129 The Johto League Torch
After reuniting Larvitar with his mother, the gang were now on the way to Silver Town. Along the way, they noticed a crowd of people outside a very large gate. Ashlyn asked someone from the crowd what was going on, and that person explained that everyone was waiting for the torch of the Silver Conference. Another person explained that they were at the Ho-Oh shrine and running of the torch started here. Those words made the gang feel excited about the torch.
"How about we go see the torch too?" Ashlyn suggested, "There's no way I would miss the running of the Johto League torch; especially since we ran carrying the flame for the Indigo League, remember?"
Volkner, Misty and Brock did remember and so they all agreed to watch the running of the torch. Everyone waited and waited for the torch running to start, but so far nothing was happening.
"I hope the runner is okay. I mean surely it doesn't take this long for them to start the running." Ashlyn said.
Just then a man came out of the gates.
"I'm very sorry everyone," The man apologized, "but due to circumstances the torch will take a bit longer to start."
The crowd started to groan because they didn't like waiting.
"Something must be wrong here, if we are being told to wait more." Brock stated.
"Let's find out what's wrong." Ashlyn decided.
The gang asked the guard of the shrine what was going, and the guard led the gang into the shrine. The guard explained that there was actually trouble at the shrine.
"If you've got trouble, I can help." A voice said.
The voice came from a trainer, about the same age as Brock, with a Houndoom at his side. Ashlyn remembered that this was Harrison, a trainer from Littleroot Town in the Hoenn region. The gang introduced themselves to Harrison and also told him that they were from Kanto.
The guard explained that the torch and runners were ready, but the flame for the torch wasn't ready.
"The truth is our flame is actually from the legendary Ho-Oh," The guard admitted, "and there's a legend about it too."
"What kind of legend?" Misty asked.
The guard explained that the legend was that a long time ago, there was a terrible war within the area, and both Pokémon and humans were hurt from the battle. After the war was over, the land became a wasteland because of all the fighting, and then Ho-Oh appeared. Ho-Oh blew its flame at all of the humans weapons; ending the war. After that, the land was really lifeless then, but because of Ho-Oh's ashes the land started to come to life again and soon the land was back to what it was again and peace reigned. But one flame of Ho-Oh remained one a tree and the people called it the Sacred Flame.
"They built this shrine to worship Ho-Oh, which is why it's called the Ho-Oh shrine. And the sacred flame had stayed in the shrine ever since." The guard said.
"Wow, what a story." Misty said in awe.
"And I thought it was only the Tin Tower and the Burned Tower in Ecruteak City that were the places to worship Ho-Oh." Ashlyn commented.
"We learn new stories about the legendary Pokémon of Johto all the time." Brock added.
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The guard showed Harrison and the gang to the staircase that led the way to the shrine where the sacred flame was kept.
"We can't seem to get the flame, because a wild Sneasel is guarding the shrine." The guard explained.
"A Sneasel huh?" Ashlyn looked up Sneasel on her Rotom phone:
[Sneasel, the sharp claw Pokémon. A smart and sneaky Pokémon, it makes its opponents flinch by suddenly showing the claws hidden in its paws.]
"If I remember correctly, Sneasel is an ice and dark type." Ashlyn said reading more of the information.
"Excellent, I've wanted to capture a Sneasel and this will be my chance." Harrison beamed with excitement.
The guard explained that Sneasel attacks anyone who gets close to the shrine and it was because it made that place its territory. And to make matters worse, Sneasel had a Machop and Machoke with it.
"If we don't get that flame soon, we will never be able to start the Silver Conference Tournament." The guard said, worried.
"Don't worry, we'll help get that flame." Ashlyn declared.
There was no way that Ashlyn was going to let anything ruin the tournament; especially since she and her Pokémon had worked too hard to enter it. Volkner, Misty and Brock were going to help too, and so did Harrison; he wished to capture the Sneasel.
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Harrison and the gang went up the stairs to the shrine at once. As soon as they reached the top, they met up with Machop and Machamp. Brock sent out his Ninetales to battle; he knew that Ninetales had learnt some Psychic moves when she was living in her master's old mansion.
"Ninetales, use Psychic at Machop!" he ordered.
Ninetales's eyes glowed blue and then she fired a psychic blast of energy from her mouth at Machop and Machop ended up hurt bad.
"Houdoom, use Flamethrower on Machoke!" Harrison commanded.
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While Machop and Machoke were distracted, Ashlyn made her way to the shrine to grab the Sacred Flame.
But then Ashlyn nearly got scratched by Sneasel. "So you're the troublesome Sneasel huh?" She said.
"Sneasel." It said.
"Well you're not getting in my way of getting the Sacred Flame." She sent out Lucifer to battle. "Lucifer use Flamethrower!"
"Arf!" Lucifer the Houndoom appeared and launched a Flamethrower attack at Sneasel, but Sneasel dodged it and then it tried to slash Lucifer with its claws but Lucifer dodged it.
"You're fast, Sneasel," Ashlyn stated, "But not fast enough, Lucifer use Shadow Claw." The Shadow Claw hit Sneasel directly but Sneasel didn't give up.
{A/N: I know that Houndoom doesn't have Shadow Claw in its moveset, but I thought it would be cool if it did}
At that moment Harrison, Volkner, Misty and Brock showed up; they had defeated Machop and Machoke.
"You okay, Ashlyn?" Harrison asked.
"Yes, but this Sneasel this more tricky than we thought." Ashlyn replied.
"All right, leave the rest to me, Ashlyn." Harrison assured her. Then he released a red, yellow and white Pokémon from its Pokéball.
This Pokémon looked like a bipedal, chicken-like Pokémon. It's body is red with accents of beige, yellow, and gray. Behind its head, there are beige, hair-like feathers that continue downward and surround its chest and abdomen. It has a small red face with a V-shaped crest on its head. Its eyes are semicircular with yellow sclera and blue irises, and its mouth is similar to hooked beak. It has featherless, gray hands with three fingers each, and three clawed toes that are not normally visible due to the shaggy, yellow feathers on the bottom of its legs.
"Blaziken!" It said.
"Wow, a Blaziken." Ashlyn took out her Rotom phone:
[Blaziken, the Blaze Pokémon. When it meets a powerful enemy, fire burns around its arms and legs. Its powerful legs are strong enough to leap over buildings.]
"So that's a Blaziken, huh?" Volkner said.
"I reckon that Pokémon is from the Hoenn region." Brock commented.
Ashlyn nodded, "Yup. It's the final form of Torchic, the Hoenn Fire Starter Pokémon." She explained.
Ashlyn was excited from seeing another Hoenn Pokémon. She hoped to catch one when she goes to the Hoenn Region.
"Blaziken, Quick Attack!" Harrison ordered.
Blaziken tackled Sneasel hard. Sneasel fought back with shadow ball, but Blaziken dodged it.
"Okay Blaziken Flamethrower!" Blaziken blew flamethrower at Sneasel and Sneasel got it by it.
As Sneasel was an Ice and Dark type Pokémon, the flamethrower hurt Sneasel well.
"How finish it with Fire Punch!" Blaziken punched Sneasel hard, while its hand was covered in a flame, and Sneasel fainted from the fire punch. Harrison tossed a Pokéball at Sneasel and captured it.
"Yes! I caught a Sneasel!" Harrison cheered.
"Congrads Harrison." Ashlyn congratulated Harrison.
"Thanks." Harrison smiled.
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Harrison and the gang went to the shrine to get the sacred flame. Inside was a stone statue of Ho-Oh and the flame was resting in a bowl, on the top of the head.
So now the runner of the torch had the sacred flame of Ho-Oh at last, and he got ready to run with the torch. The guard was grateful and thanked Harrison and the gang. He also said that Machop and Machoke were going to stay at the Ho-Oh shrine and become its guardians. The gang were happy for the Pokémon. Then at that moment the runner started running with the torch and the crowd started cheering.
"Now the Silver Conference is finally going to start." Ashlyn beamed with excitement.
"I'll be in the Silver Conference as well." Harrison admitted.
"Good. Then that means we'll get to battle each other." Ashlyn stated.
Harrison smiled, "Well I hope we will, Ashlyn."
"I know we will, Harrison." Ashlyn promised.
"I'll see you there then." Harrison waved to them and headed off to the conference.
"Blaziken and Houndoom are going to be a hard team to beat." Brock commented.
"I reckon that there is going to be a lot of cool trainers and Pokémon at the Silver Conference." Misty added.
"I agree," Ashlyn agreed, "but that's not going to stop me from trying to win this tournament."
The gang started to head to Silver Town too and Ashlyn couldn't wait to participate in the Silver Conference.
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By the next day, the gang were now in Silver Town. Ashlyn was looking through the guide with Brock.
"Is it like the Indigo League?" Ashlyn asked, "You know with me having to do four preliminary rounds, with three Pokémon, and then the normal matches with three Pokémon?"
"Actually Ashlyn, it's different and the challenge looks a lot harsher than the Indigo League." Brock replied.
"Oh really? What are the rules for the Silver Conference?" Ashlyn questioned.
Before Ashlyn's question was answered, they met up with Gary.
"Hey Gary," Ashlyn greeted, "I take it you have all eight badges for the Silver Conference?"
"That I do Ashy-girl," Gary stated, "and I'll be aiming for the top!"
Ashlyn grinned, "You'll have to beat me first, Gary."
"I'll have you know Ashlyn, I trained a lot harder ever since the Indigo League, so you better watch out for me." Gary declared.
"Same with me, Gary." Ashlyn retorted.
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After speaking with Gary, the gang walked to where the participants of the Silver Conference were staying.
They were going to stay in a giant Pokémon center in Athlete's village.
On the way they met up with Mr. Goodshow, who was handing out balloons to kids. He explained that he liked to greet guests, who come to watch the Silver Conference, as well as other Pokémon leagues.
"I take it you're here to enter the Silver Conference, Ashlyn?" Mr. Goodshow asked.
"Yes I am," Ashlyn replied, "and I intend to go higher than I did in the Indigo League."
"Well Ashlyn, I wish you luck." Mr. Goodshow smiled.
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The gang soon came to the luxury suite, in the Pokémon center; they were going to stay in while at the Silver Conference.
"This room is huge." Volkner said.
"You're right," Misty agreed, "and it can't get any better than this. We also have a beautiful view of the lake."
Ashlyn tried out the couches and they were very comfy, and Tesla tried out the beds which were also very comfy. There was also a computer, so that Ashlyn could look up her opponents on.
"Come on all of you, we have to go to the screen rounds now." Brock announced.
The screen rounds were mini battle rounds before the Silver Conference. All of the 200 trainers who entered had to battle three times in the screen rounds, using only one Pokémon each.
"It says that you have to defeat all three challengers to enter the Silver Conference," Brock explained, "and only the Top 48 trainers move onto the preliminary rounds."
"The rules of the Silver Conference are a lot harsher than the Indigo League." Volkner stated.
"Are you all right Ashlyn?" Misty asked, who felt nervous about this.
"Don't worry Misty, it'll be all right." Ashlyn assured her.
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Soon it was Ashlyn's turn to battle in the screen rounds. Her first opponent was a trainer named Salvador. Ashlyn sent out Tesla and Salvador sent out his Furret. Ashlyn and Tesla won against him by using Tesla's static ability and Thunderbolt.
She defeated her other two opponents as well. Morgana (her Misdreavus) defeated her second opponent's Machoke easily with Psychic attack, and Dolan (her Murkrow) easily defeated her third opponent's Exeggutor with Drill Peck and Icy Wind.
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After the screen rounds were over, everyone went to the Pokémon center to see the results. The gang saw that Ashlyn, Gary and Harrison were both in the preliminary rounds.
"I can't wait for the preliminary rounds," Ashlyn beamed, "What's the rules of the preliminary rounds Brock?"
Before Brock could answer Ashlyn's question, Mr. Goodshow appeared in front of the gang and scaring them.
"I'll explain what happens in the preliminary rounds, Ashlyn." he said.
'Were did Mr. Goodshow come from?' The gang all thought, sweat dropping.
He explained that in the preliminary rounds the 48 trainers were split into 16 groups of 3, and the three trainers in each block had to participate in a round-robin tournament. A round-robin tournament was when all three trainers in each block battled each other in a series of three on three matches. The trainers would get three points for every win, one point for every draw and zero points for every loss.
"So I have to win more than three points to pass the preliminary rounds?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yes and if you and any other trainer from your block are tied, you have to fight each other again to win." Mr. Goodshow replied.
It was obvious; the Silver Conference challenge was different than the Indigo League.
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That night Ashlyn couldn't sleep; she was excited about the Silver Conference starting tomorrow. She and Tesla, who was also awake, decided to take a walk outside the Pokémon Center for a bit.
"I can't believe that we are already at the Silver Conference, Tesla," Ashlyn said, "I mean it feels like only yesterday that we started collecting the badges."
"Rai." Tesla agreed.
"And there's no doubt that we will be facing off a lot of strong trainers, but that won't stop us from winning, will it?" Ashlyn said, "Just like the Indigo League. We'll over come anything together."
"Raichu." Tesla said.
Just then they saw Gary, who was sitting next to the lake.
"Gary." Ashlyn called out.
Gary turned to her, "Ashlyn."
Ashlyn sat down next to him.
"Can't you sleep?" Gary asked.
"No, you?" Ashlyn asked.
"No not really." Gary admitted.
Gary noticed that tonight's moon was a full moon, "This is the same moon that was out on the night I left Pallet Town, when I first became a Pokémon trainer." He said.
"I remember that night too," Ashlyn said, "and we have gone through so much on our journeys since then."
"You're right," Gary agreed, "and it makes me think what else we will accomplish in the future."
"Well whatever happens, I'm sure it will make our lives more exciting than ever." Ashlyn said.
"As for the present Ashlyn," Gary said, "I will be earning first place in this Silver Conference tournament. And I won't let anyone, including you, get in my way of winning. Even if you are Indigo League winner."
Ashlyn smiled, "Sorry Gary, but the one earning first place is me and you will be earning second place."
Ashlyn and Gary smiled at each other.
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The next day it was time for the opening ceremony of the Silver Conference. Everyone was waiting for the torch bearer to bring the Ho-Oh's sacred flame to the stadium.
Flint, (who arrived this morning), Brock, Misty and Volkner took their places in the stadium seats, and Ashlyn and Gary were waiting with the other participants to enter the stadium.
Suddenly Tesla felt that trouble was happening in the stadium, and she and Ashlyn decided to investigate. Gary saw Ashlyn running off and followed after her.
"Ashlyn, what's was going on?" Gary asked.
"Tesla must have sense trouble from inside the stadium. I have a strong feeling that it involves Team Rocket." Ashlyn replied.
"Let's hurry and see if it's Team Rocket." Gary said.
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"Now the torch is ours!" Meowth grinned with triumph.
Jessie, James and Meowth were getting ready to run with the torch. But then Ashlyn and Gary turned up.
"That flame is not yours Team Rocket!" Gary shouted.
Jessie smirked, "Ha, try and get it twerps."
"With pleasure." Ashlyn said with narrowed eyes.
Ashlyn's eyes glowed blue and the torch was outlined blue. The torch was away from Meowth and placed into Ashlyn's hand.
"What was that?!" Meowth gasped.
"Okay Tesla, Thunderbolt!" Ashlyn ordered.
Tesla shocked Team Rocket good and Team Rocket got blasted away again.
"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!!!!" The trio shouted as they disappeared into the sky.
Ashlyn and Gary checked to see if the runner was okay, but his ankle got twisted thanks to Team Rocket.
"If I don't run, I can't bring the torch to the stadium." The runner said worriedly.
This was a problem of course, the Silver Conference couldn't start without the Sacred Flame.
Then Gary had an idea, "Ashlyn, you should run with the torch to the stadium." He suggested.
Ashlyn blinked in confusion, "What? Me? Are you sure?"
"I think you should be the one to do it." Gary assured her.
Ashlyn turned to the runner, "Would that be okay, sir?"
The runner nodded, "That would be fine. Now you better get going."
Ashlyn nodded and then she and Tesla headed off to the stadium to finish the run of the torch.
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Meanwhile everyone in the audience was getting anxious because the flame hadn't turned up yet. Just then the announcer announced that the runner had an accident. Everyone became worried that the ceremony wouldn't start now. At that moment, Ashlyn and Tesla entered the stadium with Ashlyn carrying the torch.
"Hey look." Misty said, shocked.
"It's Ashlyn." Brock said, surprised.
"Toge." Togepi chirped.
"How did she get that torch?" Flint asked, curious.
"Who knows?" Volkner asked.
"Carrying in the torch is Ashlyn Ketchum from Pallet Town." The announcer said, "Ho-Oh's sacred flame is now being carried onwards to the Silver Stadium Platform!"
Everyone watched as Ashlyn lit up the big torch with the Ho-Oh's sacred flame.
Mr. Goodshow came up to the stage and stood in front of all the trainers, "Skillful and excited participants, now that Ho-Oh's sacred flame is watching over all of you, battle with honesty, integrity, and honor. So that you'll never regret a single moment of your time here!"
Ashlyn was happy, determined, and excited that the Silver Conference was now starting to begin. Like at the Indigo League, she and her Pokémon were not going to hold back.
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A/N: Ashlyn isn't catching any Pokémon now, so I don't need to put up the 'Pokémon Caught' list
