#pokemon oc: katla

[shadowphoenixrider]

*self-indulgent oc/canon shipping intensifies*

[adoptedbeta]

meet katla! a firetype gym leader from a fan-region based on iceland! her gym team consists of slugma, growlithe, and camerupt, but she also has a volcarona and alolan vulpix she loves dearly

she’s an expert on volcanoes and researches the ones in the region to help keep people safe from potential eruptions, and she’s frienemies with the ice-type gym leader 

[shadowphoenixrider]

Katla: Hey Nanu

Nanu: Don't-

Katla: KAHUNA MATATA

Nanu:

Katla: WHAT A WONDERFUL PHRASE

Nanu: No-one is going to find your body, I hope you know that

[shadowphoenixrider]

(Wrote this on a bit of whim. It’s some Katla/Nanu stuff as part of the OT4, and canon to their story. I’ve been more laissez faire with the games. Hope you enjoy!)

No secrets between us, Katla thought as she lingered at the doorway, watching the scene before her.

Kahuna Nanu had stretched his long body out along his blue couch, focused entirely on the tricks he was performing on his kendama, and not on the Alolan Meowth scattered about him - such as the three staring at the red ball, one slightly crouched as if debating whether to swat it.

It was a peaceful scene, and not one the trainer wanted to disturb, especially not with the topic she needed to discuss. It was easier to copy the Meowth and watch her lover’s skill instead.

That was until a soft ‘thump’ and the click of claws across a wooden floor drew Katla’s attention to the large Persian padding her way over, her curled tail lifting as she approached.

“Perr~” The Classy Cat announced softly, her headbutt knocking Katla back a step, a guttural purr rumbling out almost as soon as the trainer’s hand sunk into her thick grey coat.

“Hi Perla.” Katla murmured softly, stroking down her muscled back as the feline rubbed past her.

“There a reason you’re hiding back there, Kat?” Nanu asked, the sound of his kendama slowing.

Katla took a breath. You gotta do it. You can’t leave him out of the loop. Perla chirruped, looking up at her expectantly.

“No, not really.” The trainer said, stepping out of the doorway. “Just thinking.”

The kahuna’s red gaze shifted to her as soon as she came into view, Perla padding past her. He said nothing, the only sound being the clack of ball and cup.

“I need to tell you something. From my past.”

Clack.

The silence ticked on for a couple of seconds, his face inscrutable as ever. She would never challenge him to a game of poker.

“You don’t have to listen right now if you don’t want,” she said eventually. “I-I didn’t want to disturb you-”

Nanu sat up, scattering his small feline audience as he swung his legs down and causing a loaf-Meowth further down the couch to glare at him.

“Sit with me, Kat,” he said, although it was more an order than a suggestion.

She felt his stare follow her as she settled next to him. It made her slightly uneasy, and yet it also didn’t. Perhaps it was just a by-product of him being a police officer.

The trainer took a breath. Here we go.

“You know I started out with my Pokemon in Hoenn, right?”

“Yeah. Born in Galar, registered in Hoenn,” he said, winding the string around the kendama’s handle. “I remember.”

Katla smiled briefly - of course he did.

“Great. Uh, I know this is kinda out of left field, but do you remember there being a big storm in Hoenn about ten years ago or so? Had something to do with a Team Aqua?”

Nanu's steady gaze didn’t shift from her, but she did notice a crease appear between his thick eyebrows.

“I remember that name,” he began, sentence hanging for a moment before he looked away. “Some gang of pirates?”

“I guess?” Katla scratched her head. “They certainly dressed the part. But they’d graduated into eco-terrorists when I met them.”

The kahuna’s eyes slid back to her, his eyebrow arching.

“What is it with you kids and taking on criminal gangs that would make most adults think twice? Although,” a smirk pulled at the corner of his lips, “you don’t seem to know what danger is.”

Katla rolled her eyes.

“Ha ha, very funny, Officer.” She blew out a sigh through her nose. “If I’m honest, I would have preferred to avoid them. I was just a little kid on her first adventure with Pokemon, I didn’t need...I didn’t need what came next.”

Her gaze drifted to Perla, now lying on the window sill, oblivious to the two smaller Meowth playfully batting at her hanging tail as it swayed back and forth.

“They said they wanted to expand the oceans to make more homes for water-type Pokemon,” Katla continued, interrupted by an amused snort. “Yeah, that was my reaction too. The oceans are big enough without help. Anyway, in order to do that, they decided to find and awaken Kyogre.”

“It’s been a long time since I last went to Hoenn, but isn’t Kyogre one of the Pokemon deities there?” The kahuna asked, one eyebrow arched.

“Yeah, Kyogre is the God of the Sea.” The trainer sighed. “They thought they could control it. You can imagine how well that went.”

"Hmm.” She felt Nanu’s gaze linger on her. “So, where did you come in?”

Katla managed to suck in a breath, her heart beginning to beat a fast tattoo.

“There is a place called the Cave of Origins, said to be where life began. It contains a power that could cause something called Primal Reversion. Basically, Kyogre went to claim that power and become every bit as much as of a God as the legends make it out to be.” She explained. “The plan was for someone to intercept and defeat it whilst it was still just a powerful Pokemon and not ‘the Almighty’.”

She finally turned to meet Nanu’s eyes. “That someone was me.”

There was a long, long pause.

“An eleven year old girl.” The kahuna spoke slowly. “Hoenn had a Champion back then, didn’t they?”

“Yeah, Steven...Stone? He was there, he helped me get permission to enter the Cave. But I went in alone.”

Nanu said nothing, but she sensed his mood turn in an instant, his jaw tightening and the crease reappearing between his brows. She realized then that she’d never seen Ula’Ula’s kahuna truly angry. Annoyed, irritated and sometimes upset - nothing that held a candle to this. Even the Meowth were now eyeing their patron warily, ears twitching.

She felt uneasy about continuing her story, but they’d gotten this far:

“I...I didn’t make it in time, either. I had front row seats to see Kyogre attain its Primal form.”

Suddenly Nanu was on his feet, striding away with his back straight, sending Meowth skittering away in his wake. Perla lifted her head, her ears folding backwards as she watched her trainer.

The kahuna stared at a point outside, letting the uneasy silence drag on until a single, cold word passed his lips:

“Alone?”

Katla swallowed.

“Yeah. I just had my Pokemon with me. No-one could get to where I was anyway-”

“You shouldn’t have even been there.”

Nanu’s words were fiercely sharp - she had been subject to his taunting barbs during his Grand Trial, but these threatened to draw blood.

He kept his back to her, the only indicators of his expression being his clenched fists and every inch of his full height.

“The Champion - the strongest trainer in Hoenn. But won’t take on a deity Pokemon - instead palms it off on a child. A child that he didn’t even back up.”

There was a sharp intake of breath, his shoulders lifting. One second, two, three, and his breath hissed out again, relaxing. His fists uncurled, fingers flexing. It took another couple of seconds before Nanu could speak again.

“I guess you must’ve won, since you’re here to tell the tale.”

“Yeah.” Katla glanced away, forcing her voice not to peter out into a mumble. “I almost didn’t, though. Primal Kyogre was so powerful, the only reason I managed it is because of Latias. I befriended her when I rescued her from being harassed by Team Aqua thugs, and she joined my team in thanks.”

The trainer took a breath. “When she was Mega Evolved, she was strong enough to at least take a few hits from it. More than what could be said about me.”

Katla shrugged off her black and red jersey, revealing the whorls and stretched scars that patterned her forearms. Time had faded them, but they were still as clear as the day they’d healed.

“Kyogre’s Origin Pulse attack was so powerful that its energy scorched my skin. Most people mistake them for fire burns, but those who specialise in Fire types can tell the difference.”

“I did wonder about them, our first night.” She glanced up to see Nanu standing over her, his expression back to its apathetic default. But his crimson eyes were soft, almost hurt. “Knew better than to ask, though.”

“Thank you.” She ran her hands up her arms, the skin crawling under his gaze. “I would have lied to you anyway.”

“Figured as much.” He dropped to a crouch, studying the marked flesh. “Same as Kabu and his undershirt, then.”

“Kinda. I think that’s more because his scars aren’t pretty, though.” A wry smile pulled at Katla’s lips as the kahuna snorted derisively. “I just...don’t want to answer the awkward questions.”

“Hmm.” His eyes met hers, and it seemed like he wanted to say something, his jaw working. Then he looked back down at her arm. “Uh, they don’t look great - must’ve hurt like hell. You get any pain from them now?”

“Sometimes.” The trainer nodded. “They usually react to powerful or legendary Pokemon.”

“Hm?” Nanu’s eyebrow arched.

“Yeah. When Tapu Bulu appeared in our Grand Trial, I felt my scars tingle. When they use their powers, they tend to hurt.”

The kahuna pulled back slightly.

“Wait. If that’s the case with the Tapu, then the same must have happened with Eternatus.”

“Mmhmm.” Katla nodded. “And the legendary dogs. But Eternatus was the worst. Especially whatever unholy Dynamax it turned into - as soon it started attacking, it was agony.” Her arms prickled at the memory. “I managed to hide it from Hop, but it hurt so much-”

“Hey hey, enough of that.” Nanu rumbled softly, shifting closer, hand hesitantly moving to rest on her shoulder. There was a moment or two of silence before he spoke again: “So. You defeated the God of the Sea with the help of an Eon Pokemon. Now I understand what Kabu meant when he said it wasn’t your first rodeo.”

“He told you?” She looked up at him with alarm.

“No. He let it slip that Eternatus and Zacian weren’t the first legendaries you’d encountered.” The kahuna smirked, rising back up to his relaxed stoop. “Clammed up tighter than a Cloyster and told me it was something I’d have to ask you about.” He tilted his head, smirk becoming a smile. “Figured it was better to let you open up about it on your own time.”

She couldn’t help but smile back.

“Thanks, Nanu. I’ve told him and Stela about what happened, and I couldn’t leave you out of the loop.”

“That’s kind of you, but you didn’t have to,” he said, sitting back down beside her. A Meowth cautiously approached him, sniffing his hand.

“I didn’t want there to be any secrets between us.” The trainer explained. “And mine is...kinda important.”

The small feline purred loudly as Nanu scratched its cheek, its other fellows beginning to cluster around them again.

“I see...” His murmur was so quiet Katla almost missed it. After a long silence, she spoke again:

“So yeah. Eleven years old and I’d fought and beaten a deity Pokemon at full power. And all I got were these lousy scars and nightmares for the rest of my life.” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Nanu’s expression get decidedly sour. The Meowth hopped down from his lap. “Then I went and became the Champion.”

His gaze snapped to hers, eyebrows arching up almost to his hairline.

“Say again.”

“Several weeks after the Kyogre incident, I challenged the Elite 4 and Steven. And won.”

The kahuna just stared at her, surprise clearly written over his face, yet the trainer had a feeling he was turning things over in his head - he was looking through her, not at her.

“Before you ask, no. I’m not Hoenn’s Champion any more. I gave it up after a while.” She sighed, resting her arms on her knees and staring at her boots. “It was all...all so quick. First Kyogre, then somehow I was the Champ, then the meteor, and it was all so much, too much-”

“Hey. Take it easy.” Nanu spoke, his voice quiet and steady. There was soft ‘shff’ of fabric as he scooted closer. “You weren’t much older, were you?”

“No, still eleven.”

Another breath hissed out of his nose.

“Guessing no-one helped you for those, either.”

“Not... not really.” Katla met the eyes of a particularly petite Meowth that came to sit between her feet. “I mean, Steven was there, but he was more directing me where to go, leaving a list of things I had to do. Not really...doing anything to help.” The Meowth made a sound almost akin to a beep, reaching up to her. The trainer reached down to pet it, making sure to avoid its charm. “The only ‘people’ that helped me were my Pokemon...”

A quietness fell between them, filled only with soft purring and the beginnings of rain on the Police Station roof.

“Kat,” Nanu’s voice was softer than she’d ever heard it, and she glanced up to him. There was a naked vulnerability to his face that made her heart skip in surprise. “You do have parents, right?”

Her brows furrowed for a moment.

“Yeah, I do, I thought I...told you...” She trailed off, hearing the real question underneath it. It took her aback for a moment, taking the Meowth’s insistent headbutt to bring her back.

“I do, I do - they do care for me, a-and they did their best. This- this isn’t one of those stories.” A quick glance at Nanu and the creases deepening in his forehead showed he disagreed. “They love me, they do. They just...I mean, what’s the manual for helping your kid deal with all...all of that?”

He grunted.

“Take your word for it.”

A part of Katla bristled, yet she let the anger ebb. No point quibbling now, after the wounds had been made and healed. Mostly.

“What’s this about a meteor?” He asked, mercifully pivoting away from the previous subject.

“The giant meteor over ten years ago? Was gonna smack into the planet and ruin everyone’s day?” She arched an eyebrow at him.

“Oh, that one.” Nanu leaned back, crossing his legs. His own eyebrow raised in a mirror to hers. “Didn’t know you were involved in that too.”

“Yeah, well.” Katla snorted. “I thought saving the world was kinda a Champion’s job.”

“Can hardly you blame you for thinking otherwise, considering your predecessor.” Nanu drawled. His gaze lingered on her, his eyes twitching slightly back and forth. “Better or worse than Kyogre?”

“Better. I mean, this time the Pokemon wasn’t actively trying to kill me. But it still wanted a Pokemon battle.” She crossed her arms over her knees, watching the Meowth curl around her feet.

“Long story short, apparently this meteor had been foretold by an ancient group of people called the Draconids. They said the only way to stop it was to summon Rayquaza - the Hoenn deity of the Sky - and petition it to destroy it.”

“Wait, how is this different from Team Aqua summoning Kyogre?” Nanu asked. “Maybe they’re asking more politely, but you’re still asking a god to do your bidding.”

“I think the difference is in what was asked of them.” She explained. “That, and Kyogre was asleep.” She arched an eyebrow at the older man. “Sure you can relate to that - woken up in the middle of deep sleep and then just ordered to do something, no ‘please’ or ‘thank you’."

“Yeah. No wonder it acted out.” The older man grumbled, scratching the back of his neck. “Still, what made them so sure Rayquaza would listen to them anyway?”

”According to the legends, it has form - if a prayer to it can be amplified by some powerful artifact or location, it tends to respond. Unlike the other two Hoenn deities, Rayquaza has a closer connection to humanity. Mostly because it seems to be the only Pokemon than can get Groudon and Kyogre to stop fighting each other.”

“Huh.” Nanu leaned back. “Well, considering we’re still here, I’m guessing you succeeded?”

“Pretty much.” Katla nodded. “Got to Sky Pillar, called Rayquaza. It answered, I somehow beat it in a battle and it went and destroyed the meteor. World saved. Again.” She sighed, gaze drifting to where Perla was dozing on the window sill.

“I quit not long after that. People were insisting I stay on, or that they couldn’t believe I wanted to walk away, but...I was a mess. The nightmares, flashbacks, I-I couldn’t even look at dark water without-”

“Hey hey hey.” Nanu murmured, sliding an arm around her shoulders. “You did the right thing. Lot of people talk as if they know your mind better than you do.”

“Yeah. It was as if everything that happened to me wasn’t a big deal or anything.” She leant into him, resting her head against his chest. The slow, comforting boom of his heart was soothing, as was the kahuna’s gentle, almost furtive petting of her hair.

He hummed his agreement, the sound rumbling through his body. A couple of seconds of silence ticked by, the Meowth settling around them before he spoke again.

“I appreciate you opening up about this, Kat. Lot of things make much more sense now.”

A wan smile pulled at her lips.

“Suppose they do.” She looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat when she noticed he was watching her. “Thanks for listening to me vent, too.”

“I meant what I said last time. I’m here for you, just as much as Stela or Kabu.” His gaze was intense, not shifting even for a second. “I like a heads-up when you can give it, but don’t feel like you can’t come to me with things.” He gently brushed a lock of curly hair off her cheek. “I know I’m not the most...easy to get along with. But I care for you, Kat.” He opened his mouth to say more, but closed it again, shaking his head. “Wish you didn’t go through what you did.”

“Thanks.” She replied. “Could have done without the reprise in Galar, but here we are.”

“Mmm.” Nanu hummed, frowning for a moment. “You’ve got some nerve, though, going straight into the fray after all that. I thought you trying to scale Po Town’s walls was reckless enough.”

Katla lifted a shoulder.

“Had to be me. Didn’t want someone else to suffer the same things I went through. Besides,” a smile pulled at her lips, “this time I wasn’t alone. I had Hop with me.”

"And Kabu.” The kahuna murmured.

“Yeah...” She nodded, letting her mind wander back to a different time, a different place. Yet she’d been in much the same position, nestled against the chest of a man she loved as she’d tried to come to terms with what just happened.

“You’re not alone any more.” Nanu spoke, voice rumbling against her. “We won’t let that happen to you again.” His arm tightened around her for just a second.

The sound of the rainstorm filled the silence between them, before a Meowth yowled impatiently.

“Cripes, you can’t be hungry already?” Nanu groaned, answered by chorus of meows and one elegant ‘Perr~’. “Alright, alright. I’m coming, you bottomless pits.” He flashed Katla a weak smile before he got up, somehow managing to summon every Meowth in the station to cluster around his ankles within two steps. Perla joined them, albeit at a more sedate pace, taking the time to stretch luxuriously after descending from her perch.

Left alone for the moment, the trainer leaned back against the couch, letting out a deep breath. Thank Arceus. That went better than I expected.

[shadowphoenixrider]

Katla’s Centiskorch (sometimes called Centi so not to mix her up with Kabu’s Centiskorch) is pretty chill normally, and whilst is very physically affectionate, she’s usually perceptive enough to give people their space if they’re uncomfortable with her (she is a giant bug who can set fire to things, after all).

She’s also very loving and protective of Kat, which can get her into trouble as Centi gets pretty hostile in her defence of her trainer.

This led to some amusing misunderstandings when it came to Kat and Nanu flirting, especially since Kat will sometimes deliberate tease or wind Nanu up make him threaten to ‘punish’ her - in very amorous ways. However, since Kat sometimes reacts with ‘fear’ when he corners her, Centi initially misinterpreted this when they forgot she was in the same room as them.

Thus leading to Nanu coming eye-to-eye with an angry Centiskorch.

Nanu stared back, completely nonplussed by the fact her fiery antenna were so close he could feel the heat from them. They stayed like that for a couple of seconds, before a: ‘Perrrowl~’ sounded out and Nanu asked, in his normal deadpan tone: “Remind me, Kat - how weak are Centiskorch to Rock type moves?”

“Uh, very.” The younger trainer glanced over, and saw Perla’s forehead gem was glowing.

“...Might wanna call off your noodle before she gets squashed, then.”

Centi quickly backed off at this, and Perla rapidly bapped her on the head for threatening her kahuna. They make sure to keep her somewhere else when doing amorous activities such as that in the future.

(That said, Centi learns quickly that Nanu and Kat are only playing, and later starts staring at Nanu when he’s ‘busy’ to try and distract him. She also starts playing this game with Kabu, much to his chagrin. Especially when *his* Centiskorch decides to copy his mate, so now there’s two Centiskorch staring, trying to throw them off their game.)

[shadowphoenixrider]

One thing I love about Katla and Nanu’s dynamic is that they both sense the trauma that each other has, although Nanu clocked that Kat had some much faster than she did (she got a vibe from him, but it took longer for her to go: ‘ah that’s why’). It has taken time and work, but now they can sense if one of them isn’t themselves.

Kat will pare down her mischievous behaviour, speaking seriously and gently to Nanu, and only important questions/statements. She’ll give him his space and runs diversions so he can have his time to himself (she already runs occasional interference to let him nap). If he just wants to sleep, she’ll take care of the Meowth and his Pokemon.

Thanks to his Interpol and cop training, Nanu can often sense when Kat’s mood changes have shifted from ‘playful’ to ‘depressed’, and he’s usually the first person to notice she’s having a bad time. “Doing okay, Kat?” is his opening gambit, which often gets to the core of the problem as she opens up. If he notices she’s having a flashback, Nanu will calmly (yet firmly) speak to her to get her to refocus and remember where she is.

He only shows his gentleness to Kat behind closed doors, often holding her close and stroking her hair to comfort her. He’s often at his most tender to her here (the only other time is when he’s giving her aftercare), revealing that he loves her deeply, even if he doesn’t show it as readily as she does.

They never push the other to open up, letting them do it in their own time, although Nanu knows just the right buttons to push to get Kat to open up about whatever’s currently bothering her, whilst Kat just gives Nanu reassurance and then leaves him be.

[shadowphoenixrider]

Katla, wrapping her arms around Kabu’s neck: Hey, how is the most gorgeous person in Galar doing today?

Kabu, cupping her cheek: I don’t know, how is she doing?

*Kat blushes*

[shadowphoenixrider]

Random stuff about Katla ‘cos I’m depressed about going to work tomorrow

- She has a thing about Nanu’s eyes (I mean, who can blame her?), which Nanu either hasn’t noticed or just hasn’t taken full advantage of yet; Kat can find it hard to break eye contact with him, which becomes next to impossible if he’s...in control.

- Her and Acerola have a sisterly relationship; Kat often tells Ace stories about the myths and legends in other regions, and occasionally they go ghost hunting together (usually with Stela in tow)

- She and Guzma have an ‘enemies-to-tolerating’ relationship. He has a grudge for her beating him in a battle on his home turf, Kat thinks he’s a twat. However, over time they’ve mellowed, and whilst they’d prefer not to associate with one another, they can be in the same room without Nanu having to make disapproving noises at them.

- Kat can be very cautious around trainers and Pokemon she knows are powerful, but at the same time will go gadding into an organisation’s base to rough people up (thankfully for Kabu, Nanu and Stela, Kat has eased up on this tendency).

- Despite being Galar’s champion, she prefers not to draw attention to herself. Unless the trainer she’s battling against is being particularly bratty, then she’ll let them have it.

- She’s currently closest to her Centiskorch, who is very, very affectionate to her trainer and others she likes. Kat often has to tell Centi to give people their space.

- However, Centi was one of the Pokemon who fought and defeated Leon, and can turn in an instant from being a cuddle bug to someone’s worst nightmare, especially if/when Kat is threatened or hurt.

- Kabu wakes earlier than Kat to go out for his jog near sunrise, but always makes sure to give her a kiss before he leaves. It’s very rare that she can convince him to miss a day.

- (That said, if she’s with Stela and or Nanu, they have much better luck convincing the Man of Fire to take it easy for a morning. For a while, at least.)

[shadowphoenixrider]

Me: Katla's not allowed any legendary Pokemon, because that'd be too overpowered

Me: Except Galar Moltres because it'd be really funny to see Nanu's reaction

[shadowphoenixrider]

in the rain and longing?

(...I have the perfect pairing for this. Non-canon.)

“Why are you back here, Kat?” The gruff voice of Ula’Ula’s Kahuna sounded out through the pouring rain. “Thought you went back to Galar.”

“I did.” Katla sighed, letting the water slowly soak into her hair and clothes. She’d long since past caring what she looked like to others. “Things got...complicated, so I’m back here. For a bit.”

Nanu grunted, his eternal apathetic mask well in place even as his crimson eyes bored into her. He stood on the Police Station’s porch, but she made no effort to join him.

“Is that what you do, missy?” He said, eventually. “Run when things start to get ‘complicated’?”

The trainer bristled at that, and she opened her mouth - the words died on her lips when she remembered what she had left behind. Twice over, now. Katla closed her mouth, glanced away.

“Yeah.” She finally admitted. “Guess it is.” A pause. “I’m sorry, Kahuna. I’m taking up too much of your time.” The Galar woman turned to leave.

“Kat.”

Nanu’s voice stopped her, as did the sound of his sandals getting closer. When he didn’t immediately continue, she glanced back to see the older man at the threshold, the rain dripping from the roof missing his nose by mere centimetres. His expression hadn’t changed very much, but there was something...sympathetic in his eyes. Almost...sad?

“I didn’t intend to run from you,” she said, making sure to meet his eyes, so he could see her sincerity. “I...I thought we could just...have a night together and then just leave. I didn’t think that...I didn’t think that...I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

A half-chuckle lifted from him, and he lifted a shoulder in a tired shrug.

“Yeah, yeah. Take advantage of a desperate old man and then just leave like nothing ever happened.”

“No!” Katla cried, before heat shot into her face. "I-! ...Fuck, I didn’t...I didn’t mean it that way...” She trailed off. But...that’s what I did, didn’t I? She buried her face in her hands, feeling tears begin to burn at her eyes. “Gods, Nanu...I’m so sorry...”

“I’ve missed you, Kat,” he said softly. “Been trying to put you out of my mind ever since you left.”

She sucked in a shuddering breath, trying to hold back her emotions and only partially succeeding.

“I-I’ve been busy, what with the move and everything, a-and my Gym Challenge in Galar, but...” Katla took another breath, trying to straight her back and not collapse into a depressed heap. “You always came back to me, in the quiet moments. I wanted...I wanted to text, to say something...But, but I didn’t know if you’d even want to hear from me. Fuck, Nanu, I’m sorry...”

The slap of sandal against soggy grass made her look up to see the Kahuna padding over to her, stopping inches from her now sodden form.

“Kat...” For the first time since the young woman had known him, Nanu’s voice was uncertain, perhaps almost pleading? “You’re going to stay a little while this time?”

She swallowed hard.

“I have to go back to Galar at some point, Nanu. I’m sorry, I have some leave to be here for the moment, but I can’t stop my Gym Challenge-”

He shook his head.

“I know that. I want to know if I’m just a booty call for you or-”

“No!” It was her turn to shake her head, this time vigorously. “No! I’m not using you for the sex. I mean it, I really mean it.” Her blue eyes met his red, hoping he could see that she was sincere through them. “I missed you, Nanu. I’ll...I’ll stay as long as you want me to.”

Ula’Ula’s Kahuna appeared to breath a sigh of relief, before he gently cupped the Galar woman’s cheek, pressing a kiss to her lips. It was soft and lingering, quite unlike the other kisses Katla and Nanu had shared before, full of so much emotion that she didn’t even what to think of right now.

When they finally pulled away, the Galar trainer felt a little breathless, probably due to the lump that had formed in her throat. Especially since Nanu’s expression had softened somewhat. He glanced over her, before a half-smile pulled at his lips.

“You're more soaked than our last night together. C’mon missy, let’s get you out of this rain.” He commented, beckoning her to follow.

Despite his crassness, Katla couldn’t help but laugh, and the weight finally, finally lifted.

[shadowphoenixrider]

(I wrote more Katla/Kabu stuff because why the hell not. Sometime after this fic here. Katla is 26 years old.)

“Alright Sirfetch’d, finish it off! Brick Break!” Katla cried.

The Wild Duck Pokemon uttered a loud cry, charging into the fray. His Snorlax opponent swung out an arm to stop him, only for Sirfetch’d to parry the blow with his leek shield, accompanying sword glowing bright white.

“Sir-fetch’d!” He slashed the sword up and into Snorlax’s immense belly, causing the Sleeping Pokemon to utter a deep, defeated moan, tottering back before crumpling to the floor with a loud thud.

“And you win again...” Hop groaned, returning his Pokemon back to its Pokeball as their impromptu crowd erupted into applause.

“Yup.” Katla smiled, giving her Sirfetch’d an affectionate pat on the head before she too returned him to his ball. “But you don’t do too bad for yourself, Hop. Get your Pokemon rested up, and you’ll be ready to take on Gordie straight away.”

The younger man brightened, scratching the back of his head.

“You really think so, mate?”

“Sure!” The young woman nodded, slipping her hands into her hoodie pockets. “You gave me a good fight, and I’ve only just come out of there. So you’ll be just fine. Go for it!”

“Alright!” Hop grinned widely, already on the move again. “Look out Gordie, here I come!”

Sonia chuckled, shaking her head as the young trainer bounded away.

“Seems like he finally shook off that gloom.” She commented. “I’m glad - Leon’d worry if Hop wasn’t feeling alright.”

“Yeah.” Katla nodded, hiding her scowl. One of these days I’m going to give Bede what he deserves. “I worry too. Kid’s a ball of sunshine. If I can keep him blazing bright as long as I can, I will.”

“Sure.” Sonia nodded, curling her orange hair around her finger. “You wouldn’t want your rival to be down in the dumps, after all.” The trainer was about to retort it had more to do with the fact he was her friend when the researcher continued: “Anyway, I’m planning to look into things in the Slumbering Weald a little more. See ya!”

Katla waved her goodbye, noticing that the crowd that had mostly dispersed now the action was over, chattering excitedly about the two Gym Challengers, and who they were supporting in the upcoming matches. The trainer hadn’t expected a history lesson to have resulted in a Pokemon battle, but when Hop was raring to go, there was little that could dissuade him. At least everything was still as they found it.

She was about to make her own way towards the Pokemon Centre when she glimpsed a familiar black and red coat, just visible behind one of the ancient stone columns. Her heart skipped a beat, and the trainer wandered idly over, pretending to just pass by.

“Hey stranger,” she said, glancing at the older man out of the corner of her eye. “Shall we find somewhere a little quieter?”

“Lead on.” His soft, deep voice replied, his smile clear within.

The pair walked away from the Hero’s Bath, making their way through Circhester’s numerous winding streets until they found an empty patch of land on the edge of town, a copse of snow-laden trees guarding them from curious eyes.

“I did not expect to find you and Hop having a Pokemon battle in the middle of the Hero’s Bath.” Kabu commented, a warm smile on his lips. “Especially so soon after your stupendous battle with Gordie.”

Katla blushed, chuckling shyly.

“O-Oh well, it wasn’t anything special, just a nice tough fight, went through all the motions...”

“Perhaps, but I'm very glad I had the good fortune to be in the crowd.” Kabu replied. “To witness the bond between you and your Pokemon is a privilege, whichever side of the field I’m on.”

“Aw, thanks.” Her face was burning up now, despite the chill in the air. “But you’re definitely flattering me now.”

“Nonsense.” His smile widened, twinkling in his eyes. “I am merely giving a masterful trainer the honours she deserves.”

“Stooop!” Katla giggled, waving a hand at him. “I’m not toast, don’t butter me up like this!”

The Gym Leader chuckled, making her heart skip its next beat and Murkrow feet crinkle in the corners of his eyes.

“You’re fun to tease, Katla,” he said, something soft to his tone that made her heart do a somersault, another in the series of gymnastics it was apparently performing.

“Don’t tell me the only reason you were watching us fight was to torment me later.” She replied, trying to salvage some composure from the situation.

“In truth, I was hoping to cross paths with you again.” Kabu said. “It was lucky coincidence that I happened to notice your sparring with Hop.” His smile widened. “More so that we now have this fleeting time to ourselves.”

“Yeah.” The young woman nodded, glancing around them. Aside from the occasional soft whisper of wind through the trees, the snow absorbed all sound, cloaking the pair with silence. “It’s nice. Just wish it was warmer.”

“Yes. I like to think I have adapted to Galar’s fickle weather patterns, but I have never managed to insulate myself from the cold, especially here.” The Gym Leader commented, creases appearing between his eyebrows. “You’re not too cold, are you Katla? We can find somewhere warmer if you need-”

“Oh no no!” She replied hurriedly, pulling her hoodie a little tighter around herself. “I’m alright, thanks Kabu. I just...I’m not really a fan of chilly places either. The only place I went to that had an Ice type gym that wasn’t freezing cold was Mahogany Town in Johto, and even that place had a chill in the air.” Katla gave a lopsided smile. “I guess that’s why I don’t tend to have many Ice type Pokemon. Prefer the heat over the cold.”

“Perhaps.” Kabu’s concerned frown remained for a moment, before he opened his arm out to her. “Regardless, if you are cold, come a little closer. I’m told I run hot.”

Katla hesitated for a moment, glancing behind her. Yet, safe in the knowledge that no-one would see them at a cursory glance, she took his offer, moving to stand at his side. To her surprise, he curled his arm around her, pulling her close into his body. Katla felt herself warm up, but she didn’t think it was just from Kabu’s heat.

There was a pause.

“Better?” He asked softly.

“Yeah. Thank you.” She shifted slightly closer, noting how nicely her body fit against his.

Another brief moment of silence passed between them before Kabu spoke again.

“You’ll be leaving for Spikemuth tomorrow, I presume?”

Katla nodded.

“Yeah. Hopefully it’s a little warmer than this place.”

“Once you pass through the icy stretch of Circhester Bay, you will be pleased to find it warms up again.” Kabu smiled. “Unlike the other towns and cities you have been to, however, it lacks a Power Spot.”

“Oh, so no Dynamaxing, then.” The trainer lifted a shoulder, smirking. “No skin off my back - pretty much back to basics for me.”

The Man of Fire’s smile was amused.

“Of course. Then Piers should pose little challenge for you.”

“Oh no, the last time I was that confident was against Opal, and, well, we know how well that went.” Katla replied, glancing away. “Besides, considering he’s just behind Raihan in rankings without access to a Power Spot, that probably means he’s a force to be reckoned with.”

She swore she saw Kabu’s silver eyes sparkle.

“Very perceptive. Now I see another facet in what makes you such a skilled trainer and Gym Challenger.”

Katla blushed.

“C’mon Kabu, we’ve been over this! Stop buttering me up.” As the older man chuckled, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “Wait. I don’t remember a Piers. He wasn’t at the opening ceremony, was he?”

“You’re correct, he wasn’t.” Kabu sighed. “Piers is very...independent. He and Chairman Rose have clashed numerous times. Piers cares deeply for the future of Spikemuth, and he blames the town’s misfortunes on its lack of a Power Spot.” The Gym Leader shook his head. “Whilst he prefers to keep to himself, it is clear to see the issue troubles him deeply. I only wish I could offer him answers for his problems.”

“I can understand why he’d probably not want to go to the opening ceremony, then.” Katla commented. “What does he specialise in?”

“Dark types.” The older man replied.

“Huh.” The younger woman hummed. “Reminds me of a guy I met in Alola. Kinda abrasive and aloof, but deep down you knew he really gave a shit.”

For a moment, she let images swim up from her memory - red eyes; glowing in the dark, a smirk; full of promise, his face between- and then she quickly pushed them down again, blinking hard and hoping that she wasn’t blushing. Again.

She glanced back up at Kabu, who was looking down at her thoughtfully, his eyes glazed as his gaze was turned inwards. His face didn’t betray his thoughts, however, when he resurfaced.

“Yes. Indeed...” A small smile pulled at his lips. “I don’t suppose I need to ask you if you've ever fought Dark types before, do I?”

“No.” Katla replied. “I’ve fought them before, and the Alola guy was specialised in them, so I know what they’re like in the hands of a master.” And weren’t those hands masterful- she quickly squelched that thought by adding: “Trouble. Very troublesome. I was lucky to beat him. Which is why I’m not gonna get drawn in to thinking I’ve already got this.” She stuffed her hands into her hoodie pockets. “Like I said, learned my lesson the last time.”

“Of course.” Kabu nodded. “Yet forewarned is forearmed.” His smile widened. “I have every faith that you will do well against Piers, Katla. I look forward to seeing your match.”

“T-Thanks.” The young woman couldn’t help but smile shyly, her face flushing. “It means a lot to hear you say that. I’ll do my best.”

The Gym Leader nodded again, satisfied, and a brief silence settled around them, like the snow that was beginning to fall.

“Guess you’ve got stuff to be getting back to as well.” Katla said, looking up at him.

“Yes. I will be taking a taxi back to Motostoke this evening to resume my duties. There are still trainers attempting my Gym Challenge, though it will not be long before their window of opportunity will close.” His silver eyes slid over to meet hers, a smile pulling at his lips. “I don’t think it will be long before at least two trainers will qualify for the Semifinals.”

The trainer arched an eyebrow at him.

“Putting the cart before the Mudbray a little there, Kabu. I’ve gotta beat Piers and Raihan. Either one could put an end to it.”

“Perhaps.” Kabu turned to face her properly, reaching out to gently take her hands. “But I have faith you can do it. I see the spark in your eyes, Katla. You have a burning flame that cannot be extinguished. I sensed it when I first met you, and felt it in our battle. I am sure you will make it through to the Semifinals.”

‘The Ever-Burning Man of Fire’ seemed an appropriate moniker for the Hoenn Gym Leader, with the way his touch seemed to cause Katla’s face and heart to heat up, the latter skipping a beat. His smile was as warm as his hands, and for a moment, they remained like this, Katla wondering how fate had brought her to this point in time.

And then Kabu leaned closer, paused, before he tentatively pressed a kiss to her lips. It only took a second, maybe just two, but the heat it caused, rippling out from the Galar trainer’s heart, seemed to sharpen every sense she possessed as if Katla had awoken from the deepest, most restful slumber she’d ever had.

She blinked Rowlet-ishly up at him, noticing the older man’s sheepish expression - despite his bold move, a blush was beginning to darken across his cheeks, and he glanced away.

Suddenly his scarf poked its head up, peering up at him with an inquisitive: ‘Si?’ Kabu’s blush darkened, and he chuckled at his little companion’s confusion, Katla unable to resist giggling too.

“It’s alright, little one,” he said softly, stroking the Radiator Pokemon’s flat head with his finger. “Be at peace.” The Sizzlipede’s eyes closed, and it trilled with pleasure before returning to its duty around Kabu’s neck, the young woman wondering if her blood was made of magma, the amount of warmth she could feel leaking from her heart.

“Looks like you took your friend by surprise.” Katla spoke, and almost kicked herself for trying to make light of the situation. He smiled shyly, an expression she never thought she’d ever see on the older man’s face.

“Yes. And several others.” He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “I...I apologise, Katla. That was...foolish of me.”

“No no, it wasn’t.” She shook her head, stepping closer. “You surprised me, sure, but, but it wasn’t unwelcome.” If she kept blushing like this, her face was going to get stuck this way. “I liked it.”

The trainer had to admit it was amusing to see his composure slip out of his fingertips again, his blush creeping across his face.

“Oh? Are you sure? I don’t want to- you mustn’t feel like you should accept my advances because-”

“Kabu.” It was Katla’s turn to grasp his hands, squeezing them between her own. “It’s fine. If I didn’t want it, you would know.” A pause, deciding not to provide the example. “I promise, I will let you know if we start going too fast or too far. I know this might be the first relationship I’ve ever been in, but I’m twenty six - I’ve been around long enough to know what I want and who I want it with.”

Her blue eyes met Kabu’s grey, the older man watching her intently. “Trust me, please?”

“I do.” He nodded. “I’m just-” A pause. “Forgive me, Katla. I worry.”

“I know.” She squeezed his hands again. “It works both ways, though. If you feel uncomfortable, or like I’m the one going too fast or too far, you let me know too, okay?”

“Of course. Of course.” He replied, giving her hands an answering, if more tentative squeeze. Another pause, before a shy smile graced his lips. “For this being your first relationship, you show considerable wisdom.”

“Heh, I’ve just been working from what I picked up from various places.” Katla chuckled weakly. “I’m pretty sure I’ve still got a lot to learn.”

“As have I.” Kabu smiled, giving her hands one last squeeze before he pulled away. “Anyway, I fear I have taken up more than enough of your time, Katla. My apologies.”

“It’s fine, Kabu. I’m more worried that I’ve been the one taking up your time, with you being a Gym Leader and everything.” A half-smile pulled at her lips. “But, before you go...”

As the Hoenn man gave her a quizzical look, Katla leaned up and pressed her own kiss to his lips, unable to hide her smile as he blinked widely, his blush starting to reappear on his cheeks.

“...Oh.” He uttered quietly, lifting a hand as if to touch an imprint she left behind.

“I, I better go.” Katla said, stepping away. “I-It’s been nice chatting with you, Kabu. We’ll talk again sometime soon, yeah?”

“Oh, yes, of course.” The Gym Leader replied. “Safe travels, Katla. Best of luck for Piers.”

“Safe journey back to Motostoke!” She waved, before turning to walk back into Circhester, trying restrain the excited skip in her step.

---

“Siiizz?” Kabu had been watching the young woman leave when his Sizzlipede called to him again, having uncurled just enough to give him a Look, one that he couldn’t quite identify.

Despite the cold snow settling over his bench coat and into his hair, his face felt as hot as his Pokemon’s belly scales, and Kabu swore his lips were still tingling from Katla’s kiss. He managed a lopsided smile at his companion.

“It’s, it’s fine, little one,” he said, again, although he found his gaze drifting back to where the trainer had gone. “She’s just...a very special friend.”

The Radiator Pokemon did not look convinced this time, tilting its head and quivering its fiery moustache. Kabu sighed softly.

“Perhaps...Perhaps a bit more than that.” He admitted.

[shadowphoenixrider]

(Wrote this on a whim, hope you like it.)

Katla woke with a start, mind racing and heart pounding, a weak cry knotting in her throat. She was greeted by darkness and quiet and warmth, and it took a moment for her to take stock in her surroundings.

No, she wasn’t on the top of Hammerlocke’s tower, standing alone in the midst of a cataclysm, unable to move as a Pokemon of great and terrible power loomed over her.

She was in Ula’Ula’s Police Station’s bed, sandwiched between three warm, sleeping bodies, safe and secure. Katla rubbed her eyes, holding back her sigh. Another nightmare. She glanced quickly down at her three lovers, reassured that they hadn’t seemed to have stirred with her awakening.

Whilst she should just lie back down and try to go back to sleep, the young trainer didn’t want to risk getting sucked back into her memories. So, with practiced care, she shimmied out from under the covers, and gently, carefully slid her way down and off the end of the bed. She checked back again, before she squeezed out through the bedroom door.

The moon was bright this night, helping Katla make her way through the hallway to the main room of the station, avoiding the slumbering bundles of Meowth that dotted the floor and other surfaces. It wouldn’t be long before one of them noticed her presence and tried to unsuccessfully wrangle a midnight feast out of her.

As she made her way to the couch, hoping she could find a place to sit for a while, a large shape lifted its head from it, uttering a deep, guttural purr.

“Hi Perla.” Katla murmured, voice thick from sleep. “Can I sit by you? Had a bad night.”

The Persian very obligingly shifted her paws and head out of the way to let the Galar trainer sit, before she rested them on top of her lap, her purrs rumbling into her. Katla sank her hands into the cat’s thick, soft fur, feeling her tension slowly bleed away. For about the fifth time, she gave silent thanks to Perla - she wasn’t quite sure how she’d earned her friendship and respect, yet the Classy Cat had paid her over more than she could count.

Katla leaned back into the couch, absently petting Perla and staring at a sliver of moonlight through one of the station windows. She was considering closing her eyes and trying to sleep here when a deep voice sounded out:

“Had another one, Spitfire?”

The trainer jumped a little, turning her head to see a pair of red eyes gleaming out of the darkness, then the stooped figure they were attached to. She sighed softly.

“Yeah. Bad one.” She replied, looking away. “I’m sorry, Nanu.”

“Don’t apologize.” He replied, shuffling towards the kitchenette, a Meowth uttering a quiet ‘mya?’ as they noticed him. “Tapu Cocoa?”

“Yeah, sure.”

After a minute and several various ways Nanu told his Meowth that ‘no, they weren’t getting fed in the middle of the night’, the Kahuna made his way over the couch, setting the two steaming mugs on the table opposite. Perla gracefully moved aside, letting her trainer sit next to Katla, the Meowth clustering around them, eyeing the older man with pleading eyes.

“Thanks.”

“Mmm.” Nanu grunted, leaning back and stretching his legs out, ignoring his audience.

There was a long moment of silence between them, filled only by the Meowth sulkily breaking off to return to their naps. It was a pleasant quiet - neither trainer nor Kahuna needed to say anything to fill it, especially since this wasn’t the first time they’d been here.

“Still feel bad for waking you.” Katla finally murmured.

“I wake if a Cutiefly sneezes.” He replied. “If you feel that bad about it, then cover for me tomorrow.”

A smile managed to pull at her lips.

“You know I do that for you anyway.”

“Well then, I can’t help you.” He lifted a shoulder. “Seriously Kat, if anyone knows what it’s like, it’s me. Don’t worry about it. Look after yourself.”

“I know. I just...”

“Kat, do you really think Stela or Sparks would be even the slightest bit mad that you’re doing this?” Nanu’s sharp black eyebrow arched up at her.

“Well...no-”

“Then there’s your answer.” He leaned forward, taking his mug with one hand, and waving with the other. “Don’t start. We’re all in agreement. Just sit here and get your mind off it.”

Katla opened her mouth to protest, but Nanu silenced her with a look. She sighed, taking her own mug. It warmed her hands, soothing her, though it could have just as easily have been the presence next to her.

“You can sleep here, if you like.” He spoke softly. “I’ll stay.”

She blinked up at him.

“Are, are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t offer otherwise.” He replied, stretching out an arm. “C’mere.”

Katla shifted in close to the Kahuna’s side, resting her head on his shoulder. He was taller than her, and although bigger than the slim trainer, he was still fairly lean, yet that didn’t seem to matter when she was tucked up next to him.

“Thank you, Nanu.” She whispered.

“You’re welcome, Kitty-Kat.” Was his reply somewhere in her thick brown curls, and she couldn’t help a smile at the affectionate nickname. I love you, she thought, hoping her would know by the way she nuzzled into his chest, listening to the sound of his heart.

[shadowphoenixrider]

Katla knows some Hoennese from her time living there, but of course, not as much as Kabu.

He teaches her little bits and bobs, but one day, after an exhibition match finishes a little earlier than expected, Kabu comes home to hear Kat practicing it.

She's a little embarrassed by it, but Kabu is touched that she would take the time for him.

[shadowphoenixrider]

I figured it’s long overdue time to post Katla references, so here she is! A smol spunky spitfire who apparently stole Kabu, Nanu, and @den-of-tigers‘s Stela’s hearts.

I know she looks like, 12 thanks to the model but she’s canonically 26, so she’d look more...like a grown woman, but ehhh.

Also she’s got burn scars on her forearms from being exposed to the immense energy and power of Primal Kyogre, which look like this. She usually wears long sleeves to hide them, and always lies to people if they ask her how they were caused. Only a couple of people know how they were actually caused.

So, yeah. *Will Smith pose* My babe!

[shadowphoenixrider]

(A self-indulgent little self-insert fic I wrote up so I could maybe stop thirsting over Kabu for five minutes. Hopefully this doesn’t awaken anything in me. Protag is 26.)

“Not on your way to Hammerlocke, Gym Challenger?”

Katla jumped at the sudden voice behind her, her eyes widening when the young woman saw who it was.

“Kabu!” Heat rushed into her face for reasons she didn’t really want to consider as she turned to address Motostoke’s gym leader. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t expect to see you out here.” She grinned weakly, inwardly cursing how she fumbled over her words. He’s just a man, calm down.

If Kabu was offended, he didn’t show it, his silver eyes seeming to twinkle.

“Likewise...Katla, was it?” He nodded as she did. “I expected you would be well on your way to your next challenge. Your friend seemed very eager to be away.”

She chuckled weakly, shoving her hands in her black trouser pockets.

“Yeah, that’s Hop for you. Running through everywhere at break-neck speed.” She looked over her shoulder at the place she’d set up camp, and the Pokemon that frolicked around it. “I prefer to take my time training and catching new Pokemon. We’ll get to the next gym in time, no matter how many times Hop calls me a Slowpoke.”

“Understandable.” Kabu replied. “It was clear from our battle that you spent as much time as possible training before it.”

A smile pulled at Katla’s lips.

“Figured it was only polite, seeing that you were doing the same in Galar’s Number 2 mine.”

The older man chuckled, a soft, warm sound that made her heart skip a beat.

“That’s very considerate of you,” he said.

There was a loud thrill from their feet, revealed to be a Sizzlipede, peering inquisitively up at the two trainers. Forgetting her company, Katla immediately crouched down to greet the creature.

“Hello sweetheart!” She cooed, stroking the little bug under her ‘chin’. “How’s the baby doing?”

The Sizzlipede replied in a very happy thrill, closing her eyes and starting to curl herself warmly around her trainer’s hand.

“I see you chose to catch a Sizzlipede during the Gym Mission.” Kabu commented, and despite his calm voice, she could hear a smile in it.

“Yeah, and a Litwick too.” Katla glanced briefly over her shoulder at him, still petting the Pokemon snuggling against her hand. “I’ve been trying to catch a Sizzlipede for ages, actually. I spent so much time on Route 3 hunting for one, but I never got even a glimpse. Eventually I decided I best keep moving, and one day I’d come back or find one somewhere in the Wild Area.”

“So when I saw I could catch one for your Gym Mission, well...Almost a dream come true.” She smiled as the Bug Pokemon glanced at her curiously. “Now I have this lovely little one to join me on my adventure.” Katla tenderly stroked Sizzlipede’s ‘cheek’ with her thumb. “A living memento of our battle.”

There was a pause, just a little bit longer than would be normal, and Katla looked back up at the Gym Leader, brows arched with confusion. Kabu wasn’t really looking at her, yet he wasn’t really looking at the Sizzlipede around her hand either, not really. His gaze was far-away and none of his thoughts reflected on his face.

He seemed to notice her looking, however, and he smiled properly. Damn, he looks handsome.

“It was an invigorating battle, for certain.” He lifted his gaze up and away, towards the body of water Katla’s Gyarados was swimming in. “Whilst I may not have anything physical to remember it by, I will treasure the memory.”

Katla felt her face heat up again, and she tried to ignore it, especially when Sizzlipede seemed to become curious about her blush, reaching up with trembling whiskers.

“You’re welcome. Glad I could provide a challenge,” she said.

“You certainly did.” Another pause. “When are you going to tell Hop your secret?”

The trainer’s heart froze in her chest. He’s bluffing, he can’t know. Keep talking.

“What secret would that be?”

Kabu’s gaze bored into her.

“You’ve had prior experience of other Leagues, Katla. I could tell from our battle that you’ve fought competitively before. Perhaps not in the form it takes in Galar, but the other more...’traditional’ Leagues.” Kabu said. “Can I assume that you’ve not told your friend about this?”

Katla looked away, pressing her lips together into a thin line. She tried to ignore the concerned noise Sizzlipede made as she sensed her trainer’s change of mood. Guess he’s rumbled me.

“You’re right on both accounts.” She admitted, soothing the Bug Pokemon. “I’ve done this sort of thing before. Couple of times, actually.” She sighed. “I didn’t want to tell Hop ‘cos...He can be annoying sometimes, especially with all that bloody ‘Champion’ talk, but he’s a sweet kid. Don’t think he’s got a mean bone in him. Just seemed a bit cruel to tell him ‘yeah no I’ve been doing this for years, kiddo’ - just seemed better to make him think we’re both on equal ground, you know?”

“He will find out eventually.”

“If he or I don’t get knocked out towards the end of the Challenge, then yeah. Probably.” Katla lowered her hand to the ground, letting Sizzlipede scuttle off.

“The longer you leave it, the worse a reaction he will have when you finally tell him.” Kabu warned, and Katla bristled.

“Yeah, I know! But I’m in too deep now and there’s never gonna be a good time to dump it on him.” She sighed, forcing her shoulders to relax to release some of her tension. “Knowing my luck, it’s gonna be when he’s boasting about when he’s gonna be the champion and I finally snap at him.”

“All the more reason to do it soon.” There was another brief pause, where Katla expected him to continue pestering her. But when he spoke again, his tack had changed.

“Which League did you start with?”

“League? Uhh, Hoenn. I came of age to get my first Pokemon there, despite growing up here, mostly.“ She rose up from crouching as he knees began to complain. “My first Pokemon was a Torchic. She became the closest companion I ever had. Still is, I think, despite all the other regions I've been to. Wish I could bring her to Galar, but I think that’d be a bit unfair on the other trainers!”

“Ah, Hoenn!” Kabu smiled properly for the first time. “That is where I’m originally from.”

“Really?” Katla’s eyebrow rose. “Dang, you’re originally from Hoenn, come to lead a Galar gym, and I’m originally from Galar, and I started off in Hoenn.” She chuckled, lifting a shoulder. “Weird how these things turn out.”

“Indeed. Torchic is a very good choice.” He titled his head to the side, eyeing the Drizzile about to pelt Gyarados with a water bomb. “But you chose a Sobble to begin your journey in Galar?”

“I’ve always wobbled between Fire and Water starter Pokemon.” Katla said. “I tend to gravitate to Fire and Flying types, but I like to keep a broad team. That and Scorbunny just...we didn’t jive. But Sobble did. She’s a pretty tough girl too.”

“She is. You have trained her well.” Kabu nodded.

“I know it’s par for the course, with you being a Gym Leader and all, but yours are really well trained too.” Katla said. “Definitely gave me and my team a tough challenge.” She started to smile weakly as she realized she was starting to babble. Shut up shut up shut up.

A brief moment of silence settled between them, watching Katla’s Pokemon amuse themselves. Gyarados and Drizzile played together, whilst a Corvisquire preened himself, throwing wary glances at the Boltund play-bowing at Sizzlipede. Despite their obvious size difference, the little bug Pokemon seemed eager to accept the bigger canine’s offer. The only other Pokemon keeping to itself was Farfetch’d, absorbed with cleaning his leek.

“I notice your Carkol isn’t among your team.” Kabu commented.

“No. I keep a big team, I have to keep rotating them.” A smile pulled at the side of Katla’s lips. “After winning your gym battle, I think she earned a bit of a rest. Need to give the others time to shine.”

“Of course. Training them all to the same high standard takes effort, and a lot of time.”

“Yeah. I dunno who runs the Pokemon storage systems, but I think I’m not much liked by them. I tend to catch a lot of Pokemon I caught before in other regions for other Leagues. I have two Roselias now, for instance - one from Sinnoh and one from here.” She chuckled weakly. “One day I’ll have to go through them and see who I can keep and who would be better off elsewhere.”

Katla winced, and she looked away, face heating up in embarrassment. “Sorry, I don’t mean to talk your ear off. You’re, you probably don’t want to hear about that boring stuff.”

“I don’t mind.” Kabu said, which she assumed was out of politeness. “But I have taken up enough of your time.” He turned to her, a small smile on his features. “I wish you the best of luck in your Gym Challenge, Katla. I will be watching your matches with interest.”

Now she was sure she was blushing, with her face boiling up as it was.

“Oh, well, thanks!” She managed to splutter out. “I’ll, I’ll try to live up to your expectations.”

“I’m sure you will.” Kabu replied. “So long as you are true to yourself, and unleash the potential I witnessed during our battle.” He gave a quick nod, before turning away. “Travel safe, Katla.”

“You too, Kabu. Bye!” He lifted a hand in response, before he jogged away, leaving the trainer alone with her Pokemon and her thoughts.

“Si?” Sizzlipede was at her feet again, peering up at her curiously.

“Hey little girl.” Katla smiled, crouching down to the bug again. Seeing its expression, she gave a lopsided smile. “Ah, it’s nothing. I just...I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

Sizzlipede trilled, reaching up to clamber onto Katla’s leg so she could receive some more pettings. Her trainer smiled, watching the Pokemon relax into her hand.

Kabu’s gonna be watching my next matches? Bloody hell, no pressure.

[shadowphoenixrider]

Katla might be small (and be a little fiery about having this pointed out to her), but she loves being picked up by her lovers.

She's more than happy to be hefted like a sack of potatoes by Kabu and Nanu, especially since Kabu’s strong enough to hold her with one arm. It’s not unusual for them to throw her over their shoulder if she’s being a particular gremlin at the time. (Nanu’ll sometimes cop a feel as ‘punishment’.)

And she’ll all but melt if Stela picks her up to cuddle and or kiss her.

However, she’s less enthused if she’s picked up by others without her consent. Whilst Raihan can pick Kat clear off the floor by the scruff of her hoodie, she will kick his shins in until he puts her down. Her much taller Pokemon do occasionally pick their trainer up this way too, but this is usually to keep her safe, either removing her from a situation, or taking her to someone who will look after her if she’s feeling a bit emotionally volatile.

Sometimes she does ask them to pick her up deliberately, though, and it’s not unusual to see her Gyarados very tenderly grab Kat’s clothes in her jaws and lift her up onto high ledges. (Kabu almost had a heart attack the first time he saw this happen.)

(Also one time she managed to get Kabu’s Centiskorch to let her stand on its head when it was GMaxed, which was the coolest fucking shit ever, and is convinced it would be more than a little badass if Kabu rode on top of his GMaxed Centiskorch’s head as a dramatic entrance. Kabu did not agree. Neither Nanu nor Stela was surprised upon learning about Kat’s little stunt.)

(Nanu: If a God couldn’t kill her, nothing will.)