Chapter 23- Situation Critical!

 

(Location- Sapphire Bay Pokémon Centre)

 

*Click*

 

EBIDEX

 

-Dire Hunters in Danger-

 

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

 

We were quite surprised when we first arrived here, because people did not panic about the appearance of the Super Fiends, but instead welcomed us with open arms. Out here, Aquamarine hailed as a hero, and any ‘friend’ of his is welcome. This town is one of the few places that does not fear the Super Fiends.

 

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

 

Morale is at an all-time low. Though we were victorious in the battle of Greyrock City and saved many lives, just as many people were killed needlessly. We didn’t come soon enough. We haven’t heard from either Misty or Gary, we’re closer to finding Ash than we are to defeating the Cult

 

“Seem pretty hopeless, doesn’t it?” asked Goth

 

“GYAAAAH!” Ebi screamed, falling of his chair

 

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

 

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

 

“I don’t sleep” the undead answered plainly

 

“I see…” said Ebi, sighing

 

“Something bothering you?” asked Goth

 

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

 

“I know exactly how you feel, but I should tell you this…” Goth sat on the table, “Ash may be powerful, there’s more to being a good leader than just strength and heart. They have to be responsible of everyone’s safety, and also encourage the team to go on even when things are tough” he smiled, “Not unlike what you do now”

 

“Huh?” Ebi blinked

 

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

 

“WHAT?!” Ebi exclaimed

 

“Think about it” said Goth, “You are the smartest and the most responsible. You are always there, you’re loyal and dedicated! You don’t have to be the strongest to be the leader, but you have to be able to handle the responsibility” Ebi was too shocked to say anything. “But I cannot deny that Ash Ketchum was a truly magnificent leader. Even up to now, everyone’s loyalty to him is what’s binding you all together and fighting such odds. Heh… exactly like our Sky Render…” Suddenly, Goth stopped talking, turning his head as if he heard something

 

“What is it?” asked Ebi

 

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

 

“R… right!” Ebi called back

 

***

(Location- Void Tyrannis)

 

-CLASH-

 

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

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

 

“Ungh…” Aquamarine groaned weakly, “What’s going on…?”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

CRACK!

 

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

 

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

 

“Hmm… sounds reasonable” a smile cross Sky Render’s face. “Very well then” twirling the katana and held it in a reverse grip, the tip of the blade facing downards, he struck his sword into the ground hard, cutting right through the metal. He then gripped the handle of the katana tight with both hands.

 

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

 

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

 

“The Rising what?!” Ash gasped as he looked at the battle

 

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

 

It all happened so fast, Ash wasn’t even sure what he was seeing, but Aquamarine did. The colour of the blade was changing, getting hotter as he ran. The blade being dragged in the ground would heat it up to a blazing temperature, and while resistance from being dragged in the ground as he ran would only increase the power of the swing when he pulled it out! Sky’s glare had thrown the opponent off balance, and he wasn’t going to give him enough time to recover! There was only one word to describe this technique: GENIUS!

 

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

 

“RAAAAAAHH!!!!!” Sky Render pulled his white-hot sword out of the ground and swung it, the energy whip was completely shattered! Following through with his swing, he stepped down hard with his right foot, using the full strength of his leg to kick off the ground and leap forward, tearing through the air towards the tyrant like a bird of prey as he swung the blade once more…

 

CHING!!!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Urgh…” The Kaiser Tyrant held onto his wound, but stood up straight, “That was a beautiful swing. Your skills far surpass any of my disciples.” He said to Sky, “You are so young, not even an adult yet, but you possess such talent.”

 

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

 

CLASH!!!!

 

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

 

“UGNH!” The Tyrant gasped, the powerful impact from the wooden sword on his already-wounded chest caused him to stumble and bend forwards.

 

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

 

“WA…” Ash’s jaw literally dropped…

 

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

 

“GRRR…” the tyrant growled, using his staff to support himself as he got up. “I do not need sympathy from the likes of you… heretic” he growled, “The world is unclean… it is infested with the weak…” he stood up straight, “Weakness and temptation are sins, and that is all the flesh will ever hold… those sins that you strive to carry on!” he pointed at the Chosen One, “We Kaisers thrive for purity and strength. We have cast aside our old bodies in exchange for power… immortal bodies of steel that will never rot!” he shouted as he pulled up his sleeve and bit hard into his hand, tearing off the very skin…!

 

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

 

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

 

“That’s not beautiful, it’s disgusting!” Sky Render shouted, “Who are you to decide what the future holds!? The power to live forever… the power to change the world… it’s these things that made you so corrupt! The strong, the weak, one cannot survive without the other! What makes this world beautiful is its diversity, how everything has its place to keep the planet going… unlike that THING you call an arm!” Sky Render pointed at the Tyrant, “There’s no place for your kind in this world, however… there may be a place for you…” he darted forwards with his sword, “IN HELL!!!”

 

“ENOUGH!!!” The Tyrant shouted, his palm shot forward

 

“WHAT!?!” Sky Render exclaimed. A powerful blast of wind stopped him in his tracks! He also noticed something else, the ground beneath him was starting to glow…

 

BOOM!!!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Ungh… ow” Ash got up, rubbing his head. Looking around he asked “Where’s Sky?!”

 

“He’s…” Aquamarine looked around, and then spotted him “Up there!”

 

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

 

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

 

SLAM!!!

 

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

 

CLANG!

 

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

 

“Grrr…” Sky Render growled. They were descending quickly, but as long as he was in the air against an opponent who could fly, he was at a disadvantage. Even if he had his sword, he wouldn’t be able to fight properly until he was back on the ground!

 

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

 

“HA!” Sky Render swung his wooden sword upwards

 

SLAM!

 

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

 

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

 

“GRRR…” The Tyrant landed ten feet away from him, growling. “Too bad, that wooden sword was your last hope. You may be deadly with a sword in your hands, but unarmed you’re weak and helpless as a child!”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Wa?!” Ash exclaimed, “What do you expect me to do?! You saw how they were fighting?! I’m way too weak! What could I do against that Kaiser?!”

 

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

 

“Oh, right!” said Ash, quickly running towards Sky Render’s sword…

 

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

 

“Oh, I’m not delaying MY defeat, I’m bringing you closer to yours!” Sky Render smirked, his eyes looking behind the Tyrant

 

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

 

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

 

CLANG!!!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

WHAM!

 

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

 

“You want this? Don’t you?” the tyrant smirked, clutching the sword… “HAA!”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“No…” Aquamarine gasped, “No, I won’t let this happen… I won’t!”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“I DON’T CARE!” Aquamarine shouted, standing up and throwing Ash to the side, “I’ll fight t-AAAGH!” Aquamarine tripped and fell, “agh…! NO…!”

 

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

 

“What?” Aquamarine looked up at Ash

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SMACK!!!!

 

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

 

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

 

WHAM!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“ungh… how… how can you fight, even without your sword?!” the tyrant exclaimed

 

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

 

“Well…” Ash tossed aside the smashed trident, “Seems he doesn’t need our help!”

 

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

 

CLASH!

 

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

 

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

 

***

(Location- Sapphire Bay Pokémon Centre)

 

“He what?!” Everyone exclaimed

 

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

 

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

 

“Hey, wait! Don’t you wanna know what happened?” Ebi called

 

“You already said! He left us, we get it!” AJ called back. “Sheesh… leave it to a Super Fiend to bail out whenever…”

 

SMACK!

 

“Ow! Hey, what was that for!?” AJ exclaimed

 

“Watch what you say about the Fiends, ESPECIALLY when we’re all standing five feet away from you!” Bonsai growled. AJ and the others just walked off, but the Super Fiends remained, “Hey, Ebi. When he took off, did he say anything in particular?”

 

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

 

“Listen Ebi, Goth is the champion of darkness, and vessel of the dark spirits. For years, they call him whenever something really BIG is coming up” said Bonsai

 

“By big, we mean REALLY big, things that can change the world” said Cleft

 

“Like when he renounced his title of Black Kaiser” said AntiArctic “Or took part in the first downfall of the Cult, which involved pretty much the whole world, thousands of armies and pokémon, every single legendary pokémon and all of the Chosen Ones”

 

“Along with other miscellaneous times after he became a Super Fiend, before we met you guys” said G.I. Jolt

 

“If he’s hearing the calling right now, that means something big is coming up…” said Twin Dreamer, “I’d say it’ll be pretty soon, because I’m sending some weird vibes…”

 

“So what exactly does this mean?” asked Ebi

 

“It means that we’ll be leaving you guys” said Bonsai

 

“We gotta go and prepare for the worst” said Cleft

 

“But don’t worry, this won’t be the last time you see us” said AntiArctic, “I hope”

 

“Listen Ebi” Twin Dreamer stepped forwards as the others left, “We Super Fiends can’t always be around you guys, unfortunately, but as capable as you are, just try to be careful” he turned around and walked, “By the way, if you’re ever in trouble, just contact me with your mind. Don’t worry, I’ll hear it” he smiled and walked off

 

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

 

“Temper, temper Ebi, with that kind of attitude you might burst a blood vessel”

 

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

 

“Calm down Ebi… don’t have to make a big scene” Gary smirked.

 

Ebi was shocked to see Gary, but he was even more shocked to see… “Misty?!”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Sure, what is it?” said Gary

 

“Oh, nothing just… WHAT IS GOING ON!?!” he shouted

 

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

 

“Huh?” Ebi stared at him

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Okay” Ebi sat down as Gary began to explain

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

***

(Location- Void Tyrannis)

 

“GRRR…” Sky Render growled, holding his sword at the Tyrant’s throat

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“I am the Chosen One Sky Render, that’s who.” He answered, drawing his sword “I warn you, if you take one more step, I will take that as a challenge and kill you”

 

“Hmmm… if that’s how it shall be…” said the Tyrant, lowering his staff. Suddenly, he stood up straight, “That’s what you wanted me to say? Isn’t it?!” he growled, “Your powers are truly exceptional… but what you don’t know is the extent of MY abilities!”

 

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

 

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

 

“WHAT…?!” Sky Render exclaimed, stepping back and gripping his sword

 

“Huh? What’s he talking about?” wondered Ash, turning to Aquamarine

 

“The Tyrant… that monster!” Aquamarine growled, “He’s peering into Sky’s mind, and his deepest secrets!”

 

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

 

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

 

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