A thanks to Ri2 for his beta work and advice.

Episode II: Evolution Confusion

"Hup two, hup two!" Ash panted as he ran ahead of the group through the forest.

"Wait up, Ash!" Misty called. "Don't get too carried away."

"Me carried away?" Ash noted pointedly. In his opinion, Primeape, currently standing on his back, was the one carried away. He had just recaptured Primeape a few days ago, and the P1 Champion was already working to get his new protégé in shape, whether he liked or not.

Primeape hopped off Ash's back for a brief rest, leaving the wearied "trainer" to collapse in a heap. Despite his exhaustion, Ash was in high spirits. "After we get to Mahogany Town, it'll be just one more badge to go."

"The trouble is getting there," Brock said, glancing up from the map to examine a particular tree. "I think we passed this same spot a couple hours ago."

Misty groaned. "Meaning we're lost again," she concluded.

"Does this happen often?" Lokoko said.

"Whenever Ash decides to blaze the trail," Misty said dryly.

"Hey!" Ash said, jumping to his feet indignantly. "I always know where I'm going. Isn't that right, Pikachu?" Ash turned to his friend for affirmation, but paused when there was no answer. "Pikachu?"

Brock looked around, and then pointed to the trail behind them. "Back there!" With Primeape keeping Ash busy, Pikachu had taken to walking around on his own. However, he was now lying in the middle of the trail, unable to stand up.

"Pikachu!" Ash ran over and cradled him in his arms. "What's wrong?"

"Pika…" Pikachu just moaned in response.

"Hey," Misty said, "something's wrong with Togepi too." Sure enough, the little egg Pokémon was drooping, too weak to even cry. "She doesn't feel feverish though," Misty said. "What do you think, Brock?" However, Brock had noticed something else. Pokémon were crawling out from the bushes. Misty froze when she saw Bug-type Pokémon, but then noticed that they were hardly in the mood to fight. Indeed, all of the Pokémon, from Rattata to Oddish, looked sick.

"Something strange is going on," Brock said. "It looks like all the Pokémon in the forest are getting sick."

"That's odd," Lokoko said. "I haven't felt anything."

"You're right," Brock noted. "And from the looks of it, Primeape's doing fine too." The martial artist was currently performing experimental kicks and punches against an imaginary foe. "Still, why are so many others affected?"

Their conversation was cut off when a loud, anguished roar bellowed past the trees. "What was that?" Misty said.

Ninetales' ears flicked, and Lokoko pointed to the right. "It's coming from past the trees there," she said.

"Let's go see," Ash said. He rushed forward, followed by Brock and the others. The noise led them out of the forest into a clearing beside a large lake. "Whoa, that's a big lake!" Ash said.

"I believe this is the Lake of Rage," Lokoko said. "Though I am surprised that we haven't seen any buildings yet; there should be settlements across the lake." She scanned the lakeshore in puzzlement; the only notable structure was some metal building toward the southern edge, nothing significant enough for an entire town.

"No one lives at the lake anymore," Brock told her. "Mahogany Town is still a couple of miles south."

"Oh," Lokoko said. She lowered her head. "I did not know that. I'm sorry; I thought the shortcut would save us time by taking us straight toward the lake."

"That's okay," Brock said. "Besides, I'm curious about what's going on here. Something isn't right." He turned to Misty, but saw the Water-type gym leader was staring at the lake. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Something's moving in the water," Misty answered. "And something big, at that."

Suddenly, something huge burst out of the water. As the waves cleared, they could see a massive, armored, serpentine fish – a Gyarados, one of the fiercest Water Pokémon. But instead of being blue like most of its species, it was bright red. To the party's relief, the Gyarados did not appear to actually be interested in them. Instead, it thrashed wildly in pain.

"I've never seen a red Gyarados before," Misty said. She stared up at the Pokémon tensely. Gyarados were notorious for their destructive nature, and she feared them more than Bug Pokémon.

"Maybe it's red because it's angry," Ash suggested.

"I doubt it," Brock said. He turned to Lokoko.

"Can you find out what's wrong with it?"

"I'm sorry," Lokoko apologized, "but it's in too much pain now to give an answer. All that I can hear are occasional words like 'Aaagh!' or 'The pain!' or 'Magikarp…?'"

"In any case," Misty advised, already beginning to back away, "let's keep our distance." Her fears were confirmed when the Gyarados shot a Hydro Pump from its mouth. The attack was simply random, but came too close for comfort.

They turned to retreat into the forest, but stopped when a group of uniformed men blocked the path. "Hold it," said the leader. Unlike the others, he wore no hat to hold down his slightly spiky hair. "I regret to inform you that since you have actually seen this supposed Red Gyarados, you can't leave."

"Hey," Ash exclaimed, seeing a bright red 'R' on their uniforms, "you're Team Rocket!"

"Team Rocket?" Lokoko said in confusion. "They don't look silly enough to be in that group."

"Don't let Jessie, James, and Meowth make you underestimate the team," Brock warned her. "Those three may be low in the totem pole, but the organization and its leader, Giovanni, are not to take lightly. They have agents all over the globe to steal Pokémon and conduct illegal research."

"So you know about us," the lead Rocket noted. "Just another reason why I wouldn't dream of letting you leave." He drew a Pokeball out of his coat and threw it. "Go, Fearow!"

"If that's how you want it," Ash said, "then bring it on!" He threw a Pokeball to release Totodile. The crocodile Pokémon danced around happily, but then suddenly slumped.

"Totodile must be affected too!" Misty said.

"Fortunately," Lokoko said, "we still have Pokémon that can fight. Ninetales stepped forward along with Primeape.

The Rocket leader snarled in frustration. "Looks like we'll need a little more work to take care of you," he said. He threw another ball to release a second Pokeball. He exchanged a quick glance with his men, and then gestured to the Fearows. "Drill Peck!" The two Fearows flew in to attack their respective targets. Both Ninetales and Primeape dodged.

Ash prepared to order Primeape to attack, but then realized the trap. While the Pokémon were busy fighting it out, the Rocket grunts were moving into position to surround the party. Noticing the danger, Primeape and Ninetales tried to pull off, but the Fearows blocked their path.

"Heh," the leader said smugly. "Kids like you should learn that life doesn't go by the rules. Get them!" The grunts rushed in to subdue the team.

Suddenly, a whirlwind blew down from above and scattered the grunts surrounding the party. On seeing this, the Fearows faltered, giving Primeape and Ninetales enough time to slip past their blockade. The two sides then looked up at the sky as a Dragonite descended.

A spiky red-haired man, wearing a black and red vest, quickly jumped off Dragonite. "Hey, you kids," he said urgently to the party. "Turn and run back into the woods. Hurry!" The party exchanged a look, and then nodded to each other. They broke into a dash and returned to the forest. Ash glanced behind for a moment and saw the Dragon trainer standing boldly between them and Team Rocket. Who was he?

After they were a safe distance within the forest, they stopped to rest. "What's Team Rocket doing all the way out here?" Misty pondered in concern. Nothing good ever came from the presence of the larger Team Rocket organization, and they always had some heinous goal in mind.

"And who was that trainer?" Lokoko asked. "He must have been strong to tame a Dragon."

"Actually," Brock muttered, "I think I've seen him before."

"Really?" Misty said. "I don't recall meeting him."

"Not like that," Brock said. "I just have this feeling that I should know him somehow."

"Well," Lokoko said, "we can ask him now." Ninetales looked up through the trees as the Dragonite and its trainer carefully landed.

Ash eagerly stepped forward. "Thanks a lot for helping us back there," he said. "That was really cool." Pikachu chimed in agreement; Ash smiled on seeing that his buddy's strength seemed to have returned.

"So tell me," the red-haired man said, "how did you guys end up wandering in the forest?"

"We were on our way to Mahogany Town," Ash said.

"And we got lost again," Misty said wryly, "as usual."

"Hey," Ash retorted, "we had good directions this time. It's not our fault that everyone moved south from the lake."

The man frowned slightly at this. "Mahogany Town has been in its present location for many years. You must have been confused by the old rumors of ninjas living up on the lake."

"They were not rumors," Lokoko said indignantly. "My master was good friends with –"

"Anyway," Brock quickly cut in, "we were just as surprised to see you all the way out here."

"Actually," Misty said as something occurred to her, "I think I know how you recognized him, Brock. Isn't your name Lance?"

Ash and Brock jolted in realization. "That's right," Brock said. "You're the undisputed Champion of the Elite 4!"

"Yeah!" Ash agreed, looking at Lance in admiration. "The totally unbeatable Dragon-type trainer who singlehandedly won the Indigo League for three years straight!"

Lance chuckled lightly at that as his spirits returned. "I'm not sure about the 'totally' part," he answered, "but I am Lance. I guess you've heard of me."

"Have I?!" Ash said. "I remember seeing you win that last tournament on T.V.; it was the first time I ever saw a Pokémon battle. That's when I decided I was going to become the world's greatest Pokémon Master."

"Well," Lance said, "it will take you a lot of work to reach that point. You need determination and strength, and the heart of dragon."

"No sweat," Ash said. "I'm going to win the Johto League for sure!"

Lance grinned. "You certainly have the heart," he noted.

"Excuse me," Lokoko said to Brock. "What is the 'Elite 4'?"

"They're a group of Champion-level Pokémon trainers," Brock said, "each having proven their worth by not only winning a region-level tournament but also defeating a member of the current Elite 4. And to become the Champion of the Elite 4, you have to defeat all of the current members, consecutively."

"That's right," Ash said. "For Pokémon trainers, the Elites are what we all dream of becoming. Someone who has mastered the art of battling."

"It's more than that," Brock reminded Ash. "The Elites are also supposed to be protectors of the Pokémon world, guiding trainers to greater heights and safeguarding the hidden treasures of the world."

"Oh, like the Guardians," Lokoko said brightly. "High-level warriors who have united to defend against threats that go beyond borders of kingdoms and politics, each a hero in his own right."

"You could say that," Lance said. He looked at her strangely. "But the Guardians are an entirely different branch now. The Pokémon G-Men, sent out to investigate and resolve dangers to both humans and Pokémon."

"Is that why you're here?" Ash said. Lance froze at that.

"We saw what is happening to the Pokémon around here," Misty said. "Is Team Rocket behind this?"

"I haven't confirmed it yet," Lance said, "but that's my hunch. And the Red Gyarados you guys saw must be at the heart of it."

He turned to go, but stopped when Ash said, "We'll help you out!"

"What?" Lance said.

"It would be so awesome to work alongside you," Ash said. He pumped his fists eagerly. "Can we please help you solve this?"

Brock sighed lightly. He was sure that they could be of some use – after all, they had thwarted a number of Team Rocket schemes in the past – but Ash's fan-worship of Lance was making him sound too hyper, too naïve.

Sure enough, Lance shook his head. "No way," he said. "This forest is dangerous with lots of twists and turns, and I can't afford to look after you." Brock noted that Lance was diverting the topic. The forest was not as dangerous as he made it seem, not in its current state. In fact, he had completely dropped mention of Team Rocket.

Lance pointed behind them to a trail poking through the woods. "I must insist you follow this path. "It will take you straight to Mahogany Town."

"But," Ash protested.

"No," Lance said. "It's too dangerous."

Misty put a hand on Ash's shoulder. "He's right Ash," she said. "This kind of work is Lance's job. We should leave things up to him."

"Fine," Ash said. His earlier energy vanished as he followed Misty's lead and turned toward the path.

As the party walked away, Ninetales stole a glance back at Lance. They were making the right decision, she knew. It was too dangerous for them to risk everything for a wild Gyarados. Still, she wondered.

"I apologize for the failure again, Professor Sebastian," Commander Tyson said as he saluted. He had returned to Team Rocket's current headquarters, once again empty-handed.

The scientist calmly adjusted his glasses and turned away from the large screens on the wall to face Tyson. Various displays and charts played on the screen, along with a map of the lake. The red dot, their quarry, was now at the center of the lake now, out of range again. "That is perfectly acceptable," Sebastian said smoothly. "You at least kept the interlopers from prying too deeply into our project here. As for the Red Gyarados, it cannot be captured from on shore. It would naturally have the advantage, being able to strike at will while remaining out of our range. We must draw it out and capture it in the heart of the lake, when it is unprepared."

Tyson frowned. "That will be tricky," he mused. "We'll need something to lure it out."

"No matter," Sebastian said. "I have confidence in your abilities, Commander."

Tyson saluted. "Thank you, Sir!

"I have to say, Professor," he continued, "you have really outdone yourself with this project. The evolution radio is a complete success." He was glad he was assigned to guard this operation rather than serve under another scientist like Namba; that man was notoriously pigheaded and forgetful. Sebastian, on the other hand, was the model of Team Rocket perfection. Calm and calculating, he never lost his temper. Of course, he still had that patronizing sense of always being right, but Tyson had to grudgingly admit that that was because the professor was always right. It was through people like this, with that sense of dedication, that Team Rocket could reach its full potential. As was clear with Project R.

"I admire your optimism," Professor Sebastian said, "but we still need to perfect the radio wave and determine the most potent frequency."

"Which is why we need that Gyarados," Tyson said. The question was how to best capture it.

His thoughts were set aside as a grunt rushed in. "Sir!" the soldier reported. "We've detected intruders in the base!" What? Not more problems. The technicians quickly brought the security footage up on to the screens. There was no sign of the intruders, but the hole blasted in the wall made their presence clear.

"What happened to them?" he demanded.

"They passed through our initial cameras," a technician reported, "but we've lost sight of them."

"Well, then find them," he ordered. "They have to be around here somewhere."

"Closer than you think, so prepare for trouble!" a voice cut in from above. Tyson looked up to see a young man and woman – along with a Meowth, jump down from the ceiling in front of the video screen.

"And we're hungry, so make it double!" The two trainers began to give some nonsensical rant, and Tyson nearly attacked them on the spot. But on catching Sebastian's gestures, he got a better idea. As the three idiots continued, his men slowly encircled them.

Finally, just as the Meowth spoke, Sebastian shut down the screen behind them, bringing them to their senses. The grunts quickly moved in and captured them. "All right," Tyson said. "What are you doing in our base?"

"We're claiming it, in the name of Team Rocket!" the red-haired woman said defiantly.

Tyson's next question fell through as he mentally backtracked through her declaration. "Team Rocket?!" he said, not sure what to think of such a statement. "This is already a Team Rocket base, in case you didn't notice. And just who are you to know about us?"

"Sir," a grunt said, "I have their files here."

Tyson walked over the computer and looked. So, they really were part of Team Rocket after all. Jessie, James, and a Meowth. Top-ranked agents who, in the course of but a few years, had somehow become even lower rank than a standard grunt. But, he noted, they did have some useful traits. According to the records, they were notoriously hardy, and had the devil's own luck at surviving near-death experiences. And they were loyal to the organization to a fault, willing to do anything for a piece of glory and some food in their tummies. He smiled. Perfect.

"Well," he told them, "your status as members of Team Rocket has been confirmed. Welcome, then, to our base."

"Eh, sorry about the whole thing before," the Meowth said.

"No problem," Tyson said. "Now, the three of you look like you have real guts, just what we need in Team Rocket. In fact, I think I have the perfect job for you, one that will secure Project R's success." The three brightened eagerly. "Let's discuss this after a nice meal," Tyson suggested. Inwardly, he smirked. It looked like he didn't need to worry about finding bait anymore.

"Mahogany Town should be right around the bend," Brock said. They had left the forest and, following Lance's route, taken a path down the river fed from Lake Rage.

"I'm interested in seeing what the new city is like," Lokoko said.

Misty nodded. In any case, it would be good to rest at a Pokémon Center once more. She turned to speak to Ash, but saw that he had stopped walking. "Is something bothering you, Ash?" she said. Usually, he would be excited to be so close to his next gym battle.

"I…have to go back," Ash said.

"Go back?" Lokoko said. "Where?"

Energy returning, Ash leapt to his feet. "To Lake Rage!" he said. "I have to do something!"

"You can't!" Misty said. "Lance said it was too dangerous."

"I just have to find some way to help that Gyarados," Ash said stubbornly.

"That Gyarados is fine," Misty said. "Lance will take care of it." Not that a Gyarados would need any protection, she knew. The sea-dragons were notorious for their intense power, and temperaments to match. Entire ships had been torn to pieces by Gyaradoses, and even cities unfortunate to rest in its path. She shivered. No, best to leave that Gyarados be, and move on to some place safer.

"But it was in a lot of pain," Ash said. "Can't you see? I can't let that go. And what about the other Pokémon, too? All of them are in trouble because of Team Rocket."

"He has a point," Brock pointed out. "Team Rocket must be after more than just that Gyarados. If we don't stop them, they'll keep hurting Pokémon for their experiments." He glanced to Misty. "Including your Togepi."

"You're right," Misty admitted. She clutched her precious child close. Still, she didn't want to have to deal with that Gyarados.

"But why was I not affected, or Primeape, or Dragonite?" Lokoko pointed out. "What is it that made all those Pokémon ill, but left many others unharmed?"

"I don't know," Ash said, "but that doesn't matter. I won't let them hurt Gyarados."

Misty recognized that voice. Ash always had it whenever he became determined to help anyone in trouble. Her expression lightened. That was Ash, all right. Always wanting to save whoever he came across. It didn't matter whether he was trying to help a little kid or an enraged Primeape. He believed in them, and never gave up. She pushed her fear back, for the moment. "Okay," she said. "We can follow the river straight up to the lake."

"Hold on," Brock warned. "Team Rocket isn't going to just sit around. As soon as we try anything, they'll try to stop us. We need to come up with a plan that lets us help Gyarados without being caught ourselves."

"Actually," Lokoko said, "I may have an idea."

"Good work," Tyson told the three "agents" as they lay panting on the boat's deck. "I guess you have some guts in you after all." The three just glared weakly at them, still a little upset at being used as bait. Even so, it was worth it, he noted, as he looked at the net behind the boat. At last, that pesky Red Gyarados was Team Rocket's. Now his day was finally looking up.

It had been an aggravating day before that – first those kids, and that G-Man, and then the three bumbling Rocket "agents" who tried to break into one of their own bases. But now things were running smoothly. As expected, the three buffoons had bravely dived down to capture the Gyarados – only to make a hasty retreat back to the surface, with the predator right behind them. Focused on the hapless fools, the Gyarados did not notice the net coming at it until it was too late. The shock volts into the net had stunned the Gyarados, and even if it had the strength to fight, the net could withstand even a Steelix.

"You…could have been a little more careful," James muttered as he gasped for breath. "

We almost got caught too, ya know!" Meowth said.

Tyson smirked. "I know," he said. "I thought that was reasonable use for disposable resources." He turned to reenter the bridge, passing by a red-haired grunt. Something was off about him, but all the grunts were alike really. "Capture is complete, so let's return to headquarters while the Gyarados is immobilized."

"Yes, sir," the piloting grunt said. The boat turned around to go back to the dock.

Suddenly, the horizon turned white, and all sight of land vanished. "What's going on?" Tyson demanded.

"I don't know!" the pilot said. "The fog just came out of nowhere!"

"Stop the boat," he ordered. "We can't risk running into something while we're pulling in the target." He walked out of the bridge to get a better look outside. "Don't let your guard down," he warned. "Something is fishy about this whole thing."

"Hey," James said. He pointed out into the mist.

"I think I see something." Tyson narrowed his eyes. The idiot was right for a change. Something large seemed to be coming closer in the fog. But what? Most of the Water Pokémon in the lake were of the smaller variety. You didn't get larger ones until you got sea-bound, except with evolutions like Magikarp to…

He stiffened as an unsettling thought occurred to him. "Battle stations," he barked. "Get your weapons ready, and prepare to take evasive action."

"Battle stations?" Meowth said. "Whaddya mean? With the Gyarados down for the count, it's in the bag." The feline Pokémon suddenly froze when he noticed a pair of large, glowing red eyes behind him in the water. The figure emerged from the fog and coalesced into the Red Gyarados.

"It's the Gyarados!" Jessie said.

"How the heck did it get out?" Meowth said.

James, surprisingly, was not looking at the fierce Pokémon, but was gazing off in a different direction. "I think we should prepare for trouble," he said shakily, "and I think more than double." He pointed to another section of the fog, where an equally large, red, and angry Gyarados burst out from the mist. One by one, more Gyaradoses appeared around the ship, until there were six in total. Jessie, James, and Meowth huddled together in fear. "What's going on?" James said.

"Every Magikarp in the lake must have evolved!" Meowth said.

"Impossible," Tyson said.

"Who cares?" Jessie said. "Just open fire before they all tear us to bits!" At Jessie's cue, the grunts all began wildly firing shots at the Gyaradoses, with little effect. The Gyaradoses in turn fired Hyper Beams and Hydro, just narrowly passing over the boat with each shot.

Panicking, many of the less-trained grunts abandoned their attacks and dived to the floor – including, he noted, the three recent tag-alongs. "It's no good!" Meowth said. "You made dese Pokémon too strong!"

"Shut up," Tyson said. He turned to Sebastian, who was examining the scene carefully. "Doctor," he said, "what's your analysis of the situation?"

"The arrangement is off," the doctor said casually.

"What are you talking about?" Tyson said.

Sebastian gestured with his hand. "Although they appear to have surrounded us in a perfect circle, you can see that one side is closer than the others."

"So?" Tyson said, growing impatient.

"And it is remarkable that none of the attacks against us have hit yet," Sebastian continued. "By my calculations then…" He then pointed his arm toward the far shore. "Commander. When I tell you, focus all attacks on the shore."

"Fine," he said. "Men, ready to fire on my command."

Sebastian paused for a moment, and then nodded. "Now."

"Open fire!" Tyson said. The shots rushed past the Gyaradoses and the mist, and suddenly there was an explosion in the distance.

Almost instantly, the fog and the multiple red Gyaradoses disappeared. "What's going on?" Jessie said, looking around in confusion.

"It was an illusion to distract us," Sebastian explained. "With the perpetrator injured, the illusions vanished. Now we can concentrate on the true threat."

Tyson gazed out, and saw that the Red Gyarados was still caught, but the net was being torn away by several children, the same ones from before. "Meddlesome kids," he muttered.

"I think you can handle the situation now, Commander," Sebastian said. "If you will excuse me, I am most interested in seeing what sort of Pokémon could create such a realistic display."

Tyson curtly nodded. The professor walked past him to take a small escort and a shuttle boat. Tyson turned on his radio back to headquarters. "All right," he said. "No more messing around. Activate the Evolutionary Radio now." A grunt behind him muttered something, but he paid no attention to the grunt. Time to show those kids not to toy with adults.

Ash's eyes widened as the illusion faded. "Brock!" he yelled, starting to paddle toward shore.

Misty grabbed his arm. "We can't worry about him right now!" she said as she continued to pull at the net. "We don't have much more time left." However, not even Primeape, trying his hardest despite disliking his fur getting soaked, could not tear open the steel-hard bindings.

Then Ash got an idea. "Bayleef!" he shouted. "Use Razor Leaf!" Bayleef, doggy-paddling in the water, nodded and flicked her head to release the leaves. The leaf blades ripped against the net, only to bounce off.

"That won't work," Misty said. "We need a different strategy."

Ash thought for a moment, then brightened. "I know!" he said. He released Cyndaquil on top of Corsola to keep it out of the water. "Use Flamethrower to loosen the metal!" he ordered. Cyndaquil complied and shot a blast of fire from its mouth. "Good work," Ash said as he recalled Cyndaquil. "Everyone, use Water attacks!"

Misty nodded, realizing Ash's plan. First superheat the metal, then cool it down, and then… After the water receded, Ash gestured to Bayleef. "Razor Leaf, one more time!" Bayleef whipped her head and flung another barrage of leaves at the net. They bounced off again, but now the net was starting to show signs of wear. "Now hurry!" he said. "We can pull apart the rope now!"

Misty gestured to Staryu to start cutting away. Likewise, Primeape began to pull once more, this time with more effect. However, most of the net remained strong. Out of the corner of her eye though, she spotted a small piece of the net that looked weaker than the other parts. And it would take just one hole to unravel the whole mesh. She moved closer to pull the rip apart with her hands, but froze. Gyarados' head was right in front of the tear, its gargantuan, sharp fangs glistening in the water.

"Misty!" Ash yelled desperately. "Come on! They're almost here!" Misty nodded absently, though it was partially from her uncontrollable trembling. She tentatively nudged her hand forward, but then Gyarados looked at her, and her mind went back to when she was a little girl, and wandered into the mouth of a sleeping Gyarados. The Gyarados opened its mouth slightly, and she could see it rushing forward to swallow her whole. Before she realized what she was doing, she had let go of the net and backed off.

Then the humming started. Strangely, it seemed familiar. Now that she thought of it, she heard something similar when they were walking through the forest. Only then, it was so soft that she didn't really acknowledge it. Right now, though, the sound seemed stronger. She had little time to contemplate this, as a metal bar lashed against her back. The steel bent to form a hoop, locking her arms in place. She started to sink, only held up the chain linking the hoop to a patrol boat.

Standing at the bow of the boat, the Rocket commander from before smirked. "Well, I have to give you kids credit for one thing," he said. "You're persistent. But you've gotten in the way too much for my taste. So from now on, consider yourselves our permanent guests."

"This isn't over!" Ash shouted.

"Oh, not quite," Tyson admitted. "But I doubt your little friend on the shore can last much longer either."

Misty twisted her head and gazed at the charred shoreline in horror. Oh no, Brock…

Ninetales moaned in pain at the bottom of the crater on shore. She tried to get to her feet, but fell down again and again. "Lokoko!" Brock said. "Are you all right?"

Her human image flickered back and forth. "Sorry," she said softly. "I…didn't think they'd…see me."

"Don't worry," he said. "I'll have you better in no time."

"But there is…no time," she said. "They're…coming." Sure enough, a small boat was approaching, loaded with Rocket grunts, along with someone else in the back.

Brock grabbed a Pokeball from his belt. "They'll have to get through me first," he said. As he talked, he tried to conceal his wince. Lokoko had taken the brunt of the attack, but Brock had been injured as well. His Pokémon were still safe inside their Pokeballs, but with so many Rockets coming, victory was far from certain.

"Brock," she said.

"What?" he asked.

"Thank you, for showing me this world. It was nice to see more of the world around me. Even if I must wait another 200 years for freedom again, it was worth it."

"It's not over yet," Brock promised.

Lokoko ignored him. "That's why I won't let you suffer the same fate that curses me."

"What?" Brock stopped in confusion, then suddenly tensed. "Wait. Ninetales – Lokoko! – don't –"

"Goodbye, Brock." With those words, Lokoko's image vanished, and was replaced by a wave of Psychic energy. With the last of her strength, Ninetales lifted Brock into the air, and sent him flying off into the woods.

"Lokoko!" he yelled, but she did not relent. She pushed him farther and farther away, until her will broke and she collapsed. Vaguely, she saw Rockets approach her, along with a man with glasses. His look of cold, triumphant discernment chilled her with fear, and she was glad for the world to fade to black.

Disguised as a common grunt, Lance merged with the mass of Rocket soldiers as they returned triumphantly to headquarters. Behind them, Tyson pushed Ash and Misty, along with Pikachu, Togepi, and Primeape, forward. "Keep moving!" he ordered. Seeing that Pikachu and Togepi were struggling with exhaustion, he kicked them ahead. "I said, don't stop!"

"Leave Pikachu alone!" Ash yelled futilely. Primeape grunted in agreement; if not for the firm bindings over his arms, and the many grunts standing by, he might have hurled Tyson clear to the moon."

"And don't mess with my Togepi!" Misty warned.

"Or what?" Tyson taunted him. "Even if you could fight, your Pokémon don't stand a chance against our Evolution Inducement Wave."

"Your what?" Ash said. Lance silently mouthed the same question, hoping that the commander would finally reveal just what the team was up to here.

With victory all but assured, Tyson saw no reason to hold back. "It's a special technology we've developed to make Pokémon evolve."

Misty jolted. "That's why Togepi, Pikachu, and the others were sick. They were being forced to evolve, only their bodies were resisting."

Tyson grunted in frustration. "Yeah," he admitted, "we still have some kinks to work out with the radio. But now that we have a success case in our hands, things will finally go smoothly."

Lance stiffened in realization. Of course! Gyarados weren't naturally red – but their predecessors, Magikarp, certainly were. But why was the Gyarados still in pain after evolving? An unpleasant thought came to him. No, certainly even Team Rocket was not that foolish.

"Anyway," Tyson said, "that's for us to deal with. Your part in this experiment is over. We'll collect your Pokemon once we're finished with the rest of the project" Grunts dragged the two along with their Pokemon away toward the holding cells.

Lance joined the troops marching inside, and then quickly slipped into a side passage of the cargo facility. He finally saw what Team Rocket wanted. Many high-level Pokémon were notably rare, even when their lower evolutions were common. The reason for this was that evolution was often easier said than done. It took considerable effort to evolve a Pokémon up even once, both hard work and a strong bond. Then there were the odd cases that required something more, like a stone or a special condition.

If Team Rocket had a universal tool to evolve Pokémon – its effects on a Pikachu dependent on a Thunder Stone proved it even ignored special barriers – then they could raise up a terrible army of elite-level Pokémon with minimal work on their part. The radio needed to be stopped at all costs. Especially since he had an uneasy feeling about the Red Gyarados. If his hunch was correct, then Team Rocket was willfully sitting on a time bomb.

But he couldn't break his cover yet, not with the entire garrison present. No, best to wait for them to move out with the Gyarados. Then he could double back to the base and, with defenses minimalized, destroy it and the radio tower. The team was preparing to take the Gyarados to a safe house in Mahogany Town, so he could have the police ready to ambush them once they entered the city. Then he could down two birds with one stone.

Still, he felt uncomfortable about the plan for some reason. Perhaps it was those children. He was frustrated that the two had disobeyed his orders and gotten involved. But, he could no longer dismiss them. The young trainers had shown great ingenuity in their rescue attempt, and nearly freed Gyarados. But their recklessness hindered them, and made them easy targets.

He paused in his thoughts as something occurred to him. Reckless. When did he start seeing that as simply a burden? Back in the day, when he was still forging his path to the Plateau, he burned deep with that spirit, and used it to reach greater heights. From sneaking into the Dragon's Den before his official initiation to pushing through the ruins of Victory Road, he had plenty moments of recklessness. Then, over time, he had to accept the responsibilities that came with his ascendance as a trainer. As a Dragon Master, as an Elite, as a G-Man, he had many lives depending on his actions. He could no longer test the odds, and risk destroying everything he had worked so hard for.

The black-haired trainer, Ash, reminded Lance a lot of himself at that age – young, impetuous, and naïve about the world. Those traits would only get him into trouble. But, Lance had to admit, perhaps he lost something when he left that side of him behind. He was a Dragon Master, one who knew the hearts of Dragons better than any other. Yet Ash was the one who heard Gyarados' cry of pain, still audible in the cold facility, and refused to close his ears.

Professor Sebastian gazed at Ninetales from the other side of the bars. "Very interesting," he mused. "By my calculations, you were able to project nearly a mile-diameter illusion. Not only that, but segment your illusions, making each piece function independently and fluidly. You are hardly a normal Ninetales, are you?" Lokoko remained silent. She was afraid that if she spoke but one word, her fate would become even worse.

Hard, regimented footsteps heralded Tyson's arrival. "We locked those kids up in a different part of the base," he said. "They won't be bothering us again."

"Good," Sebastian said.

Tyson turned his gaze to the Ninetales. "Who'd have thought such a prim little Pokémon would nearly turn the tables on us?" he said. "Are you sure you don't want us to knock her out?"

"No," Sebastian said sharply. "And keep the radio at low frequency as well. We need to handle this specimen carefully. Precision is the key."

Tyson shrugged. "Well," he said, "you're the one who knows these things. You're sure it won't break out?"

"Not to worry," Sebastian said. The field I have placed it in was designed to mute Psychic powers. Besides, unlike the Gyarados, this one has accepted its fate."

"What do you mean?" Tyson asked.

"You would not know, not having to deal with dozens of subjects for experiments," Sebastian said, "but over time, you notice how they adjust to their lack of freedom. Some rage futilely like the Gyarados. Others, however, realize that even resisting their fate is hopeless. They learn that they will never be free."

Ninetales stared out the bars, feeling that familiar sense of loss once more. Never free, only left behind.

"Interesting," Tyson said. "Anyway, we should have the transport for the Gyarados ready by tomorrow. And I got a report that your personal shuttle is en route."

"Good," Sebastian said. He followed Tyson away from the cell, leaving Lokoko alone in the darkness again.

Brock…

It was morning now, and the sun shone across the lake. Tyson watched the sunrise, not for the scenery but rather for the helicopters descending from the sky. Grunts waved the transports into the hastily-made landing locations. Originally, the only launch pad was in a separate holding station to the south, but after Sebastian ordered his private shuttle to come for the Ninetales, they had to make landing zones for it. At that point, Tyson decided it would be just simpler to have the main helicopters come here as well, and transport the Gyarados all the way.

"The Gyarados is secured, sir," Tyson said.

"Excellent," Sebastian said. "I am taking the Ninetales north to my laboratory for further research. Ensure that the Gyarados specimen is safely transported to the rendezvous point in my absence."

"Professor," Tyson broached, "are you sure that you want to transport the Ninetales alone? At least let me send you a small escort for your safety; we still have two trainers at large."

Sebastian shook his head. "My shuttle is made for efficiency, and only has enough room for the specimens and the pilot. But not to worry. Should anything happen, I will have contingencies to handle the situation."

Tyson reluctantly nodded. "Focus on your own mission," Sebastian continued. "The Ninetales is potentially a future experiment, but the Red Gyarados marks the triumph of a project we have already worked long and hard on. I am counting on you to make sure nothing goes wrong, when we are so close."

Tyson straightened and saluted. "Yes sir!" he said. Satisfied, Sebastian calmly walked to his shuttle and entered. After seeing the professor go, Tyson turned back to his men. "All right, you heard him. Move out!" The grunts saluted. Some of them marched to the helicopters, while others prepared to take the road to the checkpoint station and close it down. They would then follow the river toward the town, providing ground cover for the helicopters.

He was still a little anxious, two of the earlier troublemakers still at large, but he pushed those fears aside. Two trainers couldn't take on Team Rocket's full might. Still, he was glad that they were moving out immediately. The sooner he could deposit the Gyarados in Mahogany, the better.

Brock watched the helicopters lift off, the Gyarados held in the large net below them. However, he kept his eyes on a different craft. It was a unique build, a mix of a plan with a helicopter. The scientist from before was aboard, along with Lokoko. No sign of Ash or Misty though. Team Rocket must have decided they weren't worth further notice, and left them to rot inside the base. So now what was he going to do? He had considered charging in when they were loading Ninetales, but the troops were too many, and he had held off until he could see Ash and Misty as well. Now though, he had to make a choice.

The shuttle was veering off to the north, and he would have to move fast to keep up with it. But a lot could happen while he was gone. Reinforcements might arrive, to guard the facility or transport its last prisoners away. Assuming they even felt the need to let them live. Perhaps…

And I was left alone, to wait for him.

Ninetales' – Lokoko's – words came back to him. The lonely pain, from so many years of futile hope, burned in her voice like tears. He cast a brief glance back at the facility, but then turned away. "Sorry guys," he said, "but right now you're on your own." Right now, there was someone who needed him even more. "Hang on, Lokoko," he said, gazing at the shuttle. "I'll show you that promises can be kept."

Jessie smirked and kept her head high as she marched down the empty corridors of the base, her partners right behind her. Well, James, at least. Meowth, still recovering from the Evolution Inducement Wave, was resting in a nearby office suite. No matter. This was a big moment for them. Things had been in the dumps for them for a while, since they learned that their membership in Team Rocket had expired and that they needed to pay off their debts to that Delibird to get back to the top.

Now though, things were looking up. With the rest of the troops busy handling the Ninetales and the Gyarados, the base was mostly deserted now, leaving her, James, and Meowth the highest-ranking officers on duty. It would have been a little higher of a distinction if there was actually anyone else in the building to outrank, but who cared? This was just the kind of thing to put on the resume when they asked the Boss for a promotion. And he'd definitely have to promote them now, once they at last brought him back the greatest prize of all.

She stopped in front of a prison cell and opened the door. "Rise and shine, Twerps," she called. Ash and Misty, restraints still on, stood up. Pikachu and Togepi continued to sit, still exhausted from the wave.

"Are you enjoying Team Rocket's hospitality?" James said.

"Let us out!" Ash yelled.

"You're not going to get away with this!" Misty said.

"Brave words," Jessie said, "but they won't do you any good this time."

"Why don't you come in here and say that?" Ash countered.

"Indeed, we will," James said. "Your little Pikachu is our gift to the Boss, after all." Pikachu tried to summon the strength for a Thunder Shock, but could only produce a few small sparks. "We would give him the Ninetales too," James said, "but she's already a present for the research department."

The Twerps' anger increased. "What do you mean?" Misty said.

"Where are Brock and Lokoko?" Ash demanded.

"The Ninetales is on its way right now to a special facility," Jessie said. "No idea what happened to your squinty-eyed friend."

"Probably ran away," James said. "He was always the smartest of you three."

Ash opened his mouth to say something, but Misty gestured slightly with her head, and he calmed down. "Fine," he said. "There's nothing we can do, after all."

Triumphant, Jessie sauntered into the cell along with James. "I'm glad you see reason," Jessie said. "Since you're being cooperative, maybe we'll leave the rest of your Pokémon alone."

Suddenly, James paused as something occurred to him. "Hey, wait," he said. "Wasn't that Primeape locked up here too?"

Jessie frowned. "You're right," she said. She looked around the room, but the big ape was nowhere in sight. "We had him restrained, so he couldn't have gotten anywhere. So where is he?"

It was then that Jessie noticed the all-too familiar grin on Ash's face, the kind that always promised a swift retribution. "Oh, he's here all right," Ash said. He looked up at the ceiling. "Why don't you say hi?"

The team slowly looked up, and saw Primeape crouched on a corner of the ceiling. Before they could react, he leaped down onto them. James oofed as Primape kicked him in the stomach and sent him flying against a wall of the cell. Jessie tried to tackle it, but found herself thrashed around like a net on an angry Tauros. "I thought we disarmed the big monkey!" she said.

"He still is!" James said. He was right, it turned out, as the restraints were still on Primeape, keeping his arms locked at his sides. That proved to be of no use though, as Primeape still fought on.

"You thought you could disarm a Primeape?" Ash said, grinning. "Primeape didn't win the P-1 for nothing. And he can kick just as well as he can punch!"

Within seconds, Primeape had yanked the three into a wild brawl. Jessie, to her disconcertion, learned that a Primeape's feet were just as dexterous as its hands, allowing the berserk Pokémon to swing and slam them around like loose rope. When the dust cleared, the Twerps and Primeape were nowhere to be found – and the door out of the cell was locked shut.

"Hey, ya guys!" Meowth shouted outside the door, his usual vigor mostly back. "I just saw the Twerps run past! What's goin' on?"

"Never mind that," Jessie said. "Get us out! Our promotion is on the line!" Those Twerps weren't going to mess up this chance to make things up to the Boss. This time, they wouldn't get away!

"Ash," Misty yelled, "I told you to go left, not right!"

"I was going to go left," Ash countered, "but then you said right!"

"I meant it was right to go left, not right!" Misty said.

Ash groaned, but let the argument lie. Right now, they had worse things to worry about. After making the switch with Team Rocket, Ash and Misty had dashed for the exit. Team Rocket had a knack for getting out of its messes for a second round, so there was no time to waste.

Unfortunately, Ash's sense of direction had led them wrong again. Instead of reaching the exit, they had stumbled into a dead-in, leading to a large room with some kind of engine. "Hey, I think this must be what's powering the Evolution Inducement Wave," he said.

"Let's worry about that later," Misty said. Ash nodded and turned warily to face the door. Already he could hear footsteps. It was times like this that Ash really appreciated Brock. The patient breeder always kept his head in trouble like this, and would have had them out in no time. Now though, there was no choice left but to fight.

The question was, how? Unfortunately, they never got their restraining devices off before the escape, so they couldn't grab their Pokeballs. That left only Pikachu – still weak – and Primeape. Ash had faith in Primeape, but knew that Team Rocket hardly ever decided to play fair. If they decided to go all out, Primeape could get swamped.

"It's the end of the line for ya," Meowth said. He, Jessie, and James all approached from the corridor, along with Arbok, Weezing, and Victreebel – and Wobbuffet.

"Hand over Pikachu," James said, "and we'll let the rest of you go."

"Not on your life!" Ash said.

"We won't give up that easy!" Misty said.

"Fine," Jessie said. "Arbok, get in there." The snake slithered forward.

"Go for it, Primeape!" Ash said. Primeape charged in to kick the lights out of Arbok.

Jessie however remained calm. "We're ready this time," she said. "All right, Arbok, Bite his foot!" Arbok opened its jaws wide and caught Primeape's foot. Primeape pulled it out, but now it looked a little pale, poisoned by the snake's fangs. Ash groaned. This was bad.

"Now it's your turn, Victreebel," James said, pulling the carnivorous plant off his head. "Use Razor Leaf."

Primeape tried to dodge, but its reflexes were down. "Come on, Primeape!" Ash said. "I know you can dodge those."

"I think he's letting them hit him on purpose," Misty said.

"What do you mean?" Ash said.

"Look," Misty said, pointing at the straight line between them, Primeape, and Team Rocket. "If any of those leaves misses Primeape, they'll go straight at us."

"Dang, you're right," Ash said. And with them tied up, they couldn't get to their other Pokémon.

Wait a second… "That's it!" Ash said. "Primeape!" he yelled. "Make sure you let those leaves hit us!" Primeape looked at Ash strangely, but nodded.

"Ash, are you crazy?" Misty said.

"Don't worry," he said. "I've got a plan."

Team Rocket just grinned triumphantly. "Guess the Twerp's finally flipped," Meowth said.

"If you want to get hurt that badly," Jessie said, "we'll kindly help you with that. James, give them another round."

James nodded. "Victreebel, use Razor Leaf one more time!" Victreebel launched another barrage of leaves. This time, Primeape jumped straight up, and let the leaves fly at the party.

Misty trembled, but Ash held his ground. "The hoops!" he said. Suddenly understanding the plan, Misty nodded. They quickly shifted their positions so that the leaves hit the iron hoops restraining them. The metal bars fell apart neatly in chunks.

Team Rocket took a step back worriedly. "Uh, oh," Meowth said.

"James!" Jessie said. "What were you thinking?"

James waved his arms desperately. "But you said…"

"Now it's our turn!" Ash said. He tossed a Pokeball, releasing Cyndaquil.

"You too, Poliwhirl!" Misty said. The spiral-bellied fighting toad joined the small fire rat as Team Rocket slowly backed up in horror.

"Hey, we helped ya get free, didn't we?" Meowth said desperately. "You oughta owe us for that, ya know?"

"Oh, we'll repay you all right," Misty said.

Pikachu leapt to his feet in agreement. "Pikachu!" Ash said. "You're feeling better now?" Pikachu nodded and let sparks fly from his cheeks. "Then let's go all out! Pikachu, Thundershock! Cyndaquil, Flamethrower!" Cyndaquil's fiery back intensified, only lowering as the flames began to transfer into its open mouth.

"Poliwhirl, Water Gun!" Misty commanded. Many sparkling yet hard bubbles began to float around Poliwhirl, swirling to match the amphibian's belly spiral. Ready, all three launched their attacks at once. The triple blast of lighting, fire, and water surged toward Team Rocket.

At the last moment, Jessie rallied. "We're not done yet," she grunted. She yanked Wobbuffet forward. "Enough cheerleading, do something for a change!" Wobbuffet glowed as it used Mirror Coat. The shield absorbed and reflected the attacks back at the party, forcing Ash and Misty to dive out of the way with their Pokémon.

However, Team Rocket's victory was short lived. Primeape had continued to rush forward, narrowly avoiding the return blast. The attack actually helped him by finally breaking his own restraints. With his fists finally free, he knocked Team Rocket into the ceiling and out into the sky with one mighty punch.

"Good work, guys," Ash said.

"Now we can get out of here," Misty said. "We need to find out what happened to Brock and Lokoko – and the Gyarados."

"You're right," Ash said. "Let's get moving, Pikachu." Ash glanced to his partner, then faltered. Pikachu had fallen to the ground again, and writhed in pain. "Pikachu?" he said.

"Pi…" Pikachu said weakly.

"I thought you were finally shaking off the effect," Ash said. "What's wrong?"

"Ash," Misty said urgently. She pointed behind them toward the generator. "I think we have a problem."

Ash looked and gasped in realization. The reflected attacks had torn a large hole into the power core. From the looks of the nearby shredded cables, the earlier Razor Leaves had also done their own damage. As a result, the massive generator shook violently, flashing off and on as the power in it approached a breaking point. "The machine's out of control!" Ash said. "We have to stop it!"

"How?" Misty said. "All we can do is get away before it's too late."

"You're right," Ash said. They quickly returned Cyndaquil and Poliwhirl, both trembling, back to their Pokeballs. Not that they were sure that would be enough to protect them. "Come on!" Ash said. He tried to carry Pikachu toward the exit, assisted by Primeape.

However, the noise steadily grew, from a silent hum to a deafening screech that forced Ash and Misty to their knees.

Between the maddening pitches, Ash managed to make out Misty yell, "Togepi, no!" Togepi was beginning to glow white, as evolution began to set in.

Ash however was more worried about Pikachu, who was suffering the same change. The white light began to cover Pikachu's body, disappearing into the fluid energy. Tears began to roll down Ash's face. "Pikachu," he sobbed. Behind them, the engine exploded, and a sudden, howling wave of power swept over everything.

Ash stood proudly against the flock of Spearows as they approached, holding back the fear and despair in his heart. It was his first day as a trainer, and everything had fallen apart. Maybe Pikachu was right in disobeying; he deserved a better trainer. But maybe, he hoped, he could make it up now, in one last stand. "Spearows, do you know who I am? I am Ash, from the town of Pallet. I am destined to be the world's number one Pokémon master. I can't be defeated by the likes of you! I'm going to capture and defeat you all! You hear me?!" Then Pikachu jumped on his shoulder and unleashed a surge of lightning, nothing like he'd ever seen before.

Ash struggled to hold himself together as he stared at Pikachu, a full body cast wrapped around him. He'd had challenges before, but nothing like Surge. They needed to get stronger, but how? One convenient solution was in his hands: a Thunder Stone, to evolve Pikachu into a Raichu. But, was that really the right way? "Pikachu," he finally said, holding the gem in front of him, "what do you want to do?" Pikachu stared at the green crystal, then forced himself up. He hesitated for a moment, and then flicked the stone away with his tail. That was the answer then, Ash decided, as he linked hands with Pikachu. They'd grow stronger on their own, working together and believing in each other. No matter what the odds were.

Ash ran off into the night, alone. He didn't know where he was going anymore, not with Pikachu beside him. But it was for the best, he knew, leaving him with the other Pikachus. He seemed so happy being in the wild with them. Ash didn't want to hold him back, even if it meant letting go of part of himself. But then, as the sun rose, Pikachu appeared on the hill. As Pikachu came running down and leaped into Ash's arms, Ash reflected on how he could be an idiot sometimes, blinding himself to the truth. He'd give up anything to stay with Pikachu, and he knew that Pikachu would do the same.

No. Ash clenched his fists in defiance. Pikachu was his best friend, his partner from the very beginning. He wouldn't let this happen, no matter what. He slowly got on his feet, cradling Pikachu's white form in his arms. Vaguely, he noticed a blue glow enveloping him, but he didn't care. "Pi. Ka. Chu!" he yelled. Then the blue light burst out all around him, and everything went black.