“Sometimes, I forget just how crazy your life’s been, ever since that Rocket attack on Slateport.” One adventure after another, putting his brain and his instincts to good use. Gabe gawking at every victory, imagining that could be him out there. Navy wondering if he should say anything to the kid or not.[break][break]
But it’s not about that. It’s not about Entei or Gabe. It’s about him. His future. Him stepping up to the plate with Kyle, rather than hanging out on the sidelines.[break][break]
“Had a meeting with Livy. Councilwoman thinks I’d be a good fit for a gym leader.” His words are accentuated by an amused huff, like there’s some innate joke to the statement. “Hoenn just can’t seem to keep gym leaders, huh? Feels like they switch in and out every few months. Guess it makes sense. Country’s a war zone.”[break][break]
He tries to pull up info from his history class, talking about the role of gym leaders in society. It’s tucked in there somewhere, back with a bunch more info picked up before he dropped out. Crammed in the files behind info on Unova, Galar, and Kanto.[break][break]
“Historically, most gym leaders don’t see much conflict in their tenure, I guess. Most people can’t handle the strain.” It’s all dancing around the point. “…think I might do it. She made some compelling arguments.”

[break][break]

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He’s never figured out whether it’s Kyle’s sense of style or Noah’s that guides the theme of the house. Some detective he is. It’s probably a mixture of both. You give part of yourself to someone, and them to you, when you marry. You’re bound. You become something more than the sum of your parts.[break]

Sitting down on the couch, Navy muses that he’s happy Kyle can still find joy in this sort of existence, find time to have little moments for casual chit-chat. He almost feels guilty, for wanting to disrupt that with this line of questioning.[break][break]

But it’s important. If anyone can sway him one way or the other, it’s Kyle. Kyle, who’s fought harder for Hoenn than anyone on the side of the angels.[break][break]

“She just pointed out I can do a lot of good. It’s Dewford, to be clear. It all ties back to Baki, being honest with you.” It’s funny, Kyle went and get married. Navy went and had a kid. Hyakkaryōran Tsubaki isn’t his, but he worries about the teenager like she is. Just a scant few years younger than Gabe. Another kid sibling to protect.[break][break]

“The whole town’s weird. Ever since the wormhole opened up and the Ultra Deep Sea decided to plant itself in the cave. Tsubaki, she…disappears, sometimes. Ever since the battle. She’ll wash up on the shore. Talks about how she wanders in the sea. So, if I’m down there anyway, keepin’ the town safe, I can lead up the investigation.” He’s waiting on that coffee. It’ll make his heart rate worse, but he needs it right now.[break][break]

“There’s something in that sea – and if I’m a gym leader, I can have resources to fight it. Keep her safe. Keep everybody safe.”


[break][break]

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Kyle has good points. Always does. Good head on his shoulders. Navy listens, fingers entwined. Thinking. Considering the Champ’s words like a shogun strategizing before battle.[break][break]
“Problem with bein’ someone like me is that you’re caught off guard when you get dragged into somethin’. I was only in Dewford ‘cause I got a call from a client down there that day. I was scared shitless the whole time…”[break][break]
He took his licks. He crawled his way up. Bloodied, broken, teeth shattered. He survived because he knew how to fight. A luxury he denied Gabe.[break][break]
“Guess that’s the other reason. More than just Baki. There’s so many kids who look up to you, man. That look up to all of you. Fairburne, Young, Melody, Silph. I’m sure you have shit to say about all of ‘em but to the average Joe on the street, they’re heroes. Gives kids like Gabe dumb ideas. Makes them think they can be heroes, too. Then…”[break][break]
A lone finger crosses his neck before a second joins it in a snipping motion.[break][break]
“Someone’s gotta get it through their heads: this ain’t a fairy tale, and fighting for the League’s not like fighting in a structured Pokemon battle.” A sigh accompanies the words. He realizes he sounds like he’s convinced already.[break][break]
“…but also, fuck all that red tape. Arceus, I don’t know how you do it. Haven’t even taken the job and it’s starting.”

[break][break]

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He snorts into his cup at Kyle’s question.[break][break]
“…Valor, actually. Valor Badge.” He doesn’t know why saying it out loud makes him feel so bashful, but the feeling is there. Washing the feeling down with dark coffee, he’s grateful for the burn. Helps him focus. Pulls him into the moment, sharpens his mind.[break][break]
“For what it’s worth, I don’t work ‘cause I wanna.” It’s a good thing Gabe’s gone, if just for this one admission. “Got no choice. Money’s always tight. You know how it goes. Kind of crazy they pay gym leaders per battle. Josh must be rolling in dough.” The Master of Faster’s speedrunning his way to being a millionaire.[break][break]
“But it ain’t ‘bout the money. It’s—I met this kid down in the caves. We beat the crap out of each other so hard Urshifus showed up and joined in the fight. Made me realize some things. I just – I can’t stay on the sidelines anymore, Kyle. Not with everything going on. It’s like I told you after Sootopolis. I don’t want to have to do for Noah what you did for me. I don’t…”[break][break]
He’s nervous. The speaking the words out loud makes them real.[break][break]
“I don’t wanna lose you, man. Or Melody. Or Baki. And every time you all go off to battle, every time I sit things out, I don’t get a say in whether you guys come back. Don’t get to help out all the dumb kids that show up wanting to play hero.”

[break][break]

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

you wouldn't want a dilemma between your responsibilities for the city and personal commitments, right?[break][break]
He hears the lyrics to an old rock ballad from Galar, to his shame.[break][break]
I have my freedom, but I don’t have much time.[break][break]
He has no personal commitments. Nothing beyond her. Nothing beyond this mad quest to save her from the Ultra Deep Sea – a quest that the good councilwoman has positioned him to have the authority to pursue at his leisure while maintaining his professional responsibilities.[break][break]
“Mmm…” When he finally speaks over the aroma of dark coffee, it’s nothing but a whisper. He tries to speak, but words won’t come at first. Kyle has compelling points. But…[break][break]
But…[break][break]
“There’s selfish reasons, too.” He admits, finally. “I need a steady supply of trainers to fight, win or lose, if I’m gonna make his dream come true.” Gabe’s dream, to be the best, just like in the movies. Bathing in all the lights and the cheer and the energy of the crowd chanting your name.[break][break]
“Gotta train like hell. For Hoenn. For you.” To be able to look Kyle in the eyes. Not in his shadow, not riding his coattails, but as an equal.[break][break]
“Our lives would’ve been way easier if we’d been born in Galar. Their league’s not complicated. Go out on the field. Put on a good show for the crowd. Fight. Have some beers afterwards. Nothing more. Gabe would have made a fine Galar champ.”

[break][break]

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]