A/N: If this is the second time you have seen this chapter posted, it is because I have fixed the ending. In my fatigue, I forgot to add a crucial scene at the last part of chapter. My apologies, dear readers.
The Dragon's Den, sacred to the inhabitants of Black Thorn, and forbidden to outsiders, was a sloped cave cut from the side of a mountain filled with crystal clear water. The only source of light was a small break in the ceiling in which allowed the light from the sun and the moon to peak through. Within the clear pools of aquamarine water swam pods of wild dratini. Otherwise hidden from the publics view, their only appearance would be late in the night when they would dance under the moonlight. Their smooth skin would sparkle as the light kissed their bodies. Although a spectacular show, only a handful of privileged people were privy to attend. Lyra sat on the dark rocky shore watching the dratinis dance, mesmerized by their graceful forms. She absentmindedly played with a smooth rock as she finished watching their performance. She often wondered how they could have such enjoyment being trapped in such a tiny cave, but shrugged the thought off, concluding it was because they knew of no other world than the one they lived in. Once the moon had passed it arch, the dratinis submersed themselves for the night, waiting for the next night to perform once again. Standing up, Lyra tossed the small rock in the water, watching the ripples widen until they touched the whirlpools on the far end of the pond. Reaching for her belt she tossed an ultra ball into the air and smiled as a shower of sparkled appeared with her gyarados. Pleased with her location, the gyarados splashed happily in the calm waters. With a giggle she climbed onto her pokémons red body and surfed casually to the other side, towards the small hut where the Dragon Master lived.
It was one year today that she began her journey as a pokémon trainer. Oh, how her life changed because of it. She was now the proud owner of sixteen gym badges and the unclaimed Champion. Twice. She smiled as she recalled the proud look Lance gave her when she defeated him a second time. After her victory, he had pulled her into a tight embrace, congratulating her on her success. She smile grew when recalled how she returned home with her fathers' journal in her arms and told her mother she met with her grandfather. Her mother was beside herself in tears of joy and sadness. She was sad over the loss of her husband, and the gap placed between her father-in-law and herself, but seeing her daughters' joy and the fond memories that came from seeing the familiar journal filled her with delight. When Lyra offered the journal to her mother, her mother insisted she keep it instead. Although she was willing to part from the journal, Lyra was relieved and overjoyed when she was told to keep it. She still didn't know what his last message was, but she felt that as long as it was unsolved he was still there in a way. Reaching the far end of the pool, she hoped off her pokémons back and landed on the water treated wood deck. She dismissed her gyarados, allowing her to enjoy her swim in the clear waters. From what she could tell, the waters below were incredibly deep and vast. Not moments after her gyarados would dive; she would lose sight of her. Taking a turn she bumped into an unexpected visitor.
"We need to stop meeting each other like this." Silver said, teasing the girl for her clumsiness.
"S-sorry!" She said, rubbing her face after colliding into his hard chest. She peaked at him between parted fingers and blushed. No matter how many times it may happen, she would still get nervous after pressing against the hotheaded teenage boy.
"Whatever." He shrugged, unconcerned. "After I defeated Blaine and that jackass Blue, I returned to Indigo Plateau to fight Lance but I still couldn't beat him. So he suggested that I come here to speak to the Dragon Master, but he won't speak to me. Humph. So I decided to train my pokémon instead." Lyra opened her mouth to speak but was cut off before she could utter a word.
"Lyra! Silver! What a surprise!" Lance sang out, with his blue haired cousin following after him. "What are the chances I would find you both here this evening?"
"Humph!" Silver huffed while whipping his head to the side. "I am only here because the Dragon Master won't see me."
"How unfortunate." Lance said without sympathy. "Well, while we are here, shall we have a double battle? Say you and Clair against Lyra and myself?" He asked while gently tugging the girls' arm towards him. Lyra nearly lost her footing from the unexpected tug, thankfully the Dragon Tamer caught her. "What do you say, Lyra?" The brunette girl couldn't help but blush at his forwardness.
Clair flicked her long silky ponytail behind her with an air of irritation. "Alright, punk, that leaves you and I. Team up with me." She dictated while planting her hand on her hip.
The teenage boys' face changed into all sorts of furious shades as he watched Lance hold his rival against his chest. "Are you kidding me?!" He finally shouted, referring to the Gym leader. "You want me to team up with the weird one in the costume? Not a chance!"
Clair felt the muscle in her eye twitch. "Weird one…" Her wrath radiated throughout the entire den, scaring away dratini's that had resurfaced.
"Kotone! Come to my side!" He shouted, purposefully ignoring the seething woman. "We'll beat Lance together!" Silver hastily grabbed onto the straps of Lyra's overalls, ripping her away from the Dragon Tamer, and into his arms, catching her before she tumbled backwards.
"Ah, um, oh...kay." Lyra sputtered unintelligently, overwhelmed by the males possessiveness.
Before the battle commenced, Lyra and Silver glanced at each other and locked eyes. Both teens recognized the look in the others face, it was the look of determination. Determination, not to win, but to do better than their partner. The dragon tamers, too, shared a look, eager to learn what their plan was. All four combatants tossed their pokeballs into the makeshift arena and waited to see who their enemy would be. Lance chose his Gyarados and Clair her Dragonair. In return Lyra summoned her Ampharos and Silver his Gengar. An eerie silence fell over the four as each member contemplated their next move.
"Use hypnosis on the Dragonair!" Shouted Silver with clenched fists, jumping into the battle first.
"Dragonair, use your Dragon Rush on the Ampharos!" Clair shouted with a wave of her hand, as if she was swiping at an invisible bug.
"Gyarados, Thunder Wave on the Gengar." The dragon tamer called out, calmly, his arms folded over his chest.
"Pharos, Thunder on the Gyarados!" Lyra cheered her pokemon with a fist in the air.
The Ghost-Poison type loosed a tiring hypnosis on the Dragonair that reared back to attack the Amphqros. The Dragon Rush missed, allowing Pharos to strike the Water-Flying with a powerful Thunder, while a paralyzing Thunder Wave struck the Gengar. Lance nodded to his pokemon approvingly and Lyra cheered her pokemon while Silver and Clair shared looks of irritation having their pokemon rendered useless by status inducing attacks.
"Pharos, use your Thunderbolt!" Lyra cried excitedly, knowing that the gyarados would not stand another direct hit.
"Gyarados, Ice Fang!" Lance shouted with urgency.
As Pharos charged her electricity for another attack, she was cut off by a chilling Ice fang.
"Thunder Punch!" Silver shouted, as his Gengar knocked the large sea serpent away from the frozen Ampharos.
"Thanks Silver." Lyra smiled while recalling her immobile pokemon.
"Just pay attention!" Silver rebuked, too involved with the battle to be courteous.
Lance likewise withdrew his fainted pokemon and summoned his Charizard. "Hyper Beam!"
The Gengar struggled to faze his body but reacted too slowly, taking the powerful golden beam head on.
"Mr. Muscles, show them your stuff!" Lyra exclaimed, while tossing down a Great Ball. "Dynamic Punch that Charizard in the face!" The intensity of the battle taking over Lyras more reserved nature.
"Wake up, damn you!" Clair screamed at her snoozing Dragonair until it finally blinked its eyes in confusion. "Finally! Flamethrower, Machoke, now!" She shouted while gnashing her teeth in frustration.
"Air Cutter!" Silver shouted over the gym leader, commanding his pokemon to strike both foes at once. The flames from the Dragonair licked at the Machokes skin, while the strong gusts of wind struck Fire-Flying type and rendered the Dragon Type unconscious.
The other three trainers jumped back in shock as they regarded the pokemon responsible for attacking the Charizard and Dragonair simultaneously. Beside Silver hovered the large six foot bat-like pokemon, Crobat.
"A Crobat?" Lance mused, impressed.
"I never thought the twerp could build such a close bond with a pokemon…" Clair whispered, too stunned to finish her sentence.
"Wow! You were able to bring your pokemon to such a high level of friendship! I am so proud of you, Silvy!" Lyra cooed while admiring the large purple pokemon.
"S-shut up! Of course I did!" Silver snapped, embarrassed by the center of attention. "And I told you not to call me that!" He shouted at his rival while commanding his pokemon to attack the recharged Charizard.
The battle continued until only four pokemon were left to fight; Typlohion, Feraligatr, and two Dragonites. The two Johto Starters faced off their Titan-like opponents with snarls and throaty growls. Blaze glanced at the Feraligatr beside him. They had been friends once in Professor Elms laboratory. When his friend was stolen and pitted against him, he held a deep resentment against the redheaded trainer and the rebellious Totodile. Now, a year later, he found himself working beside rebellious pokemon, a reality he never pictured would happen, but elated that it had. The feraligatr paused from his growling to glance at the silent pokemon. Nodded his head he shared the same sentiment, he too was happy to be working beside his friend once more.
"Hyper Beam!" Clair barked at her pokemon. The large dragon drew her head back, charging the powerful golden beam in her mouth.
"Draco Meteor!" Lance commanded regally, tossing his cape behind his shoulder like a superhero.
"Oh freakin' Arceus, not this move again." Silver groaned as he spotted the spectrum of large meteors sailing towards them. "Use your, Hydro Cannon!" He shouted over the noise caused by the two attacks.
"Blaze, you know what to do, buddy!" Lyra exclaimed, clenching her first in excitement. "Blast Burn!"
The two starters unleased their powerful attacks simultaneously; orange flames encircled the powerful blast of water causing an endless stream of steam to follow in its wake. Before the combined attack could strike either opponent, a golden beam pierced the open air and threatened to cut through the attack. As the two beams fought back and forth, fighting to overpower to other, a shower of large colorful meteors broke through the ceiling and pelted the arena. Clouds of dust and steam filled the air, choking the combatants, coating them with the sticky dirt. As the clouds dissipated Lyra and Silver exchanged curious looks and peered through the hazy battlefield. Likewise, Lance and Clair coughed the unwanted dust from their lungs while searching for the results of their battle. The two dragonites had collapsed upon each other while the two Johto Starters stood shakily, gasping for breath.
"Oh, sweet Mew… we WON!" Cheered Lyra as she hopped into Silvers arms.
"Y-yes we won. Now, g-get off!" Silver stuttered with a blush as he held the giggling girl. He had just barely caught the overexcited girl before she hit the floor.
Clair gawked at her fallen pokemon in a silent stupor, unable to voice her shock. Lance, surprised as well, took his defeat with more grace than his cousin. "Just as I expected… you two make quite the team." He closed his eyes and softly chuckled. "Going solo is certainly one way to aim for the top, but that is not all there is to pokemon battles." Opening his eyes he watched as the teenage boy fought to hold the giggling girl in his arms. "Although, I don't feel that it is necessary to remind you of this." He strode over towards the pair just as Lyra was placed (dropped) to the ground. "I shall see you, Lyra, until next time." He said holding her right hand in his, he placed a kiss on the back of her hand in a gentlemanly fashion.
The expression on Clairs face was from a mixture of rolling her eyes to wanting to gag. "I must excuse myself." She half muttered while striding away. Pausing, she turned back. "Lyra, it was a fun battle. That goes for you wise guy." She added flirtatiously before leaving the Dragon's Den, her cousin following in suit.
Silver continued to glare daggers at their backs until they were out of sight. "Kotone…" He started out through clenched teeth.
"Y-yes?" She managed to spit out, still flustered by the Dragon Tamer.
"I… it, wasn't supposed to go this way. Our battle, I mean." He quickly added when the girl tilted her head in confusion. "Anyway, I am not giving up on beating you! I will train my pokemon and… my heart too." He whispered the last part, knowing he was saying too much but couldn't seem to stop the flow of words from exiting his lips.
"Silver?" Lyra asked while walking closer to her friend.
"I'll come back as the toughest challenge for you! Just wait!" With his final exclamation, he jumped onto the back of his waiting Feraligatr and surfed out of the Den.
Lyra stood behind holding a hand to her chest. "W-what… was all of THAT about?" She asked herself while trying to regulate the beating of her heart. Her moment was interrupted when a red gyarados poked her head from the water and squirted her owner with a tiny Water Gun.
A bucket full of water splashed against Lyra's face, causing her to cough and wipe the liquid from her face. "Ruby!" She complained, planting her hands on her hips. The ruby-red Gyarados laughed and slapped her tail against the calm waters, melting away Lyra's irritation. Joining in with her laughter she hopped onto her pokemons back and gave her an affectionate rub. "Thanks girl, you always know how to bring me back to reality." Ruby growled affectionately in response as she ferried the girl to shore.
"You wanted to see me?" She asked while stepping into the large white laboratory. The door jingling behind her.
The busied professor looked up from his research, a smile spreading across his face when he recognized his newcomer. "Lyra, yes, please, come in." Professor Oak said warmly.
The fifteen year old girl walked in and took a seat in front of the professor's desk. From the outside, she appeared calm and collected, but on the inside she was panicking. After word got out that she had defeated Lance for the second time, he requested, okay demanded, that she come visit him immediately. She had received his call while she was on her way to the Dragons Den, so she decided to continue her journey. Now, however, she feared she might have upset the busy professor by making him wait on her. She held her hands in her lap and nervously fiddled her fingers.
The professor clicked away at this keyboard until a satisfying sigh left his lips. "Thank you for waiting, I needed to send off that recommendation letter before I forgot." He explained coolly, while resting back in his large leather office chair.
"Recommendation letter?" She couldn't help but ask. She knew prying into information was rude, but he did offer up that piece of information voluntarily, how could she not be curious?
"Yes, in fact, it is a letter of recommendation for you, my dear." He answered with a smile.
For me? "I don't understand." She admitted with a shake of her head.
"Well you see, after I learned of your victory over the Champion, I became very curious as to why you declined the title a second time; so I took the liberty of asking Lance. He explained that you want to still enjoy your adventures and experience life before taking such a high responsibility."
"Yeah…" Lyra said sheepishly while rubbing the back of her neck. Lance had been happy with her decision, but when it was put that way, it made her realize how childish her reasons actually were.
The older man let out a soft chuckle. "Don't fret my dear. It is commendable that you wish to put off the title of Champion and all its responsibilities, rather than grabbing for the glory that comes with it. With that being said, I wanted to find a way to reward you for all your hard work." He nodded his head, while clasping his hands together on top of his wooden desk.
"You have? Thank you, thank you very much!" She piped up, sitting forward in her chair, eager to find out what kind of gift she would receive.
The professor chuckled again. "What I have for you, is my written permission that you are capable and worthy enough to enter Mt Silver."
"Mt Silver?" Lyra asked, her face flashed with nervousness. "Isn't that where-"
"The 'scary-strong' pokemon live? Yes. Mt. Silver used to be open to the public, but due to its hazardous landscape and dangerous temperatures, it was cut off from the public and a guard was placed at the foot of the mountain. But seeing how you have handled yourself over the past year, earning sixteen badges and beating the Champion twice, I believe you can handle it." The professor nodded once more, confident with his decision.
"I… I don't know what to say." Lyra whispered, while staring at her lap. Making up her mind she stood up and faced the professor. "Thank you Professor Oak. This is an amazing gift!"
"Hah ha, it's no problem, my dear. I am happy I could be of some service to you. After all, you did manage to complete ninety percent of the pokedex for the Johto and Kanto regions for me. To be fair, I need someone as capable as yourself to undertake this challenge." He nodded, eyes shut in thought.
"Thanks again, Professor!" She cheered while standing up. "I won't let you down!" With a final salute, she tore off in the direction of the mountain, excited to begin a new journey.
The professor watched the girl run off into the distance with weary eyes. It had been nearly four years since he last saw someone with the same rising talent. He too had earned all of the gym badges and became the Pokémon League Champion. After a while, however, he became distant and would refuse to speak to the public until one day he traveled to Mt. Silver to continue his training routine and never came down. Weeks passed and the small town of Pallet began to worry, namely his mother. When months passed, with no word, the region began to doubt his survival. After the first year passed, most of the public had given up hope, by the time four years passed, he was almost forgotten. The professor whipped his watery eyes with the back of his hand. Red had been like a grandson to him. His mother, like a daughter-in-law. When he heard news of his disappearance, he became distract and sick with worry, almost to the point of retiring so he could search for the boy himself. In the end, it was Red's mother that dissuaded him, convincing him that the best thing he could do in his position was to continue training new trainers so that one day, someone qualified could be sent out in search of him. Until then, the gates to Mt. Silver were shut. Like the rest of the public, Oak too had given up hope on finding anyone capable of handling Mt. Silver, that is, until, he met Lyra. Like any other new trainer she was ambitious and eager to begin her journey. But as news of her grew, so did Oak's hope. For the first time in four years, he had hope again. His talk shows began more lively and his lectures more interesting, the media referred to it as Oaks Second Wind, or Oaks Rising.
The old man rested his hands on the table and leaned back in his chair, eyes facing the ceiling. "Oh Arceus, please let them be okay." He whispered.
The winds howled as they blew through the opening in the frozen mountain, fresh snow following in its wake. The cave within Mt. Silver was dark and incredibly vast. The flames from the large typhlosion distorted the shadows on the walls, creating an eerie haunting feeling. The ceiling of the cave was so high, the shadows were consumed by the preexisting darkness. Every time a breeze of chilled air would blow through the cave, it left the girl feeling like a gengar had passed through her; frozen and empty inside. She shuttered at the thought of it. Blaze, picking up on his trainers' discomforting thoughts, inched even closer to his owner, offering his warmth and his protection. Lyra lifted a cold hand and gently stroked the bear-like pokemon, relishing the feel of his warm fur between her fingers. Eager to begin her new journey, she had forgotten to pack additional supplies, including gloves, coat, or even pants. The ever present frost bit at her skin and threatened to overtake her, but she was determined. It was the fire of determination that kept her going. She didn't know what she would find, but she was certain Professor Oak wanted her find something; or someone. Possibly a rare or new pokemon. She shrugged at the idea, too tired to think about the mater. Slurping down the last of her canned soup, she packed her gear back into her bag and stretched, attempting to loosen the kinks in her tired body. Blaze stood and shook the snowflakes from his fur.
"Typhlosion, Ty?" He asked, worriedly.
"It's okay." She said with a gasp, struggling to adjust to the high altitude. "We're almost to the top. I'll be okay." Tightening the strap on her bag she ducked into the frozen tundra and continued her ascent to the peak of the mountain, determined to find what she was searching for.
Blaze watched his trainer with careful eyes. Anytime she would slip, he was there, if she got caught in a deep section of snow, he would pull her out. His fear and concern grew day after day but he recognized the determination in her eyes. Although her eyes were heavy and tired, the fire in them did not go out. Rather than fighting against her, he vowed to continue watching over her.
After nearly a week passed, the pair had nearly reached their destination. Lyra smiled weakly and patted her pokemon on the head. "Almost there, buddy. Just a little more." She cooed.
Climbing over a large snow bank, Lyra held onto her pokemons neck as the typhlosion clawed his way over the hill. Upon reaching the top, Blaze held his trainer in his arms as he slid down to the other side. Placing her down he waited for her to continue their trek. Lyra checked her map on her pokegear once more before continuing forward. "The map says we made it to the top." Lyra explained while looking at her pokegear in confusion. "But there is nothing h-" Her words were cut off when she peered through the snowy wind. In the distance stood another person, frozen in place. Covering her mouth in horror, Lyra began to worry for the worst. Maybe that person is hurt and can't climb down? Or worse, maybe they died and are frozen in place! Her mind continued to wander down that dark path until she took a sharp gulp and walked forward with determination, ignoring the cold that nipped at her exposed flesh.
The figure stood with their back to the newcomer, seemingly unaware of her presence. When the sound of her feet crunching through the snow rang out in his ears, he turned his face just enough to view his uninvited guest. The Pikachu on his shoulder puffed out his red cheeks, allowing sparks to fly through the air freely. The figure continued to study the girl approaching him. He noted her tired eyes, pale skin, bluish lips, and how underdressed she was such harsh weather. In the back of his mind he felt a surge of admiration for how she somehow managed to climb to the top of the mountain, especially for someone so young. Then again, it wouldn't have been the first time.
Lyra stopped when she finally caught a glimpse at the figure. It was a young man, about eighteen years of age wearing blue jeans, a red short sleeved vest, and a red cap. His silky black hair fell into his ruby-red eyes as he continued to watch her, study her. She felt a wave of uneasiness wash over her. She felt as if he could read her entire life with those eyes, yet she could not break away contact. After several quiet moments passed a spark of realization hit her. Her eyes grew large as she pointed at the young man. "You! You're Red!" She proclaimed rather than asking.
This statement further caught the man's attention as he turned to fully face the girl. He kept one hand in his pocket while he pet his Pikachu's head with the other. "…"
Lyra gulped back the excitement in her throat. For so long she dreamed of one day meeting her idol. When she was younger she would sometimes rehearse what she would say had she ever gotten the chance to meet the boy that became the league Champion, defeated Team Rocket and its boss, Giovanni, therefore avenging her fathers' death. Yet now, that that she stood only feet away from him, she could not utter a single word. All her premeditated speeches and well thought out words left her mind. So she communicated with him the only way either of them knew how; she pulled out a pokeball.
"…" Red glanced down to the hand holding the white and red capsule. As a trainer he knew the rules to the trade. Whenever a trainer locks eyes, he or she must battle. With a small. Almost nonexistent nod, he too reached for a pokeball and waiting for his opponent to move first.
The two trainers said nothing to one another as they battled. Only the sound of the howling wind, the clashing of their pokemons attacks, and Lyras voice shouting out commands filled the air. While Lyra struggled to lift her voice above the strong winds, Red wordlessly commanded his pokemon on the battlefield. She had noted that Lance would speak very little during a battle, but to see a trainer remain completely silent while commanding his pokemon, was unheard of. Yet it quickly became obvious to her that Red did not come to Mt. Silver on some frivolous vacation; he had been training diligently. To put it simply, Red was in a league of his own. She struggled to counter his attacks, his pokemon were no longer affected by the cold, even his Venasaur seemed unconcerned to the snowy whirlwinds. Although her pokemon stood their ground and battled to the best of their ability, in time they were overpowered by Red's diverse team. She quickly recalled Wish, for fear his wings would be damaged by the icy winds, leaving her with her Typhlosion. Her body shook and her teeth clattered as she commanded her pokemon. She was growing fatigued. The bitter cold mixed with Trainers Fatigue had finally outrun her adrenaline rush, and she was running on empty. Just a little longer… she told herself, struggling to finish their battle as the victor until everything went black.
The smell of disinfectant and soap filled her nose as she opened her eyes, wincing at the bright overhanging lights. Her throat felt raw and her skin burned as it adjusted to the warmer temperature. "Where…" She croaked out, while trying to take in her surroundings.
"Shhh, don't speak." A gentle feminine voice cooed. "You're here at the Mt. Silver pokemon center. You need to rest."
Lyra focused her attention on the pink haired nurse. That's right, she vaguely remembered passing by a pokecenter on her way up the mountain. Obliging to the nurses commands she closed her eyes and let sleep overtake her. The second time she woke, she no longer felt the bright lights in her face or the smell of sanitizer in her nostrils. Instead, she found herself in a small, softly lit room that smelled vaguely of wintergreen. Sitting up from the bed she had been placed in she looked around the room searching for the source the minty aroma came from. Her eyes stopped as they came locked with a pair of ruby-red eyes, studying her intently. In surprise, she yelled and backed up against the wall the bed was nuzzled against. Red took no offense by her sudden outburst, in fact, he almost seemed frozen in place as he watched her with his discerning eyes. "W-what… how did I get here? What are you doing here? What did-" Her ramblings were cut off when he raised a steady finger to her trembling lips, effectively silencing her. She inhaled a deep breath before colleting herself. Sitting up she faced him once more. "What happened?" She asked.
Red continued to watch her, reading her, until Lyra feared he was actually mute. "You fainted." He finally said, his voice deep and raspy from disuse.
Her eyes widened in surprise at the sound of his voice. She had always wondered what his voice would sound like; it was unexpected and yet fitting. "So…" She began, her face dropping as she looked at her hands in her lap. "Our battle…"
"You won." Red said coolly.
Hey eyes widened in shock for a second time. "What? How?" She exclaimed, swinging her arms around.
"Your Typhlosion defeated my last pokemon. Simple." He said with a shrug, he almost seemed confused why she would ask such an obvious question.
"Blaze…" She smiled warmly. She vaguely remembered her pokemon glancing at her weakened state before she blacked out. He must have activated his Blaze ability while combining it with his Blast Burn to win the battle. Her smile grew as she held her pokemons ball, even nuzzling it against her cheek. "Thanks, buddy." She whispered lovingly.
The black haired teen continued watching the girl until a faint, almost nonexistent smile came to his lips. "You love your pokemon very much." He said, getting her attention. "They also love you very much." He nodded. Standing from his seated position he walked towards the door to exit the room.
"W-wait!" She called out.
"… Yes?" He asked, his eyebrow slightly raised. He rested his hand on the doorknob but waited patiently for her to speak.
She rubbed her neck nervously, debating on her next words. "How, did I get here? I mean, if I fainted then-"
"I carried you." Her eyes widened in surprise but he silenced her before she could ask any more questions. "You still need to rest. I will return shortly." Without waiting for a response he left the room, leaving the girl to her thoughts.
Lyra continued to stare at the closed door, her heart thudding erratically in her chest. Is this what it's like to meet your idol? She asked herself. She felt nervous and excited at the same time. She had met her hero, battled against his legendary team, and even won. Wait, she WON. She covered her mouth in shock as this final thought sunk in. She had defeated every trainer in all of Kanto and Johto. She was filled with happiness, excitement and something else… regret? Sadness, even? She didn't have time to continue contemplating her thoughts as the door opened up revealing Red with a tray full of food. Walking towards her bed he opened up the folding table and placed the tray down. Motioning for her to eat, he sat back and continued to study her.
As Lyra finished the last of her hot egg drop soup, he finally spoke. "The nurse tells me you are the regional Champion."
The empty dishes clinked together as she set her bowl down on the tray. "Unclaimed Champion." She corrected while shaking her head. "I turned down the title."
"And you defeated Team Rocket?" He inquired further.
"With help." She added modestly.
"Interesting." He sat back in her seat, seemingly satisfied with their conversation. With a forced laugh he looked at the girl once more, this time, with a small smile. "You know, it's been a long time since anyone has beaten me. Over four years, in fact."
Lyra shifted herself in the bed so she could view the young man better. Unsure as to what to say she apologized. "I'm sorry." Her brows knit in worry and concern.
He raised his hand and shook his head. "Don't be. In fact it was… refreshing." He added at last. "After you have defeated any opponent that comes your way, you begin to forget the love of battling. I thank you, Lyra." He whispered while placing a large hand atop of hers.
A blush crept over her face as she felt the heat radiating from his hand. For living in a frozen tundra and smelling like a minty wintergreen, he was surprisingly warm to the touch. "Y-you're welcome." She stuttered nervously while sliding her hand away.
He didn't seem offended by her actions, in fact, he seemed almost amused. Standing once more he regarded the girl with a smile. "I have to return back to my home. But I hope I will see you again, Lyra." With a playful smile he turned and left, this time, permanently.
It had been nearly a month since his defeat against the teenage girl, but that defeat was not the first nor the last. Every weekend she made it her custom to hike up the treacherous slope of Mt. Silver and battle him. Red found himself smiling when he recalled the day of the week; today was Saturday. As if on cue, he heard the soft footsteps crunching in the snow behind him. He waited until the footsteps stopped before he turned around. "You are getting faster." He commented while facing his opponent.
Lyra stood in the snow, the ever present smile on her face. Since her first travel to Mt. Silver, she learned to take the proper amount of supplies, along with the appropriate clothing. She wore thick stockings, with a large fur lined snow coat, gloves, insulated boots, and her infamous marshmallow hat. Her loyal typhlosion stood beside her; he too had grown accustomed to the snowy mountain. "Morning, Red!"
He returned her smile, "here for another battle?" He asked, holding up a pokeball.
"Actually…" She started, glancing to the side. "I am not here to battle, I wanted to talk to you." She bit her bottom lip nervously. Even though she had been regularly visiting him for a month now, and would even venture out to say they had become friends, he was still not one for in depth conversation.
Pocketing the ball he nodded to her in understanding. "Let's go inside." Leading the girl towards his shelter he opened the door to his cave. Throwing his pokeballs down, he allowed all his pokemon to leave their balls so they could relax. Charizard curled up using the flame on his tail to warm the stuffy cave air. Blastoise and Venasaur sat beside each other to continue their previous discussion. Snorlax crossed over to the far end of the cave to take a lazy nap. Pikachu bounded over towards the Lapras to play, using her long neck as a slide. Red felt a smile tug at his lips when he watched his pokemon relax. Sitting against a wall closest to Charizard, Red beckoned for his guest and her pokemon to follow. Lyra stepped closer to the young man and slid her back against the wall until she landed on the floor beside him. After the girl had settled, he spoke. "So what is it you want to talk about?"
"Well…" She began while searching for the right words. "I guess… I dunno." She backtracked with a sigh. "I just feel out of place. Like I don't belong in society anymore."
"Once you have beaten the best and saved the world, you don't know where to go." Red concluded with an understanding nod. He stared at the flickering shadows that danced on the opposite wall.
"Yeah…" She agreed, while shaking off her heavy coat and bundled it up as a pillow behind her neck.
"I understand that feeling. After I became the Kanto Champion and took down Team Rocket… I felt like there was nothing left for me to do. I tried to battle against Gym Leaders and retake the Elite Four challenge, but over time the battles seemed too rehearsed, stagnate even. So, I found solitude in Mt. Silver. I was finally away from the peering eyes from the public, the overwhelming questions from the media, and the constant sense of boredom. Out here, I focused on my training, rather than battles. Over time, I connected with my pokemon on such a deep level we could speak without using words. In the end, I found peace."
Lyra listened intently as he spoke. She had never heard him speak so much in one sitting. In fact, this was the most he had spoken with all their prior conversations combined. She had never realized until that moment just how much she and Red shared in common. Or perhaps it was the same with any rising talent that plowed through their opponents like a tauros in a field of dandelions. "Sounds nice." She admitted while glancing at the dark haired teen beside her.
Red turned his eyes towards the girl, his eyes calculating. "You could always stay here with me." He offered, keeping his gaze level.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she turned her head slowly to face him. She opened her mouth to speak, then shut it. Opening her mouth a second time she managed to squeak out, "what?"
"Well, there is plenty of space on Mt. Silver." He tilted his head to the side and offered her a hopeful smile. "Plus, Pikachu seems to have taken a liking to you." He shrugged while watching Lyra pet the mouse-like pokemon in her lap.
She blushed as she looked down at the pokemon in her lap. She had grown so accustomed to the Pikachu, she didn't even realize she had been petting him. "Red… thank you but…"
He shook his head, he didn't need for her to continue. "I understand." He glanced away back towards the flickering shadows.
"It's not that." She added quickly, reading the disappointment in his ruby-red eyes. This caught his attention, directing his gaze back to her. "It's just… I still want an adventure. I want to travel. See everything there is to see!" Her face lit up while she spread her arms out to emphasis the vastness of the world.
"Then why don't you?" He asked, accepting the Pikachu back into his lap.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean." He said while leaning in towards the girl. "Why don't you? You said it yourself you want to travel and see the world. What is holding you back?" He stared into her eyes as if searching for the answer himself.
Lyra felt her bottom lip tremble as she grew nervous with his closeness. His face was merely inches from hers. Beside her she heard her typhlosion growl, unsettled with the males close proximity. "I am not sure. I can't just leave all my friends and family behind." She felt her heart sink with this realization.
"A good friend, would understand." Red countered while gently grabbing the girls chin. He held her gaze for a long while, as he studied her overwhelmed face. "You should do what you want, Lyra. If traveling is what you want to do. Do it." He released her, feeling that he had made his point.
She released a shaky breath when he finally backed away. Rubbing her arms she leaned against the cold wall of the cave in thought. She knew her mother would understand, that was the easy battle. Lance and the others too, would probably encourage her to continue her training. Her only battle would be with Silver. Silver. What would he do? What would he say? But Red was right, a good friend would understand. A friend would want their friend to fulfill their dreams. Feeling the inner turmoil within herself dissipate, she released a heavy sigh of relief. "You're right, Red. Thank you." She rose to leave but was stopped when she felt a warm hand clasp her wrist gently. Looking down in surprise she met Red's firm look.
"Lyra. My offer doesn't expire." He said earnestly while rubbing the inside of her wrist with his thumb. "Think about it."
"Surf!" Shouted Silver over the heavy rainfall.
"Pharos, Thunder!" Lyra shouted, competing against the roaring water.
The Feraligatr drenched the two Dragonites with a powerful wave of water, while the Ampharos struck the wave with a thunderous bolt of lightning. With Rainy Day in play, Surf doubled in power while Thunder hit at 100% accuracy. Without a doubt, the two teens had learned how to fight as partners and not just rivals.
Clair gasped as her Dragonite toppled over from the one kit KO. Lance, as before, took his defeat with grace. "Wonderful work, you two." He commended the victors. "You are being to understand what it takes to work as a team." He nodded his head in approval.
"Thanks!" Lyra shouted back happily while rubbing her Ampharos' chin. She shot the redhead a smile, which he returned with a nod.
"Well, we shall be off, until next time!" Lance called out with a wave of his hand. The two caped trainers took their leave, leaving the teens alone in the dark den.
"I will see you next week." Silver waved behind him, following after his Feraligatr.
"Silver, wait!" Lyra called out, grabbing his hand. "I… have to tell you something."
He turned around curiously eying her grip on his hand. "What?" he asked.
"Um, you see I'm… uh." She sputtered unintelligently.
"Just spit it out." Silver said, becoming irritated.
"I'm leaving."
His eyes grew large and his mouth parted open as he stared at her. The pokeball he held in his hand clinked as it fell to the ground, rolling a few feet away. "What?" He finally asked, after he found his voice.
Surprised by his reaction, she jumped slightly while still holding on his hand. "I-I'm going to travel. To other regions. To continue my training."
Silver's face contorted angrily as he ripped his hand free. "You're leaving? Just like that, you're leaving?"
"Yes, so I could continue my trai-"
"This is bullshit, Kotone! You don't need to leave to continue training. We're doing fine right here." He shouted while waving at the quiet Dragon's Den.
"You don't understand." Lyra tried to explain. Silver wasn't trapped like she was. Everywhere she went she was swarmed with people wanting autographs, pictures, statements why she declined the title of Champion, when she planned on returning, it became too much. She wanted to find peace, just as Red had.
"You're right. I DON'T understand." He seethed. "I don't understand why you have to leave. Why you're leaving ME."
"Silver, I-"
"Save it!" He shouted while picking up his pokeball. "If you want to leave so bad, just leave. I don't care, I'm done." Ignoring his feraligatr's concerned coos, he hopped onto his back and sailed across the pond, leaving her behind.
Pharos, who had watched the entire scene ran over to her trainers' side. "Phar..?" She cried softly, reaching towards her trainer. Lyra collapsed to her knees and sobbed, allowing her pokemon to swallow her in a warm hug.
The group of people gathered in the small town of New Bark, filling the air with their noisy clatter. The collective emotion of the group was a mixture excitement and sorrow, regardless of their sentiment, they all shared the same reason for joining; to wish the young girl a safe travel. Lyra smiled at all the people that showed up in her small town. "Thank you all for coming to say goodbye, I will miss you all!"
"Oh, sweetie, make sure you travel safe and write often." Her mother nagged lovingly.
"I look forward to seeing the progress you will have made on the pokedex when you return." Professor Oak smiled cheerfully. Since she had returned with news of Red's safety, Oak had once more been filled with his youthful cheer.
"Make sure you give it your all, my dear. I know you can do anything you put your mind to." Blaine nodded his bald head approvingly. Given the circumstances, Blaine decided to break the rules to visit his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Her mother was beside herself in joy when she met her father-in-law at the door that morning.
"We'll miss you, Ly. Have fun on your new adventure!" Ethan beamed while hugging his friend.
"Lyra, make sure you have fun and tell me about all of your discoveries!" Professor Elm beamed excitedly.
"Safe journeys, Lyra." Lance spoke while taking the girls hand. "You will become an even greater trainer when you return."
Morty moved forward to give his sentiment until he was interrupted by a babbling blonde man in a purple tuxedo. "Lyraaaa, my dear!" Eusine cried as he ran through the group of people, pushing his way through until he reached the girl. "You shall be greatly missed, do take care."
Morty snorted silently while forcefully removing his friend away. "Yes, do take care."
The goodbyes continued for another hour until everyone had given her their best wishes, farewells, and on occasion, gifts. Overwhelmed with the amount of love she received from the people who gathered she rubbed her neck nervously. "Wow, thanks you guys. I will miss you all too!" Taking her leave she began her travel towards Vermillion City in Kanto. She smiled sadly as she recalled all the faces that came to wish her off. Everyone came, everyone but the one she wanted to see most. She sighed as she looked up at the large cruise liner, the S.S. Ann. The largest of her fleet, this ship was often used to sail from region to region. Where her first cruise took three days, this one would take a month to reach the closest region; Hoenn. Shuffling the heavy luggage on her shoulder she nodded to Blaze, telling him that she was ready.
"Kotone, stop!"
"Silver?" She spun backwards to face the exasperated boy, watching as he fought his way through the crowd of boarding passengers. She felt her heart race as she saw the determined look in his eyes.
"Kotone." He heaved, slightly out of breath. "Before you go I wanted to say…" He shut his eyes and paused, fighting internally. "I wanted to say goodbye. And, to be safe."
She felt a twinge of disappointment with his words but smiled nonetheless. "Thank you Silver. I appreciate it."
"Also, I wanted to give you this." He added quickly while fishing out a small object from his pocket. Pulling the small item out, he placed the item in her hand and covered it with his.
Lyra observed the small object curiously. "Silver, this… this is the moonstone you found." She marveled at how the small heart shaped stone glittered in the sun light. "Why-"
"It's to… remember me by." He removed his hand and turned his burning face away from the girl.
Breaking into a smile she flung herself at the boy in a hug. "Thank you Silvy. I'll hold onto it forever."
Silver stiffened at her embrace but returned it anyway, melting into her arms. Although the nickname still caused his eye to twitch, he let it slide for just this once. The two broke apart when the boarding whistle sounded through the air. Lyra looked back at the ship, feeling torn. On one hand, she didn't want to leave, on the other she knew she couldn't stay. At her belt she felt a strange tugging sensation, the movement came from a pokeball, Eevee's pokeball. The ball continued to rattle until the small fox-like pokemon had released himself. Standing between the two, the normal type barked unhappily. "Eeevee eve, Eevee, vee!"
Silver looked down at the small pokemon in confusion. "What is it doing?" He asked.
Lyra knelt down beside her pokemon as she could look him in the eye. When she saw the mixture of sadness and hope in his eyes, she knew exactly what it meant. "I think…" She began while picking up her eevee, "he wants to stay with you."
"With me?" Silver gaped in surprise. "Why would it want that? You're its trainer after all."
"True…" Lyra replied while petting the pokemon. With a sigh and a small smile she offered the pokemon to her rival. "I think you should take him. With me, he never evolved, I could never raise his happiness high enough. Maybe, it's because he wanted to be with you the entire time."
"Why would you think that?"
"Well, Eevee has always been partial to you, even when I first got him during Team Rockets takeover. It's up to you, though." She added, fearful the small pokemon would be rejected. To her surprise, Silver opened up his arms.
Eevee hopped into his arms the moment they were opened and nuzzled lovingly against his neck. He chuckled softly as he tickled his skin. "Alright, I'll take him then." Lyra smiled at him as she watched him pet the affectionate pokemon. Handing him Eevee's pokeball, he pocketed it. A final warning whistle blew through the air, causing his smile to drop. "I guess this is it." Silver said sadly, refusing to look her in the eye.
"For now." She added, trying to lighten the mood. "Once my training is done, I'll come back. Besides, this is my home." She cocked her head to the side as she smiled.
"You better." He threatened, as he placed the Eevee down. "When you come back, I will be stronger too! I will beat you!" He shook his fist in emphasis.
She laughed at her rival, knowing that she only had a small window of time before she could board the ship. "Good bye Silver! Good bye Eevee! I will miss you both! Make sure you wait for me to come back!" She shouted as the Blaze drug her along the docks.
Silver waved off his friend until she was out of view. After the boarding gates had been shut and locked, the ship roared to life. Its engines roared as smoke billowed from the smokestacks, trailing behind a smoky tail. Residents that had come to wave off their friends and family returned to their homes as the ship passed out of sight. Silver continued to stand, rooted in his spot, the Eevee too watched as his former trainer and friends sailed away. "I will wait, Kotone." He whispered to the silent evening. "I will always be waiting for you."
The end...
of part one: The Prelude. ;) Part two (aka the second half of EOTH) is what I consider to be my actual story. And may I just say... OMG you guys I am sooo excited to have finally finished this chapter! I have been dying to write this one for the last FOUR MONTHS. I have never stayed with a single project for this long but I am glad I have! And I hope all of you have enjoyed the ride so far. I promise it only gets better from here.
Red! OMG finally Red! Some of you had asked me if he was actually going to be in the story and here he is. 100,000+ words into the story. Hopefully he was worth the wait. I am so in love with his character, I hope you guys will be too.
Also, in honor of Red, I HIGHLY recommend reading the FerrisWheelShipping fanfic, Eden by Hope Estheim. It is rated M at one point for la emon, but the author sections it off so younger readers can skip ahead without missing any of the story. Defiantly worth a read.
Until next time! R&R