Dread

Just Dread

Three weeks training with Goggles was plenty of time to get him in shape to be considered a 0 badge trainer pokemon instead of a domestic one. Yanma were some of the most agile Pokemon in the sky thanks to their direct flight muscles, allowing them to move each of their wings individually, something very few Bug type Pokemon can boast of, and while all bird Pokemon have those, they lacked the second pair of wings Yanma had.

Yanma are able to achieve omnidirectional air movement at a very early age, so I decided on focusing on Goggles natural speed and agility during that time. Mostly just timed circuit races around the few trees that surround Wedgehurst.

Also making sure his gusts are actual gusts instead of light breezes and his bug bites can nibble something harder than a newborn grubbin. Those were easy. Just repetition and adjustments of that repetition.

Camping supplies where easy to manage. I have Julian's old tent from way back when he started his journey, and they REALLY made things to last back then. I already had everything needed to cook on the road. Packing copious amounts of cereal bars and premium to-go carnivorous bug pokechow came courtesy of 4 years of saving my allowance. (Or what is left of my savings after they released that premium fantasy classics collections an year ago)

Not only that but Sonia promised me some spare supplies from her old trainer days to get myself started. So i am set on pokeballs and potions.

The only thing mum bought for me were some kickass all terrain boots, (she said they were a dark green, but they looked more black than anything else.) I would be walking all over rocky passages and snowy fields if I wanted to make it to the summit tournament this year.

However.

No amount of preparation could possibly prepared me for the mind-gnawing anxiety of meeting new people.

Dread. Just dread.

"Did you pack everything?" Mum asked me while i looked down at my breakfast, letting the dread mount inside my skull when i fail to find my own reflection inside the bowl of milk and cereal.

"Yes mum, I triple-checked everything last night." I took a spoonful of cereal. Tooth-achingly sweet. Perfect.

"Alrighty alrighty!" She said with an easy smile. Man, there has been so much less tension in the house these days, like all the stagnant air begun leaving when i decided to leave as well. So sensing my unusual gloom this morning, mum spoke up again "Hey love, why the long face?"

"People." Was my only response. People are not like Pokemon, where different species are inclined to have similar behavioral patterns. Sure, you could find an enlightened gyrados somewhere that was not angry all the time and actually found his inner peace, but that was much harder than to find a normal gyrados. People could be anything possible just as easily could be anything else at all.

And I am about to meet 3 of these anything's with no prior knowledge of them.

"Bookworm," sometimes i am still amazed how she manages to calm me that in a tone that is not demeaning but utterly soothing instead "It's going to be fine. And if it isn't, they are the ones who are going to lose your company."

I smiled at her words. Not because i knew them to be true, but because I knew mum truly believed what she said.

We ate our breakfasts in comfortable silence after that. Today was, very importantly, a Sunday. That meant mum need not rush to the center as usual.

Little ol' me however, does not want to meet the kids endorsed and sponsored by the champion himself looking like shit. Even if I would be looking like shit most of the journey, first impressions are important. And bad impressions stick easier than good ones. So looking his best before going to meet his journey-mates was probably a good thing.

Never before I so furiously brushed my teeth. And the last time i applied anything like cologne was... during my preschool graduation. I had forgotten about it when going to meet gran for the first time.

I took a long, considering look at my hair. The best way to describe the messy lairs of light green locks would be a upside down vespiquen nest. It looked that way ever since Goggles begun using my head as a transportation device.

As if on cue with my thoughts, Goggles came from his usual spot in my bedroom to once again land on top of my head. "Yan?"

That was enough to make me decide the messy hair was a feature, not a bug (heh) "Yeah. I'm done here. Lets go buddy"

I left my bedroom and descended the steps of the house, slower than I was used to. The longest i left the house for was the one family vacation to Chirchester we took when Julian was still dad. That lasted for 2 weeks.

A journey would take at least an year. I wondered if I was going to miss it. So much happened within these rustic halls.

Why am i getting sentimental over a pile of bricks neatly arranged against the elements? Get it over with it, me.

Deny deny deny. That is the best way to deal with unwanted feelings.

I reach the door to see mum next to it. When was the last time I saw a proud look on her face? Besides this whole three weeks when I discovered my own desire for a journey.

... when I told her the results of the research on inter-species interactions between first stage bug Pokemon in food disputes. That was like, two months ago? Did she make that face way too much then? That wasn't particularly ground breaking research.

"Did you pack everything bookworm?" She asked, uncaring of all the fuzzy feelings in my chest.

"Yes. Mom i checked everything again when I got upstairs" I repeated in a deadpan tone, my posture probably full of bored teenager energy.

"Alright. Did you remember that I love you?" Ah the fuzzy feelings again.

Yes of course I knew she loved me. The why was still a bit of a problem. I messed up a lot before deciding to leave. "I love you too!" Was the answer I could give her with complete honesty.

We hugged. It was warm and cozy. I will miss this.

"Just one more thing dear." Mum said, looking at me, her tone a lot more somber than before.

"Yeah?" I asked, hesitantly.

"If you see your father in Motostoke-"

I interrupted her before she could ruin this moment between us "I should tell him to go fuck himself?"

Mum huffed at me. "No. Be polite and firm. He is still human."

My expression darkened at the absurd argument. "He hit you."

"Yes, and I don't forgive him for it. But he still loves you as a father." Well yea i don't love him as a son. I must get my lack of emotional maturity from mum anyhow, she doesn't know what she is talking about.

"Sure." I said, rolling my eyes. I didn't really mean what I said, but it should hopefully diffuse the situation.

Mum just kissed me on the forehead. Eyes full of... mirth? Wistfulness? I hate not knowing what expression my mum is making.

"Its fine, I doubt you will see him anyway. Just have fun, and tell me all about it later!" Legionaries i love my mum.

"I will. See you soon mum." Can't help the bittersweet smile blossoming in my face as I walk away from home to the Lab, one last time before beginning my journey.

--- 15 minutes later ---

"You are five minutes late" said Sonia from inside the lab. She was wearing her usual smug smile when she said it too.

"Yeah. Goodbyes take awhile I guess." I should have been more excited. Next stop after here is straight to the wild area so we can begun our journeys in earnest.

"Dreading meeting Leon's kids?" Sonia the Arceus damned mind reader said in response to my lack of enthusiasm.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Something like that." I moved to sit in front of her on the table. We both let our Pokemon scurry off to play in the battle arena in the side of the lab.

"You know, you are bound to meet a lot of people during your journey anyway, why not take the practice when you can get it?"

My left hand fingers are drumming against my thigh. I thought i left this stupid tick behind years ago. "I know! This shouldn't be a big deal, just some other adolescents about my age. Everyone goes in groups for their first year in a journey. I just wish I could internalize that!"

"Pshaw. If you aren't feeling comfortable with this arrangement I could just tell the kids you decided to go off on your own."

And i consider that. I really consider just bailing last minute. But as I look upwards towards the cold ceiling light, a metaphorical light dawns on me.

"...Nah. That would be a bit of a dick move, I doubt they are happy about a tag along already. And Gran is right, I could use more friends." Just. Positive thoughts. Maybe i won't screw up this time due to sheer luck.

The adult woman smiles at me, "So you do want friends! That is pre-" before Sonia could finish calling my social deficiencies cute, the door slams open, revealing a man in a frankly horrendous brown cape barges in.

He stumbles a bit, almost falling before composing himself and yelling "SORRY I'M LATE! I GOT LOST!" His face scans the room, rapidly looking left and right.

It takes me a second to take in his appearance. His chocolate skin. His bright green eyes. His blue wild hair. The goddamn baseball cap (Who even plays baseball?)

This is the champion. The strongest trainer in the region. The man whose name everyone knows. The biggest goddamn celebrity in the entire region and a practical infinite well of knowledge in Pokemon battling.

"Ah. The kids aren't here yet. That's good!" he chirps excitedly. Before casually walking towards the table where I'm sitting in.

He sits down right in front of Sonia. Next to where I am sitting, before turning to me with a smile and saying.

"Good morning! I'm Leon, regional champion. You must be Trent, right?"

My mouth is not working. Leon Taylor. Is talking to me. Holy shit. I don't like celebrity worship. I knew intellectually I would be face to face with him eventually if i wanted to be champion myself. I have no mental preparation for meeting with the guy now. I am malfunctioning worse than usual.

Positive thoughts and deep breathes.

I close my mouth, the thing has been hanging since I realized who he is, making me take the appearance of a particularly surprised magikarp.

Silence.

Words Trent. Humans use those to communicate with each other.

"Hi. I'm Trent."

"Cool! So, Sonia, how have you been?" I am so immensely thankful he ignores my utter befuddlement and lack of social etiquette. I mean, he probably sees worse reactions than mine all the time.

"Not even an hello Leon? I'm really glad you came in person this time, but come on man." Sonia said with a bit of a teasing tone, and send a send glance towards me, an amused, smug ass glance that conveyed something.

I knew Sonia was first name basis with Leon before, but seeing and hearing things are two different things.

Maybe general aura of smugness was based on knowing the regional champion in a first name basis?

And then the two of them catch up. Questions about day to day life and how it's been treating the both of them. They honestly seem to be very comfortable in the other's presence.

Leon makes attempts to include me in the conversation. Not big hitting questions like "why did you decide to become a Pokemon trainer" or "why did you delay a year in your journey?", he seems more interested in things like my favorite curry flavor and my favorite type of Pokemon. (Bug. Duh)

I did not feel like he was ignoring me or casting judgement over me. It was kinda nice.

Being champion must be awesome.

The conversation hasn't gone on that long, 30 minutes tops. Learning about the champion as a human instead of as a pillar of Pokemon battling society and important political figure in the region is fascinating.

It was however, cut short by a boy running in through the door Leon left open. He is panting slightly, and considering the fluffy neck of his jacket, I am not sure the sweat is from the heat outside or the sprint he no doubt did to get here.

"Sorry we are late! There was this whole thing with wooloo and a injured skowvet on the way here!" Huh. What is this sense of deja-vu?

This kid kinda look like Leon - oooh is that why he is sponsoring him? Narcissism? Wait he is an year younger than me i can't be calling him kid.

"Heya little bro! Where are Gloria and Victor?" Oh so nepotism instead. That is marginally better I guess?

"We are here!" Says a feminine voice from behind the boy, she has a wool hoodie (how is she alive in this heat?) And very sensible boots and a very fashionable tam' o' shanter.

"Sorry for the lateness!" Another boy comes in from behind, he is wearing actual sensible clothes for the weather, a red T with long jeans and a beanie. Still too much in my opinion.

They all seem to have backpacks full to the bursting like mine. Yup. These are my journey mates.

Just like that the social gathering doubled in numbers. The finger drumming gotten worse from before, and I knew from experience i could not stop it without my foot tapping or another part of my body getting twitchy.

"So! Introductions are in order!" Leon says, rising from his chair. There is a quality to his voice i cannot place. Something similar to a reporter or a politician. Maybe Leons tips on public speaking are more valuable than any Pokemon lessons for me.

He moves his arm to address the woman next to him "This is Sonia, the granddaughter of professor Magnolia!" The assistant waves at the kids with a casual "Yo" before the champion began speaking again. "What can I say about Sonia? Well, I like her cooking."

Wow. That was... very rude.

"Hey! Sonia was elite four candidate! before you decided to throw away the whole system..." I respond because Sonia is a friend and friends defend each other.

Sonia lets out a small laugh, Leon's brother is now looking at her differently. Is that awe? His mouth hangs slightly open, at least. While the other two look at each other, a silent question on their faces that I cannot know for sure what it is, maybe a "did you know that?" or "do you know who she is?"

Leon however just smiles at me. And with that look I feel like I passed some sort of test of character, unlike the other times he smiled at me during the conversation. "And this is Trent, he likes very spicy curry and bug Pokemon! He is also the newbie lab trainer that I told you was joining you guys!"

Now all three new trainers give each other weird looks. I think that it's probably bewilderment.

"Uh... Leon? You didn't tell us squat 'bout a lab trainer" Said the girl, raising an eyebrow at the champion himself.

Leon on his part, looks the slightest bit admonished at this, rubbing his hand against the back of his head "Aha. Did i forget to mention it?"

Ah shit. They did not know bout this arrangement the Professor got me. Now I am a fourth, uninvited wheel to their private group and i don't belong and they are going to hate me and-

"So... did you pack your own food?" One of them asks. I do not pay attention whom.

The thought train stops in it's tracks as the anxiety is replaced by the feeling of being insulted in such a fashion.

"Of course! I packed enough to last until the end of the first three gyms!" Honestly I expected more direct insults, not roundabout ways of calling me an idiot.

"Oh then this is gonna be great! You must be a huge Pokemon nerd to make lab trainer right?" The girl responds with a bit too much enthusiasm. I really would like their names at some point.

"Oh yes, the biggest nerd." Said my 'delightful' coworker. In a teasing tone. As if i did not just get insulted twice.

... did I?

"Don't worry dude, you will be traveling with the coolest, awesomest trainers on the block. After all, I am going to defeat my brother and become next champion!" Said the Little-Leon, posture and voice oozing of self-assuredness.

"Eh. I will let you be elite four when I become champion Hop. No hard feelings." The girl (Leon please introduce them) said with a smile on her face and a roll of her eyes.

"Wha-? Well just because of that I am not putting the elite four back together after i become champion!" He bit back after making an exaggerated shocked expression with a pose.

She turned around to respond to Hop(?), but before she could make a no doubt witty retort to him, the other boy of the group put his hands on their shoulders in a pacifying gesture. "Guys. We just met Trent, can we keep the crazy for later?"

Leon's brother let out an admonished "Yeah" as he rubbed the back of his head, but the yet-unnamed girl just nodded with a smile and said "Sure!"

The red-shirted boy (Leon names please) then turned to me "Sorry bout that, they really rile each other up sometimes, but you know rivals right?"

No. I do not know how rivals are. The social phenomenon of two trainers comparing their growth to one another and the media trope that spawns pretty much everywhere you read I understand. The real thing? No. Not at all.

But I am a lying little bastard, the most devious of them all, so I just nod to him and smile.

He blinked twice, seemingly confused by my response. What the heck was the correct response then?

"Well then!" Leon interjected "Since you are already making friends why don't let me properly introduce my endorsed trainers?" I nodded, still quite awkward around them.

He moved next to his brother, wrapping his arm around to wrap around his shoulders, giving him a gentle squeeze "This right here is my little bro Hop! He is the best wooloo wrangler in all of Postwick!" I thought wooloo wrangling was a yamper's job, but he does have the excitable face and atitude to pass as an puppy Pokemon. Huh. I just am now noticing Leon is using his battle uniform for some reason? Weird guy. But he is the champion. He can do whatever he wants.

While Hop rubs the back of his head in very similar way Leon did just a minute ago, his brother points at the other two and continues on "These two are Gloria and Victor, they are twins!" Oh! They do look like each other! "Gloria was captain of Postwick's high-school football team and Victor is a nerd just like you!" He told me with such a bright smile, like that was a major point of connection between us.

Nerd is absolutely not an insult when these people say it. Like when mum says bookworm as an affectionate term. Got it.

Still, there are a hundred reasons to call someone a nerd, and Victor seems to be at least kinda socially adjusted, unlike me.

"Yo" Victor said, making a strange hand sign at me, like a peace sign but he used all the four fingers, keeping two pairs of two connected. Yup. Not the same category of nerd. Gloria waved at me with a "Hiya! Nice knowing ya!"

Hop the excitable yamper, on the other hand, stepped closer to me "So... now that introductions are out of the way, mind a Pokemon battle?"

I could not see it, for my eyes were focused on hop after he startled me with the straightforwards request, but i had a feeling like that of an evil smile emanating from Gloria's direction. "Oooh Hooop~ you and your Pokemon got wiped by me yesterday and are already looking for another beating? You truly are a masochist~"

Hop quickly averted his gaze to look at his rival with a offended expression "Wha- how dare you! I am making this the first complete and utter victory of my legend just to show you!"

"Well, In my opinion as the unbeatable champion of the Galar region, Pokemon battles are a great way to getting to know someone! I think you should go for it!" Leon says, disregarding the barbs and comebacks being thrown by his endorsed trainers. This time even Victor takes one look at them and seemingly to deems it a lost cause.

"I mean, yeah. I was going to accept the invite anyway?" I say meekly, resisting the urge to curl up and make myself small. I mean, I still gotta battle if I want to make a become a good trainer right?

Hop's head snaps from Gloria towards me "Oh yeah! I am going to show you what it means to be the brother of a champion and a rising legend!"

Well. Better learn to lose with grace now than losing my composure in public