A/N: This chapter has the most filler, but after this there won't be as much. As always, the updates are probably going to be slow. But to those who do keep up with this story, thank you for your continued support. R&R and enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 4: The Ice Path Preparation

"Ok everyone, wake up from your naps," Tracey said. "We're here."

The blurred surroundings were almost pitch black in the cold evening. The only thing that could be heard in the high elevation was the cold wind. Light emitting from the Pokémon Center was the only clear thing that could be seen as the car drove up the mountain.

"Ash! Dawn! Wake up, we're here!" Misty said.

Everyone had a good nap during the drive, so they were all a bit groggy waking up.

"Tracey!" Iris yelled. "I don't like the cold!"

"This is the Ice Path," Misty plainly told her. "Just deal with it."

"Shh," May tried to tell Iris.

"Iris,"Clemont complained. "You might wake up-"

Max and Bonnie were already awake.

"It's ok Iris," Cilan said from her direct right. "Here, put on my jacket."

Iris became better. "Sorry guys for the yelling. As a dragon-type trainer, I just don't really like the cold."

"That's ok Iris," Bonnie said cheerfully.

"Yeah, we forgive you!" Max also said.

"No need to worry!" Dawn said.

"Aww, thanks guys," Iris said.

Serena tapped Ash on the back, "Does Dawn say 'no need to worry' a lot?"

"All the time!" Ash replied. "But you know, it really helps me a lot too. Even if I don't have Pikachu, everything will be alright. As long as we're together, there's nothing we can't do!"

"Wow," Serena said, "cool!"

At this point, the car finally made a stop in a space next to the Pokémon Center.

"Everyone should put on their jacket on because it's cold outside," Brock said.

"Well why aren't you putting on yours on?" Iris contested.

"That's because I'm already warm!" Brock said in style. Brock leaped out of the car with just a shirt, quickly snatched his bag from the trunk and dashed into the Pokémon Center with glee. It was obvious why he was actually warm as Brock was the first to enter the building.

"It may be cold," Brock said to the Nurse Joy, "but you make me warm! Let's be – UGHH!"

Croagunk became a master at stopping Brock. Misty and Max? Well, they didn't exactly care as much anymore.

"Good night everyone!" Cilan said.

"Cilan and I are going to bed now!" Iris said.

"Ok then," Misty said, "sleep tight!"

"We'll see you all tomorrow!" Tracey said while walking towards his room.

"Good night," Max said. "Brock, what are you waiting for?"

"Good night, Nurse Joy," Brock sadly said.

"Oh brother," Max said as he yanked Brock's ear into their room.

"Good night everyone!" Dawn said.

"See you guys tomorrow!" Ash said.

"Ok, take care," May said. "Serena, I'll be in the room."

"Ok," said Serena, who was wondering why she was still in the lobby.

"Serena?" Clemont asked.

"Uh, yes?" Serena said.

"Could you do me a favor and tuck Bonnie in for me? I have some work to do."

"Sure thing Clemont!" Serena said in return. "Any time!"

After tucking Bonnie in bed, Serena went out to see what Clemont was doing.

"Clemont, what are you making?"

"It's a secret," Clemont told Serena with a wink. "I'll show you tomorrow."

"Ok, good night!"

"Good night," Clemont replied.

Yes, there were a lot of friends, but it all worked out. Each room could only hold two people, but the matters were discussed beforehand in the car. And of course, Serena and Clemont were the last ones to sleep since they were away from their native region. But nevertheless, everyone enjoyed a good night's rest.

When morning came, Ash woke up and his eyes were met with a bright, warming smile.

"Good morning, Ash!" Dawn said.

"Good morning, Dawn!" Ash replied.

A savory scent all of a sudden reached Ash's nose.

"Is that what I think it is? Breakfast!"

"Wait for me Ash!" Dawn said while chasing Ash.

On the table were plates stacked with pancakes. Everyone else was already devouring them heartily.

"Wow, these pancakes look great!" Ash said. "Right, Pika—"

Ash had completely forgotten since he was with all his friends.

"Oh…." Ash said with a sigh.

"Aww, it's ok Ash," Dawn said. "No need to worry, we'll save Pikachu! But you'll need your strength, so eat up!"
Ash looked up at Dawn and smiled. "Right!"

May noticed that it was Dawn's cooking. "Wow, Dawn, you made these?"

"Sure did!" Dawn said. "Brock was the one who taught me how."

When breakfast was finished, it was time to discuss what was next.

"Ok guys," Tracey started, "we'll have to make the plans first, but not everyone has to help yet. So for the time being, you guys have a bit of time before we share it with you."

"I'm helping for sure!" Ash said. Just then, a spray of water landed on his chair. It was Oshawott, who was messing around with an angered Fennekin, Emolga, and Azurill.

"That's enough, Oshawott! Return!" Ash said. Pipulp was laughing as Oshawott was being scolded. Ash realized Oshawott would be too immature to fight alongside him, so he switched him out with Buizel immediately. He made a few more transactions as he was talking with Professor Oak.

"Well I know where I am going," Cilan said. "I am a Johto traveler after all! There's a river filled with water and ice-type Pokemon over there. I'm going to go fishing!"

"Did you say fishing?" Misty asked Cilan in amazement. "Sorry to leave you here Tracey, but I'm going with Cilan!"

"I think I'll stay here, Cilan," Iris said. "I would prefer not walking around in snow if I don't have to."

"Me too," said May. "I'm not really a fisher and there's nowhere else to go."

"Well then I'm staying with May!" Max said.

"Yay, me also!" Bonnie said.

"I've never been to the Johto region before," Serena said, "so I'll be going down to the river with Misty and Cilan!"

"All right!" Cilan said. "We could use the extra flavor! It's going to be great!"

"Plus we can teach you how to fish," Misty added.

Nurse Joy appeared pushing a cart of hot drinks. "I made you guys some hot chocolate and coffee. Hope you enjoy!"

"No," Brock said, "you are the hot to my chocolate!" You're the only Joy I can enjoy—"

Misty pulled Brock aside while pulling his ear. "Thank you Nurse Joy, we really appreciate it!"

"Thank you Nurse Joy!" everyone said in unison.

They finished their discussion with their warm, soothing drinks in hand. By this time Ash was back with them all.

"I'll be going to the river with Serena, Misty, and Cilan!" Dawn said.

"Hey," Ash said, "I can let you bring Buizel, just like old times. I think Buizel needs to get used to this cold."

"Sure thing, Ash!" Dawn said. "No need to worry!"

"I'm staying here," Clemont said. "I still have work to do and I am helping out with the plans."

"And as for me," said the recovered Brock," I'm helping plan as well!"

"All right guys!" Tracey said. "We'll see you guys again at one o' clock for lunch!"

River

Before they left, the fishing group slipped on some winter clothes, and of course they were all fashionable.

"Wow, Dawn," Serena said. "Your outfit looks great on you!"

"Thanks," Dawn replied, "Yours too!"

"Here," Misty said, "everyone bring a bucket of bait and supplies."

"Sure," Dawn and Serena both said.

"All right, is everyone ready?" Cilan asked.

"Yeah!" the three girls chanted.

"Then let's go!" said Cilan.

As they were walking down the snowy slope to the river, Misty and Cilan were conversing with each other.

"So what brings you to Johto?" Misty asked. "Aren't you from Unova?"

"Why yes," Cilan replied, "I am from Unova. I can tell you that one of the reasons is just for fishing; the Lake of Rage is one of the best spots around!"

"That sounds like fun!" Misty said.

"So is it true that you're the Cerulean City gym leader?" Cilan asked.

"It sure is! Water-types are my specialty, and that's one reason I love fishing so much!"

During the same time, Dawn and Serena were also talking to each other.

"So is this Buizel walking with you yours?" Serena asked.

"Actually, this is Ash's Buizel. I traded with him a while back with his Aipom. Buizel enjoyed battling and Aipom loved contests, so we traded. We didn't want to at first, but in the end we trusted each other enough to trade."

"Wow," said Serena, "I didn't know that you and Ash traded!"

"So how many Pokémon do you have?" Dawn asked Serena.

"Just one: Fennekin," Serena replied. "I only started a few days ago."

"Well it will be great when you catch your first Pokémon. You know what they say, the more the merrier!" Dawn said.

"Don't worry, I'll catch another Pokémon someday!" Serena replied.

"When I was a starting trainer, I used to worry all the time," Dawn said, starting a story.

"But you say 'no need to worry all the time!" Serena responded.

"You're right!" Dawn said. "But when I started travelling more and more with Ash, my worry turned into confidence. Now I say no 'need to worry' like I mean it!"

The group finally made it to the river, and they marveled at its Pokémon despite the cold region. The four of them started fishing right away.

"Hey," Cilan said, "That lure looks just like you, Misty!"

"And that lure looks just like you!" Misty said back.

"I remember that lure!" Dawn said. "Ash used it the day I caught Buizel. Right Buizel?"

"Bui-bui!" Buizel said in agreement.

"That's right," Misty said in retrospect, "I did give a lure to Ash."

When they finally got to the river, the four of them had a blast. Serena watched the others fish since she didn't know how and the four even found a boat to use. All day everyone but Serena caught fish and met Pokémon they've never seen before.

Back at the Pokémon Center…

"Ok Brock, I've download the blueprint for their headquarters," Clemont said.

"Good," said Brock, "now transfer the file to the table so we can show Ash and Tracey. I'll join you guys as soon as I get this cooker running for lunch."

Ash and Tracey were talking together nearby.

"You and Dawn seem pretty close," Tracey said to Ash. "Why did you give your Buizel to her just now?"

"Buizel used to be Dawn's, but I traded my Aipom to her."

"You mean you and Dawn actually traded?" Tracey asked. "That's great!"

"Sure is, but even if Buizel wasn't previously owned by Dawn, I would have let Dawn take him for a walk. I can trust Dawn with a lot of things!"

"You know," Tracey said, "M-"

"Ok guys," Clemont interrupted. "here is a full digital map of the Ice Path Team Rocket Headquarters. It's complete with detailed measurements of every hallway and room along with precise information about the intricate security system. This map tells us everything; it even tells us how many grunts to expect in each room! Think we can take them?"

"Of course we can take them!" Ash said while pointing at the map. "I'm coming for you Pikachu!"

Brock finally sat in with the other three. "Wow, it's a pretty big place!"

"If my current information is accurate, then Pikachu should be located precisely in this room," Clemont said, pointing to a room on the map. "There's just one problem though: we have to spilt into three groups."

"Why can't we just stick together?" Tracey inquired.

"The problem is that there are three systems that need to be disabled all at once. I'll explain later."

"Ok," Brock said, "then we should start making the groups first."

"Right," Ash said.

The four of them discussed a while on the topic. They knew the current split between the 12 wouldn't work well, so they changed it up a bit.

"Next, here are the inventions we will be using during this mission." Clemont declared with proud intelligence.

"Wow, the power of science is amazing!" Ash said.

"Way to go, Clemont!" Brock said.

But Tracey was busy sketching Chespin's pose that was just like Clemont's. "Hang on Chespin," Tracey said, "just a little longer."

Ash, Clemont, Brock, and Tracey spent the rest of the time talking about the plan. They discussed everything from the timing, the possible trainer encounters, which Pokémon would be needed where, and even backup plans. By the time everyone was back for lunch, the four would have the plan ready for presenting.

May & Iris (and Bonnie/Max)

"Ugh, I'm so bored!" Iris said with a pout.

"Yeah," May sighed, me too."

This was about an hour after everyone had separated. Bonnie and Max were playing with some of the Pokémon that were out, but May and Iris were just on a couch wondering what to do.

"So what brings you to Johto?" May asked Iris.

"I came to see some Dragon-types that live here. I also came to battle Clair, the Blackthorn City gym leader!"

"That's so cool!" May said. "I journeyed in Johto to compete in contest and in the Grand Festival with my friends and rivals!"

"Hey," Iris said, "I know what we could do! We could train our Pokémon outside; we have to be ready for battling later on!"

"Good idea!" May replied. "Let's go!"

May and Iris sent out all of their Pokémon in the Pokémon Center's battlefield. They separately practiced their own combinations, but there was a little problem going on.

"Emo!" Iris's Emolga grunted tugging at an apple bucket.

"Munch!" May's Munchlax protested.

"Back away you two!" Iris shouted. "Emolga, you stay away from those apples!"

"Well we could also battle," May said while grinning. "The winner can keep the apples!"

"If it's a battle you want, then it's a battle you'll get!" Iris said.

"I can referee," the not-so-busy Nurse Joy said with her appearance.

Max and Bonnie were right beside Nurse Joy. They were going to watch too.

"Awesome!" Bonnie exclaimed.

"May and Iris are going to battle!" Max excitedly said.

"Let the three-on-three match between May and Iris begin!" Nurse Joy said.

"Excadrill, let's go!" Iris said.

"Wartortle, go!" May said.

"Excadrill, use Focus Blast!"

"Block it using Withdraw!"

Wartortle's hard shell easily blocked the blast.

"Now use Hydro Pump!"

"Excadrill, use Dig!"

"I know that trick too well. Use Hydro Pump in the hole!"

"Dig out from behind and use Metal Claw!"

"Turn around when it comes, Wartortle! Keep using Hydro Pump!"

Wartortle's Hydro Pump landed a direct hit on Excadrill, who was now getting slightly weary.

"Get up Excadrill! I know you can do this!" Excadrill's confidence increased. "Use Focus Blast!"

"Push it back with Rapid Spin!"

"Now's your chance, use Drill Run!"

Wartortle had to come out of its shell after the Focus Blast, leaving it wide open.

"Wartortle!"

"Finish it with Metal Claw!"

Wartortle was left unable to battle.

"Return Wartortle," May said. "Go, Blaziken!"

"Excadrill, use Dig!"

But Blaziken did not move.

"Ok Excadrill, go for it!"

"Dodge it Blaziken!"

Excadrill was now aloft in the air. "Use Drill Run!"

"Sky Uppercut!"

Right as the drill was about was about to touch Blaziken, Blaziken redirected the momentum upwards with its fist. Excadrill was done for.

"Return Excadrill! Go Dragonite! Use Thunder Punch!"

"Dodge and use Fire Spin!"

Dragonite was now trapped in a vortex of fire.

"Oh no! See if you can remove it with Ice Beam!"

"Keep the heat up, use Fire Spin some more!"

"It's no good, just use Dragon Rush with all you've got!"

"Ok, use Sky Uppercut when its head is close!"

Dragonite was rushing at a fierce speed with great force. However, it was no match for Blaziken's "shoryuken" uppercut reversal. After taking a mighty blow up the chin, Dragonite was aloft hopelessly in the sky.

"Finish with Overheat!" Dragonite got owned.

"Return Dragonite. Go Emolga, you're my last chance!"

"Blaziken, use Fire Spin in bursts!"

"Dodge them all Emolga!"

"Grr, keep on using Fire Spin until it hits!"

From Max and Bonnie's view, the scene turned into into Emolga toying with Blaziken.

"It's so cute!" Bonnie said in admiration.

Emolga rested on Blaziken's head after dodging.

"Urgh, come on, Sky Uppercut!"

"Nope, dodge some more, Emolga!"

"Try Blaze Kick!"

But Emolga was too small, light, and swift. Blaziken was finally tiring out.

"Spam Hidden Power while flying around Blaziken!"

"Hold your ground, Blaziken!"

Once again, Emolga was on top of Blaziken again; this time Blaziken was worn out.

"Finish with Volt Switch!"

Blaziken fell to the ground.

"Return Blaziken. Ok Munchlax, on stage! Use Solarbeam!"

"Block with Hidden Power, then fly in close!"

Emolga was hovering right behind Muchlax.

"Volt Switch!"

"Focus Punch it back!"

"Oh no, Emolga!" The Volt Switch got reflected back.

"Use Metronome!"

"Don't let it attack, Emolga! Fire Hidden Power at will!"

Even after Hidden Power, Munchlax's finger was still moving. But for some reason, the result was bigger than usual. In fact, the explosion was massive!

"Ouch!" Max and Bonnie said while being propelled backwards.

"Oh no!" Nurse Joy said.

There was a large amount of smoke. When it finally cleared, what happened had become obvious.

"Both Emolga and Munchlax are unable to battle. So this match is a draw!" Nurse Joy declared.

"Wait, what happened?" Iris asked.

"I don't know," May replied.

"It seems to me like Munchlax used Explosion!"

"Wow," Iris said.

"Are you okay, Max? Bonnie?"

"Yeah we're okay!" they both said.

"Good battle," Iris said.

"You too," May said.

They shook each other's hands, and then May and Iris handed their Pokémon to Nurse Joy for resting.

"That was fun," May said to Iris, "but I think these apples are for everyone to have later."

"Yeah you're right," Iris said in return.

"You guys were amazing!" Max said.

"Thanks," Iris and May both said.

Back at the river…

After meeting and battling many different fish Pokémon, the four in the boat witnessed a shocking disturbance emerge from the water.

"Ah!" Cilan yelled.

"Oh no!" Dawn gasped.

It was a Gyarados, but this one was especially vicious! The Gyarados appeared to be hypnotized to go out of control!

"G-ggg-Gyarados?!" Serena shuddered.

"Look out!" Misty screamed.

The four ducked just in time to avoid an incoming Hyper Beam.

"Come on guys," Misty said, "we need to get back to the shore!"

They rowed and rowed with all of their strength and their Pokémon worked restlessly, dodging every blast that came their way. But it was too late, the Gyarados caught up to the boat when it was getting close to shore.

"Serena, look out!" Dawn yelled.

"Ahhh!" Serena cried.

The Gyrados's Dragon Rage landed a direct hit on Serena, knocking her into the frigid cold water underneath.

"Serena!" Dawn cried. "Buizel, go and save her!"

"Bui-bui!"

"That's it, I'll handle this!" Misty said. "Gyarados, go! Use Flamethrower!"

However, the fierce, wild Gyarados blocked with a Flamethrower of its own.

"Pansage, use Bullet Seed!" said Cilan, who had already been in a previous experience with a Johto Gyarados.

"Piplup, use Bubblebeam!" Dawn said in a hurry.

The Gyarados was just too strong to be stopped by regular attacks. What happened next left the remaining three almost completely hopeless. Misty's Gyarados was already thrashed, Piplup and Pansage were launched overboard, and the Gyarados's intimidation made them too scared to send out their electric-types.

"It's charging a full power Hyper Beam!" Misty said in desperation.

"What are we going to do?!" Dawn said frantically.

"Looks like this is it!" Cilan screamed hopelessly.

"Ahhhhh!" the three screamed.

Just as it seemed all hope was lost, two Golduck jumped out of the water and released powerful Psystrike attacks at the monster. The confused Gyarados then proceeded to flee.

"Those Golduck stopped Gyarados!" Dawn said delightfully.

"And they saved us too!" Misty also said.

At this time, Serena's nearly lifeless body was being lifted onto the boat by Buizel.

"Oh no! Serena, wake up!" Cilan said.

"We have to get her back to the Pokémon Center!" Misty said as she was returning her Gyarados.

"Where's Piplup?" Dawn cried.

"And Pansage!" Cilan cried.

And as if everything had been resolved, the two Golduck handed Piplup and Pansage to them.

"Wow, thanks Golduck!" Dawn said.

"Thanks!" Cilan said.

"No problem," the first Golduck said.

"Yeah, we're glad to help!" the other said.

"Wow, Golduck can talk!" Dawn said.

"It's probably telepathic communication; these Golduck most likely have enhanced psychic powers!" Misty said. "Now let's hurry and get Serena back to the building!"

After getting back to shore, the four of them rushed back to the Pokémon Center. Serena's body was being carried on Cilan's shoulders, but they didn't have much time. Her nearly frozen body needed quick medical assistance and heat or else hypothermia would kill her.

Pokémon Center:

"Wake up Serena…" Dawn spoke softly.

"W-what happened?" Serena asked.

"Dawn said you got blasted into the river," Ash said.

Ash and Dawn were the only ones in the room comforting Serena, who was lying down weakly. Everyone else was eating, but Dawn didn't eat much and Ash was the first one done. On Serena's left side was Ash's Quilava, and on Serena's right side of her body was Dawn's Quilava. Snuggled right in between Serena's legs was no other than her Fennekin. The fire-type Pokémon warmed Serena up with both love and heat.

"Here use this," Ash said, handing Serena his signature towel soaked in warm water.

"Aww, thanks," Serena said. "You two are the best! I just hope I'll be able to help out…"

"No need to worry!" Dawn said.

"Yeah, no need to worry! Don't give up until it's over!" Ash added.

Cilan and Iris came in the room holding a pitcher and cups.

"Would you like some herbal tea?" Iris asked Serena.

"Nurse Joy and Brock helped us make this," Cilan said.

"Sure," Serena accepted.

"Would you two like some too?" Nurse Joy, who was with Cilan and Iris, asked Ash and Dawn.

"Sure!" Ash and Dawn said.

Ash and Dawn brought their cups to a nearby table so they could talk together.

"Hope you get better, Serena," Nurse Joy said while leaving.

Then Max and Bonnie came to see Serena.

"Get well soon!" Max said.

"Let me tell you a secret," Bonnie said. "Clemont put a new ingredient in there that will make you feel better in minutes!"

"Really?" Serena wondered. "Cool!"

And Bonnie was right. Only a few minutes later, Serena was already jumping up and down. The Quilavas walked back to their trainers in satisfaction.

"Serena's all ready now!" Dawn said.

"You're alright!" Ash said.

"Yep, and thanks for being there for me!" Serena said.

"No need to worry!" Ash and Dawn said in unison before the three broke out in a laugh.

Ash, Dawn, and Serena walked out to the main lobby to meet the others. Clemont was happy to see that Serena was all better.

"Thanks Clemont!" Serena said while hugging him. "The ingredient worked!"

"Se..serena—" Clemont said nervously while gasping for air.

"Oh..sorry!" Serena said, letting him go.

"Now that everyone's full, let's have a meeting to talk about our plan!" Brock said.

And so everyone sat down with Clemont, Brock, and Tracey presenting (but mainly Clemont).

There was no actual ingredient in the tea; Clemont just knew the placebo effect would work on Serena.

Meeting:

"First off, we've decided we're going to leave tonight instead of tomorrow morning," Brock said. "They will have less chance to catch us intruding if we go in at night."

"Now for our plan of attack," Clemont started, booting up a map on the screen. "First we will have to disable the main entrance security using one of my inventions. This is after we pass through the fence marking the territory. Then, going forward, the building splits into three hallways going the same direction. Here is why we need to split into three groups. Each main hallway has a security gate that closes off sections of the base into 'chambers'; nothing can go in or out without an id card. We have the tools to open the doors, but we must open them at the same time. If we don't open them in unison, then one of the doors will cover the other. Then the security system will analyze and recognize us as hackers, thus setting off the 'intruder alert' alarm.

"And we're all going to be in different hallways?" Serena asked.

"Correct. But don't worry, I 've got that covered," Clemont said with a wink. "If we don't get caught, then the rest is simple. There are only three gates for each hallway, so that makes nine gates total."

"But remember that we'll be in groups," Tracey added.

"After the hallways, we'll all meet in the main courtyard at the end of the doors," Clemont said. "Directly in front of us will be the storage chamber. This is where they store the Genesect – and Pikachu for this matter. Combining our glass cutter and disabler, we should be able to reclaim Pikachu. Then all we have to do is go out the same way we came from and go home!"

"I'm sort of confused," Iris said. "Could you explain our intruding plan again?"

"Allow me," Cilan said. "We will go through three hallways in separate groups and disable the security gates at the same time – we will do this three times. After meeting in the courtyard, we will take Pikachu from the storage room and go home! Right?"

"Correct," Clemont said.

"I get it now!" Ash said.

"Nice evaluation, Cilan!" Dawn complimented.

"It seems to easy!" said May.

"Tracey, what are the groups?" Misty asked him directly.

"Iris, Cilan, Misty and I will be going into the left hallway. Ash, Dawn, Max, and Bonnie will enter the middle hallway. Serena, Clemont, May, and Brock will handle the right hallway."

"But Tracey, I can't battle!" Max said.

"And I only have Dedenne!" Bonnie said.

"You guys are both covered," Clemont said. "You'll see!"

"Our younger siblings will be fine with Ash and Dawn," May reassured Clemont.

"Right," Clemont said with confidence.

"If all goes well, we should be back by tomorrow morning," Brock said.

"Well what if we get caught?" Misty wondered.

"That's why we have to be extremely prepared," Clemont said. "We are fighting and battling for our lives if we get caught."

"And what if Pikachu isn't there?" Iris asked.

"Or what if he gets taken away again?" May pondered.

"Our backup plan is to use one of the Team Rocket aircraft," Clemont replied. "They have an entire fleet behind the storage room in the hangar; we can use the vehicle however we need to once we're in."

"That's good news," Dawn said.

"Yeah," Ash said in agreement.

"What's in that box over there?" Cilan asked.

"Those are my inventions," Clemont said. "They are all vital to our success."

Inventions

"This first invention is the tracking device," Clemont said proudly.

"Wow," Max said.

"So how does it work?" Misty asked.

"Simply scan the tracker's signal and go!" Clemont replied. "The screen will then display everything related to the signal on the map."

"So this is how you knew to come to Johto?" Cilan asked.

"That's right," Clemont said.

"Oh yeah," Tracey said, "Ash told us he already knew where to go on the videophone. It's because of your device, right?"

"Guess you could say that," Clemont said.

"And if it weren't for the Wallace Cup being delayed," May said, "all of us wouldn't be together in the same place right now!"

"You got that right!" Dawn said.

"I'm giving one of these devices to Misty, Dawn, and May," Clemont declared. "I only have three, which is just enough for our three groups."

"Ok," Misty, May , and Dawn said.

"All right, this second invention is the disabler," Clemont stated. "This is what we will use to disable security, cameras, and closed doors. However, this handheld device can be used to disable almost anything you want to; I put extra protection on my personal inventions just to be safe."

"So how do you disable things?" Iris asked.

"This one is really easy," Clemont said, "since the device is Pokegear sized. You just push the button and the antenna will emit a signal that disables various systems, including cameras and security. It will work as long as the antenna is pointing towards the desired object.

"Who are you giving these to?" Brock asked.

"Tracey, Ash, and you Brock will be using these. These three are the group leaders," Clemont explained.

"Why aren't you the group leader?" Serena contested.

"Yeah, Clemont, why not?" Bonnie asked.

"Don't forget that I'm exactly the fastest with my bag on," Clemont responded.

"Oh well," Serena said with a sigh.

"This next invention is the Pokebélt," Clemont presented.

"Pokébelt?" Ash asked.

"Yes, Pokébelt," Clemont said. "Basically, you won't have to throw your Pokéballs. First, you put all your balls in the ball slots on your belt. Then, the voice recognition software will allow you to send a Pokémon out simply by talking, so no throwing needed. It even works if you command your Pokémon to use an attack before it is out!"

"So I don't even have to say 'Go Croagunk' anymore?" Brock asked.

"Correct," Clemont answered. "If you say, 'Croagunk use Poison Jab', then the belt will both send out the Pokémon and use the move at the same time. Convenient, huh?"

"Wow, Clemont, you're a genius!" May said.

"And of course Piplup and Axew are already out," Clemont said.

"Right," Dawn and Iris said.

"But Pikachu…" Ash sighed.

"Ok, now on to the next item," Clemont said. "This will be our main form of communication. I call it the scouter, and it is to be worn just like a headset. It also includes a night vision feature that will allow us to see in the dark, but it's retractable in case the lights do come on. Just like the Pokébelt, all 12 of us will be getting one. With these, we can talk to anyone of each other at any time, but you can put the microphone aside when needed. Anyone can talk at any time, but let's try to keep it to one conversation between different groups. Got it?"

"Got it!" everyone said.

"This one is for Max and Bonnie," Clemont said, pulling up a wearable bag. "It is called the wave amplifier. When Bonnie tells Dedenne to use Nuzzle or Thundershock, this backpack will shoot electricity in all directions all above and around the user. This backpack also has an auto-target feature to hit all enemies that may appear. Max's bag functions the same, but it needs to receive from Bonnie's bag first from any one of the electrical discharges. There are many other functions and abilities to their bags, but the main purpose is for self-defense. Since Max and Bonnie don't have Pokémon, they will use this instead."

"Cool!" Bonnie said.

"But what if there are any ground types?" Max asked.

"According to my data, the only Team Rocket member with ground types is Giovanni, the leader himself. The most common Pokémon is Golbat, so you'll be fine!"

"Wow, Clemont, you're really smart!" Max said in awe.

"Thanks!" Clemont said. "And finally, I've prepared a unique invention for everyone here as a gift for coming along to help Ash out. For Misty, I've made an even better version of Cilan's pen-sized fishing rod, but this one has over 1,000 feet of range!"

"Thanks," Misty said. "Wow, 1,000 feet is really long for a fishing rod!"

"Tracey's gift is a color changing pencil. Now he can make his sketches in color!"

"Wow, thanks Clemont!" Tracey said.

"Brock's gift is called 'Attract Cologne'; it will make girls like him a little more!"

"Oh boy, I'm going to show all the Nurse Joys!" the giddy Brock squealed.

Nurse Joy, who was standing nearby, decided to run away before Brock saw her.

"May gets this elegant rose case to preserve her roses!" Clemont said. "That way, she can put in a vase later!"

"Who said I cared anything about roses?!" May burst out angrily.

"Uh, Bonnie told me!" Clemont innocently said. "She told me that you really like roses!"

"Bonnie!" May pouted.

"Now Max gets this Xtransceiver, a Unova device. But this one is special; it has data loaded about every single Pokémon!"

"Thanks Clemont!" Max said gratefully. "You're the best!"

"No problem," Clemont replied. "For Iris, I've invented a 'kid-o-meter'! This device accurately calculates the maturity level of a person as well as the amount of 'kidness' still in them. Now you can back up your claims!"

"Hehe, okay I guess," Iris said. "Maybe I'll use it on Georgia if I ever see her again."

"For Cilan, I'm giving him one of my portable cooking machines that I use to cook the group spaghetti! Who knows where you'll have to cook?"

"Thanks, Clemont!" Clian said. "Adding this is like another recipe in a cookbook!"

"As suggested by Ash, I'm giving Dawn a 'straight hair' comb I made. Now she won't have to spend too much time on her hair!"

"Wow, I've always wanted one of these!" Dawn said. "Thanks!"

"Why don't I get a straight hair comb?" Serena asked.

"Well Dawn needs it more! Plus I made something special for you; I created an outfit making kit! Now you can make any costume or outfit you want!"

"Wow, thanks Clemont!" Serena said. "I might actually like this better!"

"Ash's invention is very important. If we save Pikachu and return to Kalos, then this device will activate. As long as this is in your bag and you are still on your Kalos journey, Pikachu will not leave the region without you. This includes if he is taken away again. I won't go into any specifics though."

"Ok, Clemont, thanks!" Ash said. "Now I'm really ready to save Pikachu!"

"And finally, here is Bonnie's gift. This is called the 'Buizel Aqua Jet' and I made it just to keep Bonnie from asking girls out for me! The jets will thrust her backwards every time she goes up to a girl for that reason."

"Clemont, isn't you're Aipom arm enough?" Serena asked.

"The Aipom arm wasn't enough, so I made Buizel Aqua Jets! Then again, it also works as a jet pack so I guess you could call it a 'Buizel Aqua Jetpack'!"

"Jetpack?" Bonnie said. "Why didn't you say that from the start? Thank you big brother!"

"You're welcome, Bonnie," Clemont said. "Ok, well I think that concludes our meeting!" Gather all your supplies, get rested with some naps, and be prepared for tonight!"

"Clemont, one more thing," Brock said.

"What is it?" Clemont asked.

"Thanks for standing up for Ash, even when he's without his Pikachu," Brock answered. "You're very caring to go this far for someone you've only known for a few days."

"Thank all of you!" Ash said to all of his friends in the room. "Without you guys, that would've been the last time I saw Pikachu. But because you're all here for me, there's nothing we can't do!"

"Let's get in a circle and put our hands in the middle for Ash and Pikachu," Dawn said.

After gathering around, they all chanted.

"One…two…three…PIKACHU!"

May looked back at what Drew had given her. There was something else that Drew had given to May, and it was a box with a note and some special stones in it. "May, I randomly found these lying around, but I want you to have them," the note read. "That's because you are an inspiration for me to become the best coordinator I can be! The red gem is called an 'Omega Ruby', and the blue gem is called an 'Alpha Sapphire'. But the other stones are much more mysterious; I looked it up and these stones are called Mega Stones! They're supposed to make your Pokémon even more powerful than they already are! The problem is none of my Pokémon can use it; that's why I'm giving them to you. Anyways, thanks May for being a really good friend and rival! Yours truly, Drew."

"So these are Mega Stones?" May said when by herself. "I'll bring them just in case."

When night finally came, everyone met in the lobby before going in the car.

"Are we all ready to go?" Tracey asked everyone.

"Yeah!" they all chanted.

"Then let's go save Pikachu!" Tracey said.

And so all of Ash's traveling companions, Misty, Tracey, Brock, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, Cilan, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie, traveled by car in the cold night to the Team Rocket base where they would find Pikachu.

Will Ash and his friends be able to save his Pikachu? Or is their plan doomed to fail? Stay tuned for Chapter 5 to find out!

"Wake up, Blazeboy!" Jessie said to Blaziken Mask.

"We've already passed Blackthorn City so we'll be there soon!" James said.

"And that's where we'll find Pikachu!" Meowth said.

To be continued…