Clefairy Tales Episode Rewrite

by BenRG

What if the Clefairies' Rocket worked? What if the UFO hunter had a plan? How would Team Twerp and Team Rocket handle outer space?

1. Clefairy Tales/Pokémon in Space Part 1

Pokémon

Clefairy Tales Parts 1 & 2 – By Ben Russell Gough

Adapted from the episode 'Clefairy Tales' by the Pokémon Writing Team at 4 Kids Productions, all rights reserved.

Legal Disclaimer

Pokémon and all the characters are the legal property of Nintendo Entertainment and 4 Kids Productions. No infringement of any legal property, trademarks or copyright intended. This is a non-profit work written for the author's (and the reader's) enjoyment.

Besides, if I owned Pokémon, do you really think that I would spend my time writing fanfics?

The late Roald Dahl created the Vercinimous Knids for the second "Willy Wonka" book, "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator." I am sure that they belong to someone, either his family or his estate or something. Whoever you are, please don't sue me. I don't have enough money, besides which, I am not making a single penny from this.

What's Going On?

Yes, it's another BenRG rewrite. I've just seen 'Clefairy Tales' and thought that it might have been cool if the Clefairies' rocket worked. What might have Ash, Misty, Jessie and James found up there? Read on to find out…

This fic is presented in script form. The first quarter will be a verbatim script of the episode 'Clefairy Tales' (as best as I can remember it), but after our heroes find the rocket, my rewrite will take over.

Approximate ages: Ash and Misty are both 13. Brock is 20, Jessie has just turned 19 and James is 18.

The Fic

SEASON 5 episode 9 – 'Clefairy Tales'

ACT 1

EXT. Urban street in a large city

NARRATOR

Ash and his friends are on their way to Veridian City so Ash can compete in the Pokémon League. However, even the most determined Pokémon trainer has to stop for an ice cream break!

EXT. Street Café

ASH, MISTY and BROCK are at an outdoors table. PIKACHU and TOGEPI are sitting on the table.

Everyone has a vanilla ice cream, except TOGEPI, who has nothing, and ASH who has a vanilla ice cream in one hand and a huge chocolate/strawberry combination in the other. He is trying to eat both at the same time. Pikachu's ice might have raspberry syrup on it, but it is more likely Tomato Ketchup.

ASH

[Between licks] Mmm… Stopping for some ice cream was a great idea!

BROCK

Yeah, Pikachu thinks so too!

PIKACHU

Pika-pi-ii

TOGEPI

[Sounds miserable] Togi-togi-priii?

MISTY laughs

MISTY

Do you want some too, Togepi?

MISTY holds her ice cream in front of TOGEPI who takes a few licks, his face showing gastronomic rapture.

Brief CLOSE-UP on ASH, whose face is covered in ice cream. He doesn't care; he is too busy trying to eat both his ices at the same time.

ASH

You know… [Slurp] this is great… [Slurp] We should… [Slurp] Do this more often…

MISTY turns away with a disgusted expression. Watching a pig eat would probably be less traumatic.

MISTY

Ugh. Yeah, right Ash.

VOICE (O.O.S.)

Clefairy!

EVERYONE freezes and looks out into the street with an expression of surprise. A CLEFAIRY Psi-Pokémon is standing right in front of them.

MISTY

Wow! A Clefairy!

BROCK

You almost never see one in a town, and for one to come up to strangers like this is unheard of.

MISTY

[To herself] Maybe it's hungry. [Louder] I think I can capture it using my ice cream as bait!

MISTY leans forward, holding out her ice cream enticingly. She reaches behind her with her other hand, pulling out an unassigned Pokéball.

MISTY

[Enticingly] Here we go fella. A nice ice cream, just for you.

The CLEFAIRY suddenly turns and leaps away down the street, covering at least twenty feet with every jump.

MISTY

Hey! Come back!

MISTY jumps to her feet and chases after CLEFAIRY.

ASH

Misty! Wait for us!

ASH picks up TOGEPI and runs after her. BROCK stands up. PIKACHU jumps to his shoulders, and he goes after his two friends.

After the three adventurers run away, we see SOMEONE or SOMETHING moving their backpacks, which they rather naively left unattended under the table.

EPISODE NAME TITLES

ASH (v/o)

Clefairy Tales!

EXT CITY PARK

Sometime later, ASH, MISTY and BROCK are heading back to the café. MISTY has reclaimed TOGEPI and PIKACHU is riding on Ash's hat.

MISTY

I can't believe that Clefairy just disappeared like that!

BROCK

[Laughs] They might be small, Misty, but they're also tricky.

They reach the CAFÉ, and BROCK gasps in amazement.

BROCK

My backpack! I left it under the table, and now it's gone!

MISTY

Hey! My backpack is gone too!

ASH

Yeah! And mine… and… and… AND SOMEONE HAS TAKEN OUR ICE CREAMS!!! [ASH bursts into tears] And… and I never got to taste the chocolate!

MISTY gives ASH a disgusted look.

MISTY

Ash, we can buy more ice cream anytime! Our backpacks are more important.

ASH does not follow the argument. He is still on 'food' mode.

ASH

[Stupidly] Buy more? Do you think we can have peach this time?

MISTY snarls in disbelief and MALLETS ASH but good.

BROCK

[Sharp] Cut it out you two! [More quietly] We should report this to Officer Jenny.

EXT. Police Station.

A massive crowd of about a hundred people is standing around OFFICER JENNY, who is standing at the entrance, trying to keep order. There is a BABEL of many voices.

JENNY

One at a time please, people.

COOK

Someone has stolen my pot! I just turned my back for a second and it was gone! My chicken too!

MOTHER

Someone stole my baby's favourite bottle! [Baby begins to cry] There, there.

BASEBALL PLAYER

Someone stole my lucky bat! [Cries even more hysterically than the baby] How am I going to hit any home runs now?

ASH, MISTY and BROCK arrive on the very outskirts of the melee.

ASH

Wow, there sure is a long queue! All these people have had something stolen too!

BROCK

Maybe there is some kind of crime wave or something.

MISTY

That doesn't make any sense. Who would want to steal our backpacks, someone's baseball bat, a baby's bottle and all this other stuff?

VOICE (O.O.S.)

Aliens!

ALL

Huh?

They turn to see a tall, painfully thin MAN. He is balding, but still has thick untidy black hair coming from the side of his head. He is wearing a lab coat.

JENNY

[Scornful] What do you mean 'Aliens?'

MISTY

Who are you?

Background turns to a dramatic blue-black swirl of chaotic patterns.

OSWALD

I am Doctor Oswald! I am the person who is going to help you against these invaders! The Powers That Be don't want you to know about the truth, but aliens walk amongst us RIGHT NOW! They kidnap people, and steal random items for their studies. These events are textbook alien activity!

ASH

[Sotto, to MISTY] How do all these weird types keep finding us?

OSWALD

[Shrill] I am not crazy!

OSWALD hands ASH a book.

OSWALD

It is all here in my new book, priced $25.99 from all quality bookstores.

OSWALD opens the book to a page of typically low-quality UFO photos, a mix of DAYLIGHT DISCS and NOCTURNAL LIGHTS.

OSWALD

The aliens come down to us in these advanced spacecraft to work their havoc amongst helpless Earthlings!

The COOK looks over ASH's shoulder.

COOK

You know… there were all those weird lights in the sky the night of the last New Moon three nights ago. [To JENNY] We had a power cut across the whole city.

JENNY

You're right. Now I think about it, these thefts started after that night. I thought it was just people spooked because of the black out…

OSWALD

[Proud] You see! I was right!

ASH

[Alarmed] Do you mean that the space aliens might be real?

MISTY

[Scornful] Don't be ridiculous Ash, everyone knows that there is no such thing!

OSWALD

Now, young lady, don't be judgmental.

OSWALD looks at our three heroes.

OSWALD

You are Pokémon Trainers, yes?

Our heroes nod

OSWALD

Good, I will need your help if I am to track these extraterrestrial scoundrels down. Come with me, please.

OSWALD walks off.

FADE

ADVERT BREAK for toys that will either (A) break down within a week or (B) drive adults insane with their persistent electronic chatter.

ACT 2

EXT. NARROW STREET

OSWALD is walking along the street carrying some sort of sensing device. ASH, MISTY and BROCK follow close behind.

NARRATOR

Our friends are helping Doc Oswald, a mysterious UFO hunter, who says that space aliens stole their backpacks! Wow! Someone call Mulder and Scully!

MISTY

[Disgusted] I can't believe that we got roped into this.

BROCK

The alternative was hanging around with that crowd at the Police Station, Misty. At least we're moving, it will increase our chances of finding our packs.

ASH

[Enthusiastic] Yeah! And finding the Space Aliens!

MISTY

Oh please Ash. [Angry] This is the Twenty-first Century. No one believes in that 'Space Alien' nonsense any more.

BROCK

No one really believed in fire-breathing dragons in the Twentieth Century, Misty. Then, in 1999, they discovered Indigo Island and saw their first Charizard.

MISTY sighs, but accepts BROCK's point.

MISTY

But really, the chances of us finding our backpacks, let alone an alien, because of the Doc and his Crackerjack toy are somewhere between zilch and non-existent…

Suddenly, OSWALD's SENSOR begins to bleep wildly.

OSWALD

[Whispers] They're here! Somewhere close by!

Everyone looks around them in surprise and consternation. For some unknown reason, no one looks in the obvious direction one would look for a UFO: that is up.

A huge cone-shaped FLYING SAUCER, glowing with a golden light lowers itself silently to the ground in front of the foursome. MISTY says 'eep' or something equally incoherent and ducks behind ASH, who is rooted to the spot.

The SAUCER stops glowing. A massive door opens, revealing two tall, grey aliens with heart-shaped heads and big black eyes.

ALIENS

[No inflection at all] Zoop-Peek-Rah-Koop.

The ALIENS march out, grab PIKACHU and return to the SAUCER. Everyone seems paralysed with surprise.

ALIENS

Bark-Glop-Doop-Neek.

The SAUCER closes up, lights up and silently rises off the ground.

OSWALD

Hey! Come back! We have so much to ask you!

ASH

Yeah! And bring back my Pikachu while you're at it!

INT. SAUCER

PIKACHU sits in a glass container connected to some miscellaneous equipment.

FIRST ALIEN

[Laughs] 'Bark-Glop-Doop-Neek'

SECOND ALIEN

[Laughs too] Oh, man. I can't believe that they fell for that one!

The 'ALIENS' take off their 'HEADS.' It is, of course, JESSIE and JAMES of Team Rocket.

PIKACHU reacts immediately and fires off a thundershock attack. The electronic equipment takes the charge without damage, although it lights up.

PIKACHU

Pika… CHU!

JAMES

You can shock all you like, little Pikachu. That container is non-conducting, so your attacks can't get through.

JESSIE

Yes, you could say that it makes you a 'Light-Bulbasaur!'

JESSIE and JAMES laugh hysterically at JESSIE's 'wit.'

EXT. Side of office block

A large tower crane is lifting the FLYING SAUCER into the air.

INT. Crane cabin

MEOWTH is manning (or should that be "Meowth-ing?") the controls of this particular crane.

MEOWTH

[Laugh] Oh! Meowth! I'm getting a lift outta dis!

[Author's Note: Sorry about the spelling. I just think this is the best way to express Meowth's outrageous New Yorker accent ;) ]

EXT. Street

MISTY points up, her expression angry.

MISTY

Look, Ash! That's no flying saucer, that crane is lifting it up.

ASH

[Firm] I see it, Misty.

ASH draws a Pokéball and tosses it into the air.

ASH

Pidgiotto! I chose you!

PIDGIOTTO materialises mid air and swoops around the building.

ASH

Pidgiotto! Use your razor wing attack to cut that crane cable!

PIDGIOTTO

Pidgiiiiiie!

PIDGIOTTO severs the cable with his first pass.

INT. SAUCER

There is a distinct 'clang' as PIDGIOTTO cuts the cable. Suddenly, everyone and everything is in free-fall. JESSIE and JAMES scream in terror.

EXT. STREET

The Saucer hits the ground with a massive CRASH and disintegrates into a pile of scrap. JESSIE and JAMES lie amidst the debris, their eyes nothing but dazed swirls. Stars spin around their heads.

JAMES

[Groggy] Look Jessie! Stars!

JESSIE

[Dazed] Yeah! [Childish tone] Maybe Meowth lifted us all the way to orbit!

ASH steps into shot, his fists clenched. PIDGIOTTO lands at his side.

ASH

[Disgusted] You guys again? [Sighs] Look, you just hand over Pikachu, and there'll be no more trouble.

JESSIE and JAMES' costumes fly through the air.

JESSIE

Did you say 'trouble?'

JAMES

Prepare to make it double!

JESSIE and JAMES, now in full uniform, stand before a massive Team Rocket emblem. A spotlight shines down on them from above.

JESSIE

To protect the world from devastation!

JAMES

To unite all peoples of our nation!

JESSIE

To expose the evils of truth and love,

JAMES

To extend our reach to the stars above!

JESSIE

Jessie!

JAMES

James!

JESSIE

Team Rocket, blasting off at the speed of light!

JAMES

Surrender, or prepare to fight.

CLEFAIRY jumps up between them.

CLEFAIRY

Clefairy!

Team Rocket pause, surprised at this interruption. OSWALD's sensor starts bleeping frantically.

OSWALD

Amazing! According to these readings, this Clefairy is an alien!

ALL

Wa?

Suddenly a small pink balloon pushes past BROCK and faces off against CLEFAIRY.

JIGGLYPUFF

Jigglypuff!

OSWALD turns to JIGGLYPUFF. The sensor starts bleeping again.

OSWALD

The Jigglypuff is an alien, too!

MISTY

[Angry] That's crazy!

OSWALD points the sensor at MISTY. It bleeps even louder and faster.

OSWALD

According to this, you are an alien too, young lady!

MISTY snarls and smacks the sensor from OSWALD's hands.

MISTY

The only thing alien around here is the craziness racing around inside your head, buster!

The SENSOR hits the ground, spits sparks and begins to smoke in a way that seems to shout 'workshop job.'

OSWALD

My sensor! [Begins to cry and dance with rage] Do you know what you have done? I had to cut the tokens out of dozens of comic books to get that! Where will I find enough to get another one?

EVERYONE stands around watching OSWALD do his mad little dance.

JAMES

I just hate people who always have to be the centre of attention.

JESSIE

Yes! Especially when they draw the attention away from us!

MEOWTH drops down between them, holding on to the crane cable.

MEOWTH

Don't just stand dere! Meowth! Grab dat Pikachu and run while everyone's watching da noid!

CLEFAIRY

Clefairy! Clefairy!

CLEFAIRY leaps down the street, carrying the non-conductive container with an unconscious PIKACHU inside.

ASH

Hey! Bring back my Pikachu!

JIGGLYPUFF

Jiggly-puff-puff!

JIGGLYPUFF runs after CLEFAIRY.

JESSIE and JAMES

Hey! We're the thieves!

Team Rocket goes into hot pursuit of CLEFAIRY. The little Pokémon stops and waves a hand.

CLEFARIY

Clefairy-cle-cle!

A PSI-WALL DEFENCE appears. JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH plough into it and nearly flatten themselves.

MEOWTH

We just lost our window o' opportunity!

All three villains tumble limply to the ground as the defence dissipates. They are clearly out of the game for now. ASH and his friends rush past without even pausing.

CLEFAIRY continues to leap down the road, finally pulling a startling right-angle turn into a side alley. ASH, MISTY, BROCK and a panting OSWALD loose some ground, as they have to hop to get around the corner.

INT. WAREHOUSE

At the end of the alley, our heroes enter a warehouse. There is grime and dirt everywhere. There is no sign of CLEFAIRY or PIKACHU. JIGGLYPUFF is already here and is looking around.

MISTY

[Disbelieving] Well… Where did they go?

ASH

Maybe the Space Aliens got them!

MISTY shoots ASH a funny look and he responds with a grin and a wink.

JIGGLYPUFF

Jiggly! Ji-puff-jiggly!

ASH

What is it Jigglypuff?

JIGGLYPUFF points at a manhole. The cover is not properly fixed over the hole. Someone has been through here before, and there are no prizes for guessing whom.

INT. MANHOLE

The cover slides back and we can see ASH, JIGGLYPUFF and BROCK looking down.

BROCK (Echoing)

Oh wow, now that looks deep.

ASH (Echoing)

'Looks deep?' I can't even see the bottom!

INT. WAREHOUSE

Everyone is kneeling around the MANHOLE.

MISTY

Now what?

ASH

Well, I guess we follow them down there.

MISTY

[Amazed] What? Are you crazy?

JIGGLYPUFF jumps down the hole.

JIGGLYPUFF

Jiggle-eeeeeeeeee! [Quickly fades away]

ASH

Jigglypuff! Oh, heck. You only live once. Geronimooooooooooo! [Fades away]

MISTY

Ash!

MISTY jumps into the MANHOLE. After only the slightest hesitation, BROCK and OSWALD follow.

ARTY SEQUENCE – Our heroes fall down the MANHOLE, yelling all the way down.

FADE

ADVERT BREAK for yet more expensive yet strangely fragile toys. There are also adverts for foodstuffs that are guaranteed to give a child a serious dental abscess in less than two months.

ACT 3

INT. CAVE

A large pipe emerges from the cave wall and ends a few feet into the cave.

NARRATOR

While you were away, Ash and his friends have descended into the depths of the Earth to find his missing Pikachu… And maybe the truth about Space Aliens too! Here they come now.

JIGGLYPUFF rolls out of the pipe. He agilely lands on his feet and walks off. ASH, MISTY, BROCK and OSWALD slide out one-by-one "SLIDERS"-Style and land in a heap with cries of 'Oof' and 'Watch it!'

Our heroes gradually untangle themselves. MISTY looks around with a very nervous expression.

MISTY

[A little too loud] Well! Pikachu isn't here. [Nervous laugh] Let's look someplace else!

ASH

[Tired] Very funny, Misty.

EVERYONE walks forward a little way, then stops dead in amazement.

ASH

Oh… wow.

INT. LAUNCH CAVERN

A huge rocket ship rises out of the depths. It is a silvery colour. It has a cluster of six external boosters around the bottom and a long aerodynamic fairing rising from the top of the second stage. In the side of the fairing is a circular access port.

[Author's Note for fellow Space-Heads: The CLEFAIRY ROCKET is based on the Russian Proton rocket used by TSUP for launching unmanned probes and components of the International Space Station.]

All around, dozens of CLEFAIRIES dance and sing while psionically attaching parts to the mighty spacecraft. It is obviously all-but complete.

INT. CAVE

Everyone is peeking from behind a rock. OSWALD gets all excited.

OSWALD

This is it! This is why the Clefairies were stealing things! They were using them as parts to build this space ship! Ah, how they laughed when I told them aliens were at work on Earth. [Too loud] Who is laughing now, my friends? Who is laughing now?

BROCK puts his hand over OSWALD's mouth to shut him up.

ASH

[Quiet] What I don't understand is why the Clefairies took Pikachu.

BROCK

Well, Pikachu's electric attacks are far more powerful than anything you could get from any mechanical source.

OSWALD

[Nods] Yes, the Clefairies must intend to use his attacks to 'jump start' their own power system, if you take my meaning.

CUT TO the BOARDING RAMP

A CLEFAIRY is taking a still-unconscious PIKACHU aboard the rocket.

CUT TO the ROCKS

ASH rises and clenches his fist.

ASH

Well, that's my friend, not a battery. Let's get him back.

CUT TO LAUNCH CAVERN

A large display lowers down next to the ROCKET. It shows a yellow disk divided into ten sectors and a red disk divided into ten sectors. A HOOTER sounds. One yellow sector and one red sector disappear. A further red sector disappears every six seconds.

CUT TO the ROCKS

MISTY gasps in fear.

MISTY

Does that mean they've spotted us?

BROCK

No, I'd say that that is a countdown. They're getting ready to leave. I'd say we have about nine minutes left.

ASH

Right, I'm going to get Pikachu.

ASH rushes off. MISTY jumps up.

MISTY

Wait up Ash!

MISTY follows ASH. BROCK stands up.

BROCK

I'll go an inform Officer Jenny. We'll need a lot of help down here.

OSWALD

[Fearful] What about me? What do I do?

BROCK

Stay here, stay down and stay out of sight.

BROCK runs off back towards the outside world. OSWALD stays hidden for a moment. Then his whole demeanour changes. He is no longer nervous or in any way pathetic. He smiles confidently, checks his watch and walks casually towards the ROCKET.

INT. ROCKET

ASH and MISTY walk down the corridor. Everything is on its side. The right-hand wall (from their POV) looks like the ceiling, and doors are set into the floor. It is curious, but nothing is CLEFAIRY-sized (they are about 40-50 centimetres tall) but human-sized.

MISTY

Ash, why is everything sideways?

ASH

Well, I suppose that when the rocket is in space, our left wall is the floor. It makes things difficult now, but it is probably easier in flight. Where do you suppose they took Pikachu?

MISTY

They want to use him as a start-up charge. I'd check the engine room.

ASH stops dead, puts his hands on his hips and looks at MISTY in annoyance.

ASH

[Elaborately patient] And where is that?

MISTY

It's on the next level down and towards the back of the ship.

ASH

[Impressed, despite himself] How did you know that?

MISTY

[Mischievous] There is a map on the 'floor' under your big feet, Ashy-boy. Try to keep an eye on where you stand from now on.

ASH jumps back, looks at the map and shoots MISTY a sour look. She smirks, sticks out her tongue and walks off.

INT. CAVERN

The HOOTER is still bleating every three seconds. JESSIE, JAMES, and MEOWTH are hiding behind the very rocks our heroes were behind a few minutes ago.

JESSIE

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

JAMES turns around.

JAMES

[Puzzled] I don't know. What do you think I'm thinking?

JESSIE

I think that you're thinking that the Boss will be ever so happy if we bring him Pikachu and a whole rocket-full of Clefairies.

JAMES

[Amazed] Jessie, that's amazing. You must be a mind reader… Or… [Puzzled] Or maybe I am…

MEOWTH finally breaks under the strain.

MEOWTH

[Shouts] We can find out which o' youse is psychic later! Let's get dose Pokémon!

INT. POWER ROOM

Everything is still sideways, of course. PIKACHU is in a glass and metal container about head height. The container is attached to the 'front' and 'rear' walls by a thick metal column. Heavy-duty cabling runs off to the 'floor' (the rear while in flight).

ASH

There he is! Pikachu! Let's get him out of there, we've got less than five minutes before blast-off!

Suddenly five Clefairies jump in between ASH and PIKACHU.

MISTY

Look out Ash!

ASH pauses nervously, then drops to one knee and addresses the CLEFAIRY in the very centre of their formation.

ASH

Please Clefairies, let my Pikachu go. It isn't about him being my best Pokémon. He's my best friend, too!

The LEAD CLEFAIRY smiles grimly and shake its head. It's normally light and playful voice is laden with menace and decision.

LEAD CLEFAIRY

Cle-fairy-y.

Suddenly, JIGGLYPUFF walks forward and squares off in front of the LEAD CLEFAIRY

JIGGLYPUFF

Jigglypuff!

LEAD CLEFAIRY

Cle-Cle-fairy!

JIGGLYPUFF

Puff!

JIGGLYPUFF charges.

CUT TO ASH and MISTY

ASH

Wow! That must be Jigglypuff's pound attack.

LEAD CLEFAIRY (O.O.S.)

Clefairy!

JIGGLYPUFF rolls back into shot.

MISTY

It looks like Clefairy has a pound attack too.

JIGGLYPUFF gets up and bounces back forward.

ASH and MISTY look slightly sick. You would too, if you saw something as cute as a JIGGLYPUFF and a CLEFAIRY going at each other tooth-and-nail. Sounds of Pokémon Battle echo through the room.

ASH

Ouch! And that is his double-slap attack!

MISTY

[Nauseous] Cute…

CUT TO the CLEAFAIRIES in front of PIKACHU'S CELL.

The LEAD CLEFAIRY slumps to the ground, his eyes dazed swirls. JIGGLYPUFF swaggers forward in such a way as suggests he is saying 'Next?' The other CLEFARIES look at each other in a way that suggests that none of them is too keen to volunteer. ASH decides to go for broke.

ASH

Well done, Jigglypuff. Let's finish this. Go Bulbasaur!

ASH releases BULBASAUR

MISTY

Staryu, help him out!

STARYU pops out of his Pokéball. He and BULBASAUR form up either side of JIGGLYPUFF.

OSWALD

That is quite enough of that.

ASH turns to see OSWALD standing behind them. One hand is in his pocket and the other is pointing a snub-nosed revolver at them.

ASH

[Sweatdrops, surprised] What… [More suspicious] The Clefairies aren't doing this on their own, are they?

MISTY

[Frowns] You have been using them. Getting them to steal stuff to build this rocket. Why?

OSWALD smiles slightly.

OSWALD

[Smug] You will see very shortly. I am really not a bad person, my young friends. Actually, I think of myself as a hero. Unfortunately, in this case my needs exceeded my means… until I was fortunate enough to purchase a Clefairy clan leader from a wandering Pokémon poacher. [Waves backward with his gun] Now call your Pokémon off and back away from the starter.

ASH

That 'starter' is my friend.

ASH gestures and BULBASAUR reluctantly withdraws to stand beside him. MISTY scowls and gestures to STARYU to back off too.

OSWALD

Don't worry young man. He will not come to any permanent harm.

ASH looks at BULBASAUR. He hooks his right index finger into a crook shape and cocks his other thumb at OSWALD. He then forms his right hand into a fist and mimes a punch. BULBASAUR nods. OSWALD does not notice. He gestures with his gun again.

OSWALD

Now, if you would be so good as to follow me to the Command Chamber, we have very little time left to prepare.

As OSWALD turns to leave, BULBASAUR reaches out with a vine whip and trips him up.

BULBASAUR

Bulbasaur! Saur!

A second whip lashes out and knocks OSWALD's pistol from his hand. OSWALD shrieks in fury. JIGGLYPUFF races past him, evading a clumsy grab.

OSWALD

[Loud] Come back here you little pink menace! [Turns to CLEFARIES] Secure these two and take them to the Command Chamber!

The CLEFARIES jump forward. The first is struck by STARYU'S Water-Cannon Attack. In the background, we see OSWALD stagger to his feet and race out of the compartment after JIGGLYPUFF.

ASH

Bulbasaur! Razor Leaf Attack!

MISTY

Staryu, follow up with a Shuriken Attack!

The CLEFAIRIES reel back from the hail of razor leaves. A few seconds later, STARYU whirls past striking them all over the head.

INT. AIRLOCK

JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH enter from the outside. The look around carefully.

JESSIE

No sign of security.

Suddenly, the inner and outer airlock doors close. JAMES tries to hold the outer door open, but has to back off when it is clear he is in danger of loosing his fingers.

JESSIE

[Angry and fearful] Get this thing open!

INT. COMMAND CHAMBER

The area is like a Space Shuttle flight deck. There are five chairs, two pairs in the middle and back and a single one forward. A CLEFAIRY LEADER (with a flower on the side of its head) is sitting in the front chair, working the controls when JIGGLYPUFF enters.

CLEFAIRY LEADER

Fairy! Cle-fair-fairy!

JIGGLYPUFF

Jiggle-puff-ji!

OSWALD, breathing hard, enters. He gives JIGGLYPUFF a wide berth and climbs up a short yellow ladder to get into the front chair.

OSWALD

Don't just stand there posturing, Clefairy. Deal with that over-inflated balloon while I prepare for blast-off.

OSWALD climbs into the front chair and straps himself down. We watch him work as, behind him, the CLEFAIRY LEADER and JIGGLYPUFF fight. We hear the occasional cry of 'Clefairy!' and 'Jigglypuff!'

OSWALD looks at a monitor. We see his view of JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH trying to get out of the rocket.

OSWALD

[Smug] Hmm, what's this? Well, welcome aboard, my friends. The more the merrier. I hope you are as equal to the challenge ahead as those other two clearly are.

Suddenly, JIGGLYPUFF jumps onto OSWALD's chest. He pulls a lever from the control panel with a crack and a hiss of electricity. He then jumps away to a distant control console, evading another grab from OSWALD.

OSWALD

Give back that component you…

OSWALD foolishly undoes his seat harness and tries to follow JIGGLYPUFF. He falls to the 'bottom' of the room with a surprised cry and a loud thump.

JIGGLYPUFF, temporarily out of CLEFAIRY and OSWALD's range, stands for a moment. A spotlight falls on him and we see that the 'lever' is, in fact, his microphone. He raises it and begins to sing…

INT. POWER CHAMBER

STARYU fires a laser pulse, zapping a CLEFAIRY, who falls, his eyes crossed.

MISTY

[Triumphant] Well done, Staryu!

BULBASAUR grabs the last CLEFAIRY in his vine whips. He bashes the psi-Pokémon against the floor and the ceiling and finally throws him clear across the compartment.

The CLEFAIRY shakes his head and sweatdrops. He is very weak, but also clearly loyal to OSWALD. He drags himself to his feet and staggers forward to get between ASH, MISTY and PIKACHU's cell.

ASH

[Sighs] It's your call Clefairy. Solar Beam Attack, Bulbasaur.

BULBASAUR

Bulbasaur!

A solar blast zaps CLEFAIRY, who falls, his eyes a dazed swirl. ASH reverses his cap, pulls a Pokéball, and throws it at the fallen Pokémon. The ball opens and swallows CLEFAIRY up in a flash of red light. The three red LEDs on the front of the Pokéball flash for a second and then go green. The two equatorial locking arms snap closed. Ash picks up the Pokéball.

ASH

[Does his pose] Yeah! I got a Clefairy!

He gives the POKÉBALL to Misty.

ASH

A late birthday present from me… Or an early one if you like.

MISTY

[Amazed] Oh, I can't accept a Pokémon you've captured, Ash.

ASH grins.

ASH

Oh I insist. You wanted one since we first saw 'em at Mount Moon. Besides, [Winks] I've already got six Pokémon with me.

MISTY sticks out her tongue when she hears ASH qualify his 'gift.'

MISTY

Okay, I accept Ash. But don't think that this lets you off from replacing my bike!

ASH sweatdrops and looks away. He recalls BULBASAUR. MISTY gives him a funny look, puts CLEFAIRY'S POKÉBALL, onto her bandoleer and recalls STARYU.

ASH

[Businesslike] Now, we have to figure how to get Pikachu out of that container.

Then a sweet song using just the word 'Jigglypuff' echoes through the rocket, coming from every speaker.

MISTY

What's that? Oh no… Jigglypuff's song…

ASH

[Sweatdrops, his eyes closing] A song I always tire of hearing… uh…

ASH, MISTY and TOGEPI are all asleep in less than a second.

INT. AIRLOCK

JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH are out for the count, too.

INT. CONTROL CHAMBER

JIGGLYPUFF stops singing and looks around in annoyance when he realises that OSWALD and the CLEFARIY LEADER are both asleep. He jumps down from the control cabinet where he has been performing.

We watch JIGGLYPUFF exit in a huff. OSWALD and the CLEFAIRY leader have some very unflattering doodles all over their faces.

INT. LAUNCH CAVERN

Close up on the countdown timer. No more yellow sectors are visible. As we watch, the last two red sectors vanish, then both dials flash a brilliant white.

INT. POWER ROOM

CLOSE UP on PIKACHU'S CELL. A small door opens at the top. A MALLET swings down and bops PIKACHU on the nose. PIKACHU wakes up and reacts in typical style.

PIKACHU

[Dazed] Pika… [Angry] Pika… CHUUUUU!

A massive THUNDERSHOCK ATTACK flashes out. The energy is caught by the equipment in the cell and drawn away.

ARTY SEQUENCE – The power spreads through the ROCKET's circuits, causing them to light up.

INT. LAUNCH CAVERN

The wrap-around engines fire.

EXT. POLICE STATION

BROCK is talking to a sceptical OFFICER JENNY.

JENNY

You seriously expect me to believe that there is a group of Clefairies behind this rash of thefts? That they are building a space rocket from all the junk they've stolen? You must be joking!

BROCK

[Desperate] But it's all true, Jenny. You've got to believe me!

Suddenly there is a rumble and the street opens up. There is a long pause and suddenly, with a deafening roar, the CLEFAIRY ROCKET rises slowly, majestically out of the ground. The CROWD fall back from the rising spacecraft, which probably saves them from being charbroiled by the engine exhausts.

The ROCKET clears the city's tallest buildings and continues to rise away into the sky, going faster and faster. CLOSE UP on BROCK, watching the rocket. He knows what is happening, somehow.

BROCK

[Quiet] Ash… Misty… Oh no…

As we watch, the wrap-around boosters separate by opposing pairs. The core engines continue to burn brightly, driving the ROCKET higher and higher into the sky.

INT. POWER ROOM

Everything is now the right way up. PIKACHU, in his now vertical CELL is still trying to thundershock his way loose. ASH, MISTY and TOGEPI are on the back wall. MISTY is on top of ASH and TOGEPI away to one side. The sudden pressure of blast-off has woken them from their hypnotic trance-sleep.

ASH

[Gasps] Waaa… Misty… Get off… of… me… Can't… breathe… [Gasps again, desperate] Please!

MISTY

[Groan] Ash… Can't… Too heavy… I can't… move!

ASH and MISTY are sweatdropping. Ash is very red and is clearly in real trouble.

ASH

[Gasp] Together. I push… you… push…

ASH gasps again and puts his arms against MISTY's shoulders. She grunts and nods in comprehension. She puts her hands against ASH's shoulders. Both friends push at once. MISTY manages to roll off and bangs against the back wall with a groan of pain. ASH tries to suck in a deep breath with only a little success.

INT. AIRLOCK

JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH are against the back wall. They are all groaning and gasping in pain and fear.

INT. CONTROL CHAMBER

OSWALD is uncomfortably situated against some heavy piping. He is loosing consciousness as the G-Forces makes it progressively harder to breathe in his non-optimum position.

OSWALD

[Gasping] I built this… to… send in… peace. The… The end… now… Unless we five… can… stop… it…

EXT. ON THE WAY TO ORBIT

We are high above the Earth now. We can see the curve of the horizon and the sky is black and sprinkled with stars.

The ROCKET's first stage engines shut down, their fuel exhausted. There is a bang and the first stage separates.

INT. POWER ROOM

The sudden cessation of thrust causes ASH and MISTY to rise off of the back wall due to inertia.

ASH and MISTY

Waaaa!

EXT. ON THE WAY TO ORBIT

The second stage engine fires.

INT. POWER ROOM

ASH and MISTY are slammed back against the wall with a loud bang.

ASH

Argh!

MISTY

Aiee!

Both are knocked unconscious by the impact.

EXT. ON THE WAY TO ORBIT

The aerodynamic fairing splits into four leaves that fall away to the rear. The spaceSHIP inside looks somewhat like a larger version of the EMERGENCY CREW RETURN VEHICLE of the sort used by the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. Behind it are six rows of three fuel tanks arranged in a triangular rack and a large trio of main engines and another trio of secondary engines at the very back.

[Another AUTHOR'S NOTE: For anyone who needs a better reference, think of the spaceship Messiah from the movie "DEEP IMPACT."]

With a mighty roar, the ROCKET shoots past us continues to climb away, its engine exhaust glowing a bright yellow-white.

EXT. POLICE STATION

Everyone is continuing to gaze into the sky with a sense of deep shock.

Several items have fallen from the ROCKET onto the pavement. Several people recognise their property and gleefully reclaim it, preferring to deal with such mundane matters than the amazing sight they have just witnessed.

MOTHER

Look! My Baby's bottle!

COOK

My pot! Now I can cook my chicken!

BASEBALL PLAYER

My lucky bat! Great! Now I can go hit some homers!

JENNY puts her hand on BROCK's shoulder in sympathy. He is crying slightly.

BROCK

[Quiet] What about my friends?

EXT. ORBIT

The ROCKET moves towards us. The Second Stage burns out. The SPACESHIP separates and moves forward on three powerful secondary engines at the end of each row of fuel tanks. The burnt-out second stage drifts past a few seconds later with a hollow roar of displaced air.

[Author's Note: I know! I know! There is no sound in space, but this is only a cartoon for Pete's sake. Give me a break here!]

INT. POWER ROOM

MISTY lies there, her face crumpled with pain and surprise. Suddenly TOGEPI drifts across our field of view. He unfolds and looks around him in some surprise.

TOGEPI

Toge-priii?

PIKACHU

Pika-CHUUUUUU!

One last thundershock blows the CELL apart. A very surprised PIKACHU drifts out and across the compartment.

MISTY drifts upwards too. She opens her eyes and looks around her in childlike amazement.

MISTY

[Quiet] Am I dead?

ASH

[Groan] I doubt it. Heaven is a mad scientist's space rocket? Besides, I can see and hear you and I hurt too much to be dead.

MISTY tries to turn around to face ASH, but goes into a long, drawn-out pirouette. She is sweatdropping when she finally stops herself by grabbing the ruins of PIKACHU'S CELL.

MISTY

Well, maybe we're both… ghosts.

ASH

I'm a ghost with a headache? No, until I see my own dead body, I'm going to assume we're alive, Misty-girl.

MISTY nods with some relief. ASH grabs one of a series of yellow-painted handrails that ring the compartment and hauls himself towards the door. MISTY takes a moment to grab TOGEPI before following. PIKACHU bounces agilely off of several walls before directing himself towards the door. Everything is in a spooky slow motion.

PIKACHU

[Excited] Pika-pi-pi-chu-pi!

ASH

[Slight laugh] Yeah, it is fun, isn't it?

MISTY

Well if we're not dead, where are we, and what is happening?

ASH

[Grim] Can't you guess?

INT. AIRLOCK

MEOWTH is floating in the middle of the compartment. He is slowly regaining consciousness.

MEOWTH

[Groans] Oh, did I go to an all-you-can-eat Catnip Dinner?

MEOWTH looks around and notices he is floating.

MEOWTH

[Panics] Meowth! Jessie, James! Help me willya?

JESSIE and JAMES are startled awake. Their sudden movements send them both bouncing around the small compartment like a game of 3D pinball.

JESSIE

[Screams] James! Do something!

JAMES

[Upside-down relative to JESSIE] Do something yourself… I feel sick…

ALL THREE get control of their motions after a few experiments. There is a window in the outer airlock door. They gather around. We see them looking through from the outside.

JESSIE

[Shrill] Oh… no!

JAMES

[Nauseous] Who has taken the ground away? I need my ground!

MEOWTH

[Horrified] Me-owth!

INT. CORRIDOR

ASH, MISTY and PIKACHU drift down the corridor. To the left are a series of windows. ASH stops and gawks at the amazing sight before him.

ASH

[Awed] Oh boy, look at that. It is as beautiful as they say in the books…

MISTY stops and stares at the sight that has stopped ASH in his tracks. She screams in a slightly hoarse voice and tries to back away. ASH grabs her before she can tumble in reaction and hurt herself.

MISTY

[Choking on another scream, points at the WINDOW] Is that what I think it is?

ASH nods dumbly.

ASH

[Awed] Yeah. Yeah it is. [Smiles, amazed] Welcome to the Final Frontier, Misty.

Our POV swings around so that we are looking out of the window too. The EARTH drifts serenely below them, the scene drifting towards sunset.

NARRATOR

Well there's a situation for you. Ash, Misty and Team Rocket are stuck in a mad scientist's rocket hundreds of miles above the Earth. How will they get down? *Will* they get down? What could happen next? And exactly what is Oswald's plan? Well, you'll have to come back next time and find out!

TITLES: TO BE CONTINUED!

END CREDITS

Season 5, Episode 10a 'Pokémon in Space, Part I'

ACT 1

EXT. STREET NEAR A POLICE STATION

BROCK is sitting on the kerb, reading a newspaper. He seems depressed. We zoom in and see the headlines on the newspaper. "Explosion Behind Moon!" "Astronomers Baffled" and, smaller "Two League Trainers Still Missing."

NARRATOR

Well, things have been tough for poor Brock this last week. He and his friends Ash and Misty were on their way to Veridian City so Ash could compete in this year's Pokémon League. Then they ran into a mad scientist named Oswald, who was building his own home-made rocket with the help of a band of Clefairies. Unfortunately, Ash and Misty were onboard when it took off! Brock hasn't seen them since, and he's worried about them.

OFFICER JENNY walks out of the POLICE STATION and sits down next to BROCK.

BROCK

[Quiet, smiles slightly] Hi, Jenny.

JENNY manages a small smile of her own.

JENNY

Why are you still here, Brock?

BROCK gives her a surprised look.

BROCK

I can't leave until my friends come back.

JENNY sighs and puts a hand on BROCK's shoulder. Once he would have gone quite mad at such close contact, but he is preoccupied today.

JENNY

Brock, it's been a week since the Clefairies' rocket took off with Ash and Misty onboard. There has been no sign of them since. Face it friend… They're not coming back. You should get out of here and get on with your life. They would have wanted that.

BROCK

[Angry] I can't just abandon my friends!

JENNY jerks backward and sweatdrops at his vehemence.

JENNY

But Brock, you've got to look at this rationally. This isn't just a normal missing persons' case. The chances of us finding them…

BROCK

And they are not ordinary missing people, Jenny. [Laughs] If you knew them as well as I do, you wouldn't give up either.

JENNY seems puzzled at BROCK's certainty. She smiles and shakes her head.

JENNY

You're quite the determined one, Mr. Slate. You're loyal and loving to the end. [Warm smile] I wish I had a few more friends like you.

The two lean towards each other in fascination. It is just possible that they are about to kiss when a loud double boom echoes through the city. A gust of wind blows JENNY's cap from her head.

JENNY

What the…?

BROCK

[Pointing up] Look!

HIGH ABOVE, a bulky triangular aircraft with stubby, nearly vertical rudders extending from the rear two points of the triangle is flying overhead. As we watch, the aircraft suddenly performs a sudden right turn.

[Technical Note: Yes you space-heads, that is a Lifting Body you see. I based it on the International Space Station's Emergency Crew Return Vehicle.]

JENNY

What is that? A Flying Saucer?

BROCK

I don't know… Hey! Watch out! [Winces in sympathy]

The AIRCRAFT hits an antenna on a tall building, knocking it down. It curves tightly to the left and barely dodges a large building. It straightens up and clips the corner off of another building, sending rubble crashing into the streets.

BROCK

That guy is out of control!

The AIRCRAFT goes into a near nose-dive and only pulls up at the last minute, taking the roof off a small building. Whoever in the cockpit is either drunk or does not know how to fly.

The landing gear finally comes down. The aircraft is now very close to where BROCK and JENNY stand, transfixed. At the end of the road, the pilot tries one last tight turn and clips a building with his starboard rudder. The impact tears half of the manoeuvring surface off and the Aircraft begins to tumble. It drops heavily, leaning to the right. The right main landing gear collapses. The aircraft 'bounces' up a few feet, then crashed down again. The remaining two Landing Gear legs collapse. It belly flops and begins to scrape along the road, tearing up tarmac and raising a storm of sparks.

CUT TO BROCK and JENNY's reaction.

The AIRCRAFT continues to scrape down the road towards the two. It begins to slowly swerve around to the left.

CUT TO the POLICE STATION

JENNY snaps her mouth shut as she realises the AIRCRAFT is coming right at her.

JENNY

Brock, get out of here!

JENNY pushes BROCK away and begins to run herself. The AIRCRAFT scrapes to a halt just a few metres away from the door to the POLICE STATION.

There is a long silence. We can see a little through the high-placed cockpit windows, mostly the occasional spark from exploding control panels and smoke floating around.

Although it is scorched and battered, we can see the AIRCRAFT is painted like a Space Shuttle. It has the name "Explorer" painted just behind the cockpit.

BROCK carefully approaches

BROCK

[Amazed] Well, that is something you don't see every day!

JENNY

[Firm] Be careful, Brock. There could be a fuel leak. Wait until the fire and rescue crews arrive.

BROCK

[Equally firm] There are people in there, Jenny. As a Trainer, I can't just leave them to cook because of a risk to me.

Suddenly, a circular hatch pops open, making BROCK jump back. Smoke rises from the doorway. There is a hiss of steam. Inside the AIRCRAFT, drifting smoke obscures everything. The occasional explosion of sparks illuminates the interior, but not enough to show any details.

SOMETHING is walking towards the hatchway. BROCK steps back, a little nervous.

The figure steps out into the sunlight. It is ASH; he is carrying an unconscious MISTY. NOTE: Neither are wearing their normal clothes, instead they are wearing powder-blue jump suits with black boots. Ash is still wearing his 'lucky cap.' Both of them have seen better days, their clothing is tattered and burnt. They have various bumps and scrapes and MISTY is unusually pale. PIKACHU, who seems very weak, is draped over ASH's shoulder. TOGEPI is folded up into an egg and is resting on MISTY's abdomen.

Behind ASH, JESSIE is helping a battered and groggy JAMES get off of the AIRCRAFT. JAMES has a massive black eye and does not seem to know where he is. Both are also wearing powder-blue jump-suits. MEOWTH staggers out, also worse for wear.

BROCK leaps forward to his friends. He grabs MISTY from ASH's arms, just before ASH collapses to his knees.

Behind ASH, JESSIE lets go of JAMES and falls to her knees. She bows down and kisses the ground.

JESSIE

[Exhausted] Home at last!

JAMES staggers for a moment.

JAMES

[Delirious] That's right Jenny, and we'll have more hits after the news and travel on the hour with Paul.

He falls over on his side, his eyes in the swirly anime way to signify unconsciousness. MEOWTH falls over onto his back and lies, spread-eagled and unconscious. JESSIE falls onto her side, wearing a silly smile.

BROCK

Ash! Thank God! What has happened to you? Where have you been?

ASH takes a few seconds to focus on BROCK. He smiles and tries to pat him on the shoulder, but misses by a good foot.

ASH

[Exhausted] You don't want to know, Brock-o… You don't want to know.

ASH keels over too, leaving a startled BROCK holding MISTY and staring at all the other casualties.

Our NEW POV is down on the tableaux from above and zooming out, while rotating around, giving it a dreamlike quality.

JENNY

[Into radio] I need rescue and trauma crews for humans and Pokémon at the fifth street precinct immediately!

BROCK

[Startled and shocked] Ash?

EPISODE TITLES

JESSIE (v/o)

Pokémon in Space!

INT. HOSPITAL WARD

MISTY, ASH, JESSIE and JAMES are all in the same ward. MISTY has the most things plugged into her and JESSIE has the least. MISTY and JAMES are still unconscious. ASH is awake and JESSIE is actually up and about. She is wearing a rather unflattering hospital gown and is standing at JAMES' side with a determined expression on her face.

BROCK enters, with PIKACHU in his arms and MEOWTH walking besides him.

BROCK

Hi, guys. You will be glad to know that Nurse Joy has rejuvenated all of your Pokémon.

ASH smiles weakly.

ASH

That's good news. Hi, Pikachu.

PIKACHU

Pika-pi-chu-pi-ka!

PIKACHU jumps from BROCK's arms and lands on ASH's chest making him go grunt in discomfort. PIKACHU runs up to ASH and hugs his face. ASH laughs and hugs him back.

MEOWTH makes a more stately progress to JESSIE. He leaps up onto JAMES' bed and strokes her hand with his head, purring loudly. There is just a hint of a smile on JESSIE's face.

JESSIE

Hello, Meowth. I'm glad to see you are better.

MEOWTH

[Worried] James still out o' it?

JESSIE

[Laughs] He's actually only asleep.

MEOWTH climbs onto JAMES' chest and looks into his face.

MEOWTH

[Very loud] Wakey-wakey, Jamie boy!

JAMES

Uh?

JAMES jerks upright too quickly and spills MEOWTH onto the floor. Every conscious character in the ward is laughing, except MEOWTH and the ever-innocent JAMES, who does not know what is going on.

ASH is still hugging PIKACHU.

ASH

How did you get them in here?

BROCK

[Smug] One of the porters owes me, or more accurately owes Geodude. It isn't as hard as you think.

BROCK makes room and hitches a hip up onto ASH's bed.

BROCK

[Worried] How's Misty?

ASH

[Shrugs] Well, the doctors say that they've fixed her ribs and stopped the bleeding. It is just a matter of waiting for her to wake up now. [Frowns] It can't be too soon for me.

BROCK

[Grins] Missing her, Ash? I always knew you two had a 'thing.'

ASH

[Stutters & sweatdrops for a moment, blushes bright red] What? You… you are crazy… delusional… There is nothing…

BROCK

[Laughs] Yeah, right.

BROCK looks more serious as he looks around.

BROCK

Look Ash, I'm delaying Officer Jenny as much as I can, but she is going to want to question all four of you before too long.

JESSIE

James is almost ready to leave, Brock. If you can get us one more day, we'll be gone and Jenny can interview Ash and Misty all she likes without having the opportunity to arrest us.

JAMES

[Serious] You should leave now, Jess. No sense in both of us risking capture.

JESSIE

[Gentle] Don't be silly, James. I'm not leaving you for the police after everything we've been through in the last week.

MEOWTH looks at JESSIE's tender expression with some surprise. BROCK clears his throat and turns back to ASH.

BROCK

Actually, I was meaning to ask you again. What happened that week you spent in space?

ASH draws in a breath and shoots JESSIE a worried look. After a moment of internal debate, he looks at BROCK.

ASH

It is all still awfully confused, Brock. I don't remember all of it, but I can tell you what I can remember.

FADE

ADVERT BREAK for childrens' foods with the same nutritional content as Styrofoam. Other adverts for toys that seem wonderful until you actually have one, and then realise that it is just a plastic box with wheels.

ACT 2

INT. HOSPITAL WARD

NARRATOR

Hey! Sit down already! Ash is about to tell us the story of what happened in space!

ASH is sitting up with PIKACHU on his pillow. BROCK is listening to him with fierce concentration. The picture goes swirly as we enter FLASHBACK MODE.

ASH

You must have seen the rocket blast off. [Laughs] Everyone this side of the Black Rock River probably saw it. It was a nasty flight, Brock. Misty and me were both knocked out about halfway through. When we came to, we were in orbit.

INT. EXPLORER SPACECRAFT, PORTSIDE MAIN CORRIDOR

ASH, PIKACHU and MISTY are hovering beside a big WINDOW, watching the Earth rotate below them.

MISTY

[Near-hysterical] Are you telling me that we are in space?

ASH

[Excited] Unless this is a really realistic tri-D simulator, yeah I guess that's the shape of it!

PIKACHU

[Excited] Pika-pi-ka-chu-pi-ka!

TOGEPI

[Happy] Toge-priii-priii-ge-priii!

MISTY laughs hollowly.

MISTY

Togepi says that he enjoys floating like this.

ASH laughs too. He looks around and sobers up.

ASH

We'd better find Oswald. If we want to get down, he is the man to see.

INT. MID-DECK LIVING AREA

The inner airlock door opens. JESSIE sticks her head out and looks around carefully.

JESSIE

All deserted here.

JESSIE floats out with some effort on her part. JAMES is pulling himself from handhold to handhold. JAMES seems grim and his face is a little more pale than usual. MEOWTH floats, not liking the experience.

MEOWTH

[Nauseous] Aw… Meowth! I'm just not cut out for dis space stuff!

JAMES

You think you've got problems? I've lost my breakfast and my lunch and there is not a bit of food in sight.

JESSIE

[Really angry] Stop whining you impossible idiot.

JESSIE pulls out a fan and whacks JAMES around the ear. The reaction force from her attacks sends her tumbling across the compartment and into the BIOLOGICAL WASTE CONTROL SYSTEM (Space-Toilet).

JAMES laughs when he sees her struggling against the reaction to her movements. He winks at MEOWTH.

JAMES

Vengeance is mine! So swears the Rocket!

JAMES leaps agilely across the compartment and tackles JESSIE, tiggling her in various weak spots. JESSIE shrieks, then begins to struggle, screaming with laughter.

JAMES

[Laughing] This is for all those times you've laid that fan across my head, Jessica!

JESSIE

James! [Giggle] Stop it! You crazy idiot! [Giggle] Everyone on the ship will know where we are! [Giggles uncontrollably]

INT. MID-DECK/AFT COMPARTMENT ACCESS TUNNEL

ASH opens the heavy pressure door and drifts into the LIVING AREA. Much to his surprise, there are JESSIE and JAMES tiggling each other and MEOWTH hovering in mind-air, much amused. ASH and MISTY stop and gawk at the sight.

MEOWTH turns and sees them.

MEOWTH

Meowth! It's da twoips!

JESSIE and JAMES untangle themselves and try to get 'professional.' They draw Pokéballs and turn to face ASH and MISTY.

JESSIE

Prepare for trouble!

JAMES

And make it double!

JESSIE

To protect the world from devastation!

JAMES

To unite all peoples of our nation!

JESSIE

To expose the evils of…

ASH

[Shouts] Hold it! Hold it!

JESSIE and JAMES stop their recitation and look at each other stupidly.

JAMES

What do you mean 'hold it?' We just can't stop mid-motto!

ASH rubs the bridge of his nose in a tired way.

ASH

James, we are in space. If we start letting loose with attacks now, we will probably breach the hull. If that happens… well I don't think Team Rocket teaches its' field agents how to breathe in hard vacuum.

JESSIE and JAMES look at each other in surprise. Realisation dawns.

JESSIE

[Sobered up] Oh.

ASH keeps staring until JESSIE and JAMES put away their Pokéballs and then relax.

ASH

[Firm] Now unless either of you has something hidden away that can help, I suggest we drop our little arguments and try to find a way to get back home!

OSWALD sticks his head out of the COCKPIT ACCESS HATCH

OSWALD

Ah. Now you've settled your nerves, would you be so kind as to join me in the Command Chamber?

JAMES

[Surprised] The Nerd? What is he doing here?

ASH

[Smiles] Where else should he be? It is his spaceship, after all.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

After a few misjudgements, the four trainers and three Pokémon make it up the tunnel into the Control Chamber

It looks even more Space Shuttle-like now it is in its environment. The CLEFAIRY LEADER is hanging by a monitor, writing readings down on a cute Clefairy-sized notepad. OSWALD floats forward to hover beside the pilot's chair.

OSWALD

Er… Well, I suppose I should start by apologising for kidnapping you all, I suppose.

JESSIE looks at her fingernails in disdain.

JESSIE

[Bored] Apology accepted. Now: land this thing, then hand it and all your Pokémon over to Team Rocket and I think we can forget the whole matter.

OSWALD actually laughs.

OSWALD

My dear young woman, you have absolutely no idea how perilous your situation is. Believe me that you are in no position whatsoever to make demands.

JESSIE and JAMES exchange nervous looks. MISTY turns around from where she has been staring out of the portside windows at the Earth.

MISTY

[Angry] You're not helping, you crazy hag!

JESSIE

[Facefaults, maybe her canine teeth get a little longer] I don't see you making any suggestions, you scrawny trollop!

MISTY

[Facefaults] Why you…

ASH floats between them.

ASH

[Shouts, maybe his head is a little bigger than usual] Cut it out the pair of you, or I'll have Pikachu shock you both!

PIKACHU

[Angry, nods] Pikachu!

OSWALD adjusts his bow tie nervously.

OSWALD

Oh dear. Perhaps I should have made sure you were on the same side…

MEOWTH

Just tell us what dis is all about, Noid!

OSWALD adjusts his clothing a little more.

OSWALD

Oh… Yes. I won't bore you with the details because… Well, because they are boring. Suffice it to say that the recent spate of large meteorite showers and power blackouts around the world are not coincidental or happenstance. I have excellent proof that this is the work of a malevolent Alien force that is bent on the destruction of our entire world.

EVERYONE looks at each other. MISTY smirks. JAMES giggles behind his hand.

MISTY

[Patronising] So, you want to go off and fight the invading little green men from Mars?

OSWALD

Oh no, that isn't it at all.

EVERYONE exchanges surprised looks.

OSWALD

They aren't invading, my dear. They want to blow up our planet. Nothing personal, I suspect. I think that they just don't like other intelligent life forms very much. Oh, and they aren't from Mars. I strongly suspect they may not even come from our universe… [Quiet and thoughtful] And I'm not really sure that they are green either…

OSWALD looks out the front windows to the rising Moon.

OSWALD

They are hiding behind the Moon right now. I originally designed this ship, the Explorer, to act as an emissary of peace, but since the destruction of our lunar surveyor probes, I understand that our… er… visitors are not friendly. I lured you to the Explorer because I know that Pokémon Trainers are amongst the fiercest and deadliest fighters on Earth. We are going to confront them on their home ground and defeat them.

ASH gapes

ASH

[Amazed] You are serious!

OSWALD turns to look at him.

OSWALD

[Firm] Oh yes, my young friend. Deadly serious. If we cannot stop them, here and now, then our entire civilisation, our entire world faces a swift and fiery destruction.

Scene goes swirly, FLASHBACK ENDS.

BROCK sits by ASH's bed, flabbergasted. He gapes for a moment before speaking.

BROCK

O… kay. Right, Ash. This isn't one of your 'hilarious' little practical jokes is it?

ASH

[Serious] It's true, Brock. He though that Earth was in danger, so he built himself a rocket and kidnapped us to help him fight.

BRIEF FLASHBACK

EXT. EARTH ORBIT

The Explorer breaks orbit, its main engines flaring blue-white.

ASH (v/o)

Oswald admitted that it sounded crazy. He told us that the Explorer was programmed to only follow his commands, and that he was determined to check out his hunch. [Laughs] The way we figured it, he was nuts, but he knew his stuff. [Grim] It was a choice of trying to seize control of the ship and maybe getting killed, or indulging him in his little fantasy. We decided to indulge him. I mean, hey? What harm could there be in that?

INT. FLIGHT DECK

Everyone is strapped down in a seat, ASH & MISTY one side, JESSIE & JAMES the other and OSWALD in the middle. EVERYONE is sweatdropping as the ship accelerates.

ASH (v/o)

[Wry] Besides we were all a little taken with the idea of seeing the Moon from close up.

EXT. SPACE

The Explorer races past into the distance, heading for the Moon. It's engines shut down.

FLASHBACK ENDS

ASH is stroking PIKACHU. He shrugs.

ASH

And that is all there is to say Brock. Oh, except that I wish Tracey or Todd had been there to record the sights. We saw some awe-inspiring stuff. After we broke orbit… well I forget.

BROCK remains silent for a while, and then he gets up and pats ASH on the shoulder.

BROCK

[Smiles ruefully] You do have a knack for finding trouble, don't you Ash?

ASH laughs and shoots BROCK a victory sign with a wink.

ASH

That's my talent alright!

BROCK

Well, I guess I'd better go tell Officer Jenny this. Some details in her report might make her less… eager to start questioning you and give Team Rocket a chance to vacate. [Continues in a sotto voice] Though why Ash should care, I'll never know.

BROCK turns to leave. He turns back to ASH for a moment.

BROCK

[Grim] Just lie there, kid, and get strong again.

ASH

[Calls out] Thanks, buddy.

ASH leans back, still stroking PIKACHU, and relaxes.

FADE

ADVERT BREAK for several rip-off merchandising toys from successful films and other good of questionable merit, all of which have the trademark of a rich franchise for no clearly apparent reason.

ACT 3

INT. HOSPITAL WARD

NARRATOR

Well, Ash and his friends (and enemies too) are all back on Earth. However, it seems like there are a few secrets they aren't willing to share yet. I wonder what really happened up there?

The lights are all dim. It is obviously night the wards. ASH is lying in his bed, watching MISTY with a worried expression. JESSIE is standing by JAMES, who is stretching his face to test the dressings on his healing cheekbone.

JESSIE

I really never guessed how much Misty means to Ash. Look at the way he watches her.

JAMES turns to look.

JAMES

I guess, eventually, any close team will get like that… Like us…

JESSIE draws in a breath to interrupt, but JAMES runs right over her.

JAMES

No, don't say anything JESSIE. I am glad to have your friendship, [mischievous] even if you have trouble admitting it sometimes. I would like to say that I'm sorry, though, for all the trouble I caused on the way to the Moon.

JESSIE

[Reassuring] It wasn't your fault, James, it could have happened to any of us…

Everything goes SWIRLY. It's FLASHBACK MODE!

INT. EXPLORER MID DECK/LIVING AREA

JESSIE is hovering in front of a locker. She has switched her highly impractical Team Rocket uniform for a powder-blue astronaut's jump suit with black boots. She twists her upper body one way and then another and grimaces.

JESSIE

This baggy thing does nothing for my figure. [Sighs] But Oswald was right about miniskirts in zero gravity!

JESSIE attaches her belt (we can see ARBOK and LIKATUNG's Pokéballs on the back). She looks in the locker again and sorts through some neatly packed items.

JESSIE

I can't believe the amount of stuff that Nerd's pet Clefairies stole! I though James and me were thieves, but he must have cleared out our balloon to get all of our equipment here! He even stole the three Twerps' backpacks. He must have hoped to bring them all along…

Suddenly, there is a shout from above.

OSWALD (O.O.S.)

Oops! No… No James, don't touch those… Stop him someone!

MEOWTH (O.O.S.)

Meowth! Cut dat out!

CLEFAIRY LEADER (O.O.S.)

Cle! Cle!

JAMES (O.O.S.)

[Whine] But they are my toys! I want to play with them!

JESSIE looks surprised. She grimaces and agilely dives 'up' through the hatch into the FLIGHT DECK.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

JAMES is struggling to get at a control panel. He is wearing a frantic, almost drunken expression. He is very disoriented and is struggling to get at the controls, weeping like a baby.

The CLEFAIRY LEADER is hanging onto his neck, thumping him ineffectually on the back of the head, and MEOWTH is standing on the panel, with his hands on JAMES' chest, trying to hold him back. OSWALD is hovering at the rear stations.

OSWALD

Ah, Jessie. Er, could you help us, my dear? James seems determined to vent our atmosphere into space.

JESSIE sighs in disbelief and pulls a Pokéball. She tosses it forward and ARBOK emerges. ARBOK just about fits into the compartment.

JESSIE

Arbok, dear, would you be so kind as to bind James for me?

ARBOK

Charrr-bok!

ARBOK coils the end of her tail around the top rung of the ladder and coils her long body around JAMES, gently pulling him away from the controls.

JESSIE

[Worried] What is wrong with him?

OSWALD

Maybe it's space dementia.

MEOWTH

'Dementia?' Sound's like James!

JESSIE

Quiet, Meowth. What exactly is 'space dementia?'

OSWALD

Er… Well, remember that our bodies are adapted for gravity, including pumping blood all the way up to the brain. In free-fall, there is no more gravity to fight against, so sometimes you get too much blood in the head. It can make you a little… er… light-headed, or even a little silly or careless.

JESSIE shoots MEOWTH a significant look.

JESSIE

And James is close to that state in normal conditions!

MEOWTH nods sadly.

JAMES is now floating in a lotus position in front of ARBOK. He has pulled out VICTREEBELL and KOFFING's Pokéballs and is playing some kind of game with them, knocking them together and giggling.

JESSIE

Is this permanent?

OSWALD

Oh no, he should adapt in a few hours.

JESSIE

That's good news. [Cocks her thumb at JAMES] Meowth, Charm Trance Attack.

MEOWTH floats over to JAMES.

MEOWTH

Okay, James. You just take a good look at my charm!

MEOWTH's charm flashes brightly for a second. JAMES' eyes roll up and he falls asleep, an innocent baby smile on his face.

JESSIE

[Exasperated] One of these days, the Boss will assign me an adult as a partner. Meowth, you and Arbok tie him down in his bunk will you?

JESSIE watches the strange cavalcade depart. As they pass her, JESSIE reaches out and touches JAMES' face.

JESSIE

[Quiet] Get well soon, my Prince Charming.

She shakes her head sadly, then floats over to the rear stations and looks through the aft windows into the PAYLOAD BAY.

JESSIE'S POV:

The PAYLOAD BAY is mostly empty except for some boxes of cargo at the far end and some MMU Rocket Packs strapped to the starboard bulkhead.

ASH and MISTY, now in their own jump-suits (ASH is still wearing his cap), are practising free-fall Pokémon fighting. PIKACHU and CLEFAIRY are dodging across the bay, shooting the occasional attack at each other. BULBASAUR, STARYU, TOGEPI both SQURITLES and PIGIOTTO are hovering to one side, watching the action. Seemingly forgotten, PSYDUCK is slowly drifting around the bay. He is holding his head, his eyes crossed with pain.

JESSIE smiles.

JESSIE

Now there is a good idea. I think I'll join them.

JAMES (v/o)

Did you really say that about me?

Scene goes swirly. FLASHBACK ENDS

JESSIE blushes as JAMES stares at her with a sly grin.

JESSIE

[Quiet] Well, I was worried about you…

JAMES

[Chuckling] Well you weren't far wrong. [Touches JESSIE's cheek] You know I could never take offence at anything you say or do.

JESSIE's blush gets worse and she sweatdrops. JAMES smiles, and turns over in his bed to sleep. JESSIE retreats as fast as she can. As she climbs back into her bed, she notices ASH is watching her.

ASH

[Sly] So what's the deal between you two anyway?

JESSIE

[Angry] None of your business, twerp!

ASH isn't offended. He laughs gently.

ASH

Well just so you know, Jessie, that the answer is obvious to anyone who spends any time with you.

JESSIE

[Sighs] Yes, I know, but Team Rocket forbids… er… liaisons between partners. [Sly] Anyway, I could well ask what the deal is between you and Misty.

ASH shakes his head.

ASH

Now that is complicated. When we first started travelling together, she told me that she wanted me to replace her bike. Pikachu fried it while fighting a flock of wild Spearows you see. But I don't know. I could easily send her the money by instalments while she stayed at home! Why follow me around?

JESSIE

[Laughs] The answer is as obvious as James and I.

ASH

[Rueful] Is it? I know how I feel, Jessie. I really don't know about her, though.

Scene goes SWIRLY; yes its another FLASHBACK MODE!

INT. EXPLORER PAYLOAD BAY

ARBOK arcs through the air towards ASH's VOLTORB, her jaws poised to strike.

JESSIE (O.O.S.)

Venom Strike, Arbok!

ARBOK

Charr-bok-ch-arrrr!

ASH (O.O.S.)

Voltorb: Thundershock Attack!

VOLTORB

Voltorb!

ARBOK is illuminated by an electrical discharge and goes limp, her eyes crossed.

ARBOK

Chh-arrrrrr!

ARBOK suddenly flashes into red energy and vanishes. JESSIE puts ARBOK's Pokéball back onto her belt. She looks at ASH in surprise as he recalls VOLTORB.

JESSIE

[Amazed] How did you do that? You can't beat a second-level evolution with a Voltorb… Can you?

ASH shrugs easily. He seems fairly easy-going about his victory. He goes over to the 'lecture mode' he learnt from BROCK.

ASH

People underestimate Voltorbs. They are more than floating bombs. That is what makes him so effective in the arena.

MISTY

[Sly] So you see, Jessie. Ash isn't just lucky… He's good.

ASH nods in thanks to MISTY and winks.

ASH

Why thank you Misty. You're no slouch yourself.

MISTY blushes a bright red shade and looks away.

MISTY

[Goes shy] Ah, modesty… [Mischievous peek from the corner of her eye] Doesn't suit you Ash. [More quietly] I'll always be only a learner, next to you. I'll always have to shade my eyes from your light… my hero.

JESSIE, who is closer to MISTY than ASH at the moment, shoots MISTY a very shocked look.

Scene goes SWIRLY. End FLASHBACK

JESSIE shoots ASH a knowing look.

JESSIE

[Smug] So you aren't sure are you? Well, maybe you should watch her and listen to her just a tiny bit more carefully. Do yourself a favour, hero. [Firm, serious] If you ever get a chance, tell her how you feel. Or you'll regret it forever.

ASH looks at her in shock. He does not know what to say. JESSIE turns over in her bed with a smug smile

ASH gets back into bed, disturbing PIKACHU, who had made himself a nice nest at the bottom.

PIKACHU

[Sleepy] Pika-ka-pi?

ASH

[Quiet] Sorry, pal.

PIKACHU stretches himself one leg at a time, then strolls up to sit by ASH's head on the pillow. He looks at the still-unconscious MISTY.

PIKACHU

Pika-chu-ka-chu-chu-pi?

ASH

Yeah, I am worried. She should have woken up by now.

PIKACHU

Pika-ka-ka-pi. Ka-chu-pi!

ASH

Talk to her? Well, that's as good an idea as any, I guess…

ASH settles PIKACHU on one shoulder and gets up again. He walks to MISTY's bedside and takes one of her hands and holds it. He seems a little nervous, but after a pause, he speaks.

ASH

[Quiet] Misty? Misty, come on wake up. It's me, Ash.

SILENCE

ASH

Misty, please don't do this to me. All right, so I am not the best of friends to you all the time, but I really do care for you… and I couldn't handle it if you didn't wake up for years and years…

MISTY remains still and silent. ASH begins to cry. MUSIC – "If Only Tears Could Bring You Back" (Instrumental Only) from the Mewtwo Strikes Back soundtrack.

ASH

Misty… Misty it's me, Ash. Please listen to me. Please listen to my voice and try to answer. Anything, a squeeze… [Bitter laugh] Even that blasted mallet of yours…

PIKACHU

Pika-pi-ka-ka-pi!

ASH

Yeah, right… A story… Um… Did I ever tell you how proud I was of how you handled the Aliens, Misty? You might not like bugs, but you are no scaredy-cat by a long shot.

The scene begins to SWIRL. Yet another FLASHBACK

INT. EXPLORER MID DECK

MISTY is chewing on some dried space food, while ASH sits on the ceiling, drinking some fruit juice out of a squeeze bottle.

MISTY

[Around food] I could get used to this stuff.

ASH

[Grimaces] I couldn't.

OSWALD enters from the aft section. He looks around smugly.

OSWALD

[Up-beat] All settled in I see. Hmm! Yes! Well, that is good to know. This space travel lark is not so hard after all, is it?

ASH gives OSWALD a nasty look, but he keeps his peace.

SUDDENLY a computer voice echoes through the room. For some reason, OSWALD gave the Explorer's computer a sexy feminine voice. We shall call it the SEXY SHIP'S COMPUTER VOICE or SSCV for short.

SSCV

Doctor Oswald; please come to the Control Chamber. Doctor Oswald to the Control Chamber please.

OSWALD

[Pleased] Ah, good.

ASH

[Puzzled] What?

The three drift up into the FLIGHT DECK. The MOON is now huge in the forward windows.

OSWALD

The time has come to perform our Lunar Orbit Insertion Burn. Please strap yourselves into your seats.

SSCV

All crewmembers please report to the Control Chamber. All crewmembers to the Control Chamber.

EXT. LUNAR ORBIT

The Explorer, now travelling backwards is heading towards the MOON. As it passes the centre of the screen, its main engines fire.

ASH (v/o)

[Laugh] I'm probably going to sound silly saying this, Misty but… But your beauty outshone the Moon. You sat there, looking at that world fly by and your face was more beautiful than I ever recall from before.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The scene shudders from the engine vibrations, but everyone is looking at the MOON. MISTY's face shows a rapturous expression. ASH looks at her and reaches out to her. She grabs his hand and smiles gently.

ASH (v/o)

I guess that was the moment I knew. You aren't just that girl who follows me around anymore… not just a travelling companion. You are a true friend, Misty… A part of my life and… Without you, my life would just be motions, not living.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The Explorer is now far over the far side of the MOON. Despite the fact the sun is at the wrong angle, there is a bright flickering yellow light from somewhere ahead.

EVERYONE crowds to the front windows, displaying shock and horror.

ASH (v/o)

I wouldn't have blamed you if you had panicked when we first saw it. I know I was scared enough to loose control, but you… you are stronger than most people know.

EVERYONE sweatdrops and struggles to find anything to say. ASH might be first, but he does not get any points for originality.

ASH

Oh wow.

OSWALD

[Grim] Well, my young friends. Much to my sorrow, it seems that I was right.

MISTY

They are the ones?

OSWALD nods.

JESSIE

[On the edge of panic] I really think we should get out of here right now.

MISTY

[Quiet and determined] Jessie, there's nowhere to run away to.

ASH

[Jaw juts out in determination] That's right. We have to face them or… well or no one on Earth has a future at all.

ASH looks at MISTY. Both friends have a determined expression. MISTY takes one look at the window and heads back to get her equipment ready. ASH follows without a word.

Our POV rotates so we can see the sight that has caught everyone's attention. A huge spaceship like a gigantic black octopus with glowing orange lights flashing from within is poised over the MOON. It is directing a flickering beam of yellow light towards the MOON's surface.

ASH (v/o)

Who can blame Jessie for almost panicking? But you didn't my angel. You were always stronger than many realised. I was proud, but I also realised that, in the face of this horrible unknown, I could trust you with my life… You were my truest beloved friend.

EXT. LUNAR ORBIT

The Explorer slowly moves past towards the ALIEN WARSHIP.

SCENE goes SWIRLY. FLASHBACK ends.

ASH is still holding MISTY's hand. He is crying. The music should be getting towards the climax by this point.

ASH

You are my strength and my light, Misty. I don't want to loose you. Whatever I may achieve, what ever I might be, it wouldn't be worth the effort without you around to share it with.

MISTY still does not respond. ASH chokes down a sob.

ASH

Please, Misty. Give me a sign here. [Desperate, babbling through his tears] How… how am I supposed to replace your bike if you end up in a twenty-year coma because I was too slow to protect your flank?

SILENCE

ASH

Blast it all, Misty! Don't make me try to live without you! I can't! I love you… [Sobs helplessly] Oh God, I promise that I'll do anything you want… Just don't let her die on me… Not actual death or this living death… please.

MISTY gasps. Ash stops dead, startled. He immediately starts to babble, squeezing her hand as hard as he can.

ASH

Misty? [Suddenly moves closer, grabbing her hand in both hands] That's it beautiful. Come to my voice. Don't give up, Misty. Come on! I know you can do it.

MISTY's breathing begins to strengthen and speed up. She squeezes ASH's hand in response to his presence and he puts it to his cheek.

ASH

That's right Misty. Come on, wake up. Say something, [desperate] please.

MISTY opens her eyes and looks around her. She sees ASH holding her hand like a drowning man holds onto a life preserver. She frowns slightly.

MISTY

[Hoarse] What… Where…

MISTY raises an arm and drops it. Gravity. She is on Earth. She smiles slightly and draws ASH closer. She suddenly hugs him. The music should reach its climax NOW.

MISTY

We're home… Ash, we made it!

ASH hugs MISTY back, tears streaming down his face. PIKACHU leaps off of his shoulder and hugs the side of MISTY's head.

ASH

[Weeping in relief] Misty! Oh thank God… Thank God, thank God…

PIKACHU

[Crying too] Pika-pi-pi-ka-pi!

MISTY

[Starts crying too] Ash… I thought I was dead… It was cold and dark… and I hurt and… I just wanted to go away, Ash. But there was your voice making me hold on… Oh Ash, don't ever leave me! Promise me, please!

ASH

[Fierce] I will never leave you. Never. Never. I love you.

MISTY

I love you Ash… I love you…

By now JESSIE and JAMES are awake. The ward lights snap onto full brightness and the medical staff run in. Despite the doctors and nurses rushing about, ASH and MISTY still hold onto each other, refusing to let go.

NARRATOR

Well, Ash has learnt that true friends come in unexpected forms, and that friendship and love can transcend the greatest of barriers. But what happened up behind the Moon? Who were those Aliens, and how did Misty and James get hurt? There are still secrets to reveal.

TITLES: TO BE CONCLUDED!

FADE, END CREDITS.