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Archer studied Ash's expression, perplexed by how much the young Trainer seemed to know about Team Rocket's inner workings.
"It seems I can't toy with you anymore. Don't blame us; there are just too many of us!" Archer declared, signaling his decision to capture Ash. His words served as a command to the surrounding Team Rocket members, who stepped forward and encircled Ash and his friends. Seeing this, Ash frowned, preparing for the challenge ahead.
Archer's Houndoom growled menacingly, its eyes narrowing in anticipation of battle. Realizing that escaping was no longer an option, Ash steeled himself, ready to fight.
"Pikachu?" Ash muttered in confusion, his strategy forming rapidly. He knew his best chance was to target Archer first and decided to strike without hesitation. Before he could make a move, Pikachu's ears twitched, and it looked up, alerting Ash.
"What's wrong?" Ash asked, noticing Pikachu's sudden change in behavior.
"Pika, Pikapi!" Pikachu responded, its gaze fixed on the sky. Following Pikachu's cue, Ash and Archer both looked upward.
To their surprise, numerous figures poured in through the ceiling, which had been blasted open. Broken windows from earlier added to the chaotic entry of even more figures into the power room. Ash, his friends, and the Team Rocket members were momentarily taken aback as they realized what was happening.
Among the incoming figures was a familiar face. Floating towards Ash and Pikachu was the Magnemite they had encountered earlier.
"Mag-magnemite!" it cried out energetically, its tone brimming with resolve. Ash and Pikachu exchanged surprised glances, recognizing their ally.
As more Magnemite swarmed in, they were soon joined by larger forms—Magneton. The room was quickly filled with dozens of Magnemite and Magneton, creating an awe-inspiring and intimidating scene. The sheer number of them caused both Team Rocket and Ash's group to hesitate.
"Ah! Are these Magnemite's friends?" Misty exclaimed, her eyes widening at the sight.
"Looks like they're here to help! Could it be that Magnemite called them?" Brock speculated.
Ash smiled and turned to the Magnemite closest to him. "Did you bring everyone here to help?"
"Magnemite!" it responded confidently, hovering close to Ash.
The standoff between Team Rocket and Ash took a sudden turn as the Magnemite and Magneton prepared to intervene.
Magnemite nodded slightly, acknowledging Ash's gratitude. It had sensed the presence of Zapdos earlier, but the Legendary Pokémon's immense power had kept it at a distance. Magnemite, with its heightened sensitivity to electricity, had recognized its own limits. When it saw Ash and his friends, it realized that it needed help and sought out its companions.
"Thank you!" Ash said warmly, a smile on his face. He turned to Archer, his confidence unshaken despite the tense situation. "The odds seem to have shifted, but don't think I'll go easy on you just because I have more allies now!" he added, mimicking Archer's earlier tone.
As if responding to Ash's command, the Magnemite and Magneton encircled the group, creating a wall of buzzing electricity. Team Rocket members exchanged nervous glances, unsettled by the sight. Archer, however, remained composed, scanning the scene without any sign of panic.
"Let's see if you're as strong as you claim!" Archer retorted, giving his Houndoom a sharp command. "Houndoom, Gunsmoke Charge!"
Houndoom sprang into action, its powerful limbs pounding the ground with each step. Dust billowed out in waves, obscuring its figure. Suddenly, Houndoom burst from the cloud of debris, its body crackling with fiery energy and an intense electric aura.
"Pikachu, Zippy Zap!" Ash countered confidently.
Pikachu crouched low, sparks flying off its cheeks as it surged forward. Its movements blurred with speed, golden electricity trailing in its wake. In an instant, Pikachu and Houndoom charged directly at each other—one a streak of gold, the other a fiery red.
Boom!
The two forces collided with a deafening explosion, unleashing a shockwave that sent both Pokémon flying. Houndoom tumbled across the ground, its momentum finally halted as it slid to a stop. Pikachu also landed heavily, but its determination shone through as it quickly steadied itself.
Houndoom, battered and struggling, attempted to rise but ultimately fell back, sliding backward from the impact. Ash frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. The battle was far from over, but he knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down.
Ash felt the weight of exhaustion pressing on him. The day's travel and the intensity of the earlier battles had taken a toll. Pikachu, though fierce in its determination, had already expended significant energy in the clash with Houndoom.
"Pikachu!" Ash called out, his concern evident as he prepared to recall Pikachu and give it a moment to rest.
"Pika!" Pikachu interrupted with a resolute cry. Shaking its head, it struggled to stand but managed to hold its ground. Turning back to Ash, its determination burned brightly in its eyes.
"You still want to fight, Pikachu?" Ash asked softly, his voice laced with both pride and concern.
"Pikachu!" came the firm reply. Seeing Pikachu's resolve, Ash's expression brightened with renewed determination. Misty, Magnemite, and the other allies were managing the Team Rocket grunts. All that remained was to defeat Archer.
Archer's voice broke through the moment. "Your willpower is impressive, boy, but the gap between our strength is vast. I'll admit, in a few years, you could become quite the threat. Perhaps I should deal with you here and now before that happens."
Though Archer's words seemed calm, there was a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. He recognized something unusual in this young Trainer—an intangible quality that made him dangerous despite the apparent difference in power.
Ash's eyes flashed beneath the brim of his hat, a fiery glint that startled even Archer. "Levels? Who cares about levels? I've never believed in that kind of nonsense! No matter how strong the opponent, I'll take them down!" His voice rang with unshakable conviction, his stance unyielding.
For a moment, Archer, the seasoned Executive of Team Rocket, hesitated. This child's presence was unnervingly potent, exuding an aura far beyond his years. Even a man who had subdued Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos felt the weight of Ash's resolve.
Snapping out of his momentary daze, Archer gritted his teeth and barked another command. "Houndoom, Gunsmoke Charge!"
The powerful Dark Pokémon charged forward once more, its body engulfed in a veil of smoke and flames. Archer, rattled by Ash's unwavering spirit, pushed the attack with a fervor born of desperation.
Ash clenched his fists and locked eyes with the oncoming threat. He and Pikachu stood together, ready to face whatever came next.