That single word echoed in his mind once he set foot inside his office and spotted someone on his sofa.
There she was, snuggling and cuddling on the soft plush of the black sofa bed. Her hair was still tied to a side ponytail, though teal and black strands now loosened after what he assumed was from her constant fiddling. Her hands tucked under the side of her head, acting as a makeshift pillow despite the soft pillows that were comfortably squished against her back.
The more he looked at her, the more disbelief hammered his head.
She looked so comfortable. So, utterly comfortable. After confronting Phillipe about why the hell she was peacefully sleeping in his office while he was away, all his right-hand man had to say were a sorry attempt of an apology and a baffling reason.
“She insisted, boss,” he said. “She said that if I didn’t let her in, then she’s just gonna brute force her way in.” He was actually serious.
Philippe did battle her. He, of course, lost against her.
It had been noon when Corbeau came back. It was quite a tiring day. Even when his grunts were there to handle the task, he found it in him to be present on the site himself to ‘gently persuade’ the target at hand.
It worked. Obviously.
The target was stubborn but his Scoliepede was stronger.
Hoping to get some peace and quiet for a while, he came back to his office with silent intimidation being his form of communication. Only a nod to Philippe and single glances at his grunt were all they need to know that he was not to be disturbed.
However, that silence was broken once he reached his office.
His train of thought popped when he heard a low mumble.
Sharp, yellow eyes looked down at the girl. She was still asleep, deep and pleasant, completely unaware that she was sleeping in the most dangerous place in Lumiose City.
He wondered if bravery overtook her rationality.
Or stupidity did.
Or both.
Pupils observed her every movement. She fidgeted and yawned, yet remained in deep sleep. Her body then turned to her back, one knee raised upwards while the other leg stretched forward.
His breathing hitched slightly to see her body.
She was still adorned in her favourite black, leather jacket. God forbid, he was both in awe and dumbfounded as to how she found comfort sleeping in such an attire. Her shoes were off, thankfully, and were placed nicely next to the sofa bed. Her black shorts—her frustratingly black short shorts—stayed snug on her waist and upper thighs. Lastly, her just-as-black thigh-high socks were still on her legs, comfortably worn with the material pulled lightly by her movements.
Dilated pupils moved to the tantalizing show of skin between her shorts and socks.
Her thighs, tanned and plump, mocked him at every sight. It was a marvel that she covered almost every part of herself and yet still left some skin that drove him mad. He wasn’t an idiot. He wasn’t blind either. He knew that the MZ leader of hers was also aware of how she was dressed. He had seen how the boy’s eyes moved to the parts where she left uncovered. Be it her bare stomach or the little gap of her thighs, the girl had a habit of attracting attention in a way she never expected.
And now, he was severely aware of her.
“Seika…” Her name was a lull that tranced him. Voice deep and husky from fatigue and faint desire, Corbeau took a step closer.
Her hands had moved, now rested comfortably on her chest and stomach.
His throat felt dry.
She was a fool.
A fool to come to a wolves’ den and not expected to be devoured.
She must be doing this on purpose. She must have ulterior motives. What else was there? She kept visiting him every week. She kept inviting him for weekly battles. As much as he had told her that she was welcomed in the Rust Syndicate, Corbeau hadn’t expected her to take the invitation personally.
It gave him a headache. But not once did she vex him.
All the battles. All the conversations. Hell, all the moments he was given the chance to lay his eyes on her; all of that brightened his days.
Not once did he expect someone’s presence to be a source of his joy.
However, the same presence was sometimes not the source of his peace.
Another woozy mumble.
Ba-dump! A louder heartbeat.
“Seika…” Her name was his favourite whisper.
“I wonder if you’re doing this on purpose.” Eyes fixated on her. Only her. One step forward, then his knee gently pressed against the sofa bed. “You can’t be that oblivious…” He lifted his right knee until it positioned next to her left leg. Left foot remained on the floor, though leg pressed against the plush sofa bed. Careful as he was, body nimble and movement gracile so that he wouldn’t wake her. “To be sleeping here…” Right hand held the headrest of the black sofa, “thinking you’re safe…” Left palm pressed on a spot next to her head.
“You’re an idiot…” He positioned above her, now hovering a mere inches away from her peaceful face.
She didn’t stir. Not a noise. Not a peep.
Only her breathing was proof of her living. Her breath brushed his face lightly, tempting him to lean closer. Like a man hypnotized, Corbeau observed every part of her face.
Such long lashes, teal and thick like her hair. Her nose was cute, teasing him to press a chaste kiss on it. Sharp, piercing eyes then slid down to her lips, coloured in black with a sheen that only ignited a delicious hunger in him. A cute little mole was seen on the top left of her upper lip. He’s noticed that way before, entranced by it even every time Seika opened her mouth to speak.
Now that he had a good look at it—at her—the hunger only deepened, now pooled lower to his groin.
Another stir.
He froze completely.
Thankfully, miraculously, she remained asleep.
“Mmm…”
Just as Corbeau was about to mentally sigh in relief, he instead took a sharp breath.
What a soft, soft sound.
And as he looked at her, his grip on the headrest only tightened to see a sweet, sweet smile.
“Haa…” His movements were controlled by a raging heart. His thoughts were clouded by her sweet, mouth-watering scent.
Closer and closer he closed the mocking distance between them.
Craving.
Begging.
Suddenly, a flinch on her waist slapped him back to reality.
Pupils shrunk slightly. Immediately, he pulled back and looked downwards. There, strapped nicely on the left side of her shorts, were six shrunken Pokéballs.
And they looked very, very displeased.
One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Three.
As if a spell had been broken, Corbeau blinked like a fool and blurted out a baffling chortle. “Alright, alright.” Voice a raspy calmness, he carefully pushed himself upwards and away from the still snoozing girl. “I’m not hurting your trainer.” Both hands were raised in mock defeat. Although tucked inside each ball, the man could observe such deathly glares from her team.
He knew better than to piss off her very protective Pokémon—no matter how reckless she herself could be.
Hands plopped to the side; he felt a frown form on his mouth. She was still asleep despite her Pokémon now being fully awake and aware of his presence.
Truly, not a sense of decorum existed in the frustrating trainer.
“Haaa…” Corbeau tipped his head backwards and moved one hand up to ruffle his hair. Still, like a gentleman that he was, he refused to wake her up and ruin such a tranquil sight.
So, without another word, the young man shook off his jacket and gently placed it on her waist.
“I’ll scold her later,” he mumbled, frown tickled to a tiny sliver of a smile to hear another sleepy grumble.
Ever since she showed up, everything he’s done has gone completely wrong.
He thought he had everything figured out. He thought his life would turn for the better. From the moment he was adopted by Chairman Rose, Bede legitimately thought he had everything at the palm of his hand.
But no.
He was supposed to be unbeatable. He was supposed to be the next Champion of Galar. People would see him for who he shaped himself to be. People would be in awe, would be at his feet to gawk at the marvellous trainer who was gifted by the hands of the amazing chairman himself. He had everything planned out. His first Pokémon. His first battle. His first victory. Everything was coming to his favour.
He had everything, and he would gain everything more.
That is, until she came into his life.
She just had to ruin everything! That single thought haunted him day and night. Thanks to her, he was disowned by the very man who gave him food and shelter. Thanks to her, he was robbed of his very desire to become Galar’s only hope. Thanks to her, he was dragged by a strange old lady and was visibly forced to shape up into a gym leader against his will.
Well…technically the last part was only half the truth. In time, Bede actually enjoyed and appreciated all the lessons – gruelling as they may be – and this, in time, actually made him into a stronger trainer than he was before.
Hell, thanks to her, he is now one of the most powerful gym leaders in Galar.
Gah! He shakes his head, anger and annoyance bubbled uncomfortably in his stomach. Hands run through fluffy white hair. Teeth grind together, jaw tightening before he opts to take a deep breath. Warm air puffs out of pink lips. He needs to stop, he thinks to himself. It has been 3 years since that happened. Life moves on, and so have they.
He’s moved on. He is moving on.
There is absolutely no reason to lament on the past. Orphan that he is, Bede cannot deny the fact that Opal is family to him now. Despite the harsh trainings and quizzes and all that pink, she is a loving and kind-hearted woman. Everything she did made him into the excellent leader he is now. Groan and whine and growl as much as he wants, Bede will never forget the fact that Opal is the only who…adopted him when he thought he would be alone all over again.
The old lady still has some spunk in her, visiting him once in a while after taking a break from her little travels. She is an estranged woman, no doubt, but it did not take long for Bede to see Opal as the grandmother he never had.
Not that the young man chooses to admit that publically anytime soon.
Oh well, he is sure Opal knows how he feels.
He just wishes the ex-gym leader wouldn’t know much about his feelings for a certain someone.
A sigh slips off his lips.
His train of thought reaches a halt when he hears an eerie caw. Violet eyes look up, spotting a dot of deep black growing bigger and bigger until it forms a shape. Hands tucked inside the pockets of his pink jacket, he takes a few steps back to let the Corviknight land soundly.
Violet eyes never stray away from the young woman who hopped off the back of the Raven Pokémon.
“Thank you, Hilda.” A smile graces those pretty pink lips. Her voice is all he hears, and Bede rues at the fact that his heart starts to pound a few beats faster.
Apparently that wasn’t the worst of it; the second a pair of crimson meets violets, Bede can feel himself breathless.
Oh, he hates this.
“Sorry I’m late,” she apologizes. Her smile still remains present. Still remains beautiful on such a pretty face. “I had to fly back home because I needed to give my mom something. Hope I didn’t make you wait.” Her voice ever so soft, so serene, yet lulls such confidence that comes from such calm teenager.
Ooooh, he hates the beat of his heart.
“You’re irresponsible.” Why would he say that? “Making me wait when I have a lot of things to do.” He really didn’t have anything to do today—and he didn’t wait that long.
Arceus, her smile is a knife to his heart.
“Sorry,” is all she says. Returning the Corviknight back into her ball, Devina shrunk the Pokéball before clipping it to the right side of her belt. “If it makes you feel better, how about I treat you to some ice-cream?” Head tilts slightly to the right. Fingers lightly brush the bangs of deep dark hair. Patiently she awaits his answer, completely unaware that her actions alone cause a whirlpool of emotions in his heart.
“Do you really think free food will please me?” It does. “I’m not one of your rambunctious Pokémon.” He really likes ice-cream.
He wonders what it would be like to see a frown on her face.
“So, no ice-cream?” she ponders curiously.
He does not want to see it anytime soon.
His left eye twitches. “I accept the ice-cream.” He huffs once. Defeats slowly looms within him, but he would rather bite off his own tongue than admit it.
The second his gaze fixates on her again, Bede then holds back a groan to see that smile beam brighter.
---
He wonders how the hell he got roped into hanging out with her.
Was it 3 years ago? No, 2 years to be exact? They were both 15 and still trying to get used to living lives as strong, famous trainers. Devina all the more had to accommodate faster. Ever since she was crowned Champion, task after task came flooding down on her until she had no time for herself. After saving the world from the second coming of The Darkest Day and basically defeating the so-called Unbeatable Champion in a span of a week, the girl definitely had her hands full to the brim.
He couldn’t complain much, though. He was busy prepping himself to replace Opal as Ballonlea’s gym leader. He overthrew her easily (as how he would explain it) and since then, only a very, very handful of trainers were able to defeat him in the yearly Gym Challenge. He guessed he should take pride on that. Trainers were able to see that he was a force to be reckoned with before they could actually see the real force that is the woman sitting right beside him.
It all happened the year after they’ve met that she started to form a sort of friendship with him.
Well…'try' would have been a more appropriate term.
She was relentless. One would wonder how such a calm and collected person could be so assertive and persistent. He was perfectly fine with seeing her as his rival. Nothing more. Nothing less. She is the Galarian Champion. He is the most powerful gym leader in Galar.
But one day came, and so did she. The first morning, Bede took it as nothing more than the usual training routine he had with Opal and the other Fairy Pokémon. The second he opened the front door, however, he was laid stumped at the sight of a smiling trainer right in front of his doorstep.
“How are you?” He remembers the first words that came out of that pretty mouth of hers.
“I was wondering if you’re free today.” He remembers how baffled he was when she admitted that.
“In that case, how about a battle? If I lose, I’ll leave you be to your things. If I win, you have brunch with me.” He remembers rejecting her invitation, then being baffled again, then immediately accepting her challenge.
He lost, of course. And Bede still wonders if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
It became a habit as time went by. Monthly challenges became weekly. Weekly challenges became weekly hangouts. From sitting in a café in Ballonlea with such an awkward silence around them to going around other places with many topics to converse, Bede wouldn’t lie that he was still dumbfounded at the outcome that is their friendship.
Friendship…
Her laughter brings him back to reality. Focused gaze lures to her, then stays perfectly put at the gleam of her smile.
It is the damn mushrooms. It is definitely the damn mushrooms’ fault for putting light into her smile.
“It was the first time I’ve ever seen Hop run so fast.” Snickers tickle their way out of her mouth. “Turns out he can outrun a Charizard, and an angry one too.” Fingers brush her giggling lips. Both sit on a log inside Glimwood Tangle. Of all the places they could explore, Devina decided to chill inside the mystical forest. To her, the place was peaceful and mystifying. And given that it is going to be winter soon, she loves that the forest is not too hot nor too cold.
Bede didn’t complain when she suggested today’s venue. If anything, he doesn’t mind any venue at all if it means being close to her—wait.
Wait… Realization kicks him right in the head. He flinches on the log, then freeze on the spot. Immediately he shakes his head. The strands of long, white curly hair softly slaps his face, but the boy was too preoccupied in making sure he never finished that thought—
“Bede?”
Shit.
Violet eyes snap open, pupils enlarge slightly at the sight of his rival.
Curiosity turns into concern. “You okay there?” Voice ever soft, she scoots an inch closer.
He feels the air getting colder.
“I’m fine.” Sharply he retorts, only to silently regret his tone at the sight of Devina being surprised at his cold reaction. “I just—tired, is all.” Quick. His mind needs to be quick. “Trainers have been coming to the gym lately and trying to battle me as training sessions. They lost, of course. But the amount of trainers this week took quite a toll.” Keep talking. Just keep talking and ignore her mesmerizing eyes.
Maybe he needs to get up and move away from her as well.
But like hell, “It’s really annoying…” He wants nothing more than to close the distance between them. “They just…can’t give up and realize that they’re no match for me and my team.” Words are out of his mouth, but sight is hypnotized by the fiery glow of her iris.
Silence fills the air around them. Only the soothing sounds of Shiinotics and Spritzees can be heard nearby. Two teenagers do not a muscle. One looks at the other quite quizzically. One wishes his body can be swallowed by the earth below.
Pretty pink lips part, then gapes. “A-Anyways—!” he stutters. “Why are we here?” Quickly he changes the subject. Quickly he breaks his gaze away before it can falter down to the shape of her lips.
She is surprised; he can tell.
“Well…” Hesitance bites off her next words. Fidgeting on her seat, Devina cocks her head upwards. “There’s a special reason why I wanted to come to Glimwood Tangle tonight.”
“With me?” Damn it shut up!
He wonders if the tiny fraction of silence was her being offended at his foolish reaction.
“Yeah…” She looks down. Slim fingers play with each other, one pad of her finger tapping the nail of another. “I mean, I know I could have bring Hop or Marnie along.”
To hear Hop’s name, to hear Marnie’s name; Bede doesn’t know why—he somewhat knows, but he rather does not want to know—but to hear those two names feels like needles poking his wild heart.
“But today is our day, you know?”
Whatever feeling of bitterness he felt a few seconds ago disappears in a flash. “What?”
She turns to look at him.
Her smile truly is brighter than any mushroom in Glimwood Tangle.
“Our day to hang out?” She adds on, meekly. “We always chill at different places a few times in a month. And I know you live in Ballonlea and this forest is practically your home, but I feel coming here tonight will make it even more special.”
Oh, she is definitely aiming to make him die of suffocation.
“O…okay…?” His reaction this time is not out of spite, but out of sheer bafflement. Like every other time, Devina truly has a knack in knocking him right out of his comfort zone. He takes a sharp breath, then exhales in a slow, shaky manner. “I don’t want to sound like I’m not having a good time.” Believe me, I do. “But what’s so special about tonight?”
She didn’t answer immediately.
Instead she remains silent, yet her mouth slowly curls that smile he adores so much. Without a word, Devina looks at the giant mushrooms a few steps away from them. Taking the silent signal, Bede dumbly brings his gaze to the colourful fungi.
As is right on cue, the mushrooms glow brighter.
The colours are warm and soft and mesmerizing all together. But unlike the other times where they only glow when touched, these mushrooms begin to glow on their own. Shock paints the man’s face, then awe comes next as the mushrooms start to gleam and sparkle like crystals.
One by one the fungi around them shine. The sounds of Pokémon nearby are music to the twinkling mushrooms, probably in awe as well at nature’s beauty. A colour of pink, blue, lavender, and green paint the forest. The leaves and tree branches sway gently by the touch of calm wind, and this cast glorious shadows on the ground thanks to the shine of the breath-taking moon.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Her voice. Her voice is all it takes to make him come back to reality.
He didn’t realize he was holding a breath, for Bede gasps silently as he looks at her. She is so enthralled by the sight of nature’s gift. She is so absorbed on the sound, the music of floral and Pokémon. Both hands lie on her sides, palms pressed gently against the log.
Ever since she showed up, everything that has happened was completely not part of his plan.
“It is…” She is the biggest inclusion of this unplanned fate.
The glee of enjoying the sight around her turns to surprise when she feels something caressing the back of her right hand. Her head turns to his direction. Crimson eyes widen in silent shock. Smooth cheeks redden at the heat of the moment. She is a sharp person, so Devina holds a short breath when she realizes the very close distance between them. Pink lips part slightly, though she is at lost on whether to ask if everything is okay or to just call out his name—
All of that is flown out the window when she feels soft lips against hers.
Eyes are round as they can be, then immediately shut tight in a second heartbeat. Oh man! The words scream in her mind. Oh man! Oh man! Though panic seems to ring her brain, unspeakable joy burst inside her racing heart. Body now trembling slightly from hand to toe, Devina brings her right hand closer to his, fingers intertwine like perfect puzzle pieces. Breath still held firmly in her lungs, she tilts her head slightly, further deepening the kiss.
And this…her actions alone…the fact that she is returning his kiss…Bede feels as if there are fireworks exploding in his chest.
Emotions completely overpowering what little common sense he has, he brings his hand to cup her face. It’s soft…he wonders. She’s soft… Palm gently caresses her cheek. Fingers slowly slides upwards until they brush the short strands of dark hair. Nerves rattle him endlessly at the physical contact, yet he wants nothing more than to have her desperately close to him.
Chu… He presses the kiss again. Chu… And again. Chuu… And again.
Eyes closed and lungs ache at the baited breath, Bede whines slightly and brushes the tip of his nose against hers. He feels her other hand grip his arm. He feels those soft lips brush his own. The little whine that escaped causes his mouth to part slightly, and Bede feels like melting into a puddle when he feels her lips on his lower lip.
“Bede…”
Her voice feels like a pair of scissors that cut the strings that kept him afloat.
Immediately he snaps his eyes open. As if being kicked by her Cinderace, the young man gasps sharply before pulling apart way faster than they like it to be.
“I—!” Words fail him horribly. “I…I—!” Oh dear fuck, what has he done?
Though darkness consumes the area of the forest, Bede can perfectly see her under the light of the moon, stars, and glimmering mushrooms. He can see her face, flushed and red and utterly kissable. He can see her eyes, quite heavily-lidded with eyelashes fluttering at every needy blink. He can see her lips, parted and wet, deliciously inviting him to taste what he has been missing all along.
Saliva tastes like rocks as it slides down his throat.
“I need to—” He has ruined it. “I just…!” He has ruined a perfectly sound friendship with someone who has the common decency to like him for who he actually is. “I—go—!” He doesn’t know why, but the thought alone pricks tears in his eyes.
Not taking a chance for her to respond, Bede jumps to his feet and runs away.
…Or at least, he decides to, if not for the fact that he has forgotten the young woman before him apparently is way stronger than she looks.
“Wait—!” Impulse works faster in terms of verbal and physical reactions. Actually forgetting her own strength, Devina grips his hand that still holds hers and accidentally tugs him downwards.
“What the—!”
Plop!
“Oof!”
Thankfully, the ground is soft.
Unthankfully, the young woman above him is made of flesh and bones.
Everything happens so fast. The first minute, they were sitting on a log, talking and enjoying their little moment. The second minute, they were kissing – intensely, he might add – and thought of nothing but her body pressed closer against his. The third minute, he remembers panicking, then trying to run away, then being forcibly chucked down by the strength of what society calls her ‘The Divine Champion’.
And now? Bede only groans in ache as his elbows press against the soft soil.
It takes him a moment, but heat then paints his face to realize his rival whom he has kissed like a hungry fool is now leaning against his body.
The mushrooms still glimmer beautifully. The wind still hums its soothing tune.
But by Arceus, not even the Alpha Pokémon itself can rid the raging wave of emotions in the gym leader’s heart.
He then hears mumbles on his chest. “Uh…” Like a fool, he gapes. One elbow still placed as an anchor, Bede nervously moves his right hand towards her. “De…Devina…?” His hands shake terribly. He knows damn well she can hear his heart screaming like a mad Loudred right now. “Devina…?”
“Don’t go…”
His hand flinches and hovers near her back.
Truly he is at lost for words for the hundredth time tonight. He remains frozen in place despite the ache in his left elbow. Bede feels a shiver—her shiver, his shiver—and this drives the boy nothing more than the need to wrap his arms around her.
“Bede…” Her voice rumbles against his still chest, against his drumming heart. Hands clutching the front of his jacket, Devina takes a deep breath and looks up at him.
Arceus take him now for her longing gaze is a surely the reason for his death.
“Don’t go…” She repeats. Legs brought up until her knees touch the soil beneath them. This allows Bede some room to breathe properly—which he still fails—and this also allows Devina to adjust herself so that her weight won’t crush him.
She is now leaning on his chest, though. Not that he’s complaining.
“Bede, I…” What will she say? What will she do? She already yanked the poor guy onto the ground. The least she could do is get off of him. “I just…” But no. Instead she just tightens her grip on his jacket.
Mouth pressed softly against his chest. “I love you…” It is now or never. “I… Please don’t go…” Her face is hot. She really wishes winter will come falling to her body now. “I love you…” Unable to handle the pressure of the moment anymore, Devina presses her face against his chest.
While the young champion wallows in shame, Bede is too busy being flabbergasted by her confession.
“I love you…” Did he hear her wrong? “I love you…” Did the impact of her pull and weight actually killed him and he was sent to heaven?
Violet eyes widen, sight sharpen then blur then sharpen again. Time feels as if it has stopped for them. If Bede didn’t realize that he has been holding his breath for a good minute, he sure does now as he gasps out loud in shock.
Devina doesn’t know what he is feeling right now. She is too afraid to even look at him right now. As much as she wants to run away from this, ironic that is sounds considering a few minutes ago, the champion only lingers on his body until she grimly awaits the second Bede pushes him away out of disgust and hatred—
Her body startles, but she feels herself being dropped downwards.
Quickly she brings her head up. Crimson eyes widen in shock, pupils dilate and enlarge at the quick adjustment of darkness and light. She then sees Bede lying on the ground, one arm draped across his eyes while the other spread to the side.
Man, she surely is feeling so many emotions in one night; she is just glad Starlight is sleeping soundly inside her Friend ball or else the Hatterene would definitely throw a violent fit.
He isn’t saying a word. Neither is she.
Both wonder if they can stay like this until the next morning.
“…ou…too…”
Confusion sparks her mind as she tilts her head. “Uh…what?” Deciding to not get off his chest, Devina instead scoots closer. “Bede—?”
“I said I love you!” His arm flings away from his face, and he is equally startled and glad that he didn’t accidentally smack her head.
Well, they sure are feeling a lot of emotions right now.
Their faces mirror each other. Cheeks burn like a thousand suns. Their heartbeats now boom as one. Their bodies still and shiver in a mixture of shock and glee.
“I…” Ever since she showed up, he has the tendency to pour his heart out to her.
Unleashing a sigh of great defeat, Bede finally just throws his arms around her. “I love you…a lot...” Very thankful that her face is close to his, the young gym leader lifts his head to plant a short kiss to her lips. Stifling a shy groan, he shuts his eyes and let the earth take him.
Her body jolts slightly at the hug, at his kiss, at his confession. Did she hear him right, she wonders. If this was truly the trick of some trickster Pokémon, Devina really did have the right mind to unleash and awaken all six of her Pokémon to hunt the cruel being down.
But to feel his embrace, so warm and snug. To hear his rapid heartbeat beating against hers. Devina can’t beat back the smile that shakily, shamelessly grows on her beet red face.
She giggles once. Twice. Then laughs gleefully before nuzzling into his neck.
Arceus, she will be the death of him as he flinches from the delicious contact.
“I love you, Bede!”
Ever since she showed up into his life, Bede has known nothing but wonderful happiness.
His smile grows wider and wider. Laughter then accompanies her own. Not caring about the flushed red that burns right to the tips of his ears, Bede lifts his head again to press a lingering, loving kiss to the top of her head.
“I love you too, Devina.”
END
She reassured him. Tone confident yet soothing. It laced with so much trust. Trust that he thought he could never deserve. They sat on the bed, facing each other in a distance that bore such heat at every ticking second. One sat cross-legged while the other kneeled in a position that allowed the person to jump away at any time.
She never moved away.
His name was called again. Softly. Reassuringly.
A low growl grumbled inside his chest.
He kept it in. Swallowed it whole. He knew the young woman wasn’t afraid of him. She was more than capable to take him in a fight. More than capable to slice his throat with a single flick.
She had the power and strength to do worse than what Gwi-ma could have ever done; to die again is to be eternally lost. Neither heaven nor hell. Only a hollow abyss would welcome an executed demon.
She could send his soulless corpse there if she wanted to.
And yet, she had chosen this.
The sound of his name rang into his ears again. Shoulders flinched. Arms stiffened. It wasn’t until he heard the ring of her amused laughter that he slowly eased his body. Lips pressed from a quiver; Mystery looked at her.
Heat tickled her cheeks, her neck, every time she locked eyes with such hypnotizingly golden irises.
She prided on her willpower. If given the chance, she would’ve pounced the second she saw his face for the very first time. Granted, the first ever moment was when the two fought, and Zoey took a swipe of him with her magical knife. Mystery dodged in time, but the sheer force of her swing pushed his long bangs aside to reveal what she had been missing out all along.
She was thankful she didn’t kill him. It would be a shame to lose such a mesmerizing face.
What was once a shallow crush had now become something more.
Hatred turned to wariness. Wariness turned to sympathy. She couldn’t believe that it had been a year since Huntr/x and Saja Boys once tried to kill each other. Things happened, and emotions flared wildly between the two groups that no one expected the result being all of them working together to stop Gwi-ma.
The Honmoon became golden—but only for a brief moment.
The Huntr/x knew they still had a long way to go before stopping the demons for good.
But for now, their other objective was to help teach and train the demons who tried to escape Gwi-ma and prove themselves for a second chance in life.
One of them being the one on her bed, sitting and looking at her with a mixture of patience and anticipation.
The room was too quiet. She could hear a manic heartbeat.
Taking a deep breath, Zoey moved her hands towards his. Sim, slender palms held much bigger ones. Immediately, she saw him flinch again. A tiny yelp could be heard. An adorable twitch could be seen.
He was doing his best. She was grateful to know that he was too nervous to realize that she was too.
Keeping her gaze locked with his, Zoey brought his hands forward. Warm, soft palms were placed on her cheeks, each a redder glow the second his touch was felt.
It was okay, she reminded him again.
Gold eyes grew brighter.
As she released her grip, his hands remained on her face. Her cheeks were soft. Warm. Human. Everything he wasn’t. Yet, he persevered, choosing not to betray her trust that he long craved.
Choosing not to shatter her love that he desperately hungered.
A breath was held. A gulp was swallowed.
Steeling himself, Mystery leaned forward. Slowly, his eyes closed. He saw that hers was too. They both anticipated this. They both wanted this.
Finally. Finally. His lips met hers.
It was chaste. Brief. He brushed such soft pair of lips as if they were the most holy thing in the world. A tiny chu sound echoed in room, lingering in their ears far too loudly than their racing hearts.
Before Mystery could pull away—self-control; he needed that—Zoey decided to tell him that he should rid of it entirely.
The hunter didn’t know what had gotten into her to encourage his next move. She was a patient woman—somewhat. She was patient enough to make sure he’s comfortable and trustworthy. She was patient enough to help him adjust into humanity. She was patient enough to see him transform into a demon and cup his giant, tusk-like fangs.
She was patient.
But tonight, as stars and moon blanketed the cold, night sky, she decided that her patience should be rewarded.
Arms nimbly wrapped around his neck. Once again, his shoulders jumped at the sudden contact. But unlike before, realization and comfort adjusted quickly. He felt her lips again, this time pressed deeper, more eager. A tiny hum tickled through her mouth, brushing his upper lip.
Snap.
A growl was heard.
Louder. Deeper.
Before she knew it, Zoey had landed on her back with a soft, “Oof…!” Her arms still wrapped around his neck. Hands now lightly tugged his soft, violet hair. Though her eyes were still closed, her breath hitched to feel Mystery jutting his tongue out to lap across her panting lips.
Hot air exhaled. A muffled squeak was heard.
Their tongues met in her mouth. Breath once again burning inside her lungs, Zoey twisted and twirled around his tongue in a little dance. For a brief moment, she wondered if a demon’s tongue was slightly bigger than a human’s—for she knew damn well it felt far less normal than any human.
A hungry mouth met her upper lip. She felt human teeth at least, and groaned in approved pleasure as Mystery nipped and tugged with gentle force. Instead of the noise echoing inside her quaint room, it instead lulled inside his thirsty mouth. He drank all of her, sucking every delicious sound that spiralled blood straight to his aching groin.
One hand cupped her burning cheek while the other—now transformed into a purple, demonic claw—tore holes into the mattress right next to her head. Knees pressed against the soft bed, straddling between her legs. Though he was careful as to not squish her with his weight, Mystery firmly grinded his hips against hers.
His cock, frustratingly clothed still, hopelessly pressed against her cunt that was also layered by articles of clothing.
A faint, squishy sound was felt between her legs.
Embarrassment burned the tips of her ears.
Obsession drooled at the corners of his mouth.
Chup! Finally, he broke the kiss and aimed directly at her neck. Hot air huffed through a panted mouth. Claws now dug deep into the mattress. Once, twice, thrice, he gasped heavily. Trust was given to him, finally, after many centuries of wondering if he ever deserved it. Love was bestowed upon him—finally, finally—after many centuries of thinking he could never deserve it.
He didn’t want to lose this.
He didn’t want to lose her.
Worry almost took root inside his withered heart. However, he then saw as she tipped her head upwards, giving him silent permission to lay his fervent desires on her.
If hesitance lingered even just the tiniest bit before, it definitely was gone for good once he felt her legs wrap around his hips.
It was okay, she laughed softly.
It was okay, she moaned meekly.
He felt her again. More and more as she grinded her soaked cunt against his throbbing cock.
It truly— “Rgh…Zoey…!”—was okay.
That thought was the only cohesive thing in his mind before it was clouded by her name and her name only.
this was actually a fun rewrite practice from my oooold fic Jealous Mask and uh. lol yeah HAPPY FINAL FIC OF 2025!!!
She didn’t pick up his calls.
He called her multiple times. Pride be damned; Silver stomped his stubborn pride just so he could call her every 10 minutes in hopes that the insufferable ringing sound was replaced with her—far less sufferable—voice.
Alas, it was to no avail.
“Fucking—” A curse cussed through clenched teeth, “—hell!”
One fist banged the surface of a wooden fence. The lovely sounds of children laughing and Pokémon chirping fizzled immediately the moment they reached Silver’s ears. All that could be heard from him was the sound of the Pokégear’s ring, ring, ring! Even if he moved the device away, a single twitch of an eye couldn’t be held back as the sight of her name on the screen mocked him severely.
Damn him and damn her for not picking up!
“Kotone.” Her name seethed like embers through his nostrils. Shoving the device back into his jacket, Silver formed one fist with cupped hands and landed his forehead against it. His elbows rested firmly against the wooden fence, soft material of his black jacket scraping across possible splinters.
Where is she…? Violet eyes glimmered maliciously under the shadow of his hidden face. It had been almost two months since they last met. And while Silver first found that to be a blessing, it irked him that he started to see it as a curse.
Finally, he found some peace and quiet. Finally, he could focus his attention on training and obtaining the Johto badges properly. Finally, he could improve on his battling skills and surprise her with a rematch that would knock her pigtails off.
However, when the moment did come and he really did feel ready, the second he swallowed his pride and tried to find her, she was nowhere to be seen.
No matter, Silver thought before. She was always MIA. The girl couldn’t sit still if her life depended on it. She was always on the move. She could be in the bright blue sky or deep dark oceans. While he was always a few steps ahead of her during their journeys, she would always find a way to go around him. Hell, she was able to thwart Team Rocket’s ridiculous plans before he even reached their hideout.
But now, as the second month rolled the year, concern started scratching the thundering shape of his heart.
After the whole incident in Dragon’s Den, Kotone made it a habit to visit him every week. Most of the time, they would battle. Other times, they would just sit by the lake and enjoy a nice picnic. What Silver first found as a nuisance was soon replaced by comfort every time she appeared in his line of sight.
Of course, that was something he would never admit to her.
He had her number. Of course, he did. He had a Pokégear of his own. Lance was nice—and rich—enough to give him enough reward money for him to buy his own Pokégear. Silver hated feeling like charity, so Lance ensured that the money he earned was something he obtained through his determination, strength, love, and skill.
Silver found it bullshit, but he wasn’t going to pass up on some cash.
And now, after a few years of their unlikely rivalry, Silver had Kotone’s number. Arceus bless him; he somehow got her number through her perseverance and annoyed insistence. He was surprised she wasn’t being annoying with her calls. However, she did like to send stupid messages and emojis. It wasn’t bothering him as much as he’d expected. If anything, he now looked forward to her simple ‘Good morning’ or ‘Look what I found!’ texts.
Again, not like he was willing to admit all of this to her.
But that was a few months ago. A few months since he’d ever seen her face. A few months since he’d ever heard her voice. Yes, he still got her messages every now and then, but an irritable part of him told him that it wasn’t enough—that this wasn’t enough.
He needed to see her.
His head almost dropped to the fence when his elbow slid backwards.
“Fuck!” Once again, he shoved one hand inside the pocket of his jacket and yanked the Pokégear out. Screw the judgmental stares of people around him. All Silver ever cared right now was to meet—to battle Kotone.
The first step in doing so was to fucking see her.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?”
Ah, as if his patience wasn’t strained enough.
The young man ignored the bearer of such a conceited tone. Sharp, violet eyes remained on the screen, on the lone name who was twisting knots inside his stomach.
Sadly, Green was known to make himself known.
“Come on, now.” Casually leaning against the fence and next to the stiff redhead, Green flashed a lazy smirk. “Ignoring your mentor is quite rude, you know? I thought we established that you need to be respectful towards your elderly.”
“Fuck off.”
The smirk broke into an amused laugh.
Despite the deathly glare Silver was giving him, Green didn’t budge from his spot. Silver could be the most threatening creature in the world, and the older trainer would still find him entertaining. Despite the redhead’s past—it didn’t take long for Green to have access about Silver’s family background due to his gym leader privileges—he knew that Silver was nothing like Giovanni. The gang leader was notorious and dangerous, and if it wasn’t for his and Red’s intervention, Giovanni might have succeeded in conquering Kanto.
Hell, if it wasn’t for Kotone continuing the legacy of stopping Team Rocket and befriending its sole heir, Green wondered if their fates would end up differently.
Brown eyes observed the still grumbling trainer. Even though he had never personally talked to Giovanni himself as gym leaders, he learned that the man was poise and had an air of irresistible charm. No one dared to deny his wishes. Everyone was willing to cater to his whims.
And as for his son?
Silver had his own charms, one that might rival his own flesh and blood. Even as a teenager, he made sure to have no one dare to deny his winning desires. He made sure to have everyone willing to see the very strength he and his team made out to be.
Both father and son were impactful in their own sense—quite concerning so. Green was just glad that Silver was…a good person, to put it lightly.
His laughter died down, revealing the casual grin he so loved to wear. “So, what’s got you in a twist?” Hands tucked comfortably inside the pockets of his pants. “Usually, I see you training 24/7 with either Lance or Kotone—”
The mention of her name made Silver stifle a growl.
“—and it’s been a while since you’ve been to the Viridian Gym for a little sparring session.”
“Why?” Finally, Silver snapped, head turned to him. “Battling you is a waste of my time. And if I’m not there to get your badge, I see no point in using my full potential against a cocky idiot like you.”
Dear Arceus, how the hell did Kotone handle him, Green wondered.
A slow shake of disappointment moved his head. “I may be cocky, but you gotta admit that my lessons work.” One hand ruffled his hair backwards. “No one can resist a great Pokémon battle from the great Kanto Gym Leader. You’ll be lucky enough to even get a single attack off my Pokémon.” The same hand then gently thumped his chest. “Hell, I have a nearly undefeatable record! As the former Champion of Kanto, it’s a miracle to even find a single opening in defeating my team!” A boastful laughter echoed the bright blue sky.
There it was again; the leader’s annoying bragging. Silver only remained quiet in hopes that he would shut up and walk away.
Unfortunately, Green stomped those hopes. “Besides, who else are you going to go to if you want tips on how to defeat your rival?”
At this point, Silver knew Green was doing this on purpose.
“I don’t—!” He stopped, then took a deep breath. The corner of his right eye twitched again; it was starting to give him a headache. “I’m capable of defeating anyone.” Intentionally, her name was restrained from flowing across his tongue. Anger slowly boiled to one of quiet vexation, Silver broke his gaze from him. “Still…” Nice. He should be nice. “Thanks…for the help.” He looked the other way. “Sometimes.”
A grumble bubbled inside his throat to practically hear his disgusting smirk.
“That’s my junior.” Even though the boy was tall for his age and had a scowl to match any dark-type, Green couldn’t help but find him adorable. While Kotone was a bouncy ray of sunshine who had an adorable pout every time he teased her, Silver was like a Purrloin throwing harmless hisses whenever he could even think about joking around with him.
Ah, he was lucky to have two cute trainers who could look up to him—even if one trainer would rather die than admit it while the other was an unstoppable, undefeatable force no matter how many times they battled.
Arms crossed, Green shook his head again. Head tilted to the left; he cast a peek at the bright screen of a black Pokégear.
Brown eyes flickered mischievously under the sun’s kiss. “Ah,” was all he said next.
Realization seemed to splash Silver like a cold bucket of water.
Jolts of electricity prickled his skin upwards. Quickly, Silver moved the device to his back.
Alas, he was too late.
“Sooo,” Green inched closer, his grin sickeningly wider, “looks like you’re itching to fight someone first, huh?”
Run. Silver wanted to run or punch or kick or run.
Instead, he froze in his place and kept his gaze averted from the bastard leader.
If there’s one thing he learned about Green: He was ten times more insufferable than Kotone.
“Did you call her yet?” Swirls formed at the corners of Green’s mouth. “Or are you waiting for the right moment, lover boy?”
Snap.
There goes the last line of patience.
“I am NOT—!” A single shout reached a pitch at the last word. One hand squeezed his Pokégear, fingers roughly tight around it that might shatter if he wasn’t careful. The other hand snatched the collar of the leader’s jacket, catching him off guard with a single pull.
“O-Oops!” Immediately, Green raised his hands to either side of his head. “Now, now! I’m just kidding, Silver!” He might have taken it a bit too far. Maybe. With swift movements, Green found his footing and tried to lean backwards.
Silver didn’t let go, but his grip loosened. Red had burned his face. Whether it was from anger or embarrassment, neither could tell. “I wasn’t calling her. And I wasn’t looking forward to battling her.” Though his voice levelled down, he berated with white teeth flashing blaringly. Tiny canine teeth could be seen, and it made Green wonder if the young man was actually a Purrloin in disguise.
“Alright, alright,” Casually, Green waved his hands. He knew better than to ignite the redhead’s temper, and yet he still did it. The least he could do now was to let him calm himself down before an actual fight could happen in public.
Thankfully, Silver let go. His hand still lingered around Green’s collared jacket. Body froze momentarily, insides vibrating from the intense emotion just at the mention of a single name.
The thing was: Green didn’t even say her name.
Who cares right? Flames flickered to a roaring fire inside his head. Who cares about her? I certainly don’t. Head dropped down. Teeth gritted madly. I’m making a fool of myself. He always did around her. I don’t need to battle her like it’s some kind of validation. I’m my own trainer. I can be stronger even without battling her! Thoughts echoed like a hollow chamber. Face still facing the ground, Silver had his hands hovering and shaking in front of Green.
A few seconds of intense silence passed by. Worry started to etch the leader’s heart. He watched as Silver stayed still, possibly fighting with his dilemma about the whole ordeal—about one singular trainer.
Wow, and here I thought I had it bad with Re—
He then heard a dumbfounded chuckle.
“Uh…” Worry began to bloom another in his heart. One hand carefully reached towards Silver. “You okay, Sil—?”
“That’s right…”
The hand stopped.
“Haaaa…that’s right…” Silver’s shoulders shook slightly. “Who needs her…” The words slurred as a breathless chuckle. “I certainly don’t…” Hands had dropped to the sides, shaking just as much with fingers clenched. “I certainly…don’t…” Violet eyes were hazed with gloom. “I don’t need…her. I don’t—need her. I don’t—” Mouth began to prattle emptily. “I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her, I don’t need her…”
Words turned to incomprehensible mumbles the longer Green let him be. Any longer and he swore he could see a smoke of hopelessness coming out of the young man’s mouth.
It seemed that Kotone had a much more powerful influence on Silver than he thought.
He needed to do something before someone could call the cops on the poor guy.
“Hey,” Mouth etched to a concerned frown, “Silver, cheer up—”
Ring, ring!
For a second, it felt like time had stopped.
One heartbeat, Green was reaching out towards him.
And the next, smack! “Ow!” He retracted his hand once it accidentally hit the top of Silver’s head who had straightened his back.
A flinch was all that was reacted from Silver for all his attention was now solely focused on the ringing black Pokégear.
Pupils dilated at the one name that had been taunting him all day long: Kotone.
Without a single thought, he accepted the call and slapped the device— Ow. —onto his right ear.
“Hello?”
Silver wondered if the sun got too hot suddenly.
His body still shook, but colour regained back in full force on his face. “I—” Dear fucking God, he was a moron. Ignoring the apparently painfully grumbling man in front of him, Silver spun his heel and faced the fence. “Kotone.”
Good start.
“Silver!” The other line chirped. “Oh God, I am so sorry for not answering your calls! My Pokégear was on mute while I was trekking up the mountain and I forgot to turn the sound back on!”
A loud thump, thump, thump of his heart echoed on the other ear. “I—okay.” Realizing his foolish mistake, Silver blinked and quickly shook his head. “Wait, no, it’s not okay!” Irritation sparked softly within him. “Do you realize how many times I tried to contact you? You could be dead for all I know!” He knew she didn’t deserve a scolding, especially from him of all people. But hurt seemed to control his words next, for all Silver could sputter now were affirmations of his pain of her not returning his calls. “Next time, when I call you, pick up!”
Silence filled the air between them.
The older trainer stared in stunned disbelief while the younger one seemed to huff and puff as if he’d ran a marathon.
Thankfully, Kotone sounded actually guilty. “I’m sorry…” A sound akin to movement of a sitting position was heard. “I’m calling you now. And I’m so, so sorry, Silver…”
Ah, it frustrated Silver just how much she affected him.
Hurt was immediately stomped down by immense guilt. Teeth nipped the insides of his lower lip. She had finally called him. He had finally heard her voice. The last thing he wanted was to make her upset.
Damn him.
“I—know.” Mouth gaped out a few sighs. His free hand massaged the wrinkles between his closed eyes. “Sorry for…shouting at you.” Nice. He should really remember to be nice.
He knew he had an audience next to him who was witnessing the downfall of his sturdy pride but he couldn’t care less at the moment.
“Kotone…” Voice lowered to a whisper as if her name was a delicate twinkle that could fade away. “I just… It wouldn’t hurt to keep people updated on what you’re doing.”
Silence was on the other line. But before Silver could have panic reigning in, embarrassment instead plummeted through when he heard her say, “I’m sorry for worrying you. I promise to text you where I am next time.”
Green actually felt delusional to think he was able to see smoke puffing right out of Silver’s head.
“I didn’t mean me!” Arceus, how could one rival make him lose his mind so much? “I said ‘people.’ ‘People’, Kotone!”
Arceus, how could the sound of his rival’s laughter make his heart clench so tight?
“Yes, yes.” Back was her giddy tone. “And you are ‘people’ too, Silver. So, I’ll make sure to update you— Oh, yeah sure, you can have that.”
The need to argue with her simmered once he realized that she wasn’t alone. “Are you busy right now?” A cringe stretched his face; what a stupid question.
“Oh, not much!” She said between sounds of rummaging and…another voice?
It was then that Silver once again felt his muscle tense.
A male voice.
“A-Ah, wait Red! That one’s for Damien!” Her voice grew a bit far as a sign that she had moved her mouth away from her own Pokégear. “That one is for your Pikachu. I don’t think he would appreciate eating super spicy stuff anyways—”
“Kotone.”
Everything was played out like a show in front of Green. Firstly, he saw Silver fumble like a panicked idiot. Secondly, he then saw him grumble and growl; he knew Silver wanted to be left alone but Green chose to not give him that luxury. Thirdly, the redhead got pissed off and almost punched him—as he deserved. Fourthly, Silver’s Pokégear saved the day and Green didn’t need to see the name on the screen to know who it was to make the younger trainer fluster in pure adorable annoyance.
And now? Green only observed in silent amusement and confusion as his junior literally vibrated from contained fury.
His head was down again, long red bangs cascading down to hide his haunting face. The Pokégear was still positioned next to his ear. Green could hear faint sounds of who he assumed was Kotone. However, no conversation was made next, and it made him wonder what happened on the other side of the line that made Silver fume.
Curious but cautious, Green crossed his arms and slid one step forward to try and hear a peek.
“Who—”
Silver’s voice, deep and guttural, actually made the leader stumble a few steps back.
“—is Red?”
With hands back to positioning on either side of his head, brown eyes widened in surprised to hear the demonically seething question.
Eh? was all that popped into his head next. Did he mishear him? Were Silver’s growls a bit too animalistic that it sounded almost like a certain someone’s name?
The redhead didn’t continue, but he knew Kotone was talking on the other side.
And judging by Silver’s widened glare, he knew he heard right.
Without a single word, Green silently took out his own Pokégear and typed a message to Red:
yo red. question. are you with kotone in mt silver now?
A few seconds flew passed them. One was tapping his foot patiently while the other was the incarnation of a burning fire.
Ding!
Brown eyes looked at the screen as one thumb swiped the notification downwards. The same pair of beautiful eyes then rolled to see his rival’s reply—which was just an emoji of a thumbs-up.
Even through texts, he was a man of few words.
“Seriously man…” Brown eyes glanced at the still fuming redhead. He was still on the line, though his voice reverberated as low growls at every word he spat. Like the colour of Silver’s hair, red could be seen in such wide, violet eyes.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out what Silver was experiencing.
Like the redhead would admit it, though.
A lazy sigh escaped Green. Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind. Immediately, a grin—much more sinister and devious—curled the corner of his mouth. “Hey, Silver.”
Fear actually bristled his skin to see him sharply turn in his direction.
But Green didn’t let that stop him. “I know where Kotone is.” Flashing his Pokégear around, he only bit back a snicker to see a glint of sheer murder in a pair of violent violets.
------------------------------
Kotone gawked at her Pokégear. The call had ended seconds ago, but the memory of Silver’s erratic responses had her confused.
First, he scolded her. Then, he meekly apologized. Next, his voice got so strangled that Kotone thought Giovanni had come back from the dead and appeared before him. Although the trainer didn’t see his face during the call, she knew Silver enough to know that something was pissing him off. Terribly.
She should call him back. Just to make sure. It was the least she could do after seeing 18 missed calls from him—
Wait.
18 missed calls.
Her heart fluttered at the thought that Silver was reaching out to her—that he was looking for her.
Why did Silver call her multiple times, though?
The young man rarely talked whenever they met. Hell, every time they did meet, it was always by her request. Other than that, their meetings were mostly coincidental.
What was so important that he had to make sure he reached out to her first?
A sad, defeated sigh escaped a forlorn smile. Knowing him, it was probably for a battle. All their meetings would usually start or end with a Pokémon battle. Kotone couldn’t deny that her rival was getting stronger and smarter. She found it endearing. She found it charming. None could deny that the way he delivered commands to his Pokémon looked dashing. More times than she’d like to admit, the bubbly trainer almost lost her focus during battles just because she was fixated on how attractive he looked.
Silver was a very handsome man despite his vile personality; that, Kotone could not refute.
She never saw herself as lucky to have such a good-looking rival before. She was too busy being angrily disappointed at his crude way of handling Pokémon. His negative outlook on life pissed her off when they first met. It wasn’t until a year of their rivalry and…unlikely friendship that Kotone started to see the better side of him.
And by God, what a side it was.
Kotone never realized just how lovely the colour of his eyes was. Usually, those eyes would either squint or glare, depending on whatever he felt like feeling with her actions that day. It was a hypnotizing shade of warm violet. Each iris glimmered softly whenever he looked at something that intrigued him—and he was easily intrigued these days.
Silver’s hair was long. It was long and red and she wondered what it’s like to run her fingers through such crimson locks. Was it soft? It looked soft. Silver now had a place to live and she was pretty sure he had enough money to afford shampoo and conditioner. That rival of hers usually let his hair down unlike hers who loved to keep her hair tied to cute pigtails. His hair was loose and wild, yet kept and smooth. Every time they met, Kotone could only stare in meek silence as Silver combed his hair back with his fingers after every fight.
Maybe she should buy him a scrunchie.
Maybe—actually, most definitely—he would question her in utter contempt.
Despite the cold weather outside, Kotone felt heat burning her face.
Physical attributes aside, the woman couldn’t deny that he was beginning to soften around his team and—to her glee—her.
Silver was a man of few words; he only said when needed to. She was doing most of the talking. At first, she was hesitant to do so. After all, he made it clear before that her presence was a nuisance to him. So, Kotone took it slow by having weekly battles with him in the Dragon’s Den. She then took a step further by cooking some food and packed them for their little picnic.
She remembered how baffled he looked when he saw her Togekiss holding a basket of delicious food.
She remembered being speechless herself to see him actually eating the food she made.
Her heart fluttered.
He was scowling less. Silver’s favourite expression was ‘The Glare’. And his smile usually resembled more of a sneer. Kotone rarely saw him smile. Even when he ate her food, he often hid his reaction by looking away. Oh, it pained her so much to want to see how he truly felt, but Kotone respected his stubbornness and decided to just appreciate what she could get.
Her patience was rewarded, of course.
How could see forget the day Silver finally defeated her? It was just in front of Indigo League and Silver actually waited near the entrance. She herself was surprised; it was one of the rarest instances that he had called her first. He wanted a battle. He wanted to prove himself that he was treating his team better.
And he had proven it with a victory.
As her final Pokémon had fallen, both trainers were gaping in silence. All that was heard was Silver’s Sneasel prancing around a fainted Ariados and meowing about in sheer success.
Kotone would never forget that moment.
Emotions swirled in her heart like whirlpools.
Surprise. She was surprised at her loss. She rarely lost since she started her journey. Despite not knowing much about Pokémon at first, Kotone took it as motivation to learn more and form a team that felt both like family and unstoppable.
Pride. She also felt proud at the person who had defeated her. If she had been defeated by the old him before, she might feel disappointment instead. But no. Time had passed and Silver became better. So, happiness did bloom when she felt pride bursting for her rival.
It was when she looked up to see his face that she felt the strongest emotion of all: Awe.
His smile was genuine. Bright. His laughter rang like bells at the outcome of the battle. At first, Kotone saw that he was shocked himself. He had finally beaten her. He had finally proven to her that his own form of love and care was enough to strengthen his team. She then remembered seeing him break into a baffled laugh. It wasn’t until his Sneasel hopped into his surprised arms that Silver finally shook his head and met her gaze.
How could she ever forget the most charming smile that had now engraved itself onto her screaming heart?
Immediately, she shook her head and quickly slapped her cheeks.
“Are you okay?”
“Eeep!” A sheepish shout became her response. The voice that called out to her wasn’t loud in the slightest. Hell, it almost matched the pace of fallen snow that was occurring around them. Swiftly, Kotone turned her head to the side, only to see the older trainer who looked as if he too was startled by her reaction.
“S-Sorry!” God, her face felt hot. “I just…” Shame spiralled in a pair of hazels. “I was—thinking.”
A short enough answer, dumbfounded as it may be.
Still, it was enough for Red.
Nude pink mouth curled a pleased smile. Nodding once, he took a seat next to Kotone. The thick log they were on was blanketed with a thin layer of snow. It provided some soft comfort for their butts, and the thick layers of clothing prevented them from having chill piercing into their skins.
Heat still kissing her cheeks, Kotone returned his smile. The man didn’t talk much. He was the clear opposite of her. However, she found comfort in him. Outside of battles, Red looked far less intimidating. While their encounter was totally coincidental—Kotone practically screamed when she thought she found a dead body at the peak of Mt Silver—they soon found solace in each other’s presence.
Red, the legendary Pokémon Master, didn’t speak much. The second their eyes met, he initiated a battle. And who was Kotone to deny such an honourable request?
The battle was intense. Far intense than Kotone had ever faced. It was clear as day that Red’s team was notoriously strong. Despite the blizzard that slapped and grazed their skins, Kotone felt heat burning in her veins.
It was a baffling miracle how she was able to beat him.
Even more so for Red who had never lost a single battle.
Red eyes were fixated on the girl next to him. Maybe it was because she was the first ever person to defeat him. Maybe it was because she gave such an addicting energy during the battle. Maybe—just maybe—it was the shocking fact that she didn’t back down and gave it her all for a stranger.
His chest felt warm.
“Hey, Red.”
Her voice, like little bells chiming on a nice spring morning, rang in his ears. Red returned her gaze with a curious tilt.
That was a sign for her to continue. “Have you ever had a uh…” Arceus, how would he describe Silver? “Rival…” Close enough. “Yeah,” she assured herself with a nod, “let’s go with that. Have you ever had a rival who’s just so…confusing and frustrating?” Genuine concern and curiosity twinkled in a pair of hazels. Since Red was a trainer too, she figured he also had a rival who helped each other become stronger.
It didn’t surprise her when he nodded.
It did surprise her when he spoke.
“I do.” His voice was gentle like a winter breeze. “He’s stubborn. And he gives me headaches.” A small smile tickled his mouth. “He did help me a lot. We became stronger together. We fought Team Rocket together.”
A small gape formed her mouth. “You did?” The news shouldn’t be new to her; she knew Team Rocket was disbanded because of him. Hell, she remembered seeing it all over the news about a pair of teenagers who stopped the organization from taking over Silph Co. and ultimately Saffron City.
Green’s face was frequent in the news while Red’s was rarer. He might be camera-shy, she assumed.
Still, that didn’t stop her from feeling such amazement. She was in a presence of a legend, after all.
To see her look at him with such dazzling eyes, it brought out a sincere chuckle from Red.
“He’s still my rival.” Memories lingered to the cocky childhood friend of his. “We’ve gone through a lot and…he did get angry at me for stealing his ‘Champion’ title.” That single memory still hurt; he reminded himself that Green had forgiven him. “But all is well. I think.” The young leader did visit him from time to time—Red hoped that that meant their friendship was fixed.
It took nearly two years, but it was better than nothing.
As Red reminisced on his past, Kotone only looked at him with a soft smile. “Green means a lot to you, huh.”
Red eyes blinked in surprise at her statement. Once again, his head turned to her. One eyebrow was raised.
“I mean…you did say you stole his ‘Champion’ title, so I guess it’s Green, right? Unless I’m missing another newbie champion whose title you stole.” Warm cheeks were accompanied by her laughter. “Besides, since you talked about the whole Team Rocket thing, I remembered seeing Green’s face a lot in the news. You were rarely shown, though.” Legs slowly slid upwards until her arms rested on her knees. The right side of her head rested comfortable on her stretched arms. “So Green was your rival, huh?”
Arceus, she was adorable.
Lips pursed to a smile. A single nod was given.
Her smile widened to a one brighter than the sun. “Funny that he never brought you up.”
Red eyes rolled upwards. “He’s just like that.”
“Egoistic?”
Another nod.
Surprisingly enough, both their laughter brushed along the breeze around them.
His legs crossed as he enjoyed their conversation. Who knew that she was so easy to talk to? Besides Green, Red could only remember talking to either his own mother or his team. Although the latter was more of a one-sided conversation, Red didn’t mind; as long as he felt comfortable, he saw no problems with it.
He wasn’t much of a talker. Even in battles, his Pokémon knew him well enough to read his body language for any specific command.
But now? In this moment?
His lips felt loose. His smile felt light.
“Why did you ask? About the rival thing?”
Hazel eyes twinkled like little stars.
His chest felt tight.
Her smile faltered, just the slightest. “Yeah…” Head still rested on her arms. Kotone broke her gaze. “I have uh…an egoistic rival too, I guess?” Though, Silver was more callous with an ego to match. “Lately, he’s just giving me mixed signals.”
“How so?”
Ah, if only Silver was this easy to talk to. “We battle every week. Sometimes I like to bring food and we eat together. He rarely shows that he appreciates the visits, but I think he enjoyed them?” A dejected shrug. “But lately, we haven’t met for like, almost two months and suddenly, I have tons of missed calls from him.” Her heart fluttered yet her chest tightened at the memory of one single redhead. “When I did call back, he decided to scold me, then apologized to me, then suddenly asked me weird questions with a scary voice.”
“How scary?”
“Like he—” She stopped. Maybe it was best not to bring up Silver’s lineage to Red. “Like someone just spat on his whole family.” Grim giggles were swallowed. In a way, the Pokémon Master did do just that.
Unaware of her hidden smile, Red pursed his mouth. Thoughts seemed to swirl in his mind. What would he say? What would he advise? Clearly, this rival of hers was a handful. Albeit not as much as Green, it was clear that Kotone was having trouble too.
It reminded him of himself during his earlier days as a newbie trainer.
The side of his index finger tapped his lips. “Maybe…” Red eyes squinted in serious thought. “Maybe…”
Seeing that he was seriously finding an answer, Kotone leaned closer. “Maybe…?” she repeated, voice peeping with flickers of inquisitiveness.
“Maybe…” The same hypnotizing eyes widened. One fist landed on his left palm. “He was hungry.”
His reasoning wasn’t loud, per se. The exclamation matched the tone of a person speaking in a casual way. That being said, his words alone made her straighten her back in stupor.
The only sound that could be heard next was the sound of cold wind.
“I—what?” she asked, bafflement still splashed on her face.
He was serious when he looked at her with a proud smile. “He’s hungry,” was what he repeated. “When Charizard gets hungry, he gets cranky too.”
The only sounds that could be heard next was the sound of said Charizard playing with Kotone’s Typhlosion from a few steps back.
If it was anyone, they might seem like they’re joking. But Red wasn’t just anyone. He took his conclusion just as seriously without a single doubt. A small smile curved the corners of his mouth. Huffing once, a few nods were given as if he had reached an agreement that was happening in his head.
The internal meeting popped like a balloon when he heard rowdy laughter.
Surprised, he looked to the side. Kotone was clutching her stomach, laughing and guffawing out puffs of warm air at his smart deduction. Cheeks bloomed in pink. Body shook in mirth. The white puffy hat on her almost slid forward as the girl curled closer to her knees.
The sight made his chest tighten even more.
“Oh, Red!” One gloved finger wiped a single tear on her eye. Delight still sparkled in a pair of hazels. Who knew Red was such a kidder? At first glance, he looked like a terrifying myth who only appeared in people’s tales. Very few knew his existence. Very few had challenged him and witnessed his devastating strength. Kotone herself had become his opponent so she too had seen just how fatally capable Red was in battle.
However, unlike the rest of the world, she was the very few who was seeing the many layers of the living legend.
A flutter of heartbeats drummed by. Finally, Kotone eased herself by taking a few deep breaths. “Sorry,” she giggled, clearly feeling unguilty. Cupping her pink mouth, she cast a peek on the silent man. “That’s certainly…” Hazel eyes rolled to the side momentarily. “One way to put it.” Palms pressed together before Kotone rested them next to her right cheek. “Though, I don’t think that’s the case.”
His smile swirled to a playful one. “You never know.”
Her breathing hitched briefly at the sight. “I’ll test that when I see him.” Feeling ticklish, Kotone scrunched her nose.
Pupils dilated. A quiet gasp was released.
His chest tightened again. He found it hard to breathe. He knew it wasn’t because of the cold weather.
Red sat there quietly, memorizing every feature that radiated upon her face. The sky was dull yet the sun had beamed right next to him. Even when the cold breeze had rasped into his skin, not once did a shiver break.
This girl who defeated him was warmth that seeped into his soul.
“Hey, Kotone…” His voice was gentle as snowflakes that kissed the tip of her nose.
And yet, she heard him.
“Mm?” A cheerful smile easily tickled the corners of her mouth. Kotone tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze that was held such soothing intensity. Her legs stretched forward. Her back straightened comfortably. Gloved hands patted her cozily-covered thighs.
The next action took her by surprise.
Hazel eyes widened as Red leaned closer. However, she didn’t move. Maybe shock had held her still. Maybe confusion stifled her muscles from moving an inch. All she saw was a burning fire that revealed her baffling expression.
The cold suddenly felt unbearable as it pierced through her clothes.
Face burned ablaze, she opted to just close her eyes.
A squeak was then smothered behind pursed lips to feel a featherlight touch on the tip of her nose.
Her shoulders flinched. One had instinctively reached out to the closest thing possible—in this case, the side of his jacket.
A chuckle was then heard. Just as soft and faint like a gentle morning breeze.
Immediately, Kotone snapped her eyes open. Stupor splashed her face as she gaped at the now laughing trainer.
“You had some snow on your face.” The side of one pointy finger was raised to rest upon his laughing lips.
Ah, shame now truly shook her body.
“Red!” Realizing that she was clutching his jacket, Kotone immediately released it and gave his shoulder a playful whack. Joy accompanied the embarrassment that now kissed her face. His laughter was infectious for she too began to huff out a few chortles that lit up the dull cloudy sky—
“Kotone.”
Just as joy was bursting between them a few breaths ago, it immediately died down at the sound of a deep, grave voice.
Like clockwork, she stopped. Kotone knew that voice anywhere. It was the voice that often lulled her to sleep when she let her thoughts wander off. It was the voice that roused her heart into a rapid pace every time it brushed into her ears.
It was the deep, husky voice that she missed so much for the past two months.
Her hat whipped as she looked forward. Gasps of air exhaled right out of her at the sight of the boy who had taken root in her heart. “Silver!” Boots planted into white snow as she hopped to her feet. Bafflement still clouded her mind on whether to form a smile or a gape. “You’re here!” Instantaneously, she walked towards him. One thing was for sure, relief and excitement burst anew when she finally met her beloved rival.
However, the second she stood in front of him, it seemed that Silver looked anything but pleasant.
Eyebrows furrowed to a tight stitch. White teeth flared brightly amidst the pure snow. A shadow of sheer outrage dulled his sharp face.
Silver rarely smiled; this was nothing new to Kotone.
However, for him to display a raw emotion of pure, unbridled rage was a rarity to her—and one that kept her guard up immediately.
Pink mouth parted, yet warm air replaced the desire to speak up his name.
His gaze didn’t fall on her. No.
Wide, violent violet eyes were drilled at the man who was standing up in a frustratingly nonchalant manner.
When Green told him where Kotone was, Silver didn’t think twice and commanded his Alakazam to teleport to the destination. He knew about the infamously dangerous place so it made sense that the Psi Pokémon only brought them to the bottom on the mountain. Once arrived, the redhead wasted no time, returned his Alakazam, and took out his Crobat so that he could fly him to the top.
God bless him for the Bat Pokémon’s strength to carry his trainer and Silver’s involuntary bicep workout from the countless times he’d clung to his only flyer.
The freezing wind was unforgiving. Silver could feel frostbite biting and scraping through the thick materials of his clothes.
But he couldn’t care less.
He couldn’t care less.
Not when the second he arrived at the top, all he saw was Kotone—his rival—sitting close to some man who wasn’t him.
He shouldn’t care.
Why should he care?
These were rational thoughts that were supposed to occupy his brain. Kotone was his rival. Nothing more. Nothing less. What she did in her personal life was none of his business. She never badgered him about his life outside of battles, even when she was a tiny bit of a nuisance every now and then. Silver respected that. He respected her for being mindful and he should respect that whatever decision that she made that didn’t involve him was something irrelevant.
However, the second he saw the annoying bastard lean closer to her, Silver grimly learned that all her decisions were way, way relevant.
“You.” The single word seethed like fire. Fists tightened. Body shook. Although the cold wind was ruthlessly enveloping him, he felt maddeningly hot. “Get—” Word seethed like poison through clenched teeth. “—away from her.” His voice levelled, not once pitching a scream that echoed amidst the heartless blizzard. Yet the tone was guttural, gurgling in his throat as burning violet eyes burned at the legendary trainer.
Obviously, fear not once tickled Red.
He took a few steps forward.
And while he did, snap, snap, snap.
FLASH!
In a matter of seconds, his entire team appeared behind him. Four flashes of red zipped out of the Pokéballs on his belt. Four giant, dreadful creatures stood before him. As if summoned, the blizzard got stronger, disrupting anyone’s vision until all they could see were dark shadows and blank, haunting glares.
Panic drilled Kotone on the spot.
Before she could say a word, a single scream instead popped out of her mouth once she felt harsh wind zipped right past her. Instinctively, she gripped something for leverage, hands reaching out for Silver’s sleeve.
BOOM!!
A Charizard landed roughly next to Red, right on the thick plane of snow, sending a dust of dirt and clear crystals flying about. A Pikachu hopped from his teammate’s back to his partner’s shoulder. Not once did their ruthless glares break away from the new opponent—or based on what they had just seen, a possible enemy.
Gone was the demure joy that blessed his cheeks. Gone was the warmth that pooled in a pair of crimson. The legendary trainer now stood in his place, reminding all who saw him as to why he was called ‘The Pokémon Master’ in the first place.
Any person seeing this would be terrified.
Any person who witnessed what he was capable of would just turn tail and run.
However, Silver was far from being just any person.
Blood boiled the second he saw the man. Red burned his face. Chills pricked his skin. Fury and peril burst anew inside his chest. His breathing rasped, both from the intense air and the far more intense atmosphere. The moment he saw what was going on, Silver knew this trainer was not a joke. His team was far from what one would call normal. The trainer himself posed an air of dominance that ruled over the treacherous mountain.
This same trainer was also the one who had the balls to lean closer to his—to Kotone.
Pupils shrunk and drowned in a pool of violet.
Words were silenced at the sight. Movement made up for his lack of voice; his hands had reached out a Pokéball from his belt. Violet met crimson. Resentment clashed against animosity.
The moment felt long, torturous.
“Silver, stop it!”
Finally, Kotone blinked away her stupor and continued to tighten her grip on his sleeve. A shout meeker than the raging wind reached his ears. “You just arrived and the first thing you do is wanting to battle? Calm down!” She shook the tall boy, though the action felt useless as Kotone felt like shaking a stone pillar.
Violet eyes stayed glued on the silent man. “He started it.”
“You instigated it!”
Whack!
The slap on his shoulder wasn’t painful in the least, but it did finally snatch Silver’s attention from Red.
“HE WAS TOUCHING YOU!” The statement wasn’t meant to be yelled out loud. It was supposed to stay in his mind, letting it rot and simmer as a memory that would forever tear wounds on his heart.
Unfortunately, he was never one to think before he speaks, and this mindset had become the bane of his existence.
Both trainers now gaped. One in shock while the other in horror.
The Pokéball in his hand lowered, fingers stiffening around the red and white object. Soft, pale pink lips remained opened. Head frizzled and clouded with excuses to fix his foolish mistake.
He was too late.
“Why would you care that he touched me?”
His ears were burning.
“I—” Reasons. He needed to find reasons!
Sadly, for him, Kotone was always the fastest between them in terms of communication. “All Red did was brush off some snow from my nose.” Her hand remained on the black sleeve of his now cold jacket. “He didn’t hurt me. He didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.”
The words tickled a smile from Red. The words tore a snarl from Silver.
“And besides,” A part of her started to hope, “even if all of that happened, why would you care?” A foolish part of her started to believe what her heart had promised her.
Lips now tightened to a painful purse. Silver looked away, yet avoiding his gaze at the other trainer in fear that wrath would continue to cloud his judgement. “You’re…just…” Deep voice choked to mumbles. “You’re…” His head looked to the other side. His eyes stung from the snow. His throat hurts from freezing air.
But damn it all. The pain in his heart was truly the most unbearable one.
The wind was still howling around them. Red only stared quietly, at first in malice but now in confusion. Sensing his change of behaviour, his team calmed down as well, waiting for a command while also being curious at the events that were spiralling before them.
Kotone waited in anxious excitement. Both hands now moved to his left arm. Just in case Silver decided to fuck all and bail by using his Alakazam, hazel eyes peeked and ensured that the Psi Pokémon’s ball was still snapped in place. “Silver,” she tried again. “I’m…what?” Her body shivered; she knew it wasn’t because of the cold.
The blizzard thankfully eased—much to Silver’s chagrin. “I just…” The gears in his brain started to grind and halt, removing every matter of excuse known to man. “You…” Hot. He suddenly felt hot. His body froze yet his mind scream. Kotone wasn’t a strong girl, per say. He could easily yank her grasp off him if he wanted to.
But knowing that she now stood beside him. Knowing that she was now close to him after those horrible, horrible months…
“Silver…?”
Ba-DUMP!
Fuck, he couldn’t breathe.
Violet eyes peeked at Alakazam’s clipped Pokéball. He knew that if he played his cards right, he could take Alakazam out and escape this torment—
“Alright, alright!”
Damn it!
As if a huge string of tension had been snapped, Kotone and Red brought their attention to the mastermind behind all this chaos.
“Yo!” Like a man shameless, Green walked towards the trio. “How’s it been, Kotone?”
“Green!” Her grip loosened; shock turned to glee at the appearance of another familiar person.
Silver hated that he hated how happy she sounded.
A sweet smile curled to see such a bubbly response. Walking past the younger trainers, Green casually patted Red’s vacant shoulder. “And how have you been, Red?”
Ever a man of few words; Red only pursed a disapproval frown.
His thoughts came crashing down on Green as plain as day: You did this.
A single wink, guiltless and gleeful, was given as a response. “Isn’t it nice that we’re all gathered here together today on a beautiful Sunday?”
The violent howl of the freezing wind sang sarcasms into their ears.
Cupping his hands, Green brought his attention to the girl. “I see you’ve met Red already. Damn,” A single shook of the head, “and here I thought I could introduce to you the most frustrating rival I ever had.”
Amidst the blizzard that enveloped the air around them, Green knew he heard a grumble beside him.
His joke slowly began to ease the aggravation in the air. Her smile brightened, nervous heart slowly calming down as she focused on the Viridian leader. “It was by accident, actually.” Hazel eyes looked at Red and his—now relaxed—team. “I was just hiking up Mt Silver because I was curious to see why it’s so dangerous to people—”
“You went up—” Silver stopped her, violet eyes now glaring at the reckless rival, “—despite knowing this place might kill you?”
“I’m fine,” she emphasized, hazel eyes rolling once to ignore the irritated young man. True to word, she was so used to his actions for Kotone continued the conversation despite her rival glaring daggers at her. “When I reached the top, I saw a body and…uh…screamed when I thought he was dead. I didn’t even have time to register what actually happened before he directed a Pokéball right at me too.”
Laughter burst from the leader.
“Yeah, that’s Red alright.” A light elbow was given on the silent man. “Always acts before he thinks.”
Crimson eyes now widened in his direction. Shock, annoyance, and embarrassment over such a statement spiralled in his cheeks.
Man of few words, but Green was ever so good at reading him.
Clap! “Tell y’all what,” he continued, “since we’re all here and all our Pokémon are out—”
A single eyebrow was raised from Red as a way of him saying, Your Pokémon isn’t out.
In such an instinctive manner, Green casually took out his Arcanine—who was confused and startled by the chilling wind—while still running his mouth, “—let’s have a Pokémon battle!”
Once again, silence filled the air before it was being replaced by a howling breeze.
The man next to him remained quiet still, though intrigued and obviously interested in the offer. The girl standing a few steps before them was just as excited, flashing a smile and nodding in agreement after giving it a ponder.
The young man next to her seemed hesitant, annoyed, utterly exasperated by the whole ordeal.
“I…” Silver’s mouth opened, then gaped, mind at lost with the many reasons he wished to spat out in order to escape the situation. It’s not that he didn’t want to battle the two; if anything, that sounded like a wonderful way to blow off steam. But given the matters that he was in now with Kotone, Silver would rather be in hiding and let her forget the whole conversation after a few weeks.
Because after the many years he knew her, Silver was very aware about one thing when it comes to Kotone: She would want something resolved immediately.
So, in silence he was, body remaining still with a glare fixated on the older two.
Upon seeing this, Green’s grin grew bigger, more sinister.
“Kotone, would you like to battle alongside Red?”
Violet eyes shrunk and shook as the question punched straight into his stomach.
“Me?” she asked, surprised and stunned at the sudden request. Her grip loosened. Her attention fully given.
Unbeknownst to her, Silver’s fingers curled to a quivering clench.
“Why not?” A cocky laugh burst from the leader. “I mean, you’ve beaten him before so I’m pretty sure you’re curious about what it’s like to battle with him?” Green eyes glanced at his rival who was just as baffled. “Besides, I’m sure Red wants to find out Kotone’s strength as a battling partner too.”
A wink from Green.
A blush from Red.
Ignoring Red’s mental screams of stopping him, Green looked at her. “I’ve never fought you in a double battle before. And as your beloved mentor, it is my duty to make sure you’re still strong and my job as this idiot’s rival to make sure he doesn’t slack off.”
At this point, Green was having fun to have pissed off two people in a short amount of time.
Acceptance wasn’t immediate. Contemplation circled her mind. Finally, her grip was release, one hand now brought up to her chin as she thought of his wonderful request.
As she thought—hard and true—one lone trainer only froze in place.
STOP HER! His mind yelled. Stop her, stop her, stop her, you fucking moron! His mind pleaded. Every part of his body wanted to move, to flinch, to stop the foolish request that Green even dared to spout out of his stupid mouth. Fists shook. Teeth grinded. His jaw strained, numbed, muscle pulled just slightest as teeth roughly scrapped each other.
He should stop her. He should!
He…should—
“I…”
Her voice then lulled so perfectly, so calmly, next to him.
His head lowered, crimson hair cascading to the sides of a haunting expression.
But then…why should he?
She wasn’t his to begin with. She was her own person. She had her own choices. She could make her own decisions. Even though they were rivals, not once did Silver think he had the right to—
Ah, that’s right.
Rivals. They were just rivals.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
Fury dulled immediately, frozen by the blizzard that pierced through his cracked heart. The realization that she saw him as just a rival etched a pain he desperately wished to ignore.
Their meetings started and ended with Pokémon battles. Even if Kotone did sometimes bring food for him—handmade food that tasted far, far delicious than any delicacy—he reminded himself not to think much of it; it was nothing more than a sense appreciation. She appreciated him. She appreciated his strength. She once said that she was proud of him changing for the better. Her words, her happiness about seeing his team doing better than ever stuck in his mind far longer that he would like.
Kotone was a strong rival. That, he had to accept no matter how much denied it before in the past.
However, he too realized that Kotone had another side that long made his heart beat in manners that were shameless to the bone.
Her smile, bright and kissed with cheeks of red. Her eyes, so frustratingly beautifully hazel under the sun’s glorious light. Her voice, once buzzing him with irritation now soothed him with warmth every time it caressed his ears. Though he had never held her hand, the close distance they sometimes shared was enough to send his mind to a spiral.
What was it like for her fingers to intertwine with his?
Pupils shrunk. Head robotically shook.
He shouldn’t think that way.
He shouldn’t be selfish in indulging in this stupid feeling.
I… He should stop. I just… He should let her be.
The beat of his heart throbbed his eardrums. His vision started to spin and split. Two. Three. Then phased back to a singular sight that slowly drowned in darkness.
Who was he to dictate what—who—she wanted to be with—?
Warmth.
Eyes snapped open.
Warmth suddenly seeped into his bleedingly freezing hand.
The soft touch of thick cotton. The feel of his left fingers being gently parted for something to slide in between.
“I…”
Amidst the howling snowstorm, all he heard was her.
Dumbfounded, Silver cracked his neck to the side. He saw her, a stance so confident with cheeks painted in beautiful red.
“I want to be with Silver!”
As if Arceus was meddling in their little affairs, the blizzard somehow stopped for a while so that her statement was echoed loud and clear.
Three men froze in place while one woman felt hot in the tips of her ears.
“I—” She took a slow breath. “I appreciate it, Green. I really do. I know that chances like this are super hard to come by,” Her grip on his cold hand tightened, “which is why I want to battle with Silver.” Hazel eyes cast a short peek at a pair of shocked violets. “We’ve…battled a lot of times and I realized we have really great chemistry—” Her cheeks felt hotter. “—in ba-attles!” A stupid laugh emitted between stutters. “And we did pair up before and I want to show you guys just how amazing we both work together. I mean, you did say you’re the mentor and you wanted to see how great we both are.” An attempt of a smile foolishly tugged the corners of her mouth.
None responded at her reasoning. One remained still as a statue by her side. The ‘Pallet Town Brothers’ only watched her, watched the pair together with extremely different reactions.
One was sneering in sheer mirth while the other had his head down in grim invidiousness.
Panic started to settle in when she realized a response was never given. “So…I would like to uh…battle with Silver.” Embarrassment tickled her body. “Please.”
“…ha…”
The chilling wind still howled in between. However, Kotone heard the gruff sound right next to her.
She then felt a vibration next.
Confused, the girl looked to her right.
Hazel eyes widened to see her rival: Head down. Hand cupped to his face. Body trembling from head to toe.
“Ha…ah…”
The sound grew a bit louder, loud enough for Green and Red to witness and question the younger man’s reaction.
Confusion popped to concern. “Silver?” Carefully, she leaned towards him. “Are…you okay?” She lowered her head, trying to meet his gaze from the cascading locks of long, red hair.
No response neither a sight.
The sound stifled inside his palm. “Haha…hahaha…” Silver only shook his head, agonizingly slow for someone whose shoulders were vibrating wildly. “I…s-see…” His next words finally came out, muffled on his cold palm. “I—okay…” His head spun. His eyes spiralled. A confusing curve of a trembling smile brushed against a shaking palm.
“Silver?”
Ah, her voice was so, so lovely.
His hand slid down, enough to reveal a pair of dilated pupils in a sea of violet. “O-kay.” A tiny pitch. A sharp breath. “Okay, okay, okay. Okay…” Unable to meet her gaze—knowing that doing so might break his calm—Silver cracked his neck to the right.
Then stood ramrod straight to gloat at the older trainers in manic glee.
“You heard her.” The fucking squeak. “She wants to battle with me.” The words seethed through clenched teeth and a wide smile. His right hand slapped his chest while his left hand instinctively gripped her hand that was still intertwined.
Kotone, who had peeped a surprised squeal at his sudden reflex, merely gaped at the stupefied rival. His face was as red as his hair. His eyes were filled with mania that should fill her with dread.
However, the girl knew something was wrong with her as she instead flashed a joyful smile at Silver’s statement. “Yay!” Not wasting any time, she finally let go of his hand to round up her Pokémon.
Feeling her grasp fading away actually snapped Silver’s attention. But it was only a mere glance and a flinch before the redhead continued his pompous braggart at the older trainers.
“Heh.” was Green’s reply. “Looks like it’s you and me, bud—”
Words halted in its tracks to see Red’s expression.
Shrunken pupils. Deepened frown. Even with his hat covering most of his face, Green could perfectly see a fuming countenance that shattered every indifference Red ever wore.
In all their childhood lives together, not once had Green seen his friend so…malicious.
Well, A smile grew swirls at the corner, this should be interesting.
----------
Snow and debris filled the once crystal-clear skies.
A single line of fire pierced through the white soot.
PANG!!
It hit against an invisible barrier, spreading the flames to the sides instead that immediately melted the snow around them. The unbearable heat actually broke a sweat not just on the Pokémon but on their respective trainers as well.
Green was glad he was wearing quite little, but a quick glance at his partner made him question whether Red couldn’t care less about the scorching heat and his thick attire, or that he was too focused on the battle to realize it.
Knowing him, it might be the latter.
After all, Green snickered, it’s not just the battling he’s focusing on right now.
“Damien!”
Speaking of which…
Both leader and master prepared for their next commands once they heard, “Flamethrower!”
“Hydro Pump!” Green shouted next, voice loud and proud as he raised his right hand forward. White teeth clenched as he witnessed his starter blast a powerful water cannon to deflect the incoming spiral of inferno.
SLAM—BOOM!
Once again, the impact sent snow and debris flying everywhere. Green raised his left arm for cover while Red merely lowered his head slightly. Fatigued started to tug their muscles but adrenaline kept pumping in their veins. Since the moment the sun blared above them, the sky now took on a golden, orange hue, telling them of the long, long hours that had passed by.
They knew that Kotone’s Tyhlosion was wearing down which was why he wasn’t using Eruption. They also observed that Silver’s Feraligatr was more of a physical attacker so in order to do any harm to their team, he had to come closer.
Both men then looked at each other, nodding once in understanding of their next moves.
Their Pokémon were just as tired, so they had to make this count.
“Blastoise—” Pupils shrunk in a pair of widened browns, “—Hydro Cannon!”
Taking a sharp breath, the Shellfish Pokémon lowered his body and aimed his cannons at the Tyhplosion. A heavy whirlpool of water formed, bubbled even, inside his barrages. At the mental count of three, Blastoise gave it his all and—BOOM!!—shot straight at the opponent. The impact almost made him fall forward, but the starter held his ground as best as he could.
At the same time, Red silently raised his right hand. Fingers spread open, pointed directly at the Feraligatr—while bloodred eyes glaring straight at the water starter’s trainer.
Knowing exactly what it meant, Pikachu started sprinting towards his target. Eyes just as crazed as his beloved trainer; he started collecting all the electrical energy from within. Electric sparks wildly spew about, enveloping him until he was nothing but a mad ball of lighting energy.
His speed was just as fast—even faster—than Blastoise’s water rocket.
And while the two reached their targets, the electrical energy wrapped around the water vortex, blanketing it so dangerously that one single touch from a human could lead them to their immediate death.
It zoomed closer.
Closer.
Ready to finally finish this battle.
However, “Damien—” it would not end in their favour, “—NOW!”
Pupils shrunk to tiny shaking dots—SLAM—Damien slammed his paws against the ground.
Without time to adjust, the ground right below Pikachu started to crumble, ‘What the—?’ before cracking upwards and spewing out scorching spits of lava.
‘AAAHHH!’ A loud squeak ripped through Pikachu’s throat. The attack flung the Mouse Pokémon backwards, making him hit against Blastoise’s Hydro Cannon which immediately sent the electric starter flying and slamming against a nearby boulder.
Upon impact, BOOM! went the water starter’s attack. Sparks of savage electricity and wild water blasts exploded about, creating more smoke and dirt that tampered with the trainers’ visions.
Both Green and Red were baffled, utterly so, that their combo attack was stopped by a move none could expect from a Tyhplosion.
Brown eyes tried to make do of the situation. Frantically waving the smoke away, Green could see the two trainers who stood a few feet away from them.
A strained gasp was choked out of him.
There he saw, the powerful trainer who had an aura of sheer strength and confidence wrapped in a cute little red bow. Her smile still stayed, still radiated with such brilliance that took every single breath from his lungs. Hazel eyes sparkled under the burning fire of her starter’s, showing no ounce of fear of the heat that began to engulf this notorious mountain peak.
And right by her side was her rival, just as unshaken with a violent gaze that contrasted the pure bliss that was her.
A noise was heard next to him.
Immediately, Green snapped his attention to the right. He saw Red, clenching his teeth in distaste while returning his fallen starter. A blink of an eyes happened next, and the leader soon remembered the dire situation they were in. “Blas—” His voice cracked, then gasped in a frail attempt to get the Shellfish Pokémon’s attention.
Blastoise looked back at Green, but before he could stand still and ready himself for another attack—
‘You looked away.’
Pupils shrunk in an iris of grey. Just as he looked forward, all he saw next was a pair of widened, deranged orange eyes.
Time seemed to slow perfectly still.
“DRAGON CLAW!!”
Without a chance to even breathe, Rex inched back—SHING—and sharpened his bloody claws. In that very second, he swiftly swiped his right claws upwards, right into Blastoise’s jaw.
The assault sent the Kanto starter flying, up, up into the sky until he too fell onto the same boulder that Pikachu had fallen.
Just as shrilling shrieks and thunderous dissonances had filled the top of Mt Silver, heavy silence now echoed in the atmosphere.
----------
A minute.
Two minutes.
Three.
It felt forever until Silver could feel his heartbeat move at a normal pace. His breathing remained heavy, yet eased at every breath once the snow and smoke dissipated. Violet eyes scanned his surroundings, pupils then dilated slightly to see his still standing Feraligatr and Kotone’s annoying Typhlosion.
The fainted Blastoise returned back to his trainer.
Green and Red had no more Pokémon left.
His mouth twitched. “W-We—”
“We won!”
Just when serenity started to ease into him, shock instead rattled him to feel a pair of arms wrapped around his shoulders.
“We won, we won, we won!” Joy absolutely burst from the petite trainer. Up and down, she jumped, arms tightened around the stiff redhead—
Wait.
Upon realizing what she was doing, Kotone snapped her eyes open and promptly released her grip. “I’m—sorry! Silver!” Her actions were out of instinct, but the girl knew well enough that he didn’t like physical contact—no matter how happy he was about their victory.
That moment of glee simmered down at the memory of hours ago.
Shaking the bad thoughts away, Kotone awkwardly rubbed the side of her neck. Long gone was her scarf due to the intense battles. Regret now pricked her skin as she felt chills and anxiety. “Great job, Silver!” A laugh. She needed to laugh. “I always knew you and I are a great match—” –in battles. The last phrase bounced in her mind yet ceased forming out of a trembling mouth.
He only stood still with head dipped downwards.
Another form of fear now bubbled within.
Scared that Silver might push her away, panic started to take hold of her mouth. “Sorry for hugging you! It’s just cold and I realized you’re not wearing anything thick. I know your jacket is comfy enough and Damien’s flames made this area hot all of a sudden—”
Damien snorted lazily at her remark.
“—b-but still the battles over and I kinda got ahead of myself…” Good God, she needed to shut up now. “Still! I’m sorry for touching you. If—” A deep breath was inhaled. “—you…want to leave now…” Ah, it hurt. “I…you can go—”
“Kotone.”
His voice, calm and husky unlike minutes ago, zipped her up entirely.
Dumbfounded, Kotone cocked her head forward.
Under the lovely light of the orange sky, hazel eyes sparkled at what she saw.
The redhead now faced her, though eyes avoiding her baffled gaze.
And arms spread open in her direction.
Once again, time stood perfectly still.
The longer he remained that way, the hotter his face felt. “I’m—cold.” A scream didn’t burst for he feared his voice might crack again. “So…” Fingers twitched as he spread his arms a bit wider. “Come on—wahh!”
“EEEE!” Screw her shame. Joy absolutely brimmed from her as Kotone jumped in Silver’s arms. Slender arms wrapped around his neck, bringing him to a tight embrace that could make him fall if not for his steady balance. Her face nuzzled into his bare neck, further making him even redder than he physically could.
“Damn it, wo—” The sentence died down as Silver felt her soft brown hair tickling his chin. “I…” Knowing damn well that he was far from saving what’s left of his dignity, Silver tipped his head upwards and released a long, shivering sigh. “Fuck this…” Admitting defeat—only for this time—he returned her embrace by wrapping his arms around her shoulders and waist.
‘Ew,’ Damien blanched.
‘Yay!’ Rex clapped.
While the two trainers relished on their victory, it seemed that they had forgotten that they were not the only humans on the mountain.
Good God, Green wanted to cackle.
“Well, look at that.” Who knew they were in charge of fixing a lover’s spat? “It was a close battle but we’ll get ‘em next time, Red—”
Just as he turned to face his rival, whatever he wanted to say next died down.
Red wasn’t listening. Instead, his gaze fell on the girl who was now being twirled by a still grumbling redhead.
A small frown pinched the corner of his mouth. Deep, crimson eyes glimmered in sorrow under the shadow of his hat.
“You were too late, huh?”
A flinch popped his melancholic thoughts. In a blink, Red gaped at a now grinning Green.
Damn him.
Mouth now holding his own set of grumbles, Red looked away and merely tugged his cap downwards to hide his beet red face.
Ugh…was all he lamented as he heard Green laugh out loud.
The thoughts ping-ponged left and right, bouncing against the walls of the brain. A tiny frown formed, full of concerns about her weekly visit.
“You’re more than welcome here,” he once said. “I—We are more than happy to have you visit every now and then.”
That was it.
‘Every now and then.’
A low sigh escaped a pretty frown. “Maybe I’m annoying him…” A mumble muffled against a black sleeve as she slumped forward on an armrest. Her mouth lightly pressed her arm. Her eyes and nose were free as empty glances were thrown inside the living room.
Her unease wasn’t met with assurance. None of the Team MZ members was present. Urbain went off to do some missions while getting his hands full with Quesartico CEO trainings. Lida told them that she would be out late; she found a quirky Starmie fan club that worried her at first but she warmed up immediately soon after. Naveen was the last to leave for the day, saying that he needed to send his finished commissions to some clients on the other side of the city.
In the end, it was just Seika.
Alone. Woeful. Full of uncertainty.
‘Seika…?’
Okay, maybe she wasn’t technically alone.
Head turned to the sound of a meek bark. “I’m fine, Mathis.” Her frown finally twitched to a smile. One hand moved to pat the Meganium’s head. Fingers moved upwards between the Herb Pokémon’s stamen-like feelers, earning her a playful bonk on the palm of her hand.
What a darling, she thought.
Not needing to make her starter worry any further, she sat up straight. “Am I annoying, Mathis?” The question was given, knowing full well that she couldn’t understand the Pokémon.
Well, maybe she did when Mathis quickly shook his head in shook.
‘Why would I find you annoying?’ The starter, quite big for his stature, lowered his neck to meet her level. ‘You’re the sweetest and bravest trainer I know.’
Okay, maybe she didn’t fully understand him.
Still, a smile remained. “Thanks, boy.” Another pat on the head. Despite not being his actual first trainer, Mathis stuck with her through thick and thick. Maybe it was because they shared the same heritage. The Pokémon was practically hers now; if he was given a choice to go back to Urbain, he would deny in a heartbeat.
The Meganium proved his worth and love even before he had the ability to mega evolve.
That being said, he was at a huge disadvantage when it came to battling the Rust Syndicate’s boss’ Pokémon—
Damn it.
“Ugh!” Again, she slumped against the sofa. The sudden dramatics surprised Mathis, who then chirped in concern. “It’s nothing, boy.” A lousy groan escaped her as one arm covered her eyes.
Maybe she was overthinking it. Yeah, that was it.
Corbeau wasn’t a fake person. If he hated her presence, he would’ve kicked her out a long time ago. Hell, he might even ban her from entering his building—or worse, banish her out of Kalos.
Would he be too extreme to do that? Probably.
Would she put up a fight against him just as she had before when they first met? Definitely.
The man was not to be trifled with. But she knew she could hold her own ground against a Yakuza boss if push comes to shove—if there’s one thing she learned from her hometown: a villainous syndicate was just a group of defeatable trainers if you have trusty, powerful Pokémon by your side.
Then again, the Rust Syndicate wasn’t as villainous compared to Team Rocket—
“Oh!”
Suddenly, an idea popped inside her head.
“I know!” Arm plopped onto the armrest, once again surprising the gentle starter. Black eyes sparkled as she looked at him. “I can make some of my local dishes! I can visit today and surprise him with a little picnic!” The idea sounded perfect. “And then we’ll hang and chill until it’s night time, and then we can do the Royale together.” It was definitely foolproof.
“What do you think, Mathis?”
Instead of a nod, she was met with a doubtful stare.
“Oh, it’s fine!” It amazed and offended her that she understood that. “Come on, let’s go see what’s in the kitchen and whip up something good.” Not wasting another second, Seika happily hopped to her feet. “I’ll make extras so we can have it for dinner later once everyone’s back home.” Excitement now sparked in a pair of brilliant black irises. “Can you be a dear and call our friends to help?”
Said friends were snugged and napping inside their balls, completely unaware of their trainer’s spontaneous burst of motivation.
Mathis knew it was impossible to change her mind when she was set on something. ‘Fine…’ he sighed, then walked into the dining/strategy room to retrieve his other teammates—
Bonk.
“Ah,” was all that came out of Seika next after she saw Mathis’ body being blocked by the archway. A laughter was poorly stifled when she saw the poor Meganium turn his neck and look at her with the saddest expression possible. “Sorry, baby. I forgot.”
From the intense workload to the idiotic requests, Corbeau was surprised he hadn’t mangled anyone yet.
Orange irises were drowned by blown pupils. Each blink only drew out a terrible headache. Each sight only drawled out a long, exasperated groan.
It seemed that some of his clients were obnoxious, more so than usual. In cases like these, he himself had to make himself known to get the job done. As much as he didn’t want to get his hands dirty—any dirtier than it already was—Corbeau found it frustrating that some people were utterly foolish or pompous (or both) to realize their wrongs until it literally slammed into their own brains.
The task was slightly annoying, but doable.
However, for it to be back-to-back for the past few days was beginning to snap a thin line of patience he had been stretching on.
“Stupid…” The word seethed through gritted teeth. “In—sufferable idiots—” Huffs of figurative smoke puffed through flared nostrils. Fingers cupped together and mouth pressed against his intertwined thumbs, Corbeau continued glaring at the vile names on the computer screen.
A ring on the intercom. A vein popped on the side of his head.
Beep, beep, it taunted him. Corbeau had half a mind to press the ‘accept’ button and curse to his heart content at the receptionist. Didn’t he just said to them and Phillippe to not disturb him at this hour? He thought he had made himself very, very clear. From the moment he entered the building to the second he stomped inside the elevator; his words were law when he demanded: “Do not bother me today.”
Beep, beep, beep.
The sound bounced off the walls like a fucking ping-pong ball.
Beep, beep, beep!
The more he heard it, the more he wanted to unleash Scolipede and crush the intercom into pieces.
Beep—
God—
—beep—
—fucking—
—BEEP—
—DAMN IT!
Luckily, the beeping stopped.
Unluckily, the elevator to his main office opened.
Head still lowered to the computer screen, Corbeau dragged his shaking hands upward to a throbbing forehead. “How—” It would seem that whoever decided to grace themselves today wanted to get a personal beating from him, “—many times did I tell you to not bother me today?”
SLAM!
“Are you THAT STUPI—?!”
Words died immediately. Fury fizzled to bafflement.
Because the second he raised his head and glared daggers at what he assumed either a client or his grunt, black pupils shrunk to dots at the sight of one lone girl who had long captured his heart.
And her expression was one that froze him entirely.
Her teal hair, dyed with streaks of deep black, was tied to a neat bun. Thick, beautiful bangs were tucked to one side of her ear, perfectly showing her face that bore such a painfully shocked look. Black eyes blinked once, twice, blurting out words that her mouth could not. While still adorned in mostly black, she now wore a deep purple smocked poplin dress, complimenting the essence of poison. Her usual black biker jacket was worn, further popping out the dress’ colour that matched his main type-coverage.
Still as a statue, Corbeau shakily brought his gaze downwards.
In her hands—in her trembling hands—was a picnic basket.
Silence was heavy. Too heavy.
Pale lips parted. Heavy breath departed.
A loud heartbeat made him breathless.
“I…” Finally, a pathetic attempt of a wheeze slithered out.
“Sorry to bother YOU!” The crack of her voice made the man jump in his seat. Wasting not a single second, Seika spun around and made a mad dash to the elevator. Not wanting him to see such pitiful tears, she frustratingly shook her head and stomped one foot inside the lift. The girl didn’t even turn around, instead slammed her fingers furiously onto the buttons so that the doors could close and she could get her out of here.
Corbeau was not one to be startled easily. However, it seemed that he had found his match. “Seika WAIT—!” The doors dinged close as he got off his seat. The chair almost thrown backwards; the yakuza boss now stood in complete aghast with sweaty palms pressed on the table.
His ears rang. His headache worsened.
However, when anger had fuelled him whole an hour ago, horror now drained him dry.
Seika was here.
She was here. She showed up today.
And she didn’t just show up in her usual attire. She didn’t just show up with the intention to battle him. Hell, she didn’t even just show up just to ask if there were any trivial tasks she should do for him as part of her little tease.
No.
No.
She looked different today. Dressed differently today.
And based on what she held, she definitely had something planned today—for him.
Fuck.
Like a static jolt on his body, Corbeau immediately banged one index finger on the button of his intercom. “Philippe!” God, his voice was cracking. “STOP HER!”
The second the elevator doors were opened, Seika was greeted with the most menacing second-in-command.
Scary as he was, Seika didn’t have the mood to feel afraid or intimidated.
“Tch—” One hand roughly swiped away her tears and eyeliner. As her foot stepped outside, the same hand swiftly reached for her Pokémon.
Philippe, one hand raised while the other quickly taking out his Skarmory, approached the girl carefully. “Seika,” he reassured her, voice thick with concern, “please calm down. Boss wants to talk to—”
Good God, she didn’t want to hear about him right now.
“Get—” Black eyes burned with streaks of red, “—out of my sight!” One hand enlarged a Luxury Ball and threw it up in the air. With a bright red flash, a Houndoom howled menacingly at his opponents.
“Yori.” Her voice levelled. Hoarse. “Flamethrower.”
The Dark Pokémon was quick on his feet. Like a shadow to his trainer, he rocketed towards his target. Sensing animosity in his trainer’s tone, Yori delighted in the suddenly violent energy and released a spiral of fuming flames. The attack hit the Skarmory right in his center, burning the Armour Bird Pokémon before he could take flight.
Before Philippe could even think about issuing a command—
“Heat Wave.”
In seconds, a ring of fire burst from below Skarmory, engulfing him whole and immediately knocking him out with burns on his poor wings.
Everything was happening too fast.
As the man returned his fallen Pokémon, another ring of fire suddenly formed a few steps in front of him. The room quickly felt hot, filling the area with smoke and removing anyone’s ability to properly see.
Despite it all, Philippe was able to feel the girl running right past him.
However, he was too late.
“WAIT!” He turned, then coughed deeply as he watched Seika disappear into the main entrance.
It fucking hurt and it hurt even more to feel embarrassment puncturing deep into her heart.
When the front door of the Rust Syndicate building was opened, a scream almost burst out of her to see a sea of grunts.
Unluckily for all of them, shame and heartbreak were ruining her rationality.
“Are you fucking—!” Tears were gone yet dry trails splotched flushed cheeks. While Yori stood in front of her, ready for another round of arson, his trainer felt otherwise.
She just wanted to get out of her before he shows up.
One hand shoved out a Nest Ball. “Just leave me—” The ball was thrown upwards, “—ALONE!”
Another bright red flash.
This time, one lone Pokémon—a terrifying Alpha—slammed so hard onto the ground that some of the grunts actually dropped to their butts in either shock or fear.
Unlike Yori, Aidil could sense exactly what his trainer felt. No words needed.
And right now, judging by how she deeply felt, what she needed, she would get.
Without a word from Seika, the Gallade crossed his blade-like arms. An aura of thick, powerful psychic energy rapidly surrounded him.
Before any of the grunt’s Pokémon could do a thing, Aidil spread his arms wide open.
In a single blink, every human and Pokémon that weren’t Seika or her team were sent floating up in the air.
Screams and shrieks filled the Rust Syndicate’s front garden. They floated and hovered, spinning in circles and even spiralling up and down. Unable to grasp at the situation they were thrown into, some began to throw alarmed commands. To their dismay, their Pokémon were just as baffled, unable to shoot a move and instead flailed about in trepidation at the mighty telekinetic energy.
Amidst the chaos, Seika only shook her head and began running towards the exit.
“SEIKA!”
Fucking. Hell.
It hurt that his voice stopped her.
It hurt that his voice, panicked and strained, pierced her heart.
Hands tightly gripped the handle of the picnic basket. Seika only had her head lowered.
Barging out through the front entrance, Corbeau panted and gasped in a mixture of dread and fatigue. “SEIKA!” Her name slurred out without a thought. Widened eyes spotted her first, then almost bulged out to see his grunts and their Pokémon hovering and yelping helplessly in the air.
Screw that. He needed to fix the situation with her first and fast.
“Seika—Seika wait—” Breathless. He needed to catch his breath. Gone was his intimidating persona that poured fear into the heart of many. Gone was his refined image that labelled him as the most dashing man in all of Lumiose City.
His glasses were in disarray. His hair was mess. His face was flushed red. Horribly so.
As the man stepped forward, closer to the shaking girl, “Seika…” one hand reached towards her.
Fix this.
He needed to fix this.
“I’m—” Trembling lips parted, “—sor-”
Orange eyes dulled in horror once she turned—finally turned—to face him.
As if a spell had him entranced, Corbeau once again felt every nerve in his body freeze.
For all he saw was her: Tearful. Frowning. Anguished.
The air felt extremely heavy.
All happened in a matter of heartbeats. First, he saw her. The next, she disappeared in a gleam of purple light.
Once Aidil’s psychic energy was no longer present, all human and Pokémon fell to the ground like rag dolls. Luckily, Philippe’s Steelix was quick to appear and stand as a shield above Corbeau. This meant poorly for the grunts who landed on the Iron Snake Pokémon’s body though, causing their backs or heads or any parts of their bodies to feel excruciating pain before sliding limply off the Pokémon.
Now, the garden was echoed with groans and literal grunts.
Philippe appeared immediately after, scanning the mess before giving his full attention to his static leader. “Boss?”
The powerful man in all of Lumiose City remained frozen, one hand outstretched still to where she had stood.
Philippe’s voice. The grunts’ grunts.
None of them reached Corbeau at all.
For all he could hear, all he could see, was the most heartbreaking expression she had ever worn.
Only two men stood inside the dark alleyway. The rest waited near the open road, revealing their presence with so much of a sneer at every nervous passerby.
One man stood before a bruised fool. Hands tucked nicely inside the pockets of his nicely ironed pants. Specks of blood splotched the tip of the shiny sheen of his leather, black shoes. Silently, he flicked his right foot towards the fallen victim.
Small spots of deep crimson painted the ground and cracked walls. A slightly bigger splotch formed under the weaker man. Compared to the one standing before him, his face was battered beyond recognition. Both eyes could barely see, puffed and battered into bruises of blue. His lower lip was torn, ripped even with a gaping gash that spilled blood every time he tried to breathe. Abrasions ballooned his bleeding cheeks, leaving the insides of his mouth throbbing terribly with a tooth that now dangled by a single hold of its torn root.
Time was merely mocking the final hours of the fool’s life.
Silence still caressed the more powerful man’s lips.
Silently, he crouched down before him. “You were given a chance.” The warning was thick with imminence. “So, so many chances, in fact.” His tone gravelled so callously. “You wouldn’t think that I, being so generous and all, have a limit to my kindness?”
Under the dim glow of a flickering alleyway light, all the broken man could see was a lifeless, piercing yellow.
The boss’ head cocked slightly. “You should have kept your end of the bargain.”
Though the victim’s head couldn’t move, his arms had more energy. As fear and hatred boiled inside a gagging throat, he felt his hand move inside the right side of his pants pocket. Fingers weakly fumbled for his Pokémon. While he knew that he was severely outnumbered and outmatched, the least he could do was release his Alakazam so that he could teleport them away.
He needed to escape. He needed to. Desperately needed to!
Double vision frozen in sight at the glare of a monster, he expanded his Pokéball and—!
It wasn’t working.
The ball had enlarged. His shaking, sore thumb kept pressing on the middle of the Pokéball’s button.
Again.
Again and again and again and again and again and again and again!
As whimpers croaked along with a small stream of drool and blood, the poor man used all his energy to press the damn ball to be opened—!
“I see you’ve made another foolish decision.”
The voice.
The deep, gruff, forbidding voice.
Vision now getting worse by thick, baffled tears, he looked at him.
Those glaring demon eyes were now accompanied with a sneer.
“You’ve caused enough trouble for anyone more times that I chose to ignore.” Still crouching in front of the fool, he glanced at his right-hand man behind him. In Philippe’s hand was a small device, more like a transmitter that beeped quietly while flashing a tiny glow of purple.
Not a single Pokéball functioned around the device’s vicinity. Be it his own or the enemies’.
Luckily for Corbeau, his Arbok was already out.
A giant, menacing Cobra Pokémon slithered and stopped beside his trainer. The intimidating patterns on his chest were made even more horrifying under the dull light. The sight was proven far, far more harrowing than the human’s stare. It was as if a demon itself had made itself known, paralyzing the victim in place until breathing was rasped into snots and whimpers of disgusting mercy.
“No worries.”
Pathetic sobs and sniffles were drowned by the sound of a suddenly calm voice.
All the man could perceive now was a silhouette moving in front of him.
“Good news: I don’t need your services anymore.” He sounded cheerful. “If anything, your company and revenue belong to me now.” Clap. “I’ll make sure to fix what you broke.” Was he smiling? He couldn’t tell.
The Arbok slithered closer.
“You’re dismissed.”
Without so much as warning, “Ack—!” a gasp of spit and blood choked out of him once he felt a violent grip on his broken lower jaw.
Hands flailed weakly. Feet kicked and splashed the puddle of sewage water and blood under him—
CRRAAACK!
A wordless scream was tightly squeezed down by Corbeau’s tight clutch. The poor fool’s eyes were gouging, almost slipping out through the big bruises. His left ankle now snapped, pointing to the same left side, rendering it immobile with fresh pool of blood gushing out like a little human-made faucet. He felt his head tipped higher and higher, slamming the top of his open, bleeding head agonizingly rough against the concrete wall.
As if fear hadn’t ruptured through his conscience, it now ripped his sanity into two once he saw the Arbok’s face hovering right above him.
“N…” Pleas and desperation were all that crushed him. “P-Pl…”
Despite a terribly blurry vision, he saw the Cobra Pokémon gape his mouth wide open.
A scream was still stifled by an aggressive squeeze around his neck.
“A-A-A—” His body refused to move. Refused to listen. “A-A…AACkh—grgh!”
After a single gargle, thick ooze of black, rotten toxic slid out of the Arbok and into the victim’s unwilling mouth.
The stench was putrid.
It flowed down so cleanly, not touching his trainer’s hand; not one bit. Instead, it became a mini, faux waterfall that nicely poured inside the target’s gaping mouth.
In a matter of seconds, the poison filled through the throat, entering a pair of ruptured lungs. Oxygen was cut off, yet it was not immediate. A searing burn—agonizing, excrutiating burn—licked the man from the inside, causing his eyes, red and bloody, to roll upwards until it truly felt like they were about to gouge out. The slimy toxic was proven to be too thick, now trickling gruesomely out of the man’s pale, torn lips. It began to spout of his nostrils too, painting his broken nose a nice shade of crimson and purple.
Erratic movement happened only for a few slow, torturous seconds.
A choke. A very faint, thick gargle.
Pop.
Finally, as one eye popped out of his skull, leaving more trails of toxic goo along the battered face, the body ultimately ceased moving.
Not a single sound peeped inside the alleyway.
Smile lowered to a disappointed frown, Corbeau released his grip and shook his head. Neither a flinch nor hesitancy, he rummaged through the now bubbling corpse’s pants pocket. The Pokéball was found and took out. As he stood up and brushed away dirt from his own pants with the other hand, Corbeau casually threw the occupied Pokéball in Philippe’s direction.
“Send it to the adoption centre,” was all he said.
Not a single question was voiced.
With a firm nod, the bigger man shrunk the ball and made way for the alleyway’s exit.
Not giving a single glance at the results of his actions, Corbeau instead brought his gaze to his own Pokémon.
A smile, so simple and sincere, finally graced his mouth.
“Let’s go home.” One hand caressed the side of Arbok’s face. Mirth dazzled in a pair of yellow eyes to see the Cobra Pokémon nuzzled into his right palm. Taking his soft hiss as a sign of agreement, the two walked away from the dreadfully vile display.
Her casual comment was replied with a lazy snicker.
“I don’t have the pleasure of pampering myself.” Eyes still fixated on the document in his grasp; he continued the conversation with her. “Besides, I handle poison-types. It’s common for me to have callous hands. That’s why gloves were invented.”
His snarky retort was met with a loud snort.
“Okay,” was another reply. Sitting on the plush, black sofa—damn, Corbeau was right, it was comfortable—she sat with one leg folded to the side and tucked comfortably under her right leg. Facing him still, Seika kept her attention on his slender fingers.
Maybe she was getting frustrated at how nonchalant he was. Maybe she was getting intimidated by how…unaffected he seemed.
So, like the rational woman that she was, Seika took hold of his right hand.
That stopped him from skimming through the documents.
Baffled by the bold foolishness of one trainer, Corbeau straightened his back and turned his head in her direction. Words failed him as eyes blinked in minor stupor.
She never met his gaze. Not yet.
But by God, every part of her held back a haughty sneer.
“We’re going shopping later.” Her hands casually caressed around his right hand. Fingers gently pressed the back of it, then brushed against his rough palm. Despite the braggart, her touch was tender, almost featherlight.
One index finger traced mindless circles on the back of his hand, trailing down until it tickled around the shape of his wrist.
His fingers jerked, ever so slightly, affected by her caress.
“We’re going to buy lotion. And if you’re so keen on not going, we’re having a Pokémon battle now.” Finally, a pair of brazen blacks met stupefied yellows. “If I win, you’re going lotion shopping with me.” A dazzling smile adorned her beautiful face.
His breathing hitched. Only by a heartbeat. By a rapid, thunderous heartbeat.
Gently, he pried his hand away from her curious touch.
“Adamant busybody, aren’t’ cha?”
He had to look away. He needed to look at a stack of papers instead lest he be too mesmerized by the sight of her laugh.
“Anything to keep you from being cooped up in the office.” Satisfied by her tease of the day, Seika turned to face the table in front of them.
As satisfied as she was, pride prevented her from showing him the mad rush of red in her cheeks.
“Once you’re done with all this,” Head tilted in the direction of neatly-piled documents, “we’ll have a battle. I’ll go round up my guys.” Hopping to her feet, Seika walked towards the battle arena. A ticklish smile only grew swirls at the corners to see her Meganium talking—or chirping? —to Corbeau’s Scolipede.
Corbeau himself was left too stunned on the couch.
While his left hand clutched the now slightly crumpled paper, he quietly, shakily brought his right hand to his pursed mouth.
No one had ever denied him ever since he had power.
Power was something he gained with blood and bruises. Power was something he had to earn with nearly the cost of his life. When power was finally in a grasp of his hand, he soon realized that fear and respect would also be in his favour.
No one had the guts to deny him.
If one ever would, they know it would be their last.
“Are you insane?!” SLAM!
And yet, it would seem that this girl wished to end her life right here and now.
Panic and tension spiralled inside the affluent, flamboyant office room. One stood and slammed her palms against a black, marble desk while the other flailed her arms in panic as a failed attempt of calming her furious friend.
“S-Seika—” A squeak of a mere whimper peeped through trembling lips. “Seika please—!” Pupils shrunk to shrivelling dots, Lida glanced at the two men from across the very expensive desk before focusing back at her.
Unfortunately for her, Lida learned the hard way how stubborn her friend could be.
“I am not—” Rage seethed through clenched teeth, “—doing some stupid labour just because my stupid friend decided to do the stupidest thing a human being could ever do!” Besides, she barely knew him for a few months!
One man remained in his seat. One hand was raised in Philippe’s—who had stood upright after her outburst—direction. “Such improper manners.” Calm. Concise. “May I remind you that your friend should settle this then.” Once his right-hand man had settled down next to him, Corbeau cocked his head in her direction.
Sharp yellow eyes glared under the dazzling light. “And yet, he isn’t here.”
Sounds of nails lightly screeching the marble table echoed loudly.
“He’s not that hard to find.” A placid tone amidst a thick atmosphere. “All it takes is a few connections and he will be in our place. Whether he’ll be in my office or…somewhere unpleasant is a different matter.” A vile smile burned her vision.
The shorter girl remained standing, breathing heavy through parted lips. She stood her ground; black eyes fixated on the man who decided to ruin her day—and possibly her life.
Fuck this.
However, although her mouth opened, words failed her when Corbeau continued.
“Besides, the little jobs aren’t that taxing. If anything, it would quite easy for someone of your capabilities.” Yellow eyes observed the young woman before him. From the second he met her gaze, a feather of curiosity tickled him.
Why wasn’t she scared? Compared to her taller friend, the girl entered as if she had a personal bone to pick with him. Corbeau had information of everyone in Lumiose City and almost every single person in Kalos. Even when the new girl’s information was received just last night, he remembered his breathing being hitched just at the sight of her out of the elevator.
Adorned in mostly black—a black leather jacket with a black undershirt—she looked like a rebel through and through. With hair streak of teal and black, it was tightened nicely to a side ponytail despite her manic head-shaking. Lips were glossed in the same black colour, complimenting her warm, brown skin tone.
The more he looked at her, the more she reminded him of his past self.
Hands cupped to a single fist as he rested it on the side of his right, crossed leg. “And even if that is too much…” Pupils dilated slightly at the sight under her waist. The deep-black jeans that she wore were quite short, verily so. Long, ebony socks were wrapped around her legs, reaching all the way until it stopped a few inches above her knees.
His gaze lingered on the plush skin of her thighs—a heartbeat; maybe two—before meeting her indignant glare. “There are other ways your body can be useful to us.”
No one in the room was stupid. Not the men. Not the MZ members.
Not even her Pokémon.
Shock still shook her core. First: at his blasphemous alternative. Then: at the wild vibrations on her belt. “W-Woa—oi!” Hands finally flung off from the fancy table, Seika brought her widened gape at her rattling team.
Yori was shaking most violently.
Before the Houndoom could release himself and set some humans on fire, Seika pressed her palm against his Love Ball. Slender fingers squeezed the object, hoping that the comfort was able to go through the mechanism. “Shh, shh, it’s okay...” Gone was the toxicity of her voice, now replaced with a soothing shush for her beloved childhood friend. A few seconds passed by, and all that could be seen and heard was a trainer calming down her team.
The sight alone intrigued one man in particular.
After feeling that her belt wasn’t being shaken with such vigour, Seika took a long, deep breath. Her head was still turned to the side, gaze not met with neither friend nor foe.
Black lips pursed carefully. Another sigh popped out.
Finally, finally, after what felt like forever, she locked eyes at the Rust Syndicate crime lord.
Gone was the kindness that flickered in such dazzling eyes.
“Fine.” She spat. “Your little jobs it is.”
Ba-dump!
He was a master of deception. A hint of a smile died immediately before a curve could even twitch at the corner of his mouth. “Excellent.” A smirk instead appeared, kept right at a nice angle before it could be any wider. Keeping his sights on her, he stood up. With a single wave of his left hand, Philippe too stood up and went to his desk to fetch the contract.
“I’m sure it will be a pleasure working with you girls.” One hand flipped through the strands of his thick, black hair. “I’ll be in touch. Once you’ve read the terms and conditions, do place your signatures before heading off on your merry way.”
Lida got off the comfortable sofa last, frown forever etched the second she stepped into the building. She first took the contract that Philippe handed, quietly reading through while her friend continued her silent animosity against the boss.
Corbeau didn’t mind.
Right hand was stretched forward in Seika’s direction. “I’ll see you soon,” His smirk curled just the slightest, “Seika.”
Against her better judgement, Seika returned his handshake with a very firm, very tight grip.
Corbeau didn’t mind at all.
Heh, He returned her violent grip with a gentle squeeze, this will be a pleasure indeed.
The young trainer looked to the side, brilliant blue eyes blinking at the tall man next to her. “What’s up?” A smile accompanied her question.
He loved seeing her smile.
“Nothing,” was all he replied. Plopping a seat next to her on the sofa, N returned her smile with a sweet chuckle.
Mirth curled the corner of her mouth and raised her eyebrow. “You’re weird, you know that.” Giving him a gentle nudge with her left elbow, Touko diverted her attention back to her Pokédex.
N only watched, enjoying the peaceful moment he never thought he deserved.
Sitting cross-legged, he turned to face her. Cheeks blossoming at the sight of his beloved, N quietly toyed with the long locks of her brown hair. He gently twirled some strands, letting them brush between his fingers.
Touko didn’t seem to mind.
He loved being able to touch her.
Words were void between them for a while, yet a conversation was happening through their actions. Enjoying the attention, Touko casually scooted closer to him until she rested her forearm onto his leg. The Pokédex was now held by her right hand, fingers scrolling through the screen as she checked on recent data.
He loved the little scrunch between her eyebrows when she was focusing.
Remembering something his guardians once taught him before, N brought his other hand up. Wordlessly, he started to bring more strands of her hair in his grasp. With newfound determination, he started to braid parts of the luscious brown locks.
Casting a peek, she realized what he was doing and bit back a wider smile.
She loved how much he doted on her.
Letting him be, Touko adjusted her seating position so that she was closer. Her legs were brought up, then folded comfortably to the right side. Her head tilted slightly in his direction, giving him access to her soft hair.
He loved how well she knew him.
A small laugh, soft and utterly infatuated, breezed through his sheepish smile. Slender fingers worked their magic, easily braiding her brown hair. Once he reached the tip, N brought the braid closer.
Chup. A kiss was bestowed.
Upon hearing the sound, Touko turned her head to look at him—
Chup, only to receive another kiss, this time to her forehead.
The action clearly surprised her. Blue eyes widened. Soft cheeks reddened. “Geez, N…!” Flustered with giggles bubbling between her lips, Touko playfully smacked his leg with her left hand.
He loved gauging so many different reactions out of her.
Smile tickled along with more laughter; N gently brushed her unbraided hair to the back of her right ear. He watched as Touko tried to shake off her giddiness with a roll of her eyes. Jutting her tongue out at him, she placed the device on her right side and playfully poked his nose.
“You have my attention.” He always had. “What do you want to do today?” Legs still in a comfy, folded position, Touko leaned against her legs while looking up at him. Her smile curved cheekily, vainly hiding her embarrassment that was still blatantly splashed on her cheeks.
He loved how frustratingly cute she was.
“Hmm…” he pondered. Fingers still twirled her brown hair. While his expression seemed like he was in thought, in truth, he was just mesmerized by her presence.
How lucky he was. How blessed he was.
Once again, he brought her braid close to his lips. “Can we just…” A whisper. Affectionate delicate. “Stay like this for a while?”
He saw surprise flicker in her eyes. He held a breath to hear laughter bursting so brightly.
“Of course, N.” A white smile was shown, given to the young man who had stolen her heart. “But first,” She straightened up, surprising him, “turn to the side and put your legs down.” She watched in amusement as N did what he was told. Curious as he may be, it was both endearing and funny to see that he often didn’t question her decisions. Deciding that her left arm was numb, Touko carefully plopped down and rested the back of her head on his leg.
The action caught him off guard, green eyes blinking in brief stupor at the smiling woman under his gaze.
He then felt her hands on his warm cheeks.
Ba-dump!
“I love you, N!”
Ba-dump, ba-dump!
Ah… How his heart screamed for her.
Heat rushed to the tips of his ears. Smile trembled. Laugh bubbled. Holding her hands that were still on his cheeks, N gave a gentle squeeze. “I love you too, Touko.”
