S1EP04

Wanted! is the fourth episode of the first season of To Be a Master: Indigo League. It aired on March 3rd, 2020.

Plot
A group of scientists walk through the hallways of Silph Co.'s lower floors, arriving at a basement door. They open the door, seeing a man with a red mustache and balding hair. The man wears a white lab coat with his hand tucked in one of its pockets, holding a remote that he pulls out. He stands next to a glass panel and a door leading to a testing room.

Scientist 1: Hello, Dr. Zamba.

Scientist 2: You called us for something?

Dr. Namba: (Irritated) Dr. Namba! Not Zamba, Namba! And yes, I've called everyone down to unveil Project R's completion!

He gestures to the glass panel that the scientists peer through. A Lapras and Magmar are standing apart from each other, the Magmar restrained by a metallic device on its head.

Scientist 3: Project R? The project was said to have been abandoned -

Dr. Namba: I see through every project to its completion, (side eyes a few scientists) even if some can't commit! Scientist 2: Project R works? You've managed to -

Dr. Namba: Artificially augment a Pokémon's strength by tapping into its innate rage? Why, of course, I am the greatest scientist Team Rocket has to offer. Now, let me demonstrate.

He presses a button on the remote, causing the metallic device on Magmar's head to tighten. A purple gas is shot out from it, covering Magmar's head.

Scientist 2: A chemical gas?

Dr. Namba: Derived from the Berserk Gene itself.

The scientists widen their eyes at the statement. The gas evaporates from Magmar's heat, revealing its foggy purple eyes and foaming mouth. The flames on Magmar increase.

Magmar: (Berserk) MAG -

The ground before it bursts into an eruption of flames.

Magmar: (Roars) MARRRR!

Dr. Namba: As you can see, its power has considerably increased! Magmar's power is pushed to its limits, allowing it to overcome type disadvantages.

Scientist 1: What are the limits to this? There has to be drawbacks to its power augmentation.

Dr. Namba: (Smirks) You'll see soon.

Magmar blitzes towards Lapras, dodging an Ice Beam attack and slamming into it with Fire Punch. Lapras skids across the room, being thrown into the glass panel which cracks. The scientists jump away. Magmar shoots a burst of flames that Lapras blocks with Hydro Pump, however Magmar's Fire Blast overpowers it and breaks the glass panel, throwing Lapras into a table. Lapras is unable to get up, leaning against the wall.

Scientist 3: Is it...?

Dr. Namba: As you'll find with most experiments run under me, it's nothing that can't be replaced.

Magmar catches a scientist with the corner of its eye, however before it can move, a Gastly appears before it. Magmar falls to the ground unconscious, revealing Gastly's red and purple eyes and the rings of energy striking Magmar.

Dr. Namba: Hah! I've thought of everything. The only downside to R is it leaves the user confused, and so I was prepared with my Gastly for this situation.

Scientist 2: T - this is amazing!

Dr. Namba: (Smirks) The world's changing. It's time we change too!

Scene change Emerald stands before the Vermilion Gym, Beedrill beside him.

Emerald: This is it, Beedrill! Today’s the day! We’re going to show Lt. Surge we’re the most powerful!

Emerald opens the doors to the gym, entering it. The attendant from last time is sitting at the desk, on her computer. Emerald walks over to her.

Emerald: I’m here to rematch Lt. Surge!

Attendant: (Looks up) Sorry, but the gym leader is occupied.

Emerald: Occupied?! (Groans) But I’ve been waiting for so long!

Attendant: He’s in the middle of a gym battle. You can spectate until he’s available.

Emerald shakes his head, walking down the hallway while muttering words an eleven year old should not know. He enters the stadium, seeing Lt. Surge battling a trainer's Spearow with his Raichu. A group of cheerleaders are off to the side, watching the trainer's battle.

Emerald: (Grits teeth, thinking) Gary.

Lt. Surge: Finish this off with Thunderbolt!

Gary: We’ll be the only ones finishing this! Spearow, dodge and use our newest move… Drill Run!

Lt. Surge widens his eyes as Spearow twirls through the air, dodging bolts of thunder. White light envelops Spearow from the beak as it maneuvers around the field, spinning like a bullet in the air. Slamming into Raichu, it sends it flying backwards to a wall.

(Referee): Spearow is the winner of this match, making Gary the winner!

(Cheerleaders): Gary, Gary, he's our man! If he can't win, then no one can!

The cheerleaders all strike a pose while Emerald gives a look of disgust.

Gary: Hah, knew it! All that talk about power, but can't back it up, huh?!

Lt. Surge: I've lived far longer than you have and have faced opponents far stronger. Even if you're an Oak, it means nothing to me.

Gary: (Sneers) That win today was all me! My gramps has nothing to do with my strength! He may've been strong in the past, but now he's a weak old man.

Lt. Surge raises an eyebrow, however he gives Gary the Thunder Badge. Gary walks out with his cheerleaders, not sparing a look at Emerald.

Emerald: (Enraged) Hey, Gary! Why’d you ignore me?!

Gary looks over, before continuing to walk.

Gary: (Leaving) Why would I waste my time with you? You're not a strong trainer!

Emerald: Oh, yeah?! Well, why don't you battle me, huh?! We'll see about that! (Gary walks away)

Lt. Surge walks over to Emerald, who turns around.

Emerald: I lost to you last time! I want my rematch!

Lt. Surge: Gym’s closed for the rest of the day, got a... large shipment coming in for the S.S. Anne.

Emerald: But what about my gym match?!

Lt. Surge: That’s for another day, sorry, (grins) shorty. Hey, maybe visit the Pokémon Fan Club's meeting today, would fit a softy like you, hah!

He ruffles Emerald’s hair before leaving, causing Emerald to stomp his foot.

Emerald: I am not that short!

Scene change Emerald is at the Pokémon Center cabin, where trainers and hobbyists are talking about their Pokémon. A trainer is in the center of the commons room, holding a Meowth with a bandana and necklace in hand before an audience. Emerald's leaning over a chair's armrest, hanging upside down while bored. Beedrill hovers next to him.

Emerald: (Thinking) I can't believe I listened to Surge! That Ekans!

Trainer: My favorite thing about my Meowth, Meowzie, is how she likes to protect me during the night! Even though she likes to sleep a lot during the day, she always looks after me when it's the night!

Mr. Bonji: (Amazed) Wow! That is amazing, Jeremy! She must have a strong bond with you then!

Jeremy: Yup! She always looks after me during the night, and I look after her during the day!

Emerald: (Thinking) Huh, Meowth is kinda cool.

Mr. Bonji stands up and begins to clap. Everyone does the same except for Emerald, who's confused.

Mr. Bonji: Emerald, stand up and clap along with us! It shows your participation!

Emerald: Alright, alright!

He stands up and claps also.

Mr. Bonji: While you're standing, Emerald, why not tell us your favorite thing about your prized possession!

Emerald: (Sneers) My Beedrill is the strongest Pokémon that I know! It's fast and its sharp, poisonous stingers are - (cut off)

A kid bursts into the Pokémon Center, crying.

Kid: Mr. Bonji! Someone stole my Rattata!

Mr. Bonji: Ronny?! A - again?!

Emerald: (Perks up) Again?

Mr. Bonji: (Sighs) Once a month, Pokémon go missing throughout Vermillion City. No one knows how, although it usually occurs during the night.

Emerald: A repeat thief? You guys have to stand up for yourself! Show them who's boss! You can't let a wimp steal your Pokémon!

Ronny: T - they had an Ekans and threatened me with it and I didn't want to get hurt!

Mr. Bonji: (Puzzled) You saw them up-close? What did they look like

Ronny: T - t - they had a big red R on their chest!

Emerald: (Gasps) Team Rocket!

Mr. Bonji sits down, squirming in his seat.

Mr. Bonji: I'm sorry, Ronny, but I'm not sure how I can help. I'm not much of a battler anymore, and even if I could, no one knows where they hide their Pokémon.

Emerald thrusts his fist in the air.

Emerald: Don't worry! First, I'll have to find them, then I'll give them a real scare! Scene change

Emerald is at the Pokémon Institute with Beedrill, looking around for Leaf.

Emerald: (Yells) Leaf? (Raises voice) Leeeeaaaf? Are you here?!

Beedrill wiggles its antennae, sniffing her out. Emerald follows Beedrill towards the laboratory, finding Leaf asleep on a desk with papers scattered all over the place.

Emerald: (Yells) Hey, Leaf!

Leaf jolts up.

Leaf: (Yells back) Emerald?! What are you doing here?

Emerald: I need help with something. (Leaf groans) It's important, I promise!

Leaf: (Rolls her eyes) Sure... Anyways, what is it?

Emerald: Team Rocket's been stealing Pokémon throughout the city for months, and no one can find them!

Leaf: (Groggily rubs her eyes) Why can't you just call Officer Jenny instead? How should I help?

Emerald: What will Officer Jenny do? Arrest them and they'll break out anyways?! We have to stop them! You can help find them!

Leaf: (Groans) Alright, fine. I'm not sure where to start though.

Leaf gets up, grabbing her bag and hat. She puts on her hat and walks over to the window, peering through it. She sees the S.S. Anne.

Leaf: (Gasps, smiling) That's it! The S.S. Anne! Where else in the city could they store large amounts of something, right under people's noses?

Emerald: (Grins) Then that settles it! We're breaking in -

Leaf: Woah, woah, hold on! Breaking in? We'd be trespassing and could get arrested for that.

Emerald: ... And?

Leaf groans, bringing her palm to her face. She shakes her head.

Leaf: Let's first check the area, without trespassing, to find Team Rocket activity. If we do...

Emerald: Then we can break in!

Scene change

Emerald, Beedrill, and Leaf walk through the port of Vermilion City, blending in with the large crowds. They watch as sailors carry large cargos onto the loading bay, some bringing them in via truck. Machoke and Machamp arrive on the scene, helping carry some of the heavier cargo.

Leaf: (Hushed) I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Maybe my guess was wrong.

Emerald: C'mon! We'll just check it out a little more, alright? I think you were onto something!

Emerald has his head turned facing Leaf, not noticing as he bumps into a sailor. The sailor drops the crate he's holding, stumbling forward. He turns around to face Emerald, irritated.

Sailor: Hey! Watch it, kid!

Emerald: Geez, sorry! I didn't mean it!

Sailor: (Narrows eyes) Do I recognize you from somewhere? (Widens eyes) Y - you're that kid!

Leaf: Wait a minute... Ken!

The sailor jumps back, fumbling for a Pokéball.

Ken: You little - gah, I'll just take you out myself! (Grins) This time, you can't stop me!

None of the sailors take notice as Ken releases an Electabuzz, this time holding a metallic device on its head. Electabuzz roars as the device tightens, releasing a purple gas. The gas evaporates into the air, leaving behind an enraged Electabuzz.

Ken: Electabuzz, Thunder Punch!

Emerald: Beedrill, Agility!

Electabuzz rushes towards Beedrill, slamming its fist into Beedrill's side as it tries to side-step it. Beedrill crashes into the pavement, creating a small crater as Emerald and Leaf are blown back.

Emerald: Beedrill!

Emerald runs towards Beedrill, returning it to its Pokéball.

Leaf: (Thinking) That purple gas changed it somehow. (Yells at Emerald) We have to escape, we can’t beat it!

Emerald: I’m not leaving till Ken’s beat!

Ken: Hah, we’ll see about that! Electabuzz, Thunder!

Electabuzz: (Roars) El... ECTAAA!

Electabuzz grunts, creating a massive ball of electricity in hand, however it dissipates as it catches the eye of someone nearby. A Wartortle appears, wearing sunglasses. The Wartortle walks with a hobble, a group of Squirtle backing it up.

Wartortle: War, war!

Electabuzz turns towards Wartortle, grinning madly.

Ken: Heh, you just saw that Beedrill get pummeled, and think you can match my Electabuzz even with a type disadvantage! (Laughs) Thunder Punch!

Electabuzz blitzes towards Wartortle who goes into its cracked shell. Electabuzzz slams its fist into Wartortle's shell, releasing a wave of electricity that scatteredly bounces off of it. Wartortle spins on its shell, ramming into Electabuzz who catches it. Electabuzz beats the shell onto the ground repeatedly, bashing it into a hole.

Emerald: W - we have to help out!

Leaf: How?! We'll get injured if we go anywhere near it!

Electabuzz puts Wartortle down, having hammered it into the ground multiple times. Wartortle's shell has more chips in it, although it still gets out of its shell. Wartortle waves its hand towards Electabuzz, creating a blue sphere of water that expands into waves. Electabuzz shrugs off the attack, backhanding Wartortle with a Thunder Punch attack that sends it skidding away. The Squirtle Squad waddles over to Wartortle, circling it.

Ken: (Sneers at Emerald and Leaf) Don't come near me, or you'll become just like that pathetic old thing!

Ken retreats, returning Electabuzz to its Pokéball. Emerald and Leaf rush towards the Wartortle.

Emerald: Its shell! (Furrows eyebrows) Who would've done that?!

Leaf: Electabuzz was strong, but it looks like an old scar. We have to get it to the Pokémon Center, immediately!

Emerald picks up the Wartortle, struggling.

Emerald: (Grunts) I could use some, (grunts again) help!

Leaf: I'll help you. (Turns to Squirtle Squad) Follow us to the Pokémon Center!

Squirtle Squad: (In unison) Squirtle, squirtle!

Emerald and Leaf carry Wartortle back to the Pokémon Center. They rush through the crowds of Vermilion City, spotting the Pokémon Center close by.

Emerald: (Grunting) Gotta... keep... going.

Leaf: We're almost there!

They continue running, making it to the Pokémon Center. They burst through the doors of Pokémon Center, holding Wartortle in their hands. Nurse Joy is shocked as they collapse onto the floor.

Emerald: (Panting) Nurse Joy! Wartortle needs help.

Nurse Joy: What's wrong?

Leaf: Wartortle got hurt while fighting Team Rocket.

Nurse Joy: Don't worry, I'll take it but we have to hurry! Scene change Emerald, a patched up Beedrill, and Leaf are sitting next to a bed rest where Wartortle lies. The Squirtle Squad stand next to Wartortle's bed. Nurse Joy sighs exasperatedly as she inspects Wartortle's shell, recognizing the various marks and the algae on its tail.

Emerald: (Rushed) Is it alright? Will it be, y'know, (falters)

Nurse Joy: Yes. Wartortle, despite its rugged looks is alright and is healthy.

Leaf: Do you know how Wartortle gained those scars?

Nurse Joy: (Sheepishly smiles) Wartortle is, as you can see, (gestures towards the Squirtle Squad) the leader of the Squirtle Squad. They're a group of Squirtle in-training for naval combat. Wartortle is their leader due to its physical disability, its broken shell, which as far as I know was gained during the Attack on Vermillion Port.

Leaf: (Thinking) So almost 20 years ago...

Emerald: Attack on Vermillion Port?

Nurse Joy: You're not exactly from here, I assume?

Emerald: (Sheepishly smiles) Not really.

Nurse Joy: It's how Lt. Surge became memorialized as the Lightning Lieutenant. It was a Wartortle back then, and saved Lt. Surge from a Gyarados attack at the cost of its shell.

Wartortle begins to move.

Nurse Joy: It's waking up, don't worry.

Squirtle Squad: (In unison) Squirtle, squirtle!

They chant as Wartortle wakes up.

Wartortle looks at the Squirtle Squad through its sunglasses, turning its head away so as to not look them in the eye. Nurse Joy attempts to give Wartortle an Oran Berry, however Wartortle rejects it.

Wartortle: (Depressed) War...

Leaf: Wartortle isn't responding to anyone, how come?

Nurse Joy: For someone of Wartortle's reputation, to have been defeated like that while disabled...

Emerald: (Realizing) Wartortle lost its honor.

Emerald stands up, looking Wartortle in the eye. He jabs a finger towards himself.

Emerald: Don't you worry, Wartortle! I'll beat Team Rocket, I promise you that!

Wartortle: (Astonished) War?

Scene change

Emerald and Leaf return to the Vermilion Port. Emerald leads the way as they sneak past large crates. A sailor scans the area as Emerald appears right behind him. Emerald yanks his pants down, giggling as the sailor turned around to find nothing. He looks down, noticing his Psyduck themed underwear.

Sailor: H - hey! Who’s there?

Dead silence. The sailor looks around to find nothing.

Sailor: I’ve gotta get a belt…

The sailor turns back, allowing Leaf to sneak by.

Leaf: (Hushed) You’re good at this.

Emerald: (Hushed, with a grin) Is there anything I’m not good at?

Leaf gives Emerald “the look.” Emerald gives a sheepish smile as they exit the loading bay. They enter a door in the S.S. Anne, entering a dark room.

Emerald: (Exhales) Where is this?

Leaf: Use Charmander’s flame to light the room!

Emerald: Oh, yeah! Charmander, go!

Emerald sends out Charmander, the room illuminating with her flame. The room is filled with crates.

Emerald: Nice job, Charmander!

Charmander: (Happy) Char, char!

Leaf passes by a crate which rattles.

Leaf: (Shocked) Huh?! There’s something in it!

Emerald: Charmander, can you Scratch it open?

Charmander: (Timid, but determined) Char!

Charmander uses Scratch, clawing the crate open. A Bellsprout appears from it, crying.

Emerald: A Pokémon?!

Leaf: A Pokémon shouldn’t be inside unless the S.S. Anne is smuggling Pokémon somewhere else… Team Rocket is definitely behind this!

Voice: Right you are! These Pokémon make a lot of money for us, and we can’t have you stopping the boss!

Ken walks into the room, with Electabuzz nearby. Its eyes are a foggy purple, indicating the R drug’s activation.

Leaf: Electabuzz again! There's no way we can try to match its speed or power so Oddish, go!

Emerald: Good thinking! Bulbasaur, let’s go!

Oddish and Bulbasaur are released from their Pokéball. Bulbasaur is laying on her side, not realizing the scope of the situation. Electabuzz spots them in the corner of its eye, blitzing towards them for another Thunder Punch.

Emerald & Leaf: (In unison) Sleep Powder!

Bulbasaur pretends to not hear, allowing Electabuzz to smack it into a wall with Thunder Punch.

Emerald: (Shouting) BULBASAUR!

Emerald runs towards Bulbasaur who gets back up, injured. Oddish creates a blue ball of powder to the side of Electabuzz, however it snaps its head towards Oddish before the Sleep Powder could be released. Electabuzz violently rams into Oddish, the Sleep Powder missing as a result.

Leaf: Oddish!

She runs over to Oddish, grabbing a Potion from her bag to heal it.

Electabuzz: (Roars) El... ECTAAA!

Electabuzz turns towards Emerald, ready to attack. Beedrill releases itself from its Pokéball, standing before Emerald.

Emerald: Beedrill! Agility to Fury Attack, go!

Beedrill: (Defensively) Bee!

Beedrill rushes towards Electabuzz, slamming its stinger into Electabuzz's head. Electabuzz grips its jaw tight, snapping it back into place. Emerald turns towards Bulbasaur, pleading for its help.

Emerald: Bulbasaur, please listen! While Beedrill is battling Electabuzz, take it out with Sleep Powder! It’s the only way we can win!

Bulbasaur crosses her vines together, turning away from Emerald.

Emerald: (Exasperated, returning Bulbasaur) Charmander, can you battle?

Charmander looks at Electabuzz who’s taking multiple Fury Attack hits without a wince.

Charmander: (Timidly) Char…

Emerald: It’s fine, it’s probably too strong for even Beedrill.

Charmander: (Determined) Char!

Charmander releases a spew of Ember at Electabuzz, as Beedrill continues its rampage on Electabuzz with Fury Attack. Electabuzz snaps its head towards Charmander upon feeling the Ember, however Beedril attacks it viciously without allowing for opportunities to attack Charmander. Beedrill misses one Fury Attack, Electabuzz grabbing its forearm and releasing a Thunder up-close.

Beedrill: (Electrocuted) BEEE!

Electabuzz swings Beedrill around, throwing it towards Charmander.

Emerald: Beedrill!

Emerald gets in the way, catching Beedrill and skidding backwards.

Electabuzz pauses, beginning to attack itself now.

Leaf: I - it's confused! We have to escape!

Leaf grabs Beedrill’s Pokéball, returning it back.

Leaf: Charmander, you go back to your Pokéball, alright?

Charmander: (Nods head) Char.

Charmander goes into its Pokéball. Leaf slings Emerald over her shoulder, grunting.

Leaf: (Grunting) Heavier than you look…

Ken: You’re not going anywhere! Electabuzz, throw them out!

Electabuzz grins, rushing towards Emerald and Leaf fist-first, slamming them out of an open window. They fall out of the S.S. Anne, landing in the water.

Ken: Hah! They won’t be a bother anymore

A man appears behind Ken, grinning.

Voice: Looks like he won’t be getting his rematch.

Scene change

Emerald drifts through the water, unconscious. A stubby Pokémon appears, swimming out and diving for Emerald.

Major Events

 * Dr. Namba completes Project R.
 * Emerald and Leaf discover Team Rocket is stealing Pokémon within Vermilion City.
 * They attempt to stop Team Rocket, however are defeated.

Characters

 * Emerald
 * Leaf
 * Lt. Surge
 * Gary
 * Officer Jenny
 * Team Rocket
 * Ken
 * Sailors

Pokémon

 * Beedrill (Emerald's)
 * Wartortle (Squirtle Squad leader)
 * Squirtle (Squirtle Squad, various)
 * Oddish (Leaf's)
 * Raichu (Lt. Surge's)
 * Spearow (Gary's)
 * Electabuzz (Ken's)
 * Meowth (Jeremy’s Meowzie)
 * Rattata (mentioned, Ronny’s)

Trivia

 * This episode was loosely inspired by Pokémon Adventures, rounds 10 and 11.
 * Jeremy is based upon a trainer from Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal: Pokéfan Jeremy, who has a team of 3 Meowth's.
 * His Meowth is based upon Meowzie from the anime.
 * Ronny is based upon Youngster Ronny from the Let's Go games.
 * R appears similar to the Detective Pikachu game and movie, strengthening a Pokémon.
 * The drug is tied to Team Rocket here, more specifically Dr. Namba due to the similar power augmenter, Project R, seen in the anime.
 * The Squirtle Squad here are soldiers of the Navy instead of a group of mischievous troublemakers.