A/N: Hey, everyone, I'm back for another! This I can tell you is going to be a memorable update for both you and me. This will be the first time that Ash will make an appearance. There will be clues to Ash's future with the team in this one too. And now, without any further ado, Chapter 5!


Chapter 5: The Ballad of the Bouffalord

Focus on: Team


-Hariyama Youth Center, Jubilife City

Things were bustling as usual at the Youth Center. The place was as busy as usual, and Josh and Drew were just stepping out of the showers after a strenuous game of Basketball. Both were exhausted and thirsty.

"Dude, Josh, that was a good game, man!" Said Drew.

"Yeah, Drew. We need to do this more often! Hey, I'm getting a drink, You want one?" Asked Josh.

"Yeah, could you get me a Peach Splatter?" Panted Drew.

"Sure, man." Said Josh, and headed to the counter. Ernie was behind taking care of the normal orders.

"Hey, Josh. What will it be?" Asked Ernie.

"An Orange Blast, and a Peach Splatter. Quick."

"You got it. How the game go?"

"It went good. We both got a massive workout." Said Josh.

"Great, man. Alright, here's your drinks." Said Ernie, as he handed him two large drinks.

"Thanks, man." Said Josh, and he walked over to Drew.

"Here, man. Drink up."

"Thanks, Josh." Said Drew, as he slurped his drink. "Oh, that tastes so good!"

"I know, man! Hey, do you know where the rest of the gang is?" Asked Josh.

"May's out running errands, Misty's at work, and Max at the Hall working with Gamma. They should be heading here shortly." Said Drew, as he sweated through his green Chaps.

"Alright." Said Josh. Just then, May, Misty, and Max walked in.

"Speak of the devil, here they are now. Guys, We're over here!" Said Josh, as he flagged them down.

"So, guys, what's on the agenda today?" Asked Drew.

"Arceus said that it looks like Malice is still licking her wounds. So we are off-duty until we know what she is up to." Said Max.

"OK, So we're off-duty until something happens." Inquired Misty.

"Looks like it." Said May.

"So, what do we do this weekend?" Asked Josh.

"Hmm. Hey, how about we head to Sandgem beach?" Offered May. The other Rangers all agreed, and headed to their places to get packed.

-Isle of Distortion, Distortion World

Malice watched these festivities from her telescope, and was growing more enraged every second.

"They think I'm a pushover, eh? They think that all I can do is lick my wounds, eh? Well, We'll see who's licking their wounds after this! CLONER!" Screamed Malice, as she stormed over to the monster making chamber. Cloner was in there, working on a long list of Poke-Monsters. He was currently chiseling away at a very special project.

"Cloner! Is that monster of yours ready yet?" Screamed Malice at the top of her lungs.

"Yes, my Empress! It is finished! This monster will be Far superior to DusBones, and his strength is Unlimited! Behold, the Bouffalord!" Cried Cloner with pride.

"Excellent! Put him in place on the Conveyor Belt, and bring him to life!" Said Malice.

Cloner started up the Monster Maker as Malice began the Incantation. The released energy energized Bouffalord and brought him to life. As he stepped out, Malice smiled at the sight of him. He was a Bouffalant monster, tall and stocky, with brawny arms and legs, and enlarged, curled black horns. His face was altered to be more human-like, and his afro had been replaced by a curly black Mullet. He wore a heavy Breastplate, and a solid piece of metal plating on his head, pressing to his skull. He carried a massive Iron Mace in his right hand. He bowed to Malice.

"My Empress. How may I serve you?" he asked, in a dark, gruff voice.

"Bouffalord, I want you to take a troupe of Phantoms, go to Sandgem Beach, and destroy the Poké Rangers!" Commanded Malice, as he handed him a Phantom Orb.

"It will be done, my mistress." Said he, and he dissapeared in a shroud of Distortion.

-Sandgem Beach

As the day wound on, the Rangers each enjoyed their time at the beach. Max was busy collecting seashells. May and Drew were lying in the sand, Drew's arm around May's waist. Misty was relaxing in the waves, content as could be. Josh, well, Josh was sitting on a blanket, not far from the wave lines, obviously deep in thought. Misty noticed this, and was worried about it. She got up, and walked over to Josh.

"Something on your mind?" She asked, as she knelt down to him.

"Huh? Oh, I was just...thinking." Said Josh.

"About what?" Asked Misty.

"About my brother."

"Oh!" Said Misty, barely supressing a blush. "Ok."

"You love him, don't you?" Asked Josh, matter-of-factly.

"Wha-wha-what?! Were would you get an idea like that?!" She said, now on the defensive.

"Misty, it's as plain as day that you're in love with my brother. I've known for years."

"D-d-ddddd-does... Ash know?!" She asked, now going from defensive to nervous.

"I'm not sure. Ash IS pretty dense. But this much I do know. Ash cares about you more than you know." Said Josh, as he dislodged a wet sand clot with his foot.

"Do you mean that, Josh?"

"I do, Misty."

Just then, the conversation was cut short. A blast of Distortion ripped the sandbar in half. A troupe of Phantoms swarmed the Rangers.

"Guys! Looks like Malice is done licking wounds!" Cried Josh to the team.

"Let's show these fools whose boss!" Drew said, rallling the group.

"Right!"

The rangers prepped to fight the Phantoms. But as they gathered themselves, the Phantoms dissapeared.

"What just happened?!"

"I don't know, Max, but I think we're about to find out."

"Drew, I hate it when you say that!" Said May.

And just as he said, they found out, for right then, a Distortion hole opened, and Bouffalord stepped through.

"Hello, Poké Rangers! I shall be your destructor today! Prepare to be destroyed!"

Josh stepped forward. "We'll see about! Ready, guys?!"

"Ready!"

"It's Morphin Time!"

"Legend Access!"

"Green Grotle Power!"

"Purple Gardevoir Power!"

"Blue Milotic Power!"

"Yellow Luxio Power!"

"Red Monferno Power!"

"By the power of Arceus, Legends have Risen!"

"Poké Rangers Legend Warriors!"

"Prepare to die!"

Bouffalord charged at the Rangers, forcing them to break and scatter. Max drew his Blast Buster, and aimed it at Bouffalord's chest.

"Psybeam!"

The rainbow beam hit him square in the chest, but it merely disipated when it hit Bouffalord's armor.

"You fools! My armor is too strong for you and your weapons!"

Drew charged him at full speed, his body starting to glow white.

"We'll see about that! Beam Blast!"

Drew then swung toward Bouffalord, and a white blast of energy straight at Bouffalord's head, striking it full force, and causing him to stumble back.

"You impudent fool! You will pay for that! Flame Charge!" Bouffalord began to glow red, and burst into flames. He then charged directly into Drew, knocking him flat. He then turned to Max.

"Megahorn!"

He then charged at Max, gauged him with his horns, and threw him across the beach.

May then charged forward, Blast Buster in hand, but Bouffalord was prepared for her. He raised his mace.

"Earthquake!"

He drove his mace into the ground, and waves of seismic waves struck May straight on.

"You fools! I am unstoppable!"

Just then, a Water Pulse hit him square in the back. Bouffalord turned, and saw Misty, Blast Buster in hand, preparing to strike again. Bouffalord then starts to glow yellow, and charged up with electrical energy.

"Wild Charge!"

His body became covered in energy, and he charged into Misty, knocking her flat. Bouffalord stands over the 4 fallen Rangers.

"You are useless compared to me! I will crush you all!"

"Crush this!" Cried Josh. "Eruption Cannon!"

And with that, Josh fires at Bouffalord and struck him square in the chest, which knocks him flat in the chest. Bouffalord faced him and fired an Earthquake at him, knocking him down.

"You fools! My armor is almost inpregnable! You can never defeat me!"

"We'll see about that! Rangers, Judgement Pyramid!"

The Rangers then formed the Pyramid, and fired the Judgement Beam, but Bouffalord simply sets himself in a straddling position.

"Fools! I am too strong for something like that!"

The Beam then struck Boufflalord in the chest, but the blow bounced off, and struck the Rangers Full Force. As they got up, staggering to their feet, Bouffalord laughed at them.

"You fools! Can't you see? My Armor is designed to withstand even your Most Powerful Attacks. You have no choice but to surrender, or you shall perish. Make your choice."

"Here's My Choice!" And with that, Josh let loose a volley of Lasers from his Blast Buster. However, as before, the bolts proved inneffective.

"You just sealed your Fate, Mortal." Said Bouffalord, and suddenly his head and scalp plate began to glow white. "Head Charge!" He then charged into the Rangers, which caused a Massive Explosion, blowing the Rangers away, and forcefully De-Morphing them. There they layed, broken and damaged.

"You fools! You had no chance. Now, Die!"

Bouffalord raised his Mace to crush them once and for all, but as he lowered it, The Rangers were forcefully teleported away.

"What?! How on Earth did they get away?!"

-Hall of Origin

"Gamma, hurry and Orient The Rangers! Bouffalord won't be confused for long! We must hurry and help the Rangers!"

"I'm going as fast as I can, Arceus! Oh my, I hope this works!"

Gamma hunched over the Controls, frantically working to get the Rangers to the Hall. After a few moments, The Rangers arrive in the Hall of Origin.

"Oh Thank Goodness, Rangers! You made it!" Cried Gamma, as he helped them get to their feet.

"Arceus, what happened?!" Groaned Josh, still recovering from his blows.

"Rangers, it appears that Malice has finally decided to declare Full War, and is creating even stronger Monsters to conquer the Earth. Because of this, we have no Choice but to counter by upgrading our Own Arsenal. As such, we have decided to grant you access to the Original Weapons controlled by the first 5 Warriors. Previously, we were reluctant to grant you these powers because of the Great Burden they carry, but now we have no Choice. I will now grant to each of you the Apropriate Weapon. Step forward as I call you. Gamma, prepare The Legend Weapons."

"Yes, Arceus, right away."

"Max, please step forward."

Max did so.

"Max, as the Purple Ranger, I grant you the Power of the Garde Blaster."

as Arceus spoke this, the Blaster appeared in front of him. The Blaster was a large Blaster, about the size of a small Rifle. It was Ivory White, with Green and Purple sections, and had two distinct Red side Patterns.

"May, step forward."

May did.

"May, as the Yellow Ranger, I grant you the Power of the Gleam Lance."

The Lance then appeared in front of May. The Lance was sleek, straight and Black, and at the tips were two Large Yellow Points, shaped as the Star tips of a Luxio's Tail, but Larger and Sharper.

"Misty, step forward."

She did.

"Misty, as the Blue Ranger, I grant you the Power of the Hydro Daggers."

The Daggers appeared in Misty's hands. The Daggers blades were long, sleek, and Silver. The Handles were a deep blue, and the Crossguard was shaped like a Milotic's Head.

"Drew, step forward."

Drew did.

"Drew, as the Green Ranger, I grant you the Power of the Ground Cannon."

The Cannon appeared, and Drew grabbed it. The Cannon was Dark Green and Brown, shaped like a great Oak branch, with a Grotles' Head as the Mouth.

"Josh, step forward."

Josh stepped forward.

"Josh, as the Red Ranger, I grant you the Power of the Inferno Sword."

The Sword Materialized in front of Josh, and he grabbed it. The Sword was Stark Red, and The Blade was a shifting Flame, which formed together in to a Solid Blade. The Pommel was a Monfernos' Head.

"These Weapons are Far Stronger then Anything you have previously used, save your Zords. Alone, they are Formidable Weapons, but together, they can combine into the Legend Blaster, A Cannon strong enough to destroy even Malice's most Powerful Monsters, but these Powers are only to be used against Malice's forces."

"We will, Arceus." Says Josh, sounding very somber. "Now let's go put that Bull out to pasture!"

"Right!" just then, The Danger Alarm sounded. The Rangers all gathered around the Viewing Globe. They all saw Bouffalant and a group of Phantoms trying to destroy The Entrance to Oreurgh Mine.

"Why is Bouffalord attacking the Mine?" Asks Max.

"Knowing Malice, She is trying to cut off the Humans from raw supplies."

"Clever, but not going to work now!" Said Drew.

"You said it, Drew! Let's go, Guys!" Cried Josh, and the 5 Rangers teleported to Oreburgh City.

-South Oreburgh City

"Go, Phantoms! Crush Everything! Destroy this Mine, and we'll cripple this Whole Town, and rot out the Humans!"

Bouffalord was charging around, destroying everything in his path. He was enraged at his loss, and just been scolded by Malice for letting the Rangers escape. Still, he thought, There's no way they could defeat me. Their power is feeble. they could not even dent my armor. Just then, in a flash of light, the Rangers appeared in the mines. As Bouffalord saw the Rangers, he smiled with evil glee.

"Ah, Poké Rangers! Just who I wanted to see! We still have a Score to Settle!"

"You're right about that, Bouffalord. It's time we end this! Rangers, power up your Weapons!

With that, The Rangers raised their hands to the sky and, with a flash of Energy, their weapons materialized at their sides.

"You think some new toys will save you from me? Phantoms, Attack!"

The Phantoms dispersed, and began to engage the Rangers.

Drew faced off a gainst a Firing Squad of Phantoms, who had him pinned up against a slag pile. They assembled, and took aim. Drew slammed his Ground Cannon into the ground, burying the head of it in the soil.

"Frenzy Plant!"

The Cannon glowed bright Green, and blasted massive energy into the it, Giant Vines and Roots erupted from the Ground, and slammed into the Phantoms, crushing them.

Max was besieged by a group of Phantoms, Daggers aimed. Max rose his Blaster, and took aim.

"Psychic!"

The Blaster let loose a volley of Psychic Energy Bolts straight into the Squad of Phantoms, which slammed into them so hard it completely Disintegrated them.

Misty was surrounded. Not by Phantoms, by a Torrent of Water swelling around her, emanating from her Daggers. She slashed out, and as she did, the water followed the arc, crashing into the Phantoms, and washing them away. A Phantom jumped through the wave, body crackling with dark purple Energy. Misty whirled, and stabbed the Daggers straight through the Phantom.

"Aqua Jet!"

A Blast of Water shot through the Dagger, and blasted the Phantom back into another Squad of Phantoms, knocking them over like bowling pins, and causing the charge built to explode them all.

May faced down a group of Phantoms, all armed and loaded. They let loose a volley of Distortion Energy at her, but she backflipped away, bounced off a nearby steel girder, and launched herself at the Phantoms, spinning her Lance.

"Spark Slash!"

The Lance began to sprak and glow with yellow Electricity. She plowed through the group of Phantoms, slicing through them like a Buzzsaw.

Josh was fighting Bouffalord one on one, Inferno Sword in hand. Bouffalord swung his Mace, aiming to crush Josh's Skull. Josh raised the Blade, and blocked the blow. He then swung the blade down, forcing the mace down, and then sliced across Bouffalord's Armor, carving a Gash in it from right to left.

"You Insolent Brat! You will pay for marring my Grand Armor. Giga Impact!"

He raised his Mace, and it began to swirl with pink and Orange Enregy.

"Dynamic Slash!"

Josh's Sword was covered in a brick red aura. He swung, and struck Bouffalord's mace, clashing against it. He then forced his blade down and sliced the Mace in half.

"My Mace!"

"That's not all!"

Josh then slashed up, gashing the armor again from left to right, carving an "X" in his chest plate. Bouffalord prepared to launch a Head Charge, but as he charged the energy into his headplate, Josh brought down the hilt of his Sword as hard as possible into it, shattering the plate and knocking Bouffalord over.

Bouffalord staggered, his body weakened and his hair returning to it's natural afro.

"You've destroyed my armor! YOU SHALL PAY WITH YOUR LIVES!"

"We'll see about that! Rangers, form Legend Blaster!"

Max pressed a button under The Garde Blaster. Ridges formed on the edge, and four black cables protruded from the sides of the blaster, all at right angles from each other. Drew then folded the handle of the Ground Cannon up. It folded into the barrel, and formed matching grooves into the barrel, sliding into the Garde Blaster, and locking in between the black cables. May locked the split Gleam Lances in to the top right and bottom left cables. Misty then locked the Hydro Daggers into the top left and bottom right cables. Josh then inserted the Inferno Sword into the Cannon's barrel, leaving it protruding out.

"Legend Blaster Ready!"

"No! This can't be happening to me!"

"Oh, it is, Bouffalord! Legend Blaster, Fire!"

Josh pulled the trigger, and Energy lines flooded into the Inferno Sword from the cables. The full power combined, and from the blade, a Massive bolt of Power fired out of it, and struck Bouffalord square in the chest, flooding him with Energy.

"NOOOOOOO! EMPRESS MALICE, SAVE ME! NOOOOOOO!"

And with that, his Entire body exploded and disintegrated.

"All right, we got him!" Said Drew, pumping his fist in the air.

"I'm just glad that's over." Said Max, slumping.

-Isle of Distortion, Distortion World

"YOU IMBECILES! CLONER, YOU USELESS WASTE OF SPACE! YOU TOLD ME THE RANGERS WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DESTROY BOUFFALORD! HOW DID THEY DESTROY HIM?!"

"Please, my Empress! I... I.. I didn't know Arceus still had the Legend Weapons! Please, spare me!"

"I SHOULD DESTROY YOU NOW! But I shall spare you, as I still have use of you. NOW START WORKING ON MORE MONSTERS!"

"Y...yyy...yes, my Empress."

"I need to find a way to relax. Ooooh, those meddling Poké Punks have me so steamed! Wait... what is this? Is this... oh yes! I THINK I HAVE AN IDEA!

-Sandgem Beach

Back with our heroes, The Rangers decide to spend the rest of their day relaxing on the beach. However, while the other relax and rest, Misty sits, lost in deep thought. Josh notices this, and headed over to her. Misty, still thinking, didn't notice.

"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked. Misty jolted a little.

"Oh, Josh! You scared me a little."

"Sorry about that. I was just a little concerned. You looked pretty, well, lost in your own head."

"Kinda. I... I can't stop... well..."

"My Brother on your mind?"

"Yeah. You were right, Josh. I...I do love Ash, and I can't get him out of my head some days. I just wish he would get in touch, or just let me know how he's doing, or friggin call to say "Hi"! God, I love him, but sometimes he drives me mad!"

"I know the feeling, Misty. I haven't heard from him in years, and even now I don't know if I should get in contact with him. Even though the rats in Rocket who wanted me dead are in jail, I don't know what to do. And now with Malice added on top, I'm almost scared to contact him."

"We'll have to figure something out, Josh. If only we knew where he was."

-A small Cabin on Acuity Lakefront

The snow flurried wildly around the Cabin, whipping up a small blizzard around the normally peaceful Snow-covered lakefront. As the storm raged, a lone figure braved the winds. He quickly charged towards the cabin, fumbling with his keys as he pulled open the door.

"Whew, This Storm is the worse of the Year!"

The Young man pulled his jacket hood down, and shook his unkempt Black hair.

"Whew! That Storm is deadly, Pikachu!" Said Ash, as he plopped onto the small but cushy couch.

"Pika chu!

"God, I have no idea when this one will let up. Good thing we got our groceries last night."

"Pika!"

Ash laid down, and reached for the remote to his TV. He switched on the news, whixh was covering the attack of Bouffalord on Oerburgh City.

"Damn. Good thing those Poké Rangers Guys stepped in."

"Pi pika chu!"

"You know, Pikachu, I've almost forgotten we came here to train in private. It's been so peaceful these past few years."

"Chu pi Pika."

"But somedays, I do miss the good old days, travelling with the guys, going on so many adventures."

"Pikachupi."

"Misty? What about her?" Pikachu quietly facepalmed, shocked at the absolute density of his trainer.

"Pikapi, pi kapi pikachu pi pi pikachupi pika pipi pika!"

"What, you mean me... and Misty... That's ridiculous!"

"Pikapi chu pika pipikachu!"

I'm not deny... sigh, you're right, buddy. I do love her. And I... I can't stop thinking about her. I know I'm not the best when it comes to these things, but... I really miss her. Somedays, it's all I can do to not myself in thought thinking about being with her again. I don't know what to do, Pikachu."

"Pika ka Chu Pipi!"

"Call her? That's it. I'll call her! But the phone here doesnt work. I'll go to the Pokémon Center in Snowpoint and use that phone as soon as the snow clears up."

Ash looked out the window. His mind adrift with thoughts of his love. He knew he had to tell her, and while he was nervous, he knew this was for the best, and hoped, beyond all hope, that she felt the same.

"Misty... I love you. And I just hope you feel the same. But I'll know soon."

Ash pulled the handkerchief Misty gave him out of his jacket pocket, and held it close. He just knew that something great was about to happen. Little did he know that other forces were at play.

-Hall of Origin

"Gamma, I'm afraid something horrible is about to unfold."

Oh, no, Arceus, what is it?!

"I do not know, but until then, we must prepare the Rangers for the worst. We must begin Project Fable."

What has Malice discovered to help her destroy the Rangers? Will the Rangers be able to resist her nefarious plan? Will Ash be able to tell Misty hoe he feels? And What is Project Fable?! Tune in next time to learn more on Poké Rangers: Legend Warriors!

A/N: ANNNNNNDDD CUT! There it is, people. My next chapter in Poké Rangers: Legend Warriors! I know its been forever since I've updated, but I'm back, and I hope you enjoyed this one. I know it was kind of short, but it's done, and the next one is on it's way. My Hopeful release date for the next one is July 1st, 2014. Until then, this is The Mind of Insanity, signing out!