"Thanks again for coming today Ash." Janine said, as she led him through a back entrance to the Safari Zone.
"Not a problem, Cassie is back with Jigglypuff and Dratini, so she's good for now." Ash said.
"Cassie?" Janine asked confused.
"My little sister, she was at our battle." Ash reminded.
"Oh, okay." Janine said.
"So why'd you ask for my help anyways?" Ash asked.
"My dad always told me that part of the gym leaders responsibilities is to protect their city." Janine said. "And one of the camera systems caught this earlier today." Janine said handing Ash a photo.
"Team Rocket." Ash said recognizing the uniforms.
"I didn't want to go in alone, and felt that you would be good backup." Janine said. "Sorry if this might be too much for you."
"If they're causing problems, then I'll help any way I can." Ash said.
"Thanks Ash, the shack they were last seen at is just up here." Janine said. "Remember because we took a side entrance your Pokeballs still work."
"Thanks for the heads up." Ash said.
Looking over the window, he could see three rocket grunts inside at the moment.
"Three of them, and two of us, they usually aren't that strong, we should be able to take, get down!" Ash whispered, shoving Janine down.
"What was the ferrrr?!" Janine argued as Ash shushed her.
"That guy that just went in, his name is Revan, he's one of their top guys." Ash warned. "I thought he was in prison."
"Well it looks like he got out." Janine said. "What's our plan?"
"Call for backup, last time I only stood a chance because of Lt. Surge." Ash said.
"Ash, you are the backup here." Janine reminded.
"Right, first things first, we need to find out what their plan is." Ash said.
"Up there, an open window." Janine said.
"That's great, but it's too high up for… and you can just jump up there." Ash said as Janine leapt up and into the window.
Ash looked through the window on the ground, keeping an eye on Team Rocket, waiting to see if Janine made it to a hearing spot.
"Hello Ash." Revan said coldly.
"Revan! How?!" Ash exclaimed spinning around.
"A Ditto is a convincing disguise." Revan said.
"Is that how you escaped prison?!" Ash accused.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Revan said, knocking Ash out.
A bit later
"Ash, Ash, wake up!" Janine said.
"Oww, what happened?" Ash asked.
"We got caught." Janine said plainly. "They're planning on bringing in their boss."
"So how are we going to escape?" Ash asked.
"I'm, I'm not sure." Janine said worriedly. "What are we going to do! My dad is going to freak out!"
"Be quiet, I think I hear someone coming." Ash whispered.
"Fetch?" A Farfetch'd said opening the door.
"Are Farfetch'd common around here?" Ash asked.
"I don't think they're common anywhere." Janine said.
"Fetch. Farfetch'd!" The Farfetch'd said, slicing the ropes with its leek.
"Thank you?" Ash said in confusion. "Now we have to find our Pokémon."
"Fetch." Farfetch'd said, leading them to another room.
On a table was five Pokeballs, and a knocked out Pikachu.
"I've got you buddy." Ash said grabbing Pikachu. "All of your Pokémon accounted for?"
"Yeah, they're all here." Janine said.
"Let's go find them." Ash said. "Thanks Farfetch'd…. He's gone."
"I wonder where he came from." Janine said.
In the center of the Safari Zone
"Subject twos energy is all over this lake. I don't care if we have to blow it up, we need to get it back!" Revan barked.
"Hold it Team Rocket!" Ash exclaimed.
"Don't you know when to give up kid?" Revan said angrily.
"Usually not." Ash said. "Pikachu let's do this!"
"Arbok, sick em." Revan said coldly.
"Janine, stop the grunts, I've got this guy." Ash said.
"Arbok use Screech!"
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
Arbok let out an ear piercing scream as Pikachu launched a burst of electricity at the snake.
"Arbok use Poison Sting!"
"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu ran forward, narrowly dodging the poisonous attack as he leapt into Arbok's body.
"Arbok use Wrap!"
With Pikachu close by, Arbok easily squeezed the electric type tightly.
"What are you going to do now, Thunderbolt only works at a range, and he can't move for Quick Attack." Revan taunted.
"Pikachu, use Thunder!" Ash shouted.
A storm built up in the sky as bolts of electricity shot down zapping Pikachu and Arbok.
"Ash, we have a problem!" Janine shouted.
"A little busy!" Ash shouted back.
"If you were smart, you'd get out of here." Revan taunted. "This whole place will be a crater soon enough."
Ash rushed over to Janine to see a strange box.
"What is it?" Ash asked.
"If I had to guess, it's a bomb." Janine said worriedly.
"We have to evacuate!" Ash said.
"The entire Safari Zone?!" Janine exclaimed. "It's miles wide!"
"Okay, then we need to move the bomb!" Ash exclaimed, trying to lift it. "Nope, we need another new plan."
"What if we disarm it?" Janine asked.
"Do you know how?" Ash asked.
"No, and I'm guessing you don't." Janine said.
"No." Ash said. "But I have an idea! Pikachu short it out with a Thunderbolt!"
"Will that work, I'm not sure, but we have ten seconds left. Do it Pikachu!" Ash said.
Pikachu sent a burst of electricity out at the bomb, the timer stopping. The group waited in fear as they huddled, hoping it wouldn't go off.
"Janine! Are you out here!" Koga shouted.
"I'm over here!" Janine said. "We have a slight problem."
Koga ran over seeing the unresponsive Bomb.
"I saw Team Rocket running out of here and came to check on you. Are you two okay?" Koga asked.
"Yeah, we're fine, thanks to Ash." Janine said.
"Ash, you have my gratitude, you saved my Safari Zone, and more importantly my daughter." Koga said.
"It was nothing, I'm just glad it worked." Ash said.
"Nonetheless, today you were a hero, I won't forget this." Koga said.
Character of the day: Janine
As a newer gym leader I feel it makes sense for her to ask for help from a fellow trainer than ask her father and the previous gym leader for these sorts of things.