Episode 18: It Keeps Going, Going, Gone!

We join our heroes at the first leg of their trip to Atmos City, and they seem to be taking a break for a well-deserved picnic lunch.

As explained, Ash, Brock, Brenda, and all of their Pokémon are gathered around a picnic table. The Pokémon are all eating Pokémon food while Brock is serving sandwiches to Ash and Brenda. Brock says, "There's plenty to go around, so dig in!"

Ash and Brenda both say excitedly, "Oh boy!" as they dig into their food.

Brenda states between bites, "Your food is so good Brock, I don't know how I ever went without it!"

Brock, who's taking a sandwich for himself, responds, "Oh it's nothing that special."

Ash laughs. "You're joking Brock, no one makes food better than yours!"

Pikachu nods in agreement as it reaches to pick up another piece of food. "Pika." Pikachu accidently drops its piece of Pokémon food, which then proceeds to roll towards some bushes.

Brenda points out, "Hey, look at that!" She points towards the bushes, from which a Pokémon emerges. The Pokémon bears a resemblance to a fluffy, yellow rabbit. It has orange spots on each of its cheeks, and black tips on the top of its ears. It has a black cotton-like tail as well. It curiously sniffs at the dropped Pokémon food and then picks it up and eats it.

Ash pulls out his Pokédex. "I've never seen that Pokémon before."

"Rabbolt, the Electric Rabbit Pokémon, and an Electric-Type. Rabbolt generate static electricity in their fluffy tails, which is then stored in the electric pouches. The electricity it charges can be used to protect itself. When a group of Rabbolt are threatened, they will simultaneously release all of their stored energy, effectively fending off any predator. Rabbolt does not Evolve."

Brenda comments, "Hey, it kind of looks like Pikachu!"

Brock nods. "You're right."

Ash looks confused. "I don't see what you mean. It looks nothing like Pikachu."

Rabbolt cautiously approaches the group. Brenda says, "Hey, it looks like you have another fan of your cooking Brock."

"Yeah, it would seem so." He looks at Rabbolt. "There's plenty for you if you'd like some."

Rabbolt approaches Pikachu's food bowl and sniffs it. "Rab?"

Pikachu picks up a piece of food and offers it to Rabbolt. "Pika."

Brock observes, "Aww, that's cute." The three turn back to their food for a moment.

As soon as all human eyes are off it, Rabbolt's cute and innocent look turns into a scowl. It slaps the food out of Pikachu's hand and then starts eating out of Pikachu's bowl. Pikachu says in shock, "Pik!?" Pikachu then pushes Rabbolt back.

Rabbolt for a moment grins mischievously, and then suddenly starts to cry, "Rabbolt!"

Brenda looks over and scolds, "Pikachu, where are your manners?"

Pikachu looks shocked. "Pik!?" Pikachu realizes what just happened and then shakes its heads and arms as if to deny everything. "Chu! Pika!" He points frantically at Rabbolt. Rabbolt cries more.

Ash asks, "What happened Pikachu?"

Pikachu holds up a piece of food, and then, doing its best imitation of Rabbolt, it knocks the food out of its own hand and then goes down and starts eating the food.

Brenda walks over to Rabbolt and picks it up, attempting to comfort it. She asks, "Poor little Rabbolt, did that meanie Pikachu knock you over?" Rabbolt sniffles and nods. She looks at Ash. "Ash, you'd better tell Pikachu that that wasn't nice."

Ash looks doubtful. "I don't know, Pikachu seems to think that it wasn't that simple…"

Pikachu nods. "Pika."

Brenda pours an extra bowl of food and places it down. She then places Rabbolt down next to it. "There, why don't you just eat that, and," she picks up Pikachu and its food bowl, and moves them both to the other side of the table, away from all of the other Pokémon, "we'll just move this rude Pikachu over here."

Pikachu looks upset. It looks up to Ash in question. Ash shrugs, unsure of what to say. Pikachu sighs, "Pikkkk…" and returns to eating. Ash, Brock, and Brenda also go back to eating. Pikachu looks over towards Rabbolt. Rabbolt notices it and makes a taunting face at Pikachu by pulling down an eyelid and sticking out its tongue. Pikachu tilts its head. "Pika?"

The group has packed up after lunch. Brock asks, "Alright, are you guys ready to get a move on?"

Ash nods. "You bet." He takes out two Pokéballs. "Alright guys, return." He calls back Turcell and Apprentichick." Brock and Brenda do the same with their Pokémon. Ash lowers his arm and Pikachu jumps on.

Rabbolt notices this. As if not to be outdone, Rabbolt jumps up and lands on Brenda's shoulders. Brenda looks at it with surprise. "Hi there, do you want to travel with us for a little bit?"

Rabbolt smiles and nods. "Rabbolt!"

Pikachu sighs. "Chuuuu…"

Who's That Pokémon!?

This Pokémon makes a hole in a suitable rock. If that rock breaks, the Pokémon remains agitated until it locates a replacement.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda are now hiking down a trail, heading towards the next town. They don't notice it, but Team Rocket's balloon is floating right behind them. James is straining his eyes to get a good look at them. He asks, "Is it just me, or am I seeing double?"

Jessie looks as well. "You're right, the Twerps picked up a second Pikachu!"

James exclaims, "Two times the Pikachu means to times the reward!"

Meowth, who's looking at them via binoculars says, "Look again you morons, that's not a Pikachu!"

Jessie snatches the binoculars and takes another look. "So it isn't…what is it?"

James takes a turn. "Hmm…" He pulls out a stack of cards and searches through them. He stops at a card. "Aha, that's it. According to this, that Pokémon is a Rabbolt. They may be similar to a Pikachu, but they're actually completely different."

Meowth sums up, "So it wouldn't be worth our time to try to catch it."

Jessie nods. "Then it's back to our original plan, let's nab that Pikachu!"

James and Meowth nod in agreement, and both say, "Right!"

Meowth asks, "Do you guys remember the plan?" Jessie and James nod.

The balloon lowers and James throws a Pokéball. "Go Haking! Use Smokescreen!"

James' Pokémon appears. "Hak Haking hak!" Haking lets out a cloud of dark smoke, making it impossible to see.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda can be heard coughing. Brock asks, "Hey, what gives!?"

Within a few moments, the smoke clears, and Team Rocket can be seen flying away, carrying a bag. Jessie shouts, "Guess who just won for once!" They fly out of sight.

Ash looks to Brock and Brenda and asks, "What just happened?" He looks to his shoulder, which still contains Pikachu. Brock shrugs.

Brenda realizes something is wrong. She shouts, "They took Rabbolt right off my shoulder!"

Ash laughs. "It looks like they grabbed the wrong Pokémon!" Pikachu joins his laughter.

Brenda asserts, "We have to rescue Rabbolt! It may not be my Pokémon, but it was under my care when Team Rocket took it. We can't let them get away with this!"

Brock nods. "I agree. No Pokémon should be stolen by the likes of Team Rocket."

Ash looks to Pikachu. "What do you think buddy?" Pikachu sighs and reluctantly nods.

It's Dwebble!

Team Rocket has landed their balloon in a craggy canyon. James holds up a bag with triumph. He proclaims, "Behold, I present to you the future of Team Rocket!"

Meowth and Jessie clap. Meowth shouts, "Bravo!"

Jessie cheers, "We win!"

James places the sack down on the floor in between them. "Now, let's just take a little looksee at our destiny."

He opens that sack, revealing Rabbolt inside of it. It tilts its head and looks at them quizzically. "Rab? Bolt?"

Team Rocket's victory celebration is instantly cut short. Jessie states, "James…that's not a Pikachu…"

Meowth is furious. He uses Furry Swipes on James' face and shouts, "You grabbed the wrong bag! What are you, blind!?"

James sulks, "To be fair, my Haking is a little too good at what it does. Not that I would ever blame my precious Haking."

Jessie shouts, "Then it's your fault!"

Rabbolt just watches with curiosity.

James is still slowly backing away from the others, who stomp towards him angrily. "Now come on guys, let's not do anything we'll regret."

Jessie replies, "Maybe you should have thought about that before you screwed up!"

James looks at Rabbolt and suddenly inspiration crosses his face. "Hey guys, I've got an idea!"

Jessie and Meowth stop. Meowth asks, "And what would this idea be?"

James leans in and whispers something to the other two. They nod, apparently pleased. Jessie says, "That might just be crazy enough to work."

Team Rocket returns their attention to Rabbolt, looking at it menacingly. Rabbolt appears scared and confused. "Rabbolt?"

Team Rocket leaps at Rabbolt and in a hurry that creates a large dust cloud that obscures their actions. After a series of quick movements, they jump out of the way. Rabbolt, looking more confused than ever, now sits on the floor in between them, it now has yellow cones over its ears and a paper tail that resembles Pikachu's taped to its back. "Bolt?"

James declares, "And voila! Instant Pikachu!" Jessie and Meowth both looked thrilled.

Rabbolt scratches its head, causing one of the fake ears to fall off. Team Rocket's joy instantly subsides. Meowth states, "Well…so much for that…" Rabbolt shakes off its other accessories. Jessie and James sigh.

From behind a rock, a Pachirisu walks into view. It looks around, trying to figure out what's going on. Rabbolt notices its presence and hops over to it. Pachirisu says, "Pachi pa!"

Rabbolt replies, "Rabbolt!"

James asks, "Meowth, what are they saying?"

Meowth responds, "Pachirisu is greeting Rabbolt as a fellow Electric-Type buddy, while Rabbolt responded likewise."

Pachirisu smiles. "Pachi pachi!"

Rabbolt suddenly changes its demeanor and attacks Pachirisu with and electric jolt. Pachirisu runs away frightened by the sudden attack, but not appearing hurt. Rabbolt laughs. "Rab rab rab rab rab!" Rabbolt pulls down and eyelid and sticks out its tongue, like it did to Pikachu earlier.

Team Rocket is surprised by the sudden change in Rabbolt's attitude. Rabbolt turns back around towards Team Rocket and smiles. Meowth asks, "What was that?"

Rabbolt answers, "Rab Rabbolt rab bolt rab."

Meowth translates, "Apparently Rabbolt will be nice and friendly towards most, but if it sees another Pokémon that's an Electric-Type, especially one that is of similar shape and size to it, it turns all competitive and mischievous. It sees them as a rival."

James states, "That's odd."

Jessie seems to have had an idea. She pulls James and Meowth to the side. She whispers, "Guys that gives me an idea. I'd say that Pikachu qualifies as Pokémon that looks similar Rabbolt. Maybe we can use that competitive nature of its to help us capture Pikachu."

James exclaims, "Great idea!"

Meowth adds, "You're a genius Jess!"

Team Rocket then moves to gather around Rabbolt. Jessie, using a fake sounding, affectionate voice, offers, "Hey my little cutie Rabbolt, I happen to know a pesky little Pokémon that you wouldn't like, a Pikachu to be specific. Why don't you join up with us, and you can help us beat it."

Rabbolt thinks for a couple of moments, and then nods. "Rabbolt!"

Jessie, James, and Meowth grin devilishly.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda have made it to the craggy area. Brenda calls out, "Rabbolt, where are you!?"

Brock shouts, "Rabbolt!"

Ash looks up and notices something. He points up and says, "Guys, look!" They all look up and up above them is Team Rocket's balloon. It begins to land, but Team Rocket cannot be seen in it. Suddenly Jessie leaps out and declares, "Prepare for trouble in an unexpected way!"

James pops out as well. "And make it double, this will keep you at bay!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all people within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender Pikachu or prepare to fight!"

Meowth also leaps out and begins, "Meowth that's-!"

Rabbolt leaps onto Meowth's head and interrupts, "Rabbolt!"

Brenda gasps, "Rabbolt, what are you doing!?"

Meowth, recovering from Rabbolt, says, "Can't you tell? Rabbolt's now officially a member of Team Rocket!"

Brenda gasps again. "No! Why would you help them Rabbolt!?"

Ash shouts, "Who cares!? Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu leaps off of Ash's shoulder and launches his electric attack. "Pikaaaa chuuuuuuu!"

Jessie simply states, "Counter it Rabbolt."

Rabbolt jumps forward and launches an electric attack of its own, this one is a pulse-like burst. "Rabbbb bolttttttt!" The two attacks cancel each other. Rabbolt makes its face at Pikachu.

Brock exclaims, "That Shockwave just matched Pikachu's Thunderbolt!"

James laughs. "With our newest Team Rocket cadet, we'll be unstoppable!"

Ash is annoyed. He shouts, "Try it one more time Pikachu!" Pikachu uses its Thunderbolt again, but Rabbolt cancels it with another Shockwave.

Brenda says, "I don't get it, Team Rocket kidnapped Rabbolt, why would it help them?"

Brock, seeming to remember something, says, "I think I recall reading once about Rabbolt that, while normally cute, cuddly, and sweet, their personality will change completely when they encounter a Pokémon that looks similar to them, it considers them a rival."

Brenda exclaims, "Like Pikachu!"

Meowth says, "You got that right, and now Rabbolt wants to work that rivalry out by helping us capture Pikachu!"

Jessie suggests, "Rabbolt sweetie, why don't you show these twerps how it feels to be shocked and blasted off?"

James proclaims, "It looks like the shoe's on the other foot now!"

Ash grins slyly, as if he has a clever idea. He calls out, "Hey Rabbolt, my Pikachu is the master of using its Electric-Type attacks to shock Team Rocket! I'd bet your attack wouldn't even come close to Pikachu's!"

Rabbolt thinks about this for a moment. It suddenly smiles, jumps 180 degrees and faces Team Rocket. Jessie, James, and Meowth each look shocked and terrified. Jessie stammers, "Rabbolt…my cutie…you…wouldn't want to…shock me…right?"

Rabbolt laughs and Ash shouts, "Okay Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaa chuuuuuuuu!"

Rabbolt joins in, "Rabbbbb bolttttttt!"

Team Rocket is zapped by both attacks at the same time. A resulting explosion launches them into the air. On the way up, Jessie cries, "Why would my sweet little Rabbolt turn on us!? Whose idea was it to even trust it in the first place!?"

James and Meowth both say angrily, "You did!"

Jessie laughs awkwardly. "Oh yeah…forgot about that…"

James sighs. "Speaking of forgetting, we can't forget to shout-"

They all shout together, "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Back on the ground, Ash, Brock, and Brenda look happy having beaten Team Rocket again. Brenda exclaims, "Good thinking Ash, using Rabbolt's competitive nature saved the day!"

Rabbolt and Pikachu are staring at each other intensely. Brock comments, "Now we've just got to figure out what to do about those two."

Movement is suddenly heard. Everyone looks off to the left, where they see a Pachirisu step out from behind a rock. It points at Rabbolt angrily. "Pachi pa!"

Following comes a Raichu, along with a group of other Electric-Type Pokémon, including Pichu, Plusle, Minun, Emolga, and Dedenne. Raichu points angrily at Rabbolt. "Rai!"

Brenda takes out her Pokédex. "Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon and an Electric-Type. Raichu can generate thousands of volts of electricity within its own body for later use. The amount of electricity it has stored affects its personality. Raichu evolves from Pikachu with the use of a Thunder Stone."

All of the smaller Electric Pokémon form a ring around Rabbolt and Raichu. Brenda asks, "What's going on?"

Brock looks at the scene curiously. "If I had to guess, I would say that Rabbolt angered that Pachirisu with its competitive nature, so Pachirisu went to go get the help of its friends. Now Raichu is challenging Rabbolt to a battle."

Brenda exclaims, "Raichu's too powerful! There's no way Rabbolt can win this!"

Ash steps forward. "Pikachu, let's stop this, use Thunder-"

Ash is cut off as the Minum launches a warning attack at Ash's feet. It shouts, "Minum!"

Brock observes, "It would appear that they don't want us to interfere."

Raichu launches a powerful electric bolt at Rabbolt. Rabbolt leaps up into the air, dodging it. Once above Raichu, it sends several orbs of green energy towards it, each one hitting its target.

Brock exclaims, "Wow, Rabbolt just used Bounce to dodge, and then attacked with Hidden Power. I'd have to assume that its Hidden Power attack takes on the Grass-Type."

Rabbolt then comes down and lands a kick on the top of Raichu, before jumping back. Brenda watches in awe. She says to herself, "Wow, Rabbolt looks amazing…"

Raichu covers its fist in electricity for a Thunder Punch and charges towards Rabbolt, who simply leaps into the air again, kicking Raichu in face, knocking it back. Rabbolt then attacks with another Hidden Power. Raichu angrily attempts to counterattack with several Thunder Punches, but Rabbolt nimbly dodges each one. It then jumps up, going higher than before, and slams down on Raichu, while also using its Hidden Power, having both attacks hit at the exact same time. It then jumps back and makes a face at Raichu.

Raichu slightly recovers from the last series of attacks. It looks up at Rabbolt, who looks ready to launch another attack. Raichu holds up his hand, making a motion to stop. It nods at Rabbolt and then makes a motion to all the other Electric-Types, telling them to move on. They listen, and retreat back the way they came. It begins to walk off too. Before it leaves sight, it turns around and gives Rabbolt a look of respect. It then leaves.

Brock laughs. "Something tells me that Raichu isn't used to being beaten like that."

Brenda walks over to Rabbolt and kneels down next to it. She says, "Hey Rabbolt, that was some great battling you did there." Rabbolt appears bashful. "I was really impressed by the way you controlled your movements so precisely. I think you would be just great in a Pokémon Contest." Rabbolt tilts its head, as if being curious. Brenda explains, "A Pokémon Contest is a tournament where Pokémon and Coordinators compete to show off how good they look, and you'd be wonderful in one."

"Rabbolt?"

"Why don't you come with me? Then you could compete in one."

Pikachu cries in surprise, "Pika!?"

Ash seems to agree. "Brenda, are you sure that's a good idea?"

Brenda looks at Ash and smiles. "Rabbolt and Pikachu may not like each other now, but I'm willing to bet that they'll become friends in no time."

"You may think that, but I don't think Pikachu agrees." Pikachu nods.

"I'm sure they'll work it out." She looks back at Rabbolt. "So what do you say?"

Rabbolt looks up towards Pikachu and silently laughs. It nods. "Rabbolt!"

Brenda smiles. "That's great Rabbolt!"

Ash and Pikachu fall stunned to the ground.

Brenda pulls out a Pokéball at taps it to Rabbolt's head. The Pokéball takes in Rabbolt and wiggles. After several wiggles, it clicks. Brenda leaps up and holds the Pokéball into the air, exclaiming, "Alright, Rabbolt is part of my team!"

Brock congratulates, "That's great Brenda!"

Ash, still on the ground, states sarcastically, "Yeah…just great…"

The group is back out of the craggy lands, and continuing on their journey. Brenda looks over and notices Pikachu and Ash's shoulder. She suddenly exclaims, "Hey, I've got an idea!" She stops and throws a Pokéball.

Rabbolt comes out. "Rabbolt!"

Brenda suggests, "Hey Rabbolt, why don't you sit on my shoulder for a little while like Pikachu does on Ash's?" Rabbolt nods and then leaps onto Brenda's shoulder, mimicking Pikachu.

Ash and Pikachu both rub their foreheads and sigh at the same time. Rabbolt, in a way so that no one but Pikachu can see it, makes its face. Pikachu sighs again.

The Narrator laughs. It would appear that a new friend for Brenda is a new rival for Pikachu, not to mention an annoyance. This will certainly add new levels to the dynamic that is this Pokémon family.

Team Rocket is huddled up close to each other on top of a boulder, scared of something. They all gulp. The angle of view changes, revealing that they are surrounded by the gang of Electric Pokémon. Jessie says, "Nice Electric Pokémon, you wouldn't want to hurt us, right?"

Meowth asks in despair, "Why do Electric-Type Pokémon hate us!?"

Raichu is standing a few feet away, watching, grinning, and apparently enjoying itself. It laughs, "Rai rai rai rai!"

James asks, "Will they ever leave us alone?"

Meowth gulps and answers, "There's only one way to find out…"

The Narrator finishes, Stay tuned.

To Be Continued…