"Wow, you two are amazing! Being able to understand what Pokémon are saying is just incredible," Misty said with admiration, her eyes sparkling. She secretly wished she could learn such a skill, but she knew it wasn't something you could just pick up.
"Ash, can you really understand what Pokémon are saying?" An intrigued Anabel asked, leaning slightly forward with curiosity. While she could sense Pokémon's feelings and interpret their emotions, the idea of someone directly understanding their words was astonishing to her.
"Yeah, that's right. I call it the Aura Power. It allows me to communicate directly with Pokémon, heart to heart," Ash replied with a nod, his expression calm but confident.
Hearing this, Anabel's curiosity deepened. She had always felt her ability was special, yet Ash's skill seemed to surpass hers in an entirely different league.
"Could we test it out, Ash? I'd love to see the difference between your ability and mine," Anabel suggested, pulling out a Poké Ball. Her tone was excited but respectful.
"Looks like we're in for a little demonstration!" May said, nudging Misty with a grin as they sat down nearby, their Pokémon cuddled beside them.
"Come out, my friend!" Anabel released her Pokémon, and with a flash of light, an Alakazam appeared.
"Alakazam!"
"Okay, Ash, let's see what you can do," Anabel said, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.
Ash activated his Aura Power, his gaze meeting Alakazam's as a blue glow surrounded him. He began to communicate with the Pokémon, their connection deep and seamless.
Meanwhile, high above in a hot air balloon shaped like a Meowth head, Team Rocket spied on the group through binoculars.
"Look, there's the twerp and his friends!" Jessie exclaimed, her tone laced with annoyance. She still hadn't forgiven May for the fiasco at the Gardenia Contest.
"We have to come up with a plan to nab all their Pokémon this time, especially Pikachu. But with all of them out and about, it won't be easy..." James said, clutching his fists in determination before sighing in frustration.
"Don't worry, leave it to me, nya! I have the perfect plan: a three-pronged ambush that can't fail!" Meowth declared, puffing out his chest with pride.
"If we pull this off, we'll finally impress the Boss!" Jessie and James exclaimed in unison, their eyes gleaming with dreams of promotions and glory.
Back on the ground, Ash had just finished his conversation with Alakazam.
"So that's how it is, huh? Alakazam says Anabel is incredibly kind and always treats her Pokémon with care. In battle, she even makes it a point to encourage her challengers, even if they lose."
"Wait... Anabel, does that mean you're the Tower Tycoon of the Battle Tower?" Ash asked, feigning surprise despite already knowing the answer.
Anabel laughed lightly, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "That's right. The Pokémon we raise are our companions, so treating them well is only natural."
Hearing Ash's compliment, Anabel felt a strange warmth spread through her chest. Her heart skipped a beat, especially when she remembered the earnest look in his eyes earlier.
But just as the conversation was getting more personal, a sudden commotion interrupted the moment.
"Poison Powder, use Poison Sting!"
"Cacnea, use Pin Missile!"
Two attacks came flying out of nowhere, scattering everyone as they barely dodged the incoming moves.
"What's going on?!" Anabel exclaimed, her voice sharp with alarm.
"I hear a voice crying out to the heavens!"
"And another responding from the earth below!"
"Blossoming like a dark flower of evil!"
"Surrendering to the sweet allure of villainy!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Meowth, that's right!"
Team Rocket had made their grand appearance, reciting their dramatic motto as always. This time, however, they had come prepared with a massive net and mechanical arms extending from their balloon.
In one swift motion, they captured nearly every Pokémon present—except Snorlax, who was too heavy to lift.
"We finally got them all! Even the twerp's Pikachu is ours this time!" Jessie gloated, twirling in delight.
"Meowth's plan was purr-fect! We're gonna be heroes when we bring these to the Boss!" Meowth boasted, his grin stretching wide.
However, in their excitement, they failed to notice that Jessie and James were still on the ground.
"Snorlax, grab Jessie and James!" Ash commanded, his voice steady and calm.
The massive Pokémon yawned lazily before lumbering toward the pair, its shadow looming over them like a mountain.
Jessie and James froze, their smug expressions turning to panic.
"Oh no..."
The scene quickly turned chaotic as Snorlax moved to execute Ash's orders, and Team Rocket's "perfect plan" began to unravel.
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T/N:
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