Chapter 4- Aquamarine’s Honour

 

~Among the many forces that exist in this world, hatred is one of the most powerful, both physically and spiritually. It can overwhelm us, manipulate us, and drive us to insanity… I would know, because I was consumed by it at one point. Hatred comes in many forms, and can be as small dislike to a bitter despise, and it can spread like a plague, simply by teaching. A simple difference in ideas can trigger it, and from that point the hatred will grow, and consume everything. Hatred… greed… and the lust for power… these are the weapons used by the Kaiser Cult, the forces that drive them to committing unspeakable acts. Even as I speak, the shadow that hides the cult continues to lift, and they are taking their challenge to the world. To conquer the earth, to change and rebuild the world, to overthrow the human race… those are their goals, and their devotion to it is nothing less than terrifying. When you think about it, it is sad how they were able to accomplish so much, yet it has to be for the sake of evil… hopefully, someday we can stop to them… someday…

-Ash Ketchum

Warning: This chapter is dark and seriously violent, especially one scene which is graphic. You have been warned.

 

(Location- Cerulean Gym) [Chrono Trigger- Ocean Palace]

 

“GRRR…” Aquamarine growled, looking on both sides. On one side was Silver Kaiser, on the other side was Gold Kaiser. “Hmm… two against one, far from being easy…”

 

“OH NO IT’S NOT!” Shouted Ash, and everyone turned to him, “Aquamarine isn’t fighting this battle alone!” Ash took a fighting stance, and Pikachu stood right next to him, ready for battle, “Gold Kaiser and Silver Kaiser! You tried to destroy Cerulean City, ruined Sky Render’s name, and even tried to hurt Misty, and I won’t allow it! I am the Chosen One Ash Ketchum from the Town of Pallet, and I will also fight!”

 

“Hmm…” Gold Kaiser looked at Ash, “And who are you?”

 

“WA!” Ash fell over in stupidity, “Ugh… Oh come on! You’ve seen me before, and I just introduced myself! You can read minds too, figure it out!”

 

“Ah yes, I remember you…” Gold Kaiser crossed his arms.

 

“Prince Gold, do you know this annoying kid?” asked Silver Kaiser

 

“We’ve met some time ago, Lord Silver.” said Gold Kaiser, looking at Ash. “Usually, I wouldn’t bother remembering worthless people, but it’s hard to forget someone who makes a remark about me ‘reading minds’, so suddenly…”

 

“Hmm…” Silver Kaiser sighed, “First the girl tries to shut down the barrier, and now some annoying kid shows up. Just what are those guards doing?”

 

“They’re taking a nap” Aquamarine spoke, “They should’ve been more careful when taking hostages, and make sure none of them were Chosen Ones!”

 

“And I’m NOT some annoying kid!” shouted Ash, “I just told you! I’m Ash Ketchum! A Chosen One! The guy that beat Red Kaiser! Does that ring a bell?”

 

“Prince Gold, he’s getting on my nerves” said Silver Kaiser

 

“I understand Lord Silver, I’ll take care of him…” Gold Kaiser stepped forwards…

 

“Hmm…” Ash stood ready. All of the sudden, his instincts kicked in… DANGER! “AH!”

 

CRACK!!!

 

“WA…!” Ash gasped, stumbling back and falling over. He was trembling, amazed at just how close he had come to death.

 

“Hmmm…” Gold Kaiser stood there, his fist embedded in the ground. “I missed?” He turned his head and looked at Ash. Ash got back up and took a fighting stance. Gold Kaiser… he had attempted to finish Ash off the same way as he had done to Gary!

 

“HAAA!!!!” Aquamarine shouted as he attacked Silver Kaiser with his fists. The Kaiser Lord blocked each hit with his arms, and struck at Aquamarine himself, but the Chosen One of Water spun around and evaded the attack, “CORAL CRUSH!”

 

SLAM!

 

“AH!” Silver Kaiser exclaimed and stumbled when Aquamarine slammed him across the face with the coral cudgel, “Playing with weapons now, are you?”

 

“Shove it, Kaiser! This isn’t a game! There are no rules!” shouted Aquamarine

 

“No rules… really.” Said Silver Kaiser, blocking Aquamarine’s attacks, “I am not surprised you would prefer it that way. Your savage race has no concept of laws!” Silver Kaiser raised his arm and blocked Aquamarine’s punch and twisted his body, slamming him across the jaw with his elbow, and punched him in the stomach. As Aquamarine reeled back from the pain, Silver Kaiser unsheathed his sword, Silver Brand, “I have you now.” He lunged forwards and thrust it at Aquamarine’s heart…

 

CLASH!

 

“Hmm?” Silver Kaiser looked at Aquamarine in surprise

 

“GRRR!” Aquamarine growled, clutching his trident. Before Silver Kaiser could hit him with Silver Brand, he had materialized his trident and deflected it!

 

“A trident… interesting choice of weapon” said Silver Kaiser’s eyes moved down, looking at the trident. “To conjure it out of nowhere, that’s quite a skill”

 

“You haven’t seen anything yet, Kaiser!” Aquamarine kicked Silver Kaiser in the stomach, pushing him back… “YAAAA!!!!”

 

“HM!” Silver Kaiser braced himself, raising the Silver Brand in defence

 

CRACK!

 

“NGH!” Silver Kaiser exclaimed, as the shock ran through his body and the ground cracked below his feet! “What?!” He exclaimed and looked up at Aquamarine

 

“Don’t underestimate a Chosen One! Especially not Level III!” Said Aquamarine, who was still in the air, “HAAAA!!!!”

 

SMACK!

 

“AGH!” Silver Kaiser flew back when Aquamarine kicked his chin!

 

In the meantime, Ash and Gold Kaiser were locked in battle.

 

“HAAA!” Ash shouted as he darted forwards, swinging his fist and hitting Gold Kaiser, “YAAA!” Ash struck him across the face, HARD, causing the Kaiser Lord to slide back a few feet, “PIKACHU! THUNDER ATTACK!” Ash shouted

 

“Pika!” Pikachu shouted and jumped into the air, “PIIKAACHUUUU!!!!!”

 

CRASH!!!

 

“Not bad… not bad at all” Gold Kaiser said almost passively. He touched his face where Ash had hit him, “That was an excellent punch… I ALMOST felt it.” his expression changed to a wicked smile, “Now let me show you a REAL punch!”

 

THUD!

 

“AGH!” Ash gasped when Gold Kaiser’s fist slammed into his stomach. Ash fell to his knees, gasping for air…

 

“Still conscious?” said Gold Kaiser, “You aren’t as weak as I thought. I suppose that is to be expected from a Chosen One. However…” Gold Kaiser glared at Ash, his hand shot down and grabbed him by the front of the shirt, lifting him up…

 

SMASH!

 

“AAAGH!!!!” Ash screamed as Gold Kaiser’s punch sent him flying, and crashing into a wall. “Agh… Ah!” Ash was gasping for air, writhing in pain,

 

“PIKA PIIII!!!” Pikachu screamed, running over to Ash

 

“…I would expect more from the one who defeated Red Kaiser” Gold Kaiser finished

 

“Ungh… agh…” Ash panted, slowly getting up, “Can’t be… s… so s-strong…!” Ash closed his eyes, and fell to his knees. It hurt just to breathe…

 

“ASH!” Aquamarine shouted, “Quit playing around!”

 

“What…?” Ash clenched his teeth and looked at Aquamarine, fighting Silver Kaiser.

 

“You heard me! HA!” Aquamarine kicked at Silver Kaiser’s face and knocked him back, “Stop playing around and fight seriously! Fight like a Chosen One!”

 

“Like a Chosen One?!” Ash exclaimed as Silver Kaiser swung the Silver Brand at Aquamarine. Aquamarine caught the blade between the prongs of his trident, but Silver Kaiser turned his blade, twisting it out of Aquamarine’s hands and disarming him! Silver Kaiser quickly swung his fist…

 

SMACK!

 

“AAAGH!!!” Aquamarine was sent flying, into the pool and landed with a big splash.

 

“HA-HA-HA!!!” Silver Kaiser laughed, “Tell me, do Chosen Ones float?”

 

SPLASH!!!

 

“Not all of them! Just me!” Aquamarine jumped out of the water and flipped through the air, landing back in the water… but he didn’t sink!

 

“AH!?” Everyone gasped as they looked at Aquamarine, he was standing on water!

 

“My Chosen One abilities are pretty useful, wouldn’t you say?” Aquamarine laughed, crossing his arms, “COMPLETE control over the water element, and walking over it is just one of the things I can do as the Chosen One of Water!”

 

“You Chosen Ones have nice tricks. You seem much more suited to be circus performers than fighters! HM!” Silver Kaiser stood ready, holding the Silver Brand ready, “Why don’t you come here, so we could settle this like gentlemen?”

 

“Too bad neither of us are gentlemen!” Aquamarine smirked, “LEVIATHAN! NOW!”

 

“GATAAAR!!!!” The armoured Feraligator, Leviathan’s hands reached out of the water, and grabbed Silver Kaiser by the ankles!

 

“AH!” Silver Kaiser was taken by surprised, and took his attention off Aquamarine…

 

“TERROR OF THE DEEP!!!” Aquamarine roared, firing the crystal-blue beam with the head of a terrifying shark…

 

CRASH!!!

 

“AAAAAH!!!!” Silver Kaiser was hit by the beam and slammed into the wall, while Aquamarine continued to charge, materializing his trident…

 

“DEEP SKEWER!!!” Aquamarine shouted as a golden glow surrounded his body, filling him with the superhuman strength of the power of one, as he struck Silver Kaiser

 

SMASH!!!

 

“AAARGH!!!!!” Silver Kaiser screamed as he was driven right through the wall by the power of the attack, crashing into another building outside the gym!

 

“AH…” Everyone gasped, staring at Aquamarine

 

“You see Ash?” Aquamarine turned to Ash and smirked, “That’s what I mean, fight like a Chosen One, use the Power of One!” he turned his hand and saw Silver Kaiser getting back up, “Come on Leviathan! This battle isn’t over yet!” he ran out the opening in the wall, followed by his pokémon

 

“Fight like a Chosen One…” Ash echoed, and then smirked, “RIGHT!”

 

“Hmm?” Gold Kaiser looked at Ash stand up

 

“HAAA…” Ash closed his eyes, focusing his energy and drawing out the power within him… “HMM!” A golden glow surrounded Ash’s body, and power surged through him, the power of one! “Hey Gold Kaiser!” Ash called, taking a fighting stance, “You saw what happened to your friend? THAT’S WHAT I’M GONNA DO TO YOU!”

 

***

(Location- Cerulean City)

 

“HAAA!” Gary jumped up and kicked a Cultist in the face, knocking him out. Looking around, he saw that the others had stopped fighting, “Did we get all of them?”

 

“Yeah, I think we did” said Richie, wiping sweat off his forehead

 

“So Cerulean City is safe now?” Tracey panted, sitting on top of a pile of Cultists

 

“Seems like it! We won!” Brock crossed his arms. They all heard a groan and looked down. One of the Cultists was moving a little. “Hey, you! I just said we won, so STOP MOVING!” he shouted and kicked the Cultist

 

“So I guess all that’s left now is to take out the four Kaiser Beasts and lower the barrier?” asked AJ…

 

CRASH!!!

 

“AH!” all of them exclaimed and turned their heads, when they heard a crashing sound in the distance.

 

“That barrier’s not going down yet!” said Gary, as he started running, “That sound came from the direction of the gym! That’s where Ash is! He might be in trouble! We have to help!” the others started running as well, “Hurry! Let’s go!”

 

(Meanwhile) [Final Fantasy X- Confrontation]

 

“Come out Kaiser…” Aquamarine said as he and Leviathan walked through the narrow streets, looking left and right for any sign of Silver Kaiser. “Where are you?” He growled… that man could even hide his presence! (-CRACK-) “Huh?” Aquamarine turned his head, only to see a crack form in the wall…

 

“HAA!!!” Silver Kaiser shouted, smashing through the wall, grabbing Leviathan by the face in a crushing grip and smashing his head to the ground so hard, the concrete floor cracked! Silver Kaiser drew his sword, “What’s the matter, Chosen One?! Are you scared of me?!” Silver Kaiser lunged, swinging his blade at his face…

 

“Leviathan…!” Aquamarine exclaimed, he received a small cut across the cheek. “Why you… TIDAL SPEAR!” Energy surrounded the weapon, and it tore through the wall as he swung it at Silver Kaiser, but the Silver Lord jumped back and evaded it

 

“Quite impressive!” said Silver Kaiser, dodging and parrying the trident, “You are actually forcing me to fight seriously!”

 

POW!

 

“AGH!” Aquamarine stumbled back when Silver Kaiser punched his face, “You mean… You were holding back all this time?!”

 

“That’s right!” laughed Silver Kaiser, who was winning bit by bit, and forcing Aquamarine back, “I have no reason to lie! I am stronger than you! HA!” Silver Kaiser jumped up and kicked him on the chin

 

“UGH…” Aquamarine gasped stumbled around, dazed by the blow…

 

CHING!

 

“AAAAH!!!!” Aquamarine screamed when Silver Kaiser slashed him across the chest!

 

“So this is the limit of a Chosen One!” Silver Kaiser laughed, holding the Silver Brand, “You’re not so strong! I wonder, is the other one any better?”

 

“Urgh… GRRR…” Aquamarine growled and straightened up, tightening his grip on the trident, “I’m the stronger one among us! HA!” He stabbed with his trident

 

“That’s unfortunate!” Silver Kaiser twisted his body, missing the stab and punching Aquamarine across the face again, “Because while I may be stronger than you, Gold Kaiser is even stronger than I!”

 

***

(Location- Cerulean Gym)

 

“Is that all?” Gold Kaiser stood there, with his crossed

 

“(Pant… pant…)” Ash was on his knees, gasping for air. He was bruised and bleeding heavily from the heavy beating he had taken from the golden warrior. Not just him, but his pokémon as well. They were all down, too injured to continue fighting, all of them except Pikachu. “GRRR…” Ash growled, and sprung to his feet, “HAAAA!!”

 

“Too slow!” Gold Kaiser avoided the punch and grabbed Ash by the front of the shirt, pulling him up close and head-butting his forehead

 

“AAH…!” Ash exclaimed. He would’ve fallen back had Gold Kaiser not been holding him up. His forehead was bleeding. He growled “GRRR… PIKACHU!!! IRON TAIL!!!”

 

“PIKA!!” Pikachu leapt up from behind, energy gathered in his tail…

 

“Have you still not realised that it is useless?” Gold Kaiser’s hand shot up and grabbed Pikachu by the neck, “GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD!”

 

SLAM!

 

“AGH!”

 

“PIKA!”

 

Ash and Pikachu both screamed when Gold Kaiser slammed their heads together! Gold Kaiser let go, and the two of them fell to the ground.

 

“Hmph…” Gold Kaiser crossed his arms. “I hit you hard enough to shatter your skulls, so why are you still alive?”

 

“Ungh… ah… heh-heh…” Ash laughed weakly, slowly getting up, “Along with the cap and clothes being specially designed by my friend Ebi to protect me… you forget that Chosen Ones don’t die that easily…” Pikachu was also getting up as well. “And Pikachu is a part of me… affected by the Power of One as well… so while I’m Level II and around 35% of, Pikachu’s strength has also been raised, by 235 levels to be exact… giving us a grand total at Level 335” Ash raised his hands, “NOW!”

 

“PIKA!” Pikachu shouted, electricity sparking at his cheeks, “PIKACHUUUUU!!!!!!!!”

 

“AAAAAGH!!!!” Ash screamed, as Pikachu zapped him with as much electricity as he could “HGNNN…” Ash closed his eyes, trying to focus… putting his energy into the lightning running through him, and releasing it at his enemy! “YAA!!!!” Ash held his hands outwards, there were bolts of lightning coming from his fingers… Ash aimed his hands at Gold Kaiser and screamed, “SHINING THUNDER!!!”

 

CRASH!!!!

 

“AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!” Gold Kaiser screamed as the ultimate thunder attack hit him, shocking him with incredible power… “Just kidding.” He smirked, “HA!”

 

SMACK!

 

“ARGH!!” Ash screamed as he flew to the side, hitting the ground, “NO! HOW… HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!” he gasped. There were a few tears gathering in his eyes, he was in pain. He hadn’t released all the electricity, his hands were badly burned from the dangerously high voltage, and he was damaged more by the attack than Gold Kaiser, not that it did anything in the first place.

 

“Please don’t tell me that was your best…” said Gold Kaiser, approaching Ash, “You Chosen Ones… so arrogant. The very existence of your race is an insult!” He shouted, “Humans are merely savages… while the Kaisers are the holy crusaders, and among them I am a messiah… therefore a Chosen One is nothing but a DEMON!”

 

“GRRRR…” Ash growled, slowly getting up, and raised his hands

 

“Even after the first time, you’re going to try that lightning trick again?” said Gold Kaiser, “Did I hit your head too many times, or are you that desperate?”

 

“Guess again… Kaiser!” said Ash

 

“What?!” Gold Kaiser looked around him, Ash’s pokémon were getting back up! Then he realised it, Ash was using his power to restore his pokémon’s energy!

 

“GRRRR…” Ash growled, the golden aura enveloping his body began to grow… as did his power… 38%… 43%… 47%… his power kept rising! “RHAAAAA!!!!” Ash roared, and there was a flash of light. Ash stood there, his wounds and exhaustion forgotten, stronger than ever before. Ash was now at 50% of Level II.

 

“AH…” Gold Kaiser stepped back from Ash. “His power has greatly increased.” he spoke, “However, it is not enough…” he reached down and finally drew his sword… Gold Calibre… “OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!”

 

“HAAAA!!!!” Ash shouted, raising his hand and blocking the sword with his fist!

 

“WHAT?!” Gold Kaiser exclaimed

 

“Grrr…” Ash growled, some blood ran down his arm. The sword did not penetrate the materials of his glove, but the impact caused him to bleed slightly. “HAAA!” Ash struck Gold Kaiser with all his strength, causing the Kaiser Lord to stumble a little

 

“GRRR!” Gold Kaiser growled. He wasn’t hurt by it, but surprised by the sudden massive burst of power Ash had gained. “Don’t fool yourself thinking you can win, demon! Your power is still nowhere near that of mine!”

 

“I know that… IT’S WAY HIGHER!!!” Ash shouted, “UNISTRIKE!”

 

“HUH?!” Gold Kaiser exclaimed and turned around…

 

“BAY BAAAAY!!!!!”

 

“BULBAAAA!!!”

 

“CHROOAAAR!!!!”

 

“CYNDAQUIIIL!!!!”

 

“SQUIIIIIIRRR!!!!!”

 

“TOTODIIIIIIILE!!!!!!”

 

“PIIII-KAAAAA-CHUUUU!!!!!!!”

 

Earth, Fire, Wind and Water… Bulbasaur and Bayleef representing earth, while  Charizard and Cyndaquil brought fire. Squirtle and Totodile offered water, and Pikachu’s thunder equals wind. The four elements in perfect balance, fused together into a new sort of energy… a power beyond any of them alone… the UniStrike!

 

CRASH!!!

 

“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” Gold Kaiser screamed when the powerful beam smashed into his back and sent him flying, and crashing right through the wall of the gym, but it didn’t end there. The beam continued, smashing into the base of an office building nearby, causing the whole thing to collapse!

 

“Hmmm…” Ash sighed, “Great job guys!” he said, and his pokémon cheered.

 

SMASH!

 

“RHAA!!!!!” Gold Kaiser roared, bursting out of the ruins of the collapsed building. “GRRRR…” he snarled, clutching the Gold Calibre, “RHAAAAA!!!!!” he charged…

 

“He’s coming back…” said Ash. Quickly he turned around and grabbed his pokéballs, “Everybody! RETURN!” he drew them back into their pokéballs, and turned around just in time to see Gold Kaiser charging at him, “WAAAH!”

 

“HAAA!” Gold Kaiser swung his sword with all his might. Ash ducked the attack, but Gold Kaiser spun and slammed him with his other fist

 

“AGH!” Ash screamed and hit the ground. “Urgh…” It hurt to move, or breathe. Though he had gotten much stronger by increasing to 50%, it was no different from 35%, he still couldn’t compete with Gold Kaiser’s terrifying strength. Even if he were to reach 100%, it still wouldn’t be enough. Gold Kaiser was just too strong…

 

***

(Location- Cerulean City) [Final Fantasy X- Challenge]

 

“(Pant… pant…)” Aquamarine was sweating heavily. He was bleeding heavily from Silver Kaiser’s sword… he was losing.

 

“Now why would you keep on fighting when you clearly know you can’t win?” asked Silver Kaiser, who was still fresh, as if he hadn’t been fighting at all.

 

“Because…” Aquamarine growled, “BECAUSE I REFUSE TO BE DEFEATED BY YOU KAISERS!” Aquamarine lunged with his trident, but Silver Kaiser deflected the attack and slashed Aquamarine across the stomach, “AGH…!” Aquamarine gasped, “Ugh… argh…” he fell to his knees, panting heavily “W… what… are you?!” he looked up

 

“You could say that we are the ‘Chosen Ones’ of the Kaiser Cult… we are messiahs” Silver Kaiser reached down and grabbed Aquamarine by the hair, lifting him up “Hmph… Chosen Ones…” he growled, “CHOSEN BY WHAT!?”

 

SMASH!

 

“UGH…” Aquamarine gasped when Silver Kaiser slammed his knee into his face.

 

“You arrogant Chosen Ones! Fooling yourselves into thinking you are invincible! Making yourselves believe you are heroes! Well see how much a Chosen One is worth, in the face of a TRUE SAVIOUR!” Silver Kaiser continued to beat Aquamarine, “Sinful Chosen One, I, messiah of the Kaiser Cult shall slay you!”

 

“ARGH!!!” Aquamarine screamed in pain. “Argh… ungh…” slowly, although injured, he started getting up. Slowly, he grabbed his trident, breathing heavily “It’s… not over yet…” he gripped it tight in his hands “AS LONG AS I’M STILL ALIVE…! AAAGH!”

 

“That can easily be changed!!” Silver Kaiser slammed Aquamarine to the ground

 

“GRRR… ungh… Sky…” Aquamarine said weakly, “Why am I… so weak?” he asked himself. He remembered the battle against the Kaiser Tyrant. The time he reached Level III, he was fighting to protect his dear friend, and was able to draw out 100% of its power. He was unstoppable… but ever since then, he couldn’t draw out more than 20%. He never mastered Level II in the first place… and that third level wasn’t really his, it was Ash who gave it to him. “Sky… why can’t I be strong like you?” he asked. “Ungh… agh” slowly he was getting up. “I’m sick of always needing others to help me… For once… I want to help them…”

 

“What are you babbling about?! HAA!!” Silver Kaiser smashed Aquamarine in the face. Aquamarine didn’t even have the strength left to scream. He didn’t collapse, because Silver Kaiser didn’t let him. Grabbing him by the neck, he lifted him into the air and started squeezing… “The sight of your face… the sound of your voice… the stench of your blood… everything about you makes me sick…” he growled, “I hate you… I DESPISE YOU!” he shouted, squeezing harder and harder…

 

-CRACK-

 

“Hmph…” Silver Kaiser sighed. The Power of One left Aquamarine’s body. Blood ran down his arm, Aquamarine’s blood, and his head hung down. “Damn. I forgot how fragile Chosen Ones are…” Silver Kaiser let go of Aquamarine, dropping him to the ground. “Now I can’t sacrifice him…” he sighed, and turned around, “I hope Prince Gold didn’t kill the other one…” Silver Kaiser walked on, leaving him there…

 

Aquamarine wasn’t moving. Blood dripped from his mouth. His eyes were still wide open, his pupils were blank. His neck was broken. Aquamarine was dead.

 

 

 ***

(Location- Cerulean Gym)

 

“AH!!” Ash screamed and fell to the ground after Gold Kaiser’s fist had slammed him across the face. Ash groaned and tried to get up, but as he did, he was hit again.

 

“You dared to challenge me… and see what happens” Gold Kaiser growled, advancing on Ash again. Ash growled and got back up to attack him, but Gold Kaiser was faster, grabbing him by the wrist with his left hand. “Sleep.” Said Gold Kaiser, placing his right hand over Ash’s face…

 

CRACK!

 

“AGH…!” Ash’s head slammed the ground so hard, the floor cracked.

 

“You disgust me…” said Gold Kaiser, as Ash got back up. “Your putrid race has existed for too long! Spreading across this world, infecting it like a disease!”

 

“UGH!” Ash screamed as Gold Kaiser’s fist slammed his face. Gold Kaiser was just too strong! Even at his best, Ash couldn’t compete, and Pikachu had long since fainted. Nothing could stop Gold Kaiser! “AGH!” Ash gasped, when Gold Kaiser smashed his forehead. Ash’s thoughts faded away, as he collapsed to the ground. Ash couldn’t go on any longer. He was defeated!

 

“It’s over… wretched demon” Said Gold Kaiser, “All that is left is the sacrifice…”

 

“ONIX! GO!!!”

 

“Hm?” Gold Kaiser turned his head and saw the rock serpent lunging at him! “HMM!” He raised his hands into the air, and stopped the pokémon with his bare hands! “RHAA!” he hurled Onix through the air, crashing into the wall and shaking the building. Gold Kaiser turned around, “What’s this?”

 

“GRRRR…” Gary, Brock, Tracey, Richie and AJ stood there, ready to fight!

 

“So you’re Gold Kaiser, huh?!” Shouted Brock, gripping his frying pan

 

“What have you done to Ash!?” shouted Tracey, brandishing the pen-blade

 

“There’s no way we’ll lose to you, you killer!” shouted Richie, reaching for a pokéball

 

“End of the line, Kaiser! You’re going down!” Shouted AJ, gripping his whip

 

“Hey Gold Kaiser!” Gary stepped up, crossing his arms and glaring at the Kaiser Messiah. “Remember me? I got a score to settle!”

 

“Actually, no…” said Gold Kaiser, looking at Gary, “I don’t believe I seen you before”

 

“What did you say?!” Gary shouted, “You attacked me back in Pallet Town! You shattered my ribs and left me for dead!”

 

“Hmm… I can’t quite recall… I don’t bother wasting memory on every feeble little germ I may or may not have killed” Gold Kaiser scoffed

 

“WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!” Gary shouted. There was a flash of light, and the power of one surged through him, “RAAA!!!!” Gary held out his hands, and flaming energy gathered around them. However, unlike the previous times with the white energy, it was shining gold, combined with the power of one. “HMMM!” Gary placed his two hands together, and a sword of energy formed in his hands. This time though, it wasn’t like the others he used. It was much longer, and far stronger, “I’ll make you remember me…” Gary growled, and charged, “I’LL TEACH YOU TO FEAR ME!!!”

 

“Ah yes…” Gold Kaiser moved his body, evading the two-hand spirit sword. “The one I hit back in Pallet Town! The Chosen One of Spirit I presume? You were the one who wouldn’t stop talking, and if you hadn’t been a Chosen One and a valuable sacrifice, I’d have killed you just to shut you up” said Gold Kaiser, dodging again

 

“WHY YOU!” Gary roared and attacked again and again…

 

“COME ON GUYS!” the others shouted as they also attacked

 

“YAAAAA!” Brock shouted, jumping into the air and pulling out the ‘Frying Pan of Justice’ he had so conveniently hidden in his pants, “HEY KAISER! WHAT DID THE FRYING PAN SAY TO THE FACE?!” he swung it at Gold Kaiser…

 

SMACK!

 

“AAAGH!!” Brock screamed as he was sent flying by Gold Kaiser’s punch, “UGH!” he hit the ground and groaned, “Correct… ugh…” he blacked out

 

“YAAA!” Tracey lunged forward, slashing with his pen blade, “AH!” Tracey gasped when Gold Kaiser grabbed him by the wrist… “AAAARGH!!!” Tracey screamed and flew back after Gold Kaiser head-butted him, “Agh… so… strong…”

 

“Watch out!” said Richie, “He’s dangerous! One hit and it’s all over!”

 

“He’s too strong! Don’t get close!” AJ swung his whip

 

“Keeping your distance… smart choice” Gold Kaiser didn’t even flinch when the whip hit him. “Go ahead and do it…” he turned to them and smirked, “IF YOU CAN!”

 

“AH!?” Richie and AJ exclaimed when Gold Kaiser darted forwards, faster than they could react, his fists clenched and his arms stretched out… “AAGH!” the two of them were taken out in a single hit from Gold Kaiser.

 

“Hmph… so weak” Gold Kaiser looked down. “Is that all of them?”

 

“YAAAA!” Gary shouted as he dove down at Gold Kaiser, attacking with the sword!

 

“HM!” Gold Kaiser raised his arm and blocked the attack, “I guess not!”

 

“RHA!” Gary spread his arms out. The spirit sword he was holding broke into two smaller ones, and he attacked with both of them at once, swinging and striking at Gold Kaiser. The Kaiser Lord dodged and blocked each swing, “HAAA!!!” Gary jumped up, kicking up at Gold Kaiser’s chin…

 

SMACK!

 

“Ugh!” Gold Kaiser exclaimed, and stumbled back. He looked at Gary’s foot and saw that another energy blade had formed there when he had kicked.

 

“Hmm!” Gary stood ready, “My Chosen One skills let me control my aura and forms it into solid weapons! I can do more than just swords you know!” He placed his two hands together, and the two medium swords combined into a large two hand sword

 

“Interesting skill…” Gold Kaiser chuckled, “It would be quite useful… if it wasn’t so weak!” Before Gary could say anything, Gold Kaiser darted forwards…

 

CRACK!

 

“AGH…” Gary gasped, his eyes opened wide when Gold Kaiser tackled him into the wall so hard, it cracked behind him!

 

“You’re a lot softer than the other demon I’ve been fighting!” said Gold Kaiser, punching Gary across the face. Gary stumbled back, and tried to fight, but Gold Kaiser caught his wrists and kicked him in the stomach, “He was far stronger”

 

“What?!” Gary gasped, falling to his knees and breathing heavily

 

“Running around, calling yourself the Chosen One of Spirit! It isn’t so until you reach level III! Judging by the aura around you… you’re only Level II, isn’t that right?” Said Gold Kaiser, his eyes scanning the aura, “Your friend there… at 35% he was already far superior, and after he reached 50%, there was no comparison between you two!”

 

“HUH!?” Gary exclaimed, “Ash… he’s at 50% too?! AGH!”

 

“You seem surprised that someone so weak is that much stronger than you, demon!” said Gold Kaiser, slamming Gary across the face. Gary fell to the ground, the spirit sword dispersed and vanished, and Gold Kaiser reached down and picked up Gary by the front of the shirt, “You have a lot of talent, controlling your power and drawing out such high percentage… but you lack experience or strength.” he smirked and held Gary up, “In comparison to Ketchum, as a fighter, as a Chosen One… you are…” he let go of Gary, letting him fall… “COMPLETELY USELESS!!!!”

 

SMACK!!!!

 

“AAAAAGH!!!!!” Gary screamed as he was sent flying through the air…

 

-Thud-

 

“Ugh… agh…” Gary hit the ground… and he wasn’t moving.

 

“Hmmm…” Gold Kaiser looked around him. “All these savages… all these demons… DISGUSTING CREATURES!” he shouted at the fallen warriors who tried to fight him, “Your putrid race… it has no right to exist!”

 

“Ngh… uh…” Ash’s body began to move. Slowly, he turned over, and tried to get up. “Uh… agh!” Ash coughed a little, and blood came out of his mouth. Ash wiped it away, as he did, he saw his hand… it was trembling. “Ugh… ah…” Ash tried to stand up, but he couldn’t, and fell to his knees. He tried to use his arms to support himself, but his left arm wouldn’t move. Again he struggled to stand. His body was trembling, he kept falling. “(What is going on? Where am I?)” He tried to think, trying to remember. He was on his knees “(Am I fighting? Is that why I’m in so much pain?)”

 

Slowly, Ash looked around, and saw where he was… Cerulean Gym… Misty… he saw her. Unconscious, tied to the Krucifix and awaiting death in that sacrificial circle. Scattered around the floor were his friends, Gary, Brock, Tracey, Richie, AJ, all of them were unconscious. Not just them, but Pikachu, and the rest of his pokémon as well were down as well. All of them had fought, and were defeated by Gold Kaiser

 

“(He’s trying to take away the lives of those precious to me…)” Ash tried to think, but it was so hard… “(To kill someone… taking away someone’s life… why would anyone do such a thing? All life is precious… but why does he want to kill?)” Ash thought sadly, “(No one should kill… all it brings is pain… that’s all the Kaiser Cult does… it’s kill… and kill…)” slowly, Ash managed to stand… he stood up straight, “(I want to stop them… no… I have to…)” he didn’t realize it, but he was holding out his hand. Energy was beginning to gather… taking shape… of a sphere…

 

“Hmm? What’s this?” said Gold Kaiser

 

“Huh…?” Ash looked into his hand. Without realizing it, he had materialized a Judgement Ball. “Hmmm…” Ash clutched it tight. His left arm was limp, he could barely stand, but Ash had the weapon… and he couldn’t miss… “J… judge… j-judgment…” his lips moved, trying to say the words… but he couldn’t.

 

“What he doing?” Gold Kaiser wondered…

 

“Hmm…” Ash closed his eyes. Calming himself… relaxing his mind… “HMM!” Suddenly, his eyes shot open, and he shouted “JUDGEMENT BALL! GO!”

 

“AH?!” Gold Kaiser exclaimed as the Judgement Ball flew towards him…

 

-FLASH-

 

“NGH!” Ash closed his eyes and turned his head from the blinding flash of light. The Judgment ball closed, and fell to the ground… the dial in the centre began to turn…

 

-Click-

 

“Hmm…” Ash walked over to the ball and picked it up. He sighed, “It’s over…”

 

“Not quite!” said a voice

 

“Huh…?” Ash turned around and looked up, “AH!!!!” Ash gasped at who he saw, standing on the balcony! “N… NO! HOW COULD IT BE!?”

 

“You underestimated me again, demon!” Gold Kaiser jumped down and laughed

 

“But… but how could…?! I captured you! No! It’s not possible!” Ash screamed

 

“Captured me? PWAH! HAHAHA!!!” Gold Kaiser spat to the side and started laughing. He held up a pokéball, “I released one of my Kaiser Beasts just in time! It was a waste, but the sacrifice was well worth it!”

 

“Hmmm… really?” Ash smirked, looking at the Judgement Ball, “Then the battle’s not lost after all! The Judgment Ball corrects the mistakes and evils in the world, especially the ones you’ve filled the Kaiser Beasts with! If I managed to free even one of the pokémon you’ve turned into monsters, then it’s well worth it!” Ash threw the Judgment Ball, “Judgement Ball! Go!”

 

The ball flew through the air. It hit the ground, and the creature inside emerged…

 

“UGH…” Gold Kaiser gasped

 

“AH!” Ash gasped, he couldn’t believe what he saw…

 

When the Judgement Ball opened, what came out was neither a pokémon egg or a Kaiser Beast, but a truly hideous sight… blood was oozing from the creature… its innards were strewn all over the floor. What kind of creature it was, it is impossible to tell now, because it’s become a pile of bloody guts. Worst of all, there were groans and sounds coming from it, it was trying to breathe, it was even moving!

 

“AH… AAAH…” Ash was trembling. What he felt, he couldn’t describe it. The sight he saw… it was worse than any nightmare… worse than hell… He had couldn’t hold it in anymore. He fell to his knees and threw up. “AAAAH…” Ash collapsed, he was crying, he was shaking. He did not know what that creature was… but he was the one that did it… he did this! To a creature with an innocent soul… he destroyed it, worse than killed it! Worse than anything the Kaisers have done… He created this abomination!

 

“ARGH! I CAN’T STAND IT ANYMORE!” Gold Kaiser shouted. That sight… it was too repulsive even for him! “KAISER BEAST CHARMAGEDDON! GO!” He threw one of his pokéballs, releasing the fully evolved Kaiser Beast, “GET THAT ABOMINATION OUT OF MY SIGHT! I DON’T CARE WHAT ATTACK YOU USE! JUST DESTROY IT!”

 

“CHROOAAAAR!!!!!” Charmageddon roared, its flames covered the abomination.

 

“AAAAAHHH!!!!” Ash screamed and covered his ears. As fire consumed the creature, there was a horrible shriek coming from it… Ash screamed and cried, but the sound wouldn’t go away, even when the shrieking died away, and the abomination was gone, not leaving a single trace Ash was curled up on the floor, crying and trembling.

 

“Mmmm…” Misty started to stir, “Ngh… ah?” her eyes opened, and she looked around, “Ash? AH…!” she gasped when she saw them. Ash was on the ground, trembling and terrified, while Gold Kaiser stood there, with his Kaiser Beast!

 

“Ugh… return!” Gold Kaiser shook his head, and called back Charmageddon. He started walking away. “This battle is over, demon… for now.” he said as he walked. He didn’t feel like fighting any more… mainly because of the sight he saw, it was so sickening, even he didn’t want to continue. That Judgment Ball… though he didn’t fully understand its concept, he saw enough to know he didn’t want to be touched by it… “You made a mistake, revealing your weapon. The next time we meet, I will have found a way to counter it. Until then, just stay alive.”

 

“Prince Gold?” called a voice. Gold Kaiser turned around and saw Silver Kaiser walk in, “Is something the matter? You seem rather shaken”

 

“I just saw the worst thing ever, and you can thank that little demon over there” Gold Kaiser pointed at Ash, and walked away, “I’m leaving, Lord Silver.”

 

“Hmm?” Silver Kaiser obviously didn’t understand, “Whatever! Onto business!” he shrugged, “One of the Chosen Ones may be dead, but the two here are still alive, just incapacitated. I’ll have the honours of sacrificing them both!” he turned to Misty, approaching the circle, “Your ritual is only half finished. I already recited the chants… all that is left is to give the blood, and then I can move onto the Chosen Ones…”

 

“Ah!” Misty gasped, and tried to struggle, but she couldn’t free herself…

 

“Hold still, and let my swing be true. If you keep quiet, it will only take one stroke…” Silver Kaiser drew the Silver Brand once more, closing his eyes and silently praying…

 

“NO!” Misty screamed, “ASH! HELP!” She tried to struggle, and call Ash, but Ash couldn’t hear her… “PLEASE! GET UP ASH! HELP!!!!”

 

“HM!” His eyes shot open, “KAISER SWORD!!!”

 

“AAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!” Misty screamed…

 

Blood flew into the air, as the sword struck into the victim… but it wasn’t Misty!

 

“WHAT?!” Silver Kaiser exclaimed

 

“HUH?!” Misty exclaimed, looking up, and gasping at who she saw “AH!”

 

[Kingdom Hearts- Dearly Beloved –Reprise-]

 

“Ugh… ah… heh-heh… hey Misty…” Aquamarine said weakly. He was standing in front of her, he had protected her, and Silver Kaiser’s sword was stuck in his left shoulder!

 

“A… Aquamarine!” Misty gasped, not believing what she saw

 

“Ngh… w-what?!” Gary opened his eyes, and saw him, “Aquamarine?!”

 

“YOU!” Silver Kaiser roared, “H… how are you alive?! I killed you! ANSWER ME!”

 

“Ungh… see for yourself…” Aquamarine held up his right hand, which had several broken fingers, “I broke them myself… and tricked you into thinking I was dead… heh-heh…” He laughed a little, as his blood dripped. He turned his head to Misty and smiled “I know you have already made your decision, you chose Ash… but I’m happy for you… I can’t let anyone take you away from him… take away your happiness…”

 

“Aquamarine…” Misty didn’t know what to say, “But… how come?”

 

“Misty… you know how I felt about you… how I loved you… even if it was never meant to be… even if the feeling was never returned… it still exists… and I won’t go back on my words… I will always protect you…” Aquamarine coughed, he closed his eyes, “Sky…” he spoke, “He was like a big brother. He protected me… he encouraged me to be strong…” he sighed “His faith in me was incredible… his faith in my courage, my honour…” he began to growl, and looked up at Silver Kaiser

 

“AH!?” Silver Kaiser gasped. Aquamarine’s glare… it was so terrifying!

 

“I back down… and I give up on my words… I’ll not only have failed Sky… I’ll have betrayed him…” Aquamarine’s voice grew stronger, “If I let that happen… I’ll never be strong… I’ll have no right to call myself his friend… I’LL HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL MYSELF A CHOSEN ONE!!!” Aquamarine roared. There was an explosion of power, as energy surged through his body. His power grew… 22%, 24%, 27%… “RHAAAA!” his body was bursting with power… more than ever. He was now 30% of Level III. “Hmmm…” Aquamarine placed his hand on Silver Kaiser’s chest…

 

“HUH?!” Silver Kaiser looked down, but it was too late…!

 

[Baten Kaitos- Dark Conviction]

 

“TERROR OF THE DEEP!!!!” Aquamarine roared…

 

CRASH!!!!

 

“AAAAAAAGH!!!!!!” Silver Kaiser screamed as Aquamarine fired the beam in one hand, sending him flying, and pulling his sword out of Aquamarine’s shoulder.

 

“NNGH…” Aquamarine gripped his wounded shoulder with his right hand, but straightened up. “HMMM!” He materialized the trident once more.

 

“GRRR…” Silver Kaiser growled, “30% now… it’s only a 10% difference! You know as well as I do that it’s useless! So stand out of my way, or I really will kill you demon!”

 

“Haven’t you been listening to anything I said?” asked Aquamarine, “The same way Sky protects me like a brother, I’ll do the same for Misty, and protect her, as if she was my sister… I won’t let you lay a finger on her, Kaiser!” he growled as he approached Silver Kaiser. Energy was gathering around him… it was getting dark…

 

“What?!” Silver Kaiser exclaimed, as Aquamarine charged at him…

 

“FURY OF THE OCEAN GOD!!!!” Aquamarine roared, and everything seemed to turn dark… fierce winds were blowing from every direction, like a hurricane…!

 

CRACK!

 

“AH!” Silver Kaiser screamed, thrown back as a Terror of the Deep hit him from behind. More and more shark beams slammed into him, swimming though the air around him, attacking him like a school of hungry sharks! “AAAH!” Silver Kaiser tried to defend himself… but it was no use…

 

“ATTACK!” Aquamarine shouted his trident into the air, guiding seven huge beams. They spiralled through the air, around each other, and smashed into Silver Kaiser!

 

“AAAAH!!!” Silver Kaiser screamed, but the attack wasn’t over yet…

 

“Now… the final step…” Aquamarine spoke, raising his trident. The huge shark beams immediately flew towards him, into his trident, and the weapon began to glow with immense power… Aquamarine turned to Silver Kaiser “HAAAAAAA!!!!!!!”

 

CRASH!!!!!

 

“AAAAAAAARGHHHHH!!!!!!!” Silver Kaiser screamed as the trident slammed into him… he was thrown clear off his feet, flying through the air, crashing through ceiling, and continued flying, smashing through walls, buildings… whatever was in his way, when he finally reached the barrier…

 

SMASH!!!

 

“AAAH!!” Silver Kaiser had hit the barrier so hard, it had shattered, and he fell to the ground, right outside of Cerulean City. “Ah… ah…” he was trembling, he was gasping for air, but he was alive… Slowly, he managed to stand, “Ugh…” he fell back to his knees and sighed. Slowly, he reached for his communicator, “R… retreat” All over the city, the Kaisers were beginning to retreat, dragging their wounded and vanishing, leaving no trace except the damage from their battle in Cerulean City…

 

“I… beat him” Aquamarine sighed, and collapsed.

 

[Final Fantasy X- To Zanarkand]

 

“AQUAMARINE!!!” Misty screamed

 

“Ugh…” Gary sighed, slowly getting up and walking to Misty. “Here Misty, let me help… Hmm…” he didn’t have the strength to make a full sword, but he was able to form a knife, “Grrr…” he grunted and cut the ropes, freeing Misty. Immediately, she called Aquamarine’s name and ran over to him, and held him up. “Ugh…” Gary growled, he didn’t even get a thank-you. “Dammit… how did everyone get so strong?” he sighed and fell back, hitting the ground, exhausted.

 

“Ungh… Misty…” Aquamarine sighed, as Misty held him up, “I’m glad I was able to help you… even though I’ll never win your heart…

 

“It’s okay Aquamarine, because you did win. My friendship and my respect… you’ve won them…” Misty said gently, “Thank you… not just for saving me, but you also showed me what it really means to be strong… I’ll try to be stronger myself in the future, Aquamarine…” she looked at him and smiled, “My brother!”

 

“Hmm… thank you, Misty…” Aquamarine smiled and closed his eyes, “Ash…”

 

“What?” said Misty, turning her head and looking at him

 

“AHH…” Ash was still curled up on the ground, trembling and crying

 

“Ash…” Aquamarine muttered, resting his head on the ground, “Go to him…”

 

“Aquamarine… yes!” Misty nodded, and ran over to Ash. “Ash… Ash!” Misty held him up. Ash was shaking, he didn’t seem to hear her, “Ash… what’s wrong? Ash!”

 

“M… m…” Ash stuttered, he didn’t seem to hear her… “Monster…” he spoke, trembling, “I am… monster…” Ash was locked in his thoughts

 

“Ash! What’s happened to you? Snap out of it!” Misty exclaimed

 

“I am murderer…” Ash was trembling, “I did it… worse than monster… worse than murderer… Gold Kaiser…” he was completely trapped in his mind.

 

“Ash…” Misty said quietly… Ash was in pain, “What are you saying?”

 

“Gold Kaiser… was right… I am a demon… Pain… suffering… that’s all I can bring… my powers… evil… nothing else…” Ash trembled, “I will never… fight again…”

 

The battle for Cerulean City has come to an end… but it is difficult to say for sure who really won. Ash and Aquamarine have surpassed their limits and reached a new level of power, Aquamarine has also won Misty’s respect and forever a place in her heart, as a brother. However… Ash Ketchum, the Chosen One who fights to protect life, terrified by what his Judgement Ball has done, had sworn never to fight again. What could have happened? Why did the Judgement Ball do such a thing? Will Ash recover from his shock, and continue his quest, or has he completely renounced fighting? Find out next time on Pokémon: Eternal Legacies

 

► TO BE CONTINUED