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“Leeeeeeeeee…..” Hop grunted as he attempted to pull his big brother along. “C’mon we’re going to be left behind from Raihan and Gloria if you keep doing this…”
“Ah, but Hop all these smells!” Leon said, beaming and sniffing in as much as he could with his nose in the air. “It’s incredible! I’ve never realized how many amazing scents are in Wyndon!”
“Ugh…” Hop groaned. A simple trip to the market, that’s all this should be. Just go to the market and go back, why couldn’t they just do that?
Well, because Leon’s senses were stronger now thanks to his connection to Eternatus. That meant that his easily distracted brother, now could get even more easily distracted.
Great…
“Oh! Hop look at this!” Leon gasped, gripping his hand tighter and dragging him far too easily. Especially compared to Hop’s pitiful attempts to even get him to budge an inch.
“Gloriiaaaaaaaa!” Hop cried out in an attempt to get his friend to see what was going on.
He looked back and was relieved to see that it had worked. She quickly grabbed hold of Raihan’s arm and tugged him. As the man looked to her with a smile, when he followed to where she was pointing the smile turned to an amused, if not slightly frustrated one.
“Leon! Get back here!” Raihan called for him.
“Huh?” Leon paused his tugging and looked back. “Oh! Hop we need to go with the others! Come on!”
Hop groaned as he was tugged along. This has been going on ever since they left Leon’s home.
They had all been staying in the flat for a while now and were in desperate need of groceries. Lee had seemed to be appeased about leaving the house, his den as Raihan explained, as long as they all went out together. Especially Hop…
Most of the walk had been spent with Hop’s hand being held by his older brother. Those parental instincts still treated him like a baby and Hop didn’t mind at first. It meant he could keep a better hold on guiding his brother… or so he thought.
Because the little matter of that extra strength came into play and it left Hop being dragged around more than guiding. All while Hop could only just pull and tug with no effect.
“Leon I get you’re excited to be out but maybe stick us eh?” Raihan chuckled as Leon made it to them with a happy beam.
“Haha! Sorry, but don’t worry I plan to! Right Hop?” Leon gave his brother a big smile and Hop sighed.
“Yep… Right Lee…”
As frustrating as it was, seeing his brother looking so happy was a nice sight. You never would have guessed that what was going on with him, how he got these abilities were from an experience not so pleasant.
Hop just hoped Lee would listen to what Raihan said. This was the first time since his connection with Eternatus since Lee has been out on the streets wandering in Wyndon. He was sure his brother would possibly be flooded with fans and people cheering for him just like always when he went out. With how he was now, Hop hoped him being close would be enough for his brother not to feel uncomfortable.
Thankfully Lee actually kept with Raihan and Gloria and before long they finally made it to the market place. As they stepped inside there was a delighted cry.
“It’s the Champion!”
Hop sighed and Leon stiffened. He knew this would happen. Hop mentally prepared a plan on making sure people didn't get too close and overwhelm his brother. Unless he wanted the attention, he thrived on it in battles and he…
“Champion Gloria! Champion Gloria!”
“We love you!”
“Please sign my League Card!”
… Was not who they were excited to see?
Hop’s jaw dropped in appall as the swarm of people gathered around Gloria, completely ignoring his older brother.
Of course Gloria was the Champion now, a title she earned and deserved there was no doubt about that. It’s just…
After everything that his brother had done for them….After all the years he had spent for the people of Galar as an inspiration and protector! All those years, all that work and effort…
THIS was the thanks he got?!
Hop had half a mind to verbally tear these people out!
…Except… Gloria did deserve the attention she was getting. He couldn't dare take that from her…
‘I hope Lee’s okay…’ His brother had spent so long in the limelight, spent so much of his life for the people. To be shafted like this… Hop was worried he’d be upset…
He turned to his side expecting to see his brother looking bittersweet, put on a brave face, and give a Champion smile…
Instead his brother was sniffing the different types of bread on the shelves near the entrance…
“Huh?” Hop stepped closer to his brother as he sniffed what looked to be a berry infused bread. “Lee… Are you okay?”
“Hm?” Leon paused his sniffing and looked to him in surprise. “Yes, of course I am. Is something wrong Hop?” His brother’s expression turned concerned and Hop mentally flailed his hands.
Why was his brother worried about him when THIS was happening?!
“Lee… the crowd…” Hop flicked his eyes towards where Gloria was talking and signing cards. Raihan was by her side acting like a pretty darn good body guard, making sure people gave her space with a protective glint in his eye.
Leon followed his gaze and blinked. “Oh…” He let out a chuckle. “Hop I’m not Champion anymore, it’s no surprise they don’t come to me.”
“But… But… but-!” Hop now physically flailed his hands. “Lee after everything-! I-! It’s not fair!” He hissed in frustration.
Leon tilted his head and gave him a smile. “Hop, I appreciate you feeling upset for me but really I’m fine.”
Hop frowned warily. “Are you…?” He murmured. “Are you really?” Hop hoped he wasn’t putting on a strong front for him. Still, that didn’t look like his Champion smile…
Leon chuckled. “Yes, I really am.” He picked up another loaf of bread and studied it for a moment.
“I started to notice I wasn’t being recognized as often the moment I lost the Tournament. It was… a bit difficult to get used to.” He admitted softly. “I was so used to the constant attention and there was a part of me that missed it somewhat…”
He paused, and Hop watched as his expression softened. “Do you remember, when you were staying here earlier we got to ride the Ferris Wheel? I had been promising to take you on that ride for years and I was finally able to keep it.” He asked gently.
Hop blinked. That had been one of the first things they had done when Hop had first started staying with Lee after he had lost. It had been before Hop himself had left for Wedgehurst to gather research and it had felt so long from now…
“Yeah, you were right the sight from the top was brilliant.” Hop nodded smiling. Leo chuckled as he placed the bread back and turned to him.
“It is, but seeing your face when you saw that view…seeing you jumping around in excitement in line was even more brilliant to me.” Leon’s smile widened when Hop looked surprised. “That’s when I realized that was the first time in a LONG while we’ve had a moment like that. The first time we could actually go out and not have to worry about a mob forming around us interrupting our time. No people rushing me, no worries of you dealing with the not so fun parts of those crowds. It was just US.”
His expression was warm and bright as he continued. “And I realized then and there I didn't really lose something, I gained back what I’ve been wanting for a long time.”
Hop blinked, still rather confused. He must’ve looked it too, because his brother chuckled and ruffled his hair.
“Being able to spend time with you, just the two of us. I only got to have that when I visited Postwick but even then I was surrounded by a crowd and didn’t get to spend much of my time or attention on you.”
He tugged Hop close and pressed their foreheads together, purrs rumbling from his chest. “What we have right now, this is what is important to me. I may not be Champion anymore but I’ve still got you, and that’s what matters to me Hopscotch.”
Oh… oh!
Well, Hop didn't know what to say. His brother really meant that? That he really did see him, HOP of all people, as good as, better than a crowd? It felt impossible…
No, no surely he was just being nice right? Maybe he was putting on a strong act? Maybe-
Leon chuckled and pressed a kiss to his head. “You’re overthinking again~” He teased warmly. “I can practically hear those gears turning. Believe in me when I say this okay? I’m happy where I am in my life, I really truly am.”
Hop nodded, still in slight shock.
He had always thought his brother loved that attention more than anything. Well, besides battles of course. He seemed to live on the cheers and shouts. So hearing any of this was just a shock.
Leon pulled back and took his hand giving it a squeeze. “Now c’mon! We’re here to get groceries remember? Gloria might be a bit preoccupied so let’s get started! With the two of us we can get that list done and taken care of in a flash!” He told him brightly.
Hop blinked, trying to push away the shock he was still feeling. He slowly nodded and forced a smile on his face.
“Okay Lee.”
Leon chuckled and as his brother pulled him along, Hop couldn't stop thinking about what he had said.
‘I still don’t think it’s fair…’
Even if what Lee said was true, it still bothered Hop how no one seemed to appreciate all his brother had done. He had seen, and dealt with the sacrifices his brother had made to be their Champion. For most of his life, Hop had Leon the Champion and not Leon the big brother. Not that he wasn’t exceedingly proud of him, but Hop had missed Leon dearly. Really he had missed this time together too…
Hop narrowed his eyes in determination as a new idea came to mind.
If the people of Galar wouldn’t show their thanks to Leon, then Hop would! After all he did practically raise him, not to mention being there for him and caring for him! Even if he hadn’t always been around Hop was thankful for whatever time he managed to give. Leon deserved to know how what he did for him and all of Galar was appreciated and would never be forgotten! Hop just needed to figure out how…
As they passed through an aisle, one filled with little gifts and souvenirs he perked with a smile.
‘I should get a present for Lee!’
For his whole life Leon had always spoiled him with presents. He appreciated every one of them, and he always wanted to do something nice back for him. Maybe he could today!
“Now that’s what I love to see.” Leon’s voice was warm and Hop looked up, surprised to see his words and smile was directed to him.
“You’re a lot happier now, did you see something you want to get?”
“Y-yeah um…” Hop paused.
He couldn’t exactly grab a present when Leon was right here… It would spoil the surprise. It needed to be done perfectly, without his brother knowing.
“Hey Lee, I uh… Wanted to go look at something… er alone.” Hop asked, inwardly wincing at how weak his words sounded. Probably because he knew it would be an absolute long shot to get his brother to let him do such a thing.
Leon’s smile dropped into a frown as he glanced around. His brows pinched warily.“It’s too crowded Hop. How about you just stay with me…” He used his other hand to take Hop’s shoulder and pull him closer to him.
“Lee c’mon I’ll be right back, I need to go do something… important.”
Leon frowned harder. “Well, what’s so important then? Why can’t you tell me?”
“I…”
Raihan’s long sigh of relief cut him off, and Hop sighed himself as they turned to see the man walking over with Gloria.
“The joys of crowd control.” The man muttered.
Gloria looked up at him with a cheeky smile. “I thought you loved it when you’d get a crowd?”
“Haha, I suppose I do. It’s a tad different making sure no one pushes you around.” Raihan said with a playful nudge.
“Oh! Gloria perfect!” Hop looked back to his brother. “See I won’t go alone if I take Gloria with me!”
Leon narrowed his eyes while Raihan looked to them curiously. “What’s all this now?”
“Hop wants to go look at something alone.” Leon muttered. “It’s too crowed though, he should stay here.” The grip on his hand tightened slightly as he pulled him even closer.
Hop looked to Raihan pleadingly. If he couldn’t convince Lee then mayve he could hopefully convince the Gym Leader.
“It’s important…” Hop murmured. When Raihan raised a brow Hop sighed. “Look I promise I’ll be quick okay?”
Raihan blinked, glancing between Leon and Hop. For a moment Raihan didn’t seem like he’d agree…
The man gave an easy smile. “I don’t see why they can’t go off on their own for a bit.”
“Raihan!” Leon hissed, sounding more like a Pokémon than human as his eyes flashed. Hop couldn't help but flinch. The last thing they needed was Lee’s instincts going off in the store…
Raihan didn’t look bothered. “C’mon Leon this is the first time in a while the’ve been out of the flat. We’re going right back after this, let them look around on their own for a bit.”
Hop yelped as Leon tugged him against him, bending down and wrapping his arms around him snuggly while he eyed Raihan with frustration and wariness.
“You two will be right back right?” Raihan urged with an easy smile.
“Yeah of course!” Gloria nodded.
“I promise Lee we will!” Hop looked up to his anxious brother.
Leon still didn’t look convinced, his muscles were tense and his eyes were darting around as if he was looking for any danger.
‘Okay… time for desperate measures…’
He really didn’t want to do this, but this was important…
Hop squirmed until he was facing Leon and wrapped his arms around his brother. He pressed his cheek against his chest and put on his best baby doll eyes as he stared up at him.
“Pleeeeeeeeeease?” He murmured in the tiniest voice he could muster.
Leon stiffened, and Hop could see he looked like he was having a battle within himself trying to say no. It was always like this when Hop did this before, his brother could never say no to him when he put on his best baby brother pleading expression.
He rarely used it since it got him more in trouble with the rest of the family because Lee tended to fold to him, unless it was dangerous. Going to leave his sight for just a bit in a crowded store Hop hardly found dangerous in the slightest.
“You’ll be right back?” Leon repeated stiffly.
“Yes!”
Leon clenched his eyes shut and ground his teeth as he took a heavy breath. “… Five minutes…” He muttered warily. “You have five, and then you come right back here or we’re coming to get you.”
“Yes!” Hop cheered, nuzzling his cheek against his brother’s chest in thanks. Leon responded by hugging him tight, pressing his chin on his head… and wouldn’t let him go.
“Leon…” Raihan chuckled chidingly.
Leon growled lowly at the other man but stiffly, slowly opened his arms, Hop quickly took his small window before his brother changed his mind.
“C’mon Gloria let’s go!” He grabbed her hand and made a mad dash down the aisle. As they turned the corner, Hop faintly noticed Lee’s shoulders hunch up from the corner of his eyes as he dashed away.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“That took a lot for you to do that.” Raihan commended the moment the kids were out of sight. “How’re you doing?”
Leon let out a groan, clenching his fists. Raihan hummed sympathetically.
“They’ll be back in a bit…” He attempted to assure.
Leon opened his eyes, and jerked his head towards him. Raihan leaned back when he saw they were glowing pink and his lips were curled to a near snarl.
“Did you HAVE to push for Hop go alone?” The man muttered furiously.
Raihan glanced away. Admittedly he’d be against it too. How Leon was acting was big example. The man was beginning to stress but on the other hand it seemed like the boy wanted some space. Nothing wrong with that, if anything it would help them in the long run.
“He’ll be right back Leon. You’ve handled him not being in your sight for even longer than five minutes.” Raihan pointed out.
Leon let out a low growl. “That wasn't when we were surrounded by so many strangers…” He jerked his head around, sniffing the air. “I don’t like the smell of some of them…”
Okay, now THAT was concerning.
Pokémon tended to have a pretty good read of people. They could whether or not someone was a good person or not, same with intentions. If Leon smelt something was off with those new senses…
Raihan pushed that thought away.
It could just Leon just being overprotective. The man always had been when it come to Hop and his connection only made it worse.
Raihan looked at his Rotom Phone as it floated by his head.
“Look Leon its been two minutes already they'll be back in a…” He stopped as Leon suddenly twisted around, shoulders hunched higher as a low growl erupted from him again. This one much louder and more dangerous…
“Leon, what’s wrong?” Raihan quickly got to his side feeling just as tense. The direction he was facing was where the kids had headed.
Leon said nothing, but the growls from him increased.
“Whoa! What’s that sound?”
“Is there a wild Pokémon in here?”
“It sounds angry!”
Raihan inwardly hissed. This wasn't good, now people were hearing them…
“Leon calm down you…”
Leon suddenly let out a sharp gasp, eyes turning back to gold and looking as if he had been stabbed.
“Leon! What’s wrong?!” Raihan muttered worriedly.
The pained expression on his face twisted into one of pure rage and the glowing in his eyes returned only to become blinding. Even his body looked to be glowing the color to match his fury.
“Wha-? Leon…?” Raihan stared at the man in shock. From all of what’s been going on, this ability was certainly a new one.
The Chairman let out a vicious snarl and… and…
Vanished in the blink of an eye.
Raihan blinked shock, and the horrible feeling he had for the two kids who wormed their way into his heart only worsened.
He took off running where Leon had been facing before…
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“So Hop why were you so desperate to go over here without Leon?” Gloria asked casually as his eyes scanned the isle on the outside of the store intensely. She frowned as a worrying thought came to mind.
“You two didn’t fight did you?”
“Huh?” Oh no! No!” Hop chuckled. “Nah, see I wanted to be doing this without Lee here because..” He paused, straightening his back and leaned closer to her.
“I want to get Lee a surprise present.” He whispered in the softest voice she’s ever heard. It actually took her a moment to decode what it was he said. Once she did, she smiled bright.
“Aw, Hop that’s so sweet!”
Hop shrugged with a shy laugh. “Yeah well, my big bro’s always been there and done so much for me. Not to mention all the presents he always gave me when he visited, I say he’s long overdue for some presents of his own too!”
Hop went back to scouring the shelves with a serious face. “I wish I had more than five minutes though. Way to put the pressure on Lee…”
Gloria let out a ggigle. “You know, you could just order something to come to the house when searching for things to order right/“
Hop froze, only to droop his head low with his arms giving a groan of dismay. Gloria giggled again. “You forgot about that didn’t you?”
“Of course I did…” He whined. “Ugh… I plan better than this…”
“C’mon…” Gloria gave him a playful nudge. “Let’s get back so Leon can calm down.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute. I just want to look at one last thing…” Hop lifted his head moving onto the clothes next to the shelf.
Gloria chuckled. “Okay, well I’ll poke my head in and let them know we’ll be there in a bit.”
As she walked away from Hop towards the entrance, a hand suddenly gripped her shoulder and yanked her away.
“What the-? Hey!” She yelled furiously.
She grunted as she was pulled to the side of the building and looked up to see it was an older woman.
“Relax kid.” She smirked. “We’re only here to ask you make the generous donation of your Pokémon.”
Gloria stared at the woman, blinking. She glanced at the two other women with her and then back to her.
“… Are you serious?” She asked because they couldn't be right? They did realize they were trying to steal Pokémon from… well, the current Champion of Galar right? Said Champion that would never just hand over her beloved Pokémon to a bunch of random jerks who seemed more than willing to try and steal them.
It was a good thing they didn’t appear to have Pokémon of their own.
“Oh I am kid…” She held her hand out and made a grabbing motion. “Now be a good little girl and hand them over and we’ll just be on our way…”
Gloria’s eyes narrowed to slits. Okay, yeah they were going down…
Gloria reached to her belt about to call out her Cinderace-
“Well, well, what do we have here?”
Gloria froze as she recognized the voice in an instant…
The women froze, turning their heads. Past their bodies Gloria could see she was right, it was Raihan…and the smile on his had on his face was a rather furious one.
“Who are you?” The woman hissed flatly. “We’re simply trying to do the righteous act of taking Pokémon to better trainers.”
Raihan’s grin sharpened. “I’d say her team’s perfectly happy with her, but if you want a second opinion…”
He tossed a Pokéball in the air, revealing Flygon. The dragon glanced at the thugs, to Gloria, and them back to the three with narrowed eyes.
“Look Flygon, three training dummies to play with~” Raihan chuckled darkly. “Unless they’ve come to their senses to know they should never mess with her or any kids in Galar EVER again…”
He smiled wider and the three in front of Gloria shifted shakily.
“R-right… Of course…” The woman muttered warily. “We’ll… be going now…”
Raihan narrowed his eyes and watched as they slowly shuffled away. Gloria could see the moment they got away from him they all broke into a sprint. Raihan watched and let out a snort.
“Good riddance…” He muttered.
“Thanks…” Gloria murmured as she walked over. Flagon let out a trill and nuzzled her head, which she took with a loving pet to his nose. “I could have handled them myself you know? They didn’t even have Pokémon to battle me with!”
Raihan chuckled, striding towards her. He stopped and reached a hand out to her, gently fixing her hair that had been ruffled from the small scuffle with a warm expression. “Yeah, but it’s not everyday I get to be the one to save you. You saved Galar plenty, you deserve to have a break. Remember you’re not alone Little Morning Glori.”
Gloria smiled and threw her arms around the man. Raihan froze, before hugging her back just was warmly.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hop had worried for a moment his search was considered fruitless, but the moment he saw the cap section he knew he had a chance.
Hop could still remember the endless amount of caps his brother collected still at the house in Postwick. Every visit he’d bring more and more and happily hang them up. As of late his brother hasn’t seen his collection in quite a while, but maybe Hop could give him something to add to it!
He beamed as something in particular caught his eye.
“Perfect!” Hop gasped as he pulled out a cap, a Charizard cap of all things. It was orange with green lettering along with fire on the front of the cap itself. Hop could even see the little horns a Charizard was known for poking from the back.
It was corny, it was loud, it was so perfect for his brother.
“Lee’ll love this!” He cheered gleefully as he turned around ready to rush in and pay for it right away.
“Huh? HEY!” Hop shouted as his arm was suddenly grabbed and he was yanked back.
The force of the tug was so strong he stumbled back plenty far. As he lifted his head, he froze as he saw two men glaring daggers at him in what looked to be a side alley of the store.
He quickly reached for his pocket to pull out his Pokéball, only to let out a pained grunt as the larger man grabbed his arms and pushed his wrists on the wall aggressively.
“Don’t even think about it kid!” The other man chuckled. “Just hand us over all your Poké points and we’ll leave ya alone…”
Hop froze in surprise. They yanked him into a dark alley, and they wanted money of all things?
“Seriously…?” Hop muttered in frustration. “All this for something like that? Just battle somebody already!”
“Look at the mouth on this one…” The thug holding his wrists growled. “Didn’t your parents ever teach ya to not talk to grown ups like that?”
He gave his wrists a harsh twist and Hop let out a pained yell.
“Really? That hurt you? I barely even did anything!” The man barked a laugh. “Wow made of glass this one is huh?”
“All the reason you give us your funds kid… oh how about your Pokémon too while we're at it.” The other chuckled. “Might as well right? You’re certainly not strong enough to handle them I’m sure.”
“N-no!” Hop yelled in outrage and pain. He began kicking his legs around wildly to hit them. Both men merely laughed at his poor, panicked attempts.
“Better do what we ask kid. After all you won’t be able to really take care of them with broken hands huh?” The one calling the shots nodded to the other, who grinned darkly.
“Good idea…”
Hop tensed, mind wildly trying to think of a way out of this. He couldn't get to his Pokémon and he was physically outclassed and alone…
“Grrrrrwwwllllll…..”
A sudden low, dark growling surrounded the alley way.
“Uh… hey you hear that?” The thug gripping Hop’s hands mutter in confusion.
“Ignore it get it done so we can get the kids money and Pokémon already!” The other grunted.
Both suddenly stiffened as the growling became louder, more vicious.
“What the…?” They slowly turned, and they jumped back with startled yells. Hop peered past the thug gripping him and stiffened at the terrifying sight.
Even in the darkness of the alley is was easy to see the silhouette at the entrance. The suns rays showing it was someone tall and well toned. A dark, dangerous aura hung around him. His long hair was floating not from a breeze but as if some sort of power was causing it to do so. Perhaps most terrifying of all were the glowing pinprick pink eyes locked right onto the two men in front of Hop.
“L-Lee…?” Hop murmured shakily. There was only one person with those kind of eyes…
…and Leon looked downright enraged….
“Get… away from him…” His brother growled thunderously, the darkness around him becoming thicker.
The two thugs threw up their arms and backed away.
“Y-yeah sure no problem…” The leader chuckled weakly. “No worries…”
Leon still didn't looked calmed, his irises becoming so small that the whites of his eyes looked to be glowing instead
“I… said….” His brother trembled as the words barely got out of his throat past his growls.
Leon suddenly threw his head towards them let and let out a vicious, screaming roar.
“GET AWAY FROM HIM!”
A blinding flash of pink, the sky around them turning red, and an image of his brother wearing what looked to be a dark dangerously spiked crown on his head now taller than before and even glowing red and pink Gem Stones embedded into it. Sharp and jagged dark armor that bore the same type of glowing stones wrapped even more around his body than the armor Hop's seen on him before. The armor itself remained dark as the night despite the aura of it glowed a deep red like clouds hovering over his head. Even brother's hands looked to be more claw like as they were covered with the armor now as well. His brother's chest was glowing under the armor where the most gemstones lie over it making them change their colors from pink to red like a powerful wave. Rib like wings flared from his back almost like stingers past a dark regal long flowing cape that was ripped and torn, a dark echo of the one he wore as Champion. All with glowing pink eyes that had no irises and an enraged roaring face that makes his brother look far more vicious than he’s ever seen him.
The image that burns into Hop’s brain. He’s seen his brother's form change… but this almost seemed like an entirely new one to that…one that’s even stronger than the last.
Hop cried out and covered his ears at the overwhelming power and volume of the scream that quite literally shook the ground. All while the men let out terrified shouts and ran away.
“Fine! Fine you can have him!” The leader shrieked in terror.
“Wait for me!” His crony wailed behind him.
They bolted past Leon, too blind in their fear to even realize they had done such a thing.
Leon turned his head, watching them go with deadly eyes and Hop couldn't stop trembling. Leon suddenly turned back to him and he's back to his Battle Tower outfit once more. Hop clenched his eyes shut. In a childish way he tries to hide in the dark as he curls into a ball. Trying to hide from his brother not in fear, but in shame.
Of course that didn't didn’t work, because heavy footsteps bolted to his direction and slid to a halt in front of him.
“Hop! Hop are you okay?” Leon gasped and Hop could feel him try to gently pry his hands off his ears.
Hop kept his eyes closed. He couldn't face his brother, not when he had just completely failed again….
Leon’s hands gripped his, shaking slightly as his thumbs rubbed his hands.
“Hop… please it’s me….” Leon pleaded softly. “It’s Lee… You’re safe now! I won't let anyone hurt you! Hop talk to me! Let me know you're okay!”
How could Hop let himself be intimidated by thugs? He’s faced down Eternatus without fear… He had stood his ground to a raging legend and even tamed it…
So how could Hop have nearly lost not just his money but more importantly his Pokémon to two jerks without Pokémon themselves?! \What right did he deserve to call himself a future Pokémon Professor… Let alone a proper trainer…
Even if Leon didn’t feel the same, Hop was ashamed of himself….
His brother’s hands dropped from his heavily and he could hear his brother let suck in a choked breath.
“… Hoppy… Please…” Leon whispered brokenly as he pressed his head against Hop’s. “Please just let me see you’re okay…”
‘Lee…’ His brother’s tone and pleading was enough to pull him from his downward spiral of thoughts.
He forced himself to open his eyes. There before him was his brother, looking just as heartbroken as he sounded. Hop felt his heart clench.
“Lee!” Hop threw himself into his brother’s arms and Leon instantly squeezed him tight to his chest in a massive embrace.
“It’s okay… It’s okay Hop…” Leon murmured, his voice lowering to a soothing purr. Underneath it though, Hop could hear the relief in his voice. That only made him feel worse.
He never meant to make his brother worry. All of this had been to try and have him feel special, now he's gone and done the opposite. Hop’s spiraling thoughts took over and it had hurt his brother, he hated it.
Hop felt Leon press his lips against his head, slowly nuzzling his nose into his hair in response.
“It’s okay Hoppy… it’s all going to be okay…” Leon purred gently, pressing his cheek to his hair and nuzzling against him more. “I’m here now… I love you.... You're safe...”
“They went over this way, I'm sure of it!” Hop could faintly hear Gloria’s voice and he relaxed even more. Thank goodness, she and Raihan were here too…
“That’s it…” Leon purred, cuddling him closer. “You’re safe Hoppy…”
Behind his back were footsteps, and the relieved voices of the rest of their group.
“There you are!” Raihan muttered, his footsteps were slow and Hop faintly heard a stumble in Gloria’s. “No, no Gloria. Give him space… see how Leon looks…”
Hop couldn’t see his face, but he could feel his brother’s muscles were tensed and his shoulders were hunched up high… Hop could see a faint red glow around his brother as well… one similar to the time once before back when they had been camping…
‘He was furious then too…’
Leon slightly turned his head and Hop could hear a growl deep from his chest.
“They hurt Hop…” Leon’s voice was low and a deep of a rumble.
“They did?” Raihan muttered, voice suddenly just as dark. “Hop is that true?”
Hop flinched and pressed his face more into his brother’s chest in embarrassment.
“They just twisted my wrists a bit, nothing much…” He murmured.
Leon growled louder, and Hop could hear the clack of his brother’s teeth snapping together as he let out a snarl.
“Easy Leon…” Raihan murmured. “You got Hop with you, just focus on him okay? Those punks don’t deserve another thought…” He let out a dark chuckle. “I think you traumatized them for life…”
Hop flinched as he felt Leon press his cheek agains his head as he tried to calm down his quickening breathing despite Raihan’s words.
“Oh Hop…When I heard you scream from when I was with Raihan… I… I…” Leon whispered in his ear, falling into a shudder. “When I came here and saw… them I….” He growled again and held Hop tighter. “I saw red…”
“No surprise there…” Raihan muttered. “You held yourself back pretty well Leon. You know, for someone who claims he doesn't hold back on anyone.”
“Hop’s more important…” Leon hissed softly, and he was held even closer if that was possible.
Raihan smiled. “That’s right Leon.” He glanced out of the ally with a frown. “They looked like they might run with the same ones who went after Gloria…”
“Gloria too?” Leon hissed as he stiffened at his words. Raihan nodded.
“Don’t worry, I scared them off myself.” The man chuckled, sounding quite proud of it.
Leon’s growls calmed slightly. “Good job Raihan…” He rumbled approvingly.
“Hey, we got to watch out for our hatchlings eh?” Raihan hummed with a grin.
Leon chuckled nodding, and Hop was snuggled even more to his chest.
“They weren’t from here…” Gloria pipped in. “I think they must be not even from Galar either considering they thought I was just some random kid.”
“We’ll let the authorities know about them. Although I have a feeling they’re not going to be much trouble after all they’ve been through today.” Raihan stated. “Right now let’s just get you kiddos home.”
“Home?” Hop gasped in dismay. “W-wait, what about…”
“Shh…” Leon stood up, taking Hop with him. He had to cling onto his brother like a Komala as he cradled him close. “Home.” Leon stated firmly.
Hop let out a grumble of dismay. As Raihan turned and walked out the alley with Gloria, Hop was surprised when Leon didn't follow immediately.
“Lee…?”
“Hop…” Leon murmured softly. “When I showed up here…did you...” His voice died down as a whine escaped his chest.
Hop stared up at his brother’s pained face feeling his heart break. “Did I what…?” He asked, worry pricking his heart and mind.
“… Where you… scared of me?” Leon whispered so quietly, so shakily Hop almost didn’t hear it.
Hop froze and instantly snuggled his head under his brother’s chin from where his arms were wrapped around the older’s neck.
“No way! I’d never be scared of you!” He declared firmly. “I was upset at me! I’m a trainer I should have been able to defend myself!”
Leon gave a sigh filled with so much relief and Hop was squeezed tight. As he rubbed his cheek against Hop’s head he could hear his brother’s purring return.
“… Hop if there’s one thing I’ve learned from you it’s that we all need help sometimes.” The older murmured softly. Hop blinked. What did he…?
‘Oh…’ The Darkest Day… the thing that started all of this…
Hop pressed his face in between his neck and shoulder more to try and push away the terrible fear for his brother he had felt that day. Instead he focused on the comforting beat of Leon’s heart thumping against his ear. Proof he was still here, strong and safe.
Leon began walking back to the others. Hop could feel his muscles slowly relaxing as his brother hugged him tighter and continued to snuggle him. He was finally calming down and Hop was thankful.
‘I still need to get Lee a present…’ Hop thought stubbornly as he saw Raihan and Gloria waiting for them around the corner as they stepped out. This little experience did nothing to push his determination down for that.
‘I’ll get you something you deserve Lee… I promise…’