Chapter Text
The new region was nice, no media constantly bombarding you, no flashing lights of photos being taken, no constant influx of people asking for an autograph. The occasional individual vaguely recognized you when you went out to the more populous cities, but aside from those rare moments, no one knew who you were. You were free to enjoy your life without having an image and reputation to uphold, and your pokémon seemed to enjoy the tranquility too, but they had their complaints and expressed them occasionally.
Hop had just sprinted past the field where you were working, headed towards Wedgehurst, and his mother had just come outside with a bottle of fresh water for you and your Mienshao, informing you that their eldest son, Leon, the Champion of Galar that Hop talked so much about, would be home for a week or so.
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To say Leon was relieved to be home was a massive understatement. Being the unbeatable champion was a demanding job, and it showed when he finally would get moments to himself. Having to keep up a public personality had become more difficult in recent years, not that it would stop him any time soon. He greeted the crowd at Wedgehurst station, striking his iconic Charizard pose, the title pokémon roaring behind him.
“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. I hope you’ll all carry on training up your pokémon and never shy from battle. Then come challenge me for the Champion title! My wish is for Galar’s trainers to work together to become the strongest in all the world!”
That’s when he noticed Hop, trying desperately to get his attention from behind the group of people.
“So, my number-one fan in all the world has come out of his way to pick me up! Look at you Hop; I’d reckon you’ve grown… exactly an inch and a quarter since I last saw you!”
“Bingo! That’s the sort of sharp eye that’s kept you undefeated so long, eh, Lee? Come on! I’ll race you home!”
“Hang on, Hop.” He turned to face the crowd once more. “Well everyone! I bid you farewell for today! But don’t you fret…” He struck his Charizard pose again, “I’ll always be around to make sure everyone in Galar can have a champion time!” He turned back to his younger brother, “Okay, now I’ll race you home!” and he took off into a sprint.
“Hey!” Hop took off after his brother, Charizard flying slowly behind the two trainers.
He and Hop were toe-to-toe by the time they reached their parent’s fields lining route 1. Leon was easily distracted, lending well to his dismal sense of direction, so he couldn’t help but notice the beautiful woman around his age working in the field alongside a purple pokémon he had never seen before. He kept running but his pace had slowed significantly, confusion evident on his face. And then, he tripped, landing face first on the ground with a large thud. Dust kicking up around him.
“Getting lost already, Lee? Did you have a nice trip?” Hop called back to his brother, laughing.
Hop had won their little race, looking rather pleased with himself as he leaned up against their mailbox. Leon dusted himself off.
“You got me beat, Hop. I expected nothing less!” He ruffled the shorter boy’s hair once he had caught up, much to his brother’s dismay.
“Stop it, Lee!” he swatted his brother’s hand. “Mom’s got dinner cooking, come on I have something I want to show you!”
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You stayed out in the field harvesting artichokes and planting radishes when the two boys arrived; figuring they would all enjoy having the family back under one roof for a while, you kept to yourself, continuing to work alongside Mienshao. You didn’t want to intrude, briefly noticing the older brother watching you as he ran past before going back to focusing on the task at hand. In your momentary observation, you couldn’t help but notice how confused he looked as he ran past. You were no stranger to unusual glances when someone saw Mienshao. It was fun in a way, having a pokémon not found in the region.
The sun was beginning to set, signaling the end to your workday. You and Mienshao gathered the tools to return them to the shed by the house. You grabbed your bag from the nearby table and were just barely making your way towards route 1 when Hop’s mom came out the side door, having noticed you leaving through the kitchen window.
“And where do you think you’re going?”
“Back to Wedgehurst? I figured with both of your sons home, you’d like some family time. It’s no big deal, honestly. I don’t want to impose.”
“Rubbish! I’m sure you’re hungry after working so hard all day, and I just finished making dinner. Besides, you’ve been with us for so long already, you may as well be family! Don’t try to run off on us now!” She laughed.
Betraying you, your stomach let out a low grumble, the scent of spicy curry wafting out the open kitchen door. Mienshao gave her trainer one glance before heading over to the violet haired woman, wiping her paws before entering the house. How polite.
Defeated, you accepted the kind woman’s offer. Taking off your very muddied boots before entering the home.