On their way to Pomace Mountain for Korrina’s special training, our heroes enter a winding cave where they encounter a swarm of agitated Noibat, stirred up by the Team Rocket trio! In the confusion, the friends get separated: Ash, Serena, Bonnie, and Lucario end up at one entrance to the cave, while Clemont, Korrina, and Pikachu are at the other. The villains take advantage of the opportunity to strike against Clemont’s group, and thanks to the “Mecha Evolution” devices attached to the Team Rocket Pokémon, they quickly get the upper hand.

When the two groups are reunited, even Lucario can’t overcome Team Rocket’s technology. As a last resort, it Mega Evolves again—and promptly loses control as the power of its aura drowns out Korrina’s voice. But Korrina is persistent, and Mega Lucario comes to its senses just long enough to send Team Rocket blasting off again before it collapses, exhausted.

It appears their journey is just beginning...