Deception - Gladion x Reader. [UNDER CO.]

Battle Me

Reader's POV

(The 'reader' character already has the Rotom Dex - received between chapters.)

"Alright, Shadow. Today we're going to try training again, and hopefully this time we'll actually be able to get something done," I sighed, slipping his Pokéball back into my bag as I prepared for the day. He'd slept on my bed like the night before and still hadn't been in his ball, but after thinking about it I felt it was the best decision since we were getting to experience every moment of life together. I couldn't help but smile at Shadow's curiosity as he jumped up onto the sofa to watch me tie my laces. "You're a curious little kitty, Shadow. Now come on, let's get going! We're gonna practice on some water Pokémon today!"

Seeing as I'd decided to get an early start to the day, my mom was still asleep and so I made sure to leave her a note before heading out, Shadow following closely behind as we made our way down the road to the Hau'oli beachfront. After battling some of the Team Skull grunts I knew Shadow was strong, but water Pokémon were one of his main weaknesses so I figured it would be best to go to the beach and try fighting some to improve; both strength and tactics. Thankfully a Pokémon Centre was nearby as well, so if things got out of hand I could take him to get healed up right away.

We hurried down onto the sand and splashed about at the edge of the ocean, every so often getting jumped by a Pokémon and battling them. A decent amount of Magikarps popped up, along with a couple of Goldeens and at one point a Tentacool, all of which were eventually defeated as Shadow built up his strengths. He was improving with each fight.

"Hey, you." A voice suddenly spoke from behind me causing me to jump and spin around, though my shock soon turned to surprise when I saw the boy from yesterday standing opposite me. "Battle me. I won't take no for an answer."

"But I—" I didn't have time to say another word before he pulled a Pokéball out of his pocket and launched it forward, the explosion of light eventually dying down to reveal an odd looking Pokémon that I'd never seen before.

It seemed Rotom sensed my confusion, or at least the presence of a new Pokémon as he quickly blasted out of my bag to scan the creature, presenting me with answers to many of my questions. "This Pokémon has a height of 6'3" and a weight of 265.7lbs and is called Type:Null, however it is also known as the synthetic Pokémon." I nodded, glancing behind him to look over Null and its many features. "It seems as if it is made up of many parts as it was constructed to synthesise the strengths of any Pokémon, enabling it to adapt to any situation. There is a danger that this synthetic Pokémon may go on a rampage due to its hidden special power, and so it wears a heavy control mask to restrain its power." That statement was worrying and made me frown, though I made sure to thank Rotom before he zoomed back into my bag.

It was difficult to deny that the thought of fighting this new Pokémon with an oddly strong power was frightening, but I hoped that if we battled it we would be able to learn its strengths and weaknesses as well as continue to become increasingly stronger, on our own and as a team.

The battle begun and went on for a good few minutes, the tide going back and forth in each of our favours. It was tough, definitely more challenging than fighting any of the Team Skull grunts, and at one point I believed we were going to lose until Shadow thankfully managed to dodge one of Null's attacks and hit back with something stronger, resulting in a win.

The two of us jumped for joy. "Yay, we won! Great job, Shadow!"

As my partner turned toward me I knelt down, ready to take him in my arms when he ran into them. He stopped just before, however, and a white light began radiating from him until it surrounded his entire body. My automatic assumption was that he was evolving and sure enough, a moment later the light disappeared and revealed the new Shadow; he looked very similar, only slightly bigger with some colour changes along with more subtle differences.

Once again, Rotom came out of my bag to give me some information about my new friend. "Congratulations! Your Litten just evolved into a new Pokémon! This is Torracat, height 2'4" and weight 55.1lbs. At its throat, it bears a bell of fire. The bell rings brightly whenever this Pokémon spits fire." He buzzed happily then disappeared once more, leaving me looking at Torracat.

Shadow looked back up at me for a moment then ran into my arms, his squeals of delight transforming into purrs as I brought him closer to my chest. During this time, the guy who'd challenged me leaned over to Null and whispered something to him, gently petting his head to ensure he was alright before putting him back into his Pokéball. He may have been a strong opponent — and perhaps slightly pushy — but it was clear he cared about his Pokémon, and that was nice to see.

Standing back up straight, he crossed his arms over his chest and despite his frown, I was sure I could see a slight hint of a smile on his face. "Hmph. Not bad. . . for a newbie."

"Newbie? I may have only just started my journey as a trainer, but I've been observing other trainers for years. I've learned from some great trainers, and even people who've become champions!"

"Doesn't mean you know how to battle," he scoffed.

Holding Torracat close in one of my arms, I clenched my free hand into a fist. "Well, clearly I must know something seeing as I just beat you, Mr Superior." The words came out more sarcastic than I'd meant them to, but he was being incredibly frustrating; he didn't even know me.

"I never said I was superior. . . but thanks for the compliment." His sentence ended with a smirk, and for some reason that made my heart flutter a little.

Confused, I decided to just shake it off. ". . . it wasn't a compliment."

"Sure sounded like it."

"Don't you understand sarcasm?" I sighed, a frown taking over my features.

His smirk only grew. "I doubt you even know what that is."

"Of course I know what sarcasm is! I—" I paused, quickly realising he was simply trying to wind me up. . . and he was succeeding.