Catching a sweet scent on the breeze, Ash and Pikachu follow their noses to a nearby apple orchard. As Misty and Brock follow, they warn him not to eat the apples that don't belong to them. No sooner is this said than Pikachu is caught red-handed with couple of cores! Once Ash proves Pikachu's innocence to the orchard owner, Ash, Misty, and Brock agree to help Charmaine find the real thieves.

Arriving in Ecruteak, Ash immediately heads to the Gym to challenge it's leader for his next Johto League badge. Our heroes soon realize this isn't a normal gym....it bursts into flames as soon as they enter! Trying to douse the flames with their water Pokemon, they find out the blaze is fake. It's actually Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar instigating the illusion. Then the Gym Leader, Morty shows up and asks them what they are doing in the tower. After explaining Morty explains the history of the two towers. Ash asks for a gym battle, but when Togepi and Pikachu wander off, they must tend to Team Rocket.