Chapter 1- Trouble in Paradise

~It’s almost a month since me and Misty arrived home in Pallet Town and began a peaceful life. Living here with her has been a dream come true. I’d be lying if I said it was perfect, what with our occasional arguments and that stupid hammer… but I wouldn’t have it any other way! After all, if we didn’t argue, then we wouldn’t make up! Since we arrived in Pallet, mom welcomed Misty with open arms into the house, into the family… but I should’ve known there was a catch, especially with that ‘into the family’ bit. She happens to be really fond of Misty, and is always going on about how she always wanted a daughter, in this case, a daughter-in law… and even worse is that she SOMEHOW got into her head that Misty is my… ahem… fiancée, (I know this is your fault Mikazuchi!). But despite all the fun we’ve had since we got home, the same thought has always been nagging at the back of my mind… how furious the cult is now that its four strongest warriors are dead, the Tyrant saying that the Kaiser Crusades will begin soon, along with the disappearance of Sky Render, I can’t help but wonder what will happen… but I have a feeling that I will soon find out. Although staying in Pallet Town was like a dream, all dreams come to an end, and our story begins once more…

-Ash Ketchum

~Hello good readers! Thank you for reading my fic! It’s your support that encourages me to write even further! My previous story ‘Pokémon: Shadow of the Deceiver’ was extremely successful, as was the season before it, and I’m aiming to make this third season the best one yet! Just to warn you however, the storyline gets pretty violent at times, and some of the battles are really extreme and even scary sometime to those who are only used to the pokémon battle system. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading this story as I did writing it. Enjoy!

-Mikazuchi

(Location- Pallet Town) [♪Chrono Trigger- Truce Village 1000 AD♪]

It was a beautiful day in Pallet town, and all was well. The weather was warm and the sun was shining bright. As usual, Professor Oak was busy in his lab, continuing his ongoing research on pokémon. Mr. Mime, a.k.a. Mimie was going around the house, sweeping anything that lay still long enough, while Delia Ketchum was out working in her garden. Pallet Town was undoubtedly one of the nicest places in Kanto, untouched by pollution, and home to our hero, Ash Ketchum.

Ash was sleeping peacefully under the shade of a large tree. His hat was off and his head was resting on Misty’s lap. She was smiling as she sat quietly, gently stroking him, and running her hand through his black hair. They were having a picnic by the lake. Pikachu and Togepi were playing together, and Ash suddenly began to stir…

“Hmm…” Ash slowly opened his eyes, and smiled at the sight he saw, “Hi Misty…”

“Good morning Ash” Misty smiled back, “Did you have a good sleep?”

“Yeah… because I had a great pillow… you really have a nice lap you know?” Ash yawned

“Oh Ash… stop that!” Misty blushed

“We sure are lucky, aren’t we?”

“Yeah… we are…” Misty smiled, “To be living in such a nice town, and to be with you!” She thought back, remembering her life in Pallet, and how wonderful it was. For the first time in her life, she really felt she had a home, where she was welcome, and a family that loved her. She truly felt that this is where she belonged, with Ash.

“Yeah… and Misty? One more thing” said Ash “Can we stay like this a little longer?”

“Of course” Misty answered, and Ash lay there, resting on her lap. It was moments like this that she treasured most, when she and Ash would spend time together.

At first glance, no one would possibly believe that this was the same person who fought in life-risking battles against the most sinister force in the world, the Kaiser Cult, but ever since Ash returned home with Misty, they have been enjoying the peaceful life. Pallet Town was a safe place, free of danger and fighting. It was a sanctuary, a haven where they could rest…

(Meanwhile) [♪Chrono Trigger- Guardia Forest♪]

“Pika! Pika-chu!” Pikachu ran through the thick bushes in the woods, he was looking for Togepi. The baby pokémon had strayed off somewhere, and he had to find him! Pikachu sniffed the ground, trying to pick up Togepi’s scent… but there was none.

“PRIII! Togi!” Togepi’s voice chirped in the distance

“Pika?” Pikachu’s ears stood up, he heard Togepi! Immediately he began running as fast as he could in that direction… there he saw, Togepi! “Pika-Pi!” Pikachu sprung out of the bushes and ran to Togepi. Pikachu sighed in relief… “PIKA?!” He gasped at what he saw. Immediately he grabbed Togepi and pulled him back into the bushes.

“Togi-togi!” Togepi chirped, blissfully unaware of what was going on

“Pika…!” Pikachu gasped. What he saw… he had to tell Ash, immediately! “Pika!” Pikachu lifted Togepi onto his back and started running, Togepi cheering all the way…

(Back at Ash)

“Hm?” Misty turned her head and noticed something, “Hey! It’s Pikachu!”

“Huh?” Ash sat up, “Oh, so there he is! I was beginning to wonder where he went…”

“Pika… Pika!” Pikachu was panting heavily, he was tired from running so far so fast while carrying Togepi, but he had to tell Ash!

“What is it buddy? Something wrong?” Asked Ash

“Pikachu Pika! PI Pikachu! PIKA!” Pikachu exclaimed

“Huh?” Ash stared at him

“What did he say Ash?” asked Misty

“Hmmm…” Ash stood up, and placed his cap on his head, “Pikachu says it’s trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?” asked Misty

“I’m not sure, but if it’s got Pikachu this spooked, I’d better take a look…” said Ash, and lifted Pikachu to his shoulders, “Pikachu! Lead the way!”

“Pika!” said Pikachu, and Ash started running in that direction

“Hey! Wait for me!” said Misty, picking up Togepi and running after him.

***

(Location- Pallet Town Woods)

“Are you sure you saw something here?” asked Ash, looking around

“Pika, chu!” Pikachu shook his head, and pointed in the direction

“So it’s that way, huh?” said Ash

“What is it?” Asked Misty, panting slightly as she ran into the scene

“I dunno, but whatever it is has Pikachu spooked. I’m gonna go check it out, wait here Misty!” Ash spoke. “HMM!” Ash kicked off the ground, and hopped onto a tree branch. He jumped from one tree to the next.

Something really strange was going on. These woods were always full of life and sound from the pokémon, but is was dead silent. There were no sound, nor any pokémon in sight!

“I feel it…” Ash spoke, “It’s getting closer…” he spoke. His instincts were warning him… danger… it was coming from over there! Ash to himself, as he reached the clearing and emerged from the branches… “AH!” Ash gasped, and immediately dove back into hiding. Ash looked at the scene, growling at what he saw… Kaiser Cultists…

There were twelve Kaisers standing there. The most noticeable were the three dressed in green. They were at least seven feet tall, eight if you included the large spiked helmets they wore. Each of them wore heavy gauntlets and a little armour around the chest, arms and legs, as well as carrying gigantic shields and axes. Five other cultists were around normal sized, dressed in red uniforms and brown flak armour, all them had a large sword slung across their back. The swords looked pretty heavy, the blades being about six feet long and foot wide. Three more were dressed in blue, they wore no armour, they were thinner than the red ones, and carrying sabres and epees. The last one was obviously the leader. Dressed in a long hooded cloak, and wore many adornments. Strapped to his side was a thick book and several scrolls. With him, he carried something that resembled a crucifix.

“Hmm…” Ash stared from his hiding place at the lead cultist, more specifically his strange weapon. He didn’t know why… but he sensed some sort of strange power radiating from it… but then he noticed something else… “ah!” Ash gasped silently. The lead cultist was holding someone by the hair… “Gary!”

“HM!” The Lead Cultist threw Gary to the ground in front of them. Gary was tied up in chains, and was covered in horrible bruises and cuts, as if they were beating him. The lead cultist reached down and pulled out a scroll, and began reading it. “Gary Oak! You are charged for a Class 3 crime: Being unfaithful to a god’s ruling! The crime is ignorance. Abiding by the laws is the reason for existence, there no excuse, even for a boy!” he growled, “However… your crimes are more than just mere ignorance, because you have also been charged with Class 2 Crime: Openly defying the Cult! Attacking cultists, destroying Kaiser Beasts…” The Inquisitor looked up, “Your crimes are punishable by death! How do you plead?”

“Hmph…” Gary didn’t respond

“ANSWER ME!” The Cultist shouted and punched Gary

“Ow…” Gary groaned, but smiled, “Temper-temper… Inquisitor. You might blow a fuse or something”

“GRRR… YOU INSOLENT…” The ‘Inquisitor’ growled, “RHAAA!!!” he swung his fist…

CRUNCH!

“AHH!” The Inquisitor screamed, in both pain and rage

“Grrr… Heh-heh-heh…” Gary chuckled, he had caught the Inquisitor’s hand with his teeth, and bit HARD into his hand. “Pwah!” Gary spat

“THAT DOES IT!” The Inquisitor screamed, “I’LL KILL YOU RIGHT NOW!”

“No!” Ash exclaimed, standing up to jump out of the bushes and save Gary…

[♪Baten Kaitos- Ice Fog Flow♪]

“Cease this foolishness now” A cold voice spoke

“Huh?!” Ash immediately stopped, as did the Inquisitor who was going to kill Gary

“Inquisitor D-7 of Division 4, Silver Legion… Cease this foolishness. It would be very unfortunate for the Kaiser Cult if I had to kill you for taking away the sacrifice” Said the figure that stepped into the scene. It was a man, but he didn’t look anything like these cultists. Draped around his body was a flowing black cape, decorated with a golden design. His shining hair blew in the gentle breeze, and his face… in short, he was perfect. This sort of perfection… unnatural, yet his eyes had a very cold glare.

“PRINCE GOLD!” The cultists exclaimed the moment they saw him, they all fell to their knees, bowing to him. The first to look up was the Inquisitor, “What brings you to this miserable wasteland?!”

Ash scowled at the Inquisitor’s remark. Pallet Town, A WASTELAND!?

“Hmm…” Prince Gold didn’t answer, but instead looked at Gary. He then looked around at the other cultists. “Is this the one?” he asked the Inquisitor

“Y… yes your highness!” said the Inquisitor. “He is not ignorant of the cult like the rest, yet he openly defies us and committed multiple acts of violence towards us!”

“That is it?” Prince Gold stared at the Inquisitor “That is it?”

“What?!” Inquisitor D-7 exclaimed

“Hm…” The Kaiser Prince approached Gary, “To challenge our cult like so… you must be quite confident in your abilities, am I correct, young Gary?”

“HMPH!” Gary looked away, “Doesn’t take much to beat you Kaisers! You see these twelve cultists here? They’re the remains of the five hundred that was sent get me!”

“Is that so?” Prince Gold looked at the Inquisitor. Inquisitor D-7 nodded sadly. “You must really be something… Inquisitor! Release him from his chains!”

“What?!”

“You heard me… do it” The Kaiser Prince said threateningly

“Uh… urgh!” The Inquisitor released the chains, and Gary stood up

“Let’s see what the famous Gary Oak is capable of…” The Kaiser Prince’s hand reached out from the cape, showing a golden armoured hand, “get him.”

“HAAAA!!!!” Everyone except for the Prince and Inquisitor charged at Gary.

“Hmm… HA!” Gary shouted, kicking off the ground and jumped high into the air

“HUH?!” Ash exclaimed. He was just about to jump out of hiding and fight, but what Gary did just there took him by surprise!

“HAIYAAA!” Gary shouted as he spun kicking a red cultist across the face and sent him flying back. Quickly, he dodged the sword from another red cultist and uppercutted him, then ran towards a green one and tackled him hard, knocking him back! Gary darted forwards and slammed the Kaiser Cultist. He moved like lighting, dodging their attacks and striking them. He was winning this battle!

“Whoa…” Ash gasped, since when did Gary get so strong!?

“YAAAA!!!” One of the blue cultists screamed as he charged from behind and slashed across Gary’s back with a sabre!

“AAH!” Gary screamed, and fell to the ground, he growled, “Damn… too exhausted…” he growled, “It looks like…” Gary gripped the ground at the Cultists charged at him, “I’ll have to fight this battle…” power was gathering around him… Ash gasped… he could feel the power… “AT MY FULL STRENGHT!!!!!” Gary screamed. As the cultists all pounced on him, Gary roared…

CRASH!!!!!

“AH!” Ash gasped at what he saw. An explosion of power, that sent all the Cultists flying! Gary stood in the middle, and Ash gasped at what he saw. Gary’s body was radiating with a golden power… the Power of One!!!!!

“Marvellous,” Prince Gold clapped his hands, “You are indeed worthy of your reputation, Gary Oak”

“Can it, Kaiser” Gary glared at the Kaiser Prince, and looked around him. The Cultists that Gary had been fighting just now were getting back up! “I still have a lot of strength left in me, and with the chance to eliminate both an Inquisitor, as well as you, I won’t miss it…” Gary took a fighting stance, “I’ll defeat you right now!”

“Hmm… first of all, I do not like being called simply Kaiser” the Kaiser Prince pushed his cape back, revealing the golden armour he wore. He crossed his arms, “I prefer to be called Prince Gold, or Gold Kaiser.”

“Really… so you’re Gold Kaiser… the same Gold Kaiser who rules 1/3 of the Cult?” Gary smirked, and darted forwards, “THEN I’LL CRUSH YOU RIGHT NOW!”

“Hm…” Gold Kaiser simply vanished

-WHOOSH-

CRACK!

“AGH…!” Gary’s eyes opened wide, when Gold Kaiser punched him in the stomach. “AH… UGH…” Gary collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

“Hmm… That was fast…” Gold Kaiser looked down at Gary, “Inquisitor! Take this boy to the Temple and sacrifice him to the Kaiser God!” the inquisitor approached Gary

“STOP!!!!!” Ash could take no more, and stood out of his hiding place

“Hmm?” Everyone looked at Ash. Gold Kaiser spoke up. “And who are you?”

“Grrr…” Ash growled, “Oh yeah right! Like I, Ash Ketchum would ever give my name to the likes of you! What do you think I am? Stupid?”

“YOU’RE Ash Ketchum?” Gold Kaiser stared at him

“WA!?” Ash exclaimed, “Argh! How did he know?! Unless…” Ash stared at the cultist, “Oh my god!” He gasped, pointing at Gold Kaiser “He can read minds!”

“UGH!” Everyone fell over in stupidity.

“Grrr…” Inquisitor D-7 straightened up and spoke. “It’s him! Ash Ketchum! He’s responsible for even more crimes against the cult!” he pulled out his scroll “Class 1 Crimes! Desecration of a Temple, destroying multiple Kaiser Beasts…”

“That’s enough, Inquisitor” Said Gold Kaiser, “I know who he is”

“Then you’d also know how I beat Red Kaiser as well!” Shouted Ash

“Indeed” Said Gold Kaiser, “Everyone knows of it. How a child disgraced the name of one of the cult’s founders and ruthlessly murdered him…”

“Wa?” Ash blinked, “Well… in terms of disgrace, you guys DO deserve it. And I wouldn’t call it murder, because Red Kaiser was like a million years old… give or take. As for the desecration of Blue Kaiser’s temple, that was all Goth’s doing… c’ept you might know him better as Black Kaiser…”

“SILENCE!” Inquisitor D-7 shouted, “I should expect nothing less for a filthy heretic like you to be associated with that traitor! Foul knave! You have no right to even speak the name of the mighty Warlord Red Kaiser! Just for that, we’ll slaughter you on the spot and burn your town to the ground and…!”

“Enough!” Said Gold Kaiser, shutting the Inquisitor up, “If you talk about killing these chosen ones one more time, I swear I will kill you” said Gold Kaiser. He looked at Ash, “Chosen Ones have a strange and unique power, beyond comprehension, but what we do know is that they are a prize like none other.” He smiled, “When sacrificed to the Kaiser God, the life of a single chosen one is equivalent to the entire population of Kanto and Johto combined, and we shall not waste this opportunity to offer not one, but TWO of them.” He pointed at Ash, “Even at the risk of death, do not stop fighting him, but do not kill him either.”

“GRRR…” Ash growled as the cultists approached him. “How dare you Kaisers… invading the sanctuary that is Pallet… MY Sanctuary! Threatening to kill me and my friend… I WON’T HAVE IT! RRAAAAAHHH!!!!!” Ash’s body bursted with energy, power surged through him, it was the power of one! Ash charged towards the cultists…

CRASH!

[♪Xenosaga- Battle♪]

Before they could even react, Ash charged forwards, smashing through them and sending them flying in every direction. But the cultists recovered quickly and jumped back to their feet, “HMM!” Ash quickly dodged the sword of one of the red cultists and then knocked it out of his hand and slammed his face. “AH!!” Ash turned around and gasped when one of them swung a glaive down at him. Ash’s hand shot up and smashed the weapon, but as he did, another cultist attacked him from behind!

“GRRR…” Ash growled, as he continued to fight, he didn’t know what was going on. First he finds Kaisers appearing in Pallet, along with Gary, who all of the sudden happens to be a CHOSEN ONE, who got beaten in one his by that Gold Kaiser guy! Next thing he knows, HE’S fighting these cultists, and with a great deal of difficulty as well! Normally, even without using the power of one, he can usually take out several cultists with one hit, but these ones were different! They just kept fighting!

“HAAA!!!” One of the red cultists roared, swinging his fist at Ash…

POW!

“AGH?!” Ash exclaimed in surprise, at the speed, and POWER of the punch! He was thrown right off his feet! Ash hit the ground, but quickly got up, “GRRRR… YAAAH!” Ash shouted and smashed the nearest cultists with his fist and sent them flying… “WAGH!” He screamed when one tackled him from behind and pinned him down! One after another, they were piling on him… RAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!” Ash screamed, bursting out from underneath the pile, throwing them all in different directions. All the cultists hit the ground, but quickly got right back up. Ash was panting, these cultists were a lot stronger than the ones he’s dealt with before!

“HMM!” Ash quickly dodged when Cultists charged towards him, striking at him with fast attacks from their weapons. “Urgh! Ah!” Ash gasped when one of the giant green cultists swung a battleaxe down him! “WA!” Ash moved, his head barely getting split it two by the battleaxe “GRRR!” Ash growled and swung his fist…

CLANK!

“GRRRR… AGH!” Ash exclaimed, and pulled back his hand, clutching his hurt knuckles. He hit the Green one, and hurt himself! “WAGH!” Ash exclaimed when one of the Cultists in blue attacked him with a short sword. Ash barely avoided it, but if he hadn’t reacted then, he would’ve been stabbed! “RHA!” Ash swung at them, but they all jumped back, avoiding his attack. As Ash tried to fight, one of them kicked him on the back of the neck, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground.

“Hm… this looks like fun. Prince Gold, may I…?” Inquisitor D-7 looked at Gold Kaiser

“Do as you wish…” Gold Kaiser sighed

“Very well!” Inquisitor D-7 raised the Kaiser crucifix into the air… “RAAAH!!!!” he roared as he struck the base into the ground

“HUH?!” Ash looked down, “AH!!!”

FWOOM!

“AAAAH!” Ash screamed as flamed erupted from the ground. Quickly he dove out of the way, before getting burned to badly. “WAH!” Ash gasped as he looked up

“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!” Inquisitor D-7 roared, the Kaiser Crucifix was surrounded by some sort of energy as he swung it through the air, down at Ash…

SMASH!!!!

“AAAH!” Ash moved just in time. The ground split in two when the weapon slammed into it, and Ash was pretty sure if he didn’t move just then, that would’ve been his head… “Grrr…” Ash got up and growled. That crucifix the Inquisitor held… he could sense something. A tremendous amount of power radiated from it… it was a deadly weapon… but just what was it?!

“Krucifix” Inquisitor D-7 spoke, as if he knew what Ash was thinking. “The weapon of the Inquisitors, blessed by the Kaiser Tyrant, perfect for executing any heathen.” The Cultists surrounded Ash completely, there was no escape, “It’s over…”

“PIKACHUUUUU!!!!!” Pikachu, who was hiding in the bushes, jumped out and attacked with his electricity, causing the Cultists to jump back.

“Ugh… th… thanks Pikachu…” Ash gasped, rubbing the blood off his lips. “What… what’s going on? How are these cultists were so strong?!” Ash asked out loud. All these cultists… they were so strong! How could this be?! Those Red Cultists, their strength was incredible… the green ones, when Ash hit them, they were rock-solid and didn’t even feel his blows, meanwhile the blue ones were too fast, moving circles around him, while evading every attack he threw at them! Meanwhile, that Inquisitor was probably the most dangerous cultist, with that Krucifix he carried! “And Pikachu! Watch out especially for that gold one over there! He can read minds!”

“UGH!” Gold Kaiser, as well as everyone fell over in stupidity. “This… is this IDIOT supposed to be the Ash Ketchum, who defeated the legendary Red Kaiser?!”

“Ugh… yes… YES I AM!” Ash shouted and stood up, “DON’T INSULT ME!!”

“And why not?!” asked Gold Kaiser. “One who cannot stand up to the common cultists has no right to be called a chosen one…” he turned around, “There’s no point on me remaining here, seeing how I am not needed.” He started walking away, “You know what to do with Gary Oak, but go ahead and kill Ash Ketchum. It is quite obvious that anything we’ve heard about him is a blatant lie…”

“Yes milord!” Inquisitor D-7 bowed his head, “Now! Let’s finish him!”

“(Pant… pant…)” Ash was panting, “So he’s gone now… huh?”

“That is right! It would seem that his highness has no intentions of remaining here and watch us kill a child!” said the Inquisitor

“Oh really?” Ash smirked “HMM!” His eyes flashed

“AH!?” the Inquisitor exclaimed and stepped back, surprised by the terrifying glare

POW!

“AAAGH!!!!” Inquisitor D-7 screamed as Ash’s punch sent him flying.

“HA-HA! You cultists may have gotten a bit stronger, and I thought I’d let you Kaisers know for once how it feels to WIN!” Ash laughed and charged with Pikachu. Pikachu fired a powerful blast of electricity and sent more of the cultists flying. I was only using 5% of the power of one, which BARELY makes me any stronger! Let’s try 20% Equivalent of Level I’s 100%!” Ash focused his energy, and powered up even further, to the strength he defeated Red Kaiser with, “HA!!!”

SMASH!

“OH YEAH! THAT FELT SO GOOD!” Ash cheered. A red cultist attacked him, but Ash spun around and smashed him with his fist. Ash lifted a green cultist over his head and slammed him to the ground. He fought with amazing strength, speed and agility, sending the cultists flying! A blue one tried to attack him from behind, but Ash spun around and caught him by the arm, “RAAAH!”

CRACK!

“AUUUGH!” The blue-uniformed cultist screamed when Ash broke his arm!

“RAAAH!” Ash grabbed that blue cultist by the neck and slammed his head to the ground. Ash looked up just in time to see four red-uniformed cultists pounce on him, attacking him with all their strength… “HAAA!” Ash was stronger. He uppercutted the one in front and smashed the next with his fist. The other two, he grabbed by the necks and bashed their heads together, knocking them all out.

“PIIII…” Pikachu’s eyes closed, and electricity was crackling around him, “KAAAA…” The power was growing, thousands of volts of electricity were surging through him, and all of it gathered at his cheeks… “CHUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!”

CRASH!!!!

“AAAAGH!!!!” The cultists screamed as lightning rained down on them. The power of the electricity was intense, and took them all down

“Great job Pikachu! You got them all!” Ash cheered, but stopped when he saw there was still one of them left

“Grrrr…” The Inquisitor, who had also been hit by the lightning, but was still standing, growled. “You… disgusting human! Do not fool yourself, thinking you have already won!” He closed his eyes and raised the Krucifix into the air.

“Huh? What is he doing?” Ash stared at the inquisitor. The Cultist was praying, and the Krucifix was beginning to glow… “Wa…” Ash gasped as he looked around him… all the cultists he had been fighting, they were getting back up! “NO!”

“You take us Kaisers too lightly, Chosen One!” Inquisitor D-7 sneered

“Grrr… what does it take to keep these guys down?!” Ash shouted. “If that’s the case… RHAAA!” Ash focused again on the power of one, powering up even further! “35%...” Ash spoke, “My current maximum for level II… not strong enough to down these cultists in one hit the way they keep getting back up… this fight’ll go nowhere!”

“Do you realize it is useless?” asked the Inquisitor, “Give up now.”

“Hmmm… No, I don’t think so” Ash looked at the Cultists, “Even if I surrendered (yeah, that'll be the day...), it wouldn’t stop you from killing, and running away is absolutely out of the question, because I’m not letting you Kaisers stay here any longer!” Ash took a fighting stance, “Pallet Town is my home, and you aren’t welcome!” Ash’s voice was growing stronger, his eyes showed defiance, defiance to the servants of the hateful cult. “So I’m gonna give you one more chance, to get out of here, and never come back!”

The Cultists stared at him for a moment, and then burst out laughing. Then the Inquisitor spoke up. “You are in no position to be making demands!”

“OH REALLY?!” suddenly, Ash broke into a fast run

“WHAT?!” Inquisitor D-7 exclaimed when Ash suddenly came charging right at him!

“LET’S SEE HOW GOOD YOU ARE…” Ash jumped into the air, the golden power surging through him gathered in his fist… “WITHOUT YOUR PRECIOUS KRUCIFIX!!!!”

“AAAH!” Inquisitor D-7 screamed as Ash’s fist came down at him…

SNAP!!!

“AAAAAAHHHH!!!!” Inquisitor D-7 was sent flying, and hit the ground. “OH…” the Inquisitor groaned, when he suddenly realized what Ash just did! “AH!” all the cultists gasped, the Krucifix was broken!

“Ugh…” Ash panted, gripping his knuckle, which was now bleeding. “Heh… how’d you like THAT, Kaiser?” Ash looked around, the cultists were all growling… “Looks like I made them mad…” he smirked, “HA!” Ash spun around and kicked Inquisitor D-7 across the face with all his strength, smashing his head and knocking him out. Then Ash turned to Pikachu, “DO IT NOW!!!”

“PIIIIII…” Sparks began crackling at Pikachu’s cheeks, as thousands of volts were gathering, “KAAAAA…” Pikachu turned towards Ash, “CHUUUUUU!!!!!!!”

CRACK!!!!

“NNGH!” Ash exclaimed, closing his eyes and clenched his teeth. The pain was intense, but he had to take control. He had to focus, on the energy, the strength of the electricity, and gathering it at his fingertips. Bolts of lightning were forming…

“AH?!” The Cultists gasped, what was going on?! But it was too late…

Ash raised his hands, all the electricity was in his fingers, strengthened by the power of one. Ash’s is eyes shot open, releasing the power “SHINING THUNDER!!!!!!!!”

CRASH!!!!!!

“Wa…” Ash sighed as he fell to his knees, breathing heavily. When Pikachu zapped him, and he strengthened the electricity with his own power, it took a lot out of him. “Ugh…” Ash gasped for air, and looked at his hands. They were in pain, burned by the electricity, “The attack… is still not perfect…” Ash panted as he slowly got up. Even though he did defeat those cultists with that attack, it felt more like he himself was the one that was hit. Unlike his battle with Red Kaiser over a month ago, the power was not as great, not to mention this time he was also hurt by it. Although the attack did defeat these strange new cultists, he felt he himself had taken just as much damage as them. Ash he results this time weren’t as good as he hoped.

Ash panted as he looked around. This time, the soldiers were down for real and that Inquisitor was out cold. He turned around and walked over to Gary’s body, and lifted him onto his back. “Come on Pikachu” said Ash, as they left the scene…

“Ash!” Said Misty when she spotted Ash and Pikachu. She had been waiting here for them, and ran over to Ash, “What happened to you! You’re hurt and… AH!” She exclaimed when she saw the wounded Gary, “Gary! What happened to him?!”

“I don’t know… but maybe he can tell us” said Ash, “We better get some help!”

***

(Location- Professor Oak’s Lab) [♪Final Fantasy VI- Narshe♪]

Gary lay still in bed. There were a lot of bandages wrapped around him, over the wounds he had sustained while fighting the Kaisers, especially over the spot Gold Kaiser punched Gary. Other than that, Gary’s condition wasn’t too serious.

“…and that’s when I used ‘Shining Thunder’ to completely finish off the cultists.” Ash sighed. His hands were wrapped in bandages, and he had just finished telling Misty and Professor the story of what happened earlier on.

“Unbelievable…” said Misty, “The Kaisers have finally come to Pallet Town…”

“Unbelievable it right!” said Professor Oak, “Gary had called me and told me about the Kaiser Cult many time before, but it wasn’t until I saw his injuries today that I finally believe him!” Professor Oak sighed sadly, “Somehow, I feel that I’m the one responsible for my grandson’s injuries…”

“Don’t blame yourself professor…” Ash placed his hand on Professor Oak’s shoulder, “It’s not just you. I don’t think anyone would really believe such a cult existed…”

“Urgh… you’re telling me…” Gary’s voice spoke up. Everyone turned around and gasped, he was awake! “Ow…” Gary groaned as he tried to sit up

“Gary! You’re hurt! Don’t move!” Professor Oak exclaimed

“It’s fine, just a few broken ribs… ugh!”

“Gary! Lie down! Doctor’s orders!” Professor Oak said strictly.

“Huh…” Gary sighed, and did as he was told. “Great… I get attacked by five hundred cultist, get smashed by a Kaiser Prince, and now gramps is acting like he’s a doctor…” he looked at Ash, “Hey Ash… so you managed to beat those Kaisers, huh?”

“Obviously… but I had to wait for that Gold one to leave… fighting him around Pallet would be dangerous” Ash sighed, “I never seen him before, who is he?”

“Hmm…” Gary sighed, “Gramps? Would you mind leaving us alone?”

“Okay…” Professor Oak replied, and left the room

“Ash… listen up. You too Misty” Said Gary “You’ll have to forgive me, because I really didn’t want to be one to break up your ‘honeymoon’, but this is serious.” Ash and Misty went red at the honeymoon remark, “After the fall of the four Kaiser Knights, the cult was in chaos, as their armies heads have been cut off. And that’s when HE came into power… Gold Kaiser…” Gary growled, “The powers of the cult have been divided three ways, and Gold Kaiser rules 1/3. He is also completely different from the Kaiser Knights… compared to him, the four of them are powerless…!”

“Gold Kaiser…?” repeated Ash… remembering the face of the new enemy… and his strength. Even with the power of one, Gold Kaiser had defeated Gary in a single blow. Speaking of which… “And Gary! In that battle back there, you used the power of one! How did you… I mean… since when…?”

“Apparently, Pallet Town has another chosen one…” Gary smirked, “For every several million people, there is a potential chosen… and when that candidate finds a Shining sphere, they will awaken into a Chosen One. Usually only one sphere emerges, giving us only one Chosen One per generation… but these are dark times, and require more than a single saviour.” Explained Gary, “I was a potential Chosen, and during my journeys I’ve managed to acquire a sphere and quickly grow in strength with all the battles I’ve engaged in. Right now, I’m still training, hopefully I'll reach Level III soon. For now, I’m just Level II, 50%…”

“F… Fifty percent?!” Ash exclaimed… he was at thirty five! “You’re ahead of me?!”

“It looks like it” Gary smirked, “That’s how I was able to beat 488 of the 500 cultists they sent after me. Still… as good as I am with calling more power, I’m still not too strong, I’ll have to work on that, to be able to fight well even without it, the way you do…” Gary looked at Ash, “I know what you’re gonna ask next. It’s the cultists, right?” Ash nodded, “Lots of things have changed over the time you’ve been resting. For one thing, the Kaiser are getting stronger and more aggressive. They’ve also come to produce four new types of cultists… based on the designs of the original Kaiser Knights” Gary took a deep breath. “The Cultists you saw, the ones dressed in red, with the flak vests and the huge swords? They are based on Red Kaiser, and are known as the ARM Cultists. They're all about power, and have machine arms and legs. Though nowhere near as strong as the original Red Kaiser, and it is only their limbs that are mechanized, they are far stronger than average humans. Next are the Green armoured Cultists, based the defensive style of Green Kaiser… SHIELD Kaisers. While not as strong physically as the ARMS, every one of them has a full metal body, and are resistant to almost any attack. They usually carry really large and heavy weapons in close and ranged combat, they specialise in defence. Next is the SENSES Kaisers, following Blue Kaiser's style of swift movements and combat style. They don’t wear armour, because they don’t need it. They have improved sight, hearing, smell and instincts. Their reflexes are incredible, they are skilled and fast. They are primarily spies and assassins. The TAMERS which have always been around, are able to control Kaiser Beasts with the use of implants in the brain. White Kaiser was famous for being able to command hoards of Kaiser Beasts (ironically we never DID get to see his). Tamers are only present during large battles, like full out wars and siege warfare. They don’t have upgrades, but are the only ones capable of commanding Kaiser Beasts. Last of all is the Inquisitor, the highest ranks of the common Cultist. They are at the same level as captains, and are upgraded with all forms, ARM, SHIELD, SENSES and have the TAMER ability installed into them. They also hold one of the cult’s strongest weapons, the Krucifix…” Gary sighed

“Whoa… and the ENTIRE Cult consists of them?!” Misty said in a shocked tone

“That’s right” Gary said sadly, “The upgrades weren’t done surgically either. You’ve heard how when they sacrifice, they get stronger?” Ash nodded, "We always thought it was just some crazy ritual they made up, but it couldn't be further from the truth... the Kaiser God exists, and with every sacrifice they make, they grow stronger. Recently, they had captured a Level I chosen one and sacrificed him properly. That’s how they gained so much power…” Gary growled, “And now that they seen the results of offering a chosen one, they are searching the globe for people like us… but that’s not the worst part.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“The reason I came back to Pallet Town was because I found out this information. That’s why they sent 500 Cultists to get me” said Gary, “They want to keep this plan secret until the time comes!”

“What is it Gary?”

“This may come as a shock to you, especially you Misty.” Gary took a deep breath, “The Kaiser Cult is going to scour the world for Chosen Ones, and are going to start invading the cities of Kanto, capturing them while also attempting to root out any Chosen One they can find, while enslaving everyone else!” said Gary

“AH!” Ash gasped

“No!” Misty exclaimed

“That’s not the worst part of it!” Said Gary, “They’ve already planned which one they’ll take down first! They’re first target it none other than… Cerulean City!”

It seems that many things have changed during the time Ash and Misty were gone. Not only has Gary become a Chosen One and the Kaiser Cult has produced new, more powerful cultists than before, but they are planning on invading all of Kanto, starting with Cerulean City! That’s not all, but just who is this mysterious Gold Kaiser? Will Ash and Gary’s powers alone be enough to save the city that Misty came from? Are they strong enough to fight the Kaiser Cult? Find out next time, in the new adventure, Pokémon: Eternal Legacies!

► TO BE CONTINUED