The tournament begins
It's my turn to fly.
I'm proving ground tonight.
Try to be the best that I can …
Grown to be a man,
Only human can understand.
I fill my lungs with fear and I exhale!
It's my turn to fly!
Father be with me tonight.
I'm right on target (keep your dream alive) …
It's my turn to fly!
Gotta prove this tonight …
It's my turn to fly, The Urge
Delia was very happy when Ash presented her with the little Poochyena clone. Now called Nina, Mightyena's 'little sister' of sorts quickly grew attached to her new master. Ash's mother was indeed a kind and friendly person, yet also a particularly fierce fighter when she felt her home and family threatened. The woman wasn't an ex-Rocket scientist for nothing …
The tale of the events on New Island was quickly known to all of Ash's Pokémon friends. When they realized how close their Trainer had been from definite death, they decided to do something for him. This thing was to give their Trainer their True Name. All. Without a single exception. Ash was deeply touched by the act. Knowing a Pokémon's True Name meant knowing his real identity. It was an honor only a chosen few were granted. Pidgeot's name was Jet Stream. Charizard, who had been given one by Ho-Oh, was called Blazefire. Wartortle, who was still born in the wild despite being a Starter, was called Azure Blast. Haunter's name was Shadow Grin. Tyrogue had the fitting name of Silent Hope. Mightyena bore the sweet name of Nightsong while Wigglytuff was called Soft Lullaby. No wonder her Sing would put everyone to sleep … While Aerodactyl was rightfully called Razor Fangs, Sandslash's name was Sandy Claws. Finally, Fearow had the name of Hard Beak. And he deserved it.
After a one-day break at a Pokémon-only vacation park, the group finally stepped on the road to the Indigo Plateau. Along with Pikachu and his baby Axew, Ash had taken Mightyena, Haunter, Bulbasaur, Pidgeot and Charizard. Professor Oak, after a long and heated argument and some good Growlithe eyes from the tiny Dragon Pokémon, had finally accepted to make an exception to the six-member team since Axew was still a baby, and as such not a fighter. Thanks to Pidgeot and Odin, Ash, Silver, Misty, Brock and Simon quickly reached the village where the fabled Victory Road started. Here, Silver grinned.
"From here on, we're going by foot."
"Why?" Misty asked.
"Because it is a tradition for League Competitors to travel this path by foot. And because of this …"
The group looked around. On the sides of the path were people gathered with League flags. They seemed to be waiting for someone who was quite quick to come. It was a brown-haired man dressed like a marathon racer, a Hitmonchan running at his side. Police officers were behind him and a torch was in his hand. Brock frowned.
"Isn't that the Sacred Torch holding Moltres's fire?"
"It is." Silver smiled.
Ash closed his eyes.
"If I remember the tale, the flame of the torch was once granted by Moltres as a symbol of peace between humankind and Pokémon, right?"
"Yes. In Johto, they replace it with flames from Ho-Oh, another Legendary. In Kanto, it's Moltres." He looked at the passing man. "Actually, the Torch is carried from Moltres's altar all the way to the League Stadium where the flame will be lit as a signal the Conference has begun. In other words, it's quite a trip."
Misty smiled.
"It must be a very special honor to have to carry the Torch all the way to the Stadium."
"Yes. Only a chosen few ever earn this right."
The Torch Bearer was passing under the cheers of the crowd when the flame violently flickered when it passed by Ash. The man and his Hitmonchan didn't miss it, nor did the man atop the van. The convoy stopped, causing the group to frown.
"What's happening?"
The Bearer came to Ash, only for the flame to dance more violently. The man atop the van nodded.
"If my eyes aren't mistaken, it is indeed a sign of Moltres."
He got down the vehicle under the careful eye of Officer Jenny. Simon raised a brow.
"Who's that guy?"
"I am Charles Goodshow, son. I am the President of the Pokémon League Committee. And if my eyes do not fool me, this man in black is Silver Nor Shadow, one of the very few Elemental Aura Guardians and a man with quite a reputation …"
Silver quickly stepped back.
"The flame didn't flicker for me. I have nothing to do with it."
"Indeed. Can I know who your companions are?"
Silver grinned.
"Ask them yourself, old man."
Simon rolled his eyes.
"I am Simon Ketchum."
"Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town." The boy smiled. "Simon is my half-brother."
"Misty Williams, from Cerulean City. I'm a Water specialist."
"Brock Harrison, from Pewter City. I'm a Breeder."
Goodshow looked at the group.
"What a strange crew. And what strange Pokémon too. A Pikachu, a Togepi and a …"
"Axew." Ash answered. "He hatched recently so he doesn't count as a team member. Same goes for Togepi."
Axew had snuggled against his adoptive father, nervous. The boy comforted him softly. Silver grinned.
"Actually, Ash and Simon are Aura Guardians. Ash is way stronger than his brother, though."
This caused Goodshow to raise a brow.
"Aura Guardians? These kids … can actually use Aura?"
The two siblings looked at one another and grinned. In the same gesture, they summoned an Aura Sphere. The elder man was dumbfounded.
"This is … incredible!"
The flame flickered, bringing everyone back to the main topic. Jenny frowned.
"The flame seems to react violently to one of you. I wonder why."
Silver frowned.
"This flame is a gift of Moltres, which is a Legendary Pokémon. Maybe it's a sign."
Acting on impulse, Ash took the torch. The fire inside burned stronger, causing everyone to back up. Goodshow nodded.
"It seems Moltres has chosen this young boy to carry the torch. May we?"
Seeing his younger brother's embarrassment, Simon playfully elbowed him.
"Look sharp."
"I'd like to …"
Ash was given a League shirt and the Torch. Then, after entrusting Axew to Mightyena, he started running while the rest of the group was allowed in the van. He quickly started thanking his morning routines and the long stamina races he made with his mentor. Using Aura to keep himself going, a trick he learned during his time with Bruno, he managed to run along the long mountain path that led to the plateau.
"Victory Road … now that's a challenging path."
He was nearing the top of the road when the ground suddenly opened. The boy only managed to get out thanks to his Aura-enhanced reflexes. Lunging forward, he managed to cross the rift to safety. The van, however, didn't make it. Ash looked around as Pikachu's cheeks sparkled and Mightyena bared her fangs, ready to attack. This incident definitely wasn't a coincidence.
"Who's there?" He growled, an Aura Sphere ready.
A sinister laugh answered him.
"I knew you would avoid the trap." A voice said.
Coming from behind rocks, two men and a woman wearing dark uniforms appeared. The big red R on their chest instantly betrayed their identity.
"Rocket Rebels!"
"Indeed we are. Now hand over the torch."
Ash snarled.
"Come and get it!"
The woman smirked.
"Of course, we will. But first … Vileplume, Stun Spore!"
A rafflesia-like Pokémon appeared and hurled a cloud of paralyzing powder to the entire group. Ash coughed under it, wincing as his muscles tightened. His Pokémon weren't doing any better. The boy cast a quick glance to Axew, to make sure the baby wasn't in too much pain. A Beedrill used the distraction to snatch the torch. The man grinned.
"Thank you very much. Lord Archer will be very pleased."
"Think so?"
The group almost gasped at the familiar voice. Then two attacks fell at the same time.
"Lickitung, Ice Beam!"
"Growlie, Flamethrower!"
While Beedrill was incinerated by a burst of fire, Vileplume was frozen by a bluish laser. The Torch flew, only for a cat-like figure to jump and catch it in midair. Ash cheered.
"Jessie! James! Meowth!"
Indeed, the Rocket trio was over-watching the scene, a smirk on their face.
Prepare for trouble!
And make it double!
To protect the world from devastation,
To unite all people within our nation,
To denounce the evils of traitors and liars,
To extend our reach to the moon and the stars,
Jessie!
James!
Team Rocket, blasts off at the speed of light!
Surrender now or prepare to fight!
Meowth, that's right!
The three Rebels froze.
"What? Team Rocket is there?"
Ash was never so happy to see the men in white. Then a purple cobra appeared before him and sprayed a liquid on him. The paralysis disappeared instantly. His grin widened. The motto was a distraction so Jessie's Arbok could free him and his friends! The group had gotten better. Arbok sprayed the fluid on Pikachu, Mightyena, Axew and the others. Reacting on the spot, the boy created an Aura Sphere.
"Hey, look over there!"
The three men in black turned … and received the attack straight in the face. The blow was immediately followed with Mightyena's Shadow Ball and Pikachu's Electro-Ball. The combined attacks sent the three blasting much like the Rocket Trio used to do at the beginning. James whistled.
"Glad it's not us, for once."
Meowth jumped from where he was and handed the boy the Torch back. Ash gladly accepted it.
"Thank you. You came just in time."
"You're welcome. The boss would kill us if we let anything bad happen to his precious sons."
"He sure would." Simon sighed.
Officer Jenny raised a brow.
"What does that mean? Why are Rocket members attacking each other?"
"Because Team Rocket is divided." Silver explained. "On one side, we have the original Team Rocket led by Giovanni. As you may have guessed from the little exchange, Ash and Simon are the man's two sons. However, none of them like him, as proved when Simon used Ash's family name rather than his own."
"But if Ash is Giovanni's son …" Goodshow asked. "How comes his last name is Ketchum?"
"Because he isn't legitimate. As sad as it sounds, Ash is the result of a one-night stand. And his official father pretty much abandoned him and Delia when he found out the truth. As such, the kid has three fathers: one by blood, one by law and another by heart, me. Also, it means he and Simon are only half-siblings since they only share their father. Doesn't mean they are fiercely protective of one another. And as stated by Meowth, the fact that none of his sons love him doesn't mean Giovanni doesn't care about them. In fact, knowing the boss, he's pretty caring toward them. He even gave Ash his Sandshrew after the kid won his last badge. Being evil doesn't mean you can't have loved ones …"
Officer Jenny could barely believe it.
"I should arrest them to get to Giovanni, but since they just helped them, I guess I can close my eyes for once."
"You can and you will." Silver frowned. "Hurt one hair of these kids and Giovanni will be the last of your problems."
Misty froze, remembering all too well the blinding fury with which Silver had trashed Mewtwo. If Ho-Oh didn't stop him … Goodshow looked at him.
"How about those men in black?"
"They are the Rocket Rebels, a faction that separated from Team Rocket because of an argument between Giovanni and four of his sub-leaders. These men were Archer, Ariana, Proton and Petrel. Those four are more violent than the actual Team Rocket and, even though they call themselves Neo-Team Rocket, everyone simply calls them the rebels. They are an even greater threat than the original R."
The policewoman nodded.
"So it means we should beware of them more than the Rocket in white."
"So very much."
Simon looked at the trio.
"What are you doing here?"
"The boss sent us to make sure the Rebels didn't interfere with the event. If they ever did, we had to stop them, which is exactly what happened." Jessie explained.
Goodshow smiled.
"It seems working for evil's sake doesn't mean one has to be truly evil inside. Come in."
The three gladly got aboard the van. After the attack, everyone was on the lookout as Ash was running the road. After a while, Simon tried to relay him but the Torch reacted quite violently, earning the redhead a few burns. It seemed Moltres only wanted Ash as his bearer. So the poor kid was forced to carry the flame all the way to the stadium. He did it … and never stopped once until he reached the finishing line and gave the torch back to Goodshow. Needless to say he was really out of breath after that, falling on his knees as soon as the flame was no more in his hands.
"With all due respect I have for Legendaries and in particular Legendaries who clearly choose me to do a certain task, I still have one thing to say: why did you put me through this, Moltres?!"
Silver rolled his eyes.
"Come on, Trainers are given personal living spaces for the duration of the Conference. Let's get ours."
"Can't move a muscle."
"Not a problem."
Removing his cape, the man took the kid piggyback-style, much to Ash's pleasure. They quickly reached the building and settled here, after what they decided to explore the village. Ash was riding Blitz since his legs were too painful to move. They saw the shops, the Trainers, their families that had come to encourage them … A snigger made the raven-haired boy freeze.
"Well, if it isn't Ashie-boy! Late as always, I see."
The boy couldn't help but hang his head.
"Gary Oak."
The brown kid smirked arrogantly.
"Took you long enough to come. I thought that, after the last events, you would've given on your dream as a Trainer …"
Ash's eyes narrowed.
"I will never give up. And if I do, it will be to become an Aura Guardian."
Gary sighed.
"You should stop being so stubborn. Remember where it got you last time …"
Ash frowned. Pushing Blitz next to his rival, he bent to his ear.
"We have promised Ho-Oh and Mewtwo not to talk about it in public areas in exchange for keeping our memories. Have you forgotten that? And besides, had I done nothing, you would be dead along your Pokémon." His voice became cold. "I don't wanna boast, but when it appears Legendaries have a liking into you, especially one like Ho-Oh, it usually means you're on the right path. So no, I'm not giving up. "He then looked straight into Gary's eyes. "You should be the one to drop. With an attitude like that, you won't go far. I don't need to be an Elite to know that."
On this, he left. Along the way, the group was reunited with Bill, Fergus, Corey and Neesha. The four were also part of the Conference and would compete tomorrow. After some greetings, they started talking.
"My Pokémon're all pumped up!" Fergus grinned. "Whatever comes our way tomorrow, I'll crush it! My beloved Gyarados will happily blast them to oblivion!"
"You sure look ready." Neesha grinned. "My Pokémon and I worked very hard for this competition. Let's hope it … doesn't … turn as bad as that time."
"No need to worry." Misty smiled. "We're all ready if something bad happens. Besides …"
She told them the events with the Torch. Bill was impressed.
"So Ash had ta run da entire Victory Road simply 'cuz the Torch wud be carried by no one else? Man, dat had t'be tough."
"I still can't move my legs." The boy sighed. "Damn Moltres …"
Corey laughed.
"You should feel honored. I don't remember anything similar happen in the past, and it's the third time I'm entering the Conference."
"Really?"
They talked about how the competition worked, what were the rules and so on. Neesha turned to Axew.
"Now that I think of it, your little baby Axew looks fine. How is he doing?"
"Ask Mightyena, she's become his surrogate mother. Instant adoption. It doesn't matter they belong to different egg groups. To Night, Axew is her baby and she'll be damned if she lets a single scratch hurt his scales."
"Night?"
"Mightyena's nickname. Ever heard of 'True Names'?"
"Never."
"Well, listen closely …"
The boy explained shortly what a Pokémon's True Name was about and how it worked. Bill sighed.
"I wish I knew Fearow's True Name. Da boy is my greatest partner. Best pal ever."
Fergus frowned.
"Now that I think of it, no long after the incident, Gyarados started to behave strangely. It was as if he wanted to tell me something, but I simply couldn't get it. It almost drove me mad …"
Ash looked at him.
"Maybe I can try, or Silver can ask Lya to translate Gyarados's speech."
They went to a pond and Fergus released Gyarados.
"Gya, no long ago, you tried to tell me something. What did you mean back then?"
The blue sea serpent pointed to himself with his tail, then to a nearby waterfall. He repeated the action several times before looking insistently at his Trainer. Fergus looked puzzled.
"I still don't get it. What does he want with that waterfall?"
Ash came to the creature and placed a hand on his head. Closing his eyes, he used his lessons with Lance to reach the Pokémon's heart … and immediately understood. Reaching for the Water specialist's ear, he muttered something. The man's eyes shone.
"So that's what you wanted to tell me. I'm sorry I didn't understand earlier. Nice name."
Waterfall was Gyarados's True Name. Night finally fell, and with it dreams of ferocious fights, well-earned victories and big feisty parties with tables full of delicious food … Still. In the morning, while some were very excited to finally start fighting, other wished they could sleep a little longer. Everyone woke up, though. After all, the Conference Torch was about to be lit and no one wanted to miss that.
The main stadium was crowded that morning. At least half of Kanto had come to see the event, the other watching it en live on TV. In the commentary box, a man wearing an orange suit appeared.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and you Pokémon fans! I am Johnny O'Martian, and I will comment this wonderful event for you!"
The crowd cheered. The man chuckled.
"Save your voice, my friends! The best has yet to come! First, I have to remind you the rules of the Indigo Conference. The event lasts a week. The first two days are dedicated to eliminatory phases. Yes, eliminatory! There are so many good Trainers this year. We cannot go to the qualifying rounds yet! What are eliminatory rounds? A set of eight single battles, one vs. one on a simple battlefield. There are four battles per day so to quickly get rid of the weakest links. But fear not. Sometimes, eliminatory battles can be pretty fierce and amazing!"
Inside the building, Ash was listening intensely. It was his first Conference so he was understandably nervous. Axew sensed it and whined, earning a light scratch.
"Don't worry, Baby Tooth." The boy muttered. "It will go fine … I hope."
Johnny kept speaking.
"The two following days will be the famous qualifying rounds. Those battles are single three vs. three on one of those four grounds: ice, water, grass and rock fields. There will be two battles per day, so four battles for the qualifiers. The next three days will be the finales. One fight will happen each day until the winner is decided. Those fights will be all-out six vs. six battles in the main stadium, under the flame of the mighty Moltres. Now, ladies and gentlemen, let's give a steering applause for the courageous Trainers who have entered the event!"
The door finally opened to a blinding sun. The Trainers stepped in line and entered the arena under the cheers and whistles of the crowd as Pidgey flew in the air. Ash grinned. Today was a nice day. In his box, Johnny was jumping up and down.
"HERE THEY ARE! Who do we have here, my friends? Oh, I see some celebrities! The Amazing Mandi from Saffron City, known for his many tricks! There's also the beautiful Jeanette Fisher from Celadon City! I heard she was one of Erika's best students … Oh? Isn't that Corey from Vermillion City? This man is known to be a fierce opponent who keeps his cool in any situation … wait, wait, wait! Forget Corey, I see Gary Oak among the crowd! Yes ladies, your all-time favorite is here! Oak's grandson is here to give us a magnificent spectacle as always! Eh, let's not forget he holds the record for greatest number of badges and Pokémon caught in one season with eleven badges and 250 Pokémon! Genius indeed."
Gary raised his head arrogantly as people turned to him with respect. Ash frowned and lowered his cap. He scanned the bleachers for his friend and saw them around Goodshow. His eyes met with Simon's silver ones. A wink from his elder sibling was enough to bring a smile on his face.
"I also see A. J., one of the deadliest contestants of this competition. Rumor has it he won all of his battles using only one Pokémon, even the Gym Battles. I wonder if he will pull the same performance at the Conference."
Ash turned to see the green-haired boy walking aside his Sandshrew, now a Sandslash. He frowned. The only time they fought, A. J. had beaten him with only Sandshrew, only for Silver to avenge his student by humiliating the boy and telling him he hated people like him. Never known defeat? Wrong. There was one person that had beaten the teen: Ash's mentor. A. J. saw Ash and waved. The boy reluctantly returned the move when Johnny spoke.
"Ooooh! And what do we have here? Ladies and gentlemen, I see Ash Ketchum among the contestants! Yes, that Ash Ketchum! The youngest Trainer to have challenged and won against the Eight Challenges, as well as the only participating Trainer to have defeated a Legendary Pokémon! Yes, he did! I heard it was a Zapdos …"
Rumors ran and ran among the crowd as the boy's feat was carried like dust in the wind. The Torch Bearer finally arrived and climbed the stairs where he lit the giant bowl. The crowd cheered … and gasped when the flames, instead of remaining quiet, rose and danced to take the shape of a giant firebird. Silver's eyes widened.
"Moltres!"
Lightning cracked from the electric devices, gathered in a bright golden flash, and faded to reveal a black and yellow bird. Goodshow shivered.
"Zapdos!"
The air cooled down and clouds gathered. A blue Aura swirled inside them and burst to reveal a magnificent and graceful blue bird. Johnny O'Martian barely whispered.
"Articuno … Ladies and gentlemen, this is amazing! The Legendary Bird Trio has appeared!"
The three mystic creatures landed in front of the torch and scanned the Trainers one by one. Articuno's eyes stopped on Gary. Something passed in Oak's grandson, causing him to come to the top and face the bird. Zapdos's eyes fell on A. J. who felt something similar and came to the Legendary. Finally, Moltres starred intensely at Ash who immediately understood and went to the bird. The eyes of the three creatures glowed as the crowd held its breath. What was going to happen? What did the three Legendaries want? No one knew. The light faded to reveal three sigils. Articuno's sigil was silver with a sapphire eight-branched star and diamond wisps around. Gary held it with respect, fascinated by it beauty. Zapdos's emblem was golden with three lightning bolts in quartz citrine. A. J. grinned and put it on his shirt, full of pride. Moltres's sigil was made of bronze and cooper with a ruby and garnet flame. Ash held it in reverence and looked at the fire bird, asking for answer. The answer echoed through the air.
Three Trainers, three Chosen by the heralds of the Lord of the Sea, the protector of Kanto. By Lugia we were sent, to give his blessing to this competition that sees the cream of the crop of Kanto's Trainers gathered. Three stand out of those greats.
Cold and calculating mind, and yet charming and classy. Gary Oak, grandson of Samuel Oak, is chosen by the lord of Winter.
Quick as lightning, flashes bright and leaves a mark. Adam Jagden, the lone Trainer, is chosen by the harbinger of Spring.
Burning spirit, warm heart and a wild passion. Ash Ketchum, Wielder of Aura and heir of Sir Aaron the Great is chosen by the guardian of Summer.
Three Chosen by the children of Lugia. These sigils are our emblems. You will represent us through the competition. Make us proud.
On this, the three disappeared. The crowd was speechless for a minute. Then they turned to the three teens atop the stairway. Gary was grinning victoriously, holding his sigil with pride. A. J. was wearing his sigil on his bombed chest, arrogantly smiling. Finally, Ash was still looking at the jewel in his hand. He looked at the sky and smiled.
"Moltres, thank you."
He put the sigil on his chest, his face more serene than it was before. Then, as a ghost from the past, the face of Sir Aaron placed itself on top of his inheritor like a foreshadowing of what the boy would become. Goodshow left his place and went before the three boys, a micro in his hands.
"Well, I guess nothing else needs to be said. Ladies and gentlemen, on this incredible feat, let the tournament begin!"
And here it is! I'm sorry I didn't update at all during February, but the month was quite rough and it didn't help I got in a Code Lyoko spur. I also apologize for the shortness of this chapter, but it is only a foretaste of the awesomeness I'm going to give you for this Conference, with highlights such as Pikachu slicing a Hyper Beam in half with Mjöllnir, Tyrogue finally evolving and taking out his parents, a moment of heartwarming between Ash and Ritchie and the final battle between A. J. and Ash. Warning, badassery incoming ...
- knightblazer85: with a teacher like Charizard, Axew isn't going to learn a simple Incinerate ...
- Stallion6 of Deviantart: no vacation for you. I couldn't think of anything good so I simply skipped it.
- kitsune of darkfire: Silver rubbed a lot on his son ... It was a fail, but it was epic.
- Crimson-Wyvern: Thank you, I'm getting curious.
- Dragonheart1234: Simon isn't going to be there for Orange Islands and the beginning of Johto but will join the group at the middle of the Johto journey. And thanks for warning me about my language. That jerk really ticked me off.
- KevinRivers123: he will have one in Sinnoh ... The pup will become a dual-wielding sword-dancer. Enemies beware when he's fighting with the shiny, kung-fu fighting, Aura Sensitive Gardevoir. Those two will become one hell of a battle couple.
- Guardian54: Delia still has feelings for Bruno despite the fact he basically abandonned her and, somehow, Silver had a wife he lost some time ago. He still hasn't gotten over it. So the two settle with 'just friends'. But I give you my word that Delia does find Silver interesting ...
- Kitsune95: longest review given? I feel honored. And I suggest you read Blessed by Victory, where Ash befriends Victini. As for his Pokémon retiring, this is basically Butterfree's situation, with him having a mate and kids. Other Pokémon will retire too, such as Pidgeot, Bulbasaur, Haunter and Mightyena once she gets over her Mama Kangaskhan behavior toward Axew (in Kanto, they use Kangaskhan, in Johto they use Ursaring, in Hoenn they use Aggron, in Sinnoh they use Togekiss and in Unova, they use Zoroark or Leavanny).
- avengeme: I put the ranking in my profile, before the team files (that thing is getting long ...)
- DragonFire Princess: he will learn. Even if Arceus must have Darkrai beat it into his head.
- JLgods01: he won't keep them, but they will team up.
- Nightshadegirl: you mean Naruto, right? Sorry, nothing planned on that field. But he would deserve it.
- ultima-owner: that's for sure. That and seeing the full-extend of the powers of ... say ... Rayquaza, Dialga and Palkia, Zekrom, Darkrai ...
- princessfrankie: long thing short, the Counsil will make Mewtwo understand he did wrong and issue a 'redeeming' punishment to prove he is a good guy who deserves to stay in the Council. After that, he will be admitted and learn of his duties as a Legendary Pokémon (Yes, they have duties. Goes along being gods.)
- Uranium235: Misty knew Ashling had no scar because Silver told her. And besides, a scar isn't something written in the genes, right? How could the clone receive the scar without Charizard giving him one? And no, Delia won't immediately learn of Ashling's existance. A secret is a secret!
- xMidnightHunter1553x: you're too kind, though I did work on this bit quite hard. Hope I reached that level with this chapter's last part.
- Alpha B. A. 7: yes, Silver had to. No one messes with his kid.
- Red: Ash will have Sceptile, I can promise you. In fact, Sceptile is gonna be the main badass and Pikachu's right-hand mon in Hoenn's team. And when I mean badass, I mean I have plans to make him a war machine ...
- Allie cat: Ash basically gave Tauros and Kangaskhan to Professor Oak, who didn't mind at all since his corral is basically a small preserve. As for Muk, Primeape and Kingler, I chose to give up on them for better teammates. Then, Ash will start to slowly develop feelings for Misty (but it will be small since he's just 12) before crushing hard on May ... then on Dawn after May drops him for Brendan. Finally, there will be that Latias in Alto Mare ... In the end, Molly won't ba adopted by the Ketchum since her parents will be brought back by the Unown.
- cullenfan77: in Skandara, Silver will monitor Ash from afar as the boy makes his path to become a badass ... and then fight him in a clash of TITANS. Three hours and a half of pure amazingness for the throne of Skandara ... with Ash losing to a pitch. Still. And in Sinnoh, Silver and Ash will travel together as pals ... until Cynthia starts crushing on Silver.
- Dante R Vale: well, canonically speaking, Gary does own an Umbreon in the anime. And Ash will get to raise a baby Darkrai. Yes. And Ashling won't become a Trainer like Ash. They don't have the same fiery temper, Ashling is quieter and more thoughtful so he will turn to Pokémon Professor instead, just like Max. So don't worry about this part. Ash and Ashling may be biologically the same, but they definitely aren't the same.
- Moonstone blaze: remind me to modify the thing about the Eeveelutions. I'm roughly 90 % sure Nympheon is gonna be Bug type. As for Silver's past, it is meant to be mysterious while being reveled very slowly.
- Fennekin: let's see ... a Shiny Gardevoir, a crystal Onix, a Shiny Ponyta, Snorlax's mate who will be Shiny like their kid ... and I don't know for the rest.
- DLWW: Ash will get an Aggron. A claustrophobic Aggron. How do you walk around with a beast like that can't stand being kept in a poké-ball?
Well, that's all for today. See ya soon! Gotta catch my bus ...