Day 27: Rival

I gotta be honest, Silver’s a complete jerk at the beginning of the games, and in many moments he pissed me off. But his character earns such development during the story as he learns with his losses to the player how he’s lacking in love and care for his Pokémon that he conquered his place as my favorite rival.

If at some point you return to Prof. Elm’s lab and talk to him, he reveals you that Silver came back to return the Pokémon he stole in the beginning of story, and seemed genuinely happy when Elm let him keep it. I got thrilled to notice his Golbat had evolved, something which is possible only by high friendship. Those marked Silver’s change as real and I really like how his development is evident and makes him grow.

Gladion looked very shady at first, but when I saw how much he cared for his Type:Null, I was certain that the boy had a very big heart. Anyone who treats their Pokémon in that caring way Gladion treated Null couldn’t be that bad. We later get to know more about him and his intentions, and those just added to the character in my opinion.

Also, he had two Pokémon which only evolve with high friendship in the last battle we have against him in their last stages, which only proves further his love for his Pokémon.

Those two are very alike in certain aspects, and probably that’s why both are my favorite rivals!