Episode 54: The Brave and the Bold

A standoff is in progress. Ash, Brock, and Brenda on one side, Team Rocket on the other. Pikachu is contained inside a clear capsule held by Meowth while Jessie and James have Haking and Repiv out and ready for battle. Ash has sent out Dashilisk to fight, while Brock has Meteorfight, and Brenda has Rabbolt.

It looks like our heroes are once again stuck in an all too familiar scenario. They're prepared for trouble, but are they ready to make it double?

Ash commands, "Go Dashilisk, use Scald!"

Brock orders, "Use Meteor Mash!"

And Brenda shouts, "And you use Hidden Power!" The three Pokémon all prepare their attacks.

Jessie laughs. "There's no way we're losing this time! We've prepared!"

James nods. "Right! Haking, use Smoke Screen!" Haking covers the field in a dark smoke that obscures all vision.

The Pokémon go ahead and attack anyways, but completely miss. The smoke clears, revealing that Haking and Repiv are nowhere in sight. Brenda gasps, "Where'd they go!?"

James laughs this time. "Alright Haking, Sludge Bomb!" From above, Haking sends a barrage of its Sludge Bomb attack raining down on the three Pokémon.

Jessie then quickly orders, "And you use Poison Sting now, Repiv!" Coming out from the ground beneath their feet, Repiv attacks with a volley of poisonous stingers.

Jessie and James collectively laugh. James declares, "You have no hope. Pikachu is ours this time."

Ash shouts, "You'll never get away with this, you thieves!"

Meowth is about to make a retort when someone declares boldly, "Did somebody say thieves?"

Everyone looks towards the source of the voice with surprise. Standing heroically on the limb of a tree is some sort of ninja.

Jessie groans, "Oh great…it's Halloween again."

Brock exclaims, "It's the Guardian! The ninja superhero who helped us in Kanaveral City!"

Ash nods and has a flashback to the first time they met the Guardian. In the flashback he and the others are struggling to defeat a massive Team Rocket robot. Brenda says in desperation, "It's hopeless. This thing is unbeatable."

Suddenly a valiant voice declares, "No situation is ever hopeless, no enemy ever unbeatable!"

Everyone looks up in the direction of the voice. Standing on top of a skyscraper near the robot is a silhouette. The figure steps forward, revealing the ninja-themed superhero.

The man takes a Pokéball off his belt and throws it. "Ninjato, emerge from the shadows!" His faithful companion Ninjato appears and takes ninja pose. The Guardian commands, "Ninjato, Night Slash!" The ninja Pokémon creates two blades out of shadows and wields them in a reverse grip. It jumps into the air towards the robot. It first lands on top of the capsule that's holding Pikachu and slashes through the mechanism that's binding it. The capsule opens, and Pikachu falls out.

Ash runs forwards and catches Pikachu.

Ninjato then disappears in a burst of speed. It reappears for only a second as it slashes its sword through both kneecaps of the robot. It then disappears again, only to reappear next to the ninja.

Meowth laughs. "Ha, it looks like your attack didn't do a thing!" There is a suddenly groan from the machine. Meowth's eyes go wide. The entire robot falls down from its own weight, collapsing on the floor. Team Rocket look at each other nervously.

The ninja declares, "Now, Lunar Beam!" Ninjato disappears in another burst of speed. It reappears in front of Team Rocket. They look terrified. Ninjato gathers energy from the Moon, and sends a beam of it right at Team Rocket, causing them to fly into the sky.

The ninja then returns his Pokémon to its ball and declares, "People of Kanaveral, you are safe now! And know that you always will be, as long as I, the Guardian, am here!" He disappears into the shadows.

The flashback ends. The Guardian looks to Team Rocket and declares, "I will not tolerate thievery in my home of Tenno. You three have one chance to release that Pikachu."

James shouts, "Never! We stole this Pikachu fair and square! We're not giving it up!"

The Guardian nods. "So be it." He removes a Pokéball and throws it like a ninja star. "Greninja, emerge from the shadows!" A Greninja appears in front of Team Rocket and their Pokémon.

James shouts, "Hey, we're in the middle of something here, we really don't appreciate the interruption. Punish him for his rudeness Haking, use Sludge Bomb!" Haking attacks Greninja with globules of sludge.

The Guardian orders, "Substitute!" The Sludge Bomb hits Greninja, but in a puff of smoke Greninja is replaced by a log that falls to the ground. "Go, Ninja Arts Water Shuriken!" Greninja reappears in the sky above and sends several shurikens made of water at both Haking and Repiv. The Pokémon have no time to respond are knocked back towards their masters. "Now Greninja, Hydro Pump!" Greninja lands and then immediately attacks with a high-powered torrent of water from its mouth, hitting Team Rocket and sending them flying into the sky.

Ash shouts, "They still have Pikachu!"

The Guardian immediately orders, "Greninja, get Pikachu back with Lick!" Greninja unwraps its tongue from around its neck and whips it up towards Team Rocket.

As Team Rocket is flying away, Meowth smiles. "We may have lost, but it's not all that bad. We still have Pikachu!" He holds up the capsule triumphantly, only for Greninja's tongue wrap around it and pull it out of his hands. Meowth freezes. Without looking up, he asks in horror, "I just lost Pikachu, didn't I?"

Jessie and James both nod.

Meowth groans. "So much for that victory."

They all shout at once, "Curse you Guardian, you made us blast off again!" And they disappear from sight.

The Guardian leaps down from his tree and takes the capsule from Greninja. "Alright Greninja, Water Shuriken." Greninja uses a close-range Water Shuriken to break the capsule in half, freeing Pikachu. It runs happily back over to Ash.

Ash says, "Thanks Guardian."

The Guardian bows respectfully. "I will always be at the service of the citizens of Tenno. If ever you are in need, I will be there."

Brenda laughs. "We probably didn't need your help, but thanks anyways."

Sounding intrigued, the Guardian asks, "And why is that?"

Brock explains, "We run into those guys all the time. Normally we beat them no problem."

The Guardian nods. "I see. Nevertheless, I am pleased to be of service, even in the slightest." He recalls Greninja to its Pokéball and returns it to his belt. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my-"

He is cut off by a distant cry of, "Help!"

The Guardian looks towards and declares, "A cry for help! I must answer it." He leaps off with a burst of speed into the trees.

Ash looks to Brock and Brenda and says, "Let's see if we can help!"

Brock and Brenda both nod and affirm, "Right." They all run off after him.

They emerge on the other side of the trees to see a woman being attacked by a vicious looking Pokémon covered in spikes and blades, a Slashogun. The Guardian is already there and assessing the situation. He notices they have come after him and warns, "Stay back kids, this could get dangerous." He then pulls out a Pokéball and tosses it. "Ninjato, emerge from the shadows!" The Ninjato he used in their previous encounter appears.

As soon as it does, the Slashogun suddenly stops approaching the woman, as if it senses something. It slowly turns around to see Ninjato and scowls at it with hatred. Ninjato returns an equally intense stare.

Brenda says, "Wow, those two seem to know each other…and not like the other at all."

Brock comments, "Ninjato and Slashogun are natural rivals, but I think that this goes deeper than that."

The two gaze at each other with loathing for a few more moments, and then, without warning, Slashogun leaps towards Ninjato, brandishing the blade attached to its arm and slashes at its opponent.

In the blink of an eye, Ninjato generates a blade made out of pure shadows and parries the slash. The two immediately break out into an intense swordfight, trading slashes and blows, blocking the other's attacks.

While they're fighting, the Guardian sneaks over to the woman and asks, "Are you alright ma'am?"

She nods. "I think so. Just a little frazzled."

He helps her get up. "I know that Slashogun, there's only one who could have sent it after you, do you know who this is?"

She shakes her head. "No, I have no idea why anyone would be after me, let alone who it is."

"If you don't mind me asking, who are you and what do you do?"

"My name is Mary. I'm a secretary at Global Tech."

The Guardian thinks. "Hmm…what would he want with you?"

Out of nowhere, a sinister voice declares, "Wouldn't you like know, Guardian?"

The Guardian looks around in surprise. Ash, Brock, and Brenda are also taken off guard by the voice. The Guardian shouts, "Bushido, come out and show yourself!"

The voice says, "Oh, you know me Guardian. I'm nothing like you. I'm not a coward. I don't hide in the shadows." Out from the trees walks a large a muscular man. He's dressed in heavy armor like that of a samurai.

Guardian stares defiantly at him. "Bushido, why does it not surprise me that you're showing your face again?"

"At least I show my face, unlike you, who hides behind a mask like the coward you are. Now, if you'd excuse me, I will be taking that woman now."

The Guardian pulls another Pokéball off his belt. "You know I can't allow that Bushido."

Bushido pulls a Pokéball out as well. "So be it."

Both throw their Pokéball. The Guardian sends back out his Greninja while Bushido sends out a Samurott.

Bushido commands, "Samurott, use Razor Shell!" Samurott unsheathes its shell-sword and slashes at Greninja. Greninja is already ahead of it though and is replaced by a log with its Substitute.

Guardian orders, "Lick, now!" Greninja reappears behind Samurott and whips its tongue at it, ensnaring it in the process. "It's over Bushido, my Greninja has your Samurott immobilized."

Bushido laughs malevolently. "You underestimate me Guardian. Samurott now!"

Samurott shouts, "Samurrrrrrott!" and becomes covered in a cloak of water as it uses an Aqua Jet attack. It blasts into the sky and rips out of the hold of Greninja. Before the Guardian or Greninja can react to it, it lands next to Mary and uses its horn to throw her up into the air and then land on its back. It then flees towards the woods.

It passes by Brenda, who tries to help Mary by grabbing onto Samurott to stop it, but Samurott doesn't stop and Brenda is pulled with it as it flees.

The Guardian, Ash, and Brock all move to try to go after Samurott, but Bushido orders, "Slashogun, now!" Slashogun, somewhat resentfully, leaps away from its duel with Ninjato and towards the three of them. While in the air it releases a volley of spikes from its back that on the floor before them, blocking their path. Bushido laughs. "Face it Guardian, I'll always be one step ahead of you. Now, if you'd excuse me, I must be off." He and Slashogun run after Samurott.

Ash looks to Guardian and exclaims, "He got Brenda! We have to go after him!"

Guardian nods. "And I will get her back. There is no need to fear." He pulls out another Pokéball. "Scizor, emerge from the shadows!"

A Scizor appears. "Scizor!"

"Scizor, use Razor Wind to clear out the spikes!" Scizor nods and then unleashes an intense burst of wind that rips all of the spikes out of the ground and blows them away harmlessly. The Guardian nods. "Thank you Scizor." He returns it to its Pokéball. He does the same for Greninja and Ninjato.

Brock asks, "How do we find them now?"

The Guardian gives him a thumbs up. "Leave that to me." He pulls out yet another Pokéball. "Lucario, emerge from the shadows!" A Lucario appears and awaits orders. "Lucario, I need you to use your Aura to sense where Bushido went."

Lucario nods. "Lu." It then closes its eyes and focuses. A few moments later it opens its eyes back up and points off in a direction.

The Guardian nods in approval. "Good, lead the way." Lucario runs forward and the Guardian follows. Ash and Brock also follow. The Guardian stops and looks to them. "I'm sorry kids, but this is too dangerous for you to come with me. Wait here and I'll bring your friend back."

Ash shakes his head. "No way, Brenda is our friend, and we're going to help you save here. There's no other way."

The Guardian sighs. "Fine, if you must. But I need you two to listen to whatever I say. Do you understand?"

Ash and Brock both nod and say, "Of course," at the same time. The three of them then follow Lucario off.

While they're running, Ash asks, "Guardian, who was that man?"

"His name is Bushido. He's my archenemy. He believes himself to be an honorable fighter and sees whatever he does as being right. He believes that with such conviction that he will go to no ends to enforce his will upon others as well. In the end, he has no true honor, only a false sense of it. He is the only foe I face who continues to elude justice."

Brock comments, "So for you, this isn't just about saving Brenda and that girl, it's also personal."

Guardian nods. "I suppose it is."

Ash asks, "Do you think Brenda will be okay?"

"Yes. I do. Bushido didn't want her. He has no reason to harm her. It's Mary that I'm afraid for."

Who's that Pokémon!?

The organ that emits this Pokémon's intense psychic power is sheltered by its ears to keep power from leaking out.

Brenda and Mary are thrown into some sort of jail cell. The door slams closed. Bushido stands on the opposite side. He looks to Brenda and says, "I don't know how you tagged along, girl, but since you seemed so eager to get here, I promise that you'll be staying now." He turns around and leaves. Two men dressed as samurai move up to the door to stand guard.

Brenda complains, "Darn, he took my Pokéballs. My Pokémon won't be able to help us escape."

Mary says with despair, "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. He wanted me. I just dragged you into this."

"Hey, don't talk that way. You've got to stay positive. We'll get out of this. I know for a fact that my friends are coming to help us right now, not to mention the Guardian. It won't be long now at all until we're free again."

Mary looks up to her with hope. "Do you really think that?"

Brenda nods with determination. "I know that."

Mary smiles. "In that case, I won't give up hope."

Brenda cheers, "That's the spirit!"

It's Espurr!

Ash, Brock, and the Guardian have arrived at their destination. It's a large building that looks to be some sort of fortress that resembles a high-tech version of a building from feudal Japan. The Guardian whispers, "Bushido's lair."

Ash asks, "So Brenda is in there?"

Bushido nods. "Indeed she is."

Brock points to two guards, also dressed in samurai armor, standing at the entrance. He asks, "How do you plan on getting past the guards?"

"Stealthy entries are my specialty." He looks to Lucario. "Lucario, distract the guards so we can get in, alright?"

Lucario nods in understanding. It then runs off to the side and out of sight. A few moments later a loud banging noise is heard. One of the guards points towards where the sound came from. They both run to investigate.

Once the guards are clear, the Guardian silently motions for Ash and Brock to follow him. He runs swiftly towards the door with the two of them behind him. He tries to open it, but it's locked. Without even having to think about it, the Guardian immediately pulls out another Pokéball. From it he releases an Accelgor. He whispers, "Accelgor, use Acid Spray on the lock." From its mouth Accelgor spits a small amount of acid on the side of the door. The metal of the door is eaten away by the acid and the door swings open. The Guardian recalls Accelgor.

Just at this time, Lucario returns from its distraction. The Guardian recalls it as well. The three of them now sneak inside. The Guardian shuts the door behind them. Just as he does, the two guards return to their post, appearing somewhat confused. They don't notice the broken lock.

Inside, the Guardian takes a moment to survey the surroundings. He says, "It stands to reason the prisoners would be held in lowest basement levels, so that's where we need to get to." Ash and Brock wordlessly agree. They sneak off.

The door to the jail cell swings open and Bushido steps in. Brenda shouts at him, "Hey, why don't you give me my Pokéballs back and fight me in a fair battle!"

Bushido looks to her and grins. "My, my, you are a feisty one. While it is true that my code of honor demands that I accept any challenge, what you're suggesting would barely be a challenge, so I don't think it counts." Brenda scowls at him. He ignores her and turns to Mary. "And as for you, my dear, you know something that is very important to me."

Mary steps back with fear. "What could I possibly know…? I'm just a secretary…"

Bushido grins. "Yes, and as a secretary you have access codes to get me into Global Tech's headquarters unnoticed. You will give me the access codes."

Mary looks to Brenda, who shakes her head silently. Mary then declares, "No, I won't tell you anything."

Bushido shakes his head with disapproval. "Now that's just a shame, isn't it?" He turns around to leave. Before he does, he says, "It's a shame we couldn't do this the easy way, because I am prepared to do it the hard way instead. Fear my return." He walks out and the door shuts.

The Guardian leads Ash and Brock through the lair. He does his best to make sure that they remain hidden and out sight of any guards, as well as avoiding any security cameras. He is highly stealthy and absolutely silent. Ash and Brock, on the other hand, not so much. At one point Ash nearly knocks an object off a table, which would have alerted a nearby guard to their presence, but the Guardian, with his ninja reflexes, catches it and puts it back exactly where it was. Ash breathes a silent sigh of relief.

After a little more sneaking around, they arrive at a door. The Guardian silently points at it. Ash and Brock nod in understanding. The Guardian slowly approaches the door, and then opens it ever so delicately. Once it's opened by a crack he peeks in. He looks back to Ash and Brock and nods to give an all-clear. He then opens the door all the way and ushers the two in. Once they're in, he goes in as well and closes the door behind him silently.

He says, "We should be safe in here for the time being."

Ash, after breathing a sigh of relief at being able to speak again, asks, "Why's that?"

"This is an auxiliary security room. It's shut down right now because it's not needed."

Brock realizes, "If this is a security room then we can use their surveillance systems to find Brenda and Mary."

The Guardian nods. "Exactly my plan." He steps up to a wall of monitors and turns one on. He begins to punch away at some controls. The image on the screen begins to rapidly change.

Ash points to it. "That one, there!"

The Guardian stops and looks up. Displayed on the screen are Brenda and Mary in their cell. Brenda seems to be comforting Mary. The Guardian, pleased to see this, nods. "Good, they're alright. According to this they're in level five, detention block AA-23. That's not far from here. We can make it there relatively quickly."

Ash says, "That's great."

Suddenly Guardian complains, "Oh no…"

Brock asks with worry, "What is it?"

"They're not alone, look." Into the cells walks Bushido, returned to get his information. "Things just got a lot harder. There's no way this can be a quick hit and run if Bushido is down there. In fact, the moment he sees us down there we'll be swamped with guards."

Brock suggests, "Why don't we just wait for Bushido to leave?"

The guardian shakes his head. "I'm afraid not. Mary has something that Bushido wants, and the longer we leave him down there with her, the more likely he gets what he wants. We can't allow that to happen, regardless of what he's planning."

They all stop to think. Finally Ash speaks up and declares, "Fine then, Brock and I will get them."

The Guardian is confused. "What do you mean? There's no way the two of you could take on Bushido, he's much too powerful."

"As much as I would like to test that for myself, that's not what I meant. If you really are the only one who's a match for him, and we can't have him down there, then it's obvious what we need to do. You need to reveal yourself to a guard, and when you do they'll report to Bushido that you've infiltrated his lair. He'll have no choice but to come and face you. Once he's out of the detention block, Brock and I will get in there, free Brenda and Mary, and get back out. We'll meet you outside."

The Guardian nods slowly as he thinks Ash's plan over. "Yes…that just might work." He looks to Ash and Brock. "Just make sure you realize that they will not be unguarded. You will still have guards you have to worry about."

Ash nods. "I know we can take them."

"Alright, let's do it." He points to the screen. "Watch that screen. I'll go and make the diversion. The moment Bushido leaves sight of the camera you two need to hurry there, alright?" Ash and Brock nod. "Alright. I wish you two the best of luck then." He runs out the door and leaves.

Bushido and his Slashogun approach Mary menacingly. He threatens, "Alright Mary, now to get down to business." He cracks a knuckle. Slashogun grinds its two wrist-blades together, making an intimidating screeching noise as well as sparks. "I'll give you one last chance to do this the easy way."

Mary gulps nervously. She begins to shake.

Brenda runs up to her and encourages, "Don't tell him anything Mary. You can't let him get what he wants."

Bushido angrily swats Brenda off to the side, knocking her away. "You'll remain quiet girl. You're not the one I want to speak." He turns back to Mary. "Now, about those access codes."

Mary gulps again. She nervously says, "Look…I'm just a low-level secretary…my access codes don't mean anything. They use a Watchog Security System, everything is compartmentalized. I couldn't get you in even if I wanted."

Bushido raises an eyebrow in interest at the last statement. Before he can say anything one of his minions comes running in. The minion reports, "Lord Bushido, it's the Guardian!"

Bushido turns towards him. "The Guardian?"

"Yes sir. He's been spotted on level seven."

Bushido laughs. "One doesn't simply spot the Guardian. This is obviously some sort of trap. Nonetheless, if the Guardian is in my lair, then I need to go after him, honor demands it." He looks back to Mary momentarily, "I'll be back." He and the minion leave. The two guards return to their post.

Mary begins to sob. Brenda approaches her and comforts, "Hey, there's nothing to cry about. You stood your ground, you should be proud."

Mary continues to cry. He sobs, "I'm so scared Brenda. I was telling him the truth when I said it didn't matter what I told him. There's truly nothing of value I could tell him. What does he do to me when he figures that out?"

"He won't. We'll be out of here before that happens. Didn't you hear? The Guardian is here, which means my friends must be too. The three of them will get us out of here in no time."

As if on cue, Ash and Brock appear at the doorway to the room. Ash proclaims, "Don't worry, we'll get you out of there."

Brenda grins and nudges Mary. "See, told you."

One of the guards shouts, "Hey, you can't be in here!"

Ash responds, "That's our friend you have in there, and you're going to let her go!"

The other guard laughs. "We don't have to listen to you." He then pulls out a Pokéball and throws it. "Go Shiftry!"

The other throws a Pokéball. "Go Pangoro!" The two menacing Pokémon appear.

Ash and Brock respond in like by throwing Pokéballs, sending out Turtsol and Blissey. Ash orders, "Use Flamethrower!"

Brock orders, "Go, Egg Bomb!"

Bushido steps around a corner. He sees many of his guards just standing and watching something. Up ahead, in some sort of meditative stance, is the Guardian. Bushido demands, "You fools, what are you just standing there for!?"

One of them answers with surprise, "Lord Bushido, he's just standing there. He hasn't responded to anything."

"You good-for-nothing henchmen, that's the time you use force. Get out of my, I'll do this myself." He pushes them aside and approaches the Guardian.

The moment he does, the Guardian's eyes snap open. "Bushido, I've been waiting for you."

"As I can tell, Guardian." Bushido pulls out a Pokéball, anticipating a battle. The Guardian does the same.

The Guardian asks, "Why do you want the girl, Bushido?"

"That's for me to know, and you to never find out, Guardian." He throws his Pokéball. At the exact same moment, the Guardian throws his as well. They send out Slashogun and Ninjato.

Both order at once, "Use Night Slash!" The two Pokémon leap at each other and their swords clash.

One of the guards shouts, "Shiftry, use Razor Wind!" The Shiftry launches a volley of wind-blades at Turtsol.

Ash quickly counters, "Withdraw!" Turtsol pulls into its shell and is protected. "Now use Flamethrower!" Turtsol emerges back out and attacks with a breath of fire.

"Blow it away with Hurricane!" Shiftry whips up a large whirlwind that blows away the fire.

Brock, meanwhile, orders, "Blissey, use Strength!" Blissey glows white and then it charges at Pangoro.

"Pangoro, fight back with Arm Thrust!" The two Pokémon begin to trade rapid punches.

The other guard orders, "Shiftry, Hurricane one more time!" Shiftry launches its wind-based attack once more, this time aiming for Turtsol.

Ash gets an idea. "Turtsol, use Rapid Spin and go with the flow!" Turtsol nods in understanding. It pulls back into its shell and begins to spin around. When the whirlwind makes contact, it only serves to speed up Turtsol's rotation.

While that's happening, "Brock shouts, "Blissey, duck and show your full strength!" Blissey ducks down, avoiding an Arm Thrust, and then reaches forward, grabbing hold of Pangoro's body.

Ash and Brock both shout, "Do it know!" Blissey throws Pangoro and Turtsol hurls itself at Shiftry. Both enemy Pokémon are sent flying back towards their owners, knocking both of them down in the process, rendering all four of them unconscious.

Ash and Turtsol quickly run over to the cell. Once at its door, he looks to Turtsol and says, "Use Molten Slag to melt the lock.

"Sol!" Turtsol spits a globule of molten material on the lock, which melts right through it. The door swings open.

Brenda runs out and hugs Ash. "I knew you guys would come."

Brock urges, "Come on, we've got to get out of here as fast as we can."

Brenda and Mary both nod. On their way out, Brenda notices four Pokéballs on a table. "My Pokéballs!" She grabs them and puts them away.

Bushido orders, "Slashogun, use Shadow Claw!" Slashogun moves in to attack with its claws.

The Guardian counters, "Smokescreen, now!" Ninjato throws something to the floor and creates a field of smoke around it. Slashogun goes in one side, and out the other. The smoke clears, revealing the Ninjato has disappeared. "Double Team and Night Slash now!" Ninjato reappears behind Slashogun with multiple copies of itself manifesting and each one slashes at it. Slashogun manages to block and counterattack against most of them, but the final attack is a sneak attack from behind, which lands.

Slashogun quickly recovers. Bushido orders, "Mega Horn!" Slashogun charges at Ninjato once more, brandishing its spiked horn.

"Shadow Sneak!" Ninjato leaps into a nearby patch of shadows and then literally dissolves into it.

Bushido cautions, "Watch for its shadow, Slashogun!" Slashogun eyes around the floor. What it doesn't notice is a small shadow moving behind. Suddenly the shadow takes form and Ninjato emerges and attacks. Slashogun is prepared though, it quickly turns around and attacks with a Shadow Claw, knocking Ninjato back.

Before another attack can be launched, one of the guards from the detention cell runs into sight and shouts, "Lord Bushido, the prisoners have escaped!"

The Guardian is pleased by this. "Then that's my cue to leave. Ninjato, Smokescreen!" Ninjato cloaks itself and the Guardian in smoke. When it fades, they are both gone.

Bushido stares at the point where they just stood. A henchman asks, "Sir, should I begin the search for him before he gets too far so we can retrieve the girl?"

Bushido shakes his head. "No, let them go. That girl is of no further use to me."

"Sir?"

"I got all of the information I needed out of her." He chuckles malignly.

Back on the road where this all started, everyone has met back up. The Guardian and Ninjato bow in respect towards Ash, Brock, and Brenda. "Thank you for your help. I was wrong in trying to deny it before. If not for you, I may not have succeeded."

Mary smiles, "Yeah, thanks for saving me."

Ash grins. "No problem."

Brock asks, "So Guardian, what are you going to do now?"

"First I will make sure that Mary safely arrives home. After that I must attempt to solve the mystery of why Bushido was so intent on capturing her. I know that he's planning something bigger, and somehow she worked into those plans. If I am to stop him, I must figure out what he's planning." He pauses. "And what of you three?"

Ash answers, "First we're heading to Celes City, but after that I'm going for my next gym badge at Versal City."

The Guardian nods. "So you are on a quest for gym badges. If that is the case I wish you the best of luck on your journey."

Ash grins. "Thank you."

"Now, I must make leave. Are you ready Mary?"

Mary nods. "Yes, I'm ready."

"Good, let us be off then. Ninjato, Smokescreen!" Ninjato once again releases a cloud of smoke. When it clears moments later the Guardian, Ninjato, and Mary are gone.

Ash shakes his head in disbelief. "How does he do it?"

Brock and Brenda laugh. Brock says, "We may never know."

There's a lot of things we may never know. One hopes that Bushido's secret plot is not one of those things. Who knows? Maybe our heroes and this superhero will encounter each other again and solve this mystery, as the journey continues.

To Be Continued…