88. Arrive in time

Bonus chapter for reaching 500k views!!!

"Darn it, you stinky girl, check out my trick!"

Seeing Ekans and Koffing get launched into the air, Meowth couldn't stay idle any longer. He yanked down the lever next to the device, causing the water pump to suddenly stop. Then, a massive water pipe emerged from underwater.

Boom!!!

The huge pipe released a powerful burst of water it had just drawn in, creating a strong water column. Although Water-type Pokémon aren't afraid of water, the sheer force of this super-powered pump was something else. This water pump, usually used to combat floods, was incredibly powerful.

Even though Water-type Pokémon aren't harmed by water, the force of the water column was strong enough to break a large tree.

The powerful water stream hit Starmie directly. While the water itself didn't harm Starmie, the force behind it was overwhelming, knocking Starmie out of control.

The impact of the water column slammed Starmie into the wall, embedding it there.

"Starmie!!" Misty cried out in concern.

"Darn it, that's so dirty!" Misty's three sisters couldn't help but curse when they saw this.

They had seen a glimmer of hope as Misty was gaining the upper hand, but they hadn't expected Team Rocket to fight so unfairly, using such underhanded tactics.

"Dirty? This is how Team Rocket operates. You're out of the game now, little girl." The Rockets didn't care about being called despicable; they prided themselves on being villains.

"Meowth, keep it up!!" Jessie ordered.

"Got it, Meowth!"

Upon hearing this, Meowth restarted the operation, causing the water pipe to resume sucking up the pool water. The water level had already dropped significantly, leaving Misty unsure of what to do next.

She rushed to stop them, but Jessie and James weren't about to let her interfere.

"Little girl, you want to play hero? Ekans, use Poison Sting!"

"Koffing, hit her with Tackle!"

"Misty!!" The three sisters were shocked. Although they teased her often, she was still their sister. The gym leader's expression changed drastically at the sight.

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

"Geodude, Mega Punch!"

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out. A silver flash streaked across the scene, passing by Misty and slamming into the approaching Koffing.

The high-speed Tackle sent Koffing flying. At the same time, Ekans launched Poison Sting, but Geodude suddenly appeared in front of Misty.

Geodude crossed its arms, and the Poison Sting clattered against it harmlessly. The Poison-type attack was ineffective against Geodude, with its dual Ground and Rock typing.

After blocking the Poison Sting, Geodude clenched its fists, an orange glow enveloping them. It charged forward and delivered a powerful punch to Ekans.

Ekans and Koffing were sent flying again, crashing into the device at the back. Seeing this, Jessie and James' expressions shifted.

Two figures dashed over and joined Misty.

"You... you twerp?!"

"Misty, are you okay?" Ash asked, glancing at the Rockets before looking at Misty.

"I'm... I'm fine, thanks, Ash, Brock!" Misty exhaled in relief, glad they had arrived just in time. Seeing the two of them, she finally felt safe.

"Great!" Misty's sisters sighed in relief too, but the danger was far from over.

"Darn little twerp, always showing up at the worst time! Let's see you handle this!"

Meowth, frustrated by Ash's interruption, quickly aimed the water pipe at Ash and his friends. He pressed the spray button once more, and a powerful jet of water surged out.

"Watch out!" Daisy and the others shouted from behind. Ash, who had been closely observing the situation, saw the incoming attack.

"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!" Ash commanded. Pikachu, responding instantly, unleashed a golden bolt of electricity straight into the water stream aimed at them.

Boom!!!

The water and electricity collided, with the water jet pushing forward relentlessly. Though Pikachu's Thunder Shock tried to hold it back, the continuous flow of water made it difficult to gain ground, resulting in a tense standoff.

Splash!!!

Suddenly, a figure leaped out of the water and soared through the air.

Boom!!

With a loud crash, the figure slammed into the thick water pipe, forcing it off course. The redirected water stream veered to the side, and Pikachu's Thunder Shock surged forward unobstructed, striking the pipe directly.

The pipe exploded, sending water raining down all over the gym.

The figure that had jumped out of the water was knocked back by the explosion, landing on the ground with a splash.

"Magikarp!" Ash exclaimed, recognizing the Pokémon. He watched in concern as Magikarp flopped on the wet ground. Seeing that it was still moving, Ash sighed in relief.

"Huh?"

But something strange caught Ash's eye. As he looked at Magikarp, he felt a sudden jolt of intuition, like a current running through his mind.

Magikarp's body began to emit a faint red glow, and its eyes glowed red as well.

"Is this...?" Ash muttered, unsure of what was happening but sensing that something big was about to unfold.

"Darn it, how dare a measly Magikarp mess up our plans!" Meowth snarled, annoyed by the sight of Magikarp flopping around. With the water pipe destroyed, their plan was ruined.

Meowth jumped down from the machine and approached Magikarp, irritation evident in his expression. He lifted his foot, ready to stomp on the helpless Pokémon.

"Hey! I wouldn't do that if I were you," Ash called out, snapping out of his strange daze as he saw Meowth's movement.

"What, Meowth?" Meowth responded to Ash's warning, but before he could fully process it, his foot came down.

Boom!!!