"The final blow! Pikachu, finish it with Iron Tail!"
After capturing the beautiful Noctowl, Ash and his friends encountered a young female trainer named Rin on their journey. She challenged Ash to a full six-on-six battle.
Ash, of course, did not refuse; after all, this meant exchange points!
Although Snorlax was still asleep after a meal, Ash easily dominated the match with only four Pokémon. For the final round, Rin sent out a Quagsire a dual Water and Ground type to face Pikachu. However, the outcome was obvious. Pikachu used a single Iron Tail to easily resolve the match.
Counting from his battle with Miki and her Skarmory, this was his tenth battle in half a month. The Pokémon were all showing signs of fatigue.
"Rin, do you know if there's a Pokémon Center nearby?" Ash and the others hadn't seen one for a week. Relying entirely on Brock's care, Ash had even slowed down the pace of his special training.
Fortunately, Rin informed them, "Just head through this forest, and you'll reach Greenfield!"
Upon hearing "Greenfield," Misty was instantly delighted. "Is that the Greenfield that was voted the number one place Johto girls want to visit?"
"Exactly!" Rin was headed there herself.
Greenfield was a peaceful land with rolling green meadows. The breezes there were said to calm the hearts of both humans and Pokémon. Of course, the main attraction for Brock was the high probability of meeting many beautiful girls!
As for Ash, he simply hoped to find a Pokémon Center quickly so Nurse Joy could restore his Pokémon's strength and they could continue training on the meadows. Based on the description, it seemed like the perfect place to train Bayleef.
"Once we cross that hill, we'll be in Greenfield!"
As soon as Rin finished speaking, Ash and the others eagerly climbed the hill. However, the sight that greeted them was utterly unacceptable!
What should have been a serene, tranquil paradise was now covered in sprawling patches of purple crystals. The beautiful flowers of Greenfield were being systematically crystallized. Looking down from the hill, they saw a massive Crystal Tower standing in the center where a warm, beautiful villa should have been. Now, it looked only like a place of despair.
Furthermore, Ash felt a strange sense of familiarity from his predecessor's memories!
News of Greenfield being crystallized had already reached the Kanto region. Delia, Ash's mother, saw the news and began searching through old photos. She soon found one featuring herself, Ash, Professor Oak, and a father and daughter.
The villa at the center of the crystallization was the residence of that very pair. The father was a student of Professor Oak, the famous Pokémon researcher, Dr. Spencer Hale!
Confirming that the disaster had struck the home of her friend, Spencer, Delia quickly recalled Mr. Mime and Wobbuffet and hurried to Professor Oak's laboratory.
"Professor Oak, have you seen the news?"
Professor Oak understood the situation better than anyone. Spencer Hale had been dedicated to researching the mysterious Unown, and Oak had just received a research paper from him via email.
"I saw it. I'm planning to go to the site right now!" Seeing Delia arrive in such a hurry, Professor Oak nodded. "You are very close with Spencer as well."
"I'm coming with you!" Delia said firmly. "Spencer's daughter is still young; I'm incredibly worried!"
They drove to the site as fast as possible. By the time Professor Oak and Delia arrived, Ash had just stepped out of the local Pokémon Center.
"Mom?" To be honest, this was the first time Ash had seen Delia in person since his transmigration. Although they had spoken many times over the phone, seeing her was different.
Pikachu, however, was very affectionate with Delia. Before she even stepped out of the car, he jumped from Ash's shoulder to greet her. Around Delia's neck hung the Agate Pendant Ash had made for her.
"Ash, you seem to have grown taller!"
"Taller, stronger, and more handsome!"
Ash and Delia didn't realize that their reunion was being captured and broadcast live by the reporters who had rushed to Greenfield to cover the crystallization.
Inside the Crystal Tower, a young girl sat beside a Fire-type Legendary Pokémon, watching them through a computer.
The Pokémon had a majestic, lion-like appearance with powerful limbs bound by iron rings. A white mane like drifting smoke flowed from its back, and beneath the smoke were sharp, blade-like brown tufts of fur. The golden, clover-like casing on its forehead sat like an emperor's crown truly awe-inspiring!
This Legendary Pokémon was Entei, yet the little girl called him "Papa."
Watching the parent-child interaction between Delia and Ash, the little girl felt increasingly lonely. Beside the computer lay the same photo of Ash's family with hers.
"Papa, I want a mama too," the girl whispered.
Hearing her request, Entei stood up and looked at her with tender affection. He actually spoke!
Entei spoke!
"Molly, whatever you wish for!"
He was willing to grant anything.
Meeting Delia during his journey was a time Ash cherished.
"After that photo was taken, Spencer came to Pallet Town several times!" Delia explained the connection between their families to the group.
Ash also found fragments of memory a little tail that always liked to follow him around, calling him "Big Brother Ash." It was Molly!
"That tower is Spencer's home. I'm so worried!" Delia looked toward the Crystal Tower, her heart filled with anxiety.
Just then, Ash, who was also staring at the tower, suddenly frowned.
"Brock, Misty, Rin please, look after my mom!" Ash said, his voice deep and serious.
Seeing his solemn expression, Delia became concerned. "Ash, what's wrong?"
But Ash didn't answer. He only asked, "Mom, did you bring Wobbuffet?"
Delia nodded. "I did!"
As she spoke, she released Wobbuffet.
"Wobb-uffet!"
Ash looked at the Pokémon. "Wobbuffet, do you remember me?"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Wobbuffet, protect my mom even if it costs you your life!"
By the time he finished, Ash had already stood up. Pikachu felt it too, leaping onto Ash's shoulder.
"Something is coming!"
Ash's Aura Power had sensed it. A powerful being was charging toward them from the Crystal Tower at an incredible speed.
It was not a friendly visit!
"Pika!"
Pikachu's cheeks crackled with threatening sparks. Ash already knew who it was.
"Entei!"
The crystals suddenly surged forward, and the grass beneath them crystallized in an instant. A moment later, Entei's magnificent, towering figure appeared before Ash and his group.
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