C. Cowboy: I this one well find out just how powerful this 'Destroyah' really is. Is he a match for Pikachu at full power, or does he surpass it? And with Red, AKA Giovanni, returning to the real world, what kind of reception will the former head of Team Rocket receive? Find out soon! R&R!

Chapter 8: The Dark Herald

Pikachu glared at the gigantic monster, electricity ran down his coat and on the ground around him. His electric blue eyes burned with determination. The two power houses continued to glare and measure each other's strength. Then in a flash the two shot toward each other and Pikachu sent a blast but Destroyah just swept it away with the back of his claw. Pikachu taken back from this sent several ultra shocks and every one hit the mark, as smoke erupted from the explosion. Then from the smoke the monster shot out and grabbed Pikachu by the face, he then picked him up into the air and slammed him to the ground.

Pikachu quickly got back to his feet but was breathing heavily. He then went for a tackle attack, but met with the monster's elbow, send him back to the ground hard. He got back to his feet, but a lot slower this time. He stammered around and glared at Destroyah. Blood was now coming from his mouth and nose. "Pikachu! Return! He's too strong! We have to get away, before it's too late!" Ash pleaded from the sideline. Pikachu didn't look his way, "Pika pi… kachu… pika chu…kapi pikachu…" 'I'm not… backing down… till I can't… fight anymore…' Pikachu and Destroyah shot toward each other and the attacks were so quick it was impossible to tell which attack if either one hit its mark. Pikachu and Destroyah stood exactly where the other was standing. When Pikachu finally stumbled a little, and the golden shine and electricity faded just before he fell face first: battered, bleeding, and defeated. Destroyah glared victoriously at the fallen Pikachu, THAT was the Gold Guardian of legend? I am not impressed.

"PIKACHU!" Ash cried out running toward his fallen friend, Destroyah smiled and shot toward him. Before Ash could even react Destroyah's claw was around his neck, and picked Ash up off the ground as if he was nothing. He then brought his free claw to Ash's face, raised the claw from his forefinger, and ran it across Ash's cheek, I have you now, Chosen One. He said as he eyed the drop of blood that ran down Ash's cheek. Before Destroyah could say or do anything else three blast hit the monster in the side, sending Ash and Destroyah in two directions. Ash looked up and saw his father leading Lugia, Ho-oh and Charizard toward the monster. "You ok, son?" Red said looking his son over, "Your Bulbasaur and Chikarita told us you need help." Ash didn't even respond, he just dove toward his fallen best friend. "Pikachu say something!" Ash yelled as he picked up Pikachu's still form. "Pikapi… Pi chupi…" 'Ash… I'm sorry…' Pikachu muttered weakly, "Pika… Kapipi… ka… chu…" Tell… Kurai… that… I…" Pikachu was unable to finish as he passed out again. "Hang in there, buddy, I'll get you help." Ash then got up and ran toward the portal with his father, Lugia, Ho-oh, and Charizard close behind, and shortly behind them was Destroyah with a sick smile on his face.

Ash stop and let the others jump through before him. He then saw Destroyah rocketing toward him before he jump through the portal himself. As soon as he hit the ground he screamed at Prof. Hail to close to portal before it was too late. Misty and the others gathered around Ash as he cradled Pikachu. As soon as Kurai caught sight of Pikachu bloody and bruised face, her heart almost stopped, "Kapi chu…" 'Please no…' Star saw her pokemon's fear and squeezed her arm, "Don't worry, he'll pull through." The stressful moment got even more stressful when Ben noticed who was standing beside Ash, "Giovanni." Ben growled . Red looked up and saw many hate filled faces. "Listen," Red barked, "You may not trust or like me, and you have every right in the world not to, but right now all that's important is getting my son's Pikachu help, and finding out what the heck that thing was that did that to him." they all hated it, but he was right. "I'm not asking you to forget or forgive me for my many sins, all I ask is for a chance to try and make as much right as I can." He then looked down at Pikachu, "…starting with him."

A few hours later all those rescued were taken to be checked up on, while everyone else waited for any news on Pikachu at the Cerulean PKMN Center. Nurse Joy finally came out and smiled a reassuring smile at Ash, "He's going to be just fine. It seems he was just beaten up pretty bad. He'll be ready to go home by this evening." Ash set back on the couch and breathed a sigh of relief. And behind the couch Kurai now danced around happily. Ash then started to rub his forehead. "Ash, are you alright?" Misty asked, "I'm fine Mist, just got a head ache all of the sudden. Do you think you can bring Pikachu home? I think I'll go on ahead, and go to bed. This head ache's killing me!" Misty nodded and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "OK I'll see you in a little while. Hope you get to feeling better!" Ash smiled weakly and nodded. "Thanks Mist, see you later." He said getting up and heading out the door. Misty watched him leave with a face covered with concern. Something wasn't right.

A few hours later, Amanda finally reached Pewter City. She was warn completely out, but happy she got away, "That was too easy! You'd think they would be more observant!" Amanda laughed to herself. "The only reason you got away is because my master willed you to get away." A deep yet familiar voice called from behind Amanda. Amanda spun around to find a person wearing a dark cloak and whose face was completely hidden, "Who are you? What do you want?" I only want what my master wants, and that is for you to reform the Dark Empire. Nothing more. Nothing less." Amanda smirked at him, "And how am I supposed to do that with the Elite Four around?" the cloaked figure then gave an evil giggle, "Allow my to handle the Elite Four. They will be no problem what so ever." Amanda then laughed a little, "And what if I say 'no'? Why should I if I don't even know who you or 'your master' really are?" the person then raised a gloved hand, and Amanda felt as if something wrapped around her neck, then it tightened and she felt it pick her up off the ground. "You WILL obey your orders. And if you really must know, the master is none other then the Great Destroyah himself. Soon he will be free and even the Chosen Ones will be helpless to stop him." the person lowered his/her hand and Amanda hit the ground with a thud. "And if you must call me something, call me the Dark Herald"

TO BE CONTINUED…

C. Cowboy: what cha think? Who's the Dark Herald? How will he be able to keep the Elite Four from getting in Amanda's way? If the Dark Herald is successful and Destroyah is released, If Pikachu can't stop him? who can? Well that's about it for now, don't forget to review!