After saying goodbye to Larvitar at the Pokémon Preserve, Ash and his family and friends were on the way to Silver Town when they noticed a crowd of people in front of a large temple.

"What's going on over there?" Tomo asked.

"Let's go check it out." Brock said as they walked over to the crowd.

"Hey what's going on?" Ash asks.

"Were waiting for the torch." One of the spectators said.

"The torch?" Misty asked confused.

"The Johto League Silver Conference Torch." Another said shocking them.

"No way." Molly said.

"Yep this is the Ho-Oh shrine where the torch begins its run to the Conference."

"Wow, Ash can we see it?" Tomo asks excited.

"Heck yeah we can." Ash smiles getting excited himself.

...

As time went by, everyone was wondering when the Torch runner would arrive.

"Oh man I can't wait." Misty said.

"I hope those doors open soon." Brock said.

It was taking a while for the runner to come.

Suddenly the door opens up to reveal a shrine worker.

"Excuse me, folks, I'm sorry to say but we've encountered a small inconvenience so it will be a little longer." He said.

"Toge!" Togepi said as she ran ahead through the small opening in the door.

"Mime Mime Mime." Mime Jr. said trying to go after her.

"Hey you two, you can't come in here!" The Shrine said going to stop them.

"Togepi!"

"Mime Jr!" Misty and Molly said as they all ran in to get their Pokemon.

"I'm sorry sir, Togepi just got excited is all." Misty said eventually catching up with them.

"It's alright, just try and be more careful." The worker tells them and them heard a yell and saw two trainers running with one holding a Poliwhirl on his back.

"How are we supposed to train in the middle of all this danger?!" A male trainer said outraged.

"It doesn't make sense for us to put our Pokémon in such risk just before the conference." The female trainer said before they left for the Pokémon Center.

The worker sighed. "Two more gone.."

"Were those two entered in the Silver Conference?" Molly asks.

"Yes, are you all entered as well?" He asks.

"I am." Ash said.

"Ah if that's the case I have a big favor to ask of you." The man said in a begging manner.

"Uh what is it?" Ash asks.

"I've asked many trainers, but they all run away in fear." He said surprising them.

"Uh what happened?" Ash asks fearfully.

"So that's what's going on." A new voice said.

Turning they see a teenaged boy with brown hair and had a Houndoom by his side.

"Who are you?" The worker asks.

"My name's Harrison and I'm from Litteroot town in the Hoenn region." He said.

"Littleroot Town?" Ash asks.

"Hoenn?" Misty asks.

"I believe it's a region that's across from here." Brock guessed.

"Who are you?" Harrison asks.

"I'm Ash from Pallet Town."

"I'm Molly."

"My name's Misty."

"I'm Brock."

"And my name's Tomo."

The worker takes them all towards the shrine building where there were torch runners inside. "You see we already have the torch to light the flame and the runners raring to go, but there's one little problem: We can't get the flames to light it."

"How come?" Harrison asks.

The attendant details to them the shrine was named after a legend from Ho-oh.

"Ho-Oh Shrine was where a terrible war was fought. People ravaged the place so badly that the Pokémon suffered because of it and the vegetation was wiped out. And that's when Ho-Oh appeared from the sky and unleashed a rose-colored flame that set the area alight and destroyed the weapons of war. From the ashes came new life and the area was restored to nature. But a bit of a tree was left burning for the longest of times. And they placed the fire in a shrine declaring the Sacred Flame that is now housed in the Ho-Oh Shrine."

"That's an amazing story." Molly said.

"If you need the Sacred Flame to light the torch where is it?" Tomo asks.

"There is a shrine at the top of the stone steps and there at the Sacred Flame lives." The worker said.

"So what's the problem?" Ash asks.

"A wild Sneasel lives nearby."

"Sneasel you say? Then that changes everything." Harrison grins.

"What do you mean?" Ash asks.

"I read thag Mt. Silver is full of Sneasel, and I've been wanting to catch one ever since." He explains.

"That Sneasel is very territorial and attacks anyone who gets near the shrine and to make things worse a Machop and Machoke have joined up with it." The worker said.

"Yikes, those three sound like tough to beat." Misty said.

"It does, that's why I ask different trainers the same question, but sadly it's all the same. Beaten, empty handed and hurt. If this keeps we can't light the torch and the Silver Conference won't start."

"Well lucky for you this time you got the numbers advantage." Ash said.

"Yeah, we'll get the Torch and I'll catch me a Sneasel." Harrison said.

"Oh thank you. Thank you all." The attendent said relieved.

As they made their way up the steps they were starting to feel a little tired.

"I'm starting to see why so many people lost. It's exhausting climbing all these steps and then battling." Misty said.

"We're almost there, just a little further." Morrison reassured.

"There's the top." Tomo said running ahead but once he did he almost got hit by an arm. "Whoa!" He said ducking out of the way.

As the others reached the top they saw Machop and Machoke.

"So these are the Machop and Machoke the ones he warned us about." Ash said

"But where's the Sneasal?" Molly asks looking around.

"Probably hiding somewhere, but for now we'll deal with these two." Misty said going for a Pokéball. "Go Kingler!"

"Machop!" Machop yells doing Karate Chop.

"Kingler, Crabhammer!"

Kingler's claw glowed and her and Machop's hands met. Machop tried using Brick Break.

"Use Harden then use Bubblebeam!" Misty says. Kingler's defense raises and she takes little damage from Machop. From her mouth, multicolored bubbles from her claw that pushed Machop back.

Ash faced off against Machoke who was charging up Focus Punch.

"Go Sakura, use Vine Whip!"

Sakura's vines sprouts out and slapped Machoke, causing him to lose focus.

"Harrison, Tomo, Molly get to the Shrine!" Ash said.

"Got it!" The three hurried towards the Ho-oh shrine and Harrison opens it the doors to find a Ho-oh statue holding up the Sacred Flames.

"Wow." Harrison said about to grab it when something almost slashes him. Narrowly dodging it the three of them came face to face with Sneasel.

"SneasalSne!" Sneasel said telling them to scram.

"Sorry Sneasel, but we're not going without that flame. Houndoom Flamethrower!" Harrison yells.

Houndoom blasted flaames from his mouth towards Sneasel, who easily dodged it.l Moving in quick Sneasel uses Slash scratching Houndoom across the face.

"Use Flame Charge!" Houndoom's body was engulfed in flames as he charged.

Acting quickly Sneasel uses Faint Attack tricking Houndoom into looking in the wrong direction before striking.

"That was a dirty trick." Molly said.

"Mime."

"Sneasel is a sneaky Pokémon, but that's what's gonna make catching it worthwhile." Harrison said.

"Sneasal!" Sneasel's claws glowed brightly.

"Look for that Metal Claw!" Tomo exclaimed.

"Houndoom return!" Harrison said taking out a Pokéball and calling Houndoom back just before it hit.

"That Sneasal is tough." Molly said.

"Yeah guess I'm gonna have to step it up to beat this Pokémon." Harrison said.

Back with Ash and Misty's battle, they were still at it with Machop and Machoke.

"Machoke!" Machoke grabs Sakura and uses Seismic Toss throwing her into Kingler.

"Get back up Kingler!" Misty called up.

"We're not losing to these two Sakura!" Ash calls.

Both Pokémon growled as they picked themselves up and glare down the two fighting types.

Machoke and Machop turned to the other and nodded. Machop jumps into Machoke's hands and Machoks started spinning.

"Oh no it's Submission!" Ash gasps remembering that move.

"Ash, I got an idea, but try to follow along." Misty quickly tells him.

"Whatever you got Misty, you better do it fast." Ash nods.

She nodded and turned to the Pokémon. "Kingler, use Crabhammer on Meganium and send her into the air!"

Kingler whacks Sakura sending her high into the air.

"Now Ash!"

"Sakura use Solarbeam!" Ash shouts. When Sakura was in the air, turns out Kingler hits her directly under the sun.

Gathering sunlight at a quicker pace Sakura fires Solarbeam hitting both Machop and Machoke.

"Ma!" Both fighting types were sent down the hill from the explosion.

"Two down, one to go." Brock said as they turned to Harrison staring Sneasel down.

"I am not letting this chance slip by! Blaziken go!" Harrison said calling out a new Pokémon they had never seen before.

It was red chicken-like Pokémon. Behind its head, there are beige, hair-like feathers that continue downward and surround its chest and abdomen. It has a small red face with a V-shaped crest on its head that looks like a masked fighter.

"Blaziken!"

"Woah what is that?" Ash pulls his PokéDex out.

"Blaziken, the Blaze Pokémon. Blaziken has strong, muscular legs that give it great lower body strength. This lower body strength helps its kicking and jumping abilities. Blaziken's wrists have gray wristband-like markings capable of producing a tuft of fire above them."

"I've never seen anything like that before." Misty said.

"That Pokémon must be from the Hoenn region." Brock said.

"Sneasal!" Sneasal leapt to attack.

"Blaziken, use Quick Attack!" Harrison said.

Blaziken dashes at an incredible speed and rams into Sneasal knocking him to the ground.

"Whoa that thing is fast." Tomo said.

"Now Flamethrower!"

Blaziken fires flames from its mouth, which made Sneasal cry out in pain.

"Now finish with Blaze Kick!" Flames surrounded Blaziken's legs as he brings it in and kicks Sneasal in the face causing him to fall to the ground with swirly eyes.

"Pokéball go!" Harrison yelled throwing a Pokéball.

Once tapped, Sneasal was sucked into the ball. They then see it wiggle back and forth, Sneasal was trying to escape but after one more wiggle it finally went "Ding"! Meaning Sneasal was captured.

"Yes I caught me a Sneasal." Harrison smiles picking up the Pokéball.

"Congrats, Harrison." Ash said.

"Hey guys, the flames?" Brock asked reminding them.

"Oh yeah." Opening the shrine Ash saw a beautiful statue of Ho-Oh and at the top of it was the Sacred Flame.

A"Wow.." Ash's was taken away as he held them.

Back down the hill...

They finally delivered the flames to the torch runner.

"Thanks to you the Sacred Flame is back where it belongs." The shrine worker said congratulating them.

"Thanks, but what are you gonna do about Machop and Machoke?" Ash asks.

"Well when you knocked them down the hill, we nursed them back to health and as payment they've agreed to guard the shrine permanently." He smiles gesturing to the two fighting types.

"That's perfect. They'll do great." Brock liked the idea. They then heard cheering and saw the first torch runner began running with the Sacred Flames in hand.

"It's finally starting." Ash smiles.

"Hey Ash are you in the Conference?" Harris asks.

"Sure am." Ash nodded.

"Awesome, I am too." Harrison said surprising him. "Looks like the next time we meet, is on the Silver Conference battlefield."

"Wow with Harrison and Blaziken things just got tougher." Brock said.

"But it'll be so cool seeing all tbose trainers and Pokémon." Tomo said.

"And you're gonna beat them all?" Molly asks Ash.

"You know it." Ash nods as he watches Harrison walk off.


That next day, our heroes were now only a few miles away from Silver Town, home of the Johto League Silver Conference.

And Ash was pulling out all the stops to make sure he was ready for League.

He had all of his Pokémon do thier own kind of training, while he had Mewtwo and of course Maelstrom help them. Whether with Psychic or water moves or in between.

"Mewtwo charge!" Ash said as Mewtwo summons his giant spoon and charged at Small One who surfs out of the way.

"Good Small One, but abit more faster!" Ash said.

Jumping out of the way of Malestrom's Extrasensory Inferno fired Flamethrower.

While Riptide, blasts water gun at Demon. Who dodges and used Fire Spin.

Nearby Sakura was facing Yuki as Yuki fired Ice Beam and Sakura jumped over it and used Razor Leaf.

'Just think, if we follow this kind of training, we'll be in the victory circle before we know it.' Ash thought.

Nearby Brock, Misty, Molly and Tomo were whispering about something while Ash was distracted.

"Okay is everyone clear on the plan?" Brock asks.

"Yep I stay with you and help." Misty said.

"While we deal with Ash." Molly whispered.

"Once you guys finish everything, we'll lead him back here." Tomo whispered.

"But how are we going to get Ash to get away long enough?" Misty asks.

"Got ya covered." Tomo said.

He pulled a Pokéball and out came Ledian.

While Molly called out her Butterfree.

"Here take these and fly as fast as you can." Tomo said as they handed the bug types their backpacks.

Both nodded and took off into the air.

"Alright...3...2..1...ASH HELP!" They both screamed snapping him out of his training.

"H-huh? What is it?!" He asked coming over quickly.

"Our backpacks, they're gone!" Tomo pointed out.

"What? What happened?" Ash asks.

"We put them down for a second and I guess some wild Pokémon wanted our snacks inside and they took the whole thing." Molly said.

Ash groaned holding his face. "Not again."

"Ash you gotta help us get them back before they get too far." Tomo said.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do." He nodded and turns to his Pokémon. "Alright guys, that's enough!" He stops them. "Listen, we got an emergency, Tomo and Molly's bags were stolen by wild Pokémon, so I need you guys to help me find them."

All of them nod as they took off in different directions into the woods.

"You guys stay here, I'll handle this!" Ash said running after them.

The second Ash was no longer in sight Tomo and Molly's sad expressions changed to smirks as they high fived each other.

"Too."

"Easy."

..

As Ash was running through the woods he saw Demon and Yuki running alongside him.

"You guys find anything?" Ash asks.

Yuki and Demon both sniffed into the air for a trace.

As both Pokémon turned to face each other they both stared into each other's eyes and smiled softly.

They then caught a familiar scent in the air.

Demon barks pointing towards the river.

Heading over there, they took a good look around and right near the water, they see Tomo's bag.

"Ha gotcha." Ash was about to grab it when a stray water gun knocks the bag into the river.

"Wait what the?!" He gasped looking to see where that came from.

Whatever it was that used Water Gun dived into the water before Ash could see it.

"Dammit." Ash curses as he jumped into the water and grabs the backpack.

"Alright. One down, one to go." He said. He had to find Molly's bag.

..

In the air Trickster was flying around when he noticed a fast object moving through the trees with Molly's bag.

He dives in very quickly towards it. But as Trickster closed in, the figure jumps into the tree leaves and drops the bag so it wouldn't get noticed.

He tilted his head, confused as to what just happened. But quickly forgot about it and grabbed his talons onto the bag.

After what felt like hours Ash finally caught up with Trickster.

He drops Molly's bag in his hands.

"Did you find whoever stole the bag?" He asks him, but Trickster gave a no in reply.

"I couldn't find the thief either." Ash sighs making his way to the campsite. "I can't believe we wasted an entire day doing this."

"SURPRISE!" Brock, Misty, Tomo and Molly said startling him. "Happy birthday Ash!"

Ash jumped in shock. "W-wait what!?"

"It's your birthday silly!" Molly smiling pointing to the date.

"I-I don't believe it. I was so focused on the Silver Conference I forgot my own birthday." Ash said.

"And since you were so busy training, we thought this could be a perfect opportunity for us to prepare everything." Brock said.

Ash's eyes widened. "Wait wait, you mean you guys with your backpacks?"

Tomo and Molly nodded. "Was all a setup."

Appearing out of the bushes behind them were Ledian, Butterfree, Octillary and Teddiursa.

"I can't believe it. You guys actually tricked me." Ash said surprised.

"Yep we sure did." Molly giggles. Ash stood there before he started laughing.

"You guys are the best."

They celebrated their friends, 12th birthday. And Ash felt so lucky to have them here.

When it was time for presents, Misty gave him a brand new fishing lure. A Super Rod with a small lure that had a chili figure of her. Similar to hers.

"With my new Mighty Misty Lure you'll be able to catch all kinds of Pokemon." Misty said.

Ash smiles taking it. "I won't lose it." He said hugging her. "Thanks Mist."

"This is from me." Brock said giving him a new headband. "I thought you could wear it during the league for luck."

It was colored gold and silver, with a blue crystal colored Pokéball symbol on the front.

Ash takes off his old one and puts it on his head. "How do I look?"

"Like a champion." Brock grins.

"Thanks Brocko." The two fist bumped.

"I'm next!" Tomo said.

"Alright, alright what is it?" Ash asks as he unwraps the gift to reveal a protective case. "It's for your Mega Stones, so they don't get damaged when you're not using them."

"Woah Tomo, how you managed to get something like this?" Ash asks.

"I got this when we were in Altomare. I asked Bianca's Uncle to make it for me. I don't know why but I had a hunch you wouldn't stop with just one Mega Stone." Tomo said.

Ash grew smile and he grabbed Tomo into a noogie. "Thanks little bro."

"Hey cut it out!" Tomo laughs.

Molly was next. "I got you two." She held up 2 boxes. "This is from me and Papa. And the other is from Mama."

Ash opens the one from Molly and her dad and inside he saw Molly's favorite storybook.

"It's all stories about many Pokémon from the past and even Legendaries. And I thought we could share that with you." Molly said.

"Thanks Molly, I love it." Ash smiles.

And for the present from his mother. Opening it up he saw 3 things. A pair of black gloves with white borders and red and white shoes, case full of something, a letter.

(Red's gloves from Pokémon Adventures and his shoes from Gen III)

Picking up the letter he read the front. "To my brave little Champion."

"Come on try them on." Molly said.

Ash puts on the gloves on each hand and tries his new running shoes.

"Mom sure knows what's looks good on me." Ash said.

"What's in the case?" Misty pointed.

Ash turns to last thing his mother sends him and opens it up, turning out to a case of newly designed Pokéballs!

"Whoa, where did she get all of those?" Tomo asks picking one up.

They were 10 of them.

A Net Ball, Luxury Ball, Level Ball, Heal Ball, Fast Ball, Dusk Ball, an Ultra Ball, a Great Ball, a Premier Ball and a Friend Ball.

"You mom must've called Kurt and asked him to make some Apricorn Pokéballs." Brock said.

"Wow Mom, I love these." Ash smiles. He couldn't wait to catch more new Pokémon with these.

"Phanpy!" Phanpy jumps into Ash's arms, hugging him.

"Aw thanks Gaia. You guys are the best," Ash smiles.

"Well hold on." Brock reaches behind and pulls out a cake with candles. "Now make a wish."

Ash closed his eyes and he makes his wish.

'I wish I can win the Silver Conference.' Ash thought as he blew out the candles.

Everyone cheered. Ash felt like this was Ash's best birthday ever.


(And now for the moment you've all been waiting for!)

We find our heroes, now finally arriving in Silver Town. Home of where the Johto League Silver Conference is to be taken place.

Right now they were stepping out of the Pokémon Center, where they would learn more of the league.

"How are you feeling Ash?" Tomo asks his big brother.

"Excited, but a little nervous as well." Ash admits.

"Well you should, especially if you end up facing me." Vincent said walking towards them with Jimmy and Marina behind him.

"Good to see you guys made it here too." Brock said.

"We wouldn't miss this for the world." Jimmy said when Ash looks behind him to see Silver walking by.

"Hey Silver!" Ash calls out getting his attention.

"Well what do ya know, you've actually made it." He said walking over.

"Glad to see you were able to get in. How's Gyarados doing?" Ash asks.

"He's been useful. The Blackthorn gym never saw him coming." Silver smirks.

Oh Poor Clair..

"Uh Silver I've been meaning to ask you, what are you going to do when Prof. Elm sees you battle on TV?" Brock asks.

That's when it hit everyone except Silver. "Oh man I all forgot about that!" Tomo exclaimed panicking.

"Crap, the Police and him are still after you, you're still on the run!" Vincent gasped.

"And now you're in a place where they can easily catch you!" Jimmy said.

"You gotta drop out!" Molly said.

"No." Silver simply replied shocking all of them.

"N-no?" Misty asks confused.

"What do you mean "No"?" Marina asks.

"I'm done running away from my past mistakes. If Prof. Elm sees me I will face him and accept my punishment." Silver said.

"Why would you do that now?" Jimmy asks.

"Well this really stubborn and crazy trainer I met once told me something, my past doesn't define, it's my future and choices that do." Silver said as Ash smiles seeing he took his advice.

"Well is there really anything we can do to help you ease Prof. Elm's...you know wrath?" Misty asks.

"Well there might be something you can do that would help." Marina said looking at the Lure Ball that held the Red Gyarados.

"I'm starting to see what you're going for." Silver said pulling it out. "It may be a very very long shot for someone like him to accept."

"But, you're willing to take the risk?" Brock guessed/asked.

"Well it's either this or he goes to jail." Vincent said.

Silver puts the ball back. "Anyways, I'll handle this when the Professor does makes the call."

"You've got guts to do something like that Silver." Ash said before smiling. "And I like that."

"Well lookie here. Seems Ashy boy has made some new friends." Turning around Jimmy saw Gary walking to them.

(Play Pokémon Origins Rival Encounter)

"I'm not surprised to see you here Gary." Ash smirks.

"Who's this guy?" Jimmy asks.

"That's Gary, he's been Ash's rival since he started his journey back in Kanto." Brock said.

"Oh hey I remember you. You helped us back in Goldenrod City with that Team Rocket takeover." Marina recognized him.

"Yep that's me." Gary said.

"So were you able to get all that research figured out?" Ash asks.

"It's coming along." Gary shrugs. "Hey wasn't your birthday just before sign-ups?"

"You remembered?" Ash asks.

"Yeah grandpa wanted to call you but you weren't here yet." Gary said.

"Well thanks for the heads up. I'll call me as soon as possible." Ash nods smiling.

..

As Gary, Silver, Jimmy and Vincent went inside to sign up an Officer Jenny walks up to them.

"Excuse me are you Marina?" She asks when Brock grabs her hands.

"No, but are you the one who who'll unlock the cellar that iz my cold heart and welcome it to what they may say love?" He flirts until Misty pulls his ear. "Ow, ow, ow!"

"That cell of yours is staying locked until your bail is set." Misty groans pulling him away.

"Yes I'm Marina." She nods.

"President Goodshow wants to talk to you about your performance at the torch lighting ceremony." Officer Jenny said surprising everyone but Marina.

"Performance?" Jimmy asks. "What performance?"

"My Pokémon and I are putting on a show for all the competitors and the viewers. This is a really big deal for us." She said.

"Really?! That sounds awesome!" Molly liked hearing this.

"Mime!" So did Mime Jr.

"The opening ceremony? Wow that's impressive." Ash said.

"Well I am starting as as Pokémon Idol, so of course you would get alot of attention." Marina smiled.

"Well we'll all be rooting for you." Tomo said.

"And for those of us who are in the audience." Brock said.

She thanked them all for their support.


After that, we find the crew walking and talking into the Athlete's Village.

Reading the guidebook Brock was telling them the rules for the Silver Conference.

"Wow compared to the Indigo League this is really different." Misty said.

"I'll say." Ash agreed when they saw some kids crowded up ahead and someone was passing out balloons. And who was that someone you ask? A familiar old man with a hat on.

Ash smiled. "Hey, Mr. Goodshow!" He called out.

"Well I'll be. If it isn't Ash and his friends." He smiles.

"Can I have one mister?" Molly asks pointing to the balloons.

"Why of course you can little one." He said handing her one.

"This is Molly, my little sister." Ash introduces.

"Ah well it is nice to meet you. I'm Charles Goodman, President of the Pokémon League Competition Committee."

"Wow you're in charge of the entire Pokémon League?" Molly asks amazed.

"That right. In fact last year your friends here played the important role as torch runners." He smiles at the memory.

"Torch runners?" Molly asks again. "You guys? No way."

"Yes way." Misty smiled. "We all took turns handling a torch that was lit by the legendary Pokémon, Moltres."

"So Ash how far do you think you'll get this time?" Goodshow asks.

"I'm going all the way. I plan to win this thing." Ash grins causing him to chuckle.

"That's what I like to hear. A fiery challenger to the end. I'll be rooting for you Ash."

After saying goodbye, Ash made his way way to small fields where the preliminary matches took place.

"Raichu use Hyper Beam!" A female trainer yells out as his Raichu fired an orange blast from his mouth towards a Hitmontop.

"Hitmontop dodge and use Triple Kick!" A male trainer said as Hitmontop spins out of the way and kicks Raichu three times.

"Now finish this with Rolling Kick!" Hitmontop spun and lifted its leg to land a direct hit and hits Raichu in the face, who couldn't recover from Hyper Beam in time and hits the fenced wall and had swirls in its eyes.

"Raichu is unable, Hitmontop wins! The winner is Darren from Cianwood City!"

"So you can only use one Pokémon during these rounds?" Misty said

"These preliminaries are used to bring the number of trainers down from over 200 to just 48." Brock said reading the guidebook.

"Woah, that's a pretty steep drop." Ash said.

"It is. It's set so each trainer can battle at least 3 times, but depending on the outcome you can still advance to the semifinals even if you have a loss." Brock explained once more.

"Even so I'd rather not lose this early." Ash said.

"Don't worry Ash, you got this." Tomo said.

"Will trainer Ash Ketchum please report to practice field C for your battle." An announcer said on the speakers.

Ash cracked his knuckles. "Alright, let's do this!" He felt pumped to finally get some battles in.

Entering the arena Ash faced off against Salvador who had spiky blue hair, a green t-shirt and navy cargo pants.

"The third screening match in the C block is now in session. The battle between Ash from Pallet Town and Salvador from Cherrygrove City will now begin. We will now decide the order of battle." The ref said as a roulette wheel began to spin.

Salvador was red and Ash was green so the spinner soon slowed down and landed on green.

"The first trainer to release a Pokémon is Ash, then Salvador will follow. Let the match begin!"

"Which Pokemon do you think Ash will start with?" Molly asks.

"I don't know, but since he was chosen first that means his opponent might be able to choose a Pokémon that can counter it." Brock said.

"Riptide, I Choose You!" Ash throws out his Totodile.

"A water type? In that case, Furret I choose you!" Salvador said calling out the normal type.

"Riptide, use Water Gun!" Ash shouted and Riptide fired a stream of water out his mouth.

"Furret, use Double Team!" Salvador said and Furret glowed and many different copies of itself, as Water Gun hits the wrong one.

Riptide looks around to see he was completely surrounded.

"Now Furret use Swift!" The real one appears and blasts Riptide with multiple glowing stars.

He skids back. "Riptide, use Scary Face!" Ash said as Totodile makes a scary face that frightens Furret, decreasing its speed. "Now Slash!"

Riptide's claws extended and slashed Furret.

Skidding back Furret stood back up. "Furret use Iron Tail!"

"Use Bite!" As Furret swings its tail Riptide bites down catching the tail in his mouth.

"Fur?!" Furret gasped.

"What?!" Salvador said equally surprised.

"Now Riptide use Aqua Tail!" Spinning Furret around Riptide lets go and slams Aqua Tail into it.

Furret rolled on the ground and right back to its trainer.

"Furret are you okay?" Salvador asks as Furret is slow to get up.

"Riptide use Hydro Pump!" Ash said and Riptide fired a huge jet stream of water at Furret.

"D-dodge it Furret!" Salvador said, but Furret was a little too late and couldn't avoid in time.

That was because of Scary Face!

Hydro Pump slams into Furret sending it crashing into the fence. When the attack was over Furret fell to the ground with swirly eyes.

"Furret is unable to battle! Totodile wins!" The ref announces.

"Yes! We won!" Ash said cheering as so did Riptide who did his victory dance until suddenly he stopped. "Riptide, what's wrong?" He then started to glow.

Everyone gasped as Riptiide grew larger in size and when the light faded away Riptide had evolved into Croconaw.

"Croconaw!"

"Whoa Riptide evolved." Tomo smiles.

"And at a perfect time." Misty said.

"Good job Riptide, and you look amazing." Ash said complimenting his evolved Pokémon.

Riptide looks to his new body and he cheered. "Croconaw!" He still does that familiar dance.

"Wow Ash, that was impressive. Your Totodile I mean Croconaw is really strong." Salvador said.

"Thanks Salvador. You and your Furret aren't bad either." Ash said. "It was a good match." Though Ash was quicker.

"Well good luck with your other battles." Salvador said.

"Thanks." Ash nods.

As the day went by Ash competed in his next two screening matches.

He competed against a Machoke. "Sakura, use Magical Leaf!"

Sakura jumped out of the way of a Mega Punch and fires multiple glowing leaves which smashes into Machoke knocking it to the ground with swirly eyes.

"Machoke is unable to battle! Meganium wins!"

And finally, Ash had pitted Inferno against an Exeggutor, who used Stomp.

Inferno charges and runs underneath the Exeggutor. "Inferno, use Eruption!" Ahsh shouted.

"Quilava!" He ignites the flames on its head and tail, and they grow larger. A fiery geyser of red-orange fire forms underneath Exeggutor as it was burned. Once it was done, it falls to the ground.

"Exeggutor is unable to battle! Quilava wins!" The ref said.

Grinning Ash had made it through the selection process and was moving on to the semifinals.


Now they were all present at the Pokémon Trainer's front desk as many trainers were looking on screen to see who made it during the selection process.

"Hey, there's Harrison." Misty pointed on screen and sees the Hoenn trainer's face.

"I see Gary made it too." Brock said pointing to him.

"Look there's Jimmy and Vincent." Molly points.

"Wow Silver's in too." Tomo said.

Ash scans for his face until he finally his scared eyed self. "Yes, there I am!"

"Wow everyone made it. This is gonna be exciting." Brock said when Marina ran over to them.

"Uh guys I need your help. Like right now!" She said with a panicked tone in her voice.

"What's wrong?" Ash asks.

"It's Prof. Elm he found out we've been lying to him about Silver." Marina said.

A bunch of panicked and nervous looks appeared on their faces.

Making their way to phones they saw Prof. Elm yelling at Jimmy and Vincent.

"OF ALL THE IRRESPONSIBLE, RECKLESS THINGS YOU COULD HAVE DONE!"

Oh how screwed they all were..

"P-Prof. Elm please calm down." Jimmy stuttered as they arrived.

"Calm down?! How can I calm down when I just saw that boy who stole my Sneasel on screen battling in the screening process, and every single one of you knew and didn't say anything?!"

"Prof. Elm please if you can just let me explain." Ash said

"How long? How long have you all known about this?" Prof. Elm asks.

They knew it was time to come clean.

"Alright the truth...is I tried to arrest him shortly after you told us about him in New Bark Town, but it wasn't until we met him again in Goldenrod City that we discovered why he took that Pokémon." Ash said.

"And just what reason would that be Ash? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't call the authorities on him right now." Prof. Elm said crossing his arms.

"He..he was helping us stop a Team Rocket takeover." Ash said.

"Wait, what?" Prof. Elm said surprised.

"The reason why Silver took your Sneasal wasn't because of something petty as stealing." Ash explained. "When we saw him battling Team Rocket, we originally thought he was a crook and a bad guy, but truth be told he wasn't. He hates Team Rocket."

"He arrived on the day you were giving out starters to us but since you gave them all to us he took the next best thing." Vincent said.

"Silver has..well a bad history with Team Rocket and he was trying to get revenge for what they done to him." Brock said.

They should probably keep the part about Silver being Giovanni's son out of the conversation.

"Even so he needs to know it's wrong to steal." Prof. Elm said.

"Yes and I do apologize." Silver said walking up to them.

"Silver? How did you?" Tomo asks.

"He's very loud. I could hear him across the center." Silver points out.

Well then..that was something.

"I don't need you guys to make excuses for me. I'm going to take responsibility for it." Silver said.

"But Silver.."

"Prof. Elm I know I stole that Sneasal but I needed him. Team Rocket had plans to take over Johto and I needed to stop them but to do that I needed a Pokemon. Whatever you want to do with me I will accept my punishment." Silver said.

Prof. Elm was surprised seeing the so called theif, confess to his crime and accept the charges.

"It was reckless to think you could stop Team Rocket by taking a non starter Pokémon and doing it by yourself." Prof. Elm said.

"I know." Silver said ready for the punishment.

"Which is why...you're gonna need a lot more help if you want to do anything significant." He said surprising everyone.

"Huh?" Everyone, even Silver asked.

"Your goal as noble as it is has a large amount of holes in it. You need someone to help you learn things that can help you. I'll help you with this goal but from now on everything you do you report to me." Prof. Elm said.

No one was expecting Professor Elm to say something like that.

"And if I say yes what happens to me?" Silver asks.

"I'll drop the search for you and any Pokémon you currently have will be sent to me." Prof. Elm said.

"I...I want a starter too." Silver admits.

"Deal." Prof. Elm nods.

"Well then Prof. Elm, I'll take you up for your word after the conference." Silver said.

"You better not run away this time." Prof. Elm said.

Silver shakes his head. "I'm done running."

"Then I will see you soon." Prof. Elm said hanging up.

Silver turns to everyone. "Ok, you can all breathe now."

Almost immediatly all of them drop to their knees breathing in relief.

"That...was brutal and scary." Misty pants.

"How were you able to stay so calm?" Molly asks.

"You don't know what and who to expect." Silver shrugs.

"Well at least no one will come to arrest you anymore." Jimmy said.

"And you guys can now focus on the league now. You're welcome." Silver said before walking off.

As all of them watched his leave Silver turns back.

"But don't for a second I'm gonna pull any punches. I plan to win this." Silver smirks.

Ash stood up. "You and us both buddy."


At the opening ceremony, all the participating trainers were lined up along the walls as Marina's pre-ceremony demonstration was about to begin.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Silver Stadium and the Opening Ceremonies for the Johto League Silver Conference! The stadium is filled with capacity as the crowd waits in anticipation for the athletes arrival! After a rigorous screening process, the 200 trainers from yesterday has now been reduced to only 48. And those 48 trainers will make their way to the semi-finals through many nonstop battles!"

The screen shows many of the opponents faces.

As Ash, Silver, Gary, Jimmy, Vincent and Harrison looked up at the screen determined all of them then saw the torch runner with the Sacred Flame of Ho-Oh making his way to the top.

Once he makes it to the top, the runner lighted the podium which bursted into one huge plate of flames as the whole crowd cheered.

"The flames of Ho-Oh have been lit, but before we dig any further, we are now to be given a special presentation by an up and coming Pokémon Coordinator, hailing from our very own New Bark Town, let's hear it for Marina Crystal!" The announcer shouts as Marina was now in tbe middle of the arena.

"Wani-Wani, Pink! Let's go!" Marina said calling out her Feraligatr and Jigglypuff.

"Her looks like her Croconaw finally evolved." Brock said.

"Let's give these people a show! Pink Sing! Wani-Wani Ice Beam!"

As Pink sang song lyrics floated into the air floated into the air and were frozen by ice beam which actually changed the song lyrics causing no one to fall asleep.

"Now Pink, use Doubleslap on each note!" Marina pointed.

Floating up the air she slaps each note causing them to explode into puffs of snow which rain down on the audience.

Which they were loving.

"Wow Marina's really gotten good." Ash said.

"Amazing!" Molly said with stars in her eyes.

"Now Pink, Rollout!" Marina said as Pink curled into a ball and spun downwards. "Wani-Wani, Hydro Pump!"

Wani-Wani fires a powerful blast of water as Pink spins into it before shooting up into the air and landing gracefully down on top of Wani-Wani.

And the two gave one final pose.

The audience burst into cheers as Marina and her Pokémon took a bow. "Wonderful! Beautiful! Let's give them a hand folks!" The announcer yelled out as the audience done so.

"Thank you! Thank you everyone, and good look!" Marina called out.

Once they walked away, President Goodshow stepped up to the mic.

"Skillful and excited participants. Now that the Ho-Oh Sacred Flame is watching over all of you, battle with honesty, integrity and honor. So that you will never regret a single moment of your time here!"

All of the trainers grinned ready for the words they've all been waiting to hear.

"And now let the Silver Conference begin!"

Even more excited cheers roared through the arena. The Johto League, has begun!

To Be Continued...


Well we're finally here ladies and gentlemen. The final stretch of Johto. Are you ready?! Who will win it all?! You decide!