How is it going everyone? So here's another chapter for all of you. Starting off the adaptation of Movie 5. If this adaptation sways off from a different direction than what you're used to, it's primarily because I've never seen Movie 5. In fact this was literally around the time many years ago I had given up on the Pokémon anime as being anything more than a never-ending commercial. Fast forward a thousand episodes and a dozen movies later and it would seem I could not have picked a better point to jump off.

That being said, this part of the story is going to be full of big action, big conflicts, lots and lots of characters, and in general hopefully a series of thrills you wont be disappointed with. Let's start shall we?

Chapter 23: Sabotage

The day of Team Rocket's grand scheme invasion plan had come. This could be made evident by the sight of the multiple squads of men and women in black uniforms standing outside the presence of Giovanni's airship placed ahead of the dozen others. "To think someone like the boss can be motivated this much by one small legendary. You'd think we were about to have a full-scale war." Annie said as she observed next to her sister outside the airstrip window.

Oakley told her, "Of course if our previous studies are correct, we're going up against a small bundle of universal power. The scale could either be that of a few hundred Pokémon or a few million. Either case we need to get some serious business ready. Especially if the potential rewards are going to be worth it."

Annie turned to her left when she asked, "And that's why we need to have all of our best in one big gamble right?"

Oakley checked her sister's direction when she confirmed, "That's exactly why we're having them tag along."

Members of Team Rocket came down the airway in a two by two order with a green haired man and a gold haired woman in black uniforms leading them. The members stopped at attention as the man greeted, "A pleasure to meet you Miss Executives."

The woman followed with the salute, "We've been looking forward to proving ourselves on the field next to such significant names. I hope that you have at least heard of our recent rise in the ranks?"

Oakley nodded when she answered, "The Boss's new hopeful pair. Cassidy Williams."

"And uh... Dutch Heartman was the other one?"

As soon as Annie finished her sister's observation, the green haired man stomped his right foot forward and shook his fists in frustration when he exclaimed, "My name is Butch you twin bimbos!"

Before Butch could vent any more of his frustrations he felt a hand reach his ear from behind before a man told him, "We will have no inner conflict among ourselves in such a critical hour as this one."

Butch calmed down when he agreed, "Yes Doctor..."

Both Butch and Cassidy stepped ahead to reveal another two members prepared for the invasion. A balding middle-aged man with light red facial hair in his lab coat standing next to a young blonde haired woman in a black uniform. The woman had her hands on the Doctor's shoulders as she leaned close to him and complimented, "You certainly know how to lead by example sir."

The Doctor grinned when he thanked the woman, "And you seem to have no issue when it comes to seeing discipline is given. It's quite easy to see why Giovanni respects your competence."

The ranks of the Team Rocket members attending became more evident when Oakley pointed out, "Well this is more impressive. Domino, the Black Tulip of Team Rocket herself."

Annie asked, "What is she doing with that Dr. Roomba guy anyway?"

The Doctor turned beet red as he tried to contain his anger when he told Annie through gritted teeth, "That is Doctor William Namba young lady..."

Before he could explode in anger, Domino tugged her arms around William's body when she told him, "Now, now, you need to remember our mission sir. I know you must be... anxious for the occasion. Perhaps you could allow me to alleviate some of that tension for you while we're in our personal quarters?"

The anger in William's face disappeared right away at that offer before he replaced his mood with one of delight when he told Domino, "Now that you mention it, I think I have certainly... *ahem* risen to the occasion." William began to walk away with Domino at his side before recognizing that he still had a hold of Butch's ear as he gave an accidental yank. He let go of his subordinates ear when he told him, "Well I hope you can all show yourselves to your own stations because I don't want to think you are that incompetent!"

The doctor and Domino walked off as Butch was left to rub his ear when he confirmed with Cassidy, "We know our way in sir."
With their orders given, Annie and Oakley watches the four show themselves towards the entrance of the airship. Annie asked, "Is there any woman here who isn't giving themselves away to get a promotion?"

Oakley answered, "Only the ones who haven't gotten very far. If Cassidy isn't on our level after this, expect her to be the next Jessie."

"Nice of you two to recognize your best assets." The sisters turned to hear an imposing voice make itself known. It was the final major player that Giovanni had ordered to be sent on the mission. A man who stood a foot taller than anyone else in the hall and word a metallic industrial mask over his eyes. Very few knew his name but his presence alone commanded respect among his peers.

"The Iron Masked Marauder." Annie said in awe.

The Marauder confirmed, "You girls are able to reach where you got because of how desperate you were to get a luxurious lifestyle. I'm actually here because I'm actually able to hold my own against the world's best trainers."

Oakley countered, "You really think you're safe spreading a rumor about Agent Domino?"

The Marauder laughed when he told her, "It's practically public knowledge that she's been a little close to the Doctor there. Sorry if I broke your role model for you."

Oakley crossed her arms when she observed, "So selling herself to the Boss wasn't enough?"

Annie pointed out, "Maybe she's just into older men is all."

The Marauder walked past the sisters when he told them, "You two keep speculating about that while I do the heavy lifting out there."

As the sisters made their way into the airship Annie pointed out, "For being a team we sure do have a problem being even a little decent to one another."

Oakley shrugged when she told her, "We're bad guys. It's what we do."

As the remainder of the lead Team Rocket members made their way on-board, Jessie in a janitorial outfit looked on with a sigh.

James came up to her when he asked, "It's truly unfortunate isn't it? A chance to redeem ourselves is right out there and we aren't invited."

Jessie turned to him when she warned, "You're supposed to be doing kitchen duty James! Don't let the Boss see you put here!"

James told her, "I would but I need to get Meowth out of the kitchen area so he doesn't violate the kitchen sanitation rules."

Jessie told him, "Well I can't have him out here or he will sully all of the hard work I've done cleaning these floors!"

Meowth interjected between them, "Jeez, where are your spines yuh two, or what? I could easily cut off those trackers off your ankles and we'd be out of here wit'out a hitch."

Jessie told the cat Pokémon, "If we do that, we are going to be in even bigger trouble than now."

James agreed, "We'll be fortunate if we still have a job after their takeover of the world is complete."

Back on board the airship, Giovanni stood in the middle of the meeting room when he saw his seven chosen team members to accommodate him line up. As they all stood at attention he told them, "You are all very fortunate to be here today. This day will determine who the leaders and the underlings shall be once victory has been achieved. With this in mind, I expect to see each one of you demonstrate nothing less than the complete domination of every trainer who dares to stand against us. If I see even so much as one of you have a moment of weakness, you will wish you never crossed paths with Team Rocket. The plan that has been formulated is one that will offer an opportunity for all of you to achieve great things on a worldwide scale. And I will have no one less than the mightiest at my side once we have Alto Mare. This is as much an invasion as it will be a culling. This will decide who remains at my side. Do I give you all the proper incentive this day?"

All seven of the members answered, "A great deal Boss!"

Giovanni turned to the main monitor before sitting on his chair when he told them, "It is decided then. Prepare for departure and await your instructions. Dismissed."

The seven members left Giovanni to wait for the moment of their arrival. The takeoff preparations had finished before everyone felt the ship rise into the air. Annie and Oakley checked around them as everyone entered their assigned quarters when they entered the hallway although they did catch a sight of Domino leading William into her assigned area.

The coast was clear before Annie asked, "Is this really what we should be looking forward to? The Boss actually wants us to get into a free for all once this is done."

Oakley hesitated before answering, "The only reason we might have to be worried is because one of us didn't try hard enough to be ready for this day. I don't know about you, but I think we're both pretty okay when we're considering that."

Annie heard the shaky confidence in her sisters voice before she told her, "I thought we wanted to find a place to belong. I thought you wanted to be a team player for a long time and this doesn't sound like a team effort."

Oakley turned to the door of her quarter a when she told her, "I know it sounds rough, but we have to be able to follow orders. I honestly think this is only here so that make sure to keep the grunts in line. If we slip up, well... we should be able to make it up to the Boss somehow."

The sisters both entered when Annie asked, "You're starting to have second thoughts about this aren't you?"

Oakley checked to make sure the room was cut off from any outside echoing before telling her, "You know we can get disciplined for even suggesting insubordination. Just stick with me and I'll make sure neither of us end up being tossed to the side."

Annie remained unconvinced by the promise when she suggested, "I don't think we're in a good spot at all. I think we should get ready to split once this has ended. At least if we can't get either of the legendaries that are supposed to be out there."

Oakley slammed her fist against a nearby walk when she heard the suggestion. Before she could let out a talk she was the fear in her sister's eyes and was felt a sense of guilt from her display. She leaned against the wall she just got as she took a deep breath. Oakley answered after a brief few seconds, "I get the concern. We're supposed to stick together through and through. I guess we've always been a bit at odds in a way though. You were never as ambitious as me and I still had nothing but respect for you. That's why I want you to understand that we'll be together even if we fail. I don't know what the world will be like once Team Rocket takes over, but that much is not going to change."

Annie showed a sign of relief on her face when she asked, "So you'll agree to the plan?"

Oakley nodded, "Yeah. Only because of you. Let's see if we can't prove that we're better than I the others."

Annie accepted the conditions when she promised, "We stick together like the sisters we are until the end."

Although a conflict of great proportions was about to occur, there was no one who could have guessed that it would happen today. There were only two things that the people of Alto Mare were interested in seeing today. The first being the start of the annual Tour de Alto Mare, the second being the arrival of Ash and his friends.

Up in the skies among the large flock of Pidgeys there were three large flying Pokémon that made themselves known. The Pokémon being a Charizard who lead the flight down with a Tropius and a Pidgeot while a crowd of people at the door of the gothic buildings shifted their attention to the arriving trainers away from the many canals of the city.

As each one after another set foot in the ground, Ash took a look around the city to see the other two Pokémon setting foot. He heard Sabrina leap off as he welcomed, "This place sure does stand out from a lot of the world doesn't it?"

Sabrina looked around when she agreed, "I don't know that many places that use old Kalosian architecture. I almost wonder what it is that keeps others from using it?"

Will and Karen made their way off the Tropius while Clair leapt off Pidgeot and answered, "As far as I'm concerned it's all the work of people who don't have better things to do."

Ash returned his Pidgeot and Charizard to their Poké ball when Sabrina told her, "That doesn't mean we can't appreciate the hard work that was put into all we are now."

Karen had returned her Tropius to her Poké ball when Will told Sabrina, "She's not entirely wrong. Colonists from Kalos did settle here centuries ago and brought their influence on what we see today. The reason for all of this standing today is that the people here have a history of maintaining what they have rather than trying to change it."

Karen told him, "I don't think our guest came for a history lesson. I'm actually pretty surprised she ever thought about joining us."

Clair reminded her, "I'm here to make sure Ash does not try to run away from his mission. He came here to receive his Tyrunt and nothing more. Any other distractions will have to be overseen by me."

Karen pointed out, "I don't know... I heard that some nights out here get pretty romantic. I bet Ash would really like the chance to make some memories out here."

Sabrina teased, "I think Clair is more concerned about keeping up with leg day than she is about making her future husband are her as the romantic type."

Ash tried to douse the conflict when he told her, "It's not like we came here to start an argument or anything."

Clair asked him, "If there is to be no argument then what else do we have planned today if anything?"

Before Ash could answer, Sabrina spoke for him, "If Karen is right then I think it's the duty of us one of us to remind Ash why he's been working so hard for you. If not you, then at least I should remind him that I'm still here for him."

Karen smiled deviously while Will observed, "So Karen has been rubbing off a little on her. Quite interesting."

Ash told the two ladies, "I really didn't have any plans for anything else. Seriously I thought you guys were actually starting to be at least play with each other."

Karen made her way up to Ash when she placed an arm around his shoulders and offered, "If you two are going to have another argument over who loves him more, why don't I try and raise his standards for what a nice date is like? It's not like we're all competing for his affection right?"

Ash spoke out, "Not that I'm trying to dodge this or anything, but I think we should start acting a little more professionally."

The group of trainers turned to see what Ash was pointing to when Will warned, "You may want to have a definitive answer the next time a dilemma like this comes up."

A crowd of people came towards them in a collage of enthusiastic trainers and tourists who recognized Ash's arrival from above. A few young children lead the way while a few challenges from older trainers were drowned out by requests for an autograph or desire for an interview. The crowd was slightly dispersed when attention was given to the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four members following Ash but the main focus still managed to be on Ash if only for the added chance to see an actual Mew.

The craze didn't get a hold of Ash however when he heard a familiar voice greet, "Ash! You made it!"

Ash finished signing a Poké ball when he looked over several heads to see a good friend of his. "Is that you Brock?"

He was his dark haired friend make his way up to the front when he greeted, "The one and only! We thought you'd be too busy to see us!"

Ash was intrigued by Brock referring to himself as "us" but heard an announcer proclaim, "Attention all touring fans! In just five minutes, this year's annual Tour de Alto Mare will be under way! So it's to your seats you need to rush if you don't want to get flushed!"

Ash was the first to hear the announcement when he lead the charge to the bridges that oversaw the start of the river race with Brock at his side. His friends followed behind as they found the bridge where the tour racers at the starting line beneath. Ash took a chance to view the line of racers beneath him. The most recognizable of them being an orange haired girl with a Corsola. "Now I've got somebody to cheer for it looks like!"

Will came next to him when he asked, "Someone you know down there?"

Brock confirmed, "Yup. Misty Waterflower herself. Not just happy being the shining star of Cerulean, but soon to be a recognized water racer as well."

It was then that Ash remembered the egg Pokémon Togepi in Brocks arms when she chirped, "Mommy is ready!"

Sabrina offered, "We can at least let Ash have a chance to be with some good friends can't we?"

Karen agreed, "I'm in no hurry. Let's see how nice the water is out here."

The announcer made his final warm-up speech, "All contestants are now ready for this years biggest water event! Hang on to the edge of your seats! On your mark, get set, go!" At that signal, the line of water skiers felt their Pokémon shoot them forward across the canal and the race had officially begun.

Ash was excited to see Misty taking the lead while the rest of the crowd was filled with varying fans who all had their own ideal winners. As the race began however, there was one contestant who did not have plans on simply participating.

Domino had gone in disguise as one of the skiers as she allowed her Bibarel to place her among the lead skiers. With the noise of the rushing water, no one was able to hear her as she reported into her intercom, "The distraction us underway. Time for us to get started."

A pair of Team Rocket grunts heard the order when one of them said, "You heard her. Get the bombs ready."

The other grunt agreed, "Keep cover. Don't let any of them see us."

The two grunts took cover behind the bridge support pillars as they heard a wave of water roaring its way towards them. The waves splashed across the waters as one grunt announced, "Now!" The two grunts both day up their Electrode bombs along the bridge base and jumped into the water.

The plan was still in progress as Cassidy and Butch prepared to set up their bombs in the center of the bridge. Cassidy watched the other side of the bridge prepared for the execution when she told Butch, "It won't be long now. This island doesn't exactly have many options for entry does it?"

Butch agreed, "This couldn't be any more exciting. My finger's gettin' real antsy to blow this thing."

Cassidy took the activation remote from him when she told him, "We need to take this seriously. We let just one out and we risk letting the Pokémon Rangers catch some of us before we have control."

Butch groaned before checking ahead of him and warning, "Well we sure don't want any of them to see us either." The two grunts and their Raticate placed their Electrode bomb before jumping into the water to avoid being seen as the water skiers sped by.

On the other end of the bridge, another two grunts saw the race was still under way while one of them asked, "So the ports are all clear?"

The other grunt confirmed, "It's all clear now. Sorry we wont be able to drop this on an unfortunate passerby."

The other grunt chuckled, "Yeah you know what I signed up for." The grunts set up their Electrode bomb before jumping into the water.

The race was continuing with the only concern among the city populace being who would come in first place. Domino had no concern about being the winner however when she saw the linking bridge to the island leave her view and enter the city canals. She spoke into her headgear, "They're all set. We're ready to blow."

Giovanni's voice ordered, "Reach the finish like and prepare to subjugate the local populace. The operation is set to begin."
Domino smiled when she agreed, "Looking forward to it sir."

The race reached its climactic and as several skiers came very close together, but only one managed to reached the farthest the soonest. "And our grand champion crosses the finish line! Everyone he ready to welcome Misty Waterflower as the newest champion of the Tour de Alto Mare!"

Ash and his friends cheered as they heard the news as they came down to the entry docks to greet the participants. Ash was fortunate to be in the lead when he saw Misty first and greet, "Misty! Wow that was a great race!"

Misty smiled when she met her friend for the first time in a while and greeted, "It's great to see you to. Brock was trying to get in touch with you for a while but said that you were really busy with some kind of training."

Ash confirmed, "Yeah that's quite a bit of a story I've managed to have. I take it you trust Brock enough to handle Togepi?"

Misty blushed slightly when she answered, "Well it's a bit more than just that. I just wanted to have him here to cheer me on."

Ash agreed, "It's nice to have somebody rooting for you."

As the crowd came closer, the announcer made his way up to Misty to congratulate, "Ladies and gentlemen! Cheer some more for this years crown lady of the water!" As the crowd gave their cheers, the announcer offered to Misty the prize that every participant in the Tour de Alto Mare could hope to pay their hands on. The glass medallion with the engravings of Latios and Latias circling the Soul Few in the center. He told her, "Do feel welcome to come every year miss. We would absolutely love to see a race display like that again."

Before she could say anything, a loud trio of explosions erupted in the distance. One after another blew the support beams of the connecting bridge in the distance before it all came tumbling into the water. The excitement that was present had completely disappeared as it was replaced by shock at what had just happened. Domino returned her Bibarel as she observed the panic and told herself, "That Mew might be a challenge, but let's see how long that lasts." She reached for her headgear when she announced, "Time to get this party started."

At the outer edge of the crowd William chuckled, "I love it when she gives the warning." He reached for his Poké ball when he ordered, "Prepare to keep them under control Electivire." At that command, a large, yellow, humanoid Pokémon stood next to William with sparks surrounding his body popped out of Williams Poké ball. William knew to keep himself under control however when he saw the first portion of the plan begin in the distance.

Oakley saw Ash and his friends in the distance when she cursed, "Most this will do is buy us some time. Lets see how far our luck can go. Vileplume! Stun Spore this area!" The blue Pokémon carrying the massive flower in its head appeared in the center of the crowd and immediately spewed out a cloud of topaz most from the hole on top.

As Oakley ran out of the area and next to William, she saw the plan going just as she hoped. Everyone was frozen in place from the flower Pokémon's spray. She told William, "This crowd's under control. Now we just have the rest of the city to worry about."
William agreed, "We're just keeping the potential challengers in their place. Now that they have no way out on land, we have to make sure that they can't fly out of here."

As William said that, the small Alto Mare airport was on lockdown as Annie's Houndoom bit hold of Officer Jenny's Swanna and whacked its body left to right against a nearby wall before tossing it aside and unleashing a mighty Hyper Beam. Annie told her new Pokémon, "Okay that's enough! We're basically done here!"

Jenny was quick to return her swab Pokémon when she asked, "Are you trying to you with me? Your pal outside is doing way more damage than this."

Annie looked outside as she saw a Tyranitar and a Metagross wreaking havoc as they destroyed the outside airplanes with their Hyper Beams. Standing out among them was a spider mesh with none other than the Iron Masked Marauder overlooking the destruction. Annie apologized, "Sorry. It's just my job to handle security out here."

The Marauder stomped the door of his mesh in the last remaining airplane when he congratulated himself, "I do love my job." He activated his computer when he reported, "All's clear on my side over here boss. I think the bridge just went boom as well."

Giovanni was on the top floor of the Alto Mare Broadcast building while his Persian walked alongside him and congratulated, "Excellent work. This city was as easy to take hold of as we expected. Now then if you'll excuse me, I have a declaration to announce."

Well there's another bit of progress for all of you. The invasion of Alto Mare has begun and both sides have an equal number of noteworthy trainers to take on one another. Basically Annie, Oakley, Cassidy, Butch, Domino, Dr. Namba, and Iron Masked Marauder vs. Ash, Sabrina, Will, Karen, Clair, Brock and Misty.

I hope this doesn't come as a huge disappointment to anyone, but I do not plan on having Misty being part of the harem.

For right now the future is set up for the upcoming action and the mysteries of what would cause Team Rocker to launch such a full scale invasion in the first place will all be answered in the upcoming chapters.

Until then, I look forward to seeing you all next time.