Three months later and white flakes were starting to fall. The sky was overcast with grey clouds and two boys hastened to put warm coats on as the wind picked up. The air was icy and Silver and Alain shivered, waiting for their body heat to kick in.

They were on their way to defeat the final Gym Leader of the region, the infamous Giovanni of Team Rocket. Silver wasn't looking forward to the encounter, not wanting to be seen in the same vicinity as his criminal father.

He had only just beaten Blaine. A very narrow win indeed.

Silver had lost the first time he challenged Blaine, so he elected to train his partners for a week to help them grow even stronger. When he rechallenged the fiery Leader, Silver felt he was more than ready for that deceptively tough Magmar of his.

But it was still close.

They had just left Pallet Town, after having a conversation with Professor Oak, who was their sponsor. He was pleased with their progress and Silver admitted to himself he felt like preening from the researcher's praise.

But there was still a way to go. Silver knew it wouldn't be easy.

As the pair travelled Route One again, Silver thought if they talked to each other, it'd make the journey much faster. "What are you looking forward to the most when this is over?" He asked Alain, his breathes white puffs.

"A long rest," came Alain's breathless laugh. Silver chuckled too.

"Who... do you think will be Champion out of the two of us?" Silver's question was hesitant, as if he didn't want to think about it until it actually happened. The redhead glanced at his companion for his answer.

Alain took his time answering. "I think it will be you."


A/N: The two friends are almost at the end of their journey. Who will come out on top at the Indigo League?

Challenges: Alphabet Prompts #4: dominion.