Episode 437: Rise of the Silver Moon
Before we begin this chapter, I thought I would take this opportunity to announce that there is going to be a big secret is going to be revealed about Silver Moon. What that secret is going to be? Well, you'll have to wait and see what it is as you keep reading it. Also, I originally, I thought about having Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel return to Mount Coronet, but I decided to scratch that idea when I thought it was some kind of error in the anime. Anyway, please enjoy the chapter.
We open up to Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill as they returned to Sinnoh, but they weren't alone. It turns out Kanako is with them. Apparently, Kanako has come across Riku a few times while pursuing him, but she was no longer under Count Ernesh's control.
(We'll get right to that in Pokémon: Riku's Chronicles when there are more chapters added to it)
"Are you sure, Riku? Are you sure you want to bring me to your friends? I mean, we did get off on the wrong foot when we first met," Kanako said.
"It'll be fine, Kanako. They'll understand that you were very much a victim as I was. Besides, didn't Tyr say there's wisdom in forgiveness?" Riku asked.
"I guess he did say that, but..." Kanako paused.
"You don't need to worry, Kanako. Riku is right. You shouldn't be too quick to give up before we had a chance to get started," Naminé said.
"Azu, Azu," Azurill said.
"But before we get to that, there's someone who we need to see first," Riku said.
"You got that right, Riku," Rei said as she came before Riku, Naminé, Kanako, Eevee, and Eevee.
"Master Rei," Riku and Naminé said.
"I trust your journey has been fruitful," Rei said.
"Yes, Master. Naminé and I have visted different worlds, and I had a grueling trial, but Naminé has helped me whenever I needed it. I had some doubts to control the darkness within me, but I never gave up," Riku said.
"It's true, Master. I have done my best to support him," Naminé said. Rei turned to Kanako.
"Why is she here?" Rei asked.
"I have defected from Count Ernesh, after I have learned the truth for myself. And now that I know the truth, I will side against my former Master and embrace the light that sleeps within me," Kanako said.
"I understand. And I can sense you have changed for the better Riku. And I can also sense that you have much better control over the darkness within you, so I believe you have been punished long enough. Beginning now, your probation is officially lifted, and you are allowed to use a Keyblade once more," Rei said, summoning the Braveheart and Oblivion Keyblades and hands them back to Riku.
"Thank you, Master. You won't regret it," Riku said.
"I hope not," Rei said. Riku dismissed both Keyblades, knowing he has been restored to full duty.
Meanwhile, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel continued their journey toward Solaceon Town for the upcoming Pokémon Contest. The couple were doing some training for their upcoming battle. While they did, Sora looked at his Sneasel and he saw how much stronger his Sneasel was getting, and helping with the bridge along with Bibarel did contribute, so Sora took out the Razor Claw and decided it was time Sneasel had evolved.
"Hey, Sneasel, how would you like to evolve?" Sora asked.
"Sneas?" Sneasel asked.
"Well, you did grow so much stronger since I first met you, so I thought it was about time you evolved into a Sneasler, so how about it?" Sora asked, holding out the Razor Claw. Sneasel took the Razor Claw and began to evolve. Sora's Hisuian Sneasel has become a Sneasler.
"Sneasler," the newly evolved Sneasler said.
"Okay, Sneasler, time to test you out. Dire Claw!" Sora ordered. Sneasler's claws gave off a purple glow and tried them out on the Unversed dummies. "Awesome job, Sneasler!"
"Sneasler!" Sneasler exclaimed.
Just a little further, Silver Moon is walking down the road by himself. He and Lucius have separated from each other just to deal with the other Guardians of Kingdom Hearts. Silver Moon thought of dealing with Sora and Kairi himself since he can sense they're much closer to him.
"I'm not gonna fail again. I have to what I was trained to do. Count Ernesh's honor is hanging on the line. I won't fail him. And I won't fail Xehanort," Silver Moon said as Xehanort's gold eyes became visible through his mask.
Back with Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel, they're approached by a couple, who have some Pokémon merchandise. One man wore a shirt with a Pikachu printed on his shirt and a woman with a Clefairy short.
"Look, honey, a Pikachu and an Eevee. Oh, they're both so very darling, aren't they?" The woman asked.
"Oh, they sure are, my sweet. Do those little ones belong to you?" The man asked.
"Yeah, Pikachu's my Pokémon," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And Angel's with me," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You named your Eevee Angel? Oh, that is the most adorable thing ever!" The woman said.
"And juding by how they look, they've been well-taken care of. Say, if it's okay to ask, but you think we can have a battle with you? We love everything that has to do with Pokémon, even Pokémon battles," the man said.
"Sure. I still haven't decided on what to do with my Contest, but I could use the practice," Kairi said.
"And I would like to practice for my Gym battle," Sora said.
"Wonderful. Just don't go easy on us," the woman said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "I choose you, Chansey!" Her Pokéball opened and her Chansey emerged from inside. The man took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Time to come out and play, Sudowoodo!" The man called out. His Pokéball opened and his Sudowoodo came out to battle.
"Okay, Sudowoodo and Chansey. I think I'll go with Croagunk!" Sora called out as he threw his Pokéball. Croagunk came out to battle. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Let's go, Bibarel!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and Bibarel came out to battle.
"Croagunk and Bibarel look so cute, don't they?" The woman asked.
"Yeah, too bad we have to battle them," the man said.
"Them's the breaks. Croagunk! Use Brick Break on Sudowoodo!" Sora ordered.
"Bibarel! Use Super Fang on Chansey!" Kairi ordered. Croagunk and Bibarel came right toward their opponents with their chosen attacks.
"Sudowoodo! Dodge it and use Mimic to copy Croagunk!" The man ordered.
"Chansey! Use Minimize!" The woman ordered. Chansey shrank in size, making Bibarel miss his target completely. Sudowoodo dodged Croagunk's Brick Brick and the branch gave off a glow, allowing the Imitation Pokémon to learn Brick Break from Croagunk. "Chansey! Use your Double Slap on Bibarel!" Chansey gave Bibarel a couple of slaps across the face.
"Sudowoodo! Use Brick Break!" The man ordered. Sudowoodo came down to land a Brick Break.
"Okay, Croagunk, use Poion Jab to block that!" Sora ordered. Croagunk uses Poison Jab to block Sudowoodo's Brick Break. "Use Brick Break!"
"Double-Edge!" The man ordered. Sudowoodo charges at Croagunk and lands a tackle on the Toxic Mouth Pokémon.
"Chansey! Use Fling!" The woman ordered. Chansey took her egg and hurls it right at Bibarel, hitting him. The egg comes back to her. "Use Fling again!" Chansey threw her egg at Bibarel.
"Bat that back with Aqua Tail!" Kairi ordered. Bibarel's tail emits water and he uses it to bat the egg back and hits Chansey with it, making her grow back to normal. "Okay, Bibarel! Water Gun on Sudowoodo!" Bibarel fired a Water Gun right at the Imitation Pokémon, hitting it. "Your turn, Sora!"
"Use Poison Jab on Chansey!" Sora ordered. Croagunk lands a Poison Jab on the Egg Pokémon, poisoning her. "Use Venoshock!" Croagunk fired a Venoshock, hitting Chansey on the mark and dealing some extra damage. The Egg Pokémon goes down for the count.
"Oh, dear! Chansey is out of the match," the woman said, calling back her Chansey said.
"Don't worry, sweetie. I'll handle it from here. Sudowoodo! Use Rock Slide!" The man ordered. Sudowoodo unleashed a Rock Slide right at the both of them.
"Dodge!" Sora and Kairi called out. Croagunk and Bibarel dodged Sudowoodo's Rock Slide.
"Okay, Bibarel! Water Pulse!" Kairi ordered. Bibarel forms a ball of water and sends it right at Sudowoodo, hitting it.
"Brick Break!" Sora ordered. Sudowoodo came right for Sudowoodo and struck it.
"Bibarel! Use Aqua Tail!" Kairi ordered. Bibarel smacked Sudowoodo on the spot, finishing it off.
"So much for that," the man said, calling back his Sudowoodo.
"Still, we had fun," the woman said.
"We sure did. And that's what's really impirtant than winning anyway," the man said.
"Great job, Croagunk," Sora said.
"You did great, Bibarel," Kairi said.
"Croagunk," Croagunk said.
"Bibarel," Bibarel said.
"Well, you two did great in your battle," Sora said.
"That's really nice of you to say," the man said.
"Didn't you mention you were heading for Solaceon Town?" The woman asked.
"Yes. I'm entering the Contest that's taking place there," Kairi said.
"How wonderful. We wish you the best of luck," the woman said.
"Yeah, we know you'll do very well in it," the man added.
"Thanks," Kairi said.
"And we'll wish you the best of luck in your Gym battle," the man said.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
With that done, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel took off as the couple tended to their injured Pokémon, unaware of Silver Moon watching the battle.
"Not bad, you two. Now, I'm going to need to get the both of you to get comfy and have your guard down," Silver Moon said.
A little while later, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel made a stop to rest before they head for Solaceon Town, but Kairi had to think about who to use in the Contest. She was beside herself as to figure out which she hadn't used yet. Kairi looked at her Growlithe, remembering he knows Power Gem, so she had to go with him.
"You made up your mind on which Pokémon to use for the Contest?" Sora asked.
"Well, I did think for a bit, and I thought I'd give Growlithe a howling good debut," Kairi said. Sora laughed at the pun his girlfriend made.
"That's a good one," Sora said.
"Thanks," Kairi as she also started to laugh.
"So, what about the second round?" Sora asked.
"Well, I'm deciding if I should go with Angel or Glameow for it. Then again, I am considering some others," Kairi said.
"Well, whatever you choose, I'll be there to back you up," Sora said.
"I already know I have your support, Sora. Thanks," Kairi said.
"That's what boyfriends are for, right?" Sora asked.
"Right," Kairi said. She then smiled widely. "Thanks, Sora."
"Anytime, Kairi. After all, I do love you," Sora said.
"And I love you, too, Sora," Kairi said.
"Oh, such a sweet and loving moment," a familiar voice spoke. It turns out that it belonged to Silver Moon as he has shown up before them. "It would be a crying shame if someone just came around and spoiled it. Someone like me that is," Silver Moon said.
"Silver Moon!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed.
"I don't remember inviting you to tag along! Why don't you make like a Beedrill and buzz off?" Sora asked.
"Okay, that's plain rude. I mean, do you hear me saying such mean and rude comments like that? Like you did with a certain trio, if I'm remembering right," Silver Moon said.
"Hey, that's different with those three!" Sora argued.
"It was because they wouldn't leave us alone!" Kairi said.
"They may have been determined, but then again, I can be the same way if I wanted to be. But the only difference between me and them is, I'm not quick to underestimate you. I mean, you defeated Ganondorf, Xehanort's Heartless, Seth, the Dark Masters, the Demon Lords, Organization XIII, and Emperor Mateus. I know Count Ernesh won't be finding it easy to deal with you," Silver Moon said.
"Well, if he wants to find out for real, he could just come here himself!" Sora said.
"In due time, Sora. But for right now, you have me to deal with! So, gimme everything you've got, Sora and Kairi," Silver Moon said, summoning his Keyblade. "Just don't expect a quick win against me."
"You should take your own advice, Silver Moon!" Kairi said as she summoned her Destiny's Embrace as Sora summoned his Kingdom Key.
They clashed their Keyblades against one another. Silver Moon pushes back against Kairi as Sora attempts to strike him, but Silver Moon ducks his head as Sora and Silver Moon clashed their Keyblades against each other before he unleashed a flare spell, sending it right at Sora, so he managed to dodge it by jumping out of its path.
"Nice dodge, but you won't dodge forever!" Silver Moon said, casting a dark thunder spell. Sora sprints rapidly and avoided the dark lightning bolts. Sora then threw his Kingdom Key at Silver Moon and Silver Moon deflects it as Kairi casts a crystal fire spell, hitting him.
"That really burned me up, so let me return the favor to you!" Silver Moon said, unleashing a burst of darkness, sending it right at Kairi. She quickly casts a reflect spell to block it.
Sora came rushing at Silver Moon with his Keyblade emitting an azure aura and hits Silver Moon on the mask, destroying it. Sora was then shocked by what he saw. He saw it was his own face, but with some differences that were literally looking back at him. He has tanned skin, silver hair, and amber eyes. Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel shared Sora's shock.
"What the?" Sora asked.
"You shouldn't have done that, dude," Silver Moon said.
"You have Sora's face," Kairi said.
"I don't just have his face. I'm a replica of both Sora and Xehanort. It was Count Ernesh's scientist that created me by following the replica program that Vexen also had his hand in. The Elemental Bosses were just prototypes compared to me. I may be a replica, but the only difference is, I know I'm fake in every way, but I'm still human despite it all," Silver Moon said.
"How exactly are you a copy of me?" Sora asked.
"It was after you turned into a Heartless that caught my attention of both my master and my creator. What really fascinated them about you is the fact you were the first one to ever to come back from that, apart from the Organization members, but of course, you already found that out when you met Axel again, right?" Silver Moon pointed out. Sora didn't say a thing. "Count Ernesh knew that he couldn't sway you over to our side, since you have the power of light, and you were too much like your father anyway, so he had the scientist create me by using a copy of data that the Organization had on you. So, to cancel out the power of light, I was given the power of darkness, and that was the data that Xehanort had of himself when he was Ansem's apprentice. Xehanort knew there would be future generations who would likely follow in his footsteps and finish what he started long ago, so he wanted to be prepared. And I'm the living result of those preparations!"
"So Vexen had data on all of us after all. That's what he meant by creating replicas of us when we faced him," Kairi said.
"You may be a copy of me, but it doesn't mean you're better than me! We're going to take you down and hard!" Sora said.
"Well, then take me down if you can," Silver Moon said as the couple engaged Silver Moon again, so he clashed his Keyblade against theirs. Silver Moon unleashed a dark blizzard spell, sending it right at the couple. They quickly cast a reflect spell to block it. Sora dashed at Silver Moon with the Kingdom Key ahead of himself. Silver Moon dodged it as he clashed his Keyblade against the Kingdom Key. Kairi joined in the fray as they clashed their Keyblades against one another. It kept up right until Sora has gotten the edge and casts an aero spell, blowing Silver Moon in it. He growled in anger. "You two are more of a pain than I originally thought. It looks like you've won this round, but I'll be back to deal with you another time. And you better count on that!" Silver Moon said as he vanished.
"He's gone," Sora said.
"I just find it hard to believe that Count Ernesh would just go and make a copy of you, Sora," Kairi said.
"Me too. It was already bad enough that he hired J to take Riku's Eevee from him, but making a copy of me and sending him out to attack us and the others when we first met," Sora said.
If you're wondering about the origins of Silver Moon, well, the following flashback will answer your questions right here and now. So, here we go.
(Flashback)
We see Count Ernesh entering Insidious's room and kneeling before him.
"You summoned me, my Master?" Count Ernesh asked.
"There is a great disturbance, my friend. Have you sensed it?" Insidious asked.
"Yes, my Lord. I have,. But I do not know what it was I have sensed," Count Ernesh said.
"Kaito Ketchum's son has turned into a Heartless, and then he has regained his human form once again," Insidious said.
"How is this possible, Master?" Count Ernesh asked.
"It is not, my apprentice. As you are already aware, once a being has succumbed to the darkness in their hearts, then they are transformed into a Heartless, in such, they lose every bit of the memories of their previous lives before their transformation. But what I have not considered was the fact that Sora's Heartless still had hold of the memories of his life as they were slowly disappearing from his mind, but a powerful light has shined and reversed the effects, allowing Sora to regain his human form with everything still intact. Until this moment, I could never have foreseen such an event," Insidious said.
"Forgive me for asking such a question, Master, but what does this have to do with us?" Count Ernesh asked.
"It has proved that Sora Ketchum's heart is much stronger than I have anticipated, and as a result, Sora Ketchum's Nobody have been just created. But as soon as Sora Ketchum has regain his humanity, the Nobody has lost all of his original self's memories and half of his powers. There is no doubt in my mind, the Organization has picked up on him by now, and Xemnas is already moving in to recruit him into their ranks. And to answer your question, Sora Ketchum has become a liability, so the Organization will do what they can to eliminate him since the new Nobody will then regain his full power once Sora Ketchum has been disposed of," Insidious said.
"And what do we do in the meantime?" Count Ernesh asked.
"No now, nothing, but continue with our own plans. Organization XIII will deal with Sora Ketchum while we continue with our own obligations whilst we still remain in the shadows. Speaking of which, how are things from within Team Rocket?" Insidious asked.
"Loki has successfully infiltrated just as we planned, Master. Loki has reported that Giovanni has joined forces with Ganondorf and those who shares his ambitions for conquest as they begin to search for the seven Princesses of Heart. Xehanort's Heartless is making sure that the plan goes into effect," Count Ernesh said.
"Excellent, my friend," Insidious said.
"But, may I make a proposal?" Count Ernesh asked.
"You may. Speak," Insidious said.
"If we cannot sway Sora Ketchum to our sides, but may I suggest that we do some general research on the boy?" Count Ernesh asked.
"For what end?" Insidious asked.
"Clearly for some scientific reasons. I will have Professor Brimstone begin his research on Sora Ketchum at once, and I will make good use of the data we gain in order to create a perfect replica, combing his data with that of Xehanort, so he would be the perfect warrior," Count Ernesh proposed.
"A promising proposal, my apprentice. You have my permission to do so," Insidious said.
"I thank you, Lord Insidious. I will begin at once. If you would excuse me," Count Ernesh said, taking his leave.
As time passed, Professor Brimstone was given the opportunity to do his research on Sora. Professor Brimestone accepted the research proposal and he began at once. He has observed from the shadows, getting down every bit of useful information, especially his fighting skills. After the Hoenn Pokémon League, he felt that he has all the info he needed, and he began to work on the replica at once. He has dubbed his project No.x. Professor Brimstone has brought the replica to life with the data of both Sora and Xehanort, combining the two into one. Sora's spiky hair, and voice Xehanort's skin, hair, and eye coloring. Professor Brimstone has granted his creation his armor. Only the mask remains off.
"He is now completed, Count Ernesh. It was grueling work, but I have always loved a challenge. THerefore, No.x is the result. But, I have decided to name this new warrior Silver Moon. He is now yours to command," Professor Brimstone said.
"Thank you, professor. You have done well," Count Ernesh said, making Professor Brimstone grin. "Welcome to the world, Silver Moon. I am Count Ernesh, and beginning now, I will be your master."
"M...M...Master," Silver Moon spoke his first word.
"I intend to make very good use of you, Silver Moon. You will dedicate your life in my service, and in return, you will gain power over your enemies. You will begin your training at once," Count Ernesh said.
"Yes, Master," Silver Moon said.
"Good. And you will need this. Consider it a gift," Count Ernesh said, handing Silver Moon the Moon Shadow Keyblade. Silver Moon accepts it before he places his mask on and began his training against his enemies.
(Flashback ends)
Silver Moon sat by a pond, looking right at his reflection in the water. He was thinking about his fight against Sora and Kairi.
"I won't let my master down again. I'll have to become even stronger and I'll annihilate the next time, along with the others," Silver Moon said.
Well, this is quite a surprise. Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill have returned, but they have brought Kanako along with them. Silver Moon is a replica of both Sora and Xehanort, so who would have guessed it? How will Ash, Leaf, and the others all react when they learn of this bit of news from Sora and Kairi once they hear about it? And will Count Ernesh make an appearance to them soon? We might as well find out in the future.
Bet you didn't see that coming, did you? Well, some of you thought Silver Moon was just a Riku replica, huh? Sorry for dashing your hopes for that, but it would have been too easy for my taste. And don't even ask me about anything regarding Kanako and about Riku and Naminé coming back, because that will be answered when I do more of Pokémon: Riku's Chronicles chapters soon. Anyway, that'll be it for right now, so stay tuned for some more chapters of this fic coming in soon.