#44 "The Problem with Paras"

    Ash and company stop by Moss Green Village to buy potions, food and other supplies. Meanwhile, Meowth is feeling sick and Jessie and James go to leave it behind, but a cute girl named Cassandra stops them and helps Meowth. Meowth has fallen in love. ^_^. Cassandra is the nearest 'Pokemart' owner and sells potions and such to Ash-tachi, before challenging them to a battle.

    She wants her Paras to fight and win so it can become stronger and evolve into Parasect, so she can make great potions from its mushroom. Ash tries to get his Pokémon to lose, but Paras is so weak and has such low confidence that it CAN'T win. Meowth decides to help and 'kidnaps' Paras, setting it up in battles against Arbok and Weezing, which are rigged so Paras can't help winning. With extra confidence, Paras evolves and beats Ash's disobedient Charmeleon! Meowth wants to stay with Cass and be her store mascot, but she would NEVER tear him away from Team Rocket, and takes on a Persian to represent him, which does not please the poor Meowth... :(