Chapter Five: Tragedy and Desperation
The group looks around franticly but they can't determine where Domino's voice was coming from.
Ash: (reaching for his pokeball) Domino, show yourself, you Team Rocket scum!
James2: Yeah, we're ready to fight you.
Pikachu: No one tries to hurt my master or his friends and gets away with it
Pikachu2: The other Pikachu and I will give you a double dose of Thunder!!
Jessie: (smirking) We'll kick your butt just like we did last time. Come out and battle us fair and square, unless you're afraid to lose.
Domino's voice: (echoing all around them) HA! I'm not afraid of you weaklings.
Misty: (angrily) Says the coward with the rocket launcher, hiding from us at a safe distance.
Brock2: (crying angrily) You nearly killed my beloved Officer Jenny. GET down here and fight us face to face!!!
James: (smiling slyly) You, know, I think she really is scared.
Jessie: (playing along) Yeah, after all, she was beaten by my fierce, terrifying…WOBBUFFET!!! (Jessie and James burst out in hysterical laughter)
Domino's voice: That does it!! No one calls me a coward. I'll kill you all and take the GS ball from your corpses.
Suddenly a glowing projectile shrieks out of the forest to their right and heads straight for the two TR groups. No one has any time to react, all they can do is watch as the deadly missile closes in on its target. But suddenly….
pop WOOOOOOBUFFFEEET!!!! (That's right!!!)
Both Wobbuffet release themselves from their masters's Pokeballs and immediately glow red. The rocket pauses in mid-air, mere inches away from the two pokemon's faces, before veering off into the sky and exploding harmlessly.
Misty2: (running over to them, concerned) Are you guys ok!?!?!
Ash2: Whoaaa, a double counter attack!
Meowth2: (falling to his knees with relief) That was so close I saw my nine lives flash before my eyes.
Jigglypuff: (steps in front of Meowth) Jigglypuff! Puff, puff, puff.
Meowth: Any rocket trying to hit me will have to do so over your dead body? Um…thanks, I guess.
Jessie: (flings her arms around Wobbuffet) Wobbuffet, I've NEVER been so glad to see you. You're a life savor.
James: (crying waterfall tears) Wobbuffet, I've mis-judged you. I promise never to insult you again.
Jessie2: (hugging her own Wobbuffet) That goes double for me too! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm glad I accidentally traded my Lickitung for you.
James2: Fate must have been watching out for us when it gave us you! (hugs Wobbuffet and cries)
Wobbuffet/Wobbuffet2: WOOOOOOOOOBBBBUFFET!!!!!!! That's right!!!
Oak: (lowering his voice) Lance, that Rocket came from the right. Maybe if you….
Lance: (nods) You're right
Lance slowly reaches behind him and grasps one of his Pokeballs. Suddenly he spins to the right and throws his pokeball. "Dragonite, fire your hyper beam into those trees now!" he calls as his dragon Pokemon quickly materializes from the Pokeball's light. The yellow Dragon opens its mouth and emits a large yellow beam of light straight into the forest, causing an explosion. But as the smoke clears it becomes clear that Domino evaded the attack, as her arrogant laugh echoes through the woods.
Domino's voice: I guess I'm too fast for you, Dragon master. Better luck next time. Now who should I try and blast next?
Lance: Everyone, get behind the Wobbuffet. I'll handle this.
As James2 and Brock2 work together to move Officer Jenny's body back to safety with the rest of the group following, Lance steps out further into the open and scans the trees for movement. The only thing that can be heard is the rustling of the leaves in the wind.
Lance: I'm the one who has the GS ball. I'm the one you want! Leave these people out of this and show yourself. Fight me!
Domino's voice: A tempting offer, but they've already made me angry, and when I get angry I get dangerous. (giggles manically) Try and catch me!
Lance: (spinning around, scanning the trees) Where are you!?
Domino's laughter echoes through the air once again and then another rocket shrieks through the air, this time from the left. Lance realizes with horror that the Rocket's trajectory is behind the Wobbuffet counter range. "Everyone, get out of the way!" he yells as he twists around to watch the projectile as it heads straight towards Misty. "MISTY!!!!" yells Brock and Ash at the same time as they start to move towards her. Misty stands frozen as the missile closes in but thankfully Brock is close enough to her, and pushes her out of the way just in the nick of time. The rocket slams into the ground and explodes, knocking the rest of the group back against Kurt's lab. As the dust settles Ash leaps to his feet and runs towards Misty and Brock, who are lying on the ground on the opposite side of a large crater. Misty and Brock slowly sit up as Ash reaches them. Ash flings himself onto Misty and hugs her tightly.
Ash: (crying from relief) Misty, I thought you were a goner. I'm sorry I wasn't closer.
Misty: (hugging him back) It's ok Ash, I'm fine, a little shaken, but fine (turn to Brock) Thanks for the save.
Brock: (smiling weakly) Ask anytime.
Misty2: (picks herself up angrily) This sucks. She keeps moving around and taking pot-shots at us and we're totally blind.
Delia: At this rate she'll get us all before we can do anything.
Oak: There has got to be some way to get out of us.
Tracey: (suddenly gets an idea) I've got it. Everyone, get behind the Wobbuffet again. Lance and I will find her. (throws a pokeball) Venonat, come on out!
Tracey kneels down and whispers something into Venonat's ear. The little purple fuzz ball nods its head and then runs out and stands behind Lance, twitching its feelers in small circle patterns. While the rest of the group huddles into a tighter circle behind the two Wobbuffet, Tracey runs into the open and quickly whispers his plan in Lance's ear. Lance nods, faces forward, and closes his eyes, appearing to go into a meditative state.
Domino's voice: Hahahahahahaha! You think an ugly little bug or some meditating can save you now? You're so pathetic it's sad. I promise that I won't miss with this next shot.
Suddenly Venonat's antennas snap to attention and point towards a patch of dark forest slightly to Lance's left.
Tracey: (smiling slyly) Their won't be a next shot. Lance, she's over there!
Lance: (turns with lighting speed) Dragonite, hyper beam that area now!
Lance's Pokemon lets loose another destructive beam into the forest and this time the explosion is much larger. A large flaming object shoots up into the air and then falls to earth like a comet, landing right in front of Lance's feet.
Ash: Whoa, how did you do that Tracey!?!?
Tracey: (smiles as he calls back Venonat) Nothing can escape Venonat's built in Radar. It can track anything
Misty: (pokes Ash in the sides) Ash, did you forget that the Tracey from our world used it to find Team Rocket!?
Ash: (laughing) Yeah, I guess I did.
Misty2: (slowly approaching the object) What the heck is it??
Lance: (kneeling down to inspect the object) It's a remote operated attack robot! Domino isn't even here!
Jessie: How insulting!! Not only is she too cowardly to face us directly but it's not even her doing the sniper routine. I swear if I ever get my hands on her….!
Brock2: So what should we do now?
Giovanni's voice: (coming from behind them) Why don't you hand over the GS ball and then die?
Everyone quickly turns around and is surprised to see both Giovanni and Domino perched on the roof of Kurt's lab, leering down at them with sinister grins.
Domino: (holding up a remote control) I'm surprised you were able to find my remote sentry so easily. I guess I underestimated that little gnat's power. But that was just a warm up, now it's time to get serious.
Domino laughs evilly and presses several buttons on her controller. Two more robot sentries emerge from the trees and slowly begin to approach the group. Giovanni and Domino leap to the ground and face the group as well.
Giovanni: Let's see how you handle the 4 of us.
Ash2: (turning his cap around) That's just what I've been waiting for.
Pikachu2: We'll take them down!
Lance: I guess there is no choice but for all of us to fight.
Brock: How about a divide and conquer strategy?
Jessie: James and I will take Domino!
Jessie2: And we'll help!
Lance: I'll handle Giovanni
Meowth2: I think Meowth and I can handle one of those sentry things, they don't look so tough.
Jigglypuff: Puff Jiglypuff!!
Meowth: Jigglypuff will help us too.
Misty: I guess that leaves us with the last sentry.
Ash: Aaaah! That's no fun.
Misy2: This isn't supposed to be fun!
Oak: I don't have any Pokemon
Lance: Delia, protect the Professor and his assistant with your Mr. Mime's barrier.
Delia: I got it.
Lance: Ok, let's do this.
Giovanni: (laughs derisively) Come and get me G-man. Let's see what you're made of.
Domino: This time around I won't be defeated by low level Team Rocket wannabe's like you.
Everybody splits off and approaches their designated enemy. Jessie 1 and 2 release their Arbok while James 1 and 2 release their Wheezing and Victreebell.
Jessie: We defeated you in battle once before, and we'll beat you again.
James2: Jessie and I have been training our Pokemon non-stop for the past few weeks, and now you'll see our power.
Domino: You only won last time by pure luck. My Pokemon are much stronger this time. I'll kick your butts in ten seconds flat.
Jessie2: We'll see about that!
Domino orders her six Pokemon to attack, and TR immediately retaliates with their Pokemon. Meanwhile, Ash 1 and 2, Misty 1 and 2, and Brock 1 and 2 face off against their designated robot sentry.
Ash/Ash2: Pikachu I choose you!
Pikachu: I'm ready to fry some circuits
Pkachu2: Let's show it our power!
Brock: Geodude, get in there!
Brock2: You help him out, Vulpix
Misty: Misty calls Staryu!
Misty2: Poliwag, show it what you're made of.
The Pikachu start off by blasting the robot with a double thunder, but the machine just sucks it up and blasts it right back at them. The kids dive for cover as the bolts bounce through the air. The robot aims its laser arm at the Pokemon and attempts to blast them. Geodude tackles the machine but just bounces off, and Vulpix's fire doesn't seem to do anything either. The water gun from Poliwag and Staryu also seems ineffective. The machine blasts its laser's again, causing everyone to duck for cover.
Ash2: What are we going to do? It seems indestructible.
Brock: (thinking a moment) I've got it. (turns to Brock2) Have your Vulpix use its flame thrower ON my Geodude.
Brock2 nods and orders his Pokemon to use a flamethrower in Geodude. The rock pokemon's skin soon absorbs enough heat and begins to glow. Brock orders Geodude to tackle the machine again and this time the super heated Pokemon successfully damages the sentry, knocking its laser arm off
Brock: Now Misty, have your water Pokemon fire their water guns into the open hole. Those should short circuit it and make it easy for the Pikachu to destroy it completely.
Following his instructions, Misty 1 and 2 have their Pokemon fire their water guns into the Robot's open hole, causing the machine to malfunction. Immediately Ash 1 and 2 order their Pikachu to use thunder shock. The electrical blasts enter the robot and are amplified by the water, causing the sentry to explode.
Misty2: That was surprisingly easy.
Brock2: Great strategy Brock!
Ash: Come on guys; let's go help Jessie and James.
As the twerps run to aid TR, Meowth 1 and 2, along with Jigglypuff, engage the second sentry in fierce combat. The two Meowth dodge the sentry's laser gun swiftly and leap in with a fury swipes attack but the robot's armor is too strong to pierce. The Meowth fall back behind Jigglypuff to regroup
Meowth2: (panting) That thing is tough. How the heck are we supposed to beat it. Maybe we shouldn't have volunteered for this.
Meowth: (glaring at jiggly) Your supposed to be helping!
Jigglypuff: (defensivly) Jigglypuff!
Meowth: Oh, your thinking of a plan, well…THINK FASTER!
Meowth2: It's going to fire again!
The robot launches a rocket at the three Pokemon. Jigglypuff bounces away effortlessly, but Meowth 1 and 2 are knocked to the side.
Meowth: (sits up and holds his arm) Ow, that hurt! Stupid robot, I eat with this arm
Jigglypuff: (concerned) Jigglypuff?
Meowth: No, I'm fine don't worry.
Jigglypuff's eyes fill with tears, then it turns and glares a glare of pure hatred and death, inflating itself to 4 times its normal size.
Jigglypuff: (losing it) PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUFFFFFFF!!!!!
Meowth2: You hurt my love and now you'll pay!? What's it talking about?
Meowth: Long story. You really don't want to know.
Jigglypuff approaches the robot with evil in its eyes. The robot fires off another laser beam, but Jigglypuff suddenly glows red and the beam stops in mid-air. After a few seconds the beam flies back at the robot, totally destroying its laser gun in one hit.
Meowth: What!? Jigglypuff knows counter too?
Jigglypuff charges at the robot and leaps high into the air, its fist suddenly glowing with a bright light. The Pokemon hangs in the air for a few seconds before it falls to earth and brings its glowing fist smashing down on the robot's head, crumpling it, like a boot smashing an aluminum can.
Meowth: (staring in disbelief) Jigglypuff just took it out with one mega-punch.
Meowth2: That's not possible! Our fury swipes didn't even dent it!
Jigglypuff: Jiggly! (kicks the crushed remains of the bot)
Meowth: Um…maybe we should go help Jessie and James now.
Meowth2: I'm with you.
The Meowth quickly turn and run away, towards the battle that their friends are engaged in. After a few moments Jigglypuff notices and waddles after them quickly.
Lance and Giovanni face each other, poised with their hands at their hips, waiting to draw like cowboys in an old western. Giovanni makes the first move. With the speed of a striking snake he draws his first pokeball and flings it straight at Lance. Lance immediately does a back flip, his feet connecting with the pokeball and sending it flying straight up into the air. At the same time he flings his own pokeball down towards the ground, landing in a ready position. The two Pokeballs land close together and burst open. A Rydon emerges from Giovanni's ball, while a large Gyrados emerges from Lance's.
Lance: Well it looks like I have the advantage in this battle. Your fast old man, but you are just a Gym Leader and a criminal. You can't beat the Elite 4.
Giovanni: (smirking) You have skill, but don't get cocky just yet. It takes more than type to win; it also takes cunning and power.
Lance: It also takes strategy and trust between a trainer and a Pokemon, but I doubt someone like you would understand.
Giovanni: (laughs) Your idealistic ranting means nothing to me. In this world, power reigns supreme, and when I break the seal the ultimate power will be unleashed, and no one will resist me.
Lance: That will never happen.
Giovanni: Ha, I doubt the pathetic contacts will be able to do anything. No one can stand against Zohar's power.
Lance: If your so confidant that they aren't a threat, why did you bother trying to kill them? (Giovanni hesitates) You know the full extent of their potential, you know that it is his power that lies inside them, and you know that it's power strong enough to defeat your dark master. You're scared, and I'm here to tell you that you should be.!!
Giovanni: (clenches his fist in anger) Shut up!! The world will soon bow before me, and you will fail. I'll make sure you fail! Rydon, use horn drill now!!
Rydon's horn begins to spin like a huge drill bit as it charges towards Gyarados at top speed. Lance reacts quickly. "Gyarados trap it with whirlpool" he calls, and Gyarados quickly responds, letting out a ferocious tide of water from its jaws. The water swirls around Rydon and the Pokemon stops in its tracks, too afraid to move forward. Giovanni just smirks again and orders Rydon to use fissure. The large Pokemon punches the ground, causing the earth to open up and swallow the swirling waves. "Now use Earthquake" Giovanni orders, and immediately Rydon leaps into the air and comes crashing down with tremendous force, causing huge jagged rocks to burst forth from the ground right under Lance and Gyarados. Lance leaps out of the way, but Gyarados is caught by the huge rocks and knocked to the ground. "Gyarados" Lance calls out with concern, his focus momentarily distracted. Giovanni immediately takes advantage of Lance's concern for his Pokemon. "Rydon, use Mega punch on the trainer, now" he orders with a disdainful laugh. Rydon leaps forward with all its might and swings its glowing fist towards Lance's head. Lance barely leaps away as the Pokemon's punch smashes into the ground where he was just standing, leaving a huge crater. Suddenly, something streaks through the air at a high speed, straight towards Lance's face. Lance's ultra quick reflexes kick in and he leans back into a flip, causing the projectile to sail by just inches from his face. He completes the flip, lands, and looks up to see Giovanni brandishing a mini rocket launcher and grinning.
Lance: (starting to run out of breath) What the heck are you doing? This is a Pokemon battle, the trainers don't attack each other.
Giovanni: (laughs long and hard) HAHAHAHAHA!! Your so idiotically naïve. I'm going to do whatever it takes to win, and that includes using lethal force. I thought you would have figured that out by now, hero boy. Now lets see if you can dodge this!
Giovanni doesn't move at all, but suddenly his business suit seems to explode with smoke and fire. A cloud of mini rocket powered bombs emerges from every seam, cuff, and pocket of the clothes, as if Giovanni's entire suit was one big rocket launcher. The cloud of bombs spreads out and zooms towards their target. With only a few moments to react, Lance turns and does a sideways flip, twisting his body like a yoga master. The first wave of rockets sails harmlessly by, missing him by barely an inch. He lands and immediately flips again in the opposite direction, twisting and turning his body through the air, and somehow managing to avoid the second wave. As he lands a second time, he quickly calls out to his Pokemon. "Gyarados use twister, quickly!!" he yells as the final wave of projectiles bears down on him. Gyarados turns quickly and unleashes a huge tornado of energy. The remaining missiles are sucked into the cyclone, just a moment before they would have struck Lance. Lance breaths a sigh of relief, thanks his Pokemon, and then turns to Giovanni.
Lance: Nice try, but you're toys aren't as fast as I am. You can't beat me, even when you cheat. Just give it up.
Giovanni: (smiles) I see Pokemon training isn't your only hobby. Very impressive, it's almost sad to end this so soon, but I must. Sorry, but you lose.
Suddenly Lance and his Pokemon are hit from behind by a paralyzing blast of electricity. He falls to his knees and struggles to turn around and identify the source of the blast. He is surprised to see the blast is coming from a small device hidden in the palm of Rydon's paw. Giovanni laughs and approaches the fallen Lance.
Giovanni: My plan worked perfectly. I had Rydon equipped with that paralyzing beam all along. All I had to do was wait till you were completely distracted, then I had Rydon strike. I could kill you now, but I think I'll let you watch the children, who you've placed so much confidence in, die first.
Lance: (struggling to get up) You dirty…I won't let you touch them.
Giovanni: I'm sorry but I don't think there is anything you can do. Rydon, watch him and make sure he can't interfere.
Giovanni laughs again and walks away from the incapacitated Lance. Meanwhile the battle between Domino and the rest of the good guys continues. Everyone is so focused on the battle that they fail to notice Lance's loss to Giovanni. Until the twerps joined them, both TR duos were losing their footing, and Domino had the upper hand. The twerps joined the battle, added their Pokemon, and turned the tide in favor of the good guys. Tracey also joined the battle while Professor Oak and Delia stood back to cheer everyone on. Now Domino stands with only one powerful Tyranitar under her control, her other 5 Pokemon fainted and strewn about the battle field. The Tyranitar has fainted several of the heroes Pokemon, but they are confident of victory.
James2: We've got her on the run guys, now let's finish her off!!
Domino: Don't count your chickens before they hatch, I've still got Tyranitar.
Oak: They out number you; there is no way you can win. Just give up and leave!
Misty2: Unless you're scared to attack us!
James: Yeah, I bet she's totally chicken. She knows we are going to cream her.
Domino: We'll see who's scared, after I blow you away. Tyranitar, use hyper beam!
Domino's Pokemon unleashes its most powerful attack, but this is just what the good guys have been waiting for.
Ash2: NOW!!!
Jessie/Jessie2: Wobbuffet use counter!!!
Meowth: Show them your power too, Jigglypuff!!
The two Wobbuffet step out in front and Jigglypuff bounces into place between them. The three Pokemon glow with blinding red light and the hyper beam stops in mid-air and then roars back in the opposite direction enhanced by the combined counter attacks to 6 times its normal power. The beam hits Tyranitar at a downward angle and drives the huge Pokemon straight into the ground like a huge projectile, creating a humongous crater.
Brock2: (snaps his fingers) Yeah, I knew it would work!.
Meowth2: If one counter attack doesn't increase the strength enough try three at once!!
Domino: (totally humiliated) I can't believe you won again…..with Wobbuffet!!
Tracey: (quickly steps forward) Now's our chance. Go Scyther, try and knock her out with False Swipe!
Tracey throws his pokeball and Scyther emerges. The large green bug Pokemon lets out a fierce cry and then leaps through the air towards Domino. The resourceful Team Rocket agent reacts quickly and pulls out a harmless looking black tulip, which immediately extends itself into a staff which she uses to block Scyther's attack.
Domino: (grinning) Nice try, but you can't beat me that way. I'm too fast for even your Scyther. (glances to her left) I see that Giovanni finished his opponent. Now it's my turn to finish you guys.
Domino back flips away from Scyther and lands next to Giovanni. She pulls out a small remote control and pushes a button. Suddenly small, barely visible devices, attached to Domino's Pokemon, begin to glow and a dome of blue energy appears over the groups head.
Domino: The way you fainted my Pokemon actually worked to my advantage. Now they are in the perfect positions to generate an energy field to paralyze you, just like your friend over there.
Everyone tries to make a run for it, but only Ash, Misty, and Brock are close enough to the edge of the circle to escape before the field activates. The three of them leap forward and roll along the ground, just barely making it out of the parameter. The devices glow again and electrical current fills the blue dome, zapping the remaining twerps, the adults, and the TR groups. The people and Pokemon in the dome fall to the ground paralyzed, just like Lance, leaving only Ash, Misty, and Brock to face Giovanni and Domino.
Giovanni: If you have the GS ball then I suggest you turn it over to me now, before I do something irreparable to all your friends here. (casts a sneer at the people trapped in the force fields)
Oak: (struggling to yell) Don't…give it to him
Jessie2: Professor!
Giovanni: (turns back to twerp group 1) HA! So one of you three does have it!!
Lance: (still struggling to try and stand) Run!! Get the GS ball out of here! (Ash, Misty and Brock begin to step back)
Giovanni: Run, and I'll kill them all instantly. (the kids stop) That's better. Now which one of you has it?
Brock: Like we would tell you? You'll have to fight us for it!
Domino: (smirks) HA! Do you think you can take the two of us on without your buddies help and half of your pathetic Pokemon trapped with them? We've got advanced weapons and all you've got is nothing!.
Ash: (very angry) Our Pokemon aren't pathetic!!
Pikachu: You got that right! (cheeks spark in anger)
Domino: It doesn't really matter; they can't help you this time! (glances sideways at Giovanni) I'll figure out which one has it, don't worry.
Domino tilts the black tulip she is holding in the direction of the twerps and the tip of the flower suddenly flares with a bright blue light as a large ball of energy is fired from it. Brock, Misty, and Ash jump aside in different directions as the energy ball blasts a hole into the ground where they were. Ash roles away to the right while Brock and Misty land a few feet apart from each other, to the left. As the kids shake off their daze and begin to climb to their feet Domino pulls out a small handheld device and begins to punch random buttons. The device suddenly begins to beep in the general direction of Misty and Domino grins evilly with triumph.
Domino: Bingo! She has it!!! It's probably in that ugly red backpack of hers. Don't worry, I'll get her.
Domino flips her fingers and suddenly several black tulips appear out of thin air, as if summoned by a talented magician. Sudden horror dons on Ash's face as he realizes that he is once again too far away from Misty to protect her. Misty freezes like deer caught in the headlights as Domino draws back her arm and flings the flowers straight at her, with the precision of a Tuxedo Mask rose (). Thinking quickly, Brock leaps forward, roughly grabs Misty, and spins her away from the projectiles. He throws her to the ground and shields her with his body. The tulips streak through the air and connect with Brock. A disgustingly wet sound issues through the night as the sharp expertly thrown tulips tear into Brock's body, running clear through his arms and shoulder and stabbing into his back. A warm liquid splashes Misty in the face, causing her to yelp and leap back a few inches. "Brock, Misty!!" Ash cries as he finally gains his footing and begins to run towards them. He skids to a stop and drops to his knees in front of Brock and Misty, a look of horror stretched across his face. Misty reaches up and wipes the liquid from her face and looks down at it, becoming horrified and revolted as she realizes it is blood. Brock's blood. She finally looks up at Brock, tears welling up in her eyes as she looks him over. Brock trembles and grits his teeth from the pain, but somehow manages to keep his feet. Blood runs down his arms and the back of his shirt and begins to form a small pool on the ground. Two tulip stems have been driven straight through his left arm and another through his right shoulder. Two more Tulips stick out from his back.
Brock: (barely able to talk through his pain) Misty…I'm glad…I grabbed you…in time.
Brock2: (struggling even more to escape the force field) Brock, buddy, hang on!!
Meowth2: We've got to get out of here!! The alternate reality twerps are going to get killed!
Giovanni: (laughs uncaringly) This is classic, one person sacrificing himself to save another. Too bad we don't have time for this drama. (nods to Domino)
Domino: How do you like my industrial strength darts! They don't call me the Black Tulip for nothing! (pulls out another control device) And guess what? Deadly projectiles aren't their only use!
Domino jambs a button on her control bad down with malicious glee, and suddenly the tulips glow blue and electrical currents run through them, straight into Brock's body. Brock's scream of agony echoes through the night. Domino laughs her most evil laugh and lets up pressure on the button, deactivating the electrical charge. Barely conscience, Brock seems to fall forward in slow motion. Misty and Ash both catch him before he hits the ground.
Ash: (crying) Brock!! Man, come on wake up. Don't give out on us, not after you just saved Misty's life. Please…BROCK!!
Brock2: (outraged) How can you do something like that!!!
Pikachu: Brock NOOOO! Let me out of this force field (tries to zap it with his thunder, but it has no effect)
Lance: You cruel bastard!!! (struggles to reach his Pokeball) I'll make you pay for every drop of innocent blood you spill!!
Giovanni: I'll use any means necessary to defeat those standing in my way. I will never show ANY mercy!!!! (turns and looks at Misty) Now hand over the GS ball quietly or I'll have Domino finish him off, along with all the rest of your friends. Each one of them will die slowly and suffer before your eyes, unless you give me the ball!!!
Misty opens her mouth to reply but Brock suddenly opens his eyes. He weakly reaches up and grips Misty shoulder with one blood stained hand as he slowly tries to struggle to his feet.
Brock: (barely able to talk) We'll…..never give the GS ball to you. Misty…I'll try and distract them. You and Ash should use that time to smash their force field receiver things somehow. Get everyone out and run. Keep the GS ball safe.
Ash: Brock, don't try to move, man. You're hurt too badly.
Misty: Brock, stop this!! You've done enough! (gently grabs his shoulders) I don't want you to die because of me!!!
Brock slowly looks up and gazes into Misty's eyes. A gentle smile slowly appears on his face and he reaches up and gently caresses the side of her face. "It's not really your choice is it?" he asks her before leaning in and gently kissing her on the lips. Misty feels the weakness in his lips and tastes blood as even more tears flow down her face. Ash doesn't move or say anything but just continues to cry as he watches the moment. The breath of everyone seems to be held in those few short seconds. Brock breaks the kiss and pulls back, looking deep into Misty's tear filled eyes.
Brock: (crying too) I love you Misty and I always will. Maybe in another life we could have been together, but I'm happy just knowing that you found someone to be with here….even if it wasn't me. Take care of Ash and be sure to give Zohar a piece of your mind for me. Now…RUN!!!
Brock suddenly shoves Ash and Misty to the side with a surprising amount of strength and leaps to his feet. He spins on his heals and begins to charge straight at Giovanni and Domino, his hand going to his belt at the same time. He grabs the last pokeball on his belt and raises it over his head. "Onix, lets get them!!" he cries as he charges towards them. Ash and Misty are unable to process Brock's final words to them and instead stare in shock at Brock's actions. "Pathetic" says Domino as she once again points her black tulip at him. The blue ball of energy fires from the flower's tip and streaks towards Brock. Ash and Misty hug each other and look away, too afraid to watch. This time there is no time to leap away. The energy ball punches straight through Brock and slams into the ground several feet behind him.
Brock2: NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! (struggles like mad) YOU….BASTARD!!!
Pikachu: BROCK!!!!
Delia: (gapes in horror) Oh my……!!
Ash and Misty open their eyes and finally look up to see what has happened. The site before them nearly turns their stomachs completely. A huge hole, the size of a grape-fruit, has been punched straight through the center of Brock's chest. They can see through him. Blood spurts from the gaping wound and cascades down the front and back of Brock's pants, like a waterfall. Onix's pokeball slowly rolls out of Brock's raised hand and thuds to the ground as his master slowly begins to fall. Brock is dead before he hits the ground. Delia screams and Professor Oak and Tracey look away. Ash2, Misty2, and TR2 seem shocked into silence, while Brock2 and Lance continue to violently struggle against the force fields.
Giovanni: (smiles evily) Excellent shot!
Domino: (takes a small bow) Why thank you!!
Brock2: (totally freaking out) YOU…DIRTY…MURDERING…SCUM!!!!!! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!!!! I'LL DO TO YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID TO HIM!!!!!!
Ash2: (in semi-shock) He's dead…Brock's dead
Misty2: (in shock as well) He died protecting the me from their world. He loved…the other me. (starts to breakdown) This is too much…too real. (full out crying) We couldn't do anything!!
Jessie: (POed) I can't believe we ever took pride in associating ourselves with someone like the boss.
James: Your nothing but a murderer!!!
Giovanni: (glares a them all) I hope all of you now realize just how serious I am about this. (addresses Misty) Now hand the GS ball over to me now or… (turns and looks at Brock2) I'll have Domino kill the other one.
A look of pure denial and fear crosses Misty's face as she gazes at her friend, now lying in a spreading pool of blood. She totally ignores Giovanni's comment to her and instead begins to slowly crawl towards Brock.
Misty: (on the verge of insanity) Brock….no…no…Brock get up...don't do this…don't do this to us…to me….no no no no no no no……NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Misty's scream rings out through the air. She suddenly bursts forward and runs to Brock's side. Falling on her knees, Misty begins to shake Brock's body in the vain attempt to revive him.
Misty: (Crying harder than she has EVER cried before) Brock don't you dare do this to us. Don't leave us. There is still so much more for us all to see. There are so many more towns to visit, so many more Officer Jenny's and Nurse Joys to meet. So many more pretty girls in the world. I'm sure there is one for you. So please….DON'T BE DEAD!!!!! GET UP, DAMN YOU!!!!!!! GET UP!!!!!!
Everyone is stunned into silence by Misty's outburst. Ash gets up and slowly walks over to Misty. He kneels down next to her and puts his hand on her shoulder, his own body shaking with sobs as tears drip from his face onto the ground.
Misty: (voice falls to a whisper) Brock please don't be gone. You were one of my best friends in the whole world. I love you too.
Misty spins around and throws herself into Ash's arms and sobs the rest of her energy away. Ash wraps his arms around her and the two of them cry together. Giovanni smirks at the scene before him and then burst out into unrestrained evil laughter.
Giovanni: This is just a never ending parade of drama isn't it? Now I'm not usually one to break up a funeral, but your whining is getting on my nerves and I am pressed for time. I'll only say it once more. Had over the GS ball or someone else will die!! (Domino points her tulip at Brock2)
Ash's eyes pop-open and send a glare of pure hatred straight at Giovanni. For a brief moment his eyes flash with an icy-blue light and Giovanni takes a small step back. Ash slowly steps to his feet and approaches Giovanni, his entire body surging with hatred and anger. His hands curl up into fists as he stops and sizes his opponent up.
Ash: (talking slowly and quietly) I'm going to rip you apart with my bare hands. I'll never forgive you for this!!!! Anyone who hurts my friends will pay! (begins to step forward)
Giovanni: HAHAHAHA! I'd like to see you try and attack me head on. I'd shoot you dead before you took two steps (Ash hesitates and steps back) That's better. (sizes him up) I can definitely see where you got your stubborn streak from. Delia did always like to speak her mind.
Lance: Leave her out of this!!!!
Ash: (clenches his fist harder and steps forward) Don't you dare say ANYTHING about my mother, you slime-ball!!!!
Delia: WHAT!! How dare you speak of me like that. I've never seen you before in my life.
Giovanni: (chuckles to himself) Of course not. In this word it was the sickeningly chivalrous Lance who caught your eye. No, the Delia I remember was much lonelier, naïve…and vulnerable. Someone like that almost can't help but fall in with the wrong crowd. (laughs to himself)
Ash: (doesn't like where this is heading) What the hell are you talking about? My mom would never associate with a criminal like you.
Giovanni: Oh I beg to differ. She was once very willing to associate with me. VERY willing. And a guy can't spend all his time worrying about trying to take over the world. He has to have a little fun sometimes….if you know what I mean (glance sideways at Lance)
Ash: (a realization begins to form) Wait….no...no…you're lying!!! This is just another one of your sleazy tricks. You're trying to…to psyche me out. My mom would never….
Suddenly Ash pauses and the past events of the day flash through his mind. He recalls their first encounter with Giovanni, an event that seems like it happened a million years ago, and remembers the angry confrontation between his mom and the crime lord
Flashback mode
Giovanni: My name is Giovanni, I'm the leader of Team Rocket, and that's all you're ever going to find out.
Suddenly Delia lets out a surprised scream and falls to her knees.
Delia: No…It can't be!! It just can't!
Giovanni: (finally notices Delia) Ah, what an unexpected surprise. I didn't think you would be here. It's been a long time Delia. (everyone gasps)
Ash: What's wrong Mom, what's he talking about??
Giovanni: What's this? You haven't told him the truth? I'm shocked. I thought you were the kind of person who would be honest to the people she loves. But I guess not.
Oak: (just as surprised) What's going on here Delia? Do you know this criminal?
Giovanni: Know me? That's putting it lightly.
Delia: SHUT UP!!
Everyone jumps back a step at the force of Delia's voice, most of all Ash. Delia slowly gets to her feet and then glares at Giovanni, her eyes filled with strong anger.
Ash: (the most surprised of all) Mom? What's he talking about?
Delia: (ignoring Ash) How dare you. You're the one who left!! And now this, threatening MY son
End Flashback
Ash slumps a little as the realization finally hits home. Giovanni notices the surprised look on the boy's face and laughs cruelly before continuing.
Giovanni: I was surprised by the amount of abuse she aloud me to dish out to her. I guess she really wanted to "make it work" as she put it. But I of course soon grew tired of her. She meant nothing to me and she was getting in the way of my plans. So I dumped her off on some rundown street in Pallet Town and went on my way. Of course you had already been conceived by that point. I guess I should have killed her instead.
Jessie2: No…This isn't possible. I thought Lance was….
James2: The boss is……???
Meowth: The stakes are getting higher and higher in this game.
Ash: (falls to his knees, shaking with disbelief and anger) No. He's lying. Don't listen!!!!! It…it can't be true.
Giovanni: I never would have guessed that one of the contacts, my sworn mortal enemies, would be my own flesh and blood. The irony is almost painful.
Everyone gasps at the startling revelation as Giovanni and Domino let out another evil laugh. Ash looks at the ground and shakes in anger. He clutches his fists so hard that his finger nails slice through his gloves and palms. Dark red blood begins to run through Ash's clenched fingers and slowly drip to the ground.
Ash: (screaming in un-distilled fury) YOU'RE NOT MY FATHER!!! YOU CAN'T BE!!! ITS…NOT……TRUE!!!!!!!!!
Suddenly Ash's body explodes with icy blue light causing everyone in the clearing to shut or shield their eyes from the blinding brightness.
Domino: (turning away and shielding her eyes) What the heck is going on!?
Giovanni: (completely composed again) The contact's power is awakening again.
Ash turns his head and gives Domino an icy cold glare. His eyes suddenly flare bright blue and Domino is thrown backwards through the air straight into a tree. A sickening splat sound is heard as a sharp tree branch pops through Domino's lower stomach in a geyser of blood and gore. The control device she holds glows with a blue aura and spontaneously explodes. The force fields immediately shut down, freeing everyone from inside. Ash turns his stare towards Giovanni and the blue aura surrounding him immediately solidifies and fires off several streams of blue energy straight at the criminal. Giovanni agilely leaps away from Ash's blasts, turns around, and runs into the woods, casting an evil smirk behind him as he goes.
Ash: (voice doing a Mewtwo echo thing) GET BACK HERE YOU COWARD!!!!!!!
Ash takes off in pursuit of Giovanni. As he runs the blue aura around him slowly begins to fade. Soon he is completely out of sight. Everyone else gathers around Misty and Brock's body. Professor Oak and Tracey approach Domino, who is still impaled on the tree.
Oak: (checks her pulse) She's still alive!! But barely… We need to get an ambulance down here quick.
Tracey: (spins around) I'll get Kurt to call one right away. (runs back to the house)
Jessie2: I guess that's the power that the floatey glowey thing gave you twerps.
Meowth2: We're really lucky that our twerp never decided to blast us into oblivion, considering everything we've done to him.
James2: I don't think we ever did anything quit this nasty before.
Ash2: So…(looks down at his hands) Do I have that kind of power too?
Misty2: I guess so. It's kind of scary.
Jessie: That was freaky. It was just like what happened with Butch and Cassidy.
James: At least this time we know why it happened.
Delia: I can't believe Giovanni said all those things. Poor Ash…
Lance: (looks down the path that Ash and Gio took) I'm worried about Ash. Giovanni might have something planned. We need to go after him quickly.
Misty immediate stands up and, without saying a word to anyone, runs off at top speed in the direction that Ash ran.
Lance: (calls after her) Misty no! Don't go by yourself! (Misty disappears, Lance sighs) She still has the GS Ball in her pack. If Giovanni is planning something they will fall right into his hands.
Brock2: We've got to go after them!!
Pikachu: (hopping up on Brock2's shoulder) Ash could end up like Brock. We have to hurry (cheeks spark) I'm going to show that Giovanni a thing or two.
Lance: (nods) Ok. You come with me and we'll find them. The rest of you stay here where it's safe and wait for the ambulance. We'll be back soon.
Ash2: Wait Brock. Let me go.
James: We'll go too (Jessie and Meowth nod)
Jessie2: We're in as well.
Lance: No, I don't want to put anymore of you in danger. Two will be enough.
Meowth: We're already in danger. We might as well put our max effort into this
Jessie: Yeah, we're definitely going whether you like it or not.
Misty2: There is no way we are going to sit around while friends are in danger.
Lance: I guess there is no sense in arguing with you guys. But stay behind me. I don't want to see any of you get hurt. (Everyone nods)
Lance turns and runs into the forest along with the twerps and TR, leaving Oak and Delia behind.
Delia: Good luck everyone.
Oak: They'll be ok…I hope.
meanwhile
Misty charges blindly through the forest and hopes that she is going in the right direction. All that's running through her mind is the though that she must catch up to Ash and Giovanni. Thoughts of what she will do once she find them or how she will be of any use, considering she is along and her Pokemon are weakened, never cross her mind. All she believes is that if she can reach them she can somehow stop anything worse from happening. "Ash, don't do this. Don't fight him. Don't get yourself killed!" she calls out through tears, hoping that Ash and Giovanni are close enough to hear her. Suddenly she sees a flash of bright blue light off to her left and immediately veers towards it. She stumbles up a steep gravel covered hill and emerges at another clearing and standing near the center, squaring off with each other, are Ash and Giovanni. Giovanni smiles and stares defiantly at Ash, who stands a few feet away with fists clenches, the blue aura still glowing around him although it is much dimmer than it was when it first appeared. "ASH, don't fight him, your going to get hurt!!" Misty calls out him. Ash doesn't acknowledge Misty's cries but instead charges towards Giovanni with his fists raised, bellowing in rage. He stops inches from Giovanni and leans back on one leg while letting loose a perfect round house kick with the other, straight towards Giovanni's head. Giovanni closes his eyes and effortlessly block's Ash's kick with his arm. The light around Ash dims slightly and he falls back a few paces from Giovanni.
Giovanni: (brushes his suit sleeve) Nice try, but not good enough. (glances over at Misty) Your girlfriend is here; maybe you should listen to her, before you get in over your head.
Ash: (turns his head and finally notices Misty) Misty what are you doing here? You should be back with the others, where it's safe. Let me handle him.
Misty: (crying, starts running forward) Ash, don't be stupid. You're just going to end up getting hurt, or worse.
Giovanni: (smirks and nods) Very wise advice. I'd suggest your listen to her, boy.
"You shut up!" Ash yells angrily before turning and holding his hand out straight in a warning signal to Misty. Misty skids to a stop.
Ash: (speaking firmly) Misty, go back!! I don't want to see you hurt.
Misty: (trying to protest) But…Ash…
Ash: (smiles confidently) Don't worry I'll be fine. With this power I can take him. (turns back to face Giovanni) Now go back!
Giovanni: Don't get too confidant now. You're starting to run out of energy, I can see it. Your body can't handle the contact power for an extended period of time yet. Just give up.
Ash: (clenches his fists, cries a little) You hurt my mother! You've hurt all my friends!! I'm NEVER letting you get away!!! You will pay!!!
Ash leaps forward again and let's loose with a flury of punches and kicks that would make any martial arts teacher proud. Misty is amazed at the newly acquired agility and strength that Ash shows. But Ash is not strong enough or fast enough to take Giovanni. The crime boss dodges, parries, and blocks Ash's onslot of moves as if he can see each one coming a mile away. With each attack that is blocked or dodged the blue light around Ash's body fades away slightly and after a few seconds Ash's moves become noticeably slower and less agile. Finally Ash pulls back and lunges forward with one last punch, funneling his remaining power towards his fist. Giovanni smirks, side-steps Ash, and shoves him in the back. The power of the push is enhanced by Ash's own forward momentum and the young trainer goes flying, smacking into the ground face first with a sickening thud. The blue aura around Ash immediately winks out. Ash groans softly and begins to stir. "Ash!!" cries out Misty as she begins to run towards him. Noticing this, Giovanni immediate bends down to Ash and grabs him around the neck in a choke hold and roughly drags the dazed trainer to his feet. Ash's face is smeared with dirt and his cheeks are scraped red. A small gash above his left eye oozes blood down the side of his face. Holding Ash's arms back with his left arm, Giovanni reaches around into his back pocket and pulls out a long sharp knife which he brings back around and holds inches away from Ash's head. Misty immediately skids to a stop just a few feet from the two of them. Tears begin to well up in her eyes again.
Giovanni: (waves the knife threateningly) That's far enough little girl. Take one more step and I'll drive this straight through his neck. Now hand over the GS ball.
Misty: (crying hard) Let…..let Ash go now!
Giovanni: Not until I have the GS ball in my hands. Give it to me now!!
Ash: (weakly) Don't do it. Don't give it to him, no matter what he does to me
Giovanni: Is that a challenge?
Misty: (falls to her knees crying) Please…please…just let him go and leave us alone.
Giovanni: I don't think you understand me. You give me the GS ball and I give you your precious boyfriend. (lets out a long sigh) You people still aren't taking me seriously. I guess I'll have to show you again.
Giovanni raises the knife up to Ash's left shoulder and presses the sharp edge lightly against the fabric of his shirt. "NO!"" Misty cries out but Giovanni just laughs and drags the knife down Ash's chest diagonally towards his waist. The fabric of Ash's black shirt parts like butter and blood immediately flows from the tear. Ash screams in pain and tries to struggle away from Giovanni's grip but the man's hold is too strong. Misty tries to run forward but Giovanni immediately brings the knife back up to Ash's throat, causing her to step back again.
Giovanni: Give me the GS ball now!
Ash: (gritting his teeth with anger and pain) No don't Misty. Don't give it to him for anything. It must not fall into his hands. (glares up at Giovanni) You're going to have to do better than that.
Giovanni: Alright then, how about this?!
Giovanni raises the knife again and then plunges it straight into Ash's right thigh. The knife makes a disgusting wet sound as it goes in. Ash screams even louder as his legs give out beneath him, forcing Giovanni to hold him up completely. After a few seconds Giovanni rips the knife out of Ash's leg, and blood immediately begins to flow out of the wound and down his leg, turning his blue jeans a dark maroon color. Misty falls to her knees again and cries even harder.
Misty: (bawling) Stop it!! Pease, don't hurt him anymore.
Giovanni: I'll stop only if you hand over the GS ball. Give it to me now!!!
Not thinking about anything but Ash's pain, Misty swings her backpack off her shoulders and begins to reach into it, but is stopped by Ash.
Ash: (voice growing weaker) No Misty, don't let him win. It doesn't matter what he does to me, he must not take the GS ball!
"Shut up" growls Giovanni as he punches Ash in the stomach with his knife hand. Ash's doubles over as far as he can and begins gasping from breath. The knife slash on his chest begins to bleed more. "STOP IT!!!" scream Misty again, but Giovanni brushes her off and pulls Ash upright again. He quickly reaches up and plunges the knife into Ash's left shoulder. He laughs manically as he slowly drags the knife down Ash's arm. Blood spurts and cascades down Ash's arm as the knife parts the flesh down to the bone and Ash screams in agony. Giovanni stops the knife just above the elbow and then violently pulls it back causing Ash to scream even louder. Ash's screams of pain pierce Misty's soul and shake her very core. She falls on her knees again, sobbing uncontrollably and totally at a loss for what to do. Her mind is torn between saving Ash and protecting the GS ball, but with each additional scream of pain her mind edges closer and closer to one possibility. Ash gasps and closes his eyes from the horrible pain as he barely holds onto consciousness. Giovanni laughs again as he brutally drives the knife into Ash's right side, just above his belt. The waist of his blue jeans immediately begins to turn red. Misty sobs again for Giovanni to stop but he just laughs again.
Giovanni: Every time you refuse to hand the GS ball to me your little boyfriend with suffer even more agony. Like this!
Giovanni ruthlessly twists the knife back and forth while it's still in Ash's side. With each movement the wound is torn open wider and gouts of blood sprays out, soaking Giovanni's hand. Ash screams like he has never screamed before and finally passes out, slumping over in Giovanni's grip.
Giovanni: How weak to pass out after only that. What, can't handle a little pain? (laughs cruelly, before raising the knife to Ash's neck) That was your last warning girl. Give me the ball now or I'll slit his throat. (presses the sharp edge against Ash's skin)
Misty's mind finally snaps and all rational thoughts and warnings from Ash flow out of her head in an instant. All that fills her thoughts is the desire to save Ash no matter what the consequences. At that one moment all thoughts for the safety of the world are stamped out and replaced. Crying and sobbing uncontrollably, she clumsily reaches into her backpack and withdraws the glowing silver and gold pokeball. She stumbles to her feet and thrusts the ball out in front of her, eyes filled with pure hatred for Giovanni.
Misty: Here's your stupid GS ball, take it and get out of here!!!
Giovanni: Trust me my dear, you have made the right decisions.
Giovanni steps forward with Ash and reaches out for the ball in Misty's outstretched fingers. He snatches the ball out of Misty's hands and at the same time shoves Ash's limp body in her direction. Misty turns her full attention to Ash and catches his falling form. Giovanni uses Misty's distraction to turn around and punch some inputs in on his control panel. At the far corner of the clearing another TR jet, much like the one Giovanni left behind in the other world, drops its stealth cloak and becomes visible. Giovanni makes a dash for his jet and boards. Meanwhile Misty cradles Ash's bloody body in her arms. Tears flow down her faces like a river and fall to Ash's chest.
Misty: Please Ash, don't you dare do this to me. Don't you leave me too. I can't take this anymore. Ash wake up please!.
Misty's cries somehow get through to Ash and he opens his eyes, but just barely. He turns his head slowly and looks up into Misty's face.
Misty: (filled with joy) Ash! Thank goodness.
Ash: (barely able to speak) You…shouldn't….have given it….to him.
Misty: (surprised and hurt) But Ash…I...you…he was going to…
Ash: That doesn't….matter. We needed to protect the GS ball at…any cost. The….whole world is in….danger. Why did you do it Misty….w…hy (passes out again)
Misty: (freaked again, shakes him gently) Ash…Ash…ASH!!!! Oh my….please Ash don't do this. Please wake up, talk to me, scold me, get mad, do something. Don't leave me alone. ASH!!!!!
Misty collapses from total desperation and despair. She clutches Ash's unconscious body to her own and let's herself fall totally into her emotions. As she lays there crying her soul out, Giovanni pilots his jet into the air and fires a group of rockets straight at the clearing, fully intending to obliterate both of the trainers. Just in the nick of time Lance's Dragonair flies onto the scene and blocks the missiles with its barrier attack. The rescue group arrives in the clearing as Lance orders his Pokemon to hyper beam the jet. Dragonair's powerful attack blows a huge hole in the jet's right wing but the damage doesn't seem to have any effect as the Jet spins in mid air and streaks off into the horizon as if nothing had happened.
Misty2: Well that didn't work.
Lance: Don't worry; he won't get far on that wing.
James2: Good thing you spotted the jet when you did or we wouldn't have made it in time.
Brock2: (runs towards Ash and Misty) Hey guys, are you all right. (skids to stop after getting a look at Ash) Oh my….what the hell happened to him??
The group approaches Ash and Misty and is shocked to see the shape Ash is in. Ash2 cringes and turns away from the site of himself so badly hurt and Misty2 puts her arms around him protectively. Misty doesn't take any notice of the group and continues to cry and slowly rock back and forth.
Jessie2: (totally shocked) What did the boss do to him?
James: (serious) It looks like he's in pretty bad shape.
Jessie: (kneels down and gently shakes Misty's shoulder) Misty, come on, tell us what happened. Did Giovanni get the GS ball? (looks back at the others worriedly and then tries to shakes her harder) Misty come on, snap out of it!!
Lance: (kneels down and gently takes Jessie's arm) I think she may be in shock; shaking her and yelling probably won't bring her out. I think we better get that ambulance up here right away. Someone needs to go back now.
Ash2: (shaken up by the scene) Misty and I will go.
Lance: Ok, the rest of us will stay with them. Run as fast as you can and tell them it's an emergency, we've got someone up here in critical condition. That should get them moving.
Misty2: Got it!
Ash2 and Misty2 run back towards the house while the rest of the group sits down to wait. Soon they each begin to take turns talking to Misty, trying to coax her to look up, to respond, and tell them what happened. Misty hears none of their pleadings but continues to rock and cry and hold Ash to her. All she can hear is the sobbing gasps of her own breath, the slow drip of Ash's blood, his barely audible shallow breathing and, after what seems like an eternity, finally, the distant sound of sirens.