The Redhead's Misery 10

   Kotone stood proudly, her hands on her hips. She flashed a strong smile and glanced at her satchel – three shiny Kanto badges glistened majestically under the moonlight. Her head then faced her smug Typhlosion. Kotone scratched the starter's ear, earning soft purrs from him.

   "Come on boy, to Cerulean!" Kotone shouted and both of them dashed off into the cave.

   And, unfortunately, bumped into a person.

   "Oof!" Kotone cussed quietly and unwarily gripped the person's jacket. She felt a pair of strong hands holding her arms – preventing her from falling.

   Quickly, Kotone opened her eyes – and froze in shock to see her crashed victim. "Silver!"

   Silver was as stunned as her. "K-You!" His silver eyes widen at her browns. Silver was about to exit Mt Moon when suddenly, a petite trainer crashed into him. He was about to lose his temper, but all that dissolved in a blink of an eye when he saw who it was.

   Kotone blushed, embarrassed to see Silver up close. Her nose twitched, he smelled of dirt and trees – a smell that's definitely had Kotone's heart beat faster than normal. Her lips trembled – speechless.

   "Um…can you…let me go…?" Silver whispered faintly. Her scent was making him lose his patience – and it wasn't because he was angry.

   His words made her realized that she was still gripping his jacket. Kotone gulped. Swiftly, she released her grasp and took a few steps backwards – her cheeks blushed. Kotone scratched the back of her head and giggled awkwardly. "Eheh, sorry…"

   Silver kept his mouth shut and looked away – flushed as well.

   A silent moment filled the cave. Only sounds of Zubats flapping their wings were heard. Silver bit his inner cheek in annoyance. Damn it, Silv! Say something! Realizing what he'd just thought, Silver chuckled unwarily. He just referred himself as Silv.

   "Uhh…why are you giggling?" Kotone tilted her head in confusion. She was surprised to see her rival chuckle. It wasn't the usual smug chuckle that she usually heard from him, but it was different – it looked carefree.

   Silver ceased his small laughter and frowned. "I didn't giggle! That's childish and stupid!"

   Kotone crossed her arms and smirked. "You do so just giggled." Her smirk turned into an innocent smile. "And I find it cute."

   Her last word made Silver blush yet again. He turned his head and scowled silently. "Shut up…" he muttered.

   The female trainer chortled quietly, amused by his own ego. Her eyes soon focused on his foot. "By the way, how's your ankle?"

   Silver stared at his once injured foot. A few days after her care, the wound began to heal fast. The girl certainly knows her First Aid 101. Silver scoffed egoistically and shoved his hands in his pockets, his left hand grasping the red fabric that was neatly folded in his pouch. He avoided her gaze and looked at some rocks. "Fine…" he muttered.

   Kotone smiled, happy to see her rival was still standing and still in his cocky self. She opened her mouth, wanting to ask about her red handkerchief. But soon shut it back. She knew Silver still had it with him. The thought alone made Kotone's heart flutter like happy Butterfrees.

   "Whatever then." Kotone skipped her way through Silver. As much as she loves to irritate the boy, she had badges to collect.

   "Wait." Kotone halted when she felt her wrist being gripped. Kotone looked at Silver. His eyes were glowing in determination and another emotion she can't comprehend.

   Silver froze the minute he held her wrist. He didn't know what he was thinking – again. But he didn't want Kotone to leave, not yet. He wanted her close. He wanted her beautiful brown eyes to bear at his dark silvers – the only brown eyes that showed no fear, but compassion.

   Silver doesn't know why, but he craved for that compassion.

   Only problem is, he didn't want her to notice.

   "Uhh…Silv…" The second she said his nickname, his heartbeat began to drum a rapid beat. "Do you need anything else…?"

   He gulped silently – clueless on what to do next. Suddenly, he heard a low growl. Silver looked up; cursing to see his most hatred enemy, Typhlosion glaring deathly at him.

   Let go of Kotone, or you're Zubat meat. Typhlosion bared his sharp fangs and spouted fire from his back. He stood both on his hind legs. The starter's intimidating pose was a success – Silver was scared to the bone.

   Kotone sighed heavily. These two will never get along. "Typhlosion, calm down." She petted her starter's chest, then looked at her terror-stricken rival. "And Silver, can you please let go of me?"

   Unwarily, he said, "No."

   No? Kotone was dumbfounded. What do you mean no? Her thoughts went to a brainstorm, thinking of what he meant. Abruptly, her mind clicked to what happened the last time they were at the Radio Tower. And judging by their position now, Kotone was completely aghast.

   "AHHH!" Kotone shrieked and waved her hand roughly, releasing herself from Silver's grasp. Swiftly, she distanced herself from him as far as she could – her hands covering her chest. "D-Don't you dare strip me – again!" Her voice stuttered loudly as Kotone hid behind a huge boulder.

   Silver was frozen in total dumbstruck cluelessness. He didn't expect Kotone to think about that. His cheeks were now crimson as his hair. All this time, Silver was trying very, very hard to remove that one embarrassing moment he had with her. And Kotone just had to bring it up.

   "I…I wasn't thinking about that, you lil pervert!" His voice shaken acidly. Silver clenched his fist – trying to control his humiliating state of mind.

   Kotone peeked through the boulder. She wanted to kick herself on the chest – feeling stupid to ever think of that. "I am not a pervert!" She twiddled her fingers bashfully. "It's just that you froze when you stopped me…and I was shocked. And besides…" She covered her face behind the huge stone again – away from his gaze. "You're the one who stripped me…Pervert…"

   His face was now all red and fuming. Silver clenched his shaking teeth. "W-Why…you…"

   Typhlosion crouched in front of Silver – ready to attack. Come any closer and I will scrape your eyes out.

   Silver froze in place – shaking and embarrassed. Slowly, he took a few minutes to calm down and took a deep, heavy breath. Last thing he wanted was another useless argument with her. Silver massaged his temples. If this keeps up, he will eventually faint.

   Suddenly, his mind snapped. Silver looked up. Kotone was still hidden behind the big boulder and her fire breather was still growling viciously at him. Silver knew what to do. He reached out his pokeball and released Golbat.

   Golbat's cry made Kotone look up. She knew very well what he wanted – a battle.

   And oddly, a tiny part of her was disappointed.

   Wait, what? Kotone shook her head and slapped her cheek – humiliated that she could feel that way about her rival. She stood up and sighed heavily. Pull yourself together, woman.

   Silver crossed his arms in amusement. Kotone was finally out of her boulder-shield. "You know, I've been pondering about what you've said at Victory Road. And as much as I hate to admit it, you were…" he coughed uncomfortably. "…right."

   Kotone strode towards her Typhlosion and raised an eyebrow, confused. "Right about what?"

   Oh, this woman is as dense as a Geodude. "About…treating my pokemon better." He scoffed coyly and shoved his hands in his pockets. "I've given it a lot of thought and…I want to change. I want to be a better trainer. I want to be strong, but I also want my pokemon to be happy with me. So if me and my pokemon are happy, my team will be strong enough to be invincible…" he muttered, his face still flushed. Silver tried to ignore the baffled gaze his rival was giving him.

   Kotone was dumbstruck. She looked at his Golbat. For the first time, she could see a happy smile on the bat pokemon's face – convincing all the words he had just said. Kotone focused her attention back at Silver. The redhead was averting his gaze from her. Slowly, the brunette flashed a sweet smile. He really does wanna change…

   Kotone fixed her puffy hat and held her hips, determined. "Alright then, let's battle to see how well you're improving."

   Silver looked at his rival – a smug smirk bestowed on his face. His embarrassing confession was over and it made Kotone smile happily – a smile that he wanted to see all day long. "You're going down pest. Golbat, Poison Fang!"

----------

   The battle was over and Silver had lost, again. He sighed crabbily and called in his fainted Alakazam. But eventhough they lost, Silver could see the difference in his pokemon when they were battling – all of them looked more determine and happy. And he knew his pokemon were giving it their all for him.

   Silver heard a soft giggle. He looked up and saw the pigtailed trainer petting her Rhydon. The drill pokemon was stomping her tail in delight. Silver had seen the scene so many times before. But this time, for the first time ever, instead of showing resent, he felt his heart melt seeing Kotone's affections. He clenched his fist and sighed loudly – trying to get himself back together.

   Kotone halted her cuddling and stared at Silver. A small smile was flashed to him. "Well, I gotta admit, that was one hell of a fight you gave me there. I didn't expect you can get any stronger," she joked lightly – earning a good scoff from him. "I mean, that's the first time Typhlosion ever got beaten in anything." Kotone scratched her neck, her mind flashed back to two minutes ago. She was stunned to see her strongest pokemon fall after being defeated by Feraligatr. His enemy roared valiantly, happy to see his best friend/enemy defeated. Unconsciously, Kotone chuckled. She knew, after this, Typhlosion will never get over it that easily.   

   Silver smirked slightly. At least he was quite happy to see the fire breather finally down. Deep inside, he was very proud at Feraligatr. Silver sighed quietly. "Yet, I still lose. Heh, guess this whole new lovey-dovey training shit will just have to get some getting used to."

   Without a glance, he strode his way to the exit – but stopped as the two teenagers heard a small chanting. Silver looked at Kotone – she was as confused and curious as he is.

   The chanting was getting louder and louder. Kotone scrunched her eyebrows, thinking. I know that sound. Suddenly, she felt her overalls being tugged. Kotone turned around. Her Ryhdon was pulling her and showing her a small ladder – leading upstairs. Kotone stared at her Rhydon. "There's something up there, girl?"

   Rhydon nodded vigorously and dashed towards the ladder.

   "E-Eh…Wait up!" Kotone chased after the pokemon.

   "H-Hey…! The hell are you going!?" Silver, who was also shocked to see her run off, chased after Kotone.

----------

   Silver finally caught up to Kotone. He gripped Kotone's shoulder, bent down and faintly tried to catch some breaths. The petite trainer was fast for her size.

   He looked up, a small scowl on his face. Silver wanted to open his mouth and yell at the girl. But no words come out when he saw the mesmerizing sight in front of them.

   A bunch of Clefairys were dancing in circles under the full moon.

   Kotone clasped her hands on her mouth – stunned to see the elegant scenery. The pokemon were dancing and singing – hands clapping as the fairy pokemon swirled around cheerfully. The Clefairys were shining beautifully under the moonlight. They were giggling, oblivious by the audience they were attracting.

   Silver was stunned as well. His eyes fixed to the graceful ritual. He removed his hand from her shoulder and stood next to Kotone. Never in his life had he seen anything so beautiful.

   "Isn't it beautiful, Silver…?" Kotone purred gently, her eyes never averting from the pretty Clefairys.

   Unwarily, Silver focused his gaze on Kotone. Under the full moonlight, he could see the sparkle in her chocolate eyes, her pink soft lips posing a sweet, sugary smile, her shiny brown hair bouncing slightly, her flawless, beautiful face showing nothing but pure bliss.

   "Yeah…It's very beautiful…" he murmured. His heartbeat was fiercely beating his chest. Seeing his rival smiling joyfully was like haven to him. He saw love, care, passion, affection, everything nice just by being next to her. Silver knew, he's supposed to hate all of it. Heck, he's supposed to hate her. But Silver couldn't deny it any longer.

   He was in love with her.

   Feeling as if she was being stared at, Kotone looked at Silver. A slight blush appeared on her cheeks. The way he was staring her was very different from before. There was no smug. No smirk. No cockiness. It was a rare expression from him. She saw a small glint of affection in his cold silver eyes. Kotone bit her lip – nervous.

   "Silv…?" She whispered – her voice uneven.

   Her voice woke Silver up from the hypnotizing trance. He blinked many times before averting his gaze from hers. Silver cussed when he felt hot on his cheeks. He dug his nails into his palm. "I…gotta go!" Before Kotone could say a word, he dashed off.

   Kotone sighed, disappointed. She was still curious to know at what she'd just saw. His rare expression that showed no signs of hatred, but the opposite of it. She was confused. Kotone heard a low growl and turned around. Rhydon was smiling cheerfully at her. The female trainer flashed a small smile and petted her pokemon. Her mind wandered to her smitten rival.

----------

   Silver arrived at New Bark Town around noon. He glanced at the professor's laboratory and took a deep, calming breath.

   "Golbaaat…" Golbat murmured, curious to why his trainer wanted to come to New Bark Town. But the minute they've arrived at the small place, Golbat was in awe. The air around him was different from the other places. New Bark Town was a quiet, calming little town. The environment made Golbat feel at peace. The bat pokemon flapped his wings happily. I love this place!

   Silver ignored his ecstatic pokemon and focused on the lab. His heart began to beat nervously. Silver took Golbat's pokeball and wanted to return him, but stopped when he saw his pokemon was flying in circles – joyfully breathing in the fresh air. Silver sighed silently and placed the ball back on his belt. He didn't have the heart to stash the bat pokemon in his ball and lose all his fun time at the open field.

   "Golbat, I'm going to Prof Elm's lab for awhile. You stay here and…enjoy yourself. But stay near!" His voice was stern and harsh. But Golbat smiled happily that his trainer gave him permission for a free flight. His pokemon knew Silver cared about him. "Gooo!" Golbat cooed happily and gave a quick peck on Silver's cheek. Thank you thank you thank you! I love you! Before Silver could swat him away, Golbat took off into the open skies.

   Silver muttered bashfully. He seriously needs some getting used to all the affectionate stuff. Carefully, Silver walked towards the lab. His heartbeat was getting faster every step.

   Silver stood stupidly in front of the door. He was clueless on what to do next. Silver came to New Bark Town for two reasons – to apologize to the clumsy professor and to return Feraligatr.  

   But it was the second option that made Silver's heart heavy with sorrow.

   He still has a choice to turn back, to run away and never face the professor. But that would be the wrong, cowardly way. Silver had already sworn himself that he would change. That he would train and treat his pokemon better in order to become strong. And the first step to that was to admit his mistakes.

   Silver frowned – sad thinking that he might lose his best friend, Feraligatr.

   With one sharp breath, he knocked the door.

   And in dismay, the door opened.

   Mark, Professor Elm's assistant froze in horror to see who the surprising visitor was. "M-Mr Elm!!" He dashed inside the lab in fear.

   Silver widen his eyes in shock and ran inside the lab. "Wait!" He cursed, chasing the assistant. Damn it! I'm not gonna kill you!

   His feet froze as a huge Meganium growled fiercely in front of him. "Oh damn!"

   Meganium growled sternly at the redhead. She had been tracking Silver for months ever since he'd stole Totodile, her best friend. And now that the criminal was right in front of her eyes, Meganium wasted no time to trap the crook.

   Hibiki crossed his arms and smirked at Silver. "Well well well. If it isn't Slyvia."

   Silver cocked his head to the male trainer and growled. "What did you say, punk?" The redhead clenched his fist. Obviously the golden-eyed boy didn't know who he was.

   Oblivious, Hibiki scoffed at Silver and pointed his finger at him. "You stole Totodile months ago! And Arceus knows how long I've been tracking you!" He petted his herb pokemon. "You made Meganium very mad for stealing her beloved friend."

   Silver gritted his teeth. His hands reached for Gengar's pokeball. He came into the lab to apologize to the professor. And he will reach his goal – even if it means eliminating some hindrance in the way.

   "Stop! Stop!"

   Both the male trainers froze and turned their heads at the voice. It was Professor Elm. The professor sighed quietly – relieved to be there in time before a raging battle would happen. His eyes focused on the redhead. "You wanted to see me?"

   Silver clutched his fist tightly – his heart was beating nervously – knowing what will happen next. "Yes…"

   Professor Elm nodded and faced Hibiki and his Meganium. "Hibiki, would you mind step out of the lab for a sec?"

   Hibiki was shocked to hear the professor's request. "B-But prof! This dude stole Totodile! And if I leave you alone with him, who knows what he'll do!" A low scowl was heard from the other side but Hibiki ignored it.

   Professor Elm raised his hand – signalling that he can handle the situation. "It's okay. If it worries you, you can wait outside the lab room. I'll be fine." He focused his gaze on the redhead. "Besides, I know he won't hurt me."

   Silver was astonished to hear that the professor easily trust him – just like another certain trainer he knew. He quickly shook it away. Now is not the time for that, you idiot.

   Hibiki frowned and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Fine…" he muttered. He signalled his Meganium to follow suit. The herb pokemon was hesitant but eventually obeyed her trainer. Hibiki walked through Silver, earning another low growl from them both. For some unknown reason, Silver really hated Hibiki.

   And he began to find some reasons when he heard, "Slyvia. Heh, what a sissy name."

   Silver gritted his teeth, hard. Why I oughta –

   "Slyvia…is it?"

   He snapped his back at the professor – silver eyes widen in dumbstricken shock. "What?!"

   The professor tilted his head in confusion. "I said you are Slyvia, correct?"

   Silver froze for a few minutes, trying to grasp in the dumb fact that was inhaling in him. Quickly, he held his temple and shook his head hard.

   Professor Elm was confused as ever. "Are you okay Sly-"

   "Silver!" Silver shouted. "My name is Silver!"

   Now it was the professor's turn to be shocked. "But Kotone fought with you. And she said your name was Sly-"

   "That woman lied!" he scowled sourly. She is certainly going to get it!

   A few minutes of silence filled the room. Professor Elm sighed quietly. He didn't know why Kotone had lied about his name to the cops. But judging by the redhead's reaction, he didn't know about it as well.

   The professor coughed politely. "Very well then, Silver. Any business you came to my lab?" His voice was filled with profession that it made Silver even more nervous.

   Slowly, Silver took out Feraligatr's pokeball. "I'm…here to say I'm sorry…" he muttered, eyes on the ball. "I didn't mean to steal your Totodile back then. I mean, I did, but I didn't realize how horrible it was…" His fingers caressed around the metal button on the pokeball. "Guess I just needed a friend back then…" And he meant it.

   Professor Elm stared at the redhead. He may be the crook. But the professor could sense the truth in his words. Finally, he said, "Apology accepted."

   Silver snapped his head up – shocked. "R-Really?" He didn't expect to be forgiven that fast.

   The young professor flashed an innocent smile at Silver. "You may have stolen Totodile back then. But the fact that you bravely stood here – knowing that you might get caught and sent to the police, proved to you that you've learn your ways. So I forgive you."

   Blissful, excited expression glistened in his eyes. He was happy that the professor had forgiven him. But the happy shine disappeared when he knew what he had to do next. "One more thing…" Silver released his Feraligatr. The water starter roared valiantly, happy to be out of his ball. Wazzzzzzuuuup people!

   But soon froze in confusion to see his trainer hung his head low. Feraligatr turned his head – stunned to see the professor that he hadn't seen for a long time. Eh, what's going on?

   "And that's why…I want to return Feraligatr back to you…" Silver's voice was croaked with sorrow and chagrin that he can barely breathe.

   Feraligatr snapped back at his trainer – completely bewildered. M-Master…What are you talking about…?!

   Professor Elm was shocked as well. He didn't expect the redhead to act like that. His mouth was open but there were no words.

   Silver clenched his fist. He felt his eyes getting wetter – facing the fact that he will lose his best friend. "I did a bad thing…And now I'm returning him to you…" he whispered, barely keeping it together and steady.

   Feraligatr was flabbergasted. The water pokemon shook his head faster, holding back the feared tears. "Feraghh raghh!" No! You can't be serious! He sensed that the professor was moving towards them. Panic and desperate, Feraligatr stood in front of Silver and growled - baring his sharp fangs and claws at Professor Elm – defending Silver. Stay away from my friend!

   Professor Elm was stunned to see the big jaw pokemon protecting his trainer. The once stolen Totodile had already bonded with the redhead. He pursed his lips slowly and flashed a small smile.

   Silver froze when Feraligatr stood between them. The huge water starter refused to be returned back. He wanted to stay with him. And that thought alone made Silver jumped in joy.

   And just when he thought he couldn't get any happier, Professor Elm said, "You can keep Feraligatr too."

   Both trainer and pokemon gawked at the young professor, clueless.

   Professor Elm chuckled. "It seems that Feraligtr holds a very tight bond with you. Even if I were to take him out of your hands by force, it will be impossible. Feraligatr really likes you. And to see pokemon happily being around with their trainers is something I dedicated my life to see."

   Silver stared at the professor. He slapped his left cheek, thinking it was a dream. He slapped right. It hurts. Definitely not a dream.

   Feraligatr smiled widely and jumped for joy – shaking the lab. Yayy! I got to be with my best buddy in the world! Woohoo! Huggy time! Swiftly, he took Silver and embraced him with a very tight hug – suffocating Silver.

   "Ackk…Fera…enough…" The pokemon was crushing him into bits.

   Realizing he was giving more pain than love, Feraligatr released his grasp. Silver inhaled many deep breaths and held his chest. His eyes glared at his water starter. But the water starter just smirked coyly. That was the first hug he'd ever given him, and Silver hoped he won't die the next time Feraligatr gave him another.

   Professor Elm laughed at the happy moment. He was glad everything turned out great for the stolen Totodile.

   Silver glanced at the professor and flashed a small smile. "Erm…thanks…" he awkwardly stuttered.

   Professor Elm nodded, his smile stayed in place. "You're welcome Slyvia."

   The redhead froze in chagrin. "It's Silver," he scowled acidly.

   Oblivious, the professor cracked another laugh. "Ah yes, yes. Silver. Sorry about that. It's just that ever since Kotone spilled the information on the cops, she gave out that name. Funny why she did it though." Professor Elm crossed his arms against his chest and glanced at Silver. The redhead's cheeks were flushing lightly.

   The young professor chuckled again. He began to know why.

   "I think you should be going now."

   Silver looked at the professor, confused. "Huh?"

   Professor Elm chortled and clasped his hands together. "I think we've settled this already. Everything worked out for the best. All I have to say is take care of Feraligatr and your other pokemon. And you will achieve your dreams."

   Silver grinned; his eyes glistened more than before. "Thank you, sir." He bent down slightly. Feraligatr copied his trainer but with more enthusiasm.

   "Oh and one more thing, you should thank Kotone too."

   Silver quickly snapped up – shocked. The professor was winking slyly at him. "We both know she had a little something to do with this."

   The teenage redhead's cheeks were hotter than ever. Before he could say a word, Professor Elm laughed and walked away. Silver scoffed sourly and stared at his Feraligatr.

   It didn't help that the starter was also flashing a sly grin. Ehee, Slyvia the Lover Boy.

   "Damn you…" he muttered sourly. But deep inside, he was happy and blessed that the professor had let him keep his pokemon. And soon his heartbeat was beating a fast melodic rhythm – thinking about the pigtailed girl.