These Silver Eyes

  Chapter 10: Player One

  Unlike the games, there were a lot of towns and cities in between the "major cities". They were littered throughout all of Kanto and while traversing through the routes, you could visit them if you so chose to. It was nice if you were low on supplies or if you wanted to fight a minor gym or something.

  Naturally, I didn't give a damn about these random cities because there had not been a need to visit them. The major cities weren't just major in the games, they were major here as well. Roads were specifically paved to reach them faster, shortcuts were created by pokemon and human alike to reach those places.

  During my journey so far, I ignored literally every single one of them and rushed to the big cities that I did know because to be honest, you didn't really have to visit the minor cities if you didn't want to because the Kanto, and every region really, made the major cities quite accessible.

  They were unimportant to me. Some of them even had gyms but I had no interest in challenging the lesser gyms because they were just that…

  Lesser.

  Though, I would probably have to fight at least one in the near future. It's not like I was going to run to Viridian Gym and battle Giovanni for my last badge. That was one of the dumbest things I could possibly do.

  "Something on your mind, Silvy?" Green asked curiously, keeping pace with me as we traversed Route 17.

  It was honestly a really beautiful and simple route, but it was significantly longer than the previous Route 16 that connected this route and Celadon. Route 16 hadn't taken too long to get through but Route 17 was a whole other story.

  "Just thinking about how we're gonna get the 8th badge," I replied to her. "You know since…"

  Her eyes widened in realization and she nodded with pursed lips.

  "There are unofficial gym badges… you have to collect two for it to count as one," she murmured, cupping her chin contemplatively.

  Neither of us wanted to go to Viridian with the knowledge that Giovanni was the Gym Leader there... It would be like walking into a lion's den.

  Green especially, seemed to have garnered quite a bit of animosity amongst Team Rocket. Who knows what my dad would do if he ran into Green himself.

  If he did something to her, unfortunately he'd have to kill me next because I wouldn't rest until I was strong enough to make him regret that decision.

  And when I did get strong enough to make him regret that decision...

  So yeah. We'd have to avoid Viridian for a long while.

  How long? Who knows.

  "Should we avoid Cinnabar too?" she asked curiously.

  I shook my head. "Nah. We'll get the badge first and jump him afterwards. He doesn't suspect us I think… but just in case he does, I'll set up a call with Lorelei."

  I… didn't quite trust her. But Lorelei did seem to have my best interests in mind so if push came to shove, I'd reveal the things to her and maybe she'd pick family over duty.

  I didn't really trust her to do that though. Lorelei was the most professional Elite 4 member by far and while it wasn't a competition (the others were very not professional), she was someone who took her job very seriously.

  To be frank, with the knowledge that Lance had practically tricked me, I didn't really trust them at all. Lorelei was making an effort... but she made me feel strange and the most important thing, was that she answered to Lance.

  I wanted nothing to do with Lance and I didn't trust Lorelei to keep her mouth shut around him. I even warned her that I'd cut all contact off if she did.

  That's why telling my overprotective aunt was a last resort option. I just didn't know what they knew about me and until I did, I'd keep them at arms length.

  If even one of the things they knew about me was incriminating, I'm toast. Hell, at this point I imagine they even had their suspicions on Gaia.

  Whatever. Just deal with it as we go. The only solid proof they could have against me, wouldn't testify.

  Green seemed to understand that as well and she nodded in determination.

  Good. We were on the same page. We tended to always be these days.

  "Let's take a break," I murmured, beckoning my head towards a grassy field with a nice big tree.

  She nodded happily and we changed course, directing our bikes towards the resting spot.

  It was practically mandatory to use bikes on Route 17 or "The Cycling Road". Unlike the games, the biking wasn't needed for the entirety of the route but it was pretty necessary to make it to a place called Sunnytown, which Green and I would be going to for a quick stop.

  Sunnytown was a few days away, but we'd go at our own pace and make it there whenever.

  We both sat down and I immediately began pulling out supplies with one hand, while releasing my team with the other.

  Green and I seamlessly worked around each other as we prepared to eat. We never got in the others way, simply gliding around the other as we swiftly got things ready.

  "Pass me the skillet."

  "When did you buy this one? It looks really nice." Green asked, passing it over and rummaging for the food.

  "Do you really wanna know?"

  It was a nice skillet. Our last one was burned for... mysterious reasons that I didn't feel the need to go into so I had decided to buy a new one.

  "...Silvy we really have to talk about that."

  "We already did. I thought we compromised."

  "No we didn't! You compromised!"

  I pursed my lips. "It's a good way to keep my skills up to snuff. I need to be as good at stealth as possible. That's the only reason we managed to hide our identities from Proton."

  Green sighed. "Well... when you put it like that I guess it makes a little sense... but you have to promise to slow it down when we finally stop Team Rocket!"

  I sighed in return and nodded. "Sure sure. By the time we stop them, I should be well established in my strength to justify slowing down. We'll have much more spending money."

  Her smile was one of relief and I rolled my eyes.

  "I told you I won't get caught you know?" I said in amusement.

  "I know you won't get caught! It's not about that," Green denied. "I just don't want you to feel like you have to do bad things because of the bad people around you."

  I mulled that over.

  "Oh that reminds me! I forgot to ask but what's with that glowing rock in your bag?" Green asked curiously.

  I blinked and tilted my head.

  Glowing rock…?

  I grabbed my bag and opened it, rummaging through it before finding what Green was talking about.

  "The meteorite?" I muttered in confusion, grasping it and wincing back immediately as I suddenly felt a shortage of air.

  It was like I was floating far above, even higher than the clouds and the high altitude meant that there was an extreme shortage of oxygen.

  As I struggled to catch my breath, flashes of green pervaded my vision and I instinctively looked high up into the sky.

  Nothing... there was nothing that my eyes could see up there.

  A disturbed expression made its way to my face.

  "Silvy, are you alright?" Green asked worriedly, putting a hand on my shoulder. "You look like you're struggling to breathe. What are you looking at?"

  I blinked harshly at that and suddenly took a deep breath. "Ugh, yeah sorry about that..." I muttered.

  ...Let's not touch it again for the time being.

  "I found this rock in Hoenn," I told her, beckoning towards the Meteorite. "It was just a normal one before. I don't know when it started glowing. I haven't paid attention to it since finding it."

  She nodded curiously at that. "Wow that's cool—"

  Green paused.

  "Hoenn? You went to Hoenn?" she asked in confusion.

  "...Wait a minute," Green said slowly, eyes shifting over to both Metang and Ares.

  "Yes," I answered without hesitation, stuffing the rock back into my bag and praying that Rayquaza fucked off back to sleep.

  "I-I didn't even ask you a question!" she spluttered.

  "I knew you were going to. Metang, Ares and Freyja are all from Hoenn," I replied easily.

  "…" Green pursed her lips suspiciously. "How did you get Ares?" she asked randomly.

  Ares perked up at that and glanced over, trotting her gigantic body to my position.

  I placed a hand against her shell with a smile. "She approached me. Saved my life from a Fraxure of all things. Remember that scar you saw? He gave that to me. Nearly died."

  Green sighed in relief as Ares preened at my attention. "So you just happened to come across her?"

  "Nope. I was planning on stealing her from a clan," I admitted with a shrug. "She just so happened to find me first after I gave up on the idea. She upped my initiative with her own. Perfect fit don't you think?"

  "Shel," Ares agreed happily, leaning into my touch.

  Green froze completely at that. "Y-You... huh? You tried to steal a Bagon from a clan? Not to mention... you almost died to a Fraxure," she stuttered, eyes widening in horror. My rival glanced around rapidly to ensure that there truly was no one around (there wasn't) and she turned back to me with a disbelieving expression.

  "Did you go after a clan of dragons?!" she hissed quietly in my ears.

  "You are seriously a lot smarter than people give you credit for," I praised.

  "You're the only one who doesn't give me credit for it!"

  Green took a deep breath. "I knew you were crazy but this takes the cake! Seriously?! That's insanity Silvy!"

  "Trust me, the fact I almost died humbled me quite a lot," I told her.

  "YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU WERE WORSE THAN YOU ARE NOW?!" she screeched in horror.

  I snorted. "If you met me before the Fraxure event and you hatched Togee, naked or not I was definitely going to send you to the hospital... me being naked just prevented it this time."

  She blushed, disbelief making its way to her face. "Wait... you're saying you still woulda sent me to the hospital?!"

  "Almost certainly. You are very lucky I was bathing."

  My companion held her head at that, before freezing once more.

  "Silvy, how did you get Metang?" she asked slowly.

  "…Do you really wanna know?" I asked curiously.

  Green held her head. "Oh Mew. I don't think I do. Did you... no wonder you dont want info revealed," she sighed morosely.

  "At least I don't abuse them," I shrugged.

  "Fair... you love them a lot," Green pointed out.

  "I nearly died attempting to bond to you. Your very presence is abuse."

  "Stop lying Metang. You love me. I see the way you look at me."

  "What on earth are you talking about? Is this another talent of yours? Saying the most ridiculous of things in a serious manner?"

  "I have no idea what you're talking about. That sounds more like you and the sassiness you try to keep hidden."

  "Seek help."

  I snorted at that and began assisting Green in making a quick meal for ourselves.

  "Thanks," I said, accepting the bag of rice out of Gaia's vines.

  Gaia had taken to helping Green and I meal prep. She was actually really helpful despite being a safety hazard for actually cooking.

  There was no need to go into that road... but just know Gaia thought I was cooking this bad on purpose and tried her hand at it.

  It did not go well. She truly was my starter alright because holy hell did she suck at cooking. She even had the gall to get mad at me when one of her vines got burned! As if she didn't demand to cook!

  The nerve of some people. Gaia had been left pouting for the rest of the day when I explained in great detail how it was her fault and not mine.

  Saury, surprisingly, helped us as well. Though Metang told me it was to increase the dexterity in his vines. The cool headed Ivysaur didn't seem to appreciate how nimble Gaia was getting with hers.

  Hah, they really were rivals. Saury really didn't like her improving at anything better than him.

  A new addition to the helping us cook crew, was actually Oberon. He really liked being around me and was very shy otherwise, so he decided instead of getting in the way, he'd help me out.

  "You interested in cooking?" I asked curiously, accepting the jar out of Oberon's paws.

  "Ursa!" he nodded happily.

  I smirked crookedly. "Alright, you can join Gaia in being my little assistant. We're still learning how to cook as well."

  Oberon nodded, only to yelp as Gaia wrapped her vines around his waist and hoisted him up.

  "Bay!" she cheered, beginning to chat with him about the importance of helping us with cooking.

  Green nodded. "We're getting pretty good! We aren't burning them completely anymore!"

  "One day things beside the rice will have flavor," I said wistfully.

  "One day we won't have to rely on Jas guiding us," Green agreed sagely.

  We… were still getting there. Green and I sometimes even called Jasmine to have her guide us on how to make the meals taste good.

  I don't know what was different between her guidance and us following instructions (or reciting from our, exceptional by the way, memory), but our food only managed to taste good when she was guiding us.

  Next time she visited us, we'd have to watch her every move. It didn't matter how embarrassed she ended up getting... it needed to be done.

  The two of us were steadily improving but I didn't like learning a skill so slowly.

  I wasn't used to it damn it.

  It wasn't yet dinner, so we were making a small amount of rice. Enough to fill us up to continue our journey, not enough to completely skip out our next break.

  A good balance. It allowed us to pace ourselves well, take necessary breaks and eat a sufficient amount of food. We were growing kids after all. It was important to do this right.

  "We're making noodles tonight," I told her, inspecting it on my phone. "We'll figure out which version depending on our mood. I bought a couple."

  Green nodded, happily eating her plate of rice as we stared out into the sea. When she was in the middle of chewing, I would hear her let out awed noises, just staring at the life in the sea with a wide gaze.

  It really was beautiful. Route 17 was surrounded by the sea. Combined with the trees, low grass, and the steady rhythm of bikes, the area really was incredibly peaceful.

  "Teddi," Oberon said, nudging my jacket and drawing my gaze away from the school of Goldeen.

  "Hm?" I raised a brow.

  He hesitantly gazed at my pokegear and I raised a brow, knowing exactly what he wanted.

  Alas, I couldn't just accommodate him so freely. He needed to muster up the courage to ask. It would do no good if Oberon was afraid to ask even simple questions.

  My Teddiursa stared at me with an intense expression, going through a war of epic regards I imagine, as he contemplated if it was worth asking.

  Eventually, I watched him tentatively point at the Pokegear.

  "Go on," I nudged gently, purposely breaking my chopsticks and replacing them with a spoon because at least they weren't fucking annoying to use.

  "Do you want me to teach you how to use those?" Green asked in amusement.

  "I don't see the point. A spoon does the same job," I said blandly, proving my point by grabbing a spoonful of rice and eating it.

  "I'll teach you tonight," Green decided.

  "Bah, whatever," I rolled my eyes, turning towards Oberon once more.

  I watched as he fiddled with his bowl, before he walked over with it, getting closer to me in the process.

  Then, he climbed atop my lap and began gazing at my pokegear, all while absentmindedly eating his food.

  He just continued eating his little pellets, eyes glued to the screen.

  ...Why the hell were my pokemon so cute? I had an image to upkeep here!

  "You wanna look over the recipe too huh?" I mused, lowering my gear to make it easier for him to inspect.

  Oberon let out a happy squeal at my simple and kind act, nodding enthusiastically at my question and handing me one of his pellets.

  Getting this happy over such simple acts? Wasn't Oberon just adorable?

  I snorted and accepted the pellet, dropping it back into his bowl out of his line of sight. "Sure, you can look. There's no way you're gonna be a worse cook than Gaia."

  "B-BAY!" Gaia bellowed in embarrassment, rushing me with a look of outrage.

  "Leef! Bayleef!" she ranted, butting a head against me as I watched on with amusement.

  "Girl, I'm not gonna just lie to you. You're even worse than me at cooking," I chided, brushing a hand against her head. She nearly melted into it, before remembering she was supposed to be throwing a tantrum and she ripped her head away, very reluctantly mind you.

  I huffed in amusement. "There's a reason as my little assistant, you are not allowed to do more than just hand me stuff."

  Gaia puffed out her cheeks, rounding on Togee, Vee, Loki and Ares with a dark glare.

  The moment she even made the motion of turning, they had all stopped laughing. It was so in sync, that I'm pretty sure Gaia was getting confused on whether they were actually snickering or not.

  She huffed at the peaceful silence and turned back towards me with that angry scowl of hers.

  Wow she really was becoming way too much like me.

  I rolled my eyes. "Stop being a brat, Gaia. You shouldn't even be mad that you can't cook. You barely need to eat and you can do a bunch of other things. Don't be mad that you can't do one thing," I informed her.

  "You're the same way!" Green chimed helpfully. "Ohh I'm Silver. I can do everything. When I can't do something I get mad and I decide to harass Leaf or Jasmine! Don't try and talk me out of it either because I get especially ignorant!"

  I twitched and directed a glare at my companion.

  "What?! I thought it was a pretty good impression!" Green defended, throwing both hands up. "I even said Leaf!"

  My glare deepened.

  The following silence made me huff and continue my stare off with my starter.

  Honestly, Gaia truly was the (Drama) Queen of the group and as the (Drama) Queen, she hated being told that she sucked at something.

  I'm convinced if I told Gaia she'd never be able to fly, she'd actually attempt to do it just to prove me wrong.

  The fact that she was still glaring at me was proof of that. It seems my dramatic Bayleef was actually hell bent on learning how to cook now.

  Well... who was I to deny her?

  "Alright alright. Come then. You can watch with Oberon and I. We all suck at cooking anyways," I conceded.

  She perked up at that and beamed, immediately laying her head onto my lap (while avoiding Oberon in the process) and focusing on the screen.

  "You're setting a bad example for the team, Gaia," I chastised, lowering it so that all three of us could watch. "You're my second member you know? Imagine if all of them start throwing temper tantrums like you just did."

  "Do not imply that I'd do such a thing," Metang rumbled, sounding utterly unamused.

  "Gon," Ares rumbled as well.

  "Zor!" Loki protested.

  "I can definitely believe Loki and Metang, but no amount of brooding and evolution is ever gonna make me believe you, Ares," I snorted rolling my eyes, as I picked up the approaching Freyja. "At least Freyja doesn't deny the truth."

  "Bas!" she agreed happily sinking into my hold with a happy smile.

  I was too used to getting swamped by my team. Multitasking who got pats was mandatory... though it was pretty difficult only doing it with one hand.

  My poor bowl of rice was to the side now but I'd eat it eventually.

  "Shel?!" Ares grunted in shock. Clearly she was not expecting to get called out like that and the genuine surprise on her, not at all expressive, face, brought a real laugh outta me.

  I chuckled. "You certainly are less expressive but you're still my little maniac of a Bagon inside that shell and I guarantee you're gonna be even crazier when you become a Salamence."

  Freyja let out a suffering sigh. "Fee…" she said morosely.

  Ares glared deeply at her and let out a warning growl. It was a deep and heavy thing, a far cry from pre-evolution where she sounded more like a small dog instead of a damn tiger.

  She trudged over to us with a purpose and I let out a wheeze as she butted my chest lightly and knocked me backwards, before lazily resting half her body on me.

  "Ursa!" Oberon exclaimed in shock, having the foresight to evacuate the area with his bowl before he could become collateral.

  "Bay," Gaia sighed forlornly, moving her head from my body.

  Did I forget to mention my gigantic Shelgon was a heavy fucking girl now and I was a goddamn 12 year old kid?

  "Goddamnit Ares! Get the fuck off me!" I barked, watching as she ate my bowl of rice with a smug look in her eyes.

  "Gon," she said haughtily.

  "A worthy punishment for my rebellious vassal, is what the caged maniac says," Metang supplied helpfully.

  "I didn't fucking need that translation Metang!" I snarled.

  "I was merely assisting you. You dearly looked as if you needed it."

  I twitched.

  "Next time you tip over, I'm leaving you like that and I'll make sure no one helps!" I warned her, watching as she finished off my plate of food.

  Ares rumbled and trotted off, satisfied by a job well done.

  I grunted as the pressure was released from me and sat up, brushing myself with a scowl.

  I glared at her retreating body, before turning towards Gaia with a pointed expression.

  Gaia met my gaze and balked.

  I nodded.

  She shook her head.

  I nodded again.

  She let out a suffering sigh of defeat.

  "Bay," she chastised me, snaking out a vine and tripping Ares right over.

  "Shelgon!" Ares shouted in surprise, falling over with a thunderous noise.

  I smiled victoriously and stood up, letting out a fake noise of concern.

  "Awww, my poor little Ares. Always so clumsy," I sighed, walking up and patting her shell, before taking a seat on it. "Must have been something bad in that rice. I can't cook after all so it probably got you good."

  She glared at me, growling in fury at hearing the sounds of Freyja laughing.

  Green's jaw dropped at the events that just took place and she turned disbelieving eyes towards me.

  "D-Didn't you just say that Gaia was setting a bad example?" she asked incredulously.

  "Yeah," I nodded.

  "But… you just told her to trip Ares."

  "I do stuff for her, she does stuff for me. Symbiotic relationship," I replied easily.

  "Leef," Gaia disagreed. "Leef! Bayleef!"

  "You don't agree with what I just told you to do?" I raised a brow. "Ares made you evacuate your spot you know."

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  The Bayleef opened her mouth, before shutting it at the truth of my words.

  Green gaped. "A-Aren't you setting a bad example too? You're a maniac!"

  I tilted my head. "Who do you think Gaia got it from?" I asked curiously.

  "Bay," Gaia nodded sagely, batting a head against my side to further chastise my bad habits.

  "B-But... wha?" Green stuttered.

  "Oh you seriously thought I was the voice of reason," I said in realization. "Nah, that's Loki."

  "Zor," Loki shook his head in amusement, accepting his head pat with a pleased expression.

  Green opened her mouth and closed it. "You realize that a dark type is the voice of reason on your team right…? That's like saying a ghost is the most sensible member of the party…"

  I shrugged. "Metang's an asshole. They don't ever help anyone with anything. Just insults me all the time and pretends to be emotionless."

  "Refrain from speaking nonsensically."

  "You are the most confusing person I've ever met. It even leaks into your team," Green sighed in defeat.

  I chuckled, finally tipping Ares upright as she flailed about helplessly with a growl that didn't sound like a whine at all. "We've been through a lot in a short time. Builds character."

  "Gon," Ares growled at me.

  "You were asking for it," I said easily, utterly unintimidated by my giant Shelgon even as she glowered at me. "You know how this goes, girl."

  She grumbled begrudgingly, accepting the snack thrown her way.

  "Alright, we got a bit of time before we start moving again, let's train," I clapped once, turning on a dime and walking off with Ares right on my heel.

  Flying Master: You mad at me?

  Flying Master: ...Gonna take that as a yes.

  Flying Master: Alright scratch that, you're pissed. Silver, whatever you're thinking, just know that I never had bad intentions. I thought it would be nice if Lorelei got to meet family and since you didn't seem to know her, I figured you'd appreciate having one...

  You: So instead of telling me straight up... you spoke to me as if you didn't have a clue on anything about me? Just because you got one over on me doesn't mean I'm fucking stupid, Champion. Don't ever patronize me again.

  Flying Master: I understand that... It probably wasn't the smartest approach by me but I needed to be a little cautious. I can't just approach a random redhead and ask if they're related to Elite 4 Lorelei.

  You: So instead you act as if you know nothing... and then you send my aunt who I didn't know after me? Right. Do you even know anything about my family? You have to. That's the only reason someone would so brazenly intrude on business that's not theirs.

  Flying Master: You're right. I saw that you were listed as an orphan and interfered where I shouldn't have. That was a mistake on my behalf.

  You: Save it, hero. I don't care. I'm not mad at you or anything because you'd actually know if I were. It's not like I hate Lorelei... I just want nothing to do with you if I can help it. Thanks for introducing me to my aunt. She's a pain in the ass but at least she's upfront about everything.

  I rolled my eyes and pocketed my Pokegear, not waiting for a response from him. I really didn't wanna read it anyways.

  It'd be hypocritical of me to be mad that Lance got one over on me. My whole life since I woke up in the lab had been getting one over people.

  That didn't mean I had to like it though. I had no intention of dealing with someone full of ulterior motives. That's why I didn't want to talk to the Champion of a region.

  Personal relationships when it came to people of such high power never ended well. Because duty had to come before all that stuff. Lance had a right as the Champion of a newly struggling region, to do what he needed to do to ensure it was stabilized...

  But that would not be at my expense. That was his duty, not mine. He could spout all he wanted on how he wanted Lorelei and I to meet up. That was only one of his goals.

  How many more did he have? I don't know and I wouldn't let him use me to solve them. The closer I got, the more chances I had at slipping up and now that I knew that Lance was much smarter than he acted... I couldn't afford to do that.

  "Silvy, are you alright? You seem a little sad," Green asked, plopping down right in front of me.

  Our teams were training with each other and she had been guiding Dree and Larvee before approaching me.

  I scoffed. "Sad? The hell are you talking about?" I grunted.

  Green pursed her lips. "Nothing much... training is going really good. We're making pretty good progress."

  I eyed her for a moment before nodding. "How's Vee?" I asked randomly, watching as Oberon and Freyja sparred slightly.

  Despite his power advantage, he couldn't hit Freyja because she kept speeding away with weak and controlled Water Pulses.

  All the while, she peppered him with Icy Winds and Dragon Breaths, wearing down the little bear until he couldn't continue anymore.

  "He's doing good! Still getting used to you but he's been getting a lot of help from Metang. Thank you both for that," she smiled.

  I grunted and waved her off, even as I stood up. "No worries. Metang needs help using ranged psychic moves anyways and Espeon's are really good at that."

  She smiled at that and I hoisted up the defeated Oberon. I sprayed him with a potion and regarded my crushed normal type.

  "Not bad," I mused, much to his surprise. "You're at the level I expected you to be at. We'll get you stronger in no time."

  "I saw how you looked during Green's battle. You think they're exciting?" I asked curiously

  Oberon gazed at me in awe and nodded eagerly.

  I snorted. "What did you think of my battle?" I asked curiously.

  The way his eyes shone, practically forced the smile onto my face.

  "Ursa Teddiursa!" he exclaimed excitedly.

  Ares stopped her attempts at trying to catch the ever speeding Loki and turned towards Oberon.

  She puffed up proudly, eyes looking distinctly pleased.

  "The cub is singing both her and I's praises."

  Ah, no wonder she looked so proud of herself. Ares was an egomaniac.

  I chuckled. "Soon enough, you'll be just as impressive. Just go at your pace and you'll be there," I assured.

  "Isn't that right, Freyja?" I asked.

  "Fee!" she beamed happily, nuzzling me.

  "Freyja here loved bringing herself down but lately she's begun to realize just how amazing she is," I praised, hoisting my little fish up proudly.

  Freyja went beet red at that.

  "You've made a lot of progress girl," I smiled truthfully, patting her on the head. "I'm proud of you. You look more confident by the day. Your skin is practically glowing!"

  "Bay!" Gaia nodded in agreement, idly flinging the protesting (he loved it) Togee up and down with her vines.

  "Zor," Loki chimed in.

  Freyja practically died on the spot from embarrassment and I huffed in amusement.

  "Freyja is proof that with just the right mindset, you'll be able to become strong," I told Oberon. "So don't go getting down because one of my members beat you. That's how it's supposed to be right now. I wouldn't be a very good trainer if you could beat them," I snorted.

  I ran a hand through his head. "Patience. You'll get strong in due time. You have me as your trainer after all."

  Oberon looked up at me and if I squinted, I'm pretty sure I'd see stars in them.

  He shot me a shaky smile and I smirked right back.

  "Teddi!" He beamed, reaching behind and pulling out... earrings?

  Where the hell did Oberon get this piece of jewelry from? It was just a simple pair of drop earrings and I blinked owlishly at the accessory.

  "Huh?" I grunted in confusion, crouching low. "Leaf, you own any earrings?" I asked.

  "No! How come?" she asked curiously, walking over and inspecting the ones in my hand. "When did you get those?"

  I shrugged. "Oberon, when did you get these?" I asked slowly.

  Oberon shuffled nervously and stared at me for a minute or so before quietly uttering, "Ursa ursa."

  "In the previous city. He located and acquired it for you."

  My eyes widened at that and I chuckled to myself. "Well damn, I didn't know you were skilled like that," I laughed in amusement.

  I ruffled him by the hair. "Nicely done Oberon. That's quite the gift you got from me... but make sure you never get caught," I muttered.

  "Teddiursa!" he nodded vigorously.

  "No Oberon!" Green chastised in distress. "Don't be like Silver! You're better than this!"

  Oberon jumped with wide eyes, turning towards Green.

  "Don't steal from people. That's bad!" Green explained. "They'll be very sad!"

  "Steal from corporations. They don't care about their product anyways," I added with a short nod.

  "No! That's not any better!"

  "All corporations are greedy and self serving. They won't care if we take from them because they don't actually care about their customers or employees. They'll just mass produce more so it's fine for us to take it."

  "W-Where are you getting all this from?!"

  Oberon gazed at the two of us with wide eyes, clearly torn on who he should listen to before giving up and shuffling over to the contemplative Loki.

  Before he could reach, a hand gripped his own and he met the gaze of the ever mischievous Togee.

  The Togepi shot him a thumbs up and Oberon fired back a shaky smile.

  I watched in amusement, drawing Green's gaze away from the two...

  "Togee I swear to all that is holy!" Green suddenly barked.

  ...Or not. The Togepi immediately withered away in horror, trying to get away from his scarier by the day mother.

  I shrugged. She really had a sixth sense for these things.

  I hummed a random song to myself, idly catching Loki as he jumped into my arms.

  "You're getting heavier," I noted, patting him atop his tuft of hair as he crawled into his designated spot inside my jacket. "You gonna evolve soon?"

  Now that I thought about it, Gaia was also getting quite a bit heavier too.

  My team was growing up before my very eyes.

  It had been about a week since we left Celadon and since Green and I were in no rush to make it to Sunnytown, we mostly trained and battled the rowdy bikers who loved staying around.

  Those damn bikers... I already smashed my foot into one of their faces for trying to intimidate us. Before I could get my bat though, Green dragged us away.

  Lucky bastard.

  Loki looked up at me and nodded without hesitation at my mostly unserious question.

  I blinked in surprise. "Oh shit, really? How close are you?" I asked curiously.

  "Zor," he answered.

  Green and I both perked up at that.

  I blinked even harder. "Really close? Oh. Why didn't you say anything?" I hummed, thinking about what I'd have to adjust now that he was going to evolve.

  Probably more meat in his diet. Zoroark's were far stronger than Zorua's so they could actually afford to hunt down prey more consistently.

  I didn't notice Loki frown slightly, caught up in how I was going to accommodate his evolution.

  "C'mon we'll let you battle the trainers now. I've been letting Freyja and Oberon get more experience but we can run through them with you," I encouraged.

  Loki looked a little conflicted and it was finally that I noticed the turmoil he was going through.

  I immediately paused what I was doing and turned my full attention to my first pokemon.

  Green stopped as well and the two of us walked to a more isolated area.

  "What's the matter?" I asked him, taking my first pokemon out of my pocket and holding him up by the midsection. Like this, I could look directly into his green blue eyes and I could see the hesitance clear as day.

  Had he been hiding this from me? How long had Loki been conflicted for?

  Loki looked pensive at my question. "Zor… zorua," he began.

  I furrowed my brows. "You're hesitant about evolving? Is it because of your mother?"

  Did Loki also have issues with his mom? It didn't seem like it... the Zoroark seemed rather fond of him after all.

  Loki confirmed my thoughts by shaking his head slowly. "Rua, Zor. Zorua,"

  I frowned.

  "It's because he doesn't know if he's actually ready for that?" I confirmed with Metang.

  "That is correct."

  Ah... now I understand. Loki's problems didn't stem from his confidence or his parents...

  No, Loki's problems stemmed from me.

  I sighed fondly at that, understanding it all from that single realization. "Loki, can I admit something to you?" I asked him.

  Loki looked at me with a hesitant gaze and nodded slowly.

  I sat down, placing him in front of me with a relaxed smile. "To be completely honest with you… with the whole team really. I've kinda lost my memories."

  You could hear a pin drop at the silence that ensued from my declaration.

  Green's eyes went wide in disbelief at that, a choking noise emitting from her as she tried and failed to say something.

  The rest of my team fared no better, gazing at me in sheer horror at the reveal.

  Loki's eyes widened in horror. "Z-ZOR?!" he barked in concern.

  I held out my hand reassuringly. "I'm talking about… before we started this journey of ours. I still remember everything we've done so far... but I don't remember anything from before we got Gaia... does that ring a bell?" I asked curiously.

  Loki mulled my question over and his eyes widened as he pinpointed the exact moment I was talking about.

  "Zor!" he exclaimed.

  "Yep, exactly back in the lab when I started freaking out. That's when you had to bail me out because I messed up the mission badly," I said seriously. "I was confused and shocked… I dunno what happened really and I'm still not sure what the exact details are... but you helped me out, even despite the fact that you were afraid of me."

  Loki flinched at my words. They weren't accusing at all, I was just stating a fact.

  "Even though you were afraid of me, you still helped me out to the best of your abilities. I never did apologize for treating you like shit… because I don't really remember doing any of it..." I admitted with a small frown.

  Loki looked stunned at the admittance. He had just taken to staring at me with wide eyes, unable to really muster up words.

  I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. "...But that doesn't change the fact that I still did it. One of the first things I realized about you, was that you were afraid of me… and I felt bad because I know I was the reason for it. So, I wanted to make it up to you in anyway I knew how. You didn't deserve whatever the hell I was doing to you before so I vowed to treat you the best I could," I said truthfully.

  "You're free to do your little pranks with Ares and Vee, you're free to sleep inside my jacket whenever you want… and you're free to decide when you're ready to evolve," I said resolutely, running a hand through his hair.

  Loki reeled back at that.

  "You feel like the reason you want to evolve is because of me right? You think that because I want to be strong enough to defend myself, you have to evolve to achieve that," I informed him accurately.

  At my words, I saw the realization hit Loki's face and smiled sardonically.

  "I won't rush you to do anything. I won't force you to do anything. I've forced you enough, haven't I?" I informed him seriously.

  "I'm sorry for being such a bad trainer until the end and I'm sorry for making you fill yourself with so much expectations. I'm not the only one on the team dealing with this baggage, huh? You know more than anyone, what's at stake... and you began to act accordingly, to my will and not yours."

  What a terrible thing I put Loki through. I didn't even realize. I thought just treating him better would solve all his issues but that was naive of me.

  I placed Loki on the ground and ruffled his tuft.

  "It's your decision, Loki. Don't do this because of me, do it because of you. If you want to evolve, great. If you don't, that's also great. I won't scorn you for making your choices. We're a team," I finished.

  Loki looked at me with wide eyes and to my slight surprise, he began tearing up.

  "Zor!" Loki nodded furiously, grinning up at me.

  Thank you. That's what he said to me.

  I smiled at that, only to gasp as a white aura began surrounding my first pokemon.

  The touching scene, was replaced by a buzz of excitement as we watched Loki change right before our eyes.

  He grew in size, body shifting and cracking as his structure began to change and I watched in awe as my little Zorua grew more than double his height. His 4 little paws transformed into dangerously sharp claws, he gained some red rims around his eyes and mouth, his forelegs shifted slightly, looking more akin to arms now and his hind legs transformed as well to accommodate the change, able to support his dominantly bipedal body.

  Finally, that little tuft on his head, transformed into a large, red, voluminous mane with black tips, flowing freely down his back in an awesome display.

  Light blue irises shifted into focus, as the Zoroark stared at me. I watched as he wiped the tears out of his eyes, before he inspected his new arms in shock.

  He stumbled a bit, not used to being bipedal whatsoever and I rushed forward to keep him upright, gazing at him in awe.

  "You alright?" I asked quietly, inspecting every little change about him.

  "Zor," he said, voice a far deeper octave. It was one befitting a true predator now.

  Loki shrugged me off of him, much to my confusion and took a shaky step back, legs wobbling somewhat.

  Then, those predatory eyes locked onto me and I watched as my first pokemon vanished.

  I tensed slightly.

  Had evolution brought out Loki's resentment for me? Was I about to die? How the hell do I even defend myself against a pokemon who could utilize illusions?

  Hm... I don't think I could.

  Well shit. I guess I'm dead.

  My mounting confusion didn't last long, as the environment around me shifted into a different scenery.

  I opened my mouth in surprise.

  The entire scenery? Seriously? Loki couldn't do this even if he tried his hardest as a Zorua.

  "Woah!" Green said in awe, eyes sparkling as the area transformed into a room. "What is this?"

  I was about to reply, before my attention was grabbed by a truly stunning sight.

  There was a little boy, with a full head of red hair and a set of the strangest silver eyes. He didn't look like he was even in the double digits of age, glowing with the childish innocence of a curious boy.

  And there was an egg in his hands. It was pitch black, red markings all over it.

  The boy was holding onto the egg like a lifeline, clumsily making sure the egg, that was half his size, was in perfect condition.

  "…" I said nothing, watching the child with a blank gaze.

  Green gasped silently, looking rapidly between the child and me.

  He was surprisingly diligent. He wiped the egg clean, kept it warm, put it in its own bed…

  "Mom won't tell me what you are," the child practically squeaked.

  I couldn't stop the surprise at hearing the illusion speak. I just stared dumbly at it, unable to muster up a single response.

  "But I'm not stupid you know! You're the same colors as her black fox pokemon! Zor... zoro... um... Zorark!" he exclaimed, eyes full of wondrous curiosity…

  Did I… really used to look like that?

  "One day, you'll hatch and then we'll be buddies and then we'll go out there and get even more friends and no one will stop us! Not dad, not mom, no one! We'll become the strongest around!" the young Silver said with a look of genuine excitement at the prospect.

  His naive gaze, widened in awe as the egg began shuddering right next to him. In the dark of the night, the egg began glowing and the child excitedly ran to cut the lights on, so he could better see the sight.

  "Woah!" he gasped excitedly, getting as close as possible to the egg without making physical contact.

  It was surreal seeing those familiar silver eyes, look so innocent. It was foreign, seeing such a wide smile don the face of the child with my face.

  But it was there. A beaming and expectant grin as the egg cracked and cracked, until a tiny tuft poked out of one of the openings.

  A head followed that tuft and the cracks grew more and more numerous, before a slate gray fox burst out of it, covered in fluid from growing in the egg.

  It was much tinier, but that was my Zorua alright. As he opened his blue-green eyes, they made direct contact with the wide eyes of Silver.

  Then, the little version of me laughed and lunged, grasping the yelping Zorua in a fierce hug of excitement.

  "Yuck! You're so slimy!" he laughed happily.

  "Z-Zor!" the baby Zorua squeaked.

  "…" I said nothing as the illusion faded away and the Zoroark stepped back into view.

  There was a strange look in Loki's eyes as he gazed at me and I stared back at him.

  That illusion... that was really me huh? I imagine soon after that took place, I was experimented on...

  But before that, I must have been having a great time with Loki huh?

  "...I hatched you?" I asked quietly.

  "Zoroark," he replied with a nod.

  I had an inkling that Loki had been my pokemon for a long time since my mom had a Zoroark... but I had no idea that I was the one who hatched him.

  "…" I said nothing at all, just staring at my first pokemon with an expressionless face.

  Then…

  Then I pulled him into a fierce hug.

  "I can't believe it," I laughed disbelievingly, overwhelmed with a surge of emotion. "So you've really been with me since the start huh? You even saw me change in real time huh?" I asked.

  Loki looked stunned, before he hesitantly raised his new arms and then he returned the hug in kind.

  "Zor," he nodded.

  I laughed a genuine laugh. It was a foreign and different, not sounding anything like my dry chuckles before, but it was real.

  "Loki, thank you. Thanks for putting up with a dumbass like me," I said truthfully, raking my hand through his wild crimson mane.

  Loki chuckled and was about to say something, before he caught himself.

  There was a contemplative expression on his face and he nodded.

  I watched curiously, as the Zoroark stepped back once more, before he began weaving an illusion once more.

  He transformed himself into… me?

  Yes.. that was my face alright... but his hair was slate gray instead and his eyes were that same light blue of his pokemon form.

  Then, he opened his mouth and my eyes widened.

  "No, thank you Silver," Loki said earnestly. "Thank you for being the best trainer we could ask for."

  …

  I… forgot that a Zoroark who took the form of a human, was capable of human speech…

  And considering my Zoroark had known humans quite literally since birth… he'd know a thing or two.

  "Asshole," I muttered, a dust of red donning my cheeks as I sighed. "The first time you speak to me and it's to goddamn embarrass me."

  I heard a snicker from him and smiled with a shake of my head.

  "Just so you know, we're going to abuse that new skill of yours so much," I pointed out.

  "Zor," Loki agreed, eyes drooping slightly in exhaustion.

  I snorted and inspected him once more, noticing something about his evolution. "We'll have to get you a bangle for your hair too. It's a rite of passage for Zoroarks to wear one right?" I asked, grabbing his free hair and noting the soft and spiky texture.

  Loki nodded, reaching back and grasping his long mane.

  When a Zorua evolved, they tended to get bangles for their mane that allowed them to style it into a ponytail of sorts.

  They were typically teal due to that being a Zoroark's preference but there were sightings of different colors.

  How they got the bangles? Well that was obvious don't you think? They utilized their illusions to take the material they wanted to transform into one... or they just took the bangle itself.

  Truly, this pokemon was made for me.

  Loki mulled something over, before suddenly pointing directly at my eyes.

  "Ark," he said simply.

  I blinked. "You want your bangle to be silver?" I asked curiously.

  He nodded without hesitation.

  I felt a warm heat course through my body at that. "Alright. We'll get you that silver bangle then," I conceded easily enough.

  "Looks like we really are stopping in that Sunnytown place. I considered just skipping it since our supplies were good but we can go," I informed the starstruck Green. "I don't want Loki doing anything until we get him checked up. Plus I need to find a silver bangle for him."

  Green nodded eagerly. "Alright! We can stop there and restock any missing supplies! That was so awesome and inspiring and I can't wait to battle Loki!"

  I felt an excited thrum go through my body at that.

  Loki had always been my craftiest fighter. He was my fastest to boot… but Loki had always lacked the power and output to truly fulfill his fantasies.

  And now we had it. We had the missing piece.

  Zoroarks were on a completely different level of power than their pre-evolution. They were upgraded in every single way and Loki and I had already been racking up wins as his baby form.

  Now?

  "You look scary," Green pointed out fearfully.

  "If you thought Loki and I were annoying before, we're about to hit another gear," I said with a gleam in my eyes.

  Loki was being swarmed by the team, all of them inspecting his newly evolved form.

  None looked happier than Gaia. She and Loki had known each other the longest after all.

  "You did it, Loki!" she cheered, wrapping him in her vines and pulling the Zoroark into a strong hug.

  "You look so strong!" Freyja cheered happily.

  "You've taken a form worthy of fighting alongside me," Ares praised gruffly, inspecting her teammate with a critical eye.

  "Hmph," was all Metang bothered to say.

  "W-Woah," Oberon gasped.

  Loki laughed at that, just letting it be and returning the hug to the best of his abilities. "Yeah, I was being a little dumb," he admitted.

  "I'd say duh... but I never knew about you and Silver's past," Gaia said, sobering up quickly.

  The Zoroark sighed. "It's complicated... and considering he doesn't even remember it... I don't think there's much need to discuss it anymore," he explained.

  So Silver had amnesia? Was it a result of the experiments?

  Loki scowled. He hadn't know Silver had gotten experimented on. He had simply gone out with Giovanni while Loki's mother and father had tended to him in the care of Ariana.

  Then... he came back like the Silver he had known before. The one who hated everything and everyone. The one who only saw use in things that were useful to him.

  It was the ghost of that Silver that made Loki feel like he had to evolve... and when it clashed with the kindness of this Silver, it had caused him turmoil on whether his evolution was something he actually wanted or not.

  But Loki did want to evolve. Loki wanted to be strong enough to protect Silver and their team. That... was his own thought and he was glad that Silver helped him realize that.

  Gaia smiled softly and squeezed him. "You and Silver have been through a lot huh?" she asked.

  Loki nodded, voluminous hair jostling at the movement. "And then some. I'll tell you all another time... especially since I'm the only one who remembers."

  "That's a promise! How about after we deal with all this stuff?" Gaia beamed.

  Loki nodded. "That gives me enough time to get better at my illusions. It would be better to tell the story with visuals."

  Ares snorted. "Very well. I will allow your secrets for now. Do not think me one to forget such a thing."

  The Zoroark smiled in amusement. "Of course, Ares. Once I get the greenlight from Silver, how about we spar? I'd like to spar with you too Metang."

  "Excellent! I look forward to it, Loki," Ares exclaimed, nodding to her friend with a gleam in her eyes.

  "Whatever you say, Trickster," Metang replied.

  Gaia immediately began whining. "Did you forget me, Loki? How could you forget me?!" she exclaimed.

  Loki rolled his eyes. "Of course not, you drama queen. You're just so spoiled that you already had a spot reserved."

  Gaia nodded happily, before realization hit her. "Hey! Wait a second! Don't call me spoiled! You're proving Silver right and if Silver knows he's right, he gets worse!" she barked angrily.

  "He isn't wrong," Loki informed her with an amused smile. "You're spoiled as hell, Gaia. I don't think anyone would disagree... they just want to be spared from the tantrum."

  Gaia balked at that and gazed at her team, noting the complete silence.

  Then she turned towards Loki, glower on her face and waved her vines threateningly.

  "Gaia, you better not be thinking of fighting Loki right now," the voice of Silver said warningly.

  Gaia went stiff and shot the amused Loki a dirty glare.

  "I-I wasn't going to!" she whined guiltily.

  Their trainer was glancing over at them with narrowed eyes, Green next to him with an amused smile.

  "Sure you weren't," Silver said dryly, rolling his eyes and turning away from her.

  "When did he get so good at understanding us?" Gaia grumbled in defeat, stamping away.

  Loki laughed. "He's been improving a lot. He's always making an effort for us. That's why I chose to evolve in the end... so that I can do my part for him."

  "Don't compliment him right now! I'm mad at him and I don't wanna hug him!" Gaia barked. "Ares! Come train with me!"

  "Very well," Ares rolled her eyes, trotting after the Bayleef.

  "So dramatic," Loki sighed in amusement. "Freyja, you okay?"

  Freyja jumped at that, gazing at Loki with wide eyes.

  She had been deep in thought before being called by him and it was clear whatever she was thinking of was currently plaguing her.

  "Oh! Loki... I-I was just thinking... why did Silver want me?" she asked hesitantly.

  Loki paused at that question.

  "It's not like I'm strong or anything... you guys are a lot stronger than me but even despite that, he's... trying to make it work. He tries almost twice as hard for me as for anyone else... Why?" she asked.

  To be completely honest... he did not know why Silver wanted Freyja either. He didn't really go into detail about it. He just decided that he wanted the Feebas.

  "I don't know," he said honestly.

  Freyja deflated slightly.

  "But... I do know that you were always his goal," Loki informed her.

  Freyja perked up at that.

  "The Silver I knew only cared about strength and what a pokemon could offer him... I don't think he would have even looked your way," Loki said bluntly.

  "But Silver picked you without hesitation. He traveled to a whole new region and you were his first capture there," he explained with an amused smile.

  Freyja's eyes widened at that.

  "Was I really?" she asked quietly.

  "Yep. Silver had his mind set on you from the start. I don't actually think he was considering anyone else... because he likes you," Loki explained.

  "You have confidence issues so Silver boosts you up. You're weak so Silver makes you strong... and you were captured because Silver likes you. I don't think there's anything more to it, Freyja."

  Freyja blinked in surprise. "He just likes me for... me?"

  Loki nodded. "He does. Trust me... if it were the old Silver, he wouldn't be nearly as patient. He sees something in you that you don't see yet... but he's convinced you'll see it one day."

  "Wow..." Freyja said.

  "I-I think you're plenty strong already!" Oberon suddenly chimed. He nervously glanced at her with a small smile. "You beat me up so easily!"

  "W-Well that's because you're new! You'll get stronger too, Oberon," Freyja encouraged.

  "You too! We'll both evolve in no time and become even stronger!" Oberon said, a burst of happiness filling him.

  Freyja smiled, before it vanished in a moment of confusion.

  "Evolve..." she muttered to herself.

  Could she evolve? It would be amazing if she could...

  Maybe evolution would let her finally put Ares in her place.

  "You have amnesia?" Green asked me quietly, pulling me to the side so we could converse alone.

  I glanced at her and nodded. "I don't have any memories of before I took Gaia," I informed her truthfully.

  Green heard and saw everything between Loki and I. It's not like it was a private moment so I expected this. Besides, I trusted my companion. She was a real trooper and... she could afford some trust from me.

  She nearly died trying to save me after all. As far as I was concerned, Green was the only ally I could actually consider trustworthy with no strings attached.

  As she digested the information I just said, a look of genuine horror and sadness appeared on Green's face. To be honest, it looked like she was about to start crying at my admittance, little empath that she was.

  I felt a little bad that this nearly drove her to tears. I didn't have memories of before Gaia... because I didn't really exist yet before Gaia.

  But… I couldn't quite say that could I? Maybe in the future but for now, only I could afford to know that little secret of mine…

  Besides, I already came to terms with the fact of who I was.

  I'm Silver, that's all there was to it now.

  "I can't… I can't believe them! How could they do that to you?! You looked so cute and innocent!" Green snarled angrily. "Those low life, scummy, Muk shit eating assholes—"

  I snorted at her colorful language.

  "I won't let Team Rocket get away with what they did to you," Green said darkly, glaring at the floor.

  I blinked. "I won't either. Now calm down you rabid animal. Wouldn't want you to bite anyone," I said assuredly, patting her on the head.

  Green nodded, puffing her cheeks out indignantly at my comments and getting a chuckle out of me.

  "Cute and innocent. Not two words I'd ever associate with myself," I mused.

  Green's anger vanished instantly as a squeal left her mouth. "You were so cute when you were younger! You looked so happy and at peace! I almost died at you struggling to pronounce Zoroark! Now look at you..."

  I twitched at the despondent sigh she let out and glared at her.

  "You calling me ugly?" I sneered.

  "I'm not calling you cute!" she sneered back.

  "Is Ms. Jungle Hair really judging appearances?" I asked curiously, peering at her hair with a innocent expression. "I'm pretty sure I saw a Pidgey resting in it."

  "Your face could make a Wooper cry," Green said flatly, trying to hide her hair from me. "Leave my hair alone! I can't help it!"

  "You started it," I scowled.

  She scowled right back. "You deserve everything I say! You've been terrorizing me since we've met!"

  "I've been terrorizing you?" I asked incredulously. "We're only friends because you wouldn't leave me alone!"

  "Nuh uh!"

  I twitched harshly at that, poised to attack her at a moments notice.

  "There's no need to fight you two," Jasmine said.

  "He/She deserves it," Green and I said at that same time, before pausing.

  Huh?

  Jasmine?

  The two of us turned towards the direction of that voice and were met with a stern faced Jasmine.

  "Huh, that's gonna take some getting used to," Green said offhandedly.

  "You're telling me," I sighed.

  The Jasmine smiled at that, melting away into the amused Loki.

  "That's one way to get us to stop fighting," I commented with a roll of my eyes.

  Loki huffed at that, clearly finding a great joy in his new control over illusions and I snorted.

  "C'mon, let's make it to the next city! We need to make sure Loki's evolution was smooth!" Green laughed happily, switching on a dime.

  I nodded. "Sounds good to me. It's time to head out, you all!"

  I heard a chorus of noises and returned everyone, except for Loki.

  "You wanna get used to walking?" I asked.

  "Ark," he nodded.

  Zoroark's were quite short, but I was also pretty short so we stood at fairly similar heights. He was struggling to stand upright and I pat him as his frustrations flared in the form of a snarl.

  "Hey don't worry," I assured. "You just got your whole structure changed. It's expected that you'll struggle a bit. You'll get used to it."

  "Also, your hormones are probably all outta sorts so it's okay to let your emotions flare," I informed him.

  Loki nodded, looking embarrassed at that.

  "Mhm don't worry about it, Loki!" Green nodded eagerly. "You shoulda seen Saury when he first evolved. He was trying so hard to mask his frustrations with his cool guy attitude!"

  "Wow, even Saury, the epitome of cool guys, wasn't immune?" I chuckled.

  Vee cackled and nodded eagerly.

  "Ivy," Saury warned, causing me to snort.

  "Hear that, Loki? You'll be fine," I assured, running a hand through his mane.

  Loki made a noncommittal growl, deep voice making him sound far more predatory than when he was a little Zorua.

  I sighed.

  "Not gonna lie, I'm gonna miss you sleeping in my jacket," I said wistfully.

  "Zor," Loki nodded in agreement.

  "It was super adorable," Green agreed. "One of the few times I'd apply that word to you."

  "Fuck you," I said gruffly.

  She giggled, only to yelp as she tripped on the foot I stuck out.

  Before she could fall face first, Saury's vines lifted her up and set her back straight, giving her the ability to instantly whirl and lunge at me. It was a very practiced maneuver because I tripped her a lot.

  "You stupid prick! Stop tripping me!" Green barked.

  "Stop trying to bite me all the time!" I barked in return, holding her face back. "Rabid goddamn creature!"

  "Saur," Saury said with a tired sigh.

  "Zor," Loki nodded in agreement.

  :D Silver: Jasmine, am I good looking?

  :D Green: You don't have to lie!

  :D Silver: On that note, is Leaf's hair a genetic mutation?

  :D Green: Leave my hair alone! And call me Green damnit!

  You: U-Um... w-why are you guys asking me these questions? D-Do I have to answer them?

  :D Silver: Yes

  :D Green: Yes

  You: ...

  You: Please, I would really prefer to not answer these. This is very embarrassing for me.

  :D Silver: Refusal to answer will make us come up with our own answer. I don't think you want that. It would make our next meeting awkward.

  :D Green: :(.

  You: You two are so evil... I-I...

  You: ...Please don't make me.

  :D Green: Jasmine...

  :D Silver: Answer now.

  You: U-Um... well... I wouldn't say Silver is ugly at all. He's actually um... quite cute. As for Green's hair, I think it's fine! For how wild it looks, she does take rather good care of it.

  :D Silver: See? Also you're way too honest, Jas. I just asked if I'm good looking. You only needed to say yes... but thanks for calling me cute.

  :D Green: I think she's just too nice to tell the truth... except for when it's about my hair of course!

  You: I hate you two so much sometimes... what did I do to deserve this?

  :D Silver: Not answer immediately. Don't be so stubborn next time.

  :D Green: Lie to Silvy too next time.

  :D Silver: Kinda like what you were doing? Lies will never douse my confidence. I know what I know, Jas knows what I know and you know what I know.

  You: Please stop. I just answered the question you asked honestly. Why am I being punished for such a thing? I didn't even want to answer!

  You: And you two better not be fighting right now! I swear everytime I hear you speak a fight breaks out.

  :D Silver: Don't worry, we aren't fighting.

  You: Good... wait a second. Green can you say something?

  :D Green: Hi Jasmine! Green here! My eyes were being blocked by my terrible hair so I couldn't respond! ...Hehe?

  You: Silver... can you please get off Green? And please give her Pokegear back.

  :D Silver: Damn, thought my impression was spot on.

  :D Green: I'LL KILL YOU!

  Jasmine stared at her Pokegear dumbly, face burning red as they stopped replying in the chat.

  "They're so annoying," she sighed in the comfort of her room.

  "Tink?" Tinkatink questioned, glancing up at her from her spot on Jasmine's lap.

  "My best friends, Silver and Green," Jasmine explained with a fond smile. "You'll meet them one day. Silver gave me the inspiration to catch you!"

  Her most recent capture, next to Ferroseed who was currently asleep nearby, looked on with nervous anticipation, nodding slowly as she fiddled with her little baby rattle shaped hammer.

  Jasmine was currently at her desk, signing a few papers before they suddenly bombarded her with that question.

  Silver was one of the most confident people she knew, he already knew the answer to what he was asking... so clearly he and Green were arguing...

  Again.

  "One day those two are going to kill each other," she muttered, idly staring at her army of Pokedolls.

  They sat proudly on her desk, adding more life to what used to be a rather barren room.

  Her favorite was the giant plushie of the Piplup. It sat proudly in front of her, watching as she jotted away on each document.

  Conveniently, Empy loved that one too.

  Speak of the Giratina...

  "Emp?" Empy asked curiously.

  Jasmine blinked and nodded. "Yes, I was just messaging Silver and Green."

  The Empoleon looked offended. "Pole empoleon," he grunted, crossing his fins.

  Jasmine sighed. "It was just messages, Empy! It's not easy for me to tell Silver you said hi!"

  Honestly, Empy didn't care about any trainer they had ever encountered! Now all of a sudden, he was Silver's biggest fan?

  Was it because of how arrogant the both of them were? Jasmine just didn't know!

  "Fine... I'll call him," she said in defeat. "I need to make sure they haven't killed each other anyways."

  "Empoleon emp."

  "Empy says: You act as if you don't want to speak to him when that's very far from the truth. Enough with the act and call him so that I may thank him for the gift."

  "T-Thank you Bronzy. I really needed to hear that," Jasmine sighed miserably.

  "It is of no concern. I am simply fulfilling my duties."

  Jasmine sighed again.

  The Piplup plush wasn't even for Empy! It was hers! Rusty was already doing her best to take care of the woefully tiny Steelix plush that Silver also gave her... to surprising success.

  They were so annoying! Jasmine never thought she'd be fighting her teammates for her friends affections.

  "Silver, Empy wanted to say hi. Yes, he made me call you just to relay that. Empy, Silver says "sup bro". Silver are you still fighting Green?! Would you two stop fighting?!"