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“Alright, I think this should be a good spot…” Raihan hummed as they stopped their hike out into the wilderness.
Hop took a look around and nodded in agreement. The wild area here was pretty calm compared to others. That, along with the nice fresh mountain air and view from the hill they were on made it all the more perfect.
From the happy look on Lee’s face as he dashed around Hop was sure his brother agreed.
As of late they had begun to notice Leon was getting a bit stir crazy. Lee had always been like that if he didn't get the energy he had in him out in some sort of way before all this too. Before it had been battles, but his brother hadn’t really had any battles since this had started. Mainly the concern of how it would go considering Leon himself was connected to a Pokémon.
It had been Raihan's idea to go out for a camping trip, one they all had been happy to agree to. Hop was sure whatever place the man chose would be perfect for Lee’s Dragon instincts.
Considering his brother was gleefully running and rolling around in their campsite Hop would say that was a success.
“Let’s let our Pokémon out for a bit yeah? That way everyone can stretch their legs.” Raihan said as he finished setting up the tent.
“Yeah!” Gloria and Hop cheered.
“Leon! Oy! Leon!” Raihan called to the other man.
“Huh?” Hop laughed as his brother stopped his running and perked in startled surprise.
“Let you’re Pokémon out! You’re not the only one who wants to enjoy the campsite!”
“Oh! Great idea!” Leon beamed, grabbing his Pokéballs and tossing them into the air. His team all let out cries of delight as they were out and Hop and Gloria couldn't help but follow his lead to do the same for their own Pokémon.
As Raihan did the same for his team, Hop noticed Leon closing his eyes and lifting his head as breeze blew against him. It made his long hair flow in the way that made him look powerful, elegant, like a Champion. Even without his cape he just exuded that aura.
Leon also at the moment looked happy and at peace.
“Wow I’ve never seen Lee look so relaxed before.” Hop chuckled as his brother sat down purring happily.
Raihan strode over to him, giving a smile. “I figured he’d like it here. My Pokémon love this area whenever I’ve brought them out to this place. It’s far away from people and right in with nature. I’ve used this spot to practice weather tactics before to make sure we never bothered anyone. I figured if our Leon over here is essentially a dragon type now he’d love it just as much.”
“Hey speaking of did you bring Eternatus with you Gloria?” Hop looked to her curiously. He hadn't seen it out with her team, but he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps it was with her in its Pokéball.
“No, I wasn’t sure how good of an idea it would be to have both him and Leon in the same spot.” Gloria said with a shrug.
“Hmm, good thinking… Connection or not it might cause the two to have a territory battle.” Raihan murmured.
“Wait, that could happen?” Hop frowned. “But the whole reason Lee’s acting like this is because he’s connected to Eternatus!”
Raihan shrugged. “It’s just an idea of what could happen. Honestly this whole thing is new territory for all of us, so really anything could happen.”
Hop frowned at the reminder. Despite the fact that it seemed like they were finally finding a groove for his brother he couldn't deny the constant worry of something else happening.
He faintly noticed Leon perk and look over to him. Hop looked back, and with a grin his older brother scrambled to his feet and ran straight for him.
“Whoa!” Hop scrambled back as his brother stopped on a dime in front of him.
“C’mon Hop! None of that now!” He said cheerily.
Leon gently cupped his cheeks and bumped their foreheads together with a warm purr. “We’re here to relax and have fun. Professor Hop, as brilliant as he is, can wait. Let out that happy Hop I know and love so much!”
Hop chuckled, closing his eyes as he felt Leon nuzzle his nose into his hair. “Lee I happen to be happy when I’m studying to be a Professor.”
“You know what I mean!” Leon rubbed his cheek against Hop’s head before pulled back and giving him a beaming smile. “While we’re here the only thing I want to see from you is relaxing and having fun. Nothing else!”
“That sounds good to me.” Raihan sighed causally, walking over and sitting on a pile of rocks that looked surprisingly like a chair. As he moved his arms to the back of his head he gave a lazy smile. “Even as much as I love to battle I know I need to take a break once in a while. You keep going too strong and you’ll burn out.”
“Exactly!” Leon nodded proudly.
A gentle nudge to his leg made Hop look away from his brother to see none other than his Dubwool peering up at him pleadingly. He knew exactly what that meant and chuckled.
“Ah, you wanna play huh?” Hop bent down and reached into his bag. “Let’s see… ah here it is!” Hop pulled out the Heavy Ball, a favorite of his teams.
From the sudden perks and cries from the other Pokémon around it seemed it was a favorite to many. As the groups gathered around Hop let out a startled laugh.
“Okay, okay! I got it, throw the ball!”
With a grunt of effort he lifted the ball over his head and threw it as hard as he could. It didn’t go too far, but the teams all turned and chased after it happily and…
“What the-?! LEE!” Hop yelped as his brother suddenly shot off and chased after the ball as well.
“… Did Leon just…” Gloria started in shock, and Hop could see from the corner of his eye she was staring just as gobsmacked as the Chairman threw himself to the ball and rolled around with it in the dirt. While Hop and Gloria’s teams looked startled, Lee’s merely watched their trainer happily bounce the ball around purring happily in amusement. It was like they knew he would do something like this.
“He did…” Hop muttered, blinking as his brother plucked the ball up and happily carried it back over. Once he was in front of Hop, he gently handed it back and gave him a great big grin.
“Now that was fun! I can see why our Pokémon love playing that game!” He laughed happily. He then pumped his fists. “Throw me another Hop! Let me see if I can catch it before it hits the ground!”
“Lee…” Hop chuckled weakly. “You know the rest of the Pokémon want to play too…”
Leon froze and glanced back at the multiple teams. While his didn't seem to mind Hop and Gloria’s looked a little frustrated they had missed the toy.
“Ah… whoops…” Leon laughed weakly. “Sorry about that…” He looked back to Hop and nodded. “Go ahead and throw it, I’ll let the others catch it this time.”
“Okay then.” Hop held up the ball and with a grunt of effort threw it. He watched as their teams all began to chase after it and-!
“Lee not again!” Hop groaned as his brother shot off with an excited croon. In a flash Leon once again managed to catch the ball and happily rolled around the ground with it.
“This isn’t working…” Gloria muttered.
“Tell me about it…” Hop moved a hand to his head and winced. “I think Lee’s competitive fire is coming out…Once he gets fired up he gets tunnel vision.”
Not that he didn't love that fire, its part of what Leon so absolutely amazing and a Champion to all. It just wasn't exactly good when you were trying to entertain a dozen and half Pokémon who wanted a turn to play too.
“Here, maybe we can try and even it out.” Gloria reached into her own bag and pulled out another ball.
She let out a whistle, gaining everyone’s attention. Including Lee’s who perked up from the ground curiously.
“Okay gang! We got another ball here! Who’s ready to play fetch?”
The Pokémon all let out happy cries. Gloria grinned and with a yell she threw the ball with all her might. Not surprisingly, it went much farther than how Hop had thrown his and the Pokémon all ran and flew after it in glee. As they did, Hop was genuinely shocked to see Leon come running back with the ball Hop had thrown and gently hand it back to him.
“Thanks!” Hop paused for Lee to go after the ball Gloria had thrown but he was surprised to see his brother just smiling at him patiently. “Lee, you’re not going to go after the ball now?”
“How can I if you haven’t thrown it yet?” Leon teased with a playful brow.
Hop blinked. “No, I mean… You saw Gloria threw a ball why don't you go after that one? Isn’t your competitive fire burning?”
Leon tilted his head curiously. “In a way yes but not like how it was before…” He closed his eyes in thought and hummed.
After a moment a smile broke back onto his face and he looked to Hop brightly.
“I know why now! It’s because I want to be the one to play with you!” He purred brightly.
Hop blinked in surprise. “Wait really?”
Leon chuckled and bent down rubbing his cheek against Hop’s head affectionately.
“Yes, really! If you’re playing with anyone to try and relax I want it to be me!” He leaned back and chuckled weakly. “I admit it’s a tad selfish, but you and I haven't done something like this in so long…” He sounded longing as he murmured those last words.
Hop smiled, his heart warm and bright. “Okay then Lee. If you want to play…” He lifted the ball in the air and threw it with all his might. “GO GET IT!”
Leon gasped gleefully and once again bolted after the ball. This time Hop couldn't help but laugh at the genuine joy and excitement his brother was getting playing a simple game like this with him. Normally battles would be the thing to get his heart pumping and him practically glow.
‘He did mention we haven't done this in a long time…’ Hop thought as he watched his brother tumble with the ball laughing. ‘Maybe he loves this just as much as battling…’
They continued their game for a while. Hop throwing the ball and Leon running after it ecstatically. Hop found himself having as much fun as his brother was playing the game, and it continued even as the sun began to set.
As Leon happily jogged back to Hop carrying the ball, a loud growl echoed in the air.
“What was that?” Gloria gasped.
“A wild Pokémon?!” Hop stiffened. He looked to Lee expecting him to be just as on guard. Instead his brother looked sheepish as he held the toy ball in his hands.
“Ahaha… sorry, all this running around has got me famished…”
“Oh…” Hop relaxed with a chuckle. “I guess now’s as good as any to start making some curry.”
“Yeah!” Gloria cheered. “I love making curry!”
“We better make two pots.” Hop looked back to his brother who was licking his lips hungrily as another growl rumbled in the air.
His brother as of late could absolutely destroy an entire pot of curry thanks to his connection to Eternatus. Considering the Pokémon used energy to function more than others it wasn't too surprising that Lee as of late has an appetite.
“Rai-Rai! We're making curry!” Gloria cheered happily.
“Hmm?” Raihan peeked open an eye and smiled. “Oh yeah? Okay I’m up, I’m up.” He stood up and stretched his back out with an easy grunt.
“Raihan and I can work on one pot while you work on one for Leon.” Gloria offered with a smile. “Is that okay?”
“If that’s okay with Lee.” Hop agreed and they turned to see the man positively beaming.
“Curry made by my Hop? You don’t even need to ask!”
Well, that settled that then.
Hop began putting the multitude of berries he had been saving from his time traveling Galar. Many of them were rarer and had a better taste. He remembered that his brother’s absolute favorite curry was Dymanax curry, but Hop didn’t have any of that. So, the next best thing was bread. He knew his brother loved to carbo load whenever he worked out, and from the approving twinkle in his eyes as Hop put the loaf into the pot he was certain he made the right choice.
Hop fanned the flames and began humming a little tune he had come up with on his journey whenever he cooked. Gloria quickly joined in, pressing her back against his as they worked on their selective pots. Raihan from Gloria’s side gave a chuckle while Leon purred and soon all four of them were humming along to Hop’s song.
It helped speed up the process as he stirred the pot and of course made sure to put his heart into the cooking the whole way through.
“Soups on!” Raihan declared brightly as he and Gloria began pouring out plates for the teams of Pokémon.
“Here you go Lee!” Hop picked up the pot and placed it in front of his brother, who was positively near drooling.
Leon took a deep whiff. “It smells amaziiiiiiiiiing…” He managed through his purring with a smile.
As Hop handed him a spoon, he was surprised his brother didn’t quickly tear into it like usual.
“Something wrong Lee? Wait do you want me to go get some of Gloria and Raihan’s instead? I can if you don’t want…”
“No, no that’s not it…” Leon looked up at him frowning softly. “Hop… you didn’t make anything for yourself…”
“Oh! Uh…” Honestly he was so focused on making sure his big brother had the food he needed he had completely forgotten.
As Leon stared at him, a fond, almost sad looking smile spread on his face. Like he understood exactly what had happened.
“Come here… Let’s share this.” Leon motioned to him and Hop blinked in surprise.
“But Lee you need…”
“What I need is to know that you have had a good meal. Now come here or I’ll come pick you up myself.” There was a gentle sternness in his voice that had Hop know he meant it.
As Hop sat down a little ways from his brother, he grunted as Leon wrapped and arm around him and pulled him close until they were pressed close together.
“I don’t bite.” Leon teased with a purr. Hop chuckled.
Together they dug into the meal. Leon was much slower eating and Hop quickly realized it was him making sure Hop got his fill first. His care warmed his heart and it didn't take long before Hop was finished and he put his spoon to the side.
“You’re done?” Leon looked surprised. As Hop nodded Leon squinted his eyes. “Are you sure? Don’t you dare stop until you’ve had enough.”
“Lee I’m good, I’m done okay.” Hop chuckled. “The rest is all yours…”
Leon studied him sternly for a few moments longer, before he softened and nodded. With that confirmation his brother chowed down the pot within a minute. It was impressive and Hop helped move the pot out of the way as his brother gave a loud burp.
“That was the best meal I’ve ever had…” Leon purred contently, rubbing his middle and smiling.
“Really?” Hop chuckled. “Lee you’ve eaten gourmet meals before right?”
He’s sure he had at least a few times during his time as Champion. He had to from all those big meetings and events he’s done.
Leon gave him a big smile. “They don’t have anything on your curry Hop. I bet it’s because you put all your heart and passion into it because I could taste it with every bite.” He closed his eyes purring harder looking happy and content as he laid back.
“If Leon says that then he means it Hop.” Raihan called lightly as he and Gloria picked up the bowls.
Hop couldn't deny the feeling of pride and joy knowing that. As he picked up the pot he felt a strong happiness in his heart.
“Oh shoot…” He muttered as his spoon tumbled away and rolled off into the darkness of the area.
He risked a glance to Raihan and Gloria. They were busy talking and cleaning their dishes. Hop looked to his big brother, who still had his blissful closed eye smile purring loudly.
‘I’ll just be quick…’
He didn’t like the idea of leaving something like that in the wild where a Pokémon could get hurt from it. He’d be totally guilt ridden of the very thought. Even though it was a terrible idea to step away from the campsite, Hop was sure as long as he was careful he’d be fine.
“Okay, okay… now where’d you wander off to…” Hop murmured as he cautiously stepped down the hill. The further he stepped down, the darker it was. He winced because he absolutely hated the dark, but he couldn't stop looking when this was so important.
“Good grief how far did it roll?” Hop muttered as he stepped through the grass. If it was in here then it would really take all night to find it.
“Oh!” Hop gasped as he noticed the shine in the grass thanks to the moon. Lowering himself he plucked up exactly what he was looking for.
“For something so small you certainly cause a lot of trouble.” He chuckled as he placed the fork into his coat pocket. He slowly turned around about to trail back…
“Grrrrrr”
Hop froze as a loud, angry growling sounded behind him. He slowly turned his head, sucking in a panicked breath as he saw angry eyes gazing back at him.
Hop stumbled back as the eyes slowly lifted up until they were towering over him. Even in the dark the moon was able to help Hop see a slight silhouette.
Smaller head, large heavy steel like body, thick tail…
“A Tyranitar…” Hop muttered shakily. Of all the Pokémon for him to run into out here, why did it have to be something as strong as that.
The mighty Tyranitar gave a roar, slamming its feet on the ground. The power of the small quake caused Hop to fall back onto his rear and he jerked back in terror as he saw the Pokémon twist around readying its tail for a pound move.
“ARRRRRRAAAAAAAGGGGHH!”
As Hop stiffened in fear, a screeching roar made him jump.
A large heavy body suddenly landed in front of him as the Tyranitar's tail came swinging, and the being in front of him moved out its hands and caught it without even budging.
Hop gasped in shock. For a Pokémon to stop a move from a Tyranitar's attack they had to be powerful! Yet as Hop looked closer he quickly noticed the thing in front of him didn’t look like a Pokémon.
It actually looked pretty human…
Wait…
“LEE?!” Hop screamed in shock and horror.
It was his brother, gripping the tail and holding it back as the Tyranitar struggled to try and hit him with it. Leon’s teeth were bared tight, and the furious growls coming from him sounded so vicious that it made him shudder.
“Lee no!” Hop cried out because even if his brother was stronger now that didn't mean there was a possibility he couldn’t get hurt! Right?
The Tyranitar growled and lifted it’s tail in the air, taking Leon with it.
“NO!” Hop wailed as the tail swung down and he felt fear strike his heart for his older brother.
Leon to let out a screech, so loud and powerful that it stopped the tail right in its tracks. As the sound belted a blinding flash of light flared from his brother and Hop clenched his eyes shut.
As the light dies down Hop risks opening his eyes and they widen in shock.
His brother was staring down the Tyranitar face to face. Leon looks so mad he’s shaking with rage and looked like he was glowing red.
If Hop didn’t know any better he’d say his brother looked like he was wearing sharp, rib like armor over his body that stretched out to a crown like helmet over his eyes. He even looked like he had some weird, twisted wings that made his long hair flare out with them making him look larger than he was.
Hop clearly had to be seeing things.
The Tyranitar lets out a furious roar that shakes the earth
Leon jerks his head forward and screams out a roar back that's even louder looking just as enraged.
The Pokémon jerked back, blinking in startled surprise as Leon glowered at it. Hop’s startled as it glances at Hop and then back to Leon. It lets out a few rumbles sounding almost curious.
Leon hissed, letting out punctuated rumbles and snarls as he motioned to Hop and then to back to his own chest in a jerking motion.
Tyranitar slowly leaned back looking calmer. It looked to Hop one more time before looking back to his older brother. The Pokémon gave softer rumbles that sounded almost… apologetic?
Leon’s fury seemed to calm, and whatever in the world Hop was seeing around his brother flickers away.
Hop rubs his eyes and blinks. His brother is standing protectively in front of him, but he looked just as he did all day in his uniform.
He really must be seeing things…
Leon let out a few rumbles of his own, and nodded. Slowly a small smile stretched across his face and he gave a wave as the Tyranitar slowly turned and lumbered away.
Hop’s jaw dropped and he could only stare in total shock. Once the Pokémon was totally out of sight did his brother turn and fall to his knees. In an instant Leon snuggled him up and purred loudly.
“W-what… What just happened?” Hop sputtered.
“It was a misunderstanding.” Leon murmured through his relieved purring. “She was upset because she thought you were going to try and steal her egg. Apparently some trainers tried to do that recently so she’s been on guard.”
Hop looked up at his brother in shock. “Wait… Lee you understood what she was saying?!”
“Mm hm…” Leon nuzzled his cheek into his hair “Clear as day.”
Leon was getting more abilities… Okay that was equally amazing and worrying at the same time.
“Wait… you were making sounds at her… Were you… talking to each other?”
Leon chuckled and nodded. “Yes, we were. Once she learned who you were and who I was she backed off. We’ve reached and understanding now…”
Well, that was absolutely incredible! The ability to have a real conversation with Pokémon! Still as wicked as that was Hop was curious…
“Uh… What… did you tell her Lee?”
Leon pulled back slightly, taking Hop’s face and making him look up to him. There was a twinkle in his eyes and a warmth in his teasing smile.
“I simply told her the truth. That you didn’t mean to come onto her territory and that you were my baby.”
“Oh okay that…” Hop froze. “Wait-WHAT? Oh Leeeeeee……” Hop grumbled in frustration.
Leon laughed and pressed a kiss onto his head before his squeezed him tight in a hug. “Once she understood that she knew you meant no harm. She even said she could see why I snarled at her too…” His smile turned melancholy. “We both were just looking out for the little lives we love…”
Hop sighed. While the reminder that his brother saw him as a baby wasn’t so great, the fact his brother did all of that to protect him felt amazing.
“By the way…” Leon slowly pulled back and took Hop’s chin again to force him to look up. He stiffened when he saw the sternness in his big brother’s eyes. “What were you doing walking away from the campsite?”
“Um…” Hop glanced away awkwardly. “It’s a long story…”
“One that you'll be telling me in our tent. Now come on.”
Hop yelped as he was scooped up and carried in Leon’s arms as he began his trek back out of the grass.
“Wait our tent?”
“You know by now I’d rather have you lay with me.” Leon stated with a snort. “After this? Especially tonight.”
Hop sighed and went limp in his arms just accepting it. He didn't know why it’d be any different out here than back at Lee’s home…
Despite the fact he was being scolded his brother snuggled him up close and paused his walking to rub his cheek against his purring softly.
“Don’t ever scare me like that again Hoppy…” He murmured. “I love you so much if I ever lost you I…” His voice chokes.
“You won't Lee…” Hop weakly nuzzles back and he smiles as the purrs grow louder from it. He’d never go and do something like that again…
Especially not to ever see his brother look the way he did. Seeing things or not, how he had acted was downright terrifying…
Hop was more than happy to take smothering, doting Leon over the one he had seen before.
Lee’s arms squeezed him tight as he pressed another kiss onto his head. “I love you Hop…” His brother purred with what sounded like every ounce of passion he had in him.
“Love you too Lee…” Hop murmured back with just as much conviction, and smiled as his brother purred and curled around him snugly. Safe and loved…