The boat ride to Cinnabar Island was peaceful. Andrew stood at the railing with Pikachu on his shoulder, watching the volcanic island grow larger on the horizon. Smoke rose from the volcano's peak, and he could see the famous research facility built into the mountainside.
Six badges down. Two to go.
But as the boat docked, Andrew felt uneasy. Something was off about the island—too quiet, with fewer tourists than expected for a popular destination.
"Stay alert," Andrew murmured to Pikachu.
As they disembarked, Andrew noticed several people in dark clothing moving crates near a warehouse. They were trying to be discreet, but Andrew's experience with Team Rocket had taught him what suspicious activity looked like.
And then he saw it—on one of the crates, partially covered: a stylized "G" logo he recognized from his previous life.
Team Galactic.
Andrew's blood ran cold. He knew about Team Galactic from the games—they were from Sinnoh, led by Cyrus, obsessed with creating a "new world" and capturing legendary Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia.
What were they doing in Kanto?
He ducked behind some shipping containers and pulled out his Pokédex, immediately calling Professor Oak.
"Professor, I'm on Cinnabar Island. Team Galactic is here—I just saw their logo on smuggling crates."
Gary's face appeared, his expression darkening. "Team Galactic? In Kanto? That's… concerning. They must be coordinating with Team Rocket. I'll contact authorities, but Andrew—"
"I'm going to investigate," Andrew said. "If they're smuggling Pokémon from Sinnoh, I need to stop them."
"Be careful. Team Galactic is dangerous—possibly more so than Team Rocket. Their ideology is extreme."
"I know," Andrew said, remembering everything from the games. "I'll be careful."
The Warehouse
Andrew waited until dark, then approached the warehouse. Using the stealth techniques Koga had taught him, he moved silently through shadows, reaching a side entrance.
Inside, his worst fears were confirmed.
Dozens of cages filled with Pokémon—many he recognized as Sinnoh species. Starly, Bidoof, Shinx, and others, all looking scared and exhausted. Team Galactic grunts in their distinctive gray and blue uniforms moved between the cages, checking manifest lists.
And in the center, talking to what appeared to be Team Rocket operatives, stood two Team Galactic commanders—their uniforms more elaborate than the grunts'.
"The boss will be pleased with this shipment," one Team Rocket grunt said. "These Sinnoh Pokémon will fetch high prices."
"Our arrangement is simple," a Galactic commander replied coldly. "We provide Pokémon from Sinnoh. You provide funding and resources for our operations. Both organizations benefit."
Andrew's jaw tightened. They were working together.
He needed to act now. He released his entire team—Pikachu, Charizard, Ivysaur, Gengar, and Frogadier.
"We're freeing these Pokémon," Andrew whispered. "And we're stopping this smuggling operation. Be ready."
His team nodded, prepared.
Andrew stepped out from cover. "This operation ends now!"
All heads turned toward him.
"A kid?" one grunt laughed.
Then someone recognized him. "Wait—that's the trainer from the broadcasts! The one who shut down Celadon and fought at Silph Co.!"
The commanders' expressions hardened.
"Take him," one ordered. "But keep him alive—he might have useful information about Team Rocket's operations."
Grunts poured forward, releasing their Pokémon—mostly Glameow, Stunky, and Zubat.
"Charizard, Flamethrower! Gengar, Shadow Ball barrage! Ivysaur, Razor Leaf! Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Frogadier, Water Pulse!"
Andrew's team struck as one coordinated unit. The warehouse erupted into chaos.
The Battle
The fight was brutal and exhausting. Andrew's team had to battle waves of grunts while also trying to free the caged Pokémon.
Charizard's flames lit up the warehouse as he took on multiple opponents at once. Gengar phased through attacks and struck from unexpected angles. Ivysaur used his vines to both fight and open cage locks. Pikachu's electricity arced between multiple targets.
And Frogadier—using his ninja training—moved like a ghost, striking precisely and vanishing before counterattacks could land.
But the sheer numbers were overwhelming. One by one, Andrew's Pokémon began to fall.
Ivysaur went down under a coordinated assault from several Glameow.
Gengar was caught by a lucky Dark Pulse and knocked out.
Charizard fought valiantly but eventually collapsed from exhaustion after taking down a dozen opponents.
Pikachu was still fighting, but visibly tired.
Only Frogadier remained at full strength, his ninja training and speed keeping him ahead of attacks.
Then the two commanders stepped forward.
"Enough games," one said, releasing a Toxicroak and Skuntank.
"End this," the other added, sending out a Purugly and Bronzor.
Four powerful Pokémon against an exhausted Pikachu and Frogadier.
Andrew's mind raced. They were outnumbered, outmatched, but he couldn't give up. Not with all these Pokémon depending on him.
"Frogadier, Shunshin!" Andrew commanded.
Frogadier vanished and reappeared, striking Skuntank with a Water Pulse before it could react. The Poison-type was knocked back hard.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt on Bronzor!"
The electric attack struck—but Bronzor's Steel-typing resisted it, taking minimal damage.
"Toxicroak, Poison Jab!"
The Poison-Fighting type lunged at Frogadier with devastating speed and power.
Frogadier dodged—barely—but the Toxicroak was fast. Too fast.
"Purugly, Play Rough!"
The Normal-type's Fairy move struck Pikachu hard—super effective. Pikachu crashed into a crate and didn't get up.
"Pikachu!" Andrew shouted, recalling his partner.
Now it was just Frogadier.
One Pokémon against four.
Andrew looked at his partner. Frogadier was breathing hard but his eyes burned with determination. He wasn't giving up.
Neither was Andrew.
"Frogadier," Andrew said quietly, "I trust you. Give them everything we've got."
Something shifted in that moment. Andrew felt it—a connection deeper than commands, deeper than strategy. He could sense Frogadier's exhaustion, his determination, his absolute refusal to lose.
And Frogadier could feel Andrew's unwavering faith in him.
Their hearts synchronized.
"Water Pulse—rapid fire!"
Frogadier unleashed a barrage of attacks, striking all four opponents. The ninja training showed—each shot was precise, exploiting openings.
"Shunshin into Quick Attack!"
Frogadier vanished and reappeared behind Skuntank, striking before the Poison-type could react. Skuntank went down.
Three left.
"Bronzor, Confusion!"
The psychic attack lifted Frogadier into the air.
"Break free!" Andrew called.
Frogadier struggled—and somehow, through sheer will, broke the psychic hold.
"Toxicroak, finish this! Poison Jab!"
"Purugly, Play Rough!"
Both attacks came simultaneously.
Andrew's mind worked at lightning speed. Two attacks, one Pokémon, no time to dodge both.
Unless—
"Frogadier, Substitute!"
A decoy appeared, taking both hits and exploding. The real Frogadier was already moving.
"Now! Water Pulse on Purugly!"
The Water-type attack struck the Normal-type hard, knocking it out.
Two left.
But Frogadier was at his limit. Andrew could feel his partner's exhaustion through their bond.
"We can do this," Andrew said. "Together."
Frogadier's body began to glow.
Andrew's eyes widened. "Frogadier…?"
The light intensified, enveloping the water-type completely. His form grew larger, sleeker, more powerful. When the light faded, Greninja stood there—taller, more imposing, with a water shuriken forming on his back.
"Greninja!" the newly evolved Pokémon called out, his voice deeper and filled with power.
The commanders' eyes widened.
"It evolved?!"
Andrew felt the difference immediately. The bond between them had deepened exponentially. He could sense Greninja's thoughts, his intentions, his very heartbeat.
This was what Ash had described. The foundation of the Bond Phenomenon.
"Greninja," Andrew said, "let's finish this. Water Shuriken!"
Greninja grabbed the shuriken from his back and hurled it. The attack struck Bronzor with devastating force—the Steel-Psychic type couldn't resist the super-effective Water move. It crashed down, defeated.
One left.
Toxicroak stood alone, looking between the fallen Pokémon and the newly evolved Greninja.
"Toxicroak, Gunk Shot!"
Poison projectiles launched toward Greninja.
"Shunshin—evade and strike!"
Greninja's speed had increased dramatically with evolution. He vanished, the Gunk Shot hitting empty air, and reappeared directly in front of Toxicroak.
"Water Pulse—point blank!"
The attack struck with overwhelming force. Toxicroak was blasted backward and didn't get up.
Silence filled the warehouse.
All the grunt Pokémon were defeated. The commanders' Pokémon were down.
Andrew stood with Greninja, both breathing hard, but victorious.
Sirens wailed outside—Officer Jenny and backup had arrived.
The commanders tried to flee, but police blocked the exits. This time, there was no escape.
The Discovery
As officers secured the warehouse and freed the caged Pokémon, Andrew heard something—a weak cry from deeper in the building.
He followed the sound to a locked back room. Using Greninja's newfound strength, they broke the door open.
Inside was a single cage with a Pokémon Andrew immediately recognized—a Gabite, the Dragon-Ground type from Sinnoh.
But this Gabite was in terrible condition. Wounded, scared, and when it saw Andrew, it hissed defensively despite barely being able to stand.
"It's okay," Andrew said softly, approaching slowly. "I'm not going to hurt you."
The Gabite snapped at him, clearly traumatized.
Andrew opened the cage carefully. "Come on. I'm taking you to get help."
The Gabite tried to retreat but was too weak. When Andrew reached in to lift the dragon-type, Gabite's instincts kicked in—it bit down hard on Andrew's arm.
Andrew gritted his teeth against the pain but didn't pull away. "I know you're scared. But I promise—I'm going to help you."
Blood ran down Andrew's arm, but he carefully lifted Gabite, holding the injured dragon-type close even as it continued biting.
"Greninja, we need to get to the Pokémon Center. Now."
Greninja nodded, and they ran.
The Pokémon Center
Andrew burst through the doors, Gabite still clamped onto his arm.
"Please!" Andrew called to Nurse Joy. "This Gabite needs help immediately!"
Nurse Joy's eyes widened at the sight—both the injured dragon-type and Andrew's bleeding arm.
"Chansey, take the Gabite! Carefully!"
The Chansey approached with a soothing presence, and slowly, Gabite released Andrew's arm to snap at the Chansey instead. But the Chansey's gentle nature and healing abilities began to calm the frightened dragon.
Andrew swayed, blood loss and exhaustion catching up to him.
"Andrew!" Nurse Joy caught him as his vision blurred.
"Take care of… Gabite…" Andrew managed before consciousness faded.
Recovery - Three Days Later
Andrew woke in a Pokémon Center recovery room. His arm was bandaged, and he felt weak but alive.
Greninja sat beside the bed, watching over him. When Andrew's eyes opened, the water-type's expression showed relief.
"Hey, partner," Andrew said weakly. "You evolved. You were amazing."
"Ninja," Greninja responded, his voice carrying pride and concern.
Nurse Joy entered. "You're finally awake. You lost a lot of blood, but you'll be fine. That was incredibly brave—and incredibly reckless—what you did."
"The Gabite?"
"Healing. Physically, anyway. But emotionally…" She shook her head. "That Pokémon has been severely traumatized. Team Galactic had been experimenting on it, trying to force evolution. It's terrified of humans."
"Can I see it?"
"I don't think that's—"
"Please."
Nurse Joy hesitated, then nodded. "Come with me."
Meeting Gabite
In a private recovery room, Gabite huddled in the corner, bandaged but awake. When Andrew entered, the dragon-type hissed and tried to back away further.
"It's okay," Andrew said softly, sitting down across the room—not approaching, just present. "I'm not going to hurt you."
Gabite watched him with fearful, distrustful eyes.
Andrew sat there for an hour, not moving, just talking quietly about nothing in particular. About his journey. About his team. About how he'd been scared too, sometimes.
Gabite didn't approach, but the hissing stopped.
Andrew came back the next day. And the next. Each time sitting a little closer, but never forcing contact.
Building Trust - One Week Montage
Day 1: Andrew sat across the room. Gabite stayed in the corner, watching suspiciously.
Day 2: Andrew brought food—high-quality Pokémon food for Dragon-types. He set it down and backed away. Gabite waited until he was far enough, then ate hungrily.
Day 3: Andrew sat closer. Gabite growled but didn't retreat. Progress.
Day 4: Andrew extended his hand—palm up, non-threatening. Gabite stared at it but didn't bite. Small victories.
Day 5: Gabite moved closer on its own. Not close enough to touch, but closer than before. Trust was building.
Day 6: Andrew offered food from his hand. Gabite hesitated, then carefully took it—without biting.
Day 7: Gabite approached Andrew and, for the first time, allowed itself to be touched. Andrew gently placed his hand on the dragon's head.
Gabite didn't pull away.
"You're safe now," Andrew whispered. "No one's going to hurt you again. I promise."
Tears rolled down Gabite's face—the first sign of the emotional walls breaking down.
Andrew held the dragon-type as it cried, finally releasing the trauma it had carried.
The Choice
Later that week, Andrew spoke with Nurse Joy.
"Gabite's healed physically," she said. "But what happens now? We could try to find its original home in Sinnoh, but after what it's been through…"
"I want to ask Gabite to join my team," Andrew said. "If it wants to. I won't force it. But I think… I think we could help each other."
He entered Gabite's room, and the dragon-type immediately approached—a stark contrast to the terrified creature from a week ago.
"Gabite," Andrew said, kneeling down, "you're healed now. You could go back to Sinnoh, try to find your home. Or…" He pulled out a Pokéball. "You could come with me. Be part of my team. I can't promise it'll be easy, but I promise I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
Gabite looked at the Pokéball, then at Andrew. At this human who'd saved it, who'd been patient, who'd shown nothing but kindness.
The dragon-type reached out and tapped the Pokéball.
Click.
The ball didn't even shake. Gabite had chosen.
Andrew released him immediately. "Welcome to the team, Gabite."
The dragon-type made a sound—not a growl or hiss, but something almost like a purr. Then it climbed onto Andrew's lap and rested its head against his chest.
Andrew hugged his newest partner. "We're going to be great together."
The Pokémon Mansion
With Gabite healing emotionally and physically, Andrew finally had time to explore Cinnabar Island properly. He'd heard about an abandoned mansion on the island—the Pokémon Mansion, once a research facility.
He ventured inside with Greninja and Pikachu, leaving his other Pokémon to rest.
The mansion was eerie—dusty, abandoned, with signs of hasty evacuation. But what caught Andrew's attention were the research notes scattered throughout.
"Journal Entry 1: We discovered a new Pokémon deep in the jungle of Guyana. We named it Mew."
"Journal Entry 5: Mew gave birth. We named the newborn Mewtwo."
"Journal Entry 12: The experiment is a success. Mewtwo is far more powerful than anticipated. But its psychic abilities are growing unstable. It asks questions about its purpose. Its existence."
"Journal Entry 15: Mewtwo has escaped. The facility is destroyed. So many casualties. What have we done?"
Andrew felt chills reading the entries. He knew about Mewtwo from his previous life—the most powerful psychic Pokémon ever created, born from genetic experimentation on Mew.
And these notes confirmed it had happened here, on Cinnabar Island.
He took photos of the research notes with his Pokédex and sent them to Professor Oak. This was important history—dark history, but important nonetheless.
As he left the mansion, Andrew noticed a figure watching from a distance—an old man with sunglasses and a mustache.
The man nodded once, then disappeared.
That must have been Blaine, the Gym Leader. Andrew would meet him properly tomorrow.
Meeting Blaine
The next morning, Andrew went to the Cinnabar Gym—but it was empty. A note on the door read: "Gym Leader Blaine is at the volcano. Challengers must find him there."
Andrew made his way to the volcano, climbing the rocky path until he found a figure standing near the crater's edge.
The old man from the mansion.
"So you found my gym closed," Blaine said without turning around. "And you came looking. That shows initiative."
"You're Blaine," Andrew stated.
"I am." Blaine turned, and Andrew could see intelligence and sadness in his eyes. "You found the mansion. Read the research notes."
"About Mew and Mewtwo," Andrew confirmed.
"I was part of that research," Blaine said quietly. "One of the scientists who created Mewtwo. It's my greatest shame. We played god, and we paid the price."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you're Andrew—the trainer who's been fighting Team Rocket. Who saved those Pokémon from Team Galactic." Blaine studied him. "You understand that Pokémon aren't tools or experiments. They're living beings deserving of respect. That's why I'll battle you for the Volcano Badge. But I won't go easy on you. I need to know you're strong enough to face whatever lies ahead."
"I'm ready," Andrew said.
Blaine smiled slightly. "Then meet me at the gym tomorrow morning. Five-on-five battle. Bring your best team."
The Gym Battle - Next Day
Andrew stood across from Blaine in the Cinnabar Gym. The battlefield was surrounded by pools of lava, with platforms for Pokémon to stand on. The heat was intense.
"This is an official gym battle," the referee announced. "Gym Leader Blaine versus Challenger Andrew! Five Pokémon each! Begin!"
Round One: Greninja vs Ninetales
"Ninetales, show them the beauty of fire!" Blaine called.
The elegant Fire-type emerged, nine tails waving.
"Greninja, you're up!"
Andrew's newly evolved water-type landed on a platform, ready.
"Ninetales, Flamethrower!"
"Water Shuriken!"
The water shuriken cut through the flames and struck Ninetales—super effective. The Fire-type took heavy damage immediately.
"Impressive," Blaine noted. "Ninetales, Solar Beam!"
The Fire-type began gathering solar energy.
"Don't let it charge! Shunshin into Water Pulse!"
Greninja vanished and reappeared beside Ninetales, striking before the Solar Beam could finish charging. Ninetales collapsed.
"Ninetales is unable to battle!"
One down.
Round Two: Greninja vs Rapidash
"Rapidash, avenge Ninetales!"
The Fire-Horse Pokémon galloped onto the field.
"Rapidash, Flare Blitz!"
Flames engulfed Rapidash as it charged.
"Dodge with Shunshin!"
Greninja vanished, Rapidash's attack hitting empty air.
"Water Pulse!"
But Rapidash was fast—it dodged.
"Megahorn!"
The Bug-type attack struck Greninja hard—super effective against Water-types. Greninja was thrown back but stayed standing.
"Greninja, are you okay?"
"Ninja," Greninja responded, determined.
"Water Shuriken—full power!"
The attack struck Rapidash with devastating force. The Fire-type collapsed.
"Rapidash is unable to battle!"
But Greninja was hurt. Andrew recalled him. "You did great. Rest now."
Round Three: Ivysaur vs Arcanine
"Ivysaur, I need you!"
"Arcanine, legendary power!"
The massive Fire-type emerged, intimidating and powerful.
"Arcanine, Flamethrower!"
"Solar Beam!"
The two attacks collided in a massive explosion. When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were still standing.
"Extreme Speed!"
Arcanine moved impossibly fast, striking Ivysaur hard.
"Vine Whip—grab it!"
Ivysaur's vines wrapped around Arcanine, holding it in place.
"Now, Solar Beam point-blank!"
The grass-type attack at close range was devastating. Arcanine collapsed.
"Arcanine is unable to battle!"
But Ivysaur was exhausted from two Solar Beams.
Round Four: Ivysaur vs Magmar
"Magmar, incinerate!"
The duck-like Fire-type emerged, flames dancing around its body.
"Magmar, Fire Punch!"
The flaming fist struck Ivysaur—super effective. The grass-type went down immediately.
"Ivysaur is unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled him. Three of Blaine's Pokémon down, two of Andrew's.
Round Five: Charizard vs Magmar
"Charizard, it's your turn!"
The dragon roared, flames blazing.
Two Fire-types facing each other.
"This will be interesting," Blaine said. "Fire against fire. Magmar, Flamethrower!"
"Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
Charizard charged through the flames, his claws glowing with draconic energy—super effective against Dragon-types like… wait, Magmar wasn't a dragon. But it was still a powerful attack. The Dragon-type energy struck hard, and Magmar was sent flying.
"Fire Punch!"
"Dragon Claw again!"
The two attacks collided, and both Pokémon were thrown backward.
"Charizard, use Dragon Dance!"
Charizard performed the ancient ritual, boosting his speed and attack.
"Magmar, Fire Blast!"
"Dodge and counter with Fire Blast!"
Both Pokémon unleashed massive star-shaped fire attacks. The explosions shook the gym.
When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were down.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Final Round: Pikachu vs Charizard (Blaine's Ace)
"My final Pokémon," Blaine said seriously, "is also a Charizard. My partner for over thirty years. Show them, old friend!"
A massive Charizard emerged—even larger than Andrew's, covered in scars from countless battles, radiating power and experience.
Andrew had one Pokémon left.
"Pikachu, we're counting on you!"
The mouse Pokémon leaped onto the battlefield, electricity crackling.
"A Pikachu against a Charizard," Blaine observed. "Brave choice. Or foolish. We'll see which. Charizard, Air Slash!"
"Dodge and Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's electricity struck Charizard, but the dragon barely flinched. This Charizard had incredible durability.
"Flamethrower!"
"Iron Tail to deflect!"
Pikachu's tail glowed metallic, batting away some of the flames.
"Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
"Pikachu, use Chidori!"
Electricity concentrated in Pikachu's paws as he charged forward. The Chidori pierced through Charizard's Dragon Claw, striking the dragon directly.
Charizard roared in pain—the first real damage it had taken.
"Impressive technique," Blaine said. "But not enough! Charizard, Blast Burn!"
The most powerful Fire-type move erupted. Pikachu was caught in the devastating blast and thrown backward.
He struggled to stand, badly hurt.
"Pikachu!" Andrew called. "Can you keep going?"
"Pika!" Pikachu responded, refusing to give up.
"Then one more time! Chidori—everything you've got!"
Pikachu channeled every ounce of remaining energy into his paws. The electricity spiraled faster, brighter, more concentrated than ever before.
He charged forward.
"Charizard is in recharge from Blast Burn—it can't dodge! Fire Blast when you can move!"
But Pikachu was too fast. The Chidori struck Charizard in the chest before the dragon could recover.
The concentrated electricity surged through Charizard's body.
The dragon roared—then collapsed.
Silence filled the gym.
"Charizard is unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Andrew!"
Pikachu collapsed immediately after, completely exhausted but victorious.
After the Battle
Blaine recalled his Charizard and walked across the battlefield. He extended his hand to help Andrew up.
"That was one of the best battles I've had in years," Blaine said seriously. "Your Pikachu's Chidori technique—I've never seen anything like it. And the bond between you and your Pokémon… that's what true strength looks like."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a badge shaped like a flame—the Volcano Badge.
"You've earned this. Seven badges now. Only one more before the Pokémon League."
Andrew accepted the badge, holding it up for Pikachu to see before his partner's eyes closed in exhaustion.
"Thank you, Blaine. That was an honor."
"The honor was mine." Blaine's expression grew serious. "Andrew, I saw what you did at the warehouse. Stopping Team Galactic's smuggling operation. That took courage. But be careful—both Team Rocket and Team Galactic are dangerous. And if they're working together…"
"I know," Andrew said. "But I can't just stand by and let them hurt Pokémon."
"I understand. Just remember—you're one trainer. Don't try to fight every battle alone." He paused. "That Gabite you rescued. How is it?"
"Healing. It's joining my team."
Blaine nodded. "Good. Dragon-types are loyal once you earn their trust. Treat it well."
"I will."
That Evening - Pokémon Center
Andrew sat with his team, all healed and resting. Seven badges gleamed in his case: Boulder, Cascade, Thunder, Marsh, Rainbow, Soul, and Volcano.
One more to go—Viridian City.
And he knew who waited there: Giovanni, leader of Team Rocket.
Greninja sat beside him, stronger than ever after evolution. Gabite rested on his other side, finally showing signs of happiness. Pikachu, Charizard, Ivysaur, and Gengar all gathered around.
His team was strong. His bonds were deep.
But the final gym badge would be the hardest yet.
And after that… the Pokémon League.
Andrew looked at Ash's cap on his head and made a silent promise: I'm getting closer. Soon, I'll be strong enough to return this to you.
The journey continued.
And the greatest challenges still lay ahead.