Chapter Text
My candle burns at both ends / It will not last the night / But ah my foes and oh my friends / It gives a lovely light! - “ First Fig”, by Edna St. Vincent Millay
The light hummed glorious and eternal, as if it sustained life itself. So steady and low was the sound that it could almost be ignored. Like once it had entered your ears and wormed its way inside it was a part of you, of your energy, of your life force, of your very self. It knew the lining of your bones.
But for how much longer.
The room loomed in a vast cavern. Dim bulbs lined the walkways, lit with dull red glow, as if meant not to disturb. They paled useless in the glow of the portion lit up from below. All around pipes stretched, lining the walls and running up to huge cocoon-shaped spires. The long oval containers stood transparent with lines of energy arcing through them. Not electricity, not fire, but pure light. Machines whirred in their silent lives, creating the ever-present hum. Wires traced the outlines of the pipes and ran across surfaces, each bend bolted sternly into place. Dials held with needles turned steady to a point. They never wavered. Unlabelled.
Below was hell. A gargantuan figure, lying still, a mess of scarlet red and sickly violet. The figure glowed softly, fading in and out. As if the thing was breathing. Its form was impossible to perceive, but somehow seemed to be leaking, rays radiating off of it like heat lines in the desert.
And on a bridge, a stretch of metal overhanging an impossible abyss, stood an equally impossible man.
“Let’s get this started, shall we.”
The man scoffed. He turned his head to see another younger man approach. “Ah, there you are. Just in time. Never enough of that, nowadays. Pity. It’s the one resource we can’t simply make more of.”
“What a gruesome project,” the second man muttered. “Please tell me this will be the last time.”
“Don’t bite the hand that made you, boy.”
There was a moan or groan, the lights surging quietly for a moment before returning to normal.
“Are we even sure this is going to last?”
“There’s no need to worry,” came a new voice from someone behind him. A lighter, more feminine tone. “It’s only a God.”
Silence fell after her speech. The three of them stood in the foreboding gloom.
“Of course it will last,” said the first man in a tone that implied no other options. “This year’s season will be the best one yet. So, let the games begin.”
“All will be well. After all-” The voice sank low for a moment, falling beneath the steady hum of life and death around them. “-what is a Champion for?”
He never wanted this to end.
On the TV screen, two men stood apart from each other. One was tall, with an orange headband and solid, metal-colored clothing. His hands rested in his pockets, though his shoulders looked tense with anticipation. The man’s grin was as sharp as a buzzsaw. Across from him the other man stood proud as a statue. Less tall, he nevertheless appeared like he was the center of the world. The brim of his cap fanned open like a crown. He looked ahead with bright amber eyes, as if ready to take on the sky. A majestic cape on his back wafted in some nonexistent breeze. He scuffed the toe of one shoe against the ground. At the end of his long bushy ponytail, a flame burned in constant ember, like the light of a torch leading the way through the darkness.
Behind each opponent, the shadowy forms of their teammates could barely be seen looming elsewhere on the pitch. The sports field was green below them in a field of fake grass. In the low lights the field looked almost black, as if they were two primordial gods facing off across the expanse of the whole entire universe.
The camera view suddenly cut away, showing a man in a proper gray suit, his tie striped orange and teal. Two elephant-like tusks hang from his ears as earrings. With perfect timing and choreography, he opened his mouth and spoke: “It’s time for Champion Leon’s exhibition match!”
Fireworks shot up, tracing a line down the field before erupting in a circle all around the second man. Fire-type energy and raw power kicked in behind him, radiating around his body and shimmering like a miracle out into images of wings and a tail--the outline of a Charizard. As others watched, he struck a dramatic gesture, bending both knees and scooping his arms around, before giving a quick twist and thrusting one arm up towards the sky, hand splayed out in a three-finger salute. A distant crowd went wild.
The screen hovering over the battlefield was projected to a close-up of the taller man’s face, expression sharp and wild like an animal. "Exhibition or not, Leon, your pristine record is about to end--when I beat you here today."
The screen hovering over the battlefield switched to a close-up on the other man’s confident pose. "You know I don't lose battles, Raihan!”
Suddenly a scarlet glow spread across the pitch. The air turned a red and sickly color as the form of the Charizard gijinka became encased in harsh light, flames surging brighter and new flares bursting into life by his jaw and sideburns, an inferno enveloping the cape on his back and curtain flaring into life behind his shoulders. The roar of the crowd melted into screams and shouts of awe. A woman’s face, shocked. A child’s hand, outstretched in the three-finger salute. The view panned quickly back in order to make room for something that had grown too large to behold. Something too much to witness. Something beyond-
“-Charizard DYNAMAX!”
“Waugh!”
Merlin lurched forward as a force crashed down upon his shoulders. A shout leapt from his lips. The moment of confusion and automatic instinct--to run away and hide--faded quickly once the weight became familiar. That roughness, the heat radiating from the palms.
“Hop!” Merlin said. “You scared me, mate. Don’t do that.”
“Everything scares you,” said Hop over his shoulder. “And aww I’m just kidding.”
The face of Hop looked back at him. The Scorbunny gijinka seemed as energetic as ever. A young man the same age as Merlin--they had known each other since they were kids after all-- with short dark hair swept up over his head, and dark skin tone. An easy smile was on his face, amber eyes bright and practically glowing with purpose. He wore a sports-style shirt, like something one could go running in, thin and white. Over the shirt was a white jacket with fur trim along the collar, sleeve ends, and bottom edge. He wore white jogger trousers, sagging slightly around his knees. On his feet were well-worn shoes, scuffed white with orange tips and a yellow band around the tongue of the shoe or laces. Around his forehead was a sporty headband, the ends tied together and hanging loose in a ribbon of orange, yellow, and white behind him. Looking at the man straight-on made the effect look almost like a pair of bunny ears. Popped across his nose was a yellow plaster bandage.
“What happened to you?” said Merlin, glazing at the bandage with concern.
“Hm? Ah this? Training, mate!” Hop replied with an undeterred grin. “You know how it goes.”
He turned his attention to the still-blaring TV screen. “Are you still watching that match?” said Hop. “It’s just a pre-recording, mate. None of it is real.”
“I know.” Merlin wriggled underneath his arm to get away. “Lay off, I was just killing time until you showed up.”
“Ooh, is that so? Well never fear! The great Champion’s little brother has come to rescue you.”
“Boys!” Footsteps sounded from the doorway before a woman stepped into view.
She was on the shorter side, with wide eyes like blue two pools. Her cerulean hair was tied in tight braids, cascading down her neck and shoulders. The front section swept in front of her face, draping over her deep brown skin like the curve of waves. She kept the braids tied together with a yellow ribbon, one end of the material constantly sticking up like a sail and bobbing with any motion or wind. Although her smile was kind, there was a certain hollowness in her cheeks, a deep tinge around the pits of her eyes. She wore the same simple blue dress that she always did for work, with a simple sash around the waist, attached with a blue clasp at one end like the tail of their shared patron species. She wore the same colors as Merlin, though not as dark as one might assume from her age, not the dark blue of a fully-evolved species--still a Sobble.
"Didn't expect to see Hop here today, dear,” said Merlin’s mother. “Isn't this the big day?”
“Yeah, that's exactly why I came running over here to get Merlin. I've got it recorded at home anyway. Come with me, Merlin! He should be here any minute.”
“Well you might want to make quick work of it. I know your family’s expecting you and it’s important to show up on time. Chop-chop.”
Hop jumped up, fast legs stuttering for a second against the floor. “Alright mate, today’s the day! Time to shake off those doldrums and head out into the world.”
“Alright, alright, give me a minute”. Merlin hesitated a bit before heading out the door. His reflection stared back at him from the TV screen: A light blue hoodie over blue trousers. He hadn’t felt like trying hard today. Thin, fingerless gloves, to fight off the chill. Glasses with blue frames around the eyes. His hair and skin were dark, similar to both Hop and his mum. He ran one hand through his hair, kept short, with one much thicker strand standing up in a persistent cowlick, like the crest of a Sobble. He looked...presentable. Probably. Low effort. As usual. Facing himself, Merlin took a breath. He could do this. It was just down to the next town and back. Hardly an adventure.
“Take a bag with you,” said his Mum. “I don’t want any son of mine heading out into the world unprepared. Oh and keep your water bottle handy. Don’t stay out in the sun too long. Don’t get into any fights-”
“I know, Mum.” said Merlin, scrambling out the door to avoid the same lecture he had already heard a million times over.
“And Merlin?”
“What?’
“I love you.”
“...Love you too.”
He opened the door and stepped through.
It was a bright, sunny morning. So bright it almost hurt.
Around was a field of green, stretching over the earth like a blanket. The hills heaved and rolled like a sigh. The smell of grass was thick and fresh in the air, ever-present. The occasional person walked here and there, ambling down the road to their houses or off to the main town. Everything idyllic. Everything sleepy. Here nobody wanted much, but they didn’t fear much either. Beyond were deep forests and mountains in the distance, and a bit of smoke from nearby Wedgehurst. As he blinked, waiting for his sensitive eyes to adjust, a light breeze graced through the air, tussling his hair back and forth. He could feel the waft through the crest on his head--northerly wind at 3 kilometers per hour. Not likely to be rain. For the space of an instinct, he missed it.
“Hm?” Merlin blinked at a noise.
Down below the curve of the walkway, he saw Hop standing by a portion of the fence. As he watched, a single Wooloo hit the fence slats, then slowly backed up, and charged forward to Tackle it again.
“Where is Mary? She should be around to take care of it.” Hop frowned.
“No idea. Can’t you put it on a leash or something?” said Merlin.
“Ah you know the Wooloo won’t listen to me, mate. Better get someone who has it as their patron. Oh well. It’s just a Wooloo. Probably can’t cause much damage.” Hop reached down and gently pet the animal. “Hey you silly Wooloo! Don't go using Tackle on the fencing. Everyone knows there are scary pokemon living in the Slumbering Weald, and they’ll eat you right up. Ragh!”
The animal bleated in response, its eyes fixed on the horizon beyond the fence slats.
“Oh well, let it be. Mary should be coming round later, anyhow.” Hop turned towards the path, swinging his arms. "Let's race! Bet I can make it to my house first."
Overhead, blue skies passed. Occasionally the heavens were overtaken by a cloud, the light dimming all around them like a switch, almost enough to make a person duck out of instinct. As if some great giant had spread its wings, swooping down above them. Then the shadow passed, and the light returned, restoring the normal afternoon.
The sound of feet pattered against the dirt as Hop went skipping down the road. Today he was a bundle of excited hopping and footwork. Just like his namesake. Merlin trudged along behind. They crossed over a bridge and went down the gentle curve.
Merlin couldn’t help but feel a little melancholy. “So, this is it, then…” It was bittersweet to say goodbye to his best friend. Especially after Hop had helped him through so much… but no. He pushed the dark thoughts away. Today was Hop’s day. Nothing would ruin it. Not even himself.
“Hey,” said Merlin. He tried to crack a smile. He hoped it was convincing. “Don’t forget about me out there. Once you’re big and famous and all.”
“No worries, mate! I’ll be sure to come back sometimes.” Hop’s grin matched the sunshine reflecting off the rolling hills around them. “Just like Lee.”
“Yeah. Just like a Champion.”
“And what about you? What are you gonna do?” Hop said, fake-punching the air in excitement. It sounded light, but a slight tinge weighed down the end of the question.
Merlin shrugged. “Oh, who knows. I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry about it.” He waved one hand. “Honestly, I just want to be able to afford your match tickets sometimes.”
“Ha. I’ll tell them to save you a seat. Front row, every time.”
“You could at least get me a discount, mate.”
“You’ll have to fight me for it!” Hop struck a pose.
Merlin lunged forward in response, the two boys tussled for a second, then continued off down the path as Hop’s houses grew in the distance.
"Dad! Is he here?!" Hop shouted, bursting in the door.
They found Hop’s dad in the kitchen. "There you are at last, Hop,” said the Fire-type gijinka. “Oh, and you've brought along Merlin."
Merlin nodded in response. He always loved visiting this family. When Merlin and his mother had moved here when he was very small, they were intimidating neighbors. Thankfully, according to his mum, Hop’s dad had quickly turned into a supportive friend. That house was the place where Hop and his brother had been raised, together with Hop’s mum and their Grandparents all together. It was a big family: Cinderace and Charizard mixed together. Being in the living room could feel like a Clan in itself--full of Fire-types, friendly and warm, conversation always crackling like a hearth.
"Yeah, yeah, but where's Lee? Have you got him crammed in a cupboard?”
"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.”
“Oh will you? Yes, that probably is for the best.”
“By the way Merlin, this’ll be a first,” said Hop, twisting around to look at him. “You’ve never actually met my big brother, have you?”
“Um,” replied Merlin, “no, I guess you’re right.”
It was a bit awkward to imagine the brother of your childhood best friend. Especially when they were a major celebrity--everyone knew Leon, but Leon certainly didn’t know every fan. He had always been away ever since Hop was a pre-teen. Merlin knew they were related, but he’d just somehow never been around when the Champion visited. The man didn’t seem to come home for holidays much, anyways. He had become Champion at the tender age of 13, just like the old heroes of other regions, the traditional way until modern battle culture had forced a rule change. And now it had been an official decade--12 years to be precise--of his reign. So he would be 26 (Which was weird, since Merlin and Hop were now 23. Merlin could have sworn there was a larger age gap between the brothers. But Leon had always felt so far away. Must be what celebrity did to you).
“Okay, let’s run on down to Wedgehurst. Over the phone Lee said he had a present for us. That sounds like a promise to me!”
And Hop was running off again, before Merlin could even get a word in. With a sigh, the Sobble gijinka trudged after.
They heard the town before they saw it. Merlin had been here many times before. Same buildings, red brick, the outline of a clock tower against the sky. But not this hustle and bustle. A big crowd surrounded the station, noisy and talking and all moving and jostling. Merlin frowned, trying to peer through the gaps in clothing. He’d never seen it this busy. Was there a rock star passing through town? Wait. Was that-?
A man stepped out from the TV screen and into real life. The Charizard gijinka grinned as he met the crowd, flashing a grin and sinking down into a sweeping gesture before giving the sharpest ‘Charizard pose’ that Merlin had ever seen. Then, the man summoned wings from energy and flared them out, like his cape come to life. There was slightly less heat, as was responsible in a small town. But the roar of the crowd felt like heat anyway. His dark ponytail lifted slightly in the immense haze, the spark at the end flaring brighter while the energy swelled.
The gathered people cheered. Old and young, men and women, office workers, so many farmers, Clan or Flock members next to townsfolk, the dark jackets of Skwovet, the maroon russet of Nickit, yellow of Electric types, the white and gray of Normal types all mixing together. There was cheering, taking pictures, everyone talking excitedly among each other.
"Hello, hello, Wedgehurst! Your Champion, Leon, is back!" The man’s voice was smooth, somewhat boyish, youthful. And yet carried over the crowd as if he were still attached to a microphone. It was like seeing a falling star descend to earth. Merlin's breath caught in his throat. "Are we all having a good time today?”
"It's our unbeatable Champion! Leon of the Charizard clan!”
“Well, thank you for that,” the man said, straightening up. “I hope you'll all carry on training yourselves and never shy from battle. Then come challenge me for the Champion title.”
Merlin sighed, feeling impressed. How could anyone at the top of the world talk like that? It was like he wanted to be taken down. If he were at the top of the world, why on earth wouldn't he hold onto the best job ever? What a thing, being a champion was. Absolutely unimaginable.
“We're on it! We've all been working on our battle skills just like you've taught us to, Lee,” said one of the people in the crowd, a local dressed in a numbered jersey. “But a Charizard might be too strong for the likes of us to take on.”
Those words only made the man smile brighter. "Too true that the Charizard Clan is blazingly strong. But other Clans can be strong as well. That's why I want the best of Galar to fill the Gym Challenge and come battle me. And if you think you have what it takes, signups are still open. Come and get your spot! They’re filling up quick!”
"Lee!" Hop cried out, leaping up and waving one hand. Energy flared by his feet for a moment before he jumped again, this time super-charged, a burst of heat sending him up like a rocket to wave above the rest of the crowd.
For a moment Leon looked genuinely shocked, mouth agape and eyes wide, quickly covered by a smile so quick the previous expression could only be imagined. He laughed and rushed forward. The crowd parted before him like a sea before a savior. "Hop! So my number-one fan in the world has come out of his way to pick me up.”
They embraced. “Look at you, Hop. I reckon you've grown...exactly a degree or two hotter since the last time I saw you!" An ‘aww’ rose from the crowd, along with scattered claps. Merlin softly joined along.
"Bingo! That's the sort of sharp eye that's kept you undefeated so long, eh, Lee?"
Leon turned to notice Merlin, shyly hiding behind Hop. "And who’s this over here...I've got it. You must be one of Hop’s friends. Merlin--am I right?"
Merlin soft intake of breath when the Champion said his name. “Um, Merlin, sir. Of the Sobble Clan.”
“Well, nice to meet you.” Leon gave a handshake that felt like gripping steel cables. "I'm the Galar region's reigning Champion. People call me the unbeatable Leon. Of the Charizard clan.” He winked. “But everybody knows that.”
“C’mon Lee, we’ve got a dinner to get to,” called out Hop. “Race you back home!” And he was off.
Leon shook his head. "That Hop...always wanting to be the best, isn't he?”
He turned to the crowd. "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!" Cheering followed his words. Merlin jolted in place, feeling swept away. It was like standing next to a spotlight. you could feel the fame just radiating off of him.
With that, Leon set off down the path, walking backwards in order to flash more Charizard-pose hand signals to the public. Merlin stood still to watch for a few more seconds before remembering. That was his best friend! He ran off after them.
And the next day dawned.
Merlin showed up to Hop’s house with a yawn. Yesterday had been so nice. They held a dinner outside on the family’s patio and enjoyed a massive barbecue feast--a real treat, when you’re cooking with an entire family of Fire-types. They had eaten so much he feared he’d never move again. And the sound of Hop chatting away happily with “Lee” had echoed in Merlin’s ears long after the evening stars had come out. But the night did come. And after it, the promised day.
Already Merlin caught sight of three figures standing outside on the patio. Leon, tall and proud. Hop, so excited that he already appeared to be quite ‘fired up’. And Mary, a mutual friend of theirs.
“Hey, you’re up.” Mary raised a hand in greeting. She wore black clothes with a fluffy white over-jacket. Her hair was meticulously groomed in a thick white afro--the pride of her patron pokemon Wooloo. Twin gray braids hung down by her ears. Merlin gave a polite nod and joined them.
“Come on, Lee! You promised us a present. So out with it! You brought Mary and me our starting equipment. You did, didn’t you? I know you must have!”
Leon chuckled at his brother’s passionate appeals. “I may have a very important present for you, yes,” he said. “But! You’ve got to earn it first. Can’t have people saying this was nepotism or anything. You know how things are with the League.”
Merlin and the others nodded. Secretly, excitement stirred in his chest. To get to see a battle between brothers, right here and now, in person. How lucky he was. What a nice memory before seeing Hop leave, this time permanently-
“Right then! The greatest gift from the greatest Champion,” spoke Leon. “It's showtime, everyone! Take a good look.”
With a flourish, Leon brought out a small device. It was a plastic red-and-white sphere in the shape of a ball. He pressed the center clasp and it clicked open. Inside were three crisp wristbands laid out on velvet backing.
The three stared in awe. Real ‘pokeballs’. Wristbands that registered a gijinka as belonging to an official battle Team. They looked so shiny.
“Alright, take your pick! Who will you choose to register as your first partner?”
Merlin waited as Hop and Mary lunged forward to grab a wristband each. When Leon didn’t remove the container, shaking it once towards Merlin to offer the last remaining wristband, he shyly reached out and accepted it.
“Go on,” said Leon. He nodded at Merlin’s reluctance. “Give it a try. I’ve got more than enough to spare.”
Merlin ducked his head. Obediently, he slipped one hand through the loop and pulled gently. The wristband slid into place, settling against him like a second skin. Behind him, he could hear Mary and Hop both secure their own and register with a shout.
“Alright! Wooloo, I choose you! I'm aiming to be the next Champion, so be ready! You and I'll be doing some serious training.”
“Not fair, I was gonna say it first! Scorbunny, I choose you!”
Laughter filled the air. Merlin remained fascinated by the new addition to his outfit. Wow. This was the real deal. The black-and red-band felt so light at the end of his forearm. Could this one loop really do things like track stats and moves? It must. As he watched, the central circular indent activated and turned into a touchscreen. All of the information on his basic vitals were already listed. The huff of a laugh left his lips. The mini Sobble icon bobbing next to his name was kinda cute.
“Hey, this thing is battle-proof, right? Let’s test it out.”
Merlin was so absorbed in messing around with the controls that he didn’t even notice the shadow approaching from one side.
“Oof!” With no warning, something shoved him. Merlin turned to catch a glimpse of Mary, thick arms still outstretched. Then, a hook around his right ankle. He tripped, toppling over an expertly-placed Scorbunny foot.
Splash! The pond water dashed cold and wet as it soaked through Merlin. Unsteady, he sat up to look at the others. “You guys!” he whined. Immediately he could feel water coating his skin and clothes. The sensation spread across his form, all colors beginning to blur and fade as the instinct of invisibility kicked in. As a Sobble, it wasn’t always easy to disappear when he wanted to. But he definitely wanted to now.
Still laughing, the two others fished him out of the pond. “Woah it really does work! Water-proof, force-proof, shock-proof and all that.”
“Thanks for your help, Merlin.’
Merlin nodded dumbly. He struggled not to tear up. Ugh, this was so embarrassing. Don’t cry, don’t be a wimp. Not in front of the Champion, seriously…
“Alright you two, that’s enough.” Leon shook his head. “Now listen up, rookie trainers! Believe in yourselves, and your teammates. If you trust in one another and carry on battling side by side long enough, then someday... you might even become worthy rivals for me, the unbeatable Champion.”
“But first… Are you alright, kid?” Leon said, turning to Merlin who had let out a sniffle.
“Don’t worry about him, Lee!” cheered Hop. “I'm the one who'll be coming to challenge you, after all. This is gonna be wicked. A family legacy! A dynamic duo! From Fire-type to Fire-type, like the passing of the torch! I can’t even decide what I’m looking forward to most.”
Leon posed with his arms crossed. “Oh, and you think you're worthy of calling yourself a proper Trainer already, Hop? Guess I'll be the judge of that. Let's see how you handle yourself in a battle”. His gaze flicked over to Merlin. “How about against your friend, if he's up for it.”
“Alright, then. Merlin, I challenge you to a real battle!”
The sounds hit Merlin’s ears like a drum. “What?”
“No worries, mate! Just a friendly scrap.”
“But. Why me?”
“Because you’re here. Mary and I can’t really battle each other when we’re supposed to be teammates now.”
“But I don’t know how to battle!”
“Yes you do! We’ve trained with each other all the time.”
Merlin was at a loss for words. “Yeah but that was like, kids’ stuff. Play-fighting or trying to act out the battles on the telly.” He remembered the two of them messing around in the woods or the spaces behind their houses, so many times him just standing there, or flailing, while Hop bounced around him, making quick strikes as they both laughed. Hop was the one who had gone to summer training camps, was related to battle royalty, had looked forward to this chance his entire life. Not him.
“That isn’t fair,” Merlin protested, his hands raising up in front of himself. “I’m just one bloke, mate. There’s like, two of you!”
“You can do it. Don’t give up without even giving it a shot!”
“Seriously!” he squeaked, through another heartrate spike.
Hop gestured at him in encouragement. “Aww c’mon, don’t be a baby. This is the first step of my legend!”
Something clicked. First step… Yes, that sounded good. He could be that, at least. A stepping stone, the first supporting act in Hop’s rise to greatness. It was fitting. Merlin paused. Maybe this was his fate. He could still be of use this way. That was his role. His purpose was to serve as the first stepping stone on Hop’s journey. To be a good launchpad. Of course.
A smile flicked over Merlin’s face. He took a deep breath. “Well. If you insist.”
Leon nodded. “Looks like everyone's on board? Then let's do this.”
They lined up at opposite ends of the practice pitch.
“Believe in your partners!” Leon’s sonorous voice shouted above the field. “And care for them, too, with all your heart. And more importantly...have a champion time battling with them!”
Hop grinned and clenched one fist. “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!”
Merlin just gazed out onto the pitch, heart stuttering into rhythm as he caught sight of the text scrolling past on his wrist--
[ You are challenged by Trainer Hop! ]
[ Trainer Hop sent out Wooloo! ]
The Wooloo gijinka stepped out first. Grinning, she swung her arms back and forth, looking excited to start their journey for real.
Surprise washed over Merlin. “What? Mary? I thought I was battling you .”
“Sorry.” Hop’s grin was big as ever. “She’ll be takin’ point for me. The leader never comes out until the finale, right?”
Merlin gaped at him in shock. How. What was he playing at? How dare he. He didn’t want this. Hop had promised him… promised him…. He didn’t want the small fry.
He wanted Hop.
When his opponent rushed towards him, Merlin arced with the blow. He stumbled back, then stumbled again. He took a feeble swing, but was blocked immediately by Mary’s arm.
[ Wooloo used Tackle ]
Mary took a quick step forward, then ducked down to charge him around the waist. The impact nearly knocked the wind out of him.
Surprise turned to anger. He agreed to battle Hop and now the man wouldn’t even give him the time of day? If he lost to this Wooloo, then Merlin wouldn’t even get to fight him. Wouldn't get to say goodbye. A rush pounded in his ears and energy coursed down to pool in his fists. Everything went pinpoint in his vision.
When she was this close to him there was no way to miss. Moving quickly, Merlin jabbed out with a punch. The Wooloo gijinka grunted in surprise and lost grip on his shoulders, kicking in return as they both backed away.
[ Sobble used Pound ]
[ Wooloo used Tackle ]
They were good. But Merlin was better. There was some sort of gap in the blows, a space that still wasn’t filled, where it would be possible to slip through and just-
[ Sobble used Pound! ]
He gave a sharp elbow of his own, the strike cracking right across the left ribs. Mary stumbled for a moment, letting out a pained grunt.
She fell to one knee, then collapsed, still holding her side. Their wristbands gave a louder blare. A warning--0 HP meant a person had reached the limit of their physical strength. Unable to continue the battle. Any more battling could lead to real injury. And nobody wanted that.
A sound emitted from Leon’s control panel device to make it official. Leon stretched out one hand and called the round.
[ Wooloo fainted! ]
Each breath came slow and on automatic. Just like in self-defense training in school, but more intense. Beyond the end of the pitch, he caught sight of Hop looking at him, slight rays of shock beginning to creep across his face like dawn. For a moment Merlin imagined how Hop must see him--standing there, stance braced, hands in fists by his side instead of nervously up in front in a Sobble-like pose, and a bright gleam in his eyes.
He saw his arms lift out, in an open gesture. The confidence made him smirk. He watched his fingers twitch to motion the Scorbunny gijinka forward. “Let’s go.”
After a moment, Hop stepped out onto the pitch. The man hopped in place, embers sparking and then fwooshing out of his legs and feet, the energy swirling around him. Hop braced himself, looking over at Merlin with a uncertain frown.
Leon called out the next round. Begin.
[ Sobble used Pound! ]
[ Scorbunny used Tackle! ]
They battled. Strike against strike. Punches versus kicks. But Merlin leaned with every movement, finding himself responding a slight bit quicker. Turns out he had learned a thing or two from always being the target. The punching bag knows all of its trainer’s movements ,after all.
The flames had given him an idea. If Hop was going to be serious about this, then he would be too. A memory from school training classes flashed through his mind--the power and energy his body reached for automatically every day of his life.
Merlin had always hoped he’d never have to use it, but still. It took skill to use in battle, but now was the time.
[ Sobble learned Water Gun! ]
Fire and water energy clashed between them in one blue and red burst.
Water particles gathered around Merlin, forming into droplets in the air and gathering into larger rivulets in the blink of an eye. As the others watched, he ducked down, braced himself, and concentrated. Blue shining energy swirled around him and gathered to a point. He set the breaking point in front of his face, right at the mouth--sources of moisture made this a lot easier. As the energy pulsed and hit a point, Merlin took aim right at Hop’s torso. He took a breath. Puffed out his cheeks. And released, blowing right across the tip of an outstretched index finger to guide the strike.
There was a glorious splash. Hop groaned as he was forced to take a few steps backwards. Now soaked, the front of his shirt was dripping, with a few droplets stuck in his hair. He blinked back at Merlin. And heat began to rise.
[ Sobble used Water Gun! It’s Super Effective! ]
“Did you already know how to use type advantages? Guess you did get the best grades in our class.” Hop skipped back and forth, charging up heat. “But advantages don’t mean anything to a skilled opponent! Let’s see how long you last-”
And he struck, kicking out with the strong legs of his patron. Fire flared from the soles of Hop’s feet, burning around his shoes and arcing outwards. A small fireball, loose and uncontrolled but blazing bright. Merlin tried to duck under the flames, but couldn’t get out of the way in time. It caught him in the stomach, similar to where his attack against Hop had found its mark. He grimaced through the sudden searing pain, his own energy already glowing blue as it soothed the ache. That hurt. But not as much as he had thought it would.
[ Scorbunny used Ember! It’s not very effective… ]
He wiped some water off of his forehead. They were both looking pretty beat up. Time to move.
“Hey!” Hop cried out as Merlin turned and darted to the side. “Don’t run away!”
Merlin didn’t answer. He dashed towards the tree, passing the pond and ducking down to slap its surface as he went. From gathering water he could feel his invisibility powers activate, spreading from the soak-point to the rest of his skin. He concentrated to make it spread across his clothes, too, bathing them in a thin layer of Water-type energy.
Merlin ducked behind the tree. He clung to it, palms curled around the trunk, fingers gripping like what his patron was known for. With any luck, his hands were invisible now. Hop wouldn’t see them. He waited for Hop to make a move.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are!” called Hop’s voice. “Let’s finish this!”
[ Scorbunny used Growl! Sobble’s Defense was lowered ]
Merlin grit his teeth. He could feel the harsh words grate against his nerve. He had been told he was a coward his whole life. They wasn’t built to fight. His mother had always discouraged battling. They weren’t professional Trainers; his Clan knew this. But now…
Now.
Moving swiftly, Merlin delivered a kick to the left-side tree branch. A flash of fire followed, as Hop’s eyes moved to it.
[ Scorbunny used Ember! ]
Only to be disappointed when it went right through. Merlin flung himself to the right, clawing up and over another branch, scrambling into view and dropping down through the air just as Hop’s expression changed from a confident smirk into a confused frown.
[ Scorbunny missed! ]
Dropping down from above in a blur of color, Merlin kept his eyes on target, as translucent tree colors morphed into Sobble blue and yellow. He struck like a sniper, water energy already gathered around his front, supercharged after contact with the pond.
With one more look of surprise, the attack blasted Hop right in the face as they both hit the dirt.
[ Sobble used Water Gun! It’s Super Effective! ]
The roar in Merlin’s ears was so loud he almost didn’t hear the wristband signal.
[ The opposing Sorbunny fainted! ]
Movement. Merlin whirled around, fist curled again, only to find that Leon had raised his hand. “Annnnd stop. By my authority as referee, I hereby declare this match over.”
Over. It was over. Was it really? There was still more he could do. Still had more to give. He was still standing, after all. Still felt the pulse of water through his fingers and the flow of power through his veins.
But it was over. The match was done. He had won. He had actually defeated Hop-
[ Merlin grew to Level 7 ]
[ You defeated Trainer Hop! ]
With a sharp intake of breath, everything snapped back into focus.
“Hop!” Merlin exclaimed, the Sobble gijinka reaching down to help his friend off of the ground. “Oh my god I’m so sorry! I don’t know what happened? That was… something just came over me. I didn’t mean it! I promise!”
At the head of the pitch, Leon stood, quietly blinking at them both. For a moment, it seemed as if the Champion were lost for words. Then, slowly, his gaze drifted from his brother over to Merlin. He held there for a few seconds, an empty smile still on his face. Then, his chin dipped in a terse nod. He reached down into a bag by his hip and drew something out. There was a quiet swish as pen ran across paper.
“Woah. Well, that was a shock.” said Hop as he started to come round. He brushed dewdrops out of his hair. He stumbled to his feet, still holding on tightly to Merlin’s arm. “Guess I know now why Lee thought he should give you a pokeball, too. "
“Wow. Watching that made me almost want to let out Charizard power and join in on all the fun. Make sure to heal up, everyone. And Merlin- you've got real promise. In fact, I’ve got a favor to ask you..”
Merlin turned to see Leon. The Champion was smiling, having approached them and now holding out a simple envelope. “Oh thank god, Leon,” said Merlin. “Do you have any healing items? I’m so sorry about, I mean, your brother, oh my god I’m so sorry-”
The letter crinkled as Leon held it out. “This is not the moment for apologies, son. Here.”
Merlin stared back, not understanding. “What. What do you mean?”
“The Letter of Endorsement?” Hop’s voice pitched high. “Are you serious? Woahhh, that’s incredible, mate!”
Emotion washed over Merlin like a full-force tidal wave. “You’re joking.”
“Nope. The prize goes to the victor.”
Merlin stared, numb. The letter hung there like a bar of gold in the light. He reached out to it, then snatched his hand back. He couldn’t take that. A token of Leon’s favor. A prize from a battle he was supposed to lose. Especially right in front of his brother! Merlin glanced back and forth between the two of them. “Um. Uh. Umm.”
“I insist,” intoned Leon.
“Take it, mate,” Hop joined in, tapping the side of his ear to get out some remaining water. “And congratulations.”
“But. But I can’t-”
“You deserve it. Plus it’d be...kinda bad form to give me that now after a loss like that.” Hop shook his head. “You beat my two-person team with your one? You and Sobble power are too much. What a show!”
Merlin looked at the letter again. His head swirled, and not from adrenaline. This couldn’t be happening.
“You don’t know who I am, do you?” he blurted to Leon.
Leon raised a calm eyebrow. “I know all I need to know, after watching that.”
Merlin hesitated. Eventually he reached out. It felt like he was moving through a dream. The crinkling of paper dimly reached his fingers. It was like being handed something by a god.
He found Leon’s gaze again. Words fell slowly from his lips. “Hop didn’t tell you about me, did he?”
Leon answered in a smile the same as his brother’s. “No. But apparently he should have.” he turned to the side. “Did you have fun? Learn anything?”
Hop nodded sheepishly, helping Mary nurse her bruises. “Yeah. Like maybe fighting a Water-type next to a pond wasn’t the best idea, for starters.”
“Haha! Well at least in official matches it wouldn’t be battle-legal to go off-pitch. I’ll allow it this time, though.” Leon chuckled.
The noise faded into the background behind Merlin. Something about Hop wanting to get stronger and stronger. Something about Leon telling Hop where to go for another Endorsement letter. You’ll both have to go see the Regional Professor anyway- “What,” Merlin muttered. More miracles. They were happening everywhere today.
"I'll let the professor know to expect you,” said Leon. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to call the League.”
“You got it, Lee. Catch ya later.” Hop was quiet at last after he waved his brother off towards the house.
“Hop!”
The Scorbunny gijinka blinked and turned towards the practice area. There, Merlin rushed into view, a look of distress on his face. “Wait.”
Merlin glanced from side to side quickly before ducking close to Hop. Paper crumpled as the Letter of Endorsement was shoved into the other boy's hand. “Here, take this,” Merlin’s whisper hissed. “Hurry up before someone else sees.”
Hop looked back at him in confusion.
“Go on, then,” Merlin pressed. “Take it already. It’s always been yours. This isn’t right.”
“I can’t accept that, mate.”
“Yes you can!” Merlin ran one hand through his hair, feeling the Sobble crest bob with the motion. “Of course you can.”
“I-”
“We’ll just say that we battled again, and you won this time! And you took it from me! So we’re square-”
“Merlin.” Hop’s calm voice cut through the confusion. “I’m not going to take it.”
Merlin looked back at him, quizzical.
“Not after that sorry display,” said the Scorbunny gijinka. “It wouldn’t be right. As the brother of the Champion I have to hold myself to my own standards.” He shoved the paper back towards Merlin. “It’s fine, mate. You deserve it.”
Numb, Merlin’s fingers closed around the paper. He stared down at it in shock. This must be a joke.
“You know what this means?” said Hop. “Now you can be my rival!”
Merlin blinked, the words processing through a fog. Rivals. Someone who would be by his side no matter what. A real rival would push someone, and make both their partner and themself stronger. “...Do you really mean it?”
“Yeah! You should totally do the Challenge. Leon believes in you, so that means it’s possible!” Hop struck a pose, grinning up at the sky, not looking at him.
Merlin pulled a face. “Me? Hop, please. That….doesn’t seem like-”
“Don’t get so down on yourself, Merlin,” the Scorbunny gijinka cheered. “And hey, maybe it’ll be good for you. Get’cha out of the house, at least. Go on an adventure! Have some fun. Make some memories.”
“....Memories.” Merlin looked at the ground. The lush green grass mixed with parched brown earth. Someone had trodden down the blades, crushing them. When had that happened. When was the last time he had made something new.
“See, now you’re talking!” Hop clapped once. “Going on a journey and figuring out who you are is the most important part of a Champion Cup challenge, after all! And don’t worry-”
He swung one thumb through the air to point at his own face. The young man’s grin could power the Sun itself. “I’m still the one who’ll become Champion in the end, so enjoy your stroke of good luck!”
A spark lit up behind Merlin’s eyes. “Right. Absolutely!”
Hop slung one arm over the Sobble gijinka’s shoulder, raising one fist to the sky. “So it’s settled then. Champion Hop and Rival Merlin! Just you and me.”
For the first time in a while, a small smile surfaced on Merlin’s face. “Just you and me, huh?” He squeezed Hop’s hand tighter for a second, curling into the Fire-type warmth. “I could get behind that.”
“-you lot!”
“Hm?” Hop looked over to the side. “Was that Mary?”
The Wooloo gijinka came running back to them, her hair bouncing in a fluffy cloud around her head. A pang of guilt flashed through Merlin’s heart as he noticed scratches still on her face, her clothes smeared with dust and dirt from the battle. She was out of breath, her eyes brimming with concern. “Have you seen my family’s Wooloo? The baby of the Clan is missing. My brother came up the path just now, says he hasn’t seen it since this morning.” A small Wooloo gijinka stood tucked behind her knee, no older than 8 years old. He stared up at them with worry and tears.
The two boys looked at each other. “We just saw it yesterday by your house, right?”
“Uh, yeah..”
“It was tackling the fence pretty hard. You don't think it actually broke through there, do you?”
Merlin’s only response was a frown.
“But the forest is off-limits,” Mary said. “No one’s supposed to go there. I remember the Professor's granddaughter went in once, and she came back in a real state…”
Hop nodded. “And that was nothing compared to the earful she got from the Professor afterward.” he turned to his friend. “Merlin…what do you say?”
Merlin looked down and away, hands coming to his chest in a Sobble finger pose. “I don’t know… But well. If it’s really in danger… Then someone should go save it-”
“Right?” Hop interjected. “Even if we're not supposed to, this is the kind of scene where you simply have to do what's needed. Welp-” he put both hands to Merlin’s shoulders. A warm shiver ran through the Sobble gijinka. “Hope you're ready for anything, because we're going in, Merlin!”
“Wai-” Merlin raised one hand but it was no use. The other two had already gone charging off, Mary breaking towards the households, with Hop headed down the main path. Honestly. Those two.
Merlin swallowed. The rushing in his ears sounded like the ocean, like the water in his energy and the tide in his veins. He was scared. But, today maybe something was different. Maybe he was trying to be a little braver.
Ahead of him, he saw the shape of Hop’s back, fearless and heroic, as the boy raced off into the future.
After taking one deep breath, Merlin followed.