The Gym Leader seems surprised, mouth opening only to shut again without uttering a word. Hop doesn’t blame him, really - he’s surprised too. Maybe he forgot who you are, a snarky voice whispers. The Trainer ignores it, opting to focus on catching his breath and watching the Fire-type specialist tap his chin. See? He shakes his head slightly, forcing himself to breathe through his nose rather than his mouth. Hop wouldn’t blame him for forgetting his name, either. He was one of many Trainers who took the Gym Challenge, after all - not to mention he didn’t stand out much.
Aside from being a certain someone’s brother, of course.
Hop’s breathing is back to normal once Kabu finds his words again - starting off with his name. He smiles, mentally sticking his tongue out at the nasty voice in his head. He knows my name just fine.
Felt returns to his side as Kabu continues, and Hop softly bonks the Pokemon right between the horns. “Thanks, buddy, but maybe go a bit slower next time…?” He mutters. The Wooloo just snorts at him. They’ll talk more about that later. Right now, though…
“T’ be honest, ‘m doin’ pretty good, considerin’ I was taken here only ‘bout a month ago.” He crosses his arms, humming. “I was a lil spooked at first, but I think I’m settlin’ in nicely. Met lotsa friendly folks.” Hop shifts his weight to one leg, expression turning thoughtful. “Say, when didya get here- to the island?”
Kabu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“Only a few weeks myself.”
He hadn’t actually been told anyone else’s time trapped here until just now, and well, while realistic as they did not know what their captures wanted, it was still disheartening to hear.
A whole month? And, his mind running with the thought, who’s to say others haven’t been trapped here for years?
But, dwelling on it wouldn’t help, and Hop seemed in good health as did his Wooloo.
“I’m glad to hear you’ve been treated hospitably. I have, fortunately been treated the same so far, although most find Sizzlipede an oddity.”