At Team Rocket's base...
"Why have you called us here, Persia?" Mewtwovanni demanded. Persia stood before him and Rhynix as she paced.
"So, it's been long enough since Jessica left. We can all agree she's not coming back, yes?" Persia asked.
"And what's your point?" Rhynix wanted to know.
"My point is that it's time we start looking for a replacement." Persia said. "We're down an Admin. We should be finding somebody to fill the position."
"I see..." Mewtwovanni frowned thoughtfully. "Do you have anybody in mind?"
"I do." Persia nodded and walked to the door, swinging it open and sticking her head out. "Come in!"
Walking into the room was a female Team Rocket Grunt. Dressed in the team's usual attire, she had short blonde hair and hazel eyes, folding her arms with a confident smile as she stood at attention.
"You remember Kim, right?" Persia asked.
"Jessica's old partner?" Mewtwovanni asked. "Interesting."
"Kim has been with us for many years now." Persia went on. "She is one of the most skilled Pokémon battlers among the grunts and her loyalty is unquestioned. And yes, her old position as Jessica's former partner makes her...uniquely equipped for our current battle."
"Mmm. Yes, I remember much of her talent." Mewtwovanni floated over in front of Kim. "Well? Are you willing to be mutated and promoted to the rank of Admin?"
"Of course, boss." Kim nodded. "It would be an honor."
"Well, before we go ahead with this, I want you to know one thing." He looked over at Persia. "Both of you. Petty revenge has not done us any favors so far. I will not be approving any more schemes of the sort. I know you both have problems with Jessica, but I will not have you throwing resources away trying to kill her alone."
"I assure you, boss, my revenge will not be that sort." Kim grinned. "I have a...different plan. Why kill her when I can destroy her spirit instead?"
"Mmm." Mewtwovanni frowned. "What did you have in mind?"
"All I need is the right mutation." Kim held up two Pokéballs. "Fortunately, I have just the things."
"Alright then." Mewtwovanni nodded. "Let's see what you've got."
Kim passed her Pokémon to Persia and she hooked them up to the Fuser as Kim took a seat and was strapped down. Kim gritted her teeth as the two Pokémons' DNA was fused into her body, refusing to scream in pain. Her skin turned craggy and purple like a Weezing and her head turned into a Weezing's with an Electrode's devious grin. Twin straps of red and white similar to an Electrode's shell appeared across her chest, each with three Pokéball-like bumps. A similar shell-like coating covered her hands as she stood up.
"Welcome to the Admin level, Kim." Persia grinned. "Or, what should we call you now?"
"Call me Rocket Admin Electreeza." Her hands sparked with power as she turned to face them. "Now, let me tell you just what plan I had in mind."
(Theme song inspired by Power Rangers Zeo Opening)
Kanto, go! (Kanto!) (All 6 Rangers show off their Morphers)
Rockets at the door, (Go, Kanto!) (Ryan stands in a Pokémon arena as the Red Ranger & Charizard Zord are shown)
Stronger than before! (Go, Kanto!) (Brent is training with his Pokémon in Pallet Town as the Blue Ranger & Blastoise Zord are shown)
Powered up for war, (Ginger is playing guitar as the Green Ranger & Venusaur Zord are shown)
Kanto, Poké Rangers! (Go, Kanto!) (Allison is healing her Pokémon in the forest as the Yellow Ranger & Pikachu Zord are shown)
Higher they can soar, (Go, Kanto!) (Rick turns to walk away from Pewter Gym as the Black Ranger & Golem Zord are shown)
Even up the score! (Go, Kanto!) (Jessica stands with her arms folded in the lab as the Violet Ranger & Arbok Zord are shown)
Go go, Poké Rangers! (Mewtwovanni, Rhynix, Persia, and Gengron shown)
Go go, Poké Rangers! (Rangers fight off a collection of G-Spliced before firing Poké Blaster)
Go go, Poké Rangers! (Pokémon Megazord and Onix Venomzord stand together, Legend Megazord descends to join them)
Kanto Poké Rangers! (All 6 Rangers pose in front of explosion)
In the woods near Pallet Town...
"Rhydon, Take Down!"
"Pinsir, Submission!"
Brent's Rhydon and Jessica's Pinsir charged towards each other. Rhydon lowered its head and slammed into the Bug Pokémon. As it did, Pinsir grabbed on and started to pummel it.
"Not much like your usual tactics." Brent remarked as the two watched.
"You have to know your Pokémon." Jessica told him. "Pinsir's not much for subtly. He's all power. Best I can do is toughen him up like this." She grinned. "And this. Guillotine!" Lifting Rhydon overhead, Pinsir clamped its horns around the larger Pokémon's neck, squeezing. After a moment, it released and hurled the defeated Rhydon aside.
"You never cease to amaze me." Brent laughed as he recalled Rhydon. Jessica shrugged.
"It's a good way to get past particularly defensive opponents." she told him. "Besides, I can't let my whole team be tricky. There's gotta be a powerhouse in there somewhere."
"You know, I really do want to see you take on Ryan sometime." Brent said as he raised another Pokéball. Jessica recalled Pinsir. "I haven't fought many people that I think could really beat him, but you are definitely up there."
"Thanks." Jessica sent out her Golbat while Brent sent out Blastoise. "But you'll have to wait for the tournament for that. I'm not giving him the chance to get a feel for me and my fighting style any more than he is me."
"Heh. Bit late for me on that front. Water Pulse!" Brent's Blastoise fired a pulsing blast of water from its cannons, knocking Golbat back. "We've been rivals too long." Shaking off the hit, Jessica's Golbat flew forward and behind Blastoise, latching on with a Leech Life. "You ever have a rival?"
"Yeah..." Jessica said with a frown. Blastoise spun and flung Golbat off of it, aiming and firing a Hydro Pump that the bat Pokémon narrowly dodged aside from. "I don't like to talk about her."
"Why?" Brent asked. "I guess she was with Team Rocket too..."
"Still is, as far as I'm aware." Jessica said. Golbat flew up in Blastoise's face and used Astonish, sending it flinching back. "I didn't talk to her much after I became Admin."
"Any reason?" Brent wondered.
"She wasn't the nicest person around." Jessica told him. Blastoise used Rain Dance and water poured down on the battle.
"Well, she must've meant something to you." Brent said. "If it was just that, you wouldn't be so bothered by talking about her."
"Brent, can we just focus on the battle?" Jessica asked as her Golbat dodged aside from another Hydro Pump. "I'm sure my past is all very fascinating to you, but I said I'd rather not talk about it."
"I have a better idea." The two Rangers turned at the voice to find Electreeza leaning against a tree nearby. "Instead of battling him, why don't you come battle me?"
"Just what we needed." Brent groaned as she stepped forward. "Another of Team Rocket's goons."
"I am no mere goon." Electreeza chuckled. "I am Electreeza, Admin and General of Team Rocket!"
"As I said, another..." Brent jumped back as Electreeza pointed a finger and fired a bolt of lightning at him.
"I am not interested in you, Blue Ranger." she laughed. "I'm here to see my old friend."
"Old friend?" Jessica asked.
"You don't recognize me?" Electreeza indicated her Electrode and Weezing bits. "Surely you recall somebody using these Pokémon." Jessica's eyes widened.
"Kim?" she asked. Electreeza laughed.
"You remember me. I'm flattered." she frowned. "Or I would be, if you hadn't abandoned me!"
"Kim, we weren't friends." Jessica told her. "We were partners made to work together, and you hated me."
"I did not hate you." Electreeza rolled her eyes. "I just wanted you to realize how awful you were being."
"Me?" Jessica asked. "Are you delusional?"
"Still the same as ever, I see." Electreeza stepped forward, lightning crackling around her hands. "Lets get this over with."
"Fine." Jessica held up her Morpher and Brent stepped foward to join her.
"I'll join you." he said. "You shouldn't have to deal with her alone."
"Thanks." Jessica nodded. "Now let's do it!"
"Poké Power, unleash!"
"Blastoise!"
"Arbok!"
Drawing their weapons, the two Rangers leaped at Electreeza. The Admin ducked aside as Jessica swung her Arbok Staff before dodging aside from a blast of Brent's Blastoise Cannons. Charging her fist with lightning, she punched the Blue Ranger and sent him flying back.
Jessica leaped and swung her staff down, but Electreeza caught it with one hand and used it to hurl her aside. Holding out her hands, she fired two Shock Waves into the ground, traveling along it to explode at the Rangers' feet.
Rolling over near Brent, Jessica rose to her feet as he combined his weapons together, holding her Arbok Staff out beside them.
"Dual Soak: Acid Rain!" they called, firing a blast above Electreeza that formed a cloud, acidic water pouring down on her. Electreeza merely laughed.
"You'll have to try better than that." She held up a hand. "Thunder!" A bolt of lightning fired up through the cloud and came down between the two, blasting them to the ground.
"Guys, where are you?" Jessica called into her Morpher. "Brent and I are dealing with one of Team Rocket's monsters. Haven't you detected it?"
"Which one?" Fuji asked. "We're picking up six different mutations right now. The others are all already heading out to investigate." Electreeza laughed.
"Looking for your team?" she grinned. "Guess they're just too busy to help you when you need it." The two Rangers rose to their feet.
"Hydro Pump!" Brent fired his cannons and Electreeza dodged aside. Jessica pressed her Morpher.
"Power Booster!" Leaping, she spun her staff around so it was aimed point-first. "Poison Jab!" Drawing back a fist, Electreeza punched out and matched the attack, sending her flying back to land beside the Blue Ranger.
"You're not so impressive." Electreeza summoned a large bazooka-like weapon and rested it on her shoulder as she aimed at them. "Explosion Cannon, fire!" A sphere shaped like an Electrode blasted out, striking between the two Rangers and exploding. Both screamed as they were blasted, demorphing as they hit the ground.
As Electreeza laughed and walked towards them, Blastoise and Golbat stepped and flew in front of their trainers protectively.
"Perfect." Electreeza held out a hand and fired lightning at Blastoise, knocking him away. Golbat flew at her and she raised her other hand, its coating expanding into a Pokéball shape. "You're mine." Holding it up, a light fired forth, engulfing Golbat and pulling him in as Electreeza chuckled.
"What?" Jessica forced herself to her feet. "Let him go!"
"I don't think so." Electreeza shook her head. "This Golbat was a gift when you became Admin. Since you have left...he is not yours anymore."
"You can't have him!" Jessica snarled. "I won't let you!"
"Oh really?" Electreeza grinned. "Good. In that case, I'll see you tomorrow for one last battle." She waggled the Pokéball attachement on her hand. "A Pokémon battle, not like what we just did here. Come alone and prove yourself if you ever want your Golbat back. See you in Celadon!" Laughing, Electreeza turned and teleported away.
"Don't worry." Brent assured as Jessica stood staring at where she had been standing. "We won't let her get away with this." Jessica glanced back at him with a glare.
"No, I won't." she said, brushing him aside as she stepped past. "Kim's never beaten me in a Pokémon battle in her life, and this won't be any different."
At Team Rocket's base...
"Most excellent." Persia clapped as Electreeza returned to base. "You've proven quite powerful."
"Indeed. But more importantly, I collected my prize." Reaching up, Electreeza grasped one of the Pokéball shapes crossing her and pulled it free, turning it into an actual Pokéball. "Do the same to this one. He will be my ace in the hole should things go...south."
"Of course." Persia took the Pokéball over to the wall and examined their collection. "I'll handle it. You should rest up. You've got a big day tomorrow, and even bigger to follow."
"Thank you." Kim nodded and walked out of the Fusion Room, passing Rhynix in the hallway.
"Can I ask you a question?" Rhynix wondered. Electreeza stopped and smiled.
"Of course, Rhynix." she said. "What's troubling you?"
"Why do you hate her so much?" Rhynix asked.
"What do you mean?" Electreeza frowned. "She betrayed the team. Don't you hate her?"
"Yes, but I take my loyalty as a source of pride. You don't do that any more than Persia does." Rhynix pointed out. Electreeza said nothing and started to walk away. "You know, all she wanted was a friend."
"Well, maybe she should've looked somewhere other than the person forced to work with her." Electreeza growled as she stopped. Rhynix shook his head.
"Where? Nobody else wanted anything to do with her. And you played along and acted like you cared, for a time." He stepped forward. "Really, when it comes down to you two, who betrayed who?"
"Watch it!" Electreeza snapped. "Or I'll zap your other eye out." Rhynix chuckled.
"You may be technically my equal in authority now, but don't think you'd get away with something like that." he told her. "My undying loyalty makes me closer to the boss than you or Persia could ever hope to be."
"Yeah." Electreeza reached up and flicked at his empty socket. "I can see that." As she turned to leave, Rhynix walked after, falling into step beside her.
"Different question." he said. "Why did Persia pick you?"
"The hell is that supposed to mean?" Electreeza glared at him. "You don't think I'm qualified?"
"I think that Persia never tells us everything she's thinking." Rhynix said. "So I just want to know, what did she tell you? What do you know?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Electreeza held out a hand and pushed him back. "Now if you don't mind pissing off, I need some sleep for my battle tomorrow."
As Electreeza walked out of sight, Rhynix whistled and Mewtwovanni teleported in beside him.
"Well?" the Rocket boss asked.
"She knows something." Rhynix said. "I can tell. Persia has let her in on her little rebellion."
"And your thoughts?" Mewtwovanni questioned. Rhynix sighed.
"She's as sneaky as Persia, that's for certain, and judging by her fight today, quite powerful as well. They're too dangerous together. We can't let her continue on."
"We can't let on that we know." Mewtwovanni insisted. "I need Persia here within my grasp, not fleeing for her life. When my device is fully constructed, she will be the key to everything."
"I know." Rhynix nodded. "I have a different idea of how we can solve this. Just leave it to me; I'll take care of everything."
Shortly, near Fuji's Lab...
"Come on out, guys." Jessica held out five Pokéballs and released her Arbok, Umbreon, Sandslash, Pinsir, and Lapras.
"So, what exactly happened?" Ryan asked. "She took your Golbat?"
"Yeah..." Jessica looked over her team. "She says she wants to battle me. For old times' sake, I guess."
"Where were you guys?" Brent asked. "We called for you, but nobody showed up."
"There were six mutations detected all over the Region." Ginger said. "We had to go investigate the others."
"And what did you find?" Jessica asked.
"Nothing." Ryan admitted. "We searched all over, but didn't find any sign of anything."
"Maybe it was a glitch?" Brent suggested.
"Awful coincidental one if so." Allison put in.
"Alright guys." Jessica said to her Pokémon. "We have a very important battle coming up. I need you all in top shape."
"You'll need more than that." The Rangers all whirled as Rhynix came walking towards them, striking fighting stances.
"What are you doing here?" Rick demanded. Rhynix raised his hands.
"I'm not here to fight." he said. "I came to talk to her." He nodded at Jessica.
"I think I've had enough of you guys today." Jessica growled. "Can't you just leave me alone to prepare in peace?"
"If you'll give me a moment, I will gladly." Rhynix said. "I just wanted to offer some advice."
"Rhynix, when have I ever needed your advice?" Jessica scoffed.
"Always." Rhynix told her. "You rarely listen to it, but you always need it. Now perhaps more than ever."
"What's your angle?" Ryan asked. "You're not offering anything out of the goodness of your heart."
"I have my reasons." Rhynix assured him. "Let's just say I have an...interest in Jessica winning this battle against Electreeza. And if you'll hear me out, I can explain just what her game is."
"Jess, maybe we should listen to him." Brent said after a moment. "Even if he's lying to us, which he probably is, maybe we can learn something from it."
"Fine." Jessica said. "What is this advice of yours?"
"Thank you, Blue Ranger." Rhynix nodded. "Jessica, you will need more power on your side if you plan on beating Electreeza. Your Pokémon are strong, but hers are stronger."
"I've always been able to beat her." Jessica said. "If she's anything like she used to be..."
"She's not." Rhynix shook his head. "Or rather, her team is not. Do not be fooled by their appearance. They are not normal Pokémon."
"Not normal?" Allison asked. "What do you mean?"
"They are mutations, just like me and her." Rhynix explained. "You've already ran into some of them today, even if you didn't notice." He smirked slightly. "You thought they were just wild Pokémon of the area, but they were Electreeza's agents, keeping you distracted with their presence."
"THAT'S why there were so many signals!" Ginger realized. "We were detecting her Pokémon."
"Exactly." Rhynix nodded. "And as you know, mutations are extremely hard for normal Pokémon to fight. Hers are not as a powerful as most, but it will be next to impossible to defeat a whole team of them with just regular Pokémon."
"So what do you suggest?" Jessica asked curtly. Rhynix stared at her.
"You have a more powerful tool at your disposal." he said. "All I suggest is that you use it." Turning, he started to walk away, but paused and looked back. "Oh, and Jessica? Remember that the other Rangers are always there for you. I know that's...weird for me to say, but I need to you to keep it in mind, especially when you're facing her."
"Well...thanks...I guess?" Ryan said tentatively.
"No need to thank me." Rhynix turned away fully. "I look forward to destroying you all someday." Stepping forward, he vanished.
"Any idea what he was talking about?" Rick asked.
"I think so." Jessica drew another Pokéball and held it up. "He talked about a more powerful tool. I think he was referring to this." Clicking it open, she released Zapdos into the air.
"Well that just SOUNDS like a trap." Brent said. "We've already seen that Electreeza can capture Pokémon. What's to stop her from taking Zapdos the second you bring it out?"
"I have to agree with Brent on this one." Ryan said. "That smells like trouble waiting to happen."
"Yeah..." Jessica recalled Zapdos. "You're probably right. Look, why don't you guys head home?" she said. "I'm gonna train by myself for a while."
"You sure you don't want some help?" Ryan asked.
"No. I appreciate it, but I think I can handle it. Just be on standby tomorrow." she told them. "If she tries anything, I'm going to need you all as backup."
"Right." Ginger nodded. "We'll be there, don't worry."
"Thanks." Jessica smiled in appreciation. As they left, she took another look at Zapdos's ball before releasing it once more. "Zapdos, I may need your help tomorrow. Are you willing?" The thunder bird nodded affirmative and landed in front of her other Pokémon "Alright then. Let's get busy."
The following day, in Celadon City...
"You showed up." Electreeza laughed as Jessica approached her. "I half-thought you wouldn't, old friend."
"Why do you keep saying that?" Jessica asked as she drew a Pokéball. "I know you only partnered with me because Giovanni ordered you to."
"Oh, is that why you stopped talking to me?" Electreeza frowned. "You found that out, huh?"
"Yeah, so why keep pretending you were my friend?" Jessica demanded.
"Believe it or not, Jessica, there was a time when I really did like you." Electreeza reached up and drew one of her Pokéballs off herself. "Not at first, and not once you started using your closeness to Giovanni to your advantage, but for a bit..."
"I didn't do that!" Jessica snapped. "I told you then and I'll tell you again, I had to work just as hard as anybody to reach the Admin position. Giovanni didn't do me any favors."
"If you really believe that, you're blinder than I thought." Electreeza rolled her eyes.
"You know what your problem is, Kim?" Jessica asked. "You've lied so much you don't even know the truth anymore. You lied about being my friend back then until your jealousy revealed how you really felt, and you're still doing it do this day."
"Believe what you want. I really don't care at this point." Electreeza held up her Pokéball. "Enough talk. Are you ready or not?"
"I'm ready, if you're sure you want to do this." Jessica raised her own. "Umbreon, go!"
"Go for it, Electrode!" Electreeza called. The two's Pokémon hit the ground facing each other. "Explosion!"
"Double Team!" At Jessica's command, her Umbreon created an illusory copy of itself. Electrode rolled forward as fast as it could, striking one of the Umbreon and detonating. Jessica's actual Umbreon walked forward unharmed. "Still starting with the same old tactics." Jessica said. "You really are the same as ever."
"I wouldn't bet on that." Electreeza grinned. As the smoke from the blast settled, Electrode came rolling out and slammed into Umbreon from behind.
"What!?" Jessica gasped. "That's not possible!"
"Explosion!" Electrode glowed and burst again, sending Umbreon flying defeated to Jessica's feet. Rolling free, Electrode returned to sit in front of its own as she laughed. "We've got a few new tricks up our sleeve, as you can see."
'It can explode without fainting?' Jessica recalled her Umbreon and drew another Pokéball. 'Rhynix said they were mutants, but I wasn't expecting something like this. How does it do that?'
"Sandslash, go!" Jessica's Sandslash emerged and swiped threateningly. "Sandstorm!"
"Sonicboom!" Electrode hurled a blast of sonic energy, Sandslash dodging away into the swirling sands.
"Defense Curl!" Jessica called. Sandslash started upping its defense as it avoided Electrode's attempts to Sonicboom it.
'That should give us enough protection against Explosion.' Jessica thought as Sandslash's defense maxed out. 'Now we can get in close.'
"Sandslash, Dig!" At her call, Sandslash burrowed under the ground and approached Electrode from below.
"Grab it when it gets close!" Electreeza yelled.
'Grab? How does an Electrode...' Sandslash's Dig struck before Jessica could figure it out, and it found something holding its arm in place.
"Now, Hydro Pump!" Electreeza ordered.
"What?" A blast of water struck Sandslash and sent him flying out. The Ground-type hit the ground in defeat and Jessica called him back.
"Bit of a waste of defense, wasn't it?" Electreeza laughed. "You're losing your edge."
Jessica stared at Electrode as it sat in a puddle of water from its last attack. She was trying to figure out just what kind of mutant it was.
'Hmm.' She glanced at her Pokéballs. 'Maybe...perhaps its just a shell. Maybe there's something else inside the Electrode, like a living Pokéball.' She examined her Pokémon. 'I've got to bring out Zapdos. My team is going down too fast. It's risky, but I've got to even the playing field.'
"Zapdos, go!" Jessica released the legendary into the air and lightning crackled around it as it screeched in challenge.
"Ah, I heard you caught Zapdos." Electreeza grinned. "Figures you'd resort to it. You know my team has become too powerful for you."
"Rain Dance!" Zapdos rose into the air and spread its wings, sending thunderclouds out over the field. "Thunder!"
"Counter it with your own!" Electreeza called. Electrode fired a blast of lightning up as Zapdos fired down, blocking most of the attack.
"Drill Peck!" Zapdos spun through the air as it descended.
"Explode when it gets close!" Electreeza called with a grin. As Zapdos got closer, Electrode began to glow.
"Detect!" Jessica called. Zapdos glowed and zoomed back up and out of range as Electrode detonated. "Now, Thunder before it recovers!" Zapdos fired a massive bolt down, striking in the aftermath of the explosion. As the smoke cleared, a Poliwhirl was revealed standing among bits of an Electrode shell, a few pieces still stuck to its body. Staggering, it toppled to the ground and exploded. "I see. It had a mutated version of Damp that let it explode without consequence."
"Impressive." Electreeza grinned. "You figured out Politrode's trick."
"So let me get this straight." Jessica said. "You act like I'm weak for using Zapdos, but you get to use these monsters?" Electreeza shrugged.
"Hey, you remember Giovanni's rule on Pokémon battles." She drew another Pokéball. "'Win, whatever it takes.' Go, Kingler! Water Pulse!"
"Keep your distance, Zapdos!" Jessica called as it dodged aside. "He can't do anything to you from afar. Thunder!" The bolt streaked down onto Kinger, but it shook it off like nothing.
"Nice try." Electreeza grinned. "You won't be taking him down like that. Why don't you come in close?" Kingler raised its giant claw and snapped it.
"We're not playing the Guillotine game." Jessica recalled Zapdos. "Lapras, go! Ice Beam!"
"Dig!" Electreeza called. Kingler vanished beneath the ground as the Ice Beam struck where it had been standing. Bursting out of the earth, it struck Lapras under the jaw. "Now, Stone Edge!"
"Hydro Pump, quick!" Before Kingler could strike, Lapras blasted it high into the air with a stream of water. "Perfect." Jessica swapped back to Zapdos. "Now, Drill Peck before he gets his balance back." Zapdos spun forward and slammed into Kingler, sending it flipping even more as it crashed back to the ground. Jessica caught a brief glimpse of what looked like Sandslash claws inside its pincer before it exploded.
"Fine. Onix!" Electreeza released the rock snake Pokémon. "Psychic!" Onix's eyes glowed and Zapdos squawked in surprise as it was telekinetically yanked around.
"Hit it with a Steel Wing!" Jessica called. Zapdos flew down as its wings turned silver, lashing out and striking Onix with its newly learned move. Cracks spread from the point of impact, revealing a Kadabra inside the Onix. "Now, Thunder!" The electric blast hit the Kadabra and it collapsed to the ground and exploded.
"That is it!" Electreeza snapped. "Machamp, go!"
"Drill Peck!" Jessica commanded.
"Bulk Up!" Machamp's muscles swelled as Zapdos struck and it was flung back.
"Thunder!" Zapdos fired lightning, but Machamp shook it off as it rose.
"Softboiled, then Bulk Up again!" Electreeza called. Machamp drew an egg out and swallowed it before growing again. "Now, Egg Bomb her!"
"What!?" Jessica dove aside as Machamp hurled an explosive egg directly at her. "Seriously!?"
"Should've stayed focused." Electreeza pointed to where Machamp had grabbed ahold of Zapdos. Pulling the bird down, it punched the ground and a Stone Edge spire burst out, slamming into Zapdos. Turning, it hurled the defeated Pokémon to Jessica's feet.
'That's not good.' Jessica recalled it. 'What is this thing?'
Elsewhere, on Cinnabar Island...
"Persia!" The Team Rocket Admin turned along with her group of G-Spliced as the Green and Yellow Rangers arrived.
"Rangers." Persia extended her claws. "It's time to put an end to you." She fired lightning from her crystals that the Rangers dodged aside from.
"PIkachu Striker!" Allison drew her weapon. "Thunderbolt!" Persia snarled as the attack struck her square on. Leaping over the G-Spliced, the Yellow Ranger swung her weapon down and Persia raised her claws to block it.
"Venusaur Whip! Growth!" Ginger drew her whip and extended it, swinging and lashing G-Spliced to the ground. Several charged up and spat acid at her and she slid across the ground between them, wrapping her whip around their legs as she went and yanking them off their feet. Another slashed at her and she leaped back from it. "Power Whip!" Her weapon glowed as she snapped it into the minion, sending him crashing into his allies.
"Iron Tail!" Persia dodged aside from the strike and slashed out, sending Allison staggering to the side. Turning, she managed to block Persia's next slash. "Don't think we don't know what you're doing here. You're just trying to distract us!"
"Oh really?" Persia shoved her defense aside and slashed her back with a laugh. "Well, I guess it's working, isn't it?" As she slashed out again, Ginger's whip wrapped around her arm and dragged her aside.
"No way." the Green Ranger pulled and flipped her off her feet. "You are not holding us up."
"We'll see." Persia stood as her crystals started to glow. Both Rangers took aim at her as their weapons powered up.
"Thunder!"
"Solarbeam!"
Persia yelped as the two attacks struck her and blasted her back. Rolling to a stop, she pulled herself angrily up.
"Better run on home, kitty." Ginger called.
"No!" Persia snapped. "I'm not going anywhere!" She charged towards them.
"Your choice." The two Rangers held their weapons together. "Dual Destruction: Lightning Rod!" Two beams fired from the Striker and flew forward. A green one hit the ground at Persia's feet, causing wood to sprout until she was encased in a tree trunk that stretched high above. Meanwhile, a yellow beam flew into the sky, forming a massive bolt of lightning to channel down through the trunk into her body.
Toppling forward, Persia exploded wordlessly as the two Rangers high-fived.
"We better get to Celadon." Allison said. "No telling what they were up to while we were here." Ginger nodded and the two ran off to join their teammate.
Meanwhile, in Vermillion...
"Ah, you've made it." Rhynix took a step back from the small group of G-Spliced he was with as the Red, Blue, and Black Rangers showed up. Walking to a bench, he took a seat. "Better make this quick. Don't want to leave your friend hanging."
"You are so weird right now, you know that?" Brent asked. Rhynix shrugged.
"As I said, I have my reasons. G-Spliced, go for it." The foot soldiers raised their blades and charged.
"Charizard Saber! Wing Attack!" Ryan drew his weapon and slashed out, cutting several G-Spliced down with his first swing. Leaping up, he ran across the top of the group, slashing down as he went and sending them toppling to the ground behind him. Leaping off, he spun as his blade ignited. "Heat Wave!" Slashing out, the remaining G-Spliced facing him were burnt away.
"Golem Mace! Stone Edge!" Raising his weapon, Rick smashed down and a stone spire took out a group of G-Spliced charging at him. Dodging back from more, he swung out. "Rock Slide!" Stones flew from his weapon, crushing more to the ground.
"Blastoise Cannons! Water Pulse!" Several G-Spliced were blasted away by the aquatic blast from Brent's weapons. Leaping over more, he fired down repeatedly and took them out. As he landed, another group slashed at him, forcing him raise a Protect to block. Rick landed beside him as he leaped away from his own set and the two rolled aside as the two groups charged, crashing into each other. Rising, they joined their weapons.
"Dual Soak: Mudslide!" The energy from Rick's mace channeled through Brent's combined cannons and sent a spray of semi-liquid earth blasting out, taking out the remaining G-Spliced as they were buried under it. The three Rangers turned to Rhynix as he rose.
"Oh no, you've beaten me again." Rhynix said lazily. "I must retreat for now, but I'll be back." Turning, he teleported away.
"You know, I could get use to this." Rick said.
"Don't." Brent told him. "He'll be back to fighting us for real before you know it."
"Yeah." Ryan nodded. "But let's get to Celadon. Jess might need us." The others nodded and the three of them made for Celadon.
Back in Celadon...
"Pinsir, go!" Jessica sent out her next Pokémon. "Brick Break!" Machamp roared in pain as Pinsir swung his arm out in a chop to its chest, knocking it back.
"Softboiled!" Machamp downed another egg. "Now Stone Edge the bug too!"
"Endure!" Jessica called. As Machamp leaped forward, Pinsir braced itself and took the Stone Edge head-on. "Now, Guillotine!" Reaching out, Pinsir lifted Machamp up and clamped its horns around it, squeezing until it was defeated before tossing it aside. Jessica noticed what looked to be a Chansey face peeking from its back as it landed and exploded.
"Raticate, go! Quick Attack!" A Raticate emerged from Electreeza's next Pokéball and shot forward.
"Brick Break it!" Jessica called. Pinsir swung its arm, but the attack passed straight through Raticate as if it wasn't there. The Quick Attack landed and Pinsir fell to the ground.
"Lapras, you're up!" Jessica recalled Pinsir and sent out Lapras. "Hydro Pump!"
"Dodge that!" Raticate leaped aside as the water blast struck the ground. "Hyper Fang!" Springing forward, Raticate's teeth glowed as it latched onto Lapras. As it was coming, Jessica caught a glimpse of Gastly eyes peeking out from inside it.
"Freeze it with Ice Beam!" Jessica called.
"Bite!" Before Lapras could fire, Raticate chomped down again, making it flinch. "Now, another Hyper Fang to finish!" The last attack sent Lapras collapsing in defeat.
'Damn it!' Jessica called Lapras back.
"One left." Electreeza laughed. "The odds don't look good for you." Jessica raised her last Pokéball.
'You were my first, Arbok.' she thought. 'You've always been my best friend. If anyone can do this, it's you.'
"Arbok, go! Coil!" Jessica's final Pokémon hit the ground and coiled up, increasing its stats.
"Shadow Ball!" Electreeza ordered. Raticate opened its mouth and spit a shadowy blast out.
"Dodge!" Arbok twisted aside as the attack sailed past. "Bite!" Slithering forward, it bit down on Raticate as it tried to jump back and away.
"Get it back!" Electreeza called. "Hyper Fang!"
"Bite the Gastly inside!" Jessica ordered. As Raticate opened its mouth to attack, Arbok shot forward and inside, clamping down on the Gastly within. As it went limp, Arbok twisted and hurled the Raticate mutant aside, letting it explode a safe distance. Electreeza merely chuckled.
"So, you've made it this far." she said, raising her final Pokéball. "And your reward? Come forth, Golembat!"
The creature released looked like a Golem, but oversized Golbat wings stretched from its shell and it had a Golbat's head peeking out. As it glared at her, Jessica's eyes widened in familiarity.
"Golbat, is that you!?" she called.
"Not anymore." Electreeza said as Golembat growled. "He is mine now. Air Cutter!" Arbok dodged aside as Golembat flapped its wings and sent a blast of air shooting towards it.
"Wrap it!" Jessica ordered. Arbok slithered around Golembat and tried to hold it steady. "Golbat, please! You have to snap out of this!"
"Yes, snap out of it." Electreeza agreed. Roaring, Golembat broke Arbok's hold and hurled it away. "Now, Earthquake!" Raising a foot, Golembat stomped down and Arbok hissed in pain as the shockwave struck it, flinging it to Jessica's feet.
"Face it, Jessica. You've lost." Electreeza laughed as Golembat stomped towards his former master.
"Golbat, come on! Don't you recognize me?" Jessica asked.
"I'm sure he does." Electreeza told her. "But he doesn't care. You see, that's how fragile your precious friendship is. It turns so easily."
As Golembat approached, Arbok rose up in front of Jessica. Shaking and barely able to stay up, it nonentheless hissed protectively. Golembat came to a stop.
"Still standing, huh?" Electreeza shrugged. "Golembat, finish it." Golembat made no motion to move. "Golembat?" The mutant was trying to move, but seemed stuck in place.
"Nice job, Arbok." Jessica said. "You paralyzed it with your Glare." She looked at the former Golbat sadly. "I guess we have no choice in this. Arbok, Bite."
"No you don't!" Electreeza's hand formed into a Pokéball as Arbok slid forward. Holding it out, a beam of light fired and struck Arbok, pulling it inside.
"NO!" Jessica started to run forward, but Golembat snapped out of its paralysis and swung at her, forcing her to dodge back. "Don't you dare take him!"
"Arbok must really care about you." Electreeza said as she looked at the ball on her hand. "And you clearly care about it." She snarled. "Well, we'll see just how deep its affection for you goes. We'll see if we can't change its views a bit."
"Kim, I swear..." Jessica growled. "I'm already at never forgive you. You don't want to do this."
"Oh, but I do." Electreeza told her. "Don't you see, Jessica? You are alone! Your Pokémon can't fight for you." She indicated Golembat and held up the ball Arbok was trapped in. "You can't rely on them, you couldn't rely on me or the rest of the team, and you can't rely on the other Rangers! Friendship is a lie!" she screamed. "There's nobody here for you, and there never will be!"
"Think again!" Electreeza turned in surprise as Ryan leaped and slashed down with his Charizard Saber. The attack sliced through the Pokéball on Electreeza's hand, sending a burst of light out to release Arbok back beside his owner. Ginger and Rick swung their weapons and smacked Electreeza back before Brent and Allison aimed theirs and blasted her away.
"Arbok, thank Arceus!" Jessica wrapped her Pokémon in a hug and it coiled around her. "I thought I'd lost you for a moment there!"
"Where did you come from?" Electreeza snarled as she rose to her feet. Golembat stomped over to stand in front of her. "You're not supposed to be here!"
"Are you kidding?" Ginger scoffed as the five of them went over to stand with Jessica. "Jess needed us."
"That's right." Allison nodded. "We'll always be there for her."
"You can try to keep us away all you want." Rick said. "But it won't work."
"We'll fight through every time." Brent added.
"That's what friends are for." Ryan told her.
"You see, Kim?" Jessica recalled Arbok and put its ball away. "Do you understand yet? Friends don't let anything get in the way of being there. Whether its external distractions or their own feelings, they put it aside and support you. Not turn on you..." She looked at Golembat. "And certainly not turn others against you just to hurt you."
"...I've had enough." Electreeza snarled. "I'm going to come back, Jessica. You'll never be safe, you hear me!? I'll break you yet..." As she yelled, two green spheres descended over her and Golembat. "What...where did this come from?" Both of them grew until they were towering over the city.
"Looks like the battle isn't over yet." Ryan said. "You ready for this, Jess?"
"I'm ready." she nodded and raised her Morpher. "Poké Power, unleash! Arbok!" A sphere of purple toxin expanded from the Morpher and surrounded her, and when she burst free she was wearing a purple Ranger outfit with a Poison-type symbol on the chest. A helmet with an Arbok design formed to complete the transformation. "Legend Zords!" The Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres Zords arrived in the city and the Rangers leaped into them.
"Golembat, get them!" Electreeza ordered. Growling acknowledgement, Golembat flew into the air, forming stones around it and hurling a Rock Slide at them.
"Watch it!" Jessica called. The three Zords flew aside and avoided the attack as it crashed down.
"Ice Beam!" Ryan called. The Articuno Zord fired a stream that froze Golembat's wings, sending him falling to the ground. "Jess...are you sure you're okay with this?"
"No, I'm not." she said, choking up slightly. "But we don't have a choice." The three Zords flew at Golembat as it struggled to rise, blasting it with Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, and Ice Beam all at once. Golembat roared in pain and fell backwards, exploding. "Goodbye, Golbat." Jessica sniffed sadly, trying her best to avoid breaking down in the middle of the fight. "I'll never forget you."
"Are you gonna be alright?" Rick asked from behind her. Jessica nodded.
"Let's just finish this." she said. "Legend Zords, combine!"
The Zapdos Zord's head left its body and its wings folded down under it, forming birdlike feet with gyros pointing down to keep it afloat while its body created the lower of half of a torso. The Articuno Zord's body shifted and widened into an upper torso and connected on top of the Zapdos Zord, wings stretching out to either side. Its head shifted down to the center of the chest, allowing a more humanoid face to rise up from its neck. The Moltres Zord also lost its head and the back of a humanoid head rose from its neck as it attached to the back, its wings folding back so that its jets were pointing down. The two pieces of the Megazord's head clicked together and the Zapdos and Moltres heads connected to either side of the chest next to the Articuno's.
"Legend Megazord, online!" the Rangers called as they gathered in the cockpit.
"Fine, you want to fight? Then let's do it!" Electreeza opened her mouth and breathed out a cloud of Poison Gas at them.
"Hurricane!" the Rangers called. Spinning, the Legend Megazord blew the attack away and moved forward, striking Electreeza repeatedly with its Articuno wings.
"Wing Attack!" Wings glowing, the Megazord slashed out and sent Electreeza falling backwards.
"Flamethrower!" As the Admin stood, the Moltres head opened its beak and blasted her.
"That is it!" Electreeza roared. "I'm going to destroy all of you!" Holding up her hands, she summoned her weapon. "Explosion Cannon, fire!"
"Full Power!" The Rangers called as the explosive blasted towards them. All three heads on the Megazord's chest charged up. "Tri Attack!" Beams of fire, lightning, and ice blasted the Electrode explosive, pushing it back to explode against Electreeza as they struck. Her cannon hit the ground as she stumbled forward.
"What?" Electreeza gasped as lightning flared over her and small explosions blew from her body. "Impossible! I wasn't supposed...to fall!" Falling foward, she hit the ground and exploded before the Megazord. Jessica sighed tiredly.
"Goodbye to you too, Kim." she said. "You won't be missed."
The following day, at Pokémon Tower...
Jessica knelt before a freshly made grave. Her Arbok, Umbreon, Sandslash, Pinsir, Lapras, and Zapdos all stood around her. Behind them were the other Rangers and their mentors, standing in silence.
Reaching out, Jessica rubbed the stone sadly. There was no real body to bury, but she'd had Golbat's Pokéball buried in place of one. He deserved to be memorialized in some manner.
"You know..." Jessica reached up and wiped her eyes as she talked. They were red from crying, but at this point she wasn't sure she had any more tears to shed. "Golbat was the youngest member of my team. I only got him just under two years ago when I became an Admin. But even still...he was one of the best."
"It doesn't take long for Pokémon to grow on you, does it?" Ryan said as he stepped forward to stand by his sister. Jessica smiled.
"You can say that again." she said. "He was as loyal as any of them, and he took to training like he was born for it. He fought harder than any Pokémon I've ever seen, like he was determined to prove himself the best." She smiled fondly. "He could've evolved into a Crobat long ago, but he didn't want to. I think he wanted to prove himself before he did. But, he already had. He just couldn't see it yet." She was wrong. She did have more tears to shed. "I'll miss you, Golbat." The rest of her Pokémon team moved closer. "We'll all keep fighting on, in your memory." Zapdos stepped forward and joined the rest of her Pokémon in comforting her.
"So, is he going to take Golbat's spot?" Brent asked.
"Nobody could do that." Jessica smiled slightly as Zapdos rubbed against her. "But he certainly seems to want to try. I suppose he is part of my team now."
"Why does he like you so much?" Ginger asked. "Just what did you do to protect him?"
"I don't know." Jessica said. "I just stood up to Mewduo, but...it seems almost like it's more than that, doesn't it?"
"Well, whatever the case." Ryan said. "He's here for you, just like we all are." Jessica smiled.
"Thank you, Ryan." She pulled him into a hug and the other Rangers stepped up to join. "Thank you all for that more than anything."
Elsewhere, on Cinnabar Island..
Persia staggered to her feet, shaking ash off herself.
"A poor performance." Turning, she found Mewtwovanni standing behind her, shaking his head.
"Boss." Persia knelt. "My apologies. I was unable to keep the Rangers occupied for very long."
"Yes, I saw." Mewtwovanni said. "And because of that, Electreeza was destroyed."
"What?" Persia gaped. "But she said..."
"She said what?" Mewtwovanni cocked his head.
"She...she said her plan was foolproof." Persia muttered.
"Mmm. Even more troubling than that, you lost another life." Mewtwovanni shook his head. "You're just throwing them away now."
"Well, I've got them to spare." Persia said. "I'll throw away as many as I need to help us take down the Rangers."
"No, you won't." Mewtwovanni told her as he turned away. "You clearly don't see your lives' value, so I'll have to step in. You are forbidden from fighting the Rangers directly again. You may only create mutants to send against them at my direction. If I need to send somebody, I'll use Rhynix or Gengron."
"What?" Persia shook her head. "But, boss..." Mewtwovanni glanced back and glared.
"Do you have a problem with my orders, Persia?" he asked.
"No...of course not." Persia said. "I will do as you command."
"Good." Mewtwovanni nodded. "Now, let's get back to base. We have much to do."
Next Time: Red has been busy collecting badges, and only one remains. But little does he suspect, in going for it he's about to stumble right into Team Rocket's latest scheme. See it next time in "A Badge of Honor"
(A/N: This chapter ended up a bit longer than I thought. I'm gonna take a quick moment to list Kim/Electreeza's team and their typings, just for clarity. I couldn't get most of their names in the actual chapter since she was trying not to reveal too much about them to Jessica.
Politrode (Poliwhirl/Electrode)-Water/Electric
Kingslash (Kingler/Sandslash)-Water/Ground
Kadabrix (Onix/Kadabra)-Rock/Psychic
Machansey (Machamp/Chansey)-Fighting/Normal
Gasicate (Raticate/Gastly)-Normal/Ghost
Golembat (Golbat/Golem)-Rock/Flying
Anyway, it should be clear there's more to Jessica's story than we realize yet...but that's for another chapter down the line. I hope you all enjoyed, I look forward to seeing your thoughts, and I'll see you all next time. Mewtwo, out!)