Ep 8. Zig Zag Zangoose

Ash, Pikachu, May, Max, and Brock arrive in a small town and discover that a Zangoose ran away from home after a fight with its owner. They also find out that a notorious and fierce Zigzagoon has been attacking the town's residents and Pokémon, stealing their belongings in the process. The town's police force has attempted to capture the Zigzagoon but has failed due to its unpredictable movements. Max becomes interested in the situation and decides to investigate the Zigzagoon's behavior.

Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth of Team Rocket have set their sights on capturing both the Zigzagoon and the Zangoose to impress their boss Giovanni. They devise a plan to trick the Zangoose into thinking they’re its friends and lure it into a trap with the Zigzagoon. They manage to capture the Zangoose but the Zigzagoon manages to escape, leaving them with only half of their intended capture. Ash, Pikachu, and the gang witness the heist and rush to rescue the Zangoose from Team Rocket's clutches.

As they search for the Zangoose, they encounter a kind-hearted gentleman named Nicholas who runs an animal sanctuary. Nicholas informs the gang that it's likely the Zangoose is hiding in the sanctuary as it's an ideal safe haven for runaway Pokémon. He allows the gang to search for the Zangoose and gives Ash and Pikachu an egg that he suggests they look after.

After a thorough search, they manage to find the Zangoose inside a cave where it's hiding from its owner, who is on the lookout for it. The Zangoose is scared and angry and refuses to go back to its owner even when Ash and the gang try to persuade it. They decide to camp out in the cave for the night and keep an eye on the Zangoose's behavior. During the night, Max observes the Zangoose trying to protect the egg that Ash and Pikachu were given. He notes that it’s odd for a Pokémon to protect someone else's egg and concludes that the Zangoose must have a sensitive and caring side.

The following day, the gang confronts the owner of the Zangoose and convinces him to show his softer side. They talk about how much the Zangoose means to him and how much he must mean to the Zangoose. He agrees to give the Zangoose some space and time to relax, assuring it that he will always love and care for it.

As the gang celebrates their victory, Team Rocket arrives and attempts to steal the egg that Ash and Pikachu were given. They get into a scuffle with the gang, but the Zigzagoon suddenly shows up and ambushes them, causing them to run away.

The episode ends with the Zangoose returning to its owner and showing affection towards him. The kind-hearted nature of the Zangoose was a reminder to Ash and the gang to always have empathy towards the Pokémon. The episode teaches viewers a lesson about the importance of treating all living creatures with kindness and respect.