The Bond

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Kidnapped

Ash concernedly stepped forwards and placed a hand on his Pokémon's back, looking at Lucario's face. "Settle your breathing, then tell me again."

"A group of men in red suits broke into the Pokémon Center and into our room. I tried to fight them off, but it was six to one. They took Bonnie and, while their Pokémon held me down, told me to get a message to you. I don't know if they know you can understand me. They gave me this to give to you." Lucario pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Ash.

Ash read what the paper had on it. "Bring your Pokémon to the abandoned factory alone, in their Pokeballs, and we'll talk about the release of the girl. We've got you cornered, trainer." Ash slammed a fist against the wall in frustration. "Gagh! Clemont and Meyer trusted me to look after Bonnie, and now she's being held captive in order to ransom her for my Pokémon. Let's go." Ash turned to the table where Serena was sitting. "Bonnie's in trouble. Here." He handed her the message and explained its contents to Fennekin and Frogadier. The blue Pokémon instantly rose and walked to stand by Ash. "Serena, return with Fennekin to the Pokémon Center. Call out Pancham as well, don't let anyone but me or my Pokémon inside. If Bonnie returns, ask her something only she would know. I'm going after them." Serena rose to stop Ash, but he swiftly ran out of the restaurant. The performer left enough money to pay for the meal they had enjoyed and returned to the Pokémon Center as Ash had wanted.

Ash was running full speed with Lucario and Frogadier, his eyes blazing with a blue light. They reached the factory and he said, "Stealth. Break into the building, take out any guards you see quietly. Be ready in case I need you." He then walked into the abandoned building, forcing himself to calm down and let go of truesight. His eyes returned to their normal brown color. Ash changed into a set of clothes from the beginning of his journey he had picked up before running to the factory and headed into the building, four Pokeballs on his belt. "I'm here."

A man in a red suit with a set of glasses that looked technologically advanced resting on his face. "Alone?" Ash nodded. The man pulled out Bonnie from behind him and called out, "You'll give your Pokémon to Team Flare, or this girl gets it!" Ash fiddled with his Pokedex before answering.

"Alright, don't hurt my sister!" With his eyes, Ash tried to tell Bonnie to go along with it. She picked up on Ash's silent communication.

"Brother, no! You trained those Pokémon yourself!" Bonnie struggled against the grip of the Team Flare Grunt.

"Silence, girl!" The man walked forward and held out his hand for Ash's Pokémon. "Give them over and I'll give you the girl."

Ash rested his head against his chest, appearing to think the offer over. He started chuckling, gradually growing louder until he was belting out his laughter. The Team Flare grunt felt uncomfortable and let go of Bonnie, looking around to see what Ash found funny. "Did I forget to mention that my Pokémon just took out all of your friends?" The grunt saw Frogadier and Lucario step out of the shadows with a menacing look on their faces. "Oh, and I called the Police."

Officer Jenny burst through the door with an Electrike. "Hands up, grunt! Freeze!" The red-suited man threw his hands in the air, glaring at Ash.

"This won't be the last you will hear of Flare. We're doing things beyond the comprehension of a mere teenager." The man lets Officer Jenny place a pair of handcuffs on him and lead him outside. Ash and Bonnie followed with Frogadier and Lucario to see the other grunts being arrested as well, all of them unconscious. Officer Jenny walked back over after giving her prisoner to one of the other officers.

"Nicely done, young trainer. What's your name?" Officer Jenny held out her hand for Ash to shake. He gladly took her hand.

"Ash, officer. Thank you for getting here so quickly." Officer Jenny nodded.

"You seemed to have it covered, though. Could I tempt you to join the police force?" Ash smiled and shook his head.

"I'm on my journey right now. Besides, I'm a ninja." Officer Jenny nodded her head.

"I thought as much. Well, it was a pleasure working with you, Ash." She walked off and climbed onto her bike, signaling for their convoy of police cars to roll out to the station.

Ash turned to Bonnie. "How are you?" He was surprised when the young girl slammed into his midriff, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you, Ash! You saved me!" Ash hugged Bonnie as well, soothingly rubbing her back.

"Everything's okay now, Bonnie. Let's go back to the Pokémon Center, Serena's waiting for us. We can get you some food on the way." Ash, Bonnie, Lucario, and Frogadier walked to the pancake house and got Bonnie some pancakes while Ash called Serena. "Hey. I got Bonnie, and all of the crooks were locked up."

Serena's relieved voice came from Ash's Pokedex. "Thank goodness. I was worried. Are you guys coming back?"

"As soon as Bonnie finishes her pancakes." Ash grinned at the small blonde girl. "Shouldn't be too long."

"See you soon!" Serena hung up and Ash's Pokedex beeped to let him know. Bonnie put her fork down after taking her last bite of pancake.

Ash stared at her, surprised. "How did you finish that quickly?"

Bonnie sheepishly shrugged. "I was hungry!" Ash left some money on the table to pay for the food, then they headed back to the Pokémon Center. When they walked through the doors, Serena grabbed Bonnie up in a hug.

"I was so worried! Thank goodness your back!" She let go of Bonnie and slammed into Ash. "Don't do that again!"

Ash rubbed her back and gently spoke. "I'm safe, Serena. Everything's alright." She relaxed in his embrace, then realized she had been hugging him for a while. Serena quickly stepped back with a burning face, turning to see Bonnie grinning at her. Ash resumed talking. "Let's get going, guys." He changed back into his standard attire before they left to head to Anistar City.