With only three weeks left before the Pokémon League competition, the four trainers headed up to Mt. Hideaway to find one of the Elite Four Trainers (Bruno), hoping he would teach them the true secrets of Pokémon training, but what they really learn is that Mt. Hideaway is the land of overgrown Onix!

A large Onix with with a noticeable scar; For the area's fertile soil had allowed it to grow larger than usual.

Laoise had been astonished, she'd been startled when she first met Goliath. She can only imagine how it would've gone if he'd been the size of this one.

Later Bruno figures out what was upsetting the Onix. He then starts feeling around Onix's body. Eventually he finds something between Onix's rocks. Asking Onix to bear with the momentary pain, he strains before pulling out a Sandslash.

The four are shocked. Ash checks his Pokédex; apparently, the Sandslash was irritating Onix the whole time and causing it to act aggressively. Bruno lets the Sandslash go and asked the Onix if it wants to come with him. Onix accepted and Bruno catches it in a Poké Ball. He jumps back up to the four trainers. He then tells them the true secret to being a successful Pokémon trainer is for Pokémon and humans to care for each other, like Ash and Pikachu—who then look at each other and start laughing gleefully. Bruno says farewell, telling Ash and Laoise that he looks forward to facing them in battle someday.

The next day, while training for the Pokémon League, the quartet inadvertently uncover a hidden temple containing Pokémon fossils. Misty recalled reading about a hidden city where people used to build temples to honor Pokémon.

Archaeologists led by lead expert Eve were digging up artifacts related to the ancient city of Pokémopolis, a civilization that was supposedly destroyed in a single night.

However, they all soon learned that her discovery was much more complicated and dangerous than it seemed. After accidentally awakening a giant Gengar and Alakazam, whose battle could've decimated Pallet Town.

Except it was thanks to Jiggypuff's song - before being blasted off- made the giant bell glow, and it summoned forth a giant Jigglypuff. The giant Jigglypuff's song was loud and powerful enough to put the giant Gengar and Alakazam to sleep, as well as everyone else. Just like the regular Jigglypuff, the giant Jigglypuff gets angry when it sees that Gengar and Alakazam have fallen asleep, and pulls off the head of the bell, revealing it to be a giant paintbrush, and scribbles on Gengar and Alakazam's faces. Yet when everyone awakened, the dark clouds have vanished, as have the three giant Pokémon, while the artifacts and all the giant Gengar's victims have all reappeared. Eve examines the artifacts, theorizing that they could actually be primitive Poké Balls and deciding to study them more in order to unlock more of Pokémopolis's hidden secrets.

Although Eve had been terrified at what happened, it didn't frighten her away from continuing to be an archaeologist. In fact, it made her want to study Pokémopolis even more than ever.

Though Laoise hoped there would be answers regarding that bird she saw once, and some of historical factors that grabbed her interest.

Weeks later, at long last the time has come. The Indigo League.

Laoise took a deep breath as she gazed out at the sunrise from her bedroom window. Birds were singing their morning songs, signaling the start of a new day. She could hear her father puttering about in the kitchen below, likely making breakfast. The smell of eggs and toast wafted up the stairs.

Despite her nerves, Laoise was excited yet apprehensive about what this day might bring.

After getting dressed in her favorite jeans and t-shirt, Laoise made her way downstairs. "Good morning sweetheart," her mother Hyacinth said warmly, setting a plate of pancakes in front of her.

Laoise's father Dave gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze as he poured her a glass of milk. They could see the worry and anticipation in her eyes.

Once she finished eating, Laoise's sisters helped her double check that she had everything packed - potions, pokèballs, running shoes, change of clothes. Shae quizzed her on type matchups and battle strategies while Taryn made sure her outfit was coordinating nicely. Their support and preparations helped calm Laoise's nerves.

With an encouraging hug from each of her parents and sisters, Laoise took a deep breath and walked outside.

visit Professor Oak's Lab for some advice on training for the Pokémon League. Oak suggests that if Ash wants to compete, he should get on his way immediately. Ash heads back to his house to get his bag, while Professor Oak and Delia wish him well as he sets on his way for the Pokémon League. Brock leads Ash, Laoise and Misty through a grass field, when they run into another trainer who's also headed for the Indigo Plateau. Unfortunately, this trainer, Otoshi, has had all of his Pokémon Badges stolen from him and unless he gets eight more badges he won't be able to complete in the Tournament.

Ash is victorious, and as it turned out Otoshi's badges had been stolen by Team Rocket, who'd been bambozzled temporarily by Jessie. Meowth tells the trainers that Jessie had stolen them. Marowak started throwing a tantrum, and Meowth translates to Otoshi that Marowak doesn't want to be his Pokémon anymore, as with the Badges stolen, all of its hard work had gone to waste. When Otoshi begged Marowak to stay, the Bone Keeper Pokémon knocks Otoshi's hand away and leaves him.

So the quartet agreed that they all have to find Jessie and the Badges or else Marowak may never come back. However, James and Meowth begin to give chase as well to find Jessie first. Fortunately, the gang finds Jessie. Jessie was initially angry at James and Meowth for blowing her cover, but calms when James declares that from then on, Team Rocket shall steal as a team and not as individuals.

Marowak was walking through the woods and notices some Trainers and their Pokémon training for the Pokémon League, which reminds it of the intense training it experienced with Otoshi. Subsequently, Marowak decided to go back to Otoshi's side as his Pokémon and together they defeat Team Rocket, in the process, Otoshi's Badge case falls from the balloon and Misty catches it.

Otoshi walks over to Marowak asking it if it will battle in the Pokémon League by his side. Marowak accepts as Misty returns the Badges to Otoshi safe and sound.

By sunset, Ash and his friends notice the Indigo Plateau up ahead, and they all begin to run towards it.

Our heroes have finally reached the Indigo Plateau, home of the renown Pokémon League. Ash and Laoise are approaching the competition with dignity and quiet concentration.

However, Ash and Laoise are celebrating the fact that they made it to their dream. Ultimately, their celebration causes Togepi to get upset, having Misty call it down.

Ash was apologetic, "Sorry, Misty. But when me and Laoise think about competing in the Pokémon League, we feel like we're gonna explode."

"Explode at the opening ceremonies tomorrow." said Brock.

Ash cheered, "Yeah!"

"I can't wait! I can't wait! Pokémon League...here we come!" Laoise crowed.

Misty sweat dropped, "Those two are starting to scare me."

"The excitement's really getting to them." Brock remarked.

"They think they're gonna do great, Brock. We've never seen them this confident." Misty said.

Brock shrugged, "They're confident now, but just wait till they get a look at the competition."

Laoise was practically close to jumping up and down with excitement. "What are you all waiting for?"

"Let's go!"

Our heroes soon reach the town outside the stadium where the competition is being held and see crowds lining the streets.

The crowd soon starts cheering. However, the crowd runs past Ash and Laoise to greet someone else, that being a jogger carrying a torch to the Pokémon League stadium with a Hitmonchan by his side and Officer Jenny riding behind and escorting another vehicle.

Brock murmured, "It's the torch."

Ash blinked. "The torch?"

"They use it to light the flame that burns during the whole Pokémon League competition." Misty explained.

Laoise gasped, "Just like at the Olympic games!"

Brock nodded, "Exactly. And like Olympic athletes, the flame's supposed to inspire all the trainers and Pokémon who compete in the Pokémon League. Being one of the torch bearers is a huge honor."

Misty added, "There's a legend that says the flame comes from way back in ancient times from the flames of Moltres."

Ash got out Dexter. "What's a Moltres?"

Laoise replied, "One of The Three Legendary Birds, the fiery one."

"Moltres, a Legendary Pokémon. Its virtues symbolize the Pokémon League competitions." Dexter's electronic voice spoke.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Laoise commented.

Ash started to visualize Moltres in his head. "If that flame really is lit from the flames of Moltres, then its more than just a legend. Moltres has to be real."

Misty guessed flatly, "And either you or Laoise want to catch one."

Laoise looked a little pensive, "That's a nice thought. Buuuut...we'd have to actually find one first. Although the Articuno still takes my breath away."

Ash said determinedly, "Yeah, either of us will catch one and train it, just like..."

"Just like you train Charizard?" Misty commented.

Ash stumbled in disbelief.

Laoise gave Misty a dirty look, "Ixnay on the arizard-chay!"

"But first, I'm gonna carry that torch." Ash got up.

Impulsively, Ash approached the torchbearer with the hopes of taking over the duty. However, he is confronted by Officer Jenny, who elaborated that only approved competitors can hold the torch. Ash explained he and Laoise were competitors and showed his Badges pinned to the inside of his shirt.

"It's true." Laoise nodded and she opened her badge case. "I've got my badgers here."

"The rule is you have to be approved." Officer Jenny insisted calmly.

"Well, I say we bend the rule and give the lad a chance!" Someone said.

Our heroes spotted an old man on top of the vehicle Officer Jenny was escorting. He had a long white beard, wore a cap, red T-shirt and tan shorts.

"President Goodshow?" questioned Officer Jenny.

"As you know, the Pokémon League competition is all about spirit, and it sounds like this youngster has spirit!" The old man said with a smile.

"Is that Santa Claus?" Ash asked.

President Goodshow fell off in disbelief, yet he still laughed jovially, "Santa Claus."

Officer Jenny helped President Goodshow up. "May I present the honorable Charles Goodshow, president of the Pokémon League torch committee."

"My friends call me Charlie." the old man added.

Misty commented, "You sure don't look like a president, uh, uh, sir."

Ash gave her a sidelong glance, "What difference does it make what he looks like?"

"Exactly correct." Charlie confirmed, "It's what one does, not what one looks like, that's important. And I see that you, son, are a door. A door to boundless possibility. This whole competition is about spirit, and we could use a spirited young man like yourself to help deliver this noble flame to Indigo Stadium. What do you say?"

Ash agreed, "It'd, be, an honor."

Pikachu nodded. "Pi!"

Soon, the flame passes into another torch held by Ash.

Ash said, "Pikachu. Laoise. We're pretty lucky, aren't we?"

"Pika." Pikachu nodded, from Ash's shoulder.

"This is exciting!" Laoise whispered from her spot, too exhilarated to trust herself to speak calmly.

"Just think. This flame came from a Moltres and it stands for the whole spirit of the Pokémon League." Ash said, "Now it's up to us to keep us safe."

Charlie came up, "It sounds like you understand the importance of your responsibility."

"Yeah." Ash replied.

"We all do." Laoise agreed.

"Then, off we go!" Charlie smiled.

"Right!" Ash nodded once.

Soon, everyone clapped and applauded as Ash towards the stadium.

Ash chuckled "Thanks, everybody! Thanks a lot!"

Soon enough they continue out of town and into a wooded area outside the stadium.

Team Rocket, intent on stealing the torch and some Pokémon, trapped Laoise, Misty and Brock in a large sinkhole as they followed Ash and Pikachu running with the torch by van. Team Rocket jumped out of their balloon; Meowth landed on Ash and swipes him, causing Ash to let go of the torch. Meowth catches it, but quickly threw it away after catching fire, allowing Pikachu to catch it. James sent out Victreebel and commands it to bite Meowth to put out the flame. Instead, Victreebel catches fire as well and started to chase Team Rocket. Ash sends out Squirtle to put out Jessie, James, Meowth, and Victreebel. Despite having been saved, Team Rocket explained to Ash that they will not stop trying to get the torch because it could sell for a huge price and get them lots of money.

James jumped up and prepared to tackle Pikachu for the torch, but it threw the torch away and uses an Electric attack on him. Ash and Jessie both go for the torch, and get their hands on it. They begin grappling and Squirtle leaped onto Jessie's face to help Ash, while Meowth jumped onto Ash and began tickling him. Jessie ultimately wrestled control of the torch away from Ash, and Team Rocket soon drifted away in their balloon.

Our heroes watch helplessly as Team Rocket escaped.

Ash slumped to his knees. "It's gone. I failed."

Charlie pops up, revealed to be riding on Brock's back. "Don't worry."

"They can't be far, we'll track them down." Officer Jenny mused.

Charlie approaches Ash. "You demonstrated great bravery and I'm very proud of you. The flame will live on."

"But what about the competition?" Laoise climbed out of the hole, "We can't start the Pokémon League without the torch being lit at the stadium."

"Let me show you." Charlie unzipped his jacket and reveals a lantern with a Moltres flame inside, shocking our heroes. "I always keep an extra flame from Moltres tucked away so I could relight the torch if it goes out. The Pokémon League is very close to my heart, so I keep this flame close to my heart, too, just as a little insurance policy."

Officer Jenny is seen watching her motorcycle get pulled out of the pit. Ash lit the spare torch.

The time has come to continue running and pave the way to begin the Indigo League.

"Are you ready?" Charlie asked.

"Ready." Ash said.

"Good. Then it's off to the Pokémon League!" Charlie said.

The run continues as the second verse of the Pokémon theme song plays. Ash runs first with Pikachu alongside him.

Next, it was Misty's turn to carry the torch, she wore a blue shirt and black running shorts with Togepi on her left shoulder.

Then Laoise's turn. She was wearing a cyan green T-shirt with a Lion's face upon it with the words "Courage, Dear Heart."

And the pokèmon she chose to run with her when she carried the torch was her Oddish.

Laoise let Leafy out. "Come on, Leafy. This is your time too. We're all in this together."

The little Oddish's eyes sparkled with emotion. "Oddish...!"

So Laoise and her Oddish continued the run together, until it was Brock's turn.

Brock was in a red basketball uniform with Suzy's Vulpix running alongside him. Finally the group had reached the Indigo Stadium.

"Land ho!" Laoise pointed.

Misty said, "There it is!"

"The site where me and Ash will be joining the competition!" Laoise said.

Ash remarked, "The stadium sure looks great, Mr. President."

Charlie nodded, "Yes, Ash. It's empty now, but tomorrow, it will be filled to capacity, for the opening ceremonies of the Pokémon League competition!"

Soon, a gathered crowd started cheering as our heroes arrived

"Thank you! Thank you, everybody! We finally made it!" Brock said as he ran with the torch.

Brock hands the torch to President Goodshow. "I present you with the flame of Moltres."

"Thank you. I trust you'll all be at the opening ceremonies tomorrow?"

Everyone cheered. "Yes!"

Everyone applauded.

Charlie nodded, "Jolly good show!"

Later by sunset, our heroes reach the Pokémon League Village, the place where all the trainers competing will be living during the course of the tournament.

Already there were countless trainers milling about.

"This is great! It's where all the Pokémon trainers stay during the competition." Ash said, glancing around.

"Bunk beds, nearby food joints, Air conditioner, plumbing and more..." Laoise grinned. "It's like like a dream."

Soon, a familiar voice is heard. "Late as usual, aren't you, guys?"

Ash nearly stumbled "That sounds like, Gary!"

Laoise turned to see Gary at a table sipping tea with his cheerleaders and she scowled. "Good feeling's gone." she grumbled.

Gary smirked, "Ash, Laoise, I hope tomorrow is either of your lucky days because luck's what you're gonna need."

Ash scowled, "You don't know what you're talking about, Gary! Neither me or Laoise need luck to win! We're both great Pokémon trainers!"

"We got all the way here in one piece, and that proves it!" Laoise folded her arms.

Gary continued sipping tea, "Unless you both study with other trainers like your friends, your chances aren't so great."

"Says who?!" Ash glowered.

Gary finished his tea, "Every real trainer says you have to study the competition to win the Pokémon League."

"Let's go, girls." Gary got up, "If I stay here much longer, I might catch loser-itis or rookie syndrome and miss the competition. See ya!" he laughed.

That night, our heroes are sleeping in cabin 12, save for Ash and Laoise, who are busy thinking about the competition and about the past hours.

Ash was restless with worry from Gary's comments and goes out for a walk, Laoise just couldn't sleep properly due to the excitement. They head to the Indigo Plateau stadium while Goodshow sits amongst the grandstands and watched on.

There, Ash resolves to beat the Pokémon League, while Laoise gathered her confidence and be ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.

The next day, the opening ceremony began, with Pidgeys being released.

"And now, the opening ceremonies of the Pokémon League competition are officially underway!" The announcer declared, "This is where the top Pokémon trainers and their Pokémon come to prove their strength, their skill, and their spirit! These hopeful competitors will battle one another as they strive only for excellence and victory! The victory they will need to enter the ranks of the Pokémon master! And here they come!"

Soon, all the trainers come out before the audience.

"The competitors are proudly entering the stadium, each having proven their worthiness by winning a minimum of eight gym badges!"

Brock and Misty watched from their seats next to Charlie.

"Wow! This is exciting!" Misty held a cheerful Togepi.

Brock said, "I can't wait to see Ash and Laoise."

Misty then craned her neck, "There! They just came in!"

"And there's Pikachu!"

Ash and Laoise come in, but Ash looks nervous. Laoise was as well but trying to keep from fidgeting too much and not let all the sounds overwhelm her.

"They look kinda nervous." Misty noticed.

Brock added, "Gary doesn't."

In effect, Gary was strutting among the trainers.

At last, all the trainers were standing before the torch where the Moltres flame will burn.

"And now, the trainer bearing the flame of Moltres has entered for the official lighting of the central torch which will burn throughout the Pokémon League competition." said the announcer.

Misty questioned, "The central torch? Where is that?"

Charlie replied, "At the top of those steps."

Misty and Brock looked and saw the central torch. Then, as the young girl trainer with the torch reached the top, two characters wearing Greek costumes appear.

"This is a surprise, it looks like two robed figures representing the League are about to accept the flame." The announcer said.

Laoise had turned to look up and recognized the figured as...

"What the...?! Team Rocket!" she sputtered. "Stop those crooks!"

Ash and Laoise raced to the top of the stairs to stop the plot.

"Wait!" Ash hollered.

"Don't let them get that flame!" Laoise shouted.

Once the trainer is distracted, Jessie snatched the torch. Team Rocket revealed themselves.

"Do you three have to ruin everything?!" Ash groused.

Laoise snapped, "Just because you're villains, doesn't mean you're the stars of the show!"

Meowth answered, "Maybe not everything, and maybe we aren't the stars because we're the villains, but we try to do what we can."

Jessie taunted, "Cool it, kids. There's no reason to get fired up over an old flame!"

Ash growled, "We'll see about that!"

"Enough talk! Get them!" Laoise cried.

Weezing uses Smog, and Jessie lit the main flame. Then, Team Rocket headed inside a robot and puts the Moltres Flame on its back.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the central torch has just been stolen by a giant, mechanical monster!" The shocked announcer said.

Charlie was dismayed, "Without the flame of Moltres, we can't start the competition! This is awful!"

Pikachu attempts to electrocute the robot, but it resists the electricity.

The group evaded the robot while Team Rocket laughed at Pikachu's failed attempt and Ash's Bulbasaur's same with Laoise's Vaporeon Aquata. Soon the robot backed everyone into against the wall.

Misty stood up, "They're trapped!"

Brock shouted, "Hurry, run for it!"

"We're not running away! Not from here! We came here to compete in the Pokémon League..." Ash refused.

Laoise yelled at Team Rocket, "And now you're trying to wreck it for everyone! Well, we're not gonna let you do it! Not if we can help it!"

"Take your best shot, Team Rocket!" Ash and Laoise shouted.

Team Rocket fired. However, inside the flames, Ash, Laoise and their pokèmon weren't turning to cinders

Ash was amazed. "We're okay!"

"Wow! I know I read something like this somewhere..." Laoise mumbled in awe. "There's a story of three guys who were tossed into furnace by a crazy king, but they didn't burn!"

Even Team Rocket is shocked. The flames soon form a large, avian Pokémon with a light yellow plumage. It has a long, flowing head crest and a billowing tail, both made of reddish flames. Additionally, its wings are also shrouded in fiery plumage. It had a long, thin neck, a pointed, brown beak, and small, triangular eyes. Its thin, brown legs had anisodactyl feet, with three forward-facing digits and one facing backward.

the legendary Moltres, and both trainers can't believe their eyes.

Charlie gasped, "Moltres is back! In a beautiful blaze of glory!"

Moltres divebombed toward Team Rocket. The troublesome trio panicked as Moltres raced toward the robot and destroys it, sending Team Rocket blasting off.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

The central torch, upon the destruction of the robot, returned to its position and Moltres landed in it, lighting it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the opening ceremonies will now continue. Here is President Goodshow to greet our competitors." The announcer said.

Charlie came up and addressed the crowd of trainers, "Welcome, one and all. This stadium is a very special place, a place where those who truly love Pokémon come to compete. Here, the glow from the flame of Moltres burns bright to light up their hearts and their spirits. Battle valiantly, and keep that fire alive, in your hearts and in your spirits!"

Everyone started cheering.

'Thank you, Moltres. I'll keep the fire alive.' Ash thought then said aloud, "We finally made it to the Pokémon League, Pikachu."

"This is it." Laoise said, "What we've been training for."

Yes, but will Ash and Laoise discover they're out of their league? Who knows? But they've got to be in it, to win it.

To be continued...

Author's note: I chose Leafy to run with Laoise as another form of symbolism, an abandoned Pokèmon now running alongside a new trainer that believes in them.

Thought I'd advance this, but the preliminary rounds for Laoise and what her opponents will be like, I'll be taking my time with. After all this requites careful thinking and planning too.