Episode 133: Some Assembly Required
It's night, and Ash, Pikachu, ad Ninjitsu are running in hot pursuit of Team Rocket. Ash shouts, "You won't get away with this, Team Rocket!"
Ninjitsu adds, "Nin!"
Jessie looks back and makes a rude face to taunt Ash with.
Wobbuffet appears to add, "Wobbuffet!" and then makes the same rude face.
James, who's carrying a package beneath one of his arms, shouts back, "We're already getting away! You can't catch us!"
Meowth adds, "This fancy piece of technology here is now under the illegitimate ownership of Team Rocket!"
Brock and Brenda are also chasing them, though are more behind.
It would seem that today, Team Rocket has tried stealing something other than Pokémon. I think we can all guess how this will go down.
Ash shouts, "Ninjitsu, get them!"
"Jitsu!" Ninjitsu leaps forward, using its speed to catch up with Team Rocket. But before it can fully approach them, a large robotic samurai falls from the sky and intercepts the Pokémon. The samurai robot and the ninja Pokémon lock blades.
Ash shouts in surprise, "Wha!?"
Jessie laughs. "We've got quite a bit of muscle on our side this time! There's no way you're defeating this Samuroid!"
Ninjitsu makes several quick strikes with its blade arms in an attempt to overwhelm the robot, but the Samuroid is able to deflect each one with its own unnatural agility.
Ash, Brock, and Brenda come to stop as they realize they won't be able to pass the robot. Ash suggests, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
"Pikaaaaa chuuuuuuu!" Pikachu fires a lightning bolt at the Samuroid, but the robot quickly stabs its sword into the ground, grounding it and causing the electricity to pass right through, leaving it unharmed.
Ninjitsu attempts to attack while its sword is stuck in the ground, but the Samuroid grabs Ninjitsu by the arm and tosses it aside.
Team Rocket have stopped running, and they laugh in joy, savoring the feeling of victory. Meowth cheers, "This is the best team-up we've ever had!"
James adds, "And the best part is, we're practically being paid to beat the twerps!"
Jessie cheers, "It's a win-win!"
Ash encourages, "Come on, Ninjitsu! You can beat it!"
Ninjitsu attempts to leap up and over the robot to attack it from behind, but the machine is able to raise its sword and slash at Ninjitsu while it's straight above, knocking it away.
"Nin…"
"Come on, Ninjitsu!"
Brock shouts, "Ash! Ninjitsu is outmatched! It can't do this!"
Ash shakes his head. "No way, Ninjitsu is never outmatched!"
Agreeing with Ash, Ninjitsu gets back up. All its attention is focused on the Samuroid. It suddenly falls to one knee, its injuries from the last attack worse than it thought.
Brenda urges, "Call Ninjitsu back! It won't give up on its own!"
Ninjitsu looks back to Brenda and barks, "Nin!" It stands back up, refusing to give up.
The Samuroid rushes in with rocket-propelled acceleration and raises it sword for one swift and decisive attack against Ninjitsu.
Ash's eyes widen. "Ninjitsu!" But there's nothing anyone can do.
Or so it seemed, until a blur of black and gray comes in between Ninjitsu and the robot, deflecting the blow with a blade of its own. Ninjitsu looks up to the figure now standing before it and sees a Ninjato. "Jitsu…?"
Ninjato takes a look back at Ninjitsu and gives a reassuring, "Ninjato nin." It then puts its attention back to the Samuroid and pushes its blades against the robot's with all its might, throwing the robotic samurai back several feet.
Ninjitsu looks to Ninjato with awe and wonder. "Jitsu…"
Ash realizes, "Hey, I know that Ninjato!"
That's when a voice declares, "Evildoers beware, the Guardian has arrived!" Everyone looks up to the top of a nearby cliff, where a shadowy figure stands in front of the full moon.
Ash, Brock, and Brenda all cheer, "It's the Guardian!"
Team Rocket take a quick moment to grin at each other. Meowth whispers, "All according to plan."
The Guardian commands, "Ninjato, destroy the Samuroid!"
Ninjato rushes at the robot, preparing to strike with Night Slash. The Samuroid raises its blade to block. It blocks the first strike, but Ninjato is prepared for and agilely launches a second slash at the robot's feet, tripping it.
This move has Ninjitsu in awe. "Ninjitsu…"
But then the Samuroid, as it's falling, kicks at Ninjato, knocking it back. The Samuroid manages to upright itself, then swiftly moves in to deliver a powerful blow to Ninjato.
The Guardian realizes there's no avoiding this attack and prepares to rush to Ninjato's rescue, when a deep and bold voice announces, "Accelgor, take it down! Swift!"
From the shadows, an Accelgor bursts forward and attacks the Samuroid with a barrage of golden stars.
Brenda asks with surprise, "Who's that!?"
On the limb of a tree, a figure appears. It's a man wearing a full body jumpsuit colored red and black with a similarly colored helmet that covers his entire face. The getup makes him look like an Accelgor. The man announces, "The skies call! The people call! The Pokémon call!" He points at Team Rocket. "They call on me to take you down!" He points at himself as his Accelgor leaps back to stand next to him. "I am known as the Mighty Accelguard!" As he shouts this, he and Accelgor strike a series of action poses, ending with them with one arm bent in front of their face, and the other pointed down.
Ash shouts, "No way! It's the Mighty Accelguard!"
Accelguard looks to the Guardian and says, "I hope I'm not intruding on anything."
The Guardian responds, "No, I am glad to accept help." He returns his attention to Ninjato. "Ninjato, finish this with Lunar Beam!"
Accelguard adds, "And you use Swift again, Accelgor!"
The two ninja-like Pokémon attack together, combining their power to overwhelm and destroy the Samuroid. It explodes.
The moment it does, Team Rocket raise their arms into the air and shout, "We surrender!"
Brock looks skeptical. "Team Rocket? Surrender?"
Brenda looks around the sky. "Are Tepig flying too?"
The Mighty Accelguard jumps from his tree and performs a triple summersault, landing next to Team Rocket. He places the three of them in handcuffs.
The Guardian leaps down as well, overseeing their capture. He comments, "The Mighty Accelguard. I've heard of you work. You come from Drifveil City, correct?"
Even with his helmet obscuring his face, Accelguard looks slightly embarrassed. "You've heard of me." Regaining his composure, he corrects, "I mean, yes. Of course. Driftveil. To tell the truth, it was actually stories of your heroics that inspired me to become the Mighty Accelguard. I might have even taken some theme and naming inspiration from you." He chuckles, showing he's still slightly embarrassed.
The Guardian nods. "I imagined as much."
Ash runs up to them excitedly. "Guardian! Accelguard! That was so cool!"
Accelguard turns to Ash. "Isn't that a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here, Ash."
The Guardian asks, "So you know this lad too?"
Accelguard nods. "He came by Driftveil once and helped me to stop the evil Cryogonal Man."
The Guardian explains, "As has he helped me defeat my foe Bushido at several encounters."
Ash asks, "But Charl- I mean Accelguard, what are you doing here?"
Accelguard laughs and picks up the package that Team Rocket had stolen." This piece of technology was shipped here from Unova. Driftveil City, specifically. I noticed some unusual circumstance around its shipping and decided to investigate. Before long, I found myself here, and hear that it's been stolen."
The Guardian nods. "And I have been recently investigating a string of technology thefts all across the region. I suspect that this is related. How about you help me bring these criminals to my hideout, and together we'll figure out what they wanted with this device."
Accelguard nods. "I'd be happy to help."
The Guardian looks to Ash. "I know that these three are your foes, so I also extend the invitation to you, my friend."
Ash grins. "You bet. We want to help you get to the bottom of this, too."
Ash, Brock, Brenda, the Guardian, and the Mighty Accelguard walk through the woods at night, escorting the bound Team Rocket. Ninjato and Accelgor stand guard on either side of them.
Ninjitsu is walking with them too. It looks carefully at the way Ninjato is walking confidently and heroically and is doing its best to emulate the gait. Though, what looks powerful and dignified on Ninjato looks a little silly with Ninjitsu. Ninjato looks back at Ninjitsu, who quickly reverts to walking like normal, hoping Ninjato didn't notice it. Ninjato did, but pretends to not have, and looks back ahead.
The Guardian comments, "So Ash, it seems you have yourself a Ninjitsu as a partner now."
Ash nods. "Yeah, we met not too long ago. It actually reminds me a whole lot of you and Ninjato. All it wants to do is protect the weak and innocent."
Guardian nods. "It has a good heart. Someday, with the proper training, it could become a hero itself."
Hearing this seems to grant Ninjitsu a sense of pride. It returns to copying Ninjato's walk, with a little more dignity this time.
Accelguard steps back to walk along with Team Rocket, keeping them in check.
James whispers to him, "Hey helmet guy, what's your stake in this?"
Accelguard looks back at him. "That's Accelguard to you. No, that's the Mighty Accelguard to you."
James shrugs. "Helmet guy. Accelguard. What's the difference? They're both made up names."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Meowth points out, "Come on, we can sense it in you. You know you're not cut out to be hero. You're just some average joe who thinks he can play with the big boys."
Jessie adds, "And look where you are now. Teamed up with one of the greatest superheroes this world knows. You're in over your head. Do you really think you deserve to walk alongside the Guardian? Some people call me fake, but you're the real fake here." She stops for a moment and questions herself, "A real fake? Is that possible? That's a… what's it called?"
Meowth points out, "It's an oxymoron."
Jessie snaps back, "No, you're the moron."
Meowth groans and shakes his head, not pursuing this any further.
After split moment of hesitation, Accelguard turns away from them and looks forward. "Ha. Stop trying to demotivate me. I am a hero because I have the will to be one and I help others. That's all that matters."
Team Rocket all chuckles together. James concludes, "You keep lying to yourself. We see what happens when you let the Guardian down and show your true colors."
Accelguard keeps walking, but the way he slouches suggests that Team Rocket hit a nerve.
The Guardian looks over the package that Team Rocket stole. "What is it that is causing such a stir? And could it really be related to him…?"
Suddenly a deep and gruff voice that echoes through the forest shouts, "Drop that package right now, if you know what's good for you!" Something is thrown from the shadows.
The Guardian and Ninjato are quick to react. They both leap up and swat the object down to the ground. It hits the ground and explodes, creating a tremendous flash of light. This blinds everyone except for the Guardian and Ninjato, who are above it.
They both land and the Guardian takes a swift survey of the area. He points forward and shouts, "There!" Ninjato attacks the indicated area with a Lunar Beam.
Two figures jump up and over the beam. One is a Gliscor, and the other is a man dressed in a Gliscor costume. The suit is mostly dark blue, save for the red trim, including a red belt, and a black cape that makes it looks like he has wings. Both of his hands are covered by powerful looking mechanical pincers. On his chest is a red emblem that looks like a sillohette of a Gliscor. His face is obscured by a cowl featuring the yellow eyes and large ears of a Gliscor. He spreads his cape-wings and glides over the attack as he shouts, "Gliscor, use X-Scissor!"
The Guardian shouts, "Night Slash, Ninjato!" The two Pokémon trade blows.
At the same time, the Guardian leaps at the stranger and attacks with several throwing stars.
The stranger is quick to block them with his pincers, then from one them he shoots a grappling hook and rope to immobilize the Guardian.
The Guardian unsheathes one of his swords and cuts through the rope before it can wrap around him. "Your skills are formidable, but I will not allow you to take this package."
The stranger declares back, "And you will not be allowed to keep it! Go, Gliscor-rang!" From his belt, he pulls a flat Gliscor-shaped piece of metal and throws it like a boomerang.
The Guardian shouts, "Shuriken attack!" He throws an oversized shuriken, and the two metal projectiles crash and fall.
Meanwhile, Gliscor and Ninjato continue their fight. Gliscor attempts to grab Ninjato with a pincer, but Ninjato leaps up and out of the way. It then comes back down with a Night Slash, bit Gliscor is quick to block with another X-Scissor. While their attacks are locked, Gliscor raises its tail over its head and fires a Poison Sting volley at Ninjato. This forces Ninjato to leap backwards. It creates multiple clones of itself with Double Team and rushes back in to attack once more with Night Slash. Gliscor, however, now attacks wide range with Poison Sting, destroying all of the clones before they can attack. But it's quick to realize that the real Ninjato isn't in sight. That's because Ninjato had reappeared behind Gliscor and attacks from behind with Night Slash. The attack was powerful, but Gliscor has not been stopped.
At the same time, the Guardian and the stranger have moved to close quarters combat. The Guardian slashes his sword at the man, but he grabs it with a pincer and snaps down on it, breaking the sword in two.
The Guardian glances at his broken sword, then demands, "Who are you!?"
The man declares, "I'm the protector of the unprotected! The defender of the undefended! The champion of the righteous and the sworn enemy of all evildoers everywhere! With Gliscor at my side I fight every foe of goodness! And I am known far and wide as Gliscorman!" Gliscor has broken up from its fight with Ninjato and flies next to Gliscorman. Together they strike a pose with one leg up and arms straight out to their sides.
Even though he's still blinded by the flash bomb, Ash realizes something from the introduction. "Wait, I know who that is! Stop fighting you two!"
Gliscorman looks towards Ash. "No way, Ash?"
The Guardian asks, "What's going on, Ash?"
Ash rubs his eyes and explains, "This is Gliscorman—well, I knew him as Gligarman, but still—he's a superhero too!" Ash recalls the Gligarman he met in Johto. He takes note of the fact that Gliscorman seems much more in-shape and overall capable than Gligarman did when he met him.
Brock suddenly realizes, "Gligarman! Does that mean Gligirl is here too!?" He looks around frantically but finds no one. He looks rather disappointed.
The Guardian say to Gliscorman, "Explain yourself. Why do you want this package?"
Gliscorman announces, "I am keeping it out of the hands of evildoers! I had reports that an extremely valuable piece of technology had been robbed. A piece of technology that could cause serious trouble if it got into the wrong hands."
Ash explains, "Gliscorman, it was in the wrong hands," he beckons to Team Rocket, "but we already stopped them. The Guardian and the Mighty Accelguard got here before you for that."
Gliscorman nods. "I see." He looks back to the Guardian. "If Ash trusts you, then I trust you." He extends a hand, or rather, a pincer. The Guardian takes it, and they shake.
Brenda whispers to Ash, "Wow, you sure know a lot of superheroes."
Ash shrugs as if it's no big deal. "I'd never really thought about it like that before."
Gliscorman declares, "Well, in that case, I will accompany you to your destination, to ensure that these villains try no further villainy."
Accelguard comments, "I guess it's a party then."
Who's that Pokémon!?
If this Pokémon is flying by fluttering only a pair of wings on either the forelegs or hind legs, it's proof that it has been flying a long distance. It switches the wings it uses if it is tired.
The Guardian has brought the group to a secret base that looks much like his other hideout, The Dojo, a blend of a feudal martial arts training studio with a high-tech base. The Guardian announces, "Welcome to my secondary hideout, The Sanctuary."
Gliscorman looks impressed. "You've got yourself a fine headquarters here." He quickly adds, "Though, it's nothing compared to the Gliscor Cave."
Accelguard crosses his arms and says with a hint of jealousy, "My headquarters is my one-car garage…"
Accelgor pats him comfortingly on the back.
The Guardian escorts Team Rocket into a cell made from a forcefield. "And now with those villains locked away, let's analyze what they've stolen." He places Team Rocket's package on a table and everyone gathers around. He opens it to reveal a rather non-descript machine. Given its antenna and dials, it looks like it could perhaps be some sort of communication device.
Brenda asks, "That's it? To have three superheroes chasing after it, I was expecting more."
Brock points out, "Sometimes looks can be deceiving."
A firm voice announces, "And in this case, they are. That piece of technology is extremely dangerous."
Everyone turns to see a new costumed figure has appeared. He wears a red, black, and gray suit, a large red cape, and a mask that looks like a Blaziken. Next to him is a Blaziken.
Ash gasps, "Blaziken Mask! You too!?"
"Ash, a surprise indeed."
Brenda laughs. "Imagine that, another superhero."
The Guardian steps in front of Blaziken Mask and asks firmly, "What are you doing my hideout, and how did you find it?"
He points to the machine. "I found it because I was tracking that. You see, it was invented by my brilliant, yet short-sighted son."
Ash asks, "Wait, Clemont built that?"
Blaziken Mask nods. "We had shipped it to Tenno, through Driftveil, to have some scientists study it. When it was reported stolen, I left immediately to recover it. Fortunately, it emits a low-level EM field that is possible to track."
Accelguard asks, "So when I discovered the unusual logs surrounding its shipment in Driftveil?"
Blaziken Mask explains, "It was because I was trying to hide its existence. You dug deeper than I thought anyone would."
The Guardian emphasizes, "Regardless, it is in safe hands now. We stopped the thieves who took it."
Blaziken Mask asserts, "I thank you for your help, but I must take the device back with me. As I said before, it is extremely dangerous."
The Guardian shakes his head. "I can't let you do that. Those thugs were clearly working for Bushido. And where Bushido is concerned, I must step in. I must determine his plan by studying the machine."
Trying to break the tension between the two, Ash steps in and asks, "What exactly is it?"
Blaziken Mask looks down to Ash. "In short, it is a mind control device."
Brenda asks with surprise, "Mind control?"
"Yes. It uses specific frequencies to alter the mind of a target. It has an extremely limited range, but even so, can still be incredibly dangerous if used wrong. As I said before, I'm taking it back."
Gliscorman steps up to Blaziken Mask and pokes him in the chest with a pincer. "Did you not hear the man before? We need to study this thing."
Blaziken Mask responds calmly, "This need not come to a conflict, but I am willing to do what is necessary to make sure this machine remains in trustworthy hands."
Accelguard takes some offence. "Are you calling us untrustworthy?"
The Guardian slowly reaches for the sword on his back, while Blaziken Mask slowly moves a hand towards the Mega Ring on his wrist.
Ash pushes both of them away from each other. "Come on guys, we're all on the same side here." He looks to The Guardian. "You want nothing but to make sure Bushido doesn't use this thing, right?" The Guardian nods. Ash turns to Blaziken Mask, "And you only want to make sure that this thing doesn't threaten anyone, right?" Blaziken Mask nods. "Then it sounds to me like we all want the same thing. So how about you stop arguing about it. Besides, what place could be safer for that thing than a hideout with not one, but four superheroes?"
Blaziken Mask relents, "Fine. Do whatever you need to figure out what your enemy is up to. I'll be waiting here to take the machine back to Kalos the moment you're done."
The Guardian relaxes somewhat, but not entirely. "And once I've done what I need, I'll be more than happy to hand it over." Keeping an eye on Blaziken Mask, he returns most of his attention back to the mind control machine. Blaziken Mask seems happy to stand and watch silently.
Perhaps looking for something to distract him from the drama, Gliscorman literally pulls Ash away and asks, "So Ash, how is it going? You regretting turning down my offer to become the next Gligarman yet?"
Ash laughs. "No, I think I'm good. What about you? Seems like a lot has changed for you since we last met."
Gliscorman nods. "It has. Latoya– I mean, Gligirl and I decided it was time to expand the Gligarman brand– I mean name beyond our city. Gligarman needed to become a symbol of hope for people across the world. So, we made the decision that I would put off my retirement, Gligirl would take over as protector of the city, and I would evolve into Gliscorman, protector of all. And so, here I am." He chuckles as he looks at Gliscor. "It helps that Gligar also decided to evolve around that time too. Would have been awkward fighting crime as Gliscorman with a Gligar at my side."
Ash smiles at him, "Mr. Parker, it seems like you've done really well for yourself."
Gliscorman proudly performs the Gliscorman pose and agrees, "I have, haven't I?"
Team Rocket watches from their cell. Jessie asks, "Is it time yet?"
Meowth shakes his head. "Not quite yet."
It's Crobat!
The Guardian watches a readout on his supercomputer's oversized screen as a machine scans the mind control device. The display suggests that the scan will take a while longer to complete. The Guardian sighs. He looks over his shoulder and notices Ash and Ninjitsu training against a robotic dummy in a training room. Taking another quick glance at the screen, he walks towards them.
Ash suggests, "Okay Ninjitsu, let's try it again, but quicker."
Ninjitsu nods. It creates a blade and rushes at the dummy, disappearing with a burst of speed, only to reappear from behind to attack.
The Guardian comments, "That was good. You two are training well together."
Ash smiles. "We try, though it would be lying to say that things are always this smooth between us. We have our differences sometimes."
"A ninja Pokémon can be hard to train. They are unrelenting in their ways. You may always want to be firm with them, make them as you wish, but that will always end in disaster." He allows Ash a moment to contemplate the advice. "Tell me Ash, how did you two meet?"
Ash explains, "We got lost together while being chased by a gang of Slasharp. I could instantly tell how much Ninjitsu cared about justice and protecting the weak and innocent."
The Guardian slowly nods. "So, we have a hero, then."
Ninjitsu seems to enjoy this attention from the Guardian.
Ash nods. "Ninjitsu wants to be just like your Ninjato. You guys are its hero."
"Lofty goals, but not unobtainable." He pauses. "While I wait for my computer to finish its analysis, would you like a tour?"
Ash cheers, "Would I!"
Gliscorman approaches Team Rocket's holding cell. He chuckles. "I never imagined I would encounter you three villains again. You really are quite pathetic, you know that?"
This enrages Jessie. "Who are you calling pathetic, old man!"
James puts an arm on her shoulder to calm her. "What my colleague means to say is how can you call us pathetic when you're no different?"
Gliscorman crosses his arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Meowth laughs. "Any number of things. You're an old man. You're not cut out to be a superhero. You may have gotten in better shape since we last met, but it's time to face the music. People your age shouldn't be running around in colored undies."
Jessie shivers and says sarcastically, "Thanks for putting that image in my mind…"
James continues, "Use all the gadgets and training you want. The fact will never change that you're past your prime. Your hero days are behind you, no matter how you try to force the matter."
Gliscorman shakes his head. "I've come to grips with my age. It's nothing but a number. It won't slow me down." He walks away but stops for just a moment as he contemplates something.
The Guardian has led Ash into a hall lined with various objects, most of them pieces of technology. He explains, "Here is where I keep the technology I have confiscated from Bushido over the years." He picks up a small orb off the wall. "For example, this orb was meant to be an ultra-efficient air purifier. It would clear out the smoke from my smoke grenades in an instant, hindering my ability to escape." He puts it back. "Or this," he points to larger machine, "is a signal amplifier, meant to increase the strength of his undetectable communications array, allowing him to give orders to his subordinates without me being able to hack his channel." He beckons across the hall. "The list goes on and on. Every fight, Bushido seems to have some sort of new gadget up his sleeves.
Ash observes, "He seems pretty resourceful."
The Guardian nods. "He didn't use to be, but he adapted. If one wishes to defeat a foe such as myself, a stubborn attitude well not get you far." He shrugs. "Of course, Bushido is still as stubborn as ever when it comes to his perverted idea of morals and honor." Changing the topic, he beckons for Ash to move ahead. "What I wanted to show you most is in the next room."
Together they walk into the next room, which features on object, a costume in a display case. The costume is a black and dark blue sleeveless tunic, keeping to the ninja aesthetic. It also features a cloth mask that ties around the back of the head, with the ties trailing down to below the neck.
Ash asks, "Who's costume is that?"
The Guardian explains, "It was mine, back when I first became the Guardian. It was my original costume."
"Wow, that's cool. I never knew you had a different costume once."
"Not many people do, as I hadn't yet achieved the level of fame I experience now."
"As cool as it is, why did you want to show it to me specifically?"
The Guardian places a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Ash, we've teamed up in battle against Bushido twice now, and both times you have proven yourself to be an outstanding ally. Now you tell me your Ninjitsu wishes to be a hero like me. Now's the chance. Ash, the costume is yours. I'd like you to be my sidekick."
Ash is shocked, but before he can answer, the loud sounds of destruction echo through the halls, along with Brenda screaming.
Ash and the Guardian look to each other quickly, then run off to find out what's happening.
Blaziken Mask's Blaziken has undergone Mega Evolution and seems to be attacking everything in a fit of rage. Its eyes glow a violent red. Blaziken Mask shouts, "Blaziken! Stop this!"
Blaziken completely ignores it and uses Flamethrower to destroy several pieces of equipment, including the main computer.
Gliscorman shouts, "Gliscor, contain it with Guillotine!"
At the same time, Accelguard orders, "Accelgor, incapacitate it with Acid Spray!" However, Gliscor gets into its way, and the acid sprays on Gliscor instead.
Gliscorman demands, "What are you doing!?"
Accelguard shouts, "No, what are you doing!? You got in my way!"
Ash and The Guardian run in and The Guardian demands, "What is going on!?"
Brock explains, "It was Team Rocket! They somehow escaped and grabbed the mind control machine! They're controlling Blaziken!"
The Guardian jumps into action, ordering, "Ninjato, use Night Slash!"
Ash adds, "Ninjitsu, use Night Slash as well!"
Both Pokémon leap at Mega Blaziken, but the out-of-control Pokémon uses a powerful Blaze Kick to knock both of them away, then continues its rampage of destruction.
What no one notices in all the confusion is Team Rocket sneaking into the hall The Guardian was showing Ash earlier. James whispers, "Don't mind us, we'll just help ourselves."
Blaziken uses Flare Blitz to smash through a wall, then shouts, "Blaaaaaaziken!" as it attacks the roof with Flamethrower. The entire structure begins to rumble.
Brock warns, "It's destabilizing the building!"
Gliscorman declares, "We can stop it!"
Accelguard objects, "No, it will be Accelgor and I that stop it!"
"Like you stopped our attack earlier? Not happening!"
"That wouldn't have happened if you had just stayed out of the way!"
"Please, I have decades of experience a superhero! You're just an untrained amateur compared to me!"
"I may be new to this, but that doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing! You're the old man who's slowing down!" Their arguing goes on as such.
The Guardian shouts to Blaziken Mask, "How do we stop the mind control?"
"Cognitive recalibration!"
This seems to confuse both Ash and the Guardian.
Blaziken Mask clarifies, "Hit its head as hard you can!"
Ash nods. "That, we can do. Right, Ninjitsu?"
"Nin." Ninjitsu seems overly excited by the prospect of fighting alongside the Guardian and Ninjato. It's raring to go.
Ash suggests, "Ninjitsu, use Night Slash and aim for the head!" Just like in training, Ninjitsu vanishes with speed, only to reappear behind its target. However, Mega Blaziken has incredibly fast reflexes and is able to swivel around and pluck Ninjitsu out from the air.
Ninjato attempts a similar trick, only to be caught by Blaziken's other arm. It then throws both Pokémon in opposite directions.
Ash realizes, "We need a distraction!" Without thinking any further, he runs forward and waves his arms around. "Hey, Blaziken! Look over here!"
This does catch Blaziken's attention. It promptly attacks Ash with a Flamethrower. Ash manages to dodge out of the way, but only just barely.
"You're going to have to do better than that!" This makes Blaziken angrier.
The Guardian urges, "Ninjato, take this opportunity Ash has bestowed on you!"
Ninjato quickly gets up and runs at Blaziken. However, even with its focus on Ash, Blaziken still manages to use a Blaze Kick to knock Ninjato away.
What it hasn't noticed is Ninjitsu running in, from the other side, keeping a low profile. Just as it watched Ninjato do earlier, it performs a sweeping slash with its sword across Blaziken's legs, tripping the Pokémon. As Blaziken falls, Ninjato gets in and kicks the Pokémon away, causing it to crash head-first into a wall.
Blaziken promptly returns to its regular state and its eyes return to normal just before the Pokémon passes out.
Ash, who's hair looks slightly singed, breathes a sigh of relief. "We did it…"
Blaziken Mask approaches Blaziken and returns it to its Pokéball. "I am so sorry, my friend." He looks to The Guardian and says firmly, "I hope you're happy."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that this is all your fault. If you had just let me take the machine and leave, I would have been long-gone by the time Team Rocket escaped. But now they have the machine and are likely delivering it into the hands of Bushido as we speak."
The Guardian counters, "They clearly had a plan to escape! They could have gotten out at any time they wanted! It would have made no difference. At least now, we have the data I scanned from the machine to combat it with."
Blaziken mask beckons to the Guardian's smoking computer. "You certain about that?" He turns away and heads for the exit.
Ash asks, "Wait, Blaziken Mask, where are you going?"
"I'm going to fix this problem your friend has caused. I'm going to track down that device and get it back myself." Without another word, he leaps away.
Then Accelguard declares, "You know what? I'm out of here too. If I'm not going to get any respect, then what's the point in sticking around?"
Gliscorman accuses, "Respect is earned! You've done nothing to earn it. You could also serve to show some yourself."
"And what? I should respect you just because you're an old man? I'm gone." He presses a button on a remote, and a motorcycle stylized like an Accelgor drives itself up to him. He hops on and rides away.
Gliscorman complains, "Clearly this superhero team-up thing isn't all it's cracked up to be. Gliscorman was always meant to be a solitary hero anyways." He activates his glider-cape and he and Gliscor fly away.
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."
It looks like our team of superheroes has disbanded already. But with a threat like Bushido looming, our heroes that remain can't give up. We have to be true believers and stay tuned…
To Be Continued…
