Chapter Text
“New Years is super informal here. You just show up and hang out until midnight.” Hilda spoke into her Poketch.
“That's it? No festivals or anything?” Cynthia spoke back over the call.
“I mean, some places do events, but we've always just stayed home and hung out. We make a lot of snack foods and watch TV until the countdown to midnight.” Hilda paced in a circle in her room.
“Okay, good to know. So just show up at any time?” Cynthia asked.
“Yeah, basically.” Hilda shrugged. She wasn't kidding when she said it was informal.
“Alright. I'll be there tonight.”
“Great! See you later!” Hilda hung up the call.
“I'm glad she was able to make it, since she'll be returning home soon.” N sat across the room, watching over the egg they had been gifted.
“Same. I know it's nothing fancy, but it's nice to have her here still.” Hilda sat on her bed.
“What traditions does this holiday have?” N asked, turning his attention towards her.
“Not much. You're supposed to make a New Year's resolution- like a goal for the year. Something you want to start doing, or something you want to accomplish. It's not serious, though. Most people don't even complete theirs.” Hilda shrugged.
“Hmm. A goal for the New Year?” N thought it over.
“You've got plenty of time. You don't need to have one planned right now.” She clarified. “You can still think about it next year. Or not even come up with one. Some people don't even bother with it.”
“I want to try, but I have nothing I can think of now.” He frowned.
“No rush- give it some time. One will come to you naturally.”
“Do you have a resolution in mind?” He asked.
Hilda paused.
There's only one thing it could be.
“Yeah. The champion title.” She finally admitted.
“That's a good goal to have. You'll succeed in it.” He said.
“I know. It's something I think I can finally do in the near future. It'll definitely make us more public though. I can already see the buzz it's going to make around the region.” Hilda rolled her eyes. “Is that something you're okay with? You probably won't be spared from it just by being around me.”
“Of course it's fine. I've accepted that being back home means getting some level of attention and scrutiny. I can manage it. Especially to support you.” N watched as she sat next to him.
“It's also going to put a pause on our travel plans. I'm going to be a lot busier.” She looked towards him.
“I know.” He reassured. “Your dream comes first. We'll find time eventually. There's no rush.”
Hilda leaned against his shoulder. “Yeah. I'm making up excuses, aren't I?” She laughed. “I'm still learning to take things one day at a time. I'm not very good at it, yet.”
His arm moved around to her waist to hold her closer. “We're still learning. Together.”
…
The dining table was full of snacks in various plates and bowls. There would be no shortage of food throughout the night as they waited for the New Year to begin.
Hearing a knock on the door, Hilda hurried over to open it.
“Hiya!” Bianca greeted, hands full of even more food.
“Whoa, I think we're already fine on food.” Hilda admitted.
“But I made cookies for us all.” Bianca whined, puppy dog eyes in play.
“Pretend I said nothing then, leave them on the table.” Hilda grinned. She couldn't resist Bianca's homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Hilda moved back to the couch, next to N and her Samurott. Bianca ended up sitting on the floor next to Hilda’s Whimsicott.
“I texted Cheren. He'll be a little late. Apparently he got roped up in Aspertia celebrations. They really welcomed him over there.” Bianca seemed happy for him.
Hilda flipped through the channels on the TV, landing on the local news. They would broadcast the yearly celebration in Nimbasa all night, with various performances and acts.
“I heard they got Elesa to host part of it. The professor was telling me she heard about it online.” Bianca admitted.
“Oh, wow. I wonder what they'll do for it then.” They always had various celebrities host or make appearances, but this was a first for Elesa.
Sure enough, Elesa was on screen. Dressed up in her finest winter coat, she still looked as elegant as ever. Elesa introduced the start of the parade as the camera moved over to see various parade floats decorated to match different themes.
Partway through the parade, it cut away to reveal Elesa sitting at a table with another familiar face.
“Oh, it's Rosa!” Bianca exclaimed.
Elesa began interviewing the newest champion, asking her how life has been going since then. Then they let her talk very briefly about the movie she was cast in.
“We'll have to go see it when it's out at the theater!” Bianca said, excitedly.
“For sure.” Hilda responded.
Another knock at the door caught her attention. Hilda hurried over to open it, revealing Cheren who had finally arrived.
“About time!” Hilda teased.
“Believe me, I got here as soon as I could.” Cheren huffed.
“Make yourself comfortable. We got plenty of food.” She led him inside.
“You just missed it! Rosa was on tv!” Bianca blurted out.
“I heard. It was the reason I could leave Aspertia since everyone wanted to watch her interview.” Cheren sat down on the couch next to Hilda. “So what are we watching tonight?”
“Anything good I missed while I was away?” Hilda asked.
“You know it! The latest Pokevengers movie came out like a year ago. Or, I saw a good romcom about two people from different regions.” Bianca started naming off ideas.
“Let's simplify this- what genre?” Cheren stepped in.
She looked towards N, “Anything in particular you want to watch?”
“No.” He looked away, feeling a bit shy. “Pick whatever you'd like.”
“Alright. How about action? Something exciting.” Hilda turned back towards her friends.
“Very well. Let's browse Pikaflix.” Cheren suggested.
…
The movie didn't really interest N, but he was more than content to just sit through it. He was happy Hilda was having a good time with her friends.
Hilda enjoyed talking throughout the movie, airing her thoughts out about the plot or characters. Her jokes were entertaining enough that it made the movie breeze by.
N checked the time on the clock hanging on the wall.
10:45 PM
He wondered when Hilda's friend Cynthia was planning on showing up. Hilda hadn't noticed it yet, thankfully. He worried that maybe she wouldn't come. Or perhaps something happened. It would make Hilda sad if Cynthia didn't arrive. She had wanted to spend the holiday with all her friends.
N moved to the kitchen to restock their bowl of snacks. He still didn’t quite understand the point of this holiday, but he enjoyed being a part of it.
Growing up, a holiday was just another day. He never celebrated anything. Birthdays, holidays, nothing. He didn’t understand what they were until he was on his own. He remembered seeing a festival in Alola for a traditional holiday. He observed from afar, watching as the locals celebrated. It was fascinating. In Paldea he happened to be there during Devotion Day- a day when you share your love for others. He read a bit about various holidays in books. There was something very different about observing or reading about it, versus actually doing it.
He really enjoyed this. Winterfest had been fun as it was his first real holiday. He tried his hardest to participate and listened to all the traditions. Everyone had been so kind and explained everything to him. New Years wasn't as busy, but it was still nice. It was an excuse to be around friends and family- at least that was what he had gathered. He'd look forward to doing these holidays again in the years to come.
From the couch, Hilda's Poketch rang.
“Hello?” She answered.
“Remind me which house is yours.” The voice said over the call.
Cynthia. She made it.
“We'll open the door!” Hilda was about to get up, but N beat her to the door since he had already been standing.
“I'm here.” Cynthia said as she stepped through the door.
“Make yourself comfortable! We got lots of food on the table.” Hilda said.
Everyone quickly moved back around the TV again, which showed the Nimbasa stream again.
“I was just there.” Cynthia admitted. “It was very crowded and I could hardly see a thing, but it was still fun.”
“You were there?” Bianca asked in awe.
“Is it not a thing for most locals to go?” Cynthia asked.
“Most of us don't bother since it's so crowded. It's easier to just watch it on TV.” Cheren spoke up.
“That makes sense.” Cynthia nodded along. “But as a visitor, it was still worth it.”
The last hour until midnight flew by as they continued watching the Nimbasa coverage. Performers of all kinds helped pass the time, showing off dance acts, songs, musical snippets, and more.
“10 more minutes!” Bianca called out as a warning.
The front door opened again as Hilda's mom, Cheren's mom, Bianca's parents, and the Professor entered.
“We made it just in time!” Hilda's mom said.
The room was crowded, but everyone was waiting in anticipation.
5 minutes. 4 minutes. 3 minutes left.
On the TV broadcast, Elesa stood in front of a big screen with the countdown playing.
2 minutes. 60 seconds.
Hilda reached for N's hand.
30 seconds.
10 seconds.
“Happy New Year!”
Though everyone else watched the TV, Hilda's attention was set on N.
Around them, everyone cheered as the clock struck midnight.
“Happy New Year, Hilda.”
Hilda's mom passed around cups full of apple cider. “Let's toast to a good year ahead of us.”
“A year of good luck and happiness.” Cynthia held up her cup.
“A year for dreams.” N said to Hilda.
“And to be home with everyone again.” She answered back.
…
One week after New Years, it was finally time for Cynthia to return home.
Back in her villa in Undella Town, she had her stuff packed up.
“I'm glad you were able to visit.” Hilda said, though she felt a bit sad over having to say goodbye.
“Yes, it was a great trip. I picked up quite a few souvenirs. Next time, you'll both have to come visit me.” Cynthia laughed.
“Of course. And we'll keep in touch.” Hilda paused for a moment before speaking up. “Before you go- battle me.”
“I was wondering when you'd ask. Very well, show me what you've learned since returning home.” Cynthia reached for a Pokeball on her hip.
Hilda said nothing, but she grabbed her own Pokeball. Her heart was beating fast, but she steadied her mind.
You're the strongest trainer I know. If I can beat you here, today, then I have no excuses left.
They battled with everything they had. Their Pokemon clashed, equal in skill.
…
Both trainers were down to their final Pokemon- Cynthia's Garchomp versus Hilda's Samurott. Both had taken their fair share of hits.
“Your skill shines as brightly as always…” Cynthia commented, “But this battle is far from over. Strengthen your resolve!”
Hilda's eye twitched. She couldn't drop her focus, even when Cynthia was provoking her. The Sinnoh champion was using all her strength today. This test of skill was exactly what Hilda had been hoping for.
Hilda shifted her focus to Samurott. He was waiting on her command. She looked back at Cynthia, who had a fierce determination in her eyes.
Like a game of strategy… Do you strike first and risk a counterattack, or do you play defensive and try to anticipate your opponent's movement?
Checkmate, Cynthia.
Hilda instructed Samurott to strike.
Garchomp rushed forward, preparing to fight back with a dragon claw.
Samurott's shell sword and Garchomp's claws collided, stopping the other's attack.
“Now, you know what to do.” Hilda commanded, a smile overtaking her.
In an instant, a hydro pump blasted the Garchomp away, securing a victory.
“I'm impressed. You've trained a lot to prepare that on the fly.” Cynthia conceded. “A well fought victory.”
Hilda couldn't hide the joy from their battle.
“Thank you for battling me.” She beamed.
“Of course. You've improved a lot since leaving Sinnoh.” Cynthia praised.
Had she? They had trained a lot when preparing to fight Neo Team Plasma.
“You have utmost trust and confidence in your Pokemon… and also yourself. You may not see it, but you're practically a different person compared to when I met you. You're happier.” Cynthia's expression was soft, like she was proud.
“I've made up my mind. Next time you're in Unova, I'll be the champion.” Hilda confessed.
“Good. I'll be keeping up with the news here to see when you take the title. We'll celebrate back home for you.” Cynthia smiled. “Keep this confidence. It's a good look on you. Don't discourage yourself or your strengths.”
“How did you handle it when you took the title? You're, like, Sinnoh's favorite person. Everyone needs or wants something from you. I remember how busy you always were. How did you manage at first?” Hilda asked, feeling vulnerable for opening up about her own doubts.
“Honestly? I struggled at first. I wanted to overextend myself all the time- and I frequently did. But with time, I grew comfortable in my role. I figured out what my limits were and how to enjoy it. I'm sure it'll be no different for you. You have a strong group to rely on. Don't forget about them or be afraid to ask for help. We'll always step in if you call for us.” Cynthia pulled Hilda in for a quick hug. “You can do it. You're stronger than you realize.”
Hilda blinked back tears.
“T-thank you.” She mumbled.
“Now, I've got a boat to catch back to Sinnoh. I should get going soon.” Cynthia reached for her suitcase.
“I'm sure I'll see you again soon.” Hilda grinned.
“Of course. I do love a Unovan summer.” Cynthia laughed. “Take care, Hilda.”
Hilda said her goodbyes and then walked off to the beaches outside of Undella. The winter ocean breeze was chilly, but it felt nice. She sighed and looked out to the ocean. Regions were just an ocean away. Friends never truly gone. Even when apart, they'd always be there to support her. And she'd be there to support everyone now.
“Let's go home, Sammy. We should pick up lunch on the way home.” She looked down at Samurott who stood by her side.
Soon enough, we'll make everyone proud.