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A Love -Hate Relationship
1
Rising to a Brand New Dawn
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"You, are worthless...nothing. And no matter what you do, you will always be nothing...because it doesn't matter how many times someone multiplies zero...zero will always remain."
Anani's eyes blinked open to the dim light shining through the windows of a small shed.
The sun was rising and the passing bird poke'mon over head were crying for their morning meal of defenseless bug poke'mon undoubtedly hiding themselves in the shifting reeds of tall grass.
I see...
That dream again...
She thought to herself.
These words hung heavily in her...however something in her mind seemed to be blocking out the person who said them.
She sighed and rose to greet the dawn with a yawn, a disheveled punk t-shirt and a bed head woven around in wine red.
Her eyes shined in a vibrant magenta hue.
The gentle tapping on the shed door disrrupted her peaceful rising as it suddenly swung open and Hop, energetic as ever, introduced her to the morning sunlight--"Rise on~ mate, come on now!" he beamed, "What, you plan on sleeping all day!?" he threw himself playfully onto her futon mat and rolled around with her until she laughed.
"I'm up~ I'm up!" she chuckled.
Hop was the very first friend she made in this strange new region known as Galar.
Anani didn't remember too much about her past or where she came from...
That seemed to be blocked out along with the person responsible for spitting such words like a poison sting.
What she did remember, was that she was found battered and cream crackered on the Forest floor of the Slumbering Weald.
Apparently Hop's Wooloo decided to get a bit mischevious after being egged on by a taunting Zigzagoon and gave chase to it for revenge, going on a little adventure of its own.
Hop followed it inside and there he found a sleeping beauty."It was like something straight out of a fairy tale!" he stated, "You were the lost sleeping princess of the Slumbering Weald, and I, Hop, the Legendary knight of rescue came to your aide like a super hero!"Indeed he was a hero to her.
She had no recollection of where she was, how she got there or what she was doing.
Her past was shrouded in mist...and she had no place to call home and no where to return.
After hearing of the situation, Hop convinced his mother to let her live in their shed, and so that's where she stayed.
He and his mother were all but kind to her, they made her feel welcome and lent her a place to call home.
And as an added bonus, Hop went ahead and caught that Zigzagoon who had caused all the trouble and gifted it to her as a housewarming gift of sorts.
"Come now, Punkoon, rise to rise."
Needless to say the poke'mon took dearly after its trainer in greeting the sun with an unwelcome groan.
"HaHaHa. I'll leave you two to it then!" Hop grinned, "Meet me outside once you're polished up, aye?"
"Roger." Anani chuckled as he shut the door.
She always found it amusing how she and Hop clearly spoke very differently, and yet, somehow, understood each other exactly.
It didn't take her long to polish up, after all, Hop was never known to be patient.
She hurried along in her decked out colors of Pink, Black, and grey. a tattered denim skirt and some tattered punk tights in hot pink. she wore a black studded belt that matched her bulky punk boots. There was a loose hung off shoulder T-shirt in black with a hot pink tank underneath, the strap showed. and her travel bag was a faded pink studded backpack. she straighted her hair which did its own thing so she never had to do anything fancy with it.
After appraising herself in the looking glass, Hop's impatient call brought her out of the door, and Punkoon, the Zigzagoon, Zig-Zagged his way beside her.
They made fast friends, and mischevious as he was, he was loving and would support his trainer, belly up.
"Well look at you!" Hop beamed, "Aren't you decked out like a Gothitelle!?" he laughed.
"Oh please, I don't wear nearly that many ribbons and bows!" she joked.
Hop's mother's warm chuckling could be heard from the kitchen,
"Well good morning dear." She said, greeting Anani,"I do hope you're not too uncomfortable in that shed of ours?" she asked, "I'm sorry, if I had a spare bedroom I would surely offer it to you."
"Nonsense, ma'am!" Anani said, "You've already offered me more than enough." she stated, "I hope you don't mind, I kinda made the place my own a little bit?"
"But of course not!" she chuckled, "I'm happy to hear it!"
"Made it her own~" Hop said in a teasing matter, "She's got pictured of Piers everywhere!"
Anani blushed.
"Th-They're not everywhere!" she huffed, "They're just a few magizine clippings and small posters!"
"You do know Piers is one of the Gym Leaders of the Gym Challenge too, don't you, Anani?" Hop asked.
"Duh!" she exclaimed, "Of course I knew that!"
By that, she means she read about it in more than a few articles from magizines Hop lent her so that she had something to read.
Anani was a clear fan of Piers.
Not strictly as a Dark Type Gym Leader, but more so as a Musician.
She viewed him like a rock star.
She loved his sound.
She loved his music.
"There would be no greater dream come true than for a chance to have an all out battle against Piers!" she beamed, "Well aside from the champion himself of course!"
"HaHa, speaking of the Champion...where is Lee, mom? Is he here yet?" Hop asked, "Have you got him crammed in a cupbard somewhere!?"
"Of course not!" his mother laughed as Hop began searching through the cabinets, "Honestly, Hop! You must learn some patience!"
Suddenly the telly blared on.
The crowd screamed, fireworks shot colors in the televised sky, and Rose, the Poke'mon League Chairman made his way to the center of the field and began to speak.
"Welcome One and all to the wonderful world of Poke'mon!"
He said, "Our lovely Galar region is a wonderful place, with thriving nature!" he exclaimed, "Beautiful cities, and many Poke'mon with which we share our lives! As you know, our society is able to thrive thanks to help from these mysterious creatures we call Poke'mon!"he stated, " Poke'mon are all around us! In the sea, in the sky, and even with us in our towns! And then there are those of us who choose to raise and train Poke'mon to do battle and compete! We call ourselves...Poke'mon Trainers!"
The crowd roared and Rose grinned as he took in their applause, "But it seems I am getting carried away..." he chuckled, "Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Rose...and it's a pleasure to be here!" the audience applauded once more, "Now turn your gaze to the Galar region's greatest Poke'mon Trainer! Our undefeated Champion...Leon!"
And so the crowd went wild as he appeared in a path of smoke and fire, and Exhibition match for the ages--
Click.
"Oh come on, that was getting good!" Anani pouted as Hop turned off the telly with the clicker.
"Don't worry about it, we can watch it later!" Hop grinned, "I have it recording, I record all of my brother's matches! Besides...wouldn't you rather meet the real thing in person?"
That's right.
Leon was Hop's older brother.
And while Anani was indeed a fan of Piers, she was a fan of Leon's too, and she beamed with excitement knowing that he was coming home to visit his family and she would actually get to meet him herself.
"Now come on then, Anani!" Hop beamed, "Grab your flash new phone." he stated.
He meant her Rotom Phone.
Yet another gift from Hop so that she could have something to watch Piers's performances and Leon's battles on when she was shut away into her shed for the night.
"Today's the big day after all, why do you think I rushed you to wake this morning?" he laughed,"Never mind watching the match now, we'll click it on later when Lee gets home, so let's go!" he said, "He should be here any minute! Also...Lee always brings presents when he visits, so don't forget your bag either,aye?"
"Why?" Anani chuckled, "It's not like he's obligated to bring me something you know! He doesn't even know me, really!"
"Right, but still..." said Hop," You're like...my best mate, and I told him all about you, so he knows you're here and he knows about your situation so...I wouldn't put it past him to bring you something anyway."
"...Best Mate, huh?" she chuckled.
Mates.
Friends.
things Anani had no experiences with until she met and was rescued by Hop.
She truly owed him everything.
Indeed, he truly was her best mate.
"He should be just arriving at the station in Wedgehurst about now..." said his mother.
"Then that's where we're going too!" Hop grinned taking Anani's hand in his, "Lee has always been hopeless with directions, you know!"
"No way, really!?" Anani laughed.
"Really, truly!" Hop snickered, "So we should go meet up with him at the station Anani. That way we can make sure he doesn't lose his way!"
"Oh, would you?" his mother beamed, "Yes that probably is for the best after all!"
"Then, we're off!" Hop beamed in return, "You ready to step on, Anani?"
"You better believe it!" Anani grinned, "There's no way I should miss out on this opportunity to meet the undefeated Champion...right, Punkoon!?"
"Goon Za goo!!"
"HaHaHa, you sure made fast friends with that Zigzagoon didn't you mate!?" Hop laughed, "I'm happy to see it...now then...let's head En route!"
Hand-in-hand the two mates ran together.
Wooloo rolling alongside Hop, and Punkoon the Zigzagoon zig zagging his way at Anani's feet.
Two unsuspecting young trainers unknowingly taking their first steps onto the road of their grandest journey soon to come!
To Be Continued
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A Love -Hate Relationship2You,Me,and Poke'mon!----------------------------
It didn't take long to get to Wedgehurst.Honestly it was a straight shot from Potswick.Punkoon and Wooloo wrestled playfully while the two new trainers raced each other.Laughing upon arrival as Hop heated in playful frustration that Anani had made it first--A crowd was already forming around the station to greet the ever famous Charizard that belonged to none other than Leon himself--"Hello~ Hello~ Wedghurst!" Leon beamed, "Your champion is back~!" he greeted everyone with a smile and the crowd gathered around him excitedly welcoming their champion back home, "I promise to continue doing my best to deliver to you the greatest battles for you all to watch!"His fans gathered and cheered and Hop grinned.He couldn't stand more proudly, it made Anani giggle."I hope you all will continue your training too, and never shy away from a battle!" he stated, "Then you can come challenge me for the Champion title!"the small crowd cheered excitedly."My wish is for Galar's Trainers to work together to become the strongest in the world!"That was the great thing about Leon.While it was true he knew that he and his Charizard were strong, he also believed that others can be just as strong as he.He encouraged challengers to take on the Gym challenge for a chance to battle him one day--A dream shared heavily in Hop, and even within Anani herself.I am not worthless...I am not nothing!She thought to herself.I can be strong too...Like Piers...Like Leon!Someday...
"Zagoon Zaaa!!"
Anani let out a shriek as her mischeivous little bugger of a Poke'mon partner pounced on her head and zig zagged all around her body until she laughed, finally holding him in her arms.And even Hop coudn't help but bust a giggle."My, what was that!?" Leon questioned out loud as he searched the crowd to see his brother's waving arm."Lee!" he called out, the older brother's eyes blinked and he grinned."Hop!" he chuckled and made his way through the parting crowd, "So my number one fan in all the world has come out of his way to pick me up, has he?""Yeah,but not just me!" Hop beamed and looped his arm through a stunned Anani's, pulling her forward to greet Lee."Oh, aye?" Leon blinked, "These bright eyes here..." he stared for a moment, "You wouldn't happen to be the Sleeping Beauty of the Slumbering Weald, would you?""...Say what now?" Anani blinked, her eyes hald lidded and slowly shifted over to Hop her...incidentally was...definitely trying to avoid her gaze while whistling and innocent tune."LEE!" Hop hissed, blushing a beat colored red as he flailed his arms to silence his brother from speaking further."Aye, Anani, was it?" Lee chuckled, "The major Piers fan~?"Anani blushed and puffed her cheeks at the snickering Hop beside her."...The Sleeping Beauty of the Slumbering Weald, huh?" she narrowed her magenta gazed and side glanced over to a now overly embarassed Hop, once again "Is that what you call me, then?" she snickered, "AND you told him that I was a Piers fan too!? REALLY? Hop?" she sighed, "You really have no secrets from your brother, do you?""W-Well I mean..." Hop gulped awkwardly, "It's not wrong, is it?""Well...not particularly." she chuckled, "I mean...I was sleeping..." she pondered, "But there is one small part of that claim that is wrong...""Oh, aye? What part, then?""...The beauty part~!" she snickered."Oh POSH on you!" Hop laughed, nudging her playfully with his elbow, "Get her, Punkoon!""Zaagoon ZA!""HEY! you can't just give my partner orders like he's yours!" she squealed and giggled as the bugger ran amock around her legs before she scooped him back up once more."Why not? I DID Catch him..." he grinned."Yeah...but then you gave him to me!" Anani huffed, "That makes him mine!""Punkoon?" Leon said the name curiously with a tilt of the head."Aye, Anani's Zigzagoon!" Hop explained, "This little bugger caused trouble for my Wooloo, so the rascal went to give chase and they wound up in the Slumbering Weald." he stated, "I gathered up my Wooloo and found myelf tripping over this lass..." he said nudging Anani,"She looked right knackered I say! All dirty and banged up!""You need to be careful around the Slumbering Weald!" Lee huffed, "You shouldn't go in there!""I know, I know!" Hop sighed, "But I had to get my Wooloo back! and besides..." he glanced over at Anani,"Imagine if I hadn't? I wouldn't have found Anani, then!""Hmm..." Leon sighed, "Yes, I suppose you did right on that part..." he said, "I'm glad you were able to help her but the two of you should avoid the place for your own safety, got that?""Aye, I got it!" Hop huffed, "Anyway, After finding Anani like that, naturally I did what any right proper gentleman would do and rescued her!" he said, "She didn't have anywhere to go so Mum lent her the shed...I caught that Zigzagoon and gifted it to her as a symbol of how we met, now she calls him Punkoon." he snickered."I see...Punkoon, eh?" Leon chuckled, "I dare say that's right clever!" he laughed, "I bet even Piers would get a laugh out of that, he would!"Anani found herself blushing and smiling shyly."Sorry he made so much noise earlier..." she chuckled."Nothing to it!" Leon grinned."Come on, Lee!" Hop beamed, "And you too, Anani! I bet i can beat you both back home!" he grinned and darted off in a run."Oi, it doesn't count if you get a head start, Hop!" Anani called out to him."Posh on you!" he laughed in the distance, "Learn to keep up then~!""That Hop..." Leon chuckled as he remained behind with Anani,"Always wanting to be the best isn't he?" he smiled as he glanced down at her, "With a proper rival of his own, I bet he would push himself to become someone truly special.""...Yeah, i think you're right." Anani smiled, "Well then let's go, Punkoon!" she beamed, "We can't let Hop and Wooloo make chumps out of us, can we!?""Zagoon Za!" Punkoon the Zigzagoon growled in defiance and the two ran on ahead.Followed be a laughing Leon.xxx"Come on, Lee~!" Hop whined playfully, "You promised us a present! so out with it then!""Oh, aye? Did I now?""LEE!" Hop huffed, "Don't lie! you brought Anani and me Poke'mon!' he stated, "You did! I know you did!"Leon laughed out hardily, caught by his little brother."Right, then..." Leon stated, "The greatest gift from the greatest champion..." he smiled and threw three Poke'balls into the air.And out popped three of the Galar Official starter Poke'mon for beginner trainers--There was the grass type Poke'mon Grookey, the fire type Scorbunny, and the water type, Sobble."Wicked!" Hop beamed."So cool..." said Anani, as she held close to Punkoon who seemed eager to cause a little playful meyhem with the new guests."If you two wish to take part in the Official Gym Challenge as beginners, it's required you choose from the official starters." said Leon."Go on then, Anani.""What!? Hop...are you sure?""Of course I am...Ladies first and all.~" he smiled warmly.One that was infectious and warmed her up inside as she nodded."Right then...so...I choose..." her magenta eyes wander slowly over the small creatures, each one seeming just as eager to join them.Suddenly a berry fell between them, startling the young Sobble which then began to cry.This caught Anani's attention, waking a sleeping memory within her...
Alone...Scared...Crying...I was...
she felt her body twitch as she watched the Scorbunny approach the Sobble and do a little dance to make make it smile again, and suddenly, she was seeing herself and Hop within them...
She remembered feeling scared...alone...and she remembered crying.She remembered Hop had come out that night, he had heard her crying.She apologised to him, for having woken him but he thought nothing of it...He just shook his head and smiled, sliding his way inside next to her and just...sat there.He put an arm around her, pulling her in, letting her cry against him. It gets colder at night in Galar, so...it also helped warm her up a little.No words were needed between them.As she settled, they talked.About nothing in particular.Then he told her all about Leon... and they stayed up half the night, watching his battles...
A smile creased her lips as this pleasant memory faded away...She knew what she wanted."You." she said softly, kneeling down before the Sobble.A tiny, scared Poke'mon full of tears.A reflection of herself...a tiny...scared young girl, full of tears."I think I'll call you Bloo." she smiled."Oh! I get it! because of the color, right?" Hop beamed."Well...partly." Anani chuckled, "But mostly because...I know that feeling all too well..."Hop stared silently at her for a while.He was probably remembering the very same night she was...and he smiled."Oh Aye...well." he shrugged and kneeled down in front of the Rabbit Poke'mon,"Then...I'll take Scorbunny." he grinned, "Because just like he did for Sobble...Maybe I can do the same for you." he smiled and placed a palm on the rabbit's head, "And hopefully make you feel that way a lot less!" He grinned, "However, I also aim to be the next champion!" said Hop, "so prepare yourself, Scorbunny, we're gonna train extra hard!" the two nodded in agreement and gave a fist bump promise."A fine goal, Hop." Leon beamed, "That's why I brought these Poke'mon for you and Anani. So that the two of you can work and grow together, make each other stronger for the chance to face me!""Well I say, enough of this trainer nonsense for one night!" chimed their mom, "Dinner's ready children." she smiled, "Bring along your Poke'mon and let's have ourselves our feast!""All right!" Hop beamed.He cheered excitedly for the grilling kabobs, holding one in each hand as he offered one to Anani while Leon sat warmly by... watching the scene.
To Be Continued
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A Love -Hate Relationship3The Slumbering Weald--------------------------------Anani woke early the next morning to the sound of a heated conversation between Leon and Hop.Rubbing her sleepy eyes she quickly dressed herself and slipped outside to see what the fuss was about."Come on, Lee!" Hop huffed, "You've got to let us take part in the Gym Challenge! Please?""The Gym Chalenge, huh? The single greatest competition in all of Galar?" he pondered, "You sure you're not putting the cart before the Rapidash there, little brother?""Lee! Please!?" Hop stated, "You know we can't participate without an endorsement...who better to endorse Anani and me than you!? Huh?" Hop stated as he noticed Anani wandering into the yard."Ahh, top of the morning fun shine." he grinned as he waved, "Sorry if we woke you. I was just talking to Lee here about endorsing us for the Gym Challenge.""Oh wow, really!?" Anani beamed, "Would you really endorse us!?"Hop smirked.He knew he had found victory as he folded his arms to Lee, now out numbered by two bright eyed trainers to one...He sighed."Very well then..." Leon said softly, "If the Gym Challenge is really something you two are considering taking on, then you need to learn a bit more about Poke'mon before then." he said, "Before you consider collecting Gym badges, you might want to consider getting a Poke'dex first.""A Poke'dex! Got it!" Hop beamed, "So we should head off to the research lab!""Bingo." said Leon,"It's not too far, the lab is in Wedgehurst after all...""Then that's where we'll go!" said Hop, quickly clasping Anani's hand in his and running out, "Catch you later, Lee!"As the two made way En route outside, Hop quickly pulled out a map and unfolded it for Anani to see."Lee's right." he stated, "The research lab is in Wedgehurst, according to the map here it should be--" But in a flash, the map was then swiped away."What gives!?" Hop blinked in confusion as he searched rapidly only to find that a wild Nikit had swiped away the map between its little fangs and snickered, "Oi, you silly Nikit, you give that back right now!"But the little fox paid no heed.Only snickered and ran off."Oh no you don't! Let's go Wooloo!" he cried out, releasing the sheep poof from its Poke'ball."Good idea...we'll help too!" said Anani,"Go! Punkoon!" out popped Punkoon the Zigzagoon,"Help Wooloo and go after that sneaky little fox!" Following command, the two gave chase, with Hop and Anani in tow.Things got intsene as the three darted ahead, but the Nikit managed to slip the fence, and, in an attempt of capturing it, Hop's Wooloo took a rolling dive straight into the fencing, breaking it open with a loud crack and the two young trainers gasped."Anani..." Hop said,"...Did you hear that just now?"With a goal set in mind, and just because he enjoyed a little chaos, Anani's Zigzagoon zagged forward into the now open entrance of the Slumbering Weald."No! Punkoon!" she called out to it, "Must you always cause such trouble!?""The gates open...!" said Hop as the two finally made it to the forboding entrance to where they were forbidden to go.The place where they met for the first time...This...Place...She thought to herself."This is the Slumbering Weald..." said Hop, "That place is totally forbidden...I remember the Professor's granddaughter went in there once...And she came back in a real state! Which is nothing compared to the earful she got from the Professor after...""But...Punkoon's in there..." Anani said softly, "Along with Wooloo, not to mention that Nikit who stole the map...!""True...you're right." Hop sighed, "I know you don't remember much... But I also know that this was the place I found you..." he said, "And as I recall...you weren't in a very fine state yourself either...so...what do you say, Anani?"She pondered for a moment.He was right of course.It was on the forest bed floor of the Slumbering Weald that Hop had discovered her battered self.She had no idea how she got there...Why she was there...Or what had happened to her.It was all hazy and seemed blocked.But one thing she did remember...was fear.Even with that though...She had already made up her mind."What do you mean What do I say!?" Anani huffed, "Of course I'm going in there! I've got to get Punkoon! And your Wooloo...Even if we fail to find the Nikit and the map-- we've still got to go save our partners!""Right!" Hop nodded, "Even if we're not supposed to...this is the kind of scene where you simply have to do what's needed!" he stated, "I hope you're ready for anything because we're going in Anani!" he said and took her hand in his.She didn't realize it right away until Hop squeezed her hand, but she was trembling--"Don't worry, Anani." he said to her, "I'm with you...you're not going in by yourself and I certainly won't let you." he grinned, "Now come on...let's go save our Poke'mon!"xxxAll seemed quiet in the Slumbering Weald. It held a strange calm...and an uneasy peace. A thin mist covered the treetops and a light fog showed the way through the forest. It gave it an eery and forboding feel."That Nikit..." Hop said softly, "Where do you suppose it ran off to? And Punkoon and Wooloo...I hope they didn't go too far..."Anani was without words for a moment.Something about being in this place rested unwell with her.She moved in closer to Hop and he sighed and looked up toward the trees, "The fog's coming on thick now..." he said softly as he tightened his hold on her hand, "If we don't find out Poke'mon soon...this might be trouble...Stay close to me, got it?""Right..." Anani nodded, and gripped tightly into his hand as he took off running.As they pushed through the mist an echoing howl cried in the distance, its source hidden within the fog, stopping the young trainers in their tracks.As though it were a warning--"Did you hear that?" Hop whispered softly, "Do you suppose it was the battle cry of a Poke'mon?""Hop...I can't say what that was..." she said firmly, " And I certainly don't want to stick around to find out!""Right, Let's push on, then..."Just then, the cry sounded once more, only this time, it was louder."Let's hurry, Anani!" said Hop, "I think our Poke'mon might be in real trouble!""Hop! Look! Ahead!!" she said pointing within the mist, it seemed Wooloo and Punkoon now had the Nikit surrounded, still holding onto the map."Bang on!" said Hop, "Say...Anani!" he blinked," I just had a right smashing idea!""Really? And what could that be?""You should try to catch that Nikit!" he said."Say what now!?""Think about it!" said Hop, Your first Poke'mon was Punkoon-- and I caught him for you." he said, "Then Lee gave you Bloo." he stated, "You say you want to be a Poke'mon trainer but you've yet to have caught one on your own, right?" he beamed, "Now's your chance! I'll even lend you a Poke'ball." he smiled and handed over one of his spares, "I caught Wooloo, so I already know the thrill of catching Poke'mon." he stated, "It wouldn't be nearly as fun if you didn't get to experience it too...""Right..."she humbly accepted yet another of his generous gifts, and she grinned, "All right, then!" she beamed, "I'm gonna catch that Nikit!""Bang on!" Hop beamed."All right, you heard Hop, Punkoon!" she called to her Zigzagoon,"Nikit, we're challenging you to a battle, right now!""KeKeKe" the little fox seemed to snicker, but didn't refuse the challenge."Very well then...Punkoon! Use Tackle attack!""Zagoon Zaaa!" Zigzagoon cried enthusiasticly and obeyed his order--He threw in a full body tackle against the small fox, taking it by surprise as he fell back and was forced to release the map he held in his little fangs.He didn't take kindly to the assault and countered with a basic Beat Up attack, not that it did much considering the damage from such an attack was dependent on the number of Poke'mon in a party. Since this Nikit was wild, it could only hit once.It took only a few more good tackles before the timing seemed right to go for the kill--"All right then...Poke'ball GO!" Anani called out.It hit spot on and the red light took in the Nikit and absorbed it into its containment.After a few shakes of the ball the ever satisfying ding sounded, signifying a successful capture."Hop! I did it!" Anani beamed."Bang on, Anani! That was Wicked!" Hop grinned, sharing in her enthusiasm.Smiling to herself in satisfaction, she collected the Poke'ball that now held the Nikit within it, "All right you little thief..." Anani snickered as she spoke to the ball, "I think I'm going to call you Swiper." she chuckled."Yeah, Swiper, no Swiping!" Hop laughed as he was now able to collect the wrinkled up map that had caused all the trouble."And as for you, Punkoon..." she smiled scooping her Zigzagoon up in her arms in relief, giving it a warm embrace.Hop smiled warmly, happy to see that their Poke'mon were unharmed, when suddenly the fog surrounding them began to thicken..."What's this!?" Anani called out.Hop began feeling around for her hand, to quickly grasp and move in close together."This is mad..." he said as he pulled her in close to him, one hand holding hers while the other rested on her other arm as the two darted their heads around within the fog, "I can't even see my own hand in front of my face!" he gulped, "Now I think I'm beginning to understand why this place is off limits...""Hop...we should go..." Anani said nervously.Something didn't feel right.A looming presence hung heavily around them.Each one searched for its source, soon to be greeted by what appeared to be a tall and massive wolf--"What in the--" Hop called out and instinctively pulled Anani back behind him.The beast lifted its mighty head, Its mane flared and it let out a battle cry, rushing in at them--"AHH!" they both screamed and instinctively released their Poke'mon to defend themselves.Scorbunny and Sobble took to the field and began firing rapid attacks...But it did little good."What? Our moves have no effect!" said Hop after releasing an Ember attack when Sobble's watergun had failed.The mysterious Poke'mon stared, fixed gaze upon them."I don't understand..." said Anani as Bloo fired another Watergun,"No matter what moves we use it all just seems to pass right through it!"Suddenly, the beast let out a slow heave of breath, which only thickened the fog around them so much that now Anani and Hop couldn't even see each other, even as close as they stood--"Anani!" Hop cried out, "I can't see anything, are you okay!?""Y-Yeah...I think so..." she said nervously trembling, "Hop, I'm scared!""I can't see anything! ANANI!!!!"Nothing but the sounds of their screams echoed through The Slumbering Weald.xxx"Nn...ngh..." Anani grunted as she tried to blink her eyes awake.Again...?This feeling was all too familiar...Waking from a sleep upon the floor of the Slumbering Weald.Only this time she wasn't alone.She woke in the arms of Hop, who seemed to hold her as though it were a means of protecting her from whatever threats that hid in the now lifted fog..."Hop...? Hop!" she gasped and quickly rose to shake him, "No, Hop, please! Don't leave me like this, you can't--!!""Mmnh..." he groaned and blinked open his heavy hazel eyes."Oh Hop...thank goodness you're all right!" she sighed in relief."Anani...?" he gasped,"Anani! Are you okay!? Are you hurt!?"She shook her head."I'm fine now." she said with a relieved smile as she swiped away her worried tears, "Thank you, Hop...for everything.""Anani...""Hop! Anani!" the concerned cries of Leon cut through the trees as the champion himself ran blindly up to their spot--"Wha? Lee? How'd you find your way here?" he asked, "You're pants with directions...you always get lost!""Oh THAT'S nice to hear from the little brother that had me worried sick!" Huffed Leon as he took Hop into a tight squeeze, "I waited ages for you two and you never showed..." he said, slowly peeling himself away from Hop," For both you!" he heaved a heavy sigh as he pulled in a still shaken up young Anani into a double embraced shared with Hop, "You two had me worried...I'm glad you're safe!""We're sorry Lee..." said Hop, "A Nikit stole our map and so we sent Zigzagoon and Wooloo to go after it and they all wound up in this place." he explained,"Anani managed to catch that Nikit in a Poke'ball I lent her, and--" he gasped, "Wait Wooloo! Zigzagoon!" he panicked, "And Sobble and Scorbunny too--are they okay!?"Leon smiled warmly and gave a gentle nod as he chuckled."I returned them all safely to their Poke'balls." he said, "They're all just fine, but you were all fainted by the time I found you here..." he sighed, "You know this place is out of bounds. But still it took courage for you two to come in here all the same...and I can understand well enough why you did it, so..." he smiled warmly and placed a gentle palm on each of their heads, "Good on you two.""I'm glad to see everyone is all right." Hop said with a grin, "I thought we'd had it once that fog rolled in thick and that mad Poke'mon attacked...""What!? Attacked by some mad Poke'mon? what are you talking about, Hop?""It seemed so much stronger than any Poke'mon I had ever seen before!" he explained, "It just had this sort of...presence...Our moves didn't even touch it." he stated, "In fact, they seemed to pass right through it!""Your moves passed right through it, huh?" Leon hummed curiously, "So...the fierce Poke'mon they say live here in The Slumbering Weald...could they actually be just illusions or something? Hmmm..." he pondered and chuckled, "Well perhaps if you two get strong enough then you could be the ones to reveal that truth someday." he smiled, "For now...we should get out of here...huh?"Leon blinked as he set a concerned gaze upon Anani, who had her back toward him.Gazing out into the distant fog of the Slumbering Weald, visibly trembling."Anani..." Hop said softly, "That's right...I found her here...she was in a real state back then, too..." he said, "I wonder if perhaps she may be still afraid?""Hmm..." Leon nodded and gave a gentle smile placing a warm hand on her small shoulder, "You'll be all right now that I'm here with you." he said softly.Acknowledging this, she returned his smile and nodded."Well...even if we did get an earful from Lee..." Hop shrugged, "What an experience!" he beamed, "This will make a pretty fine first page in the tale of my legend!""Try front page of the paper!" Anani teased, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" she said, "Boy unconscious on the forest floor!""Oh POSH on you!" he laughed as she ducked and weaved away from his capture before she took off to run ahead as he gave chase.
To Be Continued
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A Love -Hate Relationship4Over The Hill and Through The Grass:To Grandmother's House, We Go!-----------------------------------
After they have had their ears burned out from yet another scolding from the boys' mother,--she went spare once she found out what had happened-- they did finally manage to make it to the Poke'mon lab in Wedgehurst, where Leon stood waiting to greet them--"Well I say you two did a far sight better than I did my first time!" Leon laughed."Of course we did!" teased Hop, "You're hopless with directions.""Yeah, all right, in we go then." he chuckled as he opened the door for the Trainers to be.The place was stacked floor to cieling with books."Leave it to Professor Magnolia..." he chuckled, "Everything here looks facinating~!"It really was impressive."I've never seen so many books in my life." said Anani."To think all of these books are used for the sake of research of Poke'mon!" Hop grinned.A small Yamper dawdled at their feet and greeted them cutely."What is it for you today then, Leon?" a female voice asked from a flight of stairs above them.A ginger haired beauty with a side pony looked down upon them from above.She had her ponytail decked out in little heart charms and the splashes of blue green she wore brought out the very color from her eyes as she wandered down to greet them."Anani...this is Sonia, the trainer of that Yamper there." he chuckled as the young girl knelt down to play with the puppy-like creature."Sonia is the Professor's granddaughter." Hop explained, "She's the one giving us our poke'dex, right Sonia!?" he beamed."Hm? A Poke'dex? That's what you're after?""Aye." said Leon, "You remember my brother, Hop? Well this is his mate here, Anani." he stated."Right..." said Sonia, "The Sleeping Beauty of the Slumbering Weald!""SERIOUSLY, LEE!?" Hop huffed blushing as he shook his head into his palm and the lab filled with laughter."Come now, Hop, I mean REALLY!" Anani laughed," I'm hardly a beauty as it is!""POSH on, you!" he argued back."What does that even mean anyway?" Anani chuckled."What?" Hop blinked." Posh on you?" she questioned."It means hush!" Hop snickered.Leon chuckled and shook his head."One way of putting it is like calling hogwash on a statement" said Leon."Like when you claim you're not a beauty..." said Hop, "THAT'S Posh!" Hop laughed as a blushing Anani took a brutal swing at him in a silencing yet playful manner.\"HeHehe." Sonia giggled, "Well these two are right rivals aren't they?""These two aim to be new trainers in the Poke'mon Gym challenge." Leon stated, "I brought them here so you could set them up right...Would you?""What do you think I am?" she sighed.Though she didn't deny this request."Come on, please!?" Hop begged."Right, very well." she chuckled, "Then I'll need your rotom phones."It didn't take her long to update the Poke'dex into the system before she returned them."Just so you know, the Poke'dex is a gift from my Gran." she explained, "You will need to go to her and let her know that you received it.""Bang, on!" Hop grinned, "Come on Anani follow me!" he exclaimed, "Professor Magnolia lives just down the way!"xxxThe trek onto Route 2 was a small adventure of its own.Professor Magnolia lived on the outskirts of Wedgehurst.So it's not that she was far away persay, as the building of her home could be seen through the windows of the lab, but it was still a bit of a walk to get there--"Say, Anani...you want to participate in the Gym Challenge too, Aye?" asked Hop as the two walked together down the road to Professor Magnolia's home on Route 2."That's a silly question...You know my answer is of course!" she clenched her fists, "After all, Piers is one of the Gym leaders right? If I participate in the Gym Challenge, that means I'll have a chance to meet him!" she beamed,"Not to mention face him in battle!" she squealed, "That goes for the Champion too~""Aye, so we have the same goals in regards to wanting to battle the champion!" Hop laughed, "That makes us right rivals!" he heave a heavy sigh, "Although...we can't join the Gym Challenge without an Endorsement...Lee is being so cautious and wary!" he sighed, "I reckon maybe we can talk to the Professor about it." he said, "See if she can convince him to change his mind.""Well...if you think that will work." she smiled.Her magenta eyes flashed ahead as the roof of the home they journeyed to made its way onto the Horizon."Say, Hop...that's the place isn't it?""That's right...Bang on, Anani!" he grinned, "Come on then...I'll race you there!"xxxThe Professor stood at her door with Leon.They seemed deep in conversation.He was asking her about Dynamax as Hop and Anani stumbled over each other for first place."Dear me..." the Professor chuckled.Professor Magnolia was an older Professor who's choice of study was Dynamax.A phenomenon unique only to the Galar region so far-- where for a temporary moment of battle the creatures can grow and come off gigantic.A real time clash of the titans.She walked over to greet her two young guests guided by cane and she smile."Welcome, young trainers." she said kindly, "Now come along...come in then." she chuckled and led the way inside.They were led to a cozy little dining area and treated to some fresh tea as the Professor began to speak once again."Why, Hop dear, I see that Wooloo has made some new friends." she chuckled, "And it seems you have too..." her gaze rested fixedly on Anani."Aye, he sure did!" Hop grinned, "And this here is my good mate, Anani.""Ah, yes..." she smiled, "The Sleeping Beauty of the Slumbering Weald.""Ahh pots, not you too!" Hop slouched with his head down hiding his face in playful shame from a blushing Anani who would give him a right good bop in the shoulder every time someone used that reference--"Well that's what happens when you come up with silly things to describe something!" she huffed, and he laughed shielding his shoulder from another bruise to add to the current one's growth.Professor Magnolia chuckled and even Leon tried hard to stifle his snickers."I trust that you two have received the Poke'dex from Sonia, then?" Magnolia asked.They both nodded."Oi, Professor, do us a favor, would you?" Hop said, gathering up the woman's attention."Oh aye? What can I do for you, dear?""Help me convince Lee that he should endorse us for the Gym Challenge!""Ah! Yes, please!?" Anani beamed.The two young trainers clasped their hands together and gave a begging expression."Oh, Leon! Why wouldn't you endorse them!?" she asked."W-Well...because!" Leon gulped, "Hop and Anani only just started out as Poke'mon Trainers, and..." he scratched his cheek awkwardly, "I mean, there's still so much they don't know yet!""And? What better way to learn, then!?" she smiled, "Dearie, I seem to recall that your own dream is to have everyone in the Galar region become strong trainers, is it not?""Aye..." Leon blinked awkwardly and sighed, "Well...yeah. You're not wrong..." he pondered, "It was for that goal that I gave them both Poke'mon, in fact." he blinked a few more times and slid his gaze to two eager young trainers who looked upon them with fire in their eyes, and he couldn't help but smile."Right, then." he said, placing his hand to his hip, "Let's see if you two can show me a brilliant enough battle...that I'll be left with no choice but to endorse you!"Relief washed over them, along side a wave of excitement as they exchanged determined gaze."Right, then!" Hop beamed, "Let's go, Anani!" he declared, "I'll be waiting for you outside!" and like the wind, Hop was gone once again--Awaiting her for their first proper match as rivals.
To Be Continued