The Knight In Shining Armor// Pokemon Sword and Shield Fanfic

9

I looked in the mirror, admiring the wrinkle free white uniform, neatly embroidered 11 on the back of the shirt and bottom of the shorts. On the sleeve was my name printed very small, and the front of the shirt had the league's logo. I brought out Eevee and Popplio to give them a little pep talk, telling them I believe in them and they can do it. I put them back in the balls and put them on my hip, putting my phone and bag into a locker before taking a deep breath and making my way towards the battle field.
I was stopped before I reached the tunnel.
"Sylvia!" I turned around to be greeted by Leon.
"Hey, what're you doing here?"
"I sit up in the press box during gym battles, do interviews on what I think of challengers. Plus, Hop had his battle earlier. I'm not here for all, just some battles,"
"Did Hop win?"
"Yes, he passed with flying colors,"
"That's great. I'm next, and I'm kinda nervous,"
"Relax and have fun, also I have something for you," he pulled out a white wristband with red and blue and a black screen.
"What's that?"
"A dynamax wrist band, most stadiums are power spots, so you can pick any pokemon and dynamax for 3 turns,"
"Wow, that's cool. How do I do it?"
"Well, at the beginning of the battle the band will give off a surge when it feels the power spot, you'll feel it. At any point in the battle, preferably your last pokemon or your opponents, you call your pokemon back to the ball and it'll sinc with the band, the pokeball will become huge and you chuck it behind you,"
"That's fancy, I've never heard of that,"
I heard someone call my name, I guess it's my turn.
"Hey, you'll do great. Good luck, though you don't need it. If you get nervous, find me in the press box," he said with a reassuring smile. I flashed a smile and made my way into the tunnel. I waited for my cue.
"Our next challenger is number 11, Sylvia!"
Taking my cue, I put on a brave and confident face as I strut out to the middle of the field, meeting with the leader, who's name was Milo. He was tall and very muscular, having a farmer getup matching his clean cut grass uniform.
"I'm Milo, and I'm the Grass Type gym leader. I get plenty of challengers, but you seem like you have an understanding of your pokemon, so I'll have to dynamax my pokemon if I want to win!" He said before turning around and taking his position across the field. I did the same. He sent out a pokemon called Gossifleur. I sent out Popplio.
"Alright Gossifleur, Rapid Spin!"
The little flower twirled around and rammed itself into Popplio, who jumped back on contact. He quickly glanced over his shoulder to me and I let out a slight nod.
"Icy wind!" I instructed, Popplio summoning a mini hailstorm to shoot at Gossifleur, knocking it out instantly. Milo's eyes widened as he withdrew his one-hit ko'd pokemon.
"You're tough, but are you a match for this?" He tossed out another pokemon, called Eldegoss. I switched to Eevee.
He pulled his pokeball back out and brought Eldegoss into it, the pokeball glowing red and getting larger. The band on his arm shone red as well. The sky above the stadium started to glow red and form clouds and Milo turned to throw his enlarged pokeball. My eyes widened as Eldegoss was as tall as the stadium. I looked up and around for the press box, eventually meeting Leon's eyes. The corners of his mouth turned up and he lifted and tapped his band, giving a nod. I looked back down at Eevee's pokeball, summoning it back. I reached it to my rest, watching the ball grow. I turned to chuck it behind me, it was harder then it looked. I watched in awe as my previously tiny Eevee came out of the pokeball and rapidly growing, letting out her cry as she filled my half of the battle field. I noticed the crowd was chanting a tune as we prepared to fight again.
"Use Max Overgrowth!"
The giant Eldegoss shot giant seeds at Eevee, hurting her a bit. I winced as the attack hit, guilt creeping on for letting her get hurt. The battle field then started to glow green, Eldegoss seemed to grow stronger from it.
"Come on, Eevee! Max Strike!"
Eevee landed a powerful attack on the Eldegoss, close to knocking it out.
"Max Overgrowth again!"
"Tough it out, Eevee!" I shouted as Eldegoss started to shoot seeds again. Eevee braced herself, taking the hit well. I let out a sigh of relief that she was holding up strong.
"Another Max Strike Eevee! Finish it here!"
Eevee reached back and gave a brutal attack, knocking out the Eldegoss, it shrinking to its normal size before returning to its pokeball. Eevee shrunk back down and stood beside me. The crowd cheered as I was announced the winner. I met Milo back in the middle of the battle field.
"Proper job! You and your pokemon are very tough. You've earned yourself a badge!" He said as he shook my hand, giving me a little badge to put in a ring. I exited the stadium in the same tunnel I came in through, going back to the locker room to change before heading to the main lobby. There were a bunch of people hanging around. A reporter rushed over to me.
"Sylvia! That battle was amazing! Anything to say about it?"
"Um, my pokemon really worked hard out there," I said cheekily.
"You're going to he ranked in the top of gym challengers for week 1 indefinitely, how did you do it?"
A couple more reporters came over.
"Is it true you only moved to the Galar region a couple weeks ago?"
"Has your grandmother, Opal, been grooming you to take over the gym your whole life?"
"Where did you get an Alolan pokemon if you aren't even from Alola?"
I was overwhelmed by the swarm of reporters, I eventually shoved my way through them and ran outside the stadium, where it was quiet and peaceful. I took my phone out of my bag, seeing I had a few messages. First, was my mother.
Mom- I saw your battle on TV, you did amazing sweetie! You're a natural!
Me- thanks momma! I miss you and gran, hope you are doing well! Love you lots
Mom- love you too sweetie! Your father called me the other day, very excited that you want to reconnect, I'm super happy we moved over here
The next text I had was from my father.
Dad- you battled great, I knew you had it in you! Maybe when you get to the next gym we could have lunch? There's a great restaurant there
Me- thank you dad! And lunch sounds great
I put my phone in my pocket, suddenly getting chilly from the night air. I pulled out my varsity jacket and put it on, warming me up a good bit. I went and sat on a bench outside the stadium until I figured out what to do next. My phone started ringing after a minute.
"Hello?"
"Sweetheart, you'll be a hell of a gymleader based on your gym battle," a smile crept across my face as Raihan talked.
"Ha, thanks. I was practically shaking up there. I did everything I could to try and relax,"
"Well, you looked confident and laid back, not an inch of fear to be shown. You're already a hit, plenty of reviews of your battle and news stories of a top contender for the year,"
"Are there any mentions of my dad?"
"Not that I've seen. The only ones who know are your family, me and the champ. Did you know he was there, he goes to some of the gym matches, especially this year because of his brother,"
"Yes, he gave me a dynamax band before I went out. And told me to look to the press box if I need reassurance,"
"Aw, what a hopeless romantic he is. I told ya he likes you. Are you going to camp tonight?"
"Probably have to, there's no hotel in Turrfield, so I was probably going to head out of the town and set up camp,"
"Alright, I'll let you get to it. Be safe, night Sy!" He hung up. I stood up from the bench and turned to leave when I heard the door open from the stadium lobby, turning around to see who it was. Sure enough, Leon, his brother and his brother's friend all came out of the stadium doors. Leon's face lit up as he saw me, the group coming over.
"Hey, Sylvia right? Your battle was awesome! You're so strong! We should battle someday!" Hop said as he came over to me. I gave a smile.
"Well, thank you, I heard you're no pushover so I look forward to battling you," I said. Hop beamed at my remark.
"Oh yeah, this is Victor, I don't know if you've officially met either of us, so I'm Hop. I know that you know Lee, who doesn't?"
I let out a light laugh, my eyes meeting Leon's gold ones.
"Well, we ought to go set up camp for the night! See you around Sylvia, and don't get lost Lee!" Hop called as him and Victor darted across town.
"Aren't they excited?"
"Yep. Hop's wanted to be the trainer since the day I caught him his Wooloo. He idolizes me in every way, to even copying my pre battle moves and such,"
"Doesn't that get annoying?"
"Eh, not really. I guess I just love him so much it doesn't matter. It feels good to mean so much to someone," he paused for a moment and looked off into the sky. "Well, anyway congrats on your victory! I knew you could do it,"
"Thanks! If it weren't for you being in the press box, I probably wouldn't have been able to keep my cool. Oh, I need to give this back," I said, starting to take off the band.
"Oh, no. You keep it. I had an extra from the professor. Hop and Victor have their own, so there's no need for me to have an extra,"
"Well, thank you. What are you doing for the night?"
"Knowing how hopelessly lost I'll get, I tried to call a flying taxi to take me to my apartment, but it's backed up. Less cabs at night, y'know? If it was earlier in the day, I'd probably just ride my Charizard,"
"Where's your apartment at?"
"I have one in Wyndon and Hammerlocke, both are too far to travel to at night,"
"Well, I was going to camp, if you wanted to join? If not, it's totally okay,"
"I mean, if you're really alright with that,"
"Yeah, it cool with me. I only have 1 tent, but I have 2 sleeping bags and a throw blanket, and the tent is quite large,"
"Alright then, we could make curry for ourselves and pokemon, I've gotten pretty good at it through the years,"
"Well, I've no idea how to do that but go right ahead, let's find somewhere to set up,"
We headed outside the town and found a good spot near a forest. I set up the tent while Leon started the fire and curry. I let out both of my pokemon and Leon let out his charizard. He doesn't bring his whole team when traveling because it isn't necessary, so they stay at his Wyndon apartment. I set up some sleeping bags and changed out of my jeans and into sweatpants before going back outside. Leon's curry was almost done, as he was about to serve the pokemon.
"Will they be alright out here on their own?"
"Of course, Charizard will protect your pokemon and us, he's real strong and loyal," he said, rubbing Charizard's head as he gave him his portion. He gave Popplio and Eevee some before getting ours. We pulled a log over to sit on near the fire in order to stay warm. I had on sweatpants and my varsity jacket, while Leon had his t shirt, shorts and leggings on with his cape.
"Aren't you cold?"
"The cape keeps me warm, and I brought a sweatshirt. Are you warm enough? You're a lot smaller than me, must be harder to stay warm,"
"I'm alright for now, but that's why I have a throw and a sleeping bag. This curry is delicious,"
"Thanks, I've been perfecting it throughout the years,"
We finished up our curry, cleaning up our mess to avoid attracting wild pokemon. We stay outside the tent for a little bit.
"So, do you want to sing for me now?"
"What?"
"You said you'd sing for me sometime, or perform in some way,"
"I don't know, I'm kinda rusty,"
"Really? I know nothing of music except that I enjoy it, so its not like I'll judge,"
"Well, what do you want to hear? Got anything in mind,"
"Mm, I'm not picky, just sing something," Leon sat on the ground, leaning against the log. "Serenade me," he joked. I suddenly got an idea and went to the tent to grab something from my bag. I grabbed my small retractable ukulele and opened it up, taking it back outside.
"You carry an instrument around with you?"
"Its retractable, so it can fold up and fit in my back easily,"
"You're something else," Leon said with a smile, shaking his head and he leaned back again.
"I don't know what to sing," I whined as I strummed a couple chords.
"Just close your eyes and sing whatever comes to mind,"
"I can play you the first song I ever learned,"
"Go for it,"
I strummed a little intro before starting off slowly and softly.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby,"
Leon's eyes shot open as he sat up and looked at me, his eyes filled with delight and awe. I gave a small smile before continuing.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true,"
To my surprise Leon joined in on the next part.
"Some day I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me," I gave a bright smile at Leon, his mellow singing voice spreading warmth throughout my body.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why can't I?"
I strummed a little outro before looking to Leon and laughing.
"Hey, who said you could join in? How do you know that song?"
"My mother sang it to me and Hop as kids, and you're incredibly talented,"
"Oh, thanks. I didn't know you could sing,"
"Yeah, I happen to be great at singing in the shower. Sometimes my neighbors come and complain that I'm being too loud. It takes a bit to wash my hair, so they get to hear it plenty," he said in a joking manner.
I sat my ukulele down beside me and sat on the ground beside Leon, looking up at the stars.
"I never got views like this is Lumiose. The city was too bright all the time,"
"Wyndon can be like that, always so bright and busy,"
"I mean, I like the whole bright lights big city deal, but a quiet night out in the country is always nice,"
"It really is,"
"Occasionally, when I was little, my dad would take me out to an evening in the country, those were always my favorite nights,"
"The more you talk about Rose, the more it humanizes him. He's been the chairman for about 5 years now, and doesn't really talk much about anything besides work and league stuff,"
"Trust me, there's a lot more to him than work mode,"
"I bet,"
"Like, I can get just about anything I want out of him since I'm an only child, so he's always wanted me to have whatever I'd like. I never took advantage of it, because no amount of money or gifts can replace him being around,"
"That's understandable, after my dad left, all I wanted was for him to come back,"
"Did you ever see him again?"
"When I was about 13 or so, once I was pretty well known after being the Champion for a couple years, he came back to my family and begged us for money, as I made more than I'd ever know what to do with. We told him to never come back,"
"Oh geez, I'm sorry,"
"I'm over it, I'm glad I'll never see him again. He hurt me, my brother and mom, something I'll never be able to forget the pain that brought on my family,"
"For a while, I never thought I'd see my father again. I thought he just left us. But when I came here and saw him and how much power he had, I wish I'd never see him again, I was just so angry that he had this incredible life yet let me and my mother believe he would never come back,"
"Rose isn't an easy read, definitely doing some questionable things, insisting they'll help the future, but I can't exactly defy him,"
"I know what you mean, wanna hear something funny?"
"Sure,"
"He's so overprotective of me that he questioned Raihan simply hanging out with me, accusing him of liking me and trying to get with me, and then explaining that I'm too young for a boyfriend, even though I'll be an adult in like 5 months," Leon smiled.
"Well, isn't a father's job to protect his little girl?" He said in a baby voice. I cracked a smile and giggled a little bit.
"Shut up!" I joked. "Also, a couple days ago when he came to my hotel room, he asked if there was anything going on between us. And I was like, uh no," I said, gazing off in the distance.
"Oh no, Rose is going to be after me now. He'll probably sic Oleana on me, she always gives me the longest earfuls whenever I do something I shouldn't have, like I'm some child,"
"Who's Oleana?"
"His assistant, second in command,"
"What's she like?"
"Dedicated, doing just about anything Rose asks,"
"Hm,"
I suddenly felt a gust and despite my warm clothes, I shivered. Leon noticed. He extended his arm, his hand holding the end of his cape. I accepted the offer and moved in closer, wrapping his cape around me and left his arm holding me close. I leaned my head on his shoulder, feeling his incredibly soft and fluffy hair against my cheek.
"I still don't understand how you aren't cold,"
"The cape, it pretty much traps heat, so I can get away with not having to wear much thick clothing. Makes it hard to move around,"
"Okay, I'm going to ask you something pretty direct, I don't like dancing around questions. I'm sorry in advance if this upsets you in anyway,"
He made weird expression.
"Right then, go for it,"
I took a deep breath before deciding it isn't the time for it.
"Know what? Nevermind,"
"What? You got me all excited just to not tell me,"
"Sorry," I said. We stopped talking for a few to star gaze.
"Do you like Raihan?" Leon's sudden question caught me by surprise.
"What?"
"Do you like Raihan? Crushing on him?"
"Not really, I bet he told you about how I kissed him twice. Those were both heat of the moment things, act now think later. I'm not actually attracted to him, though I kinda was when I first met him, then I found out he can be...  a player, I guess? And decided I shouldn't bother," I explained, not breaking my trance from the sky.
"Oh, that's understandable, I'm not sure how much he actually brings home girls for um, that, but it only started about 2 years ago after he took a break up hard. I guess I assumed you liked him because you guys are always hanging out,"
"Really? He doesn't seem to let anything bother him, I'm surprised. And no, he just happens to be one of the very limited people that I consider a good friend,"
"Yeah, but no one's perfect. To be honest, after the first day you were here, Raihan said he thought you were cute and had a great personality, I think he's a bit into you. And I've known him for a long time, so I can confirm he is a good friend,"
So I had them telling me that the other liked me, now?
"Funny, he told me you said the same things about me that same night," I said jokingly, glancing over at him. I could see his face darken with a blush, he adjusted his hat to tilt downward a bit to cover it, which was adorable.
"W-what? I-I mean-" he stuttered as he tried to find a way to recover, resulting in pulling his hat down lower.
"Meowth got your tongue?" I said, enjoying this a little much. "So, who actually said what, I'll get to the bottom of it,"
"Okay okay, we both said part of it, but Raihan made some snarky remark about how you seemed to be a lot more into me than him, resulting in us talking about you,"
"So you guys both think I'm cute?" I said, a wide smile stretching across my face. I laughed a bit when he continued to pull his hat down.
"S-Sylvia! This isn't funny," he said, almost whining.
"Okay, okay, I just found it amusing that the two most popular and strong men in the region fell for some random girl who just moved here,"
"Enough, please," he begged. I continued to laugh enjoying to tease him. I turned a bit, so my knee was touching his thigh.
"Did my blonde locks sweep you off your feet? Or did you like my body, my ass is pretty great. Or did you get lost in my eyes?" I said, continuing to tease, thinking of my best features to taunt with. At this point, we both sat up, part of me sitting on his leg, I squirmed a bit, feeling a cold gust. I looked up into his face to see he looked troubled, his face still in a blush. I adjusted myself so that I faced him more, watching him look scared almost. I continued to move a little, to stop my shivering.
"You alright?" I said, confused by the expression.
"Um, yeah," he said, looking up and attempting to change his expression, but refused to make eye contact. He quickly adjusted himself, moving part of his cape. I looked down as he moved his cape, seeing his shorts were tightened and there was a... buldge... he was trying to cover with the cape. He tossed the opposite end that was around me into his lap, covering most of his upper thigh to waist. I looked away, pretending I didn't see anything. I felt my face warm up from embarrassment, that I caused that in the champion. I'm pretty sure Leon knew what I saw, or was waiting for it to go away, because neither of us talked for a while.
"So, uh," I said after a few minutes, trying to find something to talk about. I felt another gust, causing me to shiver again. I moved my body away from his a bit due to, y'know.
"You're still cold?" He asked. I looked up at his face, seeing it's resumed its normal color. I glanced down, seeing the cape still in his lap.
"A bit. I'll be okay," I said. Leon let out a small chuckle. "What?"
"Its just, I like the champion uniform, but its just too revealing. And I know you saw it, Sylvia," he said. "Its good to be able to laugh at yourself. Besides, that's what happens when you keep rubbing your butt against me,"
I felt myself blush at bringing the incident of a few minutes ago up. Leon saw and laughed.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I was just trying to stay warm," I said innocently, deciding to play dumb.
"Whatever you say," he said, a small smile lingering on his face.
"We don't have to tell anybody about, it, right?" I felt my blush deepen, my face burning.
"No, and you're too innocent, that's cute," he said, laughing at embarrassing me.
I shivered again as another gust passed. Leon felt it and pulled me closer to him. I kept my lower half beside him but leaned my head on his should, trying to engulf myself in the cape.
"I'm going to get hypothermia one of these days,"
"Do you want me to go get your throw blanket?"
"Maybe we should just go inside the tent? What time is it anyway?"
Leon's rotom phone flew up from beside him, announcing it was 11:45 PM.
I stood up, immediately feeling colder as Leon's cape dropped from my shoulders. I scurried to the tent and into my sleeping bag, wrapping myself in it and throw blanket around my shoulders. Leon made it into the tent and got into his own sleeping bag.
"Please don't say you're still cold,"
"Actually, I'm alright for now,"
"That's good, I'm going to get some sleep, so goodnight," he said. I sat my phone down beside me, turned it on silent, and turned in for the night.