"Ah! We've been given a new life, meow! This is wonderful, meow!"
Inside a dim cave, Meowth let out a long sigh of relief.
"Yeah… who would've thought that by chasing after that brat Ash and his friends every day, we'd end up experiencing something like that?" James said, his face pale with lingering fear.
"If it wasn't for our unshakable loyalty to Team Rocket and Giovanni, there's no way we would've made it out. Honestly, we should be thanking the boss. Without him, we'd still be trapped inside that bizarre mirror world!" Jessie continued grimly, picking up James's words.
"And speaking of that mirror world… can you believe there were versions of us living there—exact copies? But according to them, their Team Rocket was actually a good organization that helped everyone. Can you imagine? Us? Do-gooders?" James shook his head as if recalling a fever dream.
If it hadn't been for the three of them desperately clinging to their memories of the real world, they might never have escaped.
That's right—the trio now sitting in the cave were none other than the Team Rocket trio who had managed to return from the mirror world.
"Hey, don't you guys feel like something's… off in this cave, meow? Besides us, it's way too quiet. Creepy-quiet, meow…" Meowth suddenly shivered.
James and Jessie's gazes darted ahead—and that's when they saw it.
Not far from them, lying fast asleep, was a Salamence.
"Salamence… I just had a brilliant idea!" Jessie's eyes gleamed. "If we put this Silly Hypnosis Gadget on its head, we can capture it. Then we'll have a dragon powerhouse to crush that brat and his gang!"
She pulled out the so-called invention, which Meowth had cobbled together by accident. Jessie had snatched it the moment it seemed useful.
Before James or Meowth could stop her, Jessie crept forward and—amazingly—managed to slip the device onto Salamence's head.
The dragon stirred awake, its eyes blinking with a bizarrely cheerful daze. At first, it actually swayed left and right like it was hypnotized, filling the trio with glee. Success seemed within reach—
Until Salamence wobbled too far and smacked its massive head against the cave wall.
The gadget sparked violently.
And then—went out of control.
------
Meanwhile, Ash and his friends were still journeying toward Coumarine City, their next Gym Badge destination.
That day, they had just arrived at a local Pokémon Center in a small town along the way. But instead of the usual calm atmosphere, the center was packed and buzzing with activity.
One after another, injured Pokémon were being rushed in for treatment.
"Something's wrong…" Clemont muttered, quickly finding Nurse Joy to ask what was happening.
The explanation left them stunned.
Apparently, a Salamence had gone berserk nearby. It was attacking Pokémon indiscriminately—wild or trained, it didn't matter. If Salamence encountered it, it lashed out violently.
"We can't just ignore this!" Clemont declared firmly, fists clenched.
Ash's eyes flashed with determination. "Then I'll capture that Salamence. If it's going on a rampage, the best way to stop it is to add it to our team."
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu agreed instantly.
"That's… Ash wanting to catch a Salamence? Actually, that could work!" Serena nodded. "Then let's head for that cave where the attacks started!"
Without hesitation, the group rushed off.
------
"ROOOAR!!"
By the time they arrived, Salamence was already attacking a poor Ursaring.
"Garchomp, go stop that Salamence!" Ash commanded.
"Garchooomp!"
Ash's Garchomp—just three levels away from crossing into Elite Four tier—charged forward with raw power.
"ROOOAR!!"
Sensing another Dragon-type challenger, Salamence immediately turned its fury away from Ursaring.
Serena and Bonnie hurried over to check the wounded Ursaring, their faces worried.
"Ash! Ursaring's badly injured—it needs treatment right away!" Serena shouted.
"Got it. Then let's end this fast!" Ash narrowed his eyes. "Garchomp, use Dragon Claw—aim for that strange device on its head first!"
With a thunderous cry, Garchomp leapt high, claws glowing green. With one slash, it shattered the malfunctioning Silly Hypnosis Gadget strapped to Salamence's skull.
The shards scattered as Salamence roared in pain and fury.
Its jaws opened wide—and a devastating Hyper Beam shot straight into Garchomp's chest!
"Garchomp!!" Serena gasped.
But the smoke cleared to reveal Garchomp still standing. With a mighty flap of its wings, it launched itself skyward.
"Salamence, let's see if you can withstand this! Dragon Rush!" Ash shouted.
"GAARCHOMP!!!"
From above, Garchomp dove like a meteor, its body wreathed in dragon energy. Its killing intent locked Salamence in place, leaving it no choice but to brace for impact.
"ROOOAR!!"
Salamence's claws lit up, ready to counter with Dragon Claw—but Garchomp's fin-blades deflected the strike with ease.
The full force of Dragon Rush slammed Salamence into the ground!
"Now! Poké Ball, go!"
Ash hurled a Heal Ball.
The ball struck Salamence, sucked it inside, and fell to the ground. It rocked once. Twice.
Click!
"Alright! Salamence is ours!" Ash grinned, pumping his fist.
"Pikachu!!"
"Garchooomp!"
Ding! [Congratulations, host! Garchomp has successfully defeated Salamence. The Tenfold EXP Multiplier Card activates—rewarding 10,000 battle experience points!]
Level 58!
Level 59!
Level 60!
Garchomp has broken through to the Elite Four tier!
"Great job, Garchomp. Take a rest," Ash recalled it before summoning Salamence.
[Pokémon]: Salamence
[Category]: Dragon Pokémon
[Type]: Dragon / Flying
[Ability]: Intimidate
[Hidden Ability]: Moxie (Not Activated)
[Potential]: Blue
[Level]: 55
[Moves]: Dragon Tail, Dragon Claw, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Rage, Ember, Bite, Focus Energy, Protect, Dragon Breath, Headbutt, Zen Headbutt, Iron Head, Flamethrower, Hyper Beam…
Ash immediately used a Potential Upgrade Card and a Trait Activation Card on it. Salamence's aptitude upgraded to Purple potential, and its hidden ability Moxie awakened.
"Salamence, from now on, let's work together! You've caused a lot of damage here, so let's make things right by helping the injured Pokémon get back to the Center."
"Rooaar…" Salamence lowered its head sheepishly, scratching at its massive jaw.
Seeing the mighty dragon look so bashful, everyone couldn't help but smile warmly.
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