33- Threatened.
There was going a celebration taking place in the Pokéstar Studios on Virbank City, one of the most famous places of Unova. It looked like the event was already ending, since people in expensive and luxurious clothes were already leaving. Curiously one of them was none other than Sinnoh's champion, Cynthia. She waved to the public before getting in a car, which started driving once she closed it's door.
"Uff, that calls for a day."
"Looks like you had a rough time dealing with fans." The driver seemed to say.
"Well you know, a celebrity's job isn't easy. It's true appreciates having someone to pick you."
"No problem, always a pleasure to take such an important guest."
"By the way, I didn't expect a sport car. I thought my contact was about to send a limousine."
"Actually, champion Cynthia, I'm am your contact today. Although not the one who you think."
"What do you mean with…" She said until realizing what it meant and gasped in surprise. "You are…"
Suddenly the seat belts adjusted tighter, leaving her no way to get free as she saw the driver disappeared, it was a hologram.
A laugh came from within the car, which was no one else than Knock Out. "Enjoy the ride while you can, because this is an only one-way ticket."
Moments later to this event, at New Iacon, the gang was still updating Goh about the events they lived alongside the Autobots and everything about the cybertronian war, Ash decided to test Lucario's new abilities with Pikachu and Sunstreaker was still knowing his new team.
"So let me get it straight: not only do we have Optimus here leading us but there's also his sparkmate Elita One, commander Ultra Magnus of the Elite Guard, and we also have a...what is called again?"
"Predacon, that's Predaking." Bumblebee ended.
"Yeah, and he is such a great help against the Cons, being able to stand against their own." Sideswipe added.
"Things must have been so tough around here for Prime leading so many Autobots." Sunstreaker guessed.
"Yeah, specially with the Star Seekers and one or another monster here as well. But hey, that doesn't mean we haven't had fun neither, specially with the children and pokémon around. Also...watch this."
Sideswipe used a little fishing rod and hooked it to one of Ratchet's items. Next he manipulated it so it landed above the one Ratchet was currently working, breaking both of them.
"Who was it?! I needed that!" Ratchet demanded furious.
As usual many of the present ones reacted laughing at that.
"Sorry doctor, I...I just can't help it." Goh apologized laughing.
"It's been a long time sine we heard it." Dawn admitted.
"Hahaha, the doctor's classic reaction, priceless." Sunstreaker laughed. "Alright, this team may not look not bad at all. Perhaps it can suit me if another lonesome as Wheeljack has learned to team up with non Wreckers."
"You can bet, kid." Arcee nodded. "So, think you will be up to the task?"
"Ha, bring it on. There's nothing unreachable when Sideswipe and I work side by side."
In that moment the alarm sounded.
"Looks like you will have your chance sooner than expected." Hot Rod sensed.
"What is it?" Ultra Magnus demanded.
"We have received a call from pokémon rangers, they say it's urgent." Blaster reported.
"What's the nature of the emergency?" Optimus asked.
"Not clear yet, sir. But it must be very serious if they have requested your presence on a usual meeting area." Fixit revealed as he showed the location.
"Virbank City?" Iris recognizing before whistling. "It is one of the most popular places of Unova, so it must be no joke."
"What could possible have happened?"
"Not sure Ash, but we better check it soon as possible. I'll also require your presence in case for a more personal approach." Optimus decided.
Moments later, a ground bridge transported Optimus in vehicle form to the city. He opened his door and allowed Ash, May, Serena, Goh, Ritchie and Iris to get out.
"Hey, are those the Pokéstar Studios? That's where the best movies are made." Ritchie identified.
"Indeed, they are. Me, Ash and another friend of ours represented some characters for one which was displayed." Iris remembered.
"Whoa, I never knew you also worked as movie star." Serena told to her boyfriend.
Ash smiled in embarrassment. "Well, it was nothing."
"And who are we supposed to meet with, Optimus?" Goh asked.
"Another special liaison chosen by pokémon rangers, one who has started to work alongside international police."
"Really? I wonder who?" May wondered.
Suddenly, Pikachu walked through the crowd, passing between their feet.
"Hey buddy, wait for us." Ash called.
The gang had it harder to pass through all those people. Or when they found Pikachu he was in front of a certain person.
"Hey wait a minute, isn't that?" May started.
"Yeah, she looks like. Is that you, Anabel?" Ash asked to a girl wearing a black uniform with long purple hair in a ponytail.
"Well Ash, it's been a while."
"You know her?" Iris asked.
"We both do, she's a member of the Battle Frontier, a group of tough pokémon trainers who Ash challenged around the Kanto region after the Hoenn league was over." May explained.
"Oh, so they are like some gym leaders or something like that." Serena understood.
"Well, that's one way to see it. It's good to see you two after so long." Anabel expressed before patting Pikachu. "And you too, Pikachu."
"Chu." Pikachu appreciated.
"Are you the liaison with the Autobots?" Ritchie asked surprised.
"Indeed, Cynthia suggested me as recommendation when pokémon rangers were looking for people of confidence." Anabel revealed.
"And what is it that you have called for our help?" Iris asked.
"I'm afraid to say this, but it appears champion Cynthia has been kidnapped."
"What?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"By who?" Serena asked.
"We are not sure yet, but it is imperative that we find her as soon as possible. If whoever has taken her is looking for what she knows, it could compromise the secret regarding the cybertronian conflict." Anabel explained.
At the same time, in a dark and hidden place, Knock Out was talking with his superiors on a screen.
"I'm pleased to announce the take-the-human-and-run has been a success. The pokémon champion is now under my custody."
"Well done, Knock Out." Xiaxus complemented.
"You have performed flawless for once." Darkscream opined.
"Not that I wish to make you chance opinion about me by saying this but, how exactly that human is going to help our cause?" Knock Out questioned.
"That champion was present the first time we met the humans who assist the Autobots. Besides pokémon rangers, she's the only one who knows about our existence on this planet, so she must be some kind of special contact between their worlds."
"So she must be aware of any events regarding our conflict, keeping the Autobots updated on any news related to our actions." Xiaxus continued.
"And their too, which means she must know any vital intelligence from the Autobots, including the location of their actual whereabouts. Accessing any of it could prove highly tactical for us."
"Just leave it to me. I know how to be persuasive when my items are required for such procedure."
"Alright Knock Out, we'll leave it to you. Contact us once you have something to communicate." Xiaxus instructed.
"However I advise you to wait until troops has tidy up the place around." Darkscream advised before ending transmission.
What Darkscream was referring to was the fact that the place they were right now was abandoned and full of dismantled equipment everywhere, with dust as the only abundant element.
Knock Out sighed in annoyance. "A least humans could have been more careful about leaving the place a little more clean before abandoning it. Better make sure no dust ruins my paint, need to be shinier as possible for our guest."
Back to the gang, who now were in a more private place alongside Anabel and Optimus too …
"So as you hear, after attempting the preview of Detective Pikachu, Cynthia was picked up by a car instead of a limousine as it was supposed to happen." Anabel narrated.
"What kind of car it was?" Ritchie asked.
"According to some witnesses it was a red sports car looking like completely out of factory. In other words, shining with the lights."
"With not any stains or dents in all its chassis?" May added.
"Yes, not any."
"Does any of that sounds you familiar?" Goh asked.
"Unfortunately yes, we know the Decepticon who fits into that description." Serena confirmed.
"Knock Out." Ash named.
"So it was the Decepticons' doing." Iris nodded. "But what would they want with champion Cynthia?"
"It's pretty obvious, she's the only person beside us, Anabel and the pokémon rangers who know about they and the Autobots." Ritchie explained.
"It's more than that: champion Cynthia also organizes the circle of trustworthy humans which according to her are selected to guard our secret. She's also updated of all our events, even the smallest." Optimus revealed. "The Decepticons may be aware of this too, hoping to access to our most well guarded information through her."
"Then we need to find her as soon as we can." Ash encouraged.
"But where she could be?" Ritchie asked.
"What intrigues me is how they figured out where exactly she was in that moment. Cynthia only reported us about her route, a rule giving her actual position." Anabel pointed.
"Unless it was intercepted." Optimus deduced.
"Intercepted? What do you mean?" May questioned.
"You mean the Decepticons were listening and caught the conversation by coincidence?" Serena detailed.
"I don't know, it sounds pretty difficult to me." Goh opined.
"Not with a listening post." Optimus said.
"A what?!" Everyone asked.
"Impossible, there's no building in the whole region which is made for such purpose."
"Maybe not initially agent Anabel, but perhaps the Decepticons have modified certain equipment to make it work as such. Or some already existing." Optimus realized before opening his com-link. "Blaster, I require a quick check on the known locations belonging to Team Alien. Search for any used on the Unova region."
"Right away, Prime." Blaster responded.
"What if none of those places are in the region? How are we gonna find Cynthia?" Dawn asked.
"I think we should come up with a plan B." Tracey suggested.
"We're already working on it." Ratchet answered without looking at them, since he and Clemont seemed focused on something.
"Hum big brother, what are you and Ratchet doing now?"
"Working on a new way to track down Decepticons."
"Eh, not with intention of dropping your morale but, it isn't supposed our enemies' life signals can't be detected by us?" Smokescreen recalled.
"Yeah, not even Blaster is able with all his skills." Moonracer added.
"Yeah, we know that, but our idea is not focused of tracking their life signals as usual. We are thinking on an alternative one." Ratchet revealed.
"Really? Which one?" Max wondered.
"While the Nemesis and our base's systems are programmed to detect life signals, this modification will be focused on the signal of one's unique energon signature." Clemont explained.
"You mean just like I used to track and hunt down during my first life moments?" Predaking reminded.
"Precisely." Ratchet confirmed. "And since it's not related to the same frequencies used for life signals, the Decepticons should not be aware of this, so they wouldn't have any kind of countermeasures."
"So you mean we should be able to track down Knock Out by his energon, right?" Misty understood.
"That's right." Clemont nodded.
"Whoa, advance science is so amazing." Ash expressed from the other side.
"I have to admit it's a very smart idea." Arcee admitted.
"It still sounds to me a little complicated." Warpath opined.
"Bumblebee, get the fastest ones of the team ready to move just in case, we don't know how long will take it to detect any promising trails."
"Understood Elita."
"And how much you need to finish it?" Max asked.
"Just a little more, and….done it." Clemont announced.
"Optimus, get ready your device. We will send you the tracker program at the moment." Ratchet warned.
"Copy that, old friend."
After ending the call, Optimus pulled out a scanner he carried and waited for Ratchet's sending. A couple of seconds later it beeped, sign that it received the update.
"Let's hope our friends' undoing works." The Autobot leader wished while he started the program.
Optimus moved the scanner from one side to another, until it sounded a little louder at one direction.
"Well look at that, it's nice when things which Clemont works with do their job without exploding next." Ritchie said.
"Huh?" Goh asked in confusion.
"Now we know where Knock Out went." Ash announced.
"I don't think it's coincidence either that the signal heads right that direction."
"What do you mean, Blaster?" Iris asked.
"I just registered the data and its seems your intuition was right: it seems Team Alien happened to conceal another facility on Unova."
"Those villains possessed a base somewhere here at home?!"
"And not just an ordinary one: it was a listening post they were settling up to intercept enemy communications."
"That should explain how they managed to find her so efficiently." Anabel realized.
"Blaster, prepare the ground bridge for mobilize our volunteers." Optimus commanded. "Agent Anabel, communicate the situation to pokémon rangers. If the Decepticons have found a way to access human communications network everyone's safety may be compromised."
"What about us? We go back to base?"
"Actually Ash, I may need you and your friends' assistance once more, in case we are going to stop the Decepticons on their tracks and save our friend as well."
Back to the listening post occupied by the Decepticons…
"Have you heard it? It seems we now have a VIP human under our custody." Spacestream revealed walking alongside other female Cons.
"Really? The she human who we met on our first encounter with the Autobots?" Roadkill recalled.
"Yes, the same one."
"And she's on this outpost?" Nightbird asked in disbelief.
"It appears her captor is going to persuade her to obtain possible valuable information about the enemy." Slipstream explained.
"And the one who got her is Knock Out?" Nova Storm.
"The same one in your presence, ladies." Knock Out suddenly answered, posing with a naughty look. "Yeah, I know girls, not every day you can be on presence of a hard-worker and good looking Con like me. Consider yourselves lucky for deserving my attention today. Perhaps after extracting all juicy info from that champion's tongue I'll still have enough time to hang out with one of you. What do you say?"
"Are you...trying to flirt with us?" Slipstream suspected.
"What exactly is flirt?" Nightbird asked confused.
"Sorry Doc Knock, but I don't like arrogant Cons who are in love with their own appearance. I prefer the smart and cautious type." Nova Storm confessed.
"Like Thundercracker, right?" Slipstream teased.
"You are dating Darkscream's sibling?!" Roadkill asked in disbelief.
"Well, good for you. Probably we could hang out in a double couple date sometimes." Spacestream said.
"Huh?! Seriously?!
"What do you mean, Spacestream?" Nightbird questioned.
"You are much closer to Darkscream than we imagined, is it?" Roadkill deduced.
"Well yeah. Actually I've liked him since the first time we met. And now that he's acting like a good leader I feel more attracted to him, for how matured he has become."
"Whoa, unbelievable. That my brother has managed to find such good candidate for sparkmate." Slipstream expressed.
"Oh come on, really? A good-looking bot like you, with Darkscream?! Then I advise you to be prepared in case he doesn't respond to your feelings that way."
"Don't be so extreme Knock Out, we talked about this before and he confessed he had similar feelings for me as well, even that he missed me during his lonely period." Spacestream revealed.
"Good for you. As for you, doctor, you should work a little on your personality before even thinking about looking for a whole-life partner." Nova Storm warned.
"Just wait and see, then we could talk about future plans."
"No thank you. If I would have to partner with someone in the future, I think I would pick Stinger instead of you. At least he knows to stay alert all time and avoid senseless distractions." Roadkill provoked, making the other female Decepticons laugh as they left Knock Out.
"You should focus on the task assigned by our superiors and let distractions aside for when you are not on duty." Shatter advised him as she passed next to him.
"Hump, not that I'm planning to ask you out, Ms. Special deadly agent. I hope that she human is not as zappy as those."
Knock Out entered a big room where Cynthia was hanging from two chains wrapped around her arms. In that moment she regained consciousness.
"Well, about time. Wakey-wakey, human celebrity, it's an honor to meet you in person." Knock Out greeted.
Meanwhile, Bumblebee and Sunstreaker were transported to an island somewhere near Unova's shore.
"Bumblebee, we suspect the Decepticons have been monitoring our human companions' communications. Ratchet and Clemont's new invention has discovered a trail left belonging to Knock Out's energon signature and Blaster as tracked it to somewhere around this island." Optimus reported by com-link.
"So that means Cynthia must be on this island somewhere."
"We were unable to pinpoint the location. We want you and Sunstreaker to investigate the only facility located on top of the island. Optimus and the others will land and look over the island's limits." Elita continued.
"Once you have a clue about where possibly Cynthia may be detained we will send the children to infiltrate and rescue her while we draw their attention. Good luck." Optimus ended.
"Well Sunstreaker, it seems it is just you and me for the moment."
"Well, I don't have any problem when it comes to operate solo, so it will be fine."
"Autobots, be sure your stealth force is functioning properly." Ultra Magnus advised.
"Great, I've been waiting for a chance to test my new vehicle mode."
"You may be surprised, the stealth force allows us now to engage our enemies in our alt modes now." Bee revealed.
"Weapons also have been upgraded, so they should be more powerful." Fixit added.
"Cool, I can't wait to see them in action." Sunstreaker said.
"Probably you'll have your chance, let's roll out." Bumblebee proclaimed.
Both Autobots transformed and started their way up to the building. Sunstreaker was now showing an alt form similar to Sideswipe.
"Guys, Smokescreen here, I am detecting no human activity in this island."
"According to agent Anabel P2 Laboratory was Team Plasma's research facility where they performed the restoration process which created Genesect." Blaster reported.
"It's stands to reason that after their fall, Team Alien reclaimed it as all their remains and adapted it as listening post. Keep your guard up, any place would serve as a perfect Decepticon hideout." Optimus warned.
"And what do we do when we find a Decepticon transmitter?" Bumblebee asked.
"Upload Blaster's virus. It will override the transmission code so we can protect human communications' network from future Decepticon hacks."
"So it will be like giving humans a Decepticon-proof firewall, good plan." Sunstreaker opined.
After a while driving up the island…
"Optimus, we're approaching the outpost. Our readings indicates it is still active." Bumblebee reported.
"It must the Decepticons, they gotta be." Sunstreaker opined.
"If we get closer we may be able to confirm it."
The Autobot duo continued their approach until they managed to spot the building at the distance. It wasn't the only clue they got.
"We are getting a signal. It's a Decepticon one." Sunstreaker reported.
"This confirms they have being making use of Team Alien's remains, also that this may be where they got Cynthia." Bee suspected.
"Find an access point and get inside the facility." Optimus instructed.
The Autobots reached the building's entrance, but were forced to transform and hide because it was guarded by a few Decepticon guardians in sentry mode. Meanwhile, inside the outpost…
"First of all, don't pretend you are surprised by seeing us, we already know you had knowledge of our kind for a while." Knock Out started.
"Let me guess, you have intention of taking information out of me by force no matter how I will react." Cynthia answered back. "You are not the first villain I encounter."
"Wow, you know the drill better than I thought. Fine, this will make it easier. Probably you don't know the interrogation methods used by the Decepticons, but maybe you have a guess of what awaits you."
"If you are the one who's going to perform them then it doesn't troubles me. You don't look like the tough guy, more like a braggart or one who prefers jobs where your safety doesn't peril."
"Oh, I'm an open book to you. Very well little lady, you got my attention. Then I'm sure we both can come to an agreement."
"Ha, the fact you look nicer than your other companions doesn't mean I am going to fall to your tricks. You'll have to make me."
"Oh no, no no no, miss champion. I'm sure a pretty lady like you wouldn't have her pretty looks ruined. Trust me, the efforts of looking this great are much harder than you think."
"It doesn't matter to me."
"What?! Scrap, I thought it will work, after all ladies appreciates their appearance more than anything."
"You have a simplified impression about human women."
Knock Out groaned in defeat, this was not going to be easy as he thought at first.
"In that case, I'll access your bank account and make all your money disappear."
"Do you really think being a pokémon trainer is a job to earn money?"
"Then I'll leave you starve."
"I'm not of use to you if I'm not alive."
Knock Out groaned, starting to lose patience, until he smirked as an idea came to his mind. "Perhaps, but can you say the same? I'm certain some other humans will not know anything of use to me, but maybe for you they may be important enough to consider their safety."
In that moment Cynthia gasped in shock, knowing what Knock Out was referring to. "No. Don't you dare hurting my family. They have nothing to do with this!"
"Maybe, or maybe not, that depends on you. So, you can cooperate and leave this matter between us or…"
Back outside…
"Guys." Ash called low from behind a tree.
Bumblebee waved them to they approach silently. Ash came with Serena, Goh, Ritchie, Iris, May and this time Fixit joined them.
"There are a couple of guardians protecting the entrance." Bee reported.
"So maybe Cynthia may be here." Iris said.
"You may be right. According with this Knock Out passed through here and entered the structure." Fixit showed on his scanner.
"Who knows what kind of torture they could be inflicting to Cynthia. We gotta help her right away." Serena hurried.
"But how with those guys with their scanning sensors?" Goh asked.
"Should we try a distraction?" Ritchie suggested.
"No need for that, buddy. I think we can pass those guys without being detected if we wait for the right times." Sunstreaker proposed.
"Think we can do it?"
"Trust me Bee, I know it can be done. Cliffjumper once boasted in front of Jazz about one time he did it. And I just happen to heard it by coincidence."
While the guardians continued their watch the two Autobots, human children and pokémon followed Sunstreaker once he gave the signal and followed him wherever he moved. They managed to hide behind some pillars and abandoned construction cylinders, avoiding the guardians' scanning sensors. They were just one move to the entrance. Bumblebee decided to try luck once he thought the coast was clear, but unfortunately one of the guardians turned suddenly and spotted him, changed to his combat mode and fired his plasma cannons at the entrance's ceiling, tearing down a few parts which fell above the Autobot.
"One Autobot detected, proceeding with interrogation." The guardian said changing form again and approaching Bumblebee.
"Scrap." Sunstreaker cursed. "I told him to move when I say it."
"We have to do something." Ash said.
"We are your companions, Autobot?" The guardian demanded.
"What companions? It's just me, that's how scouts operates."
"You don't operate alone." The guardian pulled out some blades on his arms. "I'll ask you one more time, are they others around?"
"Look above you, one-eye creep." A new voice called.
The guardian turned his head up, and next it was cut off from the rest of the body. Bumblebee and everyone else got surprised when they saw his savior: a cybertronian brandish a sword who looked like a samurai. The other guardian saw him and changed to battle mode before charging against him, but the cybertronian samurai pulled out another sword from his back before sprint at very high speed around the Decepticon. Once it stopped the guardian did as well and turned at him, right before all the parts of his body fell in pieces: it seemed the samurai managed to slice with precision the weak points of the guardian's armor.
"Whoa, that was just…" Sunstreaker expressed.
"Who's that bot? Is he…?" Goh followed.
"No way. Is him, he's back." Ritchie recognized.
"It's Drift! Drift!" May called.
The Autobot samurai pushed the rubble aside and offered Bumblebee his hand.
"You have no idea how great is to see you after a long time, Drift."
"I feel the same, Bumblebee. And I see you managed to recover what you lost. Thank the Allspark."
"Hey Drift, long time no seeing you." Ash saluted.
"When did you get back?" Serena asked.
"Children! How sparkwarming is to set optics on you again." Drift greeted.
"You don't see like have changed a bit, except for a little cosmetic detail." Ritchie pointed, seeing now Drift was now red instead of blue.
"How did you get here?" Sunstreaker asked.
"I tracked down a couple suspecting signals and followed them to this place. Once I recognized it was Decepticons I decided to figure out what they were up to." Drift answered.
"How timely you arrived on this moment, we could use your help. We need to plant a virus on a Decepticon transmitter and draw the Cons' attention if we want any chance of rescuing Cynthia." Bumblebee told.
"Then we better start right away to save that brave woman."
"Ash, you and Fixit go search for her through the lab, we will try to force the Decepticons out."
The human group and the Minibot entered the base while the Autobots went through another route after Sunstreaker pulled out a blaster on his wrist and fired at an antenna on top of the structure. Back inside…
"You can bet I'm not joking on this matter, my dear champion. I just need to key a few buttons to search for where your family lives, and voilá!" Knock Out announced showing the screen.
"Voilá what?" Cynthia asked serious.
"Eh?" Knock Out turned back to the screen and saw a message saying error with a Magnemite zapping a cable. "Argh, I don't have time for pokémon jokes and advertising commercials."
"It appears Internet doesn't work."
"You think? I'm sure it's just a sudden shutdown because of a line test, it should return right away." The Decepticon medic reassured, but after a while getting the same result he started to get nervous.
"It sounds to me the reception antenna has received some kind of damage. Why don't go check it?"
"Huh? Oh right, yes, yes that should work. Ejem, go and see what has happened out there." Knock Out commanded to the Vehicons present.
Meanwhile, the group continued their way deeper into the lab. Ash called Lucario to help them find where Cynthia was by using his aura sense. Suddenly, he signaled them to stop, so everyone hide before see passing some Vehicons.
"There are Decepticons inside the outpost, we must be close." Iris sensed.
"Where now, Lucario?" Ash asked.
The pokémon focused on his sense again, and after a while navigating through the walls of the base he finally found the right path, starting leading the group. After a couple of minutes they finally found where Knock Out and Cynthia were, but decided to not act yet. Meanwhile, the Autobots explored other parts of the base until they found a cybertronian device connected to a terminal of the base by some cables.
"That must be it." Drift recognized.
"Let's plant the virus." Sunstreaker said.
"I hope the children have already found Cynthia." Bee wished while he inserted his arm into the device, making some of its parts whirl a little. "Done. Optimus, the virus is planted, Blaster can now do his magic."
"Good, now leave before they find you."
The trio returned back to the entrance, only to find Vehicons checking the antenna and the remains of their comrades, and one spotted them.
"Autobots, destroy them!" The squad leader ordered while one transformed and left driving.
"Scrap, a Decepticon is escaping!" Bumblebee alerted while he, his teammates and the Decepticons started a shooting.
Those sounds reached the inside, making Knock Out to get distracted, allowing the gang to send Pikachu and Greninja to cut Cynthia's restrains with Iron Tail and Cut, before being grabbed by May's Venusaur with Vine Whip.
"What? More humans? And pokémon as well?! What are you doing?!" Knock Out demanded.
But he had no time to react when Ash and Ritchie fired at him their cybertronian weapons, but it was Sparky's Thunder Shock was affected him most. Next he received fast hits from Cinderace, Blaziken and Fraxure by using Double Kick, Sky Uppercut and Scratch while Delphox, Lucario, Venusaur and Greninja attacked him from the distance with Mystical Fire, Aura Sphere, Razor Leaf and Water Shuriken. At the end the combined hits took him down.
"Honestly I didn't expect you kids of all would be the ones who would rescue me." Cynthia confessed.
"Thanks can come later, we now need to get out of here." Ash suggested.
The whole group started their getaway while Knock Out started to recuperate. For his shock the first thing he saw was his finish a little scratched, but enough for him to lose it.
"No, NOOOOOOO! You have messed my finish, I'll make you pay!"
The Decepticon went after them, but his screams already revealed him, so Fixit deployed his missile launchers and fired two at him. That shocked Knock Out, who changed to vehicle form and drove back to avoid them. When they passed a door Fixit took the chance to close it pulling out a drill of his hand and destroying it's terminal. That caused the huge door to close slowly, and because Knock Out put more distance to avoid the missiles he couldn't reach in time. He changed his hands for his buzz saws to try cutting through the doors. At the same time the Autobots finished with the Decepticons on the entrance.
"Guys, Sideswipe here. I'm running down the Con who bolted you, but my sensors are picking up several others coming your way."
"Autobots, we can't let any Decepticons get away! If even one escapes, Darkscream and Xiaxus will learn of the virus!" Optimus warned.
"Then I guess we will have to shoot them all." Sunstreaker deduced.
"We better get started as soon as possible. Let's roll out." Bumblebee said.
While the Autobots transformed and went to hunt down their enemies, the gang exited the base and called out Zippo, Garchomp and Dragonite to ride on them and left flying, even Fixit, who was carried by Dragonite. Meanwhile…
"Blaster, I require the use of your recon radar to locate our targets." Bumblebee requested.
"On it." The Autobot communication officer nodded. "There it goes. And talking about good luck, it appears no enemies are attempting to leave the island. Instead they seem to be assembling something in the island's port."
The Autobots reached a cliff, where they could have a better look of what the Decepticons were doing.
"It's a long range transmitter, they will use it to contact their warship." Drift recognized.
"It appears I did right on following my instinct when I shot down the base's antenna. We need to take it out!" Sunstreaker said.
"The rest of the team and I won't get there in time, you must handle it by your own." Optimus reported.
"We will have to make a quick run for it before they can send any message." Bee decided.
The Autobots spotted the transmitter in middle of the harbor, protected by lot of Vehicons who fired when they saw them. Bumblebee fired a storm of missiles in vehicle form, taking out most of them while Sunstreaker deployed blasters at the sides of his vehicle form and eliminated the remaining ones while Drift continued at the transmitter and performed the same as Bee before. That caused it to generate some energy on it's center, retract it's antenna before exploding.
"How did you...never mind. It's done."
"Don't celebrate it yet, Sun. We got company." Bumblebee warned.
"Wait, did you just call me Sun? Only Sideswipe has called me that."
Suddenly more Vehicons came from within the island heading for the Autobots. Bumblebee and Sunstreaker used the remains of the first Vehicons and the transmitter as the only cover against their shots while Drift managed to deflect some lasers back to them.
"We are getting cornered and with less and less space to move." Bumblebee noticed.
"I will not be able to hold them off like this much longer." Drift warned.
"You can't hold out forever Autobots! You are alone!" One Vehicon provoked.
Suddenly a couple of missiles impacted between them, stopping the Decepticons' approach.
"An Autobot is never alone!" Optimus proclaimed standing in the air.
Immediately Smokescreen, Hot Rod, Arcee, Wheeljack, Moonracer and Sideswipe came from different ways and gathered next to Optimus, who landed in front of them with his gatling gun ready and Predaking, who grabbed the nearest Con and smashed him against others.
"About time." Bumblebee greeted.
"Now, what were you saying?" Sunstreaker taunted.
"Ready for a real battle, bro?"
"Like old times, bro."
The combined effort of the team forced the Decepticons to fall back into the island.
"Autobots, this way! Let's move to higher ground!" Optimus commanded before looking at the newcomer. "Welcome back home, Drift."
"Glad to be back at last. Once this is done, count on me to watch our champion friend."
The Autobots moved inland following their enemies' tracks. It lead them back near the laboratory, but there they encountered a lot of enemy forces.
"Wow, that's a lot of Cons." Smokey expressed.
"Looks like they gave up telling on us and just want to finish us off!" Drift understood.
"They're welcome to try." Predaking said.
Seeing the Decepticon forces were bigger than they first expected, the Autobots decided to use their special weapons.
"Whoa, you guys have secret guns? When did you plan on telling me?"
"Did you really think I forgot about you, Sun? Catch." Sideswipe said passing him a huge gun.
Without answering back, Sunstreaker grabbed the weapon properly and fired it, making it launch some kind of grenade which divided into multiple ones which exploded, catching some Vehicons: it was a cybertronian heavy grenade launcher.
"A chaos-rift combustor, I haven't seen one of this since the great exodus." Sunstreaker recalled. "Now I have my welcome home present."
Suddenly Drift transformed one of his arms into some kind of weapon which fired a sharp round blade. A Decepticon heavy soldier dodged it, but the blade bounced off a wall and pierced through his back.
"You also have upgraded your own arsenal, Drift." Moon noticed.
"But I thought you didn't like guns anymore." Hot Rod reminded.
"And it is, but this caught my attention. It makes me feel like I'm still using my blades, the same way as a blaster." Drift responded while he charged up the weapon, firing this time three blades.
"A gear shredder, smart choice." Wheeljack congratulated while he prepared to launch a grenade. "Although I prefer a more explosive solution." And the grenade got another group of Cons.
"Optimus, it seems your efforts are drawing too much attention: all the Decepticon signals present on the island are heading right at you." Blaster reported.
"Good, that way we'll dispose of all the stationed here and leave the outpost defenseless."
"So are we going to blow up that building?" Arcee asked.
"Ha, I like where this is heading." Wheeljack expressed.
"Look, incoming!" Bumblebee warned.
While they finished the last ones in land, they saw approaching aerial soldiers and helicopters. They tried to attack them from the air, but Wheeljack's weapon managed to break their formation. Also, Optimus's shoulders opened, revealing some launchers which fired some missiles which shot down the remaining ones.
"Wow, so that's what Ratchet and you were up to in his lab." Smokescreen figured out.
"Heads up, we haven't finished yet!" Bumblebee warned, seeing a pair of leapers jumping at them.
That was not the only thing, a rain of explosions revealed them the last asset sent by the Decepticons.
"A titan? Cons have titans as well?!" Hot Rod asked in disbelief, seeing a huge Decepticon as big as Grimlock.
"I'll take care of it." Predaking volunteered charging against it, pushing the leapers aside.
While the Autobots faced the leapers, Predaking engaged the titan head on, starting by ripping its nucleon shock cannon off his arm before grabbing his hands, starting a pushing fight.
"Sideswipe, we use our old tactic?" Sunstreaker proposed.
"Ready when you are, bro."
Both twins stood on tiptoe, making the wheels of their feet move there, and started to move like if they were skating, moving faster around their enemies, dodging their attacks and position behind them, moment they took to cut their engines with their blades. That started to overload them, ending exploding. Predaking also managed to subject his opponent, pushing him against the floor before finishing him with his sword.
"The last Cons are the ones still inside the base." Blaster informed.
"Predaking, time to leave that post out of order." Optimus authorized.
"At last." He said before transforming.
"Wait, where are the children? And Cynthia?" Moon recalled.
"Right here guys!" Goh called arriving with everyone else.
Seeing everyone safe and sound Optimus nodded to Predaking, who headed to the laboratory. Once there, he charged his fire at maximum possible and launched a huge fireball which entered through a hole in the ceiling, causing a huge explosion with flames which started to consume everything. Knock Out managed to escape moments before, finally making a way out with his buzz saws, with the image of the building in flames as the next thing he saw, which let him shocked.
"Whoa, feels good to be at the same firepower level as the Cons for once." Sunstreaker said.
"Hey, if you liked that then wait and see what Ritchie and I use to do in weekends." Sideswipe started.
"Good job, everyone. With our friend back with us, the human communications network shielded and the outpost no more, we've finally turned the tables on the Decepticons." Optimus congratulated.
Time after that, Knock Out returned back to the Nemesis.
"Seriously Knock Out, we are very disappointed with you. You told us you would be able to handle that by your own." Xiaxus reproached.
"And now look at us: no listening post, no prisoner and not even any data of use. Just another bunch of casualties and rumors about another Autobot on Earth, just what Prime needs to swell his ranks." Darkscream continued. "And you just complains about a mere scratches inflicted by a couple of humans and their pokémon."
"You call all this a mere scratches?! If you were in my place, surely you'll…"
"Enough, Knock Out! This failure of yours has proven that you are not suitable for being in command on vital operations. So return back to your lab and do what you're good at."
"Aye-aye, her general."
"Didn't you say you were going to have time to hang out with us after this? Looks like it will take it longer giving the fact you being grounded." Roadkill teased.
"Well, we can always invite him by ourselves. Oh wait, I forgot, he may don't like what we used to do when hanging out, doing our duty." Slipstream added.
Knock Out didn't reply, simply continued his way mumbling something, probably that they shut up or leave him in peace. On the other hand, in appreciation of their valor rescuing her, Cynthia invited the whole gang to a party on, surprise, the same castle of Kalos where one time Ash, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie assisted as part of an event on which Serena almost danced with Ash. The whole group assisted wearing elegant suits and dresses (Ash, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie wore the same like the previous time; May was wearing the same dress like in movie 8; Dawn was wearing her usual dress she wore during pokémon contests and Iris used a dress similar to the one she once used on a film) suitable for the occasion.
"Whoa, this place is impressive." Iris expressed amazed.
"It looks like a palace." Ritchie observed.
"Do you really think we are dressed right for the occasion?" Max wondered, apparently not very comfortable with his suit.
"I have no doubt I chose well."
"Yeah, you're right May. You look really nice."
"Hehe, thanks Clemont."
"Big brother, are you okay? Why are you red like a tomato?"
"Let him alone, Bonnie. Trust me, better not get between them on this matter." Misty said taking her and Max aside.
"Excuse me kids, there's a girl in the entrance who says knows one of you." Cynthia called. "Who of you is Goh?"
"Huh? Where is she?" Goh asked before checking the guess list. "Hey, I know her, it's my friend Chloe. Let her in, I'll watch over her."
"I still can't believe all this is for us." Serena said.
"Thank you for this chance." Ash appreciated.
"I'm the one who should thank you for coming to my aid, Optimus made the right choice. Now, why don't you take the chance and enjoy yourselves? I got a few things to discuss with Anabel and others."
"Okay."
"You know Ash, in that time when we attended that event here and had to dance in pairs, I...wanted you to be my couple. But because Eevee was too shy and needed someone to pair with I couldn't. So, if it's fine to you, I'll like to…"
"Of course Serena, you don't need to ask."
Serena made a warn smile at hearing her boyfriend answer her that. "Thank you Ash."
"By the way guys, here's a playlist Blaster gave us for this occasion." Max announced putting in inside Clemont's laptop.
You see tonight, it could go either way
hearts balanced on a razor blade
We are designed to love and break
and to rinse and repeat it all again
I get stuck when the world's too loud
and things don't look up when you're going down
And I know your arms are reaching out
from somewhere beyond the clouds
Feeling the rhythm and words of the song, Ash and Serena started to dance together like a couple pulled out from a fairy tale.
You make me feel
like my troubled heart is a million miles away
You make me feel
like I'm drunk on stars and we're dancing out in the space
Celestial, celestial
"Hey, look how good they dance together." Goh pointed.
"No doubt they are meant for each other." Tracey said.
"Hey Clemont, wanna try?" May offered.
"Em, I'm not sure May. I'm not such a good dancer."
"You'll never know if you don't try. Come one." She said grabbing him by the hands.
"Miss, you wanna allow me this dance?" Ritchie offered to Dawn, who blushed in response.
"It will be my pleasure."
"While we let them on their own world, how about if we dance just for fun?"
"Great idea, Misty." Bonnie accepted.
"Yeah, let's have fun with our pokémon." Max added.
"Pika pi." Pikachu and Sparky said nodding.
"Pi piplup." Piplup followed.
You see the light shining through the rain
a thousand colors in a brighter shade
Needed to rise from the lowest place
there's a silver lining that surrounds the gray
When I get lost will you come back around?
things don't look up when you're going down
Know your arms they are reaching out
from somewhere beyond the clouds
You make me feel
like my troubled heart is a million miles away
You make me feel
like I'm drunk on stars and we're dancing out in the space
Celestial, celestial
The different couples started dancing next to Ash and Serena in a similar way: May and Clemont, being her the one leading while Dawn and Ritchie did almost like Ash and Serena. Misty, Bonnie and Max simply enjoyed with the pokémon, Tracey and Iris in a similar way while Goh and Chloe danced almost like the couples.
We were made to be nothing more than this
Finding magic in all the smallest things
The way we notice that's what really matters let's
Make tonight go on and on and on (x2)
You make me feel
like my troubled heart is a million miles away
You make me feel
like I'm drunk on stars and we're dancing out in the space
Celestial, celestial, celestial
We were made to be nothing more than this
Finding magic in all the smallest things
The way we notice that's what really matters let's
Make tonight go on and on and on
Celestial
The couples continued dancing immersed in their magical world, Serena and Ash's foreheads touching each other, May pressing her head on Clemont's chest, making him to blush a lot and Ritchie with Dawn both laughing while they looked at each other's eye. Outside Cynthia looked at them through a window smiling, maybe she had something to do with that. After a while, everyone was satisfied and resting, the three couples still together.
"Looks like you have had a good time." Cynthia noticed. "Tell me Ash, since I've you're interested of becoming a pokémon master, have you heard about the World Coronation Series?"