Pokémon Indigo League:

Main Characters:
Ash Ketchum-Ash has always dreamed of becoming a Pokémon Master and as soon as he hit the age of 10 he rushed to Professor Oak's Laboratory to get his first Pokémon. Originally wanting to choose Squirtle, Ash ended up getting the Pokémon Pikachu and left on his journey. Starting off as a completely unskilled trainer, Ash managed to go through, with the assistance of his friends Misty & Brock and capture new Pokémon and defeat the gyms in Kanto, allowing him to enter in the Pokémon League. Since then he has continued to travel, make new friends and capture new Pokémon while still following his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master. Since this goal is so close to his heart, he sometimes acts a bit rash and rushes to the next battle he can as fast as possible.
Brock-Brock, the eldest child in his family, started off looking after all of his younger siblings while being the Pewter City Gym Leader, a tough job indeed. However after meeting up with Ash, Brock met his father who ran off long ago and thus decided to travel with Ash on his journey while his father, Flint, took over the responsibilities of the gym and the family. Brock's main Pokémon ambition is to become a Pokémon Breeder and during his travels he has learned a lot about Pokémon and their habits, especially during his tenure assisting Professor Ivy in the Orange Islands. Brock is a very flirtatious person and acts as a father figure to Ash & May, giving them advice and hints while in battle. He is also a good cook.
Misty-Misty, the youngest out of four sisters, has a massive fondness of Water Pokémon. Growing up in Cerulean City, she was in the shadow of her three sisters at the Gym with their water pokémon so she left to become the best Water Pokémon Trainer there was. She met with Ash accidentally when Ash destroyed her bike when trying to protect Pikachu from a flock of Spearow. Joining him on his journey, Misty continued living the dream of hers to get as many Water Pokémon and train them as possible. Misty started off being a bit of a hothead, knowingly attacking people for just the smallest comments, however in time, especially after becoming a mother figure to Togepi, she calmed down a fair bit. After travelling through Johto, Misty was called upon by her sisters to look after the Cerulean Gym while they went on holiday. Even when they returned, Misty continued being the Gym Leader and will continue to show her Water Pokémon knowledge in the gym battles.
Rivals"
Gary Oak-Gary, the grandson of renowned Pokémon Researcher, Professor Oak, has had a life long rivaly with Ash Ketchum. Starting based on a fishing scuffle where they both claimed ownership of a Pokéball used for fishing, Gary has always had it in for Ash. Gary started off as an extremely arrogant kid who somehow managed to amass a group of Cheerleaders, cheering only for Gary. After he lost in the Pokémon League, Gary ditched the cheerleaders and after some soul searching, started to become less arrogant and more of a compotent Pokémon Trainer. Finally, after his defeat against Ash, Gary, with humility, mended the fences with Ash finally and decided to stop being a Pokémon Trainer and instead to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become a Pokémon Researcher.
Richie-Richie is a young Pokémon trainer from Kanto. Richie is a really kind kid who enjoys Pokémon Battles and making friends. Showing his eccentricity, Richie nicknames his Pokémon to make them more personal. He also marks his Pokéballs just in case he gets seperated from them so he knows which ones are his. In the Indigo League, Richie quickly befriended Ash and they became close friends and ended up having to battle eachother. However due to Ash's unruley Charizard, Richie defeated Ash. After losing in the next match, Richie continued to travel and visited the Whirl Islands in Johto while still travelling through Kanto on many occassions.

In this first Episode of Pokémon Ash Ketchum: a ten-year old boy in Pallet town who is about to begin his pokémon training. At his age, he can get a license and become a pokémon trainer! Ash vows to become the greatest pokémon master of all time!! He starts his training after receiving a beginner pokémon which will happen tomorrow!!! IF he gets some sleep, informs his mother. But Ash is too excited to sleep, so his mom has him watch a more informative pokémon show with Professor Oak teaching Pallet about the three possible pokémon young trainers can receive tomorrow. They are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. After the program is done, Ash dreams about which pokémon he will choose. As he dreams of throwing a pokéball to release his pokémon, he actually throws his own Voltorb alarm clock destroying it. The next morning, Ash realizes he slept in and runs in his pajamas over to Professor Oak's house to get a pokémon. Ash arrives to find a crowd of people including a cheer leading squad that cheers for Gary.

Gary promises to make Pallet famous as he becomes the greatest pokémon master. He then insults Ash about his tardiness and how he chose the best pokémon. But when Ash asks to see the pokémon, Gary refuses and leaves, taking the crowd with him. Professor Oak wonders how well prepared Ash is for pokémon training in his pajamas, but Ash convinces Oak that he is ready. Unfortunately, all three beginner pokémon have been taken by Gary and two others who were on time. Ash pleads for a pokémon, and Oak does have one left, but "there is a problem with it." Ash doesn't care and, with the last remaining pokéball, he receives Pikachu. Ash thinks it's cute and picks it up, which Pikachu greatly dislikes with shocking results. Oak gives Ash his pokédex and six pokéballs for use. Outside a much less impressive crowd than before has gathered with Ash's mom to wish him good luck. They wonder, though, why Pikachu isn't in his pokéball and after a "game of catch," the crowd gets shocked by Pikachu.

So Ash departs with his "new friend" and some items his mom packed for him. As he drags Pikachu along with a leash and rubber gloves his mom packed, he wishes they could be friends, but Pikachu acts very aloof and openly shows his distrust of Ash. Ash wants Pikachu to stay in the pokéball, like the pokédex says, but Pikachu shows that not all pokémon like to stay in a pokéball. So Ash takes the leash off of him in hopes of gaining his trust... all he gains is Pikachu running up a tree. Just then, a Pidgey interrupts them and Ash tries to catch it by throwing a pokéball at it. However, it breaks out, and the pokédex informs Ash that most trainers use their own pokémon to weaken wild ones for capture. With Pikachu being uncooperative, Ash has to tries to fight the Pidgey, but is easily beaten by a gust attack. Both the pokédex and Pikachu believe that Ash will never become a pokémon master. In his frustration, Ash throws a rock at some Pidgeys. Unfortunately, he hits a Spearow who starts attacking them. Pikachu shocks it, which causes it to alert a whole flock of Spearows who begin pecking at Pikachu. Ash grabs the badly hurt Pikachu and is forced to dive down a waterfall to escape the flock. He is fished out, however, by a young girl named Misty. She tells him to get Pikachu to the Pokémon Center in Viridian City. Storm clouds gather as the flock finds them and Ash takes Misty's bike in order to get away, promising to return it "some day."

Unfortunately, he crashes it as the rain pours down, and both him and Pikachu are vulnerable. Ash asks Pikachu to get inside the pokéball so that it will be safe while he offers his own body for the Spearows in order to protect Pikachu. Pikachu sees the care Ash has and gains enough strength to perform a devastating thunder attack which drives the Spearows away and destroys everything in the nearby vicinity (including the bike). As the rains part and the sun comes out, a weakened Pikachu and surprised Ash realize they won. Just then, a mysterious golden bird flies over the rainbow to which the pokédex informs Ash that there are many unidentified pokémon in the world. As Ash carries Pikachu into Viridian City, Pikachu licks Ash's cheek to signify the new bond they share as great friends.

In Episode 2 takes place in Viridian City, Officer Jenny announces the presence of pokémon thieves. Just then, she sees Ash running into town with his injured Pikachu. She stops him, thinking he's a pokémon thief, but Ash shows her his hurt Pikachu and informs her that he needs to get to the pokémon center right away. Officer Jenny understands, but she still needs to see some identification. She spots his pokédex and a button on it. The pokédex announces itself as Dexter, property of Ask Ketchum from the town of Pallet, thus effectively acting as ID. Once that confirmed, Jenny drives Ash to the pokémon center on her motorcycle, as Misty follows behind angrily with her broken bike. A wanted poster in the background is then lifted up to an air balloon that is holding members of Team Rocket. We are introduced to Jesse and James who swear vengeance on Viridian City for putting up wanted posters of them. We then see "their pokémon" Meowth who acts as the boss of this troublesome trio and reminds them that they are here to capture rare and unusual pokémon. After a dashing entrance into the center by Jenny and Ash in the motorcycle, Nurse Joy has some Chanseys take Pikachu to the Critical Care Unit. She then reprimands Ash for not taking better care of his pokémon and leaves to heal Pikachu. As Officer Jenny departs, Ash feels quite depressed and calls home. His mother tries to encourage him, but he is still downtrodden. So, she calls Professor Oak who calls Ash to confirm that he is at Viridian City. Despite the fact that the other three trainers from Pallet already came through, both Professor Oak and Ash's Mom are quite surprised and proud that Ash got their so soon. Ash then tells Professor Oak that he saw a golden flying pokémon (from last episode) like one pictured in the center, but Oak refutes, saying that that pokémon hasn't been seen by trainers who have searched for it their entire lives. After they say good-bye, Ash is confronted by Misty who rants about her destroyed bike. She wants a new one and Ash is quite sorry, but he can't do anything while Pikachu is hurt. She feels sorry and wants to know how bad it is, but soon Nurse Joy returns with a resting Pikachu. She says the operation went fine and that it is recovering. They are then interrupted by an alarm as Jenny alerts the whole town of the pokémon thieves' presence. Team Rocket makes their grand entrance into the center accompanied by their pokémon Ekans and Koffing, and their declarative motto. They reveal that they are going to steal pokémon and start tearing the place apart. Nurse Joy, Misty, and Ash pushing the stretcher with Pikachu run and hide in a room. The power goes out, but a back-up generator full of Pikachus keeps the lights on in the room they are in. Nurse Joy begins an emergency pokémon transport to save all the pokémon in Viridian City by teleporting them to Pewter City but Team Rocket breaks in. After a failed attempt of trying to fight them with the pokéballs they were trying to save, Misty distracts Jesse and James allowing Ash to try and escape. However, Ekans and Koffing are close behind and Ash runs into the broken bike Misty left in front. The bump wakes up Pikachu who calls all the other Pikachus from the generator as they shock Team Rocket. Meowth then tries to get Pikachu, but Pikachu tells Ash to help give him power.Ash jumps on the bike and pedals it to run the generator for the little head light. Pikachu uses this electricity to shock Meowth and the other members of Team Rocket with such a force that it ignites some of the gas from Koffing causing a major explosion that demolishes the center. Officer Jenny arrives too late, as the badly burnt Team Rocket retreats in their air balloon, they agree that Pikachu is quite rare and powerful and must be caught. The next day, Nurse Joy's twin sister in Pewter City informs her that all the pokémon were transported safely. Ash and Misty are on their way there, but will they be able to get through the Viridian Forest Nurse Joy worries. We then cut to the forest where we hear Misty scream about a gross bug she sees. Ash recognizes it as the pokémon Caterpie and takes out a pokéball to try and catch it...........

In the 3rd episode Ash throws the pokéball at the Caterpie. It hits the Caterpie on its head and captures it. Ash dances around very goofily at his first catch that he did "all by himself." Ash opens up the pokéball to meet Caterpie, which Misty is absolutely dreading. As Ash offers his shoulder for Caterpie to climb on, it notices Misty and immediately runs over to her showering her leg with affection. Misty is grossed out, screaming at Caterpie and declaring how she hates three things in this world: carrots, peppers, and bugs. Ash argues with her saying how he doesn't like the way she is hurting Caterpie's feelings with her "silly fear." Ash then tries to console Caterpie who climbs on to his shoulder, and they all leave Misty behind. She still follows them claiming that she is doing so to get her bike back. Pikachu is quite exasperated over the argument between Ash and Misty. That night, Pikachu and Caterpie have a pokémon conversation where it is revealed that Caterpie desires to evolve into Butterfree in hopes that Misty will like him. The next morning, Misty wakes up to find Caterpie sleeping next to her. She screams, waking the whole group up and yells at Caterpie to stay away from her. Caterpie is crushed, and saddened, he crawls his way back to the pokéball. Ash tries to change Caterpie's mind, but Caterpie locks himself in the pokéball as Misty requested and won't come out. As Ash and Misty are about to argue again, a Pidgeotto flies by. Ash tries to just throw a pokéball at it, but the Pidgeotto simply swats it away. Misty scolds at Ash for being so stupid - he has to weaken a pokémon before trying to capture it. The only reason Caterpie was capture was because "Caterpie was a weakling, already!" Ash, being sick of Misty's nagging, sends out Caterpie to try and weaken Pidgeotto. Unfortunately, Caterpie is no match for Pidgeotto and is severely beaten. Ash calls him back and sends Pikachu to shock Pidgeotto. He throws a pokéball and successfully captures it. He is quite happy and does his all right scene, but Misty brings him back to reality telling him he has to know about strategy: that putting a worm against a bird is suicide. Ash tries to defend himself, but they are interrupted by Team Rocket. Jesse and James declare they are here to get Pikachu because they are after rare and unusual pokémon. After Meowth shuts them up for giving away their goal, he reveals that Pikachu's power is beyond its evolutionary level. Then Jesse and James beat him up for revealing that secret. After this silly skirmish, Team Rocket sends out Ekans and Koffing. Ash says that's unfair since Pokémon League rules say that battles should be one on one. Misty tells him to fight dirty back but Ash refuses. James orders Koffing to sludge attack Pikachu, blinding it. Ash sends out Pidgeotto and a neat yet fierce battle ensues. However, as is inevitable in a two on one situation, Pidgeotto is beaten. Ash tries to fight them himself, but is knocked away. He is forced reluctantly to ask Caterpie to fight, though he knows it was weak from battling Pidgeotto. Team Rocket thinks it's a joke until Caterpie stops their pokémon with string shot and tackles them away. They are beaten but swear to return to fight another time and capture Pikachu. Ash, Misty, Pikachu, and Caterpie celebrate Ash's first fair victory against another trainer. Misty realizes that Caterpie "isn't a weakling after all," and Ash goads her into patting Caterpie on the head and telling him good job. She reluctantly is about to, when all of a sudden, Caterpie coats itself in its string shot silk to evolve into Metapod. Dexter notes that this particular specimen evolved faster than any other previously recorded. Misty is all freaked out again, but Ash tries to get her to accept Metapod. Pikachu notes that this is Caterpie's first step into fulfilling his dream of evolving into Butterfree. Just then, a Beedrill passes over them and Misty wants to get out of there and away from all the bugs. But Ash wants to capture more pokémon and ventures further into the Viridian Forest, with Misty frantically following behind him.

In the 4th episode Misty screams about a bug pokémon. Ash makes that stupid joke about a "cow-terpie" when they discover a Weedle. Ash tries to call Pikachu to fight, but he's literally sleeping on the job, but Ash is smug with the fact that he has two other pokémon who "give him the respect he deserves." Meanwhile, the Weedle has taken a liking to Misty who freaks out and runs away Ash calls out Pidgeotto and the battle begins. As Misty walks away completely grossed out, a shadowy figure garbed in samurai clothing threatens her with a sword demanding to know if she's from Pallet. She says no and he apologizes and departs, just as Misty realizes that he's going after Ash. As she takes off, we cut back to the fight where Weedle is finally beaten. As Ash is about the catch him, the samurai comes up and asks if he's from Pallet. Ash quickly says yes just as Misty screams to look out behind him. As he does, he sees a sword coming right at him and as the wielder announces himself as Samurai and challenges him to a duel. Ash turns back to the Weedle, but it has already escaped. Ash blames Samurai for losing the pokémon, but Samurai calls Ash dimwitted and clumsy. Thus a battle starts up. Ash sends out Pidgeotto, but it is weak from its fight with Weedle. Samurai sends out Pinsir who easily defeats Pidgeotto with a tackle. Ash then sends out Metapod telling him to harden. Pinsir's claws try to crack Metapod, but instead they break. Samurai calls him back and sends out his very own Metapod. A stalemate of continual hardness results as Pikachu and Misty sunbathe. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is roaming the forest in a cardboard tank which is supposed to protect them from Beedrill stings. Suddenly, the standstill is interrupted as a Beedrill swarm approaches. Samurai realizes that the Weedle that escaped must have called the swarm over and grabs his Metapod and runs. As Ash is bewildered a Beedrill snatches his Metapod. Before he can do anything, they have to run from the swarm. They all hide behind a bush escaping the swarm but only to find themselves in a Kakuna hive. Among them is Ash's Metapod, whom he cries out for. This wakes up the Kakunas who evolve into Beedrills and chase them, once again. They head over to Samurai's cabin and are safe. Samurai scolds at Ash for letting the Weedle go. As Ash tries to defend himself, Samurai reprimands him further by saying that not even a novice would abandon his Metapod. He then goes on to describe how much greater the other threetrainers from Pallet were. They defeated him in "most spectacular battles," which is why he was looking for Ash. But compared to them, Ash is a novice. Ash is silenced and that night as they slept, Ash becomes determined to rescue Metapod. The next morning, he sneaks over to the Kakuna hive, but suddenly Team Rocket shows up, announcing their usual motto. Ash tries to silence them, lest they wake up the Beedrills, but they only shout their slogan louder. The Beedrills wake up and begin to swarm at them, but Ash dives below them so that they attack Team Rocket. Team Rocket tries to use their tank, but it is being eaten by Weedles and they are forced to run. Ash then picks up Metapod saying they he didn't abandon him but Samurai made him leave. However, after tripping on a rock, Ash realizes that he can't make excuses and vows to never leave his pokémon or friends behind. Metapod appreciates the devotion Ash has, when suddenly a Beedrill comes to attack Ash. As Samurai, Misty, and Pikachu come running up to warn Ash, Metapod throws his body at the Beedrill breaking the Beedrill's stinger, but gashing a hole in its shell. Ash is worried that Metapod is hurt, but then suddenly Butterfree emerges. The swarm starts to come back, but Butterfree wants to fight so Ash orders a sleep powder attack that puts them all to sleep. Samurai is impressed with Ash's control over Butterfree that just evolved and has new-found respect for him. They part with a new friendship and rival and a vow to meet and have a most spectacular battle of their own one day. And as for Team Rocket? They tried to disguisethemselves as Kakunas so that they won't get stung by the Beedrills, but it didn't work.

In the 5th episode Team Rocket is up to their old tricks again laying a trap for our hero (and heroine). They decide to dig a hole to catch Ash of guard and capture Pikachu. The only problem is that they covered the hole so well that they forgot where they put it. They find the hole...the hard way. Meanwhile, Ash finally finds his way out of the Viridian Forest and into Pewter City. Upon entering Pewter City, Ash meets a very mysterious man who calls himself Flint. After trying to sell Ash and Misty rocks as souvenirs, Flint takes Ash to the local Pokémon Center. Upon entering the Pokécenter, Ash is surprised to see Nurse Joy. Nurse Joy explains that the Nurse Joy in Viridian City is her little sister (confused?). Nurse Joy then points out a poster to Ash, changing his life forever. The poster promotes the Pokémon League Championships. Ash, wanting to become a Pokémon Master, decides that this is the way to go. The only problem is that he has to win badges from 8 gym trainers to be eligible for the championships. Flint shows up and taunts Ash for thinking he can defeat the Pewter City gym leader Brock. After an uneasy meal (and an expensive one at that), Ash decides to try his luck against Brock.
Upon entering the Pewter City gym, Ash meets up with Brock. Brock, sensing Ash's inexperience, informs him of the official tournament rules. Both he and Ash must choose 2 Pokémon with which to do battle. Ash starts with Pikachu and Brock chooses Onix. Needless to say, Pikachu is scared stiff by this giant Pokémon. Brock has Onix use Tackle on Pikachu, but Pikachu narrowly dodges him. However, Brock quickly has Onix follow up with his Bind attack. Ash has Pikachu use Thundershock, but to no effect (duh, an electric attack on a rock/ground Pokémon...come on Ash). Ash tries to call Pikachu back, but can't get around Onix who is still using Bind on Pikachu. Ash decides to surrender rather than have Pikachu seriously injured, losing the fight. On his way out of the gym, though, he runs into Flint who asks Ash to follow him. At Flint's house, Ash can't get over how good Brock was. Flint agrees, saying that Brock's talent could take him much further than local gym leader. Flint shows Ash why Brock can't move on to bigger things, and what he sees surprises him. Brock is taking care of 10 little brothers and sisters at home since his father left to become a Pokémon trainer and his mother passed away. Ash asks Flint to stop with the story, or else he won't be able to beat Brock. Flint admires Ash's persistence and tells Ash that there might be a way to super-charge Pikachu...
Flint takes Ash to a hydro-electric plant, telling Ash that if he hooks Pikachu up to it, there's a chance he could give Pikachu a power-boost. The only problem is the river's dry, leaving the plant un-powered. The only solution is to have Ash power it himself by running on the wheel which usually powers the plant. Misty shows up and asks Ash if he needs some help. Ash turns her offer down, telling her that he wants to earn the badge all by himself. All of the energy is overwhelming to Pikachu at first, but finally he reaches the point where he can control and re-channel his new power. Ash is now ready to challenge Brock a second time. Brock is cocky from the last fight and decides to start with Geodude. Ash sends out Pidgeotto who uses his Gust attack. The only problem is flying-type Pokémon are weak against rock-types (nice going Ash). Misty is silently cheering Ash on from the rafters, but she is soon crowded by Brock's brothers and sisters. Ash recalls Pidgeotto and sends out his new and improved Pikachu.
Pikachu takes care of Geodude with a powerful electric attack, shocking Brock and even Misty. Brock sends Onix out, once again scaring Pikachu. Pikachu unleashes another electric attack, but the attack is unfocused. It does heavy damage to the gym but barely harms Onix. Onix uses Bind on Pikachu again, but Pikachu uses his new attack Thunderbolt. The attack starts to work, but Pikachu can't sustain it while being binded by Onix. When it looks like Onix is about to faint Pikachu, however, Brock calls Onix off. He explains that he doesn't really want to hurt Pikachu and so asks Ash to surrender the match again. It looks like Ash is about to accept when all of the sudden, the gym sprinklers start up from a fire caused by Pikachu's earlier unfocused attack. The water severly weakens Onix and Ash uses this to his advantage. He has Pikachu attack Onix one more time with an electric attack. The electric attack is very effective thanks to the water, and Onix faints. Right when Ash is ready to finish Onix off, his conscience gets the better of him (as well as Brock's brothers and sisters). He calls Pikachu off, remembering when Brock called Onix off, and he leaves the gym. Brock tries to stop him, but Ash tells him that it was just a fluke that the sprinklers went off, and that he wanted to win fair and square.
On his way out of Pewter City, Ash is stopped by Brock who gives Ash a Boulder Badge. Brock explains that Ash earned it by being so kind to Pokémon. Brock doesn't really want to be a Pokémon trainer, he wants to be a Pokémon breeder. The only thing holding him back are his duties at home. Suddenly, Flint arrives telling Brock to go follow his dreams (he's actually Brock's dad!). Flint didn't come back to his family because he failed as a Pokémon trainer and couldn't face them. Brock has a few things to tell his father after so many years (all of them quite entertaining). In the end, Brock decides to follow Ash on his journey. Misty...well she won't leave until she gets a new bike, so Ash takes off with Brock to try and lose Misty. And what of Team Rocket? Well they finally get out of the hole, only to be ran over by Ash and company...and fall back into the hole. Oh well, better luck next time Team Rocket...

In the 6th episode Ash friends are journey to Mt. Moon where they encounter a flock of Zubats attacking a man. Ash has Pikachu Thundershock the Zubats and the extremely grateful man introduces himself as Seymour the Scientist. He explains that the Pokémon who live in the caves have been confused by lights that someone has strewn all through their homes. This is why the Zubats attacked him and several other Pokémon have become ill.
As they all enter the cave entrance, Seymour continues. He explains that Mt. Moon is rumored to contain the Moon Stone, a large rock that makes a Pokémon power more powerful. Seymour believes that this stone is in reality, a rocket that brought all Pokémon to Earth. It is his hunch that the people who strung the lights up are looking for this rock.
Unsurprisingly to us, Team Rocket shows up. They are indeed searching for the Moon Stone and are irked at the fact that Ash and his friends are there. They quickly challenge him, sending out Koffing and Ekans. Ash retaliates with his Butterfree and Brock sends out a newly acquired Zubat. Zubat confuses Team Rocket's Pokémon with Supersonic, and Ash blows them all away with his Butterfree's Whirlwind. Unfortunately, Meowth manages to escape the gust and runs after a Clefairy holding a piece of the Moon Stone that happened to bounce by. Misty and Seymour give chase and, upon catching up with Meowth, give him a sound beating. When Ash and Brock arrive on the scene, they all follow the Clefairy to another cave and go inside. There they see a huge Moon Stone with many smaller Moon Stones around it. Clefairy places his (or her?) Moon Stone into the only open spot and all the stones start to glow. Suddenly, several other Clefairy appear and they all start jumping around the Moon Stone. After a minute or two of charades, Ash and his friends discover that the Clefairy are praying and the watch in awe.
Unfortunately, Team Rocket shows up again. Our heroes had unknowingly led them right to the Moon Stone. Seymour attacks but is beaten up by Meowth. James's Koffing fills the cavern with smoke and Team Rocket somehow escapes with the huge Moon Stone. Ash, Misty, and Brock use Onix to follow them while Seymour regains his senses. After doing so, he reminds the Clefairy that the Moon Stone is sacred to them and tells them to get it back. They find Team Rocket and the Metronome attack they use triggers a huge explosion, getting rid of Team Rocket, but also breaking the Moon Stone into little pieces. These pieces fall back to the earth, some of which landing on the Clefairy, evolving them into Clefable. They all return to the cave and continue their ceremony.
After Seymour decides to stay at Mt. Moon and study the Clefairy, Ash and his friends continue down the path only to find an etching on a sign pointing the way to Cerulean City. It is from Gary and reads: "Gary was Here! Ash is a Loser!" Ash is enraged, rushing down the trail with his friends rushing to keep up...

In the 7th episode Ash, Misty, and Brock are still walking towards Cerulean City. Brock and Ash are eager to get there, but Misty doesn't share their feelings and makes it known that she doesn't want to go. Unfortunately for her, Ash is set on challenging the city's Gym Leader and won't change his mind.
Once they arrive, Brock notices that Misty isn't following them anymore. Ash isn't exactly torn up about this. As they walk, they notice a very large crowd gathered in front of a store. Interested, they ask as to why everyone is here and find out that it was robbed of a large vacuum and a huge hose, nothing more. Suddenly, Officer Jenny appears asking why they're so interested in the situation. Ash is surprised to see her here as he thought he'd seen her in Viridian City. She explains that the Viridian City Jenny is her Sister-in-law and announces her suspicion of the two. After Ash and Brock clear the matter with Dexter and one of Brock's badges, Brock tries to ask her to dinner. He is, needless to say, turned down and he goes off on his own while Ash searches alone for the gym.
He finds the gym and enters only to find a synchronized swimming performance going on. He is greatly confused until he meets the three girls who were doing the show a little later. They explain that they are the Gym leaders and are the World-famous Sensational Sisters. Ash is eager to fight but the sisters decline, saying that they don't feel like fighting because they had just been beaten three times in a row by Ash's rivals from Pallet Town. All they have left is a wimpy Goldeen.
They are about to just give Ash the Cascade Badge when Misty shows up. She introduces herself as the "Fourth Sensational Sister," but her sisters begin teasing her, saying that they thought she had left and wasn't coming back until she was a Pokémon Master. When she replies that she's only here because Ash was here, they comment on her choice of a boyfriend making Ash fall over Anime style and Misty enraged. She challenges Ash to a match for the Cascade Badge.
Ash tries to send out Pikachu, but he refuses to fight. He sends out Butterfree instead to fight Misty's Staryu. The fight goes on for a couple minutes with Misty's sisters looking on with interest, and Butterfree is defeated. Ash then sends out Pidgeotto and Misty sends out Starmie. Pidgeotto is about to defeat Starmie when Team Rocket makes a not-so dramatic entrance by crashing through a wall.
They were the ones who had stolen the vacuum and hose and were planning on sucking up all the water in the pool to steal the Pokémon swimming in it. They manage in sucking up the Sensational Sisters' Seel and Pikachu is swept into the water. It occurs to Ash that water conducts electricity, so he has Pikachu use a Thunderbolt attack, thus electrocuting Team Rocket. They fall into the pool, get sucked up by the vacuum, and are spit out the other end. Ash shuts off the vacuum just in time to save Pikachu (Seel was outside).
Misty's sisters thank Ash for ridding them of Team Rocket and give him the Cascade Badge as a reward. Misty is upset since he didn't really win the match, but her sisters explain that if he had used Pikachu, Misty wouldn't of stood a chance. They wish them both luck on their journey, and, after meeting up with Brock again, Ash and Misty head off toward Vermilion City.

In Episode 8 Ash and his friends are traveling towards Vermilion City, making frequent stops so that Ash can battle other trainers he meets. One trainer, impressed by Ash's 10 straight wins and two badges, suggest that he challenge AJ, a very good trainer who lives nearby, and even built his own gym, although it is not sanctioned by the Pokémon League. Ash decides to do so.
When Ash, Misty, and Brock get to AJ's gym, they see a sign over the entrance proclaiming the gym as undefeated with 98 wins. AJ shows up with a backpack full of wild Pokémon he just caught. When they go in, AJ gives them to a Butterfree and Ash challenges him to a battle. AJ has no badges and says that once he reaches his 100th win, he'll start. This gives Ash the idea that he is better than AJ (since he has two). AJ, however makes fun of Ash, saying that the leaders of those two gyms must have been pretty pathetic, thus angering Brock and Misty. Ash and AJ start to fight, but unfortunately for Ash, AJ defeats him in seconds flat with his Sandshrew for his 99th win. Ash is shattered and, not accepting the defeat, starts to whine that AJ somehow rigged the match. AJ is annoyed and goes inside the large tent, telling him to grow up.
Our heroes are about to leave when they hear a whip cracking and AJ yelling at his Sandshrew from inside the tent. They rush inside and Ash attacks AJ, sending both of them into a pool. Emerging, AJ instructs Sandshrew to get back into the water. Ash says that ground Pokémon are weakened by water, but Sandshrew jumps out and spins dry, not weakened a bit. Ash then notices that the Sandshrew, as well as all the other Pokémon in the tent are wearing some sort of straitjacket type thing. AJ explains that they are "strength intensifiers" and help his Pokémon become stronger. Ash feels AJ is treating them too harshly, and appeals to Brock for support. Unfortunately for him, Brock takes interest in what AJ feeds them.
Meanwhile, outside, Jessie, James, and Meowth have seen Ash go in and plan to try to steal Pikachu again. They try out a new motto, but James frowns, saying it just doesn't feel right. They plan to hide themselves in a large rubber ball and sneak in, nab Pikachu, and escape with it before Ash realizes what happened.
As Ash and AJ talk, Pikachu tries on one of the strength intensifiers, but is overwhelmed and rolls up into a ball. Sandshrew snickers and rolls up into a ball next to Pikachu. Team Rocket rolls in and sneaks up on two. In the darkness inside the ball, they accidentally take Sandshrew instead.
Soon enough, Ash and AJ notice Pikachu's predicament and AJ frees him. Then, AJ realizes that Sandshrew is missing. Ash meanly suggests that Sandshrew ran away after seeing how much better Ash treated Pikachu. He offers the other Pokémon a spot on his team but is quickly turned down.
In the meantime, James is struggling with his bundle. It seems that the Pikachu is heavier than it looks. He is about to hand the bag over to Jessie when Sandshrew pops out, knocking both Jessie and James out. Sandshrew then burrows into the ground, bringing Meowth along.
Back at AJ's gym, Sandshrew pops out through the floorboards, with Meowth dragging behind. AJ and Sandshrew are extremely happy to see each other and they share a warm embrace. Ash starts to rethink his feelings about AJ when Pikachu alerts him of Meowth's presence. Meowth is scared until Jessie and James show up to get him back. They halfheartedly apologize to AJ, but insult him by calling his Sandshrew weak and he challenges them to a battle.
After easily defeating Ekans, Koffing, and Meowth with Sandshrew's Fissure attack, AJ gets his 100th straight win. He begins to pack up for his journey, and Ash offers to let him join his group. AJ declines, saying that he has his own path to follow, and Ash, Misty, and Brock resume their trek to Vermilion.

In Episode 9 Ash, Misty, and Brock are still making their way towards Vermilion City. Ash and Misty are bickering about when Ash will pay her back for her bike. Brock, annoyed with their constant fighting, suggests that they all stop for a rest and offers to make crepes. He asks for someone to go gather some firewood, and that someone ends up being Ash. He starts to search in the fog for sticks, and comes across several kids huddled together. Ash comes closer and sees that one of the kids is running on a treadmill and the other, older kids are drilling him on facts on Pidgey's evolutionary levels. Ash feels that sorry for the younger kid on the treadmill, so he chases the rest away.
After Brock and Misty show up, the boy, whose name is Joe, explains what was going on. He explains that he goes to Pokémon Tech, a school for Pokémon trainers. He says that he is at the bottom of his beginner class, and the other kids were "helping" him when Ash showed up. When Ash asks to see the one responsible for this program, Joe pulls out a picture of a girl whose name is Giselle. Joe explains that, even though he doesn't like the way she treats him, he likes the way she looks. Ash and Brock agree. Ash asks where the school building is and Joe points in the direction. The fog clears and we see a huge campus surrounded by forest.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket have been in some bushes nearby, as they have been following Ash and Pikachu. They see the campus and start to worry. They tell Meowth that they once were to enroll there, but flunked the admissions test with the lowest scores in the school's history. Meowth cheers them up by saying that at least they were the top of the bottom. They all follow Ash, Joe, and the rest to the building.
As Joe shows our friends around the area, he describes the type of curriculum the school offers. He says that those who graduate are allowed to go to the Pokémon League without going around and gathering badges. He explains that a beginner, such as himself, has the skills equivalent to someone with two to four badges, an intermediate has skills equal to someone with five or six, and an advanced has skills equal to eight. He then points to an older kid sitting under a tree and says that the courses are so hard, that this kid is only a beginner still. The privilege of going here costs a lot, so everyone feels obligated to stay. Misty feels that the students here do not get the same experience as those who actually collect the badges and drives home her point by beating his Weepinbell with her Starmie.
Giselle comes in with the boys Ash had chased away earlier and reprimand him for being an embarrassment to the school. She goes on and on about how weak he is, making Team Rocket outside think that she's even more conceited than they are. Misty gets tired of Giselle's attitude and the fact that Ash, Brock, and all the other Tech students think she's "a star", and challenges her to a match, sending out her Starmie again.
Giselle, in what appears to be a poor strategic move, sends out Graveler, but he defeats Starmie easily and actually sends it flying out the window and into a pool. Giselle starts to lecture her, and says that she lost because Graveler was at a higher level than Starmie. Ash gets perturbed, and argues that Pokémon raising is more than just calculating levels and types; you need to treat them with love and care. Giselle just laughs and calls him a beginner. She goes on and on about how he's been on his journey for two months, and all he has is two badges and three Pokémon, one of which is a weak, untamed Pikachu (the other two being, of course, Pidgeotto and Butterfree). Both Ash and Pikachu are outraged and challenge the arrogant Giselle to a match.
She agrees and sends out Cubone, a strong Pokémon against electric attacks. Pikachu is at a sheer disadvantage to Cubone's Bone Clubs and Bonemerangs (a cheap move, according to Ash) and is weakened. Finally, Ash tells Pikachu to fight back, in any way it can. Pikachu then launches a major defensive maneuver, scratching, biting, and disorientating Cubone, ultimately using his own Bonemerang attack against him . The Cubone sits down and starts bawling. Pikachu has won.
Giselle is astounded to see a Pikachu win without using electrical attacks and admits that she underestimated both him and Ash. She has finally been brought down from her high horse, and agrees with Ash that battles don't always go the way they should, and that there are many methods of training.
Suddenly, Team Rocket makes their appearance. They partly want to steal Pikachu, but this time is mainly to impress the other students. Giselle make fun of them and reminds them of their low test scores, and the other kids pelt them with Pokéballs until they leave.
Joe tells Giselle that he is leaving Pokémon Tech and is going to start again as Ash did, collecting badges. They part in friendship, saying that maybe they'll see each other again at the Pokémon League. Ash wonders why he and Misty can't follow their example and Misty reminds him about the bike. Depressed, Ash walks on with his companions towards Vermilion City.

In Episode 10Ash, Misty, and Brock are lost on their way to Vermilion again. They tried to take a shortcut, but it led nowhere. They stop for a break at a pond, and notice an Oddish taking a drink. Ash wants to catch it, but Misty is quicker on the draw and sends out her Starmie. She weakens the Oddish, and is about to catch it when a Bulbasaur leaps out of the bushes and whacks the ball away. He then Vine Whipped Starmie, must to the misfortune of Misty. Ash decides to catch the Bulbasaur and sends out Butterfree. He instructs Butterfree to use Sleep Powder, but Bulbasaur blows it right back at him and, as Ash tries to wake him up, Bulbasaur and Oddish run away.
Ash is upset that he didn't catch it, but they all continue on anyway. They soon come to a rickety looking rope bridge over a deep gorge. They carefully move across, but the ropes snap, and Brock falls down into the river below. Ash and Misty climb to the other side and start to look for Brock. It seems to be their unlucky day, though, when Misty falls into a pit, then later when they all get swept up in a net into a tree. They try to wriggle out, but to no avail. Bulbasaur appears again, laughs at them, and runs off. Ash starts to wonder what happened to Brock, imagining that he was swept out to the ocean and picked up by pirates.
His thoughts are broken by Brock himself, who cuts the rope and lets them down. He explains how he was being swept away in the river, when a girl saved him. He tells them that this girl, whose name is Melanie, lives in the forest, and runs a sort of health spa for abandoned Pokémon. She was the one who set all the traps in order to deter trainers who would try to catch the Pokémon. Brock says that he promised Melanie that they wouldn't catch any of the Pokémon there. Misty asks if he "sealed the promise with a kiss", only to be hit on the head by a blushing Brock.
Jessie, James, and Meowth appear on a cliff. They have heard of the village, and want to steal the Pokémon there. They follow the path Ash and his friends took, but fall into even more traps then Ash did. They all get really upset, since nobody ever falls into their traps.
Back at Melanie's, Ash and his friends are helping her care for the Pokémon. Misty notices the Oddish from earlier and apologizes. Oddish forgives it, but Bulbasaur, who appears on the scene, doesn't. It tackles her. Melanie explains that Bulbasaur had volunteered to guard the recovering Pokémon. It tackled Misty because it thought she was trying to take the Oddish. Melanie tries to convince him that Ash and his friends weren't trying to catch the Pokémon, but Bulbasaur doesn't believe her.
Team Rocket takes this moment to arrive with a flying stadium. A hose comes out, and they start to try to suck the Pokémon up. Unfortunately for them, Ash, Melanie, and the rest gather all the Pokémon into Melanie's cabin. This worries Jessie, but James points out that now all the Pokémon are in one place. Ash and his friends have just made Team Rocket's plan easier.
Bulbasaur comes back outside, and starts knocking the hose around with his Vine Whip. Ash comes out and sends out Pidgeotto. He has him use his Gust attack and the winds form a tornado, blowing Team Rocket and their stadium away. Melanie is very grateful and happy with how good a team Ash and Bulbasaur made. She insists that Ash take Bulbasaur to add to his party. Ash hesitates, saying that the Pokémon won't have anything to protect them. Melanie agrees, but says that Bulbasaur has a lot of growing to do, and that there's not enough room here. She goes on, explaining that the Pokémon she takes care of have grown too accustomed to this lifestyle and don't want to leave. She says that they need to go back into the wild where they belong, and possibly be caught by trainers like Ash. Bulbasaur agrees, but on one condition: Ash must beat him in a battle and actually capture him himself. Ash sends Pikachu, and he shocks Bulbasaur into a weakened state. Ash then captures him with ease.
Ash and Misty say goodbye to Melanie, but Brock offers to stay around and help out some more. Melanie declines, telling him to stick with his friends. Brock is disappointed, but leaves to go with Ash and Misty to Vermilion.

In Episode 11 Ash, Misty, and Brock have been on the road for ten days, and still haven't gotten to Vermilion City. They stop for a rest and check their map. After Brock pulls a little prank on Misty, and gets a kick in the face in return, Misty starts to take a walk. She is stopped short by a huge shadowy Pokémon. It turns out to be Charmander on a rock. The flame on its tail is very low, an indication of how weak it is, as Brock points out. Ash tries to catch it, with the intentions of taking it to a Pokémon Center. Unfortunately for him, Charmander doesn't want to be caught. Through Pikachu, he explains that he already has a trainer, who is coming back for him. Brock advises Ash that it is probably best to leave it there, and they all leave.
They reach the Pokémon Center just as it starts to rain. Misty gets all of them some soup, but Brock doesn't touch it. He explains that he's worried about the Charmander, and hopes that his trainer picked him up. Just then, they hear a trainer nearby bragging about his many Pokémon. When a listener asks him about his Charmander, he says that he left it behind in the forest since it was so weak. Brock stands up, takes the trainer (whose name is Damien) by the shirt, and orders him to go get the Charmander, since it's a known fact that if a Charmander's flame tail ever goes out, the Charmander will die. Damien refuses, and Ash is about to challenge him to a battle, when Nurse Joy steps in and tells them that the use of Pokémon in personal battles degrades their purpose. Brock says that she looks just like the all the other Nurse Joys and Ash adds that it's a Joy-full world. Brock then remembers the Charmander and decides that, since Damien won't get it, he will. Ash and Misty decide to come with him.
Back at the rock, Charmander's flame is almost out. Some Spearows start attacking it, but fortunately, Ash throws a rock and scares them away. Brock covered him with his poncho, while Ash made sure that his flame tail stayed lit. They get him to the Center just in time, and Nurse Joy is able to save it. It will take the rest of the night for it to fully recover. The next morning, however, Brock is sad to find that Charmander has left, most likely back to the rock to wait for Damien again. Ash is disappointed too, but he knows Charmander is loyal to his trainer, and accepts that. They all continue down the path.
Just ahead of them, Team Rocket has built a huge drill and use it to dig yet another hole. They cover it up and hide in the bushes nearby. Pikachu walks right over, but Ash and his friends fall in, leaving Pikachu unprotected. Team Rocket jumps out, wearing rubber suits. Pikachu tries to shock them, but to no avail. Then James fires a rubber balloon bazooka, and the bubble that comes out traps Pikachu inside. Team Rocket removes their suits, and Pikachu tries again to shock them, but the rubber in the balloon blocks the electricity again, so it's pretty futile. Jessie and James laugh at Ash and his friends in the hole.
They are about to leave with Pikachu, when Charmander shows up. He has remembered what Ash and his friends did for him, and he tells them to put Pikachu down. When they refuse, Charmander "chars" them with his Flame-thrower attack. They run off, dropping Pikachu. Ash and his friends climb out of the hole and thank Charmander, asking him if he wants to join them. Charmander is about to agree when Damien steps out from the bushes. He has been watching and is happy to see that Charmander is stronger. He credits it to himself and the fact that he left it behind to fend for itself, which toughened it up. He then adds how glad he is that he didn't have to go through the "boring" task of raising Charmander himself. He tells Charmander to come back to him, but he has lost Charmander's trust. When Charmander decides to stay with Ash, Damien is enraged, and threatens to attack it with his other Pokémon. Charmander then "chars" him, and he runs off.
Ash tells Brock to take Charmander, but Brock declines, saying that it would be happier with Ash. Ash tosses a Pokéball, Charmander jumps inside, and they all continue down the path towards their next adventure.

In Episode 12 Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu are walking down a trail towards Vermilion. Ash is feeling pretty proud of himself since he recently caught both Bulbasaur and Charmander. Suddenly, they all fall into a deep hole, but this one isn't by Team Rocket. It was dug by a Pokémon gang of Squirtles known as the sunglasses-wearing Squirtle Squad. Once they get out, Ash sends out Pikachu to attack, weaken, and catch a Squirtle, but they run off as Officer Jenny approaches. After Ash claims to have seen her before in Viridian, Jenny explains that that Jenny is her cousin. She goes on to say that all of her cousins are named Jenny, look exactly alike, and are all Police Officers. She then takes Ash and his friends to town and explains that the Squirtle Squad is a band of abandoned Squirtles who play pranks on the locals for revenge on humankind in general. She sadly adds that if only they had been treated better by their trainers, they wouldn't be like this.
Meanwhile, Jessie and James are on a nearby cliff, spying on everything that's going on. Jessie is eager to attack, but all James and Meowth have their minds on is lunch (just as long as it isn't pizza). Jessie whacks them repeatedly with her handy fan, until she realizes that she herself is hungry too. So she whips out a picnic basket, to the delight of Meowth and James. They're about to start when the Squirtle Squad shows up. They tie all three to a tree and start to eat in front of them. Jessie is enraged, and James is sad. They try to make a deal with the Squirtles, but they don't trust them. Then Meowth earns their trust by saying that Jessie and James are his pets. The Squirtles give him some food and they all continue to eat in front of Jessie and James.
Later, Misty goes fishing, while Ash, Brock, and Pikachu rest nearby. They are all sprayed by a Squirtle and when Pikachu tries to fight back, it gets thrown into the water. It tries to swim to shore, but is badly hurt by a Goldeen. Ash tries to save it, but is tied up along with Misty and Brock by the other Squirtles. Meowth comes out from his hiding place at laughs at them. The Squirtles were acting under his command.
The Squirtles take them all to a cave, tie them to a rock, and place Pikachu into a cage. Brock tells Ash that unless they can give Pikachu a Super Potion, he will be in big trouble. Ash begs the leader Squirtle to let him go into town to get it, and he gives in, giving him until noon the next day to get back or else they'll dye Misty's hair purple.
Ash gets to town as fast as he can, considering that he tripped over rocks, fell into a river, and was attacked by a Goldeen. He approaches the door, but it opens in his face and he is knocked out. Just as he wakes up the next day, Jessie and James rob the store of flash powder, to use on the Squirtle Squad, and dental floss, for their teeth. They load it into their balloon and start to fly off. Ash goes in and almost gets shot if it weren't for Officer Jenny, and gets the Super potion he needs. Officer Jenny gives him a ride to the cave and he goes in, only to find it completely vacated. He starts to worry about Pikachu, Misty, and Brock and rushes out, only to find them all standing there with the Squirtles and Meowth. He applies the Super potion, but Pikachu is still quite weak.
Team Rocket shows up and start throwing flash bombs at the Squirtles. Meowth grabs Pikachu, and climbs up the rope ladder into the basket. Ash, Misty, Brock, and the Squirtles dash back into the cave entrance to take cover, but the Squirtle Squad's leader has fallen on its back and can't get up. Ash runs out and covers the Squirtle with his body to protect it. Squirtle is overcome and, in a stunning move, he lifts Ash over his head and carries him to the cave.
Team Rocket starts to make their getaway, but the leader Squirtle uses a powerful Water Gun, and pops a whole in the balloon. James Drops Pikachu out, and Ash runs out and catches him . Team Rocket goes flying off into the distance. Then everyone notices that the flash bombs had started a forest fire. Officer Jenny says that if it isn't put out, the whole town is in danger. Ash tells the Squirtle Squad that if they all use their water gun attacks, they can put out the fire. They do so, and a few minutes later, the fire is out.
The locals are thankful to the Squirtles, and appoint them the official town firefighters. Ash, Misty, and Brock leave, but the Squad’s leader keeps following them. Ash asks if he wants to join him, and Squirtle nods, taking off his glasses. He jumps into Ash's arms, and they all continue on to Vermilion.

In Episode 13 Ash, Misty, and Brock lost again. Ash is feeling proud of himself as he has six Pokémon and two badges. Misty and Brock bring him down to earth by telling that he didn't catch most of his Pokémon, they chose to follow him. Misty goes on to say that he truly didn't earn either of his badges, as he didn't actually defeat either Brock or Misty in a battle. All of this makes Ash depressed, and he runs ahead of them.
He suddenly comes upon a beach and realizes that he's finally out of the woods. The sunset is beautiful, but he focuses his attention on a small Krabby that crawls by. He decides to catch it, to prove that he can do things on his own. He weakens the Krabby single-handedly, and catches it.
In a flash, the Pokéball disappears and Ash is instantly worried. Brock and Misty show up and explain that he can't carry more than his six Pokémon and the Krabby was transported to a place of safe-keeping, namely, Professor Oak's lab. Ash is even more concerned, as he doesn't exactly trust Professor Oak, and he wants to call him. They see a lighthouse on a cliff and Ash is eager to call the Professor from there. Misty is eager to sleep in a real bed, and Brock is eager to make some real food.
They dash the longer-than-it-looked path to the lighthouse and stop at the entrance to the building. The two doors are huge and covered with etchings of Pokémon. They ring the doorbell and are let in by the lighthouse's keeper, Bill. They start to explore, but Bill is nowhere to be found. Ash finds a phone and places call to Professor Oak where he sees that his Krabby is in good hands. His Krabby, however is puny compared to Gary's and Ash is upset to find out that Gary has already caught more than 40 Pokémon, for he only has seven. When the Professor asks where Ash is calling from, he describes the lighthouse. Professor Oak recognizes Bill as a well-known Pokémon researcher and tells Ash to talk with him. Bill appears, and Ash and his friends are astounded to see that he is a Kabuto.
Bill explains that he is not a Kabuto, but he is stuck in a Kabuto costume. Ash helps him out, and they start to talk. Bill explains that he looks for rare Pokémon to study and learn more about. He goes on to say that quite a few months ago, he heard the cry of a huge monster from across the ocean. He recorded it and as been playing it back in hopes of bringing the Pokémon to the lighthouse. When Ash asks if he wants to catch the it, Bill says no, replying that he only wants to meet it.
We find Team Rocket sneaking around the lighthouse, planning on stealing the rare Pokémon that they are sure Bill has stored there. In order to take him by surprise, they scale the cliff the lighthouse is on, instead of taking the road up to it.
Suddenly, everyone hears a song in the wind. The Pokémon Bill has been waiting for has finally come. Bill starts up his recording again and turns on the beacon to draw the monster closer while Brock and Misty start to dance to the music. Team Rocket, on the other hand, upon seeing the creature, decide to catch it. They pull bazookas from out of nowhere and start firing.
The Pokémon is furious and, in its rage, smashes the beacon and knocks Team Rocket from the cliff. Bill beseeches the creature to stay, but the Pokémon shakes its head, turns, and heads back out to sea. He is saddened to see the creature go, but is happy that he was at least able to see it.
After receiving some words of advice and encouragement and a reminder of the sheer number of Pokémon to be found, Ash, Misty, and Brock continue their journey to Vermillion.

In Episode 14 Ash and his friends have finally reached Vermilion City, after two weeks of journeying. They are all so happy to be back in civilization. Ash wants to challenge the gym right away, but Pikachu is in no condition to fight. Misty thinks that he is probably hungry, and they decide to all eat first at the cities Pokémon Center. They go there and are surprised to see Nurse Joy. She explains that her first cousin works in Pewter City, and her second cousin works in Viridian. She thinks that she's the prettiest one out of all and Brock wholeheartedly agrees.
Suddenly, a Rattata is brought in on a stretcher. Nurse Joy explains that the Rattata, as well as several others, have all lost to the local gym leader, Lt. Surge. Ash and Misty start to argue about how Ash won't stand a chance versus Lt. Surge. Nurse Joy breaks them up, reminding them that they are in a hospital. She adds that when two people fight, they really care for each other. Ash and Misty disagree. The bell goes off, signaling that Ash's Pokémon are ready, and they rush out. Ash asks if Pikachu is ready to fight, and he is about to agree when another Pokémon, this time a Pidgey, is wheeled in. Misty comments on how it most likely came from the gym, which frightens Pikachu. Ash tells him not to worry and tries pulling Pikachu with him, but Pikachu just shocks him. Misty points out that, with the amount that they fight, Ash and Pikachu must like each other a lot.
Ash convinces Pikachu to come to the gym. There they meet the man himself, Lt. Surge. The huge man mistakenly welcomes Misty to his gym, adding how cute his next opponent is. Misty is flattered, but tells him that she isn't the challenger, Ash is. Lt. Surge laughs and calls him a baby, since this is what he always calls the opponents who lose to him. He then notices Ash's Pikachu and calls it a baby Pokémon. Ash asks why he's making fun of Pikachu. Lt. Surge replies by sending out Raichu, Pikachu's evolved form. Lt. Surge gives Ash a chance to leave, but Ash refuses. Lt. Surge goes on to pick on Ash for not evolving Pikachu when he got it, saying that electric Pokémon are only helpful when they've learned all the electric moves. Pikachu is getting is getting really ticked off at both Lt. Surge and his Raichu, and wants to start as soon as possible. The battle begins.
Pikachu uses Thundershock, but Raichu isn't the least bit phased. Raichu then uses his Thundershock, knocking Pikachu to the ground. Lt. Surge believes the match is over already and Ash tries to call Pikachu back. Pikachu however, still wants to battle and lunges at Raichu, only to be knocked down again by a Mega Punch and Mega Kick.
Team Rocket appears outside, peering in at the proceedings through a window. They laugh at the beating Pikachu is getting, until Jessie points out that, if Pikachu does lose to Raichu, it isn't strong enough to steal after all and all the time they've already spent on it was to waste. Meowth suggests that they steal Raichu, but only to get whacked a few times on the head. Jessie and James start to root for Pikachu, in spite of themselves. They watch in sadness as Lt. Surge finishes Pikachu off with another Thundershock.
Ash takes Pikachu back to the Pokémon Center, where it wakes up. It turns away from Ash, it's spirits broken. Brock explains how Pikachu was overpowered by Raichu. Ash says that Pikachu can win if it tries harder, but Misty explains that Pikachu was doing its best during the battle. Nurse Joy comes in, and explains that Pikachu could win with the Thunder Stone, a stone that will make Pikachu evolve into Raichu. Misty warns Ash to think hard about the decision, since if Pikachu does evolve into Raichu, it will never be able to turn back. He leaves the decision to Pikachu. Team Rocket, outside the window, wonders what Pikachu will decide. Pikachu gets up, looks at the stone, and hits it out of Ash's hand. It then goes into a fairly long series of saying its name over and over. Outside, Meowth is sobbing. Jessie asks him what Pikachu said, and he explains that Pikachu won't change. If he is going to beat Lt. Surge, he wants to do it as Pikachu. He wants to do it "in the name of all Pikachus." At this, James starts to cry.
Ash trusts that Pikachu can do it, but Misty and Brock don't agree. They say that Ash should try using his other Pokém
on. Ash is set on using Pikachu. Outside, Meowth goes on, saying that Pikachu will prove it can beat Raichu, and will defend both his and Ash's honor. Ash asks if Pikachu is ready, but he slumps back onto the pillow. Joy tells Ash, that Pikachu still needs to rest some more to fully recover his strength. As he does so, Ash, Misty, and Brock wait outside. Ash wonders how Pikachu can beat Raichu, when Brock comes up with an idea. He remembers how Lt. Surge said that he evolved his Raichu as soon as he got it. Because if this, Raichu didn't learn the speed and agility that it can only learn as Pikachu. He thinks he knows how Ash can beat him.
The next day, Pikachu is fully recovered. Ash says that their lucky star is shining, but Pikachu looks confused. Misty looks over Ash's shoulder and wonders aloud how Ash can see any stars in the daytime sky. Ash shakes her off and says that he doesn't mean its actually shining. He then makes his way towards the gym. He is interrupted, however, by Team Rocket (dressed as a rooting squad). Ash asks them who they are, and Jessie and James start their motto, only to be hit by the disguised Meowth. Meowth explains that they are a cheering squad for the brave challenger, Pikachu. They do a brief, rather odd, cheer, and run off. Brock expresses how disturbing that was and Misty thanks them, surprising them by calling them Team Rocket.
Ash arrives at the gym once again and Lt. Surge makes fun of him some more, laughing at how, even after the battle the day before, Ash kept Pikachu as Pikachu. The battle starts with Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket looking on. Ash tells Pikachu to use the strategy they went over. Pikachu lunges at Raichu, but Raichu whacks him away with his tail. Raichu then continues to beat Pikachu with his tail then uses Body Slam. Everyone gets worried, since Pikachu is losing already. Raichu uses Body Slam again, but Pikachu darts out of the way just in time. Ash tells Pikachu to use Agility while Lt. Surge orders another Body Slam. This time however, Pikachu is too nimble for Raichu and keeps dodging him. Pikachu starts running circles around Raichu, making it a little dizzy. Ash informs Lt. Surge as to how slow Raichu is, and he orders Raichu to use the powerful Thunderbolt attack. Raichu sends out a tremendous amount of electricity, tearing up the floor and shattering windows. Team Rocket cowers as shards of glass rain down on them.
When the dust settles, Lt. Surge thinks that he has won. Then he sees Pikachu, still alive and well. Pikachu used his tail as a ground and completely dodged the attack. Lt. Surge orders another Thunderbolt, but Raichu is out of electricity. Pikachu performs a Quick Attack on Raichu, and then whacks him with his tail. The battle is over and Pikachu has won. Everyone is happy.
Lt. Surge is very impressed and gives Ash a Thunder Badge. He praises Ash on how well Ash and Pikachu work together, and says that he's not a baby. Team Rocket leave, happy that Pikachu won, and wondering when they'll ever get Pikachu. They suddenly realize, however, that they "wasted" the entire episode rooting for the good guys.

In Episode 15 Ash, Misty, and Brock make their way towards the harbor. They wish they could all go on a cruise, but Brock points out that the tickets would be far too expensive for them. Suddenly, two schoolgirls show up, offering free tickets to a Pokémon party on the St. Anne. Ash and his friends are ecstatic, and rush to find the ship.
Little did they know that those two "schoolgirls" were actually Jessie and James in disguise. They rush up a tower nearby, and call their Boss. Meowth is broken hearted when he sees that the Boss has a Persian, as he thought he was the Boss's favorite. The Boss explains his disappointment with all three of them. He wants perfection from all his workers. He says that if they want to make him happy, they can make sure that the plan they are working on doesn't fail. He asks if all the tickets for the St. Anne were handed out, and Jessie replies that the Pokémon trainers were all happy to take them. He says that his men have secretly boarded the ship, and, when the time is right, they will steal all the passengers' Pokémon. He repeats that failure is not an option, and signs out.
Ash and his friends board the St. Anne and enter a huge room. Inside are several hundred fellow Pokémon trainers and merchandise booths. The trainers are all showing off their Pokémon and Ash is about to show off his Charmander and Squirtle when he notices a battle going on between a tall gentleman and a young trainer. The gentleman sends out a Raticate, and the defender sends out a Starmie. The Raticate quickly wins with a Super Fang attack that cracks the Starmie's gem. The boy is worried, but the gentleman says that he was lucky. After giving the boy some advice, he asks for another challenger. Ash is only to happy to oblige, and sends out Butterfree.
Team Rocket comes out of the kitchen dressed as waitpersons, and marvel at how many trainers there truly are on the ship. They can't wait to steal the Pokémon, and James daydreams about having them all. Jessie brings him back down to earth by reminding him that the Pokémon are going to the Boss.
Ash and the gentleman start their battle. It's a good match, and Ash is about to win, when the gentleman picks up his Raticate and calls the match a draw. Ash is disappointed.
A bit later, James is walking around when a booth vendor attracts his attention. The vendor tells him that a Magikarp lays 1000 eggs at a time, and each of the Magikarps that hatch from those lay 1000 eggs. Soon he'll have a more than a million Magikarp, and at about $100 a pop, that adds up to a lot of money. James agrees to buy one as well as a few instructional sets for $300.
Meanwhile, Ash and his friends are busy stuffing their faces. The gentleman shows up again, with a young woman. He tells Ash that he was very impressed with Ash's Butterfree. The young woman agrees, but Brock doesn't hear. He is stunned with her beauty. Misty tries to snap him out of it, but he's gone. Ash thanks the man and adds that Raticate wasn't to bad itself. Then the man proposes a trade, telling about how friends trade Pokémon so that they become better friends and so on. Ash asks Brock if he should go through with it, but Brock's mind is elsewhere. Ash agrees, and they trade using a strange looking machine. Raticate is now Ash's, but he doesn't seem to sure about it all.
Team Rocket is having their own problems. Jessie and Meowth are furious at how well James was fooled. James defends himself, saying that, not only is Magikarp a gold mine, but it came in a solid gold Pokéball. Meowth yells that it is only gold-plated, and scratches at it, revealing the true colors underneath. When Jessie asks how he got the money for it, he meekly replies that he used both of their advanced salaries. Jessie is enraged, and tells him to get their money back.
As the boat sails on, Ash still thinks about the trade he made to someone he didn't even know. He wonders if the gentleman will take care of his Butterfree the way he did. He thinks about trading back. At that moment, several Team Rocket members appear in full uniform. It's time to attack, but James is still looking for the person who sold him the Magikarp. Jessie tells him to forget about it for the moment and do the job. They do their motto, and start sucking up everyone's Pokéballs. Ash tells everyone to fight back, and they are able to beat Team Rocket off.
The St. Anne gets caught in a storm and starts to pitch. Ash decides to take get his Butterfree back from the gentleman, and he reluctantly consents. When the ship starts to take on water, the passengers start to evacuate. Ash and the gentleman quickly trade, but a large wave hits the ship, causing Ash to drop Butterfree's Pokéball. He runs after it, with his friends following quickly behind. Team Rocket is experiencing the same problem, as has James dropped Magikarp as well, and since neither Jessie or James want their money to roll away, so they chase after it. Both Team Rocket and Ash get their Pokémon, but another wave hits the ship and they are all knocked unconscious. The ship flips over and sinks to the bottom of the ocean with Ash, Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket still trapped inside...

In Episode 16 Officer Jenny, on board, sadly tells of how Ash, Misty, Brock, Jessie, and James went down with the ship and that their promising careers as Pokémon trainers come to a sudden end. She tosses a bouquet of white flowers into the sea and salutes as it sinks down. A bugler sadly plays Taps. Down at the bottom, Ash and his friends come to, and discover their plight. Ash looks out the window and sees fish swimming by. He realizes that he and is friends (as well as Jessie and James, but they don't know it yet) are trapped in the capsized St. Anne, now perched precariously on a pillar of rock, with much distance yet to go to the bottom of the ocean.
Jessie and James, meanwhile, are dreaming of a warm sunny beach. They are picturing everything, including a hot, blazing sun. They suddenly awaken to discover that it isn't the sun that's making them warm, it's a set of oven burners that got turned on during the sinking and have set their hair on fire. They run around for a few seconds until they find a couple of broken pipes spewing water, and quickly dowse the fires atop their heads. They run into the hall, only to realize that everything is upside down. Meowth explains the situation to them and James panics, trying to figure out a way to escape. Fortunately, Jessie has an idea. She sends out Ekans and has him burn a hole in the floor (or is it the ceiling?), despite the warnings from Meowth. Needless to say, when the hole is done, water comes gushing in and quickly fills with water.
Ash, Misty, and Brock are searching for a way to get out of the ship. They reach a staircase and think about which way they want to go. They realize that, since the boat is upside down, the hull is above them, and the deck is below. Ash decides that they should dive down to the decks, but Brock points out that if they reach a dead end down there, they'll be sunk (so to speak). Ash visualizes finding a locked door and drowning. This idea does not appeal to him. Misty decides to send out her Goldeen, and tells her to go down around the deck area and see if there is a way out. Instead of bringing back something from outside, Goldeen brings back the almost drowned Team Rocket.
Once Team Rocket regains consciousness, they are surprised to see Ash and his friends there. They all prepare to fight by sending out their Pokémon, but the added weight makes the boat start to rock back and forth. Misty tells them all to retreat their Pokémon or else they'll all be in trouble. They consent, and the ship balances out. Misty then convinces them all to form a truce until they get back to the surface. Ash repeats the need to get out, but Misty comforts them, saying that she knows the layout of the ship quite well, due to the fact that she once built a model of it. She says that they need to make their way to the ship's bottom and burn a hole in the hull in order to escape. Ash, Brock, Jessie, and James aren't too fond of the idea, but since they can't think of anything else, they go along with it.
They make their way to the bottom, using Onix as a staircase when needed. Finally, they come to the engine room, where the hull is thinnest. They open a door and find the next room in flames, with the path to the other door broken. Jessie and James start to comfort each other, for they believe that they are doomed. Misty tells them to knock it off, for there has to be another way across. Ash tries hard to think of ideas, and has Pikachu "jump start" his brain to see if that will help. Somehow, it does and Ash sends out Bulbasaur. He then has him extend his Vines to the other side, and they start to walk across. They tell Team Rocket to hurry up, but James is too scared. Jessie reassures him, but by the time he's ready, Ash and his friends are at the other side, with Bulbasaur. Team Rocket panics pleading with them to send the Vines back. Apparently, they do, for when we get back from commercials, they're standing with Ash.
Once they're all together again, they reach the current highest point in the ship. Ash sends out Charmander, who starts to weld through the hull. Misty tells them all to get a water Pokémon out, and tie themselves to it. Charmander finishes with the hole, and water starts to gush in. Ash quickly retreats Charmander, and brings out Squirtle. Misty uses Goldeen, and Brock borrows her Starmie. Team Rocket, on the other hand doesn't seem to have any water Pokémon. James remembers his Magikarp, and after forcing Jessie and Meowth to respect him and his genius, he sends it out. They tie themselves to it and James tells him to take them to the surface. They are enraged, however, to discover that Magikarp is a fish that can't swim. The ship fills up, and sinks down all the way to the bottom of the ocean, bringing Team Rocket with it.
Ash and his friends manage to reach the surface, and they make a raft out of the wreckage that's still floating about. They worry about Team Rocket, but not for long. Brock remembers the bible story of Noah, who released a bird to find dry land. Ash decides to do the same with Pidgeotto, and tells him to go find something. He finds something all right, but it isn't what Ash expected. Pidgeotto brings back the very dead looking Team Rocket. Ash and his friends sadly decide to give them a burial at sea, but just as they are about to push them into the water, Jessie and James, get up, frightening our friends half to death.
The two groups are now stranded with each other in the middle of the sea. They are also getting hungrier and hungrier. They notice Magikarp, still flopping around, and imagine all the ways they could cook him. Meowth leaps up and tries to take a bite out of it, but breaks his teeth in the process. Misty comments that Magikarp is only scales and bones. This is the last straw for James, he now believes the Magikarp to be truly useless, and kicks it into the water. Unfortunately for him, and the rest of our friends, Magikarp evolves into the extremely powerful Gyarados, and it looks really ticked off. James tries to control it, but he is only frightened by the huge monster.
Misty sends out Goldeen, Staryu, and Starmie. Brock asks her what her strategy is for fighting the Gyarados, but she is only using them to help tow the raft away. They all paddle rapidly, but the huge creature follows them. After a bit, he stops and starts roaring. Brock wonders if it's tired, but Misty thinks it's starting up a Dragon Rage, Gyarados's ultimate attack. Suddenly, four more Gyarados pop up, and they start to spin, creating a huge cyclone. The cyclone rips up the raft and sucks everyone up. Ash, Misty, Brock, Jessie, and James are at the mercy of the cyclone...

In Episode 17 Ash and his friends wake up on the shores of a tropical island. They wonder how they possibly survive, and Ash notices that Pikachu, as well as three of his other Pokémon are missing. A little ways away, a Krabby pinches Team Rocket, waking them up. They too are amazed that they survived. Then they also realize that Meowth, Koffing, and Ekans are all missing. They notice a phone booth, but they can't make a call due to the fact that they have absolutely no money.
Soon after, on yet another part of the island, Pikachu wakes up, and, seeing Ash's three missing Pokémon, releases them. They are Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. They'll all O.K., but they have no idea where they are. They see a Slowpoke sitting on rock and ask him where they are. The Slowpoke doesn't answer, and instead, sticks his tail into the water. They all then set off in search of Ash. As they walk along, they wonder what happened to Ash his friends. Squirtle suggests that maybe they got eaten by wild Pokémon, and Bulbasaur thinks that Ash abandoned them. They continue to talk and Meowth, Ekans, and Koffing show up. Meowth tries to attack them, but Ekans and Koffing refuse, saying that Meowth isn't their master. Meowth tries to tell them that they are all bad guys, but they disagree, saying that there is no such thing as bad Pokémon, just bad masters to make them do bad things. This stuns Meowth, as he thought he was bad all the time. Since Meowth can't fight Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur all at the same time, they tie him up to a tree.
A bit later, Ekans and Koffing have joined the rest of Ash's lost Pokémon for dinner. Ekans and Koffing have lost their masters as well. Bulbasaur repeats his hunch that their master's abandoned them, but Pikachu and the rest still disagree. Meowth begs for some food, but refuses to apologize, so doesn't get any. Suddenly, they all hear a loud rumble and see a huge Rhydon rear up over the trees. Pikachu unties Meowth, and they all run away.
Meanwhile, Ash and his friends are being chased by a Zapdos. Brock warns Ash that they need to find somewhere safe so that they can rest for the night. Ash mentally warns his lost Pokémon, and hopes that they are O.K.. At the same time, Team Rocket is being attacked by a Moltres. They run into a sign, and are knocked unconscious.
The next morning, Team Rocket wake up and run to the phone booth. Jessie calls their boss collect, but he hangs up when they recite their motto. James gets worried again, but Jessie has another idea. She knows that if they follow the telephone cable, they'll find civilization sooner or later. Suddenly, they see Pikachu coming over the hill. They get out to catch it, but they realize that it isn't the Pikachu that they know, it's a Pikachu that's over 50 feet tall! They dash out of the way, just as the huge Pikachu crushes the phone booth.
Meanwhile, Ash and his friends, as well as his Pokémon are having large problems themselves. Ash, Misty, and Brock are attacked by a huge Charizard, and the Pokémon are attacked by a large Blastoise when Squirtle tries to talk to it. They see a Venusaur, but Bulbasaur doesn't want to talk to it.
Team Rocket is now running from a huge Kabutops, and they reach a railroad cart. They climb inside and release the brake, only to discovered to be moving back towards the huge Kabutops. The cable that they were still holding, wraps around the large Pokémon's leg and Team Rocket ends up towing him behind them. They try to put the break on again, but the lever snaps off.
Ash, Misty, and Brock are still running, when they come upon the huge Pikachu. They then see Team Rocket in the runaway cart, towing the Kabutops. The cliff that they are standing on crumbles, and they fall into the cart as it passes by. The Pikachu is then also caught in the cord, and starts to be dragged along.
Misty points out in the distance and they all see Ash's and Team Rocket's Pokémon being chased by the large Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur. Ash tries to get the Pokémon into the car, but the brake is broken. They all go over a loop, and are now close enough to their Pokémon so that they can jump inside. They are all extremely relieved to have their Pokémon back. Unfortunately, the Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard get stuck in the tow of the cart, and start to be dragged along as well (which brings up the question as to how the cart can continue to move at such speed with all these large Pokémon being towed behind).
Suddenly, the cord snaps, and Ash and everyone in the cart are flung into the air. The cart then crashes into the Zapdos that was flying through the air, and it turns out to be a robot. The mechanical Zapdos takes a nose-dive into the other Pokémon and they turn out to be robots as well. The cart then carries it's passengers down into the water, and a boat passes by. This turns out to be a tour boat to the island, which happens to be a theme park type of place with mechanical Pokémon. The tour guide notices the broken Pokémon, and tells the crowd. Later, someone calls Team Rocket's boss and informs him of the news. Apparently, Pokémon Land was built by him.
Ash and his friends continue to walk along, and soon come upon the beautiful city of Porta Vista. Meanwhile, the Slowpoke is still fishing. He is about to get up when a Shellder latches itself to his tail, and he evolves into a Slowbro.

In Episode 18 Ash and his friends have made it to Porta Vista. After the odd adventure with the giant robotic Pokémon, they are glad for the break. Ash and Brock quickly change into some swimming trunks and jump into the water. As Pikachu swims around in a little inner tube, Misty shows up holding a Master Ball beach ball and says that she thought they were going to meet her at the snack bar. They stare at her for a moment, and Ash notes how odd it is to see Misty look like a girl. She gets mad, and throws the ball at his head, knocking him into the water. Further out in the ocean, Team Rocket surveys the scene from the Gyarados sub. After saying their motto, they note that there must be a lot of rich people on the beach. They plan to steal their money. Suddenly, Jessie sees a large boat speeding towards them. On board, Misty asks Ash whom the boat belongs to. He says that Brock borrowed it from somebody, but Brock tells him that he was just following Pikachu. Just as this sinks in, they collide with the Gyarados sub. The sub sinks down, and the boat goes out of control, careening into a dock. An old man runs out and yells at them for stealing his boat and wrecking his dock. Ash jumps behind Misty, who tells the man, whose name is Moe by the way, that they'd be willing to work for him to pay off the damage. Meanwhile, Team Rocket has swept up onto a beach. As they wonder aloud how they're going to fix their sub, a short old woman by the name of Brutella steps in front of them. She tells them that they are on a private beach, reserved for her patrons. James gets an idea to work for her to for her to get money to pay for the sub repairs, and she accepts. Back at Moe's restaurant, Ash and Brock try to get people to come inside, but they're either ignored or turned down. One couple passes up on them and goes into the restaurant next door. This just so happens to be Brutella's, and Team Rocket taunts Ash and his friends. Ash gets and idea and sends out all his Pokémon. He tells Squirtle and Pikachu to hand out fliers, Pidgeotto to keep the coals on the grill hot, Charmander to help with the flame broiling, and Bulbasaur to help Misty wait on customers. Soon, the restaurant is bustling. Team Rocket stands nearby and talks about how this is going to cut down on their money. Meowth decides to do a little sabotage. He blows the flyers away with a fan, makes the stove almost explode by putting gas in the fire, and slips up Bulbasaur and Misty with banana peels. The large crowd disappears rapidly. Ash and the rest sit dejectedly in the building, and Ash apologizes for messing everything up. Just as Misty says that she doesn't think they were all just accidents, Brutella shows up along with Team Rocket. She laughs at Moe and tells him that he needs to pay the money he owes her back. If he doesn't by the next day, she'll take his boat. After a last teasing from Team Rocket, they all leave. Moe tells Ash and his friends that there's no way he'll get the money in time, and explains that he had wanted to take a cruise around the world with his boat, but it seems he won't have a chance. Ash scolds him for saying such things and tells him that his dream has been to be a Pokémon Master. He hasn't ever lost sight of his goal, and neither should Moe. Moe feels better, but still doesn't know how they'll get the money. Suddenly, a familiar voice sounds from the front door. They look over and see Professor Oak and Mrs. Ketchum standing there. Oak tells Ash that the Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest is happening that day and that they should advertise the restaurant to the attendants. He tells Misty that she should enter, as there are cash prizes in both categories. It doesn't take long for Ash and his friends to get into action. Pidgeotto flies about, casting down fliers. The restaurant is packed once again, and Brutella looks on angrily. After a few hours, the contest is about to begin. Moe sits with Professor Oak and the Ketchums to watch. Ash's mother tells him that they're there with the Pallet Town Volunteer Patrol and Oak tells him that his mom still refers to him as "her little pumpkin." She reminds him not to eat junk food and to stay out of trouble, which reminds him of the boat accident. When she sees the look on her son's face, she asks him what's wrong. Moe speaks up, saying that it was him that got into trouble and Ash helped him get out of it and inspired him to follow his dream. The contest starts, and Brock is the announcer. The first contestant is Misty and her Starmie and Ash's Squirtle are working together to form a UFO. Squirtle sprinkles some water about making for a very nice effect. The next contestant is just a Pokémon costume, and it's Team Rocket's Ekans and Koffing dressed up as the legendary Pokémon Omastar (funny, it looks more like an Arabian nomad or something). The next contestant, or rather contestants kick them offstage. It's Gary and his cheerleading squad! Professor Oak tells Ash that he forgot to mention that his grandson entered, but Ash just growls. Gary gets a microphone and insults Ash, not without the help of his "fans" though. Enraged, Ash runs off to do something about it. The audience didn't really seem to notice Gary, which isn't surprising. As Brock says, there are six "beautiful girls" on stage at once. Backstage, Misty sighs, noting that the judges won't even give her a second look now. Meanwhile, Brutella tells Team Rocket that she knew who they were. She also informs them that she's fixed the Gyarados sub and, unless they do what she says, they'll have to pay plenty for it. They go to the sub and Brutella tells them to destroy the Beauty Contest so that Moe's customers will be scared away. Jessie and James respond that this is easy, for Team Rocket is skilled at destroying things. So much so, according to Jessie, that they can destroy things without even trying. They jump into the sub and set off. Back at the contest area, Ash challenges Gary to a Pokémon match. Gary refuses to battle such an "amateur" trainer Brock steps between the two before Ash's anger gets the better of him. The Gyarados sub pops out onto the beach and everybody starts to run around afraid, thinking that it's a real Gyarados. Ash grabs the microphone from Gary and tells everyone that it's not real, and they stop running around. Team Rocket gets ticked, and they fire a heat-seeking missile. Gary asks Ash what he's going to do next, and he sends out Pidgeotto and Charmander. Pidgeotto picks Charmander up and it uses Flamethrower. The missile is thrown off and it turns and heads toward Team Rocket. The sub's eyes bug out (whoa! How'd they do that?) and Team Rocket pedals it away. Unfortunately, they pedal directly into Brutella's restaurant. The bomb hits, and the building is blown up. Team Rocket and Brutella fly into the air. Later, Ash and his friends wave farewell to Moe, who is off on his cruise. Ash tells his mother that they need to go, and they set off. Professor Oak tells her that she should be proud of her son and she says she is. She looks down at the trophy in her hands, which reads "First Place in Our Hearts: Ash Ketchum". His family and friends will always accept him.

In Episode 19 Ash, Misty, and Brock are still on the island, waiting for the next boat to the mainland. Suddenly, Misty sees an injured Horsea. The Horsea squirts out a bunch of ink in an attempt to warn them of something, but they don't understand. Misty is about to capture it, when a loud explosion is heard. They all look up and see a large ship on fire. Misty sends out Staryu, Starmie, and Goldeen to rescue the sailors, while she, Brock, and Ash get a boat. They reach the sailors, but the sailors are too shocked to be able to say anything.
Ash and his friends them meet Nastina who looks exactly like Brutella from "Beauty and the Beach". She tells them of her plans to build a resort out in the water, where guests can stay in comfort and view coral reefs. She then complains that several Tentacool have been thwarting the operations, attacking her workers, and keeping tourists away. She wants them exterminated, and offers Ash and friends the job. In return, she offers them free dinners for a year, a million dollars, and vouchers for free hotel stays. Ash is eager to accept, but Misty is enraged. When they ask her why, she expresses her thoughts of how cute they are. Ash and Brock don't agree, but they give in.
They check on Horsea, who is doing quite well. Horsea is still looking worried, however, and it dawns on Ash that the picture Horsea drew with his ink looked like a Tentacool. Suddenly, Nastina's voice comes over the town P.A. System, offering the million dollars to anyone interested in exterminating the Tentacool. Misty doesn't think the people would be interested in this, but she is way wrong, and our friends are run over by the mass of people willing to help. Nastina wheels out in her own personal tank and asks who will earn the million dollars. A rose with a suction cup on the end comes flying through the air and sticks to the tank. It's Team Rocket again. After doing their motto, they offer to exterminate the Tentacool for her. They roar off towards where the Tentacool are located.
While Team Rocket heads toward the location, they go over what they are going to do. They plan to kill the Tentacool by pouring their "Super Secret Stun Sauce" into the ocean. They will then round them all up, and sell them at a fish market for even more money. Suddenly, the water around their motorboat fills with Tentacool. Meowth tells Jessie and James to dump the sauce, but they don't have enough for the thousands of Tentacool. One Tentacool shoots the boat with some kind of ray, blasting the barrel of stun sauce out. The barrel lands on one Tentacool, and he evolves into an abnormally huge Tentacruel, who tears apart the skeleton of the resort. Nastina fires at the huge creature, but the bullets bounce right off.
The Tentacruel and Tentacool then start to destroy the city, blowing buildings apart with their beams. Suddenly, everyone notices that Meowth is still in the Tentacruel's tentacle. Using him as a puppet, the Tentacruel explains that, since humans destroyed their home, they are going to destroy the humans' homes. The Horsea pleads
with the Tentacruel to stop, only to be hit with a huge tentacle. Ash sends out Pidgeotto, who grabs Horsea in midair and brings him back to Misty. Ash, Misty, and Brock then send out Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Butterfree, Pikachu, Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, and Zubat to launch an all-out offense against the Tentacool.
The Pokémon seem to be effective, until the Tentacruel starts whack them with his tentacles. He explains through Meowth his wonder of why the Pokémon are fighting for the humans. He then declares that the Pokémon, since they are not on his side, must be his enemy. He is about to attack them again when Pidgeotto flies up with Pikachu on his back. Pikachu tries his luck with reasoning with the Tentacruel, and Misty joins in. She explains that the humans understand how they destroyed the Tentacool's homes and begs for mercy. Tentacruel, seeing how much he's frightened the residents, relents, and tosses Meowth across town and into the Ferris Wheel, knocking it over.
All the Tentacool and the Tentacruel start to move back into the ocean, when Nastina emerges from the rubble. She (stupidly) fires again at Tentacruel, only to be squirted by Horsea and flung into the air by the Tentacruel. She lands right onto Brutella, her cousin, who is rebuilding her restaurant. The building is destroyed once again by the impact. The huge Tentacruel then finally sinks down into the ocean, and leaves the city to repair itself.
Ash, Misty, and Brock board the boat, that has finally come in, and ask Misty if she still thinks jellyfish are cute. She says yes, but then says that Horsea is still the cutest. She tosses him into the air, catches him, and does Ash's Victory Pose. Ash is upset, as that is his pose, and they continue to argue as the ship sails on...

In Episode 20 Ash, Misty, and Brock are still traveling to the mainland, when they notice Maiden's Peak, symbolizing that they have arrived. Brock isn't so excited, however, as it is almost the end of summer, which means it's the end of swimsuit season and he'll have to wait until next year to meet a girl. As the ferry pulls into harbor, an announcement is heard, telling the new arrivals to attend the city's summer-end festival. Ash and Misty are eager to attend, but Brock is still depressed. Suddenly, he sees a beautiful girl standing on the end of a dock, and instantly falls in love. He is run over by a crowd of people debarking the ship, and when he gets up, the girl has disappeared. Meanwhile, Team Rocket has traveled from Porta Vista as well, but are penniless. They hear the announcement of the festival, and plan to pick up loose change that they see lying around. Then, James sees the girl, and falls in love as well. Jessie smacks him, and when he looks over again, the girl is gone.
Ash and his friends wander around the festival area, viewing all the happenings. Brock is still thinking about the girl he saw on the dock. An old woman approaches, and warns Brock that a young, beautiful woman would lead him to doom. Brock doesn't care, though, for he is in love. Misty says that she wouldn't do anything to Brock, but the old hag tells her that she was referring to an elegant lady, not a scrawny little girl like Misty. Ash laughs and agrees, only to be hit by an insulted Misty who drags both Ash and Brock away.
Jessie and James have been looking for loose change for some time, and haven't found anything. Suddenly, James finds a penny, and is approached by the old hag. She gives him the warning she gave to Brock, and James tells her that he already knew that, referring to Jessie. Jessie is about to whack him upside the head, when Officer Jenny shows up. She expresses her gratitude of their diligent search for dropped money, and explains that any amount of money that is lost, no matter how small, must be turned in. She takes the penny and asks Team Rocket to come with her to the station to file a report. Jessie declines, and the three run off.
Ash and his friends, as well as Team Rocket, make their way up the Maiden's Peak the Maiden's Shrine, where a painting that had hung inside is going to be unveiled to the public. The man speaking pulls the cover off of the painting, and both Brock and James are astounded to see the exact likeness of the girl they saw on the piers. The man goes on to explain that the woman in the picture died more than 2,000 years ago. The story goes that she was in love with a handsome young man who went off to war. She waited for him on the cliff constantly, but he never came back. She waited and waited, until her body was turned into stone. Her spirit is said to still haunt the area, forever waiting for her lover to return. The stone still exists and is not far from the shrine. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket go visit it, and Brock and James wish out loud how the girl were still around, and say that they would never have let her go. It occurs to Meowth that Team Rocket could steal the painting of the maiden, and they decide to do so, hiding until darkness arrives.
Meanwhile, Brock tells Ash and Misty to leave him at the rock, assuring them that he'll be back to the Pokémon Center where they are staying by curfew. He doesn't, however, but Nurse Joy won't allow Ash and Misty to go get him.
A bit later, Meowth wakes up to the sound of his alarm. He tells Jessie and James to wake up, but they mumble a disagreement. Suddenly, a forceful wind blows through the area, and the doors of the shrine burst open. The ghost of the girl comes out, and uses some sort of hypnotic power to put Meowth back to sleep. She then wakes James up, and he follows her. Soon after, she approaches Brock and he follows her as well.
The next morning, Ash and Misty cannot find Brock while at the same time, Team Rocket can't find James. They discover each other, and Jessie does their motto alone. Part of the way through, James' voice comes out from somewhere, and finishes his part. Then, the doors of the shrine open, and James and Brock fall out in a strange state, not in their right mind at all. Ash asks Brock what has happened to him, but he doesn't answer. The old woman from the previous day approaches, and laughs at how right her prediction was, telling them that Brock and James saw the ghost of the maiden. After Ash has Pikachu try to shock Brock and James back to their senses, the woman goes on to explain that the ghost sucks the life out of men who pass by the area, and leaves them babbling like idiots. She then reveals some anti-ghost stickers and tells them that they will ward off the ghost. She adds that they come with a price, and Ash and Misty give her the money, hopeful to bring Brock back to normal.
That night, at the same time as before, the wind occurs again, blowing all the stickers off of the shrine and Brock. Brock goes with the ghost, but James doesn't want to. He asks Jessie and Meowth why the stickers aren't working, and they explain that it is because they got them for free. Jessie is surprised that James doesn't want to be with the ghost, but floats out anyway. He is about to reach her, when Jessie shoots at the ghost with a flame-thrower. James then falls into the water below, but quickly scrambles back up the cliff and asks if Jessie "really does care." Jessie says no, and explains that she hates the type of girl who is so attached to her boyfriend, that she can't stand to see him go.
The ghost then attacks the whole group, summoning up some more very scary looking ghosts. Ash opens up his Pokédex, but it cannot find any Pokémon. Ash then moves it around, and it focuses on the ghost, saying that it is a Gastly. Since it is a Pokémon, Ash decides to try to battle it. It is to powerful, however, and is able to deter attacks from Ash's Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle and Team Rocket's Ekans and Koffing. Misty tries her luck with a cross, but Gastly isn't a vampire, so we know how that turns out. Bells start to ring, and the Gastly slowly disappears, explaining his fear of sunlight and promising to return next year.
The next night, the festival attendees put little boats with candles on them into the water in order to light the way for any wayward spirits to find their way home. The Gastly tells the real maiden's ghost that he will return next year. He tells her that, since he is a ghost Pokémon, if he ever meets the ghost of he boyfriend, he will tell him that his girlfriend is still waiting for him.
Brock is still sad that the girl wasn't alive, but he consoles himself saying maybe next year. Team Rocket meanwhile, are having fun playing the drums for the festival's ending celebration, and Misty and Ash join in the fun.

In Episode 21 Ash, Misty, and Brock are journeying along, when they come to a very high cliff. Brock checks the map, then points to a ridge, saying that it will take them directly to Saffron City and another gym. Ash looks up in the sky and sees hundreds upon hundreds of Butterfree flying through the air. Ash wonders why they're there, and Brock explains that it is their mating season, when Butterfree get together to mate, fly over the ocean to lay eggs. Ash realizes that he'll have to let his Butterfree mate as well, or he will never have babies.
They rent a hot-air balloon and go up to view the happenings. Ash realizes his Butterfree, and he flies off into the crowd in search of a mate. He isn't doing all that well, and he comes back. Brock notices a beautiful girl release her Butterfree, and tells him to go mate with the new arrival. Butterfree looks confused, and Brock explains that if the two Butterfree get together and fall in love, possibly the two trainers can meet and fall in love too. Misty pounds him on the head and tells him not to mess with Pokémon love affairs. She then tells Butterfree to go ahead back into the crowd and search some more.
Butterfree flits around for a moment or two, then sees a pink Butterfree, instantly falling love. He begins his courtship dance, and Brock explains that if the other Butterfree feels the same way, she will do a dance as well. Unfortunately, she doesn't appear that she returns Ash's Butterfree's feelings and starts to fly off. Butterfree continues the dance, but gets a slap in the face. He is so depressed that he flies off, forcing Ash and his friends to land and look for him. They find him, and he looks extremely sad. Brock can feel for him, and announces that he could write a book on the secrets of love and heartache. Misty teases him and asks him if that would be his autobiography.
While Pikachu and Butterfree talk, Ash tries to figure out how to get the pink Butterfree to like his Butterfree. He suggests that Butterfree show off his moves, and Misty agrees saying that you need to be assertive in love. Brock asks if she means it and is upset that he didn't know this sooner. He then ties a little ribbon around Butterfree's neck, and everyone agrees that it's a nice touch. They then all go back into the air to search for the pink Butterfree that Ash's Butterfree so admired. They find her, and Butterfree struts his stuff, showing her his Whirlwind and Tackle attacks. It doesn't work, and Butterfree is heartbroken once again.
Suddenly, Team Rocket shows up in a helicopter and, after doing their motto, sweep up the Butterfree in a huge net. Ash, Misty, and Brock try to tell them to stop, but to no avail. They catch all the Butterfree, that is, except for Ash's. Ash's Butterfree tries to stop Team Rocket himself, but it doesn't work. Ash is about to send out Pidgeotto, but Misty stops him, saying that it would devastate Butterfree. Team Rocket flies off, with Butterfree soon behind. Ash and his friends follow in their balloon. They soon reach a canyon, and find Butterfree. He leads them to where Team Rocket has stashed the Butterfree. Inside Jessie, James, and Meowth are feeling pretty darn proud of themselves. Meowth imagines being "top cat" again and laughs loudly. Suddenly, a window breaks, and Ash and his friends climb in. Ash and his friends occupy Team Rocket, while Butterfree throws himself against the cage to free the other Butterfree. The pink Butterfree sees what he is doing and falls in love with him. Finally, Butterfree is able to break the cage, and all the other Butterfree fly out. Brock opens the doors, and they all fly outside, while Team Rocket tries to catch them again. James approaches the pink Butterfree, when Ash's Butterfree uses his tackle to knock him away.
Team Rocket takes off in the helicopter again in order to catch the Butterfree all over again, while Ash and his friends follow them in their balloon. Pikachu jumps on Ash's Butterfree's back and he flies him over to the helicopter. Pikachu jumps onto the windshield and Thundershocks the chopper, destroying it. Team Rocket falls into crevice and disappear. Butterfree flies back to the balloon and Pikachu jumps off. The pink Butterfree then flies up to Ash's Butterfree and does a little dance, signifying that she wants to be with him.
They all fly back to the cliff area to say goodbye as they need to fly across the ocean together. Ash tells the pink Butterfree to make sure she takes good care of his Butterfree. She nods and flies up into the air. Butterfree is sad to leave Ash, and he is too. As the Butterfree start to fly away, Pikachu tearfully waves goodbye, and Ash remembers his life with his Butterfree. He thinks of everything from when he was his first catch ever as a Caterpie, to when he evolved into Metapod, then Butterfree, to when he battled Misty for the Cascade Badge with him. He breaks out of it just as Butterfree starts to fly out into the distance. Brock then tells him that he raised Butterfree to have a lot of courage and that Ash has a lot of courage himself.

In Episode 22 Ash, Misty, and Brock are journeying through a dark forest, having lost their way to Saffron City. Misty and Ash start to argue, but they soon notice a young girl standing nearby. Ash calls to her, but she turns and runs away. Ash dashes after her, only to fall over a cliff. He quickly sends out Bulbasaur, who grabs him and pulls him up with Vine Whip. Misty and Brock catch up, and ask about the little girl. They look around and don't see her, but they do see the large metropolis of Saffron City. Brock comments that the gym leader there is Sabrina, the holder of the Marsh Badge.
Ash and his friends enter the main gates, and are quickly approached by two girls dressed as Hawaiian dancers who tell them that they have won a contest. Ash is skeptical, until they explain that they are he is millionth person to enter the city. Ash and his friends happily follow them to a large building, where they enter a large room. Suddenly, one of the dancers grabs Pikachu and talks to them in a very male voice. The other woman pushes Ash and his friends onto a warp tile, and they are instantly transported to another room. They look around, wondering where they are. A television comes down from the ceiling, and the images of the two women appear. They move out of sight for a second, and then reappear as Jessie and James of Team Rocket. They say their motto, but are annoyed by the fact that Ash and his friends aren't listening. They step out of the way to reveal Pikachu tied up. Suddenly, the screen goes to static. Team Rocket fumbles with the controls, trying to bring the picture back, when Meowth notices the little girl that Ash saw in the forest. Team Rocket approaches her, only to be paralyzed. The girl picks up Pikachu and disappears. She reappears in the room Ash and his friends are in, and gives Pikachu back. She then teleports them outside.
Outside, Ash and his friends discover themselves to be in front of the city's gym. A man jogs up, and advises them to stay away from Sabrina, but jogs away before Ash can ask him why. Since he can't get into the Pokémon League without a Marsh Badge, he enters the building. As he and his friends walk around, they don't see anyone. They see a door, and look through the window on it. Inside, they see several people in white coats sitting at tables. Ash and his friends can't figure out what they're all doing, and are approached by another man in a white coat. Ash tells him that he wants to challenge Sabrina, but the man laughs. He then takes a spoon out from his pocket and bends it with telekinesis. Ash mockingly bends the spoon with his hands, and tells the man to take him to Sabrina.
They all enter a huge room, with two lit torches at the other end. Misty is slightly nervous, and Brock comments on how the place looks like a temple. The man bows down at a figure sitting on a chair and tells her why Ash and his friends are here. He adds that she shouldn't waste her time with them. A small light turns on, and Ash and his friends see the little girl whom they had seen before. The girl looks up with glowing eyes, and the man jumps up as if in pain. He apologizes profusely about how it's not his job to tell her who he should and shouldn't fight. He quickly dashes out the doors. Ash demands a match, and the girl tells him that if he loses, he and his friends will have to play with her. Ash agrees, and all the lights turn on and the doors slam shot. Ash can now see that the little girl he was talking to is only a doll, and the real Sabrina is holding her. Sabrina floats to the floor, and sends out Abra. Ash sends out Pikachu, but Abra doesn't react in any way. He appears to be asleep. Ash decides to shock it anyway, but Abra teleports out of the way. He then evolves into Kadabra. Pikachu fills the room with electricity, but Kadabra uses Confusion, and the electricity hits Pikachu. Kadabra uses Psychic, and sends Pikachu rocketing to the ceiling and back. Ash can't stand it, and forfeits. The doll teleports them to a deserted street.
Ash and his friends quickly enter a nearby house, but find no one. They see a table set with cake and tea, and Brock takes a bite, only to find that it's fake. Ash looks around some more, and finds a woman sitting in a bathtub. He quickly apologizes, but Pikachu points out that she is a doll. Misty and Brock run up, and tell him that they are all in a dollhouse. The roof is removed, and they all see a huge Sabrina and doll. They run out of the house, and start running down the street with the doll walking after them. She rolls her ball towards them, and they know that their situation is not good. Suddenly, the jogger from before appears in front of them, and he teleports them all outside. They thank him for helping them, and he repeats his warning about how dangerous Sabrina is. Ash tells him that he needs to win her badge, but the man uses his Psychic power to make him do embarrassing things. Ash continues to appeal to him, and continues to be battered by the man's powers. Ash is too stubborn to give up, which surprises the man. He is impressed with his determination, and tells him to go to Lavender Town and catch a Ghost type Pokémon. He then disappears. As Ash and his friends leave, the man reappears in a tree and asks to himself if Ash will be able to "rescue" Sabrina.

In Episode 23 Ash and Misty take hands, and Brock accidentally grabs Pikachu's tail, getting a shock. Misty screams, then tells him not to yell like that. Ash tells Misty in a weird voice that she scared him with her scream, and turns around to show a skull face. Brock, Misty, and Pikachu scream and Ash laughs, taking off the mask. He tells them that they need to be prepared for surprises like that in the tower, but the Misty and Brock yell at him and Pikachu gives him a tremendous shock.
The fog clears, and Ash and his friends see Lavender Town, with the Pokémon Tower on the other side. They make their way towards it, and it is dark once they get there. Brock and Misty tell Ash to go on inside, but he hesitates, saying that they promised to help him capture a Ghost Pokémon. Brock and Misty don't remember this, but Ash tells them that he's not afraid. He asks Pikachu for support, but he's getting ready for a nap. Ash agrees that this may not be a bad idea, and tells Misty and Brock to wake him up in the morning. Misty hits a gong, which springs them back out of their sleeping bags. Up in the tower, Team Rocket laughs at them. Jessie tells James to get started and he runs towards the door, only to fall through the floor. Jessie and Meowth peer down, and Meowth notices a Gastly behind Jessie. He tells her to turn around, but Gastly disappears before she turns. Gastly materializes around Jessie's face, but she still doesn't notice. Meowth scratches at the Ghost Pokémon, but only manages to get Jessie's face. She gets extremely angry, and whacks Meowth into the hole with a huge metal mallet. She looks into a mirror, and notices the Gastly. She faints, and falls into the hole, on top of James and Meowth. The floor breaks again, and they plummet into darkness, screaming all the way.
Back outside, Ash and his friends hear Team Rocket's yells, and get worried. Ash notes how the voices sound familiar, and they all go inside. The door shuts behind them, and Ash sends out Charmander for light. Misty suggests that they return when it gets light, but Ash reminds her that Ghosts don't come out during the day. Brock finds a candle and Charmander lights it, frying Brock as well. They step around the hole in the floor, and hear strange voices coming from somewhere. The screen goes to a Haunter and Gengar watching a comedy on television. Gastly appears, and they all laugh some more.
Brock approaches a door and suggests that they see what's inside. Ash opens it, and Brock calls for any Ghost Pokémon to come out. Ash says that her wants to catch them, and Misty scolds him, saying that they won't come out if they know this. The lights turn on, and they see a table covered with an elegant banquet. Ash notices a cord with a "Pull Me" sign attached to it. He complies, and a ball overhead burst open with confetti and streamers, as well as a banner welcoming them. Suddenly, all the plates and food starts to float through the air. A chair scoops up Brock, and Pikachu and Charmander are scooped up by two plates. Misty and Ash run from the room, and Brock, Pikachu, and Charmander jump down and follow. As soon as they leave, the plates and furniture return to their places. Gengar, Gastly, and Haunter appear, laughing.
Back outside, Misty and Brock say that they're not going back in the tower. Ash pleads with them, and turns to Pikachu and Charmander for backup. Charmander burns the three, and Ash yells at him and Pikachu, calling them cowards. He tells them that they'll never beat Sabrina if they're like this, and Pikachu remembers the beating that he got. Pikachu and Charmander agree to go with him, and they go back in, with Misty and Brock waiting outside. Ash approaches the hole, and hears sounds coming from it. It's Team Rocket, but he doesn't know it. He has Pikachu shock them, and Charmander burn them. He throws a Pokéball down, and it hits Jessie in the face. Meowth points out the fact that Jessie's hair is on fire, and she runs around screaming. She faints and it goes out. Ash is disappointed to see that the fireball was gone, and Pikachu is scared by a Haunter. Ash turns to look, but he disappears. Ash turns around, and stares at Haunter. Haunter makes a face, which scares all three of them. Ash whips out Dexter, but it isn't any help. He tells Charmander to burn Haunter, but Haunter has disappeared again. He tapes Ash on the shoulder, frightening him once again. He has Charmander use Leer, but he ends up getting paralyzed by Haunter's lick. Ash retreats him, and Gengar rises from the floor, frightening Ash again. He checks his Pokédex, but it still isn't any help. He looks up, and sees the two Ghost Pokémon performing some sort of act. He tells them that they are not very funny, and they sink down into the ground, upset. Ash lunges at them, but falls to the ground. The impact causes the chandelier above them to come crashing down upon them. Pikachu does a shock, which lights up the bulbs. Gengar, Haunter, and Gastly have reappears, and applaud.
Suddenly, they realize that Ash and Pikachu aren't moving, and Haunter pulls out their spirits. Ash tells Haunter that he doesn't want to be a ghost, but he grabs him and Pikachu and brings them out of the roof and above the tower. Ash notices Misty and Brock waiting for him, and he decides to have a little fun. Misty tells Brock that she thinks they should go in and check on Ash, and Ash asks her if she really is worried about her. She turns, but doesn't see anything. Ash then lifts Misty into the air, then drops her into Brock's arms. Misty recognizes his voice, and she and Brock run inside the tower. Ash and Pikachu fly around with the Ghost Pokémon, and they return to the tower, arriving in some sort of play room. The Pokémon tell Ash and Pikachu that they only wanted someone to play with and to have fun with. Ash sadly says, however, that he can't stay, as he has to fulfill his dreams. The Pokémon are disappointed, and they all go back to where Ash and Pikachu's bodies are.
Upon arrival, Ash sees how worried Misty and Brock are. They reenter their bodies, and wake up. Misty is so happy that she's speechless and blushes a little. Brock is glad as well. They leave Pokémon Tower the next day, and Misty asks him about the Ghost Pokémon. Ash says that he can't catch one, and Brock asks him how he plans on fighting Sabrina. Ash suggests using his sense of humor, and Pikachu points behind them. They all turn, and see Haunter floating there. He makes a face at Misty and Brock, and they run off ahead of Ash. Ash just looks at Haunter and laughs. Apparently, Haunter wants to come with them. Back inside, Gengar and Gastly have some fun with Team Rocket on the Merry-go-round.

In Episode 24 Ash returns to Saffron City with Misty and Brock. Brock is a little wary of the Ghost Pokémon, however, and keeps his distance. Misty tells him that she thinks Haunter is cute, and Haunter licks her. This however, paralyzes her, and Ash scolds him, making him sob in sorrow. Ash comforts him, then asks him if he'll help him beat Sabrina. Haunter agrees, and they all rush to Saffron City.
They reach the gym, and Ash remembers how badly he was beaten last time. He looks around, and notices that he and Haunter are alone. He looks around, and sees Misty, Brock, and Pikachu standing at the side of the road, cheering. Ash yells at them, asking them if they'll at least come with him. Misty reminds them of how they were shrunk, but Ash reassures them, saying that Haunter will beat Sabrina. Ash sends out Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, and they all go inside.
Sabrina's doll warns Ash that they'll all have to play with her if he loses, and sends out Kadabra. Ash sends out Haunter, but he has disappeared. Ash looks around, but can't find Haunter anywhere. Brock wonders if Haunter ran away, and Misty notes that the Ghost didn't seem to be exactly trustworthy. Sabrina orders Ash to send out a Pokémon, but none are willing to battle. Ash says he quits, and runs out of the arena, with everyone else running after him. The exit closes, however, and the doll approaches from behind. The doll changes Brock and Misty into dolls, and Ash is about to meet the same fate, when the man from before appears. He teleports Ash and his Pokémon away. Sabrina walks up to the two dolls and mumbles, "He's back."
Back outside, Ash's Pokémon play, while he and the man talk. The man tells Ash that Sabrina wasn't always the way she is now, and he tells a story of how Sabrina as a little girl never played with anyone and spent all her time developing her Psychic powers. He then pulls out a picture, and tells Ash that Sabrina split into two personalities. One was the hardened trainer Ash saw, and the other was a girl who wanted friends, symbolized by the doll. Ash remembers that Sabrina had the same picture the man gave to him in her room, and struggles to make sense out of it all. The man looks worried, and wonders if he has figured out that her is Sabrina's father. Unfortunately, Ash, being the rather thick person that he is, concludes that the man is a photographer.
"Don't you get it?!" the man yells, but Ash doesn't. He tells the man about how Misty and Brock were turned into dolls, but the man hangs his head in sorrow, saying that there is nothing he can do, since the only way he can change them back is for Ash to defeat Sabrina. He asks Ash if he caught a Ghost Pokémon, but he says that Haunter disappeared. The man tells Ash that he must find Haunter before he can fight Sabrina again, and Ash sets off. He looks all over the city, but can't find Haunter. All the while, however, he is being watched by Team Rocket in a window washer cart. Meowth asks them what they're going to use to try to capture Pikachu, and James pulls out a fishing net. Meowth yells at them, saying that that's too plain. Suddenly, Haunter appears, frightening them so that they fall out of the cart. Jessie holds on for dear life, with James and Meowth clinging to her. Haunter floats down to her, and starts to make faces at her. Jessie tries hard not to laugh, but eventually cracks, letting go. Team Rocket falls down several stories, and hits the sidewalk, creating a huge crater. Ash sees Haunter, and thanks him for foiling Team Rocket's plan to capture Pikachu. After a little convincing, Ash and Haunter head back to the gym.
Back at the gym, Misty and Brock are in one of Sabrina's dollhouses. Even though they're dolls, they can still talk, and ask each other if they'll be dolls forever. Much to their surprise, another doll, sitting nearby, answers them. She introduces herself as Sabrina's mother, and asks them not to think badly of her daughter, as she really is a good kid. The roof is pulled off, and there stands Sabrina and her doll. Brock and Misty plead with her to change them back, but the doll tells them that if she does, they'll just run away again. At this time, Ash comes into the arena again. Sabrina asks him if he hasn't figured out that he'll never win, and sends out Kadabra. Ash sends out Haunter, but he has disappeared again. Ash rushes around looking, but Pikachu decides to go out again. Ash tells him that he wont be able to beat Kadabra, but Pikachu tells him that he doesn't want him to become a doll. Ash has Pikachu use Thundershock, but Kadabra keeps teleporting out of the way. Kadabra then uses Psybeam, which knocks Pikachu over. Pikachu then uses Thunderbolt, and actually connects. Unfortunately, Kadabra's health is fully restored using his Recover attack. Sabrina repeats the fact that Ash cannot win, and Haunter finally reappears in front of her. Her doll says that its not fair to have two against one, but the man appears in the room, telling her that Haunter is playing, not battling. Haunter makes several faces at Sabrina, then pulls out a bomb, which explodes. Suddenly, Sabrina smiles and starts to laugh. The man starts to cry, saying that he's never seen Sabrina laugh. Ash asks him if he took her baby pictures. Geez, Ash, how dense can you be?
The man tells Ash that Haunter has helped Sabrina come back to herself. Ash tells him that Haunter was supposed to beat Kadabra, but the man points to the Psychic Pokémon, who is rolling around on the floor laughing. Since he can't fight, Ash is the winner. Sabrina's doll disappears, and Misty and Brock are changed back to real people. Later, Ash says farewell to the changed Sabrina, and leaves holding the Marsh Badge. Ash wonders aloud if he really deserved the badge, but Misty and Brock reassure them. They pass by the hole Team Rocket is in which is being filled with cement. Ash dashes towards the path to Celadon City and his next challenge.

In Episode 25 Professor Oak enjoys some tea in the morning as the phone rings. Krabby brings him the phone. Ash Ketchum is calling Oak to show that he's earned four badges. Oak informs Ash that all of his rivals have already earned five badges and have passed through Celadon City. Gary has already captured 30 Pokémon, and Oak is wondering why Ash hasn't sent him any Pokémon lately. Oak suggests that Ash should capture some more Pokémon.
Ash returns to the group, who are eating jelly donuts. He explains that Gary has five badges already. Brock says that Celadon City is a day's walk from their current location. Misty reminds Ash that he has to make it to the Pokémon League his own way. Suddenly, a Mankey pops out of the bush nearby. Mankey jumps over to Brock, who gives it a donut. Mankey sniffs it, then takes the donut and sits on a rock eating it. Ash pulls out a Pokéball to catch it. Ash throws the Pokéball. Mankey throws the donut at the ball, and the Pokéball traps the donut inside.
Now Mankey is angry. It charges the group as they run down the road. Brock tries to throw a donut at it to stop it, but Mankey knocks the donut away. Misty trips and falls down. Mankey uses Misty as a stepping stone to attack Ash. A cloud of altercation appears as Mankey thrashes Ash. Once Mankey finishes, it takes Ash's hat and climbs on top of a tree.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket has been spying. While Ash is in this condition, they can steal Pikachu. When Ash gets up, he realizes Mankey stole his hat. Ash yells at it, demanding his hat back, and Mankey just mocks Ash by turning the hat around and pretending to throw a Pokéball. Ash gets angry and goes to climb the tree. Misty asks what's so great about the hat, and Ash explains that it's an official Pokémon Expo hat. Ash gets to the top of the tree, but Mankey knocks him down. Team Rocket appears to steal Pikachu.
Mankey comes down from the tree and checks out Team Rocket. James gets mad and kicks Mankey to the side. Team Rocket does their motto and demands Pikachu. Brock suggests that Team Rocket run away or they'll get whipped by Mankey. They look to the side of the road, just in time to catch Mankey's evolution into Primeape!
Team Rocket dismisses Mankey as no threat and sends out Ekans and Koffing to get Pikachu. Primeape hits Jessie from behind, causing her to fly face-first into a rock. Angry that her face is ruined, she orders Ekans and Koffing to get Primeape instead. All of Team Rocket attacks Primeape, and a cloud of altercation ensues. Brock and Misty pick Ash up and carry him away. Pikachu rushes to get Ash's hat, just as Primeape finishes Team Rocket off. Primeape jumps in front of Pikachu. Primeape puts the hat on his head, and Ash tells Pikachu to use Thundershock. Pikachu zaps Primeape, but the attack only makes it angrier. Brock comes up with a theory: Primeape just wants attention. When it was a Mankey, Ash tried to capture it in a Pokéball, then James kicked it. Primeape stole the hat so it could get attention. Brock tries to calm Primeape down, but it gets angry and knocks Brock away. Primeape begins to Thrash, chasing Ash and Misty. They split up, but Primeape continues to chase Ash and Pikachu. Team Rocket takes a shortcut and digs a hole in the path. Ash runs into Team Rocket and falls into the hole. Primeape stops and watches as Koffing spews smoke. Ash tells Pikachu to Thundershock Team Rocket, and everyone but Primeape is electrocuted. Ash turns as Primeape jumps into the hole, and they scramble to get out. Primeape blocks Ash's path, and Ash remembers what Professor Oak said about catching more Pokémon.
Brock and Misty catch up as Ash announces that he will capture Primeape. Ash sends out Squirtle to use Water Gun. It has no effect on Primeape. Ash recalls Squirtle and sends out Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur uses Razor Leaf, but Primeape uses fast punches to knock away all the razor leaves. Ash calls Bulbasaur back and sends out Charmander. Primeape dodges Charmander's flamethrower attacks and starts pounding it. The flame on Charmander's tail grows larger. Ash looks it up on Dexter, and Dexter explains that Charmander is using its Rage attack. The more Charmander is attacked, the stronger its attacks become, and it will continue to fight until its opponent falls. Charmander charges up for a really strong Flame Thrower attack. Pikachu manages to rescue Ash's hat just before Primeape is scorched to a crisp. Ash throws a Pokéball and captures Primeape inside. Pikachu gives Ash his hat back.
Team Rocket comes out of the hole, and Jessie is surprised that Primeape has disappeared. Ash grins and throws the Pokéball into the pit. Primeape comes out and beats the crud out of Team Rocket. With a mighty uppercut, Primeape sends Team Rocket into the sky. Ash recalls Primeape and Charmander. They realize that they're already at Celadon City. They all head into Celadon City.
Team Rocket lands and is instantly surrounded by angry Primeape. "I wish we had some donuts!!"

In Episode 26 Ash, Misty, and Brock have made it to Celadon City and Brock, Misty immediately smell something. Brock dashes off in the direction of where it is. Ash follows him, and finds him with his face pressed up against a pane of glass. He looks in, and sees three girls leaning against a counter. Ash tells him that he'll be leaving with Misty and Pikachu, but can't find them. Brock points inside, and Ash sees them talking to the girls about perfume. Ash enters, and tells Misty not to buy any perfume, as he thinks it's a waste of money. The manager walks in, and scolds him for saying such things. Ash defends himself, saying that perfume only turns guys to zombies. He pulls Brock inside as an example. The manager is angered, and kicks Ash out of the store, literally. Ash decides to head to the gym.
At the gym, however, he is not permitted entrance because of what he said about perfume, saying that they manufacture it in the gym. They stamp an "X" on his face, and shut the door. Ash desperately tries to get them to let him in, but they don't let him. Elsewhere outside the building, Team Rocket breaks in through a window. They review their plan to steal the perfume and sell the formula for lots of money. They enter the building and search for the perfume. Jessie uncovers a Gloom, and James accidentally wakes him up. James sends out Koffing to attack him, but he easily defeats him with a burst of really smelly gas. Meowth complains about how bad it smells, and Jessie reminds him that he doesn't have a nose. One of the girls knocks them out, and stamps "X”s on their faces. She then hangs all three of them up in a tree.
Ash approaches them as they hang there, and James asks him to let them down. Jessie scolds him for being a traitor, but gets an idea. She asks Ash if he was able to get into the gym, and tells him that if they untie them, they'll help him get inside. Ash is hesitant at first, but agrees. Later, at a department store, Team Rocket has dressed Ash up as a girl. Team Rocket reminds him to keep his voice high, and they go to the gym building. Upon reaching it, they go inside and Team Rocket, also in disguise, tells the receptionist that Ashley wants to apply to the gym. Ash asks the girl there where Erika is, and she tells him that he'll see her shortly. Team Rocket dashes off, casting off their outfits. Meowth jumps out of James's shirt with a bomb in his paw, and James asks Jessie what it is for. She tells him that it is for revenge for stamping the "X" on her face. They continue to dash down the hall.
The girl at the receptionist desk leads Ash to a group of people listening to a story being told. He notices Misty and Brock in the crowd and instantly gets worried. The girl who was reading the story, Erika, stands up to welcome the new arrival, and Ash immediately recognizes her as the manager of the perfume shop. Brock approaches Ash and welcomes him as well. It's at this time that Ash notices Pikachu, and he starts to get really worried. Misty asks Erika why Gloom doesn't smell bad, as they usually do, and she explains that Gloom only smell bad when they are threatened. She then explains that, a long time ago, Gloom saved her from a Grimer and they've been friends ever since. Misty notes how she wishes Ash had heard the story, and he absent-mindedly tells her that he did. He catches himself, and asks them not to stare at her. Misty suspiciously tells him that he looks familiar, and Pikachu walks over. Pikachu recognizes Ash immediately, and hugs him. Ash tries to get Pikachu not to blow his cover, but is shocked. His wig falls off, and Brock shouts out his name. Ash tells Erika that he wore the disguise to sneak into the gym so he could battle for a badge and challenges her.
Meanwhile, Jessie and James have found the perfume they were looking for, and take it, planning on discovering its formula. Back at the arena, Erika accepts Ash's challenge, telling him to use three Pokémon. Ash sends out Bulbasaur, and Erika uses Tangela. Bulbasaur uses Vine Whip, but Tangela spins, pulling him closer. Tangela then uses Stun Spore, putting Bulbasaur out of commission. Ash thinks about sending out Primeape, but remembers what happened before. He decides against it and sends out Charmander and Erika sends out Weepinbell, who uses Razor Leaf. Charmander's Flamethrower burns the leaves up, and he finishes Weepinbell off with a Skull Bash. The people in the stands note how well Ash is doing, and Erika sends out Gloom, who defeats Charmander with a burst of smelly powder. Ash thinks about who to send out next, and Pikachu offers his services. Suddenly, a voice comes from the ceiling and they all look up to see Team Rocket. They jump down, and Meowth sets off the bomb, which happens to be right under them. Team Rocket is thrown through the roof, but they still have the perfume.
The bomb has set a fire ablaze inside the gym, and everyone hurries to gather up the Pokémon to get them out. Once outside, everyone works at putting out the fire. Ash and Misty send out Squirtle, Staryu, and Starmie, who also help out. Brock tells Geodude to throw dirt on the flames. Erika rushes up and tells them that Gloom is still inside. Ash dashes inside to find him. He quickly searches the gym, and finds Gloom cowering in a corner. Ash starts to get close to him, but he lets off a burst of smelly powder. The ceiling starts to cave in, and Ash takes a deep breath, then runs inside. He approaches Gloom, but is forced to take a breath. He realizes that the air doesn't smell, and is happy to know that Gloom trusts him. He scoops Gloom up, and runs outside.
The next morning, Erika thanks Ash for saving Gloom and helping with the fire. To show her gratitude, she gives him a Rainbow Badge. Brock and Misty congratulate him, and Ash asks Erika about Team Rocket. Erika laughs, and tells Ash that the vial they stole had only one of the ingredients: Gloom's "special scent." Ash walks off holding the badge high. We've all learned an important lesson here: You can't judge a Pokémon by its smell.

In Episode 27 Ash, Misty, and Brock walk the streets of a new city. A woman suddenly rushes and hugs Ash, thinking that she's found her missing son, Arnold. Ash explains that his name is Ash from Pallet, and the woman apologizes, saying that Ash looked a lot like Arnold.
The woman's son Arnold just disappeared, and has been missing for three days. They notice some posters on a nearby building. A lot of children in the town have disappeared mysteriously. Officer Jenny arrives to put up another poster of a missing child. Brock quickly introduces himself. Ash realizes how worried the woman looking for her lost child is, so he decides he'll help out as well.
Officer Jenny explains that all the missing children disappeared exactly three days ago. The kids seem to have nothing in common, so they decide to ask around at the Pokémon Center. Brock and Jenny ask the kids there, while Ash and Misty talk to Nurse Joy. She explains that all the Pokémon at the Center are behaving strangely. They all seem to have lost their liveliness. Joy says that it started about three days ago. Brock notes that it was around that time that the children started disappearing. One of Officer Jenny's devices starts to make noise. She pulls out a sleep wave detector and explains that there are sleep waves present. They follow the sleep waves. Meanwhile, Team Rocket has a similar device and find out that the sleep waves are emanating from the town. Their plan is to find the source of the sleep waves, then use it to knock out the Boss so they can take a break. Even complete failure super villains need a vacation every once in awhile. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Jenny trace the sleep waves to a skyscraper. They travel up an elevator to the roof level, where the sleep waves are strongest. They find a mansion on the roof. Ash and Brock bust in, to find a bunch of rich-looking people, and a Drowzee and Hypno.
Jenny explains about the sleep waves. One of the gentlemen explain that Hypno might have been emitting them. Their Drowzee evolved into a Hypno three days ago, when all the children started to vanish and the Pokémon at the center lost their energy. The people there are members of the Pokémon Lovers Club. They've been using Hypno as a sleep aid to get to sleep. Hypno's hypnotic powers were only meant to be used on other Pokémon, but since the wavelength was changed to affect humans, it's creating a side effect for the Pokémon in the Center. The modified wavelength is also affecting the kids in the city. Misty checks it out for herself. Hypno uses its powers on Misty, and Misty starts acting funny, clapping her hands and saying "Seel" over and over. Misty runs outside. Ash, Brock, Jenny, and the leader of the Pokémon Lovers Club quickly follow. They chase Misty to a park in the middle of the city, where a lake is. They are astonished -- all the missing kids are there, all acting like Pokémon! Officer Jenny tries to wake them up, but it doesn't work. The club leader suggests using Drowzee to cure them. Since Drowzee emits dream wavelengths, it might counteract Hypno's wavelengths. They return to the Pokémon Lovers Club with Misty and have Drowzee use its sleep waves on Misty. Misty falls asleep, and with a clap of Drowzee's hands, Misty awakens, unaware that she had turned into a Seel temporarily. They take Drowzee and leave the mansion, but Team Rocket shows up on hang gliders and does their motto.
Jessie pulls out a mirror and dares Hypno to hypnotize it. Hypno starts to hypnotize the mirror (which bounces the hypnosis waves back to Hypno) but Ash throws a flowerpot at the mirror, shattering it. Jessie gets angry, and they pull out whips and whip Drowzee and Hypno, binding them. Misty calls out Staryu and Staryu breaks through the whips, releasing Drowzee and Hypno. Ash calls Pidgeotto, who uses a gust attack, sending Team Rocket into the stratosphere. They return to the park, and Drowzee cures the children. They all run home. Pikachu wakes up as well. They go back to the Pokémon Center, and cure the Pokémon there. However, the Psyduck is still holding its head. Brock says that caring for Pokémon is his ambition.
Psyduck follows Brock as the group leaves. Brock suddenly decides that he doesn't want Psyduck. It's a water Pokémon, so he suggests that Misty take it, but Misty doesn't want such a boring Pokémon. Ash looks in his Pokédex. Dexter explains that Psyduck constantly suffers from a headache. Misty gets upset, trips, and falls down. One of her Pokéballs rolls down to Psyduck. Psyduck taps it, and the Pokéball opens up and captures Psyduck inside. That is how Misty gets stuck with Psyduck.

In Episode 28 Brock has led Ash and Misty to Scissors Street in Celadon City. Ash and Misty don't know why, but they walk along with him. As they see several Pokémon beauty parlors. Misty remembers that Scissors Street is also known as Breeder's Lane, and both she and Ash agree that that's why Brock's here. Brock doesn't answer them, and continues to look. Misty comes across the newest salon that has opened, Salon Roquét. Inside, the two stylists (Jessie and James) are working on a Raichu and Dodrio. They finish, and their owner loves what they did. The Pokémon, on the other hand, disagree, but they go along with it. Meowth is at the cash register, gleefully counting money. He tells Jessie and James, that they're spend too much.
Outside, Misty thinks about getting in line, when Brock finds what he was looking for. They go inside, and find Susie, a Pokémon breeder, taking care of a Chansey. The owner comes in and takes the Pokémon, thanking Susie on an excellent job. Susie turns to Ash and his friends and asks them if they have come to treat their Pokémon. Ash replies that they're just looking around, Brock starts to stutter, and Misty sees a Vulpix sleeping on a chair. She runs over and picks him up. The grumpy Vulpix burns Misty with a fire attack and jumps back onto the chair, yawns, and goes back to sleep. Susie tells her that Vulpix doesn't like strangers, and Brock calls out Susie's name. He introduces himself and tells her that he wants to become a breeder like her. He stumbles all over his words, but finally spits out the main reason he is in her salon: He wants to be her apprentice. Everyone is astounded, including Susie. Ash asks why Brock wants to do this, and he explains that Susie has won many awards for her salon, going on and on. He starts on Vulpix, but Ash stops him. Susie is flattered, but declines, saying that she is still learning herself. Later, during lunch, Susie compliments Brock on his food making abilities, noting that Pikachu has a nice, shiny coat. Vulpix jumps onto the table, and approaches Pikachu's plate. She sniffs the food, and starts to happily eat. Brock is extremely flattered that she likes his food. Susie is surprised as well, saying that Vulpix only ate food that she herself had made. Misty brings up the subject of Salon Roquét, asking if the flashy Pokémon is the newest trend. Susie explains that ever since the Rockets' Salon opened, trainers have been trying to make their Pokémon as flashy as possible. Ash agrees that it is stupid to show off, but Misty disagrees, saying that even Pokémon like to get dressed up. Ash starts to argue with her about the subject, while Brock and Susie look on. Ash suggests that Misty takes Psyduck over to the new Salon, and she agrees. She releases Psyduck, and they hurry over. Susie wonders aloud if she should change her methods per the new trend, but Brock tells her not to, saying that if people want style over substance, they'll give them substance with style.
Later, Brock, Susie, and Ash do a lecture on care, with Susie doing the talking and demonstrating with Pikachu. At Salon Roquét’s, the line outside gets shorter and shorter, as more and more people go to watch the lecture. The owner of the Chansey from before approaches her and tells her about the lecture. Back at Susie's, Susie has Ash massage Pikachu's cheeks as an example. Brock announces his opinion as to how a technique is only as good as the trainer or breeder who uses it. Several people look at their Pokémon, thinking about this. At Salon Roquét, Jessie and James finish up on the Squirtle they were working in, and asks the next customer to come in. Much to their surprise, it's Misty with Psyduck. They grin, and pull her into a chair. They do a little make-over, and Misty loves it. Jessie and James continue to work on her, but Meowth pipes up, saying that they need to think of a way to capture the Pikachu she hangs around with. Misty recognizes him, and Jessie and James beat up on him a little bit for blowing their cover. He slashes at them, ripping their clothes to shreds, and reveling their Team Rocket uniforms underneath. They grab Misty, and she calls for Psyduck. However, Psyduck has left, and is hurrying over to Susie's Salon. Once he gets there, tells Ash through Pikachu that Misty is in trouble, and they all rush over to Salon Roquét, bursting through the door. They see Misty's face, and hold back a laugh. Team Rocket tells them that they're doing some beauty research on Misty, and Susie scoffs at them, saying that it's what on the inside that counts. Team Rocket is about to respond, when Meowth scratches their faces, reminding them that the whole Salon Roquét thing was a scam. Meowth then goes on to explain how they planned to make a lot of money of stupid people, and if someone brought in a rare Pokémon, they'd take it. Jessie tells them that they'll trade Misty for Pikachu, but Ash and Brock refuse and prepare to battle. James pushes a button, and the salon explodes. When the dust settles, Misty is at the top of a flight of stairs, and Jessie and James are wearing soldier and Southern Belle costumes (respectively). Koffing and Ekans come out and Ash sends out Pikachu, with Brock's Geodude helping. Koffing is successfully able to put them out of commission with a Sludge attack, and Jessie tells Koffing and Ekans to finish them off. Unfortunately, their costumes get caught, and they trip. They pick themselves up, and Meowth attacks Pikachu and Geodude with them. Just as they are about to hit, Vulpix jumps out and uses Fire Spin. The tornado of fire scoops up Team Rocket and their Pokémon, and hurl them into the air.
Brock tells the crowd how exterior beauty can hide inner strength, and they all rub off the makeup on their Pokémon. Psyduck unties Misty, and they all return to Susie's Salon. Ash and his friends thank Susie and Vulpix, and she thanks them for restoring her confidence in her methods. She tells Brock how impressed she was as to how he handled his Pokémon, and tells him that she has decided to give her Vulpix. She tells him that he is the first person other than she herself whom Vulpix has been friendly with, and tells him that he would do a better job raising Vulpix than she would. Brock puts Vulpix into a Pokéball, and Misty and Ash look at each other. Ash notices Misty's makeup once again, and laughs, angering her. As they wave their good-byes to Susie, Team Rocket is chased by several angry trainers who want their money back.

In Episode 29 Hitmonchan sprinting down a path. It suddenly stops by a nearby tree. A girl is watching this fighting type from behind. Ash and others were amazed, a WILD Hitmonchan. Ash says if Pikachu beats Hitmonchan, it will be a world champion Pokémon! Pikachu has an image of himself beat up. Ash says he will teach him his secret punch. Misty and Brock wonder since when is Ash a boxing expert?
Ash challenges Hitmonchan, and Pikachu is wearing little boxing gloves. Hitmonchan does not like the idea of this, Ash tells Pikachu to attack. We see them watching, while Ash gives commands. Pikachu sends a glowing glove into Hitmonchan's face. He rubs the spot where it what hit. Pikachu gets scared. A man runs over, and tells Hitmonchan it should not let its guard down, he tells it to knock out that Pokémon! Hitmonchan creams Ash's little Pikachu. It was not a wild Hitmonchan! Suddenly, the girl runs out from behind the tree. She calls the man her dad, and begs him to come home, and to give up trying to become a Pokémon trainer! The man calls her Rebecca, and says he will not until he has won the P1 Grand Prix! He says he will be at the gym, and leaves.
Ash and Brock both enter the P1 Grand Prix to help the little girl by beating her father. Brock uses his Geodude and Ash uses his recently captured Primeape. He would probably use his Pikachu but it is a fighting type only tournament! Jessie and James show up, they want to enter to. They want to get the prize belt, and James wants to sell it so he can eat at an all-you-can-eat buffet, does that seem like our James! He and Meowth imagine themselves stuffing their faces. Jessie hits them both over the heads with a fan. They ask what would Jessie uses the money for, and she says that she would go to the salon, go shopping, buy jewelry, etc. James points out that only fighting Pokémon can enter, which they have none. Jessie says they will have to 'borrow' one. They spot a tall man, along with a Hitmonlee, the kicking type Pokemon! The announcer calls over the loudspeaker and Presents Anthony, the father of the little girl. He is the Grand Champion of the tournament and has been for many years!
The first battle is between a Machop, and Ash's Primeape! Machop hits Primeape! Primeape goes down! It gets back up, and jumps up, going down for a kick. However, Machop catches its foot! It swings Primeape around in circles. It is going to use Seismic Toss, Machop is well trained! It throws Primeape over the bar! Ash runs to catch it, but falls short. He asks if Primeape is okay, and Primeape looks at it with these big puppy eyes. Ash tells it to keep going, and it agrees! Misty is surprised, Primeape has never listened to Ash before! Ash has Primeape use Scratch! Then it jumps up and the bright lights blind Machop! It uses Mega Kick, and Machop is down! Primeape wins! Misty says that everything changed when Ash tried to catch Primeape. It trusts him now. The next match is Hitmonlee versus Geodude! Brock waves to Rebecca (the daughter), saying everything is under control. Then he gets his Geodude thrown against his head. Brock tells it to hit Hitmonlee! Hitmonlee starts kicking Geodude, who blocks. It will be reduced to Graveler at this rate sorry I mean Gravel! Anthony says he cannot win. Brock, with much regret throws in the towel! He picks up Geodude, and asks if it is okay. It is. We see many more battles throughout the tournament. Primeape, Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee rise to the top of the ladder!
The next main match is between Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee, Jessie is ready for anything and to make sure they win, Meowth places Glue up through the floor of the Arena. Hitmonchan is stuck and Anthony has to throw in the towel. Anthony says he is sorry he worried Rebecca and her mother. Misty says that the fighting brought a family back together. Now is the exciting bit, the match we have all been waiting for, Ash's Primeape versus the stolen Hitmonlee. Primeape blocks thousands of Quick kicks from Hitmonlee and manages to sneak through a few hits! Under the Arena Meowth is up to his Bad tricks, for the second time in the episode. Pikachu spots him and decides to get moving. He finds that Meowth has planted a Bomb on the stage!
Meanwhile back on the stage Hitmonlee jumps up, as per plan, Meowth hits the button on the controls, no explosion Hitmonlee jumps down, and Primeape grabs it! It uses its Seismic Toss. Primeape has won! It is the new P1 Champion! Ash says he is proud of Primeape. Anthony says it has a lot of natural talent, and asks if he could train it. Ash wins the championship and leaves his Primeape with Anthony to train. He says he will come back for it someday.

In Episode 30 Ash, Misty, and Brock make their way through Gringy City. The air and water here is incredibly polluted thanks to the many factories. Ash notices that Pikachu is acting weird. Sparks are coming out of its cheeks and its face is red. A shadowy Pokémon watches from a nearby alley.
Ash wears rubber gloves as he rushes Pikachu to the Pokémon Center. Meowth watches them enter from a periscope deep in the sewers. Jessie and James begin to do the motto, then complain about the horrible smell instead. Meowth gives them scuba suits to wear, which pumps oxygen and air freshener. Meowth tells them to dive into the water and swim through the pipes to the Pokémon center, but Jessie and James refuse. Meowth pushes a button which delivers the hapless humans an electric shock. They reluctantly enter the sludge water of the sewers. Ash rings the bell at the desk. Nurse Joy comes out of a nearby room, yawning. It's late at night and she dismisses Pikachu's condition as a cold. When Ash yells at her for not being very helpful, she explains that the sparks coming out of Pikachu's cheeks are an early symptom of a cold in electric rodent Pokémon. She suggests that they leave Pikachu there for the night, and it will be fine in the morning.
At the same time, a large group of Grimer block the water flow into the hydroelectric power plant, causing the power to go out. This causes the power supply to Team Rocket's scuba equipment to go dead. There are also several Pokémon in the intensive care unit at the Center, and if the power is not restored soon, bad things will happen! Ash, Misty, and Brock decide to head for the power plant to try to do something. Pikachu cries out as they leave. They ask Officer Jenny for directions, as Pikachu comes out of the nearby bushes. Misty realizes that Pikachu is afraid that they won't come back for it later, so Ash decides to let it come along. Pikachu jumps into Ash's arms and Ash gets shocked as the shadowy Pokémon watches from a nearby bush.
Somehow, Meowth gets Jessie and James back on the surface level as they gasp for air. Meowth watches as Ash, Misty, and Brock race past the alley they are hiding in. The group arrives at the power plant. They enter and nobody is there to greet them. Misty looks at a map and points out the direction to the central control room. Misty gets spooked as something flies behind her. After a philosophical discussion about Misty's cowardice, both Misty and Brock spot something behind Ash. He turns around and nobody is there. The shadowy figure appears behind Pikachu. Ash looks it up on the Pokédex and it's a Magnemite, the magnet Pokémon. Ash decides to try to catch it, but Magnemite only seems interested in Pikachu. Magnemite seems to be in love with Pikachu for some reason. Ash yells at the Magnemite to cut it out, and the Magnemite backs off. A nasty stench enters the corridor. They turn around to see a grating fall off the ceiling, followed by several Grimer. Brock decides that it would be best not to say anything to insult their pride. Ash pretends to compliment their unique smell, but Misty says it stinks, and a Muk rises from behind the Grimer. With a command from Muk, the Grimer attack. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu run. As they round the corner, they run into two plant workers. The Grimer approach, and they all start running for the control room. They all hide in the control room. One of the workers explains that the Grimer are clogging the sea intake, preventing the power from coming back on.
The Grimer bust down the door. Pikachu uses its Thundershock attack to knock out some of the Grimer, but it's not good enough. Suddenly, the Magnemite knocks out the grating above them, and several Magnemite and Magneton arrive. Their combined electric attack is enough to chase away all the Grimer. They also manage to get rid of the Grimer blocking the flow of water into the power plant, and the power is restored. However, one Muk remains. Pikachu uses Thundershock, and Pikachu's stalker Magnemite assists with a Thundershock of its own. The combined thunder attack knocks the Muk unconscious, and Ash captures it in a Pokéball. To his discontent, he realizes that the smell of the Muk comes THROUGH the Pokéball! Everyone is now outside, and the sun is back up. Pikachu seems to be a lot better now. One of the power plant workers explains that when an electric mouse builds up too much electricity, its body becomes magnetized and it seems as though it has a cold. The Magnemite is no longer interested in Pikachu. Magnemite was in love with Pikachu because it was magnetized, but Magnemite has no interest in a non-magnetized electric mouse.
A Gyarados submarine comes out of the water with a large magnet attached to it. Team Rocket's plan is to use the magnet to capture Pikachu due to the fact that its body is now magnetized. What they DON'T know is that Pikachu is no longer magnetized. When they activate the magnet, Magnemite and Magneton from all over town are sucked onto the magnet. The weight of all the Magnemite and Magneton cause the sub to sink. Meanwhile, at Professor Oak's house, a Pokéball arrives from Ash. The Pokéball opens up, and Professor Oak covers his nose in disgust.

In Episode 31 Ash, Misty, and Brock find themselves in the mountains. Fuchsia Gym is just over the mountain, but Brock doesn't know which one. Looks like they're lost again!
Team Rocket is about to have a picnic when an explosion rocks the earth. They find that their lunch is on their heads. They get angry and decide that someone will pay for this! Ash, Misty, and Brock head for the road to find a number of large trucks passing by. Something happens on the road, and the trucks crash into each other. A Diglett pops up out of the road. Pikachu tries to talk to it, but the Diglett disappears. The chief comes out of the truck and pounds the ground, angry at the Diglett for ruining all their plans. Thanks to the Diglett, they cannot finish building their dam. The chief has even set up a special division for dealing with the Diglett, and has called for Pokémon trainers to help. Ash explains that they're Pokémon trainers, but then Gary shows up with his fan club, and four busloads of Pokémon trainers. Gary fires off his usual round of Ash insults and shows off his fan club. Meanwhile, Jessie and James watch from a bush. Jessie decides that they could try to win the reward, since they're Pokémon trainers as well.
There is a great meeting where the chief explains about the Diglett. Jessie and James watch from a cliff above. They decide that they could try to steal the trainers' Pokémon, but James realizes that they haven't got a chance with their Ekans and Koffing. Meowth suggests Plan B, the Principle of Induced Evolution... The Diglett attack the meeting and causes one of the buses to fall over. Gary, the show-off, decides that he can stop the Diglett all by himself, and throws a Pokéball. A Pokémon starts to come out, but instantly returns to its ball. A Diglett brings the Pokéball back to Gary. Gary gets mad and throws out his best Pokémon, but it won't come out either. Frustrated, Gary throws out all of his Pokéballs. The other trainers do the same, but the Pokémon won't come out. The result is a large pile of Pokéballs. The Diglett just burrow the Pokeballs back to their trainers. Ash sends out his Squirtle, but it won't come out either. Gary realizes that the Pokémon don't want to battle the Diglett for some reason. Meanwhile, the chief starts playing Whack-A-Mole with the Diglett, having no success at all. (Diglett can pull their heads in and out of the ground at the speed of light.) Gary decides that trying to fight the Diglett is futile, and leaves with his fan club.
Ash, Misty, and Brock are enjoying a bath in the hot springs. Ash asks Pikachu why the Pokémon wouldn't fight, and he points to the Diglett. The group quickly puts their clothes on and chase Pikachu and the Diglett, as the chief of the dam project continues trying to whack the Diglett with a mallet. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is having no luck with the Principle of Induced Evolution. Pokémon need a certain degree of experience points before they can successfully evolve, but Team Rocket's experience is nothing but losing. They hug their Pokémon and start shedding tears, wondering if they would ever evolve. As their tears make contact with their Pokémon, they start to evolve! Meowth explains that their time to evolve just happened to be now.
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu continue to chase the Diglett to a part of the forest where the Diglett and Dugtrio are putting up plants and plowing the ground. Putting up the dam would destroy their efforts and cause the forest to be unlivable. That's why the Pokémon wouldn't fight. The chief understands the situation and decides not to build the dam. Their conversation is interrupted by the Team Rocket motto. Team Rocket shows off their new Pokémon. Ekans has evolved into Arbok, and Koffing has evolved into Weezing! But Team Rocket is still Team Rocket, and Ash sends out Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. Pikachu uses a Thunderbolt attack which Arbok dodges. Arbok dives underground and Weezing follows. For a few moments, all that can be heard are the monotonous droning of Diglett and Dugtrio. Suddenly, something happens underground. Arbok and Weezing are ejected from the hole, beaten and bruised. The Diglett and Dugtrio send a wave of dirt, which Team Rocket surfs on until they crash into the beginnings of the dam project.
Our heroes leave the area in search of Fuchia Gym.

In Episode 32 Ash, Misty, and Brock have all gotten completely lost trying to find the Fuchsia City gym, located in the middle of nowhere. They stop for a break, and let out a couple of their Pokémon out for a stretch. Misty tells Psyduck, who was drinking from a stream nearby, that cold water makes a headache worse, then comments that sometimes when she looks at him, she gets a headache as well. Misty offers Psyduck for Brock's Vulpix, but he declines. She retreats Psyduck and the three go on their way, with a Venonat secretly spying on them in the trees.
They carefully cross a bridge, and arrive at a Japanese style dwelling. The decide to look for someone there to ask for directions to the gym, and go in, with the Venonat still following them. Once inside, Ash and his friends cannot find anyone. Misty leans against a wall, and disappears. Brock inspects the wall, and declares it to be a secret door. He pounds on it, and it opens, revealing Misty inside. Suddenly, the Venonat appears. He runs off, and Ash and his friends follow him. Ash accidentally steps on a Voltorb in the floor, and is shocked. They all then dash up some stairs, and see the Venonat at the end of a hallway. Ash runs toward it, but runs smack into an invisible wall. They all decide to leave, and Ash slams into another wall. Brock voices his suspicion of that they have fallen into a trap. Brock hopes that whoever did it isn't wanting to steal their Pokémon, as he doesn't want to lose his Vulpix. Ash climbs up to look through a window, and the whole wall tips out over a deep valley. Brock and Misty think that he's dead, but soon find him hanging onto the wall for dear life. They pull him up and all agree at how dangerous the house is.
The other wall opens, and Ash and his friends see the Venonat again. Ash rushes through, to see several Ninja Stars flying at him. Misty and Brock go through, and find him pinned onto the panel. They hear a laugh behind them, and turn to see Iya, and Ninja Warrior. Ash yells at her for throwing the Stars around, and Misty agrees, asking Brock for support. Brock, however, is smitten, and he tries to make her acquaintance. She pushes him over in disgust, and informs them all that the house is a Ninja training camp. She tells them that the Venonat had told her of three stupid people who entered the house, and that she won't let them leave until she battles them. Ash accepts, and sends out Bulbasaur against Iya's Venonat. Bulbasaur uses tackle, but Venonat dodges and uses Stun Spore. Bulbasaur blows the dust away and uses Vine Whip, but Venonat dodges the attack again. Venonat uses Psybeam, and Bulbasaur gets confused, but shakes it off quickly. Bulbasaur uses Leech Seed, and finally connects, winning. A Voltorb rolls in, and explodes, filling the room with smoke. A voice is heard behind Iya, and scolds her for her ignorance. Iya apologizes, calling him her brother. Brock misinterprets the words, and tries to suck up to him, only to be bashed over the head with Misty's mallet. He tells them that he will not let Ash and his friends leave until they battle him. When Ash asks exactly who he is, he responds that he is Koga, the Fuschia Gym leader. Ash is surprised that it is the gym, but is glad that it is.
Outside, Team Rocket find the building. They plan to steal the poisonous Pokémon that Koga uses, saying that they would be perfect for Team Rocket's schemes. She tosses a rose to James, who pricks his finger. After he complains, Jessie throws her binoculars at him, and tells him to come inside. Back inside, Ash accepts Koga's challenge. Koga pulls out a Soul Badge telling Ash that he will win it if he wins. Ash assures him that he will. Ash sends out Pidgeotto, and Koga sends out Venonat. The Venonat immediately evolves into Venomoth, much to Ash's worry. Venomoth uses Stun Spore, and Pidegeotto's Whirlwind doesn't succeed in blowing the spores away. Venomoth then uses Sleep Powder, and Pidgeotto falls asleep. Ash then sends out Charmander, who succeeds in blocking Venomoth's Stun Spore with Flamethrower. Suddenly, the ceiling caves in. Team Rocket drops in, and does a rather dramatic and drawn out motto. Meowth tells Koga to hand over the poisonous Pokémon, but Ash tells him to go away. Jessie and James try to move, but can't very well due to the elaborate costumes they're wearing. They throw them off and send out Arbok and Weezing. Ash and Koga decide to join together and send out Charmander, Venomoth, and Venonat. Team Rocket throws some sort of webby stuff, and all three Pokémon can't move. Pikachu jumps out, but is wrapped up as well. Misty is about to send out Starmie, but Psyduck comes out instead. Psyduck proceeds to thoroughly annoy Misty. Ash has her use his Pokédex to find out what Psyduck's attacks are. After two very unsuccessful Tail Whip and Scratch attacks, Koga pulls a cord, and several Voltorb fall from the ceiling. Jessie and Meowth don't know what they are, and James fills them in. It's too late, though, and they explode. Ash, Koga, and the rest, along with there Pokémon run through a door, and into a strange room on a slant. They try to take off the webby stuff on their Pokémon, but to no avail.
Soon enough, Team Rocket bursts in. Meowth uses the slanted floor to their advantage, and rolls a Voltorb at Ash and his friends. It explodes, and when the dust settles, Psyduck is running around clutching his head. Misty tries to return him, but is unsuccessful. Meowth gets perturbed, and kicks Psyduck repeatedly. Psyduck's headache becomes worse, and he suddenly releases a Disability attack at Team Rocket, immobilizing them. Ash then uses Confusion, and sends Team Rocket flying into the air. The continuous energy released from Psyduck melts away the webbing on the other Pokémon and they are very happy. Dexter explains that Psyduck can use the attacks that he did when his headache gets severe.
Koga is grateful that Team Rocket is gone and is very impressed. He asks if Misty would like to trade for a Venonat or Venomoth, but Misty refuses, hugging Psyduck. Ash realizes that his match with Koga is still unfinished, and the group goes outside. Koga sends out Golbat to fight Ash's Charmander. Golbat disorients Charmander with a Screech attack, and he ends up accidentally scorching Brock with Flamethrower. He finally hits Golbat's wing, and Ash has him finish Golbat out with Fire Spin. Koga gives the Soul Badge to Ash, congratulating him. Ash, Misty, and Brock then continue on their way.

In Episode 33 As Squirtle was about to attack the Growlithe, a girl on a Ponyta knocks down Ash. The girl, Laura, says that Ash and the gang are on a Pokémon reserve and it's against the law to catch any Pokémon. Laura, Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu head back to Laura's ranch to talk. Laura invites them to a party tonight and if they stay for the night, they can watch the big Pokémon race tomorrow. Suddenly, they all hear a herd of Dodrio (Dodrio are fast Pokémon runners) running. At the front of the pack, a boy named Dario rides a Dodrio. He goes up to Laura and boasts that he'll win the race tomorrow. Later on, Laura and the Pikachu Clan walk through the party (it looks more like a festival to me) as Laura gets a wave of encouragement for the big race. Unexpectedly, Dario runs up to the gang and tells Laura that her Tauros are acting all crazy. Quickly, they head to the ranch to see the Tauros all excited. Laura calls upon Growlithe to calm them. Without warning, a black stone (or something like that) jumps out from the bushes and startlesPonyta, which still has Laura on it. Ponyta backs up and Laura falls down, breaking her arm. Ash manages to calm Ponyta easily. Not far from there, Team Rocket and Dario are spying on them. They are making some kind of agreement in which TR will help Dario win. Later that night, Laura announces that she can't race tomorrow because of her arm then, she asks Ash to race for her. Misty, Brock, and Pikachu encourage Ash to go and he finally agrees. After a hilarious practice that night, they are ready for the race. The next day at the race, Ash joins with Ponyta, Misty with Starmie, Brock with Onix and Pikachu with Squirtle. Dario races ahead and behind, some stone hits a Tauros and manages to cause a fight between some Pokémon. It's actually Team Rocket that slingshot the rock. The first obstacle ahead is the 45 degrees hill climb. Dario is leading as Pikachu and Squirtle are left WAY behind to struggle up the hill (this part was cute). Then, the track was downhill with Dario still ahead. Without warning, a boy riding on a Electrode comes speeding down really fast and beats Dario. Then, from behind some rocks, Team Rocket are laughing at the hole that they dug for the Electrode. The Electrode falls into the hole and suddenly lets out a big electric burst that throws all the Pokémon up. Ash and Ponyta get back up and the next obstacle they see is a wide river that they have to cross by jumping on the stepping stones. Brock and Onix are left back at the riverside as Rock-type Pokémon are vulnerable to water. Back at the lead, the next obstacle is a steep rockhill with some ledges that contain Pokémon food for the Pokémon to power up. Dario's Dodrio heads fight with each other on who's going to get the first bite. Ponyta and Ash come not far behind. Unexpectedly, some smoke appears and Team Rocket appears. Soon, Ash and Misty find out that they are behind all the problems during the face. A heated fight starts between TR's Pokémon and Ash's Pokémon. In the midst of the battle, Dario and Dodrio race ahead. In a flash, Weezing lets out it's poisonous sludge right at Ponyta. Reacting fast, Ponyta covers itself in a huge flame and comes in contact with the sludge, which causes a huge explosion. Determined to win the race for Laura, Ash and Ponyta went as fast as they ever could. Now, it seems like a two-Pokémon race between Dodrio and Ponyta. When both Pokémon head into the stadium, one of Dodrio's head pecks Ponyta which makes him fall behind. Dario and Dodrio are about to win when Ponyta suddenly evolves into Rapidash (second stage evolution of Ponyta). Going at about 100/mph Rapidash manages to win the race by one inch. At the end of the race, Dario and Dodrio are mad and try to bash into Rapidash but Rapidash hits back with its hooves. As usual, it's time to say good-bye. Laura tells the gang that the Safari Zone is just right up ahead on their path. Meanwhile, Dario is found being VERY angry at Team Rocket. And so our heroes head for new adventures in the Safari Zone.

In Episode 34 Ash see so much Pokémon and are about to catch some. Ash and Misty hold him back as they think they are still in reserved lands. In the busy, Ash sees the head of a Chansey. As he was about to throw his Pokéball to catch it, he realizes that it's actually Officer Jenny (a different Jenny) wearing a hat that looks like a Chansey. She thinks they are poachers at first and takes them to a tent for questioning. Later on, they're released because they truly looked like they didn't know that it was reserved land. As they're talking, they detect a poacher. Quickly, Jenny, Ash and the gang hop onto a jeep and head towards the signal to a plain grassland where a herd of Kangaskhansgrazed and relax. As usual, it's Team Rocket who is up to their evil plans again. Using a bazooka-looking weapon, they plan to catch the rare Kangaskhans. The bazooka-thing shoots a rocket upwards and scares the Kangaskhans, which sends the herd running straight towards the jeep that Ash was in. Stepping on the pedal quickly, Officer Jenny puts the Jeep into reverse and manages to dodge away from the scared herd of Kangaskhans. As the herd is running, they run into a net and are trapped. Jenny, Ash and the gang try to help the herd but find out that Jenny overheated the engine as they were trying to dodge away from the Kangaskhans.
Jesse throws a Pokéball at a Kangaskhan but the Pokéball hits back at her face by a Tarzan-looking boy. The boy cuts the Kangaskhan free and shouts out some weird calls. The Kangaskhans seem to obey him and surround Team Rocket's truck with Team Rocket on it. The herd throws the truck into the air with their tails and seems like Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light again. The Boy calls out again and rides on one of the Kangaskhans. Not long after, Ash and the group sees a helicopter land near them. A woman and a man steps out and says that they're looking for their son. The whole gang decide to go back to the tent and let the woman and man explain their situation. At the tent, the boy's parents explain that 5 years ago, the man accidentally dropped his son, Tommy, into the jungle below and were unable to find him after that incident. The woman shows the picture of the son and Ash and the gang immediately recognize the boy as the Tarzan-looking kid. Jenny says that the boy's name is Tomo and that he lives on the reserve and protects the Kangaskhans. Ash and the team agree to help Tommy's parents in finding 'Tomo'.
Soon, Ash and company find themselves wandering around the jungle with Tommy's parents to find Tomo. On their path, they see a hurt, baby Kangaskhan. Brock sprays some medicine on the baby Kangaskhan and it screams out from the sting. Suddenly a boomerang comes out of nowhere and heads for Brock. Brock and Misty manage to duck the boomerang but Ash isn't so lucky. Tomo appears and Misty tries to explain to him that Brock was only trying to help the baby Kangaskhan. Then, Tommy's parents try to tell Tomo that they are his real parents. Confused, Tomo doesn't remember them being his parents and only remember the Kangaskhan as his only family. Without a warning, Tommy's father hits Tomo on the head with his cane. Tomo is knocked out unconscious and then remembers his real parents. Misty tries to encourage Tomo to go with his real parents but Tomo gets confused because he wants to be with both his Kangaskhan family and his real parents. Suddenly, Officer Jenny appears in her jeep and says that the Kangaskhan are in danger again. Tomo quickly jumps through the trees to save them. Again, it's Team Rocket up to their old tricks but with a new plan. Using a fake Kangaskhan decoy that TR placed on top of their truck, Jesse imitates a injured Kangaskhan. The herd of Kangaskhan respond to the call and head towards the decoy. Then, James starts shooting tranquilizers at the Kangaskhans. Tomo appears and tries throwing his boomerang but it doesn't nothing against the metal decoy. Ash calls upon Bulbasaur.
Bulbasaur uses his whips and wraps them around the decoy as Squirtle uses his head bash. Unexpectedly, Team Rocket power up the decoy and it fires some rockets at Tomo. Ash calls upon Pikachu and Charmander at the fake Kangaskhan. Tomo uses his boomerang to hit the fuel lid. Charmander's fire comes in contact with the fuel and a huge fire builds up. For some creepy reason, the Kangaskhan decoy stills continue to chase Ash and the gang. Out of nowhere, Tomo's parents appear in their helicopter and crash straight into the decoy. Soon, all there was left was a huge rubble of the helicopter and the metal Kangaskhan. Staring at the pile, Tomo begins to cry. Miraculously, Tomo's parents appear out of the rubble and agree to live with Tomo (his real name is Tommy, though) and his Kangaskhans. Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu continue their journey as Tomo and his parents say good-bye.

In Episode 35 Ash, Misty and Brock in a town looking towards a bridge to Sunnytown. The bridge is not finished yet and is only for cars anyway. They also see a bike bridge that is finished but they can't go over it because they don't have bikes. Misty says that if Ash hadn't ruined her bike they would be at Sunnytown now. Buying a bike is just out of the question. They all go to the Pokémon Center deep in thought. When they arrive they Nurse Joy asks if they could run an errand for her. Brock jumps on top of Ash and says they will help her in any way possible. Nurse Joy says that a sick Pokémon in Sunnytown needs some medicine. She says they can use some of the center's bikes to take the medicine over. Ash and friends take the bikes and start to ride to Sunnytown via the bike bridge. Ash is sharing his bike with Pikachu, Misty and Brock are on a tandem bike (namely, one for two people). Next we see Jessie, James and Meowth in a raft on the river. Meowth asks if they have a chance at grabbing the Pikachu because they have the home town advantage.
Ash and friends are at a rest stop and suddenly a bicycle gang comes up the road and surrounds them. Ash, Misty and Brock try to get away but the gang won't let them. The leader (Chopper) says they have to have an introduction. Ash and friends all say hello. A girl from the gang (Tara) says that they have to have a Pokémon battle which Ash accepts. Chopper sends out a Golem and Ash sends out Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur uses Vine Whip but Golem curls up and is not affected. Golem then uses Tackle which knocks out Bulbasaur. Ash sends out Charmander who uses Ember which also does not effect Golem. Charmander then uses Flamethrower and Fire Spin which sets Golem on fire. Golem is told to use Tackle but Golem spins towards the gang in a fireball. Ash and friends laugh. Chopper calls it back and the Pokéball burns his hand. Tara sends out Cloyster. Misty says to Ash to let her handle it since it is a water Pokémon. She tries to send out Starmie but Psyduck comes out instead. She says she may as well give it a try. Psyduck waddles over to Cloyster making the gang laugh. It then tries to use Tail Whip causing even more laughter. Then it pokes itself on one of the Cloyster spines. Everyone is now laughing including Ash. Misty thinks to herself "just wait until you see Psyduck's real power." She tries to get it to use disable but it doesn't know how to. It is the same with confusion. Brock says that Psyduck's headache isn't bad enough yet to use Psychic attacks. Misty starts yelling at Cloyster saying that it should clamp onto Psyduck's head. By this time the gang is laughing hysterically. Cloyster clamps onto Psyduck's tail instead of its head like Misty intended. Misty says that she will just have to hit Psyduck on the head with a bicycle to give it a headache.
Suddenly they hear sirens. It is Team Rocket. The girl calls out that Big Jess (Jessie) is back and Chopper says that Little Jim (James) is there too. Tara says that Big Jess used to be called Chainer Jess because she used to ride her bike while swing a chain around over her head. Chopper says that James was called Little Jim because he was the only gang member who used to use trainer wheels. Jessie announces to the gang that she and James are part of the prestigious Team Rocket. Jessie turns to Ash and friends and says that now they know about their secret past. Ash says that he wished it was still a secret. They then ask if the gang could help them deal with Ash and friends because they are always ruining their plans. Chopper says that they will help. Another siren is heard and this time it is Officer Jenny an the police force. Officer Jenny offers to escort Ash and friends across the bridge to the Sunnytown Pokémon Center but she gets called away to an accident. The storm clouds start to roll in and rain starts to pelt down onto our heroes. Pikachu is blown out of Ash's grasp and grabs onto Ash's shirt. Meanwhile Jessie, James and Meowth are watching them from inside a building. Chopper and Tara come up to them and say that they should be out there riding so they can show the whole gang how to really ride. They are hesitant but don't want to look bad so they accept. James says "I wish I had my training wheels with me!"
At the Sunnytown Pokémon Center Nurse Joy tells the other Joy that the medicine hasn't arrived yet and she looks over at the sick Shellder that is awaiting the medicine. Ash and friends are still riding down the bridge. There is a boat coming up to the bridge and the drawbridge starts to rise. Brock says that they should wait for the boat to go by but Ash says that he is not waiting. At the same time Team Rocket is riding up to the drawbridge. Chopper says to show the gang how to ride. Jessie, James and Meowth come up to the bridge and get ready to jump. On the other side Ash, Misty and Brock are doing the same. They both jump from their respective ends and Ash, Misty and Brock use Team Rocket as stepping stones and bounce off them to make the jump to the other end. They make it to the awe of Chopper and the bikers. Team Rocket lands far below the bridge in the water. Chopper says he will have to battle Ash. Ash declines saying that he has to get some medicine to the Pokémon Center. Tara asks if that is the reason they are riding in the storm. Chopper says that Ash and friends are real bikers and they will take them to the Pokémon Center in style.
Ash and friends arrive at the Pokémon Center with an escort from the bike gang. They give the medicine to Nurse Joy and she pours it into the tank that the Shellder is in. It is instantly better. Chopper says that they will call Ash Awesome Ash and Misty will be called Mighty Misty. Brock says to Tara that she can call him Honey and she slaps him. In the ending scene we see some people fishing on the river bank. Suddenly Team Rocket rides out of the water on their unicycles. It sounds like it has been a bad day for Team Rocket.

In Episode 36 Ash and friend are continuing their journey. It starts to rain and they start to run looking for shelter. They find a house which they think is deserted. Inside they see another Pikachu mirroring Ash's Pikachu. Misty picks up the new Pikachu and finds out there is something weird about its face. She drops it. Brock says that maybe this is a new type of Pikachu. Ash says that he wants to catch it. Pikachu uses Thundershock on it and Ash throws a Pokéball. The Pokéball is knocked away by someone with the same clothes as Ash on. The only difference is that the other person has green hair. Brock says that the person is a girl and calls it men's intuition. The girl introduces herself as Duplica and that they are in the House of Imitate. The other Pikachu turns into a Ditto. Misty bends down and pets it. Duplica says that Ditto can turn into anything by using an attack called Transform. Ash gets out his Pokédex to get more information on this unusual Pokémon. Duplica says that this particular Ditto is still learning to change its face when it transforms. Ash says that a Ditto sounds boring. Duplica replies by challenging Ash to a match, one on one.
Duplica leads them to a stage and they start the battle. Duplica chooses Ditto and Ash sends out Bulbasaur. Ditto uses Transform and turns into a Bulbasaur. Ash's Bulbasaur uses Razor Leaf on Ditto. Ditto then uses Vine Whip and knocks all of the leaves away. It then grabs Bulbasaur with its Vine Whip and Ash gives up. Ditto turns back to its real shape. Ash wonders how the original could have lost. Duplica takes Ash and friends into a dressing room filled with hundreds of clothes. She goes through a rack and comes out dressed as Nurse Joy. She goes through another and comes out as Officer Jenny. Brock says that she doesn't capture the adult charm of the characters she is portraying. She goes through the rack again and comes out dressed as Misty. Ash is still gloomy because he lost to Ditto. He wonders how he could have lost to a 'fake'. Brock says that Duplica must have a lot of knowledge training a Ditto because she would have to know every Pokémon's attacks so she could use them in battle. That is how she knew what move to use against your Bulbasaur. Misty says that Duplica would have to study Pokémon a lot and would make a great Pokémon Master. Duplica says that she doesn't want to be a Pokémon Master just a Ditto trainer and a star. We see a flashback from Duplica. She is on a stage with Ditto. First of all she dresses up as some Pokémon and does imitations of them. She says to Ash and friends that she started all of this because she liked to imitate Pokémon. Back to the flashback, Duplica asks for volunteer Pokémon in the audience to come up onto the stage. First up a Machoke comes up. Ditto uses Transform and becomes a Machoke but there is one problem, Ditto's face remains the same. The crowd start to talk among themselves. Next up comes a Voltorb. Ditto uses Transform and becomes a Voltorb. Ditto's face still remains the same. People from the audience yell out that Ditto has a dumb face and can't even transform properly. Ditto gets angry and uses Selfdestruct, one of Voltorb's attacks. Duplica says that people don't want to see Ditto do imperfect transformations. They want it done right. The lights suddenly go out. A spotlight illuminates the stage. Team Rocket come on and say their lines. At the end Ash claps slowly and says that the show is over, go home now. Jessie says that they are here to take Ditto. Meowth grabs it and Weezing uses Smog Attack and fills the room with smoke. By the time it clears Team Rocket are gone with Ditto. We are taken to a house that has Meowth's balloon on top. Team Rocket are inside with Ditto. James says that they have finally won and actually stolen a Pokémon. Jessie says that the boss will be very happy with them. They act out a scene that they think will happen when the give Ditto to the Boss. Jessie says that before they give Ditto to the Boss they should have a little fun with it. Jessie holds a picture in front of Ditto's face, so that James and Meowth can't see it, and asks Ditto to Transform into what this person would look like if they were an adult. James peeks a look at the picture and sees that it is a young boy. Jessie says it was her first love. Ditto Transforms into the picture frame but it still has its own face. James and Meowth are laughing. Jessie turns around and punches them. Ditto then licks her. Jessie turns her attention back to Ditto. She holds a book with a picture of Dratini in it. She tells Ditto to Transform into the Dratini. Ditto transforms into the book but still it can't change its face. Jessie says that it better get it right next time or she will turn it into jelly. Ash, Misty, Brock and Duplica are sitting in a circle on the floor. Misty is reassuring Duplica saying that they will help to find her Ditto. She says that Pidgeotto and Zubat are already out looking for Team Rocket. Ash is still a bit depressed that he lost the battle. He said he has done a lot of thinking and that the power and progress of Ditto relates directly to the abilities of the Trainer. Just then Pidgeotto and Zubat return. They have found Ditto. Duplica says that she has any idea of a way to get Ditto back. Back at the Team Rocket house Ditto is trying to transform into Meowth but it still can't transform its face. Meowth says that Ditto better get it right or it will regret it. Ditto swirls its face around and it changes to Meowth's face. Ditto has finally learned how to transform its face. The lights go out and we see four people facing a wall in Team Rocket uniforms. They turn around one by one and say the Team Rocket motto.
Ash: Prepare for trouble
Brock: And make it double double
James: Quit imitating us
Misty: To protect the world from devastation
Duplica: To ignite all peoples within our nation
Jessie: This is insulting
Ash: To denounce the evils of truth and love
Misty: To extend our reach to the stars above
Ash: Ash
Misty: Misty
Brock: And Brock
Duplica: Duplica that's right
Brock: Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light
Duplica: Surrender now or prepare to fight all of us
Pikachu: Pika Pika
Team Rocket is not pleased because Ash, Misty, Brock and Duplica got some of the words wrong. Ash and Misty now understand why Team Rocket always say their motto, it is because it is fun. Ash and friends ask for Ditto back but they can't tell which one is which because Ditto looks like Meowth. Jessie says that they perfected Ditto's Transform under expert training. Duplica thanks them and say that now Ditto will be the Pokémon she has always wanted. Jessie and James start to cry and Ash say that maybe they should solve this without a battle. Jessie agrees and hands over one of the Meowths. It is the wrong one of course. Team Rocket get into the hot air balloon and take off with Ditto.
Duplica knows that it Meowth that she got was the real one and not Ditto. She yells out to Team Rocket "Hold it right there!" She then throws Meowth at the balloon. Ditto bites Jessie's arm and jumps down from the balloon. Duplica runs over and catches it. James yells out that it is time for Plan B. A cannon lowers itself from under the balloon. Duplica gets Ditto to use Transform on the cannon. Pikachu jumps into the cannon and Ditto fires it toward the balloon. At the same time Team Rocket fries a net out of their cannon. Pikachu comes towards the net and does a Thundershock which shocks the net, balloon and Team Rocket. The Thundershock also puts a hole in the balloon sending Team Rocket blasting off again. Ditto turns back to normal and Duplica hugs it. Ditto then Transforms into an exact copy of Pikachu. Ash says that Ditto did a great job. He then asks which Pikachu is his. Duplica says that he needs to keep training.
Back at the House of Imitate Duplica is just finishing putting up a t sign on the front of the building. When she finishes she announces that the House of Imitate is now officially re-opened. Ash and friends clap and then they leave. Ash says he wishes he could catch a Ditto because it is all of the Pokémon is one. We see Team Rocket in a clearing with a totally wrecked balloon. They are trying to put something on Meowth. It is a Dratini suit. They say it is the only way they can still impress the Boss. Meowth scratches both of them then they all start fighting. Looks like it is going to be a tough evening for them.

In Episode 37 At the start we see that Ash, Misty and Brock have found a beautiful place in the forest to rest. Ash starts to swing on vines yelling, "Kanga Kangaskhan" but he runs into a tree. Pikachu runs over to Ash to see if he is all right and then it sees a baby Pikachu staring at it. Pikachu waves but the baby runs off. Pikachu and Ash run after it followed by Misty and Brock.
Eventually they get to a clearing and see a whole clan of wild Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu goes over and says hello but the wild Pikachu run away because they are scared of the new Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu is sad and starts to walk away. The baby Pikachu comes over and sniffs Ash's Pikachu and then shakes tails with it. All of the Pikachu come over to Ash's Pikachu and Bro
ck says that they have accepted Pikachu into their clan. Ash runs over to them yelling, "I want to be part of the clan too" but he scares them all away. Meanwhile the baby Pikachu is watching Ash and friends from a tree. It slips and falls into a river. Ash's Pikachu dives in after it and grabs it. All the other Pikachu are joining tails and making a big chain to save the two Pikachu. They start to hurry because they can see a big waterfall ahead. The leader attaches himself to a tree and the other Pikachu wade into the water to catch the endangered Pikachu. They catch them just before the waterfall and pull them to shore. Pikachu is laying on the ground unconscious so the baby Pikachu gives it a small electric shock. This wakes up Pikachu and all of the Pikachu raise Ash's Pikachu up on their tails like a hero.
Team Rocket is watching all of this from a tree and get the idea to catch all of the Pikachu to give to the Boss (Giovanni). The branch they are standing on breaks and they fall to the ground.
Next we see that it is night and all the Pikachu are sitting around the fire at night chanting the Pikachu Chant. Ash and friends watch and talk about how happy Pikachu is with his wild friends. Brock notes that it would be good for Pikachu to stay with his own kind. They sit around they're own fire eating and Misty notices that Ash is sad but he says it is nothing. Ash stays up while Misty and Brock sleep. He looks at the fire and sees Pikachu and then asks himself should Pikachu stay with its own kind.
The fire goes out and the Pikachu scream for help. Ash, Misty and Brock run over and see the Pikachu being captured in a net by Team Rocket. Misty tells Ash's Pikachu to break the net with its Thunder Shock but Team Rocket informs her that the net is electric proof. James shoots a net at Ash, Misty and Brock, which they get out of quite easily, and then start sailing away in their balloon with the Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu starts to gnaw at the net then all of the other Pikachu help him. Finally they gnaw through it and Ash, Misty and Brock hold out the net that they were captured in to catch the Pikachu as they jump from the balloon. Ash's Pikachu runs up the side of the balloon and Team Rocket see that all of the Pikachu have got away except one. They lunge at the lonesome Pikachu and miss hitting the gas valve for the balloon. The balloon starts to over inflate then Ash's Pikachu bites a hole in it blasting Team Rocket off again. Pikachu jumps off the balloon into Ash's arms and then runs over to the Pikachu clan.
Ash walks away and Misty and Brock run up to him. They can't believe Ash is leaving his Pikachu behind. Ash says it is for the best because it deserves to be with its kind. Ash starts running with Pikachu following behind him. Ash yells at Pikachu to stay behind. Brock comes up and says it is wrong to leave his Pikachu behind. Ash sees his Pikachu behind him with the clan of wild Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu shakes tails with the baby Pikachu. The other Pikachu start saying, "Pikachu" and Brock says they are cheering for Ash and his Pikachu. Pikachu jumps into Ash's arms and hugs him. Ash is touched and starts to cry. Looks like Pikachu will be loyal to Ash forever.

In Episode 38 Ash and Co. are traveling on a forest path when Pikachu notices an Eevee chained to a nearby tree. Brock thinks it's abandoned, and Ash and Misty immediately want to take it with them. Misty then notices a nametag on the collar of the Eevee. It reads "Stone Town, House 3-14." So Ash and Co. set out to return the Eevee to its owner.
Stone Town is at the base of Evolution Mountain, where all the evolutionary stones can be found. House 3-14 turns out to be a very large, very nice mansion. There's a backyard party going on, and Ash and Co. drop in uninvited. Three brothers, are throwing the party for their younger brother, Mike, who is to decide what he will evolve his Eevee into. It turns out that the Eevee belongs to this boy. The reason, Misty finds out, that the boy chained up Eevee in the woods was so he wouldn't have to evolve it today, as he likes Eevee just the way it is. But his three brothers, who have Vaporieon, Flareon, and Jolteon, are overanxious to evolve the Eevee and seem to be overpowering their younger brother. These brothers seem to think that the only way to win battles is to have an evolved Pokemon. Ash sticks up for Mike, saying you don't need an evolved Pokemon to win, and that leads to an argument between the brothers and Ash and Brock over when to evolve Pokemon, as early as possible or when the Pokemon are ready. The brothers end up offering to evolve Pikachu and Vulpix, but Ash and Brock decline. While this is happening, Misty is counseling Mike on standing up to his brothers and refusing to evolve Eevee, and not running away from his problems by hiding Eevee. Ash and Brock are interested in other things, as they are checking out all the rare Pokemon, all the evolutionary stones, and all the food. However, the same things that are attracting Ash and Brock's attention have also attracted Team Rocket to the party. Just as Mike is about to announce he doesn't want Eevee to evolve, TR descends to the lawn in their balloon. They're so hungry they start eating food while they recite their motto. But they soon get down to business, as Wheezing spreads a smoke screen and TR takes all the evolutionary stones and Pokemon. When the smoke clears, Ash sees the Meowth balloon getting away, and sends up Pidgeotto to pop it. However, it turns out the balloon was a decoy; there was no one in it. TR stole a truck and escaped by way of a back road with a good deal of Pokemon, including Horsea, Vulpix, and Pikachu, and all the Eevees. However, Horsea squirts out ink to mark a trail on the road as TR flees, and Pidgeotto spots it…
We join TR by a lake, chowing down on all the food they stole. They decide to try and evolve the Eevee, but can't decide which version to evolve it to. Finally, they decide to use all the stones at once, but before they can get the first Vaporjoltflareon, Ash and Co. shows up and Squirtle uses Water Gun to blast the stones away. They had followed the trail of ink left by Horsea that Pidgeotto found to the TR campsite. After freeing most of the Pokemon, Ash and Co. discover TR still has Eevee, and the Three Eevee brothers use their Eevee evolutions to battle TR. However, TR battles back and actually beats up the Eevee trainers, but Eevee escapes from his cage and returns to Mike. After Pikachu shocks TR real good, Eevee uses Rage Tackle and blasts off TR.
After the battle, Mike tells his brothers that he wants to keep his Eevee as it is. His brothers, after watching Eevee beat TR, agree that Mike should be able to choose not to evolve Eevee. They welcome his decision to keep Eevee, and modify the party to celebrate Mike and Eevee's first battle victory. And while Ash and Co. enjoys the good food at the party, TR is eating food straight from the tin cans in the wilderness. Oh well, maybe next time.

In Episode 39 Ash, Misty, and Brock are traveling through the forest when they happen upon an old hippie sitting on a rock. He plays a song for them on his Poké Flute, which wakes the sleeping Pikachu up. He then asks for some food as payment for the music, but Ash and his friends don't even have any for themselves. The hippie is disappointed, and lets them continue on their way. As they walk along, they complain about how hungry they are, and are happy to find a small town. As they enter, the hippie plays his song for Team Rocket, but they are only annoyed and insult him.
Ash and his friends walk through the town, searching for something to eat. They come across a bakery, but there isn't anything there. There isn't anything at a vegetable stand nearby, and the local restaurant is closed. They sit down and complain some more, when an the mayor of the town approaches them. He invites them to his house, where they eat a rather large meal. He explains that the river that flows through the town has dried up, killing their crops. He tells them how hard it is to find enough food to eat, which makes Ash and his friends concerned that they are eating so much of his food. He assures them his family has enough food in storage to last them for a while. Misty and Brock wonder why the river dried up, as it hadn't been particularly dry this season. The mayor takes them outside and shows them the dry river bed, telling how it suddenly stopped flowing two weeks before. Ash and his friends decide to search upstream, for they think something may be blocking it up there. The mayor warns them that there is no telling what they may find and to be careful.
Ash and his friends walk along the river bed, and come across a large patch of thorns. After making their way trough them, with the help Bulbasaur, they find a huge Pokémon blocking the path. Brock tells Ash that it's a Snorlax. Ash and his friends try to wake up the Snorlax with many different techniques, but to no avail. They try to move him, but he is way too heavy. He is, in fact, the heaviest species of Pokémon in the world. Ash then tries to catch him in a Pokéball, but the ball just bounces off his rotund body.
Team Rocket appears with the intent of capturing the Snorlax for their Boss. Meowth shows up in the balloon and lets down a bunch of cables. Ash and his friends resign to the fact that at least Snorlax will be moved, and help Jessie and James attach the wires to the large Pokémon. Meowth then tries to lift Snorlax, but the cables snap, sending the balloon crashing down. They all try a few more things, from an alarm clock, to a bucket of ice water, but he still doesn't awaken. Team Rocket is at a loss, but then Jessie remembers the story of Sleeping Beauty, and how a noble prince woke her up with a kiss. James declares that a kiss from a noble Pokémon might just do the trick. Ash and his friends decide to use Misty's Horsea, but Psyduck comes out instead, planting one right on Snorlax. It doesn't work, and Misty hits Psyduck over the head. Team Rocket decides to use Meowth, and dress him up as a prince. Meowth is reluctant to comply, but Team Rocket force him to. That doesn't work either, but makes Snorlax look awfully disturbed.
Snorlax rolls over slightly, revealing a small door-handle sign. Ash picks it up and it turns out to be a "Do Not Disturb" sign, like the kind you put on your hotel door. He turns it over, and reads that, in case of an emergency, one can wake him up with a Poké Flute. Ash pulls out Dexter and shows a picture of one. Misty recognizes it as the flute that the hippie played for them, and they run off to find him, with Team Rocket soon behind. They do, but end up fighting over him. Jessie starts off with Arbok, but Ash's Pidgeotto blows them all away. Ash, Misty, and Brock take the hippie to where the Snorlax is and he tells them that Snorlax is his. He pulls out his Poké Flute, and Snorlax quickly gets up, and lumbers off.
The water however, still isn't flowing, and Ash and his friends see another patch of thorns blocking the way. They're about to start to get rid of them, but Snorlax starts to eat the thorns. Ash and his friends are surprised, and the hippie explains that thorns are Snorlax's favorite food. After eating through all the thorns, the river starts to flow once more. The mayor is overjoyed and decides to through a banquet in their honor.
Back in the forest, Team Rocket are searching for the Snorlax. They find him, but he has gone back to sleep. They ask the hippie when he'll wake up again, but it won't be for another month. The hippie walks off, and the Snorlax rolls over on top of them. They're going to be there for a while.

In Episode 40 Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu find themselves in Dark City. To their surprise, no-one is around, but a kid runs out onto the street. His mother quickly withholds him, saying there might be Pokemon trainers around. For some reason she is afraid of Pokemon trainers. Soon, Ash and the others are being bombarded by rocks by someone. Pikachu shocks the kids on the roof who were throwing rocks at them, and they tell Ash to leave because he is a Pokemon trainer. Then a man walks over to Ash and the others and states that he doesn't want any trouble and takes them into his restaurant.
He then tells Ash that the city has two gyms. One is the Yas gym and the other is the Kas gym. The two gym's are having a gang war, and will hire any trainers to fight for them. A weird person in disguise is on the other side of the gym. Ash gets some food and tells Pikachu to put some ketchup on it, and Pikachu goes a bit overboard, and ends up covering it with ketchup! Then the man tells them how the best gym will be the official gym. Then a battle begins outside. The Yas gym leader sends out Scyther, and the Kas gym leader sends out Electabuzz. Everyone is running for their lives, and the man tells Ash and the others to hide (while Pikachu is hugging the ketchup bottle)! In comes Team Rocket in Kas gym uniforms. The man says he can't give them any food because the Kas gym has not paid their bill in two years. So Jessie and James recite their motto, and send out Arbok and Weezing. The weird person in disguise is still there.
Ash sends out Pikachu, Misty sends out Starmie, and Brock sends out Vulpix. And then Ash and misty say "Vulpix?!?!?!?" and Vulpix breathes a huge blast of flame that sends Team Rocket flying out of the building. The owner of the restaurant thanks them.
A girl from the Yas gym comes in (who Brock blushes about, like always) and tells them that they are good Pokemon trainers. She then asks them if they will fight for the Yas gym, and also asks for their names. But Misty says that they should not say their real names. Ash looks down at Pikachu who is eating the Ketchup! He says his name is Tom Ato, Misty says her name is Anne Chovie, and Brock says that his name is Caesar Salad. The girl from the gym says that the Yas gym is worthy of becoming the official gym. Brock in a still in a trance at this girl jumps at the opportunity to help them. She takes them to the Yas gym where they find the man with the Scyther. Suddenly, Scyther is told to attack them, and Pikachu had been eating the ketchup, which Scyther slashes and gets all over his eyes. He sees everything in red, and starts slashing at the man, but he brings it back. He says that he has never seen his Scyther so frightened, and Pikachu holds up the broken ketchup bottle, very upset.
The man says that he wants the Yas gym to be an official gym to make money. Then Ash says that he won't help them. The man now thinks that he is the enemy, and all the Pokemon start attacking him. Misty and Brock get him out, and they all leave. Misty wonders how the got escaped so easily with that Scyther, and Ash remembers the ketchup in its eyes. He then says "There might be a way to beat them!"
They have a plan. Yas and Kas are going to fight again, and Ash, Misty, Brock, and the people of the town set up barrels and lightning rods. They start fighting, and the barrels are let go, dropping red stuff all over the two gym leaders. Scyther and Electabuzz see the red and start attacking them! Ash then sends out Bulbasaur who dumps more red stuff on Electabuzz and Scyther. They then look at each other for a moment, then jump, only to hit into each other and pass out. The two leaders decide to join together to destroy the Ash and the others.
Ash's Pikachu uses thunder which travels to the lightning rods. It shocks all of the gym people, and they start to run, but someone yells "HOLD IT"! It is the weird person in disguise from the restaurant. The person holds out an official Pokemon League Inspector PokeBall. Then the person sends out a Chansey! The weird person is Nurse Joy! Brock sees her, and goes into a trance again! Joy explains that they can't become gyms if they use their Pokemon for street fighting. But she gives them another chance and tells Ash to help them to start again.
Ash explains how you have to be kind to your Pokemon, and when fighting, you have to try your best to win, but you don't want to actually beat the other person… and then he figures out that he doesn't really know what he is trying to say. He says that they have to fix everything that was broken by them. They say "Thank you, Tom Ato". Then, Ash wishes that he had used a better name!
So, they start to rebuild the town. The three boys from the beginning said that Ash and his friends were great, and that they wanted to become Pokemon trainers - and they ask Pikachu for his Autograph!
Ash and his friends then leave and Ash says that those kids really appreciated Pikachu, and the kids say they will miss him. We then see team rocket who is covered in ketchup! Scyther and Electabuzz see this… do I really need to explain what happens to Team Rocket!!!!