Ash clutched the hem of his pants, his body trembling with frustration. "May I ask your name?"
"I'm Silver."
Ash was still inexperienced, so perhaps letting him see how harsh reality could be wasn't a bad thing. But I had almost forgotten his hot-blooded side! "Silver, let's battle again next time! If we get the chance, could you teach me some battling techniques?" Ash eagerly clasped my hand.
But I pulled away without mercy, waved, and turned to leave. "Sorry, I only teach girls."
I felt that Ash had his own path to follow, and I shouldn't interfere with his style.
As I headed toward the next town, I wondered, Where should I go, and at what point in time, to meet Lysandre?
The Vermilion Gym was an Electric-type Gym. Its leader sent out Raichu, Magneton, and Electrode. To my surprise, my Haunter evolved into Trevenant after the battle. I received the Orange Badge and earned 2,000 as well.
The next day, I boarded the Luxury Liner. It felt enormous. I headed out to look at the waves, only to find that someone had already taken the spot I wanted. From where I stood, all I could see was a dark blue cape rippling in the wind. Then the man turned his piercing gaze toward me. I froze in surprise. It was... Lance, the Indigo League Champion!
There was a battlefield on the deck, too, and this opportunity was too good to miss. I looked straight at him. "Could I have a battle with you?" Lance smiled gently. "Of course."
And so I challenged Lance to a battle. I called the dedicated line to have a professional Pokémon referee come up, then we headed to the battlefield on deck. A cool sea breeze blew around us. I sent out Braixen,