771. hectic: characterized by intense activity
Bonita was in the middle of describing the "cantankerous" shopkeeper he was working for when Green finished the last of his vanilla cocoa and stood up with Umbreon in his arms. "Sorry guys, I think I need some time to think… I'll see you around…" A kind of hectic and raucous atmosphere had developed, and even the barrier maker, a retired trainer, had joined in with his own fair share of crazy battles.
Green apologized again when pushing in his chair, and walked away. There was a little bit of an awkward pause, but their conversation restarted in earnest after waving and calling goodbyes to Green.
772. appraise: to officially estimate the worth of
He breathed in the clean air, indulging in the solitude. His trainers had been remarkably supportive, but Green just wanted time to think. He didn't know if he wanted to win – as a gym leader, he wasn't even obliged to use his competitive team, as most other leaders settled for a weaker team to battle challengers.
Green certainly wasn't going to lose indiscriminately and toss out badges like candy, but he also didn't know how to accept his loss. As a gym leader, he was merely a stepping stone for trainers on the way to the league. His loss was nothing unusual, as some leaders routinely handed out multiple badges each day. Would he have to become accustomed to losing? Had he incorrectly appraised the benefits and disadvantages to being a gym leader? Did he want this?
773. deride: to ridicule
It was already too late to turn back; he'd signed the contract to work as leader for at least three years before resigning. But honestly, how did Brock stand his ego being crushed by little kids? A masochist? A really creepy one? Green wasn't trying to deride Brock, but the rock gym leader was really absurdly ok with losing. Did Brock even feel the pain of defeat anymore?
Green scratched Umbreon behind the ear absent-mindedly. He wasn't a competitive battler anymore – he was just another gym leader that would sit around, win some battles and lose others. He'd really just have to get over the loss. Gold was strong, and they both did their best. That was all there was to it. Right?
774. exuberant: lively, happy, and full of good spirits
Green let out another long sigh. Even though he'd promised to forget the loss, it wasn't easy to get back to being exuberant and happy with life. Not like he usually was giggling and smiling, but- he was just feeling down after a defeat.
He slowly walked down the streets taking in the peaceful sights and sounds. For today, he could just stay at home and wait for reports on Janine. His familiar, cream colored and green roofed apartment building came into sight, and he unlocked the door.
775. guise: external appearance, especially a false one
Gold's stuff was still scattered on the sofa, and Latias was awake, eating food. Food that Green hadn't made, which meant that either Latias had gotten up and made it herself (which was unlikely, seeing how she was dozing off into her food like Gold had done earlier that morning), or Gold was still there.
Green cupped his hands around his mouth and called out. "Gold?"
A crash and a bang resounded from the bathroom, and Green hurried over, only to find the door locked. He twisted the knob in vain, and then pounded on the door. "What the hell are you doing in there?"
"SORRY MAN, wait a second…" A clicking sound could be heard, and the door swung open. Gold was wearing only his boxers, and by the look of it, about to take a shower. He had on a guise of innocence, but Green was suspicious.
776. juxtapose: to put side by side, especially for comparison or contrast
"Didn't you shower just yesterday?"
Gold laughed unsurely. "Uh yeah, I was just, um, really sweaty cause I was nervous during the battle…"
Green raised an eyebrow. "Really now?"
"…ok, fine, I texted Silver and he actually replied, saying that he was on his way to Johto and was going to board the Magnet Train in two hours… Yeah, so I'm going to chase him, and I don't know when's the next time I'll get to use a nice shower, so sorry I gotta rush!" Gold shut the door and a couple seconds, Green could hear the swishing of the shower curtain and the faucet turning on.
In juxtaposing Green and Red's relationship with Gold and Silver's, it was almost ironic how one could find such similarities and differences. They all were top class trainers, but their mindsets were all so different. And Green and Red were always apart, and dealt with it; Gold raved about and chased after Silver whenever given the chance.
777. throng: crowd; a number of people gathered together
Green had come home early thinking he had to cook and eat lunch together with Gold and Latias, but it appeared as though they'd already eaten. He decided to simply nibble on some toast while browsing through battle news.
A couple minutes later, Gold came crashing out of the bathroom, hair still dripping wet. He grabbed his backpack from the sofa and paused when he saw Green at the dinner table.
"Yo Green! I left your battle money on the coffee table! It feels weird to take money from you cause I'm freeloading, I would've refused it but you know, cameraman. So yeah, gotta go beat the throng and get to the station before Silver gets swept away! I'll call you after I'm in the train!"
778. wake: track of turbulence left by something mowing through water (or figuratively, anything that has passed)
Gold swung the front door open and then charged out. And just like that, the short, hectic days with Gold ended. Latias yawned.
Green walked over to pick up Latias' empty plates and pile them in the sink. As he lathered the porcelain bowls with dishwashing soap, he mused about Gold's chances against Red. Gold had certainly had left traces of fans in his wake – at fourteen, he was a bold genius, just the type that news reporters loved to stalk. Also, now with sixteen badges, he had, supposedly, twice as much experience as Red did according to the trainer community.
779. ramification: a development or consequence resulting from a course of action
The ramification of Red disappearing off the records made it way harder for people to estimate his strength. He was hailed as the ultimate champion by some, and dismissed as a fallen legend by others. Even Green hadn't ventured to have a rematch just yet, although they did have friendly contests in other things (like whose pokemon could wash dishes faster).
But Red was strong. Stronger than Green, far stronger. Gold had narrowly beaten Green, so he still had a long shot to go before being capable of taking down Red.
780. articulate: able to express oneself clearly and effectively
The early afternoon drew on slowly and sleepily. Although the morning had flashed by, the afternoon dragged on, and Green felt inclined to take an afternoon nap. Restoration problems could be taken care of later… oh, and he could get them to replace his window too.
Green shut the blinds in his bedroom, and lay on his bed, fully clothed. Hopefully, Gold would hurry up and get on the train and call, so Green could sleep. It was a little daunting that Gold had the boldness to make a call in the train (wasn't that rude?), but hey, it wasn't Green so…
The buzzing of his phone startled Green into consciousness. He must have dozed off, because he'd rolled over until his stomach was on top of his phone, and it kind of felt like he'd just been shocked by a taser (yes, he was ticklish). He found it hard to articulate words to respond to Gold.