Sunrise was still an hour away as the group made their way on foot towards Chase's old Citadel. They we're on foot for two reasons. One because Dojo was back at the Temple and two they needed to get the new Guardians use to their body armor. The kids had never worn it before so it was taking a little while to get use to it. Their armor resembled that of their Xiaolin counterparts, but their chest pieces were different. Misty had a Tentacruel along with a blue bow, May had a Blazeikan with a red bow, Tracey a Spearow, Max a Metagross, Casey had a Snorlax with a silver bow, Gary had a Septile, Zoey had a Glaile and an indigo bow, and last, but not least Soladade had a Dragonite with an orange bow.
As the group made their way towards their target they discussed their battle strategy. They had a general idea what the Killforma was up to, but they had no idea how to stop his plans or defeat him seeing as they couldn't kill him. They were in a real jam. "Why are we walking towards our doom half cocked? I mean we don't even have a real plan how to stop the Killforma thanks to your Shen Gong Wu going kaput," Misty remarked as she played with her bow. She was still not use to this outfit.
"We aren't half cocked! The Fountain of Wei and Eagle Scope gave us enough information to help us in our quest. We now know where the Killforma is hiding and what he's been doing with the stuff he stole. With that knowledge surely we can think of something correct?" Omi questioned the group.
"I'm still worried. Even though you guys know the Citadel layout how's that going to prevent the Killforma from finding us? I mean this is suppose to be a sneak attack," May pointed out. She held her hand high in the air producing a contained Ember attack so they could see where they were going.
"That's why we talked with Chase and brought the Map of Revelations with us. Right now it's not working so well seeing as how its only showing the surrounding area, but when we get closer to the Citadel it might be able to show a hidden entrance we can use. With the Map's help we'll be able to move around safely once inside," Kimiko explained as she looked over the enchanted map once more.
"That's true, but what about once we're inside the Citadel? Should we split up into groups? One to save Ash and the other to destroy the growing army of super Pokemon cyborgs?" Brock asked.
"I reckon we might have no choice in that matter partner although I get sick as cow heading to the slaughter just thinking about killing those cyborgs. Oh fearless leader have you come up with a plan yet to avoid killing anyone?" Clay demanded as he leapt over some fallen logs.
"I'm working on it Clay give me a break will you! Sorry I just keep going over the odds and they don't look good. We can't kill the Killforma, if we try to destroy his gateway we could blow up multiple realities, and lastly we have to face an indestructible and invincible army. Boy we've never gone against these odds when saving the world before. At least I've figured out how to save both Paul and Ash," Raimundo replied.
"Is that why you brought that Shen Gong Wu with you? Well I can understand separating their souls long enough to free them from the Killforma's grip, but to that you have to get really close and what then? What if that creature has enough strength to sustain a corporal body? Not to mention the fact from everything you've showed us do we really want to save this guy? Paul seems worse then Team Rocket," Tracey commented as he kept a lookout for signs of danger.
"Hey I know that guy is a creep and major pain in the a, but so was I at one time. I tried to take over the world since I was in second grade until I accepted the offer of friendships from the gang here. Maybe all Paul needs is a real friend to help save him and if that doesn't work a good right hook to the jaw to knock some sense into him," Jack remarked as he carried Max on his back. The little guy's legs were too short to keep up with the rest of them.
"You tried to take over the world, but changed? Hmm I guess miracles can happen, but none of that matters if we can't get in there and save our worlds from danger. How do you to it? How do you save the world on a daily basis and not get overwhelmed by it? I think I'd go insane. I mean my mind was nearly blown all those times we encountered Legendaries and now its on the edge with these strange powers," Max commented as he readjusted his glasses under his mask.
"You get use to it home boy. After awhile the unusual becomes the usual. The weight of responsibility never gets any lighter, but it's easier to deal with after some time. Yo just have to keep going on no matter what happens homme and things work out just fine yo," Jermaine remarked.
"So why did you guys want to leave it all behind then? I mean the Electabuzz's never give up no matter how bad the game is. But you guys were ready to throw in the towel and leave the game for good and for what? What was so important that you want to give up on your destiny?" Casey inquired curiously.
"Have you any of you ever thought about the consequences of pursuing your dreams? I mean you gave up schooling, seeing your families, having a normal life just so you could be trainers, coordinators, and researchers. Being a Xiaolin Dragon is a wonderful experience and has brought us many joys and pains. Is it wrong for us to give up our duties to pursue our dreams and get a chance at a normal life?" Dagwood asked the others. He took their silence as a good sign.
After a few moments Gary spoke up and chose his words carefully. "I guess in the end its your own choice what you do with your life. Without our dreams and aspirations what is the point of living? No matter what happens today we should be proud of how we acted. We didn't let our fear overwhelm us and we honored our ancestors. If they defeated the Killforma once before I'm sure we can do it again."
"Good speech Oak, you should give public speaking a try. But I still think you guys need to stop worrying so much about getting hurt and worrying about your Pokemon right now is a good way to get killed. Don't deny it I can read you guys like a book. You feel naked without your Pokemon well get over it already!" Lu snapped.
"Lu that's not the kind of pep talk our friends need at the moment. Look Lu makes a good point. You do feel naked without your Pokemon and your worried about what will happen, but trust us they're safe where they are. No one is going to hurt trust me," Crystal said reassuringly.
"That's easy for you to say you've never had Pokemon. But you know the dangers we're facing and even with their new moves who knows if they'll live to see the end of this day? I would be heartbroken if something happen to Glameow or Shellos," Zoey admitted with tears in her eyes.
"Zoey you have to have to hold on to hope. Even when things seem hopeless you have to keep believing that thing will work out. Its time like these that bring out the best in you. When it comes down to it this single moment will define who you are as a person and a coordinator," Auara told her politely.
"You should listen to her Zoey. She really helped me feel better after I lost the contest. But thanks to her words of encouragement I put on a spectacular double battle and won a Showdown! If I can do that then there's no need to worry about this Killforma."
"I've prayed for the protection of Shiva, Krishna, and Vista. They offer us the guidance and power we need to save Ash and Paul. I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready to get this mission over with so I can receive my diploma with honors," Stacey informed the group.
"Then what are we waiting around here for? Let's go find that secret entrance and start kicking some butt already!" Soladade cheered.
"I agree with the lady let's get this party started already!" Callie replied. With a renewed sense of purpose they took off once again with Ash's Pokemon leading the way.
At the Citadel Paul/Killforma was resting quietly on his throne nursing a cup of hot coca. He'd been up for hours now in anticipation for what would become his greatest triumph. "Soon, very soon my revenge shall begin and all those who have wronged me shall feel my wraith."
J entered the room and bowed to her Master. She now wore some strange body armor with his emblem displayed proudly across her chest. "Master, I wanted to let you know we'd be finished in an hour. We are completing the final touches with the Gateway and have already begun the grafting/infusion process with your army. My men and I are waiting for your command to proceed with the invasion sir!"
"Very good J you've done quite well. I'm very proud of you. Continue with your work and be ready to lead the invasion of the Pokemon world at a moment's notice. I'm sending my Electabuzz and Torterra down to the development room to oversee the final stages of the process to ensure nothing goes wrong. Report to me when everything is complete," Paul/Killforma commanded. With a nod the three beings left the room. "Ursaring, Weevile, go to my room and bring me the Shen Gong Wu. I need to finish merging them together. Murkro go check on Ash and make sure he eats something before the bonding. When I need him I will call for you and the cats. Lets move it pets we have work to do!"
Just outside on the right side of the Citadel the group was watching the jungle cats patrol the perimeter trying to figure out how they could sneak in. "I've spotted the side entrance! It's about a quarter of the way up on a narrow ledge embedded in the rock face. Three cats, a panther, a tiger, and a lion are guarding it. I don't see anyone else in the area. If we can draw those cats away we can sneak up to the entrance," Lu explained as she put away her enhanced binoculars.
"So how do we get them away from the entrance?" May asked impatiently.
"Pika pi, pika pika Pikachu!" Pikachu stated enthuastically. The rest of Ash's Pokemon chimed in and showed them the plan they had come up with. It would be dangerous, but it was their only option. They decided to go for it.
The three jungle cats patrolled the ledge with diligence. No one was going to spoil their Master's plan. They stopped for a few minutes of grooming when the most irritating noise filled the air. They tried their best to ignore it, but couldn't after a few rocks were thrown at them. Roaring they turned and set their eyes on the troublemakers.
"Aipom! Pom aip aip!" Aipom called out slapping her butt and making faces at the group. She loved mocking these cats and calling them cowards. Blowing a raspberry at them she took off among the trees with the panther hot in pursuit.
The lion and tiger called out for their companion to come back when an Ember attack scorched their paws. They turned and bared their teeth at the sight of Chimchar mocking them from the trees in the opposite direction. "Chimchar char char!" Chimchar laughed as he took off with the other two following him in hot pursuit.
Aipom swung as fast as she could through the trees glancing back every few minutes to see if the panther was still in hot pursuit. "Aiep!" she shrieked as the panther tried to maul her. Swinging her tail as hard she could she delivered a powerful Focus Punch to her pursuer's head temporarily dazing him. "Aipom pom!" she called out as she scrambled up the highest tree in the area.
"Staravia! Avia Star!" Staravia chirped as he performed a perfect Aerial Ace into the panther side. He scrambled to get out the way as the panther's razor sharp teeth grazed his wings. Still he had to lead the panther to the right tree. Once there he shot straight up with the cat leaping onto the branches. "Staravia!"
"Thanks Staravia! Time to give this kitty a steam bath!" Misty shouted as she and May swung around the branches to deliver a surprise attack. "Bubblebeam!"
"Ember!"
The Bubblebeam wrapped itself around the panther incasing in a giant water bubble. Before the panther could even thing of getting out the Ember struck superheating the bubble turning into a chocking steam. The jungle cat gasped for air and fell out of the tree into Omi and Kimiko's waiting trap. "Good job everyone! That was a perfect example of working with your partner."
"Thanks Omi, I just hope the other's are doing as well," May reply as they rushed off to see how the others were fairing.
Chimchar was pouring every ounce of endurance to keep from becoming dinner to his pursuers. He dropped from the trees racing through a thicket into a narrow gully. The second the tiger and lion entered the gully he let out a screech for rescue.
"Hold on Chimchar I got you little buddy! Got him close the gully Brock!" Clay ordered Brock.
Brock nodded and used his Rockslide attack to seal the lion and tiger in the gully. "Okay now it's up to the others. Pikachu, Turtwig weaken them first okay?"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu fired his most powerful Thunderbolt zapping the lion until its mane stood on its ends.
"Turtwig!" Turtwig unleashed a powerful Leaf Storm giving the tiger a buzz cut. It was so funny Turtwig rolled on his back laughing.
The jungle cats didn't think it was so funny. They immediately tried to climb up the steep walls to get at the prey. They never noticed Tracey and Max sneaking up behind them until it was to late.
"Gust!"
"Iron Tail!"
The two jungle cats took a pounding and would have retaliated if Rai and Jack who grabbed their throats and held tight until they passed out from oxygen depravation hadn't stopped them. "Good work team. Now that the guards are out of commission let's make tracks towards that door."
"Good idea Rai. Hey Tracy think you could help me out the gully?"
Back at the cliff face Lu had managed to make an outline of where the door should be, but none of them had been able to find the switch to open it. "We're wasting time looking for it! We've got no choice, but to break it down. Jermaine, Casey think you two sports fanatics can break the rock face?"
"You better believe it lightning lady. I'll soften it up first for you okay ball girl? Hiyah!" Jermaine did a fantastic Mantis kick making the rock budge a few inches.
"Leave it to the pros basket boy. I can handle it from here. Tackle!" Casey shouted as her super energized tackle attack forced the door to open the rest of the way. "Scramble I don't know how long it will stay open!"
"We've got it covered. Gary give me a hand here!" Dagwood instructed as he braced himself against the door to keep it from sliding close.
"Will a Vine Whip help more?" Gary suggested as he strained to keep his attack strong. Finally the last of the Dragon/Guardians slipped inside and he could let go. "Oh man now I know how a Bulbasaur feels. But at least we made it."
"Yeah, but we can't let our guard down just yet. Kimiko what's the map show?" Crystal asked eyeing the dark passageway suspiciously. They had made enough noise to be noticed by some nearby patrols.
"If we go about fifty feet forward the corridor forks. One passage should take us where they're holding Ash while the other should take us to the breeding room. Suggestions?"
"I'll take the boys and eliminated the army before they awaken. You girls should rescue Ash. First things first let's see if there are any hidden traps along the corridor. Zoey? Your own."
"Thanks Rai I hope I don't disappoint you. All right forget the beauty and go for the power and joy. Blizzard!" Zoey shouted as her thin layer of snow and ice crystals blanketed the corridor revealing a laser grid. "Looks like the Killforma beefed up security tenfold. Any ideas on how we get past this?"
"Leave that to me. I once did a science project on lasers and by using the correct amount of ice in strategic areas I should be able to clear a path for us. See nothing to it," Crystal stated with a hint of pride. Her ice patches made it easy for them to get to the end of the corridor. Unfortunately the two paths weren't very well lit.
"They must have turned the light down because this is suppose to be a hidden corridor. Dawn, lets bring a little illumination into the situation shall we?" Auara suggested already building up her attack.
"No need to worry I got this one. Wudai Solarbeam Light!" Dawn called out as the two light attacks merged together and brightened the hallways. "That was so cool! I got to remember that for contest!"
"Worry about your contest later Dawn we have business to attend to. Keep in contact with us boys and we'll meet back here in thirty minutes to plan the next phase of our assault shall we?" Callie asked the group. With a nod they took down their prospective corridors.
The girls had made it halfway down the corridor when they were intercept by a patrol made up of jungle cats in the human form. The ancient warriors gave a war cry and charged the group. Callie fired off an attack knocking out a few people, but the onslaught kept coming. "Ladies attack!"
It was a flurry of movements as the girls partnered up and performed a ballet of synchronized movements. Each girl mirrored the move of the other one and they even came up with a few creative moves like swinging their partner under their legs only to have them deliver an impressive high kick. After fifteen minutes of impressive battling their foes lay on the ground defeat. "Now that was a good cardio exercise. My blood is really pumping," Casey mentioned.
"Come on all that noise has to have alerted Killforma where we are. Double time people!" Lu commanded. The group followed her as she raced through the corridors at breakneck speeds until they found the door to Ash's room. "Bingo! Now we just ugh dammit! This door has at least triple deadbolt not to mention bioscanner locks on it! I can't open it! Oh ow ow!"
"Lu you really shouldn't kick rock doors you'll bust your toes. Soladade, its up to you and me. Feel like blowing a door off its hinges?"
"Stacey I've been ready to blow up something for a while now. Here goes everything. Self destruct!" Soladade called out concentrating to keep the blast small and self-contained. With the precision that made her top coordinator she placed her small yield attack in the right spot and with Stacey's help blew the door to smithereens. "I hope we didn't hurt Ash with that one," she mused as they enter the suite only to find it empty. Ash was nowhere to be found.
"I don't believe this! We risk our lives and he isn't even here to show us his gratitude!" Misty growled.
"Spread out and search the room. We might find clues to where Ash is now," Lu ordered.
"I know one thing already. While we've been busting our butts he's been living in the lap of luxury. I mean look at all these sumptuousness items. We've got a queen bed, a buffet table, and a library. He may have been a prisoner, but he wasn't living like one," May commented.
"That is weird, why would the Killforma treat Ash so well?" Casey asked.
"Who knows how that creature thinks?" Zoey replied.
"We're suppose to be looking for clues not arguing amongst ourselves," Dawn reminded them.
"I think I found something. This food is still warm and the bed's just been made. He couldn't have been moved out of here more then a few minutes ago," Soladade said excitedly.
"We should call the others and inform them of these turn of events. Dang the cave walls are scrambling the signal. I can't get anything through. Come on we got to find the boys and fast!" Kimiko exclaimed as they dashed out of the room at high speeds.
The boys in the meantime had found their way into the breeding chamber where the army of cyborg Pokemon had been growing. What they saw reminded them of the lab Mewtwo had created. It was very eerie.
"There must be at least a thousand Pokemon here. By the looks of things they're nearly ready to come to life," Brock whispered.
"I can't believe how well their metal Golem parts have merged with their biological ones. It's insane," Tracey replied.
"Look those tubes up there seem to be feeding them the elixir! I bet he's already given them a dose of the Flame," Max said.
"According to these readouts on the monitors they have brain wave activity that's off the charts. I guess that means he's already used the memory orbs," Gary muttered.
"Yo homeboys come over here and see what's going on down below," Jermaine hissed. The others followed him to the viewing window and they let out low whistles while the Pokemon let out growls of disbelief. Below them was a gigantic circle with symbols all over it. There was an ancient control panel to the side and the center flickered on and off as they tried to stabilize the Gateway.
"Man that thing reminds of the stargate from Stargate SG1!" Jack whispered.
"Is everything a Sci-Fi reference to you?" Dagwood asked.
"Enough arguing you two! We should be working on a plan to dismantle that device and eliminate this army before they wake up!" hissed Clay.
"Um guys I think we have more pressing concerns to deal with right now," Raimundo said as they turned around to find themselves surrounded by dozens of J's men and quite a few jungle cats.
"What are you kids doing here? Surrender now and the Master will be merciful," the head goon said leveling his gun at the boys.
"We don't give down when the cheetos are spilled! Attack!" Omi cried. Without a second thought the boys leapt into action striking down the goons while the Pokemon went to work on the jungle cats.
"For the glory of the Killforma attack!" the goons shouted as they all rushed into battle. They fired their weapons trying to capture the boys without damaging any of the tubes around them. The boys weren't as careful and neither were the girls who quickly joined in the fight. They were determined to finish these guys off quickly so they could proceed with their plans uninterrupted.
They had just knocked out the last guy and were taking a few seconds to catch their breath. Amazingly in the conflict none of the tubes had been damaged by stray shots. Time to rectify that. "Is everyone ready to finish what we came to do?" Lu asked.
"Pika pi! Pikachu!"
"I'll take that as a yes. Okay everyone spread out so that you don't accidentally hit anyone. On the count of three release your attack. One, two three!" Lu commanded firing a powerful burst of lightning at the nearest tubes. For a split second it looked like it along with all the other attacks would hit its mark when they suddenly just stopped and vanished in the blink of an eye. "What the f is going on here? Whose the jack a who did this?"
"Never mind that now I can't use my powers!" Dawn exclaimed in surprise.
"Neither can I? What the heck is," Raimundo started to say when the whole group was suddenly transported to the floor below unable to move or use their powers. "Going on here. Hey how did we get down here? Why can't we move?"
"I did that to you. Amazing the power of the Amulet of First Kung. Not only has it blocked your ability to access your powers, but I was able to teleport you here and slow down your molecules so much your frozen in time," the Killforma/Paul said as he descended from his throne with his Pokemon. He pushed back the hood of his cape and smiled warmly at them giving them all the creeps. "Welcome to my humble domicile. I've been expecting all of you. I knew you come after all I did invite you three days ago."
"Enough with the chit chat release us now!" Misty growled.
"Yeah where's Ash?" May demanded as she struggled to move.
"Calm yourselves. Your friend is safe and sound. See for yourself," the Killforma/Paul said snapping his fingers. A spotlight turned on and revealed a struggling Ash restrained on a giant alter. "See your Heart is none the worse for the wear."
"Guys help me!" Ash screamed.
"Pika pi! Pikachu!" Pikachu shouted trying to send a Thunderbolt at the Killforma, but couldn't even muster a single spark. Nearby all of Ash's Pokemon and the rest struggled in vain to free themselves from the Amulet's powers to no avail.
"I would relax and enjoy the view my friends. I was most impressed by your display of power and teamwork. All of you will make fine generals in my army once I've conquered your worlds. With your help all of reality will belong to me," Killforma/Paul said amused.
"Dream on creep we won't help you not for a million dollars!" Max growled.
"Just wait until we're free then you'll be sorry!" Gary added.
"Silence! How dare you speak to the Master like that? You should be honored to be an audience to the beginning of the Masters grand plan!" J snapped at them. She was now wearing a navy blue jacket with a light yellow undershirt. On her jacket label was the mark of the Killforma and she carried a banner with the same symbol. She kneeled before her Master and spoke with pride. "All the preparations are complete Master. All that is needed is for you to use your great power to awaken the army and start up the gateway and we shall ride into battle for your honor."
"Well done J. I thank you for all your help and as a reward for all your hard efforts you shall have the tribute as leading the troops to gain control of the Pokemon World. Are your men ready?"
"Ready and awaiting your command my Master. Just give us the word and we shall go forth."
"Man this is disgusting to watch. I've never seen anyone shower someone with that much devotion before," Stacey whispered to Crystal.
"She reminds me of Brock only on Viagra."
"Enough with the jokes we have to do something!" Auara hissed.
"What do you want us to do? No matter how much we struggle we can't break free of the Amulets power," Callie remarked.
"Girls quite I think the Killforma is about to hit a grand slam!" Casey whispered frightened as the Killforma/Paul produced the Heart of Jong from his backpack.
"Finally after centuries of torture and months of only half existing my plans are about to come to frutation. First things first I will need to awaken my army. I hope you guests are comfortable, because its about to get really crowded in here. Heart of Jong!" Killforma/Paul said. The Shen Gong Wu came to life and started beating and spewing smoke. He placed in a special chamber on the control council.
The magic spread from the council into the tubes and into the Pokemon growing inside. The monitors started going nuts as the creatures inside woke up. They let out mighty roars and their tubes exploded as they burst free. The fluid in the tubes dripped off their gleaming metal parts as the fire burned in their eyes. Within seconds they found themselves transported to the ground below awaiting their commands.
"Look at them! They're huge! How are we supposed to defeat those monstrosities?" Jack whispered.
'By watching and observing to see if we can spot a weak point," Tracey hissed back.
"My beautiful army you've finally awakened. With your help I will finally have my revenge. Listen well as I give you your assignments. Fulfill them well and you'll be copiously awarded. Now those of you assisting J and her men line up near the Gateway. It's time the Pokemon World gets a taste of what's to come," Killforma/Paul laughed. The amulet around his neck glowed vibrantly as a surge of energy darted from the boy's body into the Gateway energizing it. With a hiss and a zap the portal flickered to life.
"No please stop this madness at once! You can't attack our home!" Max pleaded.
"It's not to late to end this peacefully!" May added.
"Quite insects! The time has come for us men to claim the Pokemon World for the glory of our Master Killforma! Let us ride forth and claim victory!" J commanded as she, her men/equipment/ and about half of the cyborg Pokemon entered the portal and disappeared.
"NO! There's nothing to stop them once they get to our world! How are a bunch of regular Pokemon going to stop those fiends?" Misty whispered.
"Our world won't give up without a fight and neither should we? Come on keep fighting to get free!" Soladade urged with renewed energy.
"Looks like the invasion of our world has begun," Callie stated as more cyborg Pokemon left the Citadel to conquer their world. Soon only the jungle cats, Paul's Pokemon, and the about a one hundred cyborgs remained with Killforma/Paul who was smiling.
"Finally my plan has been set in motion. Time for the final move and I can shed this worthless body for one so perfect."
"I'm not perfect contrary to popular belief! Come on where are my powers when I need them?" Ash moaned as Electabuzz and Ursaring placed the merged Shen Gong Wu body armor on him.
"Why doesn't Ash use the Shen Gong Wu to free himself?" Dawn asked.
"If he can't access his powers I doubt he can use the Shen Gong Wu," Lu grumbled in frustration. Nothing she did could break the hold on her.
"I'm more concerned about what the Killforma wants to do with Paul after he trades bodies," Brock muttered.
"Something tells me whatever it is Paul isn't going to be thrilled," Raimundo pointed out as the Killforma/Paul climbed the dais and placed the Amulet of First Kung around Ash's neck. He had a predatory grin and was looking at the trapped boy with utter devotion.
"In seconds you and I will be bonded and then nothing can stop us from conquering the Multiverse and getting revenge on my Master. Don't be frightened this won't hurt a bit," Killforma/Paul said as he started to shimmer. An eerily noise filtered through the room and everyone gasped as transparent dragon like shape exited from Paul's body. The instant the Killforma was detaching from Paul the real Paul collapsed to the ground. The dragon shape hovered over Ash who was still pleading for this to stop. The Killforma didn't listen to him instead he merged his transparent shape merged with Ash who screamed.
"This is bad very very bad! How much worse can it get?" Omi moaned. The sounds of popping joints and crunching bones told him it could get a lot worse.
Ash's body was undergoing a transformation. Light blue scales appeared on his arms and legs, which now had more muscles on them, his hands end with piercing black talons that burst through the Fist of Tebigong and nearly, shredded the Third Arm Sash. Large bat like blue wings with yellow streaks burst through the back of the Two Ton Tunic while a long thin tail ripped through his pants. Ash was now three inches taller, his hair halfway down his back still held in its ponytail. The final changes were to the face, which included razor sharp teeth and golden dragon like eyes. He was no longer human, but some mix between Killforma and human.
"Whoa Nelly that is something you don't expect to see everyday," Clay muttered as the Pokemon called out for the friend. Their calls fell on deaf ears as the Killforma/Ash broke free of his restraints and hovered a few inches off the ground until he landed softly.
"We are one! With the power of two Hears combined with our own natural abilities plus our Shen Gong Wu armor we are invincible! Now time to finish what we started in Hearthome City!" Killforma/Ash growled as they eyed Paul who started to wake up.
"What the heck is going on? Okay where is that thing that possessed me hey put me down! Ash? You merged with that pathetic excuse for a trainer? Why?" Paul demanded as he was dangled five feet off the ground.
"Pathetic? We aren't the pathetic ones you are! If it weren't for us you never would have known about your powers over darkness? Besides how pathetic are we if we are the Heart of the Pokemon world?" Killforma/Ash questioned as they tightened the grip around Paul's neck until he started turning blue.
"Ugh let… me… go! Electabuzz Thunder!" Paul ordered. His eyes went wide with shock as Electabuzz used Thunder on him.
"Your Pokemon belong to me now and I'm a much better trainer to them then you ever were! Quintessence! That's right let your life giving energy be suck right out of you just like you tortured poor Chimchar! I shouldn't have finished the job at Hearthome City, but Dawn and Brock decided to interfere," Killforma/Ash told him coldly as blue lighting danced across Paul's body as his natural energy was stolen. Paul screamed bloody murder until he hung limply in the air. "Now we finish the job!" he hissed as he raced one talon hand growing the talon to six inches. With a glint in his eyes he swung it downward intending to impale the boy only to be stopped by a well-placed Flamethrower. "Ahhh!"
"Chimchar chim!" Chimchar cried as his Blaze took effect. The little fire monkey had used his natural fire to speed up his molecules so much he broke free. As he tore at Killforma/Ash the Blaze effect started to spread and slowly the others started to feel life come back to them.
Chimchar stood protectively in front of Paul who was barely able to lift his head up. "Chimchar char char Chimchar!"
"Show him mercy? Why should I spare his life after everything he put you through? He nearly killed you if you've forgotten so why are you trying to save his life?"
"Chimchar char chim char char. Chimchar char!" Chimchar stated. He had told him it didn't take much strength to save a friend, but it took more strength to save an enemy. Paul may have been the near death of him, but he wasn't going to hold a grudge if it meant his death.
"I don't want to hurt you Chimchar, but I can't allow you to stop me from killing him. So move aside ah!" Killforma/Ash shrieked as a Thunderbolt shocked him giving Chimchar a chance to use Dig and take Paul to safety. "Very well if the only way for you to see things my way is to defeat you then so be it. Servants defend your Master! Do battle, but remember I don't want any but the Guardian of Darkness dead!" Killforma/Paul said as he flew in the air. The battle was on!
