Gladion walked to Tengen's bed with slow steps. The wound had been closed. The burns from Moltres's flames had been healed. But the arm was still gone. Only a smooth stump remained where the steel claw of the Scizor used to be.
What hurt Gladion more than anything was Tengen's face. The proud Scizor stared at the ceiling with empty eyes. There was no spark. No fire. Just hollow sadness.
Tengen used to be one of the cheerful ones of his team and was always with a smile and cracking joke. His current situation had really impacted Tengen.
Losing an arm for a Pokemon who loved battling in Pokemon battles and growing stronger was really a big deal.
Gladion forced a big smile and sat on the edge of the bed. He tried to lighten up the mood. "What is up, my hero? My knight in shiny armour! You saved the day today."
Tengen did not move. He did not smile. Tears started to form in his red eyes and rolled down his metal cheeks.
Gladion's smile faded. Worry filled his face. "What is wrong, Tengen? Does it still hurt? Do you need another healing session?"
Tengen stayed silent.
Gladion placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Talk to me, buddy."
Tengen finally turned his head. His voice came out small and broken. [My arm is gone forever. I… I cannot be useful to you anymore.]
Gladion felt his heart crack. "Useful? Because of you I am alive right now. I think that's the most useful anyone can be. You took a legendary attack straight to the body for me. You saved my life. That is more than useful. That is everything."
"And since when did I care about my Pokemon being useful for them to be in my team. My Pokemon are in my team because we share a similar goal and are a family." Gladion said sternly.
Tengen looked confused at him. [But without an arm I cannot battle properly. I cannot protect you from bad humans or strong Pokémon. I will have no use. Once I heal more, I will leave so I do not burden you.]
Gladion felt shame wash over him like cold water. 'So this is what I have become? My own Pokémon thinks I would throw him away because he got hurt protecting me? I used to hate Pierce for abandoning looking after his Pokémon when he cared more about politics than them. And now one of my own team believes I would do the same. How low have I fallen?'
He looked straight into Tengen's eyes. [I do not keep Pokémon on my team because they are useful. I keep them because they are family. You are my family, Tengen. One arm or two arms or no arms. You are staying.]
Tengen's tears fell faster.
Gladion kept his voice firm and warm. "And what is this talk about leaving? You are not getting rid of us that easily. You are stuck with me, with Collosus, with Guy's loud speeches, with Nyx's pranks, forever."
He continued, "And as for doing something, You are plenty strong enough to teach and train gym Pokemon. I have been looking for a Pokemon trainer for them anyways. I am sure those Pokemon could learn a lot from someone who is as strong and as brave as you. You would make a perfect mentor for them."
Tengen's body shook. He launched forward and wrapped his remaining arm around Gladion in a tight hug. Gladion hugged back just as hard. He felt the cold steel against his cheek and the small sobs from his friend.
Memories flooded Gladion's mind. He remembered the day in the Safari Zone when he first met the two Scyther siblings.
A big Scizor and Pinsir were fighting over the love of a Parasect. Gladion had to stop the battle before someone got badly hurt.
The brother and sister Scyther had watched Collosus strength and silence everyone with his roar and asked to join the team. They wanted to become stronger. And they did.
One evolved into Scizor. The other into Kleavor. They had been with him ever since, always loyal, always brave in front of danger.
Gladion held Tengen tighter. He promised himself he would find a way to fix the arm or give Tengen something even better. No Pokémon of his would suffer because they protected him.
He pulled back and grinned. "Now what would Guy say in a moment like this? Ah yes! The shining spirit of youth burns brighter after every hardship! One arm down means the other arm gets twice the training! YOSH!"
Tengen stared for a second. Then a small chuckle escaped him. Gladion laughed too. Soon both of them were laughing properly, the sound filling the quiet medical room.
Gladion wiped a tear from his own eye. "Rest now, buddy. Heal strong. I will be back soon."
He stood and waved to the whole team. His look said clearly: behave and rest properly.
The door closed behind him. The smile fell from his face. His eyes turned cold and hard.
He walked down the empty hallway and whispered to himself. "Now then. Time to make Team Rocket pay."
-----Author Notes------
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