Chapter Text
Fields of green and a gentle breeze blowing through the air. That was something he was used to. He had grown up here his whole life Hop has and practically every day it felt like this was the same sort of scene as he stepped out of the house.
Peaceful… If there was one thing about Postwick it was peaceful.
…. A bit too peaceful…
Probably because the amount of people who lived in this teeny tiny place wasn't even in the double digits.
Hop smiled as he watched a few Wooloo “Baa” happily rolling across the grass enjoying the weather. Even if there weren't many people here, there was plenty of Pokémon happy to enjoy the wide space.
A few years ago Hop would have given anything to get out of this place and feel just as free like they did. He still wanted to leave but admittedly not as bad as he used to. At least not alone.
Hop began his jog to the small cottage higher up on the hill a little ways from his own home. He never would have thought a place he used to avoid as if it were haunted would be the place he had started spending so much time at. All because of one person in particular…
“Budew, Budew!”
Hop gave a grin and wave to the tiny grass types hanging out in front of the cottage before he reached for the handle.
“Whoop!” He pulled his hand back and chuckled to himself. “Right, right I gotta knock first…”
That was something his Mum scolded him more than once about. Just because Hop showed up here so often didn't mean he could rude. Not that Hop considered it rude since he never once got yelled at for just simply going inside. Still better safe than sorry...
Hop gave the door a few knocks and waited…. and waited… and… waited.
Hop tapped his foot in frustration and tried one more time.
….
Yep nothing…
“Haa c’mon…” Hop groaned. He looked to his wrist, even though there wasn't a watch there at all. “We gotta go!”
He looked back to the Budew’s letting out curious sounds next to him. A smile spread on his face as an idea came to mind.
“Hey little guys, is it okay if I go inside? I’m pretty sure your trainer’s busy yeah?”
The twin buds let out little chirps and skipped. Hop chuckled.
“Yeah I thought so, probably working in the garden with the rest of her team. So… I’m going to go in now…!” Hop raised his voice slightly, just to be sure whether or not said Pokémon’s trainer was around to hear it.
The Budew tilted their heads curiously and when he didn't get an answer he shrugged. “I didn’t hear a no sooooo…” He turned around and opened the door. “In I go!”
He jumped inside and closed the door, leaning against it dramatically as if he had just pulled a crazy stunt. From his belt, he felt his Pokéball twitch.
“Haha! Okay, okay I know you wanna get out!” Hop chuckled and grabbed the sphere. In flash of light, out came his trusted partner, happily bleating to be out and about.
“You’re just as excited too huh?” Hop asked with a grin. He laughed as his Pokémon let out a cry of joy with a little jump. “Then we gotta get Gloria! You know we can’t go without my best mate!”
The Wooloo paused, landing back on the ground and looking at him with wide, sad eyes. Hop let out a giggle and shook his head. “My best human mate! You know you’re my number one partner!”
Wooloo let out an approving "Baa" and nodded, rolling after him as Hop began to step through the small room.
“Gloria! Glori! Hey where are ya?” Hop called out. He moved his hands to his hips when he didn’t get an answer. The cottage was so tiny, the fact that even then his friend couldn’t hear him was…
The loud sounds of cheers echoed from the room to his left, a familiar sound that had Hop turning and following it by pure instinct. He could hear Wooloo follow behind him quietly, not even the rolling of the wool on the smooth floor making a noise.
Stepping into the living room, Hop smiled again as he saw just who he was looking for. Sitting on the couch, her feet kicking in the air while he eyes were totally glued to, not the television, but a device he knew in an instant.
The grey cardigan, red dress shirt, brown boots and of course her brunette hair that matched her eyes… She was all ready to go but was completely engrossed with an opening ceremony that was playing in the screen in front of her.
Time to fix that.
“Gloria!” He shouted.
Gloria let out a squeak and jumped, only to cry out as her new device nearly plummeted to the ground. She scrambled around wildly, only barely managing to catch the thing before it smacked to the floor.
As she sat up with a relieved sigh, she looked over her shoulder and gave Hop a playful raised brow.
“Oh hey Hop!”
Hop smiled wider as he heard his friends unique accent. It was something Hop had never heard around Galar, a bit different but he liked it. It made Gloria, Gloria.
“Uh, yeah hey!” He teased, walking over and pointing to the phone in her hands. “That your new flash phone?”
“Yep!” Gloria beamed at him happily. “My mom finally agreed to let me get one! I have passed the test to maturity!” She waved her hands proudly to the device and Hop let out a laugh.
“Could you tell that to my Mum? Lee got me mine years ago and she still acts like I’m some kinda ragamuffin.”
Gloria stood up and placed the device into her pocket. “Isn’t that because you are?”
Hop gasped and moved a hand to his chest. “How very dare you!” He whispered intensely.
“Hop just yesterday you and I did a 'secret mission' swiping cookies from the kitchen acting like it was gold doubloons.”
“They were to Wooly!” Hop waved to his partner furiously. “They were Pokémon cookies Gloria! You know how good Wooly is! He is the best Wooloo in the world and deserves all of the gold!”
Gloria giggled with a nod. “I can’t deny that!”
Wooly let out a happy cry at the praise, rolling around the room joyfully making Hop and Gloria laugh together.
“Besides your Mum said it was fine for us to do that!” He brought up to add to his defense.
“Exactly we didn't even need to swipe them after she told us that Hop.”
“Yeah but…” He gave her a grin. “The easy way isn’t always the best way you know! You gotta remember that, especially when we become official trainers!”
Wooly, who had continued to roll around the room, bounced back as it bumped into the Munchlax currently lounging in its bed.
“Lax…” It snorted a snore, eyes blinking slightly before closing them once again.
“Whoops…” Hop mumbled with a weak chuckle. “Sorry about that Gloria I know Wooly didn’t mean to wake your Mum’s Laxie. Just wanted to have fun y’know?”
Gloria waved him off with a scoff. “Nah it’s fine. Nothing can make Laxie upset. He’s the calmest Pokémon I’ve known.”
Wooly rolled back to Hop’s side, looking slightly embarrassed as it let out a cry in apology.
“I thought I heard a little Wooloo in here!”
Hop turned to the gentle voice calling from behind him. Turning around he saw a tall middle aged woman with dark brown hair pulled to a ponyta tail over her shoulder. She wore overalls that were covered with new dirt stains, explaining where she had been when Hop had been knocking all this time.
“Hi Gloria’s Mum!” Hop waved happily. The older woman laughed lightly as she walked over.
“Hop dear I didn’t expect to see you here so early! If I had known I would have worked on making breakfast for you too!”
Hop moved his hands to behind his head in a lounging manner, smiling warmly to the woman. “Ah, you don’t have to do that for me!”
His own Mum would probably be against it anyway. She already has a problem with Hop coming over here practically every day. Well, more like she worried that he was being a problem for Gloria’s Mum. The woman never complained though, so Hop inwardly hoped that meant that she was fine with it.
“Oh Hop!” The woman laughed kindly, moving a hand to adjust her glasses that were starting to slide down her nose. “I love to cook so I’m more than happy to make second helpings. I already do more than that for Laxie.” She looked to her beloved pet Pokémon with a twinkle in her eye. As it let out another snore she moved her hand to her mouth laughed happily. “Such a sweetie!”
“So, Hop what’re we doing today?” Gloria asked curiously.
“Oh!” Hop jumped at the reminder. “Wait did you forget?”
Gloria blinked and glanced to the wall. “Um… Yeah I think I might have…”
“Gloria…” Hop drooped dramatically over in dismay and disappointment. “It’s literally all I’ve been talking about the past week!”
“We’ve been talking about a lot of stuff this past week!” Gloria defended. “Like us stealing cookies for Wooly.”
“Okay, let it go!” Hop straighten and clapped his hands together towards her. He felt his lips twitch as she laughed at his reaction, but he tried to stay serious because this was serious.
“Gloria, my brother Lee is coming home to visit today!”
“Oh!” Gloria gasped, moving a hand to her mouth as the realization hit her.
“Lee?” Gloria’s Mum questioned in confusion before she let out a laugh. “Oh yes Leon! Carol’s oldest boy!”
Hop looked at her, jaw dropping in total shock. Gloria did the same and the poor woman merely blinked at their utter slack jawed expressions. “Is something wrong?”
“Mom.. Leon isn’t just Hop’s older brother.” Gloria started off gently.
“That’s right! My brother is the Champion to all of Galar! The greatest one we’ve ever had ever!” Hop cried out proudly. “He’s so good he’s never been defeated ever!”
Gloria’s Mum hummed and nodded, smiling kindly. “Is that so? That’s quite impressive since he's been Champion for so long correct? He’s certainly up there with some of the greats if that’s the case.”
Hop nearly sputtered in shock at the almost insult but held back getting irritated. It wasn’t Gloria’s Mum’s fault she didn't know much about his brother. They had only moved here a few years ago and during that time whenever Lee did manage to visit she was always somewhere else. Plus she was far more focused on her garden and cooking than any sort of battles.
“I was just watching him on my phone!” Gloria brought up, pulling out the device and holding it out for her mother. “See? That’s him!”
Gloria’s Mum leaned forward and adjusted her glasses, squinting at the screen as the sound of cheers rang from the phone.
“I see, I see…” She hummed. She leaned back and gave Hop a smile. “Well, he certainly does look strong that is for sure, and he looks even more so like you Hop dear!”
Hop jumped at the comparison and laughed weakly, feeling his cheeks flush at the compliment. “Eeheheh, you think so? I guess we kinda do but…” He shook off his nerves and gave her a confident smile. “He’s going to have competition one day, because I am going to become the next Champion!”
“Woo!” Gloria cheered by his side, holding out her hand for a high five, which he did happily.
Gloria’s Mum beamed happily. “With the passion you just showed me I’m sure you’ll be able to make that dream come true!”
Hop paused at her words, before he felt his heart warm. He smiled up at her, feeling lighter and happier at hearing such a thing.
“Thanks Gloria’s Mum! I promise you I won’t let you down!” He pumped his fist in the air.
“Champion Hop! Champion Hop!” Gloria chanted and Hop grinned to her gleefully.
“Hahaha! See it even sounds good!”
Wooly let out a cry and bumped against his leg, causing Hop to jump and look back down to it.
“Oh! Right thanks buddy! Here, why don’t you rest in your ball for a bit okay?” He returned his Pokémon and looked back to the older woman. “Anyway I need to go pick up my brother at Wedgehurst can Gloria come with me?”
The woman suddenly looked anxious, turning to her daughter. “Do you promise to stay out of the tall grass on the way there?”
“Mooooooom.” Gloria sighed loudly. “Yes, I promise I know not to go into the grass when I don't have a Pokémon. You've been telling me that since I was like… five!” She motioned to Hop and smiled brighter. “Besides I have Hop with me and he has Wooly!”
“That’s right!” Hop stated proudly. “I’ll look out for Gloria!”
“Well, yes but…”
“Gloria’s Mum, M’am I’ve been working with Wooly for over a year now.” Hop explained. “So I know how to do commands and my Pokémon listens to me. Plus, Lee was the one who caught Wooly for me so it is the absolute best and strongest Wooloo of all time.” He stated the last bit in the most serious voice he could.
“Of all time…” Gloria whispered in an echo, motioning her hands to emphasize the statement. Hop nodded with her.
Gloria’s Mum let out a laugh. “Well, if it’s the strongest Wooloo of all time then I suppose it’s okay.” She then looked to her daughter and pointed to her head. “If you're going out however you need to take your hat with you. It’s windy out today and I don’t want you catching anything.”
“Oh my gosh Mooooooom,..” Gloria groaned loudly and Hop laughed.
“It’s okay Glori, go get your hat and I’ll wait for you out front!”
“Okay, I'll be there in a bit!” Gloria shouted as she dashed out of the living room.
“Gloria sweetie no running!”
“Sorry!”
Hop chuckled and shook his head, walking to the door and heading out to do just as he said. He could hear Gloria’s Mum talking to her beloved pet Pokémon for a moment, showering it with attention even as he closed the door.
Hop sighed to himself as he jumped down the steps. As he made it to the bottom, he looked back to the cottage with a fond smile.
Years ago Hop had been the only kid in town and it had been the absolute worst. It was lonely and it had made Hop want to start journeying to become a trainer and explore Galar more than anything.
Having Gloria had made it so much easier to live here and not feel as miserable for sure. The two had become friends instantly the moment they met and they practically did everything together, and while Hop was thankful to have her… his dream to travel Galar, to compete in the Gym Challenge, to become Champion never stopped.
‘I’ve got to be ready to do it now. I need to show Lee that.’
He shoved his hands in his coat pockets and frowned to himself. He’d need to do be convincing. He was sure it’s been enough time by now to ask right? At the very least hint at it, because his Mum and grandparents would quickly get upset if Hop pushed it too much.
It was just… hard. Most kids started their journey’s at ten, and Hop’s brother did that very thing at that age. He even became Champion then too, the first in Galar trainer to ever achieve such a thing.
When Hop had turned ten his family had seemed more than happy to wish him luck to go off and explore just like Lee had, he felt like he had everyone’s support… but Lee’s.
He could still remember just how quickly his older brother shot down the very idea when their Grandfather brought it up.
“What? No! No absolutely not, he’s too little right now! Too young, too inexperienced… No, no, no…”
Even if the tone wasn’t flippant in any sort of way, the firmness and absolute strength in his voice was something that told Hop he really thought that way about him.
He could still feel the disappointment and hurt that blow had on him. He could remember standing around the corner of the stairs, holding onto the plush Wooloo that his brother had been given to him years ago during another visit. The stinging of tears in his eyes as he heard his grandparents disagree and bring up plenty of points as to why Hop should be able to compete. His Mum never said a word though, he never heard her defend that he should go or stay. Hop wonders if she did say he could leave then maybe Hop could have been able to go then and there…
Except Hop couldn't because he didn't have an Endorsement. Hop couldn’t because even if he was the right age to leave, even if his grandparents said it was okay with them and even encouraged it, Leon was against it.
Leon was the Champion to all of Galar, the undefeated Champion, the family’s pride and joy. If Leon said no then Hop couldn’t do it, and he was very, very firm on that not happening.
That was one of the rare times Hop didn’t rush to say goodbye to his brother when he had to leave. He had felt so betrayed that it just didn’t feel right.
Of course he did feel bad about that even to this day, especially after Lee had gone. His Mum and grandparents had given Hop a stern scolding. Leon couldn't have stood there all day waiting for him, but worse of all to Hop, Leon had apparently left looking so sad that Hop didn't even bother to see him off.
The next time Lee had come to visit Hop had made sure to rush and hug him to try and make up for how he had messed up before. Lee had seemed really happy then, spinning him around in his arms laughing, and it seemed like the whole exchange about Hop being able to start his journey was forgotten.
Except Hop didn’t forget. He never forgot that the brother who always encouraged him, always complimented and praised him whenever he showed his knowledge about type advantages or different species, didn't have the confidence he’d be a great trainer.
‘This time is going to be different. This time, I’m going to prove that I can do the challenge.’ He thought to himself, clenching his fists in determination. 'He just needs to see for himself is all!'
Another thought entered his head and the frown on his face melted to a smile. ‘Maybe even convince Lee to let Gloria do the challenge too. Then she’d really feel like she belongs here in Galar…’
“Baa!”
His thought was cut off as the familiar sound of a Wooloo suddenly dashed past him and right into the fence he was standing by.
“What the…?” Hop chuckled in amusement. “What’re you doing?” He asked the Wooloo lightly.
“Baa!” He cried to him before rolling against the fence again.
“Hey no don’t…”
“I’m ready!”
Gloria’s shout made him look up to see his best friend jogging down the stair way, hands clasping the large worn leather bag on her back. Her warm wool hat was tucked on her head and her cardigan sweater looked particularly clean.
“Sorry!” She panted as she made it to his side. “My mom… made me stand there while she used a roller on my sweater. She said…” Gloria straightened and dusted her skirt off. “…That if I’m meeting a Champion, I need to look my best.”
“Hehehe, it’s okay. You’re fine.” Hop didn’t really see what was wrong with how Gloria looked before but he shrugged it off. Her Mum was very peculiar in some cases, maybe it was a thing people did in other regions?
He pointed to her bag with a chuckle. “Hahaha, that bag though looks like it's about to pull you over!”
Gloria sighed and adjusted her hold on it. “Yeah, it’s my mom’s. She insisted I take it with me just in case. Plus she wanted me to take some of her Goulash over to your Mom’s place for a treat since your brother’s coming to visit.”
“That’s nice!” Hop smiled brightly. “Plus, it should be able to hold anything Lee might bring!”
Gloria smiled shyly. “Yeah, I really need to thank him too for getting me that console on Christmas last year… He really didn't need to do that.”
Hop beamed to her. “You mean matching consoles, he got me one too so we could play together remember?”
That had been a fun surprise, even if his Mum was frustrated Lee had spent so much money on something like that. His big bro had waved it off, because being Champion meant he made tons and tons of money. A new game system wasn’t even a blip in the funds he makes.
“Baa!”
Hop and Gloria’s attention was taken by the Wooloo once again ramming into the fence. Gloria let out a snort of laughter.
“What in the world?”
“I know…” Hop chuckled, moving his hands to behind his head as he watched it once again ram into the fence. “It just started doing that.”
“Should we stop it?” Gloria asked curiously. “I mean that is a fence to the forest and…”
“Nah, we just need to tell it to stop.” Hop quickly cut her off with a wave and an easy smile. If he was going to prove he was ready for the Challenge why not start now with proving he knew how to handle Wooloos? After all Hop knew that Pokémon better than any others.
He turned to the little fleece ball bumping against the fence, clearing his throat and raising his voice to a sternness he’s seen Lee do to his Pokémon… and Hop himself, many a time.
“Hey, now you listen! No going past that fence! No!”
The Wooloo paused and looked back to him with wide blinking eyes. Hop chuckled to himself, only to frown as it rammed into the fence once more.
“Hey! Stop! Everyone knows that there are scary Pokémon living in the Slumbering Weald!”
At least Hop knew. He was told more times than he could count by Lee that he should never, ever, ever go into the Slumbering Weald. All sorts of stories of dangerous Pokémon living in there, ones that wouldn’t even care if you were the strongest trainer in the world they'd still attack you.
There were other things too, spooky tales of people going missing or other magic nonsense but those were more just little tales that meant nothing. Little stories Hop was sure Lee used as a way to hammer home his point that Hop should stay away from such a place.
Hop found it ridiculous, especially when it was something his brother pushed even when he was about nine, but now wasn't the time to worry about that.
“So don’t go in there!” Hop repeated firmly.
The Wooloo stopped, turning around to him fully blinking. Hop smiled, proud of himself for being able to actually get the Pokémon to listen to him.
‘If I can get a wild Pokémon to listen to me then I am so ready for the Gym Challenge!’
He turned to his best friend, who's impressed expression only made him feel even better.
“Now that that’s taken care of…” He turned around, looking over his shoulder to give her a playful grin.
“How about it Gloria? Let’s race!”
Gloria beamed and quickly got to his side. “Oh you are on!”
They lowered themselves at the ready, sharing equal looks of competitive grins.
“I bet I can make it to my house first! What with you lugging around that big old bag!” He teased.
Gloria stuck her tongue out at him before she flipped her hair and looked straight ahead of her. He was sure if it was longer he would’ve gotten a smack of her brunette locks to his face.
“My bag is only so big because it’s filled with secrets of success, such as being able to beat you at this race!”
“I thought it had food in it?”
“Same thing!”
Hop snickered and wiggled in excitement. “Okay then… one… two… three…”
He waited a moment for dramatic affect, only as Gloria turned to him as he waited a moment longer.
“Uh Hop are we-?”
“GO!”
“HEY!”
Hop cackled gleefully as he ran, hearing Gloria’s annoyed yell chasing after him.
“Be careful you two, stay safe!” Gloria’s mum called out from the window of the cottage.
Hop waved to her and he was sure Gloria did the same. Her kind words once again sent a wave of warmth through him that only encouraged him to run faster.
The breeze felt fantastic on his face as he ran, and the grass even seemed to move with their speed and fun. It made him feel free and joy, even if this was simply they did every day. He even felt something more. Something was going to happen that was going to change their lives, he could feel it.
Hop knew it had to be his density, his and Gloria’s destiny to become trainers. For him to become Champion…
Hop ran a little faster, towards the adventure that awaited him and his older brother who would help them make that first step.
Todays was the first step of their legendary journey…