The Misdreavus Menace

Chapter Twenty — Ultimatum

Ash and Misty came to sit at the breakfast table. Delia had been so relieved to have them both come back safely that she made them an extra-special breakfast. She even made Pikachu and Sparkle their favourite, apple fritters with tomato sauce rather than their usual morning fare of Poké-Chow dried apple cereal.

Ash felt well after a good night's sleep. He had been up all the previous night on the Clefairy's planet trying to make his way back to Kadabra, so he was glad to crash early. Unfortunately Misty was not so lucky, and came to the breakfast table looking less than her best, suffering from "teleport-lag". The time difference between the Clefairy's continent and Pallet Town on Earth was such that they left in the morning and arrived on Earth in the early afternoon.

They had spent that afternoon looking after the two Clefairy that were rescued from the burning building as well as talking to Professor Oak, who insisted on asking about every detail they could remember about life on the other planet, as well as what they could tell him about his grandson. The old man was distressed, but held out hope. After all, Ash had gone and managed to return safely.

Ash and Misty were still trying to figure out which authorities to approach about the information they had and how to go about delivering it in a credible way. Still, they were glad to be back home. The summer's day promised to be sunny and warm. Pidgey chirped pleasantly seeming to accompany the music on the radio.

At the breakfast table, Delia had noticed a change in her son's behaviour. While Misty had occasionally been invited over for meals, Ash had never been so eager to ensure that her every need was catered for. As he poured Misty a cup of tea, Delia smiled, pleased to see at last that her son could act a gentleman.

Over the radio, an announcement interrupted the regular music broadcast.

"This is Lavender Radio with another update on the Celadon City emergency we reported in our earlier broadcast of the explosion last night that destroyed the top floor of Celadon Mansion and caused extensive damage to the remaining floors and to surrounding buildings.

"Minutes ago Lavender Radio Station received a tape claiming to be from Giovanni, the leader of the former organized crime group known as Team Rocket. Giovanni, who escaped from prison two nights ago with the aid of several Pokémon, is claiming responsibility for last night's explosion. He is making further threats, holding the entire city to ransom. Here is his recorded message:

"'I, Giovanni, claim responsibility for last night's attack on Celadon Mansion. We, Team Rocket, have the power to strike anywhere, any time. Last night's display of our power was on an unoccupied building. Next time, we will not be so lenient. At five o'clock this afternoon, Team Rocket will enter Celadon City and take it over. The police and city council will have left the city and vacated their premises. No citizen will be harmed provided they obey all instructions and do not interfere. We expect no opposition. Otherwise, the consequences will be regrettable.'

"That was a recorded message," came the newsreader's voice again, "claiming to be from Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket. The original tape has been forwarded to the police, from whom we hope to hear shortly. We will keep you informed of any developments in this crisis. This is Lavender Radio, now returning you to our normal music program."

Mrs Ketchum switched the radio off. "I better clean up," she finally said, breaking the ensuing silence. A chirp outside sounded out of place.

"Pika?" said Sparkle ponderingly, seeing the concerned look on Pikachu's face. Hearing of Team Rocket made the Pokémon cringe at its many bad memories.

"Hmm, I wonder," said Misty thoughtfully. "He said 'anywhere, any time.'"

"What do you mean?" asked Ash.

"First," replied Misty, "we find out these Misdreavus are causing trouble on the Clefairy's planet. In the mean time, Professor Oak tells us that Brock's brother was attacked by them here on Earth."

"I guess... it could be more than just co-incidence."

"What's more, we saw Team Rocket on the Clefairy's planet. Suddenly they've resurfaced on Earth too."

"You don't think... the deal the Misdreavus made was with them?"

"That's right, Ash—both co-incidences fit together! But how would Team Rocket get to the other planet?"

"It would've had to be the same way we... Misty, the missing transporter!"

"Ash, I think this is more serious than they realize."

"What is it dear?" asked Mrs Ketchum. "What are you worried about?"

"Remember the machine that Ash disappeared in? We think Team Rocket's gotten hold of one. They can really go anywhere, whenever they want. They can appear somewhere, set off a bomb, and get away before anyone can catch them."

"Don't worry, Mom," said Ash, seeing the concern in his mother's face. "Pikachu and I'll take them on!"

"PIkachu!" echoed Pikachu with a tone of determination that it hadn't used for years.

"Ash Ketchum!" rebuked his mother sternly. "You'll do no such thing. You're going on the phone now and calling the police."

"Chuu... chuu," Sparkle pleaded too.

"We beat them last time," Ash argued indignantly.

"Pikachu!" said Pikachu again.

"Ash, the police were with you last time," reminded Mrs Ketchum.

"Ash, why don't we call Brock," suggested Misty, "see if Officer Jenny's home?"

"Uh..." Ash finally agreed. "OK, Misty."