Saga #1: Prologue
Saga #1 Blurb: Meet Ash Ketchum, a trainer from the Kanto Region's Pallet Town with a deep love for Pokemon and the ultimate goal of becoming a Pokemon Master. Ash's love for Pokemon enables him to uncover many hidden gifts he didn't know he has and accomplish many feats that others look at with awe, admiration, and envy. For anyone to understand his future, it is a must to recap his past.
Chapter #2: Johto, a Gold and Silver Quest
Chapter #2 Blurb: Ash, Pikachu, Misty, Togepi, and Brock journey in Johto where new Pokemon and new challenges await them. Team Rocket remains at large, but that won't stop Ash and his friends. Over the course of the journey in Johto, Ash's love for Pokemon would be put to the test!
Plot
July 2007
It took Ash and company a few weeks to travel from Pallet Town into Johto, but they see the Team Rocket Trio already there causing mayhem.
"Let go of Eevee, Team Rocket!" Ash demanded angrily seing Jessie, James, and Meowth standing proudly with a caged wild Eevee crying for help. "Pikachu, Thunder!" In a split second, Pikachu sent the Team Rocket Trio blasting off, and Ash caught Eevee safely.
"You okay buddy?" Ash asked, and Eevee calmed down and nuzzled him.
"Looks like Eevee is grateful for you helping him." Misty remarked.
"I bet he wants to join you Ash." Brock added.
"Really, you want to join me?" Ash asked, and Eevee nodded and accepted Ash's pokeball.
Then they arrived at New Bark Town to visit Professor Elm per Professor Oak's recommendation. Upon meeting Professor Elm, there was commotion.
"This is bad! A bunch of thieves stole Totodile, one of the three starter Pokemon!" Professor Elm exclaimed.
"How about we help you find Totodile." Ash suggested.
"Please do!" Professor Elm begged. Ash and his friends along with Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy tracked down the thieves which turned out to be the Team Rocket Trio again.
"What's with you guys stealing Pokemon!? Don't you crooks ever learn!?" Ash exclaimed scoldingly. Soon he, Pikachu, Eevee, and the missing Totodile sent those villains blasting off. Totodile bonded well with Ash and wanted him as his trainer. Professor Elm approved and Totodile was Ash's. Ash registered for the Johto League with help from Nurse Joy in the New Bark Town Pokemon Center and heard that the closest gym is in Violet City.
After traveling for almost a week, Ash caught a powerful Heracross after helping him and his pack of Heracross reclaim their territory of sap trees from a bunch of Pinsir. Almost in quick succession, Ash got a Donphan by helping him nurse his injuries which facilitated a strong bond and trust. Then nearby a snow-capped mountain, Ash and his friends rescued a Chikorita from the evil clutches of the Team Rocket Trio.
"Chikorita must be a girl if she's crushing on Ash!" Brocked observed.
"Awe! That is so cute!" Misty giggled.
"You wanna travel with us?" Ash asked and Chikorita said yes by lightly kissing him on the cheek.
Finally, Ash and his friends arrived at the Gym in Violet City and met the Gym Leader Falkner who enforced a unique rule.
"I want to truly test my challengers' adversity. So I prohibit them from using Pokemon with a type advantage over Flying Types." Falkner declared. Even then, Ash defeated Falkner using Eevee, Totodile which evolved into Croconaw, and Charizard.
"Wow, they battled very well." Misty praised.
"Yeah I 's evolution into Croconaw would not have been possible without the special training with Blastoise and Lapras." Brock added.
The victory earned Ash his first Johto Badge the Zephyr Badge. Ash learns that the next Gym is in Azalea Town which is also the place Ash must give Kurt the GS Ball.
August 2007
A week and a half later, Ash and his friends arrived in Charicific Valley where many wild and strong Charizard live and train together. Liza who trains the wild Charizard and her companion Charizard named Charla invited Ash and company as well as Ash's Charizard to observe the training. Ash and Charizard got totally psyched and tried to defeat many of the wild Charizard, but they learned that it's a big world out there the hard way and that even they couldn't match up. Ash knew he had to make a difficult choice for the best of Charizard.
"Charizard, stay here. This is goodbye. You got a lot to learn. So get started. They're waiting." Ash ordered as the Charizard in Chariciffic Valley roared. "See you around…maybe sometime!" Ash then broke into a sprint out of Chariciffic Valley with tears in his eyes, wishing in his mind that Charizard would trainer harder, become stronger, and never forget him.
"Ash!" Misty and Brock called out at him as they and Pikachu ran after him.
A few days later, Ash competes in the Extreme Pokemon Race hosted by Professor Elm. Even Gary participated with his Arcanine, but Ash won with Donphan.
Other than the Winners' Certificate, Professor Elm gave Ash a mysterious Pokemon Egg.
"I have a hunch that something special between you and that Pokemon Egg would occur when the Pokemon Egg hatches." Professor Elm said.
Just before reaching Azalea Town, Ash catches his new Fire Type Pokemon Cyndaquil after protecting him from the Team Rocket Trio and another trainer both who wanted Cyndaquil for themselves. Upon reaching Azalea Town, Ash and his friends gave the GS Ball to Kurt.
"This GS Ball is an interesting and mysterious Pokeball. It is worth investigating. You can leave it here with me." Kurt stated. Ash and company prevented the Team Rocket Trio from stealing the apricorns Kurt uses to make Pokeballs. Out of gratitude, Kurt gave Ash and company special Pokeballs: Ash and Misty got Lure Balls, and Brock got a Heavy Ball which he used to catch a Pineco. Then Ash challenged the Azalea Gym Leader Bugsy, a Bug Type specialist, and he won the gym battle with Butterfree, Heracross, and Cyndaquil. Then Ash and the gang head to Goldenrod City where the next Gym is.
September 2007
Later in Palmpona City, Ash hears about an all-Tauros Battle Tournament and requested Professor Oak to send Tauros to him.
Ash and Tauros won the entire tournament. While the tournament went on, the Team Rocket trio ran a scammy Pokemon trading station operation. Not only the villains got caught in the act but also Jessie accidentally "traded" her Lickitung for another trainer's Wobbuffett.
After the tournament, Ash got a call from Professor Oak who had an important request.
"Several fights broke out in the lab's Poke Corral, and I'll need lot of help. In addition to your Tauros, could you please send Blastoise, Venusaur, and Pidgeot over?" After talking it over with Tauros, Blastoise, Venusaur, and Pidgeot, Ash responded.
"Ok Professor Oak, they're willing to help." Ash said.
"Wonderful! Would you like me to send anyone of your Pokemon in return? They could sure spend some time with you." Professor Oak asked.
"Could you please send Gengar and Magneton?" Ash requested. Soon, the exchanges were done.
A few days later, the Pokemon Egg Ash received from Professor Elm earlier finally hatched into a Larvitar who exclusively regarded Ash and his Pokemon as family.
"Geez, I want to cuddle with Larvitar too, but it's always using Harden to shy away from us." Misty groaned.
"Give it some time and soon he'll get used to us." Brock said.
Several nights, Ash had nightmares in which he sees Larvitar's horrifying memories of poachers attacking him and his mother Tyranitar and getting separated.
"Wow Ash, I think Professor Elm is right! You and Larvitar do have a special bond. Otherwise, you wouldn't be having those nightmares." Brock deduced.
"Larvitar, the gang and I will help you get stronger and someday we'll find your mother." Ash said, and Larvitar nodded happily. Later, Ash catches a feisty, witty, oddly colored Noctowl in the forest with help from his friends and Pokemon especially Gengar.
Then Ash and his friends arrived in a town called Greenfield located southeast of Goldenrod City where it was under the spell of a bunch of strange Pokemon called Unown all under the command of a little girl named Molly Hale. Not only that, Ash and his friends meet Delia, Chuchu, and Gothitelle much to their surprise as they were held hostage by the Unown which assumed the form of the Legendary Pokemon Entei. Just when Ash and company got driven into a corner…
"Charizard!" Ash exclaimed Ash as his Charizard came from Charicific Valley to help with the rescue. "Boy I'm glad to see you! It's time for a rescue!" Ash said while Charizard roared eagerly. Ash managed to break the Unown's spell with help from his friends, Molly, his Pokemon, and his ever faithful and even stronger Charizard thus saving the entire town, Johto, and the world from being warped. Delia, Chuchu, and Gothitelle went back home to Pallet Town after wishing Ash and his friends their best and after meeting Larvitar who warmed up to Ash's family. Charizard went back to Charicific Valley after spending time with Ash and the new Pokemon on the team.
October 2007
Finally, Ash and his friends arrived in Goldenrod City where Ash found the Gym and the Normal Type Gym Leader Whitney. Ash defeated Whitney using Heracross, Donphan, and Magneton and earned the Plain Badge, his fourth badge. During the Gym battle, Pikachu showed Larvitar how strong Ash's Pokemon are thanks to Ash's training and care which got Larvitar very thrilled and determined to become strong just like them.
"Larvitar, I like your determination." Ash praised the cheery Larvitar. Ash and his friends chose Ecruteak City as the next destination for Ash's quest for Johto Gym badges.
Later, Ash and his friends encounter Gary and learn that his Eevee evolved into Umbreon.
"Ash, let's battle and test our strength!" Gary exclaimed. Although Ash won 3-2 with his Eevee evolving to Espeon, Espeon felt bad to losing personally to Gary's Umbreon due to some "bad blood" developing between the two Eeveelutions.
"Espeon, I'm happy for you that you evolved. Don't feel bad. You'll beat Gary's Umbreon when it really counts. I promise." Ash said while caressing Espeon who nodded.
While passing through Verde Town, a small village at the base of Mt. Quena, Ash decides to enter the local Grass Tournament in which the winner receives a trophy and a collection of leaf stones.
"Chikorita, you want to enter the tournament with me?" Ash asked, and Chikorita responded with a happy nuzzle indicating her interest.
Not only Ash won the entire tournament, but also Chikorita evolved into Bayleef and evolved her ways of showing her affection for him.
"Haha! Bayleef, cut it out! That tickles!" Ash laughed as Bayleef gave him a Body Slam. Then she licked, nuzzled, and tickled him with her Vine Whips. Ash gave half of the leaf stones to the tournament runner-up Ephraim and his Skiploom, and the other half to Professor Oak who wanted to do some research on them.
When hiking through Mt. Quena, Ash and his friends encountered Mewtwo from New Island who was hiding along with his clones there.
"Ash, how do you know that Mewtwo?" Misty asked out of shock.
"Yeah, I don't recall us meeting Mewtwo." Brock added. But Ash and company had bigger problems as it turns out that Mewtwo and his clones were under attack by Team Rocket's special forces led by Team Rocket Ace Domino and the Team Rocket Boss Giovanni who wanted to recapture Mewtwo. Ash, his Pokemon, his friends, Mewtwo, and Mewtwo's clone Pokemon worked together to fend off the evil forces.
"I won't let a mere ten year old like you foil my plans! I'll give you a world of pain!" Giovanni roared as he prepared to battle and obliterate Ash.
"You won't harm Mewtwo!" Ash exclaimed as he and Pikachu took a battle pose. Giovanni went toe-to-toe and suffered an embarrassing defeat to Ash. To top it off, Mewtwo erased the memories of only the villains, and teleported Ash, his friends, his Pokemon, and the clone Pokemon into an underground natural spring area.
"Ash, someday I'll repay my debt to you after I guide my friends to safety." Mewtwo said.
"It's okay. I help all Pokemon in need because I want to be friends with them." Ash asserted.
"Hearing this from you gives me hope for a bright future for both humans and Pokemon." Mewtwo said. Soon Ash and company parted ways with Mewtwo and his clone Pokemon friends.
November 2007
Finally after hiking down Mt. Quena, Ash and his friends arrived in Ecruteak City and stopped by the Pokemon Center where they met the Ghost Type Gym leader Morty and his good friend and Elite Trainer Eusine Eugene. Morty and Eusine both show Ash and his friends various historically significant artifacts and landmarks such as the Burned Tower, the Tin Tower, and the plaque of the Legendary Pokemon Ho-oh.
"Wait, Pikachu and I have seen Ho-oh on the first day of our journey!" Ash exclaimed much to everyone's surprise as he recognized it as the same majectic golden Pokemon that left a rainbow trail.
"What? That can't be possible!" Eusine exclaimed and immediately challenged Ash to a Pokemon battle. Morty warned Ash that Eusine is just as strong as an Elite Four Member, but that didn't worry Ash a bit as he defeated Eusine 3-2 using Gengar, Butterfree, and Magneton. After the battle, unknown to all but Ash and his Pokemon, they see the Legendary Pokemon Suicune who was watching them. The next day, Ash had his Gym battle with Morty and won using Gengar, Noctowl, and Espeon which not only earned him the Fog Badge.
"Ash, you are a highly skilled trainer, in fact a lot more spirited than the trainers that have challenged my Gym. If you have seen Ho-oh, then you have a great destiny ahead of you." Morty deduced. Before leaving Ecruteak City, Ash sent Gengar back to Professor Oak. Ash and his friends decide to go to Olivine City where there's another Gym for Ash to challenge.
Sometime later, Ash and his friends were passing through a town that was holding a Pokemon Sumo Tournament, and Ash knew which Pokemon at Professor Oak's lab he needed for the tournament.
"Okay Ash, I'm sending you Snorlax. Go win that Sumo Tournament!" Professor Oak cheered. Ash and Snorlax won the Sumo Tournament and got awarded a trophy and a King's Rock which Misty's Poliwhirl used to evolve to Politoed. Then Ash sent Snorlax plus Gengar and Magneton and requested for Primeape.
A week later, Ash and his friends meet Jimmy Gold, Marina Crystal, Vincent June, and Eusine from before. Jimmy is an Elite Trainer who is the younger brother of Johto Champion Master Ethan Gold. Marina is an aspiring Pokemon Idol who has a crush on Jimmy. Vincent June is also an Elite Trainer who has a crush on Marina.
"Hey Marina, I'm pretty strong too like Jimmy! I'll show my strength in a battle with Ash!" Vincent declared confidentally, but instead Ash defeated him 3-2 using Pikachu, Primeape, and Cyndaquil which evolved into Quilava.
"That's quite an upset." Jimmy commented while Marina giggled. "So Ash, are you up for a battle with me?" Jimmy asked. Ash was going to battle Jimmy, but he and his friends, Jimmy, Marina, Vincent, and Eusine encountered a large group of Team Rocket grunts led by two powerful Team Rocket agents Attila and Hun and defeated them in order to rescue the Legendary Pokemon Raikou.
Few weeks later, Ash and his friends took a boat to Arborville to explore a mysterious forest nearby. There they encountered a time-traveling Celebi and a boy named Sam. It turns out that Sam is about Ash's age and traveled through time from 40 years back while protecting Celebi from a poacher. Sam got acquainted with Ash and his friends and Pokemon. One night, Sam sketched in his notebook.
"Wow, that's a nice drawing." Ash remarked seeing Sam's drawing of him, Pikachu, and Celebi snuggling with each other.
"Thanks Ash." Sam said. "I hope to someday create a log of all the Pokemon in the world." Sam showed Ash more sketches of the various Pokemon he has seen.
"So kind of like a Pokedex?" Ash asked and showed Sam the Pokedex.
"Cool!" Sam whispered.
The next day, Ash and company were attacked by one of Team Rocket's most vicious and notorious agents The Iron-Masked Marauder who used Dark Balls to control Pokemon to do evil deeds. When things got hairy as Celebi also got captured by a Dark Ball, Ash and Sam got helped by the same Suicune from before and surprisingly another Celebi. Combining their strengths together plus with Larvitar evolving into Pupitar, they defeated and put the Iron-Masked Marauder under arrest, and they freed the captured Celebi from the Dark Ball. The second Celebi revealed something important to Ash by showing the GS Ball.
"No kidding, the second Celebi was in the GS Ball the entire time." Ash exclaimed much to everyone's surprise. "I'm glad that you came and helped us Celebi."
Soon it was time for Sam and the first Celebi to go back 40 years.
"Bye. I'll miss you!" Sam said sadly as he disappeared.
"Bye Sam." Ash replied the second Celebi left but promised that he and Ash and his Pokemon will still be friends even through time.
When Ash and company told Professor Oak about the recent events of meeting the two Celebi, Suicune, Professor Oak was amazed.
"Well Ash, I'm sure Sam will always be your friend throughout time." Professor Oak reassured. After the videophone call, Misty just had a thought.
"Wait a second. How did Professor Oak knew who Sam was when nobody mentioned him by name?" Misty asked.
"Perhaps Professor Oak is just amazing!" Brock reasoned. Meanwhile, unknown to Ash and company, Professor Oak flips through his sketchbook of a drawing of Ash, Pikachu, and Celebi together '40 years back'.
December 2007
Ash and his friends arrived in Olivine City and met the Steel Type Gym Leader Jasmine and her apprentice and younger sister Janina.
"I wish I could accept your challenge now Ash, but I'm caring for a sick Ampharos who needs medicine urgently." Jasmine said. Then Jasmine's grandfather Myron appeared.
"Well I found out that the medicine Ampharos needs is located in the Pokemon Center in Cianwood City." Myron announced. "There is also a Gym there too."
"That's convenient." Janina said. "There is a boat that leaves for Cianwood City later today. I can go with Ash and his friends to Cianwood City."
Ash and his friends and Janina sail to Cianwood City where Janina picked up the medicine to head back to Olivine City and for Ash to challenge the Fighting Type Cianwood Gym and its leader Chuck. Ash defeated Chuck in the Gym battle using Heracross and Primeape thus earning him the Storm Badge. Later they called the Olivine Gym.
"Ampharos is getting better, but Jasmine will need to watch over it for some more time." Janina said. "Jasmine will give you a ring when she's ready."
After the videophone call, Ash and his friends were given tickets by Chuck and his family for a cruise to the Whirl Islands to spend the upcoming winter holidays there.
"The Whirl Islands are home to some mysterious Pokemon. I suggest you all check it out." Chuck advised.
Ash and his friends went sightseeing around the Whirl Islands. Ash and Pikachu spotted a mysterious shadow of a Pokemon while Misty caught a Corsola as her new Pokemon. Then Ash and his friends helped a girl named Luka find the legendary Silver Wing near Yellow Rock Isle.
During the winter holidays, Ash and Misty participated along with over 60 Pokemon trainers in the Whirl Cup Tournament held in Scarlet City in Red Rock Isle.
"The tournament rules specified that only Water Type Pokemon can be used in the Pokemon battle rounds." Misty said.
"You can let me watch over Pikachu and Togepi since I am unable to participate." Brock suggested. Misty uses her Water Pokemon she had with her as well as some from the Cerulean Gym back home but lost in the semi-finals to Ash. Throughout the Whirl Cup, Ash relied on Blastoise, Kingler, Gyarados, Lapras, and Croconaw which evolved into Feraligatr. He emerged as the tournament winner and got awarded a trophy and a special aqua pendant.
"Congratulations on winning the Whirl Cup, Ash!" Professor Oak praised.
"Well, it's my Pokemon who really won." Ash said.
"Here is a challenge for you Ash. Train your Pokemon caught in Johto to be just as strong as the Pokemon you caught in your last adventures. Then you can be more than ready for the Johto League Championships." Professor Oak suggested.
"That sounds like a great challenge!" Ash exclaimed. So Ash kept Pikachu, Lapras, and the Johto Pokemon while he sent his veteran Pokemon back home.
January 2008
Few days later, Ash and company met up with Luka and Ash's old rival and friend Ritchie and his Pikachu Sparky.
"I've been traveling in Hoenn and challenging the Gyms there." Ritchie said. "I've come here to train. I also heard stories of a mysterious Pokemon living around these waters."
"We were told the same thing." Ash they encountered a boy named Oliver and his Lanturn who was playing with a child Lugia.
"Lugia are rare to see anywhere." Luka said.
"So is this the mysterious Pokemon?" Ash and company asked themselves. Suddenly, trouble brews as a squad of Team Rocket grunts led by Cassidy, Butch, and a Team Rocket Scientist Dr. Namba captures the child Lugia, its mother, and all of Ash's friends.
Ash and Pikachu suddenly encounter the Lugia they met before at Shamouti Island.
"My child is trapped by those horrible villains." Lugia said.
"My friends are also in need of help as Team Rocket captured them and your child." Ash pleaded.
"Yes, I will be glad to lend you my power for the rescue, Chosen One." Lugia replied via telepathy. Lugia helped Ash and company track Team Rocket to its underwater base where their friends were held as hostages and where Lugia's family were about to be used for experimentation. So together, Ash, his Pokemon, and Lugia rescued his friends, and Lugia's family, and they all defeated Cassidy, Butch, Dr. Namba, the rest of the Team Rocket grunts, and destroyed the underwater Team Rocket base.
Lugia and his family parted ways with Ash and his friends while Luka and Oliver bid farewell. Ritchie also bid farewell and went back to Hoenn.
A week later, Ash and his friends got a videophone call from Jasmine.
"Ash, I'm ready to accept your challenge." Jasmine said. Ash and company made to Olivine City on the double for Ash to get his next badge. Ash defeated Jasmine using Feraligatr, Bayleef who evolved into Meganium, and Quilava who evolved into Typhlosion. The win earned Ash the Mineral Ash heard about another gym located in Mahogany Town which would take a few weeks to get to from Olivine City. So Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock decided to go there next.
However just as they were closing in on Mahogany Town, Ash and his friends got involved in another Team Rocket plot at the Lake of Rage where another Team Rocket Scientist Professor Sebastian was conducting experiments with forced evolution of Pokemon using various technologies. It was there that Ash and company meet Kanto Champion Master Lance who is affiliated with the Pokemon G-Men and was given orders to investigate Team Rocket's involvement.
"Stay vigilant." Lance warned Ash and company as they snuck into the Team Rocket facility near the Lake of Rage. They freed the Pokemon, defeated and arrested the Team Rocket grunts and Sebastian, and sabotaged their experiments and equipment successfully. However, one of the experimented Pokemon a red Gyarados went on a rampage swimming towards Mahogany Town until it was blocked by an old man ordering his Dewgong to use Ice Beam, but Lance defeated the Red Gyarados with his powerful Dragonite and captured it in his pokeball to take care of.
After bidding goodbye to Lance, Ash and his friends arrived in Mahogany Town and found the gym and the Gym Leader Pryce whom they recognized.
"Hey, you're the same man who helped Lance stop that Red Gyarados the other day." Ash remarked from before remembering how Pryce used his Dewgong to stall the Red Gyarados to protect Mahogany Town. Pryce coldly refuses to accept Ash's challenge due to philosophical differences regarding Pokemon.
"Pokemon are meant to be friends." Ash said.
"NO! Pokemon are meant to be controlled! They are simply our tools." Pryce growled angrily. "I've learned that the hard way when I was a young lad like you Ash."
Then Pryce recaps to everyone about his youth when he was an Elite Trainer and won many battles with his trusty Piloswine, but in one battle they lost to a trainer with a Magmar and got injured. Then for some reason, Piloswine "abandoned" him and was never seen again. Because of those events, Pryce has treated his Pokemon brutally viewing them as tools rather than companions which earned him the nickname "Icy Pryce."
Much to Pryce's surprise, Ash offers to help him find Piloswine. However on their trek to find Piloswine, Ash and Pryce were ambushed by the Team Rocket Trio who wanted to capture Pikachu. Hence they all slid down a deep chasm. After surviving the fall thanks to Ash's quick thinking, they found Pryce's Piloswine all frozen in ice with herbs.
"I was wrong. Piloswine did not desert me. He wanted to help me!" Pryce confessed. So Ash helped thaw out Piloswine so that Pryce could reunite with his long lost partner. Grateful for his help, Pryce accepts Ash's challenge and escorts him back to the gym for their gym battle. Although it was a close match, Ash comes away with the victory with Espeon and Pupitar which earned him the Glacier Badge. Pryce told Ash about the next nearest gym located in Blackthorn City, so Ash and his friends set their course to said city.
February 2008
A few weeks later, Ash and company arrive at Blackthorn City and meet the Dragon Type gym leader Clair who was performing a ritual of the Dragon Fang with her Dratini while her Gyarados acted as bodyguard. The ritual was successful despite several mishaps from the Team Rocket Trio who wanted to steal the Dratini which evolved into Dragonair. After the ritual, Ash and company got to know Clair, and the discussion got interesting upon mentioning Lance.
"You trained with Lance?" Ash asked.
"Yes we did. He and I trained together at one point. He is amazing." Clair said with a growing blush. "I didn't know he is part of the Pokemon G-Men, but at the same time I'm not surprised he is. He is a brave man willing to take risks in stopping criminals around the world."
"Yeah, we helped Lance put an end to some Team Rocket operation at the Lake of Rage lately." Misty added.
"In the end, Lance caught one of the Red Gyarados over there too." Brock concluded.
The next day just as Clair and Ash were beginning their gym battle, an alarm sounds due to the Team Rocket Trio stealing the Dragon Fang used in the ritual.
Ash and his friends and Clair chase the Team Rocket Trio who escapes through the Dragon's Den, arrives at the Dragon Holy Land, and convinces the local Dragonite that they're protecting the Dragon Fang.
"Why would the Holy Land's Dragonite trust Team Rocket? Those are bad guys through and through." Brock said.
Just as Ash and company wonder why the Dragonite chose to help the Team Rocket Trio, Ash's Charizard who has become even more powerful over the past several months arrives and greets Ash and Pikachu with his classic Flamethrower before being shortly joined by Liza riding on top of Charla.
"Charizard, great to see you again buddy." Ash said while being smothered by Charizard.
"Liza and I are sisters. I met your Charizard while visiting Chariciffic Valley once Ash, but I never knew you were his trainer." Clair said. "I'm not sure if you knew, but your Charizard and Charla make a cute couple."
"Aww! You're right Clair. Charizard is Charla's bodyguard." Misty added.
Soon their moment got interrupted when they hear a loud roar echoing throughout the Holy Land. They rush to the scene to find out that the Team Rocket Trio has angered the Holy Land's resident Dragonite by trying to steal the Prayer Flame from the Dragon Shrine and accidentally spilling the flames over the flowers and vegetation. The Dragonite used Outrage and began to fire attacks in all directions to which Ash and Clair send Charizard and Dragonair to hold it off. Meanwhile, Misty and Brock sent out their Pokemon to put down the fire while Liza and Charla rescue the Pokemon. After a back-and-forth conflict, Ash, Pikachu, Charizard, Clair, and Dragonair managed to calm down the Dragonite, send the Team Rocket Trio blasting off, and recover the Dragon Fang for good.
The next day, Ash and Clair restarted their Gym battle, andf Ash emerges victorious with Pikachu, Lapras, and Charizard which earned him the Rising Badge.
Ash has eight badges needed to qualify for the Johto League Championships, and he registers for the tournament at the Pokemon Center with Nurse Joy's assistance.
"Congratulations for qualifying for the Johto League Championships." Nurse Joy said. "This year, it will take place in five weeks at Silver Town located at the base of Mt. Silver. Good luck Ash."
Soon it was time for Charizard to resume his training in Chariciffic Valley.
"Okay buddy, train hard and I'll see you soon at the Johto League Championships." Ash said and Charizard nodded. Charizard, Liza, and Charla left for Chariciffic Valley while Ash and his friends went to New Bark Town upon Professor Elm's request. While they traveled, Brock's Pineco evolved into Forretress.
March 2008
Along the way, they found a brochure about Alto Mare, a water city off the southwestern coast of Johto full of canals with gondolas, pizza shops, and lots of history. So Ash and his friends detoured to Alto Mare by Ash and Misty registered for the annual water-chariot race, The Tour de Altomare, in which people ride on floating platforms pulled by their Pokemon. Ash along with Pikachu riding his shoulder won the race with Feraligatr while Misty came in second place with her Corsola.
At the moment when the host was handing Ash the medal depicting Latias and Latios the two Guardians of Alto Mare, an invisible force suddenly pulls Feraligatr.
"Where are you going, Feraligatr?!" Ash hollered as he and Pikachu were holding on for dear life and takes them away from the finish line! After seeing that weird turn of events, Misty, Brock, all the race attendees, and the host had big sweat-drops.
"I'll deliver the medal to Ash." Misty said and took the medal.
Meanwhile, Ash, Pikachu, and Feraligatr were then pulled through the canals and ultimately crashed on a pier; thankfully no one got hurt. Ash recalled Feraligatr.
"Where are we?" Ash asked as he and Pikachu surveyed their surroundings until a girl who apparently couldn't talk attracts their attention. The girl beckons to them to follow her around. Ash and Pikachu were losing track of the girl, but then they spot the girl being cornered by two roguish women who look like elite agents of Team Rocket.
"Hey, leave her alone!" Ash yelled angrily as Pikachu gets ready to battle.
"Well, looks like this little girl has a boyfriend! Listen little boy, you're messing with us, Anne and Oakley!" One of the women named Anne taunted.
"Get lost or suffer the wrath of Team Rocket!" Oakley threatened. Still Ash and Pikachu fend off the villains and their Pokemon and rescues the girl. When Ash was about to ask the girl something, she runs off leaving him and Pikachu speechless.
"Why would Team Rocket be after an innocent girl?" Ash asked, but Pikachu shrugged as he didn't know the answer.
Moments later, they joined Misty and Brock at a local museum talking with the curator Lorenzo about the city's history, the two Guardians, and the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare (DMA). Lorenzo introduces his granddaughter Kanon who was on the second floor painting.
"Whoa! You're the girl from before! You were being attacked and I saved you!" Ash exclaimed, but she verbally gave them the cold shoulder.
"Hmm, no she can't be the same girl from before." Ash thought to himself. After Ash and Pikachu were moping, they see the Kanon who didn't speak a word and just motions them to follow her much to their confusion. After a while, the mysterious Kanon led them to a secret garden.
Just as Ash and Pikachu were exploring the garden, they were attacked by a Pokemon which turned out to be one of Alto Mare's Guardians, the Legendary Latios. At the time, Lorenzo and Kanon arrived.
"I knew I couldn't trust you! Intruder!" Kanon screamed and pointed at Ash. The Kanon who can't speak defends Ash and convinces Latios to stop attacking.
Ash and Pikachu were puzzled: two Kanons!? Then the unspeakable Kanon plays around with Ash and Pikachu and ultimately reveals herself to be the Legendary Pokemon Latias the other Guardian of Alto Mare.
"Oh my, I'm really sorry for the way I treated you. It's that we really don't want Latios and Latias to be in danger." Kanon said.
"We understand. By the way, I'm Ash. This is Pikachu." Ash introduced himself and Pikachu. Latias then became very playful and affectionate to Ash.
"Latias appears to take a liking to you. That's very rare." Lorenzo said watching Latias repeatedly nuzzling and hugging Ash.
Lorenzo then shows Ash and Pikachu a mysterious jewel called the Soul Dew.
"The Soul Dew was created by the city's first guardian a Latios to protect the city. It is vital that no one tampers with it. So we trust that you would keep this a secret." Lorenzo said, and Ash and Pikachu agreed to keep this and the garden a secret. After playing with Latias and Latios, Ash and Pikachu went back to the hotel where Misty and Brock were.
During midnight, Anne and Oakley raided the garden after eavesdropping on the conversation via their mini flying drones. Then they captured Latios and the Soul Dew, and held Lorenzo and Kanon hostage at the museum while they activated the DMA.
Latias fled and sought help from Ash and Pikachu by appearing as Kanon. This caused Misty and Brock to wake up.
"Ash, what is Kanon doing here?" Misty asked not aware of Latias at the time.
"Um…well this is a bit complicated." Ash began, but then he whispered to Latias. "Hey, they're my friends. We all can help you. Please, do you trust me?" Trusting those two and eventually Misty and Brock, Latias reveals her true form and used Sight Sharing to show them the dire situation Latios, Lorenzo, and Kanon were in.
Meanwhile, Anne and Oakley used the DMA to resurrect a Kabutops and Aerodactyl. Ash, Pikachu, Misty, Brock, their Pokemon, and Latias made their way to the museum despite hitting dead ends and being attacked by Kabutops and Aerodactyl several times.
They freed Lorenzo, Kanon, and Latios which temporarily deactivates the DMA, but when Anne touches the Soul Dew, it turns black and crimson causing the DMA to go berserk. The water in Alto Mare flows out only to become a tsunami coming right back.
"If this tsunami hits, we're doomed!" Kanon exclaimed worriedly. Latios and Latias used their powers to stop the tsunami causing the water to return to the city, but Latios sacrifices himself in order to become the next Soul Dew to keep the city safe. Kabutops and Aerodactyl returned to the museum and became fossils while Anne and Oakley became trapped in the DMA. After hearing what happened to Latios, Ash and his friends, Kanon, Lorenzo, and Latias were sad and mourned his passing.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Latias." Ash said while gently rubbing Latias' face and neck. Latias continued weeping while resting her head on Ash's chest.
Later next morning, Ash and his friends were about to leave Alto Mare to sail back to continental Johto when it appears that Kanon motioned them to stop. Saying nothing, she hands Ash a drawing of him and Pikachu, and then she kisses Ash on the cheek much to Pikachu's delight.
"Ash! Gyaah!" Brock vented out of jealousy seeing Ash getting kissed by a girl before he did. Course, Brock didn't know about the first one from Melody back at Shamouti Island.
"Was that Kanon or Latias?" Misty asked while still in shock at the sight and unaware that she dropped Togepi on her lap.
As Ash and his friends left Alto Mare to resume their Johto journey, Ash and Pikachu see the spirits of two Latios flying high above them and bidding them farewell.
Meanwhile Anne and Oakley were arrested for the havoc they caused and their affiliation with Team Rocket.
A few weeks later, upon arriving at Professor Elm's lab in New Bark Town, Professor Elm reveals some big news.
"Ash, do you remember that Pokemon Egg that I gave to you for winning the Extreme Pokemon Race? Well, the Pokemon Rangers at the Pokemon Preserve Center in Mt. Silver were looking for the egg after they managed to find its mother a Tyranitar. I see that Pokemon Egg has been hatched into Larvitar and is now a Pupitar." Professor Elm said.
"Whoa, that is big news!" Ash exclaimed and immediately summoned Pupitar and relayed him the news.
"You'll get to see your mother. Isn't that great?" Ash asked. "I bet she would be happy to see you. Also she would be happy knowing you are stronger now with the training we have been doing." However, Pupitar felt a bit sad realizing that he has grown attached to Ash and his Pokemon and that he could never travel with them if he chose to stay with his mother. He even realizes that not all humans are bad, notably Ash and his friends.
"You can deliver Pupitar to the Pokemon Preserve Center which is along the way to Silver Town." Professor Elm suggested.
During the trek, Pupitar conveyed his dreams repeatedly to Ash and his Pokemon so that they understand what Pupitar endured while as a Pokemon Egg. Eventually Pupitar trusted Misty and Brock enough to share the same dreams.
Few days later, Ash and his friends arrive at the Pokemon Preserve Center with Pupitar leading the way.
"Pupitar, you have a nice home." Ash remarked.
When they crossed a bridge, they encountered a Tyranitar to which they recognized as Pupitar's mother from the dreams. Initially the Tyranitar attacks them.
"Whoa, calm down Tyranitar!" Misty exclaimed.
"Maybe she thinks we're intruders!" Brock hypothesized.
"Pupitar, can you help us?" Ash asked, and then Pupitar calmed the Tyranitar down. Eventually, the Tyranitar recognized that her missing egg is Pupitar, and that Ash and his friends are trustworthy.
"This is so beautiful. Pupitar is finally reunited with his mother." Misty said with happy tears.
Suddenly, Tyranitar gets captured in a bag by the Pokemon Poacher Brothers Braggo, Chico, and Blurt whom Ash and his friends recognized from Pupitar's dreams as the poachers. But with help from the Pokemon Rangers led by Ranger Mason, Ash and his friends and Pokemon including Pupitar managed to track down the poachers and arrest them.
Soon it was time for Ash to part ways with Pupitar.
"I know it's hard, but you have to stay with your mother." Ash said sadly. "You're stronger now, and more importantly you can stay with your mother and be safe." But Pupitar just couldn't bear the thought of leaving Ash to join his mother or even being away from his mother to journey with Ash.
"Well, the Tyranitar could go with you Ash provided you are willing to take care of her and Pupitar." Ranger Mason suggested earning looks of shock.
"Are you sure?" Ash asked. He looked at both Pupitar and the Tyranitar who seemed hopeful.
"They seem to like the idea." Ranger Mason said.
"Hold on. Give me one second." Ash said and then calls Delia via videophone to relay the news. At first, Delia expressed her surprise, but that didn't cause her to deviate from her true nature.
"Of course I'll take care of her." Delia said with a smile. "She can see Pupitar whenever you are in town." With everyone approving the idea, Delia requested Professor Oak to send one of her spare pokeballs over to the Pokemon Preserve Center. Before putting the mother Tyranitar inside it, Ash and Pupitar reassured the mother Tyranitar of the pokeball. Soon that was done and Delia receives the pokeball. She lets out the mother Tyranitar who instantly bonds with her much to Ash and Pupitar's happiness. Delia gives the mother Tyranitar a nickname which is Momma Ty.
"Good luck at the Johto League Championships!" Delia said. "We'll be rooting for you always!" Momma Ty wishes Pupitar safe travels with Ash. Feeling even more energized knowing that the family will stay together, Ash and his friends and Pokemon continue their trek to Silver Town with high spirits.
April 2008
Few weeks later, Ash and company arrive at a gate at the foothills of Mt. Silver filled with people lining up to see the torch bearers for the Johto League Championships, but the attendant comes out of the gate and announces that the torch bearers are running late due to an issue. Then Togepi runs into the gate which prompts Ash and his friends to run after her through the that Ash and his friends are Pokemon trainers and recognizing Ash as the winner of last year's Kanto League Championships and the trainer that defeated the powerful Orange Archipelago Champion Blake Yugi to enter the Orange League Hall of Fame, the attendant was more than happy to let them know about the situation. It turns out that a Machop and Machoke led by a wild Sneazel have been chasing away trainers from the place known as the Ho-oh Shrine where the Sacred Flame was in. It was then a trainer named Harrison Hurst from Littleroot Town in faraway Hoenn arrives at the scene.
Harrison also immediately recognizes Ash for his fame and mentions that Ash is well known in Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn for his achievements much to his surprise. Then to Ash and his friends' surprise, the attendant recognizes Harrison as last year's winner of the Hoenn League Championships which prompted both Harrison and Ash to regard each other as friendly rivals once they revealed to each other that they're competing in the Johto League getting briefed, Ash and his friends plus Harrison went in and saved the Sacred Flame. Ash even took a good look at Harrison's powerful Blaziken which he has never seen before as it took down Sneazel for Harrison to catch noting that Harrison would be even tougher than he has thought initially. Then the torch bearers were able to commence with the torch bearing so that the Johto League Championships at Silver Town can begin without delay.
Later, Ash and his friends and Harrison arrived in Silver Town to confirm their registrations and retrieve their keys to their lodges in the Trainer's Village.
Then they all meet up with Ash's main rival Gary and exchanged a few words. Ash decided to use all of his Pokemon currently with him, those at Professor Oak, and eventually Charizard as well. Soon, President Charles Goodshow of the Pokemon League explained the format of the first part of the Johto League Championships.
"Attention! The Johto League Championships will first begin with pre-screening rounds which are one-on-one matches. Given that over 500 Pokemon Trainers have qualified with eight badges and only 48 trainers could move on to the main event of the tournament, each trainer will need to secure at least ten wins to be guaranteed one of the 48 spots." President Goodshow explained. Nevertheless, Ash wasn't intimidated and advanced by winning all the pre-screening battles using Magneton, Typhlosion, Lapras, Donphan, and Pupitar each winning two battles. Even Gary and Harrison advanced to the Top 48 with ease.
"After a few days worth of pre-screening battles, we have our Top 48 contenders for the main event: the Group Stage! In the Group Stage, all 48 contenders get divided into eight groups of six and compete in Round Robin Tournaments involving three-on-three matches. A win is worth 3 points; a draw is worth 1 point, while a loss results in no points. The trainer with the most number of points will be among the Top 8 in the Victory Tournament! So without further ado, here are your Groups!" President Goodshow announces as Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H were revealed. Ash got placed in Group A; Gary in Group G; and Harrison in Group H.
Ash dominated his first three Group A opponents 3-0: in Match #1 using Typhlosion, Butterfree, and Noctowl; in Match #2 using Meganium, Heracross, and Snorlax; and in Match #3 using Gengar, Primeape, and Kingler. Before Match #4, Ash and company met his opponent, a ten-year-old girl named Macy from Mahogany Town who loves Fire-Types. Suddenly, the Team Rocket Trio swooped in and stole Pikachu as well as Macy's Vulpix and sped off on bikes.
"They took my Vulpix!" Macy exclaimed.
"Come back Team Rocket!" Ash yelled and slid down a steep hill. Macy followed suit but ended up tumbling, prompting Ash to catch her in his arms to cushion the fall against a large sharp boulder.
"You stay right here, and let me handle this." Ash ordered, and he sprinted after Team Rocket while Macy gazed at him full of infatuation. Ash managed to get in front of the Team Rocket Trio.
"Meganium, go and rescue Pikachu and Vulpix, then use Power Whip to send those goons flying away!" Soon Pikachu and Macy's Vulpix were safe, and the Team Rocket Trio got blasted off. Soon Brock, Misty, Togepi, and Macy arrived.
"Pikachu, are you okay little buddy? That was some great stuff Meganium." Ash said as he was checking on Pikachu and praising Meganium. Macy immediately went up to Ash all lovestruck.
"Oh Ash, you're so brave, so courageous, and so caring. You totally risked your life for me. I owe you my life, and I love the quietly heroic and passionate types. How about we get some lunch for the two of us?" Macy asked dreamily while grasping Ash's hands, but Misty intervened.
"Excuse me, but Ash is booked!" Misty yelled and got in between Ash and Macy before Macy could start her bonding moment with Ash. Then Misty and Macy got into a verbal argument about whether Water-Types or Fire-Types would be better. Then Macy asked this.
"By the way, are you Ash's girlfriend or what?" Macy asked.
"N-no, er I'm his coach." Misty stammered while blushing out of embarrassment.
"Then I would thank you to stay out of his personal business. You see, Ash and I have to talk about our future together." Macy said while blushing furiously again.
"Say what? What future?" Misty asked nervously.
"Don't we Ash? Huh, Ash? Ash, come back!" Macy called out seeing Ash running off with Pikachu and Meganium.
"I gotta go and get ready for the battle. See you later!" Ash replied back and continued running off.
"Bye! Hey Ash, if I win, you get to take me out on a date!" Macy exclaimed back making Misty jealous again.
Match #4 between Ash and Macy resulted in Ash winning 3-0 using Blastoise, Pidgeot, and Lapras. Macy met Ash and company later that evening after the match.
"Hey Ash, check this out!" Macy exclaimed excitedly and called out her Magcargo which Ash recognized as her Slugma he battled earlier in the match.
"Magcargo?" Ash asked.
"You see, my Slugma evolved in our battle. That means this little cutiepie will always remind me of what you and I share together. Isn't that wonderful? I don't want to let you down Ash, but I'll have to postpone our date. If I win the next match, I might have the chance to move on. So you see Ash, I'm off to do more training. Lookout world, here I come! Take care sweetie! I'll see you later!" Macy exclaimed while running off. Ash stared back at her cluelessly.
"Well, that's amazing." Brock said.
"What's with that girl?" Misty asked worriedly. Ash's opponent in Match 5 was Jackson June, younger brother of Vincent June. Before the match, Venusaur and Jackson's Meganium picked a fight with each other.
"Venusaur, calm down!" Ash exclaimed.
"Meganium, cool your jets and save it for the battle!" Jackson exclaimed as well. Then Harrison and Gary arrived and managed to break up the fight and warned that fighting outside of matches could lead to disqualification. In Match #5, Ash defeated Jackson 3-0 with Magneton, Donphan, and Venusaur.
Gary and Harrison also won their groups' round robin tournaments. As the Round Robin Tournament stage drew to a close, Macy met up with Ash and company.
"Ash, you know I'll be cheering you on." Macy declared while winking at him, but Ash remained dense of her feelings.
The pairings for the Victory Tournament were released that night. By the luck of the draw, Ash gets to take on Gary, and given the match pairings he wouldn't have to worry about battling Harrison until they both reach the Final Round.
"The Victory Tournament involves full six-on-six battles." Brock advised. "Ash, you better be in tip-top shape. Good thing you get a day's worth of rest tomorrow."
Next day which was a day off from the tournament, things got tense between Ash and Gary as they exchanged trash talk. This got even more exacerbated with Ash's Espeon and Gary's Umbreon still having the "bad blood" from their previous battle.
"Ash, we always wondered why you and Gary have such an intense rivalry." Misty said.
"Yeah, maybe talking about it might help you calm down a bit." Brock said.
"Well, it began like this." Ash said, and then the flashbacks rolled.
**Flashback to Chapter 1: Kanto, The Beginning**
April 29, 2006
It was a few days before Ash and Pikachu turned ten years old, an important milestone when trainers are allowed to begin their journey and fulfill their dreams. While Pikachu was resting at home, Ash went fishing at a river near Pallet Town with his hometown rival Gary Oak, grandson of Professor Oak.
"Let's see who can fish out the better Pokemon!" Gary exclaimed while casting his lure.
"You're on!" Ash retorted as he casted his lure. Soon they both reeled in a Pokeball.
"A pokeball!? It's mine!" Ash and Gary exclaimed. Soon, Ash and Gary pulled back and forth trying to claim sole ownership of that Pokeball, but it split into halves.
"Well we tied." Ash replied.
"C'mon! A tie with you is still a loss for me!" Gary exclaimed arrogantly. "I'm supposed to be better than you in everything, Ashy-boy!"
**End Flashback**
"This is one of the halves of the pokeball Gary and I fished out and fought over that day." Ash said and showed everyone the half he carried with him since that day. The mood lightened up when Professor Oak, Delia, Chuchu, Momma Ty, and Gothitelle made a surprise trip to watch the Johto League Championships live rather than on TV. This was motivating not only for Ash but also for Pupitar who wanted to show his Momma Ty how great he and Ash are when battling. Tracey still remained back at Professor Oak's night before the long-awaited rival match, Ash's Charizard arrives from Charicific Valley to help him out.
Then the next day it was time for Ash and Gary's match in the main stadium. The spectators were much hyped for this match.
"This match is a grudge match between Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak, both of the same age and from the same town in Kanto! Gary is the grandson of world-renowed Professor Oak, and he has his squad of cheerleaders! As for Ash, he has championship experience from last year winning both the Kanto League Championships at Indigo Plateau and the Orange League Championship immediately after that. We'll get to see the Pallet Town rivalry right here in the Victory Tournament of the Johto League Championships!" The Announcer commentates. Soon the battle began with a Rocky Battlefield for the entire duration.
"Meganium and Nidoqueen are both unable to battle!" The Referee announced as the score is tied 1-1.
"Magmar is unable to battle! Heracross wins!" The Referee exclaimed as Ash leads 2-1.
"Feraligatr and Scizor are unable to battle!" The Referee yelled as Ash holds on with the score 3-2. Then the battle paused for five minutes before resuming.
"Umbreon is unable to battle! Espeon wins!" The Referee announces as Ash increases his lead 4-2.
"Snorlax and Golem are both unable to battle!" The Referee exclaimed as Ash holds on to the lead as the score is 5-3.
"Espeon is unable to battle! Blastoise wins!" Ash starts losing momentum while leading 5-4.
"Heracross is unable to battle! Blastoise wins!" The score is tied up again at 5-5.
"I'm not surprised Gary is giving Ash a run for his money. After all, Gary had his Blastoise since his journey which has more battle experience than Espeon and Heracross combined." Misty said.
"Yeah, but Ash still has a chance with his final Pokemon in the lineup given all that special training." Brock added.
"Charizard, I choose you!" Ash roared as he calls out his most powerful Pokemon in the lineup. The battle went back and forth.
"Blastoise is unable to battle! Charizard wins! The victory goes to Ash Ketchum!" The Referee yells amid the electrifying stadium as Ash defeated Gary 6-5. After the battle, Ash and Gary meet up again.
"Ash, you are something else. You go get 'em!" Gary exclaimed.
"Gee, thanks Gary." Ash replied with a grin.
"Oh yeah one more thing: win the whole thing for the both of us!" Gary said while holding out his half of the pokeball he and Ash fished out way back then.
"Alright! I will!" Ash said with determination holding both halves of the pokeball as a symbol that he will carry Gary's dream along with his for the remainder of the Johto League Championships. Misty, Brock, Professor Oak, and Delia and her Pokemon watched the exchange with smiles seeing the rivalry turn into friendship. Harrison won his first match of the Victory Tournament.
A day later, four trainers were left. Ash then faced Jon Dickson while Harrison faced Chris Smith.
Ash won his match 6-3 using Butterfree, Typhlosion, Dragonite, Tauros, Lapras, and Gyarados. Harrison also won his second match in the Victory Tournament which fixes the Final Round: Ash Ketchum vs. Harrison Hurst.
Then the next day, the final battle of the entire tournament began.
"Oh this is what everyone has been predicting: Ash vs. Harrison! Both are fine young trainers and have won their respective home regions' Pokemon League Championships last year. This is going to be one match that will keep us on the edge of our seats!" The Announcer commentated.
This turned into a see-saw battle.
"Kecleon is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The Referee announced as Ash takes an early 1-0 lead.
"Noctowl and Sneazel are both unable to battle!" The Referee yelled as Ash maintains his lead at 2-1.
"Blastoise is unable to battle! Steelix wins!" The Referee exclaimed as Harrison ties the match at 2-2.
"Pupitar, I choose you!" Ash exclaimed as Pupitar goes up against Steelix much to everyone's surprise which becomes even bigger as Pupitar evolved into Tyranitar during the battle.
"Steelix is unable to battle! Tyranitar wins!" The Referee shouts as Ash leads 3-2. During the five minute intermission, Ash, Pikachu, and Tyranitar waved at Delia, Chuchu, Gothitelle, and Momma Ty who were beaming back at them.
"Hypno and Pidgeot are both unable to battle!" The Referee announced as Ash holds on to the lead 4-3.
"Houndoom is unable to battle! Tyranitar wins!" The Referee shouted as Ash leads 5-3.
"Tyranitar is unable to battle! Blaziken wins!" The Referee yelled as Ash's lead shrinks to 5-4.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Blaziken wins!" The Referee exclaimed as the score is tied 5-5.
Ash and Charizard had their first experience battling Harrison's Blaziken which proved to be an intense matchup.
"Blaziken is unable to battle! Charizard wins! The victory goes to Ash Ketchum!" The Referee exclaimed amid the pandemonium as Ash defeated Harrison 6-5 and won the Johto League Championships.
Ash and all of his Pokemon that battled were entered into the Johto League Championship Hall of Fame, and they met the Johto Champion Master Ethan Gold and, just like last time, President Goodshow. At the award ceremony with a cheering audience in the huge over packed main stadium, Ash stood on the podium holding the Johto League Championship Trophy. Ash kindly declined the offer to challenge the Johto Elite Four.
After the ceremony, Macy tried one more time to get Ash to take her on a date, but Misty kept her at bay. Before leaving, Harrison and Ash had a quick talk about Hoenn and the kind of Pokemon that live there.
"Nice. I might check Hoenn out. So what are you doing next?" Ash asked.
"I'll be entering the Kanto League next year." Harrison said. Then Ash and Harrison parted ways with the promise of battling each other again someday.
Ash gives all of the awards and trophies that he and his Pokemon have earned throughout his journey in Johto to Delia to take home.
"I'm so proud of you Ash." Delia said with happy tears. "I'll find a nice place at home to display your accomplishments."
"And the whole town will throw a party like last year. I told Tracey to hop on to it." Professor Oak added.
Charizard bids Ash and company goodbye before heading back to Chariciffic Valley until the next time. Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock then set off back to Kanto the long way while Professor Oak, and Delia and her Pokemon left and took the shortcut home.
Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock arrived in Viridian City in Kanto and stopped by the Pokemon Center. They learn that the Nurse Joy Ash and Misty met a year ago in Viridian City has transferred to another Pokemon Center, and now a new Nurse Joy has started working.
Misty gets word that her sisters Daisy, Lily, and Violet were going on a world tour and needed her to look after the Gym. Nurse Joy also brought Misty's bike which the previous Nurse Joy has fixed up after Ash and Pikachu accidentally fried it.
"Wow Misty, see you got your bike back. You can be on your way back home quickly!" Ash exclaimed, but Misty became mad and heartbroken.
"Ash, are you saying that you're just going to throw away everything that we have been through!? You really don't know how I'm feeling about this, about leaving you! SOME FRIEND YOU ARE!"Misty shrieked, and then she clutched Togepi and ran off crying with her bike.
"W-what did I do?" Ash asked as he and Pikachu looked bewildered.
"Ash, it's true. We have been together for two years and been through a lot. Do you realize that you won't be seeing Misty now that she has to go back to the Cerulean Gym and take over it?" Brock asked rhetorically.
"Oh man." Ash groaned as the feeling really sunk in.
"We should go after her, and then you need to apologize to her." Brock advised.
Misty gets cornered by a trio of thugs Kim, Kail, and Kai known as the Invincible Pokemon Brothers. Just when things were getting tense, Ash, Pikachu, and Brock rushed in and helped her defeat those thugs.
"Misty, I'm really sorry about the way I acted." Ash said apologetically.
"It's okay Ash. I kind of realized that the only reason I accompanied you all this time was just for my broken bike. But had you and Pikachu not fried it, I would not have known you as a Pokemon Trainer, as a person, as one of my best friends. No matter how far apart we may be, you'll always be in here." Misty admitted and said the last part with a tearful smile while pointing to her heart. Ash and Pikachu smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah." Ash said.
"Oh great! I wish I could stay here with you guys a bit longer, but I can't!" Brock groaned. "I gotta check on my family and the Pewter Gym."
"Oh ok. Take care until we meet again." Ash said.
"Brock, I'll miss you. Don't go chasing after pretty girls okay." Misty said teasingly.
"Haha! I'll be fine." Brock said, and then he left.
This leaves Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Togepi at the fork.
"Well this is it." Ash said.
"Yeah, you take care of yourself, champ; you too Pikachu. Don't be too reckless. I'll miss you." Misty said.
"You too Misty; good luck with the Cerulean Gym. You'll be great." Ash replied.
"You think we'll meet again?" Misty asked with hope in her eyes.
"Of course we will since we're life-long friends." Ash replied with confidence and with Pikachu squealing in agreement. So they split up; Ash and Pikachu ventured to Pallet Town while Misty and Togepi biked to Cerulean City.
May 2008
Ash and Pikachu were greeted by everyone in Pallet Town as part of a homecoming celebration of Ash's big victory in the Johto League Championships, his second consecutive regional Pokemon League Championship he won. Ash learns that Gary plans to set off on a journey as an aspiring Pokemon researcher instead of a trainer. When Gary asked Ash about his next plan, Ash wasn't sure at the time. But the two rivals-turned-friends wished each other the best and parted ways. Ash even gave Gary the red half of the pokeball to symbolize their strengthening friendship.
Later unknown to everyone else, Ash and Pikachu see Ho-oh flying southwest towards Hoenn and knew that they were more Pokemon for them to see, more battles for them to participate in, and more challenges for them to overcome. It was their after Ash announced about the next journey to Hoenn, Professor Oak, Delia, and Tracey helped Ash prepare for his Oak gave Ash a new Pokedex containing data on Hoenn's Pokemon, and he planned to take care of Ash's Pokemon staying back at the lab with assistance from Tracey and Delia while Delia provided Ash a new outfit and a boat ticket to sail to Hoenn.
Ash decides to take Pikachu, Butterfree, Espeon, and Tyranitar with him to Hoenn while having the privilege of catching as many Pokemon as he can handle and requesting any of his Pokemon to be sent to him from home. Professor Oak also tells Ash to visit Professor Birch upon arrival.