Paths Crossing and Fates Colliding - A Gladion x Reader Story

Chapter Four: The Forced Alliance

I walked along Route 5, spotting the giant Wela Volcano not too far from where I was. I stopped in my tracks and considered my options.

I could either stay on the lower routes and train up my team, or I could head for the fire trial up on the Wela Volcano. If I stayed on the routes, I could make sure that my team would be ready for the fire and grass trials tomorrow and be able to get to the Pokemon Center right when it got dark. On the other hand, if I took on the trial, I would be staying out a lot later; but I'd also be able to just focus on the grass trial tomorrow.

If I don't take on the trial, my team and I can get a little more rest--but if I do take it on, I can get off of Akala faster.

Tired of going back and forth in my head, I reached into my bag and pulled out Banette's Pokeball.

Banette jumped out with a happy cry and I knelt down to his level, "Hey Banette, would you rather take on the trial, or take the rest of today to train?"

It took Banette about two seconds to consider my question, before grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the Volcano, smiling wide all the while. I chuckled and shook my head, bringing myself to a light jog in order to keep up with Banette.

"Okay, okay!" I laughed, "I raised you as a fighter."

-- On the Volcano --

Banette seemed so enthusiastic about this next trial, that I decided to let him stay out of his Pokeball and climb the summit with me.

We had a few battles here and there, but overall, the climb was pretty quiet. It gave me a lot of time to think again. Since I was taking on the fire trial right now, I'd be able to get back to Ula'Ula island faster. I was almost halfway done with my journey now, but there was still a long way to go.

I looked down at Banette and smiled as we walked. I haven't had him long, only about a year now, but I still felt so close the little guy.

I can still remember the first day I got him. The poor thing had been abandoned by its previous trainer, and it started searching all of Ula'Ula looking for them. By the time Dad ran into Banette, he was malnourished and exhausted.

Dad told me it hardly took any effort to catch him.

I had tried with a couple Pokemon before, but the stereotypical Sandalits and Zubats that the other grunts had just didn't click with me. I've actually always had a bit of a fascination with ghost types. After all, Ula'Ula was home to the ghost trial site, Pokemon from which would sometimes come wandering by Po Town in search of people to prank.

When dad brought Banette home, he sat the two of us together in his room and left us alone. I was heartbroken to see this poor Pokemon in such bad shape, so I made it my mission to nurse it back to health. It took awhile--a long time and a lot of hard work--but I eventually managed to get Banette back to perfect battling condition. Dad told me he was my Pokemon to keep, but once I found out that Banette had been searching for his trainer, I couldn't just lock him up in Po Town. So, I snuck out one night and went outside of the Po Town walls and released Banette.

But, he didn't leave.

Instead of running back to the wild like Pokemon normally do when they're released, Banette didn't move. Instead, he just looked at me, shook his head, and re-entered his Pokeball.

Ever since then, we've been inseparable.

I smiled down at my partner Pokemon-- but all of a sudden I started to hear footsteps behind me. Bannete seemed to notice them too and jumped in front of me, snarling at whoever was behind us.

I whipped around expecting someone trying to attack me from behind, but I was only met with the cold and bored stare of Gladion.

I let all my muscles relax and put my hand on top of Banette's head to signal for him to calm down.