Chapter 68: Ho-Oh's Sacred Flame, Charizard Leaves the Team
"Roar!" The wild Charizard launched a powerful Flamethrower at Mega Charizard X. Not to be outdone, Mega Charizard X unleashed its own blue flames in response.
The two Fire-type attacks collided head-on, perfectly matched in intensity. Ryan was somewhat surprised. This was Mega Charizard X, after all! Its base stats should have given it a clear advantage over these level-100 Charizard, yet their flame attacks were completely even.
Mega Charizard X also seemed surprised, then increased the power of its flames. The wild Charizard responded in kind, and the two attacks remained perfectly balanced.
However, Ryan felt uneasy. He sensed something familiar in the wild Charizard's flames—an aura similar to what he'd felt from Mewtwo.
"Origin power?" Ryan muttered under his breath. "Mega Charizard X, finish this quickly. I need to ask some questions."
Mega Charizard X immediately abandoned the beam struggle and struck with Dragon Claw, sending the wild Charizard stumbling backward several steps.
With its Fire/Dragon typing after Mega Evolution, Mega Charizard X had incredible resistance to Fire-type moves. Those flames were nothing more than a light shower to it.
Seeing its ally retreat, the final level-100 Charizard stepped forward. It used Dragon Claw simultaneously with Mega Charizard X, their attacks clashing. Mega Charizard X was pushed back two steps, effectively ending the battle.
"Just as I thought. The aura from that last one was even stronger," Ryan said, his eyes narrowing.
After reverting from Mega Evolution, Ryan approached his Charizard, patted its lowered head, and said, "You did great. You should start to understand what your opponents possess."
He then turned to Liza and said, "The League is quite clever. They left Ho-Oh's Sacred Flame here to attract Charizard, didn't they?"
"You figured it out," Liza said, sticking out her tongue playfully. "The League did leave Ho-Oh's Sacred Flame here to draw Charizard to settle in this valley. That's how Charicific Valley came to be. Since you're from Pallet Town like Ash, you're both key trainers the League wants to develop, so I was asked to bring you here."
"So Ash's Charmander came from here originally?" Ryan asked suspiciously.
"That's right. The League arranged for it to be given to Ash. Otherwise, how could such a weak Charmander have been abandoned by the roadside?" Liza explained. "What's even more remarkable is that Ash apparently received a personal message from Ho-Oh to the League."
As expected, Ryan's suspicions were finally confirmed. He'd begun wondering the moment he saw that Ash's Charizard was top-tier quality. How blind would a trainer have to be to abandon such a potentially powerful Pokémon? Furthermore, Ash's main team would likely consist of Fire and Flying-types, perfectly matching Ho-Oh's typing. And why had Ho-Oh appeared on Ash's first day as a trainer, with Suicune greeting him when he arrived in New Bark Town in Johto?
Just as the system had predicted, Ash was this world's chosen one. As he grew stronger, he would likely command all the Legendary Beasts, with Ho-Oh and the three Legendary pokemon probably being his first Legendary partners.
The Sacred Flame Ho-Oh had left here was likely intentional. Ultimately, it would benefit Ash's Charizard. A valley full of powerful Charizard provided ideal sparring partners, and with Ho-Oh's Sacred Flame, even an average Pokémon could potentially reach near-Legendary levels.
"He's incredibly lucky. There's no comparison," Ryan said through gritted teeth.
Liza looked puzzled and said, "Now that you know the truth, please keep it secret and don't tell Ash. Also, you're expected to provide serious challenges to Ash on his path to championship. Ho-Oh doesn't want him to become complacent until he meets Ho-Oh's standards."
Ryan felt frustrated. No wonder Ash always came in second place, never winning a regional championship. So this was the reason behind it all. Ash, I'm sorry for what you're going through.
But Ryan suddenly realized something important: Ash wasn't the same person from the original timeline now. He was also growing and developing. If Ryan didn't accelerate his own progress, facing a team of veteran Legendary Beasts would be a nightmare for any trainer.
"Actually, if I can get a Legendary Pokémon to follow the League's orders, I should be able to request one for myself," Ryan said, an idea forming.
"You mean your Mewtwo?" Liza asked.
"No, the one from Team Rocket. It's currently training my Mewtwo in how to reach Legendary status," Ryan said, his plan taking shape. Mewtwo, you better work hard! Whether I can request a Legendary Pokémon from the League depends on you!
On an isolated island dozens of miles from Pallet Town, two Mewtwo suddenly shuddered simultaneously. The two Pokémon exchanged glances, both feeling an ominous premonition.
After a brief discussion with Liza, she secretly took out a special communication device and made a private call to the League, explaining the situation.
"What Legendary Pokémon do you want? I should mention upfront: I can only offer you a young Pokémon from the Legendary families. But you also have to deliver that Mewtwo," a gruff voice responded.
"Understood. But I want Celebi—is that possible?" Ryan said.
"Celebi? Absolutely not! If you wanted one of the three legendary birds, I could arrange that immediately," the gruff voice replied.
"Why would I need those three? I specifically want Celebi," Ryan pressed. "Why not Celebi? Isn't Celebi from one of the larger Legendary families?"
"If I say no, then it's no."
"Then there's no room for negotiation."
"What do you need Celebi for?"
"That's my business."
"Give me an hour."
Ryan agreed, then looked at Liza and said, "Can you show me Ho-Oh's Sacred Flame?"
"Follow me," Liza said, leading Ryan and Charizard toward the back of the valley. Along the way, Ryan saw numerous Charmeleon and Charmander, each staying in small caves. Many of the younger Pokémon looked at Ryan curiously.
Ryan secretly estimated there were nearly a hundred Charmander and Charmeleon here—a testament to Charicific Valley's depth and history. Liza led them to a concave rock formation. At its center, a small Sacred Flame flickered with vibrant, powerful energy.
Surrounding the flame were three flat rocks—clearly the meditation spots of the three level-100 Charizard. Liza then said, "Your Charizard has defeated two of them and earned the right to use one of these spots, but it must also accept daily challenges from other Charizard. Now, have your Charizard place its tail flame into the Sacred Flame."
Ryan glanced at Charizard, who nodded, flew over, and landed on the rock. It carefully extended its tail directly into the Sacred Flame. Immediately, Charizard's tail flame blazed more brilliantly than ever before. Charizard, deep in thought, called out to Ryan.
"Is that so? If this is what you need, Charizard, stay here and gain your insights. I'll have Liza transport you when the Silver Conference begins," Ryan said.
Charizard nodded, settled onto the rock, and stretched its tail into the Sacred Flame to carefully absorb its power. Ryan handed Charizard's Ultra Ball to Liza and said, "I'm leaving Charizard in your care. I'll contact you when the Silver Conference starts—please transport it to me then."
"Of course, no problem," Liza said, accepting the Ultra Ball.
Ryan turned away from Charizard to avoid looking back. He knew this was for Charizard's benefit, and it was Charizard's own choice. But when the time came to leave, there was an indescribable pain in his heart.
Liza had Charla carry Ryan out of Charicific Valley. As they flew away from the valley, a powerful roar made Ryan look back. A brilliant column of flame shot straight into the sky, lingering for a long time—Charizard's farewell.
(End of Chapter)
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