Chapter 73: Signing In to Battle Palace!

The call ended with a decisive click. At the heart of Rocket Headquarters, Giovanni leaned back in his leather chair, a sinister smirk playing on his face. He had spent years pursuing his ambitions, and every piece of his master plan was falling into place. In his hand, a glass of red wine swirled, reflecting the fiery determination in his eyes. The voice on the other end had just delivered the news he had been waiting for—Mewtwo had resurfaced. The creature Giovanni had once controlled, and then lost, was now within reach. "Hahaha! Mewtwo, I've finally located you," Giovanni murmured to himself, his voice filled with triumph. "But there's no need to rush. I have all the patience in the world. Once those two are in my grasp..." He trailed off, his eyes narrowing as he envisioned the chaos he would unleash. He stood abruptly, his imposing figure framed by the sunlight streaming through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows behind him. "With Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn under Team Rocket's control, no one will dare stand against us!" His laughter rang out, echoing in the expansive office. At his feet, a Persian purred, rubbing its sleek body against Giovanni's leg. The red jewel on its forehead sparkled in the sunlight, matching the glint of arrogance in Giovanni's eyes. Unbeknownst to Ash, Team Rocket had tracked Mewtwo's energy signature left behind from its battle with the ancient Gastly. Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, and May were following Scott through the dense forests of Metallica Island. "Ash, the guardian of the Battle Palace is Mr. Spenser. He often sleeps under the open sky, believing that nature is the best home for Pokémon trainers. Right now, he's likely somewhere in the forest outside the Battle Palace," Scott explained as he led the group, distributing insect repellent spray to everyone. "The Battle Palace is deep within the forest, and this is the season when Kakuna evolve into Beedrill. Beedrill will fiercely attack intruders to protect the Kakuna. The repellent will help keep them at bay." Scott sprayed the repellent on everyone before leading the way. Misty clung tightly to Ash's arm, trembling—she was terrified of bugs. As they walked deeper into the forest, a plume of smoke caught Scott's attention. "Look over there! That's probably where Mr. Spenser is. The Battle Palace should be nearby. Let's hurry." Elsewhere in the forest, Team Rocket's infamous trio was in a tight spot. They had been wandering aimlessly for hours, their usual scheming thwarted by the maze-like woods. "This is a terrible idea," James said, clutching Mime Jr. protectively. "We're surrounded by Kakuna, and if even one of them evolves—" "I know! Stop reminding me!" Jessie snapped, her patience wearing thin. She glared at Meowth. "This is all your fault, Meowth! Look where you've led us!" "How is this my fault, nya? It's Jessie's rushing that got us lost!" Meowth retorted, only to be silenced as Jessie picked him up and threw him into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, the bush was teeming with Kakuna. A low buzzing sound grew louder as a swarm of Beedrill emerged, their sharp stingers glinting menacingly. "Meowww!!!" Meowth wailed as he scrambled back to the group. "Run for your lives!" James shouted, clutching Mime Jr. tightly as the trio bolted. As they rounded a bend in the path, they collided with Ash and his friends. "Out of the way, twerp!" Jessie yelled, her voice shrill with panic. "We don't have time for you!" Ash quickly sized up the situation. The Beedrill were closing in fast, and Team Rocket's usual antics were the least of his concerns. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" he commanded. "Pika-chu!!!" Pikachu unleashed a surge of electricity, halting the Beedrill in their tracks and zapping Team Rocket for good measure. "More Beedrill are coming!" May shouted, pointing to an even larger swarm approaching. "Charizard, Dragon Breath!" Ash called. Charizard roared as it unleashed a powerful stream of flames, dispersing the Beedrill swarm and clearing the path. "Take care of Team Rocket too," Ash added. Charizard's tail swiped the trio, launching them skyward. "We haven't even done anything yet!" James protested as they disappeared into the sky. "Mime Jr.!" "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" With the Beedrill threat neutralized, the group breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, an elderly man riding a Venusaur emerged from the forest. His face was weathered but kind, and his eyes sparkled with wisdom. "Scott, I saw the commotion and thought you might need help," the man said, smiling warmly. "It seems you've already handled it." "Mr. Spenser! You're just in time," Scott said, gesturing to Ash. "This is today's challenger, Ash, and his friends, Misty and May." Spenser dismounted from Venusaur and extended a hand to Ash. "Scott tells me you're one of the most promising trainers to ever take on the Battle Frontier. I look forward to our battle, Ash. Show me the strength that got you this far!" Ash shook Spenser's hand firmly, his confidence unwavering. "I won't hold back!" As the group approached the Battle Palace, a familiar notification echoed in Ash's mind. "Ding! Congratulations, host! You have arrived at the Battle Palace. Signing in..." "Ding! Sign-in successful. Rewards are being issued..." Ash smiled to himself. The real challenge was about to begin. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals