Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
WARNING: POKEMON SUN AND MOON SPOILERS
Chapter 1: Elio and Gladion - Nerd
Lanakila Mountain Base, Ula'ula Island, Alola region, 4:34 PM, just before Elio takes on the new League
Silvally crashed to the ground. Exeggutor was still standing, making Elio the winner.
"Hmph. There's nothing more to say." Gladion turned his head down, recalling his fainted Silvally. Despite his loss, there was a tiny smile tugging at his lips.
"You have good pokemon," he continued. "It's been a while since I got to go all out and still lose."
"I thought you said there was nothing more-"
"I know what kind of trainer you are now," Gladion continued, interrupting Elio, "and what kind of journey you've been through." Elio stared at him.
Caught up in his own monologue, Gladion didn't notice Elio cheeks puffing out slightly or his head shaking a little bit, trying to hold back a snicker.
"I mean, thanks-" he started.
"And Hau's working hard too." Gladion pulled his distinctive pose, crossing his left arm over his torso and. "I guess I can't let my guard down around you two."
Elio let out a small snort.
"Listen, I…" The blonde paid him no mind, tugging on his ripped sweater as he kept talking. "I know we aren't friends." His voice was quieter, almost apologetic. "But we aren't enemies anymore either. I'm strong. I know that. But you've managed to beat me at every turn, making me work harder."
Elio was turning red.
"I think… I think you're deserving of being my rival." Gladion flung his hand to his face, sa though in a battle. "We're opponents, foes, pushing each other to greater heights! And now- Arceus, what is so funny?" Gladion exclaimed, turning to Elio exasperatedly.
Elio finally burst. He was doubled over, guffawing with no remorse. Gladion tapped his foot, turning red despite the cold.
"Wh-what is it? Pull yourself together!" The brunette caught his breath slowly, straightening up.
"You just all… 'stronger! Rivals! Greater heights!' " He mimicked Gladion's nasally voice. "And that… that pose!" Elio lost it again, falling over.
Gladion's eyebrows bunched together as he reflexively stepped backward.
"I don't sound like that! And what do you know about poses? Have you seen some of your Z move dances?!" The blonde demanded. Elio wiped a tear from his eye.
"Yeah, they're pretty ridiculous. But you do it on purpose!" He imitated it weakly, still giggling.
"Y-you're doing it wrong! It's- forget it! I don't have to prove anything to my rival. I'll win next time, and you'll see our real power!"
"Okay, please, stop talking. I can't take any more laughing." Elio held his breath to prevent the laughter from escaping.
"That's you own fault!"
"Come off it, dude. Arceus, you're such a NERD!"
Gladion blinked.
"What."
"A nerd!" Elio smiled. You pull off these crazy poses, and talk about strength like you're some kinda cartoon-antihero! It's hilarious!"
"Are you saying I'm not-"
"You're plenty strong, Gladion," Elio reassured him. "But c'mon! Rivals? Foes? ShutUP!We're friends!"
"But… you're my rival! What are you trying to do, make me go easy on you next time?!" Gladion protested, while Elio deadpanned at him.
"Do you seriously think you can save the damn world with someone and not be FRIENDS by the end of it? You're such a dweeb!"
"What? Am I a dweeb, or a nerd, or your friend?" At this point Gladion was more confused than he was angry.
"All of them!" Elio beamed. "You try really hard to be some scary lone Lycanroc*, don't you?"
"I'm not pretending anything," he growled. "You think you know me? You don't know a thing about me!"
"Try me." Elio challenged. "You hate being lonely, but you feel like it's the only way to prove yourself. You feel guilty easily, but if someone tries to tell you you're in the wrong, you get defensive even if you know it's true. You don't let anyone close to you unless they've proven themselves. You judge people fast, ranking everyone you've ever met by how 'strong' they are. You'll only open up to someone if the situation demands it, but never willingly." Elio smiled, this time more sympathetic than teasing. "And that's how we got where we are now."
Gladion was stunned. "How… when did…" he stuttered. Elio raised one eyebrow.
"Not much fun being interrupted, is it? Yeah, I think I know a thing or two about you. Wanna know why?" Gladion looked up through his asymmetrical bangs.
"Why?"
"Because we're FRIENDS, ya nerd." Elio punched him in the shoulder. Gadion, still a little dazed, barely registered it. Elio walked past him, starting up the mountain. Gladion finally broke out of his stupor.
"If- if you think this means I'm going any easier on you-!" he stammered. Elio grinned, a terrifying Cheshire smile.
"You think I ever go easy?"
…Gladion smiled.
"No, I guess you don't."
As the lift began rising up to the mountain path, the blonde shouted up at him.
"You had better win, Elio!"
With his back turned, Elio raised two fingers in an acknowledging salutation.
Below him, Gladion sighed deeply. His chosen rival ended up a little more trouble than he expected.
In its pokeball, Silvally yawned and went to sleep.
Author's Note
*Lone Lycanroc - Lone wolf
Sup, welcome to A Day In The Life. This is just a bunch of scenes from the many Pokemon games, born out of boredom and disappointment that some characters don't get as much development as I'd like. Not all of them are based on game events, many of them contain my personal headcanons and characters, and so forth. The point is, don't expect any sort of balance or consistency, but if anyone has requests, feel free to leave a review or PM me, and I'll take them into consideration for the next chapter.
Thanks for reading!
