@Scytherwolf--If you're curious, Tintri is Ash's Pikachu, and Ami is Misty's Marill (a new character for this story)

Unfortunately, Heracross was one of the Pokemon I had to cut while planning the story, as that episode would mean having to introduce Team Rocket when I had a very specific place I wanted to put them (Azelea Town, as they do in the games--so enjoy the Jessie and James appearances when they do happen, because they're not going to be appearing constantly.)

I will admit description is one of my weak points, but part of my problem is where to strike a balance between too much and too little. As for the Pokemon getting personality, that is coming, don't worry.

I put the Crystal Onix reference because I figured Ash would want to tell Brock about his adventures in the Orange Islands, and decided this would be the perfect anecdote to tell. It has no real significance barring an attempt to establish a friendship.

I do have an explanation for why Mega Evolution and Gen 7 mechanics are in Johto, but that's not until a little later on (around Ecruteak City)