Paul challenges Ash to a battle, however, since he has not found Pikachu yet, he has to decline. As Ash and Brock continue searching, they finally run into Dawn and Pikachu and all of them are attacked by Team Rocket. With help from Dawn, Ash is able to beat Team Rocket and reunite with Pikachu. Everyone returns to Sandgem Town and as Ash, Brock, and Dawn are about to begin their journey, Paul appears to challenge Ash. Ash happily accepts, but Paul is more clever then Ash expected.