Chapter Text
He can't believe it.
Lost in the woods, at night. Hop didn't get it, he'd been tapping the mushrooms to mark his path, to keep him from getting lost like this, but unfortunately the part where he's in the Glimwood Tangle and it's crawling with Impidimp who thrive off messing with anyone they can see had managed to slip his mind when he agreed to come here. "Go do some research in the Glimwood Tangle, Sonia said. Get out of the lab for a bit, she said... ugh." A part of him wonders how Lee ever made it through here in his gym challenge with his sense of direction. At least without Charizard starting a forest fire.
This place had a great way of making you feel like you're being watched. Usually because you are. Whether it's a hidden Morelull or a curious Phantump, you never feel quite alone. But when Sonia gives you your first real survey, a chance to get out there and show off your researching skills? Hop wouldn't be himself if he didn't bite. He's weighing his options, and by weighing his options, he means looking around through the trees, hoping the path to town will magically open itself.
As if the woods are answering him, a puff of bright dust catches the corner of his eye. His heart jumps to his throat in a second, the urge to just close his eyes and fight blind is strong, but instead he calls out as his eyes flick wildly, trying to make out the figure through the dark and powder. "Who's ther-"
Wait. No.
Of course it is.
Who else would it be?
Hop could recognize him in his sleep. The glow catching the white, blue, and pink uniform just right to catch the League Number on them: 908. As if he needed it. Bede's critical glare is impossible to mistake. Bede steps a little more into the light, but not too close, eyes running over Hop like knives.
He makes a note to keep his first thoughts to himself. Don't give him a reaction. Just say something. "What are you doing here?" Hop manages to slip out. Bede frowns, his eyes narrowing. His hand finds his hip as he speaks in his typical smug tone, glowing dust rubbing off on his already slightly illuminated clothes "I live here, in case you forgot. What's your excuse?"
Prick.
"You know what I meant. And it's none of your business." Hop tries to focus his anger into glaring at Bede, but he can still feel the irritation burning through him. Bede has always been the worst, ever since Hop met him, and Hop just didn't understand him. Under Oleana and Rose, it made more sense, Hop only spent a little time with them, but it was enough to see how they could drive someone crazy, but ever since Bede had become a gym leader, he wasn't any better, he was just more... subtle about it. Less hot-headed, and more pointed. Hop has gotten a lot better at dealing with it though, the few times they've spoken since have been brief comments, and other then the time those Sordward and Shieldbert weirdos were dynamaxing pokemon like crazy, Hop just ignored him. But even then, just watching the way Bede scoffed and looked him over like he was nothing, it still manages to drive Hop up the wall.
"I'd say it is my business. After all, you are lost aren't you?"
Smug.
Hop opens his mouth to speak, but Bede doesn't give him the chance. "You wouldn't be in Glimwood Tangle this deep at this hour if you knew what you were doing. Even you're smarter then that."
...damn it. He stays silent. Hop wishes he had never come out here at all. He would sell his soul to not need Bede's help right now, but if there's any hope of getting home, it's the jerk in front of him. Bede takes Hop's silence and smiles, speaking with a vile, cocky tone.
"Precisely. Don't worry, despite your rude welcome, I can and will lead you back to Ballonlea."
Hop clenches his fists, bites his cheek, but takes a breath anyway and speaks as neutrally as he can. All he can do is move the conversation along, so it's over quicker. "Fine. Yeah, I don't know the way. I'd.. appreciate the help." It pained him to say. Bede pauses at this, his eyes narrowing with a tilt of his head. Hop watched his piercing glare shift into one of.. confusion? Intrigue? Hop couldn't care less. Bede shakes his head and speaks up again, his tone with slightly less edge.
"Very good. Come on now, it's not getting any brighter."
Hop rolls his eyes, but steps toward Bede, who turns around and starts walking through the trees. However, Hop considers Bede's look a moment ago. Maybe he cares a little about Bede's thoughts, just because it was so rare to see something other then arrogance or plain rage anywhere but photos, so to see him take genuine pause; even if Hop didn't quite get why, was certainly new. As the walk went on longer, Bede's uncharacteristic silence was... kind of bugging Hop, but obviously saying something was off the table. Silence is better then his constant jabs at Hop's very existence. Peaceful, even.
Eventually though, Bede does break the silence. Great. Peace over. But his tone is rushed, but surprisingly sincere. Casual even. "So what does bring you out here at this hour? It's a long way from Postwick to just be stopping by." Now Hop doesn't know whether to be confused or annoyed at the small talk. He honestly doesn't know Bede well enough to know if silence or arbitrary questions are more in character. Hop clears his throat and responds. "Uh, Sonia sent me to do some research and, as you've so cleverly guessed, I got lost."
"...Interesting."
What is happening? What is happening??? This is the longest Bede has gone without insulting him, maybe insulting anyone, like ever. It's weird. But it feels weird to not say something else. Don't take it for granted, just ask something. Anything.
"So what are you doing out here? Just because you live in Ballonlea doesn't mean you just hang around the woods."
Was that good? Wait, why does he care? They aren't friends, and they aren't going to be friends, so what does it matter if that was good? What does good even mean when you're talking to someone you hate? Why is Bede looking at him? He's so deep in his own thoughts he barely hears Bede's tense reply as his eyes shoot away from Hop.
"I go for walks. To clear my mind."
"That's... nice."
Nope. That's enough. Small talk with Bede is just a big no. It doesn't work, and that's fine by Hop. It's fine. Luckily it seems like Bede feels the same, because he doesn't give any more attempts at conversation and neither does Hop, giving him time to settle down before they arrive.
---
The walk goes quick, especially when considering the odd circumstances, he glances at the semi-familiar town of Ballonlea, dimly lit by glowing mushrooms scattered around the town. Hop doesn't stop to look around though, absentmindedly walking into the gym after Bede, who once inside, suddenly turns around, crossing his arms and looking at Hop with a firm look, speaking with a matching tone. "Well, you're here. I suppose you'll be off now?" Hop swallows. Back to the normal Bede intensity he supposes. "Well, I've got to get a Flying Taxi, but after that, yeah I'll be going."
"Good, then you have time."
What? "What? Time for what?"
"A battle. What else?" Hop pauses a moment. A battle? Now? He searches for any sign of mockery, or joking, but Bede's serious. Staring Hop down waiting for his answer. "Are you kidding? It's way too late to be battling."
Bede scoffs, as if Hop is being completely ridiculous. "Oh please, it's only-" He moves his right arm a bit, glancing at the wrist before shoving it back down and continuing with a snap. "It's not that late! Plus, you have to wait for the taxi anyways, so you have time. I went out of my way to help you, the least you can do is spare me a simple battle."
Hop huffs. He's really serious. He's not wrong, it's not that late, but Bede insisting on a battle was just another layer on this already freaky night. One battle couldn't hurt though, right? If Bede wants one so bad, then why not? "Fine. Not everyday I get to battle in a stadium I guess."
Bede nods "Excellent. You know where everything is, prepare yourself." And just like that, he turns and walks away, headed toward the lockers no doubt. Maybe this is a bad sign, maybe Opal finally drove Bede insane, maybe Hop should just leave. Bede never challenged Hop before, they had battled, once, but that was because Hop challenged Bede, so it's already new, but the fact that it's under these circumstances... Bede's weirding him out. But nevertheless, he walks deeper into the gym so he can get ready.
---
Hop stands across the field from Bede, who's brushing the last of the bright powder off his gloves. Once he notices Hop, he looks up with a determined glint and calls out. "Ready for your destruction, Hop?" He scoffs. Bede's sudden hunger to battle Hop was already confusing, but now he's just being.. Well, Bede, which is more welcome then fake friendliness.
"Yeah yeah Bede, don't get cocky now."
The second their pokemon are out, Bede's Mawile is already lunging for Hop's Dubwool. Hop hasn't seen Bede go so aggressively since he became gym leader, but that doesn't stop him from adapting and fighting. Bede's pokemon move fast, vicious, much like the boy himself. But Bede's lack of patience ends up being the exact weak-point Hop needed. Watching Bede's Hatterene faint is the breath of fresh air he needed after this long night. After recalling their pokemon, they meet in the center of the field, where Bede speaks and offers his right hand for a hand shake.
"Well fought, Hop. Perhaps you've gotten stronger since our last encounter." Hop can't stop himself from smiling a bit with a chuckle, however it distracts him enough that he swings his left hand out, hitting Bede's right accidentally. Bede's arm recoils to his chest as he looks bewildered at Hop, eyes wide and searching over him. Hop quickly speaks, sheepishly rushing out an apology. "S-sorry! I got a bit caught up, forgot left-handed people don't shake with you know. Their left." Bede blinks a couple time before crossing his arms tightly to his chest and speaking defensively. "I have never shaken your hand with my left."
"To be fair, I don't think you've ever shaken my hand."
Bede tilts his head a bit. Hop hadn't even realized that was something he considered when interacting with anyone, let alone Bede. Huh. Bede speaks, seemingly loosening up a bit. "Touchè. Well, better luck next time." And like that, Bede turns and starts walking back to his locker room. Hop is surprised by the suddenness, and before he knows it he's following Bede, catching up with him and attempting to drum up something to say. He doesn't get to just walk away from him, not after he demanded this battle. "Better luck next time? That's it? No monologue on how you're gonna destroy me, or that I was just lucky, or-"
Bede laughs tartly. He turns around, snapping in amused exasperation. "You really can't take a win, can you? Are you that insecure that the one time I shake you off to be the bigger person, you chase me to be insulted? Honestly, do you have no self respect? It's rather unbecoming of a future professor, don't you think?" There he is. Hop isn't sure why he chose to follow Bede. Maybe to drag his real self out, instead of the weird attitude he's gotten all night, the.. Fake Bede. He takes a step back from Bede, wanting to retort with something, but Bede is right. What was he looking for? Bede let him off, so why does he feel like they're not done?
"Right. Yeah, don't know what that was. Just got caught up.. again." He knew it was a weak defense, but he kind of just wants out before he says something else stupid. He turns around, but Bede calls out behind him. "Hop, next time you decide to adventure the woods alone, leave a note so someone who cares can check that you're still alive."
Hop looks over his shoulder, but Bede is already stalking off out of the locker room. Why does Bede care if he gets lost in the woods? Why was Bede being so unusual tonight at all? So many questions, none that Hop would ask, or that Bede would answer. Hop can feel his Rotom Phone buzz, and a quick glance confirms that his Flying Taxi is here. Hop sighs and begins making his way out of the gym, planning in his head how to explain getting home late to his mom, but it's hard to drum up excuses when you've got such an odd trainer like Bede lingering in your head.
—The next morning, Hop's home—
Hop had made it home safely after his... encounter with Bede last night, and surprisingly, his mum (who was ever so patiently waiting for him) didn't say much when he got there. However, the catch is she said they would talk in the morning. Thus, he's stalling as much as he can, getting ready as slowly as possible. But he can't avoid her forever, and far too quickly for his taste, he finds himself slinking down the stairs.
He quietly sits at the table with his grandfather, watching his mum make their plates and trying to act like he's not in trouble, but seconds after the food touches the table, she breaks the silence.
"So, what kept you out so late, Hop?"
Crud.
"I was out in Ballonlea doing research for Sonia, and got… turned around."
She gives Hop and expectant look, and he stares down at the table. "Sorry..."
"But come on, you know I can handle myself, Mum. I helped save the world and all?"
He knew that was the wrong thing to say before he even said it, but it did bother him a bit that she didn't trust him to stay out of trouble. Should've worded it better though, because she sets down her fork and speaks sternly
"Excuse me? Just because you saved the world doesn't mean I'm not your mother, and it doesn't mean you're invincible. I didn't want either of you up there in the first place."
She was right, in a way. But he had to be there, Zacian wouldn't have shown up if he hadn't brought the sword, and if Zacian didn't show up then…
…
He knew that mum had been anxious over him and Lee ever since the Darkest Day. Since Lee got so roughed up. He got that way too. Some things just stick in your head no matter how hard you shake it.
His mum looks at Hop a little softer. "Look, I love that you've been helping out with Sonia, and that you're working hard, but you can't just run halfway across the region all alone without even a call!"
"I didn't think I'd be gone that long, I just got lost."
His mum scoffed. "Because telling me you got lost in the Glimwood Tangle is comforting? Do you know could have happened if you hadn't gotten out, Hop?"
He stabbed at his food. He was annoyed at it, but she's not wrong. But he knows he can handle himself, he didn't need a baby sitter, and he didn't need-
"I know, but nothing would've! I wasn't lost more then an hour, and I would've been home sooner if Bede hadn't distracted me."
"Bede? As in that new gym leader Bede?"
Uh oh.
"Uh... yeah, he found me and brought me back."
She pauses a moment, thinking. "Well, I feel better knowing you weren't alone the whole time. Especially with someone as responsible as a gym leader."
Hop scoffs. Bede, responsible. As if.
"Let's not forget this is the bloke who destroyed the Stow-on-Side mural, and crashed the Champion match?" His mum sighs again. "I remember. He also kept Ballonlea safe both dynamax incidents, he's clearly come a long way since then, if he managed to win over Opal, and from what Leon says he's on good terms with the rest of the gym leaders. She pauses, noticing the irritated look on Hop's face and speaking slowly.
"I'm just saying, people change. He's barely older then you, I think he's allowed the benefit of the doubt."
"And despite all that, I'm still wayyy more responsible."
She narrows her eyes. "Oh really? Even after he got you home last night?"
"Really! And he didn't get me home, he just- he got me to Ballonlea. Don't give him so much credit cause he was decent for one night. " Given the look on her face, he feels challenging her is a slippery slope, but he wasn't going to be compared to Bede by his own mother. He's had enough comparisons to last a lifetime. And the idea that Bede is more responsible then Hop is laughable. Infuriating. Arceus, he really hates that guy.
His mom holds her hands up in a surrendering gesture. "Fine, Hop. But I don't want you all the way out in the Glimwood Tangle that late, not alone."
"But Sonia has me researching out there all week!"
She gives him a stern look. "Then I guess you'll have to find someone to accompany you, or you can tell her that I forbid it." Hop opens his mouth to protest, but she cuts him off. "END of story."
He huffs, but doesn't protest, mumbling a "Yes, ma'am" as he prods at his food, he starts going over who he could ask in his head. Sonia isn't a fan of woods, and she's plenty busy enough... matter of fact, everyone he knows would be busy, since most of them are gym leaders, or no better off in the woods then him. And even then, the only gym leaders he's actually close with are Marnie and Raihan by association, and while he could ask them, the odds that either of them would be available all week nights to wander around the woods is... slim. So he's stuck.
...Unless.
No. No way. He couldn't ask Bede. They aren't friends, Bede hates him, and vice versa. The fact that the thought even crossed his mind is mad. Just because they didn't kill each other for one night doesn't mean he can suddenly be asking for favors, not to mention Bede is probably busy as well! He still has matches and general gym leader duties after all. So even though he'd know the Glimwood Tangle better then anyone else he could ask, it's a no! Just no. He couldn't. Could he? No! Damn it. Better idea: don't and say that he did. Lying to his mum didn't feel... Great, but if it's that, no research, or actually asking Bede? Mum will forgive him, probably.
"Well… fine. I'll ask Bede then." His mum raises an eyebrow, eyeing him with suspicion "Uh huh. After you just went on and on about how he's not responsible?"
Hop sputters. "Like you believed me? You clearly think he's sooo great, so why not? He knows the Glimwood Tangle well enough." This better work, or he's gonna be locked up for the next year, at minimum.
His mum considers this a moment, then speaks in a nonchalant tone. "Alright. Then how about we go to his match this afternoon? You can ask him then."
Hop freezes. Oh Arceus. "Cmon mum, he's- he's not gonna have time to talk after a match that's-"
"Oh, they always come out for at least a minute after matches, you can catch him around then. Worst case scenario we don't see him and you try again another day. Best case, you can research tonight. Unless there's another reason?"
"Nope! That's Uh. Fine. I'll ask him then." Hop shuts his mouth before he can put himself in a deeper hole. Its not so bad. He'll just sneak off after the match, kill some time, and tell her he said yes. Easy. Arceus, this lying thing is complicated. Its just a week, then the research will be done, and mum will be none the wiser. Right?
—Ballonlea Gym—
The atmosphere in Ballonlea was just as dark but quaint as it was at night. You could barely tell the difference in time when you're under all these trees. He honestly wouldn't mind living here. Maybe not for long, but he'd consider it.
Ballonlea Gym is as stark contrast to the rest of the town, a big stadium that's bustling with people, maybe not as many people as the crowds in Wyndon or Hammerlocke, but certainly a large crowd nevertheless. Bede's nauseating popularity didn't hurt matters, only making Ballonlea more of a hot-spot. Ugh. Hop and his mum walk into the packed stadium, weaving through the crowd to get to their seats. As they did, Hop began planning his route.
Once the match ended, he would run off and hide near the lockeroom, and shortly after Bede and Allister come out to do meet and greets, he'll find his mom, say he caught Bede before the crowd and that he said yet. Mission success. First he has to sit through the match though.
Hop looks down at the empty pitch below his seat, impatiently awaiting the match start. Hes not left waiting long though, as the announcers voice crackles over head.
"Hello Ballonlea Stadium!" The announcer pauses to allow the crowd to roar in excitement "Are you ready to watch the match of a lifetime?! You better be, because we have a never-before-seen match up for you folks today, we get the first ever official face off between our resident gym leader, Bede-"
At his cue, Bede exits his locker room and enter the pitch, waving and smiling at the raging crowd as he gets to his spot. Hop can see the arrogance in it from his seat.
"And coming in from Stow-On-Side, the Ghost type specialist Allister!"
The masked boy emerges from his locker room swaying side to side as he makes his way to the pitch. Once in the center, he meekly waves to the crowd as the announcer finishes their intro.
"Will our new gym leader be able to defend Ballonlea's place in the Major League, or will Allister take home the victory and Bede's pride?!"
From his spot on the field, Bede rolls his eyes with a scoff, speaking in his usual cocky tone. "Oh, as much as i enjoy battling you Allister, I wont be the one losing today."
Allister's mask glows with his words, his tone soft, but words still firm under Bede's suffocating air of confidence.
"I-I won't let you get through me…!"
As fast as the pair came onto the field, their pokemon fly out of their Pokèballs in a flash, music firing over the speakers but getting drowned by the crowd. Hop finds himself quiet though, not necessarily because he wasn't interested in it, Bede is a skilled trainer after all, and if it were a better day, he may even be taking notes. But right now he needs to be strategizing. He can't just lurk around Bede's locker until he comes out, not only is it creepy, its too risky. If Bede caught him he might just die right there. But he cant wait with the crowd because then he would actually have to talk to the guy, and if his mum was nearby… actually ask or chicken out right there. Then no more research for him. He'll just wait nearby ish until he sees Bede come out and then he'll find his mum and hightail it out of there before Bede ever notices him. Easy.
The second Bede's match ends (in a win, annoyingly), Hop bolts out of his seat, shouting back to his mum that he was going to find Bede. He needs to get to the locker before Bede actually leaves. He needs to…
Is he really doing this? Going through all this work just to lie to his mum, for brownie points with Sonia? The guilt is starting to creep up on him, twisting in his stomach, but he keeps running anyways, until he reaches the door to Bede's locker room. He plants himself behind a pillar nearby and takes a moment to catch his breath. It's far too late to have a moral dilemma… right? He tugs at the fluff of his jacket anxiously.
It's not that big a deal, right? It's not like he's actually gonna get hurt out there. His mum is just overprotective. He's a strong trainer, he saved the region for Arceus sake! He can handle some creepy pokemon in his sleep.
Hop feels like he's been waiting an eternity. He taps his foot impatiently as he waits for Bede to leave his locker room. What could possibly be holding him up? He should've been out by now. Some mix of annoyance and intrigue makes him slowly slip closer to Bede's locker, until his back is to the wall and Hop has softened his breathing to listen. He can't hear anything, he's honestly not even sure he expected to, but he stands there anyways, eyes staying on the door just in case.
Hop is zoned out, his brain fixed in the silence, until a sharp metallic bang from inside jolts him out of his head, and he realizes how exposed he is, having completely left hiding in his curiosity. He decides to move to a different spot, further from the door so he didn't look so stalker ish, but in his haste to get away from the room, he slams right into someone. Someone looking for him.
"There you are! You ran off so fast I didn't even hear what you said!" His mum speaks in a light scold. Crud. He throws his brain into overdrive to try and get himself out of this one.
"Sorry, mum. I was just… uhm.. trying to catch Bede before the crowd! But he doesn't seem to be coming out any time soon, so maybe we should try again some other day."
His mum sighs. "Hop. You really didn't get any patience through all that gym challenge?" She looks at him a moment before continuing "Fine. If you insist." She turns to leave, and Hop doesn't the same, but the turn ends up hitting his shoulder into a person behind him. He feels a hand on his shoulder and turns his head to apologize, but instead, his blood runs cold as the stunned look of the purple eyes his looking at goes right through him.
Both of them are frozen a moment, Bede's expression almost turns to sneer, before he looks behind Hop at his mum. That makes him shift into a tense smile as he speaks in a cautious but friendly tone.
"Ah, Hop. What a surprise. And who is this you've brought with you?"
Bede's hand drags off his shoulder and is held out to his mum. Hop can't believe how mortifying this is. Bede would show up now, of course this would backfire this horribly. He steps back, slinking closer to his mum while she talks to Bede. Hop is barely listening, his eyes locked on Bede as his face burns. He has to do it, doesn't he? His chest tightens.
"Well, I never would have guessed! So, to what do i owe the pleasure of both of you? I highly doubt this is about autographs."
Bede's eyes jab into Hop. Oh he's pissed. Hop feels his mum inch him towards Bede, so he puts his head down, and clears his throat so he doesn't have to see the look on Bede's face as he forces himself to spit it out.
"I uhm- I had something to ask you…"
Avoiding eye contact barely mattered, he could hear the pause, and the laughter in Bede's tone. "Sorry, I didn't catch that, could you repeat it?"
Hop snaps his head up. "You heard me, you-!" He looks at his mum and let's out a noise of frustration. "I have something to ask you, alright?! A favour!"
Bede's expression, while still amused, shifts with a twinge of curiosity. He tilts his head, and Hop takes a deep breath before he speaks again.
"…I need to be in the Glimwood Tangle, at night, for some research Sonia has me doing, but I don't want to get lost again, so since you know Ballonlea better then anyone I know, I… I thought you would just be the perfect person to ask."
Hop clamps his jaw shut so he can't say anything that horrible ever again. He's so tense he's practically shaking, as Bede looks over him with a tormenting amount of glee. Just reject me so I can go home!
"Why, I suppose I could make time to assist some research, especially for someone as important as the professors assistant!"
What? Really? No. What? Why?
He doesn't have time process that. He needs to get away from this guy before he realizes it. "Great, thanks a bunch. Gotta go, nice seeing you."
He grabs his mum's arm and starts pulling her past Bede and towards the door. He feels Bede grab the back of his jacket and he whispers to Hop
"Wannabe."
"Prick!" Hop hisses back
"See you tonight, 'professor'."
Bede let's go of him and Hop whimpers a bit but keeps walking. That's why he didn't want to know. Bede's more sadistic then he thought if he's really gonna follow Hop around all night just to torment him. Surely not even Bede is that cruel, right?…
He's screwed.