1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 87: Opening Flame

The Silver Conference became real the moment Nurse Joy confirmed my name.

Nurse Joy returned my badge case after the scanner finished. "Everything matches your New Bark Town registration. You are cleared for the Silver Conference screening rounds."

I thanked her and opened the case once more, checking the badges even though I already knew every one was there.

The Pokémon Center screen flashed after my badges and registration information were scanned, and my accepted entry appeared with the Silver Conference logo beside it. I had already registered in New Bark Town, but seeing the League system accept me here in Silver Town felt different. This was the place where every road since New Bark, Violet, Azalea, Goldenrod, Blackthorn, Bell Tower, and Mt. Silver had finally gathered.

Pikachu stood on the counter with his ears high and slapped his tail beside the screen. "This League place is enormous and crowded with rivals, but Ash is ready."

"I hope so," I whispered back.

Lillie stood beside me with a soft smile, though her eyes stayed serious. "You are ready. You earned every badge that got you here."

Ethan finished confirming his own entry at the next counter, then spun around with his badge case still open. "I am officially in, too. The Silver Conference had better be ready for both of us."

Kris looked over his shoulder at the screen. "Do not threaten the computer system. It already accepted you."

Reisa laughed softly, while East checked the schedule board posted near the lobby entrance. Outside, the Athlete's Village was packed with Trainers, families, League staff, and Pokémon moving between registration desks and practice areas. Everywhere I looked, someone was preparing for a match.

Before I could answer Ethan, a familiar voice cut through the Pokémon Center lobby.

"Old habits die hard, huh, Ashy Boy?"

My whole body reacted before my mind did. I turned, and Pikachu nearly slipped from the counter because my shoulder moved too fast.

Gary stood near the entrance with folded arms and the same confident smirk. Without the cheerleaders and car from our first journey, he looked different, but not less certain of himself.

"Gary," I said, unable to hide my surprise. "I did not know you were entering the Johto League."

Gary walked closer, glancing at the registration screen. "Long time no see. This Conference is important to me, and I see you still have that naive enthusiasm."

My eye twitched before I could stop it. "Oh really?"

Gary's smirk widened. "Just because you won the Indigo League does not mean you are going to win this time."

Ethan stepped beside me before I could snap back. "And just because you and Ash are main rivals does not mean you can ignore me."

Gary looked Ethan over with interest. "You must be the Johto friend."

"The Johto rival," Ethan corrected him immediately.

A colder voice answered from behind Gary. "He is right, you know."

Silver walked into the lobby with his hands in his pockets, red hair catching the light from the registration screens. He looked at Gary, then Ethan, then finally at me.

"Silver," I said carefully, keeping my voice steady.

Silver's expression stayed unreadable. "You two proved your strength against Team Rocket in Goldenrod City, and Gary has history with you. None of that changes the result. The true winner will be me."