In evening at Pokémon Center Cafeteria
With Pikachu resting and the stress of the day slowly fading, Akg, Delia, Misty, and Ash sat together in the Pokémon Center's modest but warm cafeteria. The scent of fresh rice, vegetable curry, and warm bread filled the air. Delia had insisted on preparing a small comforting meal with Nurse Joy's help—simple, but from the heart.
Ash dug into his food like a starved Growlithe, while Misty and Akg chatted casually about their travels. Delia sat beside Akg, watching him with a soft expression of admiration and affection. Misty, while acting composed, occasionally stole glances at Akg, still thinking about how he teleported them all earlier like it was nothing.
After dinner, they walked quietly through the halls toward the recovery wing. Nurse Joy led them to Pikachu's room, where the little Electric-type rested under soft blankets, eyes half-open but stable. Seeing Ash approach, Pikachu gave a faint but happy "Pika…" and nuzzled his hand.
"He's going to be fine," Nurse Joy said with a warm smile. "He's tough, like his trainer."
Relieved, Ash stayed a little while to talk softly with Pikachu before Nurse Joy suggested they all get some rest.
But just as they turned toward the guest rooms—
BOOM!
The ceiling of the Pokémon Center suddenly shook with a loud explosion. Dust and debris rained down as the roof cracked and burst open. A large hole tore into the sky above them, and from it descended a hot air balloon shaped like a giant Meowth face.
"Prepare for trouble!"
"And make it double!"
Team Rocket had arrived.
Jessie, James, and Meowth struck their signature pose, spotlights inexplicably shining down on them.
"We're here to swipe all the Pokémon inside this center!" Jessie announced.
James twirled a Pokéball. "We'll be rich and feared!"
"And this time," Meowth grinned, "we ain't leavin' empty-handed!"
Ash stood in front of his mother and Pikachu's room, eyes fierce. "You won't get away with this!"
Misty stepped up too. "You've got to be kidding—get lost!"
But before they could even act, Akg took one calm step forward. His coat swayed as the wind from the broken ceiling blew around him. His eyes glowed faintly.
"You picked the wrong Pokémon Center," he said quietly.
With a snap of his fingers, Rena appeared by his side in a swirl of pale blue psychic light.
"Rena—Moonblast. Keep it controlled."
A single shimmering orb of lunar energy formed in front of Rena's hands. She released it silently. The beam struck the balloon's engine cleanly, causing a small controlled implosion that knocked Team Rocket into a tumble.
"W-We're blasting off already?!" Jessie screamed.
"Not again!!" James cried.
"Meowth, this stinks!" echoed as the trio vanished into the night sky with a twinkle.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" ding!
Everyone stood in stunned silence.
Misty's mouth hung open slightly. "That… was incredible."
Nurse Joy blinked. "I've never seen someone react that fast—and with such precision…"
Ash's jaw dropped. "Whoa…"
Delia stepped closer and looked up at Akg with glowing pride. "You protected everyone… like always."
Akg turned, brushing a bit of dust off his coat. "Let's hope they stay gone this time."
Misty's face flushed slightly as she looked away. Delia gently slipped her hand into Akg's as Nurse Joy began calming the other trainers.