What Makes You Different?
Dragon's Den, Johto Region 9:17pm.
Gladion lets out a sigh as his Lucario quickly shreds another boulder to dust with an Aura Sphere. His training was not yet complete. At least, he didn't feel like it was. He wasn't ready to go back to Alola yet. "That's enough for now, Lucario! Return!" He recalls the Aura Pokemon back to its Poke Ball before having a seat near a little camp he made for himself. It wasn't much, but he's trying to save up whatever money he has now. With a glance at his other Poke Balls, he gives a nod. His partners did well today.
Gladion's ear caught a sound of something. Footsteps, possibly. And a crashing sound. The room got just a tad colder. Silvally releases itself from its ball, ready to guard its longtime trainer and comrade.
"What is it, Silvally?" Gladion said, looking up at his chimeric partner. Silvally stood guard, which was enough of a sign to the blond. Someone truly was here. Gladion stood up and looked around.
A Weavile had struck down a large Dragonair with Ice Punch. That must explain the tiny drop in temperature. That's not the only thing Silvally and Gladion saw. The Weavile had a trainer. A fair skinned young man, close to Gladion's age if he had to guess. Maroon colored hair. Dark Navy, almost black coat with red trim. Dark purple pants. Black Belt. Shoes that matched his coat's colors. Gladion had never seen this dude before. But they give him a concerning vibe.
"That's enough, Weavile." Silver said. Weavile runs up to its trainer, snickering a bit. "You did good." He adds. Lately, he's been trying to keep up a training routine in the various caves, dens, and mountains around Kanto and Johto. This week was in the Dragon's Den, and next week would be Mt. Moon. Silver felt the bond with his Pokemon slowly growing along with their strength. He was about to head out when Weavile's nose twitched, causing it to stop and look around. It knows they're being watched. Silver catches on quickly. "Who's there?" He said. Weavile took notice of Silvally and Gladion's gaze.
"Vile…" Weavile lets out a low growl, one that Silvally reciprocates. Silver hasn't seen a Pokemon like that. Looked powerful, deadly, and protective. Like a partner with a blood bond to its trainer. Something he's a long way from having. "The hell is that?" Silver said to himself. "You there. Red hair." Gladion calls in his usual sharp yet gloomy tone. "Are you lost?" Lost? This new guy is calling him lost? Silver shook his head. "I feel like you're the one out of place here.." He snarked. "You're not from here, are you?"
Gladion grumbled. "I'm not. I'm just a trainer looking to get stronger. That's all you need to know." He didn't want to pick a fight here. He didn't even want to fight anyone here. Not this late anyway. But he would fight if he had to. And the way Silvally and Weavile looked at each other created tension. Gladion stanced with his ally.
Silver narrowed his eyes and took a battle ready pose with Weavile. He didn't issue a command… yet.
"Everyone says that. Everyone's a trainer looking to get stronger, apparently. Be it a low life criminal, some young rookie, a seasoned champion, or whatever. What makes you any special, blondie?" He questioned Gladion. Silver was a trainer who wanted to grow stronger, he had a deep reason to. And he knew it. What he didn't know is that Gladion had a reason too. In fact, more than enough reason.
Silvally and Weavile ready their claws, ready to start throwing hands, or paws, or whatever limbs at any moment. The trainers looked ready and willing to battle.
"Well? What makes you any different?" Silver asked again, a hint of cockiness in his tone. Gladion got a bit irritated. Oh this guy was getting on my nerves. He wished he could wipe that cocky attitude out of him. However, he takes a deep breath in and then lets out a sigh, calming down. He fixes up his posture. "I'm getting stronger for a reason. I have things to protect out there in the world. Something that… is the world to me. And I need all my strength to defend it." Gladion explains. Silver's guard drops a bit. "Now, I'll ask you the same question…" Gladion adds. "What makes you any different?"
Silver was quiet for a moment. He does a motion that tells Weavile to back down. "I have to get stronger to… make up for some stuff. Stuff I'm not exactly proud of nowadays. I don't know if I have a so-called world to care about anymore. But I suppose that by getting stronger, I'll find it. I'll find something else to get stronger for." Silver lets out a sigh. Gladion notions for Silvally to relax a bit.
The two trainers look at each other in silence for a moment. It broke when Gladion spoke again.
"You must've had it rough. It's none of my business but I understand it." He said. "I can say the same about you." Silver replied. "You get stronger for your reason. I'll get stronger for my own. Capeesh?" Gladion nods. "Capeesh."
Silver returns the nod and exits the Dragon's Den with Weavile in tow. Gladion sits back down at his little camp.
"I wonder if sis is okay…"