Andrew had rented a small apartment on the outskirts of Saffron City, using it as a base for the most intensive training period of his journey so far.
One month.
Thirty days of pushing himself and his team to their absolute limits.
He studied Psychic-type Pokémon—their strengths, weaknesses, fighting styles. He learned that Psychic-types relied heavily on mental attacks and telekinesis, which meant dark-type moves and strong physical attacks were key.
But more than that, he worked on team synchronization.
Charmeleon refined his speed and power, preparing for the evolution Andrew could feel coming. The fire-type was on the verge of something greater.
Ivysaur built on his newfound confidence, mastering Solar Beam—a powerful grass-type attack that took time to charge but devastated opponents.
Gengar perfected the multi-projectile Shadow Ball technique and learned to use Hypnosis more effectively, combining crowd control with devastating ghost-type attacks.
Pikachu continued refining Chidori while also working on raw speed and power. The little mouse Pokémon trained relentlessly, driven by the memory of how easily Ash's Pikachu had defeated him.
Froakie grew stronger each day, learning Water Pulse, Double Team, and Quick Attack. The water-type showed remarkable growth, and Andrew noticed moments where Froakie seemed to anticipate his commands before he even spoke them—the first hints of a deeper bond forming.
By the end of the month, Andrew's team was stronger than ever.
And he was ready.
Saffron Gym - The Challenge
The Saffron Gym was an imposing structure in the heart of the city—sleek, modern, with an almost ethereal quality to its architecture. Inside, the battlefield was minimalist, with platforms floating via unseen psychic energy.
Sabrina stood at the far end—a young woman with long dark hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see through everything. She was known as one of the most powerful Gym Leaders in Kanto, with psychic abilities that extended beyond her Pokémon.
"You're Andrew," she said without preamble. Her voice was calm, almost monotone. "I've heard about you. The son of former Team Rocket members. The trainer who beat Misty's Gyarados. The one Ash Ketchum gave his hat to."
Andrew adjusted the cap on his head. "That's me."
"Your thoughts are loud," Sabrina said, tilting her head slightly. "You're afraid. But also determined. Interesting."
"Can you really read minds?" Andrew asked, unsettled.
"Emotions," Sabrina corrected. "Thoughts are harder, but emotions… those are clear as day." She gestured to the battlefield. "This will be a three-on-three match. Standard rules. Show me if your determination is stronger than your fear."
The Battle: Andrew vs Sabrina
Round One: Gengar vs Alakazam
"Alakazam," Sabrina said calmly, and the psychic-type materialized on the battlefield—holding two spoons, its eyes glowing with immense mental power.
"Gengar, let's go!" Andrew called.
The ghost-type emerged, grinning wickedly.
"Alakazam, Psychic."
The psychic energy slammed into Gengar—but the ghost-type phased partially, reducing the damage.
"Shadow Ball barrage!" Andrew commanded.
Gengar fired eight Shadow Balls simultaneously, surrounding Alakazam.
"Reflect."
A psychic barrier appeared, blocking most of the Shadow Balls. But Gengar detonated them on Andrew's command, and the explosions cracked the barrier.
"Hypnosis!"
Gengar's eyes glowed, and Alakazam began to sway—but Sabrina's voice cut through.
"Alakazam, wake up. Psychic again."
This time the attack was devastating. Gengar was slammed into the ground hard.
"Shadow Ball—direct hit!"
Gengar fired at point-blank range. Alakazam took the hit and staggered.
"Finish it with Night Shade!"
Dark energy enveloped Alakazam, and the psychic-type collapsed.
The referee raised her flag. "Alakazam is unable to battle!"
Round Two: Gengar vs Mr. Mime
"Mr. Mime," Sabrina called emotionlessly.
The psychic-fairy type appeared, immediately creating invisible barriers with its hands.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball!"
The attack hit a barrier and stopped mid-air.
"Confusion."
Mr. Mime's psychic attack struck Gengar, lifting the ghost-type and slamming him around the battlefield like a ragdoll.
"Gengar, phase out!"
Gengar became intangible, escaping the psychic grip.
"Now, Sludge Bomb!"
Poison-type energy struck Mr. Mime, super effective against the fairy typing. The mime Pokémon staggered.
"Psychic."
"Shadow Ball!"
The two attacks collided, and both Pokémon were thrown backward. When the smoke cleared, both were down.
The referee raised both flags. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Round Three: Ivysaur vs Espeon (Brief Exchange)
Andrew sent out Ivysaur, and Sabrina's final Pokémon was Espeon—a sleek, elegant psychic-type.
"Ivysaur, Razor Leaf!"
"Psybeam."
The psychic beam cut through the leaves and struck Ivysaur hard. The grass-type was knocked out almost immediately—Espeon was too fast, too powerful.
Andrew recalled Ivysaur. "You did your best. Rest now."
Final Round: Charmeleon vs Espeon
"Charmeleon, you're up!"
The fire-type burst onto the battlefield, flames roaring.
This was it. Everything came down to this.
"Dragon Claw!"
"Psychic."
Espeon lifted Charmeleon with psychic energy—but the fire-type fought through it, slashing with glowing claws. The attack connected, and Espeon cried out.
"Shadow Ball."
"Flamethrower, intercept!"
Fire met shadow, the two attacks canceling each other out.
"Espeon, Psychic again—hold him."
Charmeleon was lifted into the air, immobilized by psychic energy.
"Charmeleon, break free! Dragon Rage!"
With a roar of defiance, Charmeleon unleashed a blast of draconic energy that shattered the psychic hold. He landed hard but stayed standing.
"Impressive," Sabrina said, the first hint of emotion entering her voice. "Your bond with your Pokémon is strong. But is it strong enough? Espeon, Psychic—maximum power."
Espeon's entire body glowed with overwhelming psychic energy.
"Charmeleon, Flamethrower with everything you've got!"
Fire and psychic energy collided in a massive explosion that shook the entire gym.
When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were down.
The referee stared for a moment, then raised both flags. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle! This match is a draw!"
Sabrina recalled Espeon and walked across the battlefield. For the first time, she smiled—small, but genuine.
"You fought well," she said. "Your Pokémon trust you completely, and you trust them. That bond carried you through this battle." She held out the Marsh Badge—a golden badge shaped like a circle with psychic designs.
"You've earned this."
Andrew took the badge, exhausted but triumphant. "Thank you."
Four badges now. Halfway to the Pokémon League.
Two Days Later - Silph Co. Under Siege
Andrew was restocking supplies at the Pokémon Center when the alarms started blaring.
Emergency broadcasts lit up every screen in the city:
"TEAM ROCKET HAS SEIZED SILPH CO. HEADQUARTERS. ALL CITIZENS EVACUATE THE AREA. TRAINERS WITH GYM BADGES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSIST."
Andrew's blood ran cold. This was it—the operation Cassidy and Butch had mentioned.
He ran.
Silph Co. - The Battle
The Silph Co. building was under siege. Team Rocket grunts swarmed the entrance, and inside, more grunts held employees hostage while stealing technology.
Andrew arrived to find Officer Jenny coordinating with other trainers.
"We need to get inside and stop them," Jenny said grimly. "But they've locked down the elevators. We'll have to fight through floor by floor."
Andrew nodded. "I'm going in."
He battled through waves of Team Rocket grunts—his team fighting with everything they had. Pikachu's Thunderbolts, Gengar's Shadow Balls, Ivysaur's Solar Beams, Froakie's Water Pulse, and Charmeleon's Flamethrower tore through the opposition.
But by the time Andrew reached the top floor, his team was exhausted. Pikachu, Gengar, Ivysaur, and Froakie had all been pushed to their limits fighting through dozens of grunts.
Only Charmeleon remained at full strength.
And at the top floor, standing before the executive office, was a man in a dark suit.
He was tall, imposing, with slicked-back hair and cold eyes. Andrew didn't recognize him—his face seemed somehow blurred, hard to focus on—but the aura of power around him was unmistakable.
This was someone important. Someone dangerous.
"So you're the one who's been disrupting our operations," the man said, his voice smooth and authoritative. "James and Jessie's son. I must admit, I'm curious to see what you're capable of."
Andrew gritted his teeth. "Who are you?"
"That's not important," the man replied. "What's important is that you've become a thorn in Team Rocket's side. And we don't tolerate thorns."
He threw a Pokéball. "Rhyhorn."
The massive rock-ground type emerged, stomping the floor hard enough to crack it.
Broadcast Worldwide
Unbeknownst to Andrew, a Team Rocket grunt was broadcasting the battle live—streaming it across the world through hijacked channels. The feed showed everything: the top floor of Silph Co., the mysterious man whose face was digitally blurred, and Andrew standing with only Charmeleon at his side.
Around the World - Reactions
Pallet Town - James, Jessie, and Meowth
James and Jessie sat frozen in front of the television, watching their son face down a Team Rocket executive.
"That's… that's Andrew," Jessie whispered, her hand covering her mouth.
"He's fighting Team Rocket," James said, his voice tight with fear and pride. "Our boy is fighting Team Rocket."
Meowth's eyes were wide. "That ain't just any grunt. That's… that's gotta be someone high up."
"Andrew…" Jessie breathed, tears forming. "Be careful…"
Professor Oak's Lab - Gary Oak
Gary stood in front of the lab's main screen, his expression grim.
"That's Giovanni," he muttered. "They've blurred his face, but I'd recognize his battle style anywhere. Andrew's fighting the leader of Team Rocket."
He clenched his fists we just don't have enough evidence to arrest him
"Hold on, Andrew," Gary said quietly. "Just hold on."
Route 15 - Adrian Oak
Adrian was at a Pokémon Center when the broadcast came on. He watched Andrew standing against impossible odds and felt his competitive spirit flare.
"Come on, Andrew," Adrian said, gripping his Pokéball. "You can do this. Show them what you're made of."
Cerulean Gym - Misty
Misty stood in her gym, watching the broadcast with growing concern.
"That's the kid who beat my Gyarados," she said to her assistant. "And he's fighting… is that who I think it is?"
"It's being broadcast worldwide," her assistant confirmed. "Everyone's watching."
Misty's jaw tightened. "Come on, Andrew. You're tougher than you look. Prove it."
Vermilion Gym - Lt. Surge
Surge watched from his gym, arms crossed, expression serious.
"That kid's got guts," he muttered. "Fighting the big boss with only one Pokémon left. Reminds me of…"
He trailed off, watching intently.
Pewter Gym - Forrest
Forrest watched with his younger siblings gathered around.
"That's the trainer who beat me," Forrest said. "And now he's taking on Team Rocket's leadership. That takes real courage."
Unknown Location - Ash Ketchum
Ash stood in a training facility, his Pikachu on his shoulder, watching the broadcast on a large screen.
His expression was serious, focused.
"That's Andrew," Ash said quietly. "The kid I gave my hat to."
On screen, Andrew adjusted that very hat, facing down the blurred figure with Charmeleon at his side.
"Come on, Andrew," Ash said, his voice filled with encouragement. "Show the world what you're capable of. You've got this."
His Pikachu sparked in agreement. "Pika!"
The Battle Continues
"Rhyhorn, Take Down!"
The massive Pokémon charged, shaking the entire floor.
"Charmeleon, dodge and use Dragon Claw!"
Charmeleon leaped aside, slashing at Rhyhorn's flank. The rock-type grunted but barely seemed hurt.
"Rock Blast."
Rocks shot toward Charmeleon.
"Flamethrower!"
Fire met stone, creating smoke and debris.
The battle raged, and Charmeleon fought valiantly—but Rhyhorn was incredibly durable. Every attack seemed to barely phase it.
"Charmeleon's struggling," Andrew muttered. The fire-type was getting tired.
The man recalled Rhyhorn. "Impressive. But let's see how you handle this. Nidoking."
An even larger Pokémon emerged—Nidoking, towering and powerful, with poison and ground typing.
This was bad. Very bad.
"Charmeleon, we've got to finish this fast! Dragon Claw!"
"Earthquake."
The entire floor shook violently. Charmeleon was thrown off balance, crashing into a wall.
"Charmeleon!" Andrew shouted.
The fire-type struggled to his feet, breathing hard. He was exhausted, hurt, but his eyes still burned with determination.
"Nidoking, Megahorn."
Nidoking charged, its horn glowing with devastating bug-type energy.
"Dodge—"
But Charmeleon was too slow. The Megahorn connected, and Charmeleon was sent flying—
—straight through the reinforced windows.
Glass shattered. Charmeleon disappeared into open air, falling from the top floor of Silph Co.
"CHARMELEON!" Andrew screamed.
He didn't think. He just ran.
He sprinted to the broken window and leaped out after his Pokémon.
The Fall
Andrew fell through the air, wind screaming past him, the ground rushing up from fifty stories below.
Ahead of him, Charmeleon tumbled through the air, unconscious from the attack.
Andrew reached out, stretching with everything he had.
Come on… come on…
His fingers brushed Charmeleon's claw.
He grabbed hold.
Andrew pulled Charmeleon close, hugging the fire-type against his chest as they fell together.
"I've got you," Andrew whispered, even though he knew they were both going to die. "I've got you. I'm not letting go."
Charmeleon's eyes flickered open, and despite the pain, despite the fear, the fire-type saw his trainer holding him.
Protecting him.
Even at the cost of his own life.
Something stirred deep within Charmeleon—something primal, something powerful.
The bond between them blazed like wildfire.
Charmeleon's body began to glow.
Brighter.
Brighter.
BRIGHTER.
The light was blinding, visible from the ground, visible on every screen broadcasting the battle worldwide.
Evolution
The light burst outward.
Charmeleon's body grew larger, more powerful. Wings erupted from his back—massive, powerful wings. His tail flame intensified, burning with incredible heat. His form became more draconic, more imposing.
When the light faded, Charizard emerged.
And they weren't falling anymore.
Charizard's wings beat powerfully, carrying both himself and Andrew upward through the air. The dragon roared—a sound of triumph, of evolution, of unbreakable bonds.
Andrew, still clinging to Charizard's neck, laughed in disbelief and joy and relief.
"You evolved! Charizard, you evolved!"
"ROAR!" Charizard responded, flying upward with incredible speed.
They burst back through the broken window into the top floor of Silph Co.
The blurred man stood there, his Nidoking beside him, and for the first time, his expression showed surprise.
Andrew slid off Charizard's back, standing beside his newly evolved partner.
"Round two," Andrew said, his voice filled with determination. "Charizard, let's finish this!"
The Final Clash
"Charizard, Flamethrower!"
The blast of fire was unlike anything Charmeleon had been capable of—massive, intense, overwhelming. Nidoking was engulfed in flames.
"Nidoking, Earthquake!"
The floor shook, but Charizard simply flew above it, unaffected.
"Air Slash!"
Charizard's wings glowed as razor-sharp air blades shot toward Nidoking, striking hard. The ground-poison type staggered.
"Dragon Claw from above!"
Charizard dove, claws glowing with draconic energy, and struck Nidoking with devastating force. The impact created a crater in the floor.
Nidoking collapsed, unable to continue.
The man recalled his Pokémon, his expression unreadable behind the digital blur.
"Impressive," he said calmly. "You have potential. Perhaps more than I anticipated."
Police sirens wailed outside. Backup was arriving.
"This isn't over," the man said. "Team Rocket's plans are already in motion. You've won this battle, boy, but the war has just begun."
He released a Pokéball, and a Machamp appeared. The fighting-type grabbed the man and, with incredible strength, smashed through a wall and escaped.
Andrew started to give chase, but Officer Jenny and a squad of officers burst onto the floor.
"Andrew! Are you alright?"
Andrew nodded, exhausted. "Yeah. He got away, but… we stopped the operation."
Jenny looked at Charizard, then at Andrew. "You saved a lot of people today. Silph Co. is secure because of you."
Aftermath - Worldwide Reactions
The broadcast ended, and the world had watched Andrew's desperate fall, Charmeleon's evolution into Charizard, and the dramatic conclusion.
James and Jessie were crying and laughing simultaneously, holding each other.
"Our boy," James whispered. "Our boy is a hero."
Gary Oak was already on the phone with the Pokémon League, reporting everything he'd witnessed.
Adrian clenched his fist. "Next time we battle, Andrew, I'll be ready for that Charizard."
Misty smiled. "Ash was right about him."
Surge nodded approvingly. "That kid's going places."
Ash watched the final moments of the broadcast and smiled that warm, proud smile.
"You're getting stronger, Andrew," Ash said quietly. "Keep going. You're going to be incredible."
That Night - Pokémon Center
Andrew sat in his room, his team resting after being fully healed. Charizard was too large to fit comfortably inside, so he rested on a reinforced balcony outside, his tail flame visible through the window.
Andrew walked out to the balcony and sat beside his partner.
"You saved both of us today," Andrew said softly. "When you evolved… when you caught us in the air… that was the most incredible thing I've ever experienced."
Charizard rumbled, a deep, affectionate sound, and lowered his head to nuzzle against Andrew.
Andrew hugged the dragon's neck. "We're going to keep getting stronger. Together. I promise."
His Pokédex chimed. A message from Professor Oak.
"Andrew - What you did today was incredibly brave and incredibly reckless. But it was also heroic. The entire world saw you stand up to Team Rocket. You've made a name for yourself. Be careful moving forward. - Professor Oak"
Another message. From Ash.
"That was amazing, Andrew. Charizard looks incredible. You're on the right path. Keep pushing forward. I'll be watching. - Ash"
Andrew smiled, touching the brim of Ash's cap.
He had four gym badges. A Charizard. A team of powerful Pokémon. And the attention of the entire world.
The road ahead would only get harder.
But Andrew was ready.