Author's Notes: This is a really short chapter, and I'm sorry...But at least it's an update!
Peach's Thunder Bolt confused the hybrids, giving Charizard the chance to let loose a powerful Fire Blast that knocked out Schlangelef. Rocheroi retaliated, however, causing Charizard to cry out in pain.
Peach growled at Rocheroi, then she promptly began running around him in circles. With Rocheroi occupied by Peach, it didn't take very long for Charizard to finish Rocheroi off.
"Mewspit," growled Starr. "Confused by a stupid rat."
"We can't do anymore in here. We need to go report!" Belle said, and they dropped A.J. and ran out of the room.
Charizard gave a victory roar, and Peach began cleaning herself.
Riviera led Ash and Pikachu straight to Lawrence, and she whimpered, "Kitty?"
Lawrence nodded at her, "In a minute, Riviera." He looked at Ash and Pikachu. "Back again, I see."
"What have you done to my daughter?" Ash hissed.
"I haven't done anything," Lawrence said calmly.
"Why do you have all those Pokéballs? What kind of operation do you have going on here?"
Lawrence gave him a serene gaze. "What do you think?"
"You're making hybrids...Do those Pokéballs have original Pokémon or clones?" Ash demanded.
"Originals, of course. We need originals to make our hybrids. Clones just don't last as long as they used to, I'm afraid."
Ash stared at him. "What do you mean?"
Lawrence shrugged. "Over time, our clones and hybrids...deteriorate. It has been a recurring problem over the years, and to my knowledge only one such Pokémon has not had problems with this breakdown...Though our hybrids are stronger than their predecessors, it only lasts for a while...It's a problem that we have been unable to solve yet."
Ash's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What do you mean "we"? Who are you working with?"
Lawrence moved his head to gaze over Ash's shoulder as Riviera gave a squeal of surprise. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"
Charizard looked at Peach. Try to wake A.J. up, he suggested.
Peach scampered over to her trainer and gave him a light jolt of electricity.
"Wha-" A.J. shot up. Blinking at Peach, he asked, "What happened?"
Peach amusedly pantomimed A.J.'s being knocked out, and he groaned. "What should we do now?"
Charizard yawned, and Peach looked at A.J.
"Okay," A.J. sighed. He looked around, "Did the other Pokémon get away?"
"Pi," Peach nodded.
"Charizard, how about you go try to find the other Pokémon, while Peach and I go look for Rivieria or Dad?"
Charizard gave a grunt of assent before leaving the room.
"Come on, Peach," A.J. instructed, and the little Electric mouse followed him out the door. An idea struck A.J. "Hey, Peach, can you smell Dad?"
Peach gave him a disgruntled look that said, I am too dignified to do that.
A.J. sighed. Okay, he had to remember how to transform into a Growlithe...His dad had tried teaching him one day...He tried once, nothing. Twice, nothing. Finally, he tried one more time and managed to do it. "Growl," he gave a toothy grin to Peach. He lifted his head into the air and began sniffing.
Hm, what did his dad smell like? Whew, there must be some garbage around here somewhere...Oh, wait, he found the scent! Howling, he went bounding off, Peach tailing him.
