Ash and his friends arrive on the borders of a desert. Brock offers some assurance and his guidebook states that Olivine City is on the other side. Ash soon falls into a pitfall and a net catches Pikachu. Team Rocket reveal themselves from behind a sandy colored disguise cloak and launch into their motto. Brock helps Ash out of the hole, though Team Rocket is already aboard their Meowth balloon to make their escape. James sends Weezing for a Smokescreen, but Ash’s Cyndaquil clings onto its face. Before Cyndaquil can launch a Flamethrower, Weezing shakes Cyndaquil off. Cyndaquil lands on the ground headfirst. When it gets up, a swelling grows on its nose, making it a bit weak. Team Rocket pokes fun at Cyndaquil for a while and then James tells Weezing to use Sludge, but Ash blocks the attack with his back. Ash tells Cyndaquil to use Flamethrower again, and after feeling somewhat self-conscious, it does so. However, Weezing uses Smokescreen at the same time, causing a massive explosion that sends Team Rocket and Cyndaquil blasting off. Though Pikachu lands at Ash’s feet and emerges from the net unscathed. Afterwards, Ash tries to look for Cyndaquil without success. Brock suggests they go to the local Pokémon Center for clues.
