Chapter Text
-Geeta, I can’t go right now. Something important came up.- Rika pinched the bridge of her nose with one hand, holding her Rotom phone up to her ear with the other. She seemed stressed, not like her usual, laid back self.
-No, it can’t wait. Just. Ask Larry to go instead. I have to go, bye.- She sighed as she hung up. She honestly felt guilty suggesting that. Poor Larry was overworked as is and she expected La Primera to actually have him substitute her for this job. But what else could she do? She can’t have Poppy go instead, that’s for sure, and Hassel’s hands are full with the academy’s classes.
Besides, she really needed to do this. It was the least she could do.
The green haired woman made her way to the last room on the left, just like the text she received earlier this morning said. She knocked on the door a few times, waiting for a response.
-Come in.- A whiny, yet pleasantly soft voice said.
She opened the door to see Grusha, her friend and Paldea’s best snowboarder, wrapped up in blankets, still wearing his signature scarf.
-Grusha! I heard about the accident this morning, are you okay?- She asked, her brows furrowed.
-Ah well. If it isn't Ms. Tight Schedule.- The man mumbled into his scarf. -I’m as fine as I could be, I suppose.-
-Relax Grusha, the sass won't help your bones.- Rika replied, letting some of her anxiety go. She figured it wasn’t serious enough to damage his backtalk.
-Joints. That's the main problem, according to the doctor.- The snowboarder corrected her. -I can't even throw pokeballs normally from now on. I have to use this… weird angle. It's hard to explain.-
The Elite Four member was relieved, but at the same time, still worried for her friend.
-That's terrible…- She said- -What about snowboarding?-
Grusha sighed, turning away from Rika and facing towards the window near the bed. There was a beautiful snowy day outside. Perfect for all kinds of winter sports.
-The doctor said I shouldn't even think about it.- He said, with a somber tone in his voice. -I’ll be able to walk and maybe run once I make a full recovery, but no more sports for me.-
Despite not being able to see his expression, Rika knew him well enough to know how bad he must feel right now.
Rika held her chin with her hand, thinking of something to say. She wasn't the best at cheering people up. She's too direct. Eventually, she realized keeping silent company would be best.
She took a seat on the chair across from the room, then recalled all the times Grusha had been there for her. Ever since their first battle, back when Rika wasn’t even part of the Elite Four yet. The two had a friendly rivalry going on. It was strange, seeing as if you asked them what they thought about the other they’d probably respond with insufferable. Their personalities would clash constantly, though despite everything, they were still best friends.
-What's the matter, Sprigatito got your tongue?- The injured man said. -If you're finished checking up on me, then you should go.-
-At least your attitude is intact.- She smiled. She was struggling a bit to get the words out. -I'm… really happy you're okay.-
Grusha blushed, as he was prone to do, given his snow toned pale skin.
-I heard the flying taxi that caused the accident wasn't so lucky.- Rika added. -Poor soul…-
-Did you know them?- Grusha asked. He hadn’t questioned it up until now, but how did a cab get so close to the slope? There’s regulations in place to prevent these types of things, such as Corviknight not being allowed for those services in Paldea.
-Not too well. He used to work for the league, but I've never gotten on one of those things. I prefer walking.- Rika explained.
The snowboarder let out a little laugh. -Scared of heights?-
-No, it's just… I prefer being on solid ground. It feels safer. The earth is firm. Unyielding. Strong….- She became quieter as she ended that sentence, shaking her head afterwards. -I apologize, I got a bit abstract there.-
-It's okay. Us type specialists are very in tune with our element.- He paused, as if he was deciding whether or not to say the next sentence. -Speaking of… I’ll still be able to train Pokemon, so I figured once I get out of here I’ll take over Glaseado Mountain’s Gym.-
-I guess so. You won't stop loving Glaseado mountain, even after the accident, huh.- She said.
-It’s not like that… I just need to capitalize off my only other talent.- He turned to face her once again, letting Rika see his face completely this time. He’d pulled down his scarf a bit during the conversation. -And… Yeah, maybe I do like this place a bit more than most.-
-It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Your eyes shine like the sun reflecting off snow whenever you look out that window.- Rika said, teasingly.
Grusha rolled his eyes. -Ugh. Don't you have some dirt to play with or something?-
Rika clapped, then put her hands in her pockets. -Never change, dude. I'll see ya. Take care.-
-Take care, Rika. Don’t catch a cold on the way down, alright?-