Cutting the Ties That Bind.Ash and friends have finally arrived on Metallica Island, the location of the Battle Palace. Before challenging the Frontier Brain, Ash does a little training hoping to boost Sceptile's confidence. However, Sceptile still can't muster the strength needed to use attacks and runs into the woods frustrated. Ash and Pikachu quickly run after Sceptile, but once the get on the woods, they are attacked but a swarm of Beedrill and are knocked into the river! Ash manages to save Sceptile, but Pikachu is swept away! Ash and Sceptile manage to get of the river and take a rest for the night, and Pikachu also manages to get out of the river. An old man finds Pikachu and helps to heal him. When Scott appears at the Pokémon Center, he reveals to the others that this is the time of year when the Kakuna evolve and Beedrill will attack anything to protect them! The next day, Ash and Sceptile continue to search for Pikachu, when, Ash trips over a bump on the path, he tries to get up, but struggles. He manages to get back on his feet, limping. Then, they come across hundreds of Kakuna! Swarms of Beedrill surround them, and Ash and Sceptile are constantly being attacked without mercy! Can Ash manage to find Pikachu, or more importantly, get out of the woods alive?!