"Thanks, Zard." Red called his Charizard back to its Pokéball after expressing his gratitude, letting out a breathless sigh as he raised his gaze to the imposing sight ahead—the legendary Mt. Silver.

'Well, this is just the start. Let’s go!'

It wasn’t going to be an easy climb, he knew that, but it would be worth it. Red had come here with a purpose, and a few hours of tough ascent wouldn’t intimidate him—not after all he’d been through. The Champion prepared himself for a manual climb, knowing that the Charizard he had borrowed from his former rival, Blue, wouldn’t be able to help with flight in this situation.

------------------------

[SOME TIME LATER...]

"Huff... Huff..."

Despite his exhaustion, Red managed a smile. From here, he could already spot the faint steam and warmth rising from his destination: the hidden hot springs of Mt. Silver. According to Daisy, Professor Oak’s assistant, the place would not only heal injured Pokémon, but also help Red recover from the wounds he’d sustained in his previous battle on Cerise Island.

"Finally!" He exclaimed, standing up with renewed energy as he approached the springs. Placing his trusty red cap to the side, he tucked his belt with his Pokéballs in a safe spot, and finally slipped out of his top layers before sinking into the hot water. "Wow..." His voice bubbled for a moment, drawing a soft laugh from him. He surfaced, already feeling the soothing heat working its magic. "It was a tough journey, but I can feel the warmth spreading already..."

A movement from the opposite side snapped Red out of his thoughts. His body tensed, his wet hair doing little to make him look intimidating, but he held his ground.

"Who's there?!" Red let his eyes adjust for a moment to the silhouette causing the noise, and...

"... {{user}}?" He quickly covered his surprise with a fake cough, glancing to the side and avoiding your gaze—well, trying not to look directly at you. "You’re here? I thought..."