Ep 12. Don't Touch That 'dile

Ash, Misty, and Brock are continuing their journey towards Ecruteak City when they come across a Totodile caught in a trap. They free the Totodile and are immediately greeted by its Trainer, a Pokémon poacher named Ralph. Ralph tricks Ash and friends into thinking he is a Pokémon Trainer, but they soon figure out his true intentions.

Ralph wants to catch rare and exotic Pokémon and sell them for a profit. He has already caught a Croconaw, but it is too aggressive for him to handle. He tries to trade it to Ash for his Pikachu, but Ash refuses. Ralph decides to take matters into his own hands and battles Ash for Pikachu.

The battle between Ash and Ralph is intense, but Ash ultimately comes out on top with Pikachu's Thunderbolt. This angers Ralph, and he unleashes his Croconaw on the group. The Croconaw proves to be too powerful, and Ash and friends are forced to flee.

They take shelter in a nearby Pokémon Center, where they meet a Pokémon researcher named Alice. Alice tells them about a special lake where Totodile gather to evolve into Croconaw. She also warns them about a dangerous Feraligatr that protects the lake and attacks anyone who comes near.

Despite the warning, Ash, Misty, and Brock decide to go to the lake to catch a Croconaw for themselves. They are met with resistance from the Feraligatr, but Ash manages to calm it down and earn its trust. They catch a Croconaw and return to the Pokémon Center.

Meanwhile, Ralph is still on their tail, and he has his sights set on the Croconaw. He tracks them to the Pokémon Center and tries to steal the Croconaw, but Ash and friends are ready for him. They battle once again, and this time Ralph is defeated.

In the end, Ash and friends decide to release the Croconaw back into the wild, where it belongs. Alice thanks them for their help and offers to travel with them for a while. Ash and friends agree, and they continue their journey towards Ecruteak City with a new friend by their side.

Don't Touch That 'dile is a thrilling episode filled with exciting battles and important lessons about respecting Pokémon and their natural habitats. It also introduces a new character who adds to the overall dynamic of the group. Fans of the Pokémon franchise will not want to miss this exciting episode.