huh? wha?

- The Gym Challenge. A sought-after event that happened around the globe. Stagnating between each other every few years.

Corbeau, freshly 14, was sent by Lysander to Galar to watch the outcome of Galar's Gym Challenge. Nothing too out of the ordinary. It was the same every year. He and a grunt would see that year's Gym Challenge. Whether in Kalos, Kanto, Galar, etc. This year was no different. Or thats what he thought.

When Corbeau stepped of the train with Venipede, the roars of a battle could be heard nearby. He could easily identify where because a small crowd had formed around it. With his curiosity piqued, Corbeau made his way over.

The battle was incredible. From what Corbeau could infer, it seemed it was a battle between two Gym Challenge participants. The rather pink clad one was endorsed by the Chairman. And the other was endorsed by the current Champion.

It seemed like the pink clad one had his opponent backed into a corner with how pompous he was being. He let out his ace— a Hatterene— and laughed. Saying something to his opponent. It seams like he had the upper hand until his challenger let out a Riolu. He raises an eyebrow before shrugging and ordering his Hatterene to fight. And that simple Riolu absolutely blasted the shit out of the Hatterene.

-

The crowd dispersed after the fight. The— assumably fairy— trainer sulked away. Declaring during that he's be Champion in the end. Some congratulated the victor while others muttered about the outcome.

"KOVU!" Another trainer rushes by Corbeau and to the victor. Kovu, huh. Interesting.

"Well, lets go Venipede." He turns to leave but he isn't by the boy's side.

Panic rushes over his face. His beloved pokemon. Where could he have gone?! Frantically searching, he spots Venipede with the victor of the pokemon battle. What makes it weirder is the fact that Venipede wasn't scared or anything. Wha-

"Um… 'Scuse me, is this little guy yours?" The guy with Kovu asked. Which caused them to look up.

Corbeau was starstruck. They were absolutely stunning. They lifted Venipede and walked towards Corbeau. It's like time itself slowed and roses grew around them.

"I think he got mixed up during the battle." Their voice was like starlight and Venipede looked adorable in their arms. Their smile made Corbeau fell weightless. Who was this person?

Corbeau took his pokemon back gently. "T- thank you…" He mentally cursed himself for stuttering. His fingers twitched as they brushed the stranger's

He coughed and put Venipede down. "You know, I've never seen such a pretty Venipede." Kovu smiles again. Corbeau thinks he's gone to heaven.

"Uh- I- I've had him since I was young…" He fidgeted with his fingers.

"No way! I've had Aaron- oh, my Riolu-" They gestured next to them. "-Since I was young too! Got him as an egg."

Their simple conversation continues on until Kovu's companion- who's name is Hop- just had to interrupt.

"Kovu, dude actually starving." He rests his head on Kovu's shoulder. Lucky bastard.

"Oh!" Kovu stops for a moment. "I am too. Corbeau, you wanna come camping with us?" They extend a hand to him.

"Um… sure. Let me just let my guardian know." This is stupid. He knows it's stupid. But it's a stupid risk he's willing to take to get to learn more about this god Arceus blessed him with.

-

The Wild Area was beautiful at night. And Kovu was just as kind as they were gorgeous. Hop confirmed that. Speaking on how they found Bunni- Kovu's pink Lopunny- or how much they wanted to help as many people they could. And their cooking- my Arceus it'd divine. The curry was so flavorful and just darling enough. Like them. Darling.

Over the next few weeks, Corbeau, Kovu, and Hop hung out more. And Corbeau fell deeper in awe with Kovu. Their battling was phenomenal. They managed to get all the way to the sitting Champion. It's a shame the fight was interrupted by the Chairman and his insane declaration.

The events of the Darkest Day was handled by Kovu and Hop. Incredibly so. And the final battle was glorious. Corbeau was sure he had met Arceus' favorite. A beautiful display of firepower and spite through the entire fight. Rebin- his Cinderace- was wonderful through the entire fight. Each one of their pokemon did wonderful. They did wonderful.

-

All good things have to come to an end. Soon, it was time for Corbeau to go back to Kalos. It was a very upsetting and tearful goodbye. Venipede didn't want to leave Kovu's side as they wiped their tears.

"I'm so glad you came to see the Gym Challenge, Corbeau." They hugged him tightly. Corbeau didn't want that hug to end.

"Young master." The grunt gestured to the train. It was boarding. Fuck.

"I was so glad to meet you, Kovu." He smiled and left Kovu's hold.

"I hope to see you again" They smile as their hands leave the others.

Kovu has a shit ton of trauma. From The Darkest Day when they were just 14, the shitstorm that was Area Zero, and now the fight with Megarouge Ange Floette. They've been through a lot.

Sometimes, Kovu gets nightmares from Eternutus. Typically they go and fight in the Z-A Royal when that happens. If it's in the morning, then they'd mask and refuse to acknowledge their fears.

This time was different though.

Kovu was staying with Corbeau by his request. They'd been working really hard in the Infinite Z-A Royal and he was worried about his darling. And of course Kovu agreed.

The nightmare was much worse tonight.

Kovu was back in the Dynamax Dungeons. Instead of a typical pokémon infront of them, Eternutus loomed. Menacingly.

Kovu was frozen. Stopped by whatever sick trick Arceus was playing on them. Their nerves racing as it roared.

Tears pricked thier eyes as Eternutus lunged at them.

They hit the floor.

The noise was enough to startle Corbeau. He felt the space next to him. Expecting the warmth of his partner's body. Instead he was met with the cold silk sheets that he layed ontop of.

Panic set in. Then realization.

The faintest bit of crying could be heared from the ground. Wearely, Corbeau peaked over the side to see Kovu curled into themself. They were shaking as well as crying. Soft, quiet sobs could be faintly heard from their lips.

Corbeau slipped out of bed. Crouching infront of Kovu. He gently stroked their face then scooped them in his arms.

Kovu's crying subdued. Their breathing calming finally.

Corbeau rested Kovu in his spot on the bed. Linning pillows behind them just in case. Then curling beside his beloved.