We reached Saffron City and decided to call it a night. It had been a long day, and we both needed the rest. We stopped at the Pokémon Center and I decided to send another message to my mom. I left out my battles with Team Rocket, but I updated her on my badge count.

She had to know that I had continued to clash with the crime syndicate at this point. Their attacks were all over the news. However, I didn't have the heart to tell her. I turned in for the night after sending the messages.

Daisy and I met up in the morning, and she seemed to be in better spirits. "Let's get a move on! S.S. Anne, here we come!" Let's just hope there are still some tickets available. We walked out of Saffron City and began heading to Vermilion.

Finally, we arrived at the entrance to the city and hurried to the port. I didn't see anyone there, so I figured we might've been in the clear. I was wrong.

As soon as we arrived at the port the man at the entrance stopped us. "Sorry kids, we're all out of tickets. Better luck next time."

Daisy sighed and rubbed her temples. "Darn it! I guess we have to take the long way around and go from here through the Double Battle Alley, and then we'll finally be at Fuchsia." I shook my head.

Double Battle Alley was exactly what it sounded like. A legion of trainers who all were master double battlers and would fight you battle after battle until it was finally over. The long stretch of walking had been filled up by the zealous trainers who wanted somewhere to hone their battling skills.

That sounds like it'll be miserable at best. I concluded. Plus, they're above our skill level.

"I know that, Red. It's not like we have any better options, though," She replied absentmindedly. The man tilted his head, and Daisy immediately realized she seemed to be talking to herself. "Excuse us," She grabbed me by the arm and dragged me away while her face flushed red.

We both looked at each other and then at the exit to the east of the city. That was our only remaining way to Fuchsia. "Is there any other place we could get tickets?"

I looked around the city and tried racking my brain. It was at that moment that I recalled something. In Vermilion City, was the Pokémon Fan Club. A building that was run by a lavish man and organized all sorts of trips. Maybe, we could beg him for help.

I signed the plan absentmindedly, and Daisy nodded. "Worth a shot at least!" Then, we ran to the Pokémon Fan Club.

The inside of the club was very nice. Plants lined the sides of the walls, two bookcases were at the back wall, and there was a table with three couches around it standing on a purple rug.

There was a man seated at a table, gathering together several clothes into a suitcase.

The man was dressed in black pants and a black shirt, topped off with sunglasses and a black hat. He was dressed like a gentleman and even had a cane at his side. He had a large white beard, white hair, and a huge bushy white mustache.

"Hello sir," Daisy cleared her throat. "Sorry to bother you, but were wondering if you could help us!"

The man shook his head. "Never a bother, come in and sit! I do have to get going soon, but for now, I'm happy to chat. I am the Pokémon Fan Club Chairman. What brings you here?"

We sat down at the table. "Well, we're trainers on a journey. Red is taking on the Pokémon League, and we're trying to get to Fuschia City. Our only option right now is to take the S.S. Anne, or go through the Double Battle Alley, and tickets for the ship are all sold out."

The man began to scratch his beard. "I see... so, you're asking me for tickets to the S.S. Anne?"

Daisy seemed to look a bit embarrassed by this. "Y-yes! If you could, we'd really appreciate it."

He started to laugh. "Of course! For young trainers, I can gladly assist! I happen to have quite a few tickets lying around, I always get more than I need so less lucky folk have a shot."

Daisy's face lit up and I began to feel hopeful. "Really? Thank you so much! That would be amazing!"

The Chairman put up a hand. "Hold on though. First, I need to make sure you're deserving of such things. I have a Rapidash who I love dearly, and she was the reason I started this club in the first place. Might I see one of your Pokémon, each? I want to make sure they're happy."

We sent out Venonat and Squirtle, and the man looked them up and down. Then, his face lit up. "Quite interesting indeed! I can tell they're in good hands!" The Chairman handed us tickets. "Enjoy, trainers! Best of luck on your journey!"

We looked at the tickets and then Daisy practically jumped to her feet. "Thank you so much, sir! We really appreciate it!" I signed a thanks to him, then we returned our Pokémon and left.

We went to the docks and gave our tickets to the man at the entrance, he moved out of our way and we walked into the port.

The S.S. Anne was a large boat with a white hull, a pointed end, and multiple floors and levels under and above the main deck. The door was open and the drawbridge was down, allowing us to board the ship.

The interior was lined with portholes, the flooring was wooden. Multiple passengers and crew workers walked past us. It seemed like most of the people were already on the ship. Which made sense, it would be departing soon.

The P.A. System crackled to life. "Greetings passengers! We hope that you enjoy your stay on the S.S. Anne! There will be a slight delay in departing, as the captain is having an... issue. Do not worry, we'll be off soon. For now, you're all welcome to enjoy drinks and our main deck with games to play and a pool to enjoy! The band is running behind, but they'll be performing later tonight. Enjoy!"

"There's a pool here? And a band later?" Daisy seemed to be surprised. "This is a fancy boat, huh."

We made our way to the deck, which probably had a more impressive view when the ship was moving. Right now, we were parked at the port. At least the water we were on was beautiful, and I could see Cycling Road in the distance.

"I wonder what's wrong with the captain." Daisy muttered, sitting down on a chair, "I wonder if he's like, seasick."

That would be weird. Why become a captain if you get seasick? I wondered. Before we could continue, I heard a ton of screaming and covered my ears. At first I thought they were in trouble, but then I realized they were closer to cheers. Is Yellow on this boat? I wondered for a split second.

"The Champion!"

"The greatest man alive!"

"Champion Solus!" When I heard that it was the Champion, I suddenly shot up and ran over to the railing. There was the Champion, standing at the entrance to the ship with a crowd of people around him.

Solus was incredibly famous and worked hard to cultivate a large fanbase. He tended to be distant from the people of Kanto most of the time, only making appearances occasionally. He was a powerful trainer and had been the Champion for five years. I wondered who he was as a person, but I had to imagine if he worked so hard to keep that secret, he wasn't that amazing.

He had short blond hair that was spiked up at the front of his head. He had sharp brown eyes and a blindingly bright smile. His teeth were brighter than Pikachu's Thunderbolt, and I had a feeling they weren't real.

He had on gray shorts, white shoes, and a tight black shirt that was supposed to show off all his muscles. Which was hard when he didn't have any. He was pretty short. I think he had to have been around 5'4".

"Now now everyone, no need to freak out." Solus started talking and everyone quieted down. His tone was like Blue's, only even more egotistical. "I know it's shocking to see you great Champion out and about, but I simply couldn't help myself. There are so many great trainers in the area, and I'd love to battle some prospective League Challengers. After all. have to make sure they know exactly who they're up against."

I was starting to decide that I really didn't like this guy.

Daisy rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Solus," Daisy groaned. "I can't stand that guy. My grandpa's met him a few times, and he's so full of himself. I hope we can avoid him, and then you can kick his butt once you've beaten all the gyms."

Solus boarded the ship, with some of the crowd tailing after him. I almost wanted to see if I could take him up on the offer for a battle. It would be a bad idea, but maybe I would be able to succeed.

The idea ran through my mind as I stared off into space. "Red, Red!" Daisy called, and then I snapped out of my trance. "You good?"

I nodded. Yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking about Solus. I wonder what battling him must be like. He's still the Champion, so he's gotta have at least some skill.

Daisy was about to reply, when we heard a voice come from behind. "Well, well. It's baby sis and ole silent treatment," We then saw Blue standing on the deck, with sunglasses over his eyes. "Guess we're riding together!"