For the last week and a half, Ash has been lying down inside a dark prison several floors down from the top floor to the Team Rocket tower. The prison appears to be specifically designed to be that high so that Giovanni and the other higher members of Team Rocket can keep a relatively close eye on the raven-haired boy they deem as some kind of a threat. During the first couple of days, Ash was banging the metal bars and shouting to let him go or tell the evil organization that they won't get away with what they're doing, but a while, he accepted that shouting is no use, so he just stays quietly in his cell. Two times a day, a Team Rocket grunt will come in and barely give him enough food to suitably fill his stomach. The rest of the time, he's left all alone, keeping his spirits up as best as he can while wishing more than anything he can reunite with his friends.

A knock is heard from the door on the other side of the room, and Jessie, James, and Meowth come in with a small plate of food. The trio appears to be in lower spirits than Ash's as they witness the raven-haired boy sitting down in a corner, not even looking at them. They look at each other before James clears his throat.

"Uh, dinner is served," he announces awkwardly.

Ash doesn't reply or look at the three of them. The trio become uneasy again, knowing that it's not in Ash's nature to not show any enthusiasm for food. Meowth frowns and slides the plate toward Ash from the small opening underneath the metal bars, but Ash still doesn't move a muscle.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Jessie asks.

"I'm not feeling up for it right now," Ash mumbles.

The trio is slightly relieved to hear Ash speak, but the feeling is overpowered by his depressing response.

"Come now, old chum, you should eat," James says. "You don't want to starve, do you?"

Ash doesn't reply.

"Oh, come on, your friends wouldn't want you to act like this, would they?" Jessie suggests.

"What do you care?" Ash asks, standing up to face them. "What reason do you have to be bothered about what happens to me? You're getting what you've been trying to accomplish for years, right? You've constantly been trying to kidnap my Pokemon or other people's Pokemon for as long as I can remember and now you're just a little ways away from getting all of the Pokemon in the entire world."

Jessie, James, and Meowth look at Ash surprised, and Meowth says, "What's gotten into ya? I thought you knew better than to give up."

"Oh, I haven't given up," Ash clarifies. "I may be miserable because I'm away from everyone I care about, and I'm alone in a dark prison, but I haven't given up. And do you know why? Because I trust that my friends will come get me. They're going to do whatever it takes to save me and the entire world no matter what. I believe that they care that much to do it, but I don't expect you to care about me at all."

"Hey, that's not fair," James protests. "What about the times we've helped you protect the world or help you and your friends? That's gotta count for something."

"If any of those times counted for something, then you would have stopped trying to kidnap Pokemon a long time ago," Ash states.

Jessie frowns and mutters, "He's got a good point."

"Yeah, but we're caring about ya now," Meowth says.

"So what? You'll probably forget about that too if you succeed in controlling all Pokemon," Ash says.

"No, we -" Meowth begins before the door behind them opens.

Giovanni enters the room, still having an evil, triumphant smirk on his face. Jessie, James, and Meowth quickly salute in front of their leader and quickly shouts, "Sir!"

"Leave me," Giovanni says bluntly. "I will speak with the prisoner alone."

"Sir!" the trio repeats.

As they leave, they turn to look at Ash again, and the raven-haired boy just gives them a look that says they just proved his point. The guilt begins to fester in their hearts while they leave the room and close the door. Giovanni puts his hands behind his back and looks at Ash, who just gives him a cold look. He sees the plate of food untouched, and his smirk grows as if he broke a small rodent's desire to eat crumbs from underneath the table.

"Well?" Ash asks with his arms crossed.

Giovanni remains silent for a few seconds before he says, "I must confess that part of me feels silly for locking you up."

Ash's cold look melts away to a look of pure confusion.

"What are you talking about?" he asks.

Giovanni chuckles with his mouth closed before he speaks again while pacing back and forth.

"I mean, there's no rhyme or reason to feel threatened by you," he elaborates. "The only time I've ever had a battle with you was in Unova, and you and your Pikachu didn't last more than twenty-five seconds at best against my Persian and me. And thanks to Mewtwo giving back every single memory it has ever wiped out, I remember what little help you and your Pokemon were against me and my entire combat force at Mount Quena. So for all intents and purposes, I find it embarrassing for one of my agents to show any concern for the likes of you."

Ash confusion turns into an angry glare.

"Then why did you kidnap me?" he asks.

"Hmmm. How should I put this? There seems to be a special pattern with you," Giovanni answers while still pacing. "Whether it's Team Aqua, Team Magma, Team Galactic, Team Plasma, or Team Flare, you apparently have played some kind of part in taking down criminal organizations throughout the world. Granted, none of them compare to the might of my organization, but even then, you somehow played a part in disrupting my control over the Forces of Nature. So somehow you are a special part of a sword if you will that cuts down every single threat against the world."

Ash doesn't say a word to comment on Giovanni's explanation while the leader of Team Rocket continues.

"To summarize everything I've said, there are many trainers far more powerful than you to treat as a threat in any way, but there's something about you that might make you a bigger threat to my entire plan," Giovanni says. "It's very confusing."

"Well, then let me make it easier for you," Ash says, glaring at Team Rocket's leader. "I'm not the only reason you or any of those people failed. I haven't played a part in those things just because I'm special or some chosen one or whatever you want to call me. I've always had my friends to work together with me to take down the likes of you. And you know what? You've made a big mistake by kidnapping me. All of my friends are going to come for me, and they will take you down no matter what you have against them!"

Giovanni stops pacing, and for a minute, neither he nor Ash saying a word. They glare menacingly at each other like the enemies they are until Giovanni lets out a low giggle that grows into a roar of maniacal laughter.

"Perfect," he says. "If all you need are your pitiful friends to be any threat to me, then I have nothing to fear. The fact is I'm counting on your friends and all trainers of the Kanto and Johto regions coming here. But if you think they will ever last long against my army much less make their way to Arceus and try to take it from me or come and free you, you're in for disappointment. They will have no choice but to surrender to me and give me their Pokemon."

"No, they won't!" Ash shouts.

"Oh? And what makes you so sure?" Giovanni asks.

"Because I trust in them," Ash answers.

Again, Giovanni laughs out loud before he turns to the door.

"Well, let's see what good your trust will do within the next two and a half weeks," he says. "In the meantime, I'd eat up if I were you. I'm sure your precious friends trust you to stay alive until they come and get you."

With that, the leader of Team Rocket leaves the room, and Ash stares at the door. Then he sits down and eats his plate of cold, stale food. When he finishes, he shoves the plate away, goes back into his corner, and lets out a big sigh. He hugs his legs, and he thinks about everyone cares about; how his mom must be worried sick, how Pikachu desperately wants to be reunited with its partner, and how the rest of his Pokemon probably feel about his capture. Then his mind turns to how Brock, Misty, May, Max, Dawn, Clemont, Bonnie, Iris, Cilan, Timothy, and Coovers must be working hard to come up with a plan to beat Team Rocket.

But then his mind turns to Serena. He thinks about how hard he worked to make her happy again before Team Rocket crushed her joy by abducting him. He thinks about how she must be so worried about him that she tried to be lifted up with him. Even when he told her to let go, she refused to leave his side. The horror in her eyes when Mewtwo pulled her away and dropped her still plays in his mind. He doesn't want to think about what he would have done if Brock, Timothy, and Coovers didn't catch her. It's clear to him that out of all of his friends, she's worried about him the most, and she's likely going to do everything in her power to save him.

"Don't give up, Serena," he begs quietly. "Don't give until it's all over."

*****************************************

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt, Braixen, use Flamethrower! Pancham, use Dark Pulse! Sylveon, use Fairy Wind! Poliwag, use Ice Beam! And Absol, you use Night Slash!"

Pikachu and all five of Serena's Pokemon use their respective attacks at a few trees. By this point, the honey blonde girl has ordered the Pokemon to use the same attacks on the trees so many times that Pikachu and Braixen's trees are burnt to a crisp, Pancham's has several holes in it, Sylveon's tree is covered in fairy dust, Poliwag's tree is trapped in a giant block of ice, and Absol's tree is cut into tiny pieces. All of the Pokemon are panting heavily after having used so much energy from training.

"Alright, great work, everyone. Now return," Serena commands as she puts her Pokemon back into their Pokeballs. "Come on, Pikachu. Let's get you and the others healed up."

"Pika!" Pikachu says, smiling as it hops onto her shoulder.

It has been two weeks since Giovanni made his declaration of world domination. Since then, many Pokemon trainers from Kanto have been gathering together for the cause to fight back by the thousands. There isn't a single Nurse Joy or doctor who hasn't come with all sorts of medication or healing equipment for the healing camp Brock is creating.

Nolan, Greta, Lucy, and Tucker of the Battle Frontier have joined with Tucker and Lucy volunteering to join the water battalion. Many of the gym leaders, excluding Blaine, who is trapped in Cinnabar Island, have also joined. Sabrina, in particular, is determined to fight for her Alakazam even though Haunter is not very experienced in battle. Brock is uneasy about having his little brother, Forrest, take part in the battle, but Forrest ultimately convinced his brother that is for the good of everything, including their family. Lt. Surge, in particular, has taken part in giving military advice to Timothy, Brandon, and Coovers, improving their battle plan. But many are afraid over whether or not they will win as the days are always dark with Mewtwo covering the sky with dark clouds.

Meanwhile, Serena has been training Pikachu and her Pokemon with every chance she gets as everyone slowly travels to Team Rocket's headquarters. The rest of her friends have been training with their Pokemon in separate areas near the campsite except for Bonnie, who helps out at the medical camp with Brock. Erika and her attendants came from Celadon City have volunteered to also help at the medical camp. With her Pokemon in their Pokeballs to rest from all of their training, Serena walks over to the area of the camp where all the doctors and Nurse Joys are. She walks over to the nearest Nurse Joy and hands her Pokeballs to her.

"Can you heal Pikachu and my Pokemon, please?" She asks.

"Of course," Nurse Joy replies as she takes Pikachu and all of Serena's Pokeballs and takes them to the nearest medical machine. Serena turns around to leave until she hears Bonnie's voice from behind.

"Serena, please tell me you haven't been overtraining Pikachu and your Pokemon again."

Serena turns to see Bonnie and Brock looking concerned while Dedenne is standing on top of Bonnie's head.

"I did a little bit," Serena confesses.

"Serena, you know you shouldn't do that," Brock says. "I realize that you want to save Ash and Coovers told you to train hard for when you guys sneak into Team Rocket's headquarters, but the Nurse Joys and the doctors can only do so much with what resources they have."

Serena sighs and says, "I know, but I need to make sure that Pikachu and my Pokemon are all ready for what's ahead. I want to save Ash, but I know that we're also there to save the International Police and to destroy this Gieldanstone that Coovers and Timothy have been talking about. The fate of the entire world is at stake while the leader of Team Rocket is still able to control Arceus."

Bonnie frowns, reluctantly admitting her friend has a point.

"Well, at least take it easy with how far you go," Bonnie requests. "We could be heading to battle at any moment, and you won't be any help to anyone if you sneak in with Pikachu and your Pokemon tired."

"Fair enough," Serena says with a soft smile. "But make sure you're ready too. You need to memorize all of the kinds of berries to use for healing while you're using my tablet."

"Deal," Bonnie replies.

"De, ne, ne," Dedenne says

Brock smiles and nods in approval. Suddenly he glances to the left and looks away bitterly. Bonnie and Serena look in confusion until they look in the direction Brock was looking and frown. Several yards away from where they are, Lucy is walking by with her sisters. She doesn't even acknowledge Brock, Bonnie, or Serena as she passes by. The two girls look at their friend with concerned looks while he sighs, knowing that she's gone.

"It's a little hard to concentrate ever since she came to the camp," he says.

Serena looks at her friend sadly and says, "At least she won't be anywhere near the medical camp during the battle since she's fighting with Misty, May, Dawn, Tucker, and the rest of the water battalion."

"I don't care," Brock says bluntly. "Every time she is around, my mind goes back to how I wish I could have told Holly how I feel or not try to make things up to both of them at all. Every time more trainers come here, I hope that Holly will be one of them and somehow I can get her back. I want that more than anything."

Serena and Bonnie look at him sympathetically while Brock hangs his head sadly. After a moment, he sighs again and lifts his head up.

"Well, I'm no use being sorry for myself," he says. "Better get back to work."

The two girls give sad smiles and nod. Brock walks away, and Serena and Bonnie look at each other concerned until they hear a voice.

"Serena!"

Serena has a look of confusion before Mairin, and Chespie appear right next to Bonnie, followed by Alain, and Professor Sycamore. The honey blonde girl smiles brightly as she hugs Mirian.

"When did you guys get here?" Serena asks.

"Just about an hour ago," Mairin answers. "Professor Sycamore and I just volunteered to help out with the medical camp."

"Yes, I hope my knowledge about Pokemon will come in handy for what is to come." Professor Sycamore says.

"And I'm going to be fighting in the front lines," Alain says bluntly.

Serena frowns and says, "You sound very determined to fight."

"He has good reason to," Professor Sycamore says. "He lost Metagross when Team Rocket took all of the psychic Pokemon."

"Oh," Serena says sadly. "I'm sorry, Alain."

"I appreciate that," Alain says. "I'm just glad I have a chance to fight back and that Mairin can help while out of harm's way."

Mairin frowns at Alain before she turns back to Serena.

"Chespie and I are going to do our best to help," she says. "We don't want to be left behind while everyone else is doing what they can. Right, Chespie?"

"Chespin, pin," Chespie replies with a nod.

"I'm glad to hear it," Serena says with a bright smile.

"Hey, Serena!"

Serena turns around to see Cilan running towards her, looking out of breath. When he's close enough to her, Professor Sycamore, Alain, Mairin, and Bonnie, the green-haired boy puts his hands on his knees and pants heavily with his head down before he stands up straight to talk to Serena.

"Coovers is looking for you," he says. "He said the rest of your team have arrived. He's waiting for you at the main tent."

Serena smiles and says, "Great! I've been waiting for them."

The honey blonde girl runs toward the direction Cilan just ran from, leaving Cilan alone with Professor Sycamore, Alain, Mairin, Bonnie, and Dedenne.

"She sure is devoted," Cilan comments.

"You can say that again," Bonnie says with a sigh.

"De, ne," Dedenne says.

******************************************

At the main tent, Lt. Surge, Timothy, Coovers, Brandon, and Clemont are standing around a table with a map of Team Rocket's headquarters and the mainland. The Vermillion City gym leader points at certain areas on the map while everyone else pays close attention.

"So you want to divide your main force into two different brigades when facing the enemy at the front," he explains. "The first brigade will be the vanguard since they're fighting first and will deal with the most casualties, so to speak, with the enemy at full force. They will then have to retreat to the medical camp and the second brigade will charge at the enemy to cover the first brigade's retreat and take down more of the enemy while the first brigade have their Pokemon healed as quickly as possible."

"That makes sense," Timothy says. "What if our forces here in Kanto excluding the flanking battalion be the first brigade while all of Johto's forces apart from their own flanking battalion be the second brigade?"

"That will work," Brandon answers. "It's easier to keep track that way."

"Agreed," Coovers says. "Although, since all of our medical resources will be at the back of the front lines, that means our flanking battalions will be unable to have their Pokemon taken care of when they get knocked out."

"Brock and I have brought that up with Misty, May, and Dawn," Timothy says. "They said that it's a risk they're willing to take for the good of the world, and all of the water Pokemon trainers with them agree. Misty has also contacted the water trainers from Johto, and they feel the same way."

"Risky. I like it," Lt. Surge says with a grin. "Speaking of which, how are things looking with Misty asking wild Water Pokemon under the sea to join our cause?"

"It's going steady," Brandon says. "Apparently, Misty's water Pokemon have appeared to have explained the situation to many water Pokemon who can walk on land, and most of them agree to fight. There are some stubborn Pokemon like a horde of Gyarados and a school of Tentacool apparently led by a giant Tentacruel who aren't as willing. Apart from that, they're managing to recruit more into their ranks."

"Good. What about Pokemon on land?" Lt. Surge asks.

"On that, we're doing much better both here and in Johto," Coovers says. "Professor Oak has convinced Ash's Pidgeot and Fearow to recruit their respective flocks and a flock of Butterfree. According to Anabel of the Battle Tower, who is managing the forces in Johto, the Pokemon seem to sense that the world as they know it is in danger and so are quick to join. Some of them from both regions won't fight for the sake of protecting their young or things of that nature, but the rest know they have to fight to protect their way of life."

"Ah, so Anabel is helping. Good," Timothy comments.

"Yeah, from the sound of things when I called her, she's really determined to do anything to get her Pokemon back," Coovers says. "All that to say, the wild Pokemon are restless. They want to fight now, but some of us are only barely managing to convince them to wait."

"Understandable," Brandon says. "Wild Pokemon are not typically known for listening to people."

Everyone agrees until Clemont gets an idea.

"Wait a minute," he says. "If wild Pokemon are joining us, then perhaps we can get them to attack at a certain time and in a certain direction."

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Timothy asks.

"Think about it," Clemont says. "If most of us are going to be fighting in the front and Misty, and the other water trainers are attacking Team Rocket from behind, then that leaves us with only the sides."

"Ah, I see," Lt. Surge says. "You want to have the wild Pokemon attack from the sides, thus surrounding the enemy."

"Yes, precisely," Clemont says with a smile. "If we could give all of the wild Pokemon a signal to attack from the sides, then they can fight to their heart's content."

"Hmmm. That sounds all well and good, but how do we let the wild Pokemon know that it's time for them to attack?" Brandon asks.

Clemont thinks for a moment before he snaps his fingers.

"I got it," he announces. "Ash's Bulbasaur is extremely good at keeping Pokemon in line for its size. Maybe with it, Professor Oak, and Tracey together, they'll be able to keep the wild Pokemon from Kanto in control. From the Johto side, you have Anabel who can keep the wild Pokemon from that side calm. We could fire a flare high into the air as a signal to let the two sides know that it's time for them to attack. In fact, we could fire another flare before that to let Misty and the water battalion to flank the enemy."

"Say, that is a good idea," Lt. Surge says approvingly. "Can you adjust these flares into different colors so that each force knows which is which."

"Sure," Clemont answers. "How about a blue flare for everyone flanking from the water and green for all of the wild Pokemon attacking on land?"

"Good idea," Timothy says. "And since both Ash and I have a few dozen Pokemon or so at Professor Oak's Laboratory, they can join too."

"Perfect," Lt. Surge says. "Although, I wonder if we can convince some of the rock and ground type Pokemon to -"

"Ah, Serena," Coovers says with a smile.

Everyone else in the group turns around to see that Serena had just entered the tent. The man from Unova walks over to her and places his hand on her shoulder before turning to the other men.

"Excuse me, fellas. I must have a meeting with my team," Coovers says. "Timothy, fill me in later."

"You got it, pal," Timothy replies.

Coovers smiles before he and Serena leave the tent. They walk over to the other side of the camp where Coovers' tent is, and they enter to reveal Koga, Agatha, and a mahogany-haired boy inside.

"Koga, Agatha!" Serena says with a smile.

"Ah, Serena. Good to see you again," Agatha says with a friendly smile.

"Same," Koga says bluntly.

"How is Aya, Koga?" Serena asks.

"She is well," Koga answers with a small smile. "She's taking care of our gym with Venonat and Scyther while we fight."

Serena nods in understanding. The boy with the mahogany hair, however, smirks and walks over to Serena with a teasing look, making her uncomfortable.

"So this is the girl that wants to be Ash's girlfriend, huh?" he says.

Serena blushes, taken aback by the boy's abruptness. Coovers, on the other hand, rolls his eyes and glares at the boy.

"Yes, yes, everyone knows about Serena's feelings for Ash," he says. "Can we focus here, please?".

Serena, Gary, Koga, and Agatha nod in agreement. Coovers opens another copy of the map in the main tent and sets it on a table. Everyone surrounds the table as Coovers continues.

"Now we're going to be joining Misty, May, Dawn, and the water battalion as they go underwater to flank the enemy from behind," he says. "We have diving gear provided for us, so Serena, Agatha, and I will swim under using my Samurott while Gary and Koga swim using Gary's Blastoise."

"Makes sense," Agatha says while the others nod.

"Once we're in position, we're going to wait until after the water battalion flanks the enemy from behind," Coovers continues. "Hopefully, once the water battalion flanks Team Rocket's army, Giovanni will order most of his minions still in the building to join in the fighting. If he does, we will have the number advantage inside since there are five of us and three of us - if you count Serena taking Pikachu with her, have a full party. From there, we will sneak into their base."

"Most of the minions?" Gary questions.

"It is a good bet that he will exclude his science division since they have no Pokemon and still leave a good few grunts to guard Arceus," Coovers explains.

"Speaking of Arceus, why can't we just take out the grunts guarding it and set it free?" Koga asks.

"Well, for one thing, we have no idea where they are keeping Arceus," Coovers answers. "For another thing, Giovanni threatened us to have Arceus used against us. Arceus' signature and most destructive move is Judgement. The last time someone had Acreus use that move with the Gieldanstone, many lives were lost, people and Pokemon alike. So even if we found Arceus, it would do us little good to set it free as long as Giovanni has the Gieldanstone. If he found out, he could use Arceus against us and maybe everyone on the battlefield by using Judgement."

Koga thinks about it and nods, accepting Coovers' logic before the latter continues.

"Besides, our objective is to free the International Police, and with them, we free Ash, find Giovanni, hold him down, take the jewel and use it to free Arceus before we destroy it," Coovers elaborates. "With Arceus free, the psychic Pokemon no longer being controlled, the Gieldanstone gone, and Giovanni captured, it's just a short matter of time before Team Rocket completely falls and the world is saved."

Everyone in the tent is silent for a moment before Gary speaks.

"So what I think I'm hearing you say is the fate of the world basically rests with us while the giant army we're building from both regions is more of a distraction?" He asks.

"That's one interpretation," Coovers admits. "At the rate that our numbers are growing, there is a chance that our army might win, and so everything I just listed will happen anyway if we fail. Having said that, it would be best if we complete our mission so that we win the sooner, the better. We can't afford to fail as long as there's a possibility that everyone else might lose the battle at hand."

The group nods again before Serena says, "Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I know we're not going to fail. If Ash was here, he would say the same thing and also tell us not to give up until it's over."

Gary looks at Serena, confused, and mutters to himself, "When did he ever say that?"

"That's the spirit, Serena," Agatha compliments.

"Indeed," Koga says. "Let us live by that example to the end."

Coovers nods in approval and says, "Alright, are there any other questions?"

The squad shakes their heads.

"Good," Coovers says. "When we get close enough to Team Rocket's tower, we and the water brigade will separate from the rest of the army. I suggest we give quick goodbyes to any family or friends we have here before we do. Until then, keep training your Pokemon as often as you can so that we're at our best. Dismissed."

With that, everyone nods and leaves the tent except for Coovers and Serena. The honey blonde girl sees her friend looking uneasy as he stares at the map.

"Hey," she begins, earning his attention. "I meant what I said, Coovers. This is going to work. We're going to save the world. All of us."

Coovers turns to Serena and smiles appreciatively.

"Thank you, Serena," he says. "I'm glad you're on my team."

Serena smiles back, and the two friends keep looking at each other until they hear a sound of panic coming from outside. They look at each other, confused before they exit the tent. Timothy, Clemont, Lieutenant Surge, and Brandon exit the main tent to also look at what is going on. Several people and Pokemon are seen running for dear life from the north side of the camp. Misty is running with them until she sees Timothy, Brandon, Lieutenant Surge, and Clemont.

"Guys, run for it!" She shouts hysterically.

"What is it?" Timothy asks worriedly. "Is it Team Rocket?"

"No, it's Jigglypuff!" Misty replies, pointing at where everyone is running from.

Brandon, Lt. Surge, Timothy, Coovers, Serena, and Clemont all turn around to see a Jigglypuff running towards everyone with a mic in hand. Serena realizes why everyone is panicking while Clemont and all four of the men are confused.

"Misty, have you and the others lost your minds?" Lt. Surge rebukes.

"You don't understand! That Jigglypuff loves to sing with its microphone!" Misty protests. "If it sings, we will all fall asleep, and everyone here in Kanto knows it! That's why we're running!"

Lt. Surge raises an eyebrow and says, "I'm from Kanto, and I don't know anything about this."

"Yeah, same here," Timothy says.

"But it's true!" Misty says. "And if we fall asleep, we could be out for several hours."

At this, the four men and Clemont's eyes widen with that information.

"If that happens, we would be well behind on all our preparations," Clemont says.

"And Team Rocket could attack while we're down for all we know," Brandon adds seriously.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's take it down!" Coovers says, taking out a Pokeball.

The rest of the guys take out their Pokeballs, getting ready to throw them. Serena watches them until she glances back at Jigglypuff, who is still trying to catch up with everyone and gets an idea.

"Wait!" She shouts, walking in front of everyone.

"Serena, what are you doing?!" Timothy barks.

"I've got an idea," Serena says.

She turns around to look at Jigglypuff, who has caught up with the seven of them. The balloon Pokemon glares at her before taking out its marker.

"Jiggly," it growls.

"Jigglypuff, wait!" Serena shouts, waving her hands in defense. "I'm so sorry that I fell asleep while you were singing a beautiful song to me! But if you sing now, we won't be able to take you to the big concert we're preparing for in your honor!"

Jigglypuff looks at Serena, confused, and lowers its maker. Everyone else looks at the honey blonde girl looking more confused than Jigglypuff.

"Serena, what are you talking about?" Clemont asks. "We're not preparing a co - hmph!"

Serena covers Clemont's mouth and chuckles nervously at Jigglypuff, who is still confused.

"I'm so sorry, Jigglypuff, but could you excuse us for one moment?" Serena requests.

The balloon Pokemon blinks in confusion before it nods robotically. Serena turns around and gestures, Misty, Lt. Surge, Brandon, Timothy, and Coovers to huddle up. The five of them look at each other before they huddle in a close circle with Serena and Clemont before Serena lets go of Clemont's mouth.

"Clemont, I know you have a lot on your plate right now, but do you think you can build a big stage with lots of big speakers and something to protect everyone from Jigglypuff's singing?" She asks.

Clemont blinks for a moment before he hesitantly answers, "Yyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeesssss. Why?"

Serena smirks and turns to everyone before she says, "Okay, here's the plan."

Jigglypuff waits patiently as she watches the seven people are huddled together and whispering to each other. It takes a minute before Serena and the others break their huddle and turn to the balloon with bright smiles on their faces.

"Jigglypuff, I'm so sorry that I spoiled the surprise," Serena begins. "You see, the reason why everyone was running away was because they were trying to hide what we're doing before we invited you."

Jigglypuff is still confused before Coovers steps in.

"You see a lot of people and Pokemon enjoy your singing," he lies. "But there's some grumpy people and Pokemon who are mean and nasty because they've never heard of something so wonderful and soothing as your singing voice."

Jigglypuff smiles while Clemont says, "That's right. In fact, I'm working on building the biggest stage you have ever seen with the best speakers in the entire world so that everyone can hear you perform."

By this point, Jigglypuff is becoming so excited that it's jumping up and down like a little child. Everyone chuckles that it's enthusiasm until Timothy walks over to it and kneels down in front of it.

"Yes, yes. It's exciting, isn't it?" He chuckles before giving Jigglypuff a warning look. "But there's something you need to know. Whatever you do, don't sing anywhere near our camp until the concert under any circumstances. If you need to sing for practice, do it very far away from the camp and without your microphone. The last thing we want is for everyone to hear you sing before we get to watch you perform on stage. Okay?"

Jigglypuff nods happily, and everyone smiles, glad that it understands.

"Alright then," Serena says before turning to Misty. "Misty, could you tell the others that the secret is out?"

"Sure thing, Serena," Misty says, giving the honey blonde girl a wink.

"Why don't Serena and I find Jigglypuff a place for Jigglypuff to stay while we're traveling towards the poor mean people and Pokemon?" Coovers suggests.

"Great idea," Serena says. "Let's go, Jigglypuff."

"Jigglypuff," Jigglypuff says happily.

The balloon Pokemon happily follows Coovers and Serena while Misty walks over to where everyone else ran from Jigglypuff. Brandon and Lt. Surge watch them go while Brandon leans into the other's ear.

"You know, as much of a nice idea this is, I don't know how we're going to get that Jigglypuff in a place close enough to Team Rocket's forces," he whispers.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Lt. Surge says with a grin. "I think I know just how to get that pink ball right where we want it with what we discussed minutes ago about the rock and ground-type Pokemon."

Next to the two of them, Clemont and Timothy also watch Coovers and Serena walk away with Jigglypuff. The two of them smirk as they look at Serena, in particular, who is happily talking to Jigglypuff as they walk.

"I gotta hand it to Serena, this is a nifty idea," Timothy says.

"I agree," Clemont says. "If this works, Jigglypuff will be a big help."

Timothy nods and says, "I never thought Serena would have such a deceitful side, though."

Clemont chuckles, amused with the comment.

"Yeah. It reminds me of the time Ash got sick, and so Serena had to disguise herself as Ash with his clothes to battle with Pikachu against a guy who challenged Ash," he replies. "Anyway, I better get building so that I can have all of my inventions ready in time. See ya."

Timothy nods as the blonde-haired boy in the blue jumpsuit walks away. He then turns around and starts walking in the other direction to his tent, where all of his Pokemon are training by themselves and waiting for him. His mind is fixed on the battle that lies ahead and how the plan is growing more and more with each passing day.

But after a minute, he slowly stops walking until he is at a complete stop with a befuddled look on his face.

"Wait...Serena did what?"