as good-looking in person as he was in camera!”
“I know! He looked so cool!”
Lynelle overheard a conversation between two young women a short distance away from her. She knew where their conversation was heading so she decided to walk further away. ‘Did I just missed him?’ Lynelle wondered as she looked around the station for the Champion. Then she felt her phone vibrate. She pulled her phone out and saw that she received a text message from Leon himself.
~-----~
Leon: Hey! If you’re in the station, I’m not there anymore. Follow the path adjacent from the station’s entrance until you see a large house. That’s where I’m at.
Leon: Hurry though, I wanna show you something that I know you’ll love :D
~-----~
Lynelle giggled at the smiley face. She could imagine it in her head, Leon smiling widely like the smiley face in his message. The ravenette put away her phone and walked towards the path where the station’s entrance was pointing at.
She admired the plains, the pokemon, and the calming breeze as she walked along the path towards Postwick. She then saw a large house with a garage. As she got closer, she saw Leon talking to three kids. She stepped in to the gate which grabbed the attention of the four.
“Uhmm… Hello.” Lynelle waved hello, standing stiff at how the three kids were staring at her curiously. “Lyn’! you made it!” Leon beamed and approached her. “Sorry I missed you at the station.” Lynelle rubbed her neck sheepishly which made Leon laugh.
“Haha! No worries.” Leon smiled widely at her and then pushed her along towards the three kids. “Everyone, this is my good friend, Lynelle. Lyn’? From right to left we have: Gloria, Victor, and my little brother Hop!”
‘Little brother?’
“Oh! Uhm-it’s very nice to meet you all!” Lynelle politely smiled.
“HULLO, MS. LYNELLE! THE NAME’S GLORIA!” The young girl named Gloria happily introduces herself. The people around her covered their ears since her voice was incredibly loud that it rivals the cry of a Loudred, or maybe even a Noivern.
The young girl named Gloria had brown short hair that reaches her chin, dark-brown eyes and fair skin. She was wearing a gray sweater with a chain-like pattern and underneath was a magenta dress that ends mid-thigh. She wore a green beanie hat and thick brown shoes and carrying a large brown backpack.
“Sheesh, Gloria! Tone it down, will ya!?” A young boy wearing a gray beanie exclaimed. “Oh! Sorry ‘bout that!” The young girl sheepishly smiled. The young boy wearing a gray beanie sighed and faced Lynelle with an apologetic look on his face.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Lynelle. Sorry ‘bout Gloria's… energy.” The kid named Victor bowed apologetically. He looked slightly similar to Gloria though his hair had a lighter shade of brown, as well as his eyes. He was wearing a red polo shirt, ripped jeans and brown shoes. He wore a gray beanie which had a similar chain pattern just like the ones on Gloria’s sweater, and a large brown rectangular travel bag. “No no, it’s alright. It’s nice to meet you Gloria, Victor, and…”
Lynelle trailed off to look at the third kid who looked like a younger version of Leon. He had dark-purple hair, dark skin, and gold eyes. He wore a jacket with fur lining, a black t-shirt underneath, and black pants. He had a small green travel bag that was strapped on his chest and his hairstyle was very similar to Leon’s, but minus the long hair.
‘So he Leon’s younger brother…’ Lynelle thought as she looks at the young boy. Then she realized that the said boy was staring at her curiously.
“Hoppy?” Leon looked at his brother but his brother ignored him and kept staring at Lynelle, which made Lynelle become incredibly nervous. ‘Oh no… he doesn’t like me?’ She thought, the feeling of getting rejected rose. The young boy stared at Lynelle a little longer, then he blinked as if a light bulb lit up.
“Oh! So you’re the “Lynelle” Lee’ keeps talking about. Lee’s Girlfriend!”
“...”
“…”
“…”
“W-W-WHAT!?”
Leon waved his hands defensively. His face was red, clearly flustered at his brother’s sudden claim. “H-Hop…! Lyn’s just a friend. Nothing more. Ahahha.” He nervously laughs, his face was still red. “Huh? But you talk about her a lot every time you visit. So I assumed you finally got a girlfriend or something.” Hop tilted his head in confusion, his two friends could only sweatdrop at how innocent hop was.
“N-Not a girlfriend, just a friend. Right, Lyn’?” Leon looked at Lynelle for back-up, only to see her shocked, and incredibly red face. Leon waved his hand in front of Lynelle’s eyes to get her attention, which thankfully worked. “H-huh? Oh y-yeah! We’re just friends. Hahahaha.” Lynelle nervously laughs, her face still red.
Not once has she lost her cool like this…
“Oh… sorry for misunderstanding. It’s nice to meet you too, Ms. Lynelle.” The boy named Hop bowed apologetically, which Lynelle waved him off. “No, no. It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. Also, you can call me “Lyn’” or anything you like.” Lynelle smiled at the three kids.
“Of course! Oh! Ms. Lyn’?”
“Yes, Hop?”
“Is it true that you have a Lucario that almost beat my brother’s Charizard?”
“Eh? How did you…”
“Lee’ talks about your battle all the time. In fact, he keeps on boasting about how talented of a Trainer you are. That alone just says how strong of a Trainer you are if you’re praised by the undefeated Champion himself!” Hop beamed.
Lynelle was silent, surprised at the fact that someone was praising her. She became flustered knowing that Leon has mentioned her to his family despite only getting to know each other for more than a week,
“H-How much did you talk about me?” Lynelle glanced towards Leon who avoided her gaze out of embarrassment.
“Ahh… uhm…”
“Quite a lot, really.” Hop chimes in which earned a reaction from Leon.
As amusing it was to see the undefeated Champion be all flustered, Lynelle couldn’t help but feel bad for him. She faked a cough to divert everyone’s attention from Leon. “I see… Back to the topic at hand, I would love to introduce lucario and the rest to you all. But first, Leon? didn’t you have something you want to show us?” Lynelle gave Leon a knowing look, which he caught on instantly. 'Thank you, Lyn’!’
“Ahem… Now that Lyn’s here… It’s showtime, everyone!”
Leon pulled out three Pokéballs from his pocket and looked at everyone with excitement in his eyes. “Take a good look, everyone!” He threw the Pokéballs and as they bounced, out comes the three starters of Galar.
“The Grass-type Pokemon… Grookey!”
“The Fire-type Pokemon… Scorbunny!”
“And the Water-type Pokemon… Sobble!”
The three starters roamed around and enjoying outside surroundings. The Grookey climbed up into a tree, the Sobble jumped into the pond, while the Scornbunny ran circles on the small arena they had, leaving embers with every step it took.
The three kids watch with excitement s they finally see their future partners. As for Lynelle, she was speechless at how adorable the Galar starters were. She immediately pulled out her Rotom phone and scanned the three starters.
“Grookey, The Chimp Pokemon. A Grass-type. It attacks with rapid beats of its stick. As it strikes with amazing speed, it gets more and more pumped.”
“Scorbunny, The Rabbit Pokemon. A Fire-type. It has special pads on the backs of its feet, and one on its nose. Once it’s raring to fight, these pads radiate tremendous heat.”
“Sobble, The Water-Lizard Pokemon. A Water-type. When it gets wet, its skin changes color, and this Pokémon becomes invisible as if it were camouflaged.”
Lynelle listened intently at each dex entry, her excitement rose each time she listens. To have meet another Galar-native Pokémon made her feel even more excited to learn and meet more Galarian Pokémon.
As the starters explore their surroundings, a blob of water hits Scorbunny on the head, making it jump in panic and hit the branch where Grookey was, which let the Sitrus berry it was playing with fall on the pond and scared Sobble.
“SQUAAHHH!!!”
The Sobble cried out loud, the two other starters went to its side and comforted it, calming the Water-type down. The whole scene made Lynelle’s heart clench from how cute it was. Leon saw the ravenette’s expressions and felt glad to see her liking his little surprise.
“All right! Line up, everyone!”
As Leon gave the command, the three starters happily hopped closer and formed a line in the middle of the small arena. “So… Which will you choose?” Leon looked over to his brother and his friends and smiled at their excited faces.
“Go on - Gloria, Victor, you guys pick first. I’ve already got my Wooloo, after all.” Hop smiled wide at his two friends. The first one was Gloria. She took multiple looks on each Pokémon until her eyes were set on the Sobble. “That’s the Water-type Pokémon Sobble. It adapts to anything, as surely as water flows. Are you going with the Water-type Pokémon Sobble, Gloria?”
“YES!”
“Haha! Then I hope you two become good friends!” Leon beamed. The Sobble jumped onto Gloria’s hands and looked at her curiously.
“Go on, Victor. It’s your turn.”
Victor nodded at Leon and went straight to the Grookey. “The Grass-type Pokémon Grookey, eh? Its soothing - like a nice, long walk in the woods. So, Victor. It’s the Grass-type Pokémon Grookey, is it?”
“Yes!”
“Then I hope the two of you work together and be best of friends.” Leon smiles and watches the Grookey happily climbing onto Victor’s shoulders.
“So it’s Sobble and Grookey for you guys? Nice one!” Hop chimes in and looked at the Scorbunny who was looking back at him expectantly. “Then I’ll go with Scorbunny! You’re mine!” Hop excitedly says. “I’m aiming to be the next Champion, so be ready! You and I’ll be doing some serious training!” He says with full confidence. The Scorbunny happily hops in responses and greets itself to Hop’s Wooloo.
“I bet you will be, Hop. That’s why I brought along these Pokémon for you and your friends. So the three of you can battle and train and grow stronger together… to try and reach me!”
Lynelle giggled at the pure confidence the purple-haired man was radiating. She should’ve expected his cockiness to show at the mention of battling, even in front of his brother. It was heartwarming for her that Leon did all that too make his brother happy and pumped up.
“Well well, now that you guys have your partners, let me introduce you to mine. Everyone, come out!” Lynelle threw her Pokéballs up high and lets all of her Pokémon out. The three young kids were shocked but excited to see Lynelle’s team, especially Hop.
“Woah! Your Lucario looks so cool!” The gold-eyed boy excitedly says as he got up close to Lucario.
“Wow! You have a Growlithe and a shiny Kirlia? THEY’RE SO CUTE!” Gloria exclaimed and giggles as Kirlia floats around her.
Victor smiled at the sight of his two friends enjoying themselves. Then his eyes landed over a Duraludon hiding behind the ravenette. He immediately got up close to Duraludon’s face, scaring the poor Steel-Dragon-type. “Wait, you have a Duraludon too! How’d you get that!?” Victor’s eyes became like stars as he asks, scaring Duraludon even more.
The timid steel Pokémon hugged her Trainer’s legs tight and began to shake nervously. Victor took a step back and looked up to Lynelle in worry, which she immediately waves him off. “Oh don’t worry. My Duraludon’s a little shy, that’s all.” She showed him a reassuring smile. Victor breathes out in relief before joining his friends in admiring the ravenette’s Lucario.
A smile was formed on Lynelle’s face. She could hear the children vocally admiring her Lucario which made the feeling of pride swell up within her, and she had a feeling that her partner Pokémon was feeling the same way.
“All right, enough of this Trainer nonsense for one night!”
Everyone’s attention turned towards two middle aged women coming out from the house. One of the women resembled a little like Gloria and a little Victor . She had dark brown hair tied in a ponytail, fair skin and dark brown eyes. She was wearing a white t-shirt underneath her overalls, and white shoes.
The woman next to her had close resemblance to both Leon an hop, Lynelle assumed that she was their Mother. Just like Hop and Leon, She has dark skin, golden eyes and short dark-purple hair. She was wearing a yellow long-sleeved blouse, jeans and green doll shoes.
“Dinner’s ready, children. Bring along your Pokémon, and let’s all eat!” The purple-haired woman excitedly says as she brings out a plate filled with food. Hop, Gloria, Victor, and their Pokémon ran straight to the plate of food, while the two older women approached Leon and Lynelle.
“Leon! You made it in time and… who is this young lady?” The purple-haired woman looked at Lynelle, curious and intrigued.
“Mum, this is Lynelle.” Leon smiled wide as he introduced his Mother to his ravenette friend. His Mother blinked in surprise and then immediately went to hold both of Lynelle’s hands.
“Lynelle!? Oh my goodness! I didn’t think I’d meet you soon. Leon has told me wonderful things about you, darling. It’s soo nice to finally meet you in person!” The purple-haired woman happily says as she shook Lynelle’s hands with pure excitement.
“Oh! Uhh… It’s an honor to meet you too, Miss…”
“Oh just call me Sandra, dear.” The purple-haired woman smiles. Lynelle smiled back and looked at the woman beside her. “Oh, just call me Jemma. I’m Gloria’s Mum and Victor’s Aunt. It’s nice to meet you too.” The elder brunette smiles.
‘Oh… that somewhat explains why Victor and Gloria look so similar.’ Lynelle thought.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Ms. Sandra and Ms. Jemma. My name is Lynelle Celestine.” Lynelle politely smiled at the two older women. Ms. Jemma smiled wide while Ms. Sandra widened her eyes at the mention of Lynelle’s last name.
“Celestine? Oh! I knew you looked familiar. You’re Marybelle and Leonardo’s Daughter!” Ms. Sandra beamed, surprising Lynelle. “You know them?” The ravenette eagerly asks.
“Haha! Of course! Did you forget that you and your family used to live here? Your Mother is one of my close friends in my younger days. She was a city girl but she wanted to stay somewhere peaceful… that’s where I told her about Postwick!”
“I see! That’s why my Mum loves Postwick so much.”
“Yes yes! I’m so happy to see that you’ve become such a fine lady and a fine ranger at that, your brother too. I heard your brother became a successful researcher. I’m sure that both of your parents are incredibly proud of the both of you…” Ms. Sandra paused, her cheery expression turned into a melancholic one.
“But… how are you both feeling?”
Lynelle felt a jab at her heart, she immediately understood what the older woman was referring to. Lynelle smiled, hiding the pain she felt from her parents’ death. Slowly but surely, she accepted the fact that she will never see them again.
“Oh… No need to worry. Me and my brother are doing fine now. It’s thanks him that I was finally able to move on.”
“Move on from what?”
Leon, who was listening to their entire conversation, chimed in with confusion present on his face. Lynelle felt conflicted and Ms. Sandra noticed. “Hush now, Leon. Me and Lynelle here are going to have our own conversation for a bit.” His Mother politely cuts in, surprising Leon. Then Ms. Sandra’s eyes widened as if a light bulb lit up. “Oh right! Please stay with us for dinner! There will be lots of delicious food and I’d like to hear you and your brother’s life stories!” She held Lynelle’s hands again.
“Oh, I’d love to-.” Lynelle stopped midway and looked at Leon with an unsure look. “Is it okay?” She asked. Leon laughed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Well, of course! The more the merrier.” He smiled wide which made Lynelle feel relieved.
“Great! I want you to tell me everything that has happened to you, dear.” Ms. Sandra pushes Lynelle towards the grill they had outside. Leon didn’t pay attention to what they were saying. He was just happy to see that his Mother and his new friend getting along well. Though he was quite surprised that his Mother was incredibly welcoming to Lynelle.
“*sigh* I didn’t even get the chance to talk to her. Lynelle seems like a lovely woman. Your Mum likes her already.” Ms. Jemma softly laughs beside Leon.
“Haha. I’m glad she does.”
‘But what did they meant about moving on?’
~~~~
~~~
~~
~
Dusk has settled in later in the day. The smell of barbecue flows in the air and mixing into the smoke, creating an irresistible aroma that could make one’s mouth water. Lights were turned on to brighten the evening and creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
As everyone enjoyed their meals and played with the Pokémon. Leon went towards his Mother who was keeping an eye on the grill.
“Hey, Mum?”
“Yes, Lee’?”
“How are you with Lyn’ so far?” Leon nervously asks, but the nervous feeling quickly went away when he saw his Mother’s expression brighten with enthusiasm.
“Oh! She’s such a delight to be with. She’s very kind, well-mannered, and knowledgeable about most things yet is quite the curious person. Oh the face she makes when she was curious about my cooking. It was so adorable!” The purple-haired woman replied with a huge smile on her face.
Leon breathes out in relief to know that his Mother likes his ravenette friend. Then he turned serious as he took a deep breath in. “I’m glad you like her. So, What did you mean to Lyn’ about ‘moving on’?” He hesitantly asks, which earned a look of realization from his Mother.
“Oh right. You don’t know…” She sighed heavily, making Leon feel anxious about the information he was about to learn.
“Well… Lynelle’s parents… passed away when she was sixteen.”
“Oh…”
Leon felt his heart clench. He had never thought that someone like Lynelle could have something bad happened in her past. A while of getting to know her, he has always seen her smiling with her Pokémon and enjoying herself. It made him feel guilty and naive for assuming it.
“That topic came up when we were talking earlier. She supposedly came here a week ago by her brother to take a break from her job, and to let her remember her childhood and to move on from her parents’ passing…” Leon lowered his head, deep in thought. He was there when the ravenette told him and their friends her reasons why she came to Galar, but they never knew she had a third and personal reason.
“…But I’ll stop for now, go and ask her that!”
“W-what!? I can’t just ask her a question from a touchy subject!”
“Lynelle doesn’t mind it, now go!” His Mother hands him a plate of sweets and pushes him towards Lynelle, who was sitting by their gate watching her Pokémon play along with Hop and his friends.
“Ugh…”
“Leon? You okay?”
“Oh it’s nothing, don’t worry. Want some sweets?”
“If you don’t mind.”
Lynelle took a couple of biscuits from the plate. Leon placed down the plate and sat next to her. “These are really good.” Lynelle blurts out. “Yeah they sure are. My mum’s a great cook.” Leon says with confidence as he eats a biscuit.
They stayed quiet for a while, enjoying the silence between them until Leon took a deep breath in. “So… Lyn’… This may sound a little insensitive… but what happened to your parents?” Leon hesitantly asks. Lynelle averted her eyes away from him, a melancholic expression present on her face, which made Leon regret asking.
“Y-you don’t have to answer if you feel uncomfortable, of course.” Leon felt bad for asking something sensitive to Lynelle, He shouldn’t have been too curious that it made him nosy. But Lynelle just softly smiled at him.
“It’s fine, Leon. I’m not as bothered by it as I was before.”
“But still-“
“it’s fine really.”
Lynelle showed him a reassuring smile. She took a deep breath in and exhaled out the nervousness. “My parents died in a car crash. A drunk truck driver rammed into them and pushed them off a steep cliff. The second me and my brother showed up to the Hospital… they were already dead.”
“Oh… I’m so sorry, Lyn’.”
“It’s… it’s okay. Back then, me and my brother didn’t take it well. They were our rock, they always supported us and loved us unconditionally… they were the best parents one could ever ask for… We missed them a lot.” Lynelle’s soft smile became a brokenhearted one. The memories of her parents’ death almost made her tear up, and a reminder to never forget them.
“The guy responsible for their deaths is behind bars. And… yeah… me and my brother are fine now… but we still miss them.”
Leon could only stay silent and listen to her story. His heart clenched even more as he hears her voice all shaky and quiet. He wanted her to stop the second she opened her mouth but he didn’t want to be rude… and he wanted to know a little bit more of her past…
…But he never thought she’d had the same situation as him.
“I… felt the same way with my late Father…” Lynelle’s eyes widened at him. She knew what he was about to say and she never expected that it also happened to him. She stayed quiet and listened intently. “…He was just as supportive of my dream just like my Mum. He has always been there for me whenever I needed him, or when I wanted him to teach me something…”
Leon’s voice became shaky and quiet.
“My dad was a talented researcher in medicine. Two weeks after my Mum was pregnant with Hop he… was tasked to go on a field trip in Crown Tundra with another researcher…”
“Crown Tundra is the place full of snow, isn’t it?”
“Yes… We found out from his research partner that a sudden snow storm happened and my dad was out of their shelter right after the storm hit. When it disappeared, they went out to look for him… only to find his frozen corpse.”
Lynelle felt a jab in her heart to hear such information. She felt bad and guilty that their conversation made him tell a story he was sensitive towards, and she could only imagine how heartbroken the man beside her was when they heard the news.
She wanted to hug him, tell him it’s okay. But she refrained herself from doing so. She thought It may make him feel weird and uncomfortable. The least she could do is to give her his condolences.
“Leon… I’m… I’m so sorry.”
“…It’s okay. We’re okay now, but we still miss him… Though I do regret that Hop didn’t get the chance to meet Dad. He was… looking forward to his birth the most…”
Even if he was smiling softly, Lynelle could see the pain he was feeling as he talked about his father’s death. Then her heart clenched even more as she saw tears forming on the corners of his eyes.
“Leon… here” Lynelle pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and hands it to him.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
“You’re crying.”
“H-huh?”
Leon took a moment to register before touching his now wet cheeks. “Oh…. I really am… Thank you.” He gratefully accepts Lynelle’s handkerchief and wipes the tears away. Lynelle lets him hold her handkerchief for a while, just in case he needed it.
“I never really thought a cheery and charismatic person like you could have a similar experience as me.” Lynelle blurts out as she stares into the orange sky.
“Me too. Guess the saying never judge a book from its cover really is true.” Leon softly laughs as he joins her in staring at the orange sky.
“I guess so.” Lynelle softly smiles as she faces Leon.
“All I can say is that your Father was a great man. The things he taught you, the memories you made with him made you the person you are today. Confident, bold, a skilled and talented Trainer. You should be proudly of yourself and to your Father.” Lynelle placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and smiled at him.
Leon went speechless. He never thought he’d receive such kind words from someone he only knew for more than a week... and he never thought he needed it badly.
“Lyn’… Thank you…”
Leon smiled wide at the ravenette, thankful to have her as a friend, thankful to have receive kind words from her, thankful to have her company. He didn’t want himself to be the only one to be comforted, but just when he was about to say something,
they heard Hop’s loud scream of disbelief.
Everyone’s attention turned towards Hop’s now dirty kebab, Gloria freaking out, and Victor sighing heavily. Just from the scene itself, Lynelle could guess what happened between the three. ‘It would seem that Gloria accidentally made Hop drop his kebab…’ She thought as she watches the two rambled on while Victor just stood there disappointed. She laughed at the chaotic energy while Leon laughed along with her.
Then as Lynelle watches the three kids arguing, it reminded her the “misunderstanding” that had happened earlier.
“So… your brother, Hop. He seems really nice, as well as his friends.” Lynelle blurts out, getting Leon’s attention. “Yeah, they are.” Leon laughs…and got embarrassed as he remembered the earlier “misunderstanding”.
“S-Sorry if what happened earlier made you uncomfortable.” He rubbed his neck sheepishly, which the ravenette just laughs.
“No no, it’s fine. I’m actually flattered to know that someone talks about me.”
“You’re… not weirded out by that?”
“Well… only if it’s from someone I don’t know. My brother talks about me all the time when it comes to battling.”
“Really? Well, I can see that. You’re one talented and skilled Trainer after all.”
“Heh, thank you. You’re also one talented Trainer as well.”
Both of them kept smiling at each other as they exchanged words and enjoying their company. Leon was glad that the ravenette wasn’t bothered with the situation earlier. As for Lynelle, she was glad that the purple-haired man had vocally talked about her. It made her think that he was glad to have her as a friend.
“Hey Lee! Ms. Lyn’!”
Both adults turned towards Hop jogging towards them with a desperate look. “Is it true that Lucarios can understand human speech?” He asked with stars on his eyes.
“Well, Lyn’?” Leon looked at her ravenette friend who was just as amused as he was. “Of course they can. They’re one of multiple Pokémon who can understand human speech. See for yourselves.” Lynelle gestured Hop to her partner Pokémon. Hop nervously approached her Lucario who just stared at him.
“Oh uhm… Lucario, do you know me?”
Lucario nods.
“Do you know who my friends are?”
Lucario nods.
“Do you want to punch me?”
Lucario shakes his head no.
“W-Woah! It’s true!??”
“HAH! I WIN THE BET, HOP!”
“GAHH!”
Everyone laughed at Gloria and Hop’s silly banter. It turns out that Gloria made a bet with Hop that if either of them wins, the one who loses has to give the winner 500 Pokédollars.
Then she felt something soft and fluffy under her legs. She looked down to see Hop’s Wooloo rubbing its soft, wooly fleece all over her legs. “Hey there, little guy.” Lynelle happily greets the sheep Pokémon with some pets, the Pokémon was glad to earn attention from her. Then Lynelle pulled out her Rotom phone and then scanned Hop’s Wooloo.
“Wooloo, the Sheep Pokémon. A Normal-type. If its fleece grows too long, Wooloo won’t be able to move. Cloth made with the wool of this Pokémon is surprisingly strong.” Rotom relays Wooloo’s dex entry.
“C’mon, Wooloo! Let’s show Victor how serious we are!”
“Beehhh!”
Hop’s Wooloo immediately went towards him and tackled Victor to the ground, earning the laughter from the both Gloria and Hop. Lynelle and Leon couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene. “Yep. Like brothers, You guys are hyperactive.”
“Heh, that’s just hoppy. He’s just like that his whole life. Today even more so because He’s got a new partner.”
“Oh? Are you endorsing them to the Gym Challenge?”
“Well… I don’t really think so… I don’t think they’re ready.”
“I see…”
Lynelle nodded in understanding and continued watching her Pokémon play while eating some sweets. Leon held his head low, deep in thought. The mention of the Gym Challenge had him thinking of the countless possibilities that could happen if he allows Hop and his friends to participate.
As Champion, he likes the idea of a little surprise. But as an older brother, he can’t help but worry for Hop. They were still young and learning new things every day, but he doesn’t think that Hop can handle the pressure. The thought of his heartbroken little brother bothered him.
“C’mon, Ms. Lyn’! Let’s make some s’mores!”
“Yeah! Lee’ said that you like sweets so much that you made s’mores. Please teach us how to make them!”
“H-Huh? O-okay.”
Leon looked over beside him, only to see Lynelle getting dragged by the three kids. Just from the smiles on their faces, Leon could see that they enjoy each other’s company. Especially Lynelle, who was happily teaching them how to make s’mores.
Then it hit him…
‘…Maybe letting Hop and his friends join… won’t be such a bad idea.’
~~~~
~~~
~~
~
The night sky has finally arrived. Darkness enveloped the land only to be brighten up by the starry sky and the lights inside houses.
Ms. Jemma, Gloria and Victor went back to their home after dinner was over. Hop went to his room and hang-out with his new partner, Scorbunny. Lynelle was about to leave after saying her goodbyes to Leon, but she was immediately stopped by his Mother.
“Lynelle, dear? Where are you staying?”
“You can call me “Lyn”, Mrs. Sandra. I’m staying in a flat in Hammerlocke.”
Lynelle smiled but the older woman looked at her with worry.
“That’s quite far and I don’t trust you going out in the night alone.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I’ll be fine, I have my Pokémon with me, after all.”
“Yes…but still. It would be safer if you stay here for the night. I don’t want your brother to worry.”
“Oh I don’t mean to intrude...”
“It’s fine, dear! Don’t you agree, Leon?”
“Hm? I could just fly Lyn to- GEH!” Leon held on to his side after getting a elbow jab from his Mother. Whenever his Mother has made her decision, she would stick to it. It was one of the things he always remind himself when it comes to his Mother. “I-I mean… yeah, I guess it’s better for you to stay the night here. Lot of terrible things happen at nighttime and… uh… Charizard isn’t the type to stay awake for long.” He sheepishly laughs, earning a questioning look from both Lynelle and Charizard.
“I see… well… I guess you’re right.”
“I’ll set up the guest bedroom for you dear. Leon? Help me do so.”
“S-sure. Come inside, Lyn’.”
“O-okay, please excuse me.”
~~~~
~~~
~~
~
Leon and his Mother explained to Hop and their grandparents of the current situation. Hop was surprised to hear the news and their grandparents were happy and welcoming to Lynelle and her Pokémon. They even had to sat her down and have her answer their questions as Leon and his Mother set up the Guest room.
Despite not being good at conversations, Lynelle was quite glad that the two elderly couple were understanding and patient with her. Even Hop didn’t mind of her lack of social interaction and just asked her a lot of questions regarding her life as a Pokémon Trainer.
It went for almost an half an hour until Leon’s Mother showed up with a pile of clothes.
“Lyn’, dear? Here’s some comfy clothes you can put on.” Lynelle politely excused herself and went towards Ms. Sandra. The purple-haired woman held out the pile of clothing towards Lynelle, but the ravenette was too hesitant to accept it.
“Y-You’re too kind, Ms. Sandra.”
“Oh it’s no problem dear.”
Seeing the bright smile on the older woman’s face made Lynelle feel guilty of what would happen if she refused. “T-Thank you… and thank you for letting me and my Pokémon stay for the night.” Lynelle bowed her head in a thankful manner, which Ms. Sandra waved it of with a giggle.
“It’s no problem, dear! Just head straight upstairs and then turn right, your room has a yellow door.”
Lynelle nodded and thanked her again before heading towards her room. She changed her clothes into the ones Ms. Sandra brought, which was surprisingly just over her actual size. She then let’s her Pokémon out and have them get settled in the room. As she kept an eye on her Pokémon, she heard a knock on the door.
“Come in!”
The source of the knocking came inside and revealed to be Leon wearing a white short and grey sweatpants.
“Hey uhh… sorry about my Mum. I can’t really stop her when she has made up her mind, no matter how much I try.” He bowed his head apologetically which Lynelle just waved him off with a laugh.
“It’s okay, she’s a really kind and considerate person”
“Heh, can’t deny that.”
He says as he leans on the door frame. “How are you adjusting to Galar? The time zones of both Hoenn and Galar are different, after all.” He looked at her questioningly. “Weird at first, but I’m already used to it since I travel a lot.” Lynelle answers as she pets her Growlithe.
“Oh that reminds me, can you tell me all about your journey in Hoenn? I would love to hear how you became such a talented Trainer.”
“Hmmm… Okay, but it’s long and it’s starting to get a little late. So maybe some day.”
“Oh I can’t wait to hear it.”
“Though… it would be unfair for me unless you also share your Gym Challenge journey. I would love to hear how the Champion of Galar was dubbed as Undefeated.”
“Hmmm… Fair point. I’ll definitely tell you, but be prepared since it’s a long one.”
Both of them smirked and then laughed whole-heartedly, Enjoying each other’s company once again. When silence filled the room, Leon remembered what he came for.
“Here, your handkerchief.” Leon pulls out Lynelle’s handkerchief and handed it to her. “Not gonna lie, I totally forgot about this.” Lynelle laughed which made Leon chuckle. “I had a feeling you did… But thank you, it made me feel better earlier.” Leon looked at her with soft smile that made Lynelle blush a little.
“I’m… I’m glad it helped you.” She gratefully accepts the handkerchief. Leon smiled at her again before standing up straight.
“It really did… Now then, let’s hit the hay for tonight. Goodnight, Lyn’.”
“Goodnight.”
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A/N: So some things to clarify because I forgot:
-Idk the canon names of Leon and Victor/Gloria’s mothers so I just came up with new ones (If they do have canon names, please tell me)
-In this story, Victor and Gloria are cousins.
-In this story, I don't really know Leon and Hop's father so I made my own a backstory for that
-The year gap between Lynelle and her older brother is 9 (Lawrence is 31 while Lynelle is 22, as well as Leon)
-Lawrence’s nickname is “Lance” while Lynelle’s nickname is “Lyn’”
If you have any more confusions about my story, please please ask me.
Also, long chapter woooo!! :D