Discover Top Posts Tagged with #soulsilvershipping

SSS | Red Jealousy

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.

END

#soulsilvershipping

Trending Tags

Recently Viewed Tags

#soulsilvershipping