Chapter 2- Cerulean Crisis

~During my travels as a Pokémon Trainer, I saw many strange and unbelievable things, and when I became a Chosen One, things just kept getting weirder. Had I not become accustomed to surprises, I wouldn’t believe that so many things have changed during the two short months I was gone. Not only did the Kaiser Cultists become stronger, but they have new leaders as well, and I’m really not sure what I should be more shocked at, Gary being a Chosen One, or Cerulean City being targeted by the Kaiser Cult. As we race against time to get there before the Cult attacks, I don’t know what we’ll expect to find. With all the changes in the Cult, it feels like we’re facing a completely different enemy, one I know nothing of… but this is the true feeling of fighting. We rush into danger, not knowing what to expect except possibility of death, this is war… it is not a game.

-Ash Ketchum

(Location- Pallet Town) [♪Baten Kaitos- Azure Soul Fountain♪]

“AH…” Ash and Misty gasped. They had heard what Gary said, but for it to sink in… “NO! You’re not serious!” Misty exclaimed

“I wish I was lying…” Gary sighed, “At exactly noon of the 29^th, Cerulean is going to be attacked by the Kaiser Cult. If they say they’re going to do it, they will…”

“What about the gym?! My family?! My sisters?! They’ll all be…” Misty exclaimed

“They’ll be fine!” Ash stepped forwards. Both Gary and Misty looked at him, “Nothing is going to happen to your sisters, or Cerulean City. I won’t let them” said Ash

“Pika!” Pikachu said in agreement

“Ash…” Misty gasped, “You mean…”

“Pack up Misty” said Ash, heading for the exit, “We’re leaving for Cerulean.”

“Right!” Misty nodded, and the two of them walked off, leaving Gary alone.

“Hmmm…” Gary sighed. “Even though Ash may be strong enough to win, it’s better to have definite chance with two Chosen Ones” Gary clenched his teeth and struggled to sit up. It took a bit of time, but he was able to stand, “Unfortunately, I’m in no condition to help you. Looks like I’ll have to change that…” Gary closed his eyes and held out his right. There was a humming of energy in the air “Hmm…” Gary was focusing, as energy gathered around it… “HM!” Gary’s eyes shot open, white flames began to burn around his hand. “HA!!!” Gary placed his hand onto his chest…

FLASH!!!!

“Ahhh… that’s better” Gary sighed. The energy on his hand had vanished, and he stood up. The injury from Gold Kaiser had been healed! He grabbed his shirt and pulled it back on, along with his bag and pokéballs. “Sorry Ash, but I’ll be going on ahead! See ya in Cerulean!” He opened the window and ran off into the night…

***

(Location-Pallet Town) [♪Final Fantasy X- Tidus’s Theme♪]

It was night time. Ash and Misty were walking down the road, towards the edge of Pallet Town. They had hastily packed their things and left without a word, leaving only a note to Mrs. Ketchum telling her that they’ll be gone.

“Hey Misty” said Ash, “Are you nervous?”

“Hmm… a little” said Misty, “Even though my sisters make fun of me all the time, I still love them, and I know you won’t let anything bad happen. As for going home…” Misty smiled at Ash. “We may be heading to Cerulean, but it’s not my home!”

“Wa?” Ash blinked, not understanding what she meant

“Ugh…” Misty sighed. “What I MEANT was that my home was in Pallet, at your side! You’re still as dense as ever…” she then smiled, “Don’t ever change!”

“Ha-ha! Don’t worry about that part!” Ash laughed, wrapping his right arm around her shoulder, “(Even though I still have no idea what she’s talking about…)”

After a few minutes, the exit to the town was in sight. As they were about to cross, someone called them, “WAIT! Don’t go yet!”

“Huh?” Ash and Misty turned around and saw who was it, “Wa! Mom?!” he exclaimed

“A… Ash…” Delia panted, “Ash… I don’t know exactly what’s going on… but to leave without a word, leaving only a note saying you’re going away… I know you well enough to understand. You’re going to go put yourself in danger…”

“Mom… I’m sorry” Ash looked down, “I have to do this. The people of Cerulean are in danger, and I can’t let anything happen to them.”

“Ash… I know, but as a mother, I can’t help but worry. You’re all I have left” Delia cried, “You’ve grown up so fast!”

“Hmm…” Ash sighed, and closed his eyes, “Goodbye mom… I’ll be back. I promise”

“Don’t worry Mrs. Ketchum, I’ll take care of Ash!” said Misty

“Thank you Misty…” Delia turned to Misty and hugged her as well, “Forget about the formalities, just call me Delia!” she smiled and looked at Pikachu “You too Pikachu! Make sure he comes back safe!”

“Pika!” Pikachu nodded

“Thank you…” Delia smiled, “Goodbye Ash, my little boy… no. My little hero!”

“Goodbye!” Ash, Misty and Pikachu exited Pallet Town.

“You’re really lucky Ash… you have such a nice mother” Misty sighed

“Well she really likes you” said Ash, “She even considers you as part of the family”

“OH! AND ONE MORE THING!” Delia called from the distance, “DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE WEDDING PLANS! I'LL TAKE CARE OF THEM FOR YOU!!”

“WA!” Ash and Misty fell over in stupidity.

“Ugh… she’s STILL going on about that?” Misty groaned, “Just what makes her think that we’re engaged!?”

“I already told her we AREN’T engaged, but she didn’t seem to hear it. What’s even sadder is that she’s not pretending she doesn't hear us.” said Ash, “Just as long as we don’t mention this to our friends, or we’ll never hear the end of it…” They both sighed, “I just KNOW that we’re gonna get no end of misery from the ‘E’ word…”

As they continued walking, Pikachu spoke up, “Pikachu Pika, Pi Pichu”

“What do you mean? Of course we will!” said Ash

“What did he say Ash?” asked Misty

“Oh, Pikachu was just asking if we think we’ll get there in time” said Ash

“Pika!” Said Pikachu

“What? The attack doesn’t start until the 29^th…” said Ash

“Hmm…” Misty paused for a second, remembering what DAY it was today, “AH!”

“What is it?” Ash turned to Misty

“The attack is on the 29^th… and today is the 28^th!” exclaimed Misty

“AH!” Ash gasped, “If the attack is tomorrow… then the time it’ll take to get to Cerulean City…” Ash clenched his teeth, “Taking the normal route on foot is a seven day journey, even if we ran the entire length of the way it’d still be too late!”

“Then… we’re too late!” Misty fell to her knees, “N… no!” she covered her face and sobbed. “Cerulean City will be destroyed and there’s nothing we can do!”

“Don’t say that Misty… We just started this journey, and it won’t end in failure so soon!” Ash hugged her from behind, and cradled her in his arms.

“But… Cerulean City is so far away… how can we get there?” Misty sniffled

“You know what I said about taking five days?” He smiled and held up his palm, “I’ll get us there in less than five hours.”

“H… huh?” Misty stopped crying, and looked at Ash, “How?”

“Just leave it to me!” Ash gave her a thumbs-up. Reaching down, he grabbed a pokéball, “Charizard! I CHOOSE YOU!”

“CHROAAR!!” The flaming dragon pokémon spread its wings and roared

“Charizard! You up for a long flight?” said Ash, Charizard roared in agreement, “Nice!” he hopped onto Charizard’s back and reached down to Misty, “Climb aboard!”

“Okay…” said Misty, as Ash grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

“Ready for takeoff!” Ash said, as Charizard spread his wings and started flapping "GOOO!"

“Pika!” Pikachu cheered as they soared into the sky

“Wow!” Misty gasped as they flew higher. In the distance, she could see the bright lights and buildings of Viridian City. “At this rate, we’ll get there in no time!”

“Got that right!” Said Ash, “Let’s go Charizard! Onwards! To Cerulean City!”

“CHROAAA!!” Charizard nodded, flying faster and faster

“Ash?” Misty saw Ash was trembling, “Are you okay?”

“Yes… better than okay…” Ash smiled as he trembled, “I’m just so excited… this feeling… this anxiousness… I haven’t felt it in so long” He looked at his shaking hands, and clenched his fist, “The future full of endless possibilities… not knowing what’s in store… this is it the feeling… the start of a new adventure…” he shot his hand into the air and cheered, “LET’S GO!!!!!”

***

(Location- Cerulean City) [♪Final Fantasy X- Sigh of Spira♪]

“Hey, wake up Misty! We’re there!” said Ash as they were flying over Cerulean City.

“Hmm…?” Misty’s eyes opened up, “Huh…? Already?”

“Hang on tight! We’re coming in for a landing!” Said Ash as Charizard descended. They touched the ground, and climbed off the pokémon, “Great job Charizard, I knew I could count on you to get us here. Return!” Ash stroked Charizard, and then called him back into the pokéball “Well Misty, should we get going to the Gym?”

“No, the Gym’s not open yet. It’s only five in the morning.” said Misty, “Let’s head on over to the pokémon centre and wait there.”

(A Few minutes later)

“Don’t worry Ash, your pokémon will be ready in one hour” said Nurse Joy, accepting Ash’s pokémon, “Enjoy your stay in Cerulean City!”

“Thank you nurse” Ash thanked her, and walked back to Misty, “I know my pokémon aren’t injured or anything, but I’m having Nurse Joy give them a check-up to make sure they’re in good health when the battle starts”

“That’s a great idea. I should do the same” said Misty, also giving her pokémon (everyone except for Togepi) to Nurse Joy. “Well, now that that’s done, what should we do now? Should we just hang around? Or should we head over to the Gym?”

“Or maybe we should actually plan a strategy to fight the Kaisers when they come pouring into this city” someone said

“Huh?” Ash and Misty turned around, “WA! GARY?!”

“Hello to you too.” Said Gary, who was sitting at a table

“How did you get here?! And before us?!” exclaimed Ash

“Not only that, but you’re hurt!” exclaimed Misty

“First off Ash, you should’ve used Pidgeot to fly here rather than Charizard. Though not as strong a fighter, they’re much faster flyers.” Said Gary, “As for being hurt…” he looked at himself. He had a lot of scratches and cuts from his fight against the cultists, “I’m PRETTY sure I’ll survive walking around with some paper cuts” before Ash and Misty could say anything, he lay a map of Cerulean on the table, “When the invasion begins, there’ll be lots of Cultists pouring into the city.”

“How many, would you say?” Asked Ash, sitting at the table

“A couple of hundreds” said Gary, “Still, the problem isn’t whether we can beat them or not, but how we could keep them from doing as little damage as possible”

“To do that… we’ll have to keep them from entering the city, period,” Said Ash

“But how are we going to do that?” Misty pointed at the map, “We’re not sure where they’ll come from. There are tons of entrances to Cerulean, and if we guard the wrong one, they can walk right in!”

“Got that problem solved” Gary spoke up, “Earlier, I sent out some flying pokémon, patrolling Cerulean and the area around it for any sign of them! Though Kaisers try to be discreet, they’re quick to anger and have tendency to never shut up, and almost always end up making a scene.”

“That’s perfect!” said Ash, “The second they see something, the two of us will go and deal with them! Even a thousand Cultists is no match for TWO Chosen Ones!” Ash then paused, “Speaking of Chosen Ones, there’s something I wanted to ask you.”

“Yeah? What is it?” said Gary

“What happened to Sky Render?” said Ash, “Any word from him?”

“None at all.” said Gary, “He’s vanished without a trace, as if he never existed. As for the Fiends…” Gary sighed, “Without their leader, they’ve been falling apart. But Aquamarine is currently acting leader and managed to hold them together. Still though, it’s hard for him to be as good a leader as Sky Render. Sky Render was his hero, and he’s the one most saddened by his disappearance.”

“Aquamarine? That maniac is still alive?” Misty frowned at the mention of his name

“I wouldn’t insult him, Misty. He’s the Chosen One of Water, Level III. In the same league as Sky Render, Chosen One of Wind, also level III. He’s WAY stronger than before, and easily more powerful than me and Gary combined!” said Ash

“Then that gives me all the more reason not to trust that maniac!” Misty crossed her arms, “I still haven’t forgiven him for all the times he attempted to win me over by killing you! And if he’s stronger now, then it’ll be even easier for him to do it!”

Ash sighed. Misty only knew one side of Aquamarine, the violent one. He did feel a little sorry for him, after all, Aquamarine also loved Misty, and Ash couldn’t imagine how it must feel to have the girl you love taken away by another man. “I guess you’ve got a reason to hate him, but I don’t. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a fellow Chosen One and a powerful ally in our fight against the cult, and I trust him…”

“Excuse me Ash” said Nurse Joy, carrying something, “I have a package for you.”

“Wa?” Ash turned around, “a package?”

“From who?” Misty asked out loud

“You’re Misty, correct?” asked Nurse Joy, Misty nodded, “I also have one for you”

“Uh… thanks?” they accepted the packages, somewhat confused, “What are these?”

“Those packages are from Ebi” Said Gary, “He knew you guys were coming here.”

“Good old Ebi!” Ash said as he started unwrapping his package

“I wonder, what could it be?” said Misty

“If I know Ebi, it’s gonna be something cool!” Ash smirked, tearing off the wrappings like a child who had just received a Christmas present, “Maybe it’s a new weapon, like a beam sword or laser cannon or…” Ash opened up the package, “…clothes”

“I got some clothes too!” said Misty, looking in her package

“THIS is what Ebi sent us?” Ash complained, “No weapons, no items, not even a MESSAGE! Just clothes… just freaking CLOTHES!”

“Oh come on Ash” Misty said, “I’m sure Ebi wouldn’t send us anything without a reason! Not to mention they’re nice! I’m gonna go try it on…” Misty got up and walked away, carrying her bag, “You too Ash!”

“Ugh… fine…” Ash sighed as he got up to go change as well.

“If you need me guys, I’ll be out buying items!” Gary called, walking towards the pokémon centre exit “I’ll meet up with you guys in an hour!”

(A little later…)

It was about 9:00 AM. Cerulean City was no longer quiet, and everyone was going about their daily businesses. Ash and Misty stood in front of the Pokémon centre.

“Wow! These clothes are great!” Misty said cheerfully, quite pleased with her new outfit (she’s wearing the clothes from Pokémon Advanced), “Ebi really is a genius! I know he made weapons, but I didn’t know he can make clothes too! They’re so light and comfortable, and they look so cool!”

“HMPH…” Ash stood there with his arms crossed, (dressed in his Pokémon Advanced clothes, but still wearing his pokémon league hat) “If you ask me, he should’ve just stuck to making weapons and stuff that are actually HELPFUL.”

“Come on, don’t say that!” said Misty, looking at Ash, “I think you look wonderful.” Misty stopped, “Hey, wasn’t there a hat among the clothing he sent?”

“Oh, you mean this thing?” Ash held up the hat Ebi sent (it’s the cap he wears in Pokémon Advance), “I don’t need it! I already got a cap!”

“Don’t be silly! Your new clothes and old cap don’t match! Try the new one!”

“No!” Ash held his cap to his head, “This cap is a rare, one of a kind! It’s been with me forever! It’s a symbol!” said Ash, “Not to mention this hat has a layer of special-mesh protecting me! It’s saved my life a couple of times! And what about that one?!”

“Ash, stop being a baby!” Misty started getting annoyed, “Try it on!”

“No! I won’t!”

“Why not?”

“You can’t make me!”

“Pika…” Pikachu sighed and sweatdropped. Ash and Misty were arguing again. Back in Pallet Town, they were like this all the time, arguing about every little thing. Sometimes he thought they just argued for the fun of it, just so they can make up afterwards. Still, it DOES get really annoying, really fast.

“I won’t wear it! That’s final!” Ash said firmly

“GRRRR…” Misty growled, “JUST DO IT!”

“WA!” Ash jumped back, “All right! All right! Just quit it!”

“Ha-ha!” Misty grinned victoriously. Ash grumbled, removing his old cap and placing the new one on his head, “Well? How is it?” she asked

“It’s okay I guess…” Ash sighed, “Feels a little weird though”

“That’s normal, you’re not used to this one…” said Misty

“That’s not it…!” Ash started getting annoyed, “There’s this weird tingling on the back of my head, and it’s really irritating…” Ash reached up to remove it…

“I wouldn’t be so hasty, Ash” said a voice behind Ash

“Huh?” Ash turned around and gasped at who he saw, “Ebi!”

“What?!” Misty exclaimed, turning around

“Ebi!” Ash exclaimed, “When did you…”

“DON’T YOU DARE… ask that question.” Ebi growled

“Wa… wai-wai-wait a second! How did you know I was gonna ask that? Unless… AH!” Ash gasped and pointed at Ebi, “Oh my god! You can read minds!”

“UGH!” Ebi fell over, “Huh… still as dense as ever. LATE as well. I sent that package to Cerulean a long time ago, and got here before you!” he crossed his arms, “Oh well, onto business!” clapped his hands “You’re looking well, Ash. Seems you’ve enjoyed your vacation. How do you like the new clothes I sent you?”

“I guess the clothes are okay… but what does that matter?” asked Ash

“It matters because they’re my newest form of Ebi Armour!” Ebi smirked, “Your old clothes had a layer of the mesh protecting you, and were a bit heavier. However, the clothing I sent you and Misty are the next generation of body armour, COMPLETELY woven from the special alloys, giving you superior defence against weapons and elements, and not to mention they’re lighter too!”

“Hey… thanks!” said Ash, “At first I didn’t like them, because I was expecting a weapon, but this is just as good as any!”

“Since when have I let you down?” Ebi smirked, but his faced changed to a serious expression “You know the Kaisers gonna attack this city, right?”

“Yeah” Ash nodded, “I’m ready for them, and as soon as Gary gets back, it’ll be twice the trouble! Those Kaisers won’t know what hit them!”

“That’s the spirit!” said Ebi

“Yeah!” Ash cheered. He paused for a second, and looked at Ebi “By the way Ebi, I know you don’t like being asked, but how exactly did you get here?”

“I don’t mind being asked so long as it’s not a greeting” said Ebi, “How I got here isn’t really important. But I should tell you something about that cap of yours…”

“The cap?” Ash touched the hat he was wearing, “What about it?”

“One of my best inventions!” Ebi said proudly, “It emits a mild current of electricity, flowing into the person’s head, manipulating brain waves, signals, and thoughts!”

“Uh…” Ash really didn’t understand, “Wa?”

“As a scientist, for the sake of progress I can’t really show guilt, but it would be rude not to apologize,” said Ebi, “Though it’s safe now, when in the testing stage, it was dangerous because it risked permanently damaging the nervous system, severe psychological damage, in worst case scenarios completely frying the brain”

“Ew…” Ash cringed, “But what are you apologizing to me for?”

“You being alive proves it’s all right, but you see… I never DID get past that testing stage. I wasn’t sure whether it’d kill your brain or not, sorry”

“Oh…” Ash paused. It took a whole minute before Ash realized what he said, “YOU DID WHAT?!” Ash shouted, “YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU’RE TESTING POTENTIALLY LETHAL EQUIPMENT ON ME WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?!”

“Hey, I already apologized!” said Ebi

“You think that changes anything? You could’ve killed me!” Ash shouted

“Meh, let’s not dwell on the past…” said Ebi, “It works after all. You’re completely convinced I’m right in front of you!”

“Huh?”

“You remember how I said it alters brain waves, signals and thoughts? I programmed the current to manipulate your brain into seeing and hearing this message, and it looks like it worked!” Said Ebi

“Wait-wait-wait a second!” Said Ash, “What do you mean this is pre-recorded? That’s impossible! You were actually having a conversation with me just now!”

“No I didn’t. I know exactly what to say, because you’re that predictable” said Ebi

“Oh yeah?!” Ash put his hands behind his back, “How many fingers am I holding?!”

“I’m sorry, I cannot answer that, because if I said 4, which IS the number by the way, you were intending to lie and say it was 6…” said Ebi.

“…” Ash stood there for a minute, “DAMMIT!” he shouted, “Using me for your experiments, insulting my knowledge, and putting this freaky cap on my head! I knew you were a huge, freaking nerd, but I didn’t think you were crazy!”

“Look who’s talking, Ash” Ebi crossed his arms, “If I’M the one who’s so crazy, then why are you standing there, arguing with no one?”

“Huh?!” Ash stopped and looked around. Misty took a step away from him, and there was a huge crowd of people staring at him.

“Figured it out yet? YOU’RE the only one who can see me!” Ebi burst out laughing

“GRRRR!!!!” Ash snarled, “YOU BASTARD! I’LL KILL YOU!!!!!”

“AAAH!” The crowd that was staring at Ash immediately ran away

“I… HAVE HAD… ENOUGH OF YOU!” Ash pulled the cap off his head, and Ebi immediately vanished. “DISSAPPEAR!!!!”

RIIIP!!!!

“Grrr…!” Ash growled, panting and dropping the pieces of the cap. “Ugh…” he sighed

“Uh… Ash?” Misty stared at him nervously, “Are you… feeling alright?”

“I’m fine! I’m fine!” said Ash. At that moment, Gary entered the scene.

“Hey guys! I’m back! I got all the items” Said Gary, “By the way, I heard some shouting. Did something happen while I was gone?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” Ash muttered

“Yeah, that’s fine. By the way, you got another package!” Gary held up a new, smaller package. “I just talked to Ebi on the phone. He said to give it to you after tore the first one. I dunno what he means, but he was laughing about something”

“Oh look!” Said Misty, opening it for Ash, “It’s another cap! The same as the one you just ripped! How thoughtful of Ebi!”

“NO! NO! NO!” Ash screamed, running away, “I AM NOT WEARING ANOTHER ONE OF EBI’S CAPS!!!”

“Uh…” Gary sweatdropped, “Did I miss something?”

“You know what Gary?” Misty also sweatdropped, “I have NO, freaking clue.”

***

(Location- Cerulean City Gym) [♪Final Fantasy X- Rikku’s Theme♪]

A bit of time later, Ash and Misty reached the Cerulean City Gym. “I still can’t believe Ebi’d do something like that to me!” Ash complained as they walked. He was wearing the second cap Ebi sent, but ONLY after being assured that there WEREN’T any freaky brain messages in it.

“You’re still going on about that?” said Misty, “Hey, where did Gary go?”

“He’s going around looking for Cultists… hopefully we can find them beforehand and wipe them out before they try anything” said Ash, looking up at a large billboard in front of the gym. “Looks like Cerulean Gym’s still doing well with their show”

“A little too well. If anything, I’ll be surprised if they even battled at all” said Misty, “I wonder why they even became Gym Leaders in the first place, if they don’t battle”

“Being a Pokémon Trainer, or even a Gym Leader doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fight” said Ash, “As long as you love and care for pokémon, that makes someone a real pokémon trainer as much as battling, if not even more”

“You know what? You’re right!” said Misty, “I never thought of it that way!”

“Ladies first” Ash held open the door and Misty walked in.

“Oh, visitors?” Daisy was sitting at the desk, sorting through some papers. “Sorry, but the show’s not on yet. Come again in like… 4 hours, unless you want to reserve…” she turned around and saw the two “AH!” she gasped

“Hello Daisy” Misty smiled

“MISTY!” Daisy got up from the desk and ran over to Misty, hugging her, “Is it really you?!” she exclaimed, “Like, when did you get here?! Oh, never mind that! Come with me!” Daisy said as she held Misty by the hand, leading her to the main stadium, not even noticing Ash. “HEY GIRLS!” Daisy called, “LOOK WHO’S HERE!”

“Who is it?” asked Lilly and Violet, also walking into the scene, and gasped, “Misty!” they both hugged her, “You came home! This is like, so unexpected!”

“You’ve grown a little, and have you lost weight? You’re so pretty now!” Said Violet

“And that outfit, I love it! You GOT to tell me where you got it!” said Lilly

“Like, tell us about your adventures!” said Daisy, leaning in closer and whispered “Have you found a boyfriend yet?”

“Well…” Misty looked down embarrassingly, and nodded.

“OH MY GOD!” The three sisters all screamed, “Our little sister’s all grown up! So tell us, what’s he like? Your boyfriend! Who is he?”

“AHEM…” Ash cleared his throat, and Misty’s sisters finally noticed him, “Right here”

“That’s him?” Daisy asked, and Misty nodded, “OOOH!! HE’S SO TOTALLY CUTE!” the three sisters ran over to Ash and surrounded him

“WA!” Ash gasped as the three started crowding him

“Like, this guy must really work out! Feel these arms!” said Lilly

“Do you have an older brother? Please tell me you do!” said Violet

“Totally!” said Daisy, “And tell us! Like, what is your name?”

“Ash…” he muttered. Daisy, Violet and Lilly all froze

“YOU’RE Ash?” asked Daisy, and Ash nodded, “OH MY GOD! I TOTALLY DIDN’T RECOGNIZE YOU!” The three sisters hugged Ash,

“WAAA!” Ash exclaimed

“HEY! QUIT IT!” Misty shouted, pulling Ash away from them and held him possessively in her arms “Back off! He’s mine!”

“Oro…” Ash groaned, his eyes all swirly. Daisy, Violet and Lilly giggled a little

“It’s so great to see you two got together! You’re such a cute couple!” said Daisy

“I have to tell you, Misty! That little boy you came home with the first time’s grown up to be quite a catch!” said Violet

“Well… yeah…” Misty looked down, embarrassed

“So Misty! How long are you two planning on staying here?” asked Lilly

“Well, I’m not really sure…” said Misty “We weren’t really intending on…”

“Hmm?!” Ash immediately straightened up, and he started looking around. His instincts were warning him, he sensed something… “DANGER!!!”

[♪Final Fantasy X- Enemy Attack♪]

SWISH!

“AH!” Before Ash knew what was going on, his body immediately reacted, spinning and barely evading a lethal slash. He didn’t miss completely though, and received a light cut on the cheek “GET BACK MISTY!” Ash pushed her back and looked up, gasping when he finally saw what it was

“Ah!” Misty and her sisters gasped, “What is that?!”

“It’s…” Ash gasped, “A Kaiser Cultist!”

“How did you find me? I was sure I hid my presence completely!” Said the Cultist. He was dressed in blue, meaning he was a SENSES Kaiser. He was very thin and his shoulders were hunched. His gloves had large metal talons on the fingers.

“You acted too soon! You should’ve waited a little longer to make sure their guard was truly down!” Everyone looked up and gasped, seeing another SENSES Kaiser hanging from the ceiling! “HA!” he let go, and landed neatly on his feet. Standing up straight, he revealed he also wore the same Kaiser Claws. He took a fighting stance

SPLASH!

“HUH?!” Everyone exclaimed, looking at the pool.

“HM!” Another SENSES Kaiser jumped out from the water. He flipped through the air, and landed gracefully on the ground. “Our cover is blown! We’ll have to act now!” He took a fighting stance, brandishing the talons on his fingers

CRACK!

“Forget about cover!” the door broke down, and another ran in, brandishing the Kaiser Claws “Our orders are to assassinate the Gym Leaders, and we’ll do just that!”

“Assassins!” Ash took a fighting stance, and Pikachu stood next to him, sparks gathering at his cheeks. “Well you won’t be getting past me!”

“OH REALLY?!” The four assassins darted forwards, towards Ash.

“HA!” Ash lashed at them, but they easily swerved out of the way of the attack. “AGH!” Ash exclaimed when one of them slashed at his back. He turned around and attacked, but the Cultist he was aiming at moved out of the way, and another one slashed him across the chest, “AH!” Ash exclaimed and fell to his knee, but stood back up. “GRRRR…” Ash growled, as the SENSES Cultists circled around him.

“Oh my, he’s quite tough… for a SAVAGE…” one of the assassins spoke

“He’s pretty good, but still no match for us” said the second

“To be still standing after an attack like that, he’s no ordinary human” said the third

“Yeah right! Those attacks were useless! They didn’t even penetrate my clothing! PWAH! I spit on your wimpy scratches!” Ash spat, and took a fighting stance, “If you really wanna take me down, then come back with another hundred Cultists!”

“Very well, I’ll think about it…” the first assassin raised his claw… “AFTER WE COMPLETE OUR MISSION!” He turned around and darted towards the girls

“AH!” Ash exclaimed, and also darted forwards, but he wasn’t fast enough…

SLAM!

“UGH!” The SENSES Cultist exclaimed, he was sent flying and crashed into the wall.

“Picking on defenceless women now? That’s really low even for you” said Gary

“GARY!” Ash and Misty exclaimed

“I was following these Cultists, but they were more slippery than I thought” said Gary, “I had a feeling they were heading here, and it seems I was right”

“GRRR… RAAAH!” The second and third assassins dashed towards Gary from behind…

“HMM!” Gary immediately turned around and held out his right hand. A white flame surrounded it, and began to change shape, into roughly that of a sword, “HA!”

SLAM!

“AAAGH!!!!” The Cultists were sent flying by Gary’s attack

“AH!” Ash gasped, staring at the energy sword in Gary’s hand

“(Sigh…) I didn’t think I’d have to use my Chosen One ability so soon…” Gary sighed

“CH… CHOSEN ONE ABILITY!?” Ash exclaimed

“Yeah, this is it” Gary gathered energy in his left hand, creating another sword out of energy. “Spirit Energy, I can do a lot with it. Not only can it be used as a weapon, but I can heal wounds as well… like that one from Gold Kaiser, although doing that, I try to avoid using it all the time, because it uses lots of energy and leaves me drained…” he gave the two sword a few swings, “There’s plenty more I can do with it, but I haven’t discovered it all…”

“AH…” Ash was shocked, “But… you don’t get the Chosen One abilities until Level III!

“I guess, but I’d rather not argue with a good thing” said Gary, “You get your title at Level III, and discover your ability. I however seemed to have gotten it at level II, and I’m already certain of my title. Chosen One of Spirit” he smiled, and looked at Ash, “Hey Ash, are you okay? Your eye is twitching.”

“GRRR…” Ash growled “Yeah, well, I can do it too!” he closed his eyes and held out his hand, “Judgement Ball!” Ash shouted, and looked, but there was nothing, “Come on! Judgement Ball! JUDGEMENT BALL!” he kept trying to materialize, but nothing…

“WATCH OUT!” Misty shouted

“HUH?!” Ash turned around and gasped as one of the assassins dove at him, “AAAH!”

SMASH!

“HMM!” Gary swung the left spirit sword in his left and sent the Cultist flying. “HA!” Gary stretched his arms out and spun, forcing the assassins back. “You okay Ash?”

“Grrr…” Ash growled, but nodded slowly.

“AH…” The assassins gasped, staring at Gary, “That boy… we’re no match for him!”

“RETREAT!” they all shouted, and ran away

“Hmm! They’re not getting away!” Gary frowned and started running after them

“KYAAA! HE’S SO COOL!” Exclaimed Misty’s sisters

“WA…” Ash stood there, speechless. “Gary… how did he get so strong?!”

“Man, he is SO totally cool!” said Daisy

“Yeah, and the way he rescued Ash!” said Violet

“You are so lucky to have a friend that can protect you!” they all added

“GRRRR…” Ash growled, “That Gary… I WON’T LET HIM SURPASS ME!” he shouted, “COME ON PIKACHU!” Ash broke into a run, after Gary, Pikachu close behind.

“ASH!” Misty called, but Ash had already left, “Be careful…” she sighed, and looked down. She felt sorry for him. Being surpassed by Gary by that much so suddenly, was no doubt a huge blow to his confidence. Misty turned around, “Daisy? Violet? Lilly? I think it’s about time I tell you about the Kaiser Cult…”

***

(Location- Outside Cerulean City) [♪Kingdom Hearts- Night of Fate♪]

“HAAA!” Gary spun around, sending a dozen ARM and SHIELD Cultists flying. Immediately he turned around, “BLASTOISE! UMBREON! ATTACK!”

SMASH!

“AAAAGH!!!!” more Kaiser Cultists screamed, as the heavy attacks from the two pokémon smashed into them

“I can’t believe this!” Ash shouted, jumping into the air and avoiding the swing from ARM Cultist’s gigantic sword, “HA!” Ash spun around and kicked him, sending him crashing into several others, “Those SENSES assassins weren’t the only ones!”

“Well what do you think?!” Gary swung and took out four more Cultists

“Hey, don’t look at me, YOU’RE the expert here!” Ash said sarcastically, and turned around, “PIKACHU! THUNDERBOLT!”

“PIKACHUUUU!!!!”

CRASH!!!!

“What’re you so mad about!?” Gary formed the energy into a shield, stopping a number of bullets fired at him. “HMM!” He aimed his arm forward, and the energy extended like a long pole, slamming into the gunner’s face.

“You know exactly what I mean, Mister ‘I’m so good just because I got my Chosen One abilities’!” Ash shouted, turning around and uppercutting a SENSES Cultist

“Hey! If you got the time to be jealous, then you got the time to concentrate on the fighting!” Gary jumped and flipped backwards through the air before an ARM Cultist beheaded him. He landed right behind that cultist, and slammed him on both sides of the head. As the Cultist collapsed, Gary pulled back his swords, making them both disappear. “Is that all of them?”

POW!

“No, this is!” Ash called back, holding an ARM by the front of the shirt and punching him in the face again and again. Ash let him fall to the ground, and continued kicking him until he stopped moving. “That was the last one”

“Now… what was it you were saying just now? About me acting all haughty because I can use Chosen One abilities?” Gary turned to Ash

“You heard me!” Ash turned to Gary, “You just had to make me look bad with the assassins back there, right in front of Misty and her sisters!”

“Hey, it’s not my fault that you can’t take care of yourself!” said Gary

“Oh really?! So I can’t take care of myself, huh?!” said Ash

“Bravo Ash, you figured it out, and it only took a whole LIFETIME!” said Gary

“GRRR…” the two of them growled at each other

BOOM!!!

“HUH!?” Ash and Gary exclaimed as a huge explosion shook the ground. They both turned and saw where the explosion came from… the City!

“What’s going on?!” Ash exclaimed

“It can’t be…!” Gary growled, “The attack is starting!”

“WHAT?! NO! That’s not possible!” Ash shouted, “We took out all the Cultists!”

“No… it was a decoy!” Gary growled, “Those assassins, they just lead us here to fight this group… and keep us busy while the attack started!”

“But where then where were the rest of the Kaisers…? AH!” Ash exclaimed, he just realised it, “They were in the City the whole time! Dressed up as civilians and hiding among the rest of the people!”

“NO!” Gary shouted, “We have to stop them!”

“HURRY!” Ash shouted, and the two of them ran towards Cerulean City…

(Meanwhile)

Within the walls of Cerulean City, it was in utter chaos! People were running and screaming, while explosions rang through the air.

“HA-HA-HAHAAAAAA!!!!!” Inquisitor D-7, the one who had come to Pallet Town in search of Gary, laughed as he charged forwards, wielding his Krucifix and leading the rampaging Cultists, “THAT’S RIGHT HEATHENS! RUN! RUN AWAY! FOR YOU ARE NO MATCH FOR THE KAISER CULT!”

“THAT’S FAR ENOUGH YOU TERRORISTS!” Shouted Officer Jenny, dressed in full riot gear. Standing next to her was Arcanine, and behind her were the rest of the police, also wearing the riot gear.

“Heh-heh-heh! THIS is the best defence this city has to offer?!” Inquisitor D-7 shouted, “Not even worth soiling my hands over!”

“Don’t bother sir! Allow me!” shouted one of the policemen

“HUH?” Jenny and the rest of the cops turned and looked at him

“I’ll handle them myself!!!” the cop ran over to a telephone pole and wrapped his arms around it, “RAAAAAAA!!!!!!!”

SNAP!

“AH…” Jenny, and the police gasped when they saw that one lift up the pole!

“HEH-HEH-HEH… HAAAAA!!!!!!” The cop swung the huge pole sideways…

CRAAAASH!!!!!

“AAAAAHHHH!!!!!!” The Police screamed, and were sent flying by the post

“RHA!” The traitor policeman threw the pole to the side, and tore off his police uniform, revealing his clothing underneath. He was an ARM Cultist! “ARM Cultist, R4-1572, reporting for duty! SIR!” He saluted to the Inquisitor

“Good job!” The Inquisitor laughed, as the ARM cultist joined the rest of them

“AH…” Officer Jenny, who was still conscious gasped, “They… they’re unstoppable!”

“That is correct!” said a voice behind officer Jenny. She turned around and gasped, as another one was standing behind her! But this one wasn’t like the others…

Dressed in shimmering silver armour, and a flowing cape that blew in the wind, it was a man… but unlike any she had ever seen. The flawless face, his beautiful silver hair, his deep, mysterious eyes… this man seemed to represent absolute perfection. But this man was special far beyond his appearance, because this was the man that ruled 1/3 of the Kaiser Cult, and leading the attack on Cerulean, Silver Kaiser!

“LORD SILVER!” The Kaiser Cultists all fell to one knee and lowered their heads to him. Inquisitor D-7 spoke, “The invasion of this city is going exactly as planned!”

“Hmm…” Silver Kaiser crossed his arms, and looked around. “And the civilians?”

“All of them have been taken prisoner, just as you commanded, Lord Silver!”

“Good, very good…” Silver Kaiser looked down… “HMMM!” He kicked off the ground, and jumped high into the air, standing atop a building. “Now begin Phase 2!”

“Yes sir!” said the Inquisitor, “BEGIN PHASE TWO!”

At the four corner of Cerulean City, stood a Kaiser Cultist dressed in yellow. It was the fourth type of Cultist, the TAMER. Each one of them held out a pokéball. “KAISER BEAST PIERROTISTE! I CHOOSE YOU!” they shouted, releasing the creature. This creature… Pierrotiste… resembled something of a French clown, wearing a jester’s hat with bells on, and its face was half white, half black, and had a tear painted underneath the eye. This was the Kaiser Beast form of Mr. Mime, “BARRIER!”

“Pierro… Pierro…” the Kaiser Beasts raised their hands into the air, concentrating their energy, merging their powers together… “Pierro-PIERRO-PIERROTISE!!!!!!” The barrier covered the city, like a giant cube made of tinted glass. Now, the plan was complete. Cerulean City had been captured, its people were all taken prisoner, and the barrier gave no entry, or escape. The Kaisers have won!

“Ha-ha-ha-ha…” Silver Kaiser chuckled. The sadistic laughter grew, and he laughed even harder, “PEOPLE OF CERULEAN CITY! IN THE NAME OF THE KAISER CULT, I CLAIM THIS CITY!!!” his voice echoed throughout the sky, “FROM THIS DAY FORWARDS, YOU BELONG TO ME!!!” he shouted, “BOW DOWN TO ME, FOR I AM YOUR MASTER!!! I AM SKY RENDER!!!!!”

Though our heroes have prepared for this moment, the Kaisers were one step ahead of them. With Ash and Gary sealed outside, they are free to do whatever they wish! Silver Kaiser, proclaiming Sky Render’s name to destroy his reputation even further, announces to the world that Cerulean is under his control! Can Ash and Gary put a stop to him? What does Silver Kaiser have in store for the people of Cerulean? Find out next time, on Pokémon: Eternal Legacies!

► TO BE CONTINUED