Ace and the girls, while still saddened by the tragic news of Lt. Surge's death at the hands of Sin, knew they had to press on. The journey to Celadon City continued, but a somber atmosphere lingered over the group.
After several hours of traveling, they came across a clearing surrounded by tall trees and vibrant greenery. It was the perfect spot to stop for lunch and rest.
Serena stretched her arms as she looked around. "This place is perfect! Let's set up camp here."
May nodded, already reaching into her bag to pull out some cooking supplies. "I'll get started on lunch. Ace, why don't you let the Pokémon out to enjoy the break too?"
Ace gave a small smile. "Sounds like a plan. Come on out, everyone!" He tossed out his Pokéballs, and his team of Pokémon materialized one by one, their happy cries filling the clearing. The girls also sent out their own Pokemon.
After a hearty lunch shared between the group and their Pokémon, Ace decided it was time for some training.
"All right, guys," Ace called to his Pokémon, standing in the middle of the clearing. "Let's get some work in before we move on. Smeargle, Nidoran, let's start with sparring. The rest of you, pair up and focus on your moves. I'll be watching and giving tips!"
The girls watched as Ace guided his Pokémon, offering corrections and encouragement with an intensity that highlighted his passion.
"He's so dedicated," Dawn whispered, her gaze fixated on Ace's serious face which she found to be quite handsome.
Serena nodded but added thoughtfully, "That's one of the reasons he's so strong. He never lets up."
Suddenly, chaos erupted.
A large net descended from the sky, capturing almost all of Ace's Pokémon except for Nidoran and Smeargle, who were busy sparring and managed to avoid it.
"What the—!" Ace exclaimed, spinning around to locate the source of the net.
Before he could react further, a sharp, mocking female voice rang out. "Your Pokemons are now ours, twerps!"
Ace froze. His heart sank as he recognized that voice and the overly dramatic tone.
Out from the trees stepped none other than Jessie and James, flanked by the ever-smirking Meowth. They were standing proudly in their signature poses, looking pleased with themselves.
"You've got to be kidding me," Ace muttered under his breath. 'Why are they after my Pokémon? Aren't they supposed to be annoying Ash?'
The girls, still processing the scene, demanded answers. "Who are you guys?" Serena asked, stepping protectively with May and Dawn in front of their camp supplies as their Pokemon stood to attack the trio at any moment.
Jessie laughed dramatically. "Who are we? Oh, darling, you must be new to this!"
James adjusted the rose in his hand and struck his pose. "Prepare for trouble…"
"…and make it double!" Jessie chimed in.
The girls looked increasingly confused, but Ace pinched the bridge of his nose. "Oh no. They're doing the motto," he groaned.
As Team Rocket launched into their iconic chant, Ace's attention was drawn to an unexpected sight—a familiar face running into the clearing with two companions.
"Ace?" a voice called out.
Ace turned to see none other than Ash Ketchum, flanked by Misty and Brock.
Ash's eyes lit up when he saw Ace, but his focus quickly shifted to the net holding the Pokemon in the hot air balloon above. "Hey! Give Pikachu back!" Ash yelled, his fist clenched in determination.
Ace blinked in surprise. 'Wait, Pikachu? I didn't even notice him in that glass ball in their balloon! Of course, these clowns would go after Ash's Pikachu too.'
While Ash continued demanding, "Give me back Pikachu!" Misty and Brock's attention shifted to Ace.
Brock's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ace? It's been a while! I still remember your strategy in our battle—it was impressive."
Misty smiled warmly. "Yeah, It's good to see you again."
Ace acknowledged their comments with a curt nod, stepping up beside Ash. His eyes locked on Jessie and James, "Team Rocket, this ends now. Give me my Pokémon back, and let's avoid making this any worse for you."
Jessie smirked, flicking her hair dramatically. "Oh, how noble! But sorry, we don't take orders from rookies."
James chuckled nervously, glancing at Meowth. "Uh, Jess, he doesn't look like a rookie to me. Look at all his Pokemon."
"Quiet, James!" Jessie barked, trying to regain her composure.
Meanwhile, the girls stood behind Ace, ready to act. Dawn clenched her fists. "They've got another thing coming if they think we'll let them take Ace's Pokémon."
May's Torchic was ready beside her. "Just say the word, Ace. We're with you."
Serena, however, found herself distracted by Ash. Her brows furrowed slightly as she stared at him. 'Why does he seem so familiar? Have I met him somewhere before?'
But as Ace spoke again, his voice brought her back to the moment. She shook her head, dismissing her thoughts. 'It doesn't matter. What's important now is helping Ace. He is more important than this unknown boy.'
Unbeknownst to Ash, Serena's thoughts had already shifted entirely away from him, solidifying her focus on Ace. What Ash also didn't realize was that the invisible green hat of unrequited feelings was now firmly planted on his head, as the girl who once admired and loved him in another timeline had moved on, barely even remembering him as she thought Ace was more important while Ash was just an unknown guy.
Jessie and James stepped forward, their Pokéballs in hand. "You're not getting away with this!" Jessie declared dramatically as she tossed her Pokéball.
"Arbok, come out and show them who's boss!"
James quickly followed. "Wheezing, you too!"
The battlefield filled with tension as the two Pokémon appeared, hissing and wheezing menacingly. Before anyone could react, Ace raised his hand to stop the others from intervening. "Stay back. I'll handle this."
Turning back to face the Rocket trio, Ace smirked slightly. "Let me show you what happens when you mess with my Pokémon."
Ace's gaze shifted to the net holding his Pokémon. "Scyther, use Slash!" he commanded.
Scyther's blade-like arms glinted in the sunlight as it swiftly cut through the net, freeing the trapped Pokémon. They all landed gracefully on the ground, roaring and chirping in readiness.
Ace's next order came fast. "Nidoran, Double Kick! Break that glass ball holding Pikachu!"
Nidoran leapt into action, its movements a blur. Before Jessie or James could even issue a command, Nidoran shattered the glass container. Pikachu tumbled out, landing directly in Ash's arms.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted, holding his partner tightly.
Jessie and James stared in shock. "What just happened?!" James stammered.
Meowth, however, felt a chill run down his spine. His eyes darted to the side, and he froze. "Uh, guys… I think we're in big trouble."
Following Meowth's gaze, the trio spotted Smeargle. It stood silently, its rainbow aura shimmering around it as it powered up in Overdrive Mode. The sheer pressure emanating from it was enough to make them tremble.
"What is that thing?!" Jessie cried, her voice quivering.
Ash, Misty, and Brock could only gape. Misty muttered, "I've never seen a Pokémon radiate that much power before."
Ace's voice rang out, "Smeargle, Rock Tomb."
The ground shook as massive rocks burst from the earth, surrounding Jessie, James, and Meowth, trapping them in place. Arbok and Wheezing moved to attack, but before they could do anything, Nidoran charged forward. Its body glowed red with the power of Thrash, and it unleashed a brutal assault, leaving both Pokémon pinned beneath its small but mighty frame.
Misty stifled a laugh. "Is that little Nidoran... standing on top of them?"
Brock shook his head, a sweatdrop forming. "Those two have never been more humiliated."
Ace approached the terrified trio, his expression calm yet intimidating. "Jessie, James, tell me all the moves your Pokemon know."
Jessie and James nodded rapidly, fear etched on their faces as they told every move their Pokemon knew.
Ace crossed his arms. "Good. Have Arbok and Wheezing use Coil, Swallow, Spit Up, Stockpile, Clear Smog, Assurance, and Pain Split , and I might consider letting you go."
Jessie and James scrambled to comply, barking commands at Arbok and Wheezing. Their Pokémon obeyed, performing each move in sequence.
Smeargle observed intently, its tail glowing as it copied the techniques with Sketch. Once it was done, Ace turned on his heel. "Smeargle, finish this. Use Stored Power."
A blinding beam of energy erupted from Smeargle, slamming into the trio and their Pokémon with devastating force. Their cries echoed as they were launched skyward.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they shouted in unison, disappearing as a twinkling star on the horizon.
The group stood in silence for a moment before Brock spoke. "Well… that's one way to deal with them."
Ash grinned at Ace. "Thanks for helping out, Ace. I owe you one."
Ace shrugged, his calm demeanor returning. "No big deal. Just don't let them get the jump on you again."
Serena, Dawn, and May gathered around, their expressions a mix of admiration and relief. Serena glanced at Ash briefly, her previous thoughts about him now a distant memory. Her attention was firmly on Ace.
"Nice job," she said softly, her voice filled with pride while Ace just smiled at her.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Pokemon:Ace's Adventures!)