Liza had been caring for these Charizard-line Pokémon for more than four years. No one in the facility understood them better than she did—every temperament, every feeding pattern, every newborn's quirks. If anyone were suited to escorting both the older and newly hatched fire-breathing dragons, it was her.
"Alright… I'll go to Kanto with you."
After a long moment of hesitation, Liza finally gritted her teeth and agreed. Ash's request came from the orphanage after all. Back then, the dean had raised a Charizard—a partner, a guardian, one of their only family members.
That was where Liza's fondness for Charizard began. Being transferred here had only strengthened that love. Even without a single promotion in four years, she never complained. She had seen enough of how the League worked—rich kids with gilded names, bureaucrats' children playing at authority, and darker things she wasn't allowed to voice. So she simply swallowed it all.
Ash opened a sealed scroll. "This contract scroll links my Magic Island to whoever signs it. Just press your handprint here and you'll be registered as its caretaker."
On the parchment, the silhouettes of every Pokémon living in the Dream Forest shimmered faintly.
Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard—each pressed their handprints one after another. When it was done, Ash rolled the scroll and stored it in his spatial ring. Then he handed a freshly written letter to the scarred Charizard.
"When you arrive, give this letter to Mewtwo. He'll know who you are. My own Charizard is also there—challenge him if you think you're ready."
After the final explanation, Ash raised his hand.
A white mist surged outward, and under the seal's activation, every Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard vanished—transported directly to Magic Island. Liza could only stare in confusion.
"Only Pokémon can be transferred with the scroll," Ash explained. "So you'll need to travel to Kanto normally. Once you arrive, go to Professor Oak's house in Pallet Town—he'll lead you to Magic Island."
Things unfolded exactly as Ash expected. The Johto Alliance didn't protest or negotiate—they simply let Liza leave. To them, Charizard wasn't a strategic asset. There were other caretakers, other regions, and they saw no value in obstructing her departure.
"I hope they don't regret it later," Ash said with a faint smirk after ending the call.
He had anticipated this outcome, but it still felt good. This time, he'd seized a real advantage.
In the Dream Forest on Magic Island, the Charizard-line Pokémon would thrive. The trees endlessly radiated life force, and the fruits were unbelievably nutrient-rich—something subtle now, but unmistakable in the future. Without question, Pokémon raised there would grow stronger, larger, and far more formidable than those from any other region.
Even Mewtwo agreed. Peace was his dream, but maintaining peace required power.
"Where to next?" Sabrina asked after Liza departed. "Are we heading straight to the next Gym?"
"No," Ash shook his head. "There's a forest before that Gym. We're staying there a while—we need to train Ralts and Eevee, and I still need more Pokémon with other types."
"If you wait too long, it'll already be time for the Johto League," she reminded him. And she was right. With only half a year left, Ash needed to capture new Pokémon quickly or risk falling behind.
"I know," Ash sighed. "I'm thinking about which ones to aim for… but honestly, I'm not familiar with many Johto Pokémon. I'll probably have to rely on luck."
Sabrina nodded. Time was short—and the road ahead was getting steeper.
After leaving Charizard Valley, Ash and Sabrina continued toward their next destination.
"Magic Island's strength needs to grow as fast as possible," Ash muttered, frowning slightly. "We need more staff too. Thankfully, Johto isn't as messy as Sinnoh… but once we go to Sinnoh, things will get complicated."
The Varenza family—Sawakoshi Ito's clan—had deep grudges against him. Ash knew that when he stepped into Sinnoh, they would never let things go quietly. He wasn't afraid of a direct fight. What concerned him were schemes.
"Kwaaak!"
"Hm?"
A sudden cry snapped Ash out of his thoughts. A Murkrow circled above them, casting its shadow over Ash and Sabrina.
"A Murkrow? Why is one here?" Sabrina asked, surprised. "This species usually moves in tight flocks."
"Maybe it was driven out… or fled for some reason," Ash said calmly. "Either way, it's unusual—and interesting. I've been thinking about which Pokémon to catch next. Looks like the opportunity flew right to me."
A Dark/Flying-type—rare and perfect for his team at this stage.
"You're going to catch it?" Sabrina asked.
"Of course. It's too good to pass up." Ash took out Ralts' Poké Ball. "Let's try it."
He tossed the ball.
Ralts has entered the field.
"Ralts, use Sand Hand to pull Murkrow down!"
Blue psychic energy swirled, forming a spectral hand that shot upward toward the Murkrow.
But Sabrina immediately shook her head.
"Ash—Murkrow is a Dark-type. Psychic moves don't work on it. Use Pikachu or Eevee instead."