Episode 134: Protectors, Unite!

In the midst of a vast and sprawling city sits a skyscraper that towers above all the other buildings. It's slim and sleek, looking like a slender needle jutting into the sky. On an observation platform towards its top stands an intimidating man in armor, Bushido, the archnemesis of the Guardian. He is flanked by two robotic samurai, Samuroids, and behind him is the mecha-samurai armor he built using stolen technology.

Team Rocket stand in front of him, presenting him with two pieces of technology. Bushido grins as he savors this victory. "All went according to plan?"

Team Rocket all nod in affirmation. James explains, "It was exactly as you predicted. They came together thinking it would make them stronger, but it only made them weaker. They fought and bickered, making our getaway all the easier."

Meowth ponders, "You know, there's a lesson here for us somewhere, but I can't place my claw on it."

Bushido chuckles slowly. "Most pleasing. And now, in a matter of only an hour, my master plan will be complete. This despicable world will finally know the true meaning of honor." He goes into a full-on evil laugh. "Oh ho ho ho ho!"

A team of heroes came together to stop the evil of Bushido, but they quickly fell apart. Now our heroes have disassembled. Can Bushido be stopped?

The Guardian, along with Ash, Brock, and Brenda stand in the ruins of the Guardian's headquarters, The Sanctuary. Ash is stunned by everything that just went down. He looks to the Guardian and asks, "Can we defeat Bushido on our own?"

The Guardian sighs. "With this mind control tech, I don't know. But we have to try."

Brenda asks, "But how? We don't have anything. We don't even know what Bushido wants the mind control device for."

Brock contemplates this for a moment. "Maybe we're not completely in the dark. After all, no one knows Bushido better than you, Guardian. You must have some inkling of what he wants."

The Guardian ponders. "There is one thing that Bushido wants more than anything else. He sees himself as a paragon of honor in a world deprived of it. He wishes for nothing more than to enforce his twisted sense of honor upon all others."

Brenda concludes, "And that's exactly something he could do with a mind control machine."

Guardian shakes his head. "Not on its own. Blaziken Mask said it himself, the device has an extremely limited range. Controlling one person at a time would do him no practical good. However, if we assume that he's using the Pokéanium he stole from Global Tech last time we battled, then that could imply he has grander ambitions. Still, even with such a power source, the machine was just not built for that kind of range."

Ash realizes, "What if he boosted the signal!"

The Guardian's eyes widen. "The signal enhancer!" He rushes into the mostly intact hall where he keeps pieces of technology confiscated from Bushido. After a quick survey he realizes, "It's gone. Team Rocket must have taken it in the confusion."

Brock summarizes, "Okay, so Bushido has a mind control device, something to boost its signal, and a power source to run it. Is there anything else he needs? Maybe we can track him down based on that."

The Guardian contemplates. "Indeed, there is. The signal booster works best when paired with some sort of transmitter. An antenna or a satellite dish. The bigger it is, the better the signal he'll get, and the more effective the mind control will be."

Brenda asks, "It shouldn't be so hard to track down a massive antenna, right?"

The Guardian continues to think. "I would have known if Bushido had undertaken such a massive construction effort." He contemplates momentarily. "Which means Bushido must be coopting an existing antenna…" He slowly realizes, "Or something that can serve as an antenna!"

Ash asks, "What do you mean?"

"The Needle Tower! A skyscraper in the nearest city, coated in a solid layer of conductive metal! It could be used as a massive antenna!" He looks to Ash. "Ash, will you accept my offer and join me in battle?"

Ash looks to Ninjitsu, then nods. "We're in." Guardian nods back.

Brock says, "Brenda and I will stay back and run coms again, like we did last time." The Guardian nods in agreement.

Blaziken Mask and Blaziken approach the tower at the center of the city. Blaziken Mask holds a tracking device with a holographic screen. He looks up at the tower. "There it is. Our destination is in that tower." He looks to Blaziken. "Are you prepared for combat?"

Blaziken nods. "Ken."

Meowth and James are working under Bushido's instruction to connect various pieces of equipment to the side of the tower. Jessie is monitoring a holographic display. In the center is one large red dot. Two smaller, blinking dots appear on the screen, approaching the large dot from different directions.

Jessie complains, "This show is boring. If they think adding two extra red dots is an entertaining plot twist, then they clearly don't know the first thing about writing."

Wobbuffet, who's eating from a bucket of popcorn, agrees, "Wobbuffet!"

Bushido snaps, "That's no show, you clown. Just keep your attention on it and…" The realization slowly dawns on him. "Did you say, 'two extra dots?'"

Jessie nods. "Yeah, what about it?"

Bushido grins with anticipation. "So, the game is afoot. Let's send in the welcome wagon. Samuroids, hold them back!" From the tower, hundreds, if not thousands of Samuroids begin to pour out into the surrounding city. "Wah ha ha ha ha!"

The Guardian, Ninjato, Ash, and Ninjitsu approach the Needle Tower. Ash is dressed in the Guardian's old costume. Even Pikachu is wearing a small black mask around its eyes. The Guardian observes the area. "Something is coming this way. Stay sharp, Ninja Lad."

Ash shakes his head. "Yeah, this Ninja Lad thing isn't going to work. How about you call me…" After a quick thought he decides, "Super Ash. Call me Super Ash."

Pikachu looks at Ash and shakes its head in disapproval. "Pika."

Ash shrugs. "It's a work in progress."

At this point, the attack force of Samuroids come into sight. They not only head for the Guardian and Ash, but they attack anyone and anything else they can. The citizens flee in terror. The Guardian and Ninjato ready themselves. He shouts, "Focus on saving the citizens! Keep them safe as we move towards the tower!"

Ash and Ninjitsu nod. "Got it!"

In a flash, Guardian and Ninjato vanish, only to reappear nearby and intercept a Samuroid attacking an elderly man. A quick slash from the Guardian's sword disarms the Samuroid, then Ninjato stabs its blade through the robot's power core, deactivating it.

Ash points to another Samuroid attacking a mother and young boy. "Ninjitsu, distract it! Pikachu, zap it!"

Ninjitsu swoops in to block the Samuroid from attacking the citizens. With its attention on Ninjitsu, Pikachu gets in behind it and attacks with Thunderbolt, frying the robot.

Despite these early successes, wherever they can take down one Samuroid, three more come in. They attack and destroy others, but more appear. Quickly, the Guardian and Ash are forced back-to-back as a group of at least ten Samuroids surround them.

The Guardian shouts, "Ninja Lad, don't give up!"

Ash shouts back, "How about the Guardi-Ash? That sounds cool, and it's a tribute to you."

Pikachu shakes its head in disapproval again.

As the Samuroids encroach further, there's a sudden burst of light, and a massive fire ball flies in and takes out several Samuroids at once. It's Mega Blaziken using Flare Blitz.

Ash gasps. "Blaziken Mask! You came back!"

Blaziken Mask leaps down from a nearby building and delivers a kick to a Samuroid, toppling it. "Let me be clear, I didn't return. I'm here to stop Bushido. But since we're here for the same purpose, I offer a truce." He offers a hand to the Guardian.

The Guardian nods and accepts the handshake. "A truce it is."

Ash cheers, "Yeah, maybe this team-up thing will work after all!"

Together the three of them prepare to fight back against the next wave of Samuroids.

Elsewhere in the city, where the battle hasn't spread to yet, Gliscorman walks through the streets. He's speaking with someone via a communicator in his ear. "Latoya, I'm beginning to think I'm too old for this."

A voice shouts back, "What are you talking about!?"

"Today I saw other heroes. All of them where in their youthful prime. What does this world need with some old geezer? I'm on my way back to the Gliscor Wing now. I'm going home."

Latoya answers back, "Dad, how could you talk like that? Sure, once you were on the out-of-shape side, but ever since I became Gligirl, you've worked harder than ever at molding yourself into a real hero, one that I could be proud of. One that I aspire to be like. So what if you're old? That just means you have more experience. All those young heroes could learn a thing or two from you. Stop acting like you're worthless!"

Before he can even think over this, he notices an explosion towards the center of the city.

Latoya shouts, "What was that!?"

Gliscorman shouts back, "An emergency! We'll talk later, Gliscorman, out!" He taps his ear and he and Gliscor rush towards the explosion.

The Mighty Accelguard and Accelgor ride his motorcycle past the city. Accelguard looks straight ahead at the horizon as he says to Accelgor, "I don't care what they say. I know what I'm doing. I trained long and hard for this. Right, Accelgor?"

"Celgor." This response seems neither an affirmation nor a denial.

"And you know what? It shouldn't matter. I'm doing everything I can to make a difference. That's what really matters."

"Celgor."

Making up meaning where none was intended, Accelguard holds up a fist and declares, "You're right, Accelgor! I shouldn't let anyone tell me differently! Thanks for the pep talk, pal."

"Celgor." Accelgor shrugs nonchalantly.

Any further chat is put on hold when they both notice an explosion in the city. Accelguard shouts, "That sounds like a call to action! Mighty Accelguard, go!" He revs up his motorcycle, burns some rubber, then performs a wheelie as he quickly turns in the opposite direction and takes off.

Who's that Pokémon!?

As it walks, it munches on a twig in place of a snack. It intimidates opponents by puffing hot air out of its ears.

Ash cheers as Ninjitsu destroys another Samuroid. This inspires him. "Hey, what about Ninjitsu Man? Since I've got a Ninjitsu as my partner."

Via communicator, Brenda taunts, "Don't get too bold, Ninjitsu Boy would be more like it."

Ash pretends not to hear her and turns his attention to another Samuroid.

Nearby, a single Samuroid menacingly approaches a cornered boy. Ash, the Guardian, and Blaziken Mask are all too busy with other Samuroids to help the terrified child.

Then at the same time, two voices shout, "Gliscor Kick!" and "Accelgor Kick!" From either side of the robot, the pairs of Gliscorman and Gliscor and Accelguard and Accelgor leap in from the side to perform a powerful kick with one leg extended and one pulled back. All four kicks crush the Samuroid, turning it to a sparking pile of scrap. The two hero pairs leap back and land next to each other after the attack.

The boy cheers, "Alright, more superheroes!" before he runs off to find safety.

Gliscorman awkwardly comments, "So… um… nice kick."

Accelguard chuckles. "Yeah… you too…"

Then they each hear a cry for help in two different directions. Glad for the distraction, they rush in different directions.

Brock says to Ash through the communicator, "Looks like the whole team's back together."

Ash grins and nods. "I knew everyone would come back together in the end. They all want the same thing. To help people."

A crowd of people is trapped in the lobby of a building. They cower as a group of three Samuroids slowly marches towards them. The robots raise their blades to attack.

Then Gliscorman and Gliscor break through a window. Gliscorman quickly pulls out a grappling gun and fires it, ensnaring the three robots in a rope wrapped around them. Then Gliscor rushes at the enemy with Quick Attack, knocking the hogtied robots into the air.

Gliscorman shouts, "Now, Guillotine!"

Gliscor opens a pincer, which then glows white and grows several times wider. It flies up to meet the falling Samuroids, where it clamps its pincer down, cutting right through the Samuroids, sheering them in half.

The people erupt in applause. This catches Gliscorman off-guard. One young boy approaches Gliscorman and says, "Gliscorman, you're the coolest! You've always been my favorite hero!"

Gliscorman's eyes widen, visible even through his mask. "A youngster like you? You don't think I'm too old?"

The boy shakes his head. "No, that just means you've been doing this the longest."

Gliscorman smiles profusely. He notices a group of Samuroids running past the window. He announces, "Gliscorman, away!" He and Gliscor leap back out the window to pursue more enemies.

Elsewhere, an old man is attempting climb up a fire escape ladder to escape two Samuroids, but he can't reach the raised ladder. Prospects don't look good for him.

Then Accelguard shouts, "Double Accelgor Kick!" He and Accelgor each come in from a different direction and deliver their signature kick to each robot, forcing the two of them to crash into each other. In perfect synchronization, the two of them leap back, performing a triple aerial backflip.

Once they've landed, Accelguard commands, "Take care of them with Struggle Bug!"

"Accelgor!" Accelgor creates an intense pulse of red energy that rips the robots apart.

Accelguard assures the old man, "You're safe now, sir."

The man turns to take a look at Accelguard. He has white hair smoothly combed back as well as a white mustache. He wears a stylish pair of aviator sunglasses. He grins as he cheers, "Way to go, Helmet Guy!"

Accelguard stumbles back. "Not this again! That's not my name…"

The man chuckles. "I know that, Accelguard."

This catches Accelguard off-guard. "You… know me?"

"Sure do, and you're a true hero. You do anything you can to help others, and that's all that matters. Don't let anyone tell you any different."

His face isn't visible, but it's obvious that this pleases Accelguard immensely. He hesitates for a moment. "Do I know you?"

The man laughs. "I don't know how you would."

"I suppose not. You just look familiar."

The man smiles. "I get that a lot. Now go get them, Mighty Accelguard. Excelsior!"

Accelguard nods as he announces proudly, "Accelgor, we're off to save more people!" He and Accelgor rush off.

It's Fennekin!

Ash, the Guardian, Blaziken Mask, Accelguard, Gliscorman, and their Pokémon have been pushed back-to-back in a circle, surrounded on all sides by Samuroids. But they are far from giving up. Together they fight back.

At the Guardian's command, Ninjato performs a sweeping kick to trip a Samuroid. Ninjitsu then rushes in to uppercut the falling robot. Once it's in the air, Pikachu electrocutes it with Thunderbolt. The scorched machine falls on top of three other Samuroids, pinning them to the ground.

From Blaziken Mask's side, Mega Blaziken lunges forward to deliver a powerful Blaze Kick to the closest Samuroid. The mighty kick sends the Samuroids hurtling backwards, crashing into several others.

Another Samuroid charges towards Accelguard and Gliscorman. Accelguard beckons to Gliscorman, deferring to him. Gliscorman has Gliscor use Guillotine to chop off the robot's head, however the robot is still able to move without a head.

Accelguard picks things up and has Accelgor use Swift into the break in the armor left by the missing head. The stars tear apart the inside of the machine, and it collapses. Gliscorman and Accelguard share a high-five.

Together, the five heroes and their Pokémon stand confidently, knowing that they can take on anything Bushido throws their way.

Then Brock chimes in, "Hey guys, I hate to ruin the epic pose moment, but I've got some bad news."

As he points at an incoming Samuroid for Ninjato to attack, Guardian asks, "What is it, Brock?"

"Sensors just got a massive burst of Pokéanium radiation. Whatever Bushido is planning, he's starting to fire things up."

Brenda urges, "You've got to hurry."

Blaziken Mask looks to Ash and Guardian and asserts, "You two go ahead, we'll take care of things here."

Ash asks, "Are you sure?"

Gliscorman nods. "We can handle this."

Accelguard adds, "There's no way they're stopping us."

The Guardian nods. "In that case, clear the way for us, we're heading for the Needle Tower. Come, Ninja Lad!"

Ash follows him, as he objects, "That's The Amazing Ash to you!"

Blaziken Mask shouts, "Clear the way for them, Blaziken!" Blaziken uses Flare Blitz to force a path open to the tower. Ash and the Guardian run through it.

When two more Samuroids get in their way, Gliscor and Accelgor use Poison Sting and Swift to get them out of the path.

Accelguard cheers, "When we work together, we can defeat any foe!"

All the surrounding Samuroids begin to behave strangely. The begin to accumulate in one spot, climbing and crawling over one another. The parts begin to shift and move, and multiple Samuroids link together, connecting to each other. They combine together forming into a larger and larger mass, until a giant fifty-foot tall Samuroid has been created by them all merging.

Blaziken Mask, Gliscorman, and Accelguard look up at the towering robot in surprise. Gliscorman asks, "You sure about that, Accelguard?"

The Guardian and Ash march out onto the observation platform where Bushido stands inside his samurai mech suit. Team Rocket suddenly leaps out in front of them.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it-!"

"Ninjato, Lunar Beam!" Ninjato's attack launches Team Rocket away.

They shout, "At least the Twerps let us finish our motto!"

The Guardian announces, "Bushido, your plan ends here."

Bushido, who's head is visible through the open armor, sneers, "That's where you're wrong, my honorless foe. The mind control machine has been set up. In mere minutes it will have charged enough to grasp the minds of everyone in this despicable region. Soon after, the entire world. I will be the hero who brings honor to this world that knows nothing of it."

Ash shouts in anger, "How dare you call yourself a hero!? You're a villain! An evil, evil villain!"

Bushido laughs. "All a matter of perspective, and it is the victor who decides the perspective of the world. When I defeat you, the world will at last acknowledge me as the hero I always have been, for there is nothing more heroic than the pursuit of honor!"

The Guardian suddenly shouts, "Go!"

Ninjato leaps in to attack with Night Slash. Bushido is prepared and counters with the sword-arm of his mech.

Bushido laughs. "What use is a surprise attack when a surprise attack is exactly what I would expect from a knave such as yourself?"

The Guardian chuckles slightly. "You're so focused on me, you forgot that I'm not alone this time."

Ash shouts, "Do it, Ninjitsu!"

Ninjitsu leaps in from behind Bushido and pushes a blade into his armor.

Bushido shouts in a sudden rage, "You dishonorable swine!" The upper torso of the mech rotates 180 degrees and he smacks away Ninjitsu. The suit does seem hindered by the last attack, but not significantly. After pivoting back, he raises one arm and shouts, "Get them!" Two Pokéballs are launched from his suit, summoning his Slashogun and a Kabutops.

Both Pokémon attack Ninjato. Ninjitsu, seeing Slashogun, is quick to get up and aid Ninjato. Both ninja Pokémon parry the incoming attacks.

The Guardian announces, "And that leaves us and you."

Bushido responds, "And I will crush you like the insects you are." His suit makes powerful bounds as he runs at Ash and the Guardian. Ash and the Guardian run to meet him.

The Guardian draws his swords and crosses blades with Bushido. Ash and Pikachu leap over them. "Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaaa chuuuuuu!" Pikachu electrocutes Bushido with all it has.

They land on the opposite side of Bushido, where Pikachu switches into an Iron Tail. But Bushido removes one his blades from his sword lock with the Guardian and uses it to block the Iron Tail.

The Guardian takes advantage of Bushido's split attention and pivots his swords to push upwards on the mech's arm. With his arm forced up, the Guardian quickly produces a handful of throwing stars and throws them at the main body of the mech. The projectiles embed themselves in the armor, but seem to do little damage.

Bushido knocks Pikachu aside, then laughs. "Simple shuriken? How is that supposed to defeat-"

The stars suddenly explode, forcing Bushido back several feet. Guardian immediately follows up by shouting, "Ninja Lad, catch!" He throws a small black ball at Ash.

Ash shouts back, "At least call me The Asher!" as he catches it.

The Guardian ignore him and shouts, "Now run!" Both of them run in opposite directions around the staggering Bushido. "And pull!" Both tug at once. It becomes apparent that the Guardian threw Ash one end of a thread so thin it's nearly invisible. Them running wrapped the thread around Bushido's legs. With them tugging, Bushido's mech topples.

Gliscorman and Gliscor run away from a gigantic arm slamming into the ground. He's panting.

Accelguard runs by and teases, "Come on, old man, can't keep up?"

Gliscorman shouts back, "These legs may not be as strong as they used to be, but they'll still keep me safe!"

Blaziken Mask shouts, "Stop teasing! We need to stay serious!" Blaziken leaps in and kicks the arm back down into the ground as it begins to rise again.

Accelguard notices an opening. He pulls out his remote and shouts, "Accel-Cycle, to me!" At his command, his bike motors in and he and Accelgor quickly mount it. Using the grounded arm as an impromptu ramp, the Mighty Accelguard rides his bike up on to the robot. As he rides, Accelgor buffets the machine's armored body with Swift. Unfortunately, it seems to do little damage.

However, this does seem to inspire Gliscorman. He shouts, "I've got it! Gliscor, use Guillotine multiple times on the chest plate!" Gliscor performs several flybys of the giant robot. It's too big to cut clean through anything, but it leaves several large gashes at varying angles. He looks to Blaziken Mask. "Can I get some muscle now?"

Blaziken Mask nods in understanding. "A wise plan. Do it, Blaziken!" Mega Blaziken leaps and performs a sweeping Blaze Kick on the compromised plating, knocking it right off the robot.

Gliscorman now shouts, "Accelguard, you're up!"

Accelguard, still riding his motorcycle across the robot, knows exactly what to do. He speeds straight towards the hole in the armor and drives his motorcycle straight in.

For a few tense moments, Gliscorman and Blaziken Mask watch with bated breath.

Then Accelguard shouts, "Struggle Bug!"

A harsh red light begin to filter out of the joints, then a second later, the entire robot explodes from the red shock wave of Struggle Bug. A second later, and the robot collapses with a crash.

Gliscorman realizes something and shouts with worry, "Accelguard!"

But then Accelguard, Accelgor, and their bike come rolling out from the destroyed robot. Accelguard cheers, "That was an absolute thrill! Let's do it again!"

Accelgor agrees, "Celgor!"

Gliscorman and Blaziken Mask laugh together.

Bushido's Slashogun is focusing entirely on Ninjato, but Ninjitsu does all it can to force itself into the fight. This leaves Kabutops to force in blows against Ninjato and Ninjitsu wherever it can manage without getting in Slashogun's way.

Ninjato and Slashogun lock blades, but Ninjitsu leaps in to attack Slashogun from the side. Slashogun is quick to use one arm to slash away Ninjitsu with its claws, forcing it to leap back. Kabutops is ready to attack, slashing down at the incoming Ninjitsu. Ninjitsu quickly contorts itself in order to parry the slash with its own blade.

Ninjato takes note of Ash and the Guardian, who are in the process of wrapping Bushido's legs with twine. Ninjato shouts at Ninjitsu, "Jato!"

Ninjitsu understands the order and is eager to please Ninjato. It musters up its strength and then uses its blade to push back against Kabutops with all its might. This throws Kabutops back into Slashogun, forcing them to crash into one another, just in time for Bushido to topple, and fall right on top of the two Pokémon.

With Bushido and his Pokémon momentarily down, this gives the Guardian the chance to dash over to the pillar where the mind control device is secured and swiftly cut it down with a slash of the sword.

Bushido slices through the twine holding his mech's legs together and gets back up. He shouts in anger, "Put that down, you swine!"

The Guardian firmly shouts, "Bushido, you've lost!"

This only causes Bushido to laugh. "Maybe you stop my mind control plot. Maybe you defeat my Pokémon. But you can't possibly win this battle! He beckons out to the city around them, much of it in ruins at this point. "I have an army."

Seeing something behind Bushido, the Guardian gives a slight confident chuckle. "We have a team." As Bushido is confused by this statement, the Guardian shouts, "Now!"

Blaziken Mask and Blaziken leap down from above. Blaziken lunges forward and delivers a powerful kick the knocks Bushido into the air.

Once Bushido is in the air, Gliscorman and Gliscor soar in, for Gliscor to swoop by and cut much of the mech suit's hydraulic cylinders with its pincers, immobilizing Bushido.

Then Accelguard and Accelgor leap down from above and perform an Accelgor Kick, forcing Bushido back to the ground.

The Guardian shouts, "And now we'll finish this, Ninja Lad!"

For once, Ash doesn't object to the name. Together he and the Guardian order, "Night Slash!"

Together Ninjitsu and Ninjato use Night Slash to cut through the cage surrounding Bushido. As he's unable to defend himself, they slice right through. They both grab Bushido and pull him out from his armor.

The Guardian declares, "As I said before, you've lost."

Bushido shakes his head in disapproval. "I had hoped to avoid employing such despicable tactics, but it would be even more dishonorable to allow you swine a victory. I may have lost, but so have you. You have failed to recognize my failsafe!" He throws an arm out towards the fallen body of the giant Samuroid.

Everyone questions with worry at once, "Failsafe…?" They look out towards the robot and spot a ticking countdown clock on front of the robot.

Bushido breaks out in laughter over his perceived triumph. "You've lost! Oh ho ho ho ho!"

Gliscorman strikes Bushido in the back of the head with one of his mechanical pincers, instantly knocking him out. "Oh, be quiet!"

The Guardian looks to Ash and says, "Ninja Lad… Ash, I need you to promise me something."

This catches Ash off-guard. "What?"

"Don't let my legacy die." Without waiting for a response, he leaps off the edge of the observation deck, down onto the fallen giant.

Ash shouts, "Guardian!"

He's ready to leap in after him, but Blaziken Mask and Blaziken hold him back, asserting, "It's too dangerous, Ash. The Guardian made his choice."

Ash watches helplessly as the Guardian runs across the robot, making it to the portion that counts down. He stabs his sword down into the machine and cuts out the countdown clock, and an explosive device along with it. With the bomb tucked beneath his arm, the Guardian leaps up, jumping from building to building, making his way higher and higher. Once at the top of the highest skyscraper he can reach, he leaps up. The beeping of the countdown clock becomes frantic. The Guardian twists around mid-air and hurls the bomb upwards just as it's exploding, creating a massive explosion that shakes the ground, even from the air. The shockwave quickly catches the Guardian and propels him towards the ground while also ripping up his costume.

Ash shouts again, "Guardian!" as he rips out from Blaziken Mask's hold.

Before he can do anything, Ninjato and Ninjitsu have leapt into action. Together they jump across the gap between buildings, leaping between this tower and the next, climbing steadily as they do so. They quickly intercept the Guardian as he falls. They continue on, carrying him across to the next tower, where they use their legs to skid down, slowing their descent. They then leap back across, now slowing themselves on the Needle Tower, before landing safely on the observation deck. They place the Guardian's limp body down on the floor.

Everyone runs over. Ash questions hesitantly, "Guardian… are you alright…?"

When there's no answer, everyone assumes the worst. But then the lament is interrupted by a sudden gasp for breath. The Guardian has woken up. He looks up at everyone around him and asks, "Hey, anyone up for sushi? I saw a sushi place nearby on my trip down." Despite his jovial statement, he winces in pain.

Ash cheers, "You're alright!"

Through his partially torn mask, the Guardian can be seen grinning. "Thanks in part to your great Pokémon partner. Thank you, Ninja Lad."

Ash laughs and Ninjitsu beams with pride. "You know, I might just be getting used to that name." He quickly adds, "Though, Ash Man would sound cooler."

The Guardian laughs and shakes his head. "No, it wouldn't."

Ash groans.

At the base of the tower, the team of superheroes hands custody of Bushido, once again conscious and bound by handcuffs, off to Officer Jenny and a team of heavily armed police. Officer Jenny salutes the heroes. "Thank you, brave heroes. We've been after this one for far too long."

Over the communicator, Brock shocks, "Is that Officer Jenny!? Tell her I say hi! No, tell her I propose to her! Tell her-" He's cut-off by a sudden thud, followed by a crash.

"Meteor."

Ignoring this, the Guardian responds to Jenny, "As have I. To finally have this criminal behind bars means everything to me." He looks up to the sky and says, "I've done it. I've finally beaten him. You can all rest easy." He looks at those around him. "No, we beat him. I owe you four everything."

Bushido announces, "If you think a mere jail can hold the great and honorable Bushido, then you've got another thing coming! I cannot be contained!"

Gliscorman swings his pincer at Bushido, stopping just short of hitting him. This causes Bushido to flinch. Everyone laughs at this.

The police load Bushido into an armored truck. He shouts, "You haven't seen the last of-!" He's interrupted by the doors slamming in his face. The police convey takes off.

The Guardian looks off at the convey as they vanish from sight. He says to himself, "It's finally over…"

Ninjato pats him on the back, sharing in his sentiment.

Ash asks, "Guardian, what's next for you?"

"I… don't know. My life has been completely dedicated to the pursuit of bringing Bushido to justice for years now. I'm not sure what my life entails now without him." He pauses for a moment. "I suppose it is time for me to pursue a passion I have had for the longest time, but have never had the time to follow."

Ash grins. "That sounds great."

The Guardian looks to the other heroes and asks, "And what of you three?"

Blaziken Mask beckons to the mind control device in his hands. "I'll be bringing this back to Kalos. I'll be certain to scold my son on how dangerous it was for him to build this. Not that he'll listen."

Gliscorman states, "And I think I'll go back to my roots for a little while. Head back home, remind myself why I started all this in the first place, and why it doesn't matter how old I am. Not to mention, I need to make sure I pass on my knowledge to the next generation. Afterall, what use is experience if it's not shared?"

Accelguard adds, "I'll be heading back home as well. There's a certain lady there that really needs to hear how important she is to me. I also think she has a lot to teach me. This battle has taught me I need to learn all I can from others. No more of this stubborn lone-wolf stuff. That's how I get past being an inexperienced rookie." He pauses. "You know, we really should keep in contact."

Gliscorman nods. "I agree. You never know when the world could use a team of heroes."

Blaziken Mask nods. "Indeed. I would be pleased to fight by all of your sides in the name of justice any day."

The Guardian nods. "Then I suppose it's official. We're a team now."

Accelguard suggests, "We should have a name. Something that strikes fear into the hearts of our foes. Something that swears we will avenge the weak." He thinks for a moment. "I know! We can be the Revengers!"

No one seems to like this name. Gliscorman asks, "What does that even mean?"

Accelguard shrugs. "I don't know, I just thought it sounded cool."

The Guardian shakes his head. "We don't pick names because they sound cool. We pick names because of what they represent." These words seem to resonate with Ash. "We're not out to seek revenge. We're not avenging anyone, because we will protect them before they ever need it. No, we are not avengers, we are Protectors."

Everyone nods in agreement, all liking the name.

Ash pulls off his mask and hands it to the Guardian. "Thanks for letting me borrow the costume."

The Guardian puts a hand out to stop Ash. "No, keep it. That costume is yours now. You are Ninja Lad. Do with the mantle as you please. Make me proud."

Ash nods. "Of course, I promise. But no, I won't be Ninja Lad, because you know what? You just helped me realize how to pick a name that everyone will like. When you picked a name for yourself, you didn't go with something like Ninja Man or the Black Shadow, or something else cool and obvious for a ninja hero, you called yourself the Guardian because that's what you are, first and foremost. You are a protector of the innocent and weak. I want my name to be like that. Therefore, my hero name will now be the Defender."

The Guardian slowly nods. "That sentiment proves that I have chosen correctly. Best of luck, Defender."

The Guardian then holds a fist into the air and announces, "Protectors, unite!" He puts his hand straight forward. The heroes see what he's doing and step in a circle to also place their hands in. The Guardian, Gliscorman, Accelguard, Blaziken Mask and the Defender all join together in a show of unity.

What an exciting adventure! Today we witnessed a team of heroes form, fall apart, then reform stronger than ever. It just goes to show that together we are stronger than the sum of our parts. Remember that, as the journey continues.

To Be Continued…

Ash, the Guardian, Blaziken Mask, Gliscorman, Accelguard, and their Pokémon crowd in around a table, silently eating away at plates of sushi. They all seem to be enjoying this break from the intense action and are all too engrossed in their food to speak.

Except one. On the other side of the table, the old man that Accelguard rescued takes a bite of sushi and announces, "This food is truly a marvel! Excelsior!"