Adapted from the episode 'Clefairy Tales' by the Pokémon Writing Team at 4 Kids Productions, all rights reserved.

Pokémon and all the characters are the legal property of Nintendo Entertainment and 4 Kids Productions. No infringement of any legal property, trademarks or copyright intended. This is a non-profit work written for the author's (and the reader's) enjoyment.

Besides, if I owned Pokémon, do you really think that I would spend my time writing fanfics?

The late Roald Dahl created the Vercinimous Knids for the second "Willy Wonka" book, "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator." I am sure that they belong to someone, either his family or his estate or something. Whoever you are, please don't sue me. I don't have enough money, besides which, I am not making a single penny from this.

Yes, it's another BenRG rewrite. I've just seen 'Clefairy Tales' and thought that it might have been cool if the Clefairies' rocket worked. What might have Ash, Misty, Jessie and James found up there? Read on to find out…

This fic is presented in script form. The first quarter will be a verbatim script of the episode 'Clefairy Tales' (as best as I can remember it), but after our heroes find the rocket, my rewrite will take over.

Approximate ages: Ash and Misty are both 13. Brock is 20, Jessie has just turned 19 and James is 18.

ACT 1

INT. HOSPITAL WARD

Several DOCTORS are running around in a ferment. MISTY is lying on her bed obviously confused by all the fuss and bother. ASH holding onto her hand, still crying. PIKACHU is sitting next to MISTY, one paw on the side of her face, unwilling to get too far from her.

NARRATOR

Well, it has been a hectic week for our friends. Ash, Misty and Team Rocket have just returned from a trip to the Moon, where they met up with some Aliens! Yes that's right: real, live space aliens! Misty and James got badly hurt and are now recovering in hospital. But what happened up there? How did they get hurt? Well, be quiet. I think Ash is going to tell us.

MISTY reaches up weakly and brushes the tears off ASH's cheeks.

MISTY

[Hoarse] Don't cry Ash.

ASH manages a shaky smile.

ASH

I'm not sad Misty. I'm happy. I… I thought I'd lost you.

MISTY

[Slight laugh] You won't get rid of me that easily, Ashy-boy.

ASH

[Low and fierce] No. I'm glad of that.

MISTY pauses, blushes slightly and turns away from ASH's gaze in embarrassment.

EPISODE TITLES

MISTY (v/o)

Pokémon in Space! Part two!

BROCK bursts in to the WARD. His clothes and hair are in disorder. When he sees MISTY is awake, he rushes forward and grabs her in a bear hug.

BROCK

Oh God, Misty! You gave us all such a scare!

MISTY seems pleased at the fuss and bother she is generating.

MISTY

It's good to see you again, Brock. For a while there I thought I would never see Earth again.

ASH

Hey, you were the one who kept me going most of the time up there!

MISTY shoots ASH a slight smile.

MISTY

I was just playing your cheerleader, Ash. I knew you could win if you kept strong. It was me I was worried about. Truth be told, I thought I was dead from the moment we stepped aboard that nightmare.

BROCK

Nightmare?

ASH

He doesn't know yet, Misty. I, er, I'm not sure exactly how much we should tell him.

MISTY pauses and cocks her head at ASH in confusion.

MISTY

[Curious] Why shouldn't we tell him everything?

ASH

Well, it is hardly a reassuring story. I wasn't sure if it was really wise to let the whole world what happened out there… It could cause panic.

MISTY nods wisely. BROCK gets frustrated at being left out of the conversation.

BROCK

Tell me what? What happened to the four of you?

MISTY

He is our friend, Ash. We've got to trust someone.

ASH sighs. He gets up for a moment, pacing thoughtfully and running his hand through his messy hair. Finally he looks at MISTY with a wry smile.

ASH

Yeah, you're right as usual.

PIKACHU

[Mischievous] Pika-chu-chu-ka-pi-pika-pi!

ASH

[Laughs] That's right Pikachu. Females are always right, if we males want to stay healthy.

BROCK laughs at that. MISTY shoots the two guys and the PIKACHU an annoyed look, but is in too much of a good mood to push it.

ASH

All right Brock. Here is the whole story… I've got to have your promise first that you will never tell anyone else. [Firm] Not your family, not Jenny or Joy, not anyone other than me, Misty, Jessie or James.

BROCK

[Uncomfortable] Aw, Ash…

ASH

[Firm] I've got to ask Brock. You'll understand why.

BROCK

[Sags, resigned sigh] Okay, Ash, I promise. [Crosses heart]

ASH draws in a deep breath. He looks at BROCK and begins his story. As he speaks, the scene goes swirly as we enter FLASHBACK MODE.

ASH

Doc Oswald had taken the Explorer behind the Moon, Brock. There we saw something right out of your worst nightmare. It looked like a cross between a spider and an octopus. It was maybe five miles across and it was an almost living shade of black.

EXT. LUNAR ORBIT

The EXPLORER is hovering before the ALIEN WARSHIP. The WARSHIP is generating a flickering yellow beam that is striking the Moon's surface, throwing up sparks and little bits of rock.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

Everyone is floating around while OSWALD, at one of the rear stations, performs a series of sensor scans.

ASH

So what can you tell us Doc?

OSWALD

[Nervous] Er, not much I'm afraid, Ash. It seems to absorb Radar scans and does not emit anything on any electromagnetic frequency. It is clearly a spacecraft, and it is obviously also organic. [Looks up] It is as alive as you or I.

MISTY

[Amazed] A living spaceship…

BROCK (v/o)

Wait a minute, Ash. Are you saying you encountered Aliens up there?

ASH (v/o)

That's right Brock-o. Real, live Space Aliens. As large as life but far more frightening.

MISTY (v/o)

It's all true, Brock. We wouldn't make this up.

JESSIE and JAMES are looking out of the window at the ALIEN WARSHIP

JESSIE

What is that yellow beam it is firing at the Moon? Are they mining or something?

OSWALD

Er, no. That seems to be some kind of force beam. It reads similar to an omni-beam as used by certain types of Pokémon, but it is thousands of times stronger.

JAMES

[Puzzled] An omni-beam? [Thoughtful] That is a force beam. Are you saying that they are… moving the Moon?

JESSIE

[Puzzled] Why?

OSWALD

Well, the point the beam is pushing is exactly on the opposite side of the Moon from Earth. I think they are trying to ram the Moon into our planet.

JESSIE makes a sound like a choked scream. She moves slightly closer to JAMES. ASH's jaw goes all firm and he gets THAT look of determination in his eye.

ASH

Well we'll have to stop 'em. We go aboard, smash the omni-beam, then teach those little green men a lesson they'll never forget.

PIKACHU

[Enthusiastic] Pika-pi-pi-chu-pi!

JESSIE explodes.

JESSIE

[Shouts, panicking] Are you crazy you little Twerp? Those are real, live Aliens out there! What chance do we stand against them? We've got to head back home and warn people.

ASH is about to shout back at JESSIE when MISTY interrupts.

MISTY

'To protect the world from devastation.'

JAMES

What? Why do you mention our motto? Do you want to join up or something?

MISTY

[Giggles] No, but that is part of your motto, isn't it? Does that mean anything to you two or is it just words?

JESSIE and JAMES look at each other guiltily and start fidgeting like school children.

JESSIE

[Quiet] When you are one of Team Rocket, that motto is part of who and what you are.

ASH

Well, here is the chance to prove it. That is why we are here, Jessie, James. We've got to protect the world from devastation.

JAMES' jaw gets all firm and determined, just like ASH. JESSIE looks at him, looks at the WARSHIP again and sighs.

JESSIE

[Sighs] Oh well. I always wanted to die before I grew too old.

ASH

Oh, we won't die yet, Jessie.

ASH goes over to 'Inspirational Leader' mode. A dramatic background of waving banners and cheering crowds appears behind him. He strikes a heroic pose.

ASH

We are going to bust aboard that flying saucer and stop the Space Aliens!

JAMES (O.O.S.)

How?

The dramatic background disappears.

ASH

[Shrugs] I don't know. I'm making this up as I go along!

OSWALD makes a nervous sound. He drifts back the length of the FLIGHT DECK and gets into the PILOT'S CHAIR.

OSWALD

Well, there is a limit to what we can learn from a distance. We should board the alien ship, as Ash suggests, and… er… Well, we'll see what we find shall we?

EXT. LUNAR ORBIT

The EXPLORER's manoeuvring thrusters begin to spit little clouds of vapour. The ship slowly moves towards the ALIEN WARSHIP. MUSIC begins: something weird, spooky and, above all, alien.

A drawn-out series of beauty shots, showing the long tendril-like nacelles and the organic hull that seems to ripple like skin. Intersperse these with the reactions of the five humans.

Finally, the EXPLORER slides towards what looks like an orifice of some kind.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH points to the right.

ASH

Over there Doc.

OSWALD

Er, yes, I see it Ash.

OSWALD makes some adjustments to the controls.

MISTY

Looks like some kind of docking port.

JAMES

[Disgusted] It looks like a bodily orifice to me. I feel sick!

EXT. SPACE

The EXPLORER slowly nudges up against the orifice.

INT. ALIEN AIRLOCK

The EXPLORER's outer airlock door pops open. A CLEFAIRY wearing an oxygen mask and carrying some kind of portable sensor drifts in.

CLEFAIRY (Filtered)

Cle-Cle-fair-cle!

INT. FLIGHT DECK

OSWALD is listening to CLEFAIRY's report and reading his instruments.

OSWALD

Ah! Good, the air inside the Alien vessel is breathable and there are no detectable toxins present. There is also no gravity, so we can finally put that old sci-fi standby 'artificial gravity' to rest.

MISTY is looking out at the alien ship looming around them.

MISTY

Either that or they don't need gravity.

OSWALD

[Nervous] Er, yes. Yes there is that possibility isn't there?

JESSIE

[Resigned] Well, let's get over there.

INT. MID-DECK

Everyone is standing in front of the Airlock, fitted out with the appropriate regalia.

They all have a portable oxygen mask, portable sensing devices and walkie-talkies. OSWALD is carrying far more sensing equipment than anyone else is. Even PIKACHU and MEOWTH have Pokémon-sized oxygen equipment slung around their necks.

TOGEPI drifts forward.

TOGEPI

[Fearful] Toge-priii-ge?

MISTY settles him back on the top bunk.

MISTY

It's a bit dangerous for you to come, Togepi. You stay here and guard the ship for us.

TOGEPI

[Determined] Toge-priii!

TOGEPI strikes a 'None shall pass' pose. MISTY chuckles.

MEOWTH

[Nervous] Ah, maybe I should stick wid da li'l egg. Just to be safe?

JAMES shoots MEOWTH a suspicious look. Since when does he volunteer for anything?

JAMES

[Suspicious] Whose safety, Meowth? His or yours?

MEOWTH tries to look the wounded innocent. JESSIE does not even bother to say anything. She slaps MEOWTH with her fan, sending him tumbling into the airlock.

INT. ALIEN SHIP, CORRIDOR

OSWALD, ASH, MISTY, the CLEFAIRY LEADER, JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH are drifting down the corridor. PIKACHU is holding onto ASH's back. Everything is really spooky. It really looks like our heroes are floating down something's throat or gut.

BROCK (v/o)

So what was it like in there?

ASH (v/o)

Hmm. Let me think. You know that Sci-fi movie from the last century? Alien?

MISTY (v/o)

[Mischievous] You know the one. You showed us the DVD the last time we were in Pewter, but you said your Dad would kill you if he found out you showed it to a pair of thirteen-year-olds?

PIKACHU (v/o)

Pika-pi-hee-hee-hee!

BROCK (v/o)

[Nervous] Ye-es?

ASH (v/o)

This place was a dead ringer for the alien ship in that. Either these aliens have seen the movie or it was just a wild co-incidence.

MISTY drifts slightly closer to ASH. He turns in surprise and tries to offer her a reassuring smile. JESSIE and JAMES are jumping at every sound or motion. MEOWTH is trying to hide behind them without doing so too obviously. OSWALD has his nose in a sensor and does not seem really aware of what is around him.

The corridor comes to an end. ASH gets bonus points for his communications skills

ASH

Wow!

MISTY

Yeah!

The interior of the ALIEN ship is like a massive web of interlocking organic conduits and thick structural pillars. It is very chaotic. There are lights flashing from various angles, drifting by, then disappearing.

JESSIE

[Urgent] Guys!

EVERYONE turns. Several ALIENS hover in the corridors. They are approximately five feet tall blobs of grey-green goo with glowing red lights inside the top quarter that may be eyes. They are walking along the ceiling with six gelatinous pseudopods.

ALIEN

Vercinimous! Ver-knid!

ASH and PIKACHU tense. JAMES reaches for a POKÉBALL.

OSWALD

Wait, we don't know what they want.

MISTY gives him a strange look.

MISTY

[Saccharine and sarcastic] They want to blow up Earth. That tells us all we need to know.

ASH shakes his head.

ASH

We shouldn't start a fight if we don't know what we're dealing with. Let's see what they want with us first.

JESSIE

[Reluctant] Okay. But I'm warning you, Twerp. If I get eaten alive, I am never going to forgive you.

ASH

[Sniggers] Don't worry, Jessie. I'm sure I'll never forget the experience.

The ALIENS prod the adventurers on with extra pseudopods that they extrude.

As our heroes drift off the edge of the corridor into the interior, the ALIENS retract their pseudopods and extrude four wings that they flap insect-style. The ALIENS form up around the humans and escort them deeper into the ship.

INT. EXPLORER MID-DECK

TOGEPI is sitting on his bunk. There is a sound that makes him jump in surprise and look around fearfully.

TOGEPI

[Nervous] Toge-priii-to?

Suspenseful MUSIC. Our POV is that of something moving towards TOGEPI. TOGEPI is too frightened to look over his shoulder. Something gets very close and…

JIGGLYPUFF

Jigglypuff!

TOGEPI nearly collapses in relief. JIGGLYPUFF drifts up, quite at ease in free-fall. He is a balloon, after all.

TOGEPI

[Annoyed] Togepi!

JIGGLYPUFF

Jiggly-hee-hee! Jiggle-jiggly-puff-uff?

JIGGLYPUFF raises his microphone. TOGEPI nearly slaps it from his hand.

TOGEPI

[Angry] Togi!

INT. ALIEN SHIP, INTERIOR

After a timeless period of drifting through the interior of the ship, our heroes come to a platform. Overhead a massive VIEWSCREEN shows the Earth, the Moon and the Moon's orbit. The orbit is not a normal circle, and it is slowly curving closer and closer to touching the Earth.

The heroes touch down and the ALIENS form up around them, glaring at them with their glowing red eyes. NOTE: The aliens have no real features except these 'eyes' which appear to be below the surface of their upper bodies.

ASH

[Grim] Well, that removes any doubt about what they are up to, I guess.

Suddenly, the organic conduits around the platform break up into hundreds of ALIENS, who re-form into an organic geodesic dome over the platform.

A much larger ALIEN drifts down towards them. Its' body ripples with glowing fiery orange lights that seem to drift through its' interior like the bars on a barbershop's pole.

ALIEN LEADER

Vercinimous-king-ki-verci-mous-ci!

JAMES

[Sounds friendly] I'm sorry, we don't understand you. Can you speak English?

ALIEN LEADER

Verci-ki-king!

JAMES rolls his eyes. JESSIE leans right towards the ALIEN LEADER, forgetting her fear in her anger.

JESSIE

He said [Shouts] CAN YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? YOU KNOW? EN-GLEESH? YANK-EE?

The ALIEN LEADER jumps back in surprise.

ASH

[Smirks] Brilliant work, Jessie. You've got a great future ahead of you in the diplomatic service.

JESSIE snorts angrily and folds her arms, beginning to sulk.

JESSIE

I don't see you making any suggestions, Captain Kirk.

MISTY

Do you have any ideas what we should do next, Ash?

ASH pulls out his Pokédex.

MEOWTH

Hey, Twoip put it away. Dese are Aliens, not Pokémon.

ASH

I've got a strange feeling I've seen these guys before. In an old book in Professor Oak's study.

ASH activates his Pokédex and points it at one of the guards. The Pokédex scans for a moment, then bleeps.

DEXTER

Vercinimous Knid, a legendary Pokémon. Believed to be an ancient variant of Ditto. Vercinimous Knids are currently unknown on Earth. However, ancient legends identify the species as a force of chaos and destruction. The legends say that the God Pokémon drove the Vercinimous Knids from the Earth after they attempted to gain control of the mystic Geo Stones, the source of the power of all Pokémon.

Brief shot of the reactions of ALL.

DEXTER

Vercinimous Knid is a metamorphic psi-Pokémon, with a wide range of attacks and defences. Vercinimous Knid uses its morphing powers to instantly adapt to any new environment. They are extremely difficult to defeat in battle. Most experts discount the Vercinimous Knid as a myth.

JESSIE

[Startled] These things are… Pokémon?

ASH

[Grim] Of the worst kind. If they are the ancient enemies of the God Pokémon, then we are a little outgunned here.

MISTY

[Firm] You can handle this, Ash. You've dealt with a lot worse.

ASH shoots her a grateful smile. He points his Pokédex at the ALIEN LEADER.

DEXTER

Vercinimous King, the evolved form of Vercinimous Knid.

VERCINIMOUS KING's glowing red eyes (he has four) narrow and then flare brightly. Our heroes' walkie-talkies suddenly hiss with static. Then an ALIEN VOICE hisses from them.

ALIEN VOICE

We… are… Vercinimous… King.

Everyone looks at each other. MISTY raises her brows and nudges ASH.

ASH

Er… Hi. I'm Ash Ketchum. These are my friends, Misty Waterflower, James Weston and Jessie Scarlet. This guy is Doc Oswald. He built the ship that brought us here.

ALIEN VOICE

You… from… Earth?

ASH

Um… Yeah, that's right.

ALIEN VOICE

Not… encountered your kind… before. What… element?

JAMES

[Confused] 'What element?' What is it talking about?

OSWALD

[Excited] It thinks we are Pokémon! This proves a theory I heard that the Pokémon predate humans, maybe by millions of years!

MISTY

It must think that the Earth is still controlled by the God Pokémon! We might be able to persuade them to break off their attack.

ASH

[Tries the old tactic of raising his hand in a sign of peace] We aren't Pokémon, sir. We are humans. We are the dominant life form on Earth now.

ALIEN VOICE

Humans… Not… Element Warrior?

ASH

No, sir. We are not Pokémon.

ALIEN VOICE

Curious. What fate… Element Gods?

ASH nods at MISTY in relief. MISTY blows out a little white cloud and wipes the sweatdrop from her forehead.

ASH

The God Pokémon haven't been seen in centuries, sir. Many people think that they have left the Earth for good.

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS get excited and begin to twirl around each other in their massive dome, shouting in their language. VERCINIMOUS KING looks around.

VERCINIMOUS KING

Verci!

There is silence again.

ALIEN VOICE

Gone? Maybe… Obliteration not… required.

VERCINIMOUS KING extrudes pseudopods and walks around the heroes, watching them carefully. He pauses when he sees MEOWTH.

ALIEN VOICE

Species: Meowth. Element: Earth. Threat Index… 3.5… Ignore unless attacked.

MEOWTH

[Sarcastic] Dat's very nice of you.

VERCINIMOUS KING spots PIKACHU

VERCINIMOUS KING

Species: Pikachu. Element: Electric. Threat Index 6.8… Restrain.

Two VERCINIMOUS KNIDS drift forward, extending pseudopods. ASH hugs PIKACHU to his chest.

ASH

Hey! Hands off my Pikachu!

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS pause and look at VERCINIMOUS KING.

ALIEN VOICE

Pikachu… Human: Ash Ketchum… Allies?

ASH

[Defiant] Pikachu is my friend.

ALIEN VOICE

Unexpected. [Cocks upper body in curiosity] Query: Humans and Pokémon… Relationship?

ASH is surprised at the question and does not really know how to reply. MISTY answers instead.

MISTY

Humans and Pokémon often work together towards common goals. We care for them and train them how to fight. Often, we help them evolve. There are some [Here she looks at JESSIE and JAMES with distaste] who use them as slaves, but the best Trainers see them as their partners.

VERCINIMOUS KING's eyes flash even brighter than before.

ALIEN VOICE

Humans: Element Warriors allies! Friend of our enemies!

JESSIE

[Head gets big] Next time keep quiet you scrawny twerp!

MISTY

[Facefaults] They're psi-types, you ugly hag! They would know if we lied!

ASH

Quit fighting, you two! We've got bigger problems!

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS around the perimeter suddenly morph into what looks unpleasantly like some kind of energy cannon, their four-pointed muzzles pointing at our friends. Blood red psychic energy flares across their entire bodies.

MISTY

[Terrified] Ash, its Vercinimous Knid's Psychic Storm Attack!

ASH

[Scared too] Oh heck! Up everyone!

Our heroes jump up, barely avoiding the crossfire of psychic attacks. The attacks interact, generating a fireball that knocks everyone about, including VERCINIMOUS KING, who is blown against the VIEWSCREEN.

VERCINIMOUS KING

[Roars] Ver-king-mous-mous!

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS begin to detach from their dome and morph to flying mode. They move towards our heroes.

JESSIE

We're surrounded!

MEOWTH

Tell us something dat we don't know!

ASH

Pikachu! Thundershock!

PIKACHU

Pika… CHUUU!

PIKACHU fires off a bright shock that radiates out in all directions, knocking the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS away from his friends. The VIEWSCREEN suddenly explodes from the overload.

OSWALD

Quickly everyone! Back to the ship!

OSWALD touches a control on a small device on his belt.

INT. EXPLORER MID-DECK

An alarm buzzer sounds. The inner airlock opens. As JIGGLYPUFF and TOGEPI watch, four CLEFAIRIES zip through into the alien ship.

CLEFAIRIES

Clefairy! Clefairy!

INT. ALIEN SHIP, INTERIOR

As our heroes drift back towards the entrance corridor, VERCINIMOUS KNIDS morph into their flying form and pursue. Some fire blood-red psychic blasts and others begin to flare with blood-red energy, trying more subtle attacks.

JAMES sweatdrops and begins to struggle.

JESSIE

[Panicking] They're using a confusion attack on James! Do something!

ASH cries out in pain, holding his head. MISTY grabs him and keeps swimming for the corridor.

OSWALD

Clefairy! Psi Shield Defence!

CLEFAIRY LEADER

Clefairy-fairy!

An icy-blue psi shield-bubble appears around the heroes, absorbing several hits. Inside, ASH and JAMES recover, but are still dazed.

CLEFAIRY begins to sweatdrop; the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS are far too powerful to hold off for long.

OSWALD

She can't hold them off for long!

ASH shakes his head.

ASH

They're too powerful!

MISTY

We've got to distract them! Any ideas Ash?

ASH pauses, then smiles.

ASH

One or two [Draws two Pokéballs] Go Charizard and Pidgiotto!

MISTY

Gyarados, I choose you!

ASH

Break up their formation and keep 'em busy until we reach the corridor!

The three Pokémon peel away and lay into the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS with Flame-thrower, Water Cannon and Razor Feather Throw. The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS reel back from the sudden attack.

ASH

Yeah! Go and get 'em guys!

A VERCINIMOUS KNID flares blood red. CHARIZARD roars in pain as red psychic fire flashes around his head. He begins to strike out randomly all around him. A flame-thrower attack barely misses PIGIOTTO

JAMES

What's wrong with him?

MEOWTH

Dey're using Confusion on him!

MISTY

Gyarados, bind him and pull him back.

GYARADOS wraps himself around the berserker CHARIZARD, Who is still firing off random flame-thrower attacks.

A squadron of VERCINIMOUS KNIDS all fire off simultaneous Psi Power Sphere attacks, knocking both the dragon and the water monster unconscious.

ASH

Oh no! Charizard! [Raises a Pokéball] Charizard, return.

MISTY

Gyarados, return!

JAMES pulls a Pokéball.

JAMES

[Grins] Time for a more sneaky strategy, I think. Weezing, I choose you!

WEEZING emerges and looks around him in surprise.

JAMES

I'd like a little privacy, Weezing.

WEEZING

Weez!

WEEZING generates a smokescreen around the drifting heroes.

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS close in, trying to find the humans with their psychic senses. Suddenly, the smokescreen turns to a fiery ball that explodes outwards, making them reel back. Several Laser Pulse and Lightning Bolt attacks flash out, striking several. At least one tumbles away with its' red eyes turned to glowing crosses and, knocked out. As it tumbles, it looses shape until it is a spheroid with glowing crosses at one end.

Our heroes continue onwards. MISTY now has STARYU out of his ball and alongside. Occasionally, STARYU, PIKACHU or WEEZING fire off a ranged attack to pick off a VERCINIMOUS KNID that gets too close.

ASH

I didn't know you knew Charm Laser, Meowth.

MEOWTH

Meowth! Dere's a lot you don't know about me, kid.

The heroes drift down onto the ledge leading out of the ship back to the Explorer. They get ready to flee.

OSWALD

Wait!

ASH

What?

OSWALD

We can't leave yet! We've got to stop their omni-beam. [Nervous] One of us must find and destroy the power source or the Earth is doomed!

JESSIE grimaces. ASH sweatdrops.

ASH

This could get ugly.

MISTY

[Certain] We can do it Ash. You can do it.

JESSIE

[Nervous] Who volunteers to find the power source?

OSWALD raises his hand nervously, twitching it down every now and then.

JAMES

[Laughs] You? Just you and your Clefairy?

OSWALD

Actually, my Clefaries and me.

The other four CLEFAIRIES come out of the tunnel, singing excitedly.

ASH

Are you sure you want to do this?

OSWALD offers him a sickly smile.

OSWALD

Want to do it? No. Have to do it? Yes. Farewell, my friends. You will find that the Explorer will do exactly as you ask to get you home.

JESSIE

What? [Outraged] Do you mean you lied to us? That we could have gone home days ago?

OSWALD

[Grins] I had to get you out here, didn't I?

OSWALD and the CLEFAIRIES duck over the edge of the corridor and disappear within the depths of the alien ship.

SCENE goes swirly. FLASHBACK ENDS.

BROCK is solemn. MISTY reaches out and grasps ASH's hand. ASH manages a slight smile.

BROCK

So he was a hero at the end.

ASH

Yeah, a real hero. Who would have thought it?

FADE

ADVERT BREAK for some extremely poor-quality 'budget toys' that would not make it too the shops if it were not for the fact most good stuff is beyond the reach of non-millionaires.

ACT 2

INT. HOSPITAL

BROCK is still listening to ASH and MISTY's story.

NARRATOR

Shh, just sit down and listen. Ash is telling the story of the battle on the Alien Ship!

Scene goes swirly as we enter FLASHBACK MODE!

ASH (v/o)

The Doc was looking for the Vercinimous Knids' weak spot. It was up to Misty, Jessie, James and me to keep 'em busy until he found it.

ASH floats in the centre of the corridor. In the distance, a storm of VERCINIMOUS KNIDS closes in like a plague of locusts.

ASH

Okay, guys, this is it. Every Pokémon out. We hold this position or we are dead.

JESSIE

Hey! Who died and made you the leader?

ASH

If you have a better plan, Jessie, please tell me. I'm all ears.

JESSIE sulks again. ASH gets that determined heroic look in his eye again.

ASH

Okay. Here we go. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charizard, Kadabra, Voltorb, Pidgiotto…

MISTY

Staryu, Squirtle, Shellder, Gyarados, Clefairy, Psyduck…

JAMES

Weezing, Victreebell…

JESSIE

Meowth, Arbok, Lickatung…

TOGETHER

I choose you!

All the Pokémon materialise. ASH and MISTY dump bottles of Full-Restore potion on CHARIZARD and GYARADOS.

This is a big one. I will leave this to you, the reader, to imagine this spectacular battle. Our four heroes throw absolutely everything they have at the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS, who respond in kind. This one makes the battle at the climax of Pokémon – The First Movie look like a pillow fight by comparison.

INT. EXPLORER MID-DECK

TOGEPI looks around as he hears a noise from the airlock.

TOGEPI

Toge-priii?

The AIRLOCK opens and a VERCINIMOUS KNID drifts in, looking around with its burning red eyes. TOGEPI disappears beneath the covers on the bunk. He peers out as the chaos Pokémon looks around the living area.

JIGGLYPUFF

Puff!

JIGGLYPUFF does a high-velocity pound attack on what might be VERCINIMOUS KNID's head.

VERCINIMOUS KNID

[Surprised and Angry] Knid!

VERCINIMOUS KNID tries to swat the high-velocity balloon with a pseudopod, but can't connect. JIGGLYPUFF follows up with more pound attacks and double-slap attacks.

VERCINIMOUS KNID thrashes around angrily, then focuses on the fight. JIGGLYPUFF is suddenly surrounded by a flaring blood-red psychic attack. VERCINIMOUS KNID uses Kinetic Throw to toss JIGGLYPUFF across the compartment.

JIGGLYPUFF

[Fearful] Jiggle-eeee!

VERCINIMOUS KNID

[Pleased] Verci-knid-knid-mous-ni!

VERCINIMOUS KNID curls an extremity and generates a Kinetic Power-Ball attack.

TOGEPI

[Quiet and frightened] Priii?

VERCINIMOUS KNID

Niiiii!

VERCINIMOUS KNID fires the attack, which streaks towards the stunned JIGGLYPUFF. At the last moment, an icy-blue Psi Shield appears around him, absorbing the attack.

VERCINIMOUS KNID

[Amazed] Mous?

JIGGLYPUFF jumps to his feet and launches into his Hypnotic Song attack. VERCINIMOUS KNID shakes a little, then flares with psychic power. JIGGLYPUFF's song drifts off and the little balloon is asleep. That was a Psi Mirror Defence, if you were wondering.

TOGEPI

Pi!

VERCINIMOUS KNID is suddenly illuminated with icy blue psychic energy. It is flung against the ceiling, the floor and finally against the far wall. It is stunned and tries to see its attacker.

TOGEPI is floating in the middle of the compartment.

VERCINIMOUS KNID

[Contemptuous] Ni-verci-knid!

VERCINIMOUS KNID's eyes glow red, it is using some indirect psi attack. TOGEPI flares with his own power and vanishes.

VERCINIMOUS KNID

[Amazed] Knid?

TOGEPI

Togi-togi-priii!

VERCINIMOUS KNID whirls in shock. TOGEPI is behind him (he's used Teleport). As we watch, the egg is surrounded by psychic fire. TOGEPI fires a Psychic Storm attack.

TOGEPI

Togi… PIII!

VERCINIMOUS KNID is blown back out of the airlock by the attack. We see him hit a bulkhead back inside the ALIEN SHIP and drift off in a shapeless mass, his glowing red eyes now stunned swirls.

TOGEPI

[Amazed] Priii? [Shakes himself and drifts towards the unconscious JIGGLYPUFF] Togi-priii-priii!

Brock (v/o)

[Amazed] Togepi? Against one of those things?

ASH (v/o)

Well, I don't know the details, but it had to be! Jigglypuff was still out cold when we got back, and Togepi seemed… well… smug.

MISTY (v/o)

The first thing I'm going to do when I get out of this bed is start training that little egg!

INT. ALIEN SHIP, CORRIDOR ENTRANCE

The battle still rages. As we watch, CLEFAIRY is caught by a mirror defence and knocked out. ASH's SQUIRTLE, MISTY'S SHELLDER and MEOWTH are down too. PSYDUCK is, typically, not much help.

A VERCINIMOUS KNID tries to fly by and attack using Pseudopod Punch, but is caught in a thundershock that knocks it unconscious.

PIKACHU

Pikachu! Pika… [Blows out a white cloud] Pi-chu!

ASH shoots PIKACHU a worried look. He is getting weak.

MISTY pulls back to use a Full-Restore spray on CLEFAIRY. JAMES has finished rejuvenating MEOWTH and pushes him back into the battle. ASH's radio bleeps.

ASH

Doc?

OSWALD (Filtered)

Ash! I've found the power source! It is directly below the main your current position some twelve levels down. It is an artificial black hole! If we destroy it, not only will it completely destroy this ship; it will also drag the Moon back to its proper orbit [Beat. Continues in a fatalistic tone] Oh dear. I think destroying it will be your job.

There is a hiss of static, then silence.

ASH

Doc? Doc! [Puts radio away] We'll have to handle it. He looks around. Okay, Pikachu, go with Misty's Clefairy and blow that machine up.

JESSIE

Meowth, Lickatung, help him out.

MEOWTH

[Still a little dazed] Do I hafta?

ALL FOUR TRAINERS

[Their heads get bigger] Yes!

MEOWTH

Me-owth! Dat's what I was afraid of!

The chosen four Pokémon duck over the edge of the ledge and head off. MISTY seems a little worried.

ASH

This is getting too tight… Charizard! Fire Wall!

The flame wall drives back the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS for a moment.

MISTY

[Trying to keep cheerful] You're doing it Ash! We're winning!

PSYDUCK points to the far left.

PSYDUCK

[Urgent] Psy-yi-yi-yi!

MISTY

[Annoyed] What is it now, you dumb duck?

A VERCINIMOUS KNID is incredibly close. It reaches out with a pseudopod and lassos MISTY, pulling her off the ledge. MISTY screams and then sags, knocked out by the strength of the pseudopod tightening about her waist.

ASH

[Horrified] Misty! [Turns] Pidgiotto! Razor Wing Attack! [Points at VERCINIMOUS KNID]

PIGIOTTO

Pidgeeee!

PIDGEOTTO zips past and severs the pseudopod on his first pass. VERCINIMOUS KNID screams something utterly alien. It is then blown back and away by PSYDUCK's Psychic Storm attack.

PIDGEOTTO catches the drifting MISTY and flies her back to the ledge. ASH grabs her and pulls her to him.

ASH

Misty? [Silence. He shakes her desperately] Misty! Answer me!

JESSIE reaches out and touches MISTY's neck.

JESSIE

She's still alive.

ASH is still concentrating on MISTY. He does not seem to have heard.

JESSIE

(Shouts) ASH! We need you fighting!

JAMES

[Gentle] It looks like a few broken ribs. I'll try to help her while you fight.

ASH releases MISTY to JAMES only reluctantly. He turns back to the battle with a grim expression.

ASH

[Angry, indeed murderously angry] Okay, Staryu, Bulbasaur. We're going target shooting. On my mark, laser pulse and solar beam on the targets I order.

INT. ALIEN SHIP, POWER ROOM

A VERCINIMOUS KNID dodges a Psi Power Sphere attack, only to drift into LICKATUNG's range. It takes several direct Lick attacks, bouncing it off the floor. Another is struck by a thundershock, knocking it back.

PIKACHU

[Sweatdrops] Pika-chu-chu-ka!

MEOWTH

[Sweatdrops] I'm trying! I don't read deyre language!

PIKACHU, LIKATUNG and CLEFAIRY are in a semi-circle, watching MEOWTH's back as a pair of VERCINIMOUS KNIDS attempt to get at him. MEOWTH is working desperately at a control console. Behind him, there is a huge black metal sphere, covered by flashing lights. Obviously the power source.

MEOWTH

[Hopeless] Its' no good! I can't figure dis out! We're all gonna die!

PIKACHU snarls, red flames bursting behind him. He pulls MEOWTH out of the way.

MEOWTH

Whatya doin? Oh no. [Shouts] You can't be serious!

PIKACHU

Pika… Pika… PIKA… CHUUUUUUUU!

PIKACHU fires the biggest thundershock of his life. Electricity begins to flare over the surface of the sphere. MEOWTH stares for a moment.

MEOWTH

[Horrified] You know, dat might just do it…

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS pause in their attacks. When they see what is happening to the power sphere, they turn tail and flee as fast as their wings can carry them.

MEOWTH

Dat's our cue! Let's get outta here!

The four Pokémon flee.

INT. ALIEN SHIP, CORRIDOR ENTRANCE

There is still a stalemate. Suddenly, Meowth, Pikachu, Clefairy and Likatung jump over the edge of the ledge. MEOWTH does not even slow down. JESSIE grabs him by the scruff of his neck and begins shaking him.

JESSIE

[Angry] Well you cowardly cat? Did you do your job for the first time in your misbegotten life?

MEOWTH

[Desperate] Yeah, we broke it! I'd like to run away now!

JESSIE

Let's get out of here!

ASH raises a group of Pokéballs.

ASH

[Shouts to the Pokémon fighting in the interior] All of you! Return!

The Pokémon return to their Pokéballs.

JAMES

We'll need a distraction. Weezing, Smokescreen Attack!

WEEZING

Weez-weezing!

ASH

Voltorb! Ignition!

VOLTORB

Volt-olt!

VOLTORB fires a small spark into Weezing's smokescreen attack, turning it into a firestorm. JESSIE and JAMES turn to run, pausing only long enough to pick up their Pokémon. ASH recalls the last of his and MISTY's Pokémon, picks up MISTY and floats off down the corridor as quickly as he can.

A few VERCINIMOUS KNIDS burst through the wall of flame as our heroes flee back towards their ship, but they are knocked unconscious by the heat.

ASH corners too see JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH hovering, wearing blank expressions. VERCINIMOUS KING hovers before them, his eyes glowing a bright blood red. He is using a powerful trance attack. Their walkie-talkies crackle.

ALIEN VOICE

Human idiom: hollow victory. Vengeance: mine.

All three rockets turn towards Ash, their eyes glowing red. They raise their hands and make to attack ASH. ASH pauses, horrified but knows who is his real enemy here.

ASH

Kadabra, Bulbasaur, I choose you! Kadabra, Kinetic Punch Attack!

KADABRA

Kadabra!

VERCINIMOUS KING blocks the psi attack easily, but in the process, he looses control of JESSIE, JAMES and MEOWTH. They sag and begin to shake their head.

ASH

Kadabra, keep at it, confuse and psi shield!

KADABRA does his best, but he does not stand a chance against VERCINIMOUS KING for long. Fortunately, he does not even have to try.

ASH

Bulbasaur! Razor leaf attack!

BULBASAUR

Bulbasaur!

The razor leaves rip into VERCINIMOUS KING's structure. The creature howls and begins to twist. Finally, it reaches out psychically to knock the attacks from the air.

ASH

Kadabra! Psi Power Sphere!

KADABRA

Kad-ab-ab!

KADABRA winds up like a pro and pitches a Power Sphere right into VERCINIMOUS KING, who is blown back.

ASH

Now, Bulbasaur. More Razor leaves and then bind him with your vine whips!

BULBASAUR cuts up VERCINIMOUS KING and then grabs him. She hunkers down, using her claws to grip the organic surface of the corridor, and bangs the shapeless protoplasmic Pokémon around for a while.

VERCINIMOUS KING's eyes are dimmer now. He uses a pseudopod to grab hold of the roof and puffs his body out, forcing BULBASAUR to let go.

ASH

Bulbasaur! Solar beam attack!

The solar beam blasts VERCINIMOUS KING dead centre. It bangs against the roof and drifts off.

ASH

Body Slam Attack!

BULBASAUR throws herself forward and smashes VERCINIMOUS KING hard against a wall. The psi-Pokémon's eyes turn to glowing red crosses. He is out of the game.

ASH reverses his cap and pulls out a Pokéball. He throws it and it pops open just as it passes VERCINIMOUS KING, who vanishes in a flare of rose-red energy. The ball sucks it in and closes. Its' red lights flash for five long seconds, then go green.

ASH drifts up and snatches the ball. He does his pose.

ASH

Yeah! I got a Vercinimous King!

JESSIE

[Amazed] How does he DO that?

BULBASAUR

Bulba-bul… Bulbasaur!

ASH

Huh? Bulbasaur, are you all right?

BULBASAUR is suddenly glowing. She disappears in a massive white flash. When the light dims, an IVYSAUR stands in her place. ASH is thunderstruck, then he cheers.

ASH

Yes! And Bulbasaur evolves to Ivysaur! This has got to be my day!

He looks and sees MISTY, still drifting unconscious. A distant explosion makes the corridor shake. He sighs regretfully and grabs MISTY.

ASH

[Grim] Or maybe not… Let's get out of here.

Scene goes SWIRLY. FLASHBACK ends.

BROCK is sitting with his jaw hanging open. ASH and MISTY seem pleased at this reaction.

BROCK

You… captured one of those… things?

ASH raises a Pokéball. Even in the dim night lighting of the WARD, it seems to shine. It is something special, perhaps something sinister.

ASH

It's right here, Brock. The question is, will I ever dare to open it to train him? Vercinimous King is very powerful and very dangerous.

MISTY

You'll manage, Ash. He'll be your strongest friend yet, you'll see.

ASH

[Blushes] You're just saying that.

MISTY

[Slightly angry] I mean it! I've never seen a Trainer who has got such loyalty out of such a strange bunch than you have.

ASH

[Embarrassed] Yeah. Maybe. Anyway, I'm sending him to Professor Oak for study first. I don't want to have to deal with something this big until after the League this year.

BROCK rises stiffly. He seems slightly shocked, and still isn't sure if he believes it all.

BROCK

Well… [Sighs] Thanks for trusting me, guys. [Grim] You're right that we can't let just anyone know about this. I won't tell.

ASH

Thanks, Brock.

MISTY

Yeah, thanks.

BROCK turns to go.

BROCK

You two rest and get well. Don't worry about the League until you are out of here.

ASH nods in agreement. MISTY manages a smile and a wave.

ASH turns back to his bed as MISTY leans back and closes her eyes with a sigh. When ASH is sure she is asleep, he smiles and places a kiss on her cheek.

ASH

[Quiet] Sleep well, my angel.

ASH gets into bed and the two drift off to sleep.

EXT. HOSPITAL

Dawn is just breaking.

INT. WARD

JESSIE and JAMES, now in full uniform sneak past with MEOWTH.

ASH

[Quiet] You are getting out guys?

JAMES

Yes, now is as good a time as any.

ASH

Well, I'll probably see you soon. [Laughs] Do me a favour and stick around. I need to talk to you again. Meet me in the park the night after MISTY is released from hospital.

JESSIE nods. Team Rocket sneak out of the hospital and back into the wide world.

ASH

[To PIKACHU] Who would have thought that I would stick my neck on the line for them?

PIKACHU

Pika-ka-chu-pi!

MISTY

[Quiet] Ash…

ASH gets up and walks over.

ASH

Yeah, Misty?

MISTY looks up with an embarrassed smile.

MISTY

Thanks for getting me out of there. How did we get back anyway?

ASH breathes in.

ASH

It wasn't easy, [Laughs] or particularly graceful, for that matter.

Scene goes SWIRLY. It's yet another FLASHBACK!

INT. EXPLORER MID-DECK

JESSIE, MEOWTH and JAMES rush in. ASH, carrying MISTY is a second behind them.

TOGEPI starts when he sees his Trainer out cold. Tears start in his eyes.

TOGEPI

Togi-priii?

ASH

Don't worry Togepi. You're Mommy's gonna be fine. [Quietly] She'd better be, or I'm gonna loose my mind.

JESSIE and JAMES dive up the tunnel to the FLIGHT DECK while ASH straps MISTY down in a bunk as gently as he can. ASH seals the outer airlock door, then pushes the inner door shut.

ASH

[Yells] We're sealed! Let's get out of here!

JESSIE (O.O.S.)

Right!

INT. ALIEN SHIP, CORRIDOR

Several dozen VERCINIMOUS KNIDS and VERCINIMOUS KINGS rush down the corridor. When they reach the airlock, they begin to throw themselves against the door.

INT. MID DECK

ASH begins to sweatdrop as he listens to the clanging of the psi-Pokémon trying to break in. Another explosion rocks the ALIEN SHIP, making the EXPLORER shake, too.

ASH dives up the tunnel into the flight deck.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

JAMES is in the pilot's seat with JESSIE to his left. The two are arguing in a spirited fashion about how to get loose and fire the engines.

JESSIE

I tell you the engine controls are alwayson the panel above the throttles.

JAMES

What do you know about it? You can't even drive!

JESSIE

[Head gets bigger, vampire teeth] That is rich from a man who can't even change a light bulb without an instruction manual!

ASH

[Sarcastic] Guys, as much as I hate to break up this charming domestic scene, the Vercinimous Knids are trying to break in. The ship is about to blow up, too.

This intelligence only increases the frantic nature of the argument.

ASH sighs in resignation. He pulls himself into the seat on JAMES' right. He straps himself down and puts PIKACHU into his lap.

ASH

Computer!

SSCV

Yes Astronaut Ketchum, A?

ASH

Undock from the alien vessel.

SSCV

Docking tunnel depressurised. Docking clamps released. Thrusting X-positive full.

EXT. SPACE

The EXPLORER suddenly thrusts away from the ALIEN SHIP. Several VERCINIMOUS KNIDS are blown out of the depressurised airlock and drift away.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH

Now manoeuvre us at full power to where we can execute an Earth Return Burn.

SSCV

Please wait. [Beat] Course plotted in and executed. OMS Engines to 75% output.

EXT. SPACE

The secondary engines fire a blue-white shade. The EXPLORER moves away from the ALIEN ship as an explosion suddenly boils out of its side.

New POV – The EXPLORER is racing away, heading over the MOON. Behind it, more explosions (all small) are boiling out of the ALIEN SHIP.

New POV – Dozens of triangular objects, glowing blood red with psychic power, emerge from behind the ALIEN SHIP and race away.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The Earth is rising over the lunar horizon. EVERYONE sighs, blowing out a little white cloud. JESSIE turns to ASH.

JESSIE

How did you do that?

ASH

[Shrugs] Oswald said the ship would do whatever we asked. I just took him at his word.

SSCV

[Urgent] Warning: Hostile interceptors detected. Closing from six-o'clock. Estimated time until attack range: one minute.

ASH

What? Let us see them!

A MONITOR changes to show the triangular glowing objects approaching.

JAMES

[Amazed] Flying Saucers!

ASH

No! Those are Vercinimous Knids! [Shouts, horrified] Those things can fly in space!

EXT. SPACE

The VERCINIMOUS KNIDS race past, spitting out blood red psychic and telekinetic attacks.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The lights dim and there is a shower of sparks from behind an aft station.

JESSIE

[Shouts] Where are the weapons on this thing?

SSCV

[Smug] The Explorer is a peaceful vessel of exploration. As such it requires no offensive or defensive systems. [Another hit] Hull integrity at 78%.

JAMES

[Shouts] We're going to die because the man who built this thing is a pacifist!

ASH winces from another hit.

ASH

[Desperate] Can we at least do evasive manoeuvres?

SSCV

Evasive manoeuvres are beyond the manoeuvring authority of any conventional spacecraft. Hull integrity at 67%

ASH looks at PIKACHU. He reaches behind him and pulls out a POKÉBALL.

ASH

Go Kadabra!

KADABRA materialises.

ASH

Kadabra, throw a psychic shield around the entire ship.

EXT. SPACE

The EXPLORER is suddenly surrounded by an icy blue force field. Several blood red psychic attacks strike, but are absorbed.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

KADABRA sweatdrops. He can't take much more of this.

JAMES

According to the countdown thingy, we still have at least three minutes before we can fire the main engines!

ASH

Hold on, Kadabra!

There is another shuddering hit. KADABRA's eyes go swirly and he drifts off. ASH recalls him with a melancholy expression.

ASH

If only there were a way to direct one of our stronger Pokémon's attacks outside the ship…

ASH pauses and looks at a panel marked 'Communications Data Cables'

ASH suddenly jumps out of his chair and rips the front of the panel off.

ASH

Computer! Disconnect all voltage safeties on the main communications antenna! Target the antenna along vector 180 and level with the ship's long axis! Pikachu! Get up here!

PIKACHU drifts over. ASH pulls a cable out and gives it to him.

ASH

Okay pal, here's the idea. I want you to focus a Lightning Bolt attack down this cable. The communications dish should boost it and direct it back at the Vercinimous Knids. Are you okay with that?

PIKACHU

[Enthusiastic] Pi!

ASH drifts back a bit.

ASH

Okay, here goes nothing…

PIKACHU

Pika…

Electricity begins to flow down the cable.

PIKACHU

PIKA…

EXT. SPACE

Electricity flows along the communications dish a big parabolic antenna. It focuses on the main receiver, which glows yellow-white.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

PIKACHU

EXT. SPACE

A massive whiplash of brilliant yellow-white power flashes off the communications antenna. The electric attack flashes backwards, consuming the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS. They drift away, reduced to shapeless spheroids.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

Alarms are shrieking. ASH is playing a CO2 fire extinguisher over the burning communications inspection panel. PIKACHU floats nearby, his eyes dazed swirls.

MISTY (v/o)

[Amazed] Ouch. Poor Pikachu.

PIKACHU (v/o)

[Firm] Pika-pi-ka-ka-chu!

MISTY (v/o)

[Giggles] Well if you say its' all right…

SSCV

Communications system is off line. One minute to departure window. Fire in control chamber extinguished.

ASH wipes away a sweatdrop and grabs PIKACHU. He gets back into his seat, strapping himself down.

EXT. SPACE

More VERCINIMOUS KNIDS in their space configuration come rushing towards our POV from the ALIEN SHIP. The omni-beam has stopped and the ship is glowing. As we watch it begins to collapse in on itself.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH

Computer, when we reach the, er, departure window, I want to get us home as soon as possible. Execute the fastest possible return trajectory… er, thing.

SSCV

[Beat] Please confirm that order, Astronaut Ketchum, A.

ASH, JESSIE and JAMES exchange a surprised look.

ASH

Confirmed.

SSCV

Orders logged. Thirty seconds until ignition. Warning: further hostile interceptors detected. Interception in thirty-five seconds.

JESSIE looks at a MONITOR and grimaces.

JESSIE

Here come more of them.

JAMES

And us fresh out of tricks!

SSCV

Twenty seconds until main engine firing.

EXT. SPACE

Looking towards the EXPLORER's triple exhausts.

SSCV (v/o)

Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one… Ignition. Maximum thrust.

The engines flash a brilliant blue-white and the EXPLORER virtually leaps away from our POV.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

Everyone is thrown hard against his or her seats.

EVERYONE

[Shocked] Waaaaa!

EXT. SPACE

The next wave of VERCINIMOUS KNIDS flies right into the exhaust plume from the EXPLORER's main engines. They tumble clear, loosing their shape and their eyes either crosses or dazed swirls.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

EVERYONE sees the defeat of the VERCINIMOUS KNIDS and cheer. Suddenly JAMES notices something. He points towards the monitor showing the alien ship.

JAMES

[Panicked scream] It's shrinking!

EXT. LUNAR ORBIT

The ALIEN SHIP continues to collapse upon itself. It's long arms collapse down towards the core, which is tearing itself apart with explosions. It shrinks smaller and smaller, becoming a white sphere that suddenly metamorphosises into a massive explosion.

The explosion generates a spherical shock wave that races out in every direction.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The sight on the MONITOR transfixes EVERYONE.

SSCV

Warning: Class 10 shock wave detected. Impact in fifteen seconds.

ASH closes his eyes and hugs the unconscious PIKACHU. JESSIE and JAMES look at each other and hold hands. MEOWTH, sitting on JESSIE's lap looks terrified. JESSIE looks down at him, smiles and strokes him with her free hand.

SSCV

Impact in five seconds… four…

ASH

Grab something!

SSCV

Three… two… Impact… now.

ASH

Now!

EXT. SPACE

The shock wave hits the EXPLORER, sending it tumbling end over end.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

There are a series of explosions as control panels and displays blow up. EVERYONE is thrown in all directions. JAMES' safety harness snaps and he is flung to the rear. He strikes the rear bulkhead with a very loud crunch.

JESSIE

James!

EXT. SPACE

The shock wave clears, the EXPLORER's engines have stopped and it is still tumbling.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH is putting out a fire, while JESSIE is holding the unconscious JAMES like a life preserver.

ASH

[Loud] Computer! Stop this spin!

SSCV

[Fuzzy and masked by static] Error 184. Error 902. Error 488C. Error 122…

ASH

[Nervous] Gonna have to do this myself.

ASH jumps into the pilot's chair and looks around at the bewildering array of controls

ASH

Oh Zubat's guano… How did they do this in Star Wars?

ASH touches the joystick and pushes forward. The spin only gets worse. He grimaces at the increasing g-forces.

ASH

Okay, that's wrong.

ASH pulls back instead. The spin gets slower and slower until it stops.

JESSIE drifts up to join him at the controls.

JESSIE

Have you figured it out?

ASH

Yeah, I get it. You push in the opposite direction to the one you want to go in.

ASH pushes to the left until the Earth rotates into view, then he lets go. The Earth keeps on moving and disappears to the side again.

ASH

Oops. No, that's not right.

ASH pushes in the other direction. The Earth comes back, but when he releases the joystick, it drifts past again.

ASH

What am I doing wrong here?

He pauses for thought.

ASH

Got it! Inertia! Ha! I knew listening to all those CD lectures Professor Oak had in his library wasn't a waste of time! I can't wait to let Gary know that!

ASH waits until the Earth drifts across the EXPLORER's nose and then pushes it in the opposite direction to the rotation. The rotation stops.

ASH pumps his fist and JESSIE gives him a polite moment's applause.

ASH

Ha! Easy when you know how!

JESSIE

Yes, but can you land it?

ASH shoots her a worried look.

ASH

[Grim] No. No I don't think I can do that at all. Right now we should check out James and Misty's injuries.

MISTY (v/o)

You were very brave, Ash. But then I've always known you were brave to the point of being dumb.

The scene goes swirly. FLASHBACK ends.

ASH laughs at MISTY's comments.

ASH

You can't provoke me this morning, Miz Waterflower. I'm just too glad we got out of there and got home.

MISTY

[Quiet] Yes.

ASH

And I am really glad you're going to be alright.

MISTY

[Frowns] You bet I'm gonna be alright. You aren't getting out of replacing my bike that easily.

ASH

[Tired and angry] Again with that blasted bike.

MISTY

Hey, I have a lot of good memories of that bike.

ASH chuckles at this unlikely comment. Even MISTY can't hold in a smile.

ASH

Okay, Misty. [Sighs] I give up. I'm gonna tell you a secret. I have a secret stash I call "Misty's Bike." I'm still well short, but I promise that when I have enough, you'll get the best bike I can get hold of.

MISTY is amazed. ASH has never made this promise before.

MISTY

[Worried] You mean it?

ASH

Ketchums always pay their debts, Misty.

MISTY isn't pleased at this news, as it means she will lose her excuse for following ASH around.

MISTY

[Uncertain] I've got your promise now? The best you can find?

ASH

[Sad] Yeah, the very best.

MISTY

Oh. [Ambiguous] Thank you, Ash. I know I should know better, but a part of me never really expected you to make that effort.

ASH

[Frustrated] Waaa… For God's sake Misty, admit it to me! Sometimes you actually think I'm all right!

MISTY

[Sharp] You? All right? Ha!

ASH just gives her a level no nonsense look that makes her squirm.

MISTY

Okay, I admit it. You can be okay when you want to be… Sometimes… When you aren't being an obnoxious egotistical brat.

ASH does a pose of hurt integrity.

ASH

[Laughs] Hey! You know me! I'm the soul of maturity and modesty.

MISTY

[Giggles] Yeah, right Ash. [Sunny smile] Don't feel you have to change, though. I like you just the way you are.

ASH impulsively leans forward and kisses MISTY on the cheek.

ASH

We'd better pretend we're sleeping, Misty, or the nurses will fill us both with tranquillisers.

MISTY

[Giggles again] Okay. [She turns over, continues loudly] Friends?

ASH

Friends always.

There is a long pause before ASH speaks again.

ASH

Pikachu?

PIKACHU

Pika-pi?

ASH

She said she was my friend. Do you think she'll admit to that in the morning?

PIKACHU

[Negative] Pika-pi-ka-ka-chu-pi.

ASH

[Laugh] Yeah… [Sighs] She'll say it was the near-death experience or the medications the doctors gave her…

ASH sits up and looks at PIKACHU, who is sitting on his pillow.

ASH

But I know the truth, no matter what she says, Pikachu.

ASH grins wildly and pumps a fist in triumph.

ASH

[Happy, indeed joyful] Misty likes me, Pikachu. She actually likes me!

ASH leans back in his bed and turns over. Our POV pans down. MISTY is awake and crying. The chorus of "Misty's Song" plays in a light, slow instrumental, before fading.

FADE

ADVERT BREAK for bland or over-sweetened cereals using animated animals that have no real relevance to the product. Another Advert for a Christmas show that kids will think they will love until they see it.

ACT 3

EXT. CITY PARK

ASH and BROCK with TOGEPI and PIKACHU are walking in the park.

NARRATOR

Well, our friends are all back on Earth. But how did they do it? It has been a week since they got back from space, and Brock wants to know too.

BROCK

So, Misty is released from hospital today.

ASH

Yeah, I'm glad. I'm glad to have her well and on her feet of course, and I'm glad we can get moving again. We've lost two weeks on this little diversion. Two whole weeks. [Sighs] It feels more like years.

BROCK

You didn't ever get around to telling me how you got back down to Earth.

ASH

[Laughs] Call it a traumatic memory loss, Brock. It wasn't a smooth flight.

BROCK

[Grins] I know. You almost landed that thing on me.

The scene goes swirly. We have reached our last FLASHBACK!

EXT. SPACE, NEAR EARTH

The EXPLORER is approaching Earth.

INT. MID-DECK

ASH is changing a dressing on MISTY's bruised abdomen. JAMES is tied down to his bunk a massive bandage of the right side of his face. Behind ASH, JESSIE is applying a potion to Arbok.

ASH (v/o)

James and Misty were still out cold. Neither Jessie nor me really know much about medicine, just some emergency stuff. We were deadly afraid that Misty and James might die before we returned to Earth. Some of the Pokémon weren't much better.

EXT. VERY CLOSE TO EARTH INDEED

The EXPLORER jettisons its fuel tanks and main engines. The small lifting-body RETURN VEHICLE section manoeuvres, lifting up its nose as it drops lower.

ASH (v/o)

Jessie and me were pretty worried about getting the Explorer down safely. Fortunately, we found a flight plan book by Doc Oswald. We found out why the computer was so reluctant to use a full power return. We were on the very edge of the right course and beyond the theoretical maximum limit for a safe re-entry. Somehow, we managed to put together a correcting engine burn and execute it without blowing ourselves up. If not, well we would have all been nothing but a handful of real ash.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH and JESSIE are strapped in. The orange-white glow of re-entry surrounds them. They sweatdrop from the g-forces.

EXT. A CLOUDLESS BLUE SKY

The RETURN VEHICLE races towards us.

ASH (v/o)

It was rough. Rougher and more frightening than anything else I had ever imagined. Somehow we got through. Then we had to land the thing.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH and JESSIE are looking out of the windows.

ASH

Any ideas?

JESSIE looks at him in a funny way. She points downwards.

JESSIE

I want to go that way.

ASH turns the joystick. The RETURN VEHICLE banks.

ASH

I think that is a city down there! [Squints] The same one we took off from! Weird!

JESSIE

Coincidence is everything.

ASH (v/o)

If either of us were qualified pilots, we would have realised what a horrible mistake I was making, holding that diving turn for so long.

JESSIE

[Screams] Ash, look OUT!

ASH

[Screams] Waaaa!

EXT. CITY

The RETURN VEHICLE hits an antenna on a tall building, knocking it down.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH and JESSIE have turned from the controls so they can shout at each other.

JESSIE

[Facefaults] Watch where you are driving you twerp!

ASH

[Facefaults] Hey, do you want to do this?

ASH is so focused on shouting at JESSIE, that he forgets that he is dodging through a city in an unpowered aircraft. He looks forwards and sees another building.

ASH

[Screams] Waaaa!

EXT. CITY

The RETURN VEHICLE curves tightly to the left and barely dodges a large building. It straightens up and clips the corner off of another building, sending rubble crashing into the streets.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH pushes the joystick forward

ASH

I'm getting us on the ground before we do even more damage!

He over-controls, sending the RETURN VEHICLE into a screaming nose-dive.

ASH and JESSIE hug each other in panic.

BOTH

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

SSCV

Pull up. Pull up. Altitude warning. Pull up. Altitude warning. Pull up…

ASH hauls back on the joystick.

EXT. CITY

The RETURN VEHICLE pulls up at the last minute, taking the roof off a small building.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH

What did I hit?

JESSIE peers back out of the side windows as best as she can.

JESSIE

A pizza restaurant, as far as I can tell.

ASH

[Manic grin] Great, I hate pizza!

ASH scrutinises the controls and levels off.

ASH

We've got to get this thing on the ground.

ASH begins a gentle turn.

JESSIE

Wait Ash. I think we've forgotten something really important.

ASH

[Looks around on the edge of panic] Like what?

JESSIE frowns and looks around her for inspiration.

JESSIE

[Mutters under her breath] Something to do with landing… er… er… er… [Starts screaming] OH MY GOD! THE WHEELS!

ASH

[Panics] "The Wheels?" What do you mean the wheels?

JESSIE

Rolling things on long legs, you're supposed to lower them down before we land. What did the Nerd call them? Yes! Landing Gear!

They start looking at the control panels, desperately searching for the undercarriage lever.

JESSIE

Wheels… wheels… wheels… [Shouts at ASH] Where are the wheels you stupid Twerp?

ASH

[Shouts back] I DON'T KNOW! IF I DID KNOW I WOULD THROW THE SWITCH!

ASH looks out of the forward windows. The Ground is coming up again.

EXT. CITY

The RETURN VEHICLE dives into a street with high buildings to either side.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

ASH begins to look at the bewildering controls again.

ASH

Landing Gear… Landing Gear… Where would I put that? [Frustrated, terrified and angry] Aw… Oh… Thundershocks!

ASH head-butts the control panel. Something goes 'beep.'

SSCV

Lowering landing gear. Landing gear down and locked.

ASH looks up with surprise, a bruise blooming on his forehead. JESSIE squeals in delight. ASH and JESSIE embrace.

JESSIE

[On edge of tears] Sometimes the old ways are best!

ASH looks out of the forward window and realises he is running out of street.

ASH

[Screams] Waaa!

He hauls the controls over to the right, starting a tight bank to the right.

EXT. CITY STREET

The RETURN VEHICLE clips a building with his starboard rudder. The impact tears half of the manoeuvring surface off and the spacecraft begins to tumble. It drops down leaning to the right. The right main landing gear collapses.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

The controls spit sparks and all the monitors go out.

JESSIE

[Screams] We're gonna die! [Rapid] Oh my God, I don't want to die! I don't want to die I don't want to die I don't want to die I don't want to die I don't want to die…

EXT. CITY STREET

The RETURN VEHICLE 'bounces' up a few feet, then crashes down again. The remaining two Landing Gear legs collapse. It belly flops and begins to scrape along the road, tearing up tarmac and raising a storm of sparks.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

Several consoles explode into flame and alarms begin to scream. ASH and JESSIE hug each other tightly.

ASH and JESSIE

[Scream] Waaaaaaaaaaaa!

Out of the front windows, we see OFFICER JENNY push BROCK away and begin running.

EXT. STREET, IN FRONT OF POLICE STATION

The RETURN VEHICLE swerves slightly and scrapes to a halt.

INT. FLIGHT DECK

There is a long, silent pause in the burning compartment. ASH and JESSIE exchange a surprised look when they realise they are not in the afterlife.

ASH

What? [Cheers] We're alive!

JESSIE

Oh yes! Oh you can fly me any time you like you delightful little Twerp you!

ASH and JESSIE hug again and do a mad little dance.

ASH

Now we've got to get out of here before the ship blows up!

The two stagger for the exit hatch.

INT. MID-DECK

Everything is smoky. Several fires are burning and only emergency lights are still working.

MEOWTH

[Sarcastic] Meowth! Nice landing!

JESSIE

[Furious] Maybe you think you could do better you useless cat!

ASH picks up MISTY, slings PIKACHU over his shoulders and puts TOGEPI on MISTY's lap.

JESSIE helps JAMES out of his bunk.

JAMES

[Dazed] Mommy, I don't want to go to school today.

JESSIE

Just come with me, James.

ASH reaches the outer airlock door. He looks at a red panel. He opens it and presses a bright red switch within. The outer door blows open and he staggers out.

Scene goes swirly. END FLASHBACK.

BROCK shakes his head.

BROCK

You really are a brave one Ash. And a lucky one, too. I'm glad you got me to promise never to tell anyone else this. I don't think that they would believe me!

ASH and BROCK have reached the hospital. They enter.

INT. HOSPITAL RECEPTION

MISTY, now back in street clothes with her Backpack restored walks out. She receives TOGEPI from BROCK and smiles as ASH hugs her hard.

EXT. CITY PARK, NIGHT

ASH and MISTY are standing in the middle of the park. PIKACHU is on ASH's shoulders and MISTY is carrying TOGEPI. MISTY shivers.

MISTY

Oh boy, it's cold for spring.

ASH

Yeah.

ASH looks at MISTY, who is wearing her shorts and tank top, hardly cold-weather gear. He pulls off his jacket and puts it over her shoulders. MISTY shoots ASH a look as he was only wearing his black tee shirt under his jacket.

MISTY

Ash, don't freeze yourself.

ASH

[Shrugs] I'm not the one just out of hospital, Misty. I can handle it.

There is a rustle from nearby. ASH and MISTY both smoothly draw Pokéballs. JESSIE, MEOWTH and JAMES step out of the bushes. There is a prolonged stand-off as these two pairs, neither of whom have any reason to trust the other, consider each other.

Finally, JAMES breaks the silence.

JAMES

Well, we're here like you asked Ash.

ASH nods.

ASH

I want you to promise not to tell your boss what happened in space.

JESSIE

[Laughs] How cute, he is issuing us an order.

ASH

I mean it, Jessie. If even a hint of this gets out it could cause a worldwide panic.

JAMES

[Affects confusion] Should we care?

MEOWTH

Yeah, chaos and panic can only make Team Rocket's job easier!

MISTY

[Scornful] Why are you even bothering, Ash?

ASH

Because they know I'm right.

JESSIE AND JAMES

[Amused] Oh?

ASH

Yeah. Think about it, guys. How do you think your boss will act if he hears you've been around real live aliens?

JESSIE and JAMES look at each other in surprise and fear. MISTY catches on to ASH's argument and pushes it too.

MISTY

And how do you think he'll treat you, Meowth? Especially when he hears that an alien psychic attack hit you?

MEOWTH

[Quiet, afraid] Me-owth… He would put me in da lab and have da eggheads cut me to pieces.

JESSIE

[Angry] We wouldn't let that happen, Meowth.

ASH

[Quiet] You wouldn't have a choice. I'm sure he would have a slab for you two as well.

JAMES

[Anguished] But Ash, you don't know him. He'll want to know what happened to us over the last two weeks and he won't take 'no' for an answer.

ASH thinks for a moment.

ASH

Tell him… Tell him that when you followed us underground, you found some kind of space rocket. Tell him that the Clefairies jumped you and that your next memory is waking up in hospital. You ran as soon as you could. You were so disoriented, it didn't even occur to you to try to steal our Pokémon. It is almost true. He has no reason to suspect aliens, only a mad pack of wild Clefairies.

JESSIE nods thoughtfully.

JESSIE

Yes… yes he would believe that… And he has so many projects on right now that he won't have the time or inclination to pursue it too closely.

JAMES

[Sighs] All right, Ash, we'll do it.

ASH

[Relief] Thank you.

JESSIE

We'd better be going…

Team Rocket turn to leave, then JESSIE stops and turns around.

JESSIE

You two really are good. You know that, don't you? There is a place in Team Rocket for you, if you are tired of being twerps and losers. James and I will be glad to recommend you.

ASH

[Smiles] That's kind of you, Jessie, but no. Misty and I prefer being on the side of angels.

JESSIE shrugs.

JAMES

Lets' go, Jessie. [Laughs] I'll always remember this adventure. This is the one time when Team Rocket really did blast off.

JESSIE laughs too.

The three villains disappear into the bush and are gone.

ASH and MISTY are alone again.

MISTY

[Sighs] Well, time to hit the sack. We've got a long day tomorrow.

ASH

Misty, wait.

MISTY stops and looks at ASH.

ASH

That night in hospital, I told you I'd replace your bike. I also told you I don't have enough yet.

MISTY nods.

ASH

Well, I did have enough for something else. Just to prove I'm sincere.

ASH reaches into his pack and pulls out a small velvet box. He flips it open. Start some romantic MUSIC.

MISTY

[Gasps] Oh Ash, it's beautiful. I… I can't accept this!

ASH

Take it, Misty. It is a gift. No strings attached, just a gift in love and friendship from me to you.

MISTY looks at the gold ring nervously.

MISTY

What is this, Ash?

ASH

The jeweller called it a 'Promise Ring.' I thought it was kinda appropriate.

ASH takes the ring out. It catches a moonbeam and sparkles.

ASH

It symbolises my promise to you that I will always be your friend. It symbolises the fact that I will get around to replacing your bike, no matter how long it takes. [Laughs]

MISTY chuckles, maybe a little nervously.

ASH

It is my promise to you that, no matter how I act, I will care about you and that your happiness will always be important to me. It is my promise that, should you ever need me, any time, anywhere, I will be there. All you will ever have to do is ask.

MISTY has a hint of tears in her eyes. She bites her bottom lip nervously.

MISTY

[Shaky] That was a beautiful thing to say Ash. I gladly accept your promise.

ASH slides the ring onto MISTY's right index finger. It catches another rogue moonbeam and shines brilliantly. ASH hugs MISTY. She holds on tight, tears streaming down her cheeks.

PIKACHU

Pika-pi-ka-ka-pi.

TOGEPI

[Nods] Toge-to-priii-ge.

FADE

EXT. CITY STREETS, DAY

OFFICER JENNY leads a delegation of the city's finest citizens to bid farewell to the three heroes. ASH fiddles nervously with a Promise Ring of his own on his right index finger. MISTY smiles in a dreamy way and turns her attention to OFFICER JENNY.

JENNY

Well, it won't be the same without you three around.

ASH

Thanks Officer Jenny. It has been great fun, and I'm glad everyone has got back their stolen stuff. However, we've got to get to Veridian City. I have a League to win.

MISTY shakes her head.

MISTY

'Try' to win, Ash. 'Try.' Remember your modesty.

ASH

[Grins] Mom always told me false modesty was a bad thing.

MISTY rolls her eyes.

JENNY shakes' ASH's hand, gives MISTY a sisterly kiss on the cheek. Finally, she walks up to BROCK and shakes his hand.

JENNY

Are you sure I can't persuade you to stay, Brock?

BROCK smiles and shakes his head.

BROCK

I'd love to, Jenny, but I want to be there to watch Ash win the Earth Badge and qualify for the League.

JENNY nods sadly.

JENNY

Well, if you are ever in this area again, you, at least, won't have to stay in the Trainer's Hostel.

BROCK

Oh? Why?

JENNY leans forward.

JENNY

[Low and sensual] You will be welcome at my place.

JENNY passionately kisses BROCK, who freezes.

ASH laughs at BROCK's stricken expression. MISTY and ASH turn to leave.

ASH

Bye everyone. Okay guys, let's go. Ready?

MISTY

Ready!

PIKACHU

Pika!

TOGEPI

Togi!

There is only silence from BROCK

ASH

Brock? [Worried] Brock?

BROCK is still in the position he was in when JENNY kissed him. He is absolutely motionless.

JENNY

[Worried] Is he okay? Should we call for an ambulance?

MISTY

[Sighs] No. He has these fits occasionally. They're harmless, but the only thing you can do is wait for them to wear off. [Slight, apologetic smile] We've got to go.

ASH releases IVYSAUR

ASH

Ivysaur, can you pick up Brock for me? We've got to go.

IVYSAUR takes a quick look at Brock, then picks him up using her vine whips.

IVYSAUR

[Resigned] Ivy-saur-i-i-ivy.

JENNY watches with some concern as the strange cavalcade walks away.

The CAMERA ANGLE pans up from the three travellers and their Pokémon towards the blue sky.

MISTY

Ash…

ASH

Hmm?

MISTY

Is there any other… significance to this ring you haven't told me?

ASH

[Nervous] No. Unless… uh, unless you want there to be one, Misty.

MISTY laughs gently.

MISTY

I like this just the way it is. Um, so how long do you think it will take you to get enough money to replace my bike?

ASH

[Sighs] Let's see. Right now I can spare about $1 per month from my Trainer's Allowance. So, a $600 mountain bike will be six hundred months or… Hmm… About when I hit sixty.

MISTY

[Quiet] What?

ASH

Don't worry. If I win some championships, the prize purse should reduce that by a lot.

MISTY

Well, I'd hope you win lots of championships then.

ASH

For the bike or for me?

MISTY

[Embarrassed] Ash… Don't put me on the spot like this.

ASH chuckles and hugs MISTY. It is the last thing we see before the pan up takes them out of view.

BROCK

Wa? Where? Why is Ivysaur holding me? Ivysaur let go! I've got to get back to Jenny.

IVYSAUR

Saur-ivy-i!

ASH

Brock, we're going to Veridian City, remember?

BROCK

But… but she kissed me! She actually likes me!

MISTY

Yes she likes you, Brock. And she still likes you because, fortunately, we got you out of her sight before you could do something stupid.

BROCK

[Sobs] But I love her! Put me down you stupid Pokémon! I've got to get to Jenny! [Starts to shout] Jenny! Jenny, I love you! I'll follow you to the ends of the Earth! I'd do anything for you!

ASH

[Tired] For God's sake, Brock, try to show some dignity!

BROCK

[Sings] Officer Jenny kissed me! Officer Jenny kissed me! Tra-la-la-la-la!

ASH AND MISTY

Oh brother! You are pathetic!

NARRATOR

And so our friends, with their own friendships refined and re-defined, are on their way once again. Ash has learnt that the direst of circumstances can lead to good things, and he has learnt to treasure ever more those close to him. What awaits him next on the road to achieving his goal of being a Pokémon Master? Will he win the Earth Badge and gain entry to the League? We shall have to see…

End Credits