The Crimson Queen | Leon x OC

CHAPTER 14 - Whims Of Battle And Banter

WHIMS OF BATTLE AND BANTER

It was a typical day for Hammerlocke's gym leader, Raihan. The usual tranquility surrounded him, free from the demands of adoring fans and aspiring trainers seeking gym badges. The peaceful respite allowed him to relax at the Pokemon Center, sipping a cup of coffee and quietly minding his own business.

But as the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Raihan's peace and quiet came to an abrupt end. A magazine landed on the table in front of him, its front cover displaying a sensational headline: "Raihan's Secret Romance Revealed!" His eyes widened in surprise, immediately scanning the content, which featured a story about him having a secret girlfriend.

Raihan's gaze shifted from the magazine to the person who had dared to toss it in his direction. To his surprise, it was none other than Leon, one of his best friends and closest rivals. For a brief moment, their eyes locked in a standoff, filled with the intensity of an unspoken challenge. But as quickly as it had begun, the tension dissolved, and both men burst into laughter, their competitive spirits taking a humorous twist.

Leon took a seat across from Raihan, a teasing grin playing on his lips. "Do you?" he quipped, eyebrows raised in mock curiosity. Raihan, his playful mood intact, rolled his eyes and chuckled, "Come on, mate. Don't be like them as well."

Leon snorted and scratched the back of his head, acknowledging the jest. "Sorry, sorry, I just can't help it."

Noticing the coffee in Raihan's hand, a curious glint sparkled in Leon's eyes. "Coffee? That's unlikely of you, my friend." Raihan, sipping the beverage, chuckled lightly and explained, "It's my lady's coffee. I was just taking a sip."

Leon blinked, casting his gaze around the Pokemon Center, and noted the absence of Raihan's companion. He ventured a guess, saying, "Is she in the restroom?"

Raihan nodded in agreement. "She didn't want any interruptions during our little date, so she decided to put on a disguise."

Leon sighed, leaning back in his chair. "There are days when we cannot just be ourselves."

Raihan couldn't help but laugh at the truth in Leon's words. "That's what happens when we're famous."

As their conversation flowed, Raihan's Rotom phone chimed with a notification. Curious, he checked it, and to his surprise, it was a recorded video regarding a World Coronation Series festival challenge held in the Hoenn region. What puzzled him was the fact that he and his fellow gym leaders were tagged in the video.

He clicked on the video, and the first thing that met his ears was Bea's angry voice, labeling Solar as a "newbie" in battles. Raihan's disbelief was evident as he continued watching, scrolling down the comments that were mostly negative. Viewers criticized Bea, asserting that she should have lost the battle and even speculating that if she was this mean, the other Galar gym leaders might be too.

Raihan let out a frustrated groan, shaking his head in disbelief at the comments he was reading. He showed his phone to Leon, who couldn't help but share his sense of disappointment. Leon sighed, acknowledging the brewing trouble. "She's going to tarnish our reputation."

Leon's demeanor shifted as realization dawned upon him. If Solar was in Hoenn, then Azalea was likely there too. His earlier disappointment transformed into a small, genuine smile as he whispered under his breath, cautious not to let Raihan overhear, "I wonder what she's up to now."

Raihan, noticing the change in Leon's expression, went from confused to neutral before a mischievous smirk graced his face. He cleared his throat, which promptly snapped Leon out of his thoughts. Raihan decided to tease his friend, saying, "You know, ever since we reunited with Charles, Sonia, and his new pals at the Pokemon Center, you keep talking about how you'd like to have a battle with Azalea again. Battle or not, you always bring her up in our hangouts."