How is it going guys? Yeah I need to adress an elephant in the room, it has been about 9 months since the last update. My life has progressed in a few ways that I didn't see coming and I don't really want to bore anybody with a life story that risks overtaking the length of this chapter.

What I will tell you is that I have recently moved out of state and I don't have a whole lot of access to a computer right now. The good news is that I recently learned from SuperFrankyCyborg21 about the existence of the mobile ap that allows me to update my Document Manager wherever I have WiFi. It's not totally practical to write all of this on my Samsung Galaxy Core Prime, but it's what I have right now.

I will say that I am greatful to the number of favs that I accumulated over time. I have over 300 right now, which is a pretty big accomplishment for me. I hope the people who managed to wait patiently long enough will find this update to be at least kind of worth the wait. I should be able to get back in the grove of writing this on a semi-regular basis, just maybe not as much as I would like.

And with that I now offer the newest chapter in this Saga along with a potential hook at the end.

Chapter 22: Call to Alto Mare

It had been a few days since Annie and Oakley encountered those two fierce trainers. Things proved to be even more difficult for them once they found out both of them combined didn't have a chance against Ash Ketchum himself. This was a fact that neither sister had been looking forward to reporting to their higher boss. "I know this is a crazy thing to confirm Boss. But the reports of an actual Mew out there are proving to be the real deal." Oakley said as she saw her boss looking over the aerial photos of Ash and his traveling gang.

Over the view of the attack on Route 36, there was little doubt about Ash Ketchum's trump card. Even more evident was how far along as a trainer he was since he didn't need to send out Mew. Annie and Oakley's boss turned from the screen to confirm the identity of the leader of Team Rocket.

Giovanni D'Arno agreed, "It would seem that we have been granted a challenge we could never anticipate. Even sending some of our best against the women following him seems to offer little change in results. This does leave a question now of what we are to do to maintain the favor of our benefactor."

Oakley answered, "I believe that we should take this opportunity to forward our plans to take Alto Mare sir."

Giovanni was intrigued by the suggestion when he asked, "Is that what you believe? Well if you are willing to suggest such an idea now, you must have some level of confidence that you will not fail me."

Annie answered, "We never allowed ourselves to be failures up until recently. We only need a chance to prove ourselves again is all."

Giovanni agreed, "Neither one of you has been able to offer me a significant failure unlike some others I can name. I'm afraid however that a mission of this magnitude is one that will weigh heavily on both of you. Should this mission be anything less than a complete victory, I will see to it that you are both condemned to a life you wish will have ended with a mere release of your occupations."

Both Annie and Oakley gulped at the warning before Oakley agreed, "Neither of us is even dreaming of letting you down sir. We just want to remind you why you took us in is all."

Giovanni smiled at the promise when he told them, "I do hope you are sincere about this. I would hate to lose the services of two lovely ladies such as yourselves. And to demonstrate my sincerity, I will offer both of you a chance to have yourselves prepared for this mission." He took out two Poké Balls and laid them on top of his desk as he gestured both of his hands for the sisters to take them. Annie took the ball on the left while Oakley took the one on the right.

As they both claimed their new Pokémon, Giovanni told them, "To make matters easier for you, you will both have a month to become accustomed to your new battle partners. Bear in mind that everything I offer now is adding to the investments I hope to make in your careers. I look forward to seeing you both return here with your heads high and proud at my side or before me in chains."

Annie nodded, "We only want the best for you sir."

Oakley added, "We won't disappoint you sir."

The two sisters left Giovanni's office as he was left alone with his Persian before activating a computer screen panel on top of his desk. On the screen was a regal man with dark pink hair who greeted, "How nice it is to hear you call Giovanni. To what do I owe the honor?"

Giovanni answered, "A development is occurring in which it will be necessary to move our plans for Alto Mare sooner than expected. Is there anything that can be done to ensure that we both have a chance to prepare for a coordinated attack?"

The pink haired man answered, "It will require quite a bit of time I believe. If it is to move forward this swiftly then it seems I have little choice. I am trusting you to have the manpower necessary to make this operation a success."

Giovanni agreed, "Of course Lord Baron. I only need to press the importance of this mission with the fact that there is one character who threatens to undermine our progress."

Giovanni displayed the picture of Ash with his Mew and friends to elicit a nervous reaction from the Baron. The fellowship was one thing but the presence of Mew alone was enough to give anyone pause.

The Baron agreed, "We had best achieve nothing less than a complete domination of Alto Mare. I don't think I should need to remind you what failure will achieve."

Giovanni agreed, "The situation applies to both of us. You will be prepared within the timeframe to make Alto Mare ours for the taking?"

The Baron confirmed, "Once it has been taken, the people of this planet will require more than one Mew to stand against us."

Giovanni concluded, "Very good. Establish contact once you have completed all preparations." He shut off the signal with his benefactor before activating his intercom and ordered, "Send Archer up here. We have a great deal of work to so."

Annie and Oakley made their way down the halls as they prepared to participate in a few practice battles with their fellow team members.

Oakley was the first to speak between them when she asked, "So did you get a good one?"

Annie checked the registration number on her Poké Ball when she answered, "One of the bosses own personal Houndooms. Not quite the same elegance as my little pair but I can't complain about having more power."

Oakley checked her Poké Ball when she agreed, "He doesn't want us to have too diverse or powerful of a team to stand against him, that's for sure. He gave me a Parasect."

Annie tried to console herself with the mission that was ahead of her when she asked, "This is the only way that we're going to be able to be even just a little respected isn't it?"

Oakley faced her sister when she reminded, "Compared to what we had to endure for so long? I'm happy if you want to be humble about our future rise to fame but I actually want to move up somewhere in the world. We had to build ourselves up from a lifetime of living in Diglett Village of all places. For all Arceus ever planned we should have been stuck there and left to push dirt for the rest of our lives. But you know that we're better than that because of how far we've come."

Annie hesitated before agreeing, "We did come a far way. Honestly if I could have done anything differently I would have made where we got possible because of our skills as trainers. Yet it's because we were more... resourceful than others that we were able to get here."

Oakley confirmed, "We only need to stick along with this a little longer and we'll have gone further than most trainers ever dreamed of going. Just remember it's going to take both of us to make this possible."

Annie met her sister's eyes when she accepted, "Just as long as we stick together. Through and through."

It had been a long and tiring 44 days, but Ash was finally able to wake up today without having to prepare for a study session. Instead he was about to have a determining test that would decide the future of his training. "Well this is sure going to be interesting to say the least." He told himself as he made his way into the lower level tea room.

Ash rolled his shoulders a few times as he prepared for this moment of truth only to be given a brief chance to reflect on the changes that he had recently gone through. Just the rough month of running up and down the mountain alone had sculpted his body to a more sturdy build. He managed to become more collected as well, taking just a little longer to think than he might have before. He managed to accommodate these few changes and yet still had his psychic powers under control. "Hopefully when this is done I'll be able to focus more on my Pokémon training and add a little contemplation time on top of it." He told himself as he saw the small tea room waiting for him.

A small green matt lay on top of a wooden floor but underneath a square table inside a room with all white walls and no other entry than the door. A perfect place of isolation for testing. Ash made his way to the far side of the table before sitting down on his knees and waited for his test to begin. It took a few seconds before he saw the door he entered open and allow for Clair to make herself known. She was still slightly worn from the morning exercise but determined and ready to give Ash his test. She made her way to the opposite end of the table as she sat across from Ash.

As soon as the two established their presence among one another Clair began, "Céard a déarfas tú?"

Ash knew the testing had officially begun. This was the question that started the examination and it was something he had to drill into his mind to answer properly. He answered, "Deirim maidin mhaith. Sin é mar a bheannacht."

Clair nodded as Ash fluently gave his answer. She gave her next statement, "Taispeánann tú gealltanas le do thuiscint ar an teanga."

Ash recognized the sentence as a complement when he responded, "Go raibh maith agat. Tá sé buíoch as do threoir agus do chreideamh domsa."

Clair gave her next test question, "Cad ba cheart dom glaoch ort?"

The question was short but Ash was able to recognize it. She was asking for his name. It was a simple one that he was able to answer, "Is Ash Ketchum mé."

Clair proceeded onto her next question, "An ndearna tú do sprioc le feiceáil fiú domsa?"

The next question was important to interpret properly. This was a "yes" or "no" question and he would have to answer a second one with the opposing answer. He needed to be careful with what he would say. He then decided to answer, "Níl. Tá rudaí fós agam féin a ullmhú le haghaidh é seo."

Clair was prepared for the next question when she asked, "An bhfuil tú ag déanamh é seo toisc go bhfuil tú cúramach faoi cad a tharlaíonn domsa?"

The next question was more personal than any of the previous ones. Ash had to take Clair's judgement into account this time. He was in a corner where he had to say "yes" this time. He decided to be honest with his answer, "Tá. Ba mhaith liom tú a fheiceáil áit ar mhaith leat."

Clair didn't hesitate to follow up with her next question, "Cé chomh tromchúiseach atá tú faoi bheith ag dul isteach i mo theaghlach?"

This was the most significant question he heard yet. Ash knew he would have to remember many phrases, but now he was in the phase where he had to truly demonstrate his grasp on the language and his desire to join the Dragon Clan. He chose to remain diplomatic about the matter when he answered, "Chomh tromchúiseach leis an iarracht agus leis an gcreideamh a chuireann tú liomsa."

"Ba mhaith liom tú a chóipeáil chomh garbh nach féidir liom siúl."

Ash gulped when he heard that. This far into the conversation he was still being faced with questions that would judge his character as part of the Clan. Here he was being given a direct command. His concern for his hard work and her place in the Clan won out though when he told her, "Tá tú onóir dom. Ach níl mé réidh."

Clair stood up as she breathed lightly before telling Ash, "Well done. You have passed this part of your initiation. You will now have the right to prepare for your final challenge."

Ash stood up when he asked, "Were those questions at the end really ones you were supposed to ask?"

"I had to create my own questions and I needed to know how determined you were to win against the Clan Elders. I appreciate you're doing this more than to lay claim of my body, but you will still have to demonstrate a real desire to defeat your opponents."

"Believe me, I'm not trying to claim you as a prize. You shouldn't be treating this like it's the end of your life."

Clair crossed her arms when she turned away from Ash and told him, "It may as well be. When you came back with the Dragon Fang that day I only had two paths in life to look forward to. Either to live the rest of my life in shame with no one to call a family, or be in service as your concubine."

Ash made his way up to her when he corrected her, "You really think I won't let you have your own life? Even if it's true that you have to marry me, it's not like I have to force you to be a personal servant to me."

Clair showed a slight amount of surprise when she cautiously asked, "You... intend for me to have freedom?"

Ash confirmed, "Well it just makes more sense to me to do that. I think anyone who wants to aspire to their own dream deserves to have the chance."

Clair was unconvinced of Ash's promise when she told him, "It's... a nice gesture for you to feel that way. I suppose I won't begin to believe your vision until I actually see it happen."

Ash sighed when he confessed, "That's something I never thought I'd hear. I might have jumped the gun a little with Sabrina but I guess she was able to trust me enough to respect her. I take it you're just not the type of person who believes that something this big deserves to be given this easily."

"I would hope so. But honoring the Clan comes before everything I might feel. And if you're even slightly worthy of my trust then you will have the same level of dedication. And I hope that you don't think this is down to some trivial trauma I have. I will not allow you earning my trust to be so easy."

"Okay. Then I'll have to accept you for who you are. I'm just sorry that we had to end up having a forced relationship this way."

Clair turned away from Ash as she opened the door and told Ash, "I will tell the Master Elder that you are nearly ready. There are Pokémon in the Dragon's Den that you can lay claim to that will allow you to prepare for the upcoming challenge. I hope you will be ready."

Ash made his way up the cliffs of the Dragon's Den Mountain before he found himself in front of the cave entrance that his human friends had found the first time they visited the mountain.

It was at this point that Ash was asked by Pikachu about his eventual "mating" between him and Clair before telling him, "Well it sure was a bit tense. I don't know how what she wants out of me but it seems like she doesn't even want to try and be friends with me."

Pikachu sighed as he sat on Ash's shoulder and told him, "Sounds like you have a real mate issue. And here I am still trying to get into Espeon's napping circle. I can't say I can decide which situation is worse."

Mew floated up to them when she told them, "Some women can just be different that way Ash. Everything you've seen is only demonstrating that Clair is very dedicated to her family. Once you're both together you'll learn how silly you both acted when you were brought together."

Ash was slightly annoyed with Mews nonchalance when he asked, "You saw all of this happening didn't you?"

Mew giggled when she answered, "Yup."

Ash reached the bottom of the trail when he came across the pond that surrounded the Dragon Shrine on the island across the path. It was in this place that Ash was being given the opportunity to prepare to prove himself as part of the Clan. Even with this promise, he didn't immediately see a way he would be able to expand his team. He stood at the edge of the pond when he told Mew and Pikachu, "Let's keep some eyes open for a dragon Pokémon that I don't have."

Pikachu dropped to the ground when he looked across the still waters and asked, "You really think there's any special types of dragons other than Dratinis down here? I don't know if this place has that many unusual Pokémon to choose from."

Ash corrected him, "If there's a spot for a Seviper then I don't see why not."

Ash sat on his bottom as he looked into the pond and told Ash, "Okay. If I stare at the water long enough then I should at least be able to start telling the difference between Magikarp and Remoraid silhouettes."

Ash looked across the waters when he tried to find some sign of activity within the Den. Among the ceiling of the Den he saw Zubats and a few Gligar flying around. He couldn't even see anything as he viewed the waterfall in the distance except for the splash of a Magikarp. Things did not seem to be hopeful for Ash as he continued his search but found a sense of hope when he saw a small bipedal figure walking across the sands off a cliff near the waterfall.

Ash pointed in the distance, "Hey, out there on that island. There might be something."

Pikachu looked in the distance while Mew pointed out, "It might be a good idea to see for ourselves."

Ash prepared his powers as he summoned a pair of pieces of ground to float over the pond. He leapt on as he began to run over the pond and towards the small island. With each step, an alternating piece of land flew underneath his feet while Pikachu kept hold of Ash's right foot.

As Ash continued across the pond, he heard Mew tell him, "I'll check around the cave and let you know if I find any other picks."

Ash nodded, "You keep an eye out there." He watched Mew fly away from his location before returning his focus to the strip of sand waiting for him.

It was a brief dash before Ash found himself hovering above the small strip of sand that served as home for a small blue Pokémon twice Pikachus size. Ash approached the creature before it turned around and became alert to the human's presence. It spread its short arms as far as it could before offering a small roar towards him.

Pikachu watched the display when he commented, "Whatever he is I think he's got a clear sense of property."

Ash confirmed Pikachu's observation when he told him, "It's a Bagon. Clair might have found hers down here some years ago."

Pikachu recognized the observation when he told Ash, "It's not like you have a lot to choose from down here right?"

Ash agreed as he took out his Poké Ball to prepare for battle. "Yeah. I'll just build that little guy into something fierce. Let's get to business Spritzee!"

At his trainer's command, the small pink bird Pokémon flew out of its Poké Ball and stood across from Bagon. The Bagon inhaled before letting out a red-orange stream of fire from its mouth toward Spritzee.

Ash prepared for the attack when he ordered, "To your left Spritzee!" Spritzee made a flap to its left as it dodged the Flamethrower attack and waited for its next command. Ash took the opening and ordered, "Now hit him with a Moonblast!"

Spritzee followed the order as he formed an orb of pink energy and fired it towards the Bagon. The attack was enough to send the Bagon flying and head first into the ground. Ash took the opportunity as he reached for a Poké Ball and said, "Hope you're okay with a new home little guy!" Throwing the Heavy Ball towards the downed Bagon, Ash saw the sphere collide and transform it into a red light. There was a little struggle before Ash could confirm his second Dragon Pokémon caught.
He picked up the ball when he congratulated himself, "Alright. One down, one more to go right?"

Pikachu looked around when he told his trainer, "It would be if there were any other dragons down here."

Ash returned Spritzee to his Poké Ball when he told him, "We haven't been everywhere. There could be another one somewhere."

Mew returned to Ash's side when she told him, "Sorry to break the news Ash but unless you plan on getting another Dratini, you're out of luck."

Ash was disappointed to hear the news when he cursed, "Well crap. So much for a lot to choose from."

Pikachu tried to lighten the situation when he told Ash, "I wouldn't think the Elder was wrong. I mean there are quite a few Dratini down here. And that Dragonite you have already can be at least one of your top battlers."

Ash corrected, "You're not wrong, but that puts me at a disadvantage. If I go in with three Dragonites then I won't have much of a reliable or varied force to be ready with. And I wont know what I'm up against until the week of the challenge."

Pikachu sighed at the answer when he agreed, "You got me there. At least Dragonite is a powerhouse."

Mew floated over to the area where the Bagon was standing its ground when she told him, "Well with all that you've deduced in mind you may want to consider using the Bagon's property."

Ash made his way over to the pile of rocks when he asked, "What sort of property did he have? Oh..." Looking at one of the rocks in particular he saw something offer potential for what he could call a new discovery. A small rock had the profile of a jaw bone was protected by the small dragon. Ash took out his PokéDex and scanned the fossil before finding the results he was hoping to find. "Wow. You might be right Mew."

Pikachu looked up when he asked, "A rock can help out?"

Pikachu showed the scan result of his PokéDex when he told Pikachu, "A fossil of a dragon type can." The result in question revealed to be that of a Tyrunt. The small tyrannosaurus Pokémon that had Dragon in its blood. "This guy and Bagon are both ones I can use alongside Dragonite. I bet they'll both be able to get stronger once they're trained enough."

Mew agreed, "That's the spirit. First we will require that fossil to be revived before it's of any use."

Ash nodded, "That's true. I'm going to have to take this fossil to somewhere it can be reanimated."

Mew then told him, "And I happen to know where you can do just that. There's a place out here in Johto that is able to accomplish that. You might have heard of the city called Alto Mare. That is where you will need to go."

Ash pocketed his PokéDex and his new Gabon when he told his partners, "Sounds like a trip. Hopefully I still got a little time to prepare." With that hope, Ash made his way across the pond as he prepared himself to make his way to Alto Mare. Fully unaware of the great conflict that was looming over him as soon as he arrived.

And here we have another chapter done folks. As you might be able to tell, an adaptation of Movie 5 is now under way. And yes there is a reason Annie and Oakley get a special focus. The pink haired benefactor Giovanni was talking to? Here's an obvious hint, an adaptation of Movie 10 is down the line.

And Ash proved his ability to master the Teanga Dragan. I think I gave a decent summary of the sentences, but I think everything should tanslate to english from irish through GoogleTranslate.

Ash now has a Bagon and a Dragonite to prepare for his chance to prove himself to the Dragon Clan and has a reason to head to Alto Mare. What he and his friends do when they arrive will be put in motion once all of the pieces are set and Johto is witness to an event that will rival what the Unown threatened to achieve. All this and more to be left in speculation until I finish the next update.

Until then, I look forward to seeing you all next chapter.