Where Chimchar Finally Belonged

"Cacnea, use Pin Missile!"

"Carnivine, use Bullet Seed!"

A barrage of round points of light and needlelike beams rained down from above, launching a surprise attack on Ash and the others.

Amid the chaos, a mechanical arm snatched Chimchar up into the air.

Bai Shi and Ash's attempts to recruit Chimchar were abruptly interrupted.

"Who's doing this?"

Caught up in the attack, Dawn couldn't help crying out.

"When we heard someone ask, 'Who's doing this?' we flew straight to Hearthome City!"

"O wind, O earth, O blue sky!"

"Danger descends upon the earth, while crisis races through the stars!"

"Call it an angel or a devil!"

"A name that leaves everyone shaken and bewildered!"

"Jessie, James, Meowth!"

"We're the stars of this era, the invincible Team Rocket!"

A familiar entrance speech drifted into Bai Shi and the others' ears.

Everyone looked up to see a Meowth-shaped hot-air balloon.

A red-haired woman and a blue-haired man stood in the balloon, looking down smugly at Bai Shi and the others.

A talking Meowth chimed in alongside them.

There were also several other Pokémon in the balloon.

These troublemakers clearly had something to do with the attack.

"Team Rocket, it's you again! Give Chimchar back!"

Ash quickly recognized them and shouted in fury.

"Ha-ha! Dream on! This Chimchar will only work for Team Rocket!"

Naturally, they ignored and mocked Ash's demand.

With Chimchar captured, Team Rocket immediately began retreating.

"How dare you ruin this for me!"

"Staravia, chase them down and rescue Chimchar!"

Furious at the sight, Bai Shi promptly gave Staravia his orders.

"Staravia!" (Stop right there, you thieves!)

The instant he finished speaking, Staravia beat its wings and shot toward the balloon like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Stealing the little underling it had its eye on wouldn't be so