Pokémon: Rewriting Ash’s Legend

Level 80!

Breakthrough!

Level 81!

82!

83!

With every surge in Sceptile's level, the energy swirling around it became more intense, more formidable!

Almost all the grass, trees, and flowers in Twinleaf Town responded, feeding their power into Sceptile—an extraordinary effect of its Grass-type nature.

"Chamo!!"

Its thorny, whip-like tail lashed out with immense force, stirring a gale so fierce it could rival the move Twister itself.

Sceptile could feel power coursing through its entire being—it was utterly alive with strength!

"Pika pi! Pikachu!"

Pikachu ran over excitedly and leapt right onto Sceptile's shoulder.

"Chamo!"

Sceptile gave Pikachu a big thumbs-up—it wasn't done yet; it planned to keep getting stronger!

"Incredible, Ash!" Palmer exclaimed, clicking his tongue in amazement. "No wonder Sceptile's Leaf Blade was so overwhelmingly powerful—it's hit the peak of the Champion tier!"

To witness such a breakthrough firsthand—what a rewarding journey this had become!

With the final announcement from Johanna, the Twinleaf Festival came to a satisfying close. She handed Ash the Gold Trophy as the official champion of the Festival Battle Challenge.

As for Sceptile's sudden leap in strength—most of the townsfolk remained unaware.

Johanna, Professor Oak, Gary and Palmer certainly noticed, but none of them planned to spread the news.

Gary, the moment he saw Sceptile's level-up, quietly left to return to his lab and continue his research.

When it came to Pokémon battles, Gary knew he was no longer on par with Ash. But instead of giving up, he chose to push forward in his own way.

If I can't surpass you as a trainer… I'll surpass you in science!

Professor Oak and Ash's mother, Delia, were also preparing to leave.

Though they weren't traveling together.

Professor Oak was headed to Sandgem Town to reconnect with his old friend, Professor Rowan—his senior during their university days at Rainbow College. Since he was already visiting Sinnoh, he couldn't pass up the chance to pay his respects.

Delia, meanwhile, was escorted by Ash to the ferry dock. He insisted she call him immediately if anything ever came up.

"Alright then! Time for us to move on again," Ash announced. "There's a Johto Festival happening not far from here. Dawn already qualified for the Grand Festival, and I only need one more badge to complete my set. So from here on, I'll be focusing on training you two—Dawn, Anabel. Let's get you to the next level."

With Twinleaf Town behind them, the group resumed their journey.

"Oh, I know about that Festival!" Dawn chimed in, walking beside her Piplup. "My mom mentioned it too! It's not far—it's just east of here. It's also called the Johto Festa. They showcase all the beauty and culture of the Johto region in different parts of the world. Let's go check it out!"

Energized, Dawn bolted ahead with Piplup in tow.

"Hey, wait up!" Ash called.

"Nope!" Dawn teased over her shoulder. "You better hurry!"

"Oh, you're so getting it when I catch you!"

"Bleh, catch me if you can!"

"Pika pi!"

"Piplup!"

Laughing and bantering, the trio took two days to reach the bustling site of the traveling Johto Festival.

The moment they stepped into the town, they came across a Marill stuck awkwardly between two narrow walls.

"Pikachu, Piplup—go help that Marill out," Ash instructed calmly.

He had a strong feeling this Marill belonged to someone they were about to meet.

Sure enough, with a bit of teamwork, Pikachu and Piplup freed the trapped Marill.

"Marill! Oh, come on, you're always wandering off like that!"

A long-haired girl wearing a cap rushed over, panting slightly.

"Thanks so much for helping my Marill," she said with a bright smile. "I'm Lyra—nice to meet you all!"

"I'm Ash. These are my companions, Dawn and Anabel."

"And these two are Pikachu and Piplup."

After introductions, Lyra quickly offered to guide them through the Johto Festival when she learned they had come just to see it.

"I actually work here at the Festival," Lyra explained as they walked. "My dream is to become part of the Pokémon broadcasting team on TV. I'm working hard for it!"

TV station staff, huh? Ash nodded thoughtfully. Looks like another butterfly effect has kicked in.

"Lyra, you're back! You found Marill—thank goodness."

A voice called out as they arrived at the main exhibit space.

The man speaking was Khoury, the son of Lyra's mentor—and also the person in charge of the Johto Festival.

Right then, a promotional video—shot by Lyra herself—began playing on the main screen.

"Welcome to the Johto Festival! Johto is a breathtaking region, rich with legends—like the Burned Tower…"

The footage transitioned smoothly to a clip of "Aim to Be a Pokémon Master"—the theme song Ash had entrusted to Elesa to perform for this very exhibit.

"I absolutely love that song," Lyra sighed with admiration, gazing skyward. "I can almost feel what the composer went through during their journey. It's just... magical."

Then she turned to Ash, eyes gleaming.

"You know, Ash, you have the same name as the person who composed that song! What a crazy coincidence!"

Ash scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed.

Sorry… it's not a coincidence. That guy's me.

Dawn and Anabel exchanged a knowing look, a flicker of amusement in their eyes.

It was Dawn who finally spoke.

"Lyra, Ash really is the one who wrote that song. He just asked Elesa to sing it for him."

"Pika~!"

Pikachu chuckled quietly on Ash's shoulder.

Lyra blinked, her large eyes wide with surprise. Then she nodded seriously.

"I know, I know—the song's composer is Ash. I just meant… wow, it's funny you have the same name!"

Dawn and Anabel nearly burst out laughing.

We've trained ourselves not to laugh easily… but sometimes you just can't hold it in.

"No, really!" Dawn tried again. "Lyra, this Ash—he's the actual composer! He also wrote 'Advance Adventure' and 'Together'!"

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T/N:

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