After Risa caught her Eevee, the group headed back into town. Molly eventually woke up, but she still happily rode on Meganium like she was a horse. Ash let her play, watching as Pikachu and Vee ran alongside her like it was a little game. Even Risa let out her new Eevee, who was mostly interested in chasing after Vee.
Ash and Risa sat on a bench nearby, watching the Pokémon play as they chatted.
"So, how are you feeling after your first catch?" Ash asked.
Risa took a breath, holding the Poké Ball in her hand. "I can still barely believe it happened. I mean, I didn't think I could feel like that… not since… well… when I used to run."
Ash noticed her looking down. "You ran track?"
"I used to," Risa answered slowly. "I know you might not believe it, but I was the regional champion. But then I gave it up… I got injured. It healed, don't worry, but I guess I got scared to run again, you know?"
Ash looked at her, then glanced over at Pikachu and Vee tumbling through the grass.
"You know… it's okay to be scared," he said.
Risa looked at him.
"I mean, people think being brave means you're never scared. But that's not it."
Ash leaned back slightly, arms crossed. "Being brave means doing stuff even when you're scared."
He nodded toward her new Eevee. "You came all this way, through all that craziness, for your brother. And you didn't quit, even after nearly getting dive-bombed by Golbat."
Risa winced. "Please never bring that up again."
Ash smirked. "No promises."
He looked out at the horizon. "But… I know people look at what I do and think I'm fearless. That I've got a plan for every situation. And, yeah, I do know what I'm doing. But I don't know everything. Not even close."
"Really? Not even with the Tyranitar?" Risa asked.
"Nope. I mean, what was I supposed to do? Let an innocent Tyranitar get choked out?
Yeah, I hopped on and helped take it down, but… I was scared. I just did it anyway.
So yeah, don't be ashamed of being scared to run. But you don't have to avoid it forever either. That's just my opinion, though. What do I know?" He gave a small, faint smile.
Risa looked at him quietly, her lips parting like she was about to say something—
Then sirens blared in the distance.
They both blinked and turned to see Officer Jenny speeding into town on her bike, followed closely by a few Rangers.
Ash and Risa blinked in unison.
Ash sighed. "That… can't be good."
"Nope," Risa muttered.
"We could just ignore it…" Ash said slowly.
"…We could," Risa nodded, arms crossed.
"…We should probably check it out," Ash added, deflating.
"…Yep," Risa sighed, getting up beside him as they started walking toward the commotion, Molly still riding behind on Meganium like nothing in the world was wrong.
—
{Meanwhile...}
Harriet stormed into the lab.
She hadn't slept at all. Last night, the Pokémon had claimed her entire bed, and she still had no idea what was going on.
But she knew someone who might.
As she stomped into the room, she spotted Toren in the middle of setting up for the big presentation. He was already stressed.
"Professor!!" Harriet barked, making him nearly knock over his equipment in surprise.
"W-what?! What do you want?! It's early in the morning!" Toren stammered, eyes wide.
"I want to know how you explain them!" Harriet pointed dramatically behind her.
A small stampede of Pokémon marched in through the door after her.
"HERACROSS! MARILL! TOGEPI! TYROGUE! TOTODILE! XATU!" they all cried in perfect chaos as they followed Harriet in one big, noisy cluster.
Toren's mouth fell open, "…I… I don't… what—?!"
Toren blinked, staring at the crowd of Pokémon. "By them, do you mean… these Pokémon?"
"They've been acting strange ever since I came here yesterday!" Harriet snapped, still fully expecting an answer.
Toren scratched his chin, thinking. Then it clicked, "Ah-yesterday's chemical spill…" He walked over and pulled out a small vial from a drawer. "Right, the substance that spilled on you was an experimental essence based on the move Sweet Scent. Pokémon love the smell, so they naturally gather around—"
But Harriet cut him off, furious.
"What kind of useless chemical is that?! I don't want Pokémon anywhere near me! I want that stuff neutralized, now!"
Toren flinched, already sweating. "Wait, I'm afraid I have nothing prepared to-" He didn't get to finish.
One of the other scientists ran into the lab, "Toren! There's trouble! We just got word from the festival admin!"
Toren went pale. Even Harriet stopped mid-rant, seeing that something bigger was happening.
—
Back in town…
When Ash, Risa, and Molly arrived at the source of the commotion, they found the Mayor again, but he wasn't smiling this time. He was speaking grimly with a group of Rangers.
"There are signs of tampering with the attractions' electrical systems," the Mayor said, voice low. "Detergent spilled around town… and reports of other minor vandalism."
Standing beside him, Margo was silent. Her head was down, and she fidgeted with her fingers, clearly bothered.
Off to the side, Callahan, Mia, and Kellie stood watching quietly. Mia mumbled under her breath as she looked at the damage, "I can't believe someone would do something like this…"
But Risa, of course, only noticed Callahan. Her eyes narrowed in instant recognition, and she huffed angrily, remembering the fake quest he sent her on.
She stormed up and raised her voice. "Hey! YOU! Because of you, I spent all night—!" But she was cut off.
Callahan immediately panicked. He darted over, grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her aside, lowering his voice in a whisper while covering her mouth for a moment, "Look, I'm sorry! I improvised, okay? My niece is right over there, so give me a break. Pretty please? I'm begging here!"
Risa narrowed her eyes at him, then pulled his hand off her mouth. She glanced at Kellie, then let out a sigh, "People like you end up in deep trouble," she muttered.
Kellie, meanwhile, had noticed Risa's new companion, Her eyes lit up. "I know you! You caught the Pokémon you wanted!"
Risa sighed again, then put on a happy face. She threw an arm around Callahan's head and smiled, "Right! Thanks to your super cool uncle here!"
Molly blinked, watching them, then turned to Ash, "Wait, didn't you say that, ?"
Ash quickly silenced her with a finger and handed her a cookie. She accepted the bribe happily.
Mayor Oliver stepped forward and addressed the crowd, "Everyone, my sincerest apologies. We'll make an announcement when we're able to reopen the festival. In the meantime, we ask for your patience."
The crowd murmured in disappointment but began to disperse, there wasn't much anyone could do for now.
Ash started to turn away too, after all, this wasn't his problem.
But then he looked at Molly. She looked… disappointed.
Ash sighed. Of course he couldn't let it slide.
He raised a hand toward the mayor. "Yo! Mr. Mayor, mind if I help out?"
Margo looked up immediately, her face lighting up. "Oh! It's Ash!"
Oliver glanced down at her. "You two know each other?"
Margo nodded eagerly. "We met in town yesterday. He helped me out and I showed him around."
Ash stepped forward, smiling. "Yeah. And I meant what I said, I can help, if you want. Besides…" He gestured toward Meganium, who stood tall and calm behind him, "I've got more Pokémon. Sooner we get this sorted out, the sooner the festival can get back on, right?"
Kellie, of course, looked excited and tugged on Callahan's arm, "Can we please help out too?"
Callahan looked surprised and was clearly trying to think of an excuse to say no, until Mayor Oliver turned toward him with a smile, "It would be great to receive aid from both the Catch Race winner and the runner-up!"
"Yikes," Callahan muttered under his breath, "Uh… I actually can't stay. I have a speaking engagement at an important research conference." He wasn't lying, he did need to give a speech to complete his side of the deal. He just wasn't about to tell them why… or that he was even the one responsible for the whole situation.
Mia raised an eyebrow, "Why would you go to a research conference?" She knew her brother better than anyone, he'd never shown any interest in research.
"Uh… See, it's like this…" Callahan stumbled over his words. He wanted to go. As much of a liar as he could be, he did want to keep his promise. He just didn't know how to explain himself, and while just telling the truth would've been easier, he wasn't really thinking that clearly.
Then Risa leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Liar. I feel so sorry for your little niece. I'll stay quiet… but you'd better help out!"
Callahan flinched. Then sighed, deflating, "All right. You win."
"Awesome! Let's do it!" Risa beamed as she marched off to help.
—
They began the cleanup. Thankfully, the vandalism wasn't severe, mostly pulled wiring, scuffed decorations, and some spilled detergent. Ash released Blastoise to help with the washing and Ampharos to help with the electrical work.
People around town watched in surprise, Ash, the unknown visitor, suddenly had a Blastoise and an Ampharos? He didn't exactly look like a powerful trainer. But he moved like he knew exactly what he was doing. Quietly, efficiently.
Of course, no one in Johto really knew about Ash's Kanto exploits.
Molly, still full of energy, rode on Blastoise's shell while Kellie ran alongside shooting water into the air like a fountain.
It was more moral support than actual help… but no one minded.
Even some of the townspeople and vendors joined in.
Within about two hours, the work was done.
Mayor Oliver stepped forward again with a proud smile, "Since we've met safety standards in all areas… I hereby declare the Wind Festival reopened!"
Cheers erupted. Pokémon chirped and cried happily as music started up again. Ash recalled his Pokémon one by one, except Vee and Pikachu, who stayed at his side.
But then, over near the edge of the square… Callahan looked like he was unraveling.
He was biting his finger, sweating bullets, muttering to himself, "Not good… not good… not good…"
He knew the presentation was about to begin, and he couldn't stall any longer.
Taking a few careful steps backward… he turned and bolted.
Unfortunately, Callahan wasn't very good at sneaking off unnoticed.
"Oh no! Where did my uncle go?" Kellie asked, blinking up at Mia.
Risa crossed her arms, unimpressed, "He's acting super shady. I bet he was behind all of this!" she said, pointing dramatically.
"He did not!" Kellie puffed out her cheeks defensively.
Ash squinted, watching Callahan disappear, "Yeah… that was suspicious," he muttered.
Then he bent down and hoisted Molly onto his back, "Come on. Let's follow him anyway!"
No one complained. They took off running after Callahan.
—
Meanwhile, at the lab
The outdoor presentation stage had been set up. Visitors were gathered. The moment was arriving. But Callahan was nowhere in sight.
Harriet sat on a bench nearby, arms folded, but she looked over at Toren with something more like concern than annoyance, "Professor? Don't you have a research presentation today?"
Even if she was still bitter, she wasn't heartless. And Toren looked… overwhelmed.
"I… yeah…" he muttered, barely able to swallow.
One of the other scientists rushed into the lab, tense and wide-eyed, "Toren! Someone's got to do the presentation! Where's the guy you said would cover it?!"
He wasn't angry, just desperate. The entire lab team had been working toward this day, and this moment was critical to their funding, "We can't keep everyone waiting much longer!"
Toren bit his lip, "I know…" he murmured as he reached into his pocket for the USB drive containing the presentation.
But he'd forgotten something.
There were two USBs in his pockets, one in each side, and in his nervousness, he handed off the wrong one to the technician. He only realized it as the screen flickered on, He gulped. Unless a miracle happened, he'd have to present the research himself.
As he trembled, Harriet glanced over and crossed her arms, "Pull yourself together. You're a scientist, aren't you? So act like one."
Toren nodded faintly, trying to gather courage, "I'll… manage somehow," he said, and shakily walked out onto the stage, utterly terrified.
Backstage, however, Cipher's operatives watched through hidden visors. Their eyes glinted behind their masks, This was the moment. Their target was here. The operation was about to begin.
–
At the same time, Toren stood center stage, sweating under the spotlights, "S-So… um… Let's see… I… want to thank you…" he stammered. "Thank you… for coming. Today we w-wish to present… our Pokémon r-research…"
The crowd murmured in confusion.
"Is he okay?"
"Stage fright?"
"He's shaking like a leaf…"
Toren heard every murmur, but forced himself to push forward. "This… research is the product of a lot of hard work and, uh… l-late nights…"
Just then, Callahan stumbled in through the back entrance, panting from the run. He looked up at the stage, eyes wide, "Oh no. I'm too late…"
Behind him, Ash, Risa, Molly, Mia, and Kellie arrived seconds later.
Mia narrowed her eyes. "Callahan? What business do you have here?"
"Um…" Callahan started, trying to think of a lie that might save him.
Up on stage, Toren, in full autopilot panic mode, inserted the USB into the computer and pressed the remote without even looking.
He shouldn't have.
Because what came on screen wasn't research slides, it was the full unedited footage of Callahan cheating in the Catch Race, with Toren's reluctant help. The projection played for everyone to see.
The crowd gasped.
"No way… That's the Catch Race!"
"Is that… a hidden camera?"
"He cheated?!"
The other scientists scrambled to shut it down, frantically tapping at the controls.
Callahan stared in horror. He couldn't even breathe.
Mia looked at him slowly, "…What was that all about?"
Callahan took a step back. "Uh… eh… uh…" In his panic, he backed into a support pillar. His belt jostled, and the PokéBall on his hip fell to the ground and cracked open.
It was empty.
Kellie saw it and slowly tightened her hand around Mia's, "Uncle… is that…"
"No! Um, that's, uh…" Callahan tried to find the words, but nothing came.
Kellie's eyes shimmered, "Did you… tell a lie?" Her voice was quiet.
Callahan felt everything in his chest collapse.
–
Meanwhile, behind the audience, Harriet was sitting near the Pokémon that still followed her. She heard something, rustling in the back.
She wasn't the only one. Her Pokémon picked up on it too. They growled and stepped protectively in front of her.
Harriet reached for a flashlight and flicked it on. The beam hit three figures in strange armor, black and violet with glowing visors, gauntlets, and the unmistakable insignia of Cipher on their chests.
Harriet narrowed her eyes, "Got you, thieves!"
The leader scoffed and stepped forward, "Yeah? So what? What are you going to do about it?"
Behind him, one of the grunts held up a small, glowing purple orb.
Before Harriet could say another word—
CRASH!
From the side, the wall burst open and in leapt Team Rocket, Jessie, James, and Meowth, striking a dramatic pose under the spotlight.
"Hello there!" Jessie grinned, "Nice of you to sniff out what's valuable. We'll be takin' that now!"
"Tch, you clowns again, you don't even know what this is, do you?!" the Cipher leader growled.
"No," Jessie admitted with a sly smirk. "But you want it, and that's good enough for us. Now, are we doing this peacefully, or do we have to make things... ugly?" James said, arms confidently crossed.
"We'll see about that," one of the Cipher grunts sneered, pulling a small button device from his pocket.
"Wait, don't—!" Harriet tried to shout, but it was too late.
The grunt slammed the button.
—
Outside, just as the truth about Callahan came to light, Kellie stepped away from him, eyes full of tears.
"Uncle Callahan… I… HATE YOU!!" The words shot out like a bullet. She didn't mean it, not really, but she couldn't stop herself. She turned and ran down the stairs.
"Kellie, wait!" Callahan called after her, bolting down the steps. She didn't get far. Overcome with emotions and exhaustion, Kellie stumbled, dropping to her knees as she gasped for breath.
Callahan reached her, kneeling beside her quickly. "Kellie! Are you alright?!"
Before anyone could respond—
BOOM!
An explosion rocked the stage. The projector toppled, the lab wall was blown inward, and thick smoke poured across the festival grounds.
Panic erupted.
People screamed and scattered in every direction. Ash threw his arm up to shield his eyes, coughing against the thick smoke. But then he focused using Aura to see
Through the smoke, he spotted three fleeing figures, he recognised them as Cipher's grunts, crushing out of the wreckage. Then, just behind them, he saw four others giving chase.
He didn't know exactly what was happening, but he knew it was bad.
"I see some people! I'm going after them!" he shouted, pushing Molly toward Mia. "Please take care of her!"
Mia grabbed Molly protectively, calling after him, "Ash, wait—!"
Risa also yelled, "Don't go alone!" but Ash was already gone, sprinting into the smoke with Pikachu and Vee at his heels, Risa might have run after him, but she stopped herself looking at her foot and hesitated, she didn't want to run again, not like that
In the chaos, people shoved past one another trying to escape. Being outside helped, but it was still dangerous. And that's when Risa realized something
"Eevee?" she looked around frantically. "Where's my Eevee?!"
She turned and spotted her Pokémon just in time, her Eevee was on the ground, trampled by the stampede, her tiny body curled in pain, one leg twisted unnaturally.
"Oh no, no, no, no!" Risa cried, diving forward and cradling her. "I'm so sorry… I didn't see!"
Toren emerged from the smoke behind them, coughing as he helped Harriet stumble out. The Pokémon had shielded her from the blast.
Toren's eyes immediately locked on the injured Eevee.
"Let me see her," he said, quickly kneeling. Risa nodded and handed her over carefully.
"Is she…?" Risa whispered, trembling.
Toren examined her and then nodded gently. "She'll be fine. Just a sprain."
He looked to his Chansey, "[Heal Pulse]."
Chansey stepped forward and emitted a soft, green light from her hands. It enveloped Eevee gently, easing her pain. Risa breathed out in relief.
But Harriet… she stared at the light. And slowly, she tightened her grip on her cane.
–
Elsewhere, Team Rocket was still on Cipher's trail. Jessie, James, Meowth, and even Wobbuffet were right behind them.
Jessie reached for her belt, pulling off a Poké Ball, "Let's end this, Arbok, stop them now!"
She threw it, and the ball cracked open in front of the fleeing grunts.
With a hiss, Arbok slithered out and uncoiled, blocking the narrow path forward with a glare.
The grunts skidded to a halt.
James stepped up next, tossing down his own PokéBall, "We told you we're taking that!" From it emerged Victreebel, who, for once, didn't tackle him. Seeing how serious James was right now
Instead, Victreebel shot out a [Vine Whip], wrapping around the grunt who had the orb and yanking it away. Meowth leapt up and snatched it midair, landing triumphantly. Only then did Victreebel tackle James.
"Whyyyy?! We were doing so good!" James wailed, half-swallowed by his own Pokémon.
"Give that back!" one of the Cipher grunts snarled, lunging forward to grab the orb. Only for Arbok to intercept with a [Glare], freezing the grunt in place with paralyzing fear.
"Nice one, Arbok!" Jessie grinned proudly.
"Prepare for trouble…" Meowth began, tossing the orb from paw to paw like a prize.
"And make it double!" James wheezed, muffled through Victreebel's leaves.
But the leader wasn't done.
He ripped a strange Poké Ball from his belt and slammed it to the ground.
A burst of corrupted energy erupted as the Pokémon emerged.
Tyranitar. But not a normal one. Its body crackled with an unnatural purple light. It was a Shadow Pokémon.
Jessie, James, and Meowth immediately flinched, "...That's not good," Meowth muttered, fur bristling.
"Tyranitar, destroy them!" the Cipher leader roared.
Tyranitar charged forward, powering up a devastating [Giga Impact].
The trio barely had time to react. They dove together and Jessie pointed. "Wobbuffet!"
The blue Pokémon threw himself in front of the blast, taking the full force of the hit. Dust exploded outward, but then it used [Counter]
Wobbuffet unleashed the energy, slamming it back at Tyranitar with double the force.
The Shadow Pokémon was hurled backward, crashing to the ground and immediately knocked out.
Everyone froze.
Even the Cipher grunts stared in disbelief.
Jessie blinked. Then glanced down at her partner. "I really gotta start using you more, don't I?"
"Woooobbuffet!" he saluted proudly.
But just as the Cipher leader began to snarl, probably about to do something stupid
CRACK!
A bolt of lightning struck the ground between them.
"All of you, stop right now!" Ash came running out of the smoke, Pikachu and Vee at his sides.
Team Rocket all inhaled sharply. This wasn't part of the plan. They already had the orb… whatever it actually was.
James threw out another Poké Ball. "Weezing [Smokescreen]!"
Weezing popped out and spat a thick cloud of black smoke, obscuring everything. When it cleared, Team Rocket was gone.
Ash clicked his tongue and turned his attention to the Cipher grunts… and the unconscious Tyranitar.
His expression darkened.
The two remaining grunts saw the look in his eyes, and bolted.
But Ash wasn't leaving empty handed, "Pikachu!"
Pikachu leapt up and fired an [Electroweb], the glowing net catching the leader mid-run and slamming him into the dirt, shocking him just enough to immobilize him.
Ash walked up and grabbed the man by the collar, lifting him slightly, not enough to choke, but enough to hold him down, "You're going to tell me what I want to know."
The leader coughed, spitting to the side. "And if I don't, kid? What are you gonna do? Call your mom?"
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Wrong answer. Whatever, I needed a new punching bag anyway. Your skull'll do nicely."
Before the grunt could process that, Ash pulled his arm back, and swung at his face