Andrew stood in a clearing just off Route 7, his entire team released from their Pokéballs. The morning sun filtered through the trees as his Pokémon gathered around him.
Pikachu sat on a rock, watching attentively. Charmeleon stood tall, flames flickering on his tail. Bulbasaur rested nearby, still recovering fully from captivity but growing stronger each day. Haunter floated overhead, swirling lazily. And Froakie—the newest member—sat slightly apart, observing everyone with those intelligent, calculating eyes.
Andrew wore Ash's cap, the weight of it a constant reminder of his promise.
"Alright, everyone," Andrew said, looking at each of them in turn. "We need to talk about what happened with Ash."
The team grew quiet, listening.
"We lost," Andrew said simply. "Badly. All four of you—Pikachu, Charmeleon, Haunter, Bulbasaur—couldn't even make Ash's Pikachu break a sweat. And that showed me something important."
He paused, gathering his thoughts.
"It showed me that we still have so far to go. We're not weak—we've earned three gym badges, we've beaten tough opponents. But if we want to reach the top, if we want to stand on the same stage as trainers like Ash Ketchum, we need to get stronger together."
Charmeleon growled in agreement, determination burning in his eyes.
"That means more training," Andrew continued. "But it also means something else—trust. We need to trust each other completely. And Froakie…" He looked at the water-type, who perked up. "You're part of this team now. We're going to help you reach your full potential, and you're going to help us reach ours."
Froakie hopped forward and nodded. "Froak!"
"So here's what we're going to do," Andrew said. "Starting today, we're training not just to get stronger individually, but to work together as a team. Combination attacks, covering each other's weaknesses, understanding each other's fighting styles."
He looked at Bulbasaur specifically. "And Bulbasaur, I know you're still building your strength back after what Team Rocket did to you. But I believe in you. You're going to become incredibly strong—I can feel it."
Bulbasaur chirped, its vines extending slightly in determination.
Training Montage - One Week
Over the next week, Andrew pushed his team harder than ever.
Pikachu worked on refining the Chidori technique, making it faster and more precise. Andrew also began teaching him to use it defensively, channeling the spinning electricity to deflect attacks.
Charmeleon focused on speed and power, combining Dragon Claw with his natural fire abilities to create devastating combination attacks. Andrew noticed Charmeleon was getting close to another evolution—the flames on his tail burned hotter each day.
Haunter perfected the multi-projectile Shadow Ball technique, learning to create up to eight Shadow Balls simultaneously and detonate them in complex patterns. The ghost-type also practiced phasing more efficiently, becoming harder to hit.
Bulbasaur worked on fundamentals—Vine Whip control, Razor Leaf accuracy, and building stamina. Andrew spent extra time with the grass-type, helping him regain the confidence that had been beaten out of him during captivity.
And Froakie integrated into the team dynamics, learning everyone's fighting styles and beginning to develop his own techniques. The water-type showed incredible intelligence and adaptability, quickly picking up on strategies.
Bulbasaur's Evolution
It happened on the seventh day of intense training.
They were practicing a team exercise—Bulbasaur using Vine Whip to create obstacles while the others dodged and countered. The grass-type was moving faster than ever, his vines striking with precision and power.
Then, in the middle of a particularly complex maneuver, Bulbasaur's body began to glow.
"Everyone, stop!" Andrew called out.
The team halted, watching as Bulbasaur was enveloped in brilliant white light. His form grew larger, the bulb on his back expanding and sprouting into a vibrant pink flower bud.
When the light faded, Ivysaur stood there—stronger, more confident, evolved.
"Saur!" Ivysaur called out, his voice deeper than before.
Andrew rushed forward and hugged him. "You did it! You evolved! I'm so proud of you!"
Ivysaur nuzzled against Andrew, his vines wrapping around his trainer in an affectionate embrace. This wasn't just evolution—this was Ivysaur reclaiming the strength that Team Rocket had tried to break.
The rest of the team cheered. Even Froakie, who'd only been with them a week, hopped excitedly.
"Alright," Andrew said, pulling back and smiling at his newly evolved Pokémon. "Now let's see what you can really do!"
Lavender Town - Three Days Later
The road to Lavender Town was quieter than most routes. The town itself had a somber atmosphere, known for the Pokémon Tower where trainers came to pay respects to departed Pokémon.
Andrew walked through the town with Pikachu on his shoulder and Froakie following at his feet. He was here for a specific reason—the Lavender Town Poké Mart sold Link Cables, special items used to facilitate trade evolutions.
Haunter needed to evolve into Gengar, and Andrew had arranged to use the Pokémon Center's trading system with a trusted partner recommended by Professor Oak.
As he approached the Poké Mart, he noticed something odd—a group of people in dark clothing lingering near an alley beside the building. They were trying to look casual, but Andrew's experience with Team Rocket had taught him to recognize suspicious behavior.
He paused, pretending to check his Pokédex while actually listening.
"—shipment arrives tonight," one of them muttered. "Boss says these Pokémon will fetch high prices on the black market."
"And the Silph Co. job?" another asked quietly.
"That's phase two. Once we secure funding from these auctions, we move on the company. With their technology, Team Rocket will—"
Andrew's blood ran cold. Team Rocket. An illegal Pokémon auction. And something about Silph Co.?
He ducked into the Poké Mart quickly, purchased the Link Cable, and immediately found a quiet corner to call Gary Oak.
Video Call - Gary Oak
Gary's face appeared on the screen, and he immediately noticed Andrew's tense expression.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm in Lavender Town," Andrew said quietly. "I just overheard some Team Rocket grunts talking about an illegal Pokémon auction happening tonight. And they mentioned something about Silph Co."
Gary's expression darkened. "Silph Co.? That's concerning. They're one of the largest technology companies in Kanto—they produce Poké Balls, potions, advanced research equipment. If Team Rocket is targeting them…"
"What should I do?" Andrew asked.
Gary was quiet for a moment, thinking. "I'll contact the authorities about Silph Co. But the auction—if you can disrupt it and free those Pokémon, that would help significantly. Can you handle it?"
Andrew thought about his team. About how much stronger they'd gotten. About the promise he'd made to stop Team Rocket.
"Yeah," he said. "I can handle it."
"Be careful," Gary warned. "Don't take unnecessary risks. If it looks like more than you can manage, retreat and wait for backup."
"Understood."
That Night - Abandoned Warehouse
Andrew crouched behind a stack of crates in an old warehouse on the outskirts of Lavender Town. The building was dimly lit, and at least a dozen people milled about—some in Team Rocket uniforms, others in civilian clothes but clearly criminals.
At the center of the warehouse were cages. Lots of them. Pokémon of various types trapped inside, looking scared and exhausted.
Andrew's jaw tightened. This was wrong on every level.
He released his team quietly—Pikachu, Charmeleon, Ivysaur, Haunter, and Froakie. They gathered around him, ready.
"Here's the plan," Andrew whispered. "Haunter, you take out the lights first. Pikachu and Froakie, free the Pokémon. Charmeleon and Ivysaur, you're with me—we hold off the grunts."
His team nodded, understanding.
"Now."
The Raid
Haunter shot upward, releasing Shadow Balls that struck the overhead lights. The warehouse plunged into darkness, illuminated only by emergency lighting.
"What the—?!" one of the grunts shouted.
"We're under attack!" another yelled.
Andrew stepped out from behind the crates. "That's right. And you're all going down."
"It's a kid!" one grunt laughed. "Get him!"
They released their Pokémon—Zubats, Rattatas, Ekans, Koffings. A dozen Team Rocket Pokémon against Andrew's five.
"Charmeleon, Flamethrower! Ivysaur, Razor Leaf!"
Fire and leaves filled the air. The Zubats scattered, several Rattatas were knocked out immediately.
"Haunter, Shadow Ball barrage!"
Haunter created eight Shadow Balls simultaneously—the result of a week's intensive training—and fired them at the Koffings. The explosions lit up the warehouse.
"Pikachu, Froakie—free those Pokémon!"
Pikachu used Iron Tail to break cage locks while Froakie used Water Pulse to short-circuit electronic locks. Pokémon began streaming out—Pidgeys, Spearows, a Growlithe, several Eevees.
"Stop them!" a grunt commander shouted.
"Charmeleon, Dragon Claw! Clear a path!"
Charmeleon's claws blazed with draconic energy as he tore through the opposition, creating space for the freed Pokémon to escape.
The battle was chaotic but Andrew's team was winning—their week of intensive training and improved teamwork showed. They moved like a unit, covering each other, combining attacks.
Then Andrew heard it—a voice he recognized.
"Well, well. If it isn't James and Jessie's little brat."
He turned to see Cassidy and Butch stepping out from the shadows at the back of the warehouse.
"You," Andrew said coldly.
"Us," Cassidy replied with a cruel smile. "We've been waiting for another chance at you. Mount Moon was just round one."
"Cassidy, Butch—fall back!" the grunt commander called. "The cops are coming!"
Sirens wailed in the distance.
Cassidy scowled. "This isn't over, kid. Team Rocket's got big plans, and you're just a minor inconvenience. Next time we meet, you won't be so lucky."
She and Butch released smoke bombs, and by the time it cleared, they were gone—along with most of the grunts. A few had been caught by the arriving officers, but the admins had escaped again.
Andrew stood in the warehouse, breathing hard, his team gathered around him. The freed Pokémon were being tended to by Officer Jenny and her team.
"You did good work here, kid," Officer Jenny said, walking over. "These Pokémon would've been sold to the highest bidder if you hadn't intervened."
"It's what any trainer would do," Andrew said.
"No," Officer Jenny replied seriously. "It's what a good trainer would do. Not everyone has the courage to stand up to Team Rocket."
Pokémon Center - Later That Night
Andrew completed the Link Cable trade with Professor Oak's assistant, and Haunter evolved into Gengar during the transfer. When the ghost-type materialized back in Andrew's possession, it was larger, more solid, and radiating power.
"Gengar!" the Pokémon greeted, grinning that characteristic mischievous grin.
Andrew smiled. "Welcome to your new form, partner."
He called Gary Oak again to report everything that had happened.
"Silph Co. has been alerted," Gary said. "They're increasing security. We don't know exactly what Team Rocket is planning, but your intel helped us prepare. Good work."
"Cassidy and Butch got away again," Andrew said with frustration.
"They're slippery," Gary acknowledged. "But you saved those Pokémon. That matters."
After the call, Andrew lay in his Pokémon Center bed, his team resting in their Pokéballs except for Pikachu, who slept curled up next to him.
Tomorrow he'd continue toward Saffron City. His fourth badge awaited.
But Team Rocket was planning something big—something involving Silph Co.
And Andrew had a feeling he'd be caught in the middle of it.
Route 8 - Three Days Later
The road to Saffron City stretched ahead. Andrew had spent the past few days training with his newly evolved Ivysaur and Gengar, helping them adjust to their new forms and power levels.
Froakie had bonded deeply with the team, and Andrew noticed the water-type watching him with increasing trust and respect. The potential Ash had mentioned—the Bond Phenomenon—felt like a distant but real possibility.
As the skyline of Saffron City came into view, Andrew adjusted Ash's cap on his head.
Four badges so far. Sabrina's Psychic-type Gym awaited.
And somewhere in the shadows, Team Rocket was preparing something that could threaten all of Kanto.
But Andrew wasn't afraid.
He had his team. He had his determination. And he had a promise to keep.
The journey continued, and with each step, Andrew grew stronger.
Saffron City awaited.
Meanwhile - Team Rocket Headquarters
In a dark conference room, Cassidy and Butch stood before a large screen displaying surveillance footage of Andrew's raid on the Lavender Town warehouse.
"He's becoming a problem," Butch said.
"More than a problem," Cassidy replied coldly. "He's interfering with operations. And he's James and Jessie's son—the traitors who abandoned Team Rocket."
A voice spoke from the shadows—authoritative, commanding, and carrying barely concealed anger.
"Then it's time we reminded him what it means to stand against Team Rocket. Cassidy, Butch—prepare Phase Two. We move on Silph Co. within the month. And if James and Jessie's boy gets in our way again…"
The voice paused, dangerous.
"Make him regret it."
"Yes, sir," both operatives said in unison.
The screen switched to display files on Andrew—his team composition, his battle style, his movements. And at the top of the file: Priority Target.
The storm was gathering.
And Andrew was walking straight into it.