Inside the crystal tower, Delia had finally reached Molly. Seeing the young girl safe and sound allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief. She remembered that Molly's mother had disappeared years ago, leaving Dr. Hale to balance his research while raising his daughter alone—a heavy burden for anyone to carry.
Delia pulled Molly into a gentle embrace. For now, her task was to look after the child and wait for her son to resolve the crisis. Feeling the warmth of a mother's hug, Molly drifted into a peaceful, satisfied sleep. Entei, whom she called "Papa," stood guard silently nearby. It had been brought into existence solely to ensure Molly's happiness.
Meanwhile, at the very peak of the tower, countless Unown spun and pulsed with strange energy. The crystallization was still spreading.
"Dr. Hale's disappearance, the crystal tower, and the appearance of Entei... the source of everything lies with the Unown," Professor Oak concluded after reviewing the data. This was the very subject Dr. Hale had been investigating.
"Professor, never mind that now! Ash warned us before he collapsed not to touch the crystals. Please, tell those people to stop!"
Behind Professor Oak, Brock and Misty watched the sunset with growing anxiety. Heavy machinery had arrived and was beginning to demolish the crystalline structures in an attempt to clear Greenfield. Ash's warning had been specific, and they feared he knew something the authorities didn't.
But even Professor Oak couldn't stop them now. As the machines began their work, Molly—seeing her "home" being destroyed—felt a wave of distress. The Unown reacted instantly to her negative emotions. The crystallization exploded outward with violent speed, and massive pillars of crystal erupted from the earth, flipping the heavy machinery like toys. The workers barely escaped with their lives.
Everyone's expression turned grim. "Is Ash still out?" Professor Oak asked, turning to the others.
Brock and Misty shook their heads dejectedly. "Not yet. Pikachu hasn't left his side for a second."
Just then, Ash's voice rang out from the doorway. "Brock, Misty, I'm fine. Has Charizard arrived?"
They rushed to meet him. Misty supported him while Brock handed over Charizard's Poké Ball. Along with Charizard, Ash had contacted Tracey to transfer his strongest and most loyal team members.
Ash's lineup was now the most formidable force he could assemble:
Pikachu: 220 / 255Charizard: 255 / 255Snorlax: 220 / 255Bayleef: 200 / 215Wartortle: 200 / 215Houndour: 170 / 200
While Heracross had higher compatibility, Ash chose Houndour because its Dark typing would be vital against the Psychic powers of the Unown. This was his "A-team," the strongest shield and sword he had to rescue his mother and Molly.
"Brock, Misty, Lisa, Professor... how many empty Poké Balls do you have?"
There was no time to explain. They handed over every spare ball they had, totaling exactly 28. Ash stuffed them into his backpack.
"Ash, what are you planning to do?" Professor Oak asked with a worried frown.
Ash looked up, his gaze steady. "Professor, I'm going to save my mother."
"Ash, I'm coming with you!"
"Me too!"
Brock and Misty were ready to follow, but Ash shook his head. "Not this time. Let me handle this on my own."
"Then take this, Ash. Stay in touch with us," Lisa said, handing him a mobile communication device.
Ash bowed to Professor Oak, then turned and walked out of the Pokémon Center. "Charizard, I choose you!"
Charizard roared as it appeared, clearly excited to see Ash. "Buddy, I need to rely on your strength again." Ash leaped onto Charizard's back, and with a powerful flap of its wings, they soared toward the crystal tower.
Watching him fade into the distance, Brock and Misty stood behind Professor Oak. "Ash... he's reached a height we can't even chase after anymore."
"The little boy who was late to pick up his first Pokémon has grown into someone so reliable," Professor Oak remarked, a sense of pride swelling in his heart.
"Is that... a Charizard?"
Ash didn't care about the cameras, but his high-profile approach was being broadcast live. Inside the tower, Molly and Delia watched the screen.
"Papa, Mama, someone is coming to our house!" Molly said, the figure on the screen looking vaguely familiar.
"That boy again," Entei growled, standing up. "I'll go drive him away."
But Delia pointed at the screen, smiling at Molly. "Molly, don't you remember? That's Big Brother Ash! You used to follow him everywhere." She pointed to the old photo on the desk. "See? That's him."
"Big Brother Ash?" Molly tilted her head, her childhood memories a bit fuzzy. "Ah, I remember! Mama, Big Brother Ash is riding a Charizard! And he has a Pikachu! Does he have other Pokémon too?"
Hearing that the intruder was a friend of Molly's—and sensing her genuine excitement—Entei lay back down, its hostility fading for the moment.
"He has many Pokémon, Molly," Delia said, her voice full of pride. "He's the man who will become a Pokémon Master!"
"A Pokémon Master!" Molly's eyes lit up with excitement. "Papa, Mama, I want to have a Pokémon battle with Big Brother Ash! Can I?"
"Of course, Molly," Entei replied softly. "Anything you wish."