Ash and co. retrieve Pikachu and Togepi, and apolagize. Suddenly, two trainers run down the stairs next to the gang, each carrying a knock- out Pokemon. One of them complains to the attendant about something, and then they both set off for the Pokemon Center. Ash asks what that was all about, and the attendant replies that various trainers have been trying to get to the Sacred Fire, but none have succeeded.

Then another person steps in, followed by his Houndoom. The trainer introduces himself as Harrison, and he says that he comes from Littleroot Town in Hoenn. Ash puts his gormless face on, and asks about Hoenn. Brock says he's heard of it, and it's supposed to be on the other side of the ocean. Harrison explains that a long time ago, this place was the setting for a major war. People fought so badly, that many Pokemon suffered because of it. Ho-oh appeared, and used the magic of its fire to "burn" live back into the place. Everything went back to normal, except for one tree which stayed burning longer than the others. The fire was taken and placed in a shrine, that lies somewhere around where they are.

The attendant adds that recently, a Sneasel has made it's home in that very shrine. The Sneasel is very fierce, and has been known to attack any person, or any Pokemon who goes near. Sneasel has even got a Machop and a Machoke to help it defend the shrine. The attendant is worried, because without the Sacred Flame, the opening ceremony of the Silver Conference can't go ahead. No ceremony, no conference.

Ash straight away vows to get the Sacred Flame. Harrison says he'll help, mainly because he wants to capture the Sneasel. The attendant points out the shrine at the top of some long stone steps going upwards. Ash and co. start to climb the steps...

Meanwhile in another part of the forest, Team Rocket are talking about finding the Sacred Fire. They find the shrine,a nd straight away get attacked by the Machoke. They all gte back up, and Jesse and James spot the Sneasel, and decide that they really want it. Jesse sends out Arbok, and tells it to use Slam. Sneasel quickly jumps out of the way, and uses Slash. Meowth makes a cocky comment, so Jesse throws him into battle. Meowth tries to use Scratch, but Sneasel swipes all of Team Rocket into the air, and they go flying across the path.

Ash and co. have reached the top of the steps. Ash sprints towards the shrine, but Machoke pushes him backwards, and all the others catch him before he falls back down the steps. Everybody climbs back up the steps and come face-to-face with the Machop and Machoke. Misty sends out Corsola and Harrison uses his Houndoom. They distract the Machop and Machoke, while Ash dashs towards the shrine. He opens the doors, only to come face-to-face with the Sneasel. Ash send sout Totodile, but it's no match for Sneasel, who sends them both rolling down the hill, until they hit a tree.

Meanwhile, Jesse and James are having a private talk. Jesse stresses how much stronger they would be with Sneasel as their sidekick, afterall, Sneasel is still a cat. Jesse and James agree to get rid of Meowth. They go and tell Meowth, but he is suprisingly happy about it.

Ash and co. go for a second try at the shrine. Ash sends out Phanpy and together with Houndoom, Machop and Machoke end up knocked out. They find the Sneasel, but then a balloon flots overhead. It's a Sneasel balloon! Team Rocket land and a "Sneasel" gets out. It's really Meowth in a Sneasel costume. He goes up to Sneasel, saying that he has a present for Sneasel, although it's really a bomb. Sneasel isn't fooled, and swipes at Meowth, sending him backwards. The present opens and the bomb goes off. Ash suddenly realises that it was really Meowth (he really is slow). Jesses rushs into the smoke and grabs the "Sneasel". They quickly rise and make there getaway. Jesse holds up her catch, only to find that she swiped meowth by accident! Meowth is angry, and uses his claws to scratch both Jesse and James' faces. Jesse picks his up and throws him upwards. Meowth lands ont eh ballon, and his claws puncture it, sending Team Rocket "Blasting Off Again!"

The smoke clears and the gang are amazed to see Sneasel still standing there. Harrison decides that now is the time to try and capture Sneasel. He takes out a Pokeball, and sends out a Blaziken! Everybody is shocked to see this Pokemonm, and Ash pulls out his Pokemon, but no data is available. Brock guesses that Blaziken must be a Hoenn Pokemon. Blaziken uses Quick Attack which hits Sneasel. Sneasel retaliates which Shadow Ball, but Blaziken dodges it. Blaziken uses a Flamethrower, followed by a Fire Punch, knocking Sneasel out. Harrison throws a Pokeball and captures Sneasel!

Ash compliments Harrison on how strong his Blaziken is, and then he rushes to the shrine to get the Sacred Fire.

The next scene, a runner is holding the Silver Conference torch, which us burning brightly with the Sacred Fire. Harrison says he'll be off, and says that he looks forward to seeing Ash at the Silver Conference. It finally dawns on Ash that Harrison will be battling in the Silver Conference as well. As Harrisons walks off into the sunset, Brock comments on how tough most of the trainers must be at the conference. Ash says he isn't bothered, because he's gonna beat 'em all!

This episode guide has been written by Typhlosion.

Characters appearing in this episode

Ash

Misty

Brock

Jessie

James

Meowth

Ash's Pikachu

Pokémon appearing in this episode

• Pikachu belonging to Ash
• Meowth

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