Major Hassel Headcanon Time let's goooooo -
Thinking about how just before Hassel plans to run away from his family, he's handed down an arranged marriage. His father makes it well known he has no choice to accept and goes so far as to prevent Hassel from leaving their manor until his soon to be partner arrives.
That soon to be partner who happens to be Lord Hammerlocke of Galar.
Hassel is terrified because he doesn't want to go. He wants to leave to pursue his craft, not move to a far away place. He makes himself small and unappealing when Lord Hammerlocke arrives, but it does nothing. Within days the contracts are signed and Hassel is moving his very few possessions across the world to Galar.
As the ship continues to sail on, Hassel's plans to leave become smaller and smaller until he's stepping foot on Galar and realizing he will never be free of his family. Never be free to be himself.
He doesn't say anything, just keeps himself small. Lord Hammerlocke, Varis my dear, is a few years older than him, but looks younger than he is. He offhandedly jokes during their trip that his dragon blood keeps him young but Hassel knows it's not a joke. Not when it's also what his family says, what they say he doesn't have. (All you are, is weakness.) He just smiles politely and nods. As it turns out he's a gym leader in Galar, overseeing the eighth and final gym.
Hassel resigns himself to a life of nothing that he enjoys, married to a man who doesn't care for him. He settles his stuff (items he was prepared to leave behind) in the room he's been given but doesn't unpack his bag.
A few days after his arrival—after he's seen all of Hammerlocke Castle and the Stadium, seen the baby Dreepy and Goomy and a plethora of other dragons he's never seen before—Lord Hammerlocke sits him down in his study, gently takes hold of his hand, and smiles in a way that for some reason makes Hassel feel safe.
"You have given me something that I don't think you will ever understand how much it means to me. And for that, I must repay you."
A Poké Ball is placed in his hand, a kiss is pressed to his forehead, and a single word whispered in his ear.
Hassel does. He grabs the Poké Ball, races up to grab his bag, and runs out of Hammerlocke Castle, runs to the closest port, and takes the first ship out of Galar.
Several days later, he ends up in Paldea.
(There's a note he finds in his wallet when he tries to check into a hotel for the night, along with a bank card and a number.
When you can, I would love if you would visit me. Not now, maybe in a year. Take care, and remember all of Hammerlocke's resources are open to you.
Goodbye, little fairy.
In his hotel room that night, looking down at a weird phone like device, he opens the Poké Ball and a small Axew jumps out. The Axew is holding a Roseli Berry and happily holds it up for Hassel. As he makes friends with the Axew, a message comes through on the phone.
The next day, he meets a green haired young man in a nearby forest and makes his first friend.