Pokemon Anime Series Playlist

The gang is moving to the Battle Arena. Still, Brock, May and Max are exhausted and want to rest, but Ash still wants to get the second Frontier Symbol. Later, however, Ash is exhausted as well, so they rest. He asks for water, but there is no water left. Brock, May and Ash leave Max with the Pokémon (with only Mudkip coming) to feed. After the search, Mudkip found a river. Meanwhile, Max gives them the food, telling them they need and goes to rest. Pikachu tells the Pokémon which one is first, though all Pokémon want to eat. However, Munchlax ate all the food. Pikachu goes away and Corphish is angry at Munchlax, even more when it goes to sleep. Corphish uses Bubble Beam, but Munchlax goes to sleep, so the attack hits Squirtle instead. Squirtle counter-attacks with Bubble, so Corphish uses Harden. Pikachu tries to wake Max up, while Corphish uses Bubble Beam and Squirtle uses Bubble. With all the trouble, some Geodude begin to be angered and surround them. Phanpy rolls, and so does Geodude, so the other Pokémon run. Max wakes up and sees Corphish knocked out and Munchlax being thrown away. Pikachu wakes Corphish up and run away from the Geodude. Max sees Munchlax, Pikachu and Corphish are gone, while the others come to him. Ash, Brock and May come, so Max tells him the problem. Brock decides to stay if the Geodude or the other Pokémon come back, while Ash, May and Max take Mudkip to find the other Pokémon. Meanwhile, there seems to be a meeting going on - the Geodude complain about the Onix (which must be their leader) about what happened. Team Rocket sees them, so Meowth translates that they had troubles with some Pokémon, including Pikachu, so they know that the gang is nearby. Jessie proposes to talk with the Rock Pokémon and convince them to capture Pikachu and the other Pokémon, as they are their enemy. Team Rocket comes to them, convincing that the gang is planning to capture every Rock Pokémon from Onix's kingdom. They also say they need to capture Pikachu, as their most powerful weapon. Onix yells and soon the Rock Pokémon disappear in a smoke. Meanwhile, Ash, May and Max search for the missing Pokémon, while Pikachu and Corphish wander. Phanpy finds Squirtle, who is smelling the flowers. Phanpy approaches Squirtle, and Squirtle sees a giant flower. A Beedrill comes out, so Squirtle is taken back and cries. Phanpy stands in its defense and uses Hidden Power to hit Beedrill. Next, Phanpy sees Squirtle smelling the flowers, as well as more Beedrill coming. Phanpy takes Squirtle, who is angry since it cannot smell the flowers, but changes its mind when seeing the Beedrill coming. Pikachu and Corphish wander and encounter Phanpy and Squirtle running. They greet them, but when Phanpy and Squirtle pass, Corphish uses Bubble Beam, when seeing the Beedrill, hitting them. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt to scare the Beedrill and they go away. Meanwhile, Brock is waiting for the others and is bored. However, the Rock Pokémon arrive and surround him, while Team Rocket drops the cage on him. Corphish, Phanpy, Squirtle and Pikachu see the eaten apples falling, as well as Munchlax eating them. Munchlax falls down, as the ground shakes for the Rock Pokémon to come. When seeing Golems and Graveler, they run away, with the said Pokémon following them. They spot a log, so Phanpy, Squirtle, Pikachu and Munchlax jump on it, with Corphish pushing the log and losing the Rock Pokémon. However, they hit a stone and fall into water, down the river. Later, they are seen tired, but on the coast. However, the Rock Pokémon surround them and the cage falls, capturing them by Team Rocket. The Pokémon attack the cage, but soon find that the cage is durable and are knocked out, with the Rock Pokémon taking them. Brock and the Pokémon are taken to Onix. Meanwhile, Ash, May, Max and Mudkip came to a dead end, with Mudkip sensing the Pokémon up there. Ash climbs up and sees Brock and the Pokémon captured. Soon, Ash finds out May, Max and Mudkip are captured as well and are soon taken up where Brock and the Pokémon are. Team Rocket already plans to take the Pokémon for the boss. Brock demands for all to be free, so Team Rocket tells Onix of their hostility. Ash comes and persuades that Team Rocket is the ones lying. Meowth tells Onix he is the bad leader, though Ash tells him he would never hurt a Pokémon, with May and Max telling the same. Meowth tells Onix the gang wants to confuse him, but Ash wants a test to prove himself. Meowth translates that Onix does not know whom to believe, but wants a battle as a proof. Ash accepts the challenge, as it seems to be the only way to free his friends. He sends Grovyle to battle. Onix starts with Iron Tail, but Grovyle evades using Quick Attack and tackles Onix, but because it is a Rock type, Onix does not take much damage and attacks Grovyle. Grovyle uses Bullet Seed, hitting Onix, while Onix counters by wrapping Grovyle. However, Grovyle evades and uses Bullet Seed on his head. Grovyle defeats Onix using Leaf Blade. Team Rocket see Onix losing, so they plan to get Pikachu, but since they'd abandon the other Pokémon, they plan to take Onix instead. Team Rocket appears in a machine, throwing a huge boulder at Onix. Grovyle uses Leaf Blade to stop the boulder and smash it. Onix declares to set the others free, so the Rock Pokémon destroy the cages. Team Rocket launches the cannons, using water to defeat the Rock Pokémon. Team Rocket launches hands to get Pikachu and Onix, as well as a balloon to get away. Still, Onix struggles to resist, with the help of the Rock Pokémon. Mudkip uses Water Gun and Corphish Bubble Beam, destroying the hand which took Pikachu. Squirtle uses Bubble to free Onix. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt on Team Rocket and Onix uses Iron Tail to blast them off. Later, the gang are seen to be traveling on Onix, who helps them to transport them away.

As the heroes travel, they encounter many Grass-type Pokémon. They soon encounter a Hoppip, who gets blown by the breeze away, so the heroes follow it. Suddenly, the Hoppip gets captured by a woman, whom Brock flirts with (complimenting her agility), so Misty swiftly grabs his ear. The heroes see that the woman has seven Hoppip and enter her house, learning she is a weather forecaster. She had her Hoppip train to help in her predictions. The heroes see Hoppip being blown away, knowing she can see in which direction the wind blows. Two Hoppip are blown, so she tells them the wind has the strength of two on Hoppip scale. Brock sees she uses them to predict weather, much like fisherman and farmers predict storms. Brock tells her to forget that and focus on the bond between her and himself, so Misty abruptly grabs his ear. They soon see Hoppip blown away, but one lags behind. It goes to fly, but falls down. Misty cleans it up and suddenly, the gang sees it is an Oddish. Mariah explains it wanted to become like a Hoppip, to know how to fly, but it fails to do so. Misty wishes they could help it, but Ash knows they don't know how to. Brock thinks it can flap its leaves, but Misty yells at him, so he keeps quiet. Meowth sees them and tells Jessie and James they can use Hoppip for a delivery service, making them rich. Jessie and James tell him the lack of breeze might stop them, and the boss would kick them off the team if he learned they did not give Hoppip to him. Jessie admits that there is a way to deliver the Hoppip and orders Meowth and James to start the operation. They cut the net and introduce themselves to Mariah. They use the fans to blow the wind, so Mariah prevents Hoppip to be blown away. They use a bigger fan, so everyone catches a Hoppip before blown away. Ash sends Chikorita and Jessie Arbok. Chikorita tackles Arbok and uses Razor Leaf, knocking Arbok onto Jessie and James. Meowth turns the power on, so Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, destroying the fan and blowing Team Rocket away by the explosion. Ash praises Pikachu, though Chikorita tackles Pikachu, so Ash praises her too. Misty notices Oddish was brave to get a Hoppip to protect it. Suddenly, the Hoppip join their leaves, so Mariah is warned, as there is a big storm is on the way. Mariah analyzes the info and warns the heroes there is a tornado coming. Team Rocket are wandering, thinking they need to change the motto. They hear something and turn around, then run away seeing a tornado. Nevertheless, the tornado engulfs them. Per Mariah's advice, the heroes take cover under the desk. The tornado crashes the house, so Hoppip are blown away. Mariah goes to get them, but Brock pulls her down. Oddish is also blown away, though Ash gets Misty before she was also engulfed. The heroes come out, seeing the house destroyed. Ash, Misty and Brock agree to find Mariah's Hoppip, to which Mariah thanks them. They come to the roof wreckage and hear a Oddish. They notice Oddish wants to find its friends, as once it searched for Hoppip after a thunderstorm. Oddish leads them, following the breeze and finding the first Hoppip, who got stuck on a tree. Ash goes to get it, but Brock wants to impress Mariah and climbs the tree. Brock gets it down, while Misty compliments Oddish. They follow a river and spot another Hoppip, stranded on a branch. Oddish goes to get it, but Ash stops it, so Brock gets it. After Hoppip dried off, Oddish searches for more, but Ash knows it will not help much in finding the other five, since it cannot fly. However, they soon see another one flying and go after it. Team Rocket, however, got four Hoppip. Meowth imagines of night deliveries, but James tells him to forget the idea. Jessie imagines to get Hoppip a pinwheel. They see another Hoppip and catch it. The heroes see Team Rocket, so Misty sends Staryu, who tackles the balloon and pierces it, causing it to fall down. The heroes follow it, so James sends Victreebel, Ash Heracross and Jessie Arbok. Staryu joins the fight, but so does Oddish. Jessie and James laugh at Oddish. Victreebel tackles it, so Oddish retaliates with the same attack back. Oddish uses Stun Spore, paralyzing Victreebel and kicking it away, defeating it. Arbok goes to bite it, but Oddish uses Sleep Powder. Meowth goes to scratch it, but gets blasted off with Solar Beam, with Jessie and James. With all Hoppip reunited, the heroes know Oddish can be proud of that battling, even if it cannot fly. They tell it cannot fly, but can use Stun Spore, Sleep Powder and Solar Beam instead. Mariah tells Oddish it will always be special. Oddish jumps onto her chest, and she hugs it. After the house is fixed, Mariah thanks them for assistance, even if Misty pulls Brock's ear after still flirting with her. The heroes wave goodbye and continue the journey.

The main film's setting is in the water-themed Johto city of Alto Mare (which means "High Sea"), based on Venice, Italy. The city is watched over by two legendary Pokémon, Latias and Latios. The story behind the two involves a Pokémon Trainer using a Kabutops and an Aerodactyl to terrorize the citizens, until the original Latios came to the city, using his powers to drown the evil Pokémon and turning the streets into canals. However, Latios died and his children were left orphans. His soul is within a special jewel, the Soul Dew, a small, blue glowing orb. The Soul Dew is sought by Annie and Oakley, two members of Team Rocket (in the original dub they worked alone). The Soul Dew controls the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare, a special device built in case of disaster. Meanwhile, Ash Ketchum, Misty, and Brock are visiting Alto Mare on their travels, as well as Jessie, James, and Meowth. Ash and Misty participate in the Tour de Alto Mare, a water chariot race. Misty wins, after Ash takes a wrong turn thanks to an invisible Latias and Latios. Ross, the former champion of the race gives the friends a tour of the city in his gondola and tells them of the city's guardians. Annie and Oakley are in the city now and stalk Latias, who has disguised herself as a human girl. Latias is saved by Ash and Pikachu. Team Rocket are also in the city and decide to stalk Annie and Oakley. The trio of heroes later visit the city's museum where they meet Lorenzo, the curator, who explains the city's legendary past and also introduces them to the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare (DMA for short). Ash then spies a girl, Bianca, who is identical to Latias' disguise. Ash pursues her, and then Latias in disguise, across the city, eventually discovering a beautiful hidden garden where Latias and Latios live. Lorenzo arrives to clear up all the tension between Ash, Bianca and Latios. Latias and Latios play with Ash and Pikachu, and later Lorenzo reveals to Ash the Soul Dew. However, Annie and Oakley's spy robot is watching this and later the two villains steal the Soul Dew and capture Latios. They use both to control the DMA. Latias flees to Ash for help, and later the two and Pikachu race across the gridlocked city to the museum. Oakley goes power hungry and revives the dead evil Pokémon to capture Latias, but are killed again. The heroes arrive at the museum to find the DMA going haywire and Latios badly injured. The Soul Dew turns dark red, due to its power getting drained from the DMA. Annie goes to the Soul Dew to see what has happened, but Lorenzo warns her not to touch it in its current state. Annie ignores him, and the Soul Dew emits black lightning, and the DMA goes out of control. All the water in the city leaves suddenly and returns as a giant tidal wave. Latios and Latias use their psychic powers to destroy the tidal wave, but Latios dies in the process, due to being greatly weakened when he was used to control the Defense Mechanism. The water returns to the city, washing away Team Rocket in the process. The evil Pokémon return to their fossil states, and Annie and Oakley end up trapped inside the DMA. Latios becomes a new Soul Dew and is placed as the new guardian of Alto Mare. Ash, Misty, and Brock head off to leave Alto Mare, but Bianca/Latias (it is unknown who it actually is however seeing as she doesn't speak it's quite probable that it's Latias, but it could be Bianca because it showed that Bianca's hat was in her room) stops them before they leave and hands Ash a drawing of him and Pikachu, and then she gives Ash a kiss before disappearing. As the group leave on a boat, they see three forms of two Latios and Latias in the air. The end-credits show Annie and Oakley are let out of the DMA and put in prison where they examine the possessions of Lawrence III.

Ash is hungry, so Brock reports there is a town past the forest. Ash gets his hopes up and runs, so Misty and Brock follow him. Jigglypuff has also seen them and smiles. As they came into town, Togepi runs off into a garden, seeing a girl training her Igglybuff to dance. Misty comes to get Togepi and apologizes to the girl if trouble was caused. Brock falls in love with the girl, whose name is Brittany, though Misty pulls him away. Brittany introduces the Igglybuff twins: Gigglybiff and Gigglybuff. Brittany tells them she trained her Igglybuff to dance and sing. She admits she is a TV star, along with her Igglybuff. With so much popularity, they are having a concert today. Brock thinks he can do a duet with her, but Misty drags him away. She demonstrates with Igglybuff (who have some head wraps) her dance and song. The heroes are amazed by this performance. Team Rocket observes, while Jessie thinks of having the Igglybuff as her own. James recalls there were posters for the concert, so Jessie knows they need a plan to capture these twins. The heroes are delighted by this performance, thinking the concert will be a hit. Jigglypuff appears to sing a song, so Ash grabs the microphone, while Brock offers it food, which Jigglypuff is happy to eat. The heroes think Brittany and Igglybuff will be superstars, making Jigglypuff angry. Brittany takes them for lunch. Meanwhile, Jigglypuff kicks Igglybuff and stomps on their head wraps. Misty comes and sees Igglybuff lost their head wraps. Jigglypuff states a strong wind blew the head wraps off, so it places them on Igglybuff's heads. Ash tells Misty Brittany will get some tickets for the concert, so she invites Jigglypuff to join it. The heroes admire Brittany's dress and Igglybuff's headgear, making Jigglypuff jealous. For that, Jigglypuff kicks the twins off the table. Later, the concert starts, as Jigglypuff and Brittany sing and dance. Jigglypuff likes the performance, so goes into Brittany's room to get the microphone out of Ash's bag (even eating Brock's bread). As Brittany ends her performance, Jigglypuff goes to sing out. However, Team rocket appears, who sing out. They chant their motto, but the crowd is displeased by their arrival. James sends Victreebel and gets gnawed upon, while Ash sends Phanpy. Victreebel uses Razor Leaf, but misses and gets taken down. Misty sends Poliwhirl against Jessie's Wobbuffet. Jigglypuff goes to use Double Slap, but gets reflected by Wobbuffet. Poliwhirl uses Water Gun and Phanpy Tackle, but both attacks get countered. James sends Weezing, whose Smokescreen covers the field. Team Rocket goes away, while Brittany is saddened, as Igglybuff had been stolen. Ash tells the audience there will be a break, but the audience is not pleased. So, Ash and Misty choose Brock to entertain them. Brock refuses, but changes his mind as Brittany asks him to. Ash sends Noctowl to search for Igglybuff. Meanwhile, Brock entertains the audience with his song and succeeds. James thinks they should do a cartoon over the world based on Igglybuff, but Jessie disagrees, as they will be her supporting actors in her next show. Jessie thinks her fame would be like a snowball that goes down a slope: it gets bigger and better. She goes to see the Igglybuff, but sees they captured Jigglypuff as well. They promptly throw her out and leave her tied to a tree with her mouth taped. As Ash and the gang find the bound and gagged Jigglypuff, she agrees to lead them to Team Rocket. Meanwhile, Brock repeats the song, not pleasing the audience too much. Noctowl searched and found Jigglypuff, who is not amused. As Team Rocket discusses their plan, Noctowl pierces their balloon, so they crash. Brock has trouble with singing, while the audience is not pleased. Ash, Misty and Brittany appear before Team Rocket. However, Jessie will not allow her career to be demolished. Ash sends Totodile, Misty her Corsola, while James his Victreebel (resisting its gnawing) and Jessie Arbok. Totodile evades Victreebel's Vine Whip and scratches it. Arbok headbutts Corsola, who responds by tackling it. Arbok is knocked onto Jessie, who drops the bag, freeing the twins. Meowth stands in their way, but gets tackled by Corsola. Gigglybiff and Gigglybuff appear before Arbok and Victreebel, charming them, then give them a Sweet Kiss. Jigglypuff slaps Arbok and Victreebel, tossing them to James and Jessie, who get electrocuted by Pikachu, then blast off by Totodile's Water Gun. Brock is exhausted by too much singing, but Brittany and her Igglybuff appear, pleasing the audience. Brittany and Igglybuff dance and sing, with the audience singing as well. As the concert ended, Jigglypuff appears, who sings the song, causing everyone to go asleep, thus making Jigglypuff scribble on everyone's faces once more before storming out in huff. Even the Narrator is struggling to stay awake as he closes the episode.

Both Pokémon remain still. Charizard uses Flamethrower, which Blaziken dodges by jumping high up. Charizard uses Dragon Rage, but misses. Blaziken uses Quick Attack, but Charizard flies up, evading Blaziken's Flamethrower. Charizard and Blaziken use Flamethrower, which collide and create a fireball. Oak knows it is expected for the League's trainers to have high-level Pokémon. Blaziken uses Quick Attack, which Charizard dodges, but uses Fire Punch, hitting Charizard with it. Charizard retaliates with Flamethrower, hitting Blaziken back. Ash and Harrison admit each other's Pokémon are well trained and powerful. Blaziken uses Quick Attack, so Charizard uses its tail to hit Blaziken back. Charizard uses Seismic Toss, pulling Blaziken to the sky and throwing it to the ground. Ash is glad he won, as do Misty and Brock. However, Blaziken stands up, as it still is ready to battle more. Brock believes before Blaziken was tossed, it used Flamethrower on the ground to soften the fall. Blaziken uses Quick Attack, which damages Charizard, who responds by using Flamethrower. Charizard attempts to use Seismic Toss once more, but Blaziken jumps and uses Blaze Kick, hitting Charizard with it. Charizard is injured, though uses Dragon Rage, colliding with Blaziken's Flamethrower. Both Pokémon are bounced away, as it caused an explosion. Charizard and Blaziken attempt to stand up. Ash, Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Togepi, Polietoed, Delia and Oak cheer for Charizard to stand up. Blaziken and Charizard stand up once more. Charizard goes to use Flamethrower, but fails and falls down, the strain on the battle weighs heavily on him. Charizard is defeated, so Harrison wins the battle. Misty and Brock are disappointed, while Oak knows Charizard took just a bit more damage, but it still was a good battle. Later, Jenny came to pick up Squirtle, as it goes back to the fire fighter squad. Oak and Delia also decide to go to Pallet Town, as they left Mimey and Tracey in charge of some duties. Oak wonders about Charizard, so Ash believes a good sleep should do the trick, then it will go back to Liza. The heroes wave goodbye to Ash's mom and Oak, who depart away. Meanwhile, Team Rocket got their building, but people demand more of their badges, which Team Rocket has none. Harrison battles a trainer in the League, but his Houndoom gets defeated by a Rhyhorn. Misty and Brock are shocked, but understand that Harrison wanted Blaziken to rest, hence why he did not use it in battle. At night, the heroes visit Harrison, who is glad to have made it in Top Four. Harrison reports his Blaziken is fine. He asks Ash is he from Pallet Town, where Oak comes. Ash confirms, so Harrison remembers about Prof. Birch, who loved field researching and Pokémon. Birch told Harrison he must experience Pokémon personally, so Harrison believes it is the reason why he left on this journey. Harrison admits it was an exciting experience, so Harrison advises Ash to go to Hoenn and see Pokémon, like Blaziken, that live there. Ash accepts the offer, but suddenly, a scream is heard. The heroes and Harrison arrive and see three shadows, so Ash sends Noctowl, whose Foresight shows the shades are three Misdreavus. Jenny and Gary come to see what is happening, while the latter notices they are looking for something. They fly off and the heroes follow it, only to see another Misdreavus, trapped under a tree. Everyone tries to lift the log and manage to succeed, so the Misdreavus is freed and flies with the others away. Gary thinks the Misdreavus got scared off by the commotion of the League, as they usually live on Mt. Silver. Ash admits Gary knows a lot, who reveals he wants to be a researcher specializing in evolution. Gary tells this was his last tournament and bids farewell to Ash, then walks away. Next day, a Rapidash defeats Rhydon, so a trainer named Jon Dickson wins the battle and is the Champion of the League. Charles Goodshow presents him with the League trophy. Later, Team Rocket tries to sell badges, but have no customers, as the League ended. However, a crowd runs to Team Rocket, who want to collect taxes. Team Rocket enters their new building and activates it, scaring the crowd away as it moves. Gary decides to go to Mt. Silver first, while Harrison goes to Indigo League and the heroes decide to go through Viridian City to Pallet Town. However, Team Rocket appears in their mobile building, as they release missiles. Team Rocket goes after Pikachu, but Gary sends Blastoise, who uses Hydro Pump to destroy the net. Harrison sends Blaziken, who uses Flamethrower, burning the building in flames. Using the Blast-off Thunderbolt, Pikachu defeats Team Rocket, destroying the building. The heroes thank Harrison and Gary for assistance. Gary and Ash wish each other luck in the future. Harrison believes Ash and Gary will always be rivals, despite going separate ways. The heroes wish to hear more of Gary's research in the future, so Gary promises to spread his work. They all go separate ways, in search of their own destinies.

Pikachu shows Pachirisu how to store electrical energy, which Pachirisu gets the hang of instantly. Pachirisu begs for a Poffin as a reward, which Dawn gives it. Dawn gives one to Piplup as well and Brock marks she made a really good recipe, well, a too good one - Piplup and Pachirisu beg for more and more. Dawn tells them no, as they have more practicing to do. This causes her, Ash, Piplup and Brock to be discharged. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, calming Pachirisu down by hitting it. Dawn hears Dee-Dee and realizes that must be Kenny, her old childhood friend. Kenny sees her bad hair (from Discharge) and sees she got a Pikachu. Dawn explains it is Ash's and she travels with Ash and Brock. Jessie has prepared herself for the Contest as Jessilina. She brings Seviper and Dustox out to help James and Meowth pick her Pokémon from the Contest - the one that needs to be stolen, while Jessie goes to "do her stuff". Dawn tells Ash and Brock she and Kenny are friends from childhood. She can't remember what Pokémon Kenny chose, so he sends Prinplup, who got evolved from Piplup. Dawn's Piplup greets Prinplup, but gets pushed aside, as Kenny tells Prinplup does not want anyone to stand in its way. Kenny wants to know why Dawn has copied him, but Dawn tells she and Piplup are meant for one another. Kenny says he saw Dawn at the Jubilife City Contest, even if Dawn did not see him, as she was busy at the time. Kenny remembers he faced a powerful Coordinator and she got the ribbon fairly easily - her name being Zoey. Kenny remembers Ash also competed in Jubilife City Contest, though Ash tells him he is after the Sinnoh League than Grand Festival. Dawn tells she and Ash met when she saved and brought Pikachu back to him. Kenny studies Ash for a while and tells he has some stories on his own. He tells Ash and Brock that Dawn's mom once got her a haircut she hated, so Dawn tried giving herself a better one, but ended up looking like a Chimchar. Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Piplup were on edge of laughing, much to Dawn's annoyance. He also remembers back at the Nursery, she was acting as a Slowpoke in a play and sneezed, then pulled a rope and everything crashed. Also, she came in pajamas and mismatching shoes one day, and Ash guessed she told people "not to worry" just like always. Dawn is angered and wants to prove she is not the same with a battle, but Kenny wants to battle Ash's Pikachu. Kenny just replies he wants a real challenge, so Ash accepts. Pikachu starts with a Thunderbolt, but gets countered by Prinplup's Metal Claw. Prinplup charges with Drill Peck, so Pikachu charges as well and spins to dodge the move, then retaliates with Iron Tail. Prinplup uses Bubblebeam on the floor to bounce off. Team Rocket sees the battle and mark Prinplup's abilities. Pikachu and Prinplup collide with an Iron Tail and Metal Claw. Seviper uses Haze to dampen everyone's sight. Ash sends Staravia, who uses Gust to blow away the smoke. It is seen that James and Meowth were going to steal Prinplup. Kenny wants Prinplup back and goes to get it, so James sends Cacnea and Carnivine, who use Bullet Seed and Pin Missile, respectively. If the heroes make another step, Prinplup will get hurt. Team Rocket go some steps away and Cacnea uses Pin Missile, Dustox Psybeam and Carnivine Bullet Seed to attack the heroes. Piplup jumps and uses a new move it learned, named Whirlpool, to absorb the attacks. Piplup attacks them with Whirlpool and Team Rocket are engulfed in it. Prinplup frees itself from Team Rocket, who try to get away, but get blasted off by Bubblebeam from Prinplup and Piplup. The heroes thank Piplup and anticipate to see it in the next Contest. James and Meowth report to Jessie, who is angry, but knows she has to train Seviper and Dustox for the Contest. At the Pokémon Center, Prinplup was healed. Kenny promises to Dawn he'll get the ribbon, making Dawn angry. Next day, the contest begins - Buneary and Pikachu cheer for Dawn, while Meowth and James pray that Jessie wins, otherwise they will be roasted. Dawn shows its dress to Kenny, who is a bit nervous, while Jessie is dazzled by her make-up. First is Dawn, who sends Pachirisu. Pachirisu gets out of control and rolls to the judges, then runs in circles. Dawn thinks of something and has an idea.

The story begins with Ash and his friends walking through a forest. Ash proudly reads a letter he received from someone named Dr. Yung inviting him to witness the unveiling of a new battle system. May, Max and Brock seem rather exasperated as Ash brags on. Soon the group reaches Dr. Yung's laboratory castle. As they enter, they observe many black domes on the ground, which Brock assumes to be an outdoor lighting system, then they bump into two old friends - Misty and Professor Oak, who had also been invited by Dr. Yung. Oak tells the group that he believes Yung's years of research have come to an end, a fact confirmed by the doctor himself as he steps into the courtyard. After a round of introductions, Ash asks Yung to show him the battle system. Yung surprises them by saying they are inside of it, then he takes out a remote control and taps some keys on it. The black domes open up to reveal crystal generators, and in turn the generators form a force field on the ground. Oak recognizes this as a Mirage Field, then Dr. Yung summons a Kabutops, an Omastar, and an Armaldo from the generators. Professor Oak calls these three "Mirage Pokémon" and tells Yung that the Mirage System must be completed, a fact Yung confirms. Yung tells of how his Mirage System can create any Pokémon complete with voice, intelligence and attacks all from their data. He continues on to say that the system can create any Pokémon despite its rarity or even its being extinct. When he is done boasting, Yung erases the fossil Pokémon, reforms them into a Mirage Aggron, then challenges Ash and Misty to a battle. Ash is ready to face Yung, but Misty stops him and says ladies first, so she is the first to battle. Meanwhile, Team Rocket has been eavesdropping from the other side of the gate and hatch a plan to steal the Mirage System. Elsewhere in Yung's castle, he and Misty are about to battle. Misty sends out Staryu and orders it to attack Aggron with BubbleBeam. The attack hits, but Aggron isn't fazed at all. Yung commands a Sandstorm, which Staryu tries to dodge—but the blast curves upward and hits it hard anyway. Ash and Brock comment on how tough Mirage Pokémon are, but none other than Pikachu notices a Mew watching the battle from atop one of the castle's walls. Misty tries having Staryu use Water Gun, but Aggron dodges, uses Thunder Wave to paralyze Staryu, then finishes it off with Bullet Seed. Misty recalls Staryu in shock and Max comments that Aggron shouldn't be able to use Thunder Wave or Bullet Seed. Dr. Yung explains that because it is a Mirage Pokémon, Aggron can use any attack simply by changing the data written into it. Ash now faces Aggron. As Pikachu and Aggron charge towards each other, however, Aggron begins to "glitch". Oak asks Yung what's the matter, but Yung doesn't know. He frantically presses buttons on the controller, but it explodes and knocks him down. Aggron is deleted back into the generators as Oak rushes to Yung and helps him up. Suddenly, however, the Mirage System suddenly activates and the fossil Pokémon return, along with a pair of Aerodactyl. Yung doesn't understand what is happening or how the system could work without the controller, but a sinister laugh floats over the area. Up on the castle balcony, behind the Mirage Pokémon, stands a masked man wearing a black cowboy hat and a black cape. He calls himself "Mirage Master", then orders the Mirage Pokémon to attack. One of the Aerodactyl dodges Pikachu's Thunderbolt, captures Dr. Yung and flies off to the balcony with him. The others nearly escape, but before they can, Mirage Master pulls out a second Mirage System controller and uses it to make Armaldo fire a Shadow Ball. The attack makes Max fall and Oak rushes back to help him. Ash, Brock, Max, May and Misty escape through the gate and the fossil Pokémon vanish (they cannot move outside the Mirage System's field), but the second Aerodactyl captures Oak. Ash is about to go back in, but Mirage Master regenerates the fossil Pokémon to block the entrance. Up in the tower, Oak is held captive surrounded by a Mirage Houndoom, a Mirage Absol, a Mirage Machoke, a Mirage Machamp, a Mirage Mightyena and a Mirage Ursaring. Mirage Master appears and welcomes him to Dr. Yung's lab, but Oak just shouts at him to tell what he did to the doctor. Mirage Master laughs and brushes off the demand, then commands Oak to give up the password for his research lab's database...a command that Oak flatly refuses. Without notice, Mew flies in and hides behind Ursaring as Mirage Master threatens Oak. Oak still refuses and pulls a Poké Ball out of his pocket. Mightyena snarls and stops him, however. Mirage Master boasts that no Pokémon can stop his Mirage Pokémon. Outside the castle, Ash and his friends are hatching a plan to get in and save Oak and Yung. The first part entails going to fetch Officer Jenny to report the kidnappings, so of course, Brock volunteers to go and rushes off. Ash and Misty then decide they'll be the ones to go in while May and Max wait outside for Jenny. They agree, but promise to come running if something goes wrong. Meanwhile, Mirage Master describes his plan to Oak. He believes Pokémon are "weak" and "incomplete" and plans to use the Mirage System to create a Pokémon with absolutely no weaknesses. Oak screams at him, saying that something like that would throw off the balance of nature. However, Mirage Master just brushes him off again and presses a button on his giant computer keyboard, activating a glowing booth next to him. Using Corphish and Staryu, Ash and Misty swim into an open hole in the side of the castle's basement. They discover that the Mirage System generators are inside, as well, and decide to move ahead cautiously. Elsewhere in the basement is Team Rocket, looking for the Mirage System design plans. They find a door and are about to go through it when it opens and slams them in the faces. They then find themselves face-to-face with Ash and Misty. Mirage Master can see this through a security camera and sends the Mirage Pokémon in the lab after them. When Ursaring fades, he sees Mew, becomes enraged, then attacks it with a Mirage Magnemite. He tells Oak that Mew is a "flawed specimen" and commands Mew to get out of his sight. Mew sadly leaves. As soon as Team Rocket finishes their motto, the Mirage Pokémon appear. They put their hands up in fright, but when Houndoom snarls at them, they scream at it. Houndoom then blasts them off with a Flamethrower. Having no choice but to fight, Ash sends out Pikachu. He and Misty then see Mew appear, but this distraction allows Mightyena, Absol and Houndoom the chance to attack. Ash orders a Thunderbolt, but Absol dodges and Headbutts Pikachu into the wall. Misty tries to send out Staryu, but Machoke grabs her. The same thing happens to Ash, Machamp grabbing him when he tries to call out Corphish. Finally, Pikachu is grabbed by Ursaring and all the Mirage Pokémon begin to march back to Mirage Master. Mew follows them. While the Mirage Pokémon are carrying them up a long, spiraling network of platforms, Ash tells Pikachu to Thunderbolt on Ursaring and escape to May for help. Pikachu tries, but the attack doesn't harm Ursaring at all. Ash tells it to try harder, so it does. This one knocks down Ursaring and sends a lightning bolt blasting out the side of the castle. May and Max see it and realize something's gone wrong, so May sends out Squirtle and begins to swim towards them. Meanwhile, Pikachu fires more Thunderbolts, knocking out the crystal generator nearby. Its next attack knocks Machoke and Machamp back and Machoke drops Misty into the pit. This distracts Pikachu, who is then knocked out by another Headbutt. Ash tries to run to it, but Machamp tackles him and knocks him out as well. The Mirage Pokémon then pick up Pikachu and march off again. Mew shakes Ash to wake him up and Ash returns the favor by pushing Mew out of the way of some falling rocks. Ash finds out that Mew is also a Mirage Pokémon despite its different demeanor. Mew then lands on the broken crystal generator and a red force field surrounds it. Ash manages to push through it and pull Mew out, then he calls down the pit to Misty with no answer. Mew tells Ash to follow it, so he does. Misty, meanwhile, is hanging off the side of one of the platforms. The brick she's holding slips, but before she falls, May appears with Squirtle and saves her. Up in the tower, Mirage Master hooks Pikachu up to some sort of machine. He explains to Oak that he is going to extract Pokémon data from Pikachu's memory because Oak would not give up the password. He activates the machine with the press of a button and Pikachu's memories begin to appear on the screen. Lugia, Entei, Celebi, Latios and Latias all appear on the screen as Pikachu screams in pain. Oak finally stops him and decide to give up the password, so Mirage Master lets Pikachu go. Oak types the password "REDGREEN" into the computer, then Mirage Master downloads all of Oak's research data into his own computer. He then begins cracking databases around the world, at Pokémon Centers and at the labs of Professor Elm and Professor Birch. With all this data, Mirage Master announces he can now create the ultimate Pokémon. A glowing orb of electricity appears in the booth next to the computer. At the police station, Brock yells that Jenny needs to get over to Dr. Yung's lab right away. He slips and says it's for a candlelight dinner before mentioning something terrible has happened, but then Nurse Joy appears and tells Jenny that massive amounts of data are being downloaded from Pokémon Centers worldwide. Oak and Mirage Master look on as the orb gets bigger and brighter, but then a familiar cry comes. It's Mew, with Ash following close behind. Ash takes Pikachu from Oak, the wonders what the glowing orb is. Mirage Master announces it is time for the ultimate Pokémon to be born and screams out for Mewtwo to awaken. The force from the machine blows out the windows (something Max spots from outside). May and Misty arrive at the lab just in time to see Mew before the bright light fades and a sinister shadow appears in the booth. It's a Mewtwo, but as Mirage Master explains, no ordinary Mewtwo. It is a Mirage Pokémon able to use any attack, he explains, then orders it to demonstrate. With one Shadow Ball, Mewtwo destroys all the Mirage Pokémon. Mirage Master then orders it to attack Ash and his friends, but Professor Oak sends out a Dragonite and uses Twister to deflect Mewtwo's Shadow Ball. They all then flee, with Mew following. The group meets up with Max at the front gate of the lab. He sees Mew, but can't look at it for long. The towers of the castle open up and begin firing hundreds of missiles into the air. Oak realizes what they are in horror. When the missiles hit the ground, they open up and activate portable Mirage System crystal generators—allowing the Mirage Pokémon a massive range of attack. Mirage Master appears with Mewtwo and announces he will use the system to take over the world, then he summons a Mirage Entei, a Mirage Articuno and a Mirage Zapdos. Team Rocket appears in a nearby bush and decides to try and capture the Mirage Pokémon. Mirage Master says that this is the culmination of his long years of hard work, something that makes Oak stop dead in his tracks. Oak tells Mirage Master to stop... then suddenly addresses him, to the shock of all, as Dr. Yung! Max says that the Aerodactyl carried Yung away, but Oak explains that the first Mirage Master appearance was a mirage itself and the kidnapping was a fake, so Yung could execute his plan. Mirage Master laughs and takes off his hat and mask, revealing that he is indeed Dr. Yung. Oak explains that he knew it was Yung by how he reacted to Mew and how he referenced "many years of hard work". Yung says he wants revenge for being kicked out of the Pokémon Institute and orders his Mirage Pokémon to attack. Misty sends out Gyarados and May sends out Combusken, then Entei uses Flamethrower. Ash tells Pikachu to use Iron Tail, but the Flamethrower knocks it down. Gyarados and Combusken try Hydro Pump and Fire Spin, however they are dodged and hit by Articuno and Zapdos. Oak then orders Dragonite to use Hyper Beam... on Mewtwo. It fires the beam, but Mewtwo simply puts up its head and catches the attack. Next, Mewtwo flies up and punches Dragonite square in the face, then smashes it down to the ground with its tail. Mewtwo then floats back down as Yung brags that normal Pokémon cannot defeat his Mirage Pokémon. Mewtwo puts its hand up... then its head congeals and forms the head of an Arcanine! Yung bids Oak farewell, then Mewtwo launches a massive Flamethrower from the Arcanine head straight at him. Pikachu jumps in the way and shocks the fire, but still takes the hit. Yung decides he'll kill Pikachu instead and orders a Hyper Beam. Mewtwo's head congeals again, this time into a Rayquaza head, and the beam is launched... After the explosion from the impact clears, Ash sees that Pikachu wasn't hit! Mew had gotten in the way and put up a shield to protect Pikachu. Furious, Yung orders Mewtwo to attack. Mewtwo rushes forward and slams Mew into the ground with its tail, uppercuts it into the sky, then congeals both its hands into Tropius heads and fires two massive Solar Beams. Mew takes catastrophic damage from Mewtwo's barrage and is deleted. Yung smugly tells good riddance to the flawed specimen, but this only angers Ash. Yung stays calm, however, and pulls out his strongest weapon yet—he erases Entei, Articuno and Zapdos, writes them into Mewtwo, then writes all the data in the Mirage System into Mewtwo as well. Mewtwo screams and heads of various Pokémon begin popping out of its body. It then fires off a Hydro Pump, a Flamethrower, a Thunderbolt, a Bullet Seed, a Hyper Beam and other attacks. Ash orders a Thunderbolt from Pikachu, Misty a Hydro Pump from Gyarados, May a Fire Spin and Oak a Dragon Rage. The attacks collide in an explosion... and Mewtwo's win out, knocking all of the Pokémon down. Gyarados almost crushes Team Rocket, but they only end up being blasted off. Ash tells Pikachu to keep fighting, and despite how much it's taken, it does. Yung tells him to give up, but Ash says he's fighting for Mew and orders a Quick Attack. Yung also tells Mewtwo to use Quick Attack and Mewtwo headbutts Pikachu all the way back to where it started. Mewtwo then floats over and stands over Pikachu as Yung commands the finishing blow: Mega Punch. Mewtwo winds up and swings its fist towards Pikachu, but suddenly stops as if it is being held back. A red aura surrounds it and from this aura appears Mew, who is using its powers to hold Mewtwo back. Yung, even more furious, presses the buttons on his controller in an attempt to power up Mewtwo even more, but the system overloads and jams. Oak tells Ash that their only hope for success is to attack Mewtwo while Mew is holding it back, even though doing so would destroy Mew as well. With tears in his eyes, Ash can't bring himself to order an attack... until Mewtwo begins to turn around and break Mew's hold. Ash finally decides it has to be done and orders Pikachu to use Volt Tackle. Pikachu nails Mewtwo square in the chest and it explodes, erasing Mewtwo. Mew then slowly deletes as well, as its friends look on sadly. The Mirage System crystal generators begin to explode and soon the whole castle is in flames. Oak tells Yung that it's over and orders him to go along with him and the others. Yung refuses and instead goes back into his burning castle, and rubble falls to block the entrance. That evening, Officer Jenny tells Oak that they can't find Yung anywhere. Ash and Misty comment on how kind Mew was and promise to one day meet it again.

As the heroes come in a town, a crowd of girls runs. Brock thinks they are after him, but they pass him. A man comes and gives Ash a package, telling him to hold on it, then goes away, dropping his hat. Ash unwraps the package, containing a Smoochum. The Smoochum kisses Ash and Misty. The Smoochum lifts the hat and comes to Brock, who puts the hat on. Suddenly, the crowd of girls come to them, causing the heroes to drop Smoochum, Togepi and Pikachu, who go after a Skiploom bot. Brock takes his hat off, causing the ladies to be disappointed, since he is not Brad. The heroes watch an advert of a movie, in which the character, Brad (who gave Ash Smoochum) attacks some villains. Suddenly, the heroes see their Pokémon are gone. Team Rocket lead the bot to a hole, so Togepi and Smoochum go through. Pikachu comes as well, but gets stuck. Jessie pulls him out and is delighted they caught Pikachu, while she stretches his face. Pikachu goes to electrocute her, but Jessie wears rubber gloves which do not conduct electricity, then puts him in a bag. Jessie sees the Smoochum and is delighted, since Smoochum kisses her. However, the heroes come, so Ash sends Bayleef and Totodile. Bayleef uses Razor Leaf, cutting the bag and freeing Pikachu. Totodile uses Water Gun on James, freeing Togepi and Smoochum, who are caught by Bayleef's Vine Whip. The Skiploom bot goes to attack, but gets pushed and soaked with Team Rocket by Totodile's Water Gun. Since they are wet, they are easily blasted off by Pikachu's Thunderbolt. Ash is glad to see Smoochum is fine, but Smoochum wants to kiss him. The actor, Brad, sees if there are the kids he gave Smoochum to, but are not present. The ladies spot him, though a limousine comes and he enters to get away from them. The heroes walk and notice Brad in the limousine, so decide to follow him. They come to a stadium, so Ash plans on entering and giving Smoochum back. Brad does not want to act, though a man reminds him they signed a contract. The man advises him that he should get rid of Smoochum and find himself a Charizard or a Houndoom. Brad refuses, since Smoochum believed in him, as he was inspired by her even if he washed dishes or got scolded in dancing lessons. Ash thinks they should climb the tree, as he climbed bigger ones when he was a kid. He warns Smoochum to hang on him, so Brad hears that. The man sees them and puts the curtain on, as he would track Smoochum himself, then pushes Brad out of the room. The heroes speak to the man to give Smoochum back. The man replies that they can keep Smoochum, since Brad does not want it. Brad comes to see the man, Vitzo, but gets happy once he sees Smoochum back. Smoochum gives him a kiss, but Vitzo tells them they shouldn't be seen like that. Team Rocket observe. Jessie is overjoyed to see Smoochum there, but Meowth admits it is scary to see Jessie acting nice instead of rough and mean. Brad gives Smoochum a soup. The heroes see he is gentle in private, causing Vitzo to threaten to sue them if they say anything about it. Brad asks of the heroes to watch over Smoochum until he comes back. Jessie and James took care of the guards, kept them tied up and gagged in a closet and disguised themselves. Vitzo comes and orders them to kick the kids and Smoochum out. Jessie and James come to the room and tell the twerps to get to the exit, even if against Brad's wishes. The heroes come to the stage and suddenly, they are being captured in a net. James and Meowth pull strings, causing the heroes to go up and down. Brad comes to the room, but sees Vitzo kicked them out. Brad goes to search for them. Jessie goes to put Smoochum in a cage. Meowth pulls a string, causing the stage curtain to be lifted. Jessie sees the crowd, so brings Smoochum up and says it is all her own. The crowd is displeased, but Jessie is angry, since they want to see an actor instead of her. Vitzo tries to stop Brad, but he continues to the stage. The heroes warn Brad Team Rocket are dangerous, but Brad wants to get Smoochum back. James sends Weezing and Jessie Wobbuffet. Wobbuffet is charmed by the crowd, so Jessie calls him back. Weezing goes to tackle Brad, but he evades. Jessie sends Arbok, who uses Poison Sting, but Brad gracefully dodges. Weezing goes to tackle him, but misses and tackles Jessie instead. Brad gets Smoochum and tells she is everything to him. Vitzo thinks this is over. Arbok uses Headbutt, but Brad evades, causing Arbok to hit Meowth. Meowth is knocked out, so the heroes are freed. Ash sends Bayleef, who uses Razor Leaf on Team Rocket, then Vine Whip on Arbok to toss it. Weezing uses Smokescreen, which is spreading towards the audience, so Ash sends Noctowl to gust the smokescreen away. Smoochum uses Sweet Kiss, causing Team Rocket to be charmed. Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu blasts them off. The crowd is amazed by Brad, who admits Smoochum is his Pokémon and cares after her. The crowd is silent, causing Vitzo to be depressed, but the crowd thinks Brad and Smoochum are cute for that. Vitzo changes his mind and yells he loves Smoochum. Brad lets Smoochum kiss Ash. Ash refuses and falls down the staircase. Brock thinks Ash would be a better stuntman than a movie star. Later, the heroes see a trailer for Brad's next movie, in which Smoochum helps Brad. However, the heroes see the crowd with Smoochum dolls, so they think Brad is Smoochum's co-star.

As the heroes go to the Gym, Misty asks Ash as Mr. Ketchum, asking what does he predict at his next match. Ash predicts a victory. Misty warns him he does not have Charizard to back him up, but Ash knows he can count on Cyndaquil. The heroes come, but see it is more of a garden than a Gym. Misty feels that something scary and slimy will appear and suddenly, she runs off a Caterpie, then away from Metapod, claiming it is a torture chamber. A boy appears, remarking Misty's ignorance of Bug-type Pokémon, though they are the best. Misty gets annoyed and knocks a Caterpie away, asking who is ignorant. Ash tells the boy he is here for the Gym match, so the boy introduces himself as Bugsy, the Gym Leader, though asks of them to get the ladder, since he is stuck on the tree. They get the ladder, though Bugsy thinks they surprised him, so he got stuck on the tree. Team Rocket observe the events and plan to capture Pikachu. They disguise as a flower, a tree and grass, but the bug-type Pokémon recognize them and use String Shot to bind them. Ash and Bugsy are about to have a match, but Bugsy asks him if he heard the phrase "if the trainer learned the rules of Bug Pokémon rules them". Ash says no, but Bugsy tells he just told him. Bugsy sends Spinarak and Ash his Cyndaquil. Cyndaquil is sleepy, so Ash sees it will have to be heated up. Spinarak uses String Shot, so Cyndaquil dodges that. However, it gets engulfed after Spinarak covers the field with it. Ash orders Cyndaquil to use Flamethrower, but Cyndaquil's flames are not lit and gets hit by Poison Sting. Spinarak uses Poison Sting again, but Ash calls Cyndaquil back, before getting more damaged (or poisoned). Ash sends Chikorita to battle, who hugs him. Bugsy does not know what kind of a decision is that, so Brock and Misty tell him it is a stinky one. Ash tells he has faith in her, though Brock and Misty admit they heard that before. Chikorita dodges Spinarak's String Shot and retaliates with Vine Whip. Spinarak dodges the Vine Whip, using String Shot to transport itself between the trees. Spinarak uses Poison Sting, but gets countered by Razor Leaf. Chikorita uses Sweet Smell, dropping Spinarak's guard and defeats it by tackling it. Team Rocket plan to dig underneath the Gym to get Pikachu. Bugsy sends Metapod, though Misty and Brock warn Ash to be careful with it. Chikorita uses Vine Whip and Metapod hardens itself. Chikorita uses Razor Leaf, but Metapod continues to harden itself. Metapod jumps and tackles Chikorita, defeating her. Ash sees that he'll have to use Pikachu, telling him to prepare for battle. Metapod starts with Tackle, so Pikachu dodges. However, the attack caused dust to cover the field, so Metapod hits Pikachu, then disappears. Metapod strikes, but misses. It does so once more, but Pikachu dodges via Agility, then goes on it and defeats it with Thunderbolt. Bugsy admits it is a while since he was defeated in the second round, so sends his ace, Scyther. Pikachu uses Agility, but Scyther stands still. Team Rocket hear Pikachu does not move, but know they are not far from stealing him. They dig up, but when Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, it banishes Scyther's illusion via Double Team, but also electrocutes Team Rocket through the hole. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt to get rid of the illusions, but the real Scyther uses Fury Cutter on him. Pikachu is defeated, so Ash calls him back and sends Cyndaquil. Ash tells Cyndaquil to use the flames and they lit after dodging Scyther's Fury Cutter. Scyther uses Double Team, followed by Fury Cutter, to corner and hitting Cyndaquil but misses every strike. Cyndaquil with its flame fully lit, fires a Flamethrower. Dissipating the fakes. It attacks the real Scyther, but Scyther spins using Swords Dance, negating that attack and striking Cyndaquil, but gets up. Ash sees if Flamethrower is used again, Scyther will repel it. Bugsy says that he knows well that fire is a big weakness to bug Pokémon, so, he made a plan to counter the Fire attacks, which are vulnerable for Bug Pokémon, and says that there is no way for any fire attack to overpower Swords Dance. Ash refuses to believe as He thinks there has to be some way to defeat Scyther, making Ash think up a plan. Scyther goes to use Fury Cutter, but switches to Swords Dance when Ash has Cyndaquil prepare to use Flamethrower. Cyndaquil jumps up and spins in the same direction as Scyther, then uses Flamethrower, engulfing Scyther in the flames, which Scyther could not counter, then defeats it with a tackle attack. With that, Ash wins the match, praising Cyndaquil. Bugsy admits he wouldn't suspect Scyther's tactics would be beaten, so gives Ash the Hive Badge. Bugsy hopes for a rematch when Ash comes back in Azalea Town, so Ash accepts it, then shake hands. Later, the heroes find themselves on the outskirts, knowing it was hard to get here. Misty feels they forgot something and they remember they were supposed to get the Balls from Kurt. Maizie comes and congratulates Ash on his victory, then gives Ash and Misty Lure Balls and Brock a Heavy Ball. Maizie also thanks them for giving the GS Ball, as her grandpa is still researching it. She tells they can come back on the way to Pallet Town for more info, so the heroes accept it. The gang goes to next town, saying goodbye to Maizie. Team Rocket, in the night, dug a hole up and encounter Bug Pokémon, then scream.

A storm rages out, as some Pokémon are struggling on a tree. A thunder strikes a tree and burns it. Most Pokémon fly off, but a single one gets hit by a burning tree. The heroes approach the forest, but Brock tells them they got lost. Max thinks they should turn back, but Brock still thinks they would get lost either way. However, Brock tells them it is lunch time. Brock makes the stew, so he, Ash and May bring their Pokémon to eat as well. Brock shows his Lotad evolved into a Lombre. Suddenly, Pikachu hears something - when they approach, they see trees that fell over. The heroes encounter a Swablu, whose wing is injured, since the burning tree fell on it. May approaches Swablu, but Swablu uses Sing, so everyone gets asleep. Swablu trips over Torchic, who wakes up and assures Swablu they are here to help it. Torchic pecks May, waking her up. May sprays a Potion on the wing Swablu hurt, while Torchic pecks the others, waking them up. A man hears the scream of pain Torchic woke everyone up, so he goes there with his Nuzleaf. Brock sees Swablu, all bandaged up. This surprises everyone, but May points out the others were sleeping when she befriended Swablu. The man appears, who is the Ranger of the Preserve, named Morita and offers help. Morita took the heroes to his lodge, where Brock ties the bandage only to its wing and gives it some medicine. May is surprised Swablu likes Brock's medicine, but Ash points out that is why Brock wishes to become the best breeder there is. Morita gives the heroes some hot chocolate. Morita explains a terrible storm was last night, destroying a lot of nests, and a lot of young Pokémon, including Swablu, has separated from its flock. Brock wishes they could do something more, but Morita promises to take care of it, since the heroes are traveling around. Ash admits they are going to Petalburg City, so Morita promises to give them directions. May thinks they should stay to see Swablu healed up and going back to its family. Ash, Brock and Max agree, with Morita giving them place to sleep for the night. Team Rocket spies on the twerps. Meowth thinks that if they give Swablu to the boss, he would sleep carelessly on its fluffy wings, while Swablu uses Sing. This makes Team Rocket feel happy they would earn promotions. May fell asleep, so everyone wakes her up. Brock offers to watch over Swablu, but May promises she can take care of Swablu on her own. Max claims May's mind cannot be changed, like one day with her school boyfriend, but May shushes Max before he can say more. May is been given medicine and bandages for Swablu and is told what to do. Ash, Max and Brock go to sleep, while May stays vigil over Swablu for the entire night. As days pass by, May takes care of Swablu. Jessie is troubled how much they have to wait to catch Swablu, but James and Meowth remind her Swablu's wing has to be healed before they can steal it. One day, Brock takes Swablu's bandages and everyone is happy Swablu's wing has recovered. Swablu flies for a moment, but falls down, so Ash suspects it might have forgotten how to fly. Ash sends Taillow to show Swablu how to fly. Surprisingly, Swablu shakes its head in disagreement, so Brock thinks it is afraid to fly. Morita suspects these things can happen after experiencing traumatic events, which can take even more time to fix. Ash lets May spend more time with Swablu until it can fly. Ash and Pikachu get some wings to show Swablu how to fly, while Max believes they should help out to get Swablu to go back to its flock, while Morita promises to find its flock. Ash and Pikachu have equipped themselves with plastic wings to teach Swablu how to fly, even if others doubt that's a good idea. Pikachu and Ash run and flap their wings and jump off, imitating how to fly. Swablu runs and flies, but falls down and gets muddy. May places Swablu onto her Beautifly to remember how good it was to fly. Beautifly takes off and after some persuasion, Swablu opens its eyes. Swablu is happy to see the view above. The heroes discuss how to help Swablu fly, so Max claims they have to use an alternate plan: to show that they need to use magic, much to everyone's surprise. The next day, Max tells that it is due to magic some Pokémon can fly. Beautifly sprays some dust over Taillow, so Taillow flies off. Max claims Swablu needs the same power, making May displeased about this plan, but Brock points out Swablu needs to grow confidence this way. Swablu asks May, so May thinks he should try it as well. Dust is sprayed over Swablu, who flaps its wings as hard as it can and flies off. Ash and Pikachu are up next, but are told the dust is fake, making Pikachu embarrassed. Morita has found the flock, so everyone takes the vehicle to a lake, where the flock is located. During the trip, the car is attacked by Pin Missile, causing the tire to become flat. Since the lake is not far, May asks Swablu it should go fly there. Swablu refuses, Max thinks it wants some of the magic powder. May goes to send Beautifly, but a mechanical hand grabs Swablu. It is Team Rocket who took Swablu and fly off in a balloon. Ash orders Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, but is reminded if Pikachu blasts Team Rocket off, Swablu would be hurt as well. Instead, Swablu uses Sing, so Team Rocket falls asleep. Before Cacnea goes asleep, it uses Pin Missile, so everyone wakes up except Cacnea. One of the missiles damages the fire burner, so the balloon descends down. Swablu sees the fire and remembers the fire when the thunder stroke the tree. The balloon catches the fire, terrifying Swablu. The heroes convince Swablu to fly, who manages to avoid the explosion of the balloon. Brock sends Mudkip and Lombre to extinguish the fire, by using Water Gun. Team Rocket is saved, but they still want Swablu, so Lombre and Mudkip use Water Gun to blast them off. When they arrive to the lake, the heroes see no flock, who has gone already. Instead, May offers Swablu to come with them, maybe even find their flock. Just when May prepares the Poké Ball, the flock of Altaria and Swablu arrive. Swablu goes to the flock; May hesitates, but lets Swablu go with the flock. Max does not understand why she let Swablu go, but May explains this is for Swablu's happiness. May leaves a final tear for Swablu as Swablu and the flock fly off.