After the initial tension of facing Ho-Oh, Ash finally began to realize something significant. Although Ho-Oh in this world was still formidable, it didn't seem as unbeatable as the legends suggested.
Indeed, Ash recognized that Ho-Oh wasn't invincible. Despite the intimidating Sacred Fire attack, his bond with Houndoom through their evolution allowed Ash to sense the power of that fire distinctly. It was powerful, yes, but it could be defeated.
This realization didn't arise from overconfidence; rather, it stemmed from a clear understanding of the situation. Ash knew that the masked man certainly had stronger Pokémon than Ho-Oh. However, he wasn't worried. The time had come; with a single command, the voice they were connected to would take Ash and his team out of this world. Given that, Ash didn't mind letting this assailant pay a small price for attacking his friends.
Meanwhile, the media coverage broadcasted by reckless reporters had already informed many in this world about Ash's confrontation with Ho-Oh. They had witnessed Houndoom block Ho-Oh's flames and heard Ash's words as he crushed Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire.
At the Pokémon Center, Green observed Ash's Houndoom with a sigh.
"What a terrifying enemy. Looks like I'll need to train harder moving forward."
As Green said this, his Raticate called out.
"Raticate?"
Hearing Raticate, Green smiled, a rare warmth crossing his face. "Don't worry, Raticate. We'll catch up with him. You just rest well, and I'll explain what happened while you recover."
Raticate nodded and began munching on a berry, while Green watched the television intently. His feelings toward the masked man, who called himself Sebastian, were complex—after all, Team Rocket was behind Raticate's poisoning. Yet, that very Sebastian had given him the antidote to save Raticate.
In that moment, Green finally saw the true face of the masked man. Upon seeing Ash's face, he froze in shock.
"Is that... a grown-up Red?!"
The one who was also stunned was Red, who just moments ago had been defeated by Giovanni. He looked at Ash's face in surprise and rushed over to ask, "Excuse me... Sebastian, are you my brother?"
"... No. If I may, it'd be best if you got out of here; a battle is about to start!"
With those words, Ash's gaze shifted to the masked man, who sat atop Ho-Oh, demanding, "Hand over the Golden Badge."
"Huh? The Golden Badge? Is this what you're after?"
Ash had anticipated the masked man's demand and was caught off guard. He had heard from Sabrina about the unique power of the Golden Badge, but it was surprising to see someone so powerful trying to steal it.
Regardless of how formidable the opponent, Ash had no intentions of handing it over. He was already furious at the man's audacity.
"If you want the Golden Badge, let's see if you have the strength to take it!"
"Roar!" *2
"Pikachu!"
Upon receiving Ash's command, Mega Absol and Mega Houndoom launched Dual Dark Pulses, while Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt. Three streams of energy surged toward Ho-Oh, and the masked man retaliated, commanding, "Sacred Fire!"
"Wow!"
A golden flame materialized as it met the three energy blasts, resulting in a massive explosion. As the shockwave hit, Blissey swiftly rushed in front of everyone to shield them from the impact.
The masked man, surveying the aftermath, shook his head and looked at Ash. "It's pointless; surrender the Golden Badge."
"Oh? You really think so?"
Ash's words prompted the masked man to sense something amiss. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the smoke: an Aerodactyl riding Gengar charged straight for Ho-Oh, with Mega Beedrill in tow.
Watching the trio head towards him, the masked man shook his head. "You still don't understand the disparity in power. Ho-Oh, use Sacred Fire!"
.....
"Wow!"
Ho-Oh lived up to its legendary status, wielding enough strength to force Ash's Pokémon to withdraw temporarily. However, Ash was prepared.
"I am the true attacker!"
With a sudden appearance and proclamation, Meowth caught the masked man off guard. In that moment of distraction, Meowth lunged forward with a flurry of attacks aimed at the masked man, but he swiftly evaded into the air.
"Hmm? There's a Gastly underneath him!"
Upon hearing Meowth, Ash was surprised, but he didn't have time to focus on the masked man. Instead, he looked toward Ho-Oh and shouted, "Now!"
"Go, Abs!"
Beedrill shot forward again as Ho-Oh began charging an attack. Meowth took a bold leap, scratching Ho-Oh's back fiercely. The sudden pain prevented Ho-Oh from unleashing Sacred Fire, and at that moment, Gengar capitalized, biting down hard on Ho-Oh's divine flames.
As Ash witnessed Ho-Oh being gnawed at, he knew his favorite tactic was about to unfold.
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