The next morning…
Dawn and Piplup woke up early, with Dawn screaming loudly after a quick look in the mirror. Dawn was quick to get out of her sleeping bag and went into the changing tent.
Ash and Iris, along with their Pokemon, were quick to be woken up by the scream and were able to see the duo enter the tent.
"Uh, Dawn? Is there something wrong?" Iris asked.
"You better believe there is something wrong!" Dawn confirmed.
"I bet it must be serious seeing how loudly you yelled. What's the matter? Did you see a scary Pokemon or is it related to puberty or something?" Iris asked.
Even though no one could see, Dawn was blushing at Iris's comment. "What? No! I'm not on my period or anything like that! It's much worse than that, anyway!"
Axew was quick to ask Iris something.
"Oh, you wanna know what a period is? Well, remember when I had blood flowing from my-," Iris began only for Ash to cover her mouth.
"Can we please not have this conversation right now?" Ash pleaded.
"But Axew-," Iris tried to argue.
"Can be told this story later. I'd rather not have to hear about sensitive girl business before I even ate breakfast," Ash said. "To be fair, though, I think I have a pretty good idea what the matter is, Iris," Ash said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Really? Well, that's good for us. So, what is it?" Iris asked.
"I…I have really bad bed hair," Dawn admitted.
Iris was quick to become very frustrated upon hearing this. "Really? Really?! You woke us up very early and acted like it's the end of the world all because you have some less than perfect hair?!" Iris yelled in disbelief.
"It is a big deal to me! I can't just walk on out and let other people see my hair in such a state!" Dawn yelled.
"Then just brush it and get out of the tent," Iris said.
"I-I'm trying, but my stubborn hair isn't getting into place!" Dawn yelled.
"You're really acting like an annoying kid right now, you know that?" Iris said before turning her attention to Ash. "Is she always this petty and annoying when it comes to looks?"
"Yes, she is. With most things she can be fairly mature for her age. But get her mad by insulting her or get in the way of looking pretty and she goes from 1 to 100 very quickly," Ash answered as Iris sighed.
"Why me? I just happened to have to lead a girl that cares more about her looks than practicality," Iris groaned.
"Uh, Dawn? Do you have any ideas on how to fix your hair? Iris is getting annoyed," Ash asked his best friend.
"I don't know!" Dawn whined for a moment…until she remembered Piplup. "Of course! Piplup, come into the tent and use Bubblebeam on my hair!" Piplup looked confused, but he complied and went in and did just that. In a moment, the knotted hair ended up being fixed by the water. " Ah! That's much better!" Dawn got out of the tent joyfully, showing off her hair.
"You couldn't have thought about that sooner? We're wasting time on trivial stuff when we could be getting out of the forest or even looking for Pokemon!" Iris yelled.
"Looks are important for a lady, you know! Now, come on! Ash? She's being ridiculous, isn't she?" Dawn demanded from her friend.
"A-Actually…Iris has a point. We wasted a good five minutes we won't get back by focusing on your dumb hair. Next time, don't make a big fuss about it," Ash tried to not anger or offend his friend.
"Fine! Anyways, Iris, did you find any berries for breakfast yet? I'm hungry right now," Dawn calmed down.
"Wow, that was quick," Iris noted. "Well…I haven't yet, but I can get more."
A half hour later…
The group, except for Misty, had gotten dressed and ready to face the day. Iris had managed to get some berries for everyone to eat.
As they ate, everyone moaned in satisfaction.
"These berries are delicious! Thanks so much for the meal!" Dawn complimented as she ate.
"I know! You definitely know your way around the forest," Ash said.
At this, Iris blushed. "Thanks. But I really just know the basics compared to other people."
As Piplup was about to grab a berry from the pile on a blanket…he noticed that the berry he grabbed was also in the hands of another Pokemon; a Buneary.
Piplup was quick to get into a fight with the Pokemon, which got the attention of the others.
"What in the…?" Ash asked as he turned to see an argument break out between the two Pokemon. "Wait. What is that Pokemon fighting with Piplup?"
"It's a Buneary!" Dawn yelled excitedly.
"So, that's a Buneary," Ash said as he scanned the Pokemon with the Pokedex.
Buneary, the Rabbit Pokémon. By quickly extending its rolled-up ears, it can launch a powerful attack against its enemies.
Meanwhile, Pikachu was trying to break up the fight as Snivy grabbed another berry and handed it over to Buneary.
"Sounds like a cute and cool Pokemon! I wanna catch her!" Iris was excited.
"Hold on a second, Iris. Can I please catch her? I've always dreamed of catching myself a Buneary one of these days," Dawn pleaded.
"But…I only…," Iris tried to say something.
"Please! I promise to let you catch the next non-Water Pokemon!" Dawn said.
"Well…wait. Why Non-Water?" Iris wondered.
"Well, Misty is a Water-type Gym Leader and she said she was looking for Water-Pokemon. I'm just being nice," Dawn explained.
Iris looked a bit conflicted for a moment before deciding, "Okay. This one is yours…if you can catch her."
"Perfect! Piplup, let's go!" Dawn cried out as he gulped down his berry and Buneary turned to battle, eating the berry she was holding. "Alright, Piplup, use Bubblebeam!" Piplup sent out a barrage of bubbles to attack with. Very quickly, Buneary sent out a blue beam that froze the bubbles before they could hit. "That was an Ice Beam attack!"
Suddenly, Iris and Axew shivered anxiously. "It just had to know an Ice-type move!"
"Uh, what's the matter with that?" Ash asked.
"Oh, nothing!" Iris badly lied.
"Well then, Piplup, use Peck on Buneary!" Dawn commanded as the penguin rushed to Buneary, dealing damage. However, Buneary was quick to punch at Piplup with her ears, causing Piplup to become confused.
"Oh no! Piplup's been confused by Dizzy Punch!" Iris was worried.
"Alright then. I know what to do. Piplup, return," Dawn said as she recalled Piplup to his Pokeball. "Now, Piplup, come on back out!" Piplup was quickly returned to the battlefield. "Now, try another Bubblebeam!" This time, Buneary used Bounce in order to jump over and dodge the Bubblebeam and was about to come crashing down on Piplup. "Dodge, and then use Peck!" Dawn commanded as Piplup did just that, getting in another blow…before Buneary used Dizzy Punch once more.
"This is bad. If this keeps up, Dawn won't be able to catch herself that Buneary," Ash noted with worry.
"There has to be some way for her to win…," Iris and Ash both wondered.
"With all that damage Piplup is taking, he may not last much longer. Wait…damage? I got it! Piplup, use Bide!" Dawn yelled out. Piplup stood there as Buneary shot another Ice Beam that proceeded to hit Piplup. He strained and struggled to avoid feeling too much damage from the attack. Eventually, however, Piplup survived and shot out a powerful Bide, which knocked Buneary over. "Go, Pokeball!" Dawn cried out as her Pokeball enveloped Buneary. The ball shook a few times for a good 30 seconds. However, the Pokeball eventually clicked closed.
"Well, that's a relief," Iris and Axew sighed.
"I know! Looks like things turned out in Dawn's favor," Ash agreed with a smile.
"This is great! Piplup, we caught our first Pokemon, Buneary!" Dawn cheered as Piplup nodded in agreement.
The group were quickly interrupted by a yell from Misty, "Ahhhhh!"
Ash was quick to return his attention to the red-head. "What's wrong? What's happening?"
"Is it actually something important this time and not something trivial like how you look?" Iris asked.
"Um, maybe not be so rude, please?" Dawn asked, trying to avoid an argument.
"It is important to me! What is this thing doing sleeping near me?" Misty yelled out as she pointed to Caterpie.
"Oh, right. I remember now. You're afraid of insect Pokemon. Yet another trivial situation being blown up," Iris said as she suddenly heard Caterpie speak. "Also, Caterpie sounds sad that you snubbed him again."
"Really, Iris?" Ash asked as the girl nodded. "I get you have a fear, but you could still be nicer, you know. Caterpie just wants to be your friend."
"I'm afraid this is me being nice, Ketchum! If that thing wants to be my friend, it can stop bugging me already. If you're a Pokémon, get out of my face and into that Pokéball!" Misty hotly yelled.
"Are you serious right now, Misty? Caterpie means no harm. Just give him a chance and I'm sure you can see something great in him," Ash suggested kindly.
"Ash has a point. Maybe you'll be surprised and find some common ground," Dawn agreed.
"If it were any other type of Pokemon, I'd be more than happy to try. But not for an icky bug. I'm sorry, but no," Misty admitted calmly.
At this, Snivy shook her head disapprovingly as Caterpie looked close to tears. "Caterpie, what's the matter?" Ash asked as Caterpie slithered over to him and made a cry. "What's he saying, Iris?"
"He says he gives up. Let him back in the Pokeball until the next mealtime and only let him out for a battle or feeding," Iris translated. "I guess Misty's disapproval really got to him."
"Hey, hold on, Caterpie!" Ash pleaded for his Pokemon to not hide away. However, Caterpie enters the Pokéball by pushing the button with his mouth.
"And he's hiding away miserably," Iris said in annoyance. Axew quickly asked Iris if Caterpie would be fine. "Maybe?" Iris then turned her attention to Misty. "Way to go, Misty. You went and hurt the feelings of a Pokémon."
"Feelings? Humph! That thing is gross and I don't care about gross things!" Misty yelled.
"That's pretty harsh, you know!" Iris pointed out.
"Yeah! Even if you don't like him, you should at least be respectable. After all, Pokemon are just as smart and emotive as people are," Dawn said.
"I agree! You may not believe it, Misty, but you messed up. You owe Caterpie an apology! Pokémon have feelings too, like Dawn said!" Ash said as Misty looked away, almost appearing sad for a moment. "Come on, Caterpie. Don't you worry, someday we'll show her."
Before the group could continue, another Pokemon shows up, flying by low to the ground. "Wow! A Pidgeotto! This is the closest I've ever been to one!" Ash was amazed.
"A what?" Iris asked as Axew shrugged.
"Pidgeotto is Pidgey's evolved form!" Misty answered.
"Weird that you haven't heard of one," Dawn pointed out.
"Remember, I've spent most of my life in Unova, where there is next to none of them. I've seen plenty of Pidgey in Kanto, but no Pidgeotto. It's pretty cool for Axew and me to finally see one, right Axew?" Iris asked her partner as he nodded.
"So, what does the Pokedex say about you?" Ash got his Pokédex out.
Pidgeotto, an evolved form of the Pidgey. It is armed with sharp claws and dives from the sky to capture its prey. Unlike the more gentle Pidgey, Pidgeotto can be dangerous, approach with extreme caution.
"That it? I could learn more about her by simply talking to her or being around her for an hour. That Pokedex have anything useful to say?" Iris asked Dawn.
"Let's see.. The Pokedex does say that Pidgeotto can claim territory of more than 100 kilometers, or 60 miles, and they'll defend it fiercely," Dawn answered.
"Do you think we're in her territory?" Misty wondered.
"Probably, judging by how she sped on by," Iris answered.
"Let's see if we can avoid a battle…All right, Pidgeotto. I'll show you who's the dangerous one around here. Pokéball, go!" Ash yells as he threw a Pokeball…only for the Pidgeotto to knock the Pokéball away with ease.
"You don't get it, do you? You don't just throw a Pokéball and capture a Pokémon. You have to make it battle and weaken it first. The only reason you got to catch Caterpie is because it's already a weakling," Misty rudely commented.
"I just didn't wanna hurt Pidgeotto, okay?! I know what I'm doing and you just better quit picking on Caterpie, OK?" Ash demanded.
"To be fair, Pokemon usually love to battle and see battling Trainers as a way of gaining respect, so you can go ahead and battle," Iris said and Axew nodded in confirmation.
"Really?" Ash asked as Pikachu, Piplup, and Snivy also nodded.
"Good to know! So, Buneary wasn't mad that we had to battle," Dawn realized.
"If anything, she was probably flattered," Iris said.
"I know he may have a disadvantage, but maybe Misty will treat Caterpie better if we beat and catch that Pidgeotto," Ash thought before saying, "It's time to battle, Pidgeotto! Go, Caterpie!"
"Wait! Don't do that!" Misty cried out in worry as Caterpie materialized.
"I agree, Ash. You're making a big mistake!" Iris called out.
"Caterpie has a huge disadvantage against Flying-Types!" Dawn reminded Ash.
"I know, but we can still find a way to win!" Ash cried out as he turned back to Caterpie… only to see Pidgeotto trying to strike Caterpie down, but the small Bug-Type dodged multiple times. "Caterpie! Are you okay?!" Ash asked as Caterpie chirped.
"He said yes, but you better do something soon because he can't dodge forever!" Iris confirmed.
"Caterpie, counterattack by using String Shot!" Ash called out as Pidgeotto was wrapped up in the silky string. "Perfect!"
"You better do something quick, Ash. There is no way that String Shot will last for l-," Dawn was interrupted by Pidgeotto breaking free and striking Caterpie, sending it rolling into a tree. "Too late."
"Caterpie!" Ash cried out in worry, a sentiment that all the Pokemon, especially Pikachu and Axew.
"Quick! Call it back!" Misty yelled out, in worry.
"Caterpie, return!" Ash recalls his Pokemon just in time to avoid being pecked, with Pidgeotto's beak getting trapped in a tree.
"Wait. I thought you didn't like Caterpie," Iris reminded.
"What? I may not like him, but I'm not a monster," Misty said.
"Looks like you care after all," Ash pointed out.
"No! I don't," Misty denied, albeit a bit more reluctantly.
"Hey, look Ash! It got its beak stuck in the tree! Now's your chance to attack with an Electric attack!" Dawn pointed out.
"Pikachu, Go!" Ash said as his starter went from by his legs to right in front of him. "Now, Pikachu, use your Quick Attack on Pidgeotto!" Pikachu begins to rush at Pidgeotto. However, Pidgeotto manages to free itself as Pikachu closes in. Fortunately, Quick Attack is able to hit before Pidgeotto can get out of range. "Okay then. Let's finish this! Pikachu, Thunder Shock now!" Ash cries out as the Pidgeotto is zapped out of the sky and onto the ground by the Electric attack. "Pokéball, Go!" Ash calls as he throws the Pokeball, and it hits its target, Pidgeotto struggles, but it's ultimately caught. "Yes, We got Pidgeotto!" Ash says excitedly as he makes a pose, which Pikachu mimics.
"Congratulations, Ash! You managed to get yourself another Pokemon already. I'm gonna need to play catchup," Dawn said.
"Though the pose is a bit much. Maybe avoid the pose next time," Iris notes.
"Maybe…But I'm just happy to have a new friend. I feel like I am the greatest," Ash cheers.
"No! You are the worst. You have no idea what you are doing. It'll be a long time till you're a Pokémon Master, like, a million years," Misty yells.
"That seems a bit too far, don't you think?" Dawn asked.
"Maybe, but I'm not wrong that Ash needs a lot of help to become a proper Trainer!" Misty explains.
"I'm trying my best to…," Ash tries to defend.
"You should try to learn something about Pokémon first. With Pokémon you've got to use strategy. Pidgeotto is a bird. Caterpie is a worm. Birds eat worms, Mr. Pokémon Master," Misty counters as Axew looks worried.
"Yeah, she has a point. From a nature perspective, you messed up, We'll just need to feed Pidgeotto plenty of berries to make up for it," Iris suggested as she tries to calm down Axew.
"In terms of battling, I just wanted to show how good Caterpie was. Besides, if you just try hard enough, things will work out, won't they?" Ash asked.
"NO, Ash! I'm afraid things won't just work out if you try hard enough. The Pokémon trainer's judgment is more important than anything else and unfortunately for you, the trainer has to have a brain," Misty yells back.
"Okay, this arguing business has gone on long enough! Look, Misty, I know Ash isn't a perfect Trainer yet," Dawn began.
"Hey!" Ash was mad.
"But he is trying his best to care for his Pokemon and to get better. Not only that, but you wanted to have your bike back since we accidentally trashed it," Misty nodded in agreement to Dawn's point. "But you should at least try to give Ash and his Caterpie a fair chance rather than treat them like crap all the time!" Dawn finishes as Iris covers Axew's ears at the swear word.
"You know, Dawn has a point. Bickering like little children won't help you out in the slightest. So please apologize and at least try to work together," Iris agreed.
Both teens look at each other guiltily for a moment. However, before the two could apologize, familiar laughter is heard.
"So, we meet again," James says with a malicious grin, though the others don't see it yet.
"I know that voice," Ash realizes.
"Looks like those Team Rocket jerks aren't done," Misty says.
"Team Rocket? You mean those crooks that have wanted posters everywhere in Kanto?" Iris asked.
"I'm afraid so," Dawn confirmed.
"Hey! We're about to give our motto! Don't interrupt!" Jessie growls before beginning, "To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation," James continues.
"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 now or prepare to fight."
"Meowth, that's right," Meowth end the motto.
"Wait. They have a Meowth that can speak like a person?!" Iris was shocked to see.
"Yeah, but right now we don't have time for this stuff," Dawn reminded.
"Right. Look, you clowns, we're kind of busy now, so if you…," Iris was quickly interrupted.
"Quiet, little girl. We're not here to listen to you. We're here to get your Pokémon," Jessie rudely stopped Iris.
"Hand over that Pikachu," James demands.
"And while you're at it, that Snivy and Piplup of yours as well," Meowth suggests.
"Hey, this is my Pikachu. Go out and find your own," Ash protests.
"Yeah! Unlike this, you can legally become better by finding a Pikachu and raising it to its highest potential," Iris yelled.
"Either way, you're not gonna steal our Pokemon on our watch," Dawn blocked off access to Snivy and Piplup.
"Us find a normal Pikachu? And better yet, you stop us? Fat chance! The only Pikachu we want is that one," Jessie laughed.
"We're only looking for the rarest, most valuable Pokémon in the world, kid. We'll find the rarest and most powerful Pokemon that please our boss and get us on easy street," James explained.
"And that special Pikachu is just the kind of Pokémon we need," Jessie said.
At this, Meowth uses Fury Swipes on his two partners. "You idiots! Stop giving away all our secrets!"
"Hold on. I knew Pikachu was strong, but is my Pikachu really that special?" Ash asked.
"Uh huh! Your Pikachu's power has impressed even me. I really got a charge out of its incredible attack the last time we met. It's powers exceed its evolutionary level. Your Pokémon…," Meowth confirmed.
Before Meowth could continue, Jessie bopped Meowth on the head. "Now you're the one giving away all our secrets!"
"Shut up before you tell them everything!" James agreed.
"I'm in charge! Cut it out!" Meowth countered.
"Enough talk! Make things easy and hand over that Pikachu and your other rare Pokemon," Jessie warned.
"Forget it!" Ash denied.
"Yeah! Axew would never want to go with bullies like you!" Iris yelled as Axew popped out and agreed with his Trainer.
"Oh look! Another rare Pokemon for us to steal!" Jessie said.
"I know! I wonder how much we'll get for stealing him!" James agreed.
"We'll give you one last chance. Hand over your Pokemon and you'll walk out of here peacefully. Refuse, and face our wrath!" Meowth warned.
"For the last time, the answer is no!" Dawn harshly declined.
"Then you leave us no choice," James said with a grin.
"We'll have a Pokémon battle. Ekans, Go!" Jessie yelled out as she threw her Pokeball.
"Koffing, go get them!" James followed as both Pokémon materialize.
"Hey, two against one. That's cheating," Ash complained.
"Um, Ash? I know it's not fair but remember…," Dawn tried to say only for Team Rocket to interrupt.
"Well, as we say, all's fair in love, war and Pokémon battle," Jessie said tauntingly.
"I say that saying's rotten, and so are you," Ash said bitterly.
"Of course, we are. We're the bad guys," James said mockingly.
"Well, if they're gonna use two Pokémon, I don't see why we can't use two Pokémon," Misty pointed out as she considered sending out Goldeen.
"I agree with Misty here. Dawn, you can battle with either Piplup or Buneary. Ash, pick one of your Pokemon," Iris commanded.
"Um, okay? Piplup, use Bubblebeam!" Dawn commands her starter, who shoots many bubbles out of his beak, hitting both Koffing and Ekans.
"Hey! We weren't ready!" Jessie yelled, outraged.
"Haven't you heard of playing fair?" James agreed hypocritically.
"Says the crooks who planned on stealing our Pokemon," Misty yelled.
"Ash, please pick a Pokemon to battle with!" Iris asked.
"Why can't you battle?" Ash asked.
"Well…I want to give you a chance to get better as Trainers, so please battle them in my place," Iris nervously answered.
"Okay then…Pikachu, let's go!" Ash reluctantly agreed with Iris, and was ready to battle.
However, before Ash could respond, James yelled out, "Koffing, Sludge attack, now." Koffing's attack blinds Pikachu along with Piplup and Snivy.
"Hey! I know you crooks love to fight dirty, but still! That was a cheap shot!" Iris yelled angrily.
"I agree! Piplup, you just step back. I'll make do with Buneary," Dawn kindly said as she sent out her other Pokemon and Piplup ran towards Dawn's voice. "Buneary, I choose you!" Buneary looked for Pikachu for a moment before looking worried upon seeing that his eyes were covered. "Buneary, I know that this first battle of ours isn't the most ideal, seeing as how we're fighting criminals. However, if we want to keep Pikachu and the others safe, we're gonna need to work together and fight back. Understand?" After a few moments, Buneary nodded.
"You honestly believe that bunny rabbit can beat us?" Meowth mocked.
"Yeah! All you'll be doing is getting them hurt before we take them, right Jess?" James asked only to see how Jessie was gleefully lovestruck.
"Oh my god! That fur! Those rolled up ears, and that adorable face! That rabbit may be almost as cute as me!" Jessie gushed.
"Jess, remember that we're here to steal Pokemon for the boss. This ain't a vanity trip," Meowth said.
"Well, how is this?! I'm gonna keep that Pokemon. The boss will be more than happy with the rest of them," Jessie yelled, hitting Meowth on the head and leaving him dazed.
"If you think you can use your dirty tricks to beat me and my friends, you're wrong."
Ash quickly picks up Pikachu and Snivy, handing them to Misty and Iris respectively. "They might try anything to get what they want, but no matter what happens don't let them have Pikachu or Snivy, understand? Misty and Iris, come on!"
Misty takes Pikachu and Iris takes Snivy. "Don't worry. Your Pokemon will be safe with us. Just go and kick their criminal butts," Iris cheered on.
"But what are you going to do about Team Rocket's Pokemon?" Misty asked in worry.
"So, what's your big battle plan?" Jessie tauntingly asks.
"I can't send Caterpie. It's too weak from the last battle. Pidgeotto, Go!" Ash cries out as he sends out his new Pokemon.
"Koffing, It's grime time. Use Clear Smog!" James cries out as Koffing creates a white smog field.
"Ekans, go get dinner! Use Bite!" Jessie commands her Pokemon.
"Pidgeotto, dodge and use your Quick Attack!" Ash calls out as Pidgeotto dodges both Pokemon and strikes at Koffing, sending him to the ground.
"Grr! Koffing, use your Tackle attack on that rabbit right now!" James cries out as Koffing rushes for Buneary.
"Buneary, dodge with Bounce and use Dizzy Punch!" Dawn commanded as her Pokemon jumped over Koffing and landed on him painfully before punching him with her ears.
"Oh no! Dear Koffing, are you doing okay?" James asked in worry for his Pokemon.
"Grrr! You big baby! I'll show you how it's done! Ekans, use your Poison Sting!" Jessie commands her ace as tons of poison barbs are shot out.
"Oh no you don't! Pidgeotto, use your Gust on both of them!" Ash called as his Pokemon pushed both of the trio's Pokemon back, also repelling the barbs.
"Thanks for the save, Ash!" Dawn thanked her friend.
"Don't mention it! I can more than handle these guys! Now, it's your turn," Ash said.
"Okay, Buneary, use Ice Beam to wrap this up!" Dawn calls as Buneary formed her attack.
"This can't be happening! Jessie, use that other attack of Ekans, quick!" Meowth yelled out.
"Whatever that attack is, I doubt it can turn your battle around, you crooks!" Iris yelled.
"We'll see about that! Ekans, go underground with Dig!" Jessie commanded as Ekans burrowed underground to dodge the Ice Beam.
"I guess I forgot, Ekans can burrow under the ground with Dig!" Iris nervously laughed.
"You give us crap for our mistakes, but can't remember something as simple as that?" Misty grumbled.
"Hey! Pokemon can know hundreds of moves! How was I supposed to know the exact moves that Ekans knew!" Iris countered.
"Okay, Buneary, be careful. There's no telling where that Ekans will come up from!" Dawn warned.
Buneary looked around for Ekans. However, Ekans popped up right beneath the tired Buneary, knocking her out with one attack.
"Oh no! We're in trouble! Ash, do something!" Dawn cried out as she recalled Buneary.
"We're gonna get a Pokemon!" The trio excitedly yelled a few times.
"Gust counterattack, now!" Ash cried out desperately, hoping the attack would work.
"Oh no you don't! Koffing, go on through and use your Tackle attack!" James commanded as Koffing struggled his way through the Gust.
"You think Pidgeotto can win?" Misty asked Iris.
"I hope so. The last thing I want is for all of us to lose our Pokemon," Iris answered.
Pidgeotto did her best in order to fight the Koffing. However, Koffing pushes through and Tackles the weakened Pidgeotto. Sadly, the move did enough damage that she gets knocked out of the sky. "Pidgeotto, return," Ash recalls his Pidgeotto.
"Was that all you have got? I almost feel as though it would be a waste of time to steal such weak Pokemon," Meowth laugh.
"But we need to steal as much as we can to profit from it. So we're gonna steal from you still!" James said giddily.
"Of course! You were all such pathetic excuses of Trainers that these rare Pokemon would be wasted in your hands! If anything, we're doing them a favor!" Jessie gloated.
At this point, all four of the teens looked mad, though Misty and Dawn calmed down enough to avoid trying to fight Team Rocket. Iris, however, handed Snivy over to Dawn as she quickly rushed to try and punch Team Rocket, with Ash following shortly after.
"You jerks are gonna pay for that!" Iris yelled as Axew looked worried.
"Oh, yes they are! I'll show you. All right, let's go, put em' up!" Ash yells as he charges in to try and fight Team Rocket himself…only for the two teens to be held back by Jessie and James.
"Ha! What a fool! In Pokémon battle, only Pokémon can fight each other," Meowth laughed.
"Yeah! You wouldn't stand much of a chance against us, but we'd prefer to fight with Pokemon!" Jessie mocked as she pushes Iris to the ground.
"Buzz off!" James says as he flicks Ash away.
"Are you OK?" Misty asks the duo.
"We're fine. I guess we have no choice but to try and run!" Iris said reluctantly.
"Yeah! Grab the Pokemon and let's go!" Dawn agreed as she grabbed Piplup and was ready to try and run…only to run into Ekans and Koffing.
"So much for that plan," Misty shook her head.
"That's right! Guess you've got no choice. Let Pikachu in with us and watch Team Rocket win," Jessie said happily.
Pikachu tried to get up and fight, cheeks sparking only to miss his Thundershock and hit a tree. "No, Pikachu. You can't battle in this condition," Misty said.
"She's right, we have to get this sludge off your face. And the faces of the other Pokemon!" Dawn agreed as she got out a handkerchief and tried to wipe off the Sludge.
"It may take a while. This Sludge is thicker than before," Iris pointed out.
"Ash, what are...?" Misty wondered as Ash walked forward with a Pokeball.
"I know you're still weak from battling Pidgeotto, But now, Caterpie, you're my only hope. Just give it your very best shot! Caterpie, go!" Ash cries out as Caterpie materializes.
"What's that?" James asked.
"It's a bug. A measly little bug," Meowth notes. The Team are quiet for a moment before they begin laughing.
"Let's get the bug spray," Jessie mocks as Pikachu calls out in worry, hoping that Caterpie can pull out a win and prove Team Rocket wrong.
"Hang in there," Iris said, agreeing with Pikachu.
"Come on, little guy!" Misty pleaded.
"This better work," Dawn hopes as she continues wiping off the Sludge.
"Caterpie, String Shot now!" Ash commands as Team Rocket continues laughing. The attack binds both Pokemon and Caterpie sends Koffing flying into Ekans with a Tackle. Team Rocket stops laughing at this.
"Alright! Caterpie webbed them both and sent Koffing flying into Ekans!" Dawn said relieved.
"Beaten by a Caterpie?" James is shocked.
"That really bugs me," Jessie agrees.
"Now watch a real Pokémon in action. Fury Swipes!" Meowth yells out as he gets out his claws. But Meowth gets webbed up by another String Shot.
"I think its safe to say you have no Pokémon left to battle with, thus making Ash and Caterpie the winners!" Misty said.
"And you have no ability to steal from us any longer," Dawn said.
"So, you wanna fight us now?" Iris asked.
"It's time Team Rocket blasted off," Jessie says as James picks up Meowth and the duo recall their Pokemon.
"You may have won this round, but we'll be back!" James warns as the trio run.
"Come back anytime. We'll be glad to beat you," Misty yells.
"And we'll be ready for your Sludge tactics as well!" Iris agrees. "Speaking of which, Dawn? Is the…"
"Yes, the Sludge is off Pikachu! Just two more to go!" Dawn confirms as Pikachu joyfully returns to Ash's shoulder.
"We did it! We did it! We won and everyone is safe! Caterpie, I'm very proud of you. You really did your best and we won because of you!" Ash cheered.
"I must say that for an immature kid, you did pretty well, Ash," Iris admitted.
"I must admit, you're stronger than you look, Caterpie," Misty admitted as Pikachu cheered.
"Well, Misty. I guess you feel different about Caterpie now," Ash noted.
"In fact, it sounds like you're warming up to him," Iris said.
"Are we right?" Dawn asked.
"Well, I…I'm sorry for how I treated you and Caterpie. I guess that I can try and be nicer. It's just…that bike meant a lot to me and I have some issues at home that I'd rather not talk about. You just seemed to be an immature brat to me. But now I can see you are more than that. You are much braver and nicer than I initially thought. Also, I got too caught up in my phobia to remember that Caterpie could care how I treated him. Do you forgive me?" Misty asked with a bow.
"Of course I forgive you. I wasn't exactly being Mr. Nice either. All I ask is that you two make up. Just pat Caterpie on the head and say thanks for a really great job. You like Pokémon, so it's only right to congratulate one for doing a good job," Ash said.
"I guess you're right," Misty agreed.
"Well, it looks like things ended relatively happily," Dawn said.
"I agree. Maybe now they won't fight like little kids anymore," Iris noted as Dawn looked a bit annoyed.
But as Misty reaches to pet Caterpie, it sprays mist-like silk into the air above it, spooking Misty. "I'm sorry, but I need a minute!" Misty freaks out.
"Caterpie? What...?" Ash wonders, confused.
"It's evolving!" Misty realizes.
"I've never seen a Pokemon evolve before. It's so cool! What about you, Iris?" Dawn asked.
"Eh, I've seen a few evolutions already, but it's cool," Iris was much less impressed.
"Caterpie, this is so great," Ash cheers. The silk encases Caterpie in a shell, creating its evolved form. Afterwards, Ash gets out Dexter.
Metapod, the Cocoon Pokemon, and the evolved form of Caterpie. It has encased it's body in a hard shell. This specimen reached this stage faster than any previously discovered Pokémon of this variety.
"Hey, maybe that means it could keep on changing and go on to the next stage as a Butterfree very soon!" Ash says excitedly as Pikachu excitedly.
"Nice to meet you, Metapod," Ash greets his new Pokemon…only for Metapod to remain quiet. He nervously chuckles. "Not in the mood to talk?" Snivy made a cry as she shook her head, though Pikachu hugged Metapod.
"To be fair, not all Pokemon are super talkative, Ash," Iris said as she shook her head.
"Yeah, and it did just evolve so give him a little time. Interestingly enough, now that it evolved, its shell is as hard as steel, making it a good defender even though it's not a great attacker," Dawn said as she looked up Metapod in the Pokedex.
"During all my time as a Gym Leader, I;ve never known anyone like them. They really do love Pokémon," Misty said with a warm smile.
"You know, Misty, you two were just about to make friends like you did with me. You didn't forget did you?" Ash reminded.
Misty nervously responded, "I didn't forget, but I.." Another bug Pokemon flies overhead, frightening Misty. "I'll do anything, let's just get out of this forest!"
"Well, phobias don't just disappear after one day," Dawn shrugged.
"No way! Well, not yet at least. There's still plenty more Pokémon in this forest we can catch, maybe even some Water-types," Ash suggested.
"W-Well…O-Okay," Misty reluctantly agreed as she followed Ash.
"Besides, on average it takes a couple days to exit the Viridian Forest. Plus, the League isn't for months so we're not exactly on a time limit," Iris said as everyone else runs off.
