Chapter Text
When we got to Adara’s shop, two salon workers were inside with Adara and Aisha. They all turned to us before Adara smiled. “Hello, you two. Welcome back.” She motioned to the salon workers. “These two will help you get ready, but you’ll be in different salons. Once you two are ready, you’ll be escorted back to the square. You can leave your stuff in my office though.”
“Ok…” I muttered as Mia started walking.
Adara led us to her office and unlocked the door, letting us put our stuff down. The outfits were gone, probably at the salons. When we got back out to the main room, Adara told us we could order lunch while we got ready before the salon workers took us away.
The salon I was taken to was on the west side of Mesagoza. Tulip was at the shop with the other workers, and she was comparing makeup items to my dress. I still can’t believe I’ll be wearing that.
My salon-escort clapped her hands, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Alright ladies! We only have less than three hours to get this young lady ready for the Violet Waltz, so we need to stay focused! Stacy, what were the notes we were given?”
One of the salon workers looked down at her notepad. “We need to remove her current hair dye to bring back her natural hair color and add some light makeup. Enough to look natural, but make her finer features pop.”
I blinked before narrowing my eyes. “He wants to see my natural hair color?”
“Guess so. Are you ok with that?” the salon-escort asked.
“Yeah. He could’ve just asked!” I barked.
“Either way, we have a lot of work to do,” Tulip began before looking at the workers. “You know what to do, ladies.” The three of them nodded before running to different stations. The salon-escort then led me to one of the seats before I sat down.
As they worked, they asked me if I wanted anything to eat or drink, so I asked if I could get some late lunch. They ordered takeout from the closest restaurant, which I was later told was based on the dining hall from Marigold’s village in Sinnoh. Within a few minutes, there was a knock on the door.
One of the workers went to answer it, but as she opened it, the worker washing the dye from my hair pulled my head into the sink again, so the water muffled out their voices. However, a few seconds passed before Wally came up beside me, holding a to-go box.
My expression lit up, making him smile. “Wally!”
He waved, and when the salon worker pushed my head out of the water, he held out the to-go box. “Delivery for the Hero of Red?”
My smile widened. “You’re working the festival?”
“Nah. I’m helping Wanda. When we got your order, I volunteered to make the delivery,” Wally replied.
I tilted my head. “Wanda’s working?”
Wally nodded. “Our ancestor was the chef in Marigold’s village, and his recipes have been passed down.” He opened the box, revealing what looked like thick pancakes. “This was his signature dish. Potato mochi. I’ve had it a lot in the last few years. It was the only thing I could keep down for months.”
My expression softened. I always forget he’s sick. Granted, I’m never around him that much, and his family claims he’s getting better. My smile returned. “Well thank you, and don’t push yourself too hard.” Wally waved me off before closing the box.
Wally ended up staying with me as we ate. Mainly since I couldn’t eat until my hair was done being un-dyed. Curse the bulky salon aprons. It was nice to catch up with Wally though. He told me he’s been training at the Battle Maison and Battle Tree, and actually challenged the Hoenn League. He lost to Drake though.
Whenever we finished lunch, Wally said goodbye and said he’d see me out there. For the next few hours, I just watched as the salon workers and Tulip helped me get ready. The dark brown dye was eventually removed from my hair, returning it to my natural caramel blonde color. The stylists played around with hairstyles as Tulip did my makeup. Where I learned Hop settled on having my nails painted with purple metallic nail polish.
When Tulip was done, and when the stylists agreed on a hairstyle, I was led into a different room to get changed. One of the salon workers came with me, but kept her back to me as I got changed. I put on the lilac tights, strapless bra, and matching flats first before switching my glasses for the glass ones. With the glasses on, I slipped into the dress. When the dress was on, the worker tied the back up.
“And…” she began before I felt a slight tug against my upper back, “done. Just one more thing.” I turned my head, seeing her go over to the mannequin my dress was on. She took the choker off before coming over to me, unhooking it as she walked. Stopping behind me, the worker put the choker on my neck before hooking it in place. “There.”
I turned to the mirror and gently smiled. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Now let’s show the others,” the worker replied. I nodded before following her out of the room.
When we entered the main room of the salon, there were more people waiting. My parents, Steven, Wallace, and my original Hoenn team before I added Latias. I stopped, my eyes widening in shock.
Mightyena perked up before looking at me. Her expression lit up. “Girl!”
Everyone turned their heads to look at me before they perked up. My mom, Wallace, and Gardevoir gasped while the rest of my team smiled. Steven and my dad just stared at me in shock.
Wallace shot over to me and grabbed my hands. “You look so adorable! I knew you’d look so cute in this dress when I saw it, but oh my Arceus, Hop has taste!”
“I never thought I’d see you with your natural hair color again,” my dad said. I couldn’t tell if he was joking.
“It’s so cute!” Wallace squealed before scooping me up into a hug, spinning around. I couldn’t help but laugh before Wallace stopped to face the others. “Is this what a child’s wedding feels like?”
My mom sighed, but let out a breathy laugh. “Wallace, stop doing my job.”
“No,” Wallace scolded.
I smiled and lightly kicked his leg. “Put me down.”
Wallace rolled his eyes. “Fine.”
He put me down, only for Gardevoir to hug me from behind. “It’s been too long since I’ve last physically seen you! Your aura is so much different. Brighter, but more peaceful. It’s like every time I see you, it changes.”
“Uh… is that a good thing?” I asked, looking down at her.
“Only when it changes in a positive way. Your aura after Kanto,” Gardevoir began before letting out a pained laugh. “That was unstable.”
“Gotta love trauma,” Swellow teased and the rest of my team approached me.
I smiled and rubbed Swellow’s head, since she was perched on Mightyena as always. “Nice to see you guys too.”
“So can we meet your new team in person? I already got bragging rights on Boltund for meeting Dachsbun in person first, and I refuse to let those bragging rights be for nothing!” Manectric begged.
“Ok, ok,” I said before looking at the salon worker who left the room with me. She held out my bundle of clothes, making me grab my belt so I could grab the seven pokeballs and release my team.
They looked between my Hoenn team before Tinkaton held out her arms. “Aye!”
“Yeah! Please don’t touch me,” Gardevoir sweetly said as Manectric and Mightyena ran over to Dachsbun.
“We officially welcome you to the dog crew!” Mightyena called.
Dachsbun smiled and lifted her chin. “I am honored.”
“Can I join too?” Donphan asked, making Manectric and Mightyena look at her.
They narrowed their eyes. “Maybe.”
Donphan smiled as Swellow flew over to Kilowattrel and held out her wing. “Welcome to the flying crew, oh fellow bird.”
Kilowattrel smiled and shook her wing before Miraidon poked her head beside Kilowattrel. “May I join the flying crew?” She made her gliders pop out. “I have wings.”
Swellow hummed before holding her wings towards her beak. “Considering.”
I smiled before Ceruledge stumbled towards Blaziken. We looked at him, seeing Meowscarada behind him. She smiled as Ceruledge looked up at Blaziken in awe. “Tall.”
Blaziken smiled and patted Ceruledge’s head. “Nice to meet you too.” Ceruledge perked up, making my smile widen before Meowscarada bumped her shoulder against Blaziken’s.
“So is there like a starter crew I’m now part of?”
“Oh yeah. We’re like the co-leaders,” Blaziken replied, making Meowscarada squeal before picking up Lombre.
“I’m going to be a co-leader!”
“Not if I beat you to it!” Tinkaton called, making Gardevoir smile and pick her up.
“I think you’ll fit better in the fairy crew. We’re cute, but violent. Especially Hattrene.”
Tinkaton evilly giggled, rubbing her hands together. “Perfect.”
“Huh. And I thought Eevee was maniacal,” Blaziken said.
I nodded before my mom placed her hands on my shoulders. “You look beautiful though. Wallace was right about Hop having taste. But can I add one more thing?” I nodded, turning around to face her. She reached into her pocket before taking out a bracelet made with some kind of lilac fabric and string.
I gave it a confused look as she grabbed my wrist. “What is this?”
“The remains of your original dress,” my mom replied. My eyes widened as she slipped the bracelet onto my wrist. “It was either frame it or make it something new.” She lifted her gaze to mine and smiled. “I think it’s better like this than hanging on a wall.”
I smiled at the bracelet. “Yeah. It is.” I looked up at my mom. “So why is my original Hoenn team here?”
“As a Dual Hero, you’re connected to Pokemon. It’s only right that your most trusted one escorts you,” Steven replied, making Blaziken smile at me.
I smiled back and hugged him. “You’re the best!”
“Just be warned. All the legendaries you two caught are on the stairs of Naruva. It’s a little… A lot,” my dad added.
Miraidon gasped. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I can finally meet my fellow legendaries! This is so exciting!”
An alarm went off, making us look towards the sound. One of the workers took her phone out and turned the alarm off. “It’s time. Let’s get her out there.”
I gulped, making my mom squeeze my shoulders. “It’ll be ok. There may be a bunch of strangers, but all your friends and Pokemon are here too.”
“And your boyfriend,” Mightyena sang.
“Ooo,” the rest of my Pokemon mocked.
I narrowed my eyes. “You guys suck.”
“But we’re yours!” Swellow cheered.
I gently smiled. “Yeah…”
“See you out there, sweetie!” Wallace cheered before grabbing Steven’s arm and pulling him out of the salon. My mom squeezed my shoulders again before letting me go. She and my dad left the shop, leading all but Blaziken out. The salon workers and Tulip bowed their heads before Tulip led them out.
Blaziken looked down at me. “Ready?”
I looked up at him. “As I’ll ever be.” Blaziken smiled, making me smile back before he held out his arm. I linked my arm with his before we made our way out of the salon.
When we opened the doors, we walked down the street. Students and other townsfolk watched, smiling and waving. I just smiled and waved back.
“I’m really proud of you, by the way,” Blaziken said, making me look up at him. He looked down at me before looking ahead. “I won’t lie and say I’m not a little bitter about not going to every region with you, but… We both know meeting new people and Pokemon is what you needed when you started this journey. Plus, I’d eventually one-shot everything, and neither of us would enjoy that.” I lightly laughed, making Blaziken smile. “Still. I know I’ve mentioned it a lot, but when we first met, you didn’t want to bother anyone, and were mean to anyone who tried to get to know you. But now, you have so many friends and allies. Helped so many people and Pokemon, brought them together, and grew so confident. Sure, you’ve screwed up-”
“A lot,” I added, making Blaziken nudge my ribs.
“But you still did a lot. So did Hop. Saved the regions, fixed family relationships, and helped people grow. You gave me my friends, and brought all sorts of Pokemon together. You made us stronger. You may not have that much faith in yourself, but I do. And as your most trusted Pokemon, the one who’s been here since day one, I promise I’ll always be here when you need me.” He nudged his head against mine. “So you better screw something up in Johto!”
I laughed and pushed his head away. “As long as you save my ass!”
Blaziken patted my hand. “I always do.”
I smiled at him as we walked into the square, making my eyes widen. All the legendaries and probably mythicals we caught were in the two courtyards of Naruva. Miraidon and Koraidon flew towards it, landing in front of Dialga and Palkia in the upper courtyard.
Lowering my gaze, I saw the square was packed with people and Pokemon. Friends, family, reformed enemies, strangers, and all the Pokemon Hop and I owned. And on the other side of the square walking down a cleared path was Hop.
My eyes widened with his when we saw each other. His bangs were pushed back, which… somehow made his eyes pop more. The golden accents along his suit seemed to shimmer against the sunlight, and the dark color of the suit matched well with his hair and skin tone. Dubwool was beside him too.
I kept my eyes on Hop though, and he just stared at me. The way he looked was… so elegant and… stunning. I wanted to run to him and just… hold him. As we got closer, everyone seemed to disappear. And when Hop looked me up and down in awe, I was oddly conscious of how warm I was. Am I usually this warm? Is it Blaziken?
When we reached the cleared type wheel-battlefield of the square, Blaziken let me go and stepped aside. Dubwool nudged Hop’s side before walking into the crowd.
I held my hands behind my back, not really knowing what to do with them as we approached each other. Stopping in the center of the battlefield, I smiled at him. “Hi.”
Hop smiled. “Hi. You uh…” He looked me up and down again, making me straighten my posture. “Wow.”
I looked down at my dress. “Yeah. You and Hailey did good.” I lifted my gaze to his. “You look… really nice.”
Hop looked down at his suit. “Thank you. I really like it.” He lifted his gaze. “A little warm, but… I blame the weather.”
My smile widened before someone tapped a mic. “Alright, you awkward teenagers,” Mia began, making the crowd laugh. I turned to her, making her smile from the stage before scanning the crowd. “As the people of Paldea know, it is tradition for us songstresses in the Morada family to write and perform the song for this very dance. However, there is a more talented musician in our family this generation. We both wrote a song for these two, but his song really showed what this dance is about. For both heroes to have a moment to love each other. I could only see from our Blue Hero’s view, but my cousin saw both. So, although I could sing the song he wrote, I think the emotions will be better portrayed through the creator. I welcome Apollo Perez to the stage to sing his song for our fifth generation of Dual Heroes.”
The crowd cheered as Mia stepped aside, letting Apollo step towards the mic stand with a guitar before she sat at a keyboard. Apollo smiled before looking at us.
I smiled back before facing Hop. He held out his hand, making me take it before I placed my other hand on his shoulder. He placed his free hand on my waist as a slow piano melody started.
“Follow my lead?” Hop softly asked before taking a step forward.
I followed his movement, squeezing his hand. “Always.” Hop smiled as Apollo’s gentle voice rang through the square.
“Free falling. I just want love from you tonight, night, night, night. Name calling. Some say I’m nothing. Are they right, right, right, right?”
My smile dropped before I trailed my hand down Hop’s arm. He gave me a confused look, but slowly let go of my waist.
“Come, take my hand. Want you, darling. Day and night, I’m filled with black and blue.” I grabbed Hop’s other hand before stepping back, keeping his hands laced with mine. “But I know I can’t lose, baby. Knowing that I’m doing this for you.” I pulled Hop towards me and smiled, placing my forehead against his as I mouthed Apollo’s words. “For you.”
Hop’s smile returned as a synth drop played, making us turn to the stage. Giacomo focused his attention on a turntable as a bass beat joined the melody.
Apollo smiled at us. “Cause really I’m nobody. A name I can’t ignore.” My expression dropped as my heart ached a bit. Hop, however, tightened his grip on my hands to spin me around, making me flinch. “I wonder if I’m honest, you’ll love me ever more.” Hop spun me around again before releasing my hands to grab my waist, pulling me closer to him. “Cause nothing’s different. Still out here dreaming. But when the toxins taste better.”
My smile returned as I wrapped my arms around Hop’s shoulders, resting my forehead against his. He stepped back again, making me follow his movement to start a steady rhythm.
“I know that I’m turning none to existence. It’s so hard to say I’ve earned the loving.” My eyes widened with Hop’s, but we kept our rhythm as Apollo continued singing. “But you’re never wrong. It’s you that can make me feel alive. Oh!”
I stared at Hop as the music stopped for just a moment. Apollo barely knows us, yet… was oddly able to express things he never knew about. Hop thinking he’s nothing compared to me, how he told me he loved me when I’m still unsure about how I feel, and… How I question why Hop loves me. Is it just Arceus playing cupid, or… does he really love me?
Hop’s expression softened before he grabbed one of my hands. Lacing our hands together, he lowered them to our sides. And when he squeezed my hand, warm chills seemingly burst from my chest.
“I gotta be chasing my troubles away. But caught myself facing all expectations. And I know I can’t decide on how my life turns meaningful.”
Hop squeezed my hand again before taking a bigger step back to spin me around. As he did, the beat faded, leaving only the guitar melody Apollo started playing during the chorus. I turned my head to look at Hop, feeling time slow around me. My eyes were locked on Hop’s as Apollo’s voice seemingly flew through my mind.
“So I just need a hand to hold.”
My gaze lowered to our hands. Reminding me of every instance he’s held onto my hand. That ever since our reunion in Galar, he’s been close by. How he’d hold me and hug me with every victory and loss we’ve had since that reunion. Against Gym Leaders, Rose, Cynthia, Team Plasma. All of it. He’s always been there in case I needed to hold onto him. Even when I tried to push him away.
“Every step I take alone.”
I… I don’t want to be alone again. The time without him… It’s always been painful. Even when I tried to ignore it. But with him… I’m safe. I’m… home. Hop has given me so much, and risked too much for me. I want to do the same. I want to help him and give him… everything.
“Fears will take over my mind.”
Hop pulled me back towards him, making me place my hand on his shoulder once again to resume the previous rhythm. And for the first time… I felt like we were one.
“Cause really I’m nobody. A name I can’t ignore. I wonder if I’m honest, you’ll love me ever more.”
Hop smiled and mouthed the words with Apollo. “Cause nothing’s different.”
I smiled back, lip syncing Apollo’s words. “Still out here dreaming.”
Hop lightly laughed before placing his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. My smile softened before I placed my hand on Hop’s cheek, whispering the next line.
“But when the toxins taste better.”
Hop’s smile fell, but he kept his eyes closed as Apollo continued singing. “I know that I’m turning none to existence. It’s so hard to say I’ve earned the loving.”
I closed my eyes, stroking Hop’s cheek as I whispered the next line. “But you’re never wrong.”
Hop’s nose brushed against mine, his soft voice continuing the song. “It’s you that can make me feel alive.”
My eyes snapped open, seeing Hop’s golden eyes as the beat played out. He gave me a gentle smile, making my heart flutter. Hop… This precious boy that has been with me since we were kids. Through horrible breakdowns, greatest victories, and everything in between. He has given me so much support and love, and… I want to give it right back. I will give it back. He deserves everything, and if he wants me… I’m all his. As long as he’s mine. My light in the darkness. My Blue. My partner. My everything.
“It’s you that can make me feel alive.”
I gripped onto his hand as a slow guitar melody played the song out. I will keep him safe from now on. He may be a genius, but I’m the force behind his plans. So if anything tries to hurt him, I will take care of them. He’s been hurt enough. For everything he’s done for me, keeping him safe is the least I can do.
The guitar melody ended as the crowd burst into cheers. However, I released Hop’s hand to cup his face and pull him into a kiss. He relaxed against me as a comforting warmth drifted over me.
I pulled away before opening my eyes. He smiled and placed his forehead against mine. “Be my girlfriend?” My eyes widened, but he just held his smile. A smile crept onto my lips before I nodded, making Hop’s smile widen before he jerked forward.
Victor hugged Hop from behind, making Hop stumble into me. Victor just gave us a wide smile. “I love you guys.”
Hop and I looked at each other before smiling at Victor. “Love you too, mate,” Hop added.
“Just get used to being a third wheel,” I sang.
Victor chuckled. “I already am.”
Someone hugged me from behind, making me turn my head. Lillie squeezed me, making me lift my arm to wrap around her shoulders.
“Group hug!” Shauna called before hugging Lillie.
“No, wait-” Hop began as all my friends came running over.
I just laughed as all my friends joined the hug. Hop sighed, but wrapped his arms around Victor and me, pulling us towards him. “You guys…” I looked up at him, seeing his smile widen as he looked between us. “I love you guys.”
My smile softened before I laid my head against his shoulder. “Me too.”
~
With the main event of the festival over, the people of Mesagoza started setting up for the feast. As preparations started, Apollo was about to leave the stage, but Giacomo and the rest of the Team Star leaders peer pressured Apollo to perform the entire Team Star mixtape. Apollo was against it first, but Mia just took his guitar and played the intro to what Penny called the Team Star boss theme. It was the base theme Giacomo made before Apollo gave everyone their own theme song, and the one Apollo played as the bosses came out of their tents in their bases. But Mia playing that caught everyone’s attention, and Giacomo picked up the rest of the track.
With the track playing, the former Team Star grunts started the party back up. So of course, we all joined in. I even saw Leon filming Mia owning the guitar solo near the end. Louis just gave her a proud smile as he watched.
When the track ended, Hilbert and Nate called for an encore, which made everyone call for an encore. Mia gave Apollo his guitar back so he could play the solo themes. First Giacomo’s, then Mela’s, followed by Atticus’ without the Havaian lyrics, then Ortega’s, Eri’s, and he ended his mini concert with a track for Penny we haven’t heard.
As Apollo performed, Hop and I said hello to all our friends. Hop also went off to meet all my teams from before Galar, so I went over to Naruva, where all our tamed legendaries and mythicals were hanging out. The smaller gods hung out in the lower courtyard, so they all greeted me as I walked by. Latias tackled me into a hug as well.
As Latias was hugging me though, Mewtwo flew down the steps as Miraidon chased after him. “We need to talk.”
My expression dropped as I let go of Latias. “About?”
Mewtwo stopped in front of me before pointing to Miraidon. “According to her, she’s always wanted to talk to me and my counterpart because we’re some of the only man-made Pokemon.”
“You mean Mew?” I asked before looking at Miraidon. “Mew wasn’t-”
“She wasn’t talking about Mew,” Mewtwo hissed.
My eyes widened, making Miraidon’s antenna droop. “I uh…” She stepped back. “I-I just got my history a little confused…”
I narrowed my eyes. “Miraidon.” She squeaked. “Who’s Mewtwo’s counterpart?”
Miraidon gulped. “Well uh… technically, she’s another Mewtwo, but-”
“Another Mewtwo!?” I demanded, making her flinch.
“Y-yeah. She uh, she was um… In the seven years Gi- uh, the scary man was off the grid, he… kinda sorta… made another Mewtwo with his… wife.”
I gave her a confused look. “What? Then why was Giovanni looking for Mewtwo when I met him?”
“To unite the two and uh… take over Kanto and Johto,” Miraidon nervously replied.
“Take over…” I muttered.
“Because uh… Since the scary man already had control of the final Gym, he was going to keep it closed while his workers uh… while they got the Kanto badges. He was uh… planning to use the bird trio to find Mewtwo, or summon something that could, and use those five or six Pokemon to beat the Kanto league, shut down his Gym forever, then go to Johto, have his workers get those badges, and beat that league with his team of gods so the whole landmass would be under Team Rocket’s control and so he could do whatever he wanted. He probably planned to kill The President too, but it wasn’t really mentioned. It’s just to get everything he wants. Family, money, power, freedom, the legal right to do whatever he wanted.”
I stared at Miraidon in horror. “So… He wanted to use the Kanto bird trio, both Mewtwos, and Lugia to take the Kanto and Johto leagues, and have that entire region of land be some kind of… Team Rocket dictatorship?”
“Uh huh,” Miraidon nervously replied.
“How did you know about that?”
“It was mentioned in the Johto chapter by an admin,” my eyes widened in horror, “but now that I think about it, it was added in because you just learned it from me, and we know those textbooks aren’t historically accurate, and-”
“Team Rocket is still active?” Miraidon clamped her mouth shut before nodding.
“If she knows you ran into one of the higher ups…” Mewtwo began before facing me. “My creators are not done.”
“Ariana…” I breathed out. “Team Rocket’s not done.”
Miraidon and Mewtwo frowned as a familiar weight pressed down on my chest. I took a deep breath, crossing my arms before I turned around. I scanned the crowd, seeing everyone I’ve met throughout my journeys. Except… Red and Blue. They were nowhere to be found. Red never answered my text last night either.
“Ariana will try to find you.”
Taking another deep breath, I lowered my arms to grab my skirt and run down the steps. My stomach twisted as I ran, and the music seemed to fade in and out. Where’s Hop? I stopped at the end of the stairs and scanned the crowd. Each person seemed to blur into a figure of red or blue. Where is he? Where is he!?
Pressure built up in my throat as the twisting in my stomach grew. I leaned against the stair railing, leaning over a bit as I clamped my hand over my mouth and took a deep breath through my nose.
Someone placed their hand on my back. “Hey. You ok?”
I turned my head, seeing Calem behind me. He gave me a worried look before lifting his other hand to my forehead, then my cheek. “You feel pretty warm. Do you need some water?”
Taking another deep breath, I slowly lowered my hand. “Get Hop. Please.”
Calem frowned, but nodded. “Stay here, and take a seat. Ok?” I shakily nodded as I slowly sat on the stairs. Calem ran off into the crowd as I lowered my head, making all the blurred colors disappear.
Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths. It’ll be ok. Giovanni isn’t in Team Rocket anymore. Looker said so. It’s just… Ariana and maybe Archer planning revenge. It has to be. They can’t… They only have one Mewtwo, and Blue runs the Viridian Gym now. They can’t overthrow the leagues. They have to be after revenge. But are they just after me or… everyone? Do… Do they have Red and Blue? No. They can’t. Red and Blue always slip away from Team Rocket. They can’t… They couldn’t…
Someone grabbed my shoulder, making me flinch and snap my head up.
“It’s just me,” Hop softly said as he sat beside me. “What’s wrong?”
I took a deep breath and looked at him. “I think Professor Turo was right. Team Rocket may be back.” His expression softened, making me frown. “You knew. Didn’t you?”
Hop nodded. “I didn’t want to scare you.” I looked down, gulping. Hop grabbed my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “It’s ok. I know what to expect tomorrow. Just stay calm. Your fear of them is what let Giovanni get that far, remember?” I nodded, squeezing his hand. “I’m here this time, and they won’t get away. We’ll get rid of them once and for all. Ok?”
“Ok,” I breathed out.
“I’m glad you feel that way,” a familiar voice said as they stopped in front of us. We looked up, seeing Looker standing in front of us. He frowned. “I’ve been assigned the case. I’m heading to Johto tomorrow morning.”
“What have you found?” Hop asked.
Looker took a deep breath and looked around. “The old admins from seven years ago were spotted all around Johto. We only became suspicious when Ariana bought several guns and matching ammo.” I squeaked, making Hop grip onto my hand. “Adding to that, Lance just got a call from The President not only asking if he could speak to Red, but also why the Viridian Gym was closed. Considering their history with Team Rocket, and the fact that they’re not here either, the boss is concerned something happened to Red and Blue.”
I looked down, pressing my free hand against my mouth again. Hop let go of my hand and rubbed my back, but that sick feeling didn’t go away.
Looker kneeled in front of me. “You don’t have to get involved. You’re probably their main target. You can stay out of Johto and-”
I shook my head before lifting my gaze to his. Lowering my hand, I gripped onto my knees. “I need to go. You guys have been chasing these people for over ten years, and… If they did something to Red and Blue, I can’t sit back and do nothing. Not after they saved me. I’m going.”
Looker sighed. “Alright. We don’t know what’s exactly going on though. The boss asked me to question Ariana’s kids, and I talked to Nicole before I came here. She knows nothing, so I’m heading to New Bark Town to speak with Silver. I know your aunt lives there, so I can drop you off if you want.”
I nodded as Hop looked at me. “You have another aunt?”
I nodded again. “My Aunt Lyra. My dad’s youngest sister. She has a… spending problem, but… I think we can crash with her for a day.”
Hop slowly nodded as he continued rubbing my back. “Ok…”