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Hollyhock’s childhood wasn’t a happy one, but neither was it awful enough for them to feel justified in complaining. Though lacking love and true connections, they never tried to earn anyone’s attention, simply going through the motions and existing on a day-to-day basis. They were never happy, but they weren’t endlessly suffering; Holly figured that had to be good enough. The jealousy they felt towards kids with loving families went unspoken, deeply buried where it could never rear its ugly head, until it became nothing but a familiar festering wound. Nothing could ever fill the gap left behind by an uncaring family. The only friend Hollyhock ever made was Aster, and though they loved him, some part of them resented him for having what they could not.

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The only true solace Holly ever found was with their Pokemon. Steel-types spoke to their soul, cheesy as that was, and they connected with their team easily. Unpolished as their potential was, Hollyhock still ended up as a fearsome battler. Their skill only improved when they were taken under the wing of the Galar Steel Gym Leader of the time, Peony. Perhaps sensing Holly’s loneliness, he treated them like family, and they thrived under his tutelage. For a short amount of time, they felt what it was to have a parental figure, though they never said so out loud. Even their friendship with Aster improved: the unfair bitterness still lingered, but it kept waning and healing. Hollyhock was naive enough to believe that maybe their life would turn around, and they could finally be happy.

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Then, Peony retired from the League abruptly, giving up both his Champion title and Gym Leader title. Hollyhock took up the mantle gladly, but what they thought was their dream eventually turned into a nightmare. Everything seemed to go wrong endlessly, no matter how much time passed, no matter what Holly did. They made it into the major league only to be kicked out in no time when Kabu made his trainer comeback. Their rival and Kabu’s apprentice, Rush, consistently defeated them every time the two faced each other on the field. They were never once even half as skilled or intelligent as their mentor. The last insult was when Hollyhock made it to the top of the minor division… because Rush had retired from their role. Nothing was ever won because Holly was good enough. They hated themself. Worst of all, they hated the role they’d dreamed of, and worked so hard for.

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Eventually, Hollyhock could no longer handle the pressure. After being defeated by their fellow Gym Leader, Miles-the Ground leader after Rush’s retirement-they completely lost it on the field. Their horrible, screaming panic attack was caught on camera for thousands, millions even, to see, and at last Hollyhock hit rock bottom. This incident caused them to be suspended for mental health reasons, and having become a laughingstock overnight, they have yet to return. It could very well be the end of their career.

Aster

Best Friend/QPP

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They’ve been close friends since childhood. However, due to Hollyhock’s recent struggles, they haven’t properly talked in some time.

Rush

Former Rivals

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They were never actually on bad personal terms, but… yeah.

Character Name

Relationship

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