Ash and Hilda reach the top floor of Chargestone Cave to see the escape of Team Rocket and Neo Team Plasma Grunts on both sides.
"Damn it, they all got away," Ash said, very annoyed. He then looked around and saw a Ferroseed sitting nearby. Ash turned to face it and said "Hmmm. You seem like an interesting Pokémon. Plus, judging by what Team Rocket and Neo Team Plasma are using you for, I think I'll add you to my team, and show that Ferroseed is not always used for villainy". He then grabbed a Poké Ball and said "Rufflet, I choose you" Ash said, and Rufflet materialised.
"Good Luck Ash," Hilda said, to which Ash nodded, and the battle began.
Battle: Rufflet VS Ferroseed
"Alright Rufflet, use Aerial Ace" Ash commanded, and Rufflet dashed at Ferroseed while trailing light blue energy, but Ferroseed used a quarter of its health to put a doll in, a Substitute, which Rufflet failed to destroy. As Rufflet, using another Aerial Ace at Ash's command destroyed the Substitute. However, this meant that Rufflet got spikes twice by Ferroseed's Iron Barbs Ability, taking a quarter of its' max health in damage. Then, Ferroseed struck with a grey claw, a Metal Claw, which did minor damage.
"Ouch, Rufflet's getting hurt. But I don't have much else to use. Rufflet, I'm sorry about you getting hurt, but you'll have to strike with Aerial Ace again" and Rufflet shook his head, he didn't care about getting hurt much, and struck Ferroseed with Aerial Ace, taking an eighth of its health in damage, the strike with sky blue energy did Minor damage. Ferroseed once again shielded itself with a Substitute using a quarter of its health.
"Rufflet, keep up the Aerial Aces" Ash commanded, knowing that Rufflet didn't mind getting hurt much, and Rufflet struck with sky blue streaked wings, and after two hits, destroyed the Substitute, which was rewarded by another Metal Claw, taking Minor damage.
"Alright Rufflet, let's catch this Ferroseed," Ash said and Rufflet pulled back. Ash then grabbed a Poké Ball and threw it at Ferroseed. The ball hits Ferroseed, captures it, shakes three times, then clicks.
"Alright, I got a Rufflet" Ash cheered, as Rufflet did as well.
Conclusion: Ferroseed captured.
Ash then healed up both Rufflet and Ferroseed, and Hilda said "That was a risky move Ash, I'm just glad Rufflet's OK"
"Yeah, but that's Rufflet and Braviary for you" Ash replied, to which Hilda nodded, and responded "Alright. Now we've got to get out of here", to which Ash nodded.
Meanwhile on the bottom floor of Chargestone Cave
One Team Rocket Grunt has managed to make his way to the bottom floor of Chargestone Cave, having caught five Ferroseed of his own. Having heard the end of the commotion upstairs, he takes a look and discovers not only his team, but Neo Team Plasma has retreated as well.
"I'd better get back. I have five Ferroseed, so I can at least help" he said to himself. He managed to get to the top floor when he ran into a Neo Team Plasma Grunt, Ash and Hilda.
"Uh oh," both the Neo Team Plasma Grunt and the Rocket Grunt said.
"Hilda, let's see how you handle a Team Rocket Grunt while I'll see how I handle a Neo Team Plasma Grunt," Ash said, to which Hilda replied "Sure, let's go" and they engaged their respective Grunts.
"Raticate, take them down" the Rocket Grunt called and Raticate materialised, to which Hilda replied "Stoutland, let's show them what we can do" and Stoutland materialised. The Neo Plasma Grunt, meanwhile, commanded "Krokorok, let's rule" and Krokorok materialised, to which Ash replied "Alright Rufflet, I choose you" and Rufflet materialised.
Battle: Stoutland and Dewott VS Raticate and Golbat
"Raticate, use Super Fang" the Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, and Raticate charged at Stoutland with super-empowered fangs and dealt half of Stoutland's health.
"Quick Stoutland, use Return" Hilda commanded, and Stoutland charged with white, heart-shaped energy, and struck, dealing Significant damage.
"Another Super Fang" the Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, but Hilda was ready this time and called "Stoutland, dodge it and use Return" and Stoutland narrowly avoided the Super Fang, then struck with the white heart-shaped cloaked form, KO'ing Raticate.
"Grr, Raticate return" the Neo Plasma Grunt called and Raticate was withdrawn, then Hilda added "Stoutland, return, well done" and Stoutland was withdrawn.
Hilda was more confident and ready to take on the next Pokémon this Grunt had.
"Golbat, take them down" the Grunt commanded, and Golbat materialised.
"A Golbat?" Hilda asked, and she got out her Pokédex.
"Golbat, the Bat Pokémon. Its sharp fangs puncture the toughest of hides and have small holes for greedily sucking blood" her Pokédex said. Hilda nodded, then added "Alright Dewott, let's show them what we can do" and Dewott materialised.
"Golbat, use Confuse Ray" the Rocket Grunt commanded, and Golbat shot an eerie, spectral light at Dewott, Confusing it.
"Oh no, Dewott, shake it off" Hilda commanded, and Dewott took a defensive stance, shaking its head, trying to shake off Confusion.
"Golbat, quick, Wing Attack" the Rocket Grunt /commanded, and Golbat's wings were cloaked in light blue energy and charged at Dewott, dealing Moderate damage. Incredibly, it did end Dewott's Confusion.
Golbat charged in for another Wing Attack, but Dewott and Hilda were now ready.
"Dewott, use Hidden Power" Hilda commanded, and Dewott shot orbs of ice at Golbat, dealing a quarter of Golbat's health in damage.
"Astonish, then Wing Attack" the Rocket Grunt commanded, and Golbat shot a spectral shout at Dewott, dealing Minor damage. However, Dewott did not Flinch.
"Dewott, strike with Retaliate" Hilda commanded, and Dewott's schalop glowed white, and it struck Golbat's wing, the Critical Hit dealing Minor damage, also allowing Dewott to avoid the Wing Attack.
"Grr, Bite that Otter" the Rocket Grunt commanded, and Golbat's fangs glowed with Anti-Positive energy and bit Dewott, dealing Minor damage and causing Dewott to Flinch.
"Uh oh," Hilda said, and the Rocket Grunt called "Now Golbat, use Wing Attack" and Golbat's wings glowed sky blue, to which Hilda replied "Dewott, use Hidden Power" and although Dewott was struck by the wings, taking Moderate damage and knocking Dewott into Torrent range, Dewott was also able to strike with the balls ice, dealing Moderate damage.
"End this Golbat, another Wing Attack" the Rocket Grunt commanded, while Hilda called "Dewott, use Water Pulse" and Dewott's ball of water, added on a blue glow, and shot it at Golbat, KO'ing it before it could hit Dewott.
"No, I lost. How? Grr, this isn't over" the Rocket Grunt said as he withdrew Golbat, and he ran for his life. Hilda's Dewott tried to shoot a glistening, cold wind, Icy Wind, at the Grunt, but he was too fast.
Conclusion: Stoutland and Samurott win
"Well done Dewott" Hilda cheered at Dewott, who nodded, smiled, then suddenly glowed. Gasping, Hilda said "Oh my god, Dewott's evolving", and soon enough, he roared "SAMUROTT!"
"Wow, a Samurott," Hilda said, and she got out her Pokédex.
"Samurott, the Formidable Pokémon and the final evolved form of Oshawott. Protected by armour, Samurott can defeat opponents with one sword swipe. Its glare can silence them as well." the Pokédex said. Hilda smiled, walked up, and gently patted her Samurott, and said "You've gotten so powerful Samurott", and at this, Samurott hugged his trainer, which she returned.
Meanwhile, with Ash
Battle: Rufflet and Ferroseed VS Krokorok and Garbodor
"Rufflet, use Slash" Ash commanded, and Rufflet charged at Krokorok while its claws were cloaked in white energy.
"Krokorok, use Dig to dodge it" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Krokorok avoided it by digging underground.
"Now rise up and use Crunch" the Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, but Ash was ready,
"Rufflet, listen out for Krokorok, then jump up and use Slash" he commanded, and Rufflet just avoided the Anti-Positive energy-covered mouth, and struck with its white-covered claws, dealing Considerable damage, the Crunch that hit still did Minor damage to Rufflet.
"Grr, take that Rufflet down with Assurance" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Krokorok's hand glowed with anti-positive energy, and it shot at Rufflet.
"Defend yourself with Rock Tomb" Ash commanded, and Rufflet's rocks were able to slow down Krokorok enough for Rufflet to avoid the attack.
"Now Slash" Ash called, while the Neo Plasma Grunt called "Assurance, again" and they both connected, dealing Considerable damage to Krokorok and Minor damage to Rufflet.
"End this Rufflet, use Aerial Ace" Ash commanded, and Rufflet dashed at Krokorok with sky-blue energy trailing, while the Neo Plasma Grunt responded "Crunch up this Rufflet" and Krokorok's mouth glowed with anti-positive energy, and struck, dealing Moderate damage. However, Ash had another idea.
"Rufflet, channel the flying energy into Krokorok" Ash commanded, and quickly, the energy struck Krokorok, and forced it to let go of Rufflet as it was KO'ed.
"Krokorok, return," the Neo Plasma Grunt said, and Ash called "Alright Rufflet, well done" and Rufflet cheered. Ash then added "Rufflet, return" and Rufflet was withdrawn.
"Garbodor, let's rule" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Garbodor materialised. Ash smiled, then said "Now for my new guy. Ferroseed, I choose you" and Ferroseed materialised.
"Alright Garbodor, use Thunderbolt" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Garbodor unleashed a blast of electricity, but Ash was ready.
"Ferroseed, use Substitute" Ash commanded, and Ferroseed used a quarter of its maximum health to generate a doll that it hid behind, withstood the Thunderbolt without breaking. Ferroseed then restored a slight amount of health with Leftovers.
"Garbodor, use Stockpile" the Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, and Garbodor glowed, and it raised its Defences. Smiling, Ash said "Well, if you're doing that, Ferroseed, use Leech Seed" and Ferroseed briefly leapt out from behind its doll and shot seeds at Garbodor, seeding it. Now, not only does Garbodor lost a Minor amount of health from Leech Seeed, but Ferroseed also restored a slight amount of health from Leftovers.
"So, uh, I'm just getting out of here. There's no chance of me winning" the Neo Plasma Grunt said as he withdrew Garbodor and ran for it.
Conclusion: Rufflet and Ferroseed wins
"Coward" Ash said, frustrated. He looked to his Ferroseed and said "Hey, Ferroseed, you did well. I can tell your family's a wall family" Ash said to comfort his Ferroseed, who turned to face Ash and nodded. After returning, Ash and Hilda met back up.
"Hey Ash, how did Ferroseed go?" Hilda asked when they met up, to which Ash replied "Ferroseed did well. I think that Garbodor wasn't expecting a Grass/Steel type, it forced that Neo Team Plasma Grunt to retreat"
"That's hilarious, but I guess they do have some sense of self-preservation" Hilda replied, smiling. Ash nodded, then said "Well, we had better find our way out of here, and get to the next City"
"Alright" Hilda responded, and they headed towards the nearest exit.
Soon, they exited the cave and reached Mistralton City.
"So, firstly, we should get our Pokémon healed, and contact our parents to update them on where we are," Ash said, to which Hilda nodded, and said "Sure" and they headed for the Pokémon Centre.
When they reached the Pokémon Centre, Ash and Hilda got their Pokémon healed, and while that happened they contacted their parents. Not only was their mothers there, but Hilbert was also there, as well as Professors Oak, Juniper and Cedric Juniper.
"Hey sweetie, how are you?" Hilda's mom asked, to which Hilda replied "I'm alright. I needed a day to recover after the fight with Team Rocket in Mistralton Cave, but I'm good now"
"Good to know. That day of rest and the Moo Moo Milk certainly helped" Hilda's mom replied, to which both Ash and Hilda nodded. Delia then asked "Where are you guys?", to which Ash replied "We've made it to Mistralton City"
"So you got through Chargestone Cave, cool" Profesor Oak replied, to which both Ash and Hilda nodded.
"So, bro, what is there to see in the area?" Hilda asked, to which Hilbert replied "Well, there's Mistralton Gym obviously. But, to the north, there's the Celestial Tower. I reckon there's a few powerful Pokémon you could both train off and, maybe even capture one or two"
"Well, not much of a case for me, as I already have a full team. But Hilda still has two Pokémon left to obtain" Ash replied, to which Hilbert replied "Alright"
"So, Celestial Tower is where?" Hilda asked, to which Hilbert replied "On the other side of Route 7. There's also the Twist Mountain, but I heard the entrance had partially collapsed recently"
"Oh dear, well, I guess we won't be going there, or to that part of Unova, for a while then" Hilda replied, to which Hilbert nodded.
"Well, it's good for you two to catch up. Oh, we have a piece of news" Professor Oak responded, to which both Ash and Hilda asked "Yeah?"
"Yeah. We're heading to Lentimas Town tomorrow, so, maybe we could meet up there?" Professor Juniper asked, to which Ash replied "Sure, that's a good idea"
"Great. I'll go inform Skyla, and she can get you over there" Professor Oak replied. Hilbert then added, "Keep taking care of my sister, alright Ash?" Hilbert asked, to which Ash replied "I will don't worry"
"Good. We'll see you when you two arrive at Lentimas Town" Hilbert replied, to which both Ash and Hilda nodded, and said, "See you then". The communication was then cut.
"So, would you like to take a quick tour of Mistralton City?" Hilda asked, to which Ash replied "Sure, once our Pokémon are healed", to which Hilda nodded. After a little while, their Pokémon were healed, and, after they were returned, they headed out.
The big place for them to visit was the Mistralton City Runaway, which dominated the city.
"This is the big place Hilbert talked about, the runaway is huge," Hilda said, to which a figure responded "Well, it is the freight capital of the Unova region", and when Ash and Hilda turned to face her, it was revealed to be Skyla.
"Hello, who are you?" Ash asked, to which she replied "I'm Skyla, the Gym Leader of this City"
"So you're Skyla, nice to meet you," Hilda said, and Skyla replied, "Nice to meet you, Hilda, you're Hilbert's little sister I assume?"
"Yes, I am" Hilda replied, smiling. She then turned to face Ash and said "And this is teacher, Ash from Pallet Town in the Kanto region", to which Skyla replied "Hello Ash, nice to meet you", to which Ash replied "It's nice to meet you Skyla. What role do you have here?"
"Well, I'm the Gym Leader of this City. But, before you challenge me, I recommend you head to Celestial Tower" Skyla replied, to which Ash and Hilda replied "Cool, tomorrow we can go there if you want"
"Sure" Skyla replied. She then said "Well, I had better get going. I'm also a pilot, so I'd better get going" and she departed, waving to Ash and Hilda, who returned the wave.
After exploring the rest of Mistralton City, Ash and Hilda return to the Pokémon Centre for the night, ready to head for Celestial Tower.
Meanwhile on Route 8
Petrel is overseeing the capture of the Stunfisk on Route 8 when a message comes through.
"General Petrel," Petrel said, and Giovanni's voice came through and asked, "General Petrel, how goes the capturing of Stunfisk?"
"Boss, we have captured the majority of our quota of Stunfisk" Petrel replied, to which Giovanni replied "That's the best we're going to have. Our mission in Chargestone Cave didn't work out as well as we had hoped, and our position has been compromised. For now, we need to pull out of Unova and regroup"
"What? Why? We've nearly caught enough Stunfisk, why?" Petrel asked, outraged, but Giovanni quickly quelled him, then said "At this moment, Brycen, formerly of the Icirrus Gym, is on his way to Route 8. You will not be able to defeat him should you engage him. Also, Neo Team Plasma defeated us in Chargestone Cave"
"Oh. What about Jessie and James?" Petrel asked, to which Giovanni replied "They'll have to pull out briefly as well, take them with you. We'll redeploy them soon. We have a base nearby, we can regroup there"
"Alright, Petrel out," Petrel said, and the communication was cut.
Petrel raced out, and called "Team Rocket, get over here, we have new orders". When the Rocket Grunts, including Jessie, James and Meowth, arrived, Petrel added "We have bad news. The Icirrus Gym Leader is on his way, and we don't stand a chance against him. Boss Giovanni has ordered us to retreat", to which there were a few outraged calls from the Grunts.
"Does that include us?" Jessie asked, to which Pretrel replied "Briefly, yes", and at this, Jessie, James and Meowth got onto the helicopter. After a few moments, the Grunts withdrew their Pokémon and also got on, and they departed.
As Team Rocket retreated, Brycen arrived and saw their ship.
"R. Who the hell is this? I had better inform the League about this, it seems like two terrorist organisations are operating in Unova" Brycen said, and he returned to Icirrus City.
When he returned, Brycen entered the former Icirrus City Gym and opened communication to Drayden.
"Brycen, what news do you have?" Drayden asked, to which Brycen replied "I found a group with a red R on their shirts stealing Stunfisk from Route 8. It seems that two terrorist organisations are operating in Unova, not just one"
"Two? We know Neo Team Plasma is operating, but the other group. A Red R. Thanks for informing me. I'll inform the other Gym Leaders, see if we can find out data about this group" Drayden replied, to which Brycen replied "I'll see what I can do as well"
"Good idea," Drayden said, and the communication was cut.