Always Yours

| Two: Week Three of Training |

Niko tried her best to be enthusiastic, but over the years it had only grown more difficult. A Rising Star from the Pokemon School had come the afternoon before the weekend started, demanding a battle.
Niko was fed-up with the battles, but didn't want to discourage young trainers from their dreams.
Putting on her fake-game face. Niko called out Primarina.
Within minutes the battle was over, and the Rising Star scolded himself.
Niko walked over to him, and bent slightly to be at his level. She reassured him that he did well, but that he needed much more experience if he ever wanted to be Champion. He has to never give up, and to keep training with his Pokémon. She made a point to never stop treating Pokémon with kindness; if you truly care about them, they're battle harder to show their love for you.
Satisfied, the boy ran off, a smile on his face; eagerly excited to tell the other students his tale.

"Wow, that brat seems happy."
Niko looked at Guzma. Hands in his pockets, hunched over; it looked like he hardly slept at all since the last time she saw him. Something caught her eye, she moved closer. Something was in his hair. Upon inspection, Cutiefly stuck it's head over, chirping in excitement at seeing Niko.
"Oh yeah, he lives there now. Damn fucking thing refuses to fly itself anywhere." Guzma was clearly annoyed, but didn't seem to be in any rush to remove Cutiefly.
Niko put her hands on her hips. What was Guzma doing here before the weekend?

Guzma threw his arms forward, gesturing towards the Golisopod sitting at the ocean's edge.
"I'm here to get my traitorous Pokémon. Little shithead..." Guzma winced at his own words, "No...not a shithead. I'm sure it just didn't want to leave your shithead Pokémon."

Niko felt anger fill up inside of her at the belittling of her Pokémon. Deep breaths, she didn't want to start a fire fight with Guzma at the moment. She sighed, rubbing a hand across her face. Niko turned towards the beach, calling out to the pair. Primarina bounded over happily, where as Golisopod seemed hesitant. Eventually, he trudged over, grunting and hissing apologetically at Guzma. Before Guzma could begin his scolding, Niko butted in.
Golisopod felt sorry for not listening to his trainer, and regretted disobeying the first place. It had waited on the beach for days for Guzma to return, refusing to truly enjoy its time since it angered Guzma.
Niko handed him the Pokeball, passing along a long, hard look.
Guzma huffed, looking away from both Niko Golisopod, hands on his hips.
"Well...don't fucking do it again."
Golisopod piped up, allowing Guzma to recall it to its Pokeball.
"What a fucking numbskull," Guzma muttered, side-glancing Niko, "Kicking trainer ass again?"
Niko huffed, crossing her arms.
Everyday of the week the trainers came and went, never letting her catch a break. If the Pokemon League hadn't created the rule about the weekends, Niko knows she would have lost her mind way before this point.
Guzma scratched the back of his head, "Tough stuff."
Niko scoffed, she knew Guzma had no idea what it was like.
Guzma cocked an eyebrow, "You think I don't know? I was boss of Team Skull, those stupid grunts thought felt that they had to constantly prove themselves by battling me. I was kind of a shitty boss...but what-fucking-ever. I was Boss, I did whatever I wanted." He grunted, nodding his head to himself.
Niko shook her head, ignoring Guzma's banter. She waved a hand at him, already annoyed at his presence.
He could bother her tomorrow if wanted, but today was just not her day.
Guzma watched Niko trudge back to her home, numerous Pokemon playing in the water and on the sand.
"Hey, Doll!" Guzma called out, surprised with himself, "...."
Niko just looked at him. What does he want?
Guzma waved his hand, "Forget it."
He scampered off, Primarina watching sorrowfully. Niko patted his head; she knew he would miss Golisopod, but not too worry Poppy, he'd probably see it tomorrow.
Poppy let out a low whistle, and slunk back inside the house. Niko shook off the negative feeling inside her, following after her Pokemon into the house.

~~~~~

Niko slinked out of bed. After doing her morning routine, she slipped into her usual weekend outfit, and headed towards the kitchen. Looking at the time, she felt a moment of internal panic- it was already afternoon, she had severely overslept.
Niko brushed it off moments later. She wasn't on a schedule, if Guzma wanted his training, he would wait on her. Not the other way around. She scoffed, taking her time to make lunch. Out of habit, she made a second cup of Tapu Cocoa. Staring at it on the counter, her eyes moved towards the door.
She walked over to it, and slowly opened it.
There he was, laying on the porch. Fast-asleep.
She knelt next to him, pity flooding her system. Sighing, she nudged him slightly. She continued until he mumbled and groaned, propping himself up with his elbows. He turned towards Niko, hair matted to his forehead. He smacked his lips, yawning loudly.
"Finally decided to wake up, Sleeping Beauty?"
Niko scoffed. Standing up.
Lunch was ready in the kitchen, if he was hungry.
Guzma smiled softly, "Awh, you do care."
Niko rolled her eyes, turning away.
More like, she didn't want to hear his whining about how hungry he was during their training today.
Guzma slunk into the house, shuffling into the kitchen, rubbing his tired eyes. He plopped onto an island stool. He peered across at Niko, smiling widely as she pushed a plate of food across to him. He hungrily worked his way into the plate.
Niko took her time to properly enjoy her food.
As Guzma basically licked his plate clean, he noticed the second cup of steaming Tapu Cocoa. Without missing a beat, she spooned food into her mouth with one hand, and pushed the mug towards him with the other. She busied herself with reading the newspaper from yesterday, skipping the reading about the trainer who failed the challenge against the Elite Four.
Guzma cautiously, yet impatiently, sipped at the burning hot Tapu Cocoa.