Viridian City Gym Bunker

Though his outward features betrayed nothing, Giovanni was nervous, and frightfully so. This was far from the natural state of the normally composed man. He had not seen or spoken with his son for almost a year now. Ariana's frequent reports of the boy's anger and resentment certainly did not help the matter. If his son had inherited his temper, Giovanni expected the boy to lash out, and from the boy alone Giovanni would endure it. Hopefully, the catharsis from such an action and witnessing his father's triumph would soothe the boy.

"Boss, Executive Ariana and a child would like entry into your office," sounded the com.

"Let them in," responded Giovanni. The metal door to the man's hidden office slid open, revealing two redheads. One wore the familiar face of his Executive. The other face belonged to a child, his child. By Arceus had he changed. The normal short haircut his son kept was long gone. His boy had long red hair, flowing down towards his back.

An early act of teenage rebellion perhaps, Giovanni thought with some amusement. He also had a dark blue jacket with red trim, paired with some blue jeans. Nobody said a word, the metal door sliding back into place behind the duo. Giovanni gestured for the pair to take a seat on the opposite side of his desk.

"Ariana," the man acknowledged her.

"Giovanni," she nodded back. The man turned to the boy, trying to find the words.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Silver," finally said Giovanni in a soft tone of voice.

"Father," spat back the youth, rage clear in his black eyes. This was to be expected, but it still hurt, not that Giovanni would allow anyone to see such a weakness.

"How has your training progressed?" asked Giovanni, trying to find an in. That was one thing the man remembered. His son had a passion for Pokemon.

"Good enough, but you would know that if you actually cared," retorted the cold boy.

"Silver, I do… care. There were simply certain objectives key to the success of Team Rocket that could not be neglected—"

"BUT YOU CAN NEGLECT YOUR SON!" interjected Silver, standing with fire in his eyes and staring down his father. The temperature in the room seemed to get colder as Giovanni shot the boy an icy look.

"Sit. Down. Now!" commanded the man, slowly speaking each work and keeping his temper in check. Under his piercing glare, the boy relented, but his arms were crossed, and he was clearly unhappy.

"Now, this is what is going to happen. You are going to remain silent, while I explain a few things and drill them into your head. Understood?" Giovanni received a cool nod as an answer, but that would do.

"Thanks to my efforts and the power of our organization, we are on the cusp of controlling the entirety of Kanto! The Champion is in my grasp, and in a few hours so will be the Elite Four. Moreover, Team Rocket controls the most powerful Pokemon in existence! All of this is thanks to the power of organization and the sacrifices I have made! I HAVE GIVEN YOU A LEGACY BOY! YOU WILL RULE!" roared the man.

"I don't want all that… I just want a father," mumbled Silver, not looking Giovani in the eyes. Reaching over the table, Giovanni grasped his son's hands, making his boy look him in the eyes.

"You have one. You have a family. I promise you Silver, in a few hours, the three of us will have all the time in the world," smiled the man. His boy eyed him wearily, unsure if he could truly trust the man.

"Fine. One more chance father. This is it," shakily warned Silver.

"That's all I ask for," answered the relieved man, letting his son go. Clearing his throat, he directed Ariana and Silver's attention to a screen on the wall.

"As a first peace offering of sorts, I offer the both of you to share with me our moment of triumph." Clicking a remote on the table, the screen popped on, revealing a grand room with a long spiral staircase, pillars, and other ornate features.

"Where is that place," asked Silver, mesmerized by the scene.

"That son is where we will change the world," smirked Giovanni. Four figures walked into view on the screen. It was time for the show to begin.

New Island

Ash, Brock, and Misty touched down on a black rocky beach. The waves pounded the shore behind them, but above they could see a clear yellowish sky through the eye of the hurricane. They had just made it before the sunset deadline.

"Return guys, thanks for getting us through that mess," praised Ash, calling back Pidgeot and Charizard. Turning his attention to the matter at hand, Ash got his first good look at the structure that took up most of the island.

"It's almost like a palace," muttered Misty. Indeed, it towered over the trio, looking to be made of a mesh of crystal and marble like substances. Several large fans permeated the facility, calmly spinning in stark contrast to the rest of Kanto. At the center was a large point that went high into the sky. The three shivered, having a feeling like they were almost being watched from the vantage point.

"I don't like the vibe I'm getting from this place," Brock commented.

"It's creepy for sure," agreed Misty.

"I think I might have an idea," said Ash, pulling out two Pokeballs. Pikachu and Espeon emerged, with the former immediately jumping to his trainer's shoulder.

"Princess, I need your help."

"What do you need Daddy?" Espeon asked, tilting her head.

"Try and see if you can sense anything nearby. Humans, Pokemon, or whatever you can find would help," explained Ash.

"Got it!" Scrunching her fact in concentration, Espeon's gem glowed as she tried to gleam information.

"I think I can sense something… It's… Wait… NO… NO… NOOO!" cried out Espeon, falling to the floor in severe pain.

"PRINCESS! Are you ok?" Ash asked, worry visible on his features, as he was on the ground by her side and trying to soother her.

"Hurts. My head it hurts so much. There's something in there. Something powerful and it felt so… angry," moaned the Pokemon.

"Return for now and get yourself a rest Espeon," Ash said, calling back his Pokemon who offered no protestations.

"Well, that wasn't ominous at all," sarcastically said Misty. Ash merely shook his head, staring back up at the "palace," as Misty had coined it.

"Looks like we're going in blind. Might as well get to it," sighed the boy, walking towards the lavish structure, his friends close behind him. Walking through the beach and scaling some rocks, they soon found themselves in a cavern with a docking station. A boat coated in the traditional rocket black with a red R was already tied down. If it wasn't already obvious, this was clear proof that Team Rocket was here. Moving past it, the gang continued, climbing a winding stone staircase in the darkness that was lit with candles along the way. Inevitably, they soon came to the end. A large metal door blocked the way. Leaning closer, the three could make out muffled voices coming from within, though nothing they could decipher.

"Something is going down inside," whispered Brock.

"Probably nothing good," agreed Misty.

"It doesn't matter. We must save my mom! Before we go though, come on out Gengar," whispered Ash. The Ghost Pokemon had also been swapped in back on Cinnabar Island, replacing Ryhorn. It emerged, playful as ever, but quickly stopped when he saw the grave expression on his trainer's face.

"Gengar, I need you to follow us in, but stick to the shadows and stay out of sight. There may come a time when our very lives depend on your intervention. Do you understand?" the serious boy asked.

"Gar," answered the Pokemon, giving his trainer a nod absent of his normal goofiness, before vanishing from sight.

"You guys ready?" asked Ash, glancing at his friends. Both gave their assent, and the boy slowly pushed the doors open. Going forward with caution, Ash and his friends came into a room built of marble, that had a yellow-green pallet in the light. Pillars and a large prominent spiral staircase were the main adornments of the room, but that is not what drew their attention. Just ahead, seated at a unique marble table, were four trainers that Ash, Brock, and Misty recognized.

"Are they…" started Misty.

"I think they are," nodded Brock.

"The Elite Four," Ash said in awe.

"Well don't just stand there gawking kids. You might as well come and introduce yourselves," grumbled the elder of the four, sat furthest from them at the head of the table, her back to the spiral staircase.

"Agatha, you and I know that you know exactly who those three are," sighed the hulking man to her left.

"Nonetheless Bruno, niceties should be observed," lectured the crone. The other man at the table wore a mask but beamed at the trio with a pleasant smile. As for the last of the four, she observed the kids with a cool and measured look, though that certainly didn't put off Misty. The girl was staring at her with the same level of adoration Brock seemed to display when confronted with a pretty woman. Ash moved ahead, taking the initiative.

"I'm Ash Red Ketchum and this is Pikachu here on my shoulder."

"I-I'm Misty Waterflower," stuttered the girl.

"Block Slate," finished the teen.

"Why are you and your friends here Ash? This is no place for children, Pokemon trainers or not," chided Agatha.

"We're here to stop Team Rocket!" adamantly declared the boy.

"So, you're aware of their presence. Tell me boy, what chance do you think kids like you have against a criminal organization? As I understand it, it took the champion's intervention to save your life when you last confronted Rocket leadership," pointed out the red-headed woman.

"Come now Lorelei, the boy and his friends have had their share of victories as well. He foiled the Rockets at Mt. Moon, on the S.S. Anne, and in Tamago Town. I'd say they haven't done too bad at all," smiled the masked man.

"Nonetheless Will, my point stands. This is an incredibly dangerous situation, and kids putting their lives on the line will divert our focus from stopping the Rockets! A boy here bent of personal revenge will be nothing but a nuisance" shot back Lorelei, glaring at the man.

"IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! Last time I lost, I didn't have my friends or Pokemon. Besides, I'm not here because of my father. Team Rocket took my mother, threatening to kill her if I didn't come!" spat back the boy, anger coating his words. The four shared a look at that, eyes softening slightly.

"We're sorry to hear that Ash. Unfortunately, she's not the only one the Rockets have as a hostage," said Will with a sad smile.

"You mean Lance right?" asked Ash.

"Indeed. No doubt he and your mother are nearby along with those scoundrels," scowled Agatha. Dark chuckling echoed around the room and the light began to dim.

"Now Agatha, that is no way to speak about your hosts is it?" mocked the voice.

"SHOW YOURSELF COWARD!" yelled out Ash.

"Hush child, the adults are speaking. You need not worry about me Mr. Ketchum, instead, divert your attention ahead." All eyes looked forward and two spotlights appeared in the darkness. Hanging from the ceiling, unconscious and chains wrapped around their midsections keeping them suspended, were Delia Ketchum and Champion Lance. Delia appeared to be unharmed for the most part, though the same could not be said about the Champion. He was covered in bruises, and the ring finger on his right hand was missing.

"UNHAND THEM YOU FIEND!" screamed Will, standing up and reaching for a Pokeball.

"No, I don't think I will. Any sudden movements and the chains will snap, resulting in a long and most permanent drop. So, sit back down and pay attention!" coldly ordered the voice.

"I WILL—"

"Do what he says William. They must not come to harm," interjected Agatha.

"…fine, but I don't like this," muttered the man, taking a reluctant seat. Satisfied, Agatha turned her ire where it truly belonged.

"Enough with the theatrics Giovanni, show yourself!"

"The Viridian City Gym Leader?" asked Brock, catching the reference immediately. The old woman nodded.

"So, you do know my identity after all," answered the voice, amused and uncaring.

"Not that it matters since none of you will be leaving this island alive. Double 009, make your entrance and lower the screen, so that I may greet our guests properly." A smoke bomb appeared as if from nowhere in front of the spiral staircase. When it cleared, the blond buxom woman in a black Rocket uniform, complete with her trademark cap appeared.

"Hiya folks," cheerily waved the girl, clicking a remote she held in her hand.

"I'm going to kill you Domino!" snarled Ash, hate laced through his entire being.

"Wouldn't that be a neat trick," laughed the woman. Meanwhile, a giant screen lowered itself from the ceiling, appearing from behind the captives. Another click and it flickered on, revealing the man for the first time in all of his glory. Giovanni sat in a black leather chair, shrouded in an equally black suit that matched his black eyes. A blood red tie and his malicious grin completed the ensemble.

"It's positively liberating to speak to you all like this. Why the last time I revealed myself to an outsider was over 10 years ago on the very island you find yourself on, and we all know how that ended," cruelly laughed the man.

"WHY YOU NO GOOD TRASH!" screamed Ash, standing up and prompting Delia's chain to quickly drop a few feet.

"Temper Mr. Ketchum. Another outburst like that and she will die," warned the man. Ash was furious, though his concern for his mom won out and he sat back down.

"Good boy. You can learn, unlike your dead father."

"Enough Giovanni! Stop trying to goad a child and tell us what you want," cut in Agatha. The man of evil frowned at having his fun cut short, but he decided to get on with it.

"Very well. What I want is for you all to die, and we will get to that shortly, but first allow me to clue you in on what you will miss. The storm raging outside the island has now enveloped the entirety of Kanto. It is by no means natural as you may have guessed. Team Rocket's greatest asset controls it, and through that asset Kanto will be devastated by days of endless destruction. People and Pokemon will die, infrastructure will be destroyed, and a mass panic will ensue. Through the chaos, Team Rocket will be there, wiping out any remaining opposition within the region, all under the cover of the storm. When I allow the sun to shine down on Kanto, who will be there to rebuild and save the day? Why not the charismatic and handsome Gym Leader from Viridian City, who managed to prevent the devastation from hurting those under his own jurisdiction. Such a man would make a fine Champion and leader for Kanto don't you think? But why stop there? That man could expand to Johto, and then the world!" declared Giovanni.

"You're foolish if you believe such a thing could work. We are not the only ones who know of your identity Giovanni," observed Lorelei.

"Of course not my dear. Have no fear, anyone of influence, including all major Gym Leaders, police, and league officials, will be removed, leaving no credible witness or evidence," laughed Giovanni. Agatha said nothing, though she prayed Scott and his associates remained beyond this man's radar for Kanto's sake. Clearing his throat, he moved on.

"Before I triumph, you all must meet your end, and I have prepared something special for the occasion. Domino?" The assassin pulled out another device, clicking yet another button. Twelve pedestals rose from the ground in front of the unwilling guests. On each pedestal rested a dark spherical device with ridges.

"Dark Balls…" Ash recognized in revulsion, much to Giovanni's sadistic glee.

"I'm truly glad you recognize them Ash. Really, your destruction of the prototype back at Mt. Moon inspired my organization to work out any remaining kinks. What you see before you are perfected versions. They provoke an even darker response, granting the Pokemon within their full potential as opposed to a simple power up. Why don't you meet my first six acquisitions?" Domino pressed another button and the first six Pokeballs opened, allowing six Pokemon to emerge.

Gyarados, Aerodactyl, Charizard, Kingdra, Dragonite, and a four-legged light blue dragon-like Pokemon with red wings materialized. Each glowed with dark energy, their eyes red and vicious smirks on each of their faces.

"The Champion's Pokemon," weakly muttered Will.

"HAVE YOU NO SHAME?" yelled Bruno, his face contorted in rage.

"None whatsoever," chuckled Giovanni.

"The fun does not stop here though. That gift was for you members of the Elite Four. My other is for Ash Red Ketchum. If you will Domino?"

"Get a load of this twerp," she winked at Ash, clicking one final button, and releasing the other six Pokemon. Pikachu, Venasaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Lapras, and Snorlax appeared in the room. Each had the same dark energy, glowing red eyes, and vicious smirks. Overwhelming power seemed to ooze off them as well.

"I… whose Pokemon are these. They feel almost familiar," Ash said, looking at them with a mixture of pity, longing, and confusion.

"Your dear father's of course. The fool tried to save them by casting the creatures into the sea as he died on the beach, but they were recovered in good time. Now, they will be of use, ending the life of his legacy!" roared Giovanni in triumph.

"You… you're an evil man," softly spoke Ash, never taking his eyes off those Pokemon. Giovanni scoffed.

"Just like your old man with that naivety. There is no good or evil boy. There is only power, and those too weak to seek it!" Ash looked up, staring the man of evil in the eyes.

"We will stop you," vowed the boy, visibly making Giovanni twitch. This boy continued to show nothing but defiance, refusing to bow to his superior. It had gone on long enough! Giovanni's anger grew to near astronomical levels. The man stood up and he roared.

"I WILL MAKE YOU EXPERIENCE A WORLD OF PAIN! KILL THEM AND DO IT SLOWLY!" The twelve Pokemon slowly approached the table, walking with one menacing step after another. Domino stood in the background, grinning, a finger hovering over the button that would send Delia and Lance to their deaths if the trainers dared to move. Just as the sun set outside, it seemed like the sun would set early on Ash's journey.

A flicker near the hanging captives, caught Ash's eye, and the boy's lip curled for the first time on New Island.

"It's not over Giovanni. GENGAR, SAVE MOM AND LANCE AND GET THEM TO SAFETY!" screamed Ash, jumping up and reaching for his Pokeballs. Several things seemed to happen at once. Domino pressed the button, intending to kill the hostages, Gengar appeared, grabbing a hold of both just as the mechanism released, and began to fly away with them, the twelve evil Pokemon let out elemental attacks towards the table, and Will of all people saved the day.

"Teleport Alakazam!" commanded Will, his Pokemon appearing in an instant. The standing mystical foxlike Pokemon glowed blue, instantly teleporting everyone to safety, just in the nick of time as the attacks obliterated their previous position. They all reappeared near the doorway.

"Excellent work Ash and William," praised Agatha with a smile.

"DOMINO, SECURE THE DARK BALLS AND MOVE! POKEMON, ATTACK!" screamed Giovanni, completely losing his composure. The girl obeyed, quickly swiping the balls, and jumping away.

"Brock and Misty, she's probably heading for the boat at the docks. I want you to go there and cut her off. If you can destroy the Dark Balls just like at Mt. Moon, the Pokemon will be freed. Go!" ordered Ash.

"But what about—"

"THERE'S NO TIME MISTY! GO!" Ash yelled.

Brock got the hint, dragging the girl with him and chasing after Domino.

"Everybody, come on out!" yelled Ash. Pikachu, Espeon, Charizard, Pidgeot, Tyrogue, and Kingler joined the fray. The Elite Four had not been idle either, releasing all their Pokemon as well.

In addition to Alakazam, Will sent out Exeggutor, Xatu, Grumpig, Hypno, and Slowking.

The Ice Mistress's team consisted of Dewgong, Jynx, Cloyster, Slowbrow, Lapras, and a special Sandslash, colored a light blue with spikes of ice on its back.

Bruno unleashed Golem, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Poliwrath, Machamp, and Hitmontop.

From the crone, there was Arbok, two Gengar, Wheezing, Dusknoir, and a Marowak that looked very similar to the one Ash and his friends had encountered back at the Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town. Its body was black and green flames coated the creature's bone.

Between Ash and the Elite Four, they had thirty Pokemon by their side, ready to face the oncoming onslaught of twelve champion caliber twisted Pokemon.

"Use your psychic might to put these fiends back into their proper state of mind!" ordered will.

"Freeze them in place!" commanded Lorelei.

"Show no mercy!" yelled Bruno, charging in himself by his Pokemon.

"Let your horrors be unleashed upon these creatures!" spoke Agatha with her unsettling grin.

"Give it all you got guys! I believe in you!" yelled a determined Ash. The thirty moved full speed ahead, ready to meet the twelve. The battle for the fate of Kanto had begun.

Viridian City Gym Bunker

Back in Viridian City, in the bunker far beneath the Gym, Giovanni raged. The man had the presence of mind to cutoff the camera allowing his foes to see him and muted the microphone. After that, his drink met the wall with a satisfying crash, and alcohol went everywhere.

"THOSE DAMN KETCHUMS! THEY JUST WON'T DIE!" roared the man, slamming his fists into his desk.

"Giovanni, please control yourself!" urged Arianna, going to the man to try and snap him out of it. She was answered with a backhanded slap, sending her to the floor, as Silver watched on with wide eyes.

"Stay out of this Ari!" Breathing in deeply, Giovanni allowed rational thought back into his mind, ignoring the hurt on Arianna's face, and the building resentment on Silver's.

"There's still the creature. If things don't go to plan, it will simply have to divert its attention away from the storm. Yes, nothing but a short delay and then victory will be mine. I can still do this!" wickedly smirked the man, opening up a drawer and pulling out the single Dark Ball he had in his possession.

Somewhere over the Raging Seas

Gliding through rain, wind, thunder, lightning, and even the occasional Twister, the pink Pokemon continued its arduous journey. Mew could feel the source of the unnaturalness in the world drawing ever closer. The Legendary Pokemon flew on, hoping with all its might that it wouldn't be too late.

New Island Palace

Pokemon clashed violently with one another, dealing unrepentant blows meant to do far more than simply subdue. Ash and the Elite Four has a clear numerical advantage, but it hardly mattered. The twelve Pokemon controlled by the Dark Balls were merciless, shaking off attacks like they were nothing, only to deal seismic damage in return.

"CHUUUUUU!" cried the red-eyed mouse, sending a powerful Thunder at Lorelei's Ice Pokemon, who were currently focused on trying to contain Lance's corrupted army of Dragon Pokemon. Their dual water typing, in most instances, made them particularly vulnerable. Ash couldn't allow them to go down, as they were the best chance they had against the dragons.

"Protect Kingler!" yelled Ash, prompting the crab to jump in front of the Ice Pokemon and to take the hit with his protective barrier. It took less than a second for the supposedly impenetrable defense to shatter, causing Kingler to take the full force of the attack. Ash called him back at once, doing so before permanent damage could be inflicted.

"Good work Ketchum, but we'll take it from here. Attack that Pikachu Onix!" yelled Bruno, drawing the mouse Pokemon away from the vulnerable Ice-Water Pokemon. Bruno's other fighting Pokemon were currently engaging Snorlax and Lapras, with the mammoth and leviathan giving them everything they had.

Ash's Pikachu kept Gyarados' attention, enraging, and distracting the beast with its speedy movements. The occasional quad super-effective shocks didn't hurt either, even if the beast seemed to be able to tank the hits endlessly.

Red's Charizard, Venasaur, and Blastoise were being tag teamed by Will and Agatha, though Will's Slowbrow had teetered off to assist Lorelei with his own ice-type moves.

As for Ash's other Pokemon, they continued to give support where needed, with Ash occasionally barking out instructions. Charizard shot Flamethrowers from the sky, doing his best to catch opponents off guard. Pidgeot joined him, firing off Air Slashes and Twisters when possible. Espeon's liberal use of Confuse Ray, as she weaved through attacks, was paying dividends. Finally, Tyrogue joined his evolutions, taking the fight to Snorlax and Lapras. Low Kick was especially effective against those heavy Pokemon.

Strategy and numbers were keeping them in the fight for now. With the power and endless energy the controlled Pokemon had, Ash didn't know how long that would last.

New Island Cavern Docks

Domino smirked; she was just about ready to go. A quick turn of the key and this boat would get her and the Dark Balls safely off the island. Well, she supposed safe was relative considering the storm outside. The boss had mentioned another safe house on a landmass a few miles away from the island though, so it wouldn't be an issue. Turning the key, the engine roared to life. Her hand reached for the…

"BONEMERANG CUBONE!"

"SINK THAT SHIP WITH TWISTER!" A spinning bone came out of nowhere, striking Domino's hand and making the girl recoil in pain. To make matters worse, a Twister made of water, coming from the exit of the cave, was heading for her and the boat! Using years of training and carefully honed agility, Domino snatched the bag of Dark Balls and leapt out of the boat, back onto the land, just before Twister destroyed her get away ride. The Rocket agent turned towards the source of those attacks with a scowl.

"So, I got stopped by the B-Team? Talk about embarrassing," giggled Domino, as she looked at Brock, Misty, Cubone, Seadra. Predictably, Misty turned a bright shade of red.

"B-TEAM? WHY YOU LITTLE—"

"Cool it Misty! She's trying to rile us up and distract us," interrupted Brock, keeping his eyes trained on the lethal woman.

"Well, aren't you a smart one cutie," Domino winked with a blown kiss.

"Sorry Domino, but even I have standards. Criminal scum like you just don't do it for me," smirked the teen. Outwardly she pouted, but inwardly she was running her options. Provoking emotional responses to create a distraction to escape hadn't worked as easily as she had thought it might.

"Hand over the Dark Balls," commanded Brock, holding his hand out. Pretending to think about it, Domino tiled her head.

"Hmm… pass."

"We will use our Pokemon if we have to, and something tells me that if you had any, you would have already sent them out," added Misty. Domino's personality did a 180 in no time at all.

"YOU BRATS HAVE THE GALL TO THREATEN ME? Well, allow me to show you why I don't need pathetic Pokemon," cruelly grinned the woman, dropping the sack of Dark Balls and sprinting straight for Brock and Misty with a dagger in each hand.

"Bonemerang!"

"Bubble Beam!"

Too easy, thought 009. The bone came first, which she easily dodged by sliding to her knees. Using her momentum, Domino leapt over Bubble Beam, now high in the air, ready to deliver a fatal blow to Misty with both daggers. Seeing it happen in almost slow motion, Brock didn't think. The man acted. He shoved his frozen friend out of the way, and then shortly after, two daggers sunk into his shoulder blade. Brock fell to the floor screaming.

"BROCK!" cried Misty, on the floor, staring at her friend in horror.

"Pathetic kid," muttered Domino, yanking both blades out of the teen with ease, and causing another scream.

"SHUT IT! You are going to sit there and watch as I take this girl's life. Then I give you permission to die!" yelled the girl, kicking the teen in the gut.

"Psyduck, use confusion," Misty whispered with fury. Domino turned, seeing a small yellow duck that had appeared at the girl's side. The duck's eyes glowed blue and then Domino knew know more, instantly knocked out by the psychic powers. As Domino fell to the floor, Misty's attention shifted to Brock. Running as fast as she could, the girl was quickly by his side.

"Brock?" asked the worried redhead.

"I-I'm gonna be ok Misty. I'm no doctor, but I don't think those daggers h-hit anything serious. Here, take this," weakly said Brock, offering a Pokeball with his uninjured arm.

"Brock what are you doing?" frowned Misty.

"Use it to destroy those Dark Balls. Hurry!" finished Brock, finally passing out. Misty's eyes widened, taking the ball from Brock's hand, and releasing the Pokemon within.

"Golem," said the large Pokemon, appearing on the cavern floor with a thud.

"Golem, crush that sack of Dark Balls with Rollout," ordered Misty.

New Island Palace

"This is getting bad," Ash said aloud. Their Pokemon were losing badly. Half off Lorelei's Ice Pokemon were knocked out, Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee were done. Bruno was down injured, but still conscious, Will's entire team, other than Alakazam, were out of the fight, and all of Ash's Pokemon other than Pikachu were also done. By some miracle, all of Agatha's Pokemon remained standing, but that was just about the only good news they had. None of the twelve Dark Ball controlled Pokemon seemed anywhere close to going down. Ash, the Elite Four, and their Pokemon were surrounded, circled in by the corrupted creatures. Then of course, the screen flickered back on, Giovanni's gloating face there for everyone to see.

"And so, we come to the end at last. You've all put up a good fight and have earned my respect. All things must come to an end though. I will ensure history remembers you kindly," sardonically said the man.

"Bastard loves the sound of his own voice," grumbled Agatha.

"Pokemon, end their existence with your most powerful attacks!" uttered Giovanni, a victorious gleam in his eyes. Ash looked around exhausted, eyeing each of his father's Pokemon. Charizard began to build a Blast Burn, Venasaur charged a Solar Beam, Blastoise aimed its canons for a Hydro Pump, Lapras started an Ice Beam, Gyarados began a Hyper Beam, and Pikachu crackled with electricity preparing for a Thunder.

I'm sorry mom…

Then, it happened. All twelve Pokemon snapped up, eyes returning to normal in an instant, and then they collapsed, tired beyond belief from their trying ordeal.

"They did it… Misty and Brock did it!" cried the boy in jubilation. The Elite Four shared similar smiles, including Bruno from the floor, knowing just how close they had come to death.

"Guess you were right mom. Friends are a great thing to have," the boy said to himself. Further celebration would have to wait. They still had to deal with Giovanni. Ash and the Elite Four turned to him, completely unnerved to see the man maintaining his malicious smile.

"You think you have won?" laughed the man, almost uncontrollably.

"No, you deluded fools have won nothing. The power of the Pokemon you faced pales in comparison to Team Rocket's greatest achievement!"

"Your bluffing," cried Will, praying to Arceus that it was so.

"Am I? Allow me to introduce you to the world's most powerful Pokemon. MEWTWO, APPEAR FOR YOUR MASTER!" screamed the man. The lights dimmed once more and a humanoid creature slowly descended from the spiral staircase, floating down in the middle.

"Genes from the legendary Mew itself flow through this being! Show them your power Mewtwo!" ordered Giovanni. Mewtwo's eyes flashed blue. Every Pokemon Ash and the Elite Four had that survived the previous battle cried out, enveloped in a psychic attack. All at once, they too fell to the floor. The humans were now completely defenseless.

"Now, one by one, you will die!" snarled the man.

"CEASE THIS AT ONCE GIOVANNI! STOP THE MADNESS!" screamed Agatha, walking forward with her cane. The man's smile stretched further into a Cheshire grin.

"Thank you for volunteering you hag. I must say, writing up those fake reports was irritating. Kill her!" Mewtwo's eyes glowed blue once more. A sick snap reverberated around the room. Agatha's cane slipped through her fingers, she fell to the floor, her neck broken. She was dead.

END CHAPTER

This may seem like a bit of an overreaction, but there are reasons. One, Team Rocket is literally the mafia. The mafia kills people. Two, I couldn't let the heroes win entirely unscathed. Three, it will move the plot forward. RIP Agatha, you were a pleasure to write. On another note, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter for what it was. Finally, I placed a villain quote from a popular franchise in this chapter. Can you spot it, figure out the franchise, who said it, and the context?

Next Time – The events on New Island come to a quick close, and we see the aftermath, setting the stage for the Indigo League and planting seeds for Johto.

Espeon860 – Thanks for the review! The mystery of Red's Pokemon, which wasn't much of a mystery, is revealed. Glad you liked the character cameos as well

CaptainSammyAngel – Thanks for the review! No worries, you by no means annoyed me with any shipping banter. I am enjoying keeping the readers on edge and guessing anyway lol. Ritchie and AJ got to shine last chapter, but sadly we won't see them again until the Indigo League. Hope you liked the chapter!

Storp930 – Thanks for the review! I appreciate your idea with Alolan Raichu, but Pikachu will not be evolving in this Fanfic. Maybe in an Epilogue, but even that is doubtful.

Guest - Thanks for the review! Someone died, but probably not who you wanted. Stay tuned for the next installment.

Reader - Thanks for the review! I liked your suggestions and may have to work that in for the training chapter, or chapters. Keep it coming.

Remember to review with your thoughts and critique :)

Smell ya later with the thrilling conclusion to the Mewtwo/Rocket Arc!