The first step of many

Look out, new world, here we come,
Brave, intrepid and then some!
Pioneers of maximum,
Audacity whose resumes
Shows that we are just the team
To live where others merely dream,
Building up a head of steam
On the trail we blaze!
The trail we blaze, Elton John

"Are you sure you don't want to use my car? New Bark Town is six hours from Silver City."

"No thanks. We know it'll take at least four days by foot, but it will be a good warm up for the journey."

"As you wish. See you in four days, then."

Gary looked nervously at Ash. It was the boy's decision to go by foot rather than using Professor Oak's car, which was what Tracey and Simon had chosen to do, but Silver explained him that it was Ash who took most of the group's decisions. This surprised the boy, mainly because Silver was much more knowledgeable than his friend. As it turned out, the man's role in the team was mainly supportive. Ash chose the way and his mentor/surrogate father helped him when needed. Misty and Brock had no problem with that. They followed Ash out of friendship. And so was Gary. Just like his former rival, he had taken the habit of keeping Umbreon out of his Pokéball. Umbreon was very happy with it, as it allowed him to see the road and stretch his legs, and also spend more time at his Trainer's side.

As it turned out, spending his first journey in a Ferrari and the following eight months in a coma did Gary's stamina no favor. After three hours of walk, the brown boy sat on the edge of the road, exhausted. Misty raised a brow.

"He lasted shorter than I thought."

Gary looked at her.

"You were expecting this?"

"Yes." Brock admitted. "We all know your physical shape isn't so great, especially after being unconscious for so long. It's not a problem."

"Indeed." Ash nodded. "Rapidash, here you go!"

Gary raised a brow. Rapidash was indeed one of the Pokémon Ash had taken with him. He wasn't expecting his friend would use it as a ride. The Shiny Pokémon came to him and nuzzled his chest. Understanding, the boy climbed his back. The blue flames didn't hurt him.

"I thought you had her for fighting."

"We told you we accounted for your stamina. Besides, Flame is even faster than Blitz when she wants to. If we're in trouble, I feel safer having her at my side, in case one of us needs to go find help."

"Flame?"

"My nickname for her."

"Classical …"

"Not as much as you'd think."

So the boy followed his friends on Rapidash's back. After the midday break, though, he went by foot.

"How long can you guys walk like that?"

"All day if we have to. We told you, we're more physically fit than you are."

And Gary was getting painfully aware of it. Not wanting to feel like a dead weight, he forced himself to keep going when his legs started to ache. He held Ash's hand when the boy took Rapidash's Pokéball.

"I can still go."

By the end of the first day, his whole body was completely sore, to the point he had trouble sitting by the fire. Then it hit him.

"Wait, are you going to camp here?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Well … I thought we'd be sleeping in a Pokémon Center or …"

"That's what you were doing in Kanto, right?" Misty asked.

"Yeah."

Silver looked at the sky.

"There's a Pokémon Center an hour away from here, but given your condition, I don't think you'll cover one fourth of the distance. You're too exhausted."

Gary was forced to admit he was right. Now he knew why they had him carry a sleeping bag. In fact, everybody was carrying his own affairs and Silver and Brock shared the task of carrying what belonged to the group as a whole. The two were also in charge of the kitchen. That Misty wasn't also at it surprised him. Brock chuckled.

"Silver's been helping Delia with the restaurant and I've been watching over my siblings for a long time. Knowing how to cook is basically a requirement for us. Ash, however, couldn't roast an egg to save his life and Misty hates cooking. She finds it girly."

"But she is a girl!"

"A girl with three older sisters who are girly enough for an entire family. Besides, I tried cooking once. Didn't end well."

Ash winced as he remembered the ashen piece of food in the pan. Misty was really too much of a tomboy to be good at womanly activities. Though there were times where she liked wearing a dress or show off in non-battling contests. He clearly remembered that pretty Goldeen dress she wore during a circus parade … In the end, their stomach full and their bodies warmed by the thickness of their sleeping bags, the group fell asleep. Ash didn't remain so for long. In the middle of the night, he rose and placed a blanket on his psychic friend. Gary gladly curled in it, still asleep. Then came morning.

Gary grinned. There was something soft curled against his stomach and his sleeping bag was deliciously warm. He opened his eyes, expecting to find Umbreon … and nearly jumped when he saw the red creature that was looking at him with wide eyes. The Dark Pokémon had been sleeping in his back and jumped when his Trainer suddenly rose. Then he saw the creature. Without thinking twice, he jumped on it, his teeth digging up the crimson chitin as the creature howled in pain. After leaping away and thoroughly shaking it, he was about to stomp it when Gary held him.

"Umbreon, wait! You're going to kill it!"

Silver and Ash returned at that moment, since their morning routine involved half an hour of running. Misty and Brock had woken to the commotion and had no idea what was going on. Silver grinned at the scene. Gary was half out of his bag while Misty and Brock still looked half-asleep and Umbreon was glaring at a Bug Pokémon he recognized instantly.

"All of this for a poor Ledyba? What did that poor thing do to deserve a trouncing?"

"I found it in my bag." Gary sheepishly explained. "It scared me so Umbreon jumped on it."

Silver shook his head.

"Ledyba are common Bug Pokémon in Johto. They're harmless when found in the wild, but a good Trainer can make them some nasty fighters. They're said to bring good luck."

Gary raised a brow.

"Ledyba? It looks strange!"

"There was an insect in the Ancient world called a ladybug. It was barely the size of your little finger's nail and looked almost exactly like Ledyba. When the Ancients came to this world, they found Ledyba and named it after their red and black insect. Ledyba is a kind of corruption of the word 'ladybug'."

"It's true that the words are similar." Misty noted.

Silver smiled.

"You should catch it. Not only did Umbreon beat it, but it would make a nice first Johto Pokémon."

Gary thought a little before nodding.

"Alright. Pokéball, go!"

The sphere hit the bug dead on. A red flash and a few shakings later, the creature was caught. Gary released it and grinned at its bewildered look. The critter had no idea what happened. What he knew, however, was that the potion spread on its wounds felt nice. Then it saw Gary's face. The boy patted its back. Its answer was to rub its face into his stomach. Friends? Friends. While Brock prepared breakfast, Gary watched Silver and Ash train.

"They do this every morning." Misty explained. "I join them sometimes when I feel in shape. They started a while after starting the Kanto journey. That's how Ash learned to fight."

"They really do this every morning?"

"Yes. They wake up before us, go for a run, return and work their moves while we're preparing breakfast, and then we unpack and walk till midday. Then we stop, have lunch and usually spend the afternoon working with our Pokémon. Weekend is dedicated to care, though."

Brock smiled.

"However, since we have to reach New Bark Town in four days, we'll skip the afternoon training. I think it's for the best: it will toughen you up before the real trip starts."

Gary said nothing. Now he knew how Ash traveled, he was starting to understand why his friend was so strong. Even though he liked eating and sleeping a lot, it was only at home. He had a much greater discipline during travel. And if he wanted to grow stronger, he'd have to undergo it too. So despite his body still hurting from yesterday's trip, he helped the others with the camp. His efforts paid off. By the time their neared New Bark Town, he could almost keep up with the others. But, before reaching the town, there was one last trial …

"Is it me or this path is familiar?"

Gary looked around.

"You're right, Brock. We've been through there already."

Misty sighed.

"Great. We got lost again. Ash's sense of direction will always baffle me."

Gary looked at the sky.

"How comes an Aura Guardian could have such a poor sense of direction? What with their ability to sense and manipulate Aura …"

"As far as I know, your psychic powers didn't set us on the right track either!"

True that. He didn't immediately notice they were lost either. But there was one thing he could do. Focusing his powers, he quickly took flight and rose above the canopy of the forest. One of the main reasons he learned levitation was to race Ash and his Aura Wings but that aside, being able to fly had its perks. Looking left and right, he located a town west of their location. The sun was setting, so finding the way was easy. He quickly landed to guide the group.

"Clever trick." Silver smiled.

Ash suddenly stopped and turned. His skin was tickling and his Aura was sensing something powerful around. He closed his eyes, leaving his magical sight locate the creature.

"There's a high-level Pokémon north-west of our location, maybe a Legendary. Do you think we can check it out?"

Gary frowned.

"A powerful Pokémon? Count me in."

Brock nodded.

"You're right. We're rather close from New Bark Town. We're safer knowing what that Pokémon is."

Misty said nothing, but she took a Pokéball. The group followed Ash to a clearing that spotted a pond. A glowing creature was on it. Ash froze.

"How comes I didn't recognize it earlier!?"

The creature turned to him, the glow fading away to reveal a spotted blue fur, purple mane, crystal diadem and two white ribbon-like tails running on its side. Silver nodded.

"Hello, Suicune."

The Legendary Beast jumped before the group.

'Hello, Silver. Hello, Ash. Is everything fine? I heard from the Council that you would be in my homeland of Johto.'

"Indeed. Ash is challenging the League. As to why we're there …"

"I sensed a powerful Pokémon and wanted to find out about it." Ash explained. "In case it posed a treat to New Bark Town. I didn't think it would be you."

Suicune looked at the pond.

'This pond has been polluted by humans. I was merely doing my duty of purifying it. Can I help you, Chosen?'

"Well . If it isn't too much, it would be nice if you could guide us to New Bark Town. We got slightly lost."

'I know every single inch of this land. Follow me, friend.'

On the way, Gary couldn't help but ask.

"How comes Suicune and Ash are on friendly terms? Did they meet before?"

"Yes, but this isn't the main reason. Both Ash and Suicune work for Ho-Oh, the Guardian of the Sky. Ash is the Chosen with a Golden Heart and Suicune is one of the Legendary Beasts."

"In a way …" Brock smiled. "… they're kind of coworker. That's why they help each other when needed."

"Indeed. In fact, one could even say Ash stands above the Beasts in term of ranking, since he works not only for Ho-Oh but for the entire Council, to the point Arceus himself sometimes gives him orders. It's just that, technically speaking, Ho-Oh is his boss because of the whole Golden Heart thing. So, when he needs help, the Beasts are his main source of support even though he can call for any member of the Council depending of the situation."

"Speaking of which …" Misty frowned. "What's going on, down here?"

Indeed, they had reached the town and were in sight of the lab. Which seemed under siege. The aggressors' black uniform was clearly recognizable.

"Rocket Rebels! Bring up your team, kids! We've go a battle on hand!"

Suicune growled.

'I hate those men in black! Count me in!'

Down at the lab, Simon and his friends were fighting a particularly large group of Rocket Rebels. One of them had taken the red-head in a headlock, only for Honchkrow to save him by hammering his sharp beak on the man's head. A Golem was about to pull a sneak attack, only for a powerful Aurora Beam to pierce it. A Dark Pulse, Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Water Pulse and Stone Edge quickly followed, throwing the group in disarray. One of them looked to the newcomers.

Suicune quietly walked toward the scene, flanked by Ash. Gary, Silver, Misty and Brock were following behind, and all of them had a dangerous smile. Ash turned to Suicune.

"Let's finish this."

(Play Riders of the Light, from Bayonetta)

The Beast didn't need to be told twice. He unleashed a violent Hydro Pump on the Rebels, followed by Pikachu's frying Thunderbolt. Lya jumped in the fray, tackled an Arbok that Umbreon seized by the throat and unleashed Inferno on the goons. Onix and Vaporeon were close behind. The Water Pokémon was pulling some rather acrobatic moves, jumping, ducking, slapping any foe with Aqua Tail while he Tackled the others. Onix? He was simply waving his tail around while chaining Stone Edge and Flash Cannon. One Rebel looked at his friend.

"You know what? Screw it all! I didn't sign for this."

"Not sign for this? What do you mean?"

The man started running.

"I mean I didn't sign to get my ass kicked by kids with Legendaries! Sorry, I'm outta here!"

Gary didn't think so. With a swift move of the hand, he threw the two men right in front of a group of Officer Jennies. The two men looked at one another.

"Can't fight karma, huh?"

"Damn right."

(End music)

On this, they put their hands behind their heads. They were quickly handcuffed. The group's arrival turned the tides of the fight and the Rebels were quickly arrested. Simon and Ash hugged one another.

"Five days! Took you long enough to come."

"Had to teach Gary how we travel. It sure changed him from showing off in his red Ferrari!"

"You tell me! So, nice trip?"

"Yes. We got a bit lost, but Suicune guided us here. Rocket raid apart, are you doing fine?"

"I'm great. By the way, there're some people I'd like you to meet."

Now the Rebels were out of commission, the two groups quickly gathered. Along Simon were Tracey and Professor Oak, as well as another professor and two kids Ash didn't know. Simon did the presentations.

"Ash, these are my friends, Ethan and Kriss. Ethan, Kriss, this is my little baby brother, Ash."

The girl giggled. She had blue hairs tied in upward ponytails, a red miniskirt and a slue sleeveless shirt, as well as red and black sneakers. A Meganium was at her side.

"Baby? As far as I've seen, he hits harder than you do."

"Yeah, right. He's much stronger than me as an Aura Guardian. A better fighter period, too. But when you know his mentor single-handedly saved me from Team Dark Moon, it's not a surprise."

The boy at Kriss's side looked at Silver and raised a brow. He had spiky black hairs with a long strand coming from his forehead, yellow shorts with black pocket and a similarly-colored cap and sneakers and a red and white vest.

"So that's the guy who saved you? He looks as weird as you described."

"Well, he isn't exactly human either."

Ethan then noticed the tail. Long, silvery and swinging softly in the man's back, it looked exactly like a cat's. The moment he saw it, he wanted to play with it but Silver caught his eyes and frowned. Ash chuckled.

"Silver's tail is very sensitive. If you yank it, he'll go for your throat. At best."

The boy couldn't hold his gulp.

"And at worst?"

"He'll target your eyes."

"Oh."

Finally, the man in a lab coat was Professor Elm, local Pokémon Professor and one of Oak's former students. He was also a big motor mouth who never stopped talking once he got into something. Right now, he was speaking about Gary's psychic powers with the elder man. When Oak refused to say how Ash got Gary restored, he was deeply saddened.

"I mean, what kind of healing did he give him that granted your grandson psychic powers!? Don't you know or do you refuse to answer?"

"This subject is one I'd rather not talk about. Can we skip to something else, David?"

"Yes …"

Suicune looked at the scene and smiled. In a swift move, the creature was away. Ash looked a him.

"You're leaving already?"

'Yes. My duty is done. I have no need to remain here any longer.'

"Alright, then. Thanks for the help!"

'Anytime. See you again.'

Now the presentations were done, Ash immediately went to register in the Indigo League, with Gary close behind. They also stayed at Ethan's house, since the boy was living in New Bark Town. Gary really enjoyed the respite, the past five days having proved tiresome. Ash watched him bond with Ledyba. The bug had a Bashful nature and was rather shy as a result. This reminded the raven-haired boy of his Sandslash, who was just as bad on that regard. At least, she was before evolving and royally owning a giant Haunter single-handedly.

"He's become much nicer since you restored his mind." Brock smiled. "I can hardly recognize the guy who was looking down on you during our first journey."

Ash shrugged.

"When I fought him in the Indigo League, I used my powers to reach for his heart. What I saw … it almost made me cry. Gary was so lonely and sad, ever since his parents died. And no one did anything to help him. He was always put on a pedestal or compared to Professor Oak. So he became arrogant and vain."

"You weren't any better. Your mother said you were seen as n outcast in Pallet Town because your father abandoned you before you were born. Actually, you could've become as bad as Gary."

"Yeah." Ash looked down. His friend had a point. "Before Silver came, I was Gary's only friend. Eventually, he came to see me as a sidekick. Without Silver to help me, I don't want to imagine what kind of rivals we'd have been. Gary may have become much stronger than I was and I would've become an idiot too obsessed with beating him. But it isn't the case."

Brock grinned. He knew perfectly how deep the bond was between his friend and his mentor. The two were basically father and son. Silver's violent trashing of Mewtwo came back to mind. The Ancient had been merciless with the Legendary, who was still the strongest Legendary Brock had seen so far. No wonder the Legendary Council kept him on a tight leash.

"Indeed it isn't. Instead, Silver and Delia raised you and taught you, and now you're not only a very strong Trainer, but also an Aura Guardian working for being much greater than mankind. And that's because of what you've become that you managed to save Gary from himself. You know, I'm happy to have you as a friend."

Ash smiled.

"Me too, Brock. And Misty too. You two are very precious to me."

In the garden, Gary turned to the duo and smiled. Both boys returned the gesture. One week after they arrived, they left New Bark Town. This is on their way to Violet City that they met a strange character.

"Come on, Chikorita! Spin, spin, spin!"

The Grass Starter diligently span her leaf, charging up her energy. When a Rattata emerged from the bushes, Trainer and Pokémon were ready.

"Chikorita, use Razor Leaf!"

I one mighty swing, the Grass Pokémon's head leaf sent a flurry of razor-sharp leaves to the purple critter. The creature didn't stand a chance. Taking a baseball bat, the girl threw a Pokéball at it. Three shakes later, Rattata was caught. Gary grinned.

"She's a beginner."

"No, really? Did you read it in her head?"

The boy laughed at Ash's sarcastic remark.

"She looks just like you when you started your journey. What was your first Pokémon already?"

"Pidgey. I bet yours was a Rattata."

"Wrong, it was a Mankey."

The girl started singing a tune Misty quickly recognized.

"That's the theme of the Electrabuzz baseball team! They sometimes play at Cerulean City against the Starmies!"

The girl turned to her and grinned.

"You know them?"

"A bit. I watch their matches sometimes. Never seen them win."

The girl giggled.

"I'm a huge fan of them, just like everybody in my village. In fact, I love baseball in general. That's why I'm wearing that yellow jacket and cap."

Ash put his hands in his back.

"I'm not really a fan of baseball. I'm more into martial arts, mainly taichi chuan and capoeira."

"Does that mean you're a Fighting specialist? You don't dress like one."

Brock shook his head.

"Only Misty specializes in a certain Pokémon type. The rest of us train any Pokémon we happen to catch or befriend. I'm Brock, by the way, and this is Misty, Ash, Gary and Silver."

The girl nodded.

"I'm Casey. I recently started my journey with Chikorita. Nice to meet you!"

Midday was nearing, so the group invited Casey for lunch. The girl was surprised that there was an adult at their side.

"Isn't it a bit cheating? With an adult at your side to teach you everything, you might as well go in a school. Being only by yourself or with friends your age is funnier because you discover many things you learn on your own, rather than having the knowledge given to you right away."

Brock shook his head.

"Silver used to be like that at the beginning, but his role is more supportive now. Before, he would always give us lessons upon various subjects such as Eeveelutions or Trainer Categories. But now, it's our third journey so we're more experienced. Gary and Ash both fought in the Indigo League and Ash won against the Champion of the Orange Islands. I remember the fight."

Misty strongly nodded.

"Oh yes! When Drake's Dragonite mega-evolved, we all thought Ash was done for. Instead, he managed to pull out the most incredible win I've ever seen, even by his standards! I mean, who else would've manipulated the weather to create a thunderstorm and used Dragonite's horn as a lightning rod? Not even Drake was planning for this!"

Casey was silent for a moment, eyes wide. Despite being nearly twelve, Ash was in fact a very skilled Trainer, and his friends looked no slouch either.

"And here I wanted to have a Pokémon battle! Do I really have no chance against you?"

Silver shrugged.

"Let's put it like that: you have two former Gym Leaders, the son of a famous Pokémon Professor, a wandering Pokéball for hire who's feared by a certain number of criminal gangs and the vice-Champion of the Orange Islands."

"Vice-Champion?"

"Ash was too young to take on the mantle, so Drake gets to keep his place 'til kiddo is old enough."

Brock grinned.

"To make things clear, Ash's weakest Pokémon is Axew, who got Dragon Pulse as his first move. His strongest Pokémon can take on mid-level Legendaries and win."

Seeing Casey's disappointed head, Ash patted her shoulder.

"Don't worry, I promise I'll hold back. I know my Pokémon are strong, but I used to be a beginner too. I'll go easy on you, you'll see."

The girl was still reluctant but eventually agreed. They used the grassy field for the battle. Taking a Pokéball, she threw it in the air.

(Play Battle Mode Theme 1, from Pokémon XD)

"Pidgey, go!"

Ash nodded. Axew would be perfect for the fight. The little Dragon jumped in front of his father and took a battle stance. Casey frowned.

"Let's do this, Pidgey! Sand Attack!"

Axew simply closed his eyes. When he opened them, the bird was rushing at him with Quick Attack.

"Tank it, Axew!"

The Dragon nodded. He knew what his father was doing. The blow pushed him back without throwing him away, much to the girl's surprise.

"Good! Dragon Claw!"

Axew gladly obliged and delivered a right hook to Pidgey's head. The bird flew away, stunned by the move.

"Follow with Dragon Tail!"

"Pidgey, dodge!"

Pidgey barely managed to avoid the draconic attack, still losing one chest feather to it.

"Take him from afar! Use Gust!"

Ash growled. Axew's main strength lied in his close-range attacks, but he still had a few long-range moves for such a situation.

"Counter with Incinerate!"

Axew nodded. He'd been working very hard to master Flamethrower, but Incinerate was the most he could do in terms of fire-breathing. Taking a deep breath in, he threw a powerful tongue of flames that surprised everyone, Ash included, and easily roasted Pidgey's wings.

"Okay, that wasn't Incinerate."

"Yeah." Brock nodded. "That was Flamethrower."

Casey looked at Pidgey in disbelief. Ash took a sheepish look.

"Sorry. Axew was training to use Flamethrower, but Incinerate was the most he could do. I didn't think it would improve during the fight …"

"It's okay. Looks like we both have to learn. Return, Pidgey. Rattata, your turn!"

The purple rodent appeared. Ash grinned, remembering Mightyena's adoptive child. Cute critter!

"I'll keep Axew and make the first move! Night Slash!"

"Rattata, dodge with Quick Attack and strike!"

The purple rodent obeyed, easily avoided Axew's attack and struck his flank.

"Tackle!"

"Dragon Claw!"

The baby Pokémon's fist collided with the rodent's jaw and sent it rolling. Casey didn't give up.

"Come on, Quick Attack again!"

Rattata obeyed, but its opponent was ready. One second before striking, Axew side-stepped and delivered a Night Slash in its side, finishing with Dragon Tail on the head. Casey didn't comment. Her Pokémon were low-leveled and despite being Ash's weakest, Axew was still a powerhouse. She took one last Pokéball.

"Chikorita, here you go! Let's show that dragon what we can do!"

Ash's eyes narrowed.

"Get ready, Axew!"

Green dragon and green Starter faced one another.

"Chikorita, Whip Vine!"

Axew easily jumped between the lashing tendrils and ran at his opponent. Chikorita growled. She knew the dragon's strength. Spinning her leaf, she unleashed a flurry of razor-sharp leaves Axew incinerated with Flamethrower and leapt aside to dodge a Dragon Claw, which was chained with Dragon Tail. The wind breezed on her, spreading the Sweet Scent on her leaf. Axew drooled. It smelled like honey, spring flowers and juicy, so juicy fruits … His distraction earned him a Tackle in the chest. Growling, the little Dragon rose on his feet and smirked when he saw two Whip Vines coming at him. He seized them, yanked, let him be dragged closer to Chikorita and delivered a good Dual Chop point blank. One Dragon Claw was enough to finish the job.

(End music)

Casey sighed.

"That was to be expected. Well, thanks for the fight anyway."

Silver smirked.

"You know, Ash's other Pokémon would've taken your entire team in a single move."

Ash shot his mentor a glare and came to the girl.

"Don't mind his words. Even I tend to underestimate Axew's strength at times. I really didn't expect him to master Flamethrower during the fight. Besides, you weren't half bad either! Your Chikorita's quite tough already, especially when using Sweet Scent as a distraction, and combining Sand Attack and Quick Attack was a good combo. Had it been someone weaker, you may have won the fight."

Brock nodded.

"He's right. You're only a beginner while we're all advanced Trainers. Give yourself time to train and learn and you'll make an amazing Pokémon Fighter too."

The kind words brought Casey her smile back. Besides, she was an Electrabuzz fan and her team was known for always giving their best and never giving up no matter the odds. The least she could do was being the same.

"You're right. I lost today because of my lack in strength. But it doesn't matter. I'll keep traveling with Chikorita and become a better Trainer. And when we meet again, don't expect to win easily, Ash!"

"Yeah, I hope you'll give me a challenge! See you again Casey. Our fight was fun."

They looked at the girl as she took a new path. As she did, Ash shot his baby Dragon a glance. Axew was much stronger than he thought. Could it be possible that he evolved soon?

Sorry for the very late update. I was having some serious family problems (my parents broke definitely one week ago ...) so I didn't really have the heart to write anything. And inspiration was getting hard to find. But it's over now and I'm back to writting. So, how did you like that chapter? Yeah, Gary became much kinder after Ash saved him. And some Rebel grunts got owned. Now ...

- Shadowfox32459: don't worry, I'm trying to make them more preheminent in this story. I kinda failed with Misty in Mysteries of the Sea, so ... Third time's the charm?

- leafninja667: it's just something they do to look cool. Ash notably doesn't do that, at least yet.

- Kikumaru Hikari: Paul is a bastard! He isn't the Silver Soul. At all. Trust me on this. As for he and Cyrus, I don't know. Maybe yes. Maybe not.

- PPQRDZE: you should know by now that I'm always taking artistic liberties with the game and anime alike. In the story, all you need for mega-evolution is that your Pokémon can technically mega-evolve and you two are close. Some people, like Lance, Ash and other strong Trainers, are close to several of their Pokémon and can mega-evolve them all. So no, this isn't blasphemy at all. This is rule of COOL.

- Birdy1210: of course, Ash will get Panphy in the race! Such a cool Pokémon ...

- ultima-owner: awesomeness is the sole reason I wrote this battle.

- Pokman12023: *blushes hard* Thanks ...

- LightRayPearlshipper: this is a mix of anime and manga Red. No game here. And in the story, Lance and Silver are nearly equal in strength so Red beating Lance would mean he's actually a threat to Silver. Which only Ash would become after a journey through Hell.

- Nightshadegirl: the Golden Heart and Silver Soul are based on the HeartGold-SoulSilver games, so no Crystal for you. And I won't be accepting OCs anytime soon, sorry.

- Iceman99: AshXLatias still applies. Just remember how some Legendaries can take a physical human form ...

- yhgtyjvfhh: after Hoenn will the Silver Soul appear.

- Assassin2107: for the one mega-evolution per battle, I explained it above. For Altomare, since I do the movies in order, it will of course be after Entei and Celebi. Finally, wait for the Entei movie to see Charizard as the real monster he is ... Pokémon = Pocket Monster after all.

- Siggimondo: one of my biggest flaws (my boyfriend always comments on it) is that I don't know how to take a compliment and have one nasty lack of self-esteem (I'm always looking down on my skills). So, though it's nice, your review is ... I don't know how to take it, except by saying a meek "Thanks". Now, I have a present for you but I'd rather PM you about it ...

One last thing: next chapter, Ash is gonna catch several more teammates, among which a certain leaf-headed girl. Am I the only one who think it's unfair that Chikorita and co. can't learn Leaf Blade with that big appendage? If not, I want to take one little artistic freedom about it and give Chika Leaf Blade ... by having her father be a Sceptile knowing Leaf Blade so she had it as an Egg Move. Is that a problem for anyone?

See you soon!