Chapter 27 – Maze, Moltres and Inner Tower


Everyone was about to take a step to the burning fire when Zarkaruio was when the craft exploded with massive force a creator just above the water level were left but it was glowing and repairing itself as it did before with BlackCharizard's Dragon Rage did as well. Flare raise his arms the eyes locked on the smoke, Annie then dare asked the question stepping beside him pulling one of his arms down.

"Is he still alive? Even after that attack?" Flare lower his head a little with closed eyes Annie knew her question was answered everyone including the legendary pokémon part from Mewtwo, Mew and Rayquaza. "But how is that possible?"

Flare turned the eyes to her standing there with a nervous frown "cause he wasn't called a Ancient for nothing." Flare moved his view back to the smoke "He will be fully powered again in moments or even sooner" Flare then step back feeling the ground shaking "Maybe now"

Zarkaruio burst out of the smoke floating above with a really bad temper on his frown "You took a very cheep shot but at the wrong time I was restoring my power when you did that, now I will give you all a chance to fight me but you all have to make it to me" Zarkaruio spoke out to them

"That simple we just walk" Domino said with a hand on her side then starts to walk.

Zarkaruio stretch out legs and arms an energy field appeared around him then behind them a light formed shooting up then shot across stopping at the near peak of the tower where the beam is still going. "No that simple" Domino stopped turning around seeing a large metal wall appear and ceiling. "All you have to make it to me and this is how it done, defeat my Black Aura doubles and make it to the tower foot steps in a maze"

"A Maze!?" May gasped then as he said it 10 versions of himself appeared then glowing from the floor forming lines in all around the tower showing the outlines of the maze and bursting up into a maze like formation cutting everyone into 10 groups cutting each other out then teleported to different parts of the forming maze soon as it stopped glowing, May saw the shine of the metal wall touching it felt cold then turn to see Oakley, Entei, Swellow and Scyther.

"Look like we have to find a way out of this maze and fight one of those black creeps beating it as well, if it works like a double and being 1 of 10 it would mean that thing is 1 10th the power of Zarkaruio" Oakley said walking up to May looking around. "I know your not fond on me but we have to work together with the pokémon that with us to get out of this mess and confront that pokémon"

"Your right" May then turn to the pokémon "Entei, Swellow and Scyther we need to work together and try to get out of this alive" they each nod ready to give a helping hand.

"At least we got a legendary pokémon with us" Oakley smiled then start to walk, May and the others soon following around a corner beginning their move to the end of the maze.

Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy, Pikachu and Golem watch Lugia keep blasting a hyper beam into the metal wall but nothing happens to the wall. "Wow that wall must be made of a unknown metal that undamaged by a hyper beam from a legendary pokémon" Officer Jenny said taking a check of the wall only seeing burned marks. "Wow it was only marked"

"That not good at all, look like we have to travel through this maze a good thing we have a high ceiling" Nurse Joy smiled Pikachu jumping up on her shoulder then walk up to Lugia "I think you should quit trying to destroy it, there is no chance your hyper beam going to cut through that metal wall however thick it is"

Lugia turn his head to her then at the wall speaking psychically "I have to agree this metal isn't compared to the human craft I destroyed on lightning island in the orange islands this is far stronger." Lugia walk keeping his wings folded back Golem following close behind and the two humans with Pikachu who was worried for Ash looking at the starting point they begun he wanted to back with his best friend Lugia sensing it eyes turn back a little at Pikachu then ahead as they go into the maze.

Professor Oak and Butch stared at each other in the eyes not liking each other a little not after what Butch and Cassidy try to pull more then once before. "Butch we can't go on like this for now we should work with these pokémon to find a way through this maze" Oak put his hand out a little explaining to Butch

"Good you remembered my name, because of that I will do it this once only" Butch put a ungrateful face on not very pleased to be stuck with the Professor. Mew flew between them flying around then point with a paw to a direction away from the beginning point of the part of the maze they was in.

"Look like Mew want us to go" Professor Oak smiled at Mew then turn to the other pokémon Machamp, Venonat and Ariados "Lets all work together as a team for the moment and if we encounter that Zarkaruio double we will show him who boss" the pokémon called out in agreement and they start to walk into the maze

"Who would of thought that Professor was a fighter" Butch whispered to himself then follow after then when Mew pop her head out around the corner to see what taking Butch, he soon caught up and enter into the maze with the others his only wonders was about Cassidy.

Misty holding her Azurill touch the metal with her hand then tapped it with her knuckles gentle "It must be very thick" Misty turn around then walk up to Giovanni who was checking another wall. "It the same as the one over there isn't it?"

Giovanni gave an "hmm" Giovanni turn his body around trailing his eyes to her slowly moving to May's Eevee he looking right up at the Articuno staring back at him. "I know I am not the favioute and you are not to me, I would rather capture the pokémon and use them for my plans but that on hold. Zarkaruio will do more then capture"

Misty look down at Azurill "Yeah I know what you mean, he would rather kill or change them into some sort of black and twisted pokémon without a care for others like that BlackBlastoise did" Misty look strong "Lets all go and take on that double showing him who the boss"

"I like your style kid but the only one here is strong enough against one of those doubles of Zarkaruio is Articuno so this could be bad" Giovanni would of like his pokémon but then look at Persian "Maybe my Persian and the others can give some help"

Misty then took a check of the size "Look like it won't be a good idea to fly, guess we stuck walking" Misty start to walk, Giovanni walking beside her. Articuno let out his pokémon sound then walk behind them wings folded back Eevee staying close to Misty's leg they starting their own journey into the maze.

Cassidy stood against the metal wall watching Sir Aaron checking over the large sky-high pokémon Rayquaza. "You been checking over him for the last 7 minutes. How the big brunt doing?" Cassidy saw the eyes open "I guess that means his awake" Cassidy check the time on her wristwatch showing the time 12:13am

Sir Aaron got up off his knees taking a look up at Rayquaza "You seem to be injured still from that impact, but you should be fine and have enough energy to take on that double Zarkaruio when it shows up in this maze" Rayquaza heard the word Maze then aim his mouth at the metal wall letting off a hyper beam but the wall was undamaged.

"No point trying whatever it is, it strong enough to take on a Take Down from Donphan, a Psychic attack from Espeon and a Fire Spin from Combusken" Cassidy pushed herself off the wall then starting to walk into the Maze.

"Where are you going?" Sir Aaron asked standing with the pokémon

Cassidy stopped then look over her shoulder "To get out of this maze and that the only opition we have, so stop wasting time and move it" Cassidy demanded then she turn away walking onwards.

Sir Aaron heard the growl from the large green pokémon "No point getting annoyed with her, she has a point" he place a hand on the body of Rayquaza "You need all that fire power for that double and to find a way to the end of the maze" Rayquaza didn't answer just flying over him and following Cassidy, the others looked concerned but they slowly walked with Sir Aaron beside them into the maze.

Tracy walked in the area of the maze he was in with the pokémon being stuck with them and the only one that could speak was Mewtwo which he was being the silent type of the group that had Gyarados, Squirtle and Mightyena. He was glare to be in a group with some mighty strong pokémon but hating it being so quiet the only sounds was the three pokémon talking to each other.

Tracy spoke for the 7th time to Mewtwo that was beside him walking as well instead of floating "So Mewtwo" Tracy begun "What kind of trouble are we looking into which this double?"

Mewtwo stopped turning to face Tracy "human I have no interest in talking to you, so stop wasting your energy trying to get me to talk back. I am not in the mood for games" Mewtwo then turn back starting to walk again.

"What is your problem!? I been trying to be nice but you just been giving me the cold look" Tracy spoke out with annoyance in his voice. "We not going any feather till you tell me why"

Mewtwo stopped slowly turned around to Tracy "I have no problem with you, I just feel concerned for all the pokémon in the world"

"That would explain the cold look you been giving me, sometimes being worried will make you very cranky" Tracy understood what the matter now. "Don't worry so hard I am sure things will work out for us, right guys" Tracy asked the other pokémon they speaking out in pokémon nodding as well. "See they think so as well"

Mewtwo turn his head away thinking about what Ash said one time "No one is truly alone"

"Huh?" Tracy heard what Mewtwo said "your only alone if you make yourself feel alone I guess" Tracy just gave a response to what Mewtwo said.

"Yes Tracy that is true." Mewtwo then start to walk after turning around facing forwards again. Tracy and the pokémon following. "If we work as a team we could possible beat Zarkaruio"

"Now that the Spirit" Tracy gave a happy reply looking cheerful about it as they move on deeper into the maze. "Just hope we don't get lost" Tracy whispers to himself.

Kid took a check soon after being placed with a Moltres that was annoyed to be beaten by a black version of himself she had to try and calm Moltres down and being the only human and no way to understand pokémon she was clueless what he was saying but knew he was upset at the least. "Moltres it no good having a go at the pokémon and trying to tell me anything, I can't understand you."

Moltres let out a flamethrower Kid jumping out of the way hitting the wall the pokémon Marill, Sableye and Corphish hiding being Dragonite for protection that pokémon only able to stand a chance against the legendary bird. Kid land on her feet quickly looking back at the wall seeing the metal was undamaged.

Kid saw another blast at the wall again the she took action jumping up on top of Moltres holding his beak closed Moltres almost throw her off but after a little struggling she pulled out a pokéblock from her pocket then quickly letting go throwing it in Moltres mouth jumping off landing in front of the bird. Moltes ate it then felt suddenly refreshed "Good it worked" she smiled

Moltres notice what she did and gave a friendly cry "Well how about we all go and find and take care of Zarkaruio double?" they all replied in their own sounds with a nod they start to head out into the maze. "Moltres seem to cool down but I wonder what was being spoken to me?" Kid wondered following the pokémon Moltres walking as well.

Annie and Max walk in front of Psyduck and Munchlax while Zapdos was in front of them keeping a check of what around the bend each route they take already came to some dead ends in the path "How come we following Zapdos? Not it following us?"

Max walking beside her close his eyes and said with a finger up raised "Reason is Zapdos is the strongest pokémon here and have very sharp eyes. So we know when trouble around when Zapdos does" Max then open his eyes turnings his head up to Annie.

"I guess so kid but" Zapdos then turn around they did and floating there was the double "We in a too closed space we got to run" Annie shouted out and giving a push to the lightning bird made Zapdos annoyed "Don't give me that, think about it we need a bit more open area to fight that thing can care less on how tight things are" Zapdos look around quickly seeing his attacks would injury the other pokémon and the humans. Understanding what Annie said he turn around then run with the other pokémon

Max turn seeing a large shadow ball forming then fly right at them they get around a corner the blast creating smoke. "That thing is mental it don't really care about a fair fight" Max cried out as they all ran from it as it start attacking with thunderbolt attacks. "Got to find a big enough room to fight back there should be somewhere in here" Max cried as they kept running. Zapdos couldn't believe he was running on his talons then flying but the corridor of the maze was just too small for his wingspan as the attacks remind him of the enemy behind them. Psyduck crying out the mix of panicking psyduck cries running fast in fear wanting to be back with his trainer Misty being safe from the crazy double pokémon.

A group in another part of the maze was just made up with pokémon Raikou, two Weviles, Staryu and Lucario including the only one not been on Earth long Flare walking through the maze like the others but they was dealing with Double Team pokémon from the double version of Zarkaruio. "Why don't that double really show it self up? That coward keeps hiding being Double Team" Raikou growled then saw another come out and about to attack like the last Raikou's bolt of lightning go through it then vanished.

"To my count that 15" Flare said calmly then say "I think each one has a stronger ability then another"

"That helps" one of the Weviles muttered

"A lot of help" the other spoke both sighing

Staryu spoke out even without a mouth being a star shape with a ruby like object in the middle "I say we should listen"

Lucario stopped then saw another powering up for attacking he focused on his Aura senses but like he tried before it was blinded by a powerful aura around him since the tower was pumping energy through the stones they walk on and what was created by Zarkaruio being the metal walls. "I am not sure if that the real thing but I think it not" the attack was a blank then it vanished like the others.

"16" Raikou got annoyed with Flare not doing much to help "Charizard you better have a idea"

"I been thinking of one and I guess your annoyed cause your worried about those kids with Liza" Flare said to Raikou seeing him react to a silent look facing away from Flare. "If we focus enough we can see through those Double Team ones and then we can trick the real one to thinking we think it one of those Double Teams" Flare explained his plan to them.

Both Weviles turn to each other turning their hands back to facing Flare "Good Idea" they both said with a happy expression on their faces.

"Sharp and simple" Statyu liked it as well.

Lucario grinned facing the fire pokémon "I knew the pokémon of pokélonum would suggest a idea like that, it almost human like and from what I seen of you it not surprising now." Lucario lean against the metal wall "Pokémon from your world do more then battling like today."

"Yes and most of the stuff seem to be what humans do, for instant, I am a professor and I studied to become what I am and on a off time I have to say I do battle but it under a contest tournament that happen once a year something I always done since I been a young Charizard." Flare replied "But back to the point of being here. The focusing might take a little time but it will help us, so could you two Weviles take of the look out and making sure the real one don't show up?" Flare talking to then and then request to the Wevile

"We on it" Wevile the first one grinned the other did as well both standing either side of the group waiting for anymore of the Double Teams to show up while the others focus their views to seeing past the Double Team ones.

Charizard jumped out of the way of a energy ball smashing into the ground where he stood soon Suicune jump forward and launch a energy attack back at the double of Zarkaruio they been dodging and battling this one since they ended up in the maze area of their own. "Ash we have to do it now, we need all the power we can have" Charizard said to Ash who was dodging the attacks of the Double flying around letting a flamethrower off then land turning his head to Charizard with a nod.

Domino jumped backwards doing a back flip landing on her feet the ice beam missing her just by inches "This thing is using all sorts of attacks and what every we do we can't seem to aim at it, that thing moving far to fast" Domino sudden saw it appear right in front of her she using a pole that came from her black flower swag at it then vanished before she could hit it. "Stand still!!!"

Sceptile was doing a quick attack but each one was just as bad missing them and Suicune trying to get his attack to hit both of them having a hard time hitting that Zarkaruio Double. Ash got in front of Charizard who took the Fire Crystal out "Domino, you and the others hold him off we got a plan to help"

"I hope you do" Domino replied then went with the pokémon to keep Zarkaruio Double at bay.

Ash and Charizard held the Fire Crystal together "Dragon Breath" Charizard spoke and Ash in reply with a Dragon Breath attack green like flames hitting the Crystal it glowing with a massive build of green Ash then lets go of it as it start to crack then explode into a green engulfing inferno right around the human body of Ash's the hat flying off landing outside the flames on the floor.

Ash and Charizard stood in the mental plain looking at each other then cross the bridge the flames over Ash body plateau Ash going back to it and Charizard going to his. Ash and Charizard clapped claw and hand going by in the mid point bridge then enter their own bodies that the plateau is shown in this mental plain then the bridge vanished and then back in reality.

Domino saw the green flames over where Ash human body was "Ash!" She turned to run over to it but the Zarkaruio flew past to strike at the flames but the icy punch that came to it came to a stop when a claw Charizard like hand came out of the flames crabbing it paw hand the attack stopped. "Charizard?" Charizard gave a nod she saw it was the Charizard "that mean you two are back in each other body and what happened to Ash?"

Charizard grinned then the green flames burst away showing a Charizard with burned clothes on the floor but most of it nothing more then ashes the orange dark markings on the tail and just over each eye of the Charizard show it was different and seem bigger the Charizard by a good 2ft. Then he throw the pokémon into the metal wall he then look at Domino with a smile then picking up the hat unclipping the strap on the hat with his claws carefully then put the hat on his head the backing just fitting over the start of his two blunt horns.

"I gather your Ash still" Domino frowns and Ash roared with a small laugh. "I am guessing from that sudden power in strength your not a normal type of Charizard those markings I seen before. That the symbol if what Mewtwo told me is right, that symbol on the tail just at base is the Eon Flame." Domino said figuring it out a little seeing the darken orange scales that marked as a shape of that symbol.

Suddenly the anger pokémon rush at them blasting a shadow ball Ash stood in front of Domino "I will finish this" she heard him but it was in her mind. Domino knew it was psychic and that she only could give one name "Eon Charizard" whispers Domino as Ash caught the shadow ball with is claws and then throw it into a wall with a grin he did his own quick attack almost like he knew how to do it already crashing into the Zarkaruio Double. Pokémon and Domino was amazed how fast he could move and Charizard was even more amazed how fast Ash was learning abilities from his new body the Eon Charizard body.

Sceptile spoke soundly and almost dropping his twig from his mouth "Sceptile" Ash turn to Sceptile with a smile and wink with one eye the brown eyes a tale told size that was Ash. "Scep" the eyes of Sceptile widen a little with shock then to everyone's surprise fall backwards fainting "tile" then thud he was on his back out cold, Suicune only could stare not even wanting to think or say anything as Ash was amazed to see the leaf type fainting but soon back into the fight against the Zarkaruio Double.

As this is happening the group that enter into the tower walk down a corridor not too sure if this is the right way to go they came to a spilt on the left then the right. Jimmy looked one way then look to the other with hands over his head resting on his back he spoke out "Now which way do we go? It almost like this place is miles long" Jimmy turned around facing the others.

Liza touch the wall "this writing is everywhere and from the looks of the pokémon they can understand this" Liza moved her hand away "Wonder what they are reading. A shame that technology of Flare's was destroyed with the ship" Liza said looking at each and every pokémon. "But we must find that armour and find those that being held captured"

"Yes and try to free the others that are those black pokémon" Marina said with a nod then look around for a way then thought of something "Little Miss go through the wall and see if you can find anything" Misdreavus spoke out in reply but when she went into the wall but land flat into it not through it with a small glow. "What happened!? Little Miss are you ok?" Marina picked up Misdreavus looking at the wall.

Vincent gulped "that not the only problem!" Vincent pointed they all turn to see both black pokémon BlackBlastoise and BlackCharizard standing there grinning, "I think we should get moving" he said with fear.

Both pokémon took a look at each other with a grin both nod then face them powering up shadow ball attack, Liza yelled "Spilt up!" they all ran in two directions down both paths as the attacks come crashing into the wall the blast almost enough to knock them off their feet. Charla, Liza, Vincent and Meganium ran down the left path while Jimmy, Marina, Typhlosion, Beedrill, Misdreavus and Croconaw ran down the right path.

BlackBlastoise and BlackCharizard stood where they was when the smoke cleared they put claw hands together right and left then they turn heading down their own paths to take chase after each group. Liza turn to look back as they ran seeing the BlackCharizard flying right at them. "Damn why did this place have to be wide enough to fly in" Liza stopped and so did Vincent and the pokémon.

Vincent then thought about it running in front of Liza and Charla he shouts "Go Liza, you and Charla go for that armour me and Meganium will deal with her, we got a plan to tie her up a time, right Meganium" Meganium got ready for battle "Meganium!" she replied.

"Alright be careful and good luck" Liza turn back around "Come on Charla take me to the armour if she can fly so can we" Liza jump on Charla's back and she take off flying away then around a corner. "I am sure they will handle her" Charla gave a short roar in reply.

BlackCharizard land on the ground calmly standing before the two, she grinned then let out a flamethrower Meganium dodging the attack jumping to the side "Razor leaf!" he called out "if I get this right she will blast it with a flamethrower then use Vine Whip, but if you don't want to get burned we will try another way" Meganium shook her head to the plan going another path then stood strong.

She did a razor leaf BlackCharizard let out a flamethrower burning the razor leaves to ashes but then coming through her flamethrower attack was two vines bursting out of made her back up but before she could react the vines wrapped around her tying the BlackCharizard up wings press down on her back arms and legs also tied down.

Meganium pulled making the black pokémon land on the ground "Good we got her tied down, that should give us some time for Liza to get that Ancient Armour." BlackCharizard tried and tried but couldn't get free and now helpless but she wouldn't give up this easily she had to find a way to break free of the vines.

Marina and Jimmy ran then she turned to a stop staring at the path where BlackBlastoise will come with her pokémon "Jimmy go find the others we will hold that big bad pokémon off"

Jimmy slid to a stop turning around to her "No way, I can't let you battle that thing alone" Typhlosion and Beedrill stood in front of him with spikes and paws raised waving them in front of Jimmy. "I guess you guys are right." Jimmy the called out "Marina you do well and rock that Black pokémon!" He gave a thumbs up with a smile

"You got it" Marina replied then BlackBlastoise appeared before them around the bend with a grin aiming his cannons at the pokémon. Jimmy and his pokémon running onwards to find the central chamber, Marina smiled "It time to dance and out for this match is Little Miss and Wani Wani" they and her did a dance then stood ready.

BlackBlastoise just stared again with a anime sweatdrop down the side of his face really disturbed by this dance before battle 'Please not that again' he thought then wanted to stop any more of it let out his attack both pokémon dodging the Hydro Pump attack and Marina standing with a finger pointing at him "Attack with double tackle"

Latias at the time was travelling down a beam of light she was unaware where she was going or how fast she was travelling but not even knowing right behind only moments away was BlackMoltres lucky enough they both travelled at the same speed towards Pokélonum's own tower where the beam is about to touch down itself on the very island the Tower was hidden in.

Moltresse flew to the forbidden Island seeing it looking at peaceful as ever in the night time air she taking a glance to the sky seeing all three moons in the sky with the sun in full shine. "Everything look fine and ordinary from up here, I hope Nite didn't call me on that emergency broadcast for a false alarm I don't take that kindly at all being one of this planet's guardian and all." She said to herself flapping her wings at a hovering location about a mile out of the island.

Suddenly from the sky a tickle of some sort caught her eyes Moltresse couldn't react soon enough to this as it crashed down from the sky onto the centre of the island the beam smashing through the mountaintop then a massive glow came from under the island a large circler light then bursting the land mass outwards in chunks. The light dimmed but the beam still going in what left of the island as it fell away showing a large tower of sort where the island stood a beam going through the beam that came down heading back into space creating the two way link of the worlds.

"It wasn't a false alarm that beam must be coming from somewhere and opened up that tower from the island, it must have been hidden in it all this time" Moltresse whispered to herself flapping her Moltres wings staring at the sight that now shown before her.

Latias soon burst out of the tower beam from the top of it flying for a few seconds all the sudden feeling a pull on her that was greater then she felt before. "It must be this increase gravity that Flare told me about" she moaned trying to keep in the air fighting with some strength to fly. "I must find that Latios Latidive if we going to have a chance to take down that Zarkaruio" she winched in pain a little finding it stressful to fly only getting about a mile away from the tower. She was so caught up in trying to deal with the gravity problem not noticing Moltresse watching her with surprise and the arrival of BlackMoltres that had no trouble fighting the new gravity, he flying right to her.

"This is going to be far to easy" BlackMoltres grinned powering up a attack then letting go a Flamethrower right for Latias, Moltresse saw it and did her own the attack colliding into his stopping it in it's tracks with a massive blast of smoke.

"Whoever you are your not going to harm that Latias, you will have to get through me" Moltresse flew in the path of Latias now hovering in the way of BlackMoltres aim. During this time three pokémon hiding near by the tower heard what Latias was saying they all seem to lightning up in the eyes, seeming to know Flare the Charizard.

BlackMoltres grinned on the end of her beak staring right at her "I wouldn't mind a challenge, my orders was to take out the stronger threat to his plans for this world" BlackMoltres said then let out a Flamethrower and Moltresse countering it with her own another hit of each others attacks in the middle causing a explosion.

"I see your quite strong for a black version of our kind, you must have dark, fire and flying type abilities" Moltresse spoke back to him seeming calm then dodged a shadow ball attack that BlackMoltres did. "So that how it going to be?"

"Yes" they went in for the attack both letting of flamethrowers dodging each others attack then flying into one another with a flash of impact both flying away then attacking again the battle just beginning over the Pokélonum's own Tower Lonumosor.

Unaware of this Latias travel almost blindly into this new world but she could sense a Latios near by on a island she couldn't tell how but she knew that was Latidive "here goes nothing" she close her hand paws into the side of her body and using all the power she can get blasted herself at high speeds to the island and this would only take a few minutes to get there at her speed and the island she was heading for was a pokélonum town sitting on it about 20 miles away from the tower itself.