Latios was flying fast and powerfully and Latias was keeping up with her brother's speed. Ash found that he quite liked flying through the air on Latios. He liked walking better, but flying around was a very close second. Soon the sun began setting and not long after that night time came.

'How much longer until we get there' Latios asked starting to feel a little tired.

Ash looked at the map that Brock had given him, "According to the map Brock gave me we should have this last mountain to fly over before we reach Silver Town." Latios put in an extra boost of speed because he wanted to get there quickly and go to sleep. Soon they ascended the mountain and flew over it to see the bright lights of Sliver Town. "There it is... Silver Town" Ash said "Latios land down in that forest clearing right over there." Latios did as told and landed down in the area. Ash hopped off as Latias landed down next to them. "Good job Latios take a nice long rest" Ash said petting the tired dragon. "I'll go and register myself real quick. You two stay here and rest, go the sleep. Whatever you want, but if someone comes along make sure to turn invisible so no one can see you." Both Pokémon nodded as Ash turned and left the area with Pikachu riding on his shoulder.

After a little while of searching Ash managed to find the Pokémon center. After walking in side ash immediately went to the front desk and Nurse Joy came up, "Hello," she greeted friendly. "Are you here to get your Pokémon healed or to register for the Silver Conference?"

"The Silver Conference" Ash answered.

"Okay, I just need to see your Pokedex and eight badges for authenticity" she said. Ash handed over his Pokedex and after that he pulled out his badge case and presented it to Nurse Joy. She looked at the Pokedex and scanned Ash's I.D. and then turned to check his badges. All eight badges were authentic. It was standard precaution techniques since you wouldn't believe how many trainers, in the past, would try and enter the Johto League with fake badges and false I.D. "Okay everything is in order. You are all registered for the Johto League. Be at the main stadium by noon in three weeks on Saturday for the main announcement and good luck."

"Thank you" Ash said and left the Pokémon center. He travelled back to the forest area and saw Latios resting on the ground with Latias about to fall asleep with her brother. Ash smiled at the sight and heard Pikachu yawn from his shoulder. 'C'mon buddy let's get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow" Ash said. Pikachu hopped down and cuddled up next to Latios' warm feathers.

Ash pulled out his sleeping bag and rolled it out in the middle in between them. As Ash climbed into the sleeping bag he turned his head one last time to see Latias asleep and cuddling her head next to her brothers making Ash smile. Ash spent a little while just staring at the sky and the stars thinking about his upcoming battles in the Silver Conference before he let sleep consume him.

The next morning came bright and quick and Ash woke up to the feeling of being pushed slightly and a light squeal met his ears. Opening his eyes Ash saw Latias rubbing her face against his cheek. Ash chuckled and sat up rubbing Latias affectionately. "Thanks Latias. You're much nicer to be woken up by then Pikachu." A thunderbolt then struck Ash frying him slightly and when it stopped he was sizzling, "Okay I guess I deserved that one" he muttered before falling back. Latias looked over to see Pikachu laughing and Latios struggling not to laugh as well.

"Pikachu, that wasn't very nice" Latias said in POKESPEECH.

"What" Pikachu said looking innocent. "He even said it himself that he deserved it."

"He is right sis" Latios said.

"Still, it wasn't nice" she said.

Recovering from his electric shock Ash sat up and began putting his stuff away. Once he finished he quickly pulled out three more Pokeballs and released Noctowl, Bayleef and Quilava. "Alright everyone" Ash said clapping his hands together getting their attention. "We made it. Thanks to all of you we got all Eight Badges and qualified for the Johto League." All six Pokémon gave off cheers. "Now we've got three weeks to train for the Silver conference so let's get to work." The Pokémon gave off more cheers and they all got to work.

And so Ash and his Pokémon begin their training for the Johto League Silver Conference, but will it be enough to take on the other trainers that have come for the same prize that Ash desires.

3 WEEKS LATER

Misty and Brock had finally arrived at Silver town after three weeks of travelling without Ash. It was relatively quiet and calm and they didn't like it that much. They missed Ash's voice and how he was always able to perk anyone up. They both had wondered how Ash had progressed with his Pokémon.

"We're almost at Silver Town" Brock said.

"Finally" Misty sighed in relief. "Hopefully we're not too late and the Johto League hasn't started yet."

Brock pulled out his Silver Conference book, "No not yet. The Silver conference officially begins at noon with the lighting of the torch. According to the time it's about 11:00 so we have an hour until it begins and we're about 20 minutes away from the city."

After climbing the last mountain they saw Silver Town exploding with an enormous amount of people. They could hear them all the way from the mountain. "Oh man, it's going to be a real pain trying to find Ash with all of these people here" Brock groaned. Misty groaned as well as the two of them went down into the city to try and find Ash.

Meanwhile Ash had just left the Pokémon store with a few bags of Pokémon food to feed his team. He also had a couple bags of food for himself as well. He was really looking forward to later today. His team would be full of surprises in the Silver Conference. As Ash was walking down the road he had to weave in and out of the way of other trainers to avoid being run into.

"Ash" a familiar voice called. Ash turned around to see Misty and Brock running towards him.

"Misty, Brock you guys made it" Ash said happily as they came to a stop in front of him.

"Of course we'd make it" Misty said. "Did you think we'd actually miss one of the biggest events of your life?"

"Not a chance" Ash responded, "C'mon everyone else is back in the forest area waiting for me." They began following Ash through the city back to the forest area.

"So Ash, how is everyone doing" Brock asked.

"Oh they're doing great" Ash responded grinning. "We've trained for this for so long and we're gonna win."

"Remember Ash don't get too overconfident" Misty said... again.

"I'm not overconfident" Ash said firmly. "My team has trained day and night to make it this far and I'm not gonna disappoint them."

There was silence for a moment, "So Ash how strong has everyone gotten?"

Ash turned his head and grinned at Brock, "Wait and find out when the tournament starts" he said cheekily. Brock and Misty groaned; they really wanted to know now. Soon they got back to the forest area to see all of Ash's Pokémon out of the Pokeballs lying on the ground panting and sweating. "Hey guys I'm back" Ash called. All Pokémon sat up, but didn't move from their spots as they were really tired. "Looks like you guys went all out. I was only gone for half an hour" Ash chuckled. Pikachu grinned sheepishly while Latias giggled slightly. "Hey Brock can you make some of your famous stew with the stuff I got today."

Brock looked through the supplies that Ash bought, "I'll whip up the best stew I can make" Brock said and, moving almost as fast as extreme speed, he started cooking. Meanwhile Ash pulled out five different bags of Pokémon food. Each Pokémon on Ash's team was a different type so they preferred different typed of Pokémon food. Ash poured the one for electric type for Pikachu and gave it to him and Pikachu started eating with gusto. He did the same thing with Quilava, Noctowl and Bayleef and they began eating quickly too.

Since both Latios and Latias were Dragon/Psychic type Ash got a bigger bag for them to split as he poured one half of it for Latios and the other half for Latias. Both Legendaries began devouring the food to regain their strength back.

Misty and Brock watched in surprise, "Dang Ash you must have must really trained them into the ground. I don't think I've ever seen them this hungry before."

"It wasn't just them" Ash said. "I trained with them and we all became strong together. And now we're going to use our new strength to win the Silver Conference." For once Misty didn't call Ash on his overconfidence.

Soon Brock's Stew was finished and Ash gorged himself on it like his Pokémon did on their own food. Now Misty and Brock had seen Ash eat a lot, but this was something else entirely. They ate at a snail's pace compared to Ash who was eating at the pace of a Tauros. "Geez Ash slow down or you'll make yourself sick" Misty said.

"Can't help it... so hungry" Ash managed to say taking only one breath before going back to devouring it all. Brock and Misty sweat dropped at the scene. A little while later everyone was finished with their meal. Ash sighed in satisfaction, "Ah that was good."

"We could tell" Mist said dryly "You ate four helpings." Ash chuckled sheepishly while Brock finished cleaning the dishes.

"Attention all participants of the Johto League Silver Conference" came a voice over a loud speaker. "For all trainers participating, please report to the Main Stadium for the start of the Silver Conference. That is all."

"It's about to begin" Ash said excitedly. "Quilava, Bayleef, Noctowl return." The three Pokémon disappeared into their Pokeballs. "Do you guys want to go back in the Pokeballs or turn invisible and hang around?"

'I'll stay out' Latias said.

'I'm a little tired so I'll go back in the Pokeball' Latios said.

"Alright, Latios return" Ash said pointing the Pokeball at Latios. Latios went back into the Pokeball with a flash. "Well Latias you can stay invisible or stay with Misty and Brock in your human form."

'No I'll stay invisible so I can stay with you and watch everything' Latias said circling Ash excitedly.

"Alright" Ash laughed. Latias turned invisible, "Let's go." Misty and Brock followed Ash since, for once; he wasn't running at a sprinting pace. Soon they arrived at the main stadium, but right now only Ash was allowed in because he was the one competing. Latias slipped in before the doors shut.

Soon all the trainers were inside and an extremely short old man with a long white beard walked on stage, 'Ash, who's that' Latias asked telepathically.

"Latias" Ash whispered.

'You don't have to speak out loud' Latias said giggling. 'I'm part psychic, remember? I can read your thoughts as you think them... if you let me.'

Ash nodded letting Latias read his thoughts as he answered her, 'That's Mr. Goodshow. He's the person in charge of the Pokémon League. He runs the whole league committee in all of the regions and he determines the rules of the league.'

'Sounds like a very important man' Latias commented looking at Mr. Goodshow. 'Though he doesn't look that important' she thought silently to herself.

"Welcome all trainers to the Johto League Silver Conference" Mr. Goodshow greeted. "You are all here because you and your Pokémon have worked hard and have earned eight badges to participate, but, regretfully, I must say that only 48 out of 200 will make it to the next round and only the top 16 will make it to the Championship matches. All I can say is good luck to all of you and your Pokémon as we get the matches started" Mr. Goodshow finished his speech and stepped down.

The preliminary matches began shortly with there being a few one on one matches. Ash was twitchy and ready to battle, barely being able to hold still. Soon an announcer voice came up, "Will Ash Ketchum report to field C for his battle."

"Finally" Ash said excitedly as he set off for his field. His opponent was a young trainer about his age with blue pants, yellow shirt and spiky midnight hair.

"This is a one on one match between Ash Ketchum of Pallet town and Salvador from Cherrygrove City" the ref said. "The machine here will determine who will go first by which color it lands on."

"Ah, that's impressive" Brock said as the colors began spinning on a wheel. "It determines who will go first by which color it lands on so it really all depends on luck. The one who sends their Pokémon out second has the advantage while the one who goes first has a disadvantage." As soon as Brock finished the color stopped on green meaning Ash would select first. "Oh boy Ash is going to be at a disadvantage."

"Ash Ketchum will choose first" the ref said.

"Advantage or disadvantage; I'm still gonna win" Ash said confidently. "Let's go Pikachu." Pikachu nodded and jumped out into the arena.

"Furret I choose you" Salvador said. A stripped colored ferret Pokémon came out and looked pretty tough. Ash had a big disadvantage since Pikachu was weak against ground type Pokémon.

"Pikachu use agility" Ash ordered. Pikachu shot forward and began running around Furret, who couldn't follow Pikachu at all. Pikachu seemed even faster than usual and they couldn't really see it all too well except for a small flash of yellow.

"Furret, use dig" Salvador ordered.

"Don't let it Pikachu" Ash called out. Pikachu appeared in front of Furret and tackled it hard before it could use its dig move. Furret flew through the air from Pikachu's attack.

"Furret, no" Salvador cried.

"Now Pikachu, give that Furret a taste of your new move, Hyper Beam attack" Ash called out. Brock and Misty stared in shock as the familiar beam of orange energy formed in Pikachu's mouth and Pikachu fired it at Furret. The attack was too powerful for Furret to withstand and knocked the poor ferret Pokémon out cold.

The ref raised the green flag, "Furret is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner. The winner of the battle is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."

"Alright, good job Pikachu" Ash congratulated as Pikachu jumped into Ash's arms. Ash walked over to Salvador, "It was a good battle Salvador."

"Yeah, but your Pikachu is something else" Salvador said. "I couldn't even see it and it was able to use a hyper beam attack as well. I wish you luck in the Silver conference Ash. Maybe we'll battle again someday." Ash nodded and the two shook hands. Ash went through three more battles and in the remaining battles he used Pikachu only and in every single battle Pikachu didn't receive so much as a scratch.

After those matches Ash was waiting in the main room to find out which block he would be in. Brock and Misty were currently hounding him with questions on how Ash got Pikachu so strong. "Ash how did you get Pikachu so strong in less than a month" Brock asked.

"And when did Pikachu learn to use Hyper Beam" Misty asked. "That's an extremely advanced move and hard to teach to any Pokémon."

"Like I said before we pushed ourselves to our limits and didn't stop" Ash said. "One time I remember all of us going at it for a full day without rest. I think that was the day when Pikachu managed to learn hyper beam. But anyway the point is that we trained harder than ever because we were determined to win."

"Well Ash I've never seen you so determined before" Brock said impressed. "Looks like the events in Altomare have really changed you." Ash nodded slightly and picked up the Pokeball holding Latios and turned to the spot where he heard a small coo and could tell Latias was looking at him and Ash could practically feel her smile. "Looks like the groups have been posted" Brock noted looking up at the screen.

Ash looked up and scanned the rows until he found his picture. He was in the 'H' Group and it looks like his two opponents for the matches were a young girl with red hair in braids named Macy and a young guy in a green shirt with slightly spiky tan hair named Jackson. "H' Group huh" Ash mused as he looked at his two opponents. "Brock when does my match start?"

Brock pulled out the little book and scanned through it. "The 'H' Group goes later today at 3:00. Right now it's 9:00 so your match isn't for another six hours. You should take this time to take a look at your opponents Pokémon and decide which ones you'll be using. It'll be a three on three battle so you should go and pick which three Pokémon you'll use."

"Right" Ash nodded. Later they were back in the hotel room that Brock and Misty rented before they found Ash. Brock was observing Ash's opponents on the computer.

"Alright Ash your first opponent is Macy. She specializes in Fire Type Pokémon so you should go along with some water type Pokémon" Brock advised. "Hold on she also has an electric type as well. A ground type should take care of that Pokémon pretty quickly. So Ash which Pokémon are you going to use?"

"Well I'm saving Latios and Latias for the top Sixteen so they're out" Ash said thinking. "I'll make a call to Professor Oak to have him transfer my Totodile back over. As for the problem with the electric type I'll use Phanpy and for my third Pokémon I'll use my own fire Pokémon Quilava."

"If you're sure Ash" Brock said and registered the Pokémon Ash asked for. "You should head to the Pokémon center and swap out your Pokémon." Ash nodded and went to the Pokémon center. He got there quickly and went to the caller.

After calling Professor Oak Ash asked for the required Pokémon that he needed. He got his Totodile and his Phanpy and he swapped out Noctowl and Bayleef. "Alright, it's on to victory for me" Ash said.

"Hello Ashy-boy" a voice said tauntingly.

Ash cringed and felt a tick form in his eye, "Gary" Ash said as he turned around to see his long time rival standing behind him with his condescending smirk. "You're competing as well."

"Of course" Gary said. "I was in the 'B' Group and I've already battle my two opponents and I won both rounds so I'm heading straight to the Top sixteen."

"Good for you" Ash congratulated. "I'll be joining you there shortly and I'm gonna win."

Gary laughed, "Keep dreaming Ash-boy, but I do hope to see you in the final rounds. Good luck Ashy-boy." Gary walked away from Ash and out of the Pokémon center.

"That Gary" Ash growled "I'll show him."

TBC...

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