You know who I like? Silver. The rival character from Pokémon Gold and Silver and their remakes.

He’s the disowned son of Giovanni, the boss of Team Rocket. He’s a huge douchebag. Like, even worse than Green from the first game. And that’s saying something. Case in point, he got his first pokémon by stealing it from Professor Elm. He also steals a Sneasel from a trainer in Cianwood City and while you’re trying to take down Team Rocket in Mahogany Town and Goldenrod City, he selfishly interferes to prove he’s better than you. He constantly calls you weak, he’s cruel to his pokémon, and only cares about getting stronger.

That is… until he meets Johto’s champion, Lance, and gets completely destroyed by him. His resolve broken, he tries to find a reason for his failure. Lance says he needs to lighten up and treat his pokémon with care in order for them to become strong, but Silver shrugs it off. After a couple more losses, Silver is forced to accept that his methods are flawed, finally gives in, and starts training with Lance in the Dragon’s Den in Blackthorn City.

The next time you visit Professor Elm’s lab, Elm tells of how Silver came to give the stolen pokémon back. Elm noticed how the pokémon had taken a liking to Silver, even after having endured his previously harsh treatment. Silver had apparently started treating it well, and Elm told him to keep it. Talk to Elm’s assistant, and he tells of how Silver had tears of joy on his face as he walked out with his pokémon.

You can battle him again at the pokémon league on Mondays and Wednesdays, which is when you’ll notice that his Golbat has finally evolved into a Crobat.

Golbat only evolves when its bond with its trainer is as strong as possible.

This is some of the biggest character development I’ve ever seen in any game, let alone a children’s game like pokémon. Best rival, 10/10.