#rival hop

[pinnedd-board]

Hop's and Leon's voices are so bad in Masters Ex 😭😭

That’s kinda why I can’t play through Masters even tho I rlly want the Leon content 😭 THEY DO NOT SOUND LIKE THIS!!!

[xgoldenlatiasx]

Thinkin abt how fast Blake falls for N in BW1 and generally just how romantic crushes work for them.

I think Blake has a tendency to fall fast and hard when they find someone they really click with and honestly they aren’t sure and don’t really care what they’re feeling until the relationship progresses further. The strong feelings of affection come first typically and figuring out whether it’s romantic attraction or platonic or anything else comes later

Like. Their early-in-friendship behavior with Hop could’ve easily been read as a kid with a new crush but in actuality the biggest thing Blake was feeling right then was excitement about finding someone that was actually interested in them and the things they like and that feeling wasn’t and isn’t inherently romantic. And eventually when they fully adjusted to the friendship it just naturally went down the route of ending up more familial.

Similar with Auberi but it was a smidge more complicated bc Auberi was still figuring out their romantic orientation at the time (which ended up being greyromantic). At one point during their budding relationship in XY both did sorta feel like something romantic was happening but neither were really sure and kinda danced around it. And in the end Auberi actually found satisfaction with that uncertain, unlabeled middle ground they were at, thus so did Blake.

And with N, the thing is that even with lack of experience I think N became aware of his feelings possibly being romantic fairly quickly. She was knowledgeable about the concept enough and had been mildly curious about it throughout her life. Blake as usual didn’t really decipher what they were feeling until it just sorta naturally (hah) clicked. I think it happened pretty fast with N though because he was feeling it was romantic from (almost) the start and even though nothing was said outright Blake kinda just? Picked up on it?

And to clarify this period of uncertainty Blake goes through before figuring out what their “relationship status” with somebody isn’t usually distressing or confusing for them- if it is it’s because there’s other outside factors or stressors at play. It’s just how that usually works for them. Honestly I could see their relationship with N having gone down a similar route as their one with Auberi had N been less knowledgeable about romantic attraction.

That all being said I think Blake is somewhere on the arospec because of this. I don’t know yet what label would fit exactly but tbh I don’t see Blake labeling it anyway.

[heartsongslight]

I've had this thought recently that Penny and Hop would honestly make really good friends. I feel like if anyone kinda gets the struggles of self-worth that Hop goes through, it'd probably be her. What do you think about Penny/Hop friendship? Is there any other character you wish you could see Hop interact with?

Oh absolutely I think Hop and Penny would get along really well too!

   Like you said the struggles with self worth is something Penny understands and deals with herself and can sympathize with him on. There’s also the factor they both were people who dealt with bullying that affected them deeply, so a lot like how she connected with the members of Team Star I could see her being even more open to connecting to Hop with that sort of shared history.

(Sorry to people who love Bede but dude 100% was a bully to Hop. He didn’t just insult him as a trainer he told him he was an embarrassment for Hop’s older brother that he was dragging Leon’s reputation to the dirt. When it was clear that Hop adored Leon and wanted to do well to make him proud. Bede took his insults to a personal level to hurt him. He literally helped push Hop into a depressive state without remorse at that time.)

  When Hop struggles he puts all that pressure and weight on himself and tries to not burden anyone with it. Which isn’t healthy, but knowing he has someone there who understands and is willing to be there for him would be a comfort. Once he and her bond more I can see him start to confide in her and always offer she do the same. They wouldn't push each other either, which I think would mean a lot to them both. When either is ready or willing to vent or open up the other will be there for them. It'd be a really wholesome friendship for sure!

   As for other characters I’d wish for Hop to interact with more, for Galar I do wish we could have gotten him and Marnie to spend more time together.

Both are younger siblings of Leon and Piers who are Champion and a Gym Leader of Galar respectively. Leon and Piers also have history of doing the Challenge together like them and as friends. Marnie’s such a wholesome rival who appreciates and understands how much of an affect having someone in your corner cheering you on can help you. I can see her and Hop cheering each other on and just being a really sweet friendship where they can also bond being younger siblings with older ones who basically raised them. It'd be super sweet and I can see Leon and Piers watching them bond feeling so proud and thinking their friendship is adorable.

   We've seen some of it in Pokémon Masters but Hop and Kieran would also be a good friendship I’d like to see more of.

Hop’s already shown to be such a good and supportive friend as he understands Kieran’s self doubt and struggles, but also wanting to improve himself in a healthier way. It was sweet to see and I’d love to see Kieran be there for Hop in that same manner. They both have gone through so much they'd understand the other's struggles during their roughest times being stuck in the shadows of people they love and care about.

   I’d like to see Hop interact with another Champion too. His older brother was a Champion for Hop’s whole life, and I think he’d really find it interesting to see how different that role is in other regions. Not to mention the different experiences they all have. I feel like he’d gravitate more towards Champions who are more warm and open and then someone with more mystique like Cynthia or Geeta. Like yeah they’re cool but Hop would feel like he wouldn't really be able to talk or connect with them. He'd feel like he'd be bothering them or maybe even feel like he wouldn't be worthy of it sadly.

    I actually think out of all Champions, he’d probably connect to Alder really well.

  Alder’s an ex Champion but he has a lot of wisdom from his time being one and traveling around. He’s just such a warm, compassionate person who wants to help teach younger trainers values and lessons he’s learned throughout his life. He’s also has experience helping trainers who struggle when it comes to self-doubt and worth thanks to how we see him treat Cheren. He was such a positive affect on him Cheren grew up to be a teacher beloved by his students and a Gym Leader looking far happier than he was back when he was struggling. He just gives silly mentor/fatherly vibes Hop would gravitate towards. He probably would remind Hop a lot of Master Mustard too and be used to moments when Alder can act sort of silly. 

   Oh and Professor Kukui!

I’d love for Hop to interact with any of the Professors in other regions because I know he would absolutely adore being able to learn all he can from them. But Kukui I feel would be his favorite (besides Sonia of course). Kukui is a lot like Leon when it comes to passion for what he loves, getting so fired up and excited you can tell he adores his job. He also was someone who created the Pokémon League and achieved his dream even if it took forever and people doubted it would ever happen, and could really help inspire and push Hop to achieve his dream to be any kind of Pokémon Professor he’d want to be. He would be so supportive of him in that front.

    Plus he’s really great with kids. He took in Lillie in the games and she adores him and Kukui’s fatherly relationship with Ash was my favorite thing of all in Sun and Moon anime. He would adopt Hop as one of his kiddos in an instant I guarantee it. He'd offer him to stay in his home to study under him and his wife as long as he'd need.

   In Pokémon Masters EX Hop even has a line when you talk to him about how cool he thinks Professor Kukui is. It was really adorable and make me want to see those two spend time together. And if we add Leon to the mix for a session it could be absolute chaos but in the best possible way. Considering both men aren't afraid to do stunts like throw themselves onto wild Pokémon (Leon why you do this) or test the strength of a Pokémon's move by using himself as a test dummy (Kukui why), it would be hilarious. Especially because they both would not let Hop do something like that either.

Like I can just see all three would come back and both men would look like they went through heck but have the biggest smiles while Hop is between them looking clean as a whistle. Hop got so much info and data he's never seen before thanks to their help and they just look extra proud and happy they could help him.

Sorry about this being so long but with the cast of Pokémon being so big there's so many characters I'd love to see Hop interact with in different ways and bonds!

[starlitskvaderart]

Art Fight Attack on @tinyoceanman - a fellow AU Hop!!

[xgoldenlatiasx]

Looks down in shame bc I deleted this thinking I needed to fix smth but it didn’t actually. Anyways lil thing of the wolf kids in between art fight attacks

(Do not tag as any Hop x Protag ship pls these two are siblings)

[xgoldenlatiasx]

HEROVERSE HOP!!! he is now on art fight but heads up . he got desaturated like Blake did so uh yea download the ref from here probably if you draw him,,

[pokemonblack3white3]

Hop knows megalovania from undertale and sonia knows it from homestuck and both of them would rather die than admit this to the other

[heartsongslight]

History Repeats Itself AU: The Thoughts of a Protective Harvest King

 The Crowned Tundra was a very cold place. Calrex has known that for centuries. Even in the areas where snow did not fall it was strikingly cold, especially to humans.

   That was part of the reason why he kept a watchful eye over his human. The young lad was currently pulling carrots out from the worn cemetery gardens. That alone was a reason for him to be on guard. Especially considering the fact that night had fallen and the moon was high in the sky. Ghost Pokémon were all about, flickering in and out as they floated near.

   It was something rather regretful he and young Hop had come to learn. Spectrier’s favorite carrots were the freshest when pulled at night. It had been so long Calyrex had forgotten and they had found out the hard way coming back in the morning to find spoiled fruits of their labor. 

   In all honesty Calyrex could help raise these carrots alone without Hop’s help. His powers were admittedly not as strong as they used to but steadily his time with the boy was helping it return.

   Yet Hop was a stubborn thing, something he quickly had come to learn. His trainer insisted on going out with him to help pull them out. For on to ensure Calyrex not wear himself out. For two… he simply wanted to be there to support him as well. 

   Support for him… Calyrex had never really had support. His support had been the people around believing him, giving him the strength to give their home food and greenery. Now much like so much of his life, it’s changed… Though Calyrex admits this changed doesn’t feel so bad.

   Spectrier let out a neigh, stepping closer and nudging Hop excitingly. Calyrex gave a pull of the reins scoldingly, giving the Pokémon a stern look as it stepped back.

  There was no need to rush the boy.

  Hop meanwhile didn’t seem to mind.

   “Okay, okay I’m getting your food!” He laughed joyfully, turning his head and giving the Pokémon a wink. He then reached out to one of the carrots he had successfully pulled out and held it out to the Pokémon. “Here.”

   Spectrier eagerly chomped it in one bite.

   “You are spoiling Spectrier.” Calyrex admonished gently, though he could not hold the fondness in his tone. 

   “Ah, he’s been probably wanting these carrots for ages! I can’t blame him for being eager.” Hop chuckled, going back to work. “It’s really cool that there’s different types of carrots like this. I had no idea!”

   “I had forgotten for some time as well.” Calyrex admitted. “It was you who brought such memories back for me.”

   Hop let out a shy laugh and shrugged. “Eh… I didn’t do much. I’m just glad I could help you.” The boy’s expression dimmed. “… At least I did something right…”

   Calyrex frowned. Much like how Hop did not know all of Calyrex’s life, he did not know all of Hop’s. He could sense even when he met him that the boy had a kind heart. One that was strained and hurting. It was difficult for him to understand. Calyrex had stayed away from humans so long and they’s changed so much… He found himself learning about them all over again.

   So admittedly the reasons for what caused Hop’s heart to ache in such a way were a mystery to him… somewhat.

   The two dogs of the Slumbering Weald had chosen to stay close to the boy. They hadn’t left his side either and Calyrex had learned a few things from them thanks to their time with the human.

   Hop had felt shame. He had felt sorrow. He had felt as if he didn't belong and needed to escape. Not for himself, but for someone he loved dearly. To protect them…

   From what? The Harvest king had no idea…

   Calyrex is still new to humans, but he can’t help but wonder if it had anything to do with that other ’king’ the dogs spoken about before.

   One who was similar to him in more ways than he would ever believe. Yet of course he was very different as well. 

   A king that was caring, with a heart filled with passion, to the point of his entire soul engulfed in those emotions he use for battle and protection to those he loved. While Calyrex did indeed care… he would never say he was anything with fire, let alone passion. 

   This human certainly did not sound like the type of person he would have expected to be a king if Calyrex was honest, at least compared to ones he’s heard of old… then again humans have grown and changes so much without him realizing it perhaps royalty like that was simply the norm now… Perhaps he hadn’t truly known the kings of yesteryear either…

   But for now those other kings weren’t the subject of his concern… the new one was.

   Hop had a close connection to that ‘modern king of Galar’. Apparently a very deep connection that bonded them even so far apart. Perhaps that was partially why Calyrex was so drawn to the trainer…

   No… he’s certain it was more than that. It was his heart that drew him to the trainer. The fact he had decided to fix the statue of who he had been so many years ago. For no reason other than he wanted to help fix it… 

   Seeing him do such a thing had given him enough trust to show himself to the boy. To this day he was so very glad he did… Calyrex’s life has been the best it had ever been in centuries.

   ‘Hmm….?’ He perked as he noticed a ghost Pokémon floating closer towards Hop. There was a playful look on it’s face, and Calyrex knew it meant to give Hop just a small scare.

   In a fluid motion, Calyrex leapt in front of the Pokémon and reared Spectrier back. His ghostly steed let out a protective neigh as it stomped its hooves on the ground in warning.

   He gave the Pokémon a stern, hard look. He shook his head and let out a negative from his throat. 

   The Pokémon blinked, before shrugging and floating away. It didn’t see the point in pushing him given how strong he was.

   A very wise decision…

   Calyrex nodded in thanks. He knew it may not have meant harm but he was not about to watch Hop be frightened.

   …. The poor boy awake enough in some nights in such a state from nightmares. Seeing him in that way would send a great wave of sadness through the Pokémon, heart aching with sympathy as he could only stand by his side with the rest of his Pokémon to act as silent comfort.

   Hop had put himself through enough, he didn’t need anything else making him feel worse.

   “Okay all done!”

   Calyrex turned at the happy cheer from the boy. Hop was holding a large basket filled with the special carrots.

   Spectrier let out a gleeful neigh, stretching it’s neck out and giving Hop an appreciative nuzzle. Calyrex smiled as the boy let out a bright laugh.

   “Okay, okay! You’re welcome!” He gently patted the steed’s nose as it leaned back. “Let’s get these carrots back to the house before Peonia and her dad get back! That way you can enjoy your meal yeah?”

   Spectrier threw it’s head back and neighed with glee.

   As they began their trek back, Calyrex made sure to keep his pace to ensure he was walking by Hop’s side. Any wild Pokémon in the area made sure to keep their distance thanks to the combined power of him and his ghostly steed. They’d never try to hurt Hop at all as long as Calyrex was here… and that was exactly why he kept close.

   Hop had truly been a wonderful help to him in many ways, so much so Calyrex couldn't help but want to do the same for the boy. He knew for now keeping a watchful eye over him, hovering close to ensure he always stay safe was one. A very easy one for him to do admittedly. It’s something he has always done for the humans in the land… even if they had stopped believing him to be real long ago.

   Though, Calyrex knew that if he truly wanted Hop to be happy then he would need to do more than that. One day the boy may have to face the very things he had been running from. The very people he had been fleeing. 

   He knew one in particular, that ‘king’, would be the one in particular young Hop would need to face. If the boy truly wanted to be happy without sadness or longing in his heart that is…

   So… perhaps Hop would need to see him first.

   Calyrex wasn't exactly sure how to go about bringing that ‘king’ here, let alone how he could get whatever issues worked out between them… Perhaps Hop’s other Pokémon would… or at the very least the Guardians of Slumbering Weald could be more assistance to explaining it to him. They’ve known Hop longest, they’ve actually seen this man.

   Perhaps he could get the other Pokémon in the land to help as well… Cause enough commotion that it not cause any harm but get the people below the mountains to finally remember this land that was his home. It had been laid forgotten for far too long, and Calyrex is certain more people could help it. After all that was something he has heard the Mayor of that small village speak of before…

   Hmm… he would really need assistance for doing such a thing though. Calyrex has been alone for so long and creating plans like that was not exactly something he’s done before.

   For now, Calyrex would do what he’s always done for the people of this land, and what he would do for this kind hearted lad for the rest of his life. Stay by his side, protect him, and simply be there for him. 

   That is something the harvest king know he can do without fail…

   (Just a little fic showing us Calyrex’s perspective of Hop and his situation in the AU… The doggo’s help him with he idea to push the news of living legends out to the rest of Galar which gets Sonia’s attention along with the MC’s… and Leon’s.

   Side note: Calyrex is older than the Slumbering Weald Dogs and while they have a respectful relationship, the doggos can get the zoomies physically and mentally and Calyrex quickly becomes the ‘tired dad’ of the team listening to and watching them. 

  Listen Zacian and Zamazenta are centuries old heroes but they finally have a trainer again and are getting some much needed interaction time, they gonna act like puppies from time to time.)