Timothy's Pokemon are beginning to tire as the battle rages on. Lt. Surge, Brandon, Alain, Max, Forrest, Cilan, Iris, and Clemont are still fighting alongside him, but no matter how many Pokemon their own Pokemon take down from Team Rocket's side, more psychic Pokemon or Pokemon from Team Rocket grunts come in. All around the nine trainers still fighting in the front lines, more trainers in their side run away with all of their Pokemon taken down. The wild Pokemon with Timothy and Ash's Pokemon are not faring any better with most of the Ash and Timothy's Pokemon being the only ones holding their ground. Fearow's flock has fallen back, leaving Fearow itself with Pidgeot and Butterfree, who are barely still fighting with the rest of the Pidgeot and Butterfree. Many psychic/flying type Pokemon are constantly attacking Zapatos, Articuno, and Moltres. The legendary birds are taking out multiple enemies at once, but they are slowly starting to tire as legendary Psychic Pokemon like the Deoxys and the three Lugia attack them. Even the legendary beasts, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, are barely holding their own at the rate the enemy is pushing hard. No one from the Kanto side knows how the water forces are doing, but it's a safe bet in their eyes that they're not faring better than anyone else.

As everyone is fighting, a grunt's Magmar fires a Fire Blast and knocks out Cilan's Pansage and Iris' Excadrill and Emolga all at once. A brainwashed Drowzee uses Psybeam to send Brandon's Dusclops knocked off its feet. Another grunt sends out its Electrode to use Explosion, knocking several trainers off their feet, including Max and his Sceptile and Pinsir. Another grunt's Electrode explodes close enough to knock Poliwrath and Odyssey off their feet, knocking them out. A group of Starmie and Slowbro work together to take out Forrest's Rhyperior. Gengar emerges from the ground to take down a Baltoy, but the attack lets it open to be hit with a Psybeam from a Grumpig, making it faint. Only Alain's Pokemon seem to lack any hint of fatigue, fueled by his strong desire to reclaim his Metagross and to keep Mairin safe from harm.

As Lt. Surge keeps commanding his Raichu, he hears his communicator beeping. He takes it out and holds it to his ear, shouting, "Surge here!"

"Surge, tell your forces to get out of there!" Lance shouts from the speaker. "You can't hold them any longer! We will cover you!"

"Understood!" Lt. Surge replies before putting his communicator away and turning to Brandon and Timothy. "Gentlemen, it's time! Pull everybody back!"

The two other commanders nod before turning to the remains of the vanguard.

"Everyone, retreat! Retreat to the medical camp!" Brandon shouts.

"Fall back! Fall back!" Timothy yells, while returning his fallen Pokemon.

Max, Clemont, Iris, Forrest, Cilan, and the rest of the Kanto brigade immediately return their Pokemon and run away. Electchu doesn't hesitate to get on Fenrir before the large Arcanine flees with Blitzwing following behind in the air. The Team Rocket grunts grin evilly as they see this as their chance to completely wipe out the front side of their enemy forces and start chasing after them. But while the rest of the remaining Pokemon and Pokemon trainers are running away, Timothy notices Alain is still fighting with his Pokemon.

"Alain, fall back!" He calls out.

"Never!" Alain yells.

"Alain, we got to go!" Timothy yells.

"Then go!" Alain barks.

Timothy is about to call out again until Brandon grabs his arm from behind.

"Leave him, Timothy!" He shouts, taking Timothy's arm. "There's nothing you can do!"

Timothy opens his mouth to protest, but when he sees the enemy drawing closer and accepts that there's no time. He turns around and runs away with the pyramid king while Pokemon moves barely miss the two men. Brandon and Timothy are so far behind from the rest of their brigade that the Johto brigade, led by Lance, is already charging past the Kanto people and Pokemon while the Team Rocket army is catching up with the two of them.

"Brandon! Timothy! Get down!" Lance screams.

It takes a moment before Brandon and Timothy realize that dozens of Johto Pokemon are about to fire Hyper Beams, Zap Cannons, Flamethrowers, Sludge Bombs, and other powerful attacks. They quickly drop to the ground just in time for the Pokemon to fire their attacks, knocking out many Pokemon and Team Rocket grunts. Brandon and Timothy stand up and begin running past the Johto brigade as they charge into battle. Finally, they make it all the way to the crowded medical camp where Brock is hugging Forrest, glad he's okay, and Timothy's three remaining Pokemon are panting heavily.

"Guys, are you okay?" Timothy asks as he reaches his Pokemon.

Electchu, Blitzwing, and Fenrir, all nod to their friend. Timothy smiles until he glances at the camp to see an unconscious Claydol lying in the middle of the camp. It isn't long before Brandon notices the same thing.

"What happened?!" Brandon exclaims.

"A Team Rocket agent named Domino came in with Spenser's Claydol and used it to destroy the camp," Brock answers. "Holly and I took it down, but there's a lot of stuff destroyed."

"Holly?" Timothy asks, confused.

Right at that moment, Holly runs over to Brock and says, "The doctors have found several crates of medicine that are still good, and Bonnie and Mairin have collected all the berries and put them in new barrels."

"Thank goodness," Brock says.

Holly nods and notices Timothy before giving him a sad smile.

"Hey, Timothy," she says.

"Hi, Holly," Timothy says. "Where have you been?"

"Long story. I'll tell you later," Holly answers. "Right now, we need to heal as much Pokemon as we can."

Brandon frowns, looking at the camp skeptically.

"I don't know how much you can do that," he says. "I doubt you can heal enough Pokemon before Lance's brigade has to pull back."

Timothy groans, knowing that Brandon is right.

"Great, what else can go wrong?" He asks.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Lt. Surge's communicator, and he takes it out.

"Surge here," he says.

"Surge, are you alright?" Coovers asks.

"Yes, we just pulled back while Lance and the Johto brigade fight," Lt. Surge answers

"Are Timothy and Brandon with you?" Coovers asks.

"They are," Surge replies.

"Put me on speaker," Coovers says.

Surge nods and presses a button while Brandon, Brock, Holly, and Timothy huddle up.

"You're on speaker," Lt. Surge says.

"Timothy? Brandon? Are you there?" Coovers asks.

"We're here, Coovers. And so is Brock and Holly," Brandon answers.

"What? Holly's there?" Coovers asks, surprised.

"Yes, yes, I'm here," Holly says impatiently. "Where are you?"

"I'm on one of the top levels of Team Rocket's tower," Coovers answers. "We just rescued the International Police at the science lab."

"So Looker and the others are safe?" Timothy asks.

"We are, Mr. Durbin," Looker ways from the speakers.

"Looker? Good to hear from you, sir," Timothy says.

"Same to you, Durbin, but we have problems," Looker says. "We recently found out that one of Team Rocket scientists activated a failsafe that keeps us from going higher up past this floor. Serena managed to get to the prison floor above us before the fail-safe was activated, but now she and Pikachu are cut off from the rest of us while she's looking for Ash. They are basically the only ones who can get all the way to Giovanni and the Gieldanstone. What's worse is that we've learned that Giovanni has Mewtwo and Mew to protect him."

"Hmmm. That complicates things," Brock says. "Is Serena okay?"

"I'm okay, Brock," Serena answers from the speaker. "Coovers gave me a communicator before I went up to the next floor. Pikachu and Braixen and I are looking for Ash right now."

"That's good," Lt. Surge says. "Maybe with Ash, you two and get the stone and free Arceus."

"Actually, that brings us to the second problem," Coovers says. "Apparently, Team Rocket adjusted the machine for Arceus so that it can't get out even if someone told it to with the Gieldanstone. It's in so much pain that it can't do anything, and there's also no way to turn off the machine."

Lt. Surge, Brandon, Brock, and Timothy's faces turn pale at the sound of this news.

"So, there's no way we can take it out even if Ash and Serena manage to get the jewel?" Brandon says.

"Correct," Looker says. "And given the way the machine is designed, it looks like if we tried to destroy the machine, it could blow up and kill Arceus and anyone around it."

"I'm sorry, but I'm lost in all of this," Holly says. "What does this mean?"

"It means we can't get Arceus out of the machine that is controlling all of the psychic Pokemon with it," Brock answers. "And as long as those Pokemon are controlled, it's only a matter of time before we are overrun and Team Rocket will win the battle. There's no way we can stop them from taking all of our Pokemon and start taking over the world at this point."

Holly looks at Brock, devastated while Brock hangs his head. Lt. Surge frowns and looks away while Brandon turns his back on everyone and walks away, feeling defeated. Timothy fights the urge to not break down, crushed that he can't stop the organization who caused his Pokemon so much pain. He gets down on his knees, puts his hands on the grass, and stays there silently until Electchu walks over to him.

"Rai, Rai, Raichu?" It says.

Timothy turns his head to his partner, still looking crushed.

"The what?" He asks.

"Raichu! Rai, Rai, Rai, Rai, Rai, Raichu!" The Raichu exclaims, pointing at Timothy's pocket. "Raichu! Raichu! Raichu!"

Timothy looks at his dear friend, confused as he looks at the pocket Electchu is pointing at. He reaches under it and takes out the purple Pokeball with two pink circles and a white 'M.' He stares at the container for several seconds before his eyes light up, and he turns to his partner.

"Electchu. You're a genius!" He shouts happily before he stands up and turns to Lt. Surge. "Surge, hand me your communicator, quick."

The Vermillion City gym leader looks at Timothy, taken aback by his sudden change of mood before he gives him his communicator.

"Coovers, Looker, I think Electchu and I have an idea," he says.

"What?" Coovers says, shocked. "What is it?"

"Looker, the Master Ball you gave me, you said it can catch any Pokemon just like that, right?" Timothy asks.

"Uh, yes, in theory," Looker answers.

"Do you know where Arceus is right now?" Timothy asks.

"Yes, it's standing in the machine outside at the front of the tower," Coovers answers.

"Great," Timothy says. "If I can get all the way over there and use the Master Ball on Arceus, it'll get sucked into the ball, and thus it will be out of the machine without needing to move, and the psychic Pokemon will be free."

Brandon frowns and says, "So your solution is to free Arceus by catching it to be your Pokemon?"

"I'm not going to keep it," Timothy clarifies. "Arceus is only going to be inside the Pokeball until after the fighting is over, then I'm going to set it free."

"That's a nice idea, Timothy, but how are you going to get from here to there?" Brock asks.

Timothy thinks for a moment before he says, "We need to get a bunch of trainers with four-legged Pokemon together like some Rhyhorn, Rapidash, and Tauros, along with Pokemon who know Rollout and charge through the enemy lines until I make it to the bridge connecting to the island."

"Ah, you want to form a cavalry. I like it," Lt. Surge says with a grin.

Timothy nods and turns to Brock and Holly.

"Brock, I know I'm asking a lot from you, but if this is going to work, I need you to heal up any Rhyhorn, Rapidash, and so on that our Kanto trainers have," he says. "And I'm going to need my Pokemon to be healed up too."

Brock frowns and thinks hard over Timothy's request.

"I really don't want to use so much of our supplies for a gamble like this," he says. "You're asking me to spend potentially all the medicine and berries we have left just so you can do this."

"I realize that," Timothy says. "But there's still a likability that eventually you will run out, and Team Rocket will overpower us anyway. But if we do this, we may have the opportunity to end this once and for all."

"Yes, but you forget one special element," Brandon points out. "Even if this Master Ball works, Giovanni can still force it out with the Gieldanstone just like he did with the psychic Pokemon."

"And that's where Ash and Serena fit into the equation," Timothy says. "While I do this, it will be their job to get to Giovanni and destroy the Gieldanstone."

"How?" Holly asks.

"I don't know how, but having them destroy it is the only way taking Arceus out of the machine will mean anything," Timothy says. "We have to put our faith in them."

"You're depending on this whole thing on faith?!" Brandon rebukes. "How do you expect that will do anything for us?"

Timothy turns to Brandon and says, "Brandon, why do you think we're here? We've been doing things out of faith the moment we left Indigo Plateau. Team Rocket has the numbers and strength, but we have the hope that we will prevail in spite of that. Why do you think I said all of those things in my speech before the battle began? Besides, you know as well as I do that Ash tends to figure things out despite the odds, so if there's anyone in the world who can overcome the obstacles even with just Serena and Pikachu by his side, it's Ash."

Brock and Holly look at each other before they nod, and the tan-skinned man speaks.

"He's right," Brock says. "Ash has always had a way to save the day when things are at their worst. Even if he's alone, he somehow pulls through. But he won't be alone. Serena and Pikachu are looking for him right now, and they will be all the support he needs. So let's count on them to destroy the Gieldanstone."

"Agreed," Lt. Surge says with a smirk.

Brock turns to Timothy and puts his hand on his shoulder.

"If it's faith you want, we will do what you're asking," he says. "Just don't waste your shot."

"I won't," Timothy promises. "And I'll be sure to take down lots of enemies along the way."

Brock nods before he turns to Holly, Brandon, and Lt. Surge.

"Okay, let's forge a cavalry," he says.

"Right," Lt. Surge says. "Brandon, you're with me on finding trainers with Pokemon that fit the criteria. Brock, Holly, get the doctors and nurses ready to heal some Pokemon."

"You got it," Brock and Holly say at the same time.

With that, the four of them head out, leaving Timothy alone with Electchu. The man in the "H.A.K" shirt turns his partner and kneels down to look at Electchu face to face.

"Let's hope your idea with this Master Ball works, pal," he says. "I don't know how else we're going to stop Giovanni if we don't."

"Raichu," Electchu says, nodding.

Timothy nods back before he remembers something and stands back up.

"Speaking of which, we better bring Serena up to speed," he says, turning Lt. Surge's communicator back on. "Serena, have you found Ash yet?"

It takes a few seconds before Serena's voice is heard through the speaker.

"No, not yet," she replies. "How are things on your end?"

"We just developed a plan that requires you, Ash, and me to kill two birds with one stone," Timothy says.

"Really? What is it?" Serena asks.

"I'm going to force my way through Team Rocket's army and use a special Pokeball to get Arceus out of the machine," Timothy answers bluntly. "And I need you and Ash to destroy the Gieldanstone while I'm at it so that Giovanni can't use it to get Arceus out of the Pokeball."

"How are we going to do that?" Serena asks.

"You and Ash will have to figure that out once you find him," Timothy answers. "Either way, you have until I hopefully succeed in doing this to destroy that thing and make Giovanni powerless to stop us from winning the fight. If you fail, then I will have taken Arceus out of the machine for nothing. Got it?"

It takes several more seconds before Serena replies, having likely debated with herself before she replies in a confident voice.

"Got it. Ash, Pikachu, Braixen, and I won't let you down."

"Let's pray you won't. I'm counting on you," Timothy says. "Now get going. Ash is still waiting for you."

"Right," Serena says.

************************************************************************************

It takes a while before everyone gathers all the Pokemon they need and heal them well enough for what Timothy has planned. Many trainers were reluctant to partake in such a risky endeavor and all the doctors, and Nurse Joys didn't want to use virtually all of their remaining supplies for it, but eventually, they all relented, understanding the world might depend on Timothy's trying to do, and started healing the specific Pokemon. While building the cavalry as quickly as possible, Lt. Surge fills Lance in on the idea so that he will know that he will need to move his brigade so that Timothy and the cavalry can pass through. Timothy even convinces Brock to allow him to take enough berries to heal Electchu, Poliwrath, Gengar, Fenrir, Odyssey, and Blitzwing well enough that they can partake in what is to come.

Finally, the doctors and nurses finish healing up the Pokemon and their trainers fill their Pokemon in for what they must do. The Pokemon soon file up with several Voltorb, Electrode, Graveler, and Golem taking the front. Behind them is a large line of Rhyhorn, Ponyta in the second line, Tauros in the third line, Rapidash in the fourth and finally a large line full of Arcanine with Fenrir standing the center next to Max's Arcanine. Timothy gets on his large Arcanine with Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey while Blitzwing gets ready to fly, and Gengar prepares to flatten its body to the ground and follow behind for protection. Max and the other trainers get on their four-legged Pokemon and get ready to charge.

"Your plan better work, Timothy," Max warns.

Timothy gives Max a small smile and says, "Don't worry, Max. If all goes to plan, you'll be training for the next Pokemon league before you know it. Just trust that we're going to win this."

Max smirks back, silently approving of Timothy's response while Brock and Holly walk over to Timothy. The man in the "H.A.K" shirt looks at his friends with a smile before he reaches out to Brock.

"See you on the other side, Brock," he says.

Brock stretches out his hand and shakes Timothy's hand saying, "Godspeed, Timothy."

Timothy then turns to Holly and says, "It's really good to see you again, Holly."

Holly smiles softly and says, "You too. Tell Ash, Serena, and Pikachu, I said hi."

Timothy shakes his head and says, "You're going to tell them yourself. I promise."

Brock and Holly walk over to Max, who is staring at the battlefield eagerly while on top of his Arcanine. The boy with glasses turns to them and gives them a sad smile.

"Be careful, Max," Holly says.

Brock nods and says, "Yeah, I hate to think what May will do if something happens to you."

"I'll be fine," Max claims before turning to the auburn-haired woman. "And Holly, it's great to see you too."

Holly smiles and nods before she and Brock leave. Finally, Lt. Surge and Brandon walk over to Timothy, with the former giving him a firm handshake.

"Hit them hard, Timothy," Surge says.

"It will be my pleasure," Timothy replies with a smirk.

The Vermillion City gym leader gives him a toothy grin before he backs away for Brandon to come forward. The Pyramid King crosses his arms and looks up at Timothy with a serious but concerned look on his face.

"You better know what you're doing with this," he says. "If you or Ash and Serena fail, then we're out of options."

"Duly noted," Timothy says dismissively. "And for the record, you should learn to think positive for once. You don't help anyone much less the world by doubting every chance we take. Plus, even if the enemy takes this cavalry down, we're going to take an awful lot of them with us."

Brandon keeps looking at Timothy skeptically before he sighs.

"Fine," he says. "Good luck."

"That's a little better," Timothy says with a small smile. "I'll see you when this is over."

Brandon nods and takes a few steps behind the cavalry. Timothy then turned to the many trainers and their Pokemon lined up and clears his throat.

"Alright, you guys!" he calls out. "We got only one shot at this, so give it everything you've got to reach that bridge!"

"Right!" Max and the other trainers shout while the Pokemon all roar or call out loudly.

Timothy smirks and holds on to Fenrir's fur while Electchu holds him from behind. Odyssey holds on behind Electchu, Poliwrath holds on behind Odyssey, and Gengar flattens itself into the ground.

"Alright. Cavalry, charge!" Timothy shouts.

Max and the other trainers shout battle cries and the Pokemon roar again before the Voltorb, Electrode, Graveler, and Golem lead by using Rollout. The trainers with their Rhyhorn, Ponyta, Tauros, Rapidash, and Arcanine immediately follow suit. They run towards the Johto brigade where people and Pokemon are noticing the cavalry coming and quickly separate to clear a path. From the front lines of the fighting, Timothy can see Lance leading while Alain and his Pokemon are still fighting strong. Lance notices the cavalry coming and turns to his forces.

"Alright, everyone, just as we planned!" He calls out. "One, two, three, fire!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, multiple Johto Pokemon fire attacks at the same time. Many Forretress, Steelix, Scizor, Skamory unleash Flash Cannon. A handful of Ampharos, Misdreavus, and Dunsparce unleash Zap Cannon. Lance's Dragonite, alongside some Larvatar, Pupitar, Tyraniter, Ursaring, Heracross, and Houndoom fire Hyper Beam. Finally, Alain's Charizard and a couple of Typhlosion use Blast Burn.

The attacks release at the same time and land on the ground in front of the enemy forces cause massive explosions that send Team Rocket grunts and Pokemon flying into the air. Black smoke covers the area where the people and Pokemon were blown away, leaving the enemies behind them distracted long enough to have some of them knocked away from the Pokemon using Rollout and those remaining get sent flying or run over by the rest of the calvary. Timothy and Max grin as Team Rocket grunts, their Pokemon, and brainwashed psychic Pokemon get knocked back or run over as they ram their way to their destination.

But suddenly, as they are charging, a grunt's Venusaur hits one of the Rhyhorn from the left side of the cavalry with Razor Leaf, causing it to collapse and its trainer to fall off. A brainwashed Kadabra uses Psychic on some of the Tauros, lifting them off their feet and sending them and their trainers high into the air. Another Team Rocket grunt has her Golduck use Hydro Pump on a couple of Rapidash and their trainers, and they tumble to the ground, miraculously not getting trampled by the Arcanine from behind.

"Guys, protect the cavalry!" Timothy shouts to Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Blitzwing, and Gengar.

Without hesitation, the five Pokemon begin attacking any enemy Pokemon that so much as look at the cavalry funny. From Thunder, to Electro Ball, to Hydro Pump, to Aura Sphere, Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey take down their enemies or cancel out their attack with their own moves. Blitzwing uses Crush Claw, and Steel Wing to take care of any flying Pokemon attempting to strike. Gengar constantly flattens itself to sneak up on psychic Pokemon and hit them from behind with its ghost and dark-type moves. Timothy keeps his eyes fixed on the bridge, as the cavalry circles around the large hole where the rock and ground-type Pokemon emerged from underground. His heart races as he mentally prays that they're going to make it.

"Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on," he grumbles. "Almost there."

Timothy's Pokemon keep using their moves to protect the Pokemon charging. But despite all of their efforts, more grunts and Pokemon ahead realize what is happening, and the Pokemon start firing more attacks than Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Blitzwing, and Gengar can handle. From Psybeams to Rock Throws, to Bubble Beams to all sorts of poison attacks, the cavalry gets smaller as more trainers with their Rhydon, Ponyta, Tauros, Rapidash, and Arcanine are blown away or hit by a powerful move. Eventually, a Gothitelle uses Psychic on all of the Graveler, Golem, Voltorb and Electrode leading the charge and send them flying away into the air before the rest of the cavalry runs it over.

Finally, they come near the other side of the field where the water battalion are still fighting between the main Team Rocket force and the remaining grunts that flanked them back led by Matori. Giovanni's secretary is commanding a Grumpig and a male Meowstic while a crowd of Team Rocket grunts are surrounding her in front of the bridge. Nervous that what's left of his cavalry won't be enough to run through the crowd, Timothy looks around to find Misty and her Mega Gyrados and her other Pokemon fighting near them on one side while Tucker and Lucy are fighting near the crowd on the other.

"Misty! Lucy! Tucker!" Timothy shouts.

Neither of them seem to hear him, so he shouts even louder.

"MISTY! LUCY! TUCKER!" He screams.

The Cerulean City gym leader and the two Frontier Brains hear him this time and turn to see him with the cavalry charging.

"GIVE ME AN OPENING TO THE BRIDGE!" Timothy yells, pointing at the Team Rocket roadblock.

They all nod before they command their Pokemon to attack. Tucker's Swampert and Arcanine use Water Pulse and Fire Blast respectively, and the two moves combine and create a tornado of water and fire at the center of the large group of enemies. Lucy's Milotic uses Twister, which combines with the water and fire tornado, covering more of the group. Finally, Misty's Mega Gyarados uses Hurricane, creating a powerful cyclone that encircles all of the enemies. With all four moves combined, Matori and the grunts with their Pokemon and the psychic Pokemon are all sucked into a massive vortex. The humans and the unbrainwashed Pokemon scream in fear as they are sent flying high into the sky. The vortex disappears, and Timothy nods his friends from both sides before turning to the Pokemon charging around him.

"Okay, everyone, disperse!" He shouts. "Help out everyone fighting on this side of the field!"

"Right!" The trainers shout.

"You got it!" Max says, turning to Timothy. "Good luck, Timothy!"

Timothy turns to the young boy and smiles softly as he replies, "You too, Max!"

The remaining trainers and Pokemon in the calvary separate from two different directions, leaving Timothy and his Pokemon left. The man in the "H.A.K" shirt and his entire party grin, happy to reach their destination.

"Okay, it looks like we're in the clear, guys!" He calls out. "Now, let's finish this! Fenrir, full speed ahead to the island! Show us the meaning of haste!"

The Arcanine named Fenrir roars loudly before it starts running faster with Timothy, Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey holding on tightly. Gengar emerges from the ground and grabs Fenrir by the tail and holds on as the Arcanine races. Blitzwing flies in the air at the same incredible speed as Fenrir. Together, the seven of them cross the long bridge that leads to New Island, relieved to have made it through the enemy forces. As they get closer, Timothy can see Arceus inside the machine right in front of the tower, and he smiles, thinking he's just a throw it a Pokeball away from turning the tide of the war.

But as they are a few feet away from the end of the bridge, Blitzwing lets out a loud caw of warning. Timothy looks up to his bird-like Pokemon, about to ask what is it until Fenrir suddenly gets hit in the chest by Poison Sting. It roars in pain, and purple bubbles appear on its body as it tumbles to the ground front first right at the end of the bridge, sending Timothy, Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey flinging off its back, landing hard into the ground. Gengar is flung high into the air with Fenrir's tail and panics until Blitzwing grabs its head with its talents and gently lowers it to the ground. Timothy, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Fenrir groan in pain as they slowly get up to see none other than Agent Basker standing in front of the machine with a Charizard, Arbok, Steelix, Machamp, Victreebel, and Nidoking. The cyborg man gives Timothy a slow clap while smiling triumphantly.

"I was going to fight my way to you out there, but you've saved me the trouble," he says.

Timothy grins at Agent Basker and says, "Sounds like you've grown terribly desperate just to win a battle against me for once in your life."

Agent Basker frowns and says, "Mock me as much as you like, Durbin. My Pokemon are more powerful than they ever were all those years ago. I'm going to use them to mercilessly take down your Pokemon and make you watch them be taken away under my command. And even if you beat me, Arceus is still ours. You have no way to get it out of our glorious machine, even if you could take that shiny stone away from my leader. You and your puny army lost before this battle even started. All of you are nothing more than an example of the great might of Team Rocket before the whole world is ours."

"Oh please," Timothy rebukes. "If Team Rocket's might was so great, they wouldn't have you of all people in their ranks, Trent."

At this, Agent Basker grins again and laughs out loud maniacally.

"Wouldn't they?" He questions. "You don't even know how we remembered about the Gieldanstone or Mewtwo even after it erased our minds, do you?"

At this, Timothy's grin falters, recently admitting Agent Basker is right. The cyborg's evil grin grows as he points at his mechanical left arm and eye with his right hand.

"It was because of me," he boasts. "When you left me to burn all those years ago, causing me to lose my eye and arm in the process, Dr. Zager and his team build me mechanical ones, thinking they could still make use of me. For years, I was treated as nothing more than a slave working for the science team. But what they did not know was that I was learning all of the science stuff they were working on. Eventually, I started to tinker with my eye and arm when no one was around. It took some time, but I upgraded them where I can download information into my arm and record anything I see with my eye."

"Well, good for you," Timothy says.

"Oh, but it is good for me," Basker says. "You see, when they saw what I could do, I officially joined the science team and started to go on missions out on the field. Once my reputation began to grow, that's when I rightfully gave myself the name of Agent Basker. Very few called me by that name with respect. Even our leader would still call me by my old, wretched name. But then I was given an assignment revolving around the Gieldanstone, and I downloaded any information into my arm and recorded everything revolving around the operation. I had recordings for when I went to Kalos for some of their blueprints for Team Flare's brainwashing machine, creating our own machine the first time, all the way to when we had you surrounded before Mewtwo stopped us and erased our minds. We may have lost our memory, but I didn't lose any of my files. All I had to do was show everything to my leader so that we could regain the stone, brainwash the police and Mewtwo and use the police to rebuild our machine just so that we can strike after you lost to some boy half your age. And best of all, it's entirely your fault."

"My fault?" Timothy questions.

"Yes, your fault," Agent Basker replies. "If you hadn't interfered with my first operation all because you are so clingy to your Pokemon, I wouldn't have had to get those implants and use my intellect to get the very things we needed to take you all by surprise before we slowly but surely take over the world. Maybe we would have gotten our hands on the stone eventually, but if Mewtwo came to erase our minds regardless, we wouldn't have gotten it regardless if you hadn't left me to die. You are losing everything because of your attachment to your Pokemon."

Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Fenrir, Blitzwing, and Gengar all turn to Timothy, seeing the logic behind Agent Basker's claim. The man in the "H.A.K" shirt stares at his enemy with an expressionless look on his face while the other man keeps grinning evilly.

"That's quite the supposition you have there, Trent," Timothy comments. "Though let's say for the sake of the argument that you're right: that everything is happening because I care about the Pokemon who have all become my friends. Even if that's true, I wouldn't have done anything differently about that day, even if I knew what was going to happen. In the time since then, I have gained many friends close to me, both Pokemon and eventually people. There are friends of mine who are doing the best they can both out there on the battlefield and inside your fancy, big tower who are counting on me. There's someone close to me that I've known all my life that I miss so much now that she's gone. But you? You have always treated your Pokemon like tools. You never cared about any living being on this Earth. Not even your own parents back in Pallet Town. So what do you have that makes you so happy about yourself? What do you use to hide the fact that you're really alone? What could you possibly care about more than yourself?"

"Eternal recognition!" Agent Basker announces proudly. "After years of biding my time in the dirt whether I was wasting my time as a Pokemon trainer hunting you down or showing my worth to this great organization, I have always known that I deserve nothing more than praise and glory. And after everything I've done to get to this moment, even having the great Giovanni himself finally acknowledge me as Agent Basker, my time is about to begin. With the world under Team Team Rocket's control, my name and legacy will be known throughout the world for all of eternity."

After he finishes, nothing is said as the two men look at each other. The area grows silent apart from Arceus groaning inside the machine while the battle can be heard from a distance. Agent Basker keeps his proud stance while Timothy worries for his Pokemon. With Fenrir poisoned and the rest having used some energy to get to the island, he is unsure whether or not they will win. He shakes his head and smirks at Agent Basker, acting confident.

"In that case, Trent, you better be sure that your dreams of so-called eternal recognition will be of any use to you," he says. "Otherwise, my Pokemon are going to beat yours one final time, I'm going to free Arceus, and then you're going to watch your whole world fall apart as my friends and I take down Team Rocket once and for all. Maybe after that, I'll personally send you to your prison cell where you'll have a lot of time to think about whether or not it was all worth it."

"It will be worth it, Durbin!" Agent Basker barks.

"We'll see," Timothy taunts while gesturing his Pokemon to be ready. "My Pokemon and I are ready when you are."

Agent Basker glares at Timothy, fuming with anger. He turns to his Pokemon, who are standing a couple of feet behind him and snarls, "Take them down at any cost!"

Charizard, Steelix, Arbok, Nidoking, Machamp, and Victreebel all growl in acknowledgment. Timothy looks at his Pokemon, who are beside him on both sides and gives them a small smile.

"I know you're all a little tired, and I know your growing weak with that poison, Fenrir," he says. "But if we don't win this, then it will all be for nothing. So, fight with all of your hearts and don't lose faith. Remember what Serena likes to say: don't give up until it's over."

Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Blitzwing, and Gengar, nod at the same time without even looking at their friend. Fenrir takes a heavy breath before it nods, fighting through the poison. They all take battle stances and patiently wait for their six opponents to make the first move. Basker's Pokemon give deadly looks to Timothy's Pokemon before they all pounce at once.

The Arbok wraps its tail around Electchu and tightens its grip until Electchu makes it back away with Thunder. Steelix moves its snake-like body around, dodging Poliwrath's Hydro Pumps and Bubble Beams. Blitzwing easily dodges Victreebel's Razor Leaf while in the air. Machamp throws multiple punches at Odyssey with all four of its fists, but the aura Pokemon uses its speed to block all of them with Bone Rush. Gengar gleefully laughs at Nidoking while the drill Pokemon tries to use Drill Run and Fury Attack only for Gengar to just flatten its body and phase under Nidoking and use Lick from behind and flatten its body again to avoid the next attack. Charizard and Fenrir attack each other furiously with Dragon Claw and Crunch, respectively as if they want to cut each other into tiny pieces. As the Pokemon are fighting, Agent Basker glares at Timothy with his hands turned into fists, and his teeth clenched while Timothy keeps his eyes on his Pokemon, coaching them as they fight.

"Odyssey, block Machamp's fists with the sides of your bone, not the center! Blitzwing, don't get cocky that you can dodge Victreebel's attacks! Gengar, use your other attacks besides Lick! Don't wait until Nidoking is paralyzed! Fenrir, use your other attacks also! Poliwrath, wait for the right moment to hit Steelix! Electchu, focus on Arbok's tail and keep using Iron Tail to deflect Poison Sting!"

Basker pays no mind to Timothy ordering his Pokemon, confident that his Pokemon can crush their enemies without him needing to say a thing. But as he stubbornly keeps his eyes fixed on his enemy, Gengar listens to Timothy by appearing behind Nidoking again and using Sucker Punch to knock Nidoking off its feet. The drill Pokemon falls flat on its front, and Gengar uses Lick again, causing electric sparks to finally appear all over its body. Machamp uses Low Kick, and Steelix uses Iron Tail on Odyssey and Poliwrath, respectively, knocking both of them off their feet. Machamp and Steelix grin and begin to attack again.

"Odyssey, Poliwrath, switch opponents for a moment using Aura Sphere and Hydro Pump!" Timothy calls out.

Odyssey and Poliwrath look at their trainer while lying on the ground before they look at each other and nod. Before their opponents can carry out their respective attacks, Odyssey uses Aura Sphere on Steelix and Poliwrath uses Hydro Pump on Machamp. Both of Basker's Pokemon shout in pain and back away, giving Odyssey and Poliwrath the chance to get up and attack their own opponents again. Odyssey starts using Bone Rush again to hit Machamp's sides hard, keeping the superpower Pokemon disoriented through the sharp pain with each hit. Poliwrath creates a large wave of water and rides on top until it's closer enough for it jump into the air and hold onto Steelix's body before the wave hits it. Steelix roars is pain from the water move, but Poliwrath holds on to it and starts punching it with Dynamic Punch.

Meanwhile, Gengar constantly uses Shadow Ball and Dark Pulse on Nidoking, keeping the paralyzed Pokemon at bay as it grows weaker with every attack. Electchu uses Electro Ball repeatedly at Arbok, but the cobra Pokemon slithers back and forth to dodge them. Eventually, Victreebel grows tired from using Razor Leaf so much and starts panting. The Braviary grins as it begins charging at its opponent with Aerial Ace, not knowing that Victreebel isn't so tired that it can't use its other attacks. The flycatcher Pokemon uses Vine Whip to hit Blitzwing hard in the face, causing it to crash. The two vines wrap around Blitzwing's body and start slamming it into the ground repeatedly, much to Victreebel's twisted pleasure.

"Blitzwing, use Steel Wing to free yourself!" Timothy shouts.

Blitzwing opens its eyes and turns its wings into steel. Victreebel's vines lift it up, but before it could slam its opponent again, Blitzwing twists its body to cut the vines with its sharp, metal wings. The Braviary grins again, and it uses Aerial Ace one more time to ram into its opponent. Victreebel shrieks in agony as Blitzwing grabs its body with Crush Claw and starts flying up in the air, carrying its opponent.

Fenrir and Charizard keep slashing away at each other like mindless beasts. The flame Pokemon uses all its ferocity to overpower its opponent with Slash, but the giant Arcanine is so large that it eventually forces Charizard into the ground and starts biting it vigorously. Charizard roars in pain and in an act of desperation, uses Dragon Claw to swipe Fenrir's stomach, forcing it to back away. Charizard then begins flying up in the air, just in time to avoid another attack and grins as Fenrir starts using Heat Wave and Dragon Pulse in an attempt to knock its opponent out of the sky only for Charizard to dodge them. Timothy grows worried for his large Pokemon as it tries to hit the opponent with purple bubbles still coming out of its body.

Blitzwing carries Victreebel so high in the air that it lets go of its opponent and starts using Aerial Ace repeatedly as it falls. Victreebel starts screaming with every hit as its grass and poison type body grows weaker. After one more hit, Blitzwing let its opponent fall into the ground, knowing that its consciousness is starting to fade before it crashes into the ground.

Agent Basker glances at his fallen Pokemon and then turns back to glaring at Timothy for a moment before his eyes widen and completely turns to Victreebel in shock. Just as he is staring at it, Gengar drives Nidoking back until one last Sucker Punch knocks it off its feet, and it lands on top of Victreebel on it's back. Almost immediately after that, Odyssey uses Strength to lift Machamp off the ground and land in front of Basker, and Poliwrath uses Dynamic Punch on Steelix while still holding on to it one last time before it lets go and moves away, knowing that Sleetix is going to fall down - its head barely missing its teammates. Finally, Arbok fires Sludge Bomb at Electchu, only for the mouse Pokemon to knock it back with Iron Tail, hitting Arbok. The attack does little for the Poison-type Pokemon, but it distracts Arbok long enough for Electchu to finish it off with Iron Tail, Electro Ball, and Thunder.

But while most of Timothy's team is triumphant, Fenrir keeps trying to hit Charizard. The giant Arcanine kept trying determinedly, but ultimately, the poison took full effect, and it fainted. Timothy and the rest of his team frowned sadly for their fainted comrade before Timothy returns it to its Pokeball.

"You gave it everything you had, Fenrir. Well done," Timothy whispered to the ball before turning to Agent Baskar. "Looks like I'm about to win again, Trent. My remaining Pokemon outnumber your Charizard 5-to-1. There's no way you can stop us now."

But instead of acting upset, Agent Basker laughed mockingly, confusing Timothy and his Pokemon.

"I beg to differ, Durbin," he said. "Contrary to what you might think, I've learned to be a little more prepared than you remembered."

Agent Basker opens a piece of his robotic arm, revealing a keystone. Timothy's eyes widen, and he looks at his enemy's Charizard to find a band on its left horn containing a charizardite X. Basker presses the keystone and both stones glow brightly until Charizard turns blue and black with blue flames appearing from the sides of its mouth. Timothy and his Pokemon look at the lizard Pokemon in shock while their enemy grinned.

"Didn't think I had enough of a bond to do that, did you, Durbin?" Agent Baskar boasted. "You'd be surprised how Charizard and I have come to share our hatred against you and your Pokemon for 18 insufferable years. Your Pokemon are no match for us in their tired state."

Fear filled Timothy's mind, knowing that Agent Basker now has a chance to win. Not only is his Pokemon tired, but with Charizard being both a fire and a dragon type in its mega evolved form, none of his friends have any attacks that are super effective against it. Their moves only do normal amounts of damage except for Steel Wing, Iron Tail, Thunder, and Electro Ball, which Charizard is resistant to. He takes a deep breath and mentally prays that his Pokemon can still win with their numbers and remaining strength and calls out to them.

"Don't be afraid, guys!" he shouts. "We can still win this together! It's still just a Pokemon poorly trained by Trent! Just hold on a little longer!"

Agent Baskar laughs mockingly again and says, "That's just like you, Durbin; confident that training and strategy can win against power. Let's find out which one is superior once and for all!"

Mega Charizard takes Agent Basker's words as permission before it charges at its opponents with its hands surrounded in light green, claw-shaped energy. Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Blitzwing, and Gengar wait for the right moment until Basker's partner attempts to strike. When Mega Charizard is close enough, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Gengar use Thunder, Hydro Pump, Aura Sphere, and Dark Pulse respectively. All four ranged attacks hit their target, sending Mega Charizard back. Confident that Mega Charizard's reckless attack gave them the right advantage, Timothy's five Pokemon charge at it, eager to beat it to a pulp.

"No, wait!" Timothy calls out. "Stay away from Charizard! Keep using ranged attacks!"

But his Pokemon don't hear him in time. They all get ready to attack with Iron Tail, Dynamic Punch, Bone Rush, Sucker Punch, and Crush Claw, but Mega Charizard comes to just in time to move its wings in front of it, and they glow white just in time to block the attacks. The flame Pokemon then moves its wings back to fire a large, blue stream of fire, hitting its opponents without warning. The attack knocks Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Gengar off their feet, and Blitzwing is sent crashing into the ground. Timothy's worry grows as his Pokemon groan in pain with Odyssey taking the most damage because of its part-steel-type body. The Pokemon slowly start to get up while Mega Charizard prepares to unleash another Flamethrower.

"Poliwrath, Electchu, Odyssey, Gengar, use Hydro Pump, Thunder, Aura Sphere, and Dark Pulse together, quick!" Timothy shouts

The tadpole, mouse, aura, and shadow Pokemon barely use their moves that merge together and hit the Flamethrower, causing an explosion that cancels the moves out.

"Now, use ranged attacks again!" Timothy shouts.

Agent Baskar and Mega Charizard smirk before the latter blocks the moves with Steel Wing again. Unknown to the mega evolved Pokemon; however, Gengar decides to take the initiative and phases through the ground and slithers toward its enemy. When it's behind Mega Charizard, it comes up from behind, licks it, punches it with Sucker Punch, and throws a Shadow Ball. All three attacks land and Mega Charizard lets its guard down, allowing Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey to hit it again with their ranged attacks, while Blitzwing charges using Aerial Ace. But despite the damage, Mega Charizard fights through the pain to unleash another large blue stream of fire. Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey move away just in time, but the attack hits Blitzwing dead on. The valiant Pokemon plummets to the ground while Mega Charizard spins and hits Gengar, still using Steel Wing, knocking Gengar off its feet.

The flame Pokemon then starts swiping at Gengar relentlessly with Dragon Claw, making the ghost-and-poison-type Pokemon squeal in pain. Blitzwing slowly gets up with its body covered in burns to find Mega Charizard attacking its teammate. Before Electchu, Poliwrath, or Odyssey do anything to help Genger, Blitzwing flaps its wings and charges at Mega Charizard again, ramming into it's back. Mega Charizard roars in pain and turns around just in time to see Blitzwing's glowing claws crush down at its chest. The valiant Pokemon then flies up to avoid getting hit by another Dragon Claw, but its move makes Mega Charizard fly up to follow Blitzwing, eager to get revenge. As the two Pokemon fly up, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Gengar prepare to use ranged attacks again, but Timothy calls out to stop them.

"No! You might hit Blitzwing!" He shouts.

The four Pokemon reluctantly obey their trainer, knowing that he's right. Agent Baskar's evil grin grows, knowing that his enemy is powerless to help his Pokemon. Up in the air, Blitzwing dodges Mega Charizard's Flamethrowers left and right, but its wings grow weaker with so much energy used. At the right moment, it stops flapping its wings for a moment to rest them, but it gives Mega Charizard a clear shot to hit its opponent. The poor bird-like Pokemon can do nothing but scream for a moment before its consciousness disappears, and it plummets to the ground with its body severely burned.

"Blitzwing, no!" Timothy screams.

Agent Baskar cackles loudly as he watches the Braviary fall.

"If strength in numbers is how you can win, then you're in trouble, Durbin!" He mocks. "That pathetic bird did not have a chance while it was away from its friends."

Timothy glowers at the Team Rocket agent before he takes out Blitzwing's Pokeball and returns it before it hits the ground.

"And your Charizard took a few hits in the process," he counters. "It's growing weak."

"But not as weak as your remaining Pokemon," Agent Baskar taunts.

Indeed, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Gengar have burn marks all over their bodies. Timothy fights the urge to show any fear in his eyes as Mega Charizard flies toward his Pokemon again.

"Guys, range attacks, now!" He shouts.

Once again, the four Pokemon use Thunder, Hydro Pump, Aura Sphere, and Dark Pulse in attempts to shoot their opponent down. Mega Charizard is prepared for it, however, as it dodges the attacks before unleashing another Flamethrower. Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Gengar move away in time, but their focus on avoiding the fire-type attack distracts them long enough for Mega Charizard to scratch Poliwrath and Electchu with Dragon Claw, making them scream in pain. Odyssey defends itself with Bone Rush just in time, but Mega Charizard forces its bone back and smacks the Lucario with Steel Wing, knocking it off its feet despite being resistant to steel attacks. Mega Charizard prepares to unleash another Flamethrower that would finish the fighting-and-steel-type Pokemon, but Gengar runs over just in time to distract it by using its long tongue to lick it. The attack still doesn't paralyze the flame Pokemon and Mega Charizard turns around to use Flamethrower on Gengar. The attack hits before Gengar can dodge and it screams as it's sent crashing close to one of the machine's pillars and falls down unconscious. Timothy's heart sinks while Agent Baskar cackles again and his partner sneers. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt quickly puts Gengar back in its container, which only amuses his enemy more.

"Feel free to keep putting your Pokemon back in their Pokeballs, Durbin," he ridicules. "That just makes it easier for me when I've taken them all down."

But as he is boasting and Mega Charizard is focusing on its master mocking Timothy, Odyssey comes to, creates another bone of energy, and stands up to jab Mega Charizard from behind. The jab disorients the flame Pokemon, and the Lucario takes its next opportunity to ram Mega Charizard using Extreme Speed. Electchu and Poliwrath join in, using Iron Tail and Dynamic Punch. Timothy grins as his Pokemon gang up on their opponent until Mega Charizard spins and knocks them back using Steel Wing again. It then flies up to gain some distance from its opponents, making Agent Baskar frown.

"Don't fly away, you coward!" He barks. "Get over there and finish them!"

Mega Charizard groans, sounding reluctant to obey the cyborg man. Timothy notices the low growl and looks at Mega Charizard curiously. His eyes widen as he notices all the cuts and bruises around its body and a look of fear in its eyes. It's in this moment that Timothy realizes that Agent Baskar's last Pokemon has taken enough hits that it won't last much longer and the flame Pokemon knows it even if its master doesn't notice it. He then turns to Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey who are catching their breath as they struggle to stay awake. It becomes all too clear to the trainer that the next few seconds will determine who wins.

"Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, stay strong," he commands. "We almost got it."

Agent Baskar scoffs and says, "You must be in a state of denial, Durbin. Your weak Pokemon are no match for the power of mega evolution. Now, Charizard, finish them already! Do it now!"

Timothy's hope grows, realizing that Agent Baskar's pride has kept him from noticing his Pokemon's weak state. He turns to his Pokemon with a new idea.

"Okay, listen up!" he says. "I want the three of you to get in line with Poliwrath in the middle. Get ready to do exactly as I say when I say it! This might be our last shot!"

The three remaining Pokemon nod and do as instructed with Electchu standing on Poliwrath's right side and Odyssey on its left. The three of them and their trainer wait patiently until Mega Charizard dives down and then flies toward the opponent.

"Poliwrath, use Surf!" Timothy commands.

Poliwrath raises its hand, and a large wave of water heads toward Mega Charizard. Agent Baskar's Pokemon sees the wave quick enough to fly up, but Timothy expected it to do that.

"Now, Electchu, use Hyper Beam, and Poliwrath and Odyssey, use Hydro Pump, and Aura Sphere repeatedly!" Timothy shouts.

Agent Baskar doesn't understand what is happening until it's too late. Mega Charizard flies over the large wave of water only to be met with balls of aura and a stream of water hitting it directly on its chest. The wave crashes down in front of Agent Basker, revealing the tadpole Pokemon shooting water from its stomach and the aura Pokemon constantly throwing balls of aura energy. Beside them, the Raichu summons an orange ball of energy, getting ready to fire. The cyborg man expects his Pokemon to protect itself without him telling it to again, but the Pokemon is too weak even in its mega evolved form. Eventually, Odyssey and Poliwrath pass out, unable to hit their opponent any longer, but their efforts give Timothy's partner all the time it needs. With its target kept still in the air, Electchu unleashes its Hyper Beam, and it hits Mega Charizard hard, sending it flying into the air. Agent Baskar does nothing but watch in shock as his last Pokemon crashes into the ground with a loud thud, returned to its normal form.

Timothy smiles triumphantly as he rushed to his fatigued Pokemon's side while admiring the view of Agent Basker looking dumbfounded at the sight of his Pokemon beaten. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt pets Electchu, who is worn out from using Hyper Beam before turning to his arch-enemy.

"Surrender, Trent. I've beaten you again," he declares. "You were very close with three of my Pokemon knocked out, and two of them passed out, but I still won. You should have paid attention to your Charizard's wellbeing and see that it was in no state to keep going even with the power of mega evolution. Training and strategy win against power and you can do nothing else to stop me from doing what must be done."

Agent Basker keeps staring at his Pokemon lying on the ground for a few more seconds before his look of shock turns into an evil smirk.

"Oh, I doubt that very much, Durbin," he says before shouting. "Now!"

As soon as the words left Agent Basker's mouth, a blue outline appears around all six of his fallen Pokemon and lifts them all into the air. Odyssey and Poliwrath slowly come to and sit up just in time to see what is happening. Timothy and his Pokemon watch in confusion until the fainted Pokemon fly towards them.

"Look out!" Timothy shouts.

Timothy and his Pokemon duck down or move away just in time for the limp Pokemon to crash past them. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt and his Pokemon turn their heads to glare at Agent Basker only to look in shock. Standing in front of the cyborg man and the machine Arceus is trapped in is Shockwave. The Gardevoir stares at Timothy and his team blankly with its eyes glowing blue, ready to use Psychic again. Shockwave's friends look at it in shock while Agent Basker grins triumphantly.

"I don't know what you were planning to do to free Arceus, but even if your idea could work, I will stop you," he claims. "I have your precious Gardevoir, and I have commanded it to use Psychic on you or any of your Pokemon who dares to step foot toward Arceus. If you try to flee, I will order it to take your Pokemon before any of you can make it to the bridge. But if you give them to me willingly, I might spare you. Honestly, I think that's the best choice you have right now. You're too proud and stubborn to run, and you don't have it in your heart to attack your own Pokemon because you care about them so much. One way or another, I'm going to take your Pokemon before your very eyes."

Electchu, Poliwrath, and Odyssey look at each other worryingly, once again seeing the logic behind what the cyborg man is claiming. Timothy lowers his head with a frown on his face, looking defeated. Agent Basker lets out a low chuckle at the sight of Timothy's look of despair, his heart racing with revenge within his grasp. The area remains quiet again apart from Arceus still moaning in agony inside the machine. All eyes stay on Timothy except for the brainwashed Gardevoir as he stays silent before he turns to Odyssey.

"Odyssey, use Bone Rush on Shockwave."

The Lucario turns to its trainer, unable to believe what he just said. The rest of the Pokemon are appalled that he would tell Shockwave's close friend to attack it. Odyssey gives Timothy a pleading look, hoping he's not serious, only for the man to turn to it with a glare.

"Do it!" He commands.

Odyssey looks devastated to hear Timothy confirm the order so seriously. It turns to Shockwave, struggling to obey its master and attack its friend despite knowing the Gardevoir is brainwashed. Eventually, with a heavy heart, it creates another bone of energy, and with a loud battle cry, it charges at the brainwashed Pokemon. Odyssey makes it halfway to Shockwave before the later lifts it up in the air with Psychic. Agent Basker covers his mouth for a moment before he bursts into a fit of laughter, bending down and holding on to his gut.

"I...I can't believe you did that!" he exclaims in mid laughter. "I mean, you've always been persistent beyond reason, Durbin, but this is too much! You would rather have your Pokemon try to take out your other Pokemon to get to me than to just admit defeat. I'm going to remember this moment for years to -"

But when Agent Basker is lifting his head to look at Timothy, he stops in mid-sentence to see the man in the "H.A.K." shirt throw something high into the air. Basker looks in confusion before he looks up to find that Timothy seems to have thrown something small and circular. He turns around and looks close enough to see that it looks to be some sort of Pokeball heading toward Arceus. What kind of Pokeball it is or what specific properties it contains he doesn't know, but he doesn't realize what is about to happen until it already hits Arceus' face.

"NO!!!" he screeches.

The ball opens, and Arceus' body turns into a multicolored beam before it is sucked into the ball, and the ball falls to the ground, leaving the machine to fire electricity at the area where Arceus used to be. Suddenly, Shockwave falls down on its side, and Odyssey rushes to its side, released from its friend's psychic grip. From a distance, Agent Basker can see all the psychic Pokemon in the battlefield falling down as if they abruptly lost consciousness. All other eyes are on the Master Ball as it moves back and forth for a few seconds before it stops and sparkles coming out of the center with a loud "ding!" Agent Basker stares at the ball in horror as Timothy stretches out his hand, and the ball flies straight to his hand before shrinking to the size of a ping pong ball. Timothy looks at the Master Ball for a moment before turning to Basker with a smug look.

"What do you know? I guess I caught Arceus," he says mockingly. "I'm not going to lie to you, Trent, I would never have expected to do that today."

Agent Basker stares at his enemy and starts whimpering like a little child. He gets on his knees and lowers his head while Timothy walks toward him with Odyssey, Poliwrath, and Electchu, who has slightly regained its energy.

"You know, Trent, I may have a bad habit of being prideful, but I've also learned to use people's own arrogance against them over the past 18 years, whether its people like Tucker, Barbara, or Brandon. And it's all thanks to you," he says. "You kept losing every time you tried to take away my Pokemon because I learned to find ways to use your pride and desperation against you. Even if I supposedly made you 'Agent Basker,' you made me the person I am first. The robotic eye you made because of me gave Team Rocket the Gieldanstone and Arceus, but the talent I gained because of you took Arceus away from Team Rocket while my friends destroy the organization once and for all. You are the most vain person I have ever had the displeasure of knowing, and it warms my heart to see you on your knees, utterly defeated."

Agent Basker lifts his head and gives Timothy a pleading look.

"What are you doing to do?" he snivels. "You're not going to beat me, are you? S-s-s-surely you don't have the heart to do that because you are a good person. You won't sink to my level by wanting vengeance, right?"

Timothy glares menacingly at his fallen enemy, making Basker more afraid. Timothy keeps it up for a moment before his glare melts away.

"You're right, Trent," He says. "I don't want to sink into your level."

Agent Basker lets out a big sigh of relief, feeling like a culprit who barely managed to get away with his evil deed. His moment of relief is short-lived, however, when Timothy speaks again.

"But I make no promises for my Pokemon whom you kidnapped and tortured."

Basker becomes horrified, and the pupil in his non-robotic eye shrinks. He turns over to Electchu and Poliwrath, who grin with looks up vengeance. The mouse Pokemon's tail is already turned into iron while the Poliwrath cracks it knuckles slowly to build the tension. The area is quiet apart from the machine still running until Electchu and Poliwrath let out vengeful cries before attacking the cyborg man.

Agent Basker screams before Electchu and Poliwrath hit him hard in the stomach with Iron Tail and Dynamic Punch. He holds on to his gut and only has a moment to whine in pain before the two Pokemon continue beating him. Basker holds his hands in defense in vain as Electchu and Poliwrath keep hitting him all over his body with their tail and fists respectfully. Eventually, Poliwrath grabs Agent Basker's robotic arm and crushes it with its strong grip before ripping it out of his arm socket like it's made of paper. The man screams out in pain from the mechanical arm being harshly ripped from his body before Electchu's tail hits him square in the face. Finally, Electchu gestures Poliwrath to back away and starts storing as much electricity into its cheeks as possible before unleashing a powerful Thunder at Agent Basker. The man lets out an unearthly scream that is drowned out by the booming sound of large amounts of electricity coming from the mouse Pokemon and hitting his body all over, destroying his robotic eye in the process.

When Electchu is finished, Agent Basker is lying on his side, crying. Timothy looks at him with no look of pity in his eyes. The fallen servant of Team Rocket stays on the ground, weeping as he rubs the areas where his robot parts where. He then uses his remaining arm to push himself back up and look at Timothy venomously.

"You may have caught Arceus, Durbin, but my leader still has the Gieldanstone," he says with his voice cracking. "When he finds out what you've done, he's going to make it come out of that Pokeball and use it against your friends. You have bought them a minute or so of reprieve at best. But you won't be conscious to watch them all die!"

He pulls back his hand back and throws the best punch he can muster only for Timothy to easily catch it with his hand. Agent Basker looks at his enemy fearfully again and is about to cry out in panic before it's cut short by Timothy punching him hard in the face, knocking him out. Basker falls to the ground, and Timothy stares at his unconscious opponent with a satisfied smile on his face. He turns to Electchu and Poliwrath, and the three of them smile at each other, feeling at peace.

The moment is soon broken, however, when they hear the sound of Shockwave getting up and groaning as if it is waking up from a deep sleep.

"Gggaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr."

Timothy, Electchu, and Poliwrath's eyes widen before they turn to see Odyssey slowly helping Shockwave up. The Gardevoir lifts its head to look at Odyssey, who smiles brightly to see its dear friend free from Team Rocket's control. Timothy and the rest of the remaining Pokemon don't hesitate to run over to the two of them with Timothy hugging Shockwave tightly from the side, alarming it.

"Gardevoir?" It asks, confused.

"It's okay, Shockwave. You're okay," Timothy says with tears in his eyes.

Odyssey nods and hugs its friend from the other side. Shockwave blinks in confusion and looks at the other Pokemon who are smiling in relief. Meanwhile, Coovers, Agatha, Koga, Gary, Jessie, James, Meowth, Looker, and the rest of the International Police are exiting from the front entrance of the Team Rocket Tower with Dr. Zager, his team, Butch, Cassidy and the other guards following behind in handcuffs. They walk around the machine just in time to see Timothy and his Pokemon having their moment with their rescued friend while Agent Basker and his Pokemon are lying on the ground. Coovers smiles brightly and runs over to Shockwave just in time for Timothy and Odyssey to back away, having finished their hug.

"Shockwave, you're alright!" He explains as he hugs the Gardevoir from behind.

Shockwave looks at Coovers, weirded out by its friends appearing to be spontaneously happy towards it from its point of view. Coovers' team and Looker smile at the sight of Shockwave free before Looker walks over to Timothy.

"I take it you freed Arceus with the Master Ball?" He asks.

"Sure did," Timothy takes, showing the Master Ball to him.

"Good," Looker says, before looking past Timothy. "And it looks like that's turning the tide of the battle."

Everyone looks at the direction Looker is facing to find that he is right. From a distance, they can see psychic Pokemon starting to angrily attack Team Rocket. Others run or fly away, heading to their own homes, including Celebi, the three Deoxys, and the Lugia with its child. Everyone smiles at the sight of this before Coovers frowns and turns to Timothy.

"Let's hope that Ash and Serena will have destroyed the Gieldanstone before Giovanni uses it to force Arceus out of the Master Ball," he comments.

"If they haven't yet, then they will," Timothy says confidently. "They have ways of overcoming the situation."

"Maybe so, but I would like them to have some help with Mewtwo and Mew in the picture," Looker says.

Almost as soon as the words leave Looker's mouth, a loud call is heard, and everyone looks up to see the other Lugia flying toward them with Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres. The Lugia lands in front of everyone with a smile on its face while the legendary birds stay airborne above it.

"A warm welcome to all of you," it greets telepathically with its psychic powers. "Tell me, who do I and the other psychic Pokemon have to thank for our freedom?"

"That would be me," Timothy answers, showing the Master Ball to Lugia. "I used this Pokeball to free Arceus from the machine behind me that Team Rocket was using to control you."

Lugia turns to Timothy and says, "You have my sincerest thanks, young man."

"Thank you, Lugia, but it's not over yet," Timothy says.

"He's right," Coovers says, stepping in. "The leader of Team Rocket has the Gieldanstone which can control Arceus, and our friends, Ash and Serena might be up there to destroy it."

Lugia turns to Coovers and asks, "Ash is up there?"

"Yes, but Mewtwo and Mew are up there so they might be in danger," Timothy says. "We need you to get up there as quick as you can. You and Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno might be their best chance of getting past Mewtwo and Mew so that they can destroy the Gieldanstone."

"Understood," Lugia says seriously.

Lugia turns to the legendary birds and lets out a loud, commanding call to them. The three other birds nod to Lugia before the four of them fly straight up to the top of the building. As all the humans and Pokemon on the ground watch them, Timothy finally notices Jessie, James, and Meowth.

"Hey, what are these three doing here?" He asks angrily.

The trio become scared at the way he's looking at them menacingly until Coovers steps in.

"Easy, Timothy. They've defected," he says.

Timothy and his Pokemon look at Coovers skeptically.

"Really?" Timothy says, unconvinced.

"Really," Coovers says. "They surrendered their Pokemon to me and gave us the information we needed to attack Team Rocket's lab."

"And they directed Serena to Ash's cell through the communicator," Koga says.

Timothy's eyes widen, and he asks, "So Ash is free?"

"Yeah, and last they told us, they are on their way to face da boss," Meowth says.

Jessie, James, Coovers, Gary, Koga, Agatha, Looker all nod to confirm what Meowth is saying. Timothy smiles and nods back with this information.

"That's good," he says. "Then let's hope that with Lugia's help, they will finish this."

Behind every one of the International Police, Dr. Zager, Butch, and Cassidy secretly grin, believing Ash and Serena will fail. But as for everyone else, they look up at the Tower, hoping that Lugia, Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres will be there in time to aid the two teenagers and Pikachu on their own quest to save the world.