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.
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.
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.)
