Chapter 41 Mount Highpoint
After they finish their tasks, Ash and the group find the keys to Captain Sammy's house. With that done, they head toward the gym for Ash's Gym Battle. As they approach the entrance, they are stopped by a man named Clyde.
"I'm sorry, but Amber isn't at the gym right now," Clyde informs them.
Delia sighs, "Seriously? Where could Amber possibly be?"
Ash looks at his mother in surprise. "Mom, you know Amber?"
"Yes," Delia replies. "She was my travel companion back when I was in Hoenn. She's quite a skilled trainer, actually. She even sparred with Red a few times."
"So, she's a friend of yours?" Alice asks, and Delia nods in response.
"I think she might be at Mt. Highpoint," Delia continues. "We might be able to find her there."
"Sure," Ash agrees, and they head toward the mountain.
Upon arriving at Mt. Highpoint, Ash accidentally bumps into someone. "Oww... Hey, are you with those strange people who've been spotted on Mt. Highpoint?"
"Is that how you greet my son, Amber?" Delia says with a chuckle, surprising the group.
The woman, Amber, looks up, startled. "Wait, Delia... Is that you?"
Amber stands up, dusting herself off. "Wow, it's been a while. And these are your and Red's kids?"
"Well, except for Alice here," Delia replies with a smile. "She's also a Gym Leader, just like you. Actually, we came here to find you. Why aren't you at the gym?"
"I heard reports of strange people in odd outfits making their way up the mountain," Amber explains. "As the Gym Leader of Highpoint City, it's my duty to make sure there's no funny business going on."
Ash frowns, "I bet it's either Team Solar or Team Lunar... They're always causing trouble."
Amber's expression darkens as she mutters, "Team Solar, huh... If you see anything suspicious, let me know. I'll go on ahead." Without another word, Amber rushes toward the top of the mountain, leaving the group behind.
"So, she's always been like that? Mother?" Mark asks, curiosity in his voice.
"I guess so," Delia replies thoughtfully. "She hasn't changed much since the last time I saw her..."
"But she flinched when we mentioned Team Solar... I wonder why," Ash muses, noticing that Delia also flinched slightly at the mention.
Just then, Alice notices something unusual. "Um... Ash? One of your eggs—it's glowing again..."
Ash quickly takes off his backpack and retrieves the glowing egg. "What's going on here? This is the second time it's happened."
"Yeah," Alice agrees, watching in amazement as the yellow egg begins to crack open. Moments later, it hatches into a Pokémon resembling a small bird with lightning-shaped wings.
Blitzy, the Firework Pokémon. Electric and Fire Type. Blitzy sparkle in the night sky, often being mistaken for stars. People sometimes have them create light shows for celebrations.
"Wow, this Pokémon can create fireworks! That's so cool," Alice exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement.
"I know, right?" Ash grins, gently petting the newly hatched Blitzy as it coos softly in response. "I'll take good care of you."
As they continue up the mountain, Ash and the group encounter Team Solar Grunts blocking their path. One of the grunts sends out a Fyant, a Bug-type Pokémon, to challenge them.
"Hummzing, I choose you!" Ash calls out, sending his Pokémon into battle. "Drill Peck!"
Hummzing swoops down, delivering a powerful Drill Peck to the Bug-type Pokémon, landing a super-effective hit and knocking it out with ease. As the grunt retreats, a bright light envelops Hummzing—it begins to evolve.
Hummzap, the Hummingbird Pokémon. Electric and Flying Type. Evolved from Hummzing at Level 28. Whenever Hummzap flaps its wings rapidly, it causes a loud, buzzing noise. Many facilities employ Cosmets to keep them away from interfering with signals.
"Hummzap sure looks strong," Mark comments, impressed by the newly evolved Pokémon.
"But I wonder what a Cosmet is..." Ash mutters, curious about the mention in the Pokédex entry.
The second grunt steps forward, sending out a Blitzy to battle. Ash quickly calls on Atomix. During the battle, Atomix begins to glow as it evolves, unleashing a powerful Discharge to defeat the opposing Blitzy.
Atomotro, the Atom Pokémon. Electric and Steel Type. Evolved from Atomix at Level 28. When the energy storage in Atomotro reaches its limits, it releases a powerful beam of radiation into space, creating electromagnetic disturbances around it.
"We'll need to be careful about Atomotro's energy storage," Ash says, eyeing his newly evolved Pokémon.
The grunt, undeterred, sends out his next Pokémon, a Colbolta. Ash decides to counter with Feva.
"Are you sure it's a good idea? Feva just hatched not long ago," Alice asks, concerned.
"Don't worry, I trust her," Ash replies confidently.
Feva battles fiercely, using her Fever move to burn the opponent. After the battle is won and the grunt retreats, Feva begins to glow, much to everyone's surprise. She evolves right before their eyes.
Fevira, the Fever Pokémon. Poison and Dark Type. Evolved from Feva at Level 28. Fevira can cause hypnotic trances from the poison it spreads through dancing. Trainers are required to make sure they do not release poison in public spaces.
"It looks like I'll need to be extra careful with this one," Ash sighs, recognizing the responsibility that comes with training Fevira.
"Brother, look!" Mark calls out, catching Ash's attention. The group rushes over to find a Pokémon fiercely battling Team Solar grunts on its own. The Pokémon easily defeats the grunts with a move none of them have seen before.
"Wow... that Pokémon is strong. What is it?" Alice asks, eyes wide with amazement.
"It's a Hottop," Delia explains. "And the move we saw was Geode Cannon."
As soon as Hottop spots Ash, smoke begins to billow from the chutes on its back. With tears in its eyes, the Pokémon rushes forward and tackles Ash, knocking him to the ground.
Ash gasps in recognition, "Torkoal? Is that you?"
"Torkoal? You mean... this is another one of your old team members who was killed?" Mark asks, putting the pieces together.
Alice nods thoughtfully, "Torkoal burns coal within its body to produce energy. As a defense, it can release smoke from its nostrils and back to confuse enemies. That's exactly what Hottop just did."
The Pokémon, now confirmed as Ash's old friend, continues to nuzzle against him as Ash laughs, "I know, I missed you too... but please, I can't get up!"
After gently pushing Hottop off of him, Ash smiles warmly and asks, "Will you rejoin the team?" Hottop nods eagerly in agreement.
Hottop, the Hot Stone Pokémon. Fire and Rock Type. Hottop can disguise itself as a rock when it feels threatened, though the smoke escaping from its chutes makes the disguise rather ineffective.
When they reach the top of the mountain, they find Amber hiding behind some rocks. She motions for them to stay quiet. "What's going on here?" Alice whispers softly.
"It's them..." Amber points toward three figures standing in front of a temple. One figure faces the other two, and Ash immediately recognizes him. "That's Brite, the commander of Team Solar who took the Volt Stone..."
"And those two are Scarlett and Marcus from Team Lunar," Alice gasps in recognition. "Scarlett's the one who took the Earth Stone..."
They overhear Brite sneering, "Team Losers, you're too late! We got here first!"
Scarlett scoffs, "Typical Team Solar, thinking rules matter... Who cares if you got here first? We're here now!"
Marcus steps forward, determined. "If we have to fight you for the Core Stone, then so be it. We'll win!"
"Yeah, right, short stuff!" Brite retorts, clearly annoyed.
Just then, a girl who appears to be part of Team Solar steps out of the temple. She confidently addresses the situation, "You can try, but I think you're going to be disappointed..."
Marcus grits his teeth. "Grr... Gloria..."
Amber's eyes widen as she stares at the girl.
"Marcus, late to the party as usual," Gloria replies coolly. "Well, actually, it seems we're both late this time. The Core Stone isn't here..."
"Don't lie to me, Gloria!" Marcus snaps, his frustration evident.
Gloria meets his gaze with a calm expression. "We may be on opposing sides, Marcus, and you don't have to believe me, but I don't lie. The Core Stone isn't here. Someone's already taken it."
Ash glances at Amber, who quickly shushes him, nodding to signal that they should keep listening. Ash nods back, and they continue to eavesdrop on the tense exchange.
"Hopeless..." Marcus mutters in frustration.
Amber, still hidden, whispers, "So what are they doing here?"
"I think they're here to take the Core Stone," Ash replies quietly. "They already have the Volt and Earth Stones..."
"They're after the Core Stone? Well, that's not going to happen!" Amber declares as she steps out of the hiding spot, her determination evident. The others follow closely behind her.
Amber confronts the four commanders with authority. "You! All of you, you need to leave now!"
The four commanders turn in shock at the sight of the group. Gloria's eyes widen as she recognizes Amber. "Aunt Amber? What are you doing here?"
Ash, Alice, and Mark exchange surprised glances, stunned to learn that Amber is related to a member of Team Solar. Amber glares at Gloria. "I see Starla's got you doing her dirty work. None of you have any right to be here. This temple is sacred to the mountain. You're not here with good intentions!"
Marcus steps forward defiantly. "And what if we don't leave?"
Amber's eyes narrow as she issues a stern warning. "I will burn you all down in the blink of an eye. Don't test me!"
"Aunt Amber," Gloria responds, her tone firm, "I know you don't understand, but you don't stand a chance against us right now. We're Team Solar, and we will rule the region with our orders!"
"Keep dreaming, Gloria!" Marcus interjects with a sneer. "Our chaos will be the future of this region!"
As Ash and Alice approach with Delia's orders, Scarlett's eyes narrow. "You two again?"
"Here to stop us, I see," Marcus adds with a smirk.
Amber turns to Ash and Alice, her voice calm but commanding. "You two got here just in time. Ash, Alice, I want you to deal with my niece and the other Team Solar commander. I'll handle Team Lunar."
"Got it," Ash responds, as he and Alice step forward to face Team Solar, ready for the battle ahead. Brite sneers, "You guys again... but this time you don't have that silver-haired girl to help you, huh?"
"It doesn't matter," Ash responds firmly as Brite and Gloria send out Cobolta and Legnix. Without hesitation, Ash sends out Oriture, and Alice sends out Husky. Despite Alice being at a disadvantage due to the Fire-types, Ash provides cover, and together they manage to defeat the two Pokémon.
However, Brite and Gloria aren't done yet. They quickly send out Explonade and Deerash, who prove to be much tougher opponents. The two Pokémon swiftly overpower Oriture and Husky. Alice quickly sends out Snower, but before Ash can release another Pokémon, a ghostly figure suddenly appears and uses Hypnosis, putting both Explonade and Deerash to sleep.
"What was that?" Ash asks, surprised by the unexpected turn of events.
The ghostly Pokémon reveals itself. "A Napkid?" Alice mutters, recognizing the Pokémon.
Napkid then uses Dream Eater, causing the two opposing Pokémon to faint. Meanwhile, Amber also finishes her battle against Team Lunar.
Brite scowls, "What a bunch of twerps... but at least you're better than Team Lunar..." He and Gloria recall their Pokémon.
Gloria sighs, "We don't have time to waste on this, Brite. Let's go." She turns to Amber and adds, "Aunt Amber, I'm sorry, but we've got better things to do than waste our time here. See you around."
She gives Brite a nod, and he responds, "Legnix, Flash!"
A blinding white light envelops the area, and when it fades, Team Solar is gone.
Amber curses under her breath, "Damn it, she got away again..."
Meanwhile, Marcus, with a frustrated look, concedes, "You win this time, Gym Leader. Scarlett, let's get out of here..."
Scarlett glares at the group, her voice dripping with menace. "You'll rue the day you crossed us! Taraterror, use Smokescreen."
Thick smoke fills the area, obscuring everything. By the time it clears, Team Lunar has also vanished.
"They got away again..." Mark says, frustration evident in his voice.
"It's fine," Delia reassures him. She then turns to Amber, "Thank you for your help, Amber."
"No problem," Amber replies, though she frowns in thought. "I do wonder what she could possibly want with the Core Stone..." She shakes her head, then adds, "I'm glad you're all okay. It's best not to get involved with people like them... But anyway, since they've left and nothing seems damaged, I'll head back to my Gym."
As Amber turns to leave, Ash hesitates before asking, "So, is it true that you're related to Team Solar?"
Amber stops in her tracks, turning back to face Ash. "We may be blood-related, but I have no intention of getting involved in their business," she says firmly. Then, with a small smile, she adds, "If you want to battle me, Ash, I'll be at my Gym. I'm looking forward to it—I expect a heated battle!"
After Amber leaves the mountain, Ash turns to the ghost Pokémon that had helped them earlier. "Thank you for helping us as well," he says gratefully.
"No problem," Napkid replies, its voice airy. "But you're really hard to follow..."
"Follow?" Ash asks, confused.
"Yeah," Napkid continues. "After you saved those Pokémon from the thieves, I tried to call you, but you thought I was a ghost and told Geckone to teleport away... I've been chasing you all the way here since then."
"Wait, you chased us all the way from Blackleaf Woods? Why?" Alice asks, curious.
"To join you, of course," Napkid says simply.
"Okay..." Ash agrees, pulling out a Dusk Ball and capturing the Pokémon.
Napkid, the Bedsheet Pokémon. Ghost Type. Napkid's body is incredibly soft and silky. They favor hiding among blankets and scaring people who don't notice their presence.
Napkid chuckles softly. "And you never got scared, no matter how many times I did that... You know how many times I've been under your blanket, right?"
Ash and Alice freeze, exchanging wide-eyed looks, as the realization sinks in. Delia giggles and says teasingly, "Maybe Napkid really likes you both enough to do something like that."
They continue into the temple and find a Legendary Pokémon waiting for them—a majestic, tiger-like creature. The Pokémon bows respectfully and says, "My lord, you have come."
"Tigacore, how are things here?" Delia asks, her tone calm but concerned.
"It should be fine, but I am relieved that my stone isn't in the hands of either team," Tigacore replies. The Legendary Pokémon then turns to Ash and Alice. "And you two must be the Prince of Sun and Princess of Moon?"
"That's what Terradon and Aethera told us," Ash responds. "Do you have more to share?"
Tigacore nods. "Indeed, there is more. The requirement to awaken the Dark and Light isn't limited to just the five stones. Two crystals are also needed—the Order Crystal and the Chaos Crystal."
"Where are those crystals? And how can we stop the groups from getting them?" Alice asks, eager to understand their next steps.
Tigacore's expression remains enigmatic. "That is for you to discover."
Ash frowns slightly. "I feel like I didn't get the answers I needed..."
"You're right," Delia says with a sigh. "But perhaps that's the point. Only you two can find the answers."
Ash nods in understanding, accepting the challenge ahead. As they explore further, they come across some Fire Stones. Ash decides to give one to his Flawk, who eagerly accepts it and evolves into Legenix.
Legenix, the Rebirth Pokémon. Fire and Flying Type. Evolved from Flawk with a Fire Stone. Legenix are said to be immortal. Once every 100 years, they burst into flames and are reborn as a Flawk egg.
Ash smiles, pleased with the transformation. "It sounds like you've become an even stronger Pokémon, Legenix."
Legenix nods, reassuring Ash that he no longer needs to worry about being killed again. With that, they head back down the mountain, ready to face the next challenge at the gym.
Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, Ash meets his Torkoal, who is a Hottop now, and then he finds the third Legendary Pokemon and learns more about the prophecy.
New Pokemon/Evolution: Blitzy, Hummzap, Atomotro, Fevira, Hottop, Napkid, Legenix
Mount Highpoint:
Land: Hottop:30% (LV:26~28), Cuburn:25% (LV:26~28), Blitzy:20% (LV:26~28), Fyant:15% (LV:26~28), Kidlit:10% (LV:26~28)
Rock Smash: Hottop:100% (LV:30)