AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 106 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. Here's the moment you've all been waiting for. Tristan will finally get ready to meet his hero, Ash Ketchum in the Silver Conference. It won't be in this chapter, but it will be in a chapter in the not-too-distant future. I decided to include parts of the Pokémon Master Quest episode "A Claim to Flame" partly from Ash and Gary's perspective, but mostly from Tristan and Hillary's perspective. Mr. Goodshow also makes an appearance. Ash and Gary make special guest appearances as well as Jessie, James, and Meowth. I also wanted to add my experiences of facing strong Pokémon that one of my brother's friends had when I was first staring to play the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games. It seems like we're finally coming into the home stretch of this story, but you'll see that Tristan and Hillary's journey together is far from over in the coming chapters. Please feel free to read and review at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan finally begins battling in the Silver Conference. And now that he knows that Ash Ketchum will be competing in the Silver Conference, he's more excited than ever to meet his hero.
Chapter 106: THE SILVER CONFERENCE BEGINS!
(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 (as heard at the beginning of "The Battle of the Badge"))
Last time, our heroes had a few setbacks, the first of which was Hillary breaking her arm, and nearly missing out on journeying with Tristan to Silver Town altogether! Fortunately, Celebi flew to her rescue and healed her injury instantly.
Then they had to deal with evacuating passengers from a disabled aircraft miles high in the sky. But with everyone working together, they managed to save everyone.
After Lugia regained its strength from the power of Tristan's Silver Wing, Taz showed up and tried to capture Lugia, but he reckoned without the teamwork of both Lugia and Silveena, who sent him skyward.
And now, with out heroes finally reaching Silver Town, Tristan can barely contain his excitement as he prepares to battle in the Silver Conference of the Johto League!
"Hi, I'm Tristan from New Bark Town, and I'd like to register for the tournament," said Tristan as he handed his Pokédex to Nurse Joy at the front desk in the Silver Town Pokémon Center.
"Let's see what you've got," replied Nurse Joy as she checked the badges on Tristan's Pokédex. Eight beeps later, she handed it back to him along with a purple tournament guidebook. "Your eight badges are verified, and your registration is complete. Well done, and good luck, Tristan."
"Thanks, I'll do my best." And Tristan came out of the Pokémon Center and met Hillary, Lugia, Celebi, and Silveena, who were patiently waiting for him.
Well, that was fast, remarked Lugia. So now you're ready to compete, right?
"You bet I am," replied Tristan. "Now you'll be ready to watch me compete."
"You know I'll be rooting for you, Tristan," smiled Hillary. "All the way."
Celebi and Togepi agreed with her.
"Ah, the spirit of a young Trainer and his sister!" said a cheery voice.
Tristan and Hillary turned to see a familiar old man with a white beard approaching them with balloons in his hand.
"Hey, look, Tristan, it's Mr. Goodshow!" said Hillary excitedly.
(Music Cue: Golden Silver (full version))
Sure enough, it was Mr. Charles Goodshow, the president of the Pokémon League Torch Committee; Tristan and Hillary had helped him before at the Indigo Plateau. "My good friends, Tristan and Hillary!"
"How've you been?" asked Tristan.
"Great, great!" smiled Mr. Goodshow. "I'm always happy to see old friends who always strive to help other people, not to mention train and battle along with their Pokémon. So, Tristan, are you participating in the Silver Conference, also?"
"You bet I am," answered Tristan.
"Great, great!" said Mr. Goodshow excitedly. "There's nothing like the spirit of a hard-working Trainer to keep the flame alive."
"Flame? What flame?" wondered Hillary. "I always thought that the flames for the Pokémon League came from the Legendary Pokémon, Moltres."
"That's true," replied Mr. Goodshow. "But in the Silver Conference, we use a different flame called the Sacred Flame. That comes from the Legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh."
"Ho-Oh?" Tristan and Hillary were pleasantly surprised to hear this, for they had befriended Ho-Oh earlier in their journey.
"We remember hatching two Ho-Oh eggs before," said Tristan.
"And one of them had different colors," added Hillary. "I call that one Goldie.
Mr. Goodshow was amazed by the travel stories they were telling him. "It sounds like you've met tons of Pokémon, including the Legendary Ho-Oh yourselves. I'm sure Ho-Oh and those offspring you hatched will be rooting for you in spirit."
"Hey, Mr. Goodshow, do you know if a Trainer named Ash will be competing in the Silver Conference, too?" wondered Tristan. "I've been wanting to meet him for a long time, and it seems like he's met a lot of the same people Hillary and I met."
"Funny you should mention him," replied Mr. Goodshow. "I just saw him, Brock, and Misty half an hour ago. And yes, Ash will be competing in the Silver Conference as well."
"All right, this is great!" said Tristan excitedly. "We'll finally get a chance to meet him. Maybe we'll battle against him in the Silver Conference."
Pikachu agreed.
"Don't get too excited," cautioned Hillary. "Remember, you still have to compete, too, and what are the odds of battling him in the first round."
"Come on, don't be silly, sis," replied Tristan. "There's no way the computer will pit us together in the first round."
Um, Tristan, I was wondering something.
"Yeah, what's up, Lugia?" asked Tristan.
Could I compete in the tournament, too?
"Well, unfortunately, Lugia, tournament rules say that Legendary Pokémon aren't allowed to compete," replied Tristan. "And I don't think it'd be fair if I used Legendary Pokémon against other Trainers anyway. It'd give me an unfair advantage. Besides, I want to try and compete in the tournament my way using the Pokémon I've trained and worked with without having to rely on any Legendary Pokémon to assist me."
Lugia felt sad.
However, Silveena, Celebi, and Hillary understood what Tristan was saying.
"That makes sense to me," said Hillary.
Lugia may not realize it yet, but I think using your own Pokémon in the tournament is a great idea, added Silveena. That way everyone has a chance to win and not just you.
Tristan came to Lugia. "Don't worry, Lugia, I'll figure something out so you'll be able to enjoy the tournament, too. I promise."
I know you'll think of something, Tristan, replied Lugia. I just know in my heart that you will.
"Come on, everybody!" said Tristan excitedly. "Let's go over to the Athletes' Village!"
(Music Cue: Large Orchestra (as heard in the 4Kids dub))
As Lugia and Silveena waited outside, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Celebi went inside what appeared to be the biggest Pokémon Center they'd ever been into. It had lots of rooms for the Trainers to sleep in and dine. A huge lobby was located at the entrance, like a five-star hotel.
"This place is gigantic!" remarked Hillary. "I've never seen a Pokémon Center this big."
"With a competition as big as this one is, a Pokémon Center this big would be the perfect necessity," replied Tristan.
Pikachu agreed.
They entered a huge suite with chairs and tables as well as a big couch. There were also soft beds as well as a desk and computer.
"Wow, check it out!" said Hillary excitedly. "Talk about being in the lap of luxury! And we even get a view of the lake from here! Those people must've spared no expense getting things ready for the big competition."
"And according to what the book says, we can use the computer to get data on other Trainers," added Tristan. "I can't wait to get started."
"Well, you don't have to wait too long, it looks like," replied Hillary. "All the Trainers are getting ready to be screened right now."
"Great! Then let's get Lugia and Silveena and get to the courts!" suggested Tristan as Pikachu hopped back on Tristan's shoulder.
Pikachu was just as ready to compete as Tristan was.
(Music fade out)
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi walked along fenced courts as Lugia, Silveena, and Celebi flew close behind.
"So this is where the Athlete Screening is," said Tristan to Hillary.
"Yes," agreed Hillary. "Hey, Tristan, may I see the guidebook?"
"Sure, but what for?"
"I just want to see what the rules are," explained Hillary.
Tristan handed her the guidebook, and she read it.
"According to this," said Hillary, "there are three rounds of competition: the Athletes Screening, the preliminaries, and the Victory Tournament, and there are over 200 participants altogether., and after the Athlete Screening is over, the number of Trainers will be reduced from 200 to just 48."
"Forty-eight? Wow!" exclaimed Tristan.
"The Athlete Screening is set up so you can battle three times," continued Hillary. "So, even if you lose once, there's still a chance to advance to the semifinals. Whether you advance or not depends on your battling ability and how well you do. Each match will be decided by computer, so whoever sends out their Pokémon first has the disadvantage, but luck and skill play factors in how well you battle."
"Well, I'm just gonna do my best with my Pokémon and win," replied Tristan.
"That's the spirit," said Hillary.
Togepi trilled happily.
Just then, an announcer's voice blared on the speaker. "Will Tristan from New Bark Town and Pete Pebbleman from Pewter City please report to the B Court?"
"Well, that's us, and we're ready to roll!" said Tristan excitedly.
"The fourth screening match in the B block is now in session," announced the judge as he came to the court. "The battle between Tristan from New Bark Town and Pete Pebbleman from Pewter City will now begin. We will first decide the order of battle."
A digital computer wheel with red and green lights spun round and round.
So what's that wheel for? asked Lugia.
"This decides whoever sends out their Pokémon first, Lugia," answered Hillary. "So whoever releases their Pokémon second will know what strategy is the best one to use depending on whatever their opponent sends out."
The wheel spun slower and slower until it stopped on the red line, with Pete's picture lighting up.
"Pete will proceed first, and then followed by Tristan," announced the judge as he raised his red and green flags. "Begin the match!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle (as heard in "One Trick Phony"))
"All right, Tristan, I hope you're ready for this," said Pete as he took out his Poké Ball and threw it. "Go, Arcanine!"
Arcanine emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It was fired up and ready for battle.
"So, an Arcanine, huh?" said Tristan excitedly as he took out his Lure Ball. "This'll be a great way to kick off my first battle in the Silver Conference. Feraligatr, I choose you!" He then threw the ball.
Feraligatr emerged from the white light that shot out of it, and was ready to battle.
"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!" instructed Pete.
Arcanine shot a stream of fire at Feraligatr.
"Feraligatr, douse it with your Hydro Pump!" ordered Tristan.
Feraligatr shot a powerful blast of water from its mouth and easily cancelled Arcanine's Flamethrower out.
Pete became impatient. "Arcanine, Take Down now!"
Arcanine charged forward with all its might toward Feraligatr.
But Feraligatr quickly blocked Arcanine from hitting it by using its strong arms and fingers.
"Yeah, that's it, Feraligatr, hold on!" cheered Tristan excitedly.
"That Arcanine may have speed, but Feraligatr knows how to use its strength well," remarked Hillary. "There's no doubt in my mind that Tristan'll make it far in the Silver Conference, and with no Team Rocket to boot, too."
"Use Hydro Pump again, go!" commanded Tristan.
Feraligatr shot another powerful blast of water from its mouth at Arcanine, this time at close range, scoring a huge direct hit on it.
"Now, Feraligatr, finish it off with your Slash attack!" shouted Tristan.
Faraligatr charged forward and used its sharp claws on its fingers to deal Arcanine a massive amount of damage.
Arcanine was sent careening into one of the fences behind Pete.
"Arcky, no!" cried Pete.
Arcanine lay in a daze on the ground. It had been knocked out.
"Arcanine is unable to battle! Feraligatr wins!" declared the judge as he raised his green flag in Tristan's direction. "The winning Trainer is Tristan from New Bark Town."
"Awesome, Feraligatr, way to go!" commended Tristan.
Pikachu also cheered for Feraligatr's latest victory as Feraligatr gave a happy reply.
"Arcanine, are you okay?" asked Pete as he came to it.
Arcanine slowly stood up.
Tristan came to Pete. "How's Arcanine?"
"Arcanine just needs a good, long rest, that's all," answered Pete. "You remind me somewhat of Ash, one of my opponents in the Indigo League. He's a strong Trainer, too, like you. Your Feraligatr's really something. I hope we'll battle again someday."
"Me, too," replied Tristan as he and Pete shook hands.
(Music Cue: Flying Kairu (Dragonite))
Tristan had two more battles in the Athlete Screening. He faced off against a Tangela using his Typhlosion in his second battle and won handily. Then in his third battle, he used his Meganium against a Poliwhirl, and won just as easily.
An hour later, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi came to the Pokémon Center to see who made it through the screening. To their excitement, Tristan had made it through.
"All right!" said Tristan excitedly. "Now I move on to the next round of competition!"
Then Hillary saw a familiar face with red hair. "I wouldn't get too excited if I were you. Just look."
Tristan looked at the screen and gasped in shock. "That's Silver! He's in the Silver Conference, too!"
Silver, in the distance, turned to see Tristan and Hillary looking at the screen. I knew you'd be here, Tristan, he thought. We'll see which one of us is the better Trainer. Then he turned his back on them and walked away.
"Why would Silver be in the tournament anyway?" wondered Hillary. "It just doesn't make any sense to me."
"Forget about him," said a voice.
(Music Cue: Pikachu Appears! (full version))
Tristan and Hillary turned around to see a friendly teenage male Trainer standing in front of them.
"Who are you?" asked Hillary.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," replied the Trainer. "My name's Shen. I'm a good friend of Braden's."
"Whoa, you are?" Tristan was pleasantly surprised. "I can't believe my luck. My name's Tristan, and this is Pikachu."
Pikachu greeted Shen warmly.
"I'm Hillary," added Hillary. "I'd become a Trainer at the age of eight and a half."
"Whoa! At just eight and a half? Impressive!" smiled Shen. "You must've done something very special to earn that privilege."
"Actually, all I did was help Tristan save our parents and Blue as well as their Pokémon from Giovanni. Then we saved all the wild Pokémon living in a big forest from a huge wildfire."
"That's extraordinary," replied Shen. "Braden told me all about you and Tristan as well as your grandmother. You certainly have impressive skills to have been on a journey this long."
Hillary nodded.
"By the way," continued Shen, "I'm in the Silver Conference, too."
Sure enough, Tristan and Hillary could see that Shen had easily made it through the Athlete Screening, too.
"That's awesome, Shen," smiled Tristan. "I hope we get to battle in the tournament."
"Well, you never know, it could happen," replied Shen. "Right now, I have to prepare for the opening ceremonies tomorrow. So I'll catch you both then, okay? In the meantime, why don't you two rest up as well?" And so saying, Shen departed.
"Wow, can you believe Shen, a good friend of Braden's, is in the Silver Conference?" said Hillary excitedly.
"Yeah," replied Tristan. "I've gotta tell Braden about this." And he took out his Poké Gear and was just about to call when suddenly, his Poké Gear rang. He quickly answered it. "This is Tristan."
"Tristan, you won't believe this!" It was Veronica, Tristan and Hillary's grandmother.
"Hi, Grandma, what's up?" asked Tristan.
"Several Legendary Pokémon just flew by our house at once! There were the Legendary Birds and Beasts, two Ho-Oh, one of which is gold, and other rare Pokémon. Whatever's getting them excited, they're going somewhere in a hurry!"
"That's strange," replied Tristan. "I wonder why."
Pikachu was just as confused as Tristan was.
So were Hillary and Togepi.
That night, Tristan lay in bed with Pikachu, and remembered what his grandmother had told him earlier in the day. I wonder where all the Legendary Pokémon are going in such a big hurry, he thought. Could it be possible that they knew I was competing in the Silver Conference? He slowly and quietly crept out of bed and walked out the door.
Pikachu pricked up its ears, woke up, and quickly followed him.
(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon (full version))
Tristan and Pikachu walked over to the edge of the lake and sat down.
Lugia flew in and quietly landed next to Tristan. Can't sleep, can you?
"Nope," replied Tristan as he shook his head. "I'm just excited for the opening ceremonies tomorrow...and a little nervous."
Lugia smiled. Well, that makes two of us. Tell me, what's on your mind.
"Well, earlier today, I got a call from Grandma, and she told me that several Legendary Pokémon passed by New Bark Town at once."
Really? Do you know why?
"I'm not sure," replied Tristan. "But if I had to guess, they might be on the way here to watch me compete in the Silver Conference."
Hmm, that does seem possible, said Lugia. I'm sure there'll be nothing to worry about.
"I hope so, Lugia," sighed Tristan. He then looked up to see the full moon in the sky. Then he looked out at the large lake. "You know, guys, this reminds me of the time when I saw Lugia and Silver hatch from their eggs back on the Whirl Islands and how we first met."
Well, I did look cute and cuddly back then, chuckled Lugia.
"And now look what's happened," continued Tristan. "We've been close friends and had gotten stronger together."
Pikachu agreed. It liked Tristan's positive attitude.
"I think we can win the Silver Conference, don't you, Pikachu?"
Pikachu and Lugia nodded. They had confidence in their friend.
Presently, Tristan saw two people sitting on the other side of the lake a quarter of a mile away. He took out his binoculars and looked at them. "Hey, that's Ash!" he exclaimed. "He's the person I've been wanting to meet!"
Are you sure? asked Lugia.
Tristan nodded. "But who's that next to him? Wait! Is that...Blue?"
Sure enough, there was another Trainer with spiky hair who looked exactly like Blue.
"That can't be Blue, can it?" gasped Tristan. "The Blue I know always has a cocky attitude. But...Ash and that other person appear to be...friendly to one another." He then put his binoculars down. "I'll let those two speak undisturbed for now. Besides, we'll both compete in the Silver Conference, and I'll be sure to meet him when the time comes."
Pikachu and Lugia proudly looked on with Tristan as the full moon shone in the sky.
(Music Cue: Pokémon League (American music as heard in "A Claim to Flame"))
The next day, fireworks boomed in the sky as millions of people gathered at Silver Stadium.
An announcer's voice blared on the loudspeakers inside the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Silver Stadium and the opening ceremonies for the Johto League Silver Conference! The stadium is filled to capacity as the crowd waits in anticipation for the athletes' arrival! After a grueling screening process, only the most talented Trainers will participate in the Johto League. The excitement of head-to-head competition will soon be upon us. And thanks to our global coverage, folks around the world will be part of this historic event."
Sure enough, Tristan and Hillary's friends and family from all over the Kanto and Johto region, including Professor Oak and Professor Elm, as well as their brothers, Evan and Braden, their parents, Sarah and Bill, their grandparents, Veronica and Eric, and their great-grandparents, Rachael and Stuart, were watching TV sets anywhere they could, whether it was from home, a restaurant, or a Pokémon Center.
The announcer's voice spoke again. "Hold on, ladies and gentlemen, this has just been handed to me: The torch runner bearing the Sacred Flame from the Ho-Oh shrine has now entered Silver Town!"
Inside the stadium's lobby, Hillary, Togepi, and Celebi helped Tristan get ready to enter.
"We'll be rooting for you all the way, big bro," said Hillary. "Are you ready for this?"
"You know I am, sis," answered Tristan. "And I'll make you proud."
"I know you will," replied Hillary. "Now go out there and show everyone that you're born to be a winner...because I believe in you."
"Yes, and I believe in me, too," agreed Tristan.
Pikachu excitedly agreed with him also.
Tristan entered the next room as an automated voice said, "Please form a line at the entrance to the field and move forward in a slow and calm manner. Thank you for your cooperation."
Tristan saw other people coming behind him and Pikachu. He saw the spiky-headed Trainer not too far behind him. And then, Ash appeared at the end of the line far away; he had a Pikachu of his own. I knew you'd come, Ash, he thought. Then he saw two suspicious people come up behind Ash, a woman with long red hair, and a man with blue hair.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Secret Strategy (as heard in "Love, Pokémon Style"))
"Excuse me, young man," said the blue-haired man.
"Uh, you mean me?" whispered Ash.
"That's exactly who we mean," answered the red-haired woman.
"The Silver Footprint Pokémon panel," explained the man as he took out a panel. "It's for all the Pokémon you'll be using. Have you applied for it?"
Ash was confused. "The Footprint Pokémon Panel. It must've slipped my mind, sort of."
"Then today's your lucky day, because without it, you would've been disqualified," explained the woman.
"What? Disqualified?"
"All of the necessary paperwork is located right over there," said the man as he pointed away from the line. "Chop, chop."
"Right! Hey, thanks!" And Ash dashed out of the room with his Pikachu.
The spiky-haired Trainer became concerned. "What does Ash think he's doing? Why's he getting out of line now?"
Tristan recognized the two people that quickly slunk after Ash and his Pikachu. "I should've known...that was Team Rocket!" he whispered.
Pikachu agreed disdainfully.
Tristan quickly and carefully ran over and spoke to the spiky-haired Trainer. "Hi. Sorry to bother you, sir, but..."
"Please, just call me Gary," said the Trainer. "I heard a lot about you, too...I mean from my cousin, Blue. Now, tell me, what's got you so concerned?"
"I think those two people may have gone after Ash and his Pikachu with their phony Pokémon Footprint scam. But I didn't see which way they went."
"Don't worry about a thing," said Gary. "I'll find him and help him out. You just worry about getting on the field. We'll join you on the field a little later, okay?"
"Thanks, Gary," smiled Tristan.
And Gary quickly ran out of the room just as the doors to the field opened.
One by one, all the waiting Trainers slowly and calmly entered the arena as the sun set, creating a twilight-colored sky.
"Please give a warm welcome to our Trainers as they enter the stadium!" said the announcer.
Hillary, who was in the stands saw Tristan and Pikachu and waved to them. "Hey, Tristan! Go get 'em!" she cheered.
Togepi and Celebi also waved to them.
Tristan and Pikachu saw her and the Pokémon waving to them and gave a thumbs-up.
Meanwhile, Gary heard banging on the door to a storage closet and opened it, revealing Ash, with his hands and body all tied up.
"There you are. What's going on, Ash?"
"Team Rocket did this, and they got Pikachu!"
"Not for long!" And Gary quickly untied Ash and they both started after the two fleeing people, who, true enough, were Jessie and James, as well as Meowth.
They were laughing profusely as they carried a shock-proof box with Pikachu trapped inside, but suddenly, they heard Ash and Gary yelling, "Come back!" and saw them running close behind in shock.
(Music Cue: Let's Run! (as heard in "A Claim to Flame"))
"How did he get out already?" gasped James.
"And now, dere's twice da Twoips!" added Meowth.
At that very moment, the torch runner was just about to enter the stadium with the Sacred Ho-Oh flame still in his possession. Unfortunately, just as the doors opened, the fleeing Team Rocket crashed into him, sending the baton and Pikachu flying.
Ash recovered Pikachu and freed it while Gary caught the torch.
Team Rocket tried to make a run for it, but Ash was too quick for them.
"Hey, not so fast! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" ordered Ash.
Pikachu complied and sent a yellow bolt of electricity at the fleeing trio, scoring a direct hit on them and causing an explosion that sent them skyward, much to the surprise of the scores of spectators and Trainers.
"Aaaaah! Team Rocket's blasting off again!" yelled Jessie, James, and Meowth, as they disappeared into the sky with a bright...
DING!
Ash and his Pikachu celebrated their victory, but noticed that the torch runner had trouble standing back up.
"Hey, is he okay?" asked Ash.
"It looks like he might've sprained his ankle," answered Gary.
"I'll be just fine," said the torch runner as he tried to stand up, but collapsed again due to the pain in his ankle.
"Take it easy," advised Ash.
"You shouldn't run on it," added Gary.
"But they're waiting...for the...for the torch," grunted the torch runner as he tried in vain to get back on his feet.
"They can't start without it," said Ash worriedly.
"It's the symbol of the Conference," agreed Gary. Then suddenly, he had an idea. "Ash, have you carried a Pokémon League torch before?"
"Yes, of course," answered Ash, but he was a little puzzled.
"Then why don't you run the final leg?"
Ash was surprised. "You mean you want me to light the flame?"
"You bet," smiled Gary.
"But what about...?"
"Go on, Ash, I'll take care of the torch runner. You take the flame and help start the Silver Conference. Besides, you have friends that are waiting to see you and compete. And I'll be battling you sooner or later. So are you up for it?"
Ash thought about what Gary just said. He'd been wanting to prove to Gary that he was better than him in a competition with thousands of fans, and wanted to compete as much as Gary did. "Okay, Gary, I'll do it." And he carefully took the torch and quickly headed for the stadium with his Pikachu.
Silence fell at the stadium as well as the night as the Trainers and spectators wondered what was going on.
"I hope Ash is okay, Pikachu," whispered Tristan to his friend.
Pikachu was concerned also.
Just then, the announcer's voice was heard. "Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been informed that there seems to be a bit of confusion as to the exact whereabouts of our torch runner." Then he gasped in shock. "This just in! It appears that an unfortunate accident has left our torch runner unable to continue!"
Everyone was showing emotion.
"This can't be..." whispered Hillary as Celebi and Togepi sadly looked on.
"Not again. They're not gonna cancel the Silver Conference, will they?" asked Tristan worriedly.
Just then, Pikachu excitedly pointed at the entrance to the field as a bright, shining flame made its appearance.
(Music Cue: Dragonite Takes Flight (American version as heard in "A Claim to Flame"))
Sure enough, Ash and his Pikachu had entered the stadium with the torch bearing the Ho-Oh flame to the cheers of the crowd.
Tristan breathed a sigh of relief as they made their way inside the stadium with the torch safely in hand.
"Carrying in the torch is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" said the announcer.
It was at that very moment that all of Tristan and Hillary's Legendary Pokémon friends, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres and their offspring, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Ho-Oh, Goldie, Mewtwo, and Mew arrived at the same time to see the main event on the big screen outside the stadium.
Lugia and Silveena flew over next to them to see the event unfold.
"The Sacred Ho-Oh flame from the same Legendary Pokémon that was said to have quelled the battle, restoring life to the plains and forests, is now being carried onto the Silver Stadium platform!" said the announcer.
Sure enough, Ash had come to everyone's rescue, carrying the torch and running up the steps, much to Mr. Goodshow's delight. Once he got to the top, he stood proudly, looking at the Trainers and spectators, including Gary, who had helped the torch runner to the stadium, and were both pleased with Ash for doing a good deed for them.
Tristan and Pikachu happily looked on too.
Then Ash turned to light the central torch, and sure enough, it ignited it with a huge flame as the crowd cheered loudly.
Hillary also clapped and cheered as the torch lit up.
The Silver Conference had begun at last.
I knew you could do it, Ash, thought Tristan as he proudly looked on.
Ash and his Pikachu rejoined Gary and the rest of the Trainers on the field.
(Music Cue: To the Hopeful Sky (as heard in "Friend and Foe Alike"))
Then Mr. Goodshow came to a microphone on a makeshift stage, cleared his throat and began to speak. "Skillful and excited participants, now that the Ho-Oh's 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."
The crowd cheered and applauded as the flame burned proudly into the night sky.
Tristan happily looked at all the Trainers, including Ash. "Well, this is it, Pikachu, we've finally made it. Are you ready to battle hard and win?"
Pikachu nodded in agreement. It was happy to battle in a big competition. It couldn't wait to get started, just like its Trainer.
Then Tristan thought, Ash, I know you're a strong and spirited Trainer. I can't wait to see how well you do in the Johto League.
And so, thanks to the heroic efforts of Ash Ketchum and his friend and rival, Gary Oak, Tristan can finally look forward to competing in the Johto League Silver Conference and meet his hero in the same place. But as the competition draws near, will their paths really cross at last? The excitement of the Silver Conference burns brightly just like the Ho-Oh Sacred Flame, so stay tuned for every minute of this action-packed competition!
► TO BE CONTINUED