Postwick Bros Mystery Dungeon AU: Feeling Lost and Being Found
(This one I've been working on for bit! It's a little longer than the other ones I've written for this AU, but I thought it'd be interesting to write a fic on how Leon learns how to use his mane as a way to carry Hop around. I also always love writing Leon going full protective mode when he runs into another Zoroark.)
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Hop at first didn’t mind too much essentially becoming a Pokémon. Sure it was a little strange but just like anything with Lee somehow it felt like an adventure, but right now Hop didn’t feel any of that.
Hop was alone… he was alone…
It turns out being really small in the dungeons meant when the wind kicked up you could very much go flying away like a petal to the breeze. Which was exactly what had happened…
He had been following Leon, doing his best to help weaken any foes they faced by growling at them. (Because apparently being a baby Pokémon meant he couldn't do much except tackling and growling. A fact he knew for others just… not himself.)
Yet as the wind became harsh it had liftedHop in the air and blown him out of the dungeon and plopped him right into the forest near it.
So… now here he was. Sitting in a bush trying to figure out what to do next.
The first thing he wanted to do was rush off to find Lee, yet every time he had tried bolting in the wind had blown him right back. The weather itself seemed determined for Hop to not go back.
So… now he had just found himself sitting here waiting… and waiting… and… waiting.
Honestly the longer he waited the more anxious he became.
Leon got lost easily. Without Hop there he was certain to do just that right?…. Then again they had gotten close to where the lost Pokémon had been seen so if anything his brother should have found him by now.
So what was taking so long?
It couldn't be his brother was outmatched. Leon had proven himself to be just as powerful as a Pokémon as he was a trainer. A fact that had quickly garnered the attention of other Pokémon around the area.
It was no surprise Leon was popular here. His brother was admired and adored at home by people and Pokémon alike, of course he would be here too. He was amazing…
And suddenly in a sick sort of irony it was no surprise Hop was where he was right now. Hidden in the shadows, away from everyone else that could see him…It was how it always was and how it probably always would be. Especially with someone as bright and amazing as Leon…
“Ngh…” Hop shook himself furiously. He needed to stop thinking like that. That didn't matter right now. What matters is Leon would be out soon with the Pokémon and Hop could rush over and playfully rib him for taking so long…
Yet as Hop stared past the leaves at the entrance that little anxious part of his mind started talking. Started making him second guess…
‘What if Leon doesn't come back? What if he decides to leave me behind?’
Hop’s ears lowered and his nose scrunched.
‘But I’m so weak now. It must be a pain for him to constantly watch over me…’
Hop stiffened, hating he slowly found himself believing those hard negative thoughts. He hated that he was even thinking them…
But it was hard for him not to…
Time stretched on and the thoughts kept coming and Hop began to feel worse and worse, even more hopeless.
What if Leon decided that Hop wasn’t worth his time? He could start a new life without Hop messing things up for him…
As the thoughts continued, Hop could feel small sounds peeling from his throat. He could hear the tiny pathetic broken squeaks of despair to will out of his body. Sounds that’s never, ever come from him before. They weren’t human, and it was a reminder he no longer was.
‘Stop…’ He tried to urge himself. ‘Stop, stop, stop…’
It terrified him that he had no control of it. He was terrified of the shrill, broken squeaks calling out. He somehow he feels even worse when the forest is quiet, not responding to them in anyway… ignoring him entirely.
Suddenly he’s back in Postwick… Ignored, a problem, an annoyance to everyone around him. Nobody wants him around, he’s nothing. He’s worthless he’s… he’s alone…
The yips become louder, and Hop can feel tears build in his eyes and he hates it. He’s not some tiny child anymore. He’s someone who went on his Gym Challenge, he’s taken care of himself for years even before the challenge, he wasn't supposed to cry… Lee never cried…
Hop yelped as a rustling suddenly sounded above the bush he was hiding in. He jerked his head up, feeling his muscles tense and his fur fluff up. He suddenly realized just how alone he truly was facing whatever was here…
The shuffling continues until a long narrowed face pokes it’s head through the thicket.
It’s a Zoroark… but not the one Hop had hoped he’d see. It didn’t have Lee’s warm gold eyes and purple mane so much like his hair. This one's eyes were an icy blue and red man tipped with black.
It was just a regular Zoroark…
Which was strange, Hop hadn’t seen any since they’ve gotten here. Normally Zoroark like to be out at night for their own safety Hop could remember…
Has he really been here all that time?
The Zoroark suddenly leaned in and began sniffing him. Hop flinched away as it did. He wasn't sure why this Pokémon in particular was making him so anxious…
“I thought I a heard a kit crying out here…” The Pokémon murmured, her voice slightly raspy. She leaned back and blinked at him, her cool blue eyes curious.
“Where’s your pack? You’re far too small to be alone…”
The words caused a whimper to squeeze out of his throat and he hated it. The Zoroark leaned back and flicked her ears looking around.
“Come along then, we’ll find a place for you…” She suddenly picked him up and Hop’s squeaks of despair and fear became louder.
No... No! He didn’t know this Pokémon! He didn’t want to go with her! He wanted Lee!
“-op! Hop I’m coming hang on!”
Hop sniffled, whining as he heard frantic shouts mixed with what sounding like a bark like cry. It… almost sounded like his brother… But Lee would never sound like that. His brother was confident he’d never sound… well scared. Not like Hop…
The loud sound made both him and the Zoroark look where it came from.
Flat on the ground further away near the Dungeon entrance was a purple maned Zoroark.
He had landed ungracefully on the ground from how he was strewn out, a shock for sure since Hop had seen nothing but ease from his brother since they had found themselves like this.
“Hop!” Leon suddenly gasped, head shooting up and eyes darting around. Seeing him now… his older brother even looked scared.
Wide eyes and his fur and mane fluffed up as his claws dug the earth….
What did Leon face that made him look that way…?
As he turned, he suddenly froze as he saw Hop along with the other Zoroark.
For a moment pure shock on was his brother’s face. His wide eyes widened even more and his jaw slightly dropped. Even he hadn’t expected to see another Zoroark around here either.
The Zoroark holding him narrowed her eyes and shifted Hop away. The action caused more of those sounds to escape Hop in an instant.
Great now he was making them in front of his brother…
Leon stiffened, his gold eyes shrinking down into mere pin pricks as they glowed. The shocked expression on his face contorted into a vicious snarl as loud growls shook his body and Hop stiffened along with the Zoroark holding him.
...Hop had never seen Leon so mad in his whole life…
“NO!” His brother literally roared, his voice blending with it only making him sound even angrier. All at once he flung himself at her, immediately he began swiping at the Zoroark holding him. “MINE!”
The Zoroark let out a grunt of surprise, jerking herself back from the attack. That didn’t stop Leon from going in for another and another, snarling and snapping his fangs. Fury swipes, bite, all physical moves as those gold eyes blazed with so much rage they were practically on fire.
He looked almost how he did when he battled, only this time Lee was the one battling.
....and Hop suddenly realized just how terrifying his brother could be being the one attacking if his brother's enraged expression was anything to go off of.
“GIVE HIM BACK!” His brother snarled as he continued his vicious barrage. “GIVE! HIM! BACK!” He screeched.
With a grunt, the Zoroark finally placed Hop on the ground to better protect itself. Yet that was all Lee had wanted it seemed because Hop’s paws we on the ground for just a second before he was scooped up into his brothers arms and squeezed tight in an embrace.
As Hop let out a wail of relief, unable to hold back despite all that was going on. Leon responded with a soft coo that turned to purrs, nuzzling his face into Hop as he snuggled him securely into his fluff. Hop found himself melting at the embrace. He always felt better when he felt something soft, his beloved Wooloo hand always been such a comfort for him at home…
It made him miss it even more…
“Shh… sh, sh… I’ve got you. I’m here, I’m here…” Leon purred, squeezing him closer. “I’m here Hoppy…”
The sound and embrace was enough to finally calm him down. Even more of a relief, finally get those sad sounds to stop. Instead small purrs escaped him. Leon’s own purrs became even louder in response.
From behind them there was a shifting sound. Hop’s ears flicked back and he suddenly realized the other Zoroark had yet to leave.
“… You’re rather good with him.” She spoke up quietly.
Leon stiffened and jerked his head towards her with a snarling hiss. Hop grunted as he curled more over him while looking to the other Pokémon warily himself
The Zoroark lowered her head politely.
“Don’t worry, I wasn’t trying to steal your kit.” She assured, lifting her head back up. “I’m rather thankful that he has someone looking for him. He’s… quite a small thing to be out here alone.”
Leon relaxed slightly, only slightly. He still eyed her suspiciously though. “The wind in the cave…” He admitted stiffly. “We were traveling and it just…” Hop nuzzled against him when he heard the slight tremor in his voice.
He hadn't meant to make him upset, and hearing the actual fear in his voice made Hop feel even worse.
How could he ever think Lee would leave him after hearing that?
The Zoroark looked back to the dungeon entrance.”You need not to linger in those placed for long or such things can happen… but I can see you learned that the hard way.” She then turned back to him. “Some advice if I may?” When Leon nodded she went on. “Most of us keep our kits in our manes. It keeps them warm, safe, and it helps soothe our worry that they’d be in danger.” She smiled. “And it would calm your anxiety I’m sure you must have been feeling for quite a bit now if you haven’t tried it yet.”
Leon blinked. He looked to Hop and Hop stared right back. Slowly his brother shifted him around and soon Hop found himself sinking into the purple mane.
Immediately Hop felt the warmth of the layers of fur, the comfort as it cradled him perfectly like he was meant to be there. The safety and relief that Leon was right there, that he wouldn’t let him go.
His older brother meanwhile, let out a soft content sigh and his muscles relaxed completely once Hop was finally settled.
“Better?” The Zoroark asked in amusement. Leon nodded and smiled back to her.
“So much so… thank you…” He bowed his head. “And… I’m sorry about before. I just…” His ears drooped.
“Oh don’t worry about that.” Zoroark quite literally barked a laugh. “You saw a stranger holding your kit, of course you were furious.” She softened as Leon still looked to be in shock. “You’re instincts were what caused it love. You thought your kit was in danger, that he was being taken away from you, so your instincts leapt into action.”
Leon looked to his claws nodding. “…Still… I owe you an apology.”
The Zoroark chuckled. “Well, then I’ll accept it.” She straightened. “... I best be going so I can finish gathering.”
The Zoroark turned with a smirk on her muzzle. “I have kits of my own I have to care for… they’re older then yours though.” She then sighed long and hard. “Knowing them I’m sure they’re causing quite a bit of mischief if they refused to listen to their mother…”
She glared ahead. "Which means no dinner for them after I worked so hard to gather it. I swear..."
With that she bounded away gracefully into the forest. Hop and Leon stared off where she had gone, and Hop mulled the what she had said.
She had kits… that meant there were other Zorua around…
He’d need to remember that… maybe he could ask them to help him train to get stronger so Lee wouldn't have to worry about him so much.
Leon’s sigh drew him from his thoughts. “Well, I think it’s best we head home too…”
As he turned and began walking back towards the village, towards their base, Hop quickly yipped a question.
“Wait! The Pokémon did you find it?”
“I did.” Leon nodded. “It wasn’t far after…” Hop could practically hear his brother grimace before he went quiet again. He stayed quiet the entire trip back until they were safe and sound in the den.
Once inside his brother wasted no time going to the nest in long strides. Usually they would have something to eat but Hop was so tired he didn’t mind going to bed now without it.
Today was more stressful than he ever thought it could be.
As Leon sunk into the nest, he shifted around and pulled Hop out of his mane. Hop whined in dismay being out of the comfort, only to melt as he was back to the familiar position he was placed in whenever it came to going to sleep.
Tucked under Lee’s chin and wrapped in his arms…
As they snuggled in for the night, Hop asked another question that had been burning in his mind.
His brother stiffened, only to shift around so Hop was even more snug against him.
“It was thanks to you. I could hear you while I was running out of the dungeon.... I heard you calling for me…” Leon murmured. “… When I heard those sounds from you I…” He squeezed Hop just a tad tighter, still being careful despite the smothering embrace. “I’m thankful they led me to you, but I hope I never have to hear you make them ever again…”
Hop snuggled back against him as much as he could to try and offer comfort. He could feel Lee smile and purr loudly in thanks at his efforts.
“From now on you are staying in my mane when we leave this den.”
“Aww… even in the village?”
Hop sighed but he didn’t have it in him to complain. After today he wouldn't mind staying under lockdown. Especially if it meant it would make sure they not be separated again while they were here.
Leon’s purr returned full force as he began rubbing his cheek against Hop’s head.
“Get some sleep Hopscotch… you’ve had a long day.”
“So have you…” Hop yawned, unable to hold it back from feeling so comfortable and snug. “You… need sleep too…”
Leon shifted, and squished their noses together in an affectionate nuzzle. It had become a constant since they got here, and Hop had to admit it did feel nice. It felt familiar… even though for the life of him he couldn't remember why…
“I will…” Leon purred. “As long as you do too.”
“Okay…” Hop nodded and snuggled himself more in the cozy place he was in Lee’s hold.
As Hop began to drift to sleep, the gentle purrs his brother giving off helping lull in into it he could feel his brother gently squeeze him closer. As if to make sure no one could pull Hop from his grasp even in his sleep.
“…G’night Lee…” Hop murmured tiredly. Leon snuggled him more.
“Good night Hopscotch…” He nuzzled his cheek against him. “And Hop?”
“Mm hm…?” Hop slurred nearly out like a light.
“… I love you so much…” The older whispered. “It’s a relief having you here with me…”
His words warmed his heart, and Hop wanted to tell him the same thing. That he was thankful having Leon here on this adventure. It made it less lonely, and feel like an amazing time.
For now, all he could manage was a tired murmur. “… I love you too Lee…”
Leon’s purr became louder and Hop knew despite how quiet his voice had been he had heard. It was enough to finally allow him to fall asleep knowing his brother wanted him here, and that he wasn't planing on letting him go for a long while.
Hop decides, he was perfectly fine with that.
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(Zoroarks are fiercely protective of their kits, add on Leon's already protective nature and how protective he is of Hop and he goes absolutely off.
Also, yep the wind is a thing that actually does blow you out of the dungeons if you stay there too long in Mystery Dungeon. It can make certain dungeons very stressful for sure😅.)
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