A Rose in Winter

It was a cold day in Blacktorn City. Lyra was cold because it was the middle of December. She had battled Clair, the Gym Leader of Blacktorn. Lyra entered the Pokémon Center, as she needed to heal her Pokémon. It was difficult to win the battle; only her Typhlosion, her starter, was awake, but it was weak.

"Your Pokémon are healed. Please come again anytime," Nurse Joy said.

"Thank you," responded Lyra. She left the Pokémon Center, shivering in the cold. She wrapped herself in the new red and white coat her mother gave her. Lyra released her Typhlosion from its Pokéball.

"Let's go to the Dragon's Den!" Lyra said to her Typhlosion. He grumbled softly. If Lyra wanted to go there, so would he.

They entered the Dragon's Den. It was very dark, and they could not see much. However, there were the small lights of the Dragon Sanctuary, and they walked toward the lights. Lyra heard a strange noise. It was the voice of a person, but only those who defeated Clair were allowed in the Dragon's Den.

"More power, Feraligatr! One more time!" Silver shouted. It seemed he was training his Pokémon. He seemed tired, as if he was training himself as well. He did notice Lyra and her Pokémon.

"Hey, Silver! It's been a while, yeah?" Lyra called out.

Silver was surprised. "Lyra? What are you doing here? I thought you were in Kanto!"

"I thought that it's been awhile since I was in the Dragon's Den. You startled me." Lyra smiled. "And you? The last time I saw you, you were going to fight the Elite Four, right?"

"I was defeated." Silver didn't look at Lyra. He was embarrassed. The last time he saw her, he bragged that he was going to win.

"Poor Silver," said Lyra. She stretched her arms to try to hug him, but he moved away and frowned.

"I don't need your pity, Lyra. Leave me alone!"

"If you want me to leave, you only have to ask me!" Lyra's eyes filled with tears, and she started to run to the exit.

"Wait, Lyra! I didn't mean to say that!" But, he was too late. Lyra had already left. He sighed. "Why can't I ever say the right thing?" He stifled a scream.


Lyra was in the Pokémon Center, somewhat annoyed. "Damn Silver. It doesn't matter. I thought he changed, but evidently I'm wrong." She petted her Typhlosion and groaned. "I've decided. I'm going to go to Ecruteak City."

She released her Noctowl and asked him if he would fly her to Ecruteak City. They flew there in less than an hour. "Thank you." Lyra said to her Noctowl. "I need to find a room for the night.

Usually the Pokémon Centers had rooms for the trainers, and this night was no different. Lyra sat on the bed and sighed.

Suddenly, her Pokégear rang. It was Silver. She didn't answer. The Pokégear stopped ringing.

Thirty minutes passed, and Lyra could not fall asleep. Nurse Joy knocked on the door. "There's a boy who says that he needs to talk to you."

"Okay, just a minute please." Lyra left the room and went to the entrance of the Pokémon Center.

"Silver? What do you want?" Lyra did not look at Silver, as she was still somewhat angry. Silver's Crobat flapped his wings; he was happy when he saw Lyra.

"Lyra, please listen to me. I don't want you to be angry. I'm sorry. I regret what I said." Silver gave her a red rose. "It's difficult to say it. But, I love you. I know that I can be difficult, and I never say the right thing, but give me a chance. I'll work more and you'll be proud of me.

"Silver! Are you asking me if I would be your girlfriend?" Lyra gasped.

"Yes." Silver responded simply.

"Oh, yes, Silver. Yes!"

And for a time, they were very happy. But that's a different story.