The Silver Conference is coming up, which means it's time for another recap of Ash's Moemon. Just like with the Indigo League Prologue, anyone with a bracket next to their names is most likely to be used in the League, but this will mostly apply be Moemon he caught during Johto.
Pia (Pikachu)
Es (Espeon)
Nagi (Fearow)
Hourai (Ho-Oh)
Kaya (Butterfree)
Pina (Pidgeot)
Sandy (Sandslash)
Pixie (Clefable)
Vena (VenusaurM)
Cara (CharizardMX)
Nine (Ninetales)
Silver (Ninetales*)
Talia (GengarM)
Levia (GyaradosM)
Eria (Gardevoir*M)
Furou (Flygon)
Lila & Lily (Vanilluxe)
Bianca (BlastoiseM)
Kina (Kingler)
Sierra (Kingdra)
Ryoko (Dragonite)
Maya (Primeape)
Maga (Magnezone)
Kumo (Muk)
Laby (Porygon2)
Kana & Rui (Kangaskhan)
Tara (Tauros)
Rhonda (Rhydon)
Rimei (Starmie*)
Verde (Leafeon*)
Glacia (Glaceon*)
Sectonia (Parasect)
Mea (Mew)
Seira (Zygarde)
Aeria (Aerodactyl)
Faris (Farfetch'd)
Tyra (Tyrantrum)
Inabikari (Zapdos)
Rio (LucarioM)
Mokou (Moltres)
Umie (Lapras)
Laxi (Snorlax)
Tokiko (Tapu Koko)
Maelstrom (Lugia)
Sakuya (Celebi)
Laias (Lapras?)
Heria (Heracross)
Siri (Pinsir)
Sona (Furret*)
Haruka (Meganium)
Parsee (Dunsparce)
Cindy (Typhlosion)
#Keiko (Feraligatr)
Maki (HoundoomM)
Elizabeth (Nidoqueen)
Lexi (Steelix)
#Priere (Primarina)
#Fuyuku (Alolan Ninetales)
Quinna (Chesnaught)
Fiona (Delphox*)
#Lightning (Jolteon)
#Serah (Vaporeon)
Momo (Hydreigon)
Nocturne (Noctowl*)
Vulcanus (Entei)
Murei (Skarmory*)
Runa (Jellicent)
Cleffy (Clefairy)
Elly (Copperajah)
Minfilia (Miltank)
Youko (Volcarona)
#Tulip (Roselia*)
#Meranda (Mewtwo)
#Yuki (Articuno)
#Akeno (Murkrow)
#Kirei (Suicune)
Elesis (Sneasel)
#Syia (Scizor)
Lauren (TyranitarM)
#Chie (Lanturn)
Sanda (Raikou)
#Mars (Marshaow)
Phan (Phanpy)
Rillia (Grookey)
Mei-Mei (LatiasM)
Now, the reason why Phan, Rillia and Mei-Mei don't have brackets next to their names is because I'm having their battles saved for Hoenn instead, so they won't be used in the Silver Conference.
Now, onto the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the concept of Moemon.
"This is it." Ash said as they came close to their final destination in Johto. "Silver Town, where the Silver Conference will take place."
"I know you're gonna win, big brother." Tomo said confidently. "Just like you won the Silver Conference."
"Thanks, Tomo." Ash smiled. "But we can't count out all the other Trainers that will be participating. "Besides Gary, Ethan and Silver, I'm excited to know who else I'll get to battle."
"Actually, I just realized something." Giselle spoke up. "Kanto and Johto share an Elite Four and Grand Champion, and Ash already won his right to challenge them by winning the Indigo League." She pointed out. "What will happen to the rights if he wins toe Silver Conference?"
Giselle's question made everyone pause. "That's...actually a good question." Pia admitted. "Hey, Laby, any ideas?"
"I can't find anything in the rulebook about this." Laby said. "They probably didn't expect anyone to challenge the Silver Conference after winning the Indigo League. But I can assume in such a scenario, the rights will be passed to whoever faces him in the Finals."
"That sounds fair." Brock nodded.
The gang continued on to the Silver Conference, and Ash saw a businessman talking to a guard; a businessman that he recognized very well. "Hey, it's Mr. Goodshow!"
Mr. Goodshow reacted to his voice and turned to him. When he saw the Aura Guardian, he smiled. "Well, speak of the prodigy and he shall appear!" He said, walking up the group. "Ash Ketchum, I was expecting you."
"It's nice to meet you again, Mr. Goodshow." Ash greeted him. "I've collected all the Johto badges and am ready to compete in the Silver Conference."
"I had no doubt that you would get the badges." Goodshow chuckled. "Anyway, you've come at a great time. I actually have something to ask you."
Ash blinked. "Really, what is it?"
"You see, unlike the Indigo League, which uses the flames of Moltres, the Silver Conference uses the Sacred Fire of Ho-Oh." Goodshow explained. "A long time ago, there was a terrible war within this area, and both humans and Moemon were hurt from the battle."
There was a flash as Hourai emerged. "I remember that time." She said, frowning. "That war had turned this place into a wasteland. I did not appreciate the fighting, so I decided to end the war by unleashing my Sacred Fire onto the land, destroying all the humans' weapons. My flames left the land was lifeless after that, but after scattering my ashes across the land, life started anew, and peace returned."
"That's correct." Goodshow confirmed. "However, there was one flame that was still burning on a tree branch, and the people called it the Sacred Flame. That flame has long since been stored in a shrine that was built in your honor."
"I see." Hourai nodded in amusement. "I had left that flame behind as proof of my work. I am glad that it has been put to good use."
"I am happy to hear that." Goodshow smiled. "Now, this brings me to my suggestion. I want you, Ash Ketchum to the torch bearer of this year's Silver Conference, but instead of running into the stadium, you'll fly in on your Ho-Oh."
The gang was shocked by the suggestion. "That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Hourai exclaimed with sparkling eyes. "It's been a while since I've done such a showing."
Ash saw how much Hourai wanted to do it and nodded. "Alright, I'll do it." He accepted.
"Marvelous!" Goodshow exclaimed. "That's one problem settled. Now, all that's left is actually getting the Sacred Fire."
"Is something wrong?" Misty asked.
"There is a wild Sneasel guarding the shrine." The guard that Goodshow was talking to explained. "She's not letting anyone near the Sacred Flame, but we can't start the Silver Conference without it."
"Is that so?" Hourai hummed. "Well, I suppose I'll have to talk to that Sneasel."
"Can I come as well?" A voice asked. Everyone turned to see a Trainer about Brock's age walked up to them with a Houndoom.
"Who might you be?" Hourai asked.
"My name is Harrison. I came from Littleroot Town in Hoenn to participate in the Silver Conference." The Trainer introduced himself. "It's an honor to meet you, Ash Ketchum. Your Ho-Oh as well."
"Nice to meet you, Harrison." Ash greeted. "So, why do you want to come with us?"
"I've been wanting to catch a Sneasel, and this is my chance." Harrison explained.
"I don't see a problem with that." Goodshow permitted.
The guard led Harrison and the gang to the staircase that led to the shrine. "The Sneasel's made the shrine her territory and will attack anyone who gets close." The guard explained the situation. "What's worse is she has a Machoke and a Machamp with her."
"Well, I'm sure I can convince them to let us get the Sacred Flame." Hourai said confidently as they went up the stairs.
At the top where the shrine was, a Sneasel was napping and taking guard. The moment she heard footsteps climbing up, her eyes snapped open. Seeing Harrison and the gang, she jumped up and prepared to attack them. "Back off if you humans know what's..." Her threat died off when she noticed Hourai, her fierce expression changing into a nervous one. "Oh, um..."
"What's up, Sneasel? We got intruders?" A voice asked as the Machoke and Machamp that was with her showed up. "Don't worry, we'll take care of 'em."
"Wait!" Sneasel tried to stop them, but they already charged at them.
"Sacred Fire." Hourai released her signature rose-colored flames at the pair of Fighting Moemon, knocking them unconscious.
"She beat them without breaking a sweat." Harrison's Houndoom said, amazed by the Rainbow Moemon's power.
"She's a Legendary Moemon, Malice." Harrison reminded her. "This level of power is natural, but as a trained Moemon, she's much stronger."
"Idiots." Sneasel groaned, and then she saw Hourai approach her and looked fearful. "I'm very sorry, Lady Ho-Oh. We had no idea you would be coming." She quickly apologized.
"I'll let this slide." Hourai waved off. "Now, I was made aware that you've made this shrine your territory, but we need the Sacred Fire that rests here so that the Silver Conference can begin."
"You mean that tournament the humans are holding?" The Sharp Claw Moemon asked. "Are you really okay with your Sacred Fired being used like that?"
"Of course." Hourai smiled. "The humans refuse to start the League competition without it, as it holds much significance to Silver Town's history. It actually brings me some pride to know that it is my fire that starts the competition, as it means the humans wish to fight under my honor."
Sneasel blinked with surprise. "I didn't of it like that." She admitted. After a moment, she nodded. "Alright, they can take the Sacred Fire. I don't want to dishonor you by forcing the competition to be canceled."
"Thank you, Sneasel." Hourai thanked her with a smile.
With the main problem solved, Harrison decided it was time to step forward. "Sneasel, I challenge you to a battle!" He declared, getting the Dark/Ice type's attention. "I've been wanting to catch a Sneasel since I came to Johto.
Sneasel stared at him. "If you're here for the Silver Conference, then you must be pretty strong." She said, before getting ready to battle. "Alright, but I'm not going without a fight!"
Hourai flew back to her friends to let Harrison and Sneasel battle. "Elaine, let's go!" The Hoenn Trainer sent out a Blaziken.
"That Blaziken must be his Starter." Pia guessed.
"Elaine, use Quick Attack!" Harrison commanded. Elaine blitzed forward and tackled Sneasel hard. The Sharp Claw Moemon recovered, landing on her feet, and then fired a Shadow Ball. "Counter with Flamethrower!" Elaine released a stream of flames that met the sphere of darkness, resulting in an explosion.
"Fire Punch!" Elaine ignited her fist and ran forward to punch Sneasel, but the Sharp Claw Moemon dodged with Agility, and then her nails glowed with psychic power.
"Psycho Cut!" The wild Moemon slashed the air, sending a wave of psychic energy that struck Elaine.
"She knows Psycho Cut." Giselle noted. "She's prepared to fight against Fighting Moemon."
This didn't deter Harrison. If anything, it made him want to catch her even more. As Sneasel fired another Psycho Cut, Harrison gave the next command, "Night Slash, then use Blaze Kick!" Elaine's nails glowed with dark energy as she slashed at the Psycho Cut, canceling it out, and then she ignited her foot and kicked Sneasel hard, knocking her to the ground and hurting her enough for capture. "Now, Ultra Ball!" Harrison tossed an Ultra Ball that hit Sneasel and sucked her in. The ball shook three times, before clicking in a successful capture.
"Congratulations on your capture, Harrison." Hourai congratulated.
Ash walked to the shrine to get the flame. Inside was a stone statue of a Ho-Oh, with the Sacred Flame resting in a bowl on the top of the head. Ash took out the League Torch and held it out to the Sacred Flame, letting the flame light up the torch. "I got the Sacred Flame."
"Excellent." Hourai smiled. "Now, tomorrow, the League shall begin."
The next day, after all the Trainers participating in the Silver Conference had registered (Ash included), it was time for the opening ceremony. The Trainer participating had all gathered in the stadium, and everyone was expecting the torch runner to come in, unaware of the surprise that was to come. Sensing the tension, Goodshow smirked as he took his place.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome!" Goodshow greeted, a smile on his face. "I am glad to see you all here, come to watch this wonderful tournament about people and Moemon and how they work together as a team!"
After a moment of pause, he continued, "This tournament, the Silver Conference, is the tournament of Johto - the region of our fair land where everything takes place a few days into the past." He smiled. "Which is why I found it so hard to book a hotel room today."
There were chuckles at the Obligatory Bad Speech Joke.
"But more than that, Johto's focus is not so much on the past as on how the past becomes the future. It is for that reason that this tournament's flames are those of Ho-Oh - the Legendary Bird of Fire, the End of Storm, and above all, the Moemon of Rebirth."
The moment Goodshow finished that line, the sun's light suddenly brightened, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When they looked up, though, the crowd's eyes widened as they saw Ash fly down on Hourai, torch in hand.
"No way!"
"That's Ash Ketchum!"
"He's the torch bearer!?"
"He's flying down on Ho-Oh!"
"He looks so awesome!"
As the crowd murmured in amazement, Hourai flew over and landed near the cauldron. Ash dismounted and placed the Sacred Flame into the cauldron, lighting it up, and Hourai mixed in her own Sacred Fire for added flare.
Goodshow smiled as Ash and Hourai did their part perfectly. "So, without further ado, welcome to the Silver Conference!" He finished, throwing his arms wide.
As the crowd roared with cheers at the outstanding opening, Ash took this moment to look at all the Moemon Trainers also competing in the Silver Conference. Within the large group, he could recognize Gary, Ethan, Silver and Harrison, all four looking at him with determined smirks.
Hourai, on the other hand, felt a fierce gaze pointed towards her. Looking in the direction it came from, she took notice of a Moemon Trainer with orange hair, looking at her as if she was some sort of goal to reach.
Both the Trainer and the Moemon thought the same thing: This Silver Conference was gonna be exciting.
And there's the Prologue! Next chapter will be the Silver Conference, and I've already organized Ash's major opponents.