Leaving Blackthorn city, Ash and his friends head back to New Bark Town so Ash could register for the Silver Conference.

On the way to it, they stopped at a nearby Pokémon Center.

Upon arrival, they received a call from Prof. Elm.

"Hi Ash good to hear from you." Prof. Elm said appearing on the other line

"Same with you Prof. Elm." Ash said. "How's everything going at your lab?"

"Everything's going great. In fact the reason I'm calling is about a Pokémon Egg I'm researching. A friend of Prof. Oak's is carrying a Pokémon Egg for me and I was wondering if you could pick it up." Prof. Elm asks.

"Really? Well how come you couldn't get Jimmy, Marina or Vincent to do it?" Misty asks.

"Well Jimmy and Vincent are away trying to get their last badges and Marina is too far away to retrieve it, so that's why I'm asking if you can." Prof. Elm explains.

"Well I don't see anything wrong with that." Brock said shrugging. "Why not?"

"Sure Prof. Elm, where can we find this person?" Ash asks.

"He should be at the Marine Research Center nearby." Prof. Elm said.

Ash checked his Pokégear and looked for directions. "Says here it's right down a path from here."

"Thank you Ash." Prof. Elm said as he hung up.

"Another Pokémon Egg?" Tomo asks putting his hands around his head.

"I wonder what this Pokémon could be?" Molly asks interested. "Maybe something cute."

"I'm with you on that one." Misty said. "So let's go check it out."

"Holdup, there's something else I need to do." Ash said reachingg out to dial another number.

Appearing on the screen was Tracey at Prof. Oak's lab who looked a little worn out.

"Hey Ash, what's up?" Tracey panted.

"Hey Tracy you ok?" Ash asks.

"Sorry Ash, but this new Pokémon you sent over is pretty shy, not to mention it flies faster than anything I've ever seen. Prof. Oak and I have been trying to calm her down all day." Tracey said.

"Sounds like you two have met Mei-Mei." Ash chuckles.

"What kind of a Pokémon did you catch? It's not registered in Kanto or Johto PokéDex's."

"And more importantly how do we calm her down?!" Prof. Oak yells in the background.

"Ash, do something." Misty whispered.

"Uh..can I talk to her?" Ash said.

"Sure hang on a second." Tracy said leaving the screen.

After a few minutes of seeing Tracey, Prof. Oak and Mei-Mei run around the screen she eventually stopped at the phone when she saw Ash's face.

"Hey there Mei-Mei." Ash waved.

Mei-Mei smiles happy to see a familiar face and Prof. Oak and Tracey were happy to finally get a break from chasing her.

"Why are you causing so much trouble for Prof. Oak and Tracy?" Ash asks.

Mei-Mei gestures that she's shy around new people and they surprised her.

"Oh is that it? Well I'm sorry, but I promise you. They're really nice people and they would never hurt you.'

Mei-Mei looks at Tracey and Prof. Oak who nod saying it was the truth.

"When I'm not around they'll be the people who take care of you and trust me Tracy and Prof. Oak are the best." Ash said.

Mei-Mei took a few seconds to think this through, before she nods.

"Honestly Ash, someday you're gonna catch something that's gonna give me a heart attack." Prof. Oak said sitting down.

"What can I say Prof. Oak? I have a thing for catching Pokémon." Ash shrugs.

"Where'd you even managed to find something like this?"

"Let's just say I got into quite the adventure when we stopped in Altomare." Ash said rubbing the back of his head.

"I hope to hear that one day..." Prof. Oak stopped as he looked at Ash's pendant.

"Does your story also explain why you that as well?" He points.

Ash looked down. "Oh uh..I guess."

"Well then I hope to hear this story very soon Ash. In the meantime is there anything else I can do?" Prof. Oak asks.

"Actually I do can you get Nymph for me?" Ash asks.

"Sure be right back." Prof. Oak said walking out.

"So Misty, tell me how did that Water Pokémon race in Altomare go?" Tracey asks.

"You tell me?" Misty grinned holding her new pendant out.

"I never doubted you for a second Misty." Tracey smiles.

"Oh you." Misty giggled. That's when Nymph flies in and waves to Ash.

"Hi Ash." Nymph said.

"Hi Nymph, have you met Mei-Mei?" Ash asks getsuring to Latias.

"Oh yeah she's been flying around the forest all morning." Nymph nods.

"Well listen I need your help, Can you help Mei-Mei adjust to her new life here maybe show her the ropes?" Ash asks.

"Wouldn't Alpha be a better choice? He does manage the entire ranch." Nymph asks.

"Yes, but Alpha can't keep up with her, you can." Ash said.

Nymph took some to think about. "Well, I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks Nymph. Now Mei-Mei you be good to everyone." Ash said as Mei-Mei nods in understanding.

And with that, they hung up.

"My Tracey is such a sweetie believing in me like that." Misty smiles hugging Togepi.

"Ok, we get it, can we get a move on?" Tomo said grossed out.

"Sure Tomo." Ash chuckles.

"You'll understand when you're older and find a girl for yourself." Brock said.

"Oh yeah, how come that hasn't happened to you yet?" Tomo asks, eyes narrowed.

"Ooh he's got you there Brock." Ash said as he, Misty and Molly chuckle.

Brock was in a corner, on the floor in a cradle position. "Can we go now?" He whined.


After Brock had recovered, they made their way to the research center.

"Prof. Elm said the person holding the egg is a friend of Prof. Oak. I bet he knows a lot about Pokémon. " Molly said.

"He could be a professor." Ash guessed.

"Or maybe a celebrity." Misty guessed.

Hanging onto their thoughts they made they finally arrived at the Marine lab.

Walking inside they saw that the building was empty.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" Ash calls out.

"We're here to pick up the Pokémon Egg for Prof. Elm!" Molly said.

"Oh hello there." A female voice said. Walking in from the back was a female with red hair and a white lab coat. "Can I help you with something?"

Before anyone can say something Brock was in front of her. "Of course you can, you can help relocate something I've lost many many years ago."

"And that would be?.." The woman asks.

"My heart." Brock said when Misty pulls his ears. "OW!"

"If I were you I'd keep looking." Misty said.

"Um...actully ma'am." Ash said bringing her attention. "We're here to pick up an egg from Prof. Elm."

"Oh, he said you would be arriving, but I should tell you I'm not the one holding onto the Pokémon Egg." She said.

"You're not?" Ash asks.

"My name's Naomi and I run this facility but the person holding the egg you're looking for just stopped here."

She leads them to another part of the building.

"So Naomi what exactly are you researching here?" Misty asks.

"Well currently I'm studying the migration patterns of various Lapras herds to figure out their next location." Naomi said.

"Lapras, do they pass by here alot?" Brock asks.

"If my research is correct one herd will be passing by here today." Naomi said.

"Oh what I would do to see something like that." Misty commented.

"Well if you have time you can wait with me outside for them to arrive." Naomi offers.

"Oh I'll be there." Misty smiles.

Once they entered the room where the egg was, they saw a man with green hair by a table. "Excuse me sir, the ones who came for Prof. Elm have arrived."

"Oh excellent. I was wondering when they would show up." The man said turning around. "Ash? Misty? Brock?"

All three of them gasp as the man in front of them was none other than Bill of the Lighthouse from Kanto.

"Bill?!" They exclaimed.

"It's been a long time, what are you doing here?" Bill asks.

"We should be asking you that. What are you doing outside your lighthouse?" Misty asks.

"I'm taking a break from my studies and decided to visit my home region." He said.

"You were from Johto?" Brock asks.

"Yes and while I was here I decided to add the Pokémon from this region to my information." Bill said.

"Information?" Tomo asks.

"Bill has been gathering data on all the different types of Pokémon." Brock explains.

"Woah like all of the Pokémon in the world?" Molly asks.

"Not exactly so far I've only gathered the Pokémon from here and Kanto, there are still so many more regions with Pokémon that we don't know about." Bill said rubbing the back of his head.

"So like the Pokémon you got Ash." Tomo says.

"Exactly. So Bill how many Pokémon are you up to in your research?" Ash asks.

"So far between here and Kanto alone there are over 251 different species of Pokemon. Tell me Ash how much has your Pokémon team expanded since the last time we met?" Bill asks.

"Oh you have absolutely no idea." Ash said. First he explained about his Magby Egg, him getting out of region Pokemon like Alolan Raichu, Glaceon, Magmortar, and alot more.

Needless to say Bill was blown away by all this. "And just like that Ash, you've added more to my research." He smiles.

"What can I say, it's like Pokémon are drawing to me." Ash chuckles.

"Speaking of, you'll probably want this Pokémon." Bill said handing him the incubator.

Inside it was a green colored egg.

"Wow, what Pokémon is inside it?" Molly asks.

"I'm not sure, my associate and I found this when we were hiking Mt. Silver." Bill said.

"Associate?" Brock asks.

"Yes, he's been my protection for when I encountered some dangerous Pokémon. We both left Kanto at the same time to come here." Bill said.

"Where is he?" Tomo asks looking around.

Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder making him jump.

"Easy kid I don't bite." Turning around they saw a large muscular man with black hair.

"Ah Bruno, there you are." Bill said making Brock gasp.

"B-Bruno? As in Bruno of the Elite 4?!"

"The very same." He nods.

"You see like me Bruno has transferred to Johto where he's become a member of their Elite 4 as well." Bill explains.

"Woah that's awesome.."

"I'm currently second to only Lance himself." Bruno said.

"Well then you're in for a challenge because we've seen Lance in action." Molly said.

"Yeah his Dragonite is really strong and undefeated, no wonder he's a champion." Misty recalled

"For now, my Pokémon and I have been training for the day we battle Lance." Bruno said.

"So what Pokémon do you use?" Tomo asks.

"Bruno specializes in fighting type Pokémon." Bill explains. "But also uses Rock Pokémon, which in my opinion isn't such bad combination."

"That's actually pretty smart since both types can cover for the other in terms of strengths and weaknesses." Ash said.

"Those are exactly my thoughts." Bruno said impressed looking at Ash and his appearance. "I can tell just from your eyes you're a tough trainer." He smiles.

"Well thank you sir." Ash said with a smile.

"So Bruno where did he run off to this time?" Bill asks.

"Oh you know him he's always the sneaky one." Bruno shrugs having no idea.

"Did you had another asosciate with you?" Brock asks.

"Yes but sometimes it's really hard to keep track of where he goes." Bill sighs.

"Where he goes? What is he a ghost?" Molly jokes.

"More like a ninja." Bruno says.

"Huh?" Tomo said when suddenly a tarp with a pattern that matched the wall went down revealing a man with spiky hair standing behind Ash making everyone but him jump.

Misty points behind him in fear.

"Huh?" Ash turns around to see multiple flying stars thrown at him. "Whoa!" Ash yelps dodging all of them.

"I see you reflexes have improved Ash." The man said.

Ash turned to the man who said and did that and his eyes widened. "K-Koga?!"

It was indeed Koga, the Original Gym leader of Fuchsia City.

"Greetings my old opponent." Koga nods.

"I see your way of saying hello hasn't changed." Ash said gesturing to the shuriken.

"Koga I thought we talked this." Bruno said holding onto the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"You have to take it easy with the sneaking up on people." Bill said.

"Well I remember telling you that, the art of a ninja is to give the enemy the element of surprise."

"Koga what are you doing here? We heard from Aya that you've been busy." Ash asks.

"Much has happened old friend since our gym battle like Bruno I have also become a member of the Elite 4." Koga said proudly.

That was news to Misty and Brock.

"Two Elite 4 members in one place?" Brock said.

"That's some role, but wait what about the Fuchsia Gym?" Misty asks.

"That's taken care of." Koga said. "After I took up the position, my gym is now under the care of my daughter."

"Daughter?" Everyone except Ash said surprised, since he already knew.

"So how's Aya doing?" Ash asks.

"She's doing well, once she completes her training she'll go back to assist my daughter with the gym." Koga said.

"She's a spitting image of her father, that's what she is." Bill commented.

"It's quite impressive coincidence that we all met through our association with Bill." Koga said.

"Well I gotta say, congratulations to the both of you." Brock said.

"So are you three here to see the Lapras herd pass by?" Misty asks.

"Why yes we are." Bill nods.

"Any idea when they're coming over?" Tomo asks, when Naomi rushed over with equipment.

"They're coming!"

Running outside all of them look to see Naomi at the water with a sonar.

Once she reached the pier, Naomi pulled out a Pokéball. "Lanturn you're on!" Out in the water a Lanturn popped out.

Naomi quickly got to work. "Alright Lanturn, use Supersonic."

Lanturn dived underwater and released supersonic sound waves from its bulb.

"Impressive, she's using Lanturn's Supersonic waves to expand the sonar." Brock said.

From Naomi's computer, they heard some cries.

"They're getting closer." Naomi said as she typed on her computer.

"Oh this is so exciting." Misty said holding her breath when from out of the water a herd of Lapras appeared.

"Wow.." Molly and Tomo were both in awe.

"Mime.." So was Mime Jr.

"It's quite a sight isn't it?" Bruno asks.

"Sometimes it's the little things that Pokémon do that can just take your breath away." Bill said.

Ash sighed. "Seeing them reminds me of Aurora."

"Aurora?" Koga asks.

"She's my Lapras. I caught her a year ago back when I travelled through the Orange Islands." He explained.

"The Orange Islands is a popular area for the Lapras herds to migrate to." Naomi nods.

"That's where my Lapras was from, she got separated from her herd and we went all over looking for them." Ash said.

"Would that happened to be the same herd?" Brock asks to the Lapras.

"It's a strong possiblity." Naomi nods.

"I bet Aurora would be so happy if it was her old herd." Tomo said.

After the Lapras herd left everyone was sitting down talking.

"So Ash how many badges have you collected?" Bill asks.

Ash opens his jacket to reveal his 8 badges. "All 8. And I'm now ready to take on the Silver Conference."

"Impressive." Bruno said.

"Tell me Ash do you think you're ready for the League?" Koga asks.

"I hope so." Ash said.

"Well how about a rematch to see if you are?" Koga offers surprising him.

"You're challenging me? But you're an Elite." He said.

"This wouldn't be an official match just a friendly test to see how far we've come." Koga said. Thus making Ash grin.

"Well, Alright Koga you're on!" Ash said making up his mind.


On a beach, Ash and Koga faced off while the others were on the sidelines. Molly was holding onto the egg.

"This Pokémon battle between Ash of Pallet Town and Koga of the Elite 4 will now begin. Each side use two Pokémon. No time limit, and the match will be decided once both sides Pokémon are down!" Brock said acting as the referee.

Koga pulled a his first Pokéball out. "Forretress, attack!"

"What's that?" Ash asks taking out his Pokedex.

"Forretress, the Bagworm Pokémon and the evolved form of Pineco. It is encased in a steel shell. Its peering eyes are all that can be seen of its mysterious innards."

"For!" Koga's Forretress spun rapidly.

"Whoa an evolved Pineco. Hey Brock you should pay close attention." Ash said turning to his friend.

"Let's see how you plan to get past my strong defense." Koga said.

"Challenge accepted, Yuki I choose you!" Ash throws out his Alolan Ninetales.

Instantly Koga, Bill and Bruno looked at the white Ninetales in awe.

"My goodness, I've never seen that species of Ninetales before." Bill said.

"She may look beautiful, but she's a fierce battler. Right girl?" Ash asks.

"Nine." Yuki nods.

"Forretress use Toxic Spikes!" Koga said as Fortress fires multiple toxic needles at the ground.

"Toxic Spikes?" Misty asks.

"A field status move. When an opponent switches Pokemon and if they're touching the floor, they get poisoned instantly." Bill explains.

"Sneaky move." Molly said.

"That's part of Koga's strategy. He traps his opponents with that move because most trainers don't want to risk getting poisoned." Bruno explains.

"Yuki use Ice Beam!" Ash said as Yuki blasted an icy blue blast at Forretress.

"Iron Defense!" Forretress glows bright as his defense raised taking the attack head on.

"Now Zap Cannon!" Forretress then shoots from its holes electricity like a canon at Yuki.

"Yuki use Double Team!" Creating multiple copies Yuki dodges the attack just in the nick of time.

"Now use Rapid Spin!" Spining quickly Forretress knocks into all the copies before smashing into the real Yuki.

"Use Hypnosis!" Recovering from the attack, Yuki glares and sends a dark eye beam out of her eyes.

"Dodge and use Venoshock!"

Forretress spun out of the way, before he was entranced drenches Yuki the target in a special poisonous liquid, making her yelp in severe pain. "Yuki!"

"That looked really strong." Tomo said.

"This new Fairy Type must have a weakness to Poison Type attacks." Brock said.

"Fairy Type?" Bill asks taking a note of the move.

"Yuki are you okay?" Ash asks as Yuki felt the effects of the Poison.

"Nine.." She groaned.

'If I switch out my other Pokémon will just get poisoned too. I got to stick with Yuki.' Ash thought.

"Have you been training with your Pokémon lately Ash? Because things are looking Grim for you already." Koga says.

"Don't worry about me Koga, this battle is far from over. Yuki use Dazzling Gleam!"

Yuki creates a rainbow colored sphere around her body and it slams into the Forretress.

"Forretress use Gyro ball!" Spinning quickly Forretress charges towards Yuki.

"Iron Tail!" With her 9 tails glowing, Yuki charged and swats Forretress to the floor.

"Forr." Forretress groans picking itself up.

"How's that Koga?" Ash asks.

"Now this is what I was hoping to see." Koga said with a grin. "The real match finally begins. Get yourself up Forretress, Swift attack!"

Forretress recovered and spun itself, creating multiple stars that shoots out just like a ninja.

"Yuki use Ice Beam!" Firing the attack Yuki froze all the stars causing them to fall to the ground. "Now throw them back!"

She used her tail to smack them right at Forretress.

"Forretress use Iron Defense!" Increasing his defense Forretress deflects the frozen stars.

"Now let's use Blizzard!" Ash said.

Yuki created a powerful snowstorm that caused the temperature in the area to drop.

The icy wind causes Forretress to be encased in a block of ice.

"Oh no!" Koga gasps.

"Iron Tail and break that ice Yuki!" Ash said. Yuki charged with her tails glowing and struck the ice, cracking it and freeing Forretress.

Forretress crashes into the ground and groans in pain.

"Now Iron Tail one more time!"

"Forretress use Explosion!"

Ash gasped hearing the attack name. "Quick run away!'

Yuki tries to stop but gets swept up in the shockwave of the attack causing Yuki to scream in pain as she falls to the ground.

Forretress also falls to the floor after the self destructive move.

"Both Forretress and Ninetales are unable! The first round is a draw!"

"Yuki!" Ash said running over to check on her. "Are you alright?"

Yuki opens her eyes and looks to Ash. "Nine.." She softly apologized.

"It's alright, you did good out there." He said rubbing the ice types head before returning her. "Take a long rest."

"Impressive. Your Pokémon are a force to be reckoned with. You've trained them well." Koga said.

"Thanks Koga, but think for a fact this match is over." Ash said returning back to seriouness mode pulling out a new ball. "Come on out Torch!"

Ash released his Charizard as he roars loudly and his flames grew.

"Clever by using a flying type you avoid the effects of my Toxic spikes." Koga said.

"Oh I didn't forget about your little trick." Ash said.

Koga pulls out his last Pokéball. "It's time we end this. I choose Weezing!"

"Torch use Flamethrower!" Ash said as Torch breaths a stream of flames.

"Sludge Attack!" Koga said and Weezing shoots out sources from its holes.

The two attacks collide canceling each other out.

"Dragon Claw!" Ash said as Torch flew in with glowing claws.

"Smokescreen!" Weezing released a black smoke and hides itself within it making Torch stop in his tracks.

"Now Shadow Ball!" From the smoke, a ball of darkness flew out and smashes into Torch.

He staggers back from the attack.

"Torch use Fire Spin!", Torch fires an orb of flames at Weezing from its mouth.

"Quick rise!" Weezing flies upwards but the flames scorch him.

"Up in the air Torch!" Ash said and Torch flapped his wings flying next to Weezing as it was now am aerial battle.

"Use Sludge Bomb Weezing!" Koga said. From its mouths, Weezing spits out brown sludge.

"Torch use Dragon Claw!" Torch slices the sludge bombs in half before striking Weezing.

"Weezing Tackle!" Recovering, Weezing tackles into Charizard's gut.

"Now Thunderbolt!" Releasing a powerful electric attack Weezing zaps Torch dealing super effective damage.

"Torch, no!" Ash gasped.

"Weezing knows Thuderbolt?!" Tomo gasped

"It's a good thing Team Rocket never made that discovery." Misty gulps.

After the shock treatment, Torch descends to the ground. The second he touched it the effects of Toxic Spikes surged through his body.

"The Toxic Spikes!" Molly gasped.

"Oh no Torch! Tomo gasps.

'Man Koga's really gotten stronger since our gym battle, no wonder he made the Elite 4.' Ash thought. "Torch use Air Slash!"

Creating a blade of air Torch launches it at Weezing causing it to flinch.

"Now use Flamethrower!" Torch breathes out flames again, and this time they hit Weezing head on.

"The poison may be working but Ash isn't going down without a fight." Bill said.

"This one definitely is a step above your average trainer." Bruno nods.

Torch growls in pain as he feels the poison take in some more.

"Weezing use Sludge Wave!" A big wave of dark purple sludge forms around Weezing. The sludge is then hurled at the Torch.

Falling to the ground Torch panted heavily as the poison sucked more of his health away.

Ash grunted. "Oh man..this is getting bad the minute. The more I attack, the more Torch gets poisoned. What do I do?"

"Sorry Ash, your skills have indeed improved but not enough. Weezing Double Hit!" Koga said as he charged in to land the final blow.

Ash began thinking of some way of evading this.

"Torch grab him and use Seismic Toss!"

Finding all of the strength he had, Torch grabs onto Weezing as he flies into the air and spun in circles.

"Yes! Ash is gonna win!" Misty cheers.

"Not if I have any say! Weezing Explosion!" Weezing's body glowed.

"Torch stop the attack!" Ash yells as Torch tosses Weezing high into the air.

Koga's eyes widens. "Weezing!"

And with that Weezing exploded into the sky, making everyone shield their eyes.

Falling to the ground Weezing crashes in a small crater with swirly eyes.

"Weez." Weezing groans.

"Weezing is unable to battle. Charizard is the winner! The winner of the match is Ash!" Brock said.

With the victory given to them, Torch finally falls over.

"Torch!" Ash gasps as Torch turns to him and exhausted. "You were amazing buddy." Ash smiles.

The fire lizard grunted happily.

"Now that was quite the battle Ash. That's twice you've beaten me." Koga said bowing his head in respect.

"Well Koga it was a really close battle. If I had delayed by even a second you would have won." Ash said.

"Maybe so, but in the end you fought marvelously. I believe you're ready to battle in the Johto League." Koga said.

Hearing this Ash's confidence rose as a smile formed on his face.


Later that day Ash put the green egg in his backpack as they all said their goodbyes to Bill, Koga, Bruno and Naomi.

"It was great seeing you all again." Bill said.

"Keep up your research Bill." Ash said.

"Oh believe me I don't plan on stopping anytime soon." Bill smiles.

"Thank you so much for letting us see the Laptas Naomi." Misty says.

"It was my pleasure." Naomi smiles.

"Maybe you could use an assistant for future studies. Like Love." Brock said.

That's when Tomo's boomerang clonked his head.

"How about brain damage because you're clearly suffering from it." Misty said.

The two pulled the knocked out breeder away. "Ash, I look forward to the day we do battle again." Koga said.

"As do I." Bruno said. "You young man have the potential to become a strong champion. I wish you the best of luck at the Silver Conference."

"Thanks Bruno, I'll do my best." Ash nods.

"Be sure to bring that egg to Prof. Elm safely." Bill says.

"Don't you worry, we will."

Waving goodbye to the four of them Ash and his friends take the Pokémon Egg and leave for Prof. Elm's laboratory.

To be continued..


Next chapter, be ready for a surprise.