Inside the ship's grand hall...
The yellow electric mouse was panting heavily as it narrowly dodged a Poison Sting from a Nidorino, only to be struck hard a moment later by a Karate Chop from a Machoke.
Pikachu's face twisted in pain as its entire body was sent flying and slammed harshly onto the floor.
"Pikachu!"
Ash was startled and immediately ran over to scoop Pikachu into his arms, his face filled with distress as he looked at his badly injured partner.
This was already his last Pokémon still capable of fighting—Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and the others had all been knocked out.
And now, even Pikachu had reached its limit.
But the enemies?
Ash looked up at the line of vicious-looking Pokémon facing them, their ferocity nearly crushing any hope of escape.
"There's no way… there's just too many of them—we can't break through."
Misty bit her lip tightly.
The strength of these Rocket members far exceeded anything they'd faced before—they were leagues stronger than the usual bumbling trio.
And they had the numbers advantage too. Though the group wanted to reach the cargo hold, there was no way to break through this blockade.
At this moment, Misty couldn't help but curse her own weakness.
She had always dreamed of becoming stronger to take over the Cerulean Gym, to restore its honor.
But now… she couldn't even take down a few Rocket members?
Why was she still so weak?
"We can't give up—Miss Caitlin is still out there fighting for us."
Brock's face was grim, but he still tried to encourage the group.
Caitlin was still engaged in a fierce battle with Archer, holding off the strongest enemy.
How could they give up now?
Moreover...
Brock's gaze turned toward Green, who had just taken down two more Pokémon.
This mysterious girl, whose origins were unclear, was surprisingly powerful.
"I'll hold them off—you guys head to the cargo hold."
Green pulled out two more Poké Balls, scanning the encircling enemies, her brows furrowed.
Though the battle was still in a stalemate, it was obvious that the Trainers were slowly losing ground.
The Team Rocket had come prepared, and their numbers were overwhelming.
Other than Caitlin, none of the other Trainers here were particularly strong.
Green cast a glance at Ash and his friends—she had hoped they'd be reliable allies, but besides that Metagross trainer, the only capable one… was herself.
She sighed inwardly—no time for complaints now.
Though a bad feeling was gnawing at her, she couldn't just abandon innocent people to be hurt by Team Rocket.
That just wasn't who she was.
"Damn it! Why are these bad guys so strong!"
Ash gritted his teeth as he applied healing spray to his wounded Pikachu, glaring resentfully at the Team Rocket members.
Green rolled her eyes—clearly, the issue was that you're too weak.
You're a total newbie who just started your journey—what made you think you could take on actual Team Rocket executives?
And just then—
BOOM!
A violent explosion ripped through the ceiling. A massive hole was blown open, and several figures crashed down from above, slamming heavily onto the floor.
The sudden chaos drew everyone's attention.
"Wait—is that Charizard and Venusaur?"
Brock squinted through the dust and rubble. Though visibility was low, it did look like Charizard and Venusaur had fallen through the ceiling.
And above them... was someone?
Ash furrowed his brows—there was something very familiar about that figure.
Hold up!
"That's Red! Red!!"
Ash froze for a moment before suddenly realizing—that was his big brother!
Panic-stricken, he sprinted toward where Red had landed.
"Red! Red, are you okay?"
Reaching the spot, Ash knelt beside the boy who had landed on Charizard's belly. He lifted Red up anxiously, staring at his pale face with deep concern.
Falling from that height—even with Charizard cushioning it—must've done serious damage.
"I'm fine… Ash, get out of here. It's too dangerous."
Red's chest heaved as if a storm raged inside, but he still forced a smile to reassure his brother.
Ash couldn't stay—he wouldn't stand a chance against that man.
"But…"
Ash bit his lip and glanced at Charizard and Venusaur—both completely knocked out.
He instantly realized: Red had been fighting a powerful enemy all this time—and he'd been utterly overpowered.
Ash had never even imagined that his idolized big brother could be defeated.
"Listen to me. I'll be fine. Just leave…"
Red's tone grew more serious. But before he could finish—
He suddenly stiffened.
"Well, isn't this a touching little brotherly reunion? But don't worry—you're both not going anywhere."
A young, teasing voice rang out from nearby.
A silver-haired boy stepped forward, the tails of his Lucas coat swaying as he walked.
Beside him stood a massive, fearsome Rhyperior and an elegant, and gorgeous Gardevoir.
Many people's faces changed the moment they saw him.
"Mister Lucas," Archer greeted respectfully, approaching the newcomer.
The sight of a senior Rocket executive bowing was all the proof they needed—this young man wasn't just anyone.
"No way…"
Brock and Misty gasped.
They remembered him clearly—wasn't he that polite, noble-looking member of the Blackthorn Clan they had just met recently?
And yet… he was a Rocket Executive?
Caitlin's expression turned complex. So, he's here too…
Green turned pale and instinctively took a step back, silently praying he hadn't noticed her.
Only Ash—shielded behind Red—hadn't yet seen who had arrived.
Red pressed his lips together, slowly stepping forward to shield Ash as he locked eyes with the newcomer.
He silently recalled his defeated Pokémon.
"Still want to keep fighting? You should know by now—you're no match for me."
Lucas raised an eyebrow as Red pulled out two more Poké Balls. The guy really was persistent—even with his ace Charizard already down.
Their previous 2-on-2 battle on the deck had been entirely one-sided. Red had only barely been able to hold on.
"I may not be your match—but that doesn't mean I'll just stand by and let you hurt innocent people."
Red's voice was calm, his pale but handsome face steeled with unshakable determination.
"Meaningless conviction. You have a brilliant future ahead of you. With your talent, I'm sure in a few years, you'll be on my level."
"To throw that away for a bunch of weaklings and nobodies? If you were smart, you'd walk away."
Lucas let out a sigh—not in mockery, but in disappointment.
Not because Red was stubborn or foolish…
But because someone like him wouldn't join his side.
Still, if Red did flee for self-preservation, he wouldn't be Red anymore.
So, Lucas's emotions were undeniably complicated.
"You… What did you say?!"
Ash suddenly stepped forward angrily.
What was this guy saying?
Calling them weak trash? Telling his brother to run away like a coward?
But when Ash saw the man's face—he froze.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
It really was him.
Ash's heart spun with confusion.
He'd really liked this guy.
He had seemed so gentle and polite, even letting a petty thief go out of kindness. Ash had thought he was a good man.
And now...
"Well, hello there, kid. Fancy meeting you again," Lucas said with a warm smile, tilting his head slightly.
"You… YOU!"
Ash pointed at him, at a complete loss for words.
"That's right. I'm a Rocket Executive. Surprised?"
Lucas spoke casually, still wearing that same smile.
"Rocket… Executive…"
Ash's fists clenched as fury sparked in his eyes.
"So, it was all fake? Everything before was just an act?"
"You liar! You jerk!"
Ash snapped—he couldn't take it anymore.
The man he'd thought was a kind older brother figure had hurt Red!
And now he was gloating?
"Calm down, Ash."
Red placed a steady hand on his brother's shoulder. He knew how impulsive Ash could be.
Honestly, Red wouldn't be surprised if Ash tried to punch a Pokémon out of rage.
And he'd be right.
In canon, Ash had already tried brawling with Mewtwo and Lucario before…
"No need to waste your breath. Whatever you say—I have my own convictions. You said if I leave now for the sake of my safety, I could one day become as strong as you?"
"No. On the contrary—I will become stronger in my own way, because I have something I want to protect."
"I've wanted to be the strongest Pokémon Trainer since I was a child. But I'll get there my way."
"I won't just catch up to you… I'll surpass you."
Red looked Lucas in the eye and spoke with a low, steady voice.
He didn't yell—but every word rang loud and clear, echoing through the hall.
Lucas paused, then let out a soft chuckle.
Indeed—shaking this guy's beliefs was never going to be easy.
Caitlin, Green, Brock, and others couldn't help but be moved by the sheer intensity of Red's resolve.
"…Ooh~ This kid's going to be something special."
In a corner, Chairman Rose—who'd been quietly observing—stared at Red, eyes gleaming with admiration.
There was no doubt in his mind: with that kind of spirit, this boy was destined for greatness.
And judging by Lucas's earlier words, he clearly recognized Red's raw talent.
Rose was even starting to think Red might rival Leon one day.
If this were another time, Rose—who highly valued talent—would've absolutely tried to recruit Red for a private chat.
But now wasn't the moment.
"That's him."
Rose's eyes shifted to Lucas.
That unforgettable appearance—he was the one who'd broken into the energy plant and stolen Eternatus from under Rose's nose.
His mind raced—how should he approach this man?
"Well then… I suppose there's nothing more to discuss."
Lucas shook his head, finally losing all interest in talking.
He had hoped—just maybe—he could sway Red.
But he'd tried. Twice.
No regrets.
"Actually, I do see a few familiar faces here…"
Lucas's gaze lazily swept the hall and lifted into a slight smirk.
"Miss Caitlin—it seems we're destined to keep crossing paths."
"Indeed," Caitlin replied with a faint, helpless smile.
Though honestly, this wasn't the kind of destiny she wanted.
"I rather like it. Perhaps I'll make Miss Caitlin my prisoner this time."
Lucas chuckled playfully.
Caitlin's smile froze.
Prisoner?
Just then—
A panicked Rocket grunt burst through the hall's main doors in a panic, his disheveled appearance drawing a scowl from Archer.
The grunt quickly locked eyes with Archer and began to shout:
"Sir Archer, something terrible has—"
But before he could finish—
CRACKLE!!
A chilling ice-blue beam surged into the hall.
In an instant, the doors, the floor—and the Rocket grunt himself—were frozen solid.
In a blink, he had become an ice sculpture.
Even the terrified expression on his face was frozen in place.
Frost, ice blossoms, and crystalline shards instantly spread across the grand hall's entrance. The temperature in the air began plummeting at a speed so fast it could be felt directly on the skin.
The entire hall fell into utter silence—so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone stood frozen in place, eyes filled with terror and disbelief as they stared at the humanoid ice sculpture.
Just seconds ago… that was a living, breathing person!
Click… clack… clack…
A wave of frost, so dense it had become tangible, spread outward in a chilling ring. The crisp sound of high heels striking the floor echoed clearly, drawing closer with each step.
Lucas's gaze flickered slightly. Such mastery over Ice-type moves, combined with such cold, ruthless methods—there was only one person in the entire Kanto region who could be responsible!
The Ice Queen of Indigo's Elite Four—Lorelei!
(End of Chapter)