Pokémon: Shadow of the Deceiver

by Mikazuchi

(OLD VERSION, FULL REMAKE IN PROGRESS) Ash has grown as a champion for the weak, but dangers are ever-escalating and he is soon to learn the shocking truth about a force so evil it threatens to consume the very world. Ash and Misty's love survive and can they overcome this powerful threat that has existed for countless generations? Sequel to Pokémon: Ultimate Adventures!

23. Situation Critical!

Chapter 23- Situation Critical!

(Location- Sapphire Bay Pokémon Centre)

-Click-

EBIDEX ENTRY 21: Dire Hunters in Danger

-Ebi's log: Friday, August 8, 12:43 AM. Two days after the Battle of Greyrock City, we now find ourselves in the seaside town of Sapphire Bay. Still no word from our missing team members: Ash, Misty and Gary.

We were quite surprised when we first arrived here, because people did not panic about the appearance of the Super Fiends, but instead welcomed us with open arms. Out here, Aquamarine seen as something of a local hero, and any 'friend' of his is welcome. This town is one of few places where the Super Fiends are not feared.

Though we finally have a chance to rest, and for once the Fiends don't have to fight, tension has struck and continues to eat away at us. Though there has been no sign of activity from the Kaiser Cult recently, we know it can only mean they're up to something. Even in this peaceful town untouched by the cult, we are unable to relax because there's no telling they won't just come rampaging this second and slaughter us all.

Morale is at an all-time low. Our victory at Greyrock may have saved that one city from destruction, but so many lives were lost. Though we have gained the strength to fight the cult, we are still no closer to defeating them as we are finding out lost friends… Gary, Misty, and Ash…-

"Seem pretty hopeless, doesn't it?" asked Goth

"GYAAAAH!" Ebi screamed, falling of his chair

"You sure are up late. Maybe going without sleep has made you jumpy" said Goth

"That's not it! You just startled me is all!" said Ebi indignantly as he got up (he is still hyperventilating) "Speaking of up late, what are YOU doing up?"

"I don't sleep" the undead answered plainly

"I see…" said Ebi, sighing

"Something bothering you?" asked Goth

"Yeah…" Ebi nodded, "It's strange. Ever since Ash left, things have been falling apart, everyone's really down, and no one's acting like themselves… but that's not what's bothering me, I've been coping with it long enough. What's bothering me is our safety" Said Ebi, "Ash was a great leader, and easily the strongest. He, along with Gary are the only ones strong enough to stand up to the Kaisers. But now they're both gone, and with the threat of the Kaisers… I… we… we're all just so vulnerable! I came up with the idea of the Dire Hunter group, and I just feel that if everyone dies because of it, it'll be my entire fault. You know what I mean?"

"I know exactly how you feel, but I should tell you this…" Goth sat on the table, "Ash was a great leader. He was strong, cunning… and had heart… but there are other aspects that one must have other than power alone to be a good leader… devotion, trust, and responsibility for everyone's safety… not unlike what you do now"

"Huh?" Ebi blinked

"No team can function well without a leader" said Goth, "While you are all down because your leader Ash is gone, the team is still holding together, thanks to you"

"WHAT?" Ebi gasped

"Not once has your lack in physical prowess ever deterred you, you never ran from battle and always stood by till the end" he crossed his arms. "Ash Ketchum was strong… he was truly a magnificent leader. Even up to now, everyone's loyalty to him is what's binding you all together and fighting such odds… exactly like our Sky Render. As for you, what you lack in strength, you more than make up for with intelligence, and you've done a great job keeping the team going." Suddenly, Goth stopped talking, turning his head as if he heard something

"What is it?" asked Ebi

"Hmm…" Goth smiled as he walked towards the window. Turning to Ebi, he gave him a thumbs-up "Sorry to bail out on you guys, but I hear the darkness calling. I'm needed elsewhere" he opened the window and jumped through, "Good luck in future… Dire Hunters!" Ebi stared out the window as the fiend gave a light, two finger salute, before disappearing into the darkness

"R… right!" Ebi called back

(Location- Void Tyrannis)

-CLASH-

"WAAAH!" Ash exclaimed as Sky Render's sword and the Kaiser Tyrant's staff clashed with an ear-splitting ring. The duel began, and the two combatants began to fight.

Ash's jaw literally dropped as he watched them move like lightning, striking each other with movements too fast for the eye to see, and deflecting them precisely

"Ungh…" Aquamarine groaned weakly, "What's going on…?"

"Aquamarine! Here, let me help you…" said Ash, stepping over to him and helping the injured Aquamarine sit up and watch

"HA!" Sky Render leapt, whirling his sword over his head and swung it downwards

"HMM!" The Tyrant reacted immediately, moving his entire body as the Fiend leader's sword cut into the ground. Energy gathered around the end of the staff, the shape resembled something of a large mace… "HA!" the Cult's Master swung the mace downwards, but Sky Render immediately reacted, lifting his sword and placing his other palm onto the blade and pressed upward as the staff came down…

CRACK!

"GRR!" Sky Render gritted his teeth. He had blocked the hit, but the shock surged through his body and the ground underneath his feet cracked… "AGH!" he gasped, his eyes opened wide as Tyrant hadn't given him a moment's rest, striking his fist into the Chosen One's stomach and sent him flying

"THIS is the mighty Sky Render?" The Tyrant laughed, "Do not toy with me Chosen One, because in this duel, only one of us will leave here alive…"

"Hmph… sounds reasonable" a smile cross Sky Render's face. "Very well then" twirling the katana and holding it in a reverse grip, the tip of the blade facing downwards, he struck his sword into the ground hard, piercing right into the metal. He then gripped the handle of the katana tight with both hands.

"What is he doing?" Ash wondered as he watched from the sidelines

"Ungh… Sky… he's doing his greatest technique…" Aquamarine spoke, hope was returning to his voice. "This technique can devastate even the most powerful of foes!" He raised his head and smiled, "The Rising Render!"

"The Rising what!" Ash gasped as he looked at the battle

"HMMM…" Sky Render raised his head, showing his face. The glare from is eyes was so fierce, even the Tyrant was taken back. "RAAAAARGH!" Sky Render roared as he kicked the ground and darted forwards with incredible speed, faster than anything Ash has ever seen before, his sword was still in the ground, and it tore up the metal floor as he ran…!

It all happened so fast, Ash wasn't even sure what he was seeing, but Aquamarine did. The colour of the blade was changing, getting hotter as he ran. The blade being dragged in the ground would heat it up to a blazing temperature, and while resistance from being dragged in the ground as he ran would only increase the power of the swing when he pulled it out! Sky's glare had thrown the opponent off balance, and he wasn't going to give him enough time to recover! A technique like this… You needed to have more than skill, but speed and power to match, and Sky Render had all of that and more!

"TYRANT WHIP!" The Kaiser Tyrant shouted quickly, his voice seemed to have an air of desperation. Energy gathered at the end of the staff, forming the glowing energy whip. He swung the whip at the Super Fiend only eight feet away…

"RAAAAAAHH!" Sky Render pulled his white-hot sword out of the ground…

CRACK!

The tyrant gasped, as the energy whip was completely shattered! Following through with his swing, Sky stepped down hard with his right foot, using the full strength of his leg to kick off the ground and leap forward, tearing through the air towards the tyrant like a bird of prey as he swung the blade once more…

CHING!

"AAAH!" The Tyrant exclaimed, Ash and Aquamarine gasped. The Tyrant fell down to one knee, as Sky Render stood behind him, holding his sword. The Kaiser Tyrant looked down, and could see a large gash across his chest.

"Whoa…" Ash said in awe. "What was that… and how did that Kaiser survive it?"

"Because of the Tyrant Whip" said Aquamarine, "Sky Render heats up his sword from the friction when dragging it through the ground, and using the force of the blade being drawn to increase the power of the swing. The Kaiser Tyrant knew there is no way he could stop that attack, so he used the whip to waste Sky's strength by forcing him to hit the whip. Though Sky could swing a second time, it's only using the heat and edge of the blade, but not the power from the first swing. That Tyrant really plays dirty…" Aquamarine growled

"Hmm…" Ash sighed. He was already the weakest of the Chosen Ones, and the way Sky and the Tyrant fought was way out of his league, and at least Aquamarine could tell what's going on, it all made him feel really useless

"Urgh…" The Kaiser Tyrant held onto his wound, but stood up straight, "That was a beautiful swing. Your skills far surpass any of my disciples." He said to Sky, "You are so young, not even an adult yet, but you possess such incredible skill. To say you are a genius of the sword is more than an understatement… such talent I have not seen since I did battle against the Chosen Ones of the ancient war"

"I don't care for your compliments, so if you didn't get rid of your lungs the same way you did your brain, save your breath Kaiser!" Sky Render shouted, jumping up and whirled his sword over his head "FALLING SKY!" he shouted as he swung it down

CLASH!

The Tyrant stood his ground as he held his staff up, blocking the hit, but Sky Render spun and pulled out his wooden sword in the other hand, thrusting at his chest

"UGNH!" The Tyrant gasped, the powerful impact from the wooden sword on his wound caused him to stumble and bend forwards.

"HAAAA!" Sky Render jumped and kicked down at the top of the Tyrant's head, knocking the Tyrant face-flat to the ground as he jumped high into the air. Putting away his wooden sword, he held his katana in both hands, "SKY DIVING STRIKE!" diving down from above, he struck his sword right through the back of the Tyrant's neck and into the ground. He sighed as he pulled the sword from the Kaiser's body.

"WA…" Ash's jaw literally dropped…

"You may be strong, Kaiser Tyrant, but you only know how to inflict pain on others!" Sky Render shouted, "When facing someone with greater, or even equal skills, you're weak! Even worse that you influenced so many to follow your pitiful example!" he gripped his sword tight, "Stop acting like you're injured, because I have no sympathy for the likes of you! Get up!"

"GRRR…" the tyrant growled, using his staff to support himself as he got up. "I do not need sympathy from a heretic" he growled, "The world is unclean… tainted by the weakness of your race." he stood up straight, "Weakness and temptation are sins, and that is all the flesh will ever hold… those sins that you strive to carry on! From the moment it comes into this world, the flesh decays…" he pointed at the Chosen One, "We Kaisers thrive for purity and strength. We have cast aside our slowly rotting bodies in exchange for power… immortal bodies of steel… ones that will last forever… that will never decay!" he shouted as he pulled up his sleeve and bit hard into his hand, tearing off the very skin…!

"AH!" Ash and Aquamarine exclaimed, both terrified and repulsed. Though Sky Render didn't react, it was quite obvious he was also quite taken back

"Grrr…" The Tyrant growled as he spat to the side the false skin showed his arm "You see this? This is what power looks like" the skin he had on his arms were merely for show… as beneath it was completely robotic. "Tireless… powerful… this is the image of true beauty" he spoke slowly, and then shouted, "The weak have plagued this earth long enough! They are unworthy of setting foot on its grounds, and we shall see to it that their vile races shall soon be extinct, and rebuilt in the image of the Kaisers, the eternal rulers of the earth!"

"That's not beautiful, it's disgusting!" Sky Render shouted, "Who are you to decide what the future holds? The ability to live forever… the ability to grant power… it's these things that made you so corrupt! The strong… the weak… we do not need such distinctions! What makes this world beautiful is its diversity, how everything has its place to keep the planet going… unlike that THING you call an arm!" Sky Render pointed at the Tyrant, "There's no place for your kind in this world, however… there may be a place for you…" he darted forwards with his sword, "…IN HELL!"

"ENOUGH!" The Tyrant shouted, his palm shot forward

"WHAT!" Sky Render exclaimed. A powerful blast of energy flew at him! Sky swung his sword, deflecting the magic attack, but also noticed something else… the ground beneath him was starting to glow…

BOOM!

"WAAA!" Ash fell onto his back, knocked down by the blast

"NNGH!" Aquamarine turned his head and covered his eyes from the blinding light

The explosion shook the whole area, and as the dust cleared and the debris fell, a huge crater was visible, right where Sky Render had been standing

"Ungh… ow" Ash got up, rubbing his head. Looking around he asked "Where's Sky!"

"He's…" Aquamarine looked around, and then spotted him "Up there!"

"Whoa…" Sky Render was sweating as he looked down from high in the air, far above the battlefield and saw the crater. He had jumped right before the explosion, and he was unharmed, but something just occurred to him, "Where's that Kaiser?"

"RIGHT HERE!" The Tyrant shouted. Sky Render turned his head and gasped…

SLAM!

"AGH!" Sky screamed when the Tyrant slammed him on the back. Sky clenched his teeth and turned around completely and raised his sword…

CLANG!

"AH!" Ash and Aquamarine gasped at what they saw. Sky Render wasn't fast enough! The tyrant's attack sent the sword flying out of his hands, into the distance!

"Grrr…" Sky Render growled. Arial combat was his specialty, even if his opponent could fly, but without his sword he was at a disadvantage!

"You have no way of fighting back now, Sky Render!" said the tyrant as energy gathered at the end of the staff, and forming into a large spearhead. "You… are…"

"HA!" Sky Render swung his wooden sword upwards

SLAM!

"AH!" The Tyrant exclaimed and was sent spinning through the air

"Seems like you already forgotten about my other sword!" Sky Render laughed as he landed neatly on the ground "Damn…!" he scowled when he saw it had broken. Sighing, he tossed the useless thing to the side, it wouldn't do him any good now.

"GRRR…" The Tyrant landed ten feet away from him, growling. "Too bad, that wooden sword was your last hope. So long as you hold a sword in your hands, you are deadly… but unarmed? You're as weak and helpless as a child!"

Sky Render looked around. His wooden sword was broken, and his real one was way out of reach. He took a fighting stance, "Unarmed maybe, but not helpless!"

"WE SHALL SEE!" The Kaiser Tyrant darted forwards, energy gathered at the end of the staff once more, forming into the spearhead…

"YA!" Sky Render kicked off the ground and jumped right over the Tyrant, barely missing the attack. The Tyrant spun around and attacked him again and again, but Sky Render neatly dodged each one

"Aquamarine…" Ash trembled, "Tell me… and be honest… does he stand a chance?"

"No…" Aquamarine answered, "Sky… he may be the best fighter, but without a sword in his hands, he doesn't stand a chance!" he turned to Ash, "Hurry Ash! Help him!"

"Wa!" Ash exclaimed, "What do you expect me to do! You saw how they were fighting! They're in a totally different league! I'm way too weak to be fighting this battle, I'd only be dragging Sky Render down! What could I do against that Kaiser!"

"A lot if you'd just use your head!" Aquamarine snapped at him, "Over there!" he pointed at the distance, "Sky's sword! Get it to him right now before it's too late!"

"Oh, right!" said Ash, quickly running towards Sky Render's sword…

"Stop delaying the inevitable!" The Tyrant snarled as Sky Render skilfully evaded every attack. "No true warrior would resort to something so cowardly!"

"Oh, so now it's cowardly to NOT stand still and politely allow your enemy slaughter you?" Sky Render shouted, skilfully evading the tyrant's weapon

Ash pulled Sky Render's sword out of the ground and turned to the battle. Taking a deep breath, he shouted "SKY! CATCH!" He threw the weapon with all his strength

"All right!" Sky Render quickly dashed forwards to catch it…

CLANG!

"AH!" Sky Render fell back. Before he caught the sword, the Tyrant hit him out of the way and caught the sword instead

"You want your sword? Then take it!" he swung the sword at Sky Render

"WHOA!" Sky Render moved to the side before the sword sliced him in half "whew… AGH!" the tyrant uppercutted him, causing him to flip over and hit the ground once more. He groaned, but quickly got up to his feet

"I have you now!" The Tyrant sneered, teleporting and reappeared right in front of Sky! "RHAAAH!" he swung his staff at Sky's face…

WHAM!

"AAH!" Sky Render was sent spinning and hit the ground hard. Slowly he got up. He was okay… but this couldn't go on! He needed his sword!

"You want this? Don't you?" the tyrant smirked, clutching the sword… "HAA!"

"URGH…!" Sky Render gasped as the weapon slashed across his stomach…! The tyrant had managed to cut him with his own sword!

"It is over now" The Tyrant spoke. In one hand he was holding his powerful staff, in the other was Sky Render's sword. "You still want your sword? Then take it from me"

"GRRR…" Sky Render stepped back, unsure of what to do

"No…" Aquamarine gasped, "No, I won't let this happen… I won't!"

"Huh? WA! What are you doing!" Ash exclaimed as Aquamarine tried to get up

"I'm…" Aquamarine was sweating. He was in terrible pain. "I'm not going to let Sky get killed like that… I'll fight too, anything… to help Sky…!"

"No you won't!" Ash held Aquamarine down, "You're in no condition to be fighting! You push yourself like that when you injured this bad, you'll kill yourself!"

"I DON'T CARE!" Aquamarine shouted, standing up and throwing Ash to the side, "I'll fight t-AAAGH!" Aquamarine tripped and fell, "N-NO…!"

"Aquamarine!" Ash exclaimed. He felt bad for Aquamarine… he just wanted to fight so badly… all to help Sky Render… Ash began to understand how he felt, and an idea suddenly came to him. "Aquamarine, give me your trident"

"What?" Aquamarine looked up at Ash

"You heard me, give me the trident!" Ash said again, "I'm the weakest one here, and your lives are worth more than mine. I won't stand idly by and watch Sky Render get killed out there! Even if I get killed, at least it'll give you two the chance to get away! You two are the strongest, and must live to fight another day!"

Aquamarine didn't respond. He lay there for a while, not saying anything. He didn't agree with Ash's words of his own life being worth so little… but the determination on his eyes, he could not refuse him. Aquamarine finally spoke, "Do it."

"Hmm… what a fine sword" the Tyrant examined the weapon, and looked down at Sky Render "Perfect for killing you" he said, putting away his staff and holding the sword in both hands, "How does it feel? To be killed by your own weapon… hmm?"

"RAAAH!" Ash charged towards the tyrant from behind, with the trident

"HA!" The tyrant whirled around, swinging the sword. There was a loud clash of metal, and Ash was knocked back from the force.

"Ugh…" Ash groaned. Though he blocked, the swing was so powerful it felt like it would take his arms off. Suddenly, something caught his eye, "NO!"

"Yes!" The tyrant laughed. The hit was too much for the trident to handle, and Aquamarine's weapon shattered to pieces. "HA!" he shot his hand forwards, firing a powerful magic energy blast, sending Ash flying, and then turned back to Sky Render

Sky jumped back, his sword moved much faster than the staff! The sword slashed at his arm, tearing off his sleeve and cutting into it, "AH!"

"You… are… FINISHED!" The Kaiser Tyrant attacked, the sword gripped firmly in both hands, ready to swing down and slice Sky Render in half

"NO!" Sky Render shouted, jumping towards the Kaiser Tyrant…

SMACK!

"ARGH?" the Kaiser Tyrant exclaimed, stumbling back. Something had hit him in the face, something HARD

"GRRR…" Sky Render stood in front of him, in a fighting stance, "YA!"

WHAM!

"UGH!" The Tyrant felt a powerful hit come from Sky Render. Each one was incredibly strong, but Sky Render was unarmed! How could he be doing this!

"Ugh… wa!" Ash exclaimed as he got up. Though he intended to help Sky Render, he seemed to be making a comeback on his own! Ash ran to Aquamarine "Aquamarine! Uh, sorry about the trident… but what's going on? How's Sky fighting back!" But Aquamarine didn't respond, he was just as shocked as Ash…

"GRRR!" The Tyrant growled and raised the sword, "Now I really will kill you!" he shouted and swung it down

"HMM!" Sky Render moved to the side, evading the weapon completely. The tyrant swung again, but he simply caught the blade and stopped it completely! "HAA!" jumping up, he swung his leg and kicking the tyrant on the side of the head. "Don't think you can defeat me, just because you are holding my weapon."

"ungh… how… how can you fight, even without your sword!" the tyrant exclaimed

"HAAA!" Sky Render kicked him again, as the sword flew out of the tyrant's hands and into the air! "Your first mistake was using my own weapon against me! No one knows it better than I, and I can see the swings clearly and even feel the air moving as you attack!" he said, raising his hand into the air and catching the sword, "HMM!" he swung it again, cutting across the Tyrant's chest! "As for how I can fight without the weapon… I'm surprised no one has realised it, but how I can jump so high and run so fast, is all due to some EXCEPTIONALLYSTRONG legs!"

"Well…" Ash tossed aside the smashed trident, "Seems he doesn't need our help!"

"All right Kaiser!" Sky Render gripped his katana tight, "This ends now! HA!" Before the tyrant could react, Sky Render kicked upwards, slamming his chin, "HAAAAA!"

CLASH!

"URGH!" The Kaiser Tyrant's eyes opened, his staff flew out of his hands as he fell onto his back, gasping for air. Sky Render had wounded him seriously, cutting into him with his sword, stabbing right through his chest. He could feel his own strength fading, and he wouldn't be able to fight much longer.

"SKY DIVING STRIKE!" Sky Render jumped high into the air, and dove down like a dart, piercing once more through the tyrant's body. Gripping it tight, he pulled out the katana, and held the tip of the blade at the tyrant's neck, "It's over, Kaiser" he smiled, as sweat poured down his face. "You lose."

(Location- Sapphire Bay Pokémon Centre)

"He what!" Everyone exclaimed

"I told you! Goth dropped out of sight, literally!" Ebi crossed his arms

"You woke us all up for this?" asked Brock, rubbing his eyes "Ugh, I'm going back to bed" he turned around and walked off, everyone followed

"Hey, wait! Don't you wanna know what happened?" Ebi called

"You already said! He left us, we get it!" AJ called back. "Sheesh… I guess that's what we get for trusting a Super Fiend… not that I ever did in the first place…"

SMACK!

"OW! What was that for?" AJ shouted after Bonsai knocked the back of his head

"Watch what you say about the Fiends, especially when ALL of us are standing right next to you!" Bonsai growled. AJ and the others just walked off, but the Super Fiends remained, "Hey, Ebi. When he took off, did he say anything in particular?"

"Well… he did say something about the darkness calling him, said it was important, but I didn't get it" said Ebi. The rest of the fiends looked at each other and nodded. "Am I missing something?"

"Goth is the champion of darkness, and vessel of the dark spirits. For years, they call him whenever something really BIG is coming up, and we mean REALLY big. The sort of things that can change history, and the world for that matter" said Cleft

"Like when he renounced the name Black Kaiser and took part in the first downfall of the Cult, which involved pretty much the whole world. Thousands of armies from countless civilizations, millions of pokémon all following the legendary pokémon, and every Chosen One of that generation…" explained Twin Dreamer, "If he's being called right now, that means something is coming soon… or perhaps is happening already. I may not possess any links to the dark spirits, but as a psychic… I too am sensing something strange. And it's not just me…"

"Hmm… the pokémon…" AntiArctic spoke up. All eyes turned on him, as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. Though it was night, they could clearly see a number of flying pokémon zoom past the window. Looking outside, a lot windows were open and confused people were staring, at the masses of pokémon, wild and domesticated, moving through the streets, all walking, crawling or flying in the same direction. "They sense something we humans can't… it's a sign"

"A sign of what?" asked Ebi

"We don't know exactly what… but we're not naïve enough to expect something other than the worst…" said Jolt. "War is approaching… it has been for a long time, and soon the shadow will be lifted… and when that happens, history will repeat itself, the earth will be consumed by war and soaked in blood…" his eyes narrowed. "Everywhere… Kaisers are slowly moving into the open. Their weapons are becoming more sophisticated, and their numbers are growing… soon it will reach the point where even the Fiends will be helpless against them"

"People with darkness in their hearts… all the cultists are like that." Said AntiArctic, "Individuals driven by rage, greed, lust for power… they are the ones who fall under the Deceiver's spell, believing in those promises for power and joining the cult. They gain nothing of the sort… as they are the easiest for the Deceiver to brainwash… and it is not long before their very humanity fades away, and they become willing pawns of that vile demon" the ninja finished. "We must go now, and prepare for battle."

"But don't worry, this won't be the last time you see us" said Bonsai, "I hope"

"You have formed a strong team, Dire Hunters… I know you are all capable at defending yourselves, but the cult is unlike any enemy you will ever face." Said Twin Dreamer, "The Super Fiends and the Dire Hunters are allies now, and if you ever need help, just try and contact me with your mind. Don't worry, I'll hear it. But remember, even with our support, be careful. Don't throw away your lives by thoughtlessly rushing into battles that can be avoided." He said, and they all left

"So I guess this is… goodbye for now" said Ebi as the door closed. He sighed and sat down. He sat quietly for a few minutes, when… "ARRRGH!" he got up and shouted, kicking the chair, "I can't stand all this waiting! Something big is about to come, and all I'm to do is sit around and wait for it! DAMMIT!"

"Temper, temper Ebi"

"WHO ASKED YOU?" Ebi shouted as he turned around. His eyes opened wide, "AH!"

"Calm down Ebi… don't have to make a big scene" Gary smirked.

Ebi was shocked to see Gary, but he was even more shocked to see… "Misty!"

"Hi Ebi" Misty said almost timidly, "Nice to see you again"

"You're alive!" Ebi exclaimed, jumping forwards and hugging her, but quickly let go, "Ah, sorry about that, don't get the wrong idea. I'm just glad to see you're safe"

"I understand. Sorry for making you all worry." She bowed her head apologetically, "it's really late, I'm going to bed now, and surprise everyone tomorrow" she left

"Gary" Ebi turned to him, "Okay… could you tell me something?"

"Sure, what is it?" said Gary

"Oh, nothing just… WHAT IS GOING ON!" he shouted

"It's pretty complicated, but I'll explain" said Gary, "You know about that argument she and Ash had before he left us? I found here and talked to her a bit, clearing a few things and explaining to her why the things she said hurt him so much" Gary sighed, "But the way she being all calm and polite right now, it's all a front"

"Huh?" Ebi stared at him

"Misty feels really guilty for what she did" said Gary, "Going overboard with him and all, but then again she's not entirely to blame. Ash was after all taking the fighting too seriously, but still… I'd much rather have things be the way they were before the argument that broke them up. I convinced her to rejoin us, but things won't go back to normal until we find Ash and they settle this for themselves"

"I see." Said Ebi, "But… what exactly is it that you told Misty about Ash? You know, why he took her words so personally?"

"Because it IS very personal, and I know these because I practically grew up with Ash…" Said Gary "But if you wanna hear it, I might as well tell you…"

"Okay" Ebi sat down as Gary began to explain

"You know me and Ash, we were really good friends, best friends, almost brothers, but most of all, we were rivals." Gary sighed "We dreamed of becoming pokémon trainers when we were old enough, and the gyms and leagues were tiny compared to our real goal. When the two of us become the greatest pokémon masters in history, then, only then would we see which one of us is better."

"Whoa… that's quite a goal" said Ebi in awe, "But then again, seeing how skilled you both are, more than any pokémon master today, it's not hard to believe…"

"As I was saying…" Gary spoke up, "Pallet was always a small town, and if it weren't for my grandfather Professor Oak, we wouldn't even be worth putting on a map. We didn't have any gyms or pokémon masters living here, but we had a real champion… the greatest trainer in history, his skills are legendary, a true Master of pokémon battle… yet he never took part in the tournaments, because he was far above it" Gary sighed, "He was Ash's father"

"WA!" Ebi exclaimed. Come to think of it, ever since he met Ash, he never heard him mention anything about his father!

"Ash's dad was real kind and gentle man. On first glance, he wouldn't seem like much of a trainer, but in reality, they don't come any stronger than him. He chose never to legally become a pokémon master, though it was well within his reach. He was a crime fighter, and the best one there is. Though he never really trained Ash, he did something more. Along with giving Ash a few pointers, and taught him to be loyal, determined, and protect those in need. And as you can see, that's everything Ash is" Said Gary, "But one day, eight years ago, Mr. Ketchum left Pallet Town on some sort of mission, and that was the last time any of us saw him. Months later, his body was found, practically torn up and hanging together by a thread. No one knows how this could have happened, but the one who was hit hardest by this was Ash. After his dad died, Ash didn't seem sad, he just continued following the lessons he learned, with more determination than before. I got annoyed that he didn't care about his dad's death, and that's what started our feud" said Gary, "It was years later that I realized he was only suppressing his sadness… and he has been so for a long time…"

"I understand. Those lessons have become the code Ash lives by. He holds Misty very dearly in his heart, and in the end he was torn between his code, and his love." Said Ebi, "So that's why he flipped when Misty said those things."

"Yeah…" Gary sighed, "When he and Misty split, he ran away, trying to hold onto at least the code, but in the end, he couldn't, hold onto either"

"Hmm…" Ebi sighed, "I guess I should be satisfied that you and Misty returned and I know a bit more about what's going on, but I'm not." He pulled up the chair and sat down, "As long as Ash is out there, nothing's going to get better, but we're not going to look for him." Said Ebi, "We're going to do nothing, because that's all we can do. For him to come back safely, it all depends on whether he wants to or not. All we can do is endure the coming battles, until that day finally arrives…"

(Location- Void Tyrannis)

"GRRR…" Sky Render growled, holding his sword at the Tyrant's throat

"AH…" The Kaiser Tyrant didn't move. He was weakened too much, and was at the mercy of Sky Render. He wasn't sure what was going to happen to him now.

"Hmm…" Sky Render sighed, and put his sword away, sheathing it.

"Huh?" Everyone was shocked. Sky Render had this battle won! What was he doing?

"I guess you should be surprised. Don't. I've defeated you, and as much as you deserve to die, I'm not going to kill you." Sky Render crossed his arms, "No one seems to realize this, but just because I am good with a weapon doesn't mean I like killing… no, I don't even like fighting." Sky Render turned his back on the tyrant and started walking away, "Return to your cult and call off your armies. Stop the production of weapon and creation of Kaiser Beasts. You're free to continue worshiping your gods and following your morbid religion in seclusion, but I forbid any of your men to fight ever again, you most of all…"

"WHO ARE YOU KIDDING!" the Tyrant grabbed his staff and got back to his feet. He was wounded heavily and could barely stand. "Who are you to decide the rules, what we should do, how we should think!" he shouted, stepping forwards

"I am the Chosen One of Wind, Sky Render." He answered, drawing his sword "I warn you, if you take one more step, I will take that as a challenge and kill you"

"Hmmm… if that's how it shall be…" said the Tyrant, lowering his staff. Suddenly, he stood up straight, "That's what you wanted me to say? Isn't it!" he growled, "Your powers are truly exceptional… even greater than my own… but what you don't realize is the extent of MY abilities!"

"What are you rambling on about?" asked Sky Render, annoyed

"I can defeat you, without even having to fight!" said the Kaiser Tyrant, "The way you fight, with such perfection… no one can fight without a purpose, and yours is a very strong one. While you claim it is to destroy my cult, I can see into you mind, and look into your heart, and I know your reasons are far deeper!"

"WHAT…!" Sky Render exclaimed, stepping back and gripping his sword

"Huh? What's he talking about?" wondered Ash, turning to Aquamarine

"The Tyrant… that monster!" Aquamarine growled, "He's peering into Sky's mind, and his deepest secrets!"

"Heh… heh-heh-heh… HAHAHAHAHA!" The Tyrant burst out laughing, "It is so pathetic! You fight, not for yourself, not for anyone, but a memory!"

"GRR… GET OUT… OF MY MIND!" Sky Render screamed, striking his sword into the ground and charging forwards. He was using the Rising Render

"This memory you have… the one who meant most to you… a girl you loved so dearly… yet she perished at the hand of my Cult…! All you have left of her is her memory…" he smiled evilly, "Her name is… Era!"

"RRAAAAAAAAA!" Sky Render screamed, pulling the burning-hot blade out of the ground and diving forwards, ready to slice this Tyrant in half…

"But what if I should erase this memory? You would have nothing left! Even your life isn't worth half this memory, isn't it?" The tyrant smiled and raised his hand, "HA!"

"URGH!" Sky Render dropped his sword and tripped, falling to the ground. "Uh… ah!" Sky Render's eyes opened wide, with terror, "No…!" he gasped, placing his hands on the side of his head, "I can't remember… gone… everything… GONE!" He exclaimed. In his head, he searched through his memories, trying to remember her face… to hear her voice… but from those memories, all he could see is a blank silhouette and hear nothing but faint, incomprehensible murmurs…! Everything they've been through… their memories… their promise… gone… "No… no, this can't be happening! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" he screamed

"AH!" Ash gasped, "Sky Render!"

"Sky… what did he do to you…?" Aquamarine gasped

"So how does it feel?" asked the Tyrant, stepping over to Sky Render, "You already lost her once, she left this world, and now she's gone forever from your heart!"

"You…" Sky Render snarled, grabbing his sword, "YOU FIEND!" he attacked

WHAM!

"Fiend?" the Tyrant smiled after he hit Sky Render "I guess that makes two of us!"

"Ah!" Ash exclaimed, "What's wrong with Sky?"

"It's all over now…" Aquamarine said in despair…

"GRRR…" Sky Render snarled, holding his sword, "RHAH!" he swung it, but the tyrant moved his body, completely avoiding the swing. Spinning around, he slammed Sky Render with his staff. "UGH!" Sky Render fell to his knees. Growling, he got up to his feet and attacked… One swing after another, Sky Render couldn't touch the tyrant. Every time he attacked, the Tyrant would swerve out of the way and hit Sky Render. "Ugh…" Sky Render was gasping. He was heavily bruised and beaten.

"The Power of One may have given you strength, but it won't matter without the skills from the purpose you fight for. Without it, you are weak" said the Tyrant, "It's almost sad to see the mighty Sky Render snivelling over a lost memory…"

"Shut up… SHUT UP!" Sky Render screamed and attacked with his sword.

"HMM!" the Tyrant jumped into the air, turning his body and avoiding the strike completely. Focusing his energy into his staff, he attacked, "TYRANT WHIP!"

-CRACK-

"AH…" Sky Render gasped. His sword fell. The Tyrant had struck him with the mighty beam whip. "no…" tears formed in his eyes, "I failed you again…" he sighed one last time as he collapsed. Sky Render was defeated. "Era…"

"WA…" Ash was shocked. Sky Render lost…! No… he couldn't believe what he was seeing, it just wasn't possible!

"SKY!" Aquamarine, forgetting his injuries, got up to his feet and ran over to Sky Render's broken body, "Sky! Come on! Get up! Don't die now…! BREATHE!"

"He will not awaken" said the Tyrant, "The whip merely wounded his body, but the real injury is in his soul. He is trapped within his own mind and haunted-"

"Shut up…" Aquamarine was shaking. Turning to the Tyrant, he growled, "What you did to Sky… it's unforgivable… CORAL CUDGEL!" He shouted as he attacked the tyrant with his mace-like weapon.

"YOU WANT TO FIGHT ME!" The Tyrant deflected Aquamarine's attack "Try getting stronger first!" He swung his staff upwards, hitting Aquamarine on the chin, knocking him upwards, "HA!" he struck him in the stomach with the end of the staff

"AGH!" Aquamarine flew back, and hit the ground, coughing and gagging

"Even after your beating, you're still determined to fight?" asked the Tyrant, "Ah, to be young and headstrong. That takes me back to when I was a young lad…"

"And just how many centuries ago was THAT!" Ash shouted, attacking the Tyrant from behind

WHAM!

"WAAA!" Ash hit the ground when the Tyrant smacked him to the ground

"I stopped counting after twenty" answered Kaiser Tyrant

"GRRR…" Ash and Aquamarine growled and stood up. "HAAAA!" They shouted, their bodies flashed with the energy from the Power of One as they stood ready to fight.

"Hmmm…" The Tyrant wasn't impressed. Neither of the two was even close to Sky Render's level. Though he was weakened a lot during his duel with Sky Render, he was far stronger than Ash and Aquamarine combined.

"Aquamarine…" said Ash

"Ash…" said Aquamarine

"Shall we?" Asked Ash

"Let's do it" answered Aquamarine

"ATTACK!" They both shouted as they darted forwards, attacking the Kaiser Tyrant

"HA!" Ash swung his fist upward, uppercutting the Tyrant

"YA!" Aquamarine attacked, kicking him on the back of the head

The Tyrant didn't move, "Is that all you have?" he asked, looking at them, "Pitiful… HAAAA!" He raised his staff and swung it downward at their feet

"AH!" Ash and Aquamarine reacted immediately. Aquamarine moved back while Ash jumped into the air to avoid the long sweep. However, Ash made a critical mistake. His trainer instincts kicked in, warning them of…

"HAAAA!" Before Ash's instincts could react, Tyrant teleported, appearing right behind them!

SMACK!

"WAAAGH!" Ash was sent flying, and crashing in the distance

"GRR!" Aquamarine quickly readied himself, holding his cudgel in one hand and gun in the other as the Tyrant landed and turned to him "HARPOON STRIKE!" He fired the harpoon, but the Tyrant tilted his head and missed. "CORAL CUDGEL!" He attacked with the heavy coral weapon, but the Tyrant caught it in his hand

"Hmm… quaint" said the Tyrant, feeling its tremendous weight against his arm…

WHAM!

"ARGH!" Aquamarine screamed and hit the ground

"but ineffective" the Tyrant looked down at him

"Argh… AGH…" Aquamarine groaned, holding onto his side. He was already wounded badly, and this hit added even more to his injuries. "GRR… ARGH…!" he gritted his teeth. The pain was killing him as he got up to his feet

"You intend to face me with that battered body!" the Tyrant sneered

"Aquamarine, no! Stop it, you'll kill yourself!" Ash exclaimed, running into the scene once more, "Listen, Aquamarine, you're too injured to fight! Let me handle him!"

"NEVER!" Aquamarine shouted, "You saw what he did to Sky… I don't care if I live or not… I WILL FIGHT! RHAAAAA!" Aquamarine grabbed his cudgel and attacked…

SMASH!

"AGH…" Aquamarine gasped. The Tyrant had struck with so much force, the staff smashed through his cudgel and into his chest. Aquamarine collapsed

"Aquamarine!" Ash screamed. He stood in front of him protectively, covering him from the Tyrant, "Listen to me… please. You've done enough, I don't want you to get killed. You've saved my life and I owe you a debt. Run. Take Sky Render with you and get out of here! You two are the strongest, and it's more important that you survive! I'll stay here and fight to my last breath to buy you time!"

"Oh no you won't…" the Tyrant approached Ash…

CRACK!

"ARGH!" Ash screamed as the tyrant slammed his leg. Ash fell to the ground, writhing in pain. His leg was broken by the hit…!

"You recklessly brought it upon yourselves to challenge the most powerful Kaiser on earth, and see what happens!" the Tyrant spoke, "Even the strongest among you sinful Chosen Ones, Sky Render, fell before my power!"

"URGH… Sky…" Aquamarine groaned, but he could barely move, "Don't talk about Sky like that… you monster!" he tried to get to his feet, "AGH!" he screamed and fell

"And why does it matter so much to you, what I say?" asked the Kaiser Tyrant

"Because…" Aquamarine growled. Using all the strength in his body, he rose once more to his feet. He was in a tremendous amount of pain, it hurt to breathe, but he was standing, "Because Sky… is like a brother to me… and I love him…" said Aquamarine, "Before I joined the Super Fiends… I was an outcast, no one would stand up for me… except for Sky… he saw potential… he took me under his wing and let me join as a Super Fiend. He trained me, he forged me into a warrior, destined to become a chosen one… Sky is my friend…" he growled, "AND I OWE HIM MY LIFE!"

POW!

"UGH!" The Tyrant gasped when Aquamarine struck him with incredible strength. The shock caused the Tyrant to slide back, and pain surged through him

"I WILL FIGHT ON, EVEN IF IT KILLS ME!" Aquamarine screamed, striking the Tyrant again and again. His fists were bleeding, but he was hurting the Tyrant.

"RHA!" The Tyrant swung his staff at Aquamarine. Somehow, the Chosen one survived and continued attacking. Even with his broken body, Aquamarine would not stop. "YOU… BEGONE!" The Tyrant screamed. His power exploded outwards, knocking Aquamarine back, "YOU'RE MINE!" he shouted, charging with his staff…

WHAM!

"AAARGH! NO!" Aquamarine screamed as he flew through the air. He hit the ground. His strength was gone, he was too weak to go on. Pain surged through him, but what hurt him the most was the fact that he couldn't go on fighting. "No…"

"Aquamarine… you still want to fight?" Ash, who was also down, asked

"There is nothing… that I want more…" said Aquamarine, "I want to fight… for Sky…"

"Aquamarine… I now understand what I've been missing since I left my friends" said Ash, "Your strength came from the will to protect Sky. You fought for a friend, a brother, a loved one… and I remember now what I've forgotten…" he spoke, "I really want to go back, to be with my friends again… will you help me?"

"I want to… but how?" asked Aquamarine

"Give me your hand" said Ash quietly,

"What?" Aquamarine looked at Ash

"Just give it to me… your hand…" Ash repeated

"Okay…" said Aquamarine. He growled, it took all his strength to move his hand.

"You gave me some of your strength to save my life, and allowed me to fight… now let me return the favour…" Ash gripped Aquamarine's hand and focused, "HAAAAA…"

"AH…" Aquamarine gasped. He could feel his strength returning to him. The strength he had given Ash! But there was something more… "What… what's going on!"

"Heh…" Ash smiled, "Go Aquamarine… fight… for Sky… for all of us…" he blacked out

"Ah…" Aquamarine got to his feet. His wounds stopped hurting… he could feel strength… the power… it was coursing through his veins, surging through his body! He could feel it, "This power… is this… the true power of one!" he exclaimed

"What's going on!" The Tyrant exclaimed

"Ash… what did you… AH!" Aquamarine gasped at what he saw. Lying next to Ash was the Shining Sphere! Ash had given up his power to Aquamarine and fell back down to level I, in exchange, Aquamarine was now Level III! "Ash… you gave me your power… you're risking everything, but you have that much faith in me… I won't let this sacrifice go to waste!" Aquamarine closed his eyes and outstretched his hand. Focusing in his mind, he could picture a trident. He was doing what he saw Sky do when he himself first became a level III chosen one. He concentrated, he could feel the trident, the weight, the texture… opening his eyes, Aquamarine saw he was holding in his hand, an actual trident! But trident wasn't like his old one. This one had a soft, faint glow to it, and was warm to the touch…

"Hmmm… so Aquamarine has become a true Chosen One…" said the tyrant, and readied his staff "No matter. Even now, you are still not at my level…"

"That's right, I'm not…" said Aquamarine, "I'M HIGHER! OCEAN LANCE!" he aimed his trident forward, catching the Tyrant by surprise

CRASH!

"AH!" the Tyrant exclaimed when a huge bolt of energy slammed into him with even more strength than the terror of the deep! As the Tyrant stumbled back, Aquamarine darted forward with incredible speed. The Tyrant struck at him with the staff, but Aquamarine deflected it with his new trident and hit him with his fist. "ARGH!" The tyrant spun and hit the ground. Aquamarine's punch was incredibly powerful

Strength… speed… there was no comparison to what he was before! Aquamarine was fighting with all his might. Every single strike was as precise as it was powerful, inflicting great damage on the Kaiser Tyrant's body. Leaping into the air, he swung his trident "TIDAL SPEAR!" Though the attack was far from hitting the Tyrant, the air alone sent him sliding back. "TERROR OF THE DEEP!" Aquamarine shouted, firing the mighty shark-beam that tore through the air, towards the Kaiser Tyrant.

"GRRR!" the Tyrant growled, creating a protective barrier around himself as the beam crashed down on him. The attack ended, the barrier vanished, and gasping, he smiled wickedly, "Give… give it up! Even your strongest attack isn't enough to defeat me! I will win!" he laughed, staggering

"Two things, Kaiser…" Aquamarine spoke… "One: If you think you've got a shot at winning, you are SERIOUSLY in denial. Two: That isn't my strongest attack!"

"WHAT!" The tyrant exclaimed

"HMMM…" Aquamarine closed his eyes and concentrated "All my strength… all my power… into this final attack…" he spoke as his trident began to glow, his eyes shot open "FURY OF THE OCEAN GOD!"

"AHHH…! AH!" The Tyrant looked around, terrified.

The surroundings became dark, as fierce winds were blowing from every direction and rain began to fall. They were standing in the eye of a hurricane! Aquamarine swung his trident, slamming the Tyrant with a huge wave of energy. From the sky, thousands of glowing javelins rained down onto the tyrant, piercing into him

"ARGH!" The Tyrant screamed, but that wasn't the worst of it!

CRACK!

"AH!" The tyrant screamed as a Terror of the Deep hit him from behind!

SMASH!

"URGH!" He gasped when another terror of the deep smashed into his stomach! "ARGH! AAAAAAHHHH!" He screamed again. There were Terror-of-the-Deep's smashing into him from every direction!

"HA!" Aquamarine raised his trident into the air, guiding seven huge sharks. They swam through the air, spiralling around each other like a school of hungry sharks. They then returned to Aquamarine and began to circle around him, as Aquamarine then took a stance, preparing for a final charge as his trident glowed with energy, and he aimed the weapon at the Tyrant… "ATTACK!"

"NO!" The Tyrant raised his staff in defence, conjuring a barrier

CRASH!

"AAAAAAAARGHHHHH!" The Kaiser Tyrant screamed as barrier was shattered, and he was struck by the seven Terror-of-the-deeps and Aquamarine's trident! "AGH… AH!" The tyrant… or at least what was left of him gasped. His eyes moved down, seeing that only his left arm torso were left…! Everything else had been blown apart and scattered everywhere! "HOW… HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!"

"It's true… I only just became a Level III, I still shouldn't have the power to defeat you" panted Aquamarine… he didn't have any strength left. "But after being cut so many times by Sky, your body was barely holding on together by a thread." He spoke, looking at the unconscious Sky Render. "Sky weakened you to only a fraction of your strength, and Ash gave me his strength to fight you… and we succeeded…" said Aquamarine "That's it, Kaiser Tyrant… we've won… and we all did it together…"

"No… NO!" The Tyrant growled as his remains floated into the air. Raising his left hand, the surroundings changed, and the void faded away. There they all stood, back on shield island. "THIS… THIS ISN'T OVER!" He shouted, "THE SHADOW OF THE DECEIVER SHALL BE LIFTED! THE EARTH WILL FACE THE FULL FORCE OF THE KAISERS! THE KAISER CRUSADES BEGIN NOW, AND THE KAISER GOD SHALL BE RESURRUCTED!" He screamed, and vanished.

"Whew… those kaisers just don't ever shut up" Aquamarine sighed as he stood up again. Looking at the unconscious Ash and Sky Render, "I guess I'd better get them to a safer place…" he took one step…

-THUMP-

"Ow…" Aquamarine sweatdropped. He didn't have enough strength left to move.

The battle against the Kaiser Tyrant was long and hard. Even though the Tyrant has retreated for now, seeing how much our heroes have suffered, it's difficult to say exactly who won. But now, the Shadow of the Deceiver is lifting, and the Kaiser Crusade is beginning. What will happen from this point on? Find out next time on Pokémon: Shadow of the Deceiver!

► TO BE CONTINUED