The setting then changes to the woodland area found just west of Viridian City, where Charizard is flying overhead with Ash, Pikachu, Elsa, Raichu and Meowth all riding on his back. As the Oracle instructed, they were following the trail of the Forty Thieves, and clearly, it took them deep into the night.
Meowth: I should've stayed with the Persian; manual labor beats danger any day
Ash wasn't really paying much attention to Meowth though, his attention was focused on the trail below, as he was quick to notice the freshness of the tracks and say…
Ash: Good, the trail's still fresh, Charizard keep heading in this direction, but make sure we're not seen first.
Charizard growled in compliance and followed the trail closely; he even picked up some speed in the process. This didn't stop Meowth's complaining however
Meowth: Definitely should've stayed with the Persian.
Soon enough, Ash and co. spotted the Forty Thieves as they rode on their Rapidash and Zebstrikas around a path corner. As Ash told him, Charizard treaded carefully, and made sure not to be spotted as he followed the group closely. Eventually, the Forty Thieves reared their steeds at a lake and looked towards a large rock that wasn't too far out into the water and was connected to the mainland by a thin sliver of land. Ash and company noticed the halt and took it as an opportunity to hide themselves behind the trees.
Everyone else got off of Charizard willingly, but Meowth just passed out halfway and fell flat on his back with a groan. When Elsa and her Raichu noticed this, she turned towards Ash and said…
Elsa: Refresh my memory, why is Meowth with us?
Ash: He said was either this or helping the others fix the Chapel, and you know Meowth; he and manual labor don't exactly mix (Elsa smiles and nods).
It was then that Ash looks towards the thieves from his position and saw that they haven't moved an inch. This made the young man quite confident.
Ash: Phew, well, they have nowhere to go, we've got 'em trapped
This comment made the rest of Ash's group happy, but Meowth just said…
Meowth: We? (Runs up to Ash) they are Forty Thieves! We are you, a girl, a Charizard, a Pikachu, a Raichu and me. Wait, don't count me
Regardless of this comment though, Ash went back to looking towards the thieves, and this time, Pikachu, Charizard, Elsa and Raichu joined him. (Meowth did so as well, but it was still reluctantly)
Ash: They're just…standing there
Suddenly, the King of Thieves rode up his Rapidash towards closer to the lake, Ash was curious about what he was trying to do, but then, he heard and saw exactly what he needed to hear and see.
The King of Thieves: (Raised up his hand) Open Sesame!
And at that very moment, the water in the lake started boiling like molten lava and the large rock started to show off a large, glowing crack in its side. The water then separated into a path that connected to the mainland and the small crack in the large rock had become as wide as a cave entrance. Ash and his friends were awe struck by this sight, but their time to think about it was cut short when The King of Thieves and his men ride their Pokemon down the path and into the cave.
Seeing this as their chance, Ash yells…
Ash: Let's move!
…as everyone gets back onto Charizard's back and takes off after the Thieves. And not a moment too soon either, because once the thieves were all inside, the water started wash back into place and the cave entrance started to close.
There was much screaming from Meowth during all of this, but, albeit just barely, Ash and his friends manage to get inside the cave before it closed up completely. Problem is, when they did make it inside, Charizard made something of a crash-landing and sent all of his passengers flying off.
Ash rubbed his head after that happened, but then he was awe-struck by the amazing splendor that was the Forty Thieves' lair. The lair was golden and misty and had all the attributes of a long-forgotten city.
Suddenly, Elsa's Raichu came up to Ash and nudged his arm. But Ash's only response was…
Ash: I know, Raichu, it's incredible
…and he didn't even look at Raichu during this point. So, in irritation, Raichu grabbed Ash's jacket collar and directed him towards the sealed cave entrance.
Meowth: (With his paws over his eyes) how bad is it?
Apparently, in all the rush to get inside, Meowth got his tail caught in the cave entrance.
*Don't ask how that happened*
Fortunately for Meowth though, Pikachu came up to him, spat on his front paws, grabbed Meowth and pulled him free. Unfortunately, some of the fur on Meowth's tail came off in the process.
Meowth: (Looks at his bald tail) (Sarcastically) oh, this is attractive
It was then that Meowth walked back towards the sealed entrance, pulled his yanked off fur out of the cracks and then put them back on his tail. Everyone who saw this just shook their head until Ash said…
Ash: Come on
The young Pallet Towner proceeded to lead his group further into the cave, and for a while, they encountered no trouble at all. However, some of the items they found in the lair were quite unnerving to lay eyes. One wall even had a golden Tauros head mounted on it. The sights were so incredible, Pikachu even took his eyes off of where he was going and bumped into Meowth and Raichu. The three pokemon then tumbled into a nearby puddle, and while Raichu didn't mind, Meowth was quite upset.
Meowth: Ya wanna not hold up traffic? (Rings his tail dry) I wanna get in, get out and go home. (With a hint of fear in his tone) Actually, I wouldn't mind skipping right to the go home.
Suddenly, Ash shushes Meowth, as he and Elsa both hear someone talking. They move toward where it was coming from and when they do, they see that it was Sa'Luk talking to all the other thieves.
What he said was…
Sa'Luk: We could have had all the loot from the wedding. But no, we followed the king's plan. This is what we have to show for our trouble in Viridian: NOTHING!
Sa'Luk was standing next to a table when he was talking, and after saying "NOTHING" he slams his arm onto it and smashes it in half. The Fat, snaggle-toothed thief, the thin, swordsman thief and the short, Ponytailed thief with the fur hat were among the ones at the front of the crowd and they looked like they were expecting a show.
Fat Thief: This oughta be good
Ponytailed thief: Sa'Luk is truly ticked
Speaking of Sa'Luk, he quickly approaches the King of Thieves and says…
Sa'Luk: Your time draws to a close, Cassim (shows off his claws)
Ash and Elsa were watching all of this from afar and when the name Cassim came up the two of them shared a shocked glance before speaking
Ash: Cassim?
Elsa: Daddy!
*That's right, Ash and Elsa's father's name is Cassim*
Upon a closer look at the King of thieves, we see that he is now unmasked and is revealed to be none other than the same man that the Oracle showed Ash earlier, Ash and Elsa's father.
Cassim: If you're talking about spilling my blood, well, I just don't see that happening. (He folds his arms and smirks defiantly)
Sa'Luk: Then let me open your eyes (raises his claws)
Just then, when Sa'Luk was about to attack, he is suddenly tackled from behind by both Ash and Elsa. Ash grabbed Sa'Luk by his arms while Elsa held him by his legs.
Elsa: (Struggling to keep Sa'Luk down) Run, we've got him
Cassim wasn't sure of what to make of this, so he just looked confused for a moment.
Ash: We're Ash and Elsa Ketchum, you're our father!
This comment not only made Cassim gasp, but it also made the other thieves murmur for a moment. That's when Sa'Luk got up, kicked off Elsa and pinned down Ash, forcing him to drop his father's dagger. Cassim walked up and picked it up and when he did; his face implied that he knew exactly what it was.
Sa'Luk: I don't know about your father, boy, but I'll send you to me your other ancestors!
Sa'Luk raised his claws for a fatal blow after that statement, and while Pikachu and Charizard were ready to leap into action, it was not needed, for the one who stopped Sa'Luk was Cassim himself
Cassim: Let him go, the boy and the girl (looks at the dagger)… they are my children
The thieves all gasped in disbelief at that point
Cassim: I gave this dagger to my wife years ago, I told her to give it to our newborn son, Ash
We then cut back to the crowd where the Fat thief, the Swordsman thief and the Ponytailed thief are just as shocked by this news as all the others
Fat Thief: It's true?
Ponytailed Thief: Oh, the boy is the son of the King of thieves
Elsa helps Ash up during this point and once he's up, Ash says…
Ash: You are the King of Thieves?
Cassim: Like it or not, boy, we are blood
Pikachu and the other Pokemon are shocked by this revelation, as they share a surprised look after hearing all of this
Cassim: (Approaches Ash and Elsa) look at you both; I thought I'd never see either of you again. Has it been so long?
Ash and Elsa smile at this for a moment, as does Cassim, but the moment is quickly ended when Sa'Luk comes up and says…
Sa'Luk: Blood or mud, the boy and his sister are intruders (pushes Cassim away). (Bears his claws) and we have rules about intruders
It was then that Pikachu and the other Pokemon are assaulted by three Ariados (no doubt they belonged to the Thieves) and are easily subdued by their String Shot attack (even Charizard is rendered helpless by their combined String Shots). And all the while, the other thieves were starting to agree with Sa'Luk
Thief 1: Sa'Luk is right
Thief 2: He knows our secrets!
Thief 3: I hate intruders!
Thief 4: Wait, me too
We then cut back to Sa'Luk, who is calling out to the other thieves
Sa'Luk: He has found our secret lair, and has seen too much
Sa'Luk then looks towards Cassim, who has been scowling at everything Sa'Luk has said, which only made Sa'Luk want to continue
Sa'Luk: He must die! (Thieves start to agree) They must all die!
Meowth: Die!? (Struggles to be seen) they're your kids, I'm their friend!
Pikachu nodded at the former of this statement, but he just glared annoyingly at the latter
Meowth: Cast the vote for Mercy here!
Cassim maintains his scowl at Sa'Luk during this point, but Sa'Luk is less than bothered by it
Sa'Luk: Yes, Cassim, mercy would be so like you; soft and weak
The Forty thieves all murmured after this comment and, after looking at his son and daughter and their pokemon, Cassim makes his decision…
Cassim: Kill them
This answer made Ash, Elsa and their Pokemon widen their eyes in shock, but it just made Sa'Luk all the happier. But as he prepared to claw Ash first, Cassim revealed that he wasn't finished, much to Sa'Luk's chagrin.
Cassim: Or the boy could, yes, the boy could…nah
The fact that Cassim even started this sentence put his men on pins and needles, eager to hear him finish.
Fat Thief: What, what, the boy could what?
Cassim: (Nonchalantly) nothing, probably a bad idea
The Circus Triplet Thieves: (Together) lets hear it
Cassim: Well it seems to me that…oh never mind
Sa'Luk: What?
Cassim pretended to pace for a second, and then acted like he was just idea stricken.
Cassim: The boy could face…the challenge
Ash didn't know what this meant, but the Forty Thieves certainly did, as they all eagerly agreed with Cassim's idea
Cassim: (Approaches Ash) that's that, (places his hand on Ash's shoulder) my son shall face the challenge
Sa'Luk: (Coming up from behind Cassim) and I (shows off his claws) shall be the one to test him
Meowth then came up to Ash, now freed of Ariados' String shot and says…
Meowth: (Confidence) a test, huh. Well, that's not so bad; maybe it'll be a multiple choice…
The setting then changes to the outside of the rock at its upper levels. The Forty Thieves are leading Ash and company up and eventually, they reach a wide arena-like area with torches on poles. Once there, we see that Elsa has been tied up and Pikachu, Raichu and Meowth are all in a cage being watched over by the thin, Swordsman thief, who is casually eating a shish kabob.
Pikachu calls out to Meowth in his own language, but Meowth's only response was…
Meowth: Escape? Not likely (Looks towards Charizard, who is not only still caught in Ariados' String Shot, but is also being watched over by two of said Ariados and the Fat Thief, who is sitting on top of him), our ride home is grounded, and Ash…well, it's been nice knowing him
Speaking of Ash, he was standing next to Cassim, as he asked…
Ash: What's going on, Dad?
Cassim: Oh, the challenge is simple enough; only one man survives
Ash then looked towards Sa'Luk, who was looking particularly menacing, especially after Lightning cracks in the background.
Cassim: (Puts his hand on Ash's shoulder) If you're my son, you'll be that man. (Hands Ash the dagger) knock 'em dead, kid, seriously
Ash and Sa'Luk readied themselves after that, and once a scrawnier thief has his Scyther lower its blade as a signal, the fight was on.
For a while, Ash was holding his own quite well against Sa'Luk (he was at least avoiding his attacks), but that didn't stop Elsa, Cassim and the Pokemon from worrying their heads off the whole time. Soon enough though, Ash and Sa'Luk get in up close with their attacks. And while Ash was able to dodge some of Sa'Luk's strikes, eventually, the brutish thief was able to lay one blow on Ash's arm.
He groaned in pain after this and held his scratched arm in agony for a moment. This made Elsa, Cassim and the Pokemon very uneasy and worried. Charizard even tried to break himself free when he saw this, to no avail, unfortunately.
Sa'Luk was prepared to make the final blow, but Ash looked up just in time, unsheathed his Father's dagger and used it to keep away Sa'Luk's claws. The thieves were all enjoying the show, but Cassim was trying to get passed them the whole time, sadly, to no avail.
Ash and Sa'Luk continued to fight for a while, but unfortunately, Sa'Luk gains the upper hand and finally grabs a hold of Ash with intent to throw him off the cliff. Cassim saw this and with a look of shock on his face, he silently said…
Cassim: No
Sa'Luk proceeded to toss Ash and he fell far down the cliff without anything to grab. Fortunately though, Ash still had his father's dagger, which he sank into the cliff and slid down to a nearby ledge. He was quick to get his feet on solid ground and when he did, he took a deep breath and leaned up against the side. Unfortunately, his moment of relief was cut short when he heard a screeching sound. He looked up to see where it was coming from and was shocked to see that it was Sa'Luk sliding down the cliff side with his claws. Once on the same ledge as Ash, Sa'Luk proceeded to attack the young Pallet Towner, but fortunately, he wasn't able to land any blows. What's more, when Ash saw his dagger still in the cliff side, he thought of a better strategy in handling his opponent. When Sa'Luk missed him again, Ash leapt towards the dagger and swung on its handle to deliver a kick to Sa'Luk's torso. However, what Ash didn't count on was his kick having too much force. Because after Sa'Luk was kicked, he stumbled backwards and lost his balance as he got too close to the edge. He wobbled for a bit, and eventually, fell over completely, adding a scream to boot.
Ash didn't purposely try to do this, of course, but he knew there was little he could do about it now. Suddenly, a rope came down to Ash's position and Ash took it readily. But not before briefly noticing his dagger and pulling it out of the cliff side. He soon made it back up to the arena area, but when he does, he saw that the remaining 39 thieves were waiting for him with apparently angry glares.
Pikachu, Raichu and Meowth were all also looking concerned by this
Meowth: I thought oz-eyed won?
Ash: Look, I – I - I didn't mean
Thief: Get him!
It was then that Ash was grabbed by the thieves and passed down among them like a potato in a game of Hot Potato. Elsa was cut free by the thieves guarding her during this and was passed down among the other thieves, just like Ash. Pikachu, Raichu and Meowth witnessed this from their cage, but then the Swordsman Thief came up to them, slashed their cage wide open and added them to the passing as well. And all the while, Meowth was saying…
Meowth: Look, I don't even know Ash Ketchum, okay?
Soon, Ash and Elsa were brought before Cassim, who was looking at them with crossed arms. Two of his men stood next to him on both sides and they didn't look too happy either (one of them was the Fat thief).
Cassim: You killed Sa'Luk; the code of the Forty Thieves is very clear on this point. (Smiles) you're in
The thieves all start to cheer at this point and we're now led into another Musical number
Welcome to the Forty Thieves
Fat Thief: (Shakes Ash's hand) Congratulations, bub!
Different Thief: You've joined the club
Chubby Thief with beard and golden tooth: (Ties a rope around Ash) and everybody here agrees
(Other thieves pull Ash up onto a higher level. They push him back down onto a waiting group of thieves)
We've got the finest blend of nearly honest men
Welcome to the Forty Thieves
(The thieves drop Ash. Ash is annoyed)
A fraternity of thugs that you can trust
There's nothing up our eighty sleeves
Got lots of grub to share, pull up an easy chair
(A man throws some fruit at Ash and another shoves a chair underneath him)
*Pikachu is on Ash's shoulder when this happens, and Elsa is standing next to him with her Raichu on her shoulder. As a result, when the chair comes behind Ash, Elsa is caught by it as well and ends up on one of the Arm rests*
Welcome to the Forty Thieves
Now you get to lie and cheat
Never have to brush your teeth
But we always aim to please
(Meowth sees a pile of gold and sneaks over to it. But he is quickly grabbed by a thief and thrown onto a table. The Triplets throw a blanket around him, put an icepack on his head, and shove a thermometer in his mouth.)
Care for one another, you'll never miss your mother!
Meowth: (Obviously annoyed) Oh, I love you guys.
Three Thieves: Schemin' up a scam, out on a limb
Three Other Thieves: Taking whatever we please
Thief: And if you like to lurk…
Ponytailed Thief: …You're gonna love this work!
All of the Thieves: Welcome to the Forty Thieves!
(Thieves throw Ash's chair with him, Pikachu, Elsa and her Raichu on it)
(Meowth tries again to get to the treasure, but the Swordsman Thief spots him and throws knives at him. He just barely dodges them and jumps into the treasure to hide.)
(Ash and company then grab a rope on their way down from being thrown, but it is then cut and they fall onto a basket on the ground)
Thieves: Welcome to the Forty Thieves!
Cassim: Together we're the perfect team
Thieves: Aaaaaaaaahhh!
(Cassim puts his arm around Ash and Elsa)
Cassim: Larceny is in the genes
Thieves: Aaaaaaaaahhh!
Cassim: Dare to share the family dream
Thieves: Aaaaaaaaahhh!
(Meowth is reveling in the pile of treasure)
Meowth: Live a life o' leisure, counting all your treasure!
(A thief pulls Meowth out of the treasure and throws him into Ash's arms.)
Thieves: As an honorary member of the gang
(The Thieves Surround Ash and co. and brandish their swords at them)
That no one alive ever leaves
Thief: You gotta snatch and sneak
(Pikachu and Meowth get snatched)
Larger Thief with a sword: Or else your future's bleak
Gray-Haired Thief: (Holding Pikachu and Meowth in his hands, after they are tied up again) we got a lifetime contract that you're bound to keep
(Ash grabs Pikachu and Meowth)
All the Thieves: You wanna save your skin, ya better fit right in!
(The thieves dance around, juggling swords and playing with fire.)
Wel…wel…welcome, to the
Wel…wel…welcome, to the
Forty Thieves!
(Pikachu and Meowth are cut free, but afterwards, they grab hold of each other in fear)
The setting then changes to a location outside, further away from the Thieves' lair. There, a Feraligatr can be seen swimming around in the lake, apparently, it just cornered its prey in the water and was getting ready to eat it. But suddenly, what it was stalking starts to fight back. It was Sa'Luk; he survived the fall and had just defeated Feraligatr as well. Afterwards, he tossed Feraligatr onto the shore and made it back onto land with a scowl on his face.
The next scene takes us back to Viridian City, where Misty was looking out the balcony window of her hotel in her night gown. Clearly, she was very worried about Ash, and her roommates; May and Dawn could see it as clear as day.
Dawn: (Clears throat) so, uh, Misty, May and I were planning on taking Piplup and Glaceon to the new boutique downtown.
May: Yeah, they say the people there do wonders with Water and Ice type Pokemon. You wanna come?
Misty: (Sighs) not in the mood, you guys go on ahead
Dawn: Well, okay, see ya later
The two Coordinators leave after that, but while they made their way to the main door, the two of them got to talking.
May: Poor Misty, she must be worried sick about Ash
Dawn: Yeah, now I see why Iris decided to go out for the night, the best thing for Misty right now is probably to be alone.
Meanwhile, back in the hotel room, Misty continued to look sad as she leaned against her balcony and looked over Viridian city. So sad, in fact, she barely even noticed Persian, who was now in giant form coming up from behind the building.
Persian: Boy and I thought Squirtles were blue
Persian then appeared next to Misty at his original height and she was quick pay notice to him then.
Misty: You would know if Ash was in trouble, wouldn't you? I thought he'd be back by now
This is when Persian places his paw on Misty face and lifts it so she could see him talk
Persian: (Reassuringly) Ash will be back
Misty smiled for a moment, but then it just turned back into a sad face looking out that balcony. Persian wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how. But suddenly, he was struck by inspiration and alters his form once again
Persian: (As Mrs. Doubtfire) listen to Persian, Dear, Persian knows. You gotta get your mind off this incessant waiting.
Then, in a puff of smoke, Persian teleports himself and Misty to the recently rebuilt Viridian Chapel, where he returns to his normal form and says…
Persian: Here's a surefire way to cheer up a bummed out Bride-to-be: a heaping helping of Matrimonial magic!
Persian then uses his powers to make an assortment of gifts appear out of nowhere. Balloons, Baby carriages, flower bouquets, even a sports car were just a few of them. Misty approached the Flower bouquet, but when she did, Persian popped up from it, now posing as Harpo Marx, and leapt into her arms before trying to kiss her. Of course, that wasn't really his intention, because as he did so, a Talent Show cane came up and pulled him away. That's when Persian came up to Misty again from another side, now posing as Chico Marx.
Persian: (As Chico Marx) hey, that's no good. What the wedding needs is a theme.
During this dialogue, another Persian walks up close to Misty, posing as Groucho Marx, cigar and all, and says…
Persian: (As Groucho Marx) needs a Groom too, but lets work with what we have (wiggles his eyebrows)
Unfortunately though, Misty didn't find this comment funny, as the next words to come out of her mouth were…
Misty: (Angrily) Persian!
The talking Normal-type saw that he might have gone too far, so he returned to his normal form and said…
Persian: (Sheepishly) it's a joke, I do that
Persian then made a small statue appear out of nowhere on a pedestal and gave himself a green, French beret and a thin mustache
Persian: (French Accent) Okay, lets see (picks up the statue, looks at it and then throws it away); this will be the Second Wedding for both of you. (Regular voice) I'm thinking we need something a little more simple, a little more elegant and less gray.
That's when Persian makes a Rhydon appear out of nowhere. But unlike the ones from the first wedding, this one was far more goofy looking and did little more than just stand where he poofed up.
Persian: (Chuckles) did it; done it, own it (makes the Rhydon disappear). I'm gonna throw some colors at ya: mauve, teal and salmon.
During this dialogue, Persian actually throws some paint slabs into Misty's arms, but the last of them, salmon, was represented by an actual salmon
Persian: What do ya like, besides the salmon (takes the salmon and throws it into the wall)? Okay, Madonna. Don't keep it. Just put that in the mix, (nudges Misty with his elbow) wink. Okay…
Suddenly, Persian transforms the entire inside of the Chapel around Misty into a Las Vegas-like atmosphere, complete with lasers and flashing lights
Persian: (From O.C.) …I see lasers! It's a miracle! He believes, he believes!
That's when Persian appeared next to Misty, now dressed like Elvis Presley, hair and all.
Persian: (As Elvis) Thank-you very much!
Misty: (Giggling) I don't think so…
Persian: (Elvis swirl drops and then turns back to normal) Tres gauch, right? (Makes the Las Vegas atmosphere vanish) well, lets see, maybe you could elope? No, you can't elope, (brings out a honeydew melon) but oh honeydew (laughs)!
Persian then throws the honeydew melon and as it bounces, it gets bigger and bigger until it transforms into a stagecoach, ala Disney's Cinderella. Misty is then brought into the scene and she now looks like Cinderella, complete with the gown and hairstyle.
Persian: I don't know whether to put it under props or produce. (Misty leans in towards the stagecoach and attempts to touch one of the wheels) Please, don't squeeze the tires, they're not ripe. And how about that gown…?
It was then that Persian transformed Misty's Cinderella gown and hairstyle into the clothes and hairstyle of Snow While. Complete with a Deerling, Pachirisu and a pair of Tailow to add to the effect. As for Persian himself, he was now standing behind a pedestal, dressed like an announcer saying…
Persian: Whether you're dancing with Dwarves or simply biting the apple, it says "I'm a princess for you"
Misty: (Shoeing away the pokemon) Uh, Persian…
Persian: (Returns everything to normal) what? It's Synergy (Other Persian wearing lab coats appear. One held up a picture of Misty while another Persian held up pictures of Nami's (One Piece), Chi-Chi's (Dragonball Z), and Sakura's (Naruto) clothing in front of Misty's picture) The marketing guys are very excited, it tests really well!
The scene then cuts back to the Chapel, where everything is back to normal
Misty: Thank you, Persian; I'm sure it will be wonderful. (Kisses Persian on the cheek) And thanks for cheering me up.
Persian then chuckles a bit, but then he transforms into Bing Crosby and says…
Persian: (As Bing Crosby) I'm sure the boy and his crew are on the road to Viridian right now, isn't that right, Bob?
We are then shown another Persian, who is posing as Bob Hope and he says.
Persian: (As Bob Hope) that's right, Bing, how 'bout this town? Is it wild or what? It's like one giant sand trap and me without my wedger. Hey, let's give a big hand for Brooke Shields.