Disclaimers: I do not own any of the settings, people, and creatures that exist in the Pokémon franchise.

Legendary Fairy: Haha yeah I went with the old stereotypical "young girls being taken away by a strange entity". Believe it or not I was planning on it being adults, and having the young kids save the day. But I realize that this will contradict some important story elements later on, so I went with the young girls disappearing.

Good point about Silver, for I plan to make"Silver was here, Kenta is a loser" a running gag in this story :P

Thank you so much for the reviews Legendary Fairy!

(A/N: -sigh- Hello everyone and welcome to the next chapter of this story. I sincerely apologize for the incredible delay, for I was sick for almost an entire week. Of course that is NOT a very good thing when your finals in college are coming up. So I had to play catch up once I started going back... and it wasn't entirely enjoyable (I'm looking at you Calculus...)

However all is not lost my faithful minions, for I had come up with a "brilliant idea". I decide to write some back stories to some of the main characters for this story. I think this is a good idea, for I want to show what motivates the characters into doing what they are doing.

Also this is a good break from constantly writing about the daily adventures of Kenta and the others.

In this little special we see into the mind of Maximus Mercedes Millions, the current leader of Ragnarok, and one of the main villains in the story.

Also please note there might be some vague or strange parts within the chapter, which is intentional. I can't just start giving you all the answers, right?

So without any further delay, let's jump right in, shall we?)

Special thanks once again to ShiverIntheLight for beta, and proof reading this chapter. Thanks for the great work, ShiverIntheLight!

Pokémon Ansorojī Omicron {O} I: Successors

Special I: Maximus Mercedes Millions

Anno Domini

July 22nd, 2025

Higashi Continent, Johto

"Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Hershel Wilde. Born on December 22nd, 2009 and raised in Kanto. He has white hair, and silver eyes. His genetics are confirmed to be human. His only known family member is Clark Wilde, who was a scientist working with Silph Co. until he defected to Team Rocket during their reign in Kanto back in 2014. His parents were reported to have died around 2013, though causes are unknown."

"...And why does our boss want to know about this kid so much?"

"Well he is currently affiliated with Team Rocket, and they are one of our 'competitors'."

"Pfft! Competition my ass. Just look at them, a bunch of brats."

The two turned to the large display in front of them. It showed Hershel laying on a couch, reading a book, while Minato was fiddling around with his ARC, and Makoto was flirting with a brunette girl.

"You're so persistent, Makoto. Hasn't Petrel taught you any manners?" the girl asked with a giggle.

Makoto huffed. "Petrel was the one who told me that the only way to get to a woman's heart is keep up the pressure! So I'm following orders!"

"Like a gullible idiot," Hershel commented as he flipped a page.

"Hmph! Hershel you're just jealous that Tess here shot you down. Hasn't Proton taught you anything?" Makoto teased.

Hershel's eyebrow twitched, but he chose not to answer and instead continued reading.

"So whadaya say, Tess? You game?"

"Hmm... nah, you're not my type," Tess said with a smile.

Makoto chuckled. "You can't fool me with that. I know you're lying. Admit it, I have ensnared your heart!"

"Hmm... all right! I'll see what you got!"

Makoto fist pumped. "HELL YEAH! Makoto – 1, Hershel – 0."

"You're a winner, Makoto, a real winner," Hershel said sarcastically as he flipped another page.

"All right, enough," the spy said as he switched off the display. "What's the next one?"

"Arya Solaris. Born on June 10th, 2015 and raised in Kalos. She has blonde hair with rather peculiar red highlights, and red eyes. She is the only child of Krystal and Matthew Solaris, who are famous researchers in Kalos. She decided to start her journey in Johto because the Kalos League had already finished. Our Surveillance Pidgeys haven't found her location yet, but we do know she is already here in Johto."

"...I still don't know why we're doing this..."

"Will you quit complaining and start surveying the next one?"

"Fine! Geez..."

"This one seems to be the main focus from our boss. Kenta Matsuda. Born on August 12th, 2015 and..."

Meanwhile

"Is everything going according to plan, Maximus?" a very old man asked. He sat in a wheelchair with a series of tubes and bags filled with liquid. Numerous tubes were connected to the man's body, as if to provide life support. The old man was dressed in an all white military grade uniform with dozens of medals pinned to it. On his white gloves was a rather peculiar insignia: a large 'R' with a sword striking through it, angelic wings surrounding it, and the entire insignia placed in front of a shield.

"Yes, Father. Everything is going according to plan," Maximus said. He knelt in front of his father to show respect. He was dressed in a white military uniform, just like his father, however his uniform had a white cape with a larger version of the same insignia on the back. His purple hair covered his eyes from the brightly lit room.

Maximus' father cackled. "Good. Good! I've been waiting for this moment for twenty-six years! Finally, I will be able to assume my proper place and ascend as a GOD!" His crazy laughter echoed throughout the room. "I'll never forget it! 1999! I was able to summon Death itself! Me! I made history by summoning something that shouldn't have been summoned. But Death was much powerful than I initially thought. And, in the end, the entire lab was destroyed. Everyone else died, but I survived. They were not worthy! Not worthy! Only I was worthy! I'm the only one is worthy to wield the power of Death! Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" He started talking nonsense. Maximus waited silently until his father stopped his madness.

His father coughed to regain his composure. "As you may already know, Maximus, "The End" is coming. And in order for us to survive the Coming of Death, we must ensure everything is in order. You yourself should know what this means. No doubt when Death awakens, the entire Johto region will be in chaos. We are already seeing the signs. Strange paranormal activities have appeared all around the region. It seems the Shadows are starting to stir. Pokémon are starting to become aggressive, and some are even being taking over by the Shadows."

"Don't worry, Father. All the correct calculations, scenarios, and steps have already been taken into consideration. The Johto Federal Government has promised to let us be, thanks to our bribe. However, we may still be in direct conflict with JAF when the time comes. We are still on the lookout for that strange cult with the Shadow Pokémon. Team Rocket is of no concern, and will be dealt with accordingly. We will soon be in the Promised Land."

His father's eyes widened. "The Promise Land! Eeeeeeedddeeeeeennnnnn! Yes! Eden! Just like the Goddess said to me in 1999! If I harness the power of Death, I will create a world in my own image! Eden!"

"Yes, Father. The world you wanted so to eagerly create in 1999 will soon be a reality."

"Excellent! Now begone from here!"

Maximus stood, bowed, and turned to leave. All he could hear was the mad monologue of his crazy father as the doors slide open and closed behind him.

July 26th, 2025

"Maximus. We of the board have lost... "faith" in your ability on our upcoming Ordeal with Death," an elderly man stated. He was one of many people seated around a large round table. Projecting from the table was a hologram of different people. One showed Hershel sighing as he watched his "mentor" Proton, who was one of the highest ranking Executives of Team Rocket, trying to balance a Togepi on his head. The next one showed Arya asking a group of people for directions in what appeared to be a bustling city near the ocean. She then thanked them, and set out for her next destination. The last hologram showed Kenta happily laying back on a large tree branch. He then looked down to see Hikari shouting up to him. He chose to ignore her, and she responded by throwing a rock at him. This resulted in the poor boy falling to the ground. The two then proceeded to bicker.

"Are you really sure that they will play an important role in the upcoming Ordeal?" a middle-age, stern looking woman asked.

Maximus nodded. "Indeed."

"But they're just kids! What possible influence could they have? I guarantee they won't even last an entire day once the Ordeal starts," a man scoffed arrogantly.

The other members murmured in agreement.

"I understand your concern, members of the board. But I assure you these are no ordinary kids. They have something special that none of us have. You all will see once "The End" comes."

"Then prove it to us," another man piped up.

Maximus raises an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

"It's not that we doubt your ability, Maximus, but most of the members are starting to... see things differently," the elderly man from before spoke up.

The other members nodded, in full agreement.

Maximus sighed and stood. "If it is satisfy you all, then I shall do it. I admit I have unlocked a new ability just a few weeks ago, but I think I have a good grasp on it."

"What new ability is this?" a member asked.

Maximus smirked. "I'll show you." He closed his eyes and burrow deep within himself for his inner power. The other members waited anxiously as Maximus concentrated. Then, suddenly, an orange aura appeared around him, and the other members gasped as it grew stronger and stronger, almost blinding them. The members cried out as they closed their eyes. Then the light faded. They all opened their eyes and gasped as they took in their new surroundings. They appeared to be in a desolated city.

"Wh-what is this?" a member asked, awed.

"This, my fellow members of the board, is the future," Maximus said. He was standing a few feet away from them. He appeared to be reading a sign.

"The future?" a member asked, for clarification.

Maximus nodded. "That is correct. This desolated and bleak place is the future of Johto."

Indeed. Dark clouds hung over the city, and the buildings were crumbled and bent, as if they could fall over in any minute. The streets and stores were empty, with vehicles either destroyed or abandoned. The members looked around and began to walk. Then a scream startled them and made them pause. It came from one of the members, who had stumbled upon a pile of bones, obviously human. A few members rushed over to inspect the remains. It seemed the person was a Pokémon Trainer, for a crushed ARC Terminal lay beside the bones, but strangely there was no presence of Pokéballs nearby.

"This is Johto?" the elderly man asked, terrified.

Maximus walked up to them. "Indeed it is. Look." He dropped the sign he was carrying to the ground. The members looked down and their faces drained of colour. Written on the sign was: "Goldenrod City, A Happening Big City".

Suddenly their surroundings began to morph and change. Then just like that, all the members found themselves back in the present in the meeting room.

Maximus silently watched as all the members started discussing what they saw among themselves. He clapped his hands to get their attention.

"Do you believe me now, members of the board?"

They all glanced at each other, then back to Maximus to show their understanding. Maximus smiled.

"Good. Then I will continue to monitor the children. No doubt they WILL play a great role in the upcoming future. This meeting is over." Without another word, Maximus exited the room, with all the members watching him cautiously.

July 27th

"What do you want, ODIN?"

"You know what I want, Maximus."

"Indeed. But you're not going to change my mind, old friend."

"You know this isn't the right way on going through with this. You know this more than anyone."

"Oh how mighty of you. Why are YOU, of all people, allowing this to happen? To test how humanity will overcome its struggles in the face of despair? YOU know more than anyone what the future holds."

"..."

"Let me tell you something ODIN. I can see the future. Not just a future, but a number of them. I've seen countless heroes rise and fall. And I've seen countless things happen. Do you want me to tell you what I've seen?"

"...Go on."

Maximus' eyes flashed. "I've seen so many things. One future, where Johto is wiped off the map. Another where Johto survives. And there was even one where the region simply... did not exist in the first place. It doesn't end there. I've seen countless paths and scenarios lead to a number of different universes. Hell, I even witnessed a universe where Pokémon did not exist, and humans lived a rather boring life."

"You are correct, Maximus. But remember the future can change. He made it possible."

Maximus visibly stiffened. "He?"

"Don't play dumb, Maximus. You know who I'm talking about. He was able to challenge fate itself and change the future to his liking back in 1999. Shin."

"And where is Shin now, huh? Oh that's right, I remember. He's dead."

"..."

"Do you why he is dead, ODIN? It's because you send him that letter. That one SINGLE letter changed his life forever. Why did you do it? So that you could manipulate him to clean up the mess you caused?"

ODIN looked down, sadness and hurt reflected in his eyes. "I didn't force Shin to do what he did. I gave him and humanity a chance to survive."

Maximus sneered at the man in front of him. "Don't try to act like you're a victim in this. You already know, but I can also see events from the past. Do you know what I saw? I saw a universe where you didn't screw up, and as a result Shin lived a normal life. He was able to marry the girl he admired and he raised a normal family. But what happened instead? The only girl he admired and loved was killed in front of him, and he had no choice but to kill his friends because they didn't have the same view on things as you, ODIN."

ODIN clenched his jaw as Maximus breathed heavily from his rant. Moments passed and nothing more was said, until ODIN glanced at his watch.

"I have to go now. I...wish you luck, Maximus."

"Make sure not to let your "chosen ones" suffer too much."

ODIN sighed. "Maximus. There was once a famous man who said this quote: Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy. You know what this means? In order for a hero to exist there must be, by definition, a tragedy. Shin did what he thought was the best thing to do for the world."

"Well he obviously failed for, because of him, all of this is happening."

"...I see. Farewell, Maximus."

ODIN disappeared, leaving Maximus alone in the room.

July 31st, 2025

"Papa, where did Mommy go?"

"She went to heaven, Cécile."

The young girl blinked at her father in confusion. "Heaven? What is that?"

"It's a place where people go to... rest."

"To rest?"

"That's right Cécile. Now, no more questions. It's time for bed."

"All right, Papa," the little girl said as she covered herself with her blankets. "Good night..."

"Good night, Cécile."

Maximus watched his daughter close her teal-coloured eyes. He silently played with her long soft purple hair. Once she had fallen into a deep sleep, he carefully left her room, cautiously closing the door and walking away. His thoughts then turned to his precious wife.

3 years ago

April 15th, 2022

Chuuou Continent, Kalos

Maximus pushed the door aside violently. This startled a young woman, who was sewing a piece of cloth. Her teal-colored eyes to turned to Maximus, who was breathing hard.

"Maximus! What's the matter?" she asked.

"Why didn't you tell me, Élisabeth?" Maximus demanded as he stalked into the room.

"Tell you what, cher?" she asked as she placed her sewing work on the couch beside her.

"About your condition!" Maximus raised his voice, close to yelling.

Élisabeth's eyes rested on her feet. "So you've heard..."

"Yes I did! Why didn't you tell me, Élisabeth?"

"I... didn't want to worry you," she said, turning her eyes away from him.

"Worry me?! Arceus Élisabeth!"

"I'm sorry!" Élisabeth cried out. "I didn't want to burden you with it, especially since the baby is coming so soon!" She finally broke down and cried her heart out.

Maximus immediately went over to comfort her. "Shh... shh... It's okay. It's okay," he whispered as he stroked her blonde hair. A few moments passed and then Élisabeth stopped crying. Her head rested on Maximus shoulder as they sat in silence on the couch.

"Tell me about... the condition," Maximus said.

Élisabeth sniffled. "It existed in my family line for generations. It's a condition that only affects the female members of our family. The origins of it are unknown, and not even brilliant modern scientists know the true cause of it. All we know is that it doesn't have a clear pattern on which generation it affects. My mother didn't get the condition, and it seemed that I had to inherit it," Élisabeth finished with a sad smile.

Maximus looks at her, his eyes watering.

Élisabeth smiles at him. "Maximus. No matter what happens, I will deliver our child into this world. So please, lend me your strength." She wiped the tears off his face and placed a loving kiss on his forehead.

Maximus got onto the couch and knelt in front of his wife. He placed his head lovingly against her pregnant belly and Élisabeth placed her hand on his head, a contented smile on her face.

Élisabeth gave birth to a healthy girl on May 2nd, but she died the following day. On the day she was buried, Maximus never shed a single tear. It was then something evil had grown within his heart. Hatred for the world, for whatever took his beautiful Élisabeth away from him. It was also the perfect time, for his father, Martin Mercedes Millions, had cultivated his hatred into a weapon. The weather during the funeral matched his new found hatred. The clouds were dark and the rain continuously poured down from the skies.

"I came over as soon as I heard," Martin had said in his wheelchair. A young woman dressed in all black held an umbrella for the old man. "Élisabeth was a beautiful women, and would've been a wonderful mother."

"Father... thank you for coming," Maximus said respectfully. "How is the Millions Corporation going?"

Martin waved his hand. "It's all going fine. But more importantly, I have something to share with you, my son."

"What, Father?"

Martin lowered his head to hide an evil smile. "What if I were to tell you that there is a way to bring her back? A way to bring Élisabeth back to the living world?"

Maximus stared at his father, confused. In the distance, lightning struck an area miles away, the roaring of thunder accompanying it. The flash brightened the area for a bit until it faded away along with the rumbles. "What is the meaning of this, Father?"

Martin lifted his head. "I'll show you."

Since then, Maximus was introduced to Ragnarok, a secret organization created by his father after the incident back in 1999. The sole purpose of Ragnarok: survive the upcoming Ordeal with Death. Martin taught Maximus everything about Death, and that anyone who can defeat it will be able to harness its power. The power including the ability to bring back those who died to the world of living. Maximus also learned about his unnatural ability to see things normal people couldn't.

A power that normal humans shouldn't have.

Present

July 31st, 2025

Higashi Continent, Johto

Maximus sighed as he wrapped himself inside his bed. He closed his eyes and saw a vision of the near future. "There's gonna be a big storm tomorrow. I wonder if Arya will be fine on her little boat ride?"

He closed his eyes again, only to snap them open when he felt a familiar presence. He looked to his left and sighed. He would never get another peaceful night of sleep again. For the day he got his power was the day he started seeing Élisabeth again. She looked the exact same as she did that day long ago. Like always, she would start to curse at him, often saying things like why he didn't save her. Maximus learned long ago to ignore Élisabeth, and to remind himself that the apparition that looked like his wife was nothing more than a fake.

August 1st , 2025

Route 41

Near Whirl Islands

"COME ON! You call this a storm, Lugia?! Is this best you can really do? HAHAHAHAHAHA! This is pathetic! Truly pathetic!" the elderly captain of the ship; ironically dubbed the Royal Lugia; shouted as a raging storm rocked the ship back and forth. "It's time for a showdown, Lugia! Me and you!"

"Captain! This is madness! The ship is going to sink at this rate!" a sailor shouted up to his captain, who was clinging to a pole.

"SINK? SINK?! My ship will never sink! Lugia can't sink my ship! COME ON you pansy!"

"He's really lost it..." the sailor mumbled to himself in terror. "Arceus! Please keep this ship safe! I have a family to go back to!"

"That's right, my friend! Pray! Pray for your life! WHOOOEEEEEEEEEE!"

Inside the cabin rooms of the ship, the passengers fought to keep their balance as the ship continued its hard journey through the storm. The occupant of one of the rooms, Arya Solaris, was busy trying to keep her Pokémon calm as the room shook.

"Dayla, calm down!" Arya exclaimed as her Fennekin ran around the room in panic mode. "Talon, you're messing up the room!" She looked as her oddly coloured Fletchling flew around the room, leaving his little feathers to float around and land in her hair. "Light, help me calm them down." She turned to see her female Eevee sleeping soundly. "...How does she do it? Ah, my ARC Terminal!" Arya gasped, watching her ARC fall to the ground. "Look what you did, Dayla! I hope it isn't broken."

Back at the Royal Lugia bridge, the sailors scurried back and forth as they tried to keep the ship under control.

"Damn this storm! It's much stronger than the usual ones around Whirl Islands," one sailor shouted to his mates.

"Aye. It seems old Lugia is either not feeling well or its pissed off at something," a sailor responded.

"I can't see well!" the one controlling the steering wheel said. "All I can see is our captain acting all looney on the deck!"

"What?! This is bad. There might be rocks right in front of us! The stupid sonars are acting all funky as well," a sailor said.

"Hurry and tell our technicians to get the front lights working again. Arceus knows why they went out..."

Arya's cabin door slammed open with Dayla scurrying away. Arya ran out, shouting after the Pokemon. She was about to chase after her when suddenly she snapped to attention. Her red eyes turned orange as she stood perfectly still, despite the rocking ship.

"Head to the bridge," a voice said in her head. Arya obeyed and made her way to the bridge. On the bridge, the sailors rushed about, doing their tasks. Arya walked into the chaotic room, dodging the sailors and things around the bridge. Once she reached the sailor on the helm, the other sailors noticed her presence.

"Hey! Where did this young miss come from?" the sailor at the helm asked.

"You shouldn't be here, miss," another sailor said. "It's dangerous."

Arya ignored them and continued looking outside. The mad captain continued to mock Lugia as the storm raged.

"Turn right," Arya said, then she repeated herself.

"What?"

"I said turn right. There is a formation of rocks ahead of us."

"Wh-what?"

"She's right! Our sonars just picked up a formation of rocks ahead of us!" the sailor at the sonar communication area shouted out. The sailor at the helm snapped out of his stupor and hurriedly turned the wheel to the right. The ship slowly and gradually turned right, and avoided a collision with a group of rocks jutting from the ocean. Each sailor took a deep breath of relief.

"That was amazing, miss!" a sailor said. "If you hadn't warned us sooner, we would've almost crashed into those rocks. The sonars along with the front lights have been a bit wonky due to the storm."

THUD!

Each sailor jumped when they saw Arya hit the floor.

"H-Hey miss!"

Elsewhere

Maximus opened his eyes with a sigh. "I hate doing that. Feels so strange. But it was worth it." He looked at a paper in his hands. The title read: "Tragedy! Royal Lugia Remains Found After a Vicious Storm Near Whirl Islands. No Survivors."

"That's one universe averted."

August 11th, 2025

"What is the meaning of this, Maximus?!"

"You know exactly what is about to happen."

Martin growled. "So you're gonna kill me? Your own father? Is that it?"

Maximus remained silent as he clutched the handle of the sharp knife with a death grip. "As you may already know, Father, I can not only see the future but the past as well. And did you know what I've seen in the past? That incident in 1999. It wasn't an accident."

The colour drained from Martin's face. "What do you mean?"

"The explosion wasn't resulted from Death being summon into the world. It was you who created it. You sacrificed all of those in the building. One of the sacrifices was...Mother. She was one of the main researchers behind the whole project. It was all part of the plan. Then you took me and used me in your experiments when I was a child. You wanted to use me as a machine. A machine that will do anything you command. You then gave me to an adopted family in Kalos, where I forgot the memories of the experiments to live a "normal life". You made sure I married Élisabeth, who didn't have long to live, and started a family. You then used Élisabeth's death as a formula to awaken my latent abilities. You see, back during the experiments, you realized that I couldn't unlock my abilities until I experienced something tragic. In definition, I must become a "tragic hero". Everything worked according to plan, didn't it, Father?"

For the first time since 1999, Martin felt true fear. "Maximus, my son, I-"

Martin was cut off as Maximus crossed the room quickly, and stabbed the knife into his hand. Martin scream as Maximus repeatedly used the weapon, blood beginning to flow.

"But that isn't the end of it all, right?-"

STAB!

"In the future you betrayed me and Ragnarok by using us as sacrifices when Death arrives-"

STAB!

"-so that the world can be remade in your own image-"

STAB!

"-a world filled with war and death."

STAB!

SPLAT!

Maximus withdrew the knife as his father writhed in agony from his wounds. A small pool of blood form on the ground as Martin continue to bleed. Maximus walked back and forth in front of his father, like a predator examining the wounds on his prey.

"You know I never really liked you, Father. Ever since I was born, you only cared about yourself and your desire for Death. You used me, just like you used Mother. But not anymore. You thought you can control me. You were wrong. You're not needed anymore." Maximus raised the bloody knife and plunged it into his father's chest."

STAB!

"YOU-"

STAB!

"ARE-"

STAB!

"NOT-"

STAB!

"WORTHY!"

SPLAT!

In one more act of cruelty, Maximus kicked his father down. With a crash, Martin banged his head against the ground. He looked up to Maximus to see him staring down at him, a cruel smile on his face.

"Enjoy your last moments, Father," Maximus said with finality, tossing the knife to the ground and walking out nonchalantly.

"Maximus..." Martin called out weakly, but it was too late. His son had already left him to his demise. As his final moments came close, Martin saw the apparition of a women with long flowing purple hair. His wife. She stared at him and held out her hand to him. Martin smiled and accepted the hand as he was pulled away from the world of the living.

August 12th, 2025

New Bark Town

"...it was an honour to have you with us, Mr. Millions."

"No need to be so formal, Shinji. You can call me Maximus."

"...A-All right. Maximus it is. Once again, thank you for trying to help improve the ARC Terminals. I'm sure with the help of the Millions Corporation technology, we can improve the lives of every Pokémon Trainer in the world. And I'm sorry for what happened to your father. It must have been quite a shock to receive the news."

"...Yes it was... Well I'm afraid that I have to go now. Thank you Shinji, and Professor Elm for having this meeting with me," Maximus said as he bowed in respect.

"Yeah, yeah..." Professor Elm muttered as he analyzed data on his tablet.

"Elm!" Shinji said in shock.

Maximus smiled before bidding the Pokémon Scientists farewell. However before he left, a certain ARC Terminal caught his eye. "Shinji, do you mind if I take a look at this?"

"Hmm?" Shinji look up from his tablet. "Oh sure, go ahead. That's the one that will be integrated with the Pokédex. Hopefully everything will work out fine, and my son can test it out for us on his journey."

"Your son?"

"Oh yes. He just turned ten today. Kenta Matsuda. He's quite an energetic fellow."

"He sounds like it," Maximus said vaguely. He quickly inserted a chip into the ARC Terminal. "I hope you like my little present, Kenta Matsuda."

Maximus bid them farewell again, and headed towards the door. He made a move to open it, but someone beat him to it. Before he "knew it", a young boy with red hair crashed into him.

"Ow..." the boy groaned.

"Are you all right?" Maximus asked. The young boy looked up at him. The boy's choice of clothing seemed to be the typical cliche adventure type. He wore a black sweater with gold stripes, black khaki pants, and a pair of stylish black shoes with gold stripes. A gold one strap backpack with multiple pockets rested on his back—no doubt filled with all the supplies he needed for his journey. Maximus held out his hand to pull the young boy up to his feet.

"Sorry about that, I was kind of in a hurry," the young boy apologized.

Maximus chuckled. "No problem. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm in a bit of a hurry myself." Maximus walked towards the black limousine without a second glance. He sat inside and sighed as the black limousine left the peaceful town of New Bark Town.

August 15th, 2025

The death of Martin Mercedes Millions was quite a shock to the company. Because of this, Maximus inherited the business, since he was the only living family member. For Maximus, this was a glorious occasion. Today marked the end of being controlled by nothing more than a backstabbing knave. Today marked his freedom. As the funeral service continued, Maximus looked down to his innocent daughter. She was dressed appropriately for the occasion. Her eyes were red and puffy due to tears. Maximus told her not to cry, saying her grandfather was "happy" in heaven, and that he would join her mother and grandmother.

Maximus stiffened when he felt the presence of someone watching him. He looked over to see Élisabeth smiling evilly at him. Maximus sighed. He could never catch a break.

August 16th, 2025

"You know it don't you..."

"Leave me alone..."

"You know your daughter has the same condition as your wife, right?"

"Leave me alone."

"Why won't you accept it? You can't change it. Your daughter will die. And there is nothing you can do."

"Leave me alone!" Maximus finally snapped, grabbing the apparition by her neck. However, his hands went through her, and he fell flat on his face. The apparition of Élisabeth laughed at him.

"You thought by shaping the future to your liking that you would be able to save your daughter somehow. Do you honestly think Death will help you? Keep on dreaming, fool." Élisabeth disappeared from his view with a final laugh.

Maximus stood and a determined frown furled his lips down "I WILL do it. Even if it kills me." With that mindset, he left the room to see his daughter. Yes, he would do ANYTHING to make sure his daughter's life would be saved. Even if it meant his death, he would find a way.

Meanwhile

ODIN slowly made his way into the small room in the cave. The place hadn't change a bit since the last time he was here. He stopped himself a few feet from the wall. Leaning against it was a skeleton. A cracked ARC Terminal look-a-like rested on its left bony arm, which was connected to a monocle looking device by a pair of black wires. A dulled and rusted katana is still held in its left hand, showing that the person was left handed. The skeleton was dressed in a strange combat-like armour. Two holsters, which housed pistols, were attached to its armour on each side. There was something tragic about the way the skeleton was positioned, as if the person had given up on everything.

ODIN stared at the skeleton and simply said, "I'm sorry, Shin."

To Be Continued...

(A/N: Man this chapter is much longer than I wanted it to be. But there ya go. A mighty fun chapter it was. Now is it me, or do you guys see some inconsistencies in the chapter? Especially the one with ODIN and Maximus talking about Shin. Whoever this Shin guy is, he must have a big role back in 1999. But wait a minute... there seems to be two stories about 1999. Its almost as if they happened... in alternate universes?! Nah, couldn't be... Or could it?)