Green groaned groggily as he awoke, feeling something slimy and wet licking his face. Deep in his sleep drenched mind, he wondered if it was Yellow and the thought of giving her private kissing lessons seemed promising. When consciousness finally caught up with him, he saw that he was nose-to-nose with a Growlithe that was wagging its tail excitedly.
Disappointed, Green pushed the fire-type away gently before reaching to his belt. He registered the fact that all his Pokémon were account for with sleepy relief.
A shrill whistle that nearly sent Green jumping had the Growlithe running back to its owner. A quick peek around the corner revealed to him the owner of the whistle was Officer Jenny who was investigating the front half of the Magnet Train. A bright yellow tape blocked access to the wreckage from a gathering crowd.
"Oh, you're awake."
Looking up, Green saw Yellow holding two bottles of Fresh Water. Nodding, he climbed to his feet and took a bottle with a thanks. Untwisting the cap, he didn't realize how thirsty he was until he was gulping the water down, finishing its containments in seconds.
"So," he breathed, tossing the plastic bottle in the trash. "What's the plan? Are Red and Blue on their way back or are they too busy bickering?"
His heart dropped when he saw Yellow's eyes shoot down to the floor, her bangs covering the top portion of her face. Looking down at her hands, Green heard the crumpling of plastic as the girl gripped the bottle tightly.
"Yellow…" he said, pulling her arm in a wordless order to look up at him. "Where are they?"
"I...I'm sorry, Green," she said quietly, looking up at him with watery eyes. "They were taken. We were the only ones on the Magnet Train when it finally pulled into the station. The conductor was a Plasma Grunt and once I saw Officer Jenny arrest him, I knew we had to get out of there. I pulled you over here while they were busy with him but...Blue and Red were nowhere to be found."
Not thinking of the consequences, Green pulled the blonde into his chest, wrapping his arms around her tightly. He felt her stiffen in his hold, but knew better than to trust his own mouth with anything even sort of heroic or romantic at this point. Especially considering the circumstances, he was destined to muck it up.
"We'll get them back," he said, feeling his face flush. He wasn't as good at the tough guy talk as Red was, but he believed it. "I have a plan."
"You do?" he heard Yellow say. Green looked down to see the blonde's chin pressed against his chest, looking up at him wide-eyed with a slight flush on her cheeks. Instantly feeling his ears warm, the teen separated himself from the girl with a cough as he adjusted his belt.
"Uh...yeah," he said, turning away in hopes of hiding his surely blushing face. "Follow me."
Yellow nodded, following a few steps behind him in silence. Pulling his PokéGear from his pocket, Green entered an address before navigating the streets of Goldenrod City. After a few minutes of silent wandering, Green turned the corner to a house with a familiar blue roof. As they turned into the walkway, Yellow noted the last name on the mailbox with a gasp.
"Your Grandfather lives here?"
"Great-Grandfather, actually," Green smiled as he rang the doorbell. "I try not to remind him too much since it makes him feel old."
After ringing the bell a second time, there was a buzz on the other end of the intercom that made it impossible for the teens to understand what the person was saying.
"Hey Gramps, it's me Green," the teen said after the static on the other end had stopped. "I'm here to ask about the syz-WAH!"
"GREEN!" Yellow cried as the front door opened and the teen was pulled inside by a pair of strong arms. Rushing in, she instantly recognized that the arms belong to the aging (yet still surprisingly strong) frame of Professor Samuel Oak. Not knowing if this was some kind of Oak family greeting, Yellow stood in awe as she watched Green get put into what appeared to be a seriously painful headlock.
"SAMUEL!" came an unfamiliar female voice from the top of the stairs. "PUT HIM DOWN, IT'S JUST GREEN!"
"Green?" the elderly man question, finally taking the time to look down at his captive. Instantly his face broke into a smile. "GREEN! My dear boy, why didn't you say it was you?"
"I did!" Green gasped when his Great-Grandfather released him, rubbing his neck with a frown. "What's wrong with your intercom?"
"Oh that was me," said the woman who Yellow didn't recognize, her graying auburn hair tied back in a messy ponytail. "Sorry about that, I didn't really know what I was doing - we don't have things like that in Pallet Town."
"It's fine - oh! Sorry," Green said turning to Yellow. "Sorry, I should introduce you guys. Yellow, this is my Great-"
There was a loud cough from the man which Green expertly ignored.
"-Grandfather, Samuel Oak," he said as Yellow shook the older man's hand. "Gramps, this is Yellow. She's part of the Underground."
"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Oak," Yellow said with a bow and the old man instantly bursted into goodnatured laughter.
"No need to be so formal, my dear," the creases around his eyes dimpling as he smiled. "My grandson may have taken over my Lab in Pallet Town, but you can still just call me Professor."
"Oh, of course," Yellow nodded. "I've heard so much about you, Professor Oak. It is nice to put a name to a face."
"Likewise."
"And Yellow, this is Delia Ketchum," Green said allowing both women to shake hands.
"I'm Red's Grandmother and Ash's Mother," Delia smiled warmly. "You can just call me Mrs. Ketchum, since I doubt my daughter in-law goes by her married name."
"Uh, I suppose not," Yellow said, blushing awkwardly. "Though I've never called her anything other than Leader Misty."
Delia nodded before turning to Green excitedly, "Oh my gosh, Green, she's so sweet. I'm so happy you're dating such a polite young lady!"
"WHAT?!" both teens cried, face red as they stammered in unison. "WE ARE NOT DATING!"
"Oh?" Professor Oak said, face suddenly smug. "You're not, huh?"
"N-no!" Green stuttered, ears crimson as he cleared his throat. "We're working together for the Underground and there's some serious stuff going-"
Green was interrupted by a loud buzzing noise ringing from the television in the living room. The noise was only used for urgent broadcasts along the region regarding weather emergencies or other disasters. Together, they hurried to the television to listen to the news break.
"This is an emergency broadcast brought to you by BuzzNav. Currently, Pokémon League Champion Lance has set up a news conference in front of the still demolished Indigo Plateau. It's suspected that the Champion will be making comment on the recent attacks in Kanto that's most recently included the destruction of the Viridian and Cerulean Gym as well as the disappearance of several of the region's Gym Leaders. Ah! And here he is now!"
Making long strides to his podium, Lance turned fiercely into the camera as the wind blew his cape behind him. His spiky red hair stood sharply as his coal black eyes stared directly into the camera's lens. His deep voice roared like a dragon through the television's speakers.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As the Champion of both the Kanto and Johto regions, nothing has been more devastating to me than the destruction of our strongest connection - the Indigo Plateau. Behind me where there was once greatness, now sits ashes. Where there was once strength, is now rubble. However, this is the latest in many various other terroristic attacks on both our regions. Besides the ongoing attacks on Gym Leaders and their gyms there was most recently the attack on the Rocket Enterprise Building during the much beloved Rainbow Festival in Celadon City. Though I've been criticized for not being viewable during these attacks, it was not because I had abandoned my people. No, it was because I was working to bring the masterminds behind these attacks to justice - and I am here to proudly share to you the fruits of my labor."
There was an excited audible whispering from the crowd as two Plasma Grunts, in their gray uniforms and black berets, escorted out two men with their faces covered. Though both men captive, they struggled against the grip with one man giving an ineffective kick in the shin to his captor.
"Oh no…" Professor Oak whispered and instantly it clicked for Green who the men were before their identities were revealed.
His thoughts were confirmed a moment later when the masks were lifted to reveal the faces of Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak with their mouths taped closed, looking battered and bruised against their shackles. The crowd gasped in collective shock before the snaps of cameras began and the questions poured from reporters mouths. Turning to Delia, Green saw the same fierceness in her brown eyes that matched those of her son on the television.
"Though difficult to believe at first that a man who I had once trusted to be on my own Elite Four so many years ago would betray me like this, it is true. Both Ash Ketchum and Kanto's own Gym Leader and Pokémon Professor were behind these strings of violent attacks. Their plan was to take down every Gym in Kanto, including the gym of Ketchum's wife who he abandoned with his child years earlier. Calling themselves 'The Underground,' Ketchum seduced many young trainers to join his charade, spinning them lies about false corruption in the government and business of Kanto. He was joined by Oak, who was driven to madness after the death of his wife during the collapse of the Olivine City Lighthouse. Though as more reports come in on Oak's narcissistic behavior, one must consider re-opening the cause of Leader Jasmine's death as a possible murder as new details now link Oak to the scene."
At this, Gary instantly bucked against his shackles, his screams muffled as he attempted to lunge at Lance, who backed away nervously. There were screams from the crowd as the cameras continued to snap as the two Plasma grunts dragged the man away from Lance, as he continued to fight against their hold. Their shackles connected, Ash was dragged away too. Adjusting his cape with a clear of his throat, the Champion turned back to the microphone.
"To serve for their crimes, both men are to be executed tomorrow at dusk by hanging in Ecruteak City's Bell Tower. Considering the severity of this act, the Bell Tower will be closed for the rest of the week. On a similar note, I've seen many reports of concerns coming about tomorrow night's syzygy from Nacrene Museum Director Lenora in the Unova region. However, the syzygy is nothing to be nervous about, and as respectful of the director's research as I am, there is no connection between the aligning of planets and the behavior of Pokémon. The talks of legendary Pokémon appearing for this cosmic event is simply that of science fiction novels. Please feel free to enjoy your evening with your family, friends and Pokémon under the stars to witness a beautiful alignment of our solar system."
With that final line, Lance excused himself from the podium, his cape flapping behind him as the reporters shouted questions at him. After a few minutes, the feed cut back to the newscaster and Delia pressed the power button on the remote control, shutting off the television.
Stunned, Green and Yellow exchanged looked before turning to Delia and the Professor. The old man had turned to sit in his armchair, patting his sides before finding a beat up box of cigarettes. Pulling a stick from the pack, he brought it to his lips.
"That stuff will kill you, Samuel," Delia said, eyes still on the dark screen as the man made an irritated grunt at her.
"They say that, but here I am with my Great-Grandson and my Grandson about to get himself executed by the Pokémon League Champion."
"Dad and Ash weren't behind all those attacks!" Green fought, turning to them desperately. "It was Team Plasma and-"
"Of course we know that, Green," Professor Oak said with a roll of his eyes as he exhaled a cloud of smoke from his nostrils. "For god sakes, your father could barely be bothered enough to give new trainers their starter Pokémon, let alone be the mastermind behind an international terrorist organization."
"And Ash can't even remember to pack clean underwear," Delia smiled with a small laugh. "Reddy can't either - must be a Ketchum boy thing."
"But The Underground-"
"Was a wild goose chase." Professor Oak interrupted, sending a cold stare at Yellow. "The Conduits are nothing but a myth and it's sad that so many have sacrificed their lives for a legend."
"That's not true," Green said sternly, earning himself a surprised look from his great-grandfather. "The Conduits are real and the syzygy tomorrow is why they've appeared."
A shocked silence fell upon the group until Delia broke it with a lighthearted giggle.
"I suppose that's why Red and Blue aren't with you?" she smiled genuinely and the teens nodded. "I'm glad. Not to sound crass, but it's a relief to know that your mother's death was not in vain, Green."
Green nodded, understanding Delia's sentiments in their own way. It appeared that the Ketchums had an awkward way of speaking genuinely about even the most morbid of topics.
"It is sad, though, that Ash left everyone to look for something that was waiting at home for him all that time," she continued, looking down at the floor before turning to Green. "I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble for me to ask you both to bring back my son and grandson? I think it would be nice to have my family back together again after all this."
"Yes, of course," Yellow nodded turning to Green before back at Delia. "We promise."
"Thank you," she smiled, turning around on her heel. "I assume you're heading to Ecruteak City to stop my son's wrongful execution?"
"Uh...yeah," Green said, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably. "I suppose that's our next stop."
"Good," Delia cheered, popping her head around the corner from the kitchen with a bright smile. "I'll pack you kids some snacks!"
The chains from Red's shackles dragged heavily on the wooden floor of the Bell Tower. Behind him, the Plasma Grunts mumbled empty threats under their breath.
"Lord Ghetsis has a bone to pick with you, brat," hissed one woman, as the imprint of her black gloves pressed themselves into Red's wrist.
"Yeah, lookin' for you got a lot of my buddies killed," said a boy who Red couldn't think was more older than him. By the sounds of his accent, he was from the Hoenn region. "You Conduits are freaks of nature. I'm excited to see Ghetsis whip the floor with y'all."
"Though the girl is pretty cute," another man chuckled and Red instantly straightened, turning in his hold to make eye-contact with the grunt. "I hope Ghetsis leaves her alive for the rest of us. Big tits are my kinda thing."
"FUCK YOU!" Red shouted, leaning back forcefully to head butt he grunt. For a second, Red felt some satisfaction when he heard a crack and saw blood spew from his newly broken nose. It was short lived, as a moment later he was face-first in the wooden wall, his hat knocked off and landing heavily on the floor.
Face still squished, from the corner of his eye Red saw Pichu's tiny yellow head peek from the hat. Turning his head as much as he could, he managed to sign to the electric-type to stay hidden. Understanding, Pichu went back to hiding in silence. Peeled off the wall, Red was face-to-face with the same grunt who had made the comment about Blue. Though he had attempted to clean himself up, specks of red were littering his black uniform and his nose was already beginning to swell.
"Try shit like that again and see how long you last in here, Ketchum," he barked before landing a punch in Red's stomach. Doubling over with a groan, Red could barely keep the wind in his lungs before he was hit again. "Ghetsis is gonna kill you anyway, so I don't think he'll mind if we tenderize the meat for him, eh?"
Red groaned, raising his eyes enough to see that his hat was still on the floor. He almost sighed what little air he had in him when he saw that it was empty - Pichu had managed to escape.
"Hold it!" came a voice and Red felt his blood freeze. Could someone had caught up to Pichu already?
Unable to pull himself up, Red felt himself be straightened as he saw two women in white dresses make their way down the hallway. The woman who had called out had pink-hair, looking furious, while the second one had light blonde hair. All of the grunts froze at the sight of them.
"What do you think you are doing?" the pink haired woman demanded as the blonde looked at Red with a lazy smile. "You had orders to bring this boy to the holding chamber with Lord N."
"Um...yeah, we did, Ms. Anthea" said the grunt from Hoenn. "But he was mouthin' off so we figured we'd teach him a lesson beforehand, eh?"
"Hmm, mouthing off?" echoed the blonde, smile still on her face as she looked between Anthea and Red. "It sounded more to me that you were making disgusting misogynistic threats to his friend. Is that right?"
"Ah...w-well, Ms. Concordia - ACK!" the female grunt screamed, when suddenly a bright light appeared from the blonde's side revealing a Gardevoir that pinned the grunts to the wall by the back of their uniforms. "Ah! Ms. Concordia!"
"Do not fret," Concordia smiled as Anthea grabbed Red's shackles from the grunts, pulling him away from the others. "We shall escort him ourselves."
"Since you all obviously cannot be trusted," Anthea hissed, pulling her own Poké Ball from her side, revealing a Gothitelle. "Make sure they stay put, Gothitelle!"
The Pokémon nodded, turning to the now fearful lookings grunts. Red wasn't able to see what happened next as he was already being dragged through the hall and down another flight of stairs.
They soon neared a heavy looking wood door, which Concordia opened easily. On the other side, Red saw that the room was separated into two by an iron gate. The two women led him to the side where the familiar form of N sat, looking up at the ceiling warily. Unflinching, his gaze remained even when Anthea attached Red's chains to his own.
"How are you feeling, my lord?" Concordia asked kindly, though was met with silence by the green-haired boy. She didn't seem bothered by it, which Red found a little odd. If that was his mother or one of his aunts, he'd would've gotten a total lecture for being rude.
"Now that the Conduit is here, your father assures us that tonight's syzygy will go as planned," Anetha explained and Red saw N's face tense.
"My...Pokémon...are they…." his voice trailed off, though the women were able to deceiver what he was at least attempting to say.
"They're safe," Concordia assured, placing a hand on the teen's shoulder. "You should rest now. Tonight is rapidly approaching, my lord."
He nodded and both women quickly left the room, closing the door behind them. Turning to N, Red couldn't help but scoff.
"Well, it's nice to know that you're an anti-social dick to everyone," he joked, earning himself a fierce look from the teen which he ignored. "Now I don't feel so bad."
"If you value enjoying the last hour of your life in peace, Ketchum, then I suggest you watch your mouth."
"Wait! I know that voice!" came a voice from the other side of the gate and Red looked to see a shadowy figure scramble to the gates, dragging his cellmate with him. Instantly, Red recognized it as Ash with Gary in tow, looking annoyed.
"Dad! Uncle Gary!" he called, pulling himself over and dragging N behind him. Though the green-haired teen complained about the treatment, Red ignored him as he was hugged through the bars by his father. "I'm happy you're okay."
"Same here, though I wish I could've found out under better circumstances," Ash frowned, cupping Red's face through the bars sadly. "We saw Blue when Lance brought us in so I had a feeling they had you, too. I'm just relieved they didn't kill you."
"Still not entirely off the table," N said in passing, though both Ketchums ignored him.
"How's your Mom? Were they captured?"
"She's okay, she's in Johto with Blaine, Janine and Daisy," Red explained and saw the look of relief on his father's face.
"They're probably on their way here as we speak," Gary said, turning to Red. "What about Green? Was he with you guys?"
"Yeah, we were all on the Magnet Train, but their ninja guys split the car in half and took Blue and me," Red said, mimicking a cutting motion with his hands. "Yellow and him were on the side that made it to Goldenrod."
"Most likely they're heading here as well," Ash said looking at the floor with a nervous smile. "Damn...this is going to get messy."
"Good! Let it get messy!" Red cheered though his face fell when he saw his father and Gary did not share his sentiment. "What's wrong?"
"Red, listen to me," Ash said, grabbing Red by the arm and turning the boy to face him. "You both need to get out of here, alright? Even if they have Blue, once the syzygy begins she's useless without a conductor. Your mother and the others will be here soon and you need to use that chance to escape."
"But what about you?"
They remained silent and N turned to Red with a stoic look.
"Champion Lance is executing them today in the Bell Tower," he said, his voice even. "He's charged them for everything my father had been doing as well as the death of Jasmine Oak."
"WHAT?!" Red yelled, looking at his father panicked. "No...no that isn't right! You didn't do anything! How can Lance...what…"
"Lance has been working with my father since the beginning, Ketchum," N continued, rolling his neck so he could send Red a bored expression. "The two of them are apparently planning on using the Conduits power during the syzygy to take over all of the regions."
Red watched as N yawned widely, smacking his lips together before seemingly noticing that he was still attached to him via chains, "Oh, my apologies. World domination plots are just terribly boring."
"Since you're royalty, are you this weird because your parents were like siblings or something?" Gary asked raising an eyebrow skeptically, though his question remained unanswered as the door to their side of the cell opened. Even in the dull light, Red recognized the guards as the Plasma Grunts from earlier.
"A'right, who's ready for a good ol' fashion hangin'?" the one from Hoenn smirked.
Quickly, Ash turned to Red, squeezing his arm.
"If giving my life gives you enough time to live, I'd give it for you a thousand times over," he said, tears welling in his eyes and Red felt his entire being shake. "I'm so sorry for everything I've done, but if I can do this one thing for you, I'm happy."
"No, Dad!" Red sobbed as the grunt with the broken nose preyed Ash away from the gate, sneering at Red in the process. "DAD!"
"Time to go, Ketchum," he snarled, pulling him back forcefully and dragging him and Gary towards the exit. Red continued to scream, banging against the gate as the Plasma Grunt chuckled under his breath at the scene.
"Be good to your mother!" Ash shouted, voice breaking. "I love you, Red!"
"DAD!" Red screamed, tears cascading down his face as the door slammed closed, leaving him and N alone in the silence.
Trying his best to gathering himself, Red looked up to see N staring at him, his green eyes wide.
"What?!" he choked, rubbing his face hard with his sleeve. "You gonna make a smart ass comment about crying over loved ones being some kind of weakness?"
"No...I wasn't..."
"Then what?!"
"I...well, I was just shocked by your father's actions is all." N said, earnestly. "It wasn't out of loyalty or some greater scheme. It was from pure love and I've never witnessed that before, especially from my own father."
Red stared at the other teen, feeling something inside him turn but he didn't have time to digest it. Turning up to the ceiling, he curled his lip under his teeth and released a shrill whistle that bounced off the wooden walls.
"Dear god, Ketchum, what on Earth are you trying to do?"
"My Pichu doesn't stay in a Poké Ball, so he wasn't confiscated by your little grunts. He escaped when my hat fell off when they were bringing me here," Red explained, dragging their chains as he walked along the cell's perimeter. "I'm trying to lure him here so he can help."
"Help?" N scoffed as Red dragged him around like a dog on a leash. "What on earth can a tiny Pichu possibly do against an army of grunts?"
"A lot," Red said, sending a smirk over his shoulder at the green-haired teen. "He knocked you on your ass, for starters."
N frowned, his face tinting a slight shade of crimson as Red looked up in glee as a tiny yellow fur-ball pushed its way through the gap between wooden panels.
"Pichu!" it squeaked as it jumped from the ledge and onto its trainer's shoulder, nuzzling Red's cheek affectionately.
"Good boy, Pichu," Red cooed before turning to the green-haired teen skeptically. "Alright, so what's your deal?"
N blinked rapidly, and Red took that as a sign that he didn't understand what he meant. Or that he forgot how to communicate with humans - either was possible.
"I mean, what is your situation with these guys," Red said, motioning with his shackled hand with a jiggle of chains. "I know Blue trusts you, but I have to hear it for myself. Are you with them? Against them? What's your stance?"
"You're asking me if I'm with Team Plasma?" N said and Red nodded. "I mean...I am their supposed King, but it appears that my father has orchestrated a coup. When I was made King of Plasma as a child, it was my goal to be a force that would bring peace to Pokémon by freeing them from the corruption of humans."
He paused, looking up at Red with a sad half smile, "However, having meeting Blue and seeing so many other humans who treat each other and their Pokémon with such blind, stupid, compassion...it's hard to still believe that the world is as black and white as I once thought. Humans are capable having bonds with Pokémon that are stronger than just tools for battling. So yes, I want my reign back - but I want to be the leader that bridges the world for both Pokémon and humans, and to right my father's violent wrongs with true peace."
"Alright, so I'm taking that as a we're-in-a-temporary-truce-unless-I-have-to-kick-your-ass deal," Red smirked, pulling N up by the chains. "Let's blow this joint."
Gary and Ash walked up the steps of the tower with heavy steps. Looking up through the hole in the middle of the Bell Tower, Ash was able to see Lance standing at the top, looking oddly pleased with himself.
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely," Ash said low enough for Gary to hear.
"Sure seems that way," Gary sighed loudly. "And to think this is how it's going to end of us, Ashy-boy. Kind of sucks doesn't it? I was hoping for a better way to die."
"Oh yeah?" Ash smirked. "Like how?"
"It was between dying peacefully in my sleep surrounded by my friends and family," Gary smiled, wickedly. "And over-exhaustion from having days long intercourses with a busload of models."
"Wow, that's a lovely image to end my life on," Ash groaned before being shoved by one of the Plasma Grunts to move faster with less chit-chat.
As they continued their trek, he heard the sounds of electricity zapping and looked across the way to see Ghetsis standing over a chained-up Blue, dressed in a white gown, while a captured Zapdos sent thunderbolts through her body. Behind them, were the other two Legendary Birds, waiting in captivity for their own chance to test their powers on the Conduit.
"HEY!" Ash called, gaining the attention of the sage. Concentration broken, the thunderous bird eyed Ash over its beak, giving an exhausted Blue time to catch her breath. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HER?"
Blue's eyes rolled towards Ash and his stomach sank went he saw her lips twitch up in an arrogant smile. She was holding on, regardless of how Plasma manipulated her powers.
"Preparing her for the syzygy, of course," Ghetsis smirked before barking at the grunts to get back to work. Instantly, Ash was held back by more guards forcing him up the stairs
"Foolish creature!" he heard Ghetsis snarl behind him as the sage prodded the bird with his staff causing it to cry out in pain. "I didn't tell you to stop!"
Ash gritted his teeth, eyes shut closed as he was pushed forward as Blue's screams faded into the wood. Everything he had worked for, all the people he wanted to protect, his family, his friends - it was all for nothing.
Next to him, he heard Gary still making snide remarks even in what were surely his last moments alive. Green instantly came to mind and his heart shattered at the thought of such a kind boy who was barely old enough to be considered a man, to have both his parents ripped from him so violently. His thoughts traveled to his mother, who had always worried about him, having to get the news that she was right all along. His meddling did get him dead in the end. Most painfully, he thought of Misty and Red, hoping to whatever deity there was that his always reliable redhead would save their child and get out of this mess. After all, the best he could hope for was that they would let the memory of the Underground die with his decaying carcass in the basement of the Bell Tower.
His eyes opened when he felt the noose drop around his neck, his hands still tied behind him. Looking up, he saw that their ropes were tied to the top of the tower around wooden beams. Eyeing Gary, he saw that the man was in the same situation at he was, both standing over a single plank of wood above the center opening of the Bell Tower. Behind them, Lance watched, eyes focused in sinister satisfaction and next to him were the grunts and a Machamp between them. The soft red hues from the day's sunset warmed everything around them in a rosy glow.
"When I give the signal, Machamp will break the beam," Lance explained, seemingly unconcerned. "Do either of you have any last words beforehand?"
Ash shook his and Gary turned around to face the Champion, "Yeah, I have something to say."
Lance raised an eyebrow, indicating Gary to continue.
"KISS MY ASS!" he shouted and Lance frowned, turning to the Machamp, lips parting to give the order.
Ash closed his eyes, the burn of the last rays of the sun burning behind his eyelids.
"WAIT! SIR!" one of the Plasma grunts called, pointing to level below that was visible below. There was a crash and Ash opened his eyes in shock to see Red and N, still chained together, rushing towards the top of tower surrounded by a barrier of electricity.
"LANCE!" Red shouted, looking up through the middle of the tower at the Champion.
"Shit! The Conduits!" another Grunt said, turning to Lance. "How'd they get a Pokémon?!"
"It doesn't matter!" Lance growled, turning to the Machamp. "Destroy the board!"
With a nod, Machamp wound up its arm, powering up for an attack. Seeing this, N turned to Red.
"Quick! Aim for the rope above them!" he ordered and Red nodded, swinging the metal chains between the two of them to send Pichu's thunderbolt above to where the ropes were tied. It landed with a loud crackle, though nothing but smoke appeared.
"So sorry, boys, but wood doesn't conduct electricity," Lance laughed as Machamp's attack finished powering up.
"Wasn't aiming at it," Red grinned as the rope's smoke turned to fire just as Machamp's attack hit the board.
Gary and Ash fell like rocks, though the already burnt rope wasn't secure enough for their weight and snapped the moment their weight was released. Free falling down, Ash felt his body brace for the impact with the ground, a dark part of his mind wondering if a broken neck would've been a better way to go than a stain on the tower's lobby floor.
When he felt himself be caught in mid-air, he figured he'd already died. It wasn't until he opened his eyes to see the familiar red hair of his wife that he considered the possibility that maybe he had survived. There was no way the afterlife could be that cruel.
"M-Misty?" he stammered, looking down to see that they were on the back of his Charizard.
Looking over her shoulder, she sent him a wink as Charizard flew through the middle of the Bell Tower with a roar, circling above the structure slowly. Below them, Ash saw that Daisy and her Altaria had caught Gary. He also saw small specs on the ground floor, which he assumed were Blaine and Janine.
"How…" he gasped unable to form any kind of coherent sentence as the breeze of the rapidly chilling night air swirled around them.
"Ahem!" his wife cleared her throat, turning around to pull out a piece of paper from her breast pocket, shaking it out to read. "Hi, I'm Pikachu - if you find me and my friends please bring me to Cerulean Gym. Thanks."
Ash's breath hitched in his throat when he saw the yellow electric mouse poke its head up on Misty's shoulder, while the water trainer eyed him over the letter, looking smug.
"You spelled Cerulean wrong, you doofus," she smiled before Ash pushed himself forward, smashing their faces together in passionate kiss.
"I love you," Ash gasped against her lips, enjoying how warmly her cheeks had blushed as the contact. It was like they were kids again. For good measure, he pulled her back to his lips to double-check it wasn't a dream.
"I love you too," she replied between her own kisses, her smile reaching the corner of her eyes as she reached for her pocketknife to free him of the ropes around his wrists. After he had tossed them over, he felt Misty place his Poké Balls in his hand. "Now let's save our son."