Just as they finished eating, Cynthia asked: "Hey Hilda, how did you obtain a Fire Stone to evolve your Pansear into Simisear?"
"I didn't. I don't know how by my Pansear evolved into Simisear by triggering Blaze during my Gym Battle against Burgh" Hilda replied. Simisear then walked over and started drawing on the ground.
"What's Simisear writing?" Hilda asked and, after a few moments, Simisear stepped back. Ash, Hilda and Cynthia approached and started to read.
"I touched a piece of a Fire Stone during training for the Castelia City Gym. It wasn't enough to evolve me on its own, but, when it was combined with the adrenaline rush from my Blaze Ability, that was enough to trigger evolution in me" the words read.
"That's very unusual," Cynthia said, to which both Ash and Hilda nodded.
"Well, that would explain it" Hilda replied, smiling and hugging her Simisear, who returned it.
Ash and Hilda then spent a bit of time getting a little training in, which Hilda uses to get some of her Pokémon to practice spinning, while Ash took it a step further, and both his Emboar and Ferrothorn start practising the Counter Shield technique.
As Ferrothorn practised, Ash said to himself "The Counter Shield is a perfect technique for Ferrothorn, the perfect complement to a defensive Pokémon"
However, this training was interrupted by an explosion.
"What the?" Ash asked, as he, Cynthia and Hilda looked towards a nearby town, and they see the smoke pouring from the nearby town.
"Something's going on in Lacunosa Town, let's go," Cynthia said, and the three of them headed for the Town.
At the same time, two Neo Team Plasma Grunts were planning to ambush Ash, Hilda and Cynthia at the entrance to Lacunosa Town, were ambushed by Jessie and James.
"What the? Grr, so Team Rocket have infiltrated Unova" one of the Grunts said, to which James replied "Yep, and now we're going to show you the power of Team Rocket".
When Ash, Hilda and Cynthia reach Lacunoa Town, Jessie said "We'll hold off these two Neo Team Plasma Grunts, you guys go after Zinzolin", to which Ash, Hilda and Cynthia nodded, and headed off in pursuit.
"Sneasel, let's rule," one Neo Plasma Grunt said, while the other one added "Raticate, let's rule" and both Sneasel and Raticate materialised.
"We have encountered both of these Pokémon before. Hell, Team Rocket USES these Pokémon. Seismitoad, let's go" James said and Seismitoad materialised, before hugging James.
"Hey, we're in a battle here, we can hug later," James said, though he did return it. Jessie then called "Alright then, Conkeldurr, let's go" and Conkeldurr materialised.
Battle: Seismitoad and Conkeldurr VS Basculin-Red, Basculin-Blue, Sneasel and Raticate
"Sneasel, use Fake Out" the Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, while the other Neo Plasma Grunt commanded "Raticate, use Hyper Fang" and both Sneasel and Raticate dashed at Conkeldurr, Sneasel's claws and Raticate's fangs glowing white, but James was ready with a counter.
"Seismitoad,. Protect yourself and Conkeldurr" James commanded, and Seismitoad got in front of Conkleudrr and threw up a barrier, which both Sneasel and Raticate bounced off of.
"Quick Conkeldurr, use Rock Slide" Jessie commanded, and Conkeldurr caused Rocks to rise up and fly at Sneasel and Raticate, dealing Moderate damage to the latter, and Significant damage to the former.
"Sneasel, quick use Ice Shard" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, while the other Neo Plasma grunt called "Raticate, Sucker Punch" and Sneasel lobbed a shard of ice at Seismitoad, and as James commanded "Seismitoad, dodge it and use Hydro Pump", the other Neo Plasma Grunt called "Raticate, use Sucker Punch". Jessie, however, was also ready.
"Conkeldurr, smash that Sneasel with Mach Punch" and Conkeldurr's fist glowed with Orange energy, and shot at Sneasel, tanking the Ice Shard, taking Slight damage, then proceeded to KO Sneasel.
"Grr, Sneasel, return" the Neo Plasma Grunt called and Sneasel was retrieved.
Meanwhile, Raticate struck Seismitoad with Sucker Punch, dealing Minor damage. Seismitoad then shot a big blast of water at Raticate, dealing Significant damage.
"Conkeldurr, use Mach Punch to end that Rat" Jessie called, and Conkeldurr's fist glowed orange, and he dashed rapidly at Raticate, KO'ing it.
"No, Raticate, return," the Neo Plasma Grunt said and Raticate was withdrawn.
"We have one Pokémon left each," the first Neo Plasma Grunt said, before they both called "Basculin, let's rule" and Basculin materialised.
Both Basculin breaks the mold.
"Basculin, use Aqua Tail" both Neo Plasma Grunts called, and the Basculin's cloaked their tails in water and charged at Conkeldurr.
"Seismitoad, stop them with Protect" James called, and Seismitoad protected both Seismitoad and Conkeldurr from the double Aqua Tail.
"Respond, quick, use Rock Slide," Jessie said, and Conkeldurr threw some rocks up and onto the Basculin's, dealing Moderate damage to both.
"Seismitoad, quick, use Earth Power" James commanded, and Seismitoad generated a blast of light brown energy at one of the Basculin, dealing about half of the Bascilin's health.
"Basculin, use Aqua Jet" one of the Neo Plasma Grunts called, while Jessie called "Conkeldurr, use Mach Punch" and Basculin cloaked itself in an arrow of water, while Conkeldurr's fist was cloaked in orange energy, and they both shot at each other quickly. Conkeldurr took Minor damage, and Basculin was KO'ed.
"No, Basculin, return, how did I lose?" the Neo Team Plasma Grunt said as his Basculin was withdrawn.
"Aqua Tail that Conkeldurr, Basculin" the other Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, and Basculin's tail was cloaked in water, and struck Conkeldurr, dealing Minor damage.
"Return the favour Seismitoad, use Hyper Beam" James commanded, and Seismitoad unleashed a devastating beam of red-white energy at Basculin, dealing Significant damage.
"End this Conkeldurr, use Hammer Arm" Jessie called, and Conkeldurr's entire arm glowed orange, and struck Basculin, KO'ing it.
"Argh! How did we lose?" the other Neo Plasma Grunt called as he withdrew his Basculin.
Winner: Seismitoad and Conkeldurr.
"And that is the power of Team Rocket" Jessie proclaimed as James hugged his Seismitoad in thanks for victory.
"Grr," both Neo Plasma Grunts said. Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of them. It had white hair, dark eyes wore a black headband and mask, and wore a mix of grey and black over his body.
"Who are you?" Jessie asked, to which the figure replied "I am one of, what is called the Shadow Triad. So, that's the power of Team Rocket. Interesting, you two are definitely more threatening than I thought. But I am not here to battle you. However, I must not allow you to interfere further in our plans. If you mess with us again, my brothers and I will strike you down personally" the figure replied. He then grabbed the two defeated Neo Plasma Grunts, then said "As for you two, I'll send you two back to the ship, where you will receive your punishment and reward, for slowing down Team Rocket, and for being totally humiliated by them" and at that, the three of them teleported away.
"Well, that was really weird. We'd better report the Shadow Triad to the boss" Jessie said, to which Meowth replied "Yeah, the boss did tell us to inform him of new developments, so we'd better do that"
"Definitely," James said, and the three of them departed for a nearby Hidden Grotto.
Meanwhile with Ash, Hilda and Cynthia
Ash said to Hilda and Cynthia, as they pursued Zinzolin and the Neo Plasma Grunt, "Why the hell is Team Rocket fighting Neo Team Plasma? Cynthia, do you have any idea?" to which Cynthia replied "I suspect that Team Rocket need Neo Team Plasma out of the way for whatever they have planned"
"Right. So, how about we crush them once we're done with Neo Team Plasma?" Hilda asked, to which Cynthia replied "I don't think we're going to have enough time to do that before they retreat again, so we should focus on Neo Team Plasma"
"Right" Both Ash and Hilda replied, and they continue to pursue Zinzolin and the Neo Plasma Grunt.
As they continued to chase, Ash said "We're not going to catch them, to which Cynthia responded "Actually, I have an idea to stop them" and at this, she said "Spiritomb, battle dance!" and Spiritomb materialised.
"Now sneak ahead of those two and stop their escape," Cynthia said, and Spiritomb nodded, then disappeared into the shadows.
"What's Spiritomb doing Cynthia?" Hilda asked, to which Cynthia replied "Blocking off their escape", and sure enough, a few moments later, Spiritomg emerged in front of both Zinzolin and the Neo Plasma Grunt.
"Spiritomb? Well, nothing you can't handle Beartic. Ice Punch" and Beartic cloaked its fist with ice, and Punched Spiritomb, dealing Slight damage.
"Did you seriously command your Beartic to Punch a Pokémon more than double the level of your Pokémon?" Cynthia asked, a bemused expression on her face, to which Zinzolin turned, and replied "Cynthia? What are you doing here?"
"I've been spending time here, and I was on my way to Opelucid City to talk to Drayden" Cynthia replied. Zinzolin then said "Oh. Well, I'm sorry about that. However, Ash and Hilda, you two have been very troublesome"
"Why have you stayed with Team Plasma?" Hilda asked, to which Zinzolin replied "he reason I am still part of Team Plasma is this: I want to know how the world will change. Listen. Pokémon are nature. Poké Balls are civilization. Humans who are used to civilization don't relinquish it easily. Of course, both nature and civilization are important. But what will happen to a world taken over by Team Plasma? People will be forced to throw out Poké Balls-a product of civilization. I want to know what that looks like! And I want to enjoy it!"
"We're going to stop you. Prepare to be crushed" Ash said, while Hilda said "Neo Plasma Grunt, you shall not interfere" and Cynthia threw something between the four of them, to separate the two battles, so neither can interfere in the other's battle.
Firstly, Hilda VS Neo Plasma Grunt
"You underestimate my power, and that'll be your downfall" the Neo Plasma Grunt taunted, to which Hilda replied "We'll see about that"
"That we will. Now Cofagrigus, let's rule" the Neo Plasma Grunt called back, and Cofagrigus materialised.
"Alright then. Samurott, let's show them what we can do" Hilda called, and Samurott materialised.
Battle: Samurott and Eelektrik VS Cofagrigus and Sharpedo
"Samurott, use Surf," Hilda said, and Samurott launched a wave of water at Cofagrigus, and dealt about a quarter of its max health in damage.
"Disable that attack Cofagrigus" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Cofagrigus shot a stream of yellow at Samurott.
"Samurott, stop that with Hidden Power" Hilda called, and Smaurott generated balls of ice and fired them at the Disable, so instead of Surf being Disabled, Hidden Power was instead.
"Not bad on that move Hilda. Now Cofagrigus, use Shadow Ball" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Cofagrigus shot a ball of spectral energy at Samurott, dealing Moderate damage.
"Respond, use Surf" Hilda called, to which the Neo Plasma Grunt responded "Protect yourself Cofagrigus" and Cofagrigus blocked the Surf with a barrier.
"Now retaliate with Shadow Ball," the Neo Plasma Grunt said, and Cofagrigus shot another ball of Spectral energy at Samurott, but Hilda got an idea.
"Destroy it with Megahorn" Hilda called, and Samurott's horn glowed teal, and struck the Shadow Ball, destroying it.
"Now, follow up with Surf" Hilda called, and Smaurott immediately shot a wave of water at Cofagrigus from much closer, so close, in fact, that Cofagrigus wasn't able to react in time, and took about another quarter of its health in damage.
"I didn't think that was possible" the Neo Plasma Grunt, to which Hilda replied "Er, honestly, neither did I. But I'll take it. Another Surf" but before Samurott could launch the next wave, Neo Plasma Grunt called "Cofagrigus, use another Shadow Ball" and the Spectral Ball shot at Samurott hit and did Moderate damage. However, Samurott was still able to strike with the Surf, and deal about a quarter of its health in damage.
"End this Cofagrigus, use Energy Ball" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, but with the Disable finished, Hilda got an idea.
"Samurott, use Hidden Power to block, then end this with Surf" Hilda commanded, and as Cofagrigus shot a ball of natural energy at Samurott generated balls of ice, and shot it at Energy Ball, which both met and exploded. Then, Samurott's wave of water washed away Cofagrigus, KO'ing it.
"Argh! Cofagrigus, return" the Neo Plasma Grunt said, and Cofagrigus was withdrawn.
"Now then, Sharpedo, let's rule," the Neo Plasma Grunt said, and Sharpedo materialised.
"Sharpedo, use Crunch" the Neo Plasma Grunt commanded, while Hilda commanded "Samurott, use Megahorn" and Sharpedo cloaked its fangs with anti-positive energy, and charged at Samurott, while Samurott's horn glowed teal and he charged at Sharpedo. dealing Considerable damage to Samurott and activating Torrent, while almost KO'ing Sharpedo.
"Samurott, return," Hilda said and Samurott was withdrawn. She then continued with "Eelektrik, let's show them what we can do" and Eelektrik materialised.
"Quick, Sharpedo, use Aqua Jet, and keep going with that" the Neo Plasma Grunt called, and Sharpedo cloaked itself in an arrow of water, and charged at Eelektrik. The first hit did Minor damage, and as Sharpedo went in for a second Aqua Jet, Hilda called "Eelektrik, use Spark" and Eeketrik cloaked itself with electrical energy, and as soon as Sharpedo collided with Eelektrik with Aqua Jet, Eelektrik took Minor damage, and Sharpedo was KO'ed.
"No, how did I lose so easily?" the Neo Plasma Grunt said as he withdrew Eelektrik.
Conclusion: Samurott and Eelektrilk wins
"Woohoo, well done Samurott and Eelektrik" Hilda called, and she brought Samurott back in and hugged both Eelektrik and Samurott, which Samurott returns and Eelektrik returned by gently wrapping itself around both of them.
"Good job Hilda, you've definitely honed your thinking on your feet skills," Cynthia said, to which Hilda replied "Thanks Cynthia, I can thank Ash for his role in that, along with the Gym Leaders I've faced"
"That's good to hear" Cynthia replied, and they both smiled as Hilda healed up Samurott and Eelektrik, before returning them to their balls. They then turned their attention to the Ash VS Zinzolin battle.
Meanwhile with Ash VS Zinzolin
Ash stared down Zinzolin, who taunts "When I crush you, your little friend Hilda will follow easily if my Grunt doesn't defeat her first"
"Considering I've been guiding and advising her for this journey, that won't happen. Not only that, but you're saying that when you lost to a Gym Leader that you have a type advantage against" Ash responded, to which Zinzolin snapped back "Clay prepared for me, and even then it was only luck that he defeated me. I'll show my power by crushing you, and show the Gym Leaders who've got the power in Unova"
"We'll have to see about that. Emboar, I choose you" Ash responded, and Emboar materialised. Zinzolin sniggered, then called "Cryogonal, let's chill the world" and Cryogonal materialised.
"A Cryogonal?" Ash asked, and he got his Pokédex out to scan it.
"Cryogonal, the Crystallizing Pokémon. Created in snow clouds, Cryogonal makes ice crystal chains and use them to capture prey." Ash's Pokédex said, to which Ash nodded, and the battle kicked off.
Meanwhile with Jessie, James and Meowth
After a quick retreat, the Team Rocket Trio reach a Hidden Grotto and hide inside it. They open a communication link, and after a few moments, Giovanni appeared.
"This had better be important," Giovanni said, to which Jessie responded "We've got news about a discovery we've made recently about members of Neo Team Plasma"
"Then give it, I'm very busy" Giovanni replied. James then said "There are three ninja-like people that work for Neo Team Plasma"
"How do you know this?" Giovanni asked, to which Meowth replied "The ninja teleported in, confronted us, then teleported two Neo Plasma Grunts we thrashed away"
"Thanks for informing me about this. Be careful around them" Giovanni said, to which Jessie, James and Meowth nod, and reply "We will boss"
"Alright, good luck," Giovanni said, and the communication was cut.
"What do we do now?" James asked, to which Jessie replied "Well, we may need to do a bit more training before we confront Neo Team Plasma again, but we also need to know what Neo Team Plasma is planning to attack nest"
"Good idea" James replied, and they departed again.
Soon, Jessie, James and Meowth spot two Neo Plasma Grunts talking. Hiding nearby, they hear the conversation.
"So, the DNA Splicers. Do we know where they are?" one Neo Plasma Grunt asked, to which the other Neo Plasma Grunt replied "I've heard the Gym Leader Drayden has them, so Opelucid City is where the next attack is planned"
"Perfect. Drayden's a user of Dragon-type Pokémon, so the cold will be disadvantageous for him, and advantageous for us" the first Grunt responded, to which the other one added "Especially with the Ice Task Force under Zinzolin"
"That'd be a good idea. Also, we do have the Shadow Triad as a last resort. the full power of Kyruem will be revealed with that item" the other Neo Plasma Grunt said as they went past Team Rocket's hiding spot.
As they depart, Jessie turned to face James, and said "How do we inform Drayden about this?" to which James replied, "You think we could send an anonymous message?"
"Sounds like a plan" Meowth replied. James then added, "Do you think we should get another Pokémon each that has an advantageous type against Ice?"
"Sounds like another good plan. Let's do it" Jessie replied, to which both James and Meowth nodded, and they departed.
A/N: Ash VS Zinzolin will start at the beginning of the following chapter.