Chapter Text
The hospital room was quiet—quiet in a way that felt new to both of them. For once, there were no stadium crowds, no camera flashes, no roar of dragons or cheers echoing through the Galar skies. Just the slow, steady hum of machines and the muffled patter of evening rain against the window.
Leon sat propped up in bed, exhausted yet radiant, a faint smile softening his usually bold features. In his arms rested a tiny bundle wrapped in a light lavender blanket, no bigger than a Poké Ball case. A tuft of dark hair peeked from beneath the cloth, and the smallest sigh left the newborn’s lips.
Raihan sat beside him, one large hand gently resting on Leon’s shoulder, the other tracing soft circles on the baby’s blanket. He looked more nervous now than he ever had before a battle. “He’s so small,” he whispered, as though afraid to disturb the fragile peace. “Are… are babies supposed to be that small?”
Leon gave a tired laugh. “You’re talking to the Champion of Galar, and that’s what you’re worried about?”
“Hey,” Raihan said, smiling crookedly. “Even Champions don’t come with a guidebook for fatherhood.”
Leon tilted his head, gazing down at the child again. “Naveen,” he murmured, testing the name aloud for the first time. The syllables sounded like a promise. “He’s perfect.”
For a long time they simply sat there, side by side, the storm beyond the glass fading into a distant lullaby. Raihan leaned closer, resting his forehead against Leon’s temple. “You did it, love,” he said softly. “He’s here. Our little legend.”
Leon’s eyes gleamed with tears, but he was smiling still. “Our greatest battle’s just beginning,” he whispered, brushing a finger along Naveen’s cheek. The baby stirred, letting out a faint noise halfway between a hiccup and a sigh.
Raihan chuckled quietly. “Guess he’s already got your voice.”
Leon rolled his eyes, too tired to argue. “If he grows up with your humor, we’re doomed.”
But as Raihan slipped an arm around him, holding both Leon and the tiny bundle close, Leon realized he didn’t mind. The world outside could wait—the interviews, the League, the titles. Here, in the gentle light of a quiet hospital room, there was only family.
And for the first time, the Champion of Galar wasn’t thinking about victory at all.
He was thinking about home.