Episode 171: Identity Crisis

"Show everyone your true power, Dragonite! Mega Evolve!" Ryu Mega Evolves his Dragonite, the process of which summons a powerful storm. Lightning flashes. When it fades, Dragonite's now form is visible. The Pokémon has taken on a more majestic appearance. All about its body are round, smooth, blue gemstones, similar to those found on Dragonair's neck and tail. Streamers made of clouds flow off from its shoulders and ankles. Its wings have grown larger, and its antennae have taken a longer and more jagged form. The Pokémon roars as another bolt of lightning illuminates the field.

Mega Dragonite! If our hero hopes to defeat his rival and move into the finals of the Cosmic Conference, then he's going to have to make it past this incredibly fierce opponent.

Ash glances at Curemodo, who appears worn out and tired. It's visibly injured and taking deep breaths. Then he takes careful note of the thunderstorm, and how it has replaced the intense sunlight that Curemodo had been using to its advantage. "Curemodo! Time for a break!" He recalls it. A quick look at the scoreboard serves as a reminder that while Dragonite is Ryu's final Pokémon, all Ash has left besides Curemodo is Pikachu. "Let's get back out there, Pikachu!"

"Pika!" Pikachu runs out onto the field full of determination. It seems that its rest since its battle against Baxcalibur has done it some good.

Ash grins and gives a faint chuckle. Noticing this, Ryu demands, "What?"

"It's Pikachu versus Dragonite. Just like our very first battle. They tied back then. Let's see if we can change things up, this time!"

Ryu crosses his arms skeptically. "Does Dragonite Mega Evolving not mean anything to you? This is hardly the same circumstances as our first battle."

Ash grins broadly. "Dragonite's not the only one who's gotten stronger."

Ryu shakes his head in disbelief, though it's more a sign of amusement than arrogance. "Dragonite, use Thunderbolt!" Dragonite holds an arm out and summons a massive bolt of electricity from the gem on its forehead.

"You too, Pikachu!"

"Pikaaaaaa chuuuuuuuu!" Pikachu puts everything it's got into making a Thunderbolt powerful enough to match Dragonite's. The two bolts collide, and they are indeed evenly matched. However, while Pikachu is able to match Dragonite in strength, it's not in stamina. Pikachu's electricity quickly falters, while Dragonite's remains strong. Pikachu is forced to stop its attack and leap to the side in order to avoid Dragonite's Thunderbolt when it can no longer keep up its own.

Ryu promptly follows, "Dragon Rush!" Dragonite dives down to strike Pikachu.

"Dodge it!" Pikachu is able to just barely dodge to the side. Dragonite crashes into a nearby pillar. The pillar explodes from the force of the impact and huge chunks of rocks are flung in every direction. In a moment of inspiration, Ash orders, "Jump up the falling rocks!"

"Pik! Pik! Pik! Pik!" Pikachu hops from rock to rock in order to climb upwards, towards where Dragonite has already flown back up.

"Use Iron Tail to fling those rocks at Dragonite!"

"Chu, pika! Chu, pika! Chu, pika!" Pikachu uses Iron Tail to send piece after piece of rock hurtling towards Dragonite. The first few catch Dragonite by surprise and hit with such force that they crumble on impact.

Ryu orders, "Aqua Tail!" Dragonite creates a shockwave of water by twisting around and swinging its tail. The water destroys the remaining of the incoming rocks. But once Dragonite turns to face Pikachu again, Pikachu is gone. Ryu demands, "Where'd it go!?"

Ash grins before shouting, "Now, Pikachu! Hallowed Lightning!"

"Pikaaa, pikaaa, chuuuuuuuu!" Dragonite looks up to see Pikachu leaping down from atop a stone pillar above it, just as a flash of lightning illuminates it from behind, forcing Dragonite to avert its eyes briefly. Pikachu flings an orb of electricity down towards Dragonite, who doesn't have enough warning to avoid it. The orb strikes, summoning down a massive bolt of lightning from the sky. As it moves down towards Dragonite, other bolts of lightning from the storm seem attracted to it and get pulled in, adding their power to it. The bolt strikes as deafening thunder cracks across the entirety of the stadium. Dragonite falls from the sky.

Pikachu is sliding down a stone pillar to slow its descent. Ash orders, "Use Iron Tail while it's still stunned!"

Pikachu kicks off from the pillar and lunges at Dragonite. "Chu, pikaaaa!" It twists about and slams its tail into Dragonite from above, forcing it to plumet even faster towards the ground.

Dragonite crashes into the ground with a thud. Ryu shouts with concern, "Dragonite! Are you okay?"

The resulting dust cloud clears, and Dragonite is already standing back up. The damage it took is apparent, but it's still standing strong. To prove it, it roars.

Pikachu lands on the ground opposite it.

"Aqua Tail!"

"Iron Tail!"

The attacks are ordered simultaneously. Both Pokémon leap at each other and swing their tails. They collide with such force that a shockwave rips out from the point of contact. As both Pokémon bounce away from each other, they redirect their momentum to go in for another swing. And another. Each one ends the same way. After one particularly powerful collision, both Pokémon find themselves flung in opposite directions.

Ryu stands up straight and declares, "Enough games! Dragonite, we'll show him our complete power! Thunderbolt! Then Dragon Rush!" Dragonite lifts into the air to enact its command.

Ash twists his hat around backwards and shouts, "This is it, Pikachu! Their ultimate move! But let's show them that they're not the only ones who can combine moves! Hallowed Lightning and Volt Tackle! Go!"

Dragonite creates a wall of electricity before it, and dives into it with Dragon Rush. The electricity integrates with the draconic energy and creates a dragon-like form of electricity around Dragonite as it dives in at Pikachu. Ryu shouts, "Dragon Overdrive!"

Pikachu launches the orb of electricity that triggers Hallowed Lightning, then dashes forward following it as electricity cloaks it for Volt Tackle. "Pika, pika, pika, pika, pika, pika…!" As it runs, it overtakes the Hallowed Lightning orb and absorbs it into its body. This causes the massive lightning bolt from above to strike down onto Pikachu instead. But while Volt Tackling, the electricity is instead absorbed into the move. The electric cloak around Pikachu now grows several times in size and begins to glow a rainbow hue. Ash shouts, "Go! Hallowed Volt Tackle!"

Brenda looks at the sight of both Pokémon in awe as she rubs her arms. "All the hair on my body is standing on end!"

Brock agrees, "That's how much electricity is in the air right now. It's incredible."

Only a moment later, the thunderous dragon apparition of Dragon Overdrive and the rainbow electricity of Hallowed Volt Tackle collide and release all of their combined energy at once as a blinding flash of light. Not a single member of the audience is able to keep their eyes on the battle. A split moment after the flash comes an ear-splitting crash of thunder that seems to shake the stadium itself.

Ash peels his eyes open cautiously at the first opportunity. Several stone pillars have been toppled away from the point where the two Pokémon collided. In the center of a scorched crater, both Pikachu and Dragonite stand. They stare each other down as they both pant.

Both Ash and Ryu are preparing their next command, when suddenly Pikachu collapses. "Chuuuu!"

"Pikachu is unable to battle!"

Brenda worries, "Oh no… Pikachu…"

Ash, not seeming worried, walks out on to the field and scoops Pikachu up into his arms. He grins as he looks down at the exhausted Pokémon. "You did amazing out there, Pikachu. That was one of the strongest moves I've ever seen."

Pikachu manages to open its eyes to look up at Ash and gives a weak, "Chu…" in acknowledgement.

Ash walks back to his position and carefully rests Pikachu at his feet. He pulls out another Pokéball. "Well, here we are. The end of the battle. Both of us on our last Pokémon and both of our last Pokémon severely weakened. One way or another, this battle is going to end soon."

Ryu nods in agreement. "It all comes down to this."

Ash throws the Pokéball. "Let's finish this, Curemodo!"

"Modooooo!" Despite its rest, the Pokémon still appears fatigued from its fight with Kommo-o.

Ash grins. "Who would have thought. This all comes down to a battle against the Dragon Pokémon you rejected. Curemodo, this is it. Today we prove once and for all that you're as strong as they come!"

"Curemoooooodo!"

Ryu declares, "Dragonite, there's no time for a drawn-out fight! Either we end this in one final attack, or we lose! One more time! Dragon Overdrive!"

Ash shouts, "All-or-nothing! Everything on the line, Curemodo! Let's show Ryu that you've learned so much more than just Dragon Force while training with the Dragon Master! Show him your version of Dragon Overdrive!"

Brenda gasps. "Another clash of ultimate moves!? So soon!?"

Brock nods. "It makes sense in the state both Pokémon are in. Neither could withstand drawn out combat."

Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet are all on their feet cheering with everything they've got for Curemodo.

Dragonite once again combines its Thunderbolt and Dragon Rush to deliver its ultimate attack.

Meanwhile, Curemodo is using an entirely different version of the technique. As it charges more energy than normal for Dragon Force, it lets loose its strongest Venoshock, releasing a torrent of poisonous fluid ahead of it, before firing its largest Dragon Force beam yet into the Venoshock. The beam seems to absorb the liquid as it changes color into a dark purple and somehow changes shape into a dragon-like form not dissimilar to that currently surrounding Dragonite.

Time itself seems to slow down as the two ultimate draconic techniques hurtle towards each other. Despite all the cheering that was just audible, everything becomes completely silent.

Curemodo, despite all its instincts to the contrary, stands completely firm in the path of Dragonite's attack as it continues to pour more energy into its own.

Dragonite, even through all the energy surrounding it, has its gaze locked firmly at its target below. It doesn't seem to care that it will have to travel through the opposing attack to get there.

Ash and Ryu have both locked gazes. As if speaking to Ryu, Ash says in his mind, Ryu, don't you understand? This is the power of a Pokémon raised by someone who will give any Pokémon a chance. Don't you understand that we only got to this point in the battle thanks to all the different kinds of Pokémon I work with? No one of them is stronger than the other based on type alone. Don't you understand?

Just looking Ryu in the eyes in that moment is enough for Ash to decipher Ryu's own thoughts. I do understand. But don't you understand that I am as strong as I am because I stand by who I am and how I choose to battle? Don't you understand that I have made it to this point entirely because of my steadfast determination and dedication to what I love? Don't you understand?

I do understand.

Though everything remains silent, time resumes its normal pace as both Ash and Ryu nod at each other with a grin appearing on their faces as they recognize their mutual understanding.

The silence is broken by the tremendous bang of the two attacks colliding. The explosion rips through the silence drowning out all other possible noise.

When it ends, the silence is now real, as every member of the audience attempts to get a better view of the result. The resulting screen of smoke has made it impossible to see.

But, in the silence, the thud of a body hitting the floor can be heard. One of the Pokémon have fallen. The smoke begins to clear in order to reveal…

"Dragonite is unable to battle! Ash Ketchum will be moving on to the Cosmic Conference Final Round!" In a flash of light, the fallen Dragonite reverts to its regular form and its Mega Stone rolls away. The thunderstorm instantly subsides.

The stadium erupts in applause and cheer. Somehow, Team Rocket is audible even through all of it in their cheers.

Curemodo, though weak and barely standing, thrusts an arm into the air in victory. "Curemooooooooodooooo!" But then it suddenly falls back.

Ash, already running out to meet it, catches the Pokémon in his arms. He grins as he looks down at the Pokémon. "Curemodo, it feels like just yesterday that you were that little Heala who followed me around and wanted nothing more than to battle, but just couldn't bring yourself to actually do it. And look at you now. Thank you." He taps its Pokéball to its shoulder to return it.

Ash looks up to see Ryu nearby, retrieving the Mega Stone. Both trainers look at each other for a moment. Ash looks as if he's about to say something, but then realizes that the battle already said everything he needed to say. Instead, he simply nods at Ryu.

Ryu nods back as he walks past Ash to go towards the exit. As he leaves, he says without looking back, "Win it all, Ash."

Ash smiles. "That's the plan."

Who's That Pokémon!?

It pines for the mother it will never see again. Seeing a likeness of its mother in the full moon, it cries. The stains on the skull the Pokémon wears are made by the tears it sheds.

Ash is standing on the side of a stage that has been set up in the center of the stadium. He looks at Pikachu on his shoulder and nods. Pikachu nods back to signal it's ready.

From the stage, Mr. Goodshow announces, "I am pleased to present your Tenno League Cosmic Conference Finalists! On my right, it's Ash Ketchum!"

Ash runs up on to the stage. He waves at the audience as he approaches Mr. Goodshow.

"And his opponent in tomorrow's final battle is Kage of the Shadow Clan!"

Kage and Ninjato silently step up the stairs on the opposite end of the stage with no attempt to play to the crowd. Kage steps up to Ash and offers him a handshake. "I wish you best of luck tomorrow, Ash Ketchum. I am pleased that it will be you who is my final opponent."

Ash grins and shakes his hand. "I'm stoked too. It's going to be an amazing battle!"

Both turn to face the audience. Mr. Goodshow continues, "Both of these fine trainers have proven time after time, battle after battle, that they have worked hard and earned their spot among the elite few who make it this far in the Cosmic conference. Their battle tomorrow will—"

He's cut off by several gasps and even some screams from the audience. Mr. Goodshow shields his eyes from the glare of the Sun and tries to look up. A large object is descending and quickly eclipses the Sun. Once it's lowered enough into the stadium, a red barrier rises up from around the stadium to encapsulate it entirely.

Ash asks with surprise, "What is that!?"

The object now floating towards the top of the energy dome is a massive, floating, black orb without any features. Everybody stares at it with a mixture of confusion, apprehension, and worry. A slot opens on the bottom of the machine and hundreds of much smaller orbs float out from it. They disperse in all directions.

Mr. Goodshow runs forward and demands, "What is this!?"

As several float towards the stage, Ash readies himself for whatever might happen, but he's caught off guard, when the orb nearest him launches a glob of black goo at him. The goo hits his hand, forces it into the other hand, and traps them both with the goo. Simultaneously, Pikachu, Kage, and Ninjato are also ensnared by other orbs. Mr. Goodshow is also bound.

Pandemonium suddenly breaks out across the field as people realize what's happening and try to make a break for it. But no matter how fast they run, one of the orb drones catches up to them and binds their arms and legs to stop their escape. Brock and Brenda try to pull out Pokéballs to fight them off but are snared before they can manage anything.

Ash tries with all his strength to break free, but it's no use. He demands, "What is this!?"

The giant orb lowers in front of the stage to reveal the large red R on its front. A panel swishes open to reveal Team Rocket in a cockpit driving the thing.

Jessie declares, "Prepare for trouble out of nowhere!"

James continues, "Make it double from within our snare!"

"To entrap everyone within this crowd!"

"Even though I lost my fight, I'm still proud!"

"To steal spotlight comes natural to me!"

"I return to my place of loss with glee!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket's ready for its biggest plan yet!"

"Surrender now or we'll tighten the net!"

"Meowth, you bet!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Mime mime!"

Ash shouts, "Team Rocket! Don't you have any decency!?"

They all laugh at Ash's question.

Kage demands, "What is it you hope to accomplish?"

Meowth chuckles. "What we hope to accomplish should already be clear to viewers at home, but what he hopes to accomplish is a different story." Meowth points up to the scoreboard screen.

Ash and Kage look up to it to see it fritzing with static, before suddenly displaying an image of a silhouetted figure. An amplified and electronically disguised voice announces, "People of Tenno! I know you are watching from home, as the Cosmic Conference is the most broadcasted event in the region. Even those from beyond the region have tuned in today to learn who the finalists of the auspicious Cosmic Conference are. Well, we interrupt your usual programing for a special announcement."

Ash grunts. "What is this? This isn't how Team Rocket operates…"

The disguised figure continues, "You may call me the Shadow, and I have come to give you a message! For years you have worshipped a hero. But that hero is a fake. I am talking about the so-called Guardian."

Ash gasps, "The Guardian!?"

Kage grimaces as he struggles some more to break free.

"Guardian! I know you're watching this! I issue you a challenge! I have taken the entire Cosmic Conference hostage! And they won't be released unless you show yourself here, on the biggest stage in the region, and reveal your identity to all! It shouldn't be that hard. You were always chasing after the spotlight, after all. You have one hour." The figure disappears, only to be replaced by a countdown clock set for an hour.

Jessie cackles, "And now that you've heard the message from out sponsor, I think we'll be helping ourselves."

Two more drones emerge from the orb machine and work together to grab Pikachu and fly it to Team Rocket. Bound in the goo, Pikachu is helpless to fight back.

Ash tries to run after it. "Pikachu!" But it's awkward with his hands bound.

James laughs as he presses a button and another drone launches goo at Ash's legs, causing him to trip and fall. "Might as well take everything we can, too." Two more drones move to grab Ninjato. Another two fire a string of the goo at Ash and Kage's belts and uses it to reel in the rest of their Pokéballs as well.

As the orb machine floats away, Team Rocket taunt, "Tah tah!"

Ash shouts, "Pikachu!" He struggles with all his might to break free, but it seems to have no effect of any kind.

Kage asserts, "Ash, it's no use. The binding goo is anti-kinetic. It uses your movement against you. The harder you fight it, the harder it fights back."

Ash takes a deep breath to try to calm himself. He thinks for a moment, then laughs.

Kage raises a brow. "I fail to see what could be amusing about a moment like this."

"That villain, whoever he is, must be pretty stupid."

"Explain your logic."

"Who requests for the greatest superhero in the region to come and foil their own plans? It's ridiculous! The Guardian will be here any time, he'll take down the villain, and free us all. We've got nothing worry about!"

Kage averts his eyes. "I wouldn't be so certain about that, if I were you."

Ash laughs. "I haven't told you this yet, but I've met the Guardian. I've even worked with him. I know him. He'll be here to save us."

"And you forget, I hail from the same village as him. I know things about him that you would not. This villain wants to expose his identity. That is not something that the Guardian can do."

"That doesn't matter. He'll stop the Shadow without having to reveal anything. He's that good."

"But what if he believes that showing himself here would be a risk to his identity? He can't afford to reveal that any costs."

Ash shakes his head with unwavering confidence. "The Guardian is a hero. He'll do whatever he needs to do to save the day. If that means revealing his identity, then that's what he'll do."

Kage pauses. "Ash, you shouldn't have such great faith in heroes. In the end, they are people too. And people can let you down. The Guardian keeps his true identity a secret for a reason. It protects him from all those who would try to hurt him at his most defenseless." He pauses. "And let's not forget, as a ninja, it is his natural instinct to hide in the shadows. He cannot overcome that most ingrained of needs. To reveal his identity would be to step out into the light."

"That's where you're wrong."

"How can you be so certain?"

"The Guardian doesn't hide. He fights for all to see. That's not hiding in shadows. He's an inspiration to people. He gives people hope. You don't do that from the shadows. You do from the light. And he fights for others who can't fight for themselves to his own risk every day. If he had to take a chance at revealing his identity to save the people in this stadium, I know he would. That's just the kind of hero he is."

Kage stares long and hard at Ash for several silent moments. Finally, he says, "I think you're right… Perhaps you do know the Guardian better than I do. Back when the Guardian first began his crusade against evil, that was the Guardian I would know. But who he is now, that's who you know, Defender."

Ash grins. "Well, I might have helped him out one or two…" He suddenly freezes, then freaks out. "Wait! Defender!? How do you know that name!?"

Kage chuckles. "Because, Defender, you are my sidekick, and with your help, we're going to stop the Shadow, no matter the cost."

Ash is confused. "But I'm not your sidekick, I'm the…" Realization dawns on him. "Ooh… No way! You're the—!"

"Please don't shout it for all to hear. I'd rather keep my secret identity intact, if possible."

There's a stupid grin on Ash's face as he nods in agreement.

"Now, I recognize this goo we're trapped in. It's one of the ninja tools we used in my village. I have a solvent in the pouch on the side of my belt that should get rid of it, but I can't reach it with my hands bound."

Ash nods. "Don't worry, your sidekick is on it." Ash squirms his way up to Kage and uses his mouth to open the pouch on the side of Kage's hip. A glass vial rolls out.

"That's it."

Ash does his best to unplug it with his mouth, then pushes it with his nose towards Kage's hands. The solvent pours out and dissolves the goo away. With his hands free, he picks up the vial, pours some of its over his legs, and then gets Ash's hands and legs. "Don't stand up yet. We need to make sure we sneak out of here with nobody noticing. If anyone notices our absence, then they could connect the dots."

Ash nods. "You're the master of stealth."

Kage surveys the area. Fortunately for them, Mr. Goodshow fell off the front of the stage when he was snared, so there is nobody nearby to see them. The audience seems too distracted by their own plight to notice anything going on beneath them. Kage nods, then grabs Ash by the back of his shirt and pulls him away as he disappears into the shadows with a burst of speed.

It's Cubone!

Kage punches the barrier surrounding the stadium, but nothing happens. "This one's blocked too."

Ash comments, "So, there really is no exit?"

Kage nods. "And without a way to the outside, I'm unable to get my suit and tools."

They look up to the main monitor to see the clock is just reaching 30 minutes left. The silhouetted face appears on the screen again. "You only have 30 minutes left, Guardian. Are you really going to let a stadium full of people who are counting on you down?" The feed is cut again.

Kage shakes his head in frustration. "Then there is no other choice. We go in as is." He pauses to consider something for a moment, then rips his black undershirt off from underneath his outer robe, rips two holes in it, then ties it over his face for a makeshift mask. "It will have to do."

Ash nods. "I think it should work." He looks around. "Next problem. How do we find this Shadow guy? He never said where he was."

"That shouldn't be difficult." He points to the part of the stadium directly above the Cosmic Conference torch. There's a room with several windows looking out over the stadium. "That's the control room. For the Shadow to be controlling the central monitor, that must be where he is."

Ash nods in agreement. "Then that's where we're going to have to be."

One of the control room's windows is quietly opened from the outside and Kage stealthily slips in. He looks about the dimly lit room.

"You certainly took your time."

Kage's head darts to the side, where a figure moves in the shadows. He stands up straight. "The Shadow, I presume."

Ash slips in through the window as well, but he's much less coordinated and slips on his way in. Despite that, he quickly gets back and looks towards the Shadow as well.

Kage demands, "Shut down the barrier and release all the people now. Your grudge is against me."

"And what do you know of my grudge? Do you know who I am?"

"I do. You're a villain. And that means that I must stop you in the name of justice."

The figure seems to shake his head. "You fail to comprehend everything, Guardian. Or, should I call you Kage?"

Kage tenses up. Ash recoils in surprise.

"Yes, I know your secret identity."

"B-but why go through all this trouble to get me to reveal myself if you already know?"

"Because it must be you who reveals yourself. You must prove your weakness. You must prove your failings as a student of the Hidden Shadow Village."

This seems to upset Kage. "What do you speak of?"

The figure stands up. "What's the official story of your origin? I believe you claim to have been in the village and hid along with the Sacred Ninjutsu Scroll as Bushido razed everything. But that's not the truth, is it?"

Kage stares wordlessly at the shadowy figure.

"What actually happened was that you weren't even in the village. Despite everything the culture of the village taught you, you didn't want to hide in the shadows. You wanted to see the world. You weren't there when Bushido attacked. Sure, you returned the moment you heard of the atrocity so you could try to help, but it was far too late. It was only then that you suddenly decided to take an interest in your culture. You recovered the hidden scroll and studied it so that you could learn all the secrets of your ancestors. You saw how every lesson taught you to remain in the shadows. A true ninja never seeks the light. And yet, you ignored those lessons."

"I am a true ninja. I live in the shadows of obscurity."

The Shadow laughs. "Is that what you call being a superhero? Obscurity? No, you sought the greatest spotlight you could. You became world-renowned."

"That was never my goal. All I wanted was to defeat Bushido and avenge the village."

"And yet, somewhere on that quest, the region learned about you. You couldn't help yourself from performing simple acts of heroism that tipped them off to you. And eventually, everyone knew your name."

"I was being a good person."

"But a bad ninja. You enjoy the fame. You relish the attention. You have turned your back on the shadows. And because of that, you live the life of a hypocrite! You hide behind a mask, as if it suddenly shields you from the world. But it is a paltry thing. It is how you lie to yourself and say that you still keep the traditions of old alive. But I won't stand for it. If you seek the light, then step fully into it! Reveal identity for all to know! Stop insulting the noble culture of the Shadow Village!"

Kage has frozen entirely. Something the Shadow has said has struck a chord.

Ash asks with concern, "Guardian…Kage…is he telling the truth…?"

Kage stares across the room at the Shadow. "How do you know these things…?"

The Shadow chuckles. He takes a step forward to part of the room that is better lit, revealing himself for the first time. He wears clothes not dissimilar to Kage's. Across his face is a large scar. "My name is Urami of the Shadow Clan. Last true survivor of the Hidden Shadow Village."

Kage gasps. "That's…not possible…"

"It is. Unlike you, I actually survived Bushido's assault." He beckons to the scar on his face. "Even as you fled from the shadows, I embraced them and faced the terrors alongside them. They are a part of me, just as much as they should be a part of you."

Ash asserts, "You two are family! You shouldn't be fighting each other! This should be a reunion!"

Urami shakes his head. "He turned his back on everything that made him a shinobi. He is no family of mine." He looks back to Kage. "Now, Kage, will you end this farce once and for all? Will you denounce the shadows? Or will you continue to pretend like they are still a part of you?"

With a sudden burst of anger, Kage runs forward and shouts, "I'll stop you, villain!"

Urami shakes his head in disappointment and snaps his fingers. "Get him, henchmen." He steps back into the shadows, as Jessie, James, Repiv, and Haking emerge from them.

In the audience, Brock shouts, "Look, something new is on the screen!"

He and Brenda look up to see a broadcast of Kage's battle with Team Rocket. He's dodging out of the way of Haking's Sludge Bomb.

Brenda gasps, "The Guardian! He's here!"

Brock adds, "That's not all! Look who's with him!"

"It's Ash!"

Urami's disguised voice announces, "Your hero has arrived, but he has refused to reveal himself. That is unfortunate for all of you. His arrogance will be your downfall. Watch now the hero who betrayed you."

Repiv lunges at Kage, but Kage is able to sidestep to avoid it. As Repiv sails past him, he grabs it by the tail, swings it about, and throws it at Jessie, James, and Meowth. They're all knocked down by it.

Jessie shouts, "Hey! No fair! You can't battle against Pokémon! You're not a Pokémon!"

James shouts, "If he wants to be part of a Pokémon battle so badly, then we'll show him something! Haking, use Gyro Ball!"

"Haking!" Haking spins itself at Kage, but Kage is able to quickly move a large desk next to him so that it's in front of Haking. Haking hits the sturdy desk and bounces off of it at the perfect angle to ricochet back at Team Rocket. They all gulp nervously as they realize this.

Haking strikes them and sends them all flying out the window. "Looks like Team Rocket's blast—!" They abruptly slam into the top of the barrier around the stadium. They stick to it comically for a moment, before peeling off and falling to the ground below.

Kage shouts, "Now fight me yourself, Urami!" But Urami is no longer where he was last spotted.

Ash looks around frantically. "Where'd he go?"

"Ninjask, use X-Scissor!" A Ninjask appears from the shadows and slashes at Kage, creating a large green X shape.

Kage is blasted out of the window by the attack. Using his acrobatic skills, he is able to nimbly land on the ground in the center of the stadium. But as he stands back up, he notices the sounds of surprised murmurs in all directions. He looks up to the main monitor to see a live image of himself projected on it. His makeshift mask was cut to tatters by Ninjask's attack. His face is visible to all.

Brenda gasps with great shock. "No way! The Guardian is…Kage!?"

Similar realizations are being made all across the stadium.

Kage averts his eyes from the screen with shame.

Urami announces for all to here, "Yes! Look upon the true face of your hero, once and for all! He claims to desire a life of anonymity, and hides his face from you all, and yet he also enters the largest event in the region! He is a hypocrite! He wants nothing more than the spotlight to shine down on him!"

Ash shouts, "You're insane! The Guardian is a hero! Through and through! That's all that matters! He's saved this region from countless threats! He stopped Bushido! Does that not mean anything to you?"

Urami gives Ash a scornful look. "I would have taken Bushido down myself, eventually. And I would have done it in accordance with the customs and traditions taught by my village. The Guardian is a stain upon the memory of my ancestral home."

"If wasn't for the Guardian, nobody would know of the atrocities committed against your people!"

"And that's the way it should be! No one should know of the Hidden Shadow Village! That is why it was hidden! It was not Kage's secret to reveal!" He ignores Ash, pulls a mask over his face, and leaps out the window himself to land near Kage. Ninjask flies after him.

Ash looks about the room for any way he can help Kage, when he notices Pikachu and Ninjato bound in the corner of the room. They have the goo over their mouths now, so they couldn't shout at him. Next to them is a pile of Pokéballs. He runs over to them.

Below, Urami asks, "So, how does it feel, Kage? How does it feel to finally have the last vestiges of your false façade torn away? Isn't this what you've always wanted?"

Kage stands up straight, pulls the tattered mask away from his head, and announces, "I do what I do in the name of justice and in the memory of my village. Perhaps I have strayed from their teachings, but so have you. A true disciple of the shadows would never expose another in such a way. It is an unthinkable taboo."

"That's you're wrong. You aren't a true disciple of the shadows, so I have committed no such taboo."

Kage shakes his head. "You have allowed your rage to blind you. That also goes against all we were taught. I understand your resentment, but the Hidden Shadow Village is gone, and its old ways went along with it. This is a new era for us. I wish that you could have embraced it with me."

Urami scoffs at the notion. "You don't realize that this is all over for you, do you? The people will never respect you after this. My ultimate victory is that now you will never be known as a true disciple of the shadows or as a hero to the people. Your legacy will be that of a hypocrite and a coward."

Kage crosses his arms. "Are you so certain of that?"

Urami eyes him carefully. "What do you speak of?"

"Listen."

A chant has started to echo through the crowd surrounding them. It's still quiet, but it's getting louder as more and more of the audience pick up the chant. They repeat, "Guardian! Guardian! Guardian! Guardian!"

Urami looks around in shock. "Impossible!"

"The people are still on my side. They still respect me as a hero, because they are not blinded by the rage that you have let take control over yourself. They can see me for who I am. And yes, that does mean I do not hide in the shadows. But that is okay. For a true hero does not need to hide. A true hero simply needs to do what is right. Anyone can be a hero, if they remember that."

"You're no hero! Ninjask! X-Scissor!" Ninjask flies at Kage to attack once more, but it is suddenly intercepted.

"Nin jit!" Ash's Ninjitsu parries the X-Scissor with its blades.

Kage looks up towards the control room to see Ash looking out through the window. He nods in approval and repeats, "Anyone can be a hero."

Urami shouts angrily, "Get rid of that distraction, Ninjask!"

Ninjask uses Bug Buzz on Ninjitsu, but Ninjitsu dodges away, and then attacks from the side with Night Slash to knock the bug Pokémon to the ground.

Urami growls in frustration and looks to Kage, only to find he's not standing where he was moments ago. "Where'd he go?"

Kage's voice whispers, "I haven't turned my back to the shadows. They are still my ally." Before Urami can react, Kage has emerged from the shadows behind him and delivered a karate chop to Urami's back.

Urami freezes for a moment, then says in shock, "The shadows still embrace you…" Then he collapses unconscious to the floor.

The audience erupts into praise for Kage as their chanting becomes cheer.

Kage takes a moment to listen to it, then steps forward, pulls a remote out from Urami's pocket, and presses a button on it to lower the barrier. Instantly, police begin pouring in.

Officer Jenny approaches and gives Kage a salute. "Thank you, Guardian. You have saved the day again."

Kage shakes his head. "I'm afraid that today I only created the danger." He looks over to his side, where Ash, Pikachu, and Ninjato are running towards them, then towards Ash's Ninjitsu. "And it wasn't only I who saved it."

Officer Jenny nods. "Regardless, the police remain in your debt. Don't let any madman tell you otherwise." She leans down and locks Urami in handcuffs.

Kage turns to Ash. "Thank you, Ash. Without your help, I'm not sure what I would have done."

"You would have found a way to beat the Ninjask just like you did Team Rocket's Pokémon, I'm sure."

Kage shakes his head. "No, that's not what I mean. I'm talking about before, when this all started. You were the one who made me realize how much I have changed since setting off on the path of a hero. The Guardian of five years ago would not have been able to risk his secret to save the day. The Kage of five years ago would have been exactly the person that Urami wanted him to be. But you made me realize that I'm not that person anymore, both the Guardian and Kage have changed, and for the better."

Ash asks with some concern, "So, what do you do now that your secret's out? By now, I'm sure the whole world knows."

Kage nods. "Indeed, they must. I will not let it change anything. I will continue to bring justice to this world. To tell the truth, with Bushido finally defeated, I'm not sure I require a secret identity any longer anyways. I shall have to bravely face this new light that has been cast upon me. But thanks to you, I no longer fear the light." He pauses as he looks at the awe on Ash's face. "Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, there is something I wish for you to have as my thanks." He reaches into a pouch on his belt and pulls out a scroll. "This ninjutsu scroll is a copy of the one I protected. Have your Ninjitsu study it. There is much it can learn from our ancient techniques."

Ash grins profusely. "Wow! Really?"

Kage nods. "Today's incident made me realize something else. I cannot allow my culture to pass silently into the shadows. I must respect it by teaching a new generation. I must pass on what I know. Your Ninjitsu shall be the first."

Ash looks to Ninjitsu. "You hear that, Ninjitsu? Sounds like you've got some studying to do."

Ninjitsu respectfully bows to Kage. "Jitsu." Kage hands it the scroll.

Ash looks to Kage. "Can I ask you for something else?"

Kage nods. "Name it."

"When we battle tomorrow, I want to battle against the Guardian. That's something I've always wanted since I first met him—met you."

Kage nods. "Yes. When we meet in the final round tomorrow, you shall be facing the full power of the Hero of the Shadows. Your battle will be against the Guardian giving it everything he can, because you, Ash Ketchum, deserve no less than that."

Ash smiles profusely.

Wow, just when you thought the Cosmic Conference couldn't get any more action-packed, we now have a battle against an actual superhero to look forward to. The Tenno League finals are upon us, so you know what you've got to do. Stay tuned.

Outside the stadium, a Chipmunch runs down the trunk of the tree and dashes towards another tree. Out of nowhere, a Pokéball flies in and hits the Pokémon to capture it. The Pokéball wiggles several times, then clicks.

A virtual voice declares, "Chipmunch has been registered to your Pokédex."

"All right! I caught a Chipmunch! That makes six Tenno Pokémon! I can't wait to tell Ash!" The owner of the voice steps forward to pick up the Pokéball. It's Goh. A moment after picking up the ball, he freezes. "Oh no! Ash! I nearly forgot! Hope I didn't miss anything!" He runs for the stadium, apparently oblivious to all the police lights flashing around it. Scorbunny follows behind him, mirroring his panic.

To Be Continued…