Silver stood; arms crossed as Feraligatr swam in rapid speed under the water. His silver eyes pierced under the clear water, smiling in satisfaction at his starter's imminent speed. Silver raised his left arm and snapped his finger. Without a blink, Feraligatr jumped out of the water and landed valiantly behind Silver – a perfect landing.
Silver turned around and smirked with ease. The Dragon's Den was a perfect place for training. And Silver had been working his butt off for almost a month with his team.
And with that, Silver can say that he is pleased with the result.
Thanks to the immense crash course in the den, Silver was able to beat Falkner, Bugsy, Whitney and (much to his joy and pride) Morty. He sighed when his mind lingered to the Goldenrod leader. To him, Whitney was the hardest part to deal with. Not because of the battles – but because of how persistent the girl was to ask him out on a date. No matter how many times he declined, she kept bugging him with the same question. It got even worse when the pink-haired woman tried to seduce him that one time. Finally, Silver cracked and literally yelled at the top of his lungs at the leader.
Fortunately, Whitney halted her constant stalking.
Unfortunately, she opened her mouth and asked, "It's because you have a girlfriend, do you?"
Silver was speechless. He never had a girlfriend. That was the whole idea of being a dark, spiteful human being. But when the leader questioned him, he was confused himself. The redhead scoffed in displeasure and looked away. Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, Whitney said, "Ah, I see. Kotone is your girlfriend."
He snapped his head like a rocket, eyes wide in horror. Before he could yell some more, Whitney giggled and chimed, "Fine, fine. I am no match if I were to compete with the new Champion anyways." She lightly patted Silver's chest, before being harshly swatted away by the redhead.
Whitney stared at the enraged Silver and shook her head. Cute but hot-tempered. I couldn't imagine how Kotone deals with him. She led out a small breath and walked away, winking at Silver. "Bye Kotone's loverboy!"
Silver was dumbstruck at that time. The thought of being anybody's boyfriend irks him to death. But the thought of being Kotone's boyfriend…somehow made him tingle inside.
And it was a happy tingle.
His ears caught a low mumble. Silver snapped back to reality and looked up. Feraligatr flashed a concern look. The redhead frowned and lightly patted the big jaw pokemon's head – his way of saying 'good job'. Feraligatr purred happily and wagged his tail. Yayy! I made my friend happy!
Silver bit his inner cheek – his thoughts still wandered to the disturbing question. It was like each word was biting his insides bit by bit. He led out a huge sigh. Silver never consider himself to be committed in a relationship. Love was the one thing he hated.
But Kotone was the one person he doesn't hate.
The redhead massaged his forehead and placed his bum on a boulder. His emotions were smacking him on the head again. Feraligatr tilted his head in confusion and sat quietly in front of his trainer. It has also been awhile that they haven't seen Kotone. And as much as Silver hates to admit it, his heart ached for her.
He missed her stupid puffy hat. He missed her innocent smile. He missed her stupid carefree personality. He missed her love and care. He missed her sweet scent. He missed her soft touch. He missed her velvet skin.
He missed her.
"Damn…" he muttered sourly. Silver knew missing her was pointless. She's the Champion for crying out loud! She's training, making her pokemon stronger. And what are you doing? Sitting here on a piece of cold shit, mourning the thought that she might not like you back. Silver chuckled vilely – mocking himself. Slowly, he stood up, head hung low. Silver growled in his throat. "Fuck all this…"
He snapped up and looked at his Feraligatr – gearing up for another training session. But before he could open his mouth, his eyes caught a sparkling red Gyarados coming their way. Silver froze. He knew very well who that Gyarados belongs to.
"Silver!" Kotone cheered and waved happily at her stunned rival. She stood loosely on her Gyarados's head. Her left hand held the atrocious pokemon's antenna and she stretched her body up front – swinging like a Mankey.
Gyarados was being very, very careful so that her beloved trainer won't fall into the cold water. Typhlosion, who sat on Gyarados's back, sighed heavily as his eyes focused at Kotone in concern. His trainer was sometimes very clumsy and enthusiastic. And the fact that they were surrounded by the chilly waters of the Dragon's Den wasn't actually a calming thought for the two pokemon.
"Tyroargh…" Typhlosion muttered. Kotone, get down. You're gonna fall and I can't swim.
Kotone ignored her worried starter and kept waving. The minute she arrived in Johto after her victory in Kanto, there was only one person in her mind – Silver. Unfortunately, she didn't have his number. But to her joy, Lance knew where he was. Suddenly, a small wave hit Gyarados, making her wobbly.
And it made Kotone almost loose her balance.
"W…whoahh!"
"B-Be careful!" Silver shouted in panic. His heart began to beat like a maniac for the girl's safety. If Kotone ever fall into the deep water, he wouldn't think twice of diving in and save her himself.
Much to his utter relief, Kotone gripped her body closely to her Gyarados's antenna. Her lips trembled in fear. Okay…That was close! Kotone heard a low growl. She turned her head to see her Typhlosion eyeing her in a mix of panic, concern and annoyance. Even her legs vibrated as Gyarados mumbled something in a sense of worry.
Kotone sighed innocently. "Ehee, sorry guys." Finally, Gyarados reached at the dock. The atrocious pokemon lowered her head and Kotone jumped lightly on the ground. Typhlosion wasted no time and jumped on to dry land. Everytime he rides Gyarados, he will have a spaz attack – afraid that he might fall into the water and die. The fire breather shuddered in fear. Kotone giggled at his actions and petted her Gyarados's head. "Good girl, now go swim around, okay?"
Gyarados roared playfully and dived deep into the water. Kotone clapped her hands playfully and turned around to face Silver, hoping to find a smug looking rival.
Instead, she'd gotten a shaken, mad looking redhead.
"Uh…Silv –"
"You…IDIOT!" Silver yelled at Kotone – stunning the girl. "Do you have ANY idea how fucking heart stopping my heart went when you were about to fall into the cold water! You could have drowned! You could have died! Don't you have any love for yourself, you moron!" His voice echoed ragingly inside the den. His whole body shook in anger – mad at his rival's clumsiness.
Kotone froze – afraid of Silver's angry rant. His silver eyes gleamed ferociously, piercing her scared browns. Kotone gulped and faced the ground. She twiddled her fingers sadly. "Sorry…" she muttered.
Silver was still shaking from the shocking scene he saw. He clenched his fist many times, calming himself down. His ears caught a low grumble. Silver peered behind and saw Typhlosion growling at him – telling him to chill out before he chills him out.
Silver took a few silent minutes to inhale and exhale deeply. His hands messing up his red hair, eyes staring at the guilty Kotone. All he could see was a white, annoying puffy hat. Silver sighed sourly. He felt like ripping that hat away and throw it into the lake. The redhead bent his torso to get a good look of her face.
"I just…" Kotone muttered faintly, eyes still down. "I was so happy to see you here, I couldn't wait to get closer…" She bit her hair and clasped her fingers together. "I didn't mean to make you worry…" she sobbed – eyes were getting wet.
Silver groaned quietly when he heard her sniffle. He looked up into the cave ceilings and led out a huge sigh. Hearing the girl cry was a now huge weak spot for him. Silver felt like pulling the petite trainer into a tight hug – wiping her tears away and apologizing.
And kiss her soft lips to get rid of the heartache.
Silver gulped and shook his head fast, removing the inappropriate image. The redhead tapped his fingers on his forehead. "Alright, alright. I'm not mad anymore. Don't cry. Jeez," he grumbled sourly. His eyes never met hers. His cheeks a faint colour of red.
Kotone slowly looked up – flashing a small smile. She could sense a hint of care in his voice. And it made her heart beat happily.
"And fucking stop chewing your hair, damn it." Unwarily, Silver pulled the strands of hair in her mouth. It wasn't because it was annoying him (heck, she looked cute and he loved it), but because if she kept doing it, he will eventually fall in and kiss her.
Kotone froze when he pulled her hair away. She stared at Silver numbly. The boy's cheeks were getting redder. Slowly, she flashed a pair of white teeth and giggled. "Sorry…" she muttered shyly.
"And stop apologizing…" he sourly added.
A few quiet minutes passed by. The two trainers stood in front of each other awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Typhlosion rolled his eyes in disgust and strode to Feraligatr. The water starter smiled happily at his fire friend.
Duuuuude! What's up? Feraligatr wagged his tail in joy.
Typhlosion held up his head slightly. Fine.
The water starter grinned playfully as the fire starter rolled his eyes again. Feraligatr has a happy, carefree personality. While Typhlosion holds a bitter, arrogant attitude. The two really were like fire and ice (or in their case, fire and water) – just like their trainers. But no matter what happens, Typhlosion knew, the Feraligatr always has his back, just like he has his.
Feraligatr halted his wagging and stared at Typhlosion. Oh yeah, congrats on getting the Kanto badges.
Hearing this, Typhlosion puffed out brashly. Well duh. Look at me. I'm powerful and strong. No pokemon can withstand my awesomeness.
The water starter led out a huge 'pfft' and rolled his eyes. His friend was definitely arrogant. He can confirm about that.
After her solitary state, Kotone smiled at Silver. "So, Lance said that you've been training here."
Silver stared at Kotone and pouted. "So? What? That doesn't mean I'm weak!"
Kotone crossed her arms and apparently pouted like Silver. "I didn't say that you hothead. I was just stating it. Sheesh." She shook her head slowly. "You're so stubborn. I don't see you as a weakling." Her eyes shined innocently at his silvers. Kotone flashed a sweet smile – making Silver shudder.
The redhead scoffed nervously and looked away. "Whatever…"
Kotone giggled. Hotheaded cutie.
"Well well. If it isn't Kotone."
Both the teenage trainers turned their heads to the voice. It was Lance. And next to him was his cousin, Clair. The former Champion crossed his arms in amusement. "Hello there Kotone," he chimed.
Silver clenched his fist when he heard Kotone cheerfully replied, "Oh hi there, Lance!"
The dragon master smiled happily as Clair just stood beside him in ignorance. "So…" Lance clasped his hands. "I see you're back from Kanto. Congratulations by the way."
Kotone giggled bashfully and scratched the back of her head. "Ehee. Thanks."
Lance chuckled and strode his feet forwards. He stood in front of the slightly flushed Kotone. "I really mean it. You're very strong. Not only do you love your pokemon, but you certainly know how to use them at their full potential. I'm quite proud and envious of you." He patted Kotone's head – flashing a playful smile. Kotone felt her cheeks getting hotter and hotter by the second. Clair stayed in place and rolled her eyes. Sometimes, her cousin can be too nice.
Both Lance and Kotone heard a low growl. Kotone was shocked to realize that it didn't come from her Typhlosion – but from Silver.
Silver gritted his teeth inside his mouth. Dragon master or not, the man was crossing the line.
Lance smirked and crossed his arms at Silver. "I see you're training as usual. How is it?"
Silver snorted and glared at the former Champion. "It's going great. If you're still worried about me bullying my pokemon, forget it. They are fine and happy." Feraligatr roared cheerfully behind Silver – proving his statement.
Lance shrugged and focused on Kotone again. His smile immediately appeared when something clicked in his mind. "How about we have a double battle?"
The two trainers gawked at the young man. "What?" Kotone asked dumbly.
The dragon master chuckled wistfully, amused by her expression. Kotone really is adorable. "You know, a double battle. There are four of us here. So a double battle might be fun." He glanced at the annoyed redhead. "You do know what a double battle is, right?"
Silver could sense the deep cynical sarcasm in his voice. He tightened his grip on his teeth. "Of course I do…" he growled acidly. You moron.
But Lance showed no signs of fear and chuckled absentmindedly. He took Kotone's hand and held it inches towards his lips. "Wanna battle by my side, Kotone?" he murmured softly – earning a fully flushed Kotone.
And a fully enraged Silver.
Oblivious, Clair walked towards the shaking redhead. "Guess you're battling beside me then."
Silver gawked at the Blackthorn leader like she was joking. He then glared back at the horrifying scene. Silver clenched his teeth so hard that he thought it might break. In a flash and out of impulse, he took Kotone and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Hell no I'm not fighting beside some circus freak! Kotone is with me!" Silver yelled at the two dragon trainers – tightening his hug.
Kotone froze in a complete ocean of emotions. She had never, ever expected Silver to act so sudden. And by sudden, she meant this sudden. Her mouth was opened but no words came out as she heard Silver's heartbeat – beating rapidly like a Ninjask. Unwarily, she gripped her rival's jacket.
Lance was stunned to see the redhead's actions. Clair on the other hand, clenched her fist – angry. "Circus freak!" she stuttered furiously. The female dragon trainer almost plunged herself to attack at the annoying redhead, but Lance quickly stood in front of her. He sighed. His cousin really needs to attend into some anger management classes.
His eyes stared at the two teenagers. One was glaring at him with an intense growl while the other was frozen in shock in his embrace. Lance sneered. "Alright then," he sighed. "Clair, you're with me then." He took out his pokeball and released his Gyarados.
Clair kept a scowling face and released her Dragonair. Her eyes pierced the redhead. "You're going down you little brat!"
Silver smirked. Kotone who finally snapped back into reality wiggled herself free. "Uh…Silver…"
Realizing that he was still hugging her, Silver released his grip – his cheeks red. Kotone rubbed her arm and looked away. She couldn't able to see her rival without blushing like a mad woman. The petite trainer fixed her eyes on Typhlosion. Her starter was more than ready for some action. Soon, her bashful expression changed into her game face. "Ready to fight beside your best friend, buddy?"
Typhlosion spouted his flames higher and roared. Fuck yeah!
Silver was amused by her fighting spirit and looked at his Feraligatr. "Time to show these clowns what we're made of, right boy!"
Feraligatr grinned and roared – shaking the water surface. He glanced at the fire breather. Let's kick some ass, dude!
Typhlosion nodded and both the starters walked forward, both in their fighting position.
Kotone looked at Silver. He was also looking at her. He could still feel the hotness in his cheeks but quickly shook it away. Kotone grinned vigorously.
"You ready?"
Silver returned her grin with a smug smile. "Don't let me down, pigtails."
Kotone smiled and both of them glared at their opponents.
"Typhlosion."
"Feraligatr."
"Go!" Both the trainers shouted in unison.
Both starters roared magnificently – plunging their attack first.