Both Dragonites lay on the ground, defeated. Kotone smirked proudly at her Ampharos. But her smirk disappeared when Ampharos knelt weakly next to Crobat. The light pokemon was worn out herself. And so was Crobat. But Kotone and Silver could see the fiery determination in both their pokemon.
Kotone peeked at Silver. The redhead gripped his fist and teeth. She froze to see an expression she'd never seen before in him – worry. He was worried for his pokemon.
"Go, Dragonite!" Lance yelled, releasing his last pokemon.
Clair followed suit. "Destroy them, Kingdra!"
Both the dragon pokemon roared into the skies, shaking the den. Kotone bit her lip nervously. Ampharos was almost down for the count and Gyarados was defeated. Her only option was her trusty Typhlosion. Only problem – the pokemon was a fire type. And Kingdra was his least favourite enemy since the last time she battled her.
The petite trainer looked at her rival. He was in a fit too. His Gengar was out and Feraligatr was his only pokemon with enough energy. Kotone's heartbeat began to beat fast – afraid of Silver's next choice. She looked at his Crobat. The bat pokemon flapped his wings slowly, injured. The trainer bit her lip. She remembered her battles with Silver in the past, how his Golbat suffered. But Silver completely ignored everything and yelled at his pokemon to continue battling.
At that time, Golbat almost died if Kotone didn't stop him.
Kotone shuddered in fear. It was a traumatizing déjà vu for her. She was afraid that Silver still holds the dark abhor inside him. She reached out her hand to him, telling him to switch out before his Crobat gain any more damage. "Silver…"
"Crobat! Return!" Silver called back his Crobat and switched his pokeball. Without a word, he released his water starter.
"Feraaagghhh!" Feraligatr roared tenaciously at his opponents. Hell yeah! Let's dance one more time!
Kotone gawked at Feraligatr, then at Silver. The redhead glanced slightly at his rival and flashed a small frown. "What?"
A few seconds later, Kotone shook her head in disbelief. "N-Nothing…"
As if he knew what she was thinking, he scoffed – feeling slightly hurt. "Crobat was almost knocked out. So I changed back to Feraligatr." He shoved his hands into his pockets – grasping the red fabric. "I don't want Crobat to get hurt…not again…"
Kotone heard the guilty tone in his voice. She bit her inner cheek – fighting back a smile. He really has changed. The thought made Kotone's spirit rise higher. She focused her attention back at the two dragon masters. "Ampharos, return!" She recalled her Ampharos and kissed her pokeball. "You did a great job…" she murmured – unknowingly making Silver shudder at her tone. Kotone replaced Ampharos's pokeball with Typhlosion's and released her starter.
Typhlosion roared at the top of his lungs and fumed his flames brightly. His fangs bared as soon as he saw Kingdra. The last time he'd battle the dragon pokemon, the starter was almost down. Now he was back with revenge. You're gonna be sushi, sushi!
Clair scoffed arrogantly at Typhlosion. "A fire against my Kingdra?" she shook her head, feeling cocky. "Obviously you have no other choice left. You're going down. Both of you!"
Lance tapped his forehead – irritated by his cousin. But what Clair had said was right. The fire breather wouldn't last a minute with Kingdra and Dragonite's water moves. The male dragon master grinned at the pigtailed trainer. This will be amusing. "Dragonite, Waterfall!"
Dragonite covered himself with an armour of water and charged at the fire starter. Luckily, Typhlosion was able to avoid his attack – barely. The fire starter cursed as another water move almost hit him. It was Kingdra's Hydro Pump.
Kotone cussed under her breath. Both the masters were aiming for her starter. Her head zoomed with plans and ideas for her next command. Her eyes gawked in horror as another Hydro Pump attack was rocketing for Typhlosion. "Ah, Typhlosion watch out!" She yelled in panic.
In a flash, the clear liquid shot froze – turning into a huge, frozen solid, ice sculpture. Feraligatr had used his Ice Beam to solidify the Hydro Pump – saving Typhlosion. The fire starter gawked at the big jaw pokemon. His best friend wagged his tail happily and pulled Typhlosion back on his feet. You have my scaly blue, I have your furry red remember? Feraligatr growled cheerfully.
Typhlosion stared at Feraligatr – shocked to hear his words. The fire breather couldn't believe that the water starter still remembers their vow they've made when they were little – a vow that started their friendship. Slowly, Typhlosion flashed a happy smile. Thanks buddy.
Kotone couldn't believe her eyes and gawked at Silver. The redhead chuckled slightly to see a cute, dumbfounded face. "What? We are a team, right? I don't wanna lose that easily," he chimed and focused on the battle – ignoring the stunned trainer.
Kotone regained her senses and beamed. Her rival really has changed. She glared at their opponents – heart more flared up than ever.
Clair rolled her eyes while Lance chuckled absentmindedly. "It seems you two are starting to get along," he said thoughtfully. But Clair scoffed, "Like that's any help. Kingdra, Dragon Pulse on Feraligatr!"
Her dragon pokemon gaped his mouth open and released a shock wave. But Feraligatr sneered arrogantly and jumped high – avoiding the attack.
"Typhlosion! Return!" Upon hearing his command and seeing that the enemy had an open target, Typhlosion plunged himself at Kingdra – body slamming the dragon pokemon on to a rock.
Clair was stunned to see the fire breather's imminent strength. Who knew a single body slam can cause so much damage. Lance was in awe himself. The Return attack is a full-power attack that grows more powerful the more the pokemon likes its trainer. And judging by Typhlosion's little slam, he knew the fiery beast loves his trainer more than anything.
He soon regretted his seconds of distraction as he heard a loud cry. Lance turned his head towards his Dragonite – who was falling hard on the ground. He cringed in horror. Feraligatr had launched his Ice Fang attack. His eyes glared at the redhead. Silver held his hips and hung his head high – smirking a completely cocky smug. He swore he could hear the boy's cynical laugh. The dragon master clenched his fist – now slightly worried. "Dragonite, Hyper Beam!"
Dragonite quickly stood on his feet and blasted a powerful beam at his two opponents. But Lance cursed as a huge smokescreen covered the battle arena – blinding him and his pokemon. It was Typhlosion's smokescreen. "Damn," he cursed.
Kotone and Silver smirked – they were in the lead. The petite trainer's eyes stared at her rival. "Ready Silver?"
Silver nodded tenaciously – his cheeks slightly red at the sound of her voice saying his name. Both brown and silver eyes glared at their starters.
"Typhlosion! Flamethrower!"
"Feraligatr! Hydro Pump!"
The best friends launched their attack together. The smokescreen evaporated and both the dragon masters gawked in shock at the attack. The fire blast and the water blast combined and swirled around each other – creating a rapid duo spiral beam. Before Lance or Clair could even open their mouths, the combo beam hit Dragonite and Kingdra, throwing them off a boulder – creating another thick fog.
Clair growled acidly. The battle was not going well. "Kingdra, inhale the smoke!"
Kingdra swiftly took in all the smoke. But it was too late.
"Typhlosion, Return on Kingdra!"
"Feraligatr, Ice Beam on Dragonite!"
Without a single blink, Typhlosion bared his fangs and bit Kingdra, throwing him up in the air – crashing the dragon pokemon roughly on the ceiling. At the same time, a strong, harsh ice beam hit Dragonite on the stomach and wings – freezing him solid – down and out.
All four trainers coughed due to the thick atmosphere. A few seconds later, the smoke disappeared. Lance and Clair froze in complete chagrin – their pokemon had lost.
Typhlosion and Feraligatr stood weakly, but very proudly. Both starters smirked at each other and high fived. Woohoo! We did it bro! The water starter roared in glee.
Typhlosion scoffed boastfully. Of course we did. We're awesome.
Silver crossed his arms in complete victory while Kotone jumped frantically in joy. But the redhead's smirk immediately disappeared as Kotone unwarily pounced at him – embracing him for a tight hug.
"Yayy! We've won!" The trainer yelled happily at his ear. Silver could feel the hotness in his cheeks and his ears were getting deaf by her high-pitched voice.
He quickly regained his senses and pulled Kotone away. "B-Back off, woman!" he stuttered sourly. But Kotone's happiness remained undisturbed as she clapped her hands and was still bouncing.
Lance returned his Dragonite inside his pokeball and glanced at the two teenagers. He scratched his head and moved his feet towards them – earning a low growl from the redhead.
Lance ignored his sour attitude and smiled at Kotone. He reached out his hand for a handshake. "Congrats Kotone. That was one hell of a battle."
Kotone beamed in joy and shook his hand. Silver bit his inner cheek – irritated by the sight. He turned his head away and puffed out angrily. Kotone stared at her rival in confusion. What's his problem now?
The dragon master smirked in ease and patted Silver's shoulder. "You did well – for a stubborn, cocky redhead."
Silver glared at the man and swatted his hand away. "Don't touch me," he snarled.
Lance stared at Silver numbly. Nice to pokemon or not, this boy is just plain rude. He sighed and faced his attention towards the brunette. "Well, I have to go. I got things to do." He took Kotone's hand and kissed it lightly – making Kotone flushed yet again.
And making Silver clenched his fist in utter frustration.
Lance peeked at the shaking redhead and chuckled quietly. His mission to aggravate the stubborn redhead was a success. Before Silver could launch an attack at Lance personally, the two dragon masters walked away, out of the den.
Leaving the two teenagers to their being.
Typhlosion and Feraligatr sat near a pile of soft rubbles – giving their trainers some space. Typhlosion licked the wounds on his front paw, eyes scanning on the redhead. Just in case he did something stupid again. His best friend sat and hummed happily. He sighed in content as his tail felt the cold chill of the water.
Kotone twiddled her fingers. She bit her lip, trying to make some words to say. The trainer glanced at her rival, smiling. "We're a great team," she chirped and extended a hand – wanting a handshake.
Silver glared at her hand and rolled his eyes. He shoved his hands in his pockets and scoffed. "Whatever…"
Kotone frowned and took his hand, shaking it stubbornly. Silver eyes gawked at her and growled quietly. But Kotone was too used to his snarly attitude and flashed a happy smile. "When I say I want a handshake…" She gripped the boy's hand, not letting it go. "Give me damn handshake…" she murmured softly. Kotone looked up and smiled at Silver, who was frowning, flushing and growling at the brunette.
"Let go…" he snarled. Silver tried to pull his hand away but Kotone gripped it tightly. The brunette was enjoying his scowling face. She giggled wistfully – thinking that she might be a masochist for liking something bad.
Silver frowned to see her small laughter. The girl getting less and less afraid of him. Which, oddly, sent a relieve deep in his heart. He sighed heavily, letting her delicate fingers wrapped around his hand. His heartbeat began to move in a speedy rhythm. Silver looked away and bit his lower lip. Stupid, annoying feelings…
Kotone kept her smile. She opened her mouth, wanting to say some words. But instead, an unexpected sound came out. "Achoo!" she sneezed, unconsciously releasing her grip. Silver cringed at the petite trainer in shock. Kotone rubbed her nose and looked up at her tall rival, embarrassed.
"Ehee, sor-CHOO!" Kotone sneezed again. Silver took a few steps backwards – afraid that he might get her germs. Her constant sneezing made Kotone realized that she was cold. The trainer rubbed her arms and shivered. Damn it! Why didn't I bring a sweater? She gazed at her Typhlosion. The fire breather was sleeping soundly, laying his body next to the slumbering Feraligatr.
Kotone sighed and posed a small frown. Aww great. Ty Ty's asleep. I don't wanna wake him up. Her shivering got faster – goosebumps forming on her arms. But I'm cold…
Suddenly, her thoughts went to a halt when a piece of clothing swatted her face. Kotone took the cloth and froze to see it was Silver's black jacket. Her eyes immediately zoomed at the redhead, who was now wearing a black shirt. His arms crossed and he stood on his side – eyes averting hers.
Silver opened one eye and glared annoyingly at Kotone. "What? You said you were cold. So wear the damn jacket," he said coldly. He kept his voice steady – not blowing his cover in front of her that he was nervous.
Kotone gawked at the redhead. "Aren't you cold?"
Her rival chuckled sourly and leaned his back on a boulder. "I'm not the one wearing some stupid short overalls and a puffy hat."
Kotone frowned and stuck out her tongue. But eventually she wore Silver's jacket, blushing as her nose caught his smell – dirt and what it seems to be a scent of Razz berries. Her cheeks were a faint pink. Kotone bit her inner cheek. Silver's jacket was very cozy and warm. Slowly, she looked at the ignorant redhead. "Thanks…" she murmured cheerfully.
Silver scoffed and nodded slightly – his cheeks getting hotter again. Silver bit his lip and faced the lake. His ears caught footsteps coming his way. Silver didn't move his gaze. He knew Kotone was closing in the distance between them.
And it made his heart beat in bliss.
Damn you! He cursed at himself. Thankfully, Kotone stopped, leaving only a few feet away. The two were quiet once again.
Kotone bit her lip – didn't know what to say. Suddenly, her mind clicked as she remembered her rematch with Falkner. After their battle, the Violet leader had said something about an intense battle like hers. It just happened recently and Falkner was surprised to see the flaming determination in his opponent's eyes. "The guy was quite tough, the last scorching battle I had was with you. But he pretty much has the same level as yours," Falkner said. Before Kotone could asked who it was, the young leader continued, "And man, is his hair red like a Moltres." Her eyes stared at her distracted rival. She knew very well who Falkner was talking about.
Slowly, a small smile appeared on her face. "Congrats on beating Falkner."
That made Silver glanced at his rival, surprised that she knew the news. He smirked proudly and puffed out his chest. "Well duh, I am training to be the strongest. And that means beating you too," he boasted. Kotone giggled wistfully – making his cheeks redder. The redhead frowned – mad at himself for being too attracted. He poked her forehead, earning a small 'ow' from Kotone.
"What was that for?" she mumbled as her hand wiped her forehead. Silver bit his inner cheek, fighting the urge to laugh. No matter what she did, she looks adorable in his eyes.
But Silver would never admit that, ever. "Your giggling annoys me."
Kotone frowned and stuck her tongue out again. "It's my giggle. I can giggle anytime, anywhere I want. Heck, I can giggle in my death bed if I wanted to." Her brown eyes shined at him. "You should try giggling."
Silver eyes gawked at her as if she has two heads. Out of all the things she said, this one was extremely stupid. He raised his left corner of his lips – slightly amused. "You're crazy, Kotone," he spat absentmindedly and chuckled.
But his chuckle halted like a bullet once he saw a shocked expression on her face.
It made Silver twitched uncomfortably. "W-What?"
Kotone blinked her eyes many times before saying, "You said my name."
Realizing what he had said, Silver felt like slapping himself hard on the forehead. He had mentioned her name out loud unconsciously. Damn it! "N-No I didn't…" he stuttered nervously and looked away.
But Kotone didn't move an inch. Her hand pointed at Silver and cracked a small laugh. "Yes you did! You said my name!" Her mind suddenly flashed back before their double battle with the dragon masters. She remembered when Silver pulled her into a tight hug.
Kotone is with me!
A huge smile flashed on her face. She looked at Silver and bounced slightly. "And that wasn't the first time. You said my name before. Before our battle with Lance and Clair. You said my real name. No 'pigtails'. No 'woman'. No 'Little Miss Weakling' whatsoever. You actually know my name and you actually said it!" she squealed happily and bounced higher. Silver cursed under his breath as his cheeks were getting hotter. He didn't expect to say it on purpose – knowing very well the girl might overreact – like now.
"Shut up! I did not! You're deaf!" he shouted meekly. Silver felt like covering his face with his hands. He looked at the clear water. Maybe I can save myself from drowning…
Kotone never felt happier. The thought of Silver actually remembers her name was pure bliss to her. Ever since she'd meet Silver, the boy irks her to no end. But as time flies, her heart began to open up for the egoistic redhead. But Kotone knew, he'd rather chew wood than liking her back. But now, in the den, when she knew Silver rather battle by her side and had actually said her name, it made her the most joyous girl in the whole world.
"Admit it," she hummed playfully, still jumping. "You know my name and you don't hate me."
Silver glared slightly at the brunette, not moving his face from the lake. "Shut up…"
"I don't want to," Kotone purred happily. Her hand poked Silver's cheek, earning a shaken swat from him. "You said my naaaame. You said my naaaame," she sang, her hands waving around his face.
Silver growled and finally faced Kotone. "Stop that, you annoying woman." His heartbeat was beating faster by the second.
"Make me." She stuck out her tongue and continued singing, her voice getting higher. "You said my naaame. You said my naaame. You said my –"
Her voice went completely mute when her lips met his.
Kotone froze as Silver closed the distance between them. The redhead tugged his collar jacket that she wore, pulling her closer. Silver moaned silently the second he pressed her soft lips onto his. His body tingled and prickled in pure pleasure.
But the kiss didn't last for thirty seconds. Quickly, Silver broke the kiss and pushed her away. He leaned on the rock and faced the lake – ignoring her stunned state. His conscious mind suddenly hit him on the head – making him regret what he just did. Great, now she's gonna think I'm a pervert and she'll hate me! The thought made his heart shatter. But Silver knew, he rather takes the risk than leaving it unknown, making his heart ache for her forever.
Kotone took a few silent minutes to regain herself back together. Sil…Silver just…kissed me! Unwarily, her hand touched her pink lips. Her eyes gawked at the fully flushed boy. Silver was completely embarrassed, she can tell.
"You were so noisy, I had to…shut you up!" Silver yelled nervously, his eyes avoiding hers. He felt his whole body feeling hot – remembering the taste of her lips.
But his explanation seem unaffected at all as Kotone flashed a small, bright smile on her face. He kissed me… Kotone now knew what he feels for her. And she was very excited. The petite trainer giggled perkily and hid her mouth on his jacket.
Reluctantly, Silver focused his gaze on Kotone again. "The hell are you giggling ab-"
Now it was Silver's turn to be completely mute as Kotone plunged towards him and kissed him back.
Silver was stunned as a rock. His hand unwarily gripped her waist. But instead of pushing her away, Silver pulled Kotone closer into a tight embrace. His body reacted out of his own free will as Silver groaned when Kotone playfully bit his lower lip – making his body ache for her even more.
He silently whimpered when Kotone pulled back. He realized that her hands were snaking around his neck. Their breaths were uneven. Kotone hung her head down, completely flushed and demure. He heard a soft giggle escaping her lips – making his body shivered in delight.
Slowly, Kotone looked up and smiled a loving smile – the kind of smile that Silver loved the most. "I…really like you too Silver…" she murmured bashfully.
Hearing her words, his cheeks were a full colour of red. "I didn't say I like you…" he stubbornly said.
But Kotone already knew her rival very well. Quickly, she planted a peck on his lips. "I know you didn't say it," she giggled. Her voice made Silver tightened his hug. Kotone rested her head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat going ballistic. Kotone smiled. "But I do know what you feel. And I feel the same way. I love you…" she murmured softly.
Unwarily, Silver flashed a smile. For the first time in his life, it was an innocent, loving smile like hers. He held Kotone's chin and held it up to face him. Silver bit his inner cheek. His once dark, bloody silver eyes were now soft and glistening at her browns. Her eyes showed nothing but compassion and love. He felt like the happiest man alive. The woman he loved, loved him back. Silver chuckled quietly. Who knew a woman like her could fall for a man like him. "You idiot…" he muttered shyly.
Kotone laughed blissfully and connected her lips with him. This time, both the teenagers were aware and ready. Their third kiss was more deep and passionate than the other two. Her heartbeat moved in a fast, gleeful rhythm – just like his. Her left hand gripped his hand. Their fingers intertwined with each other. "I love you…" she murmured between their kiss, nibbling his lower lip.
Silver growled in pleasure and glared at his smitten rival. "Crazy woman…" he breathed. All this time, he thought love was weak. That love will only bring sorrow and despair. But never in his life would he thought an annoying pigtailed-woman would bring back joy and hope in him. Who knew the woman he once despised was now the important woman in his life. He had finally found his light, his reason to be happy. Silver hugged Kotone and placed his chin on her head, smiling happily – a genuine smile. I love you too.
Typhlosion yawned loudly and slowly opened his eyes – only to gawk in fear to see her beloved trainer being hugged by his worst enemy.
Yayy, you're awake! Feraligatr roared happily. The fire breather stared dumbly at his friend – wanting an explanation.
The water pokemon grinned brightly. Guess you and I are gonna be real bros for life!
Typhlosion froze in chagrin, realizing what he'd meant. He shook his head faster than a bullet. No no no! You don't mean…
Yep, they've finally confessed. Yayy! We're gonna be closer than ever! The joyful water started jumped happily, wagging his tail in the water. That means we're gonna see each other very often.
Typhlosion twitched in horror. Don't get him wrong, he was happy that Kotone was happy. But the fact that the only person who can make her happy was him, Typhlosion felt like drowning into the water.
Feraligatr was being oblivious. Or maybe they'll travel together. That means we're gonna see each other every day and every time. Aww yeaaah!
Change that, now Typhlosion felt like drowning into the water. Nooooo! The fire breather roared dramatically inside the den and cried.
Fearligatr petted his sobbing friend's back. There, there. I'm so happy, I feel like crying too.
END
