To Day is a Good Day… Pt2 Previous on Convergance Project: When a mysterious new Gate land Marle and her friends in todays Tokyo, trouble begins brewing almost immediately. The new Nega verse general Tetronite becomes more and more obsessed with defeating the Sailor and Magus, finall calling on the astro Rangers whom he puts under a spell, and steals the Gate Key trapping marle and her friends in the present. For reasons known only to Magus, he forces Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo to come try and help the Sailors defeat the Rangers, but they break free. Renai Skeiler begins her quest to find her parents, and the Bacalles capture the Scouts. They break free thanks to Aoracle who later turns out to be Schala, but what happened to Ash? “Once again Ash the Einstein gets us lost again.” Brock said grabbing the map from Ash’s hand and flipping it over into the right position. “Why is he always the one with the map?” Misty asked irratably as she bounced Togepi on her knee. “Toe-briii.” It hummed happily. “Pikachu, Pika.” Pikachu said from on top of Ash’s head. “I don’t always get us lost!” Ash objected. “No, not always, but 99% of the time yes!” Misty shouted. “Don’t worry, Misty, route 34 should take us right to Cinnabar Island.” Brock tried to smooth through the two young hotheads. “Togebrii, Toge toge!” Togepi said as he pointed at the sky and waved his arms. “Toge! Togebriii!” “What is it Togepi?” Misty asked as she scanned the sky. In the distance she could make out a set of wings flapping against the sky. Flying from the opposite direction was another pair, and from the north came one too. “It’s some kind of Poke’mon!” Ash aexclaimed leaping to his feet and running in the direction of the birds. “Ash, wait up!” Misty grabbed up Togepi and ran after him, Brock following close behind. “What are they?” Ash wondered out loud as he watched the three birds fly towards each other. The first bird, the one Togepi had spotted, trailed a long sparkling tail the color of seafoam with a deep sky colored body. A set of three distinct pinions grew from it’s forehead. The second bird had a short, many spiked feathered tail with a yellow body and black accent feathers covering it. It’s beak was a long point and it had many spikey heathers sticking back from its head. The thirds tail looked to be made out of a long caressing flame which burned back and forth in rhythm with its wings. It’s beak was even longer than the seconds, and it had a strange curve to it’s wings that didn’t look like it should be able to fly. “Wow, I’ve never seen Pokemon like that.” Misty said in awe. “Toge!” Togepi shouted happily. “Dexter, anylyze.” Ash pointed his ‘Dex at the birds. //Articuno-Freeze Poke’mon. This Legendary Pokemon is said to be mearly a myth. It is sometimes said to be seen by freezing people in the mountain.// //Moltress-Flame Poke’mon. This Legendary pokemon is said to be a fiction of over creative minds. It is said to disappear in a flash of fire if spotted by a trainer.// //Zapdos-Electric Pokemon. This Legendary pokemon is said to be an electromagnetic illusion by many experts. It is said to follow storms, dropping destructive thunderbolts in it wake.// “Whoa, Legendary pokemon.” Ash said, reaching for a Poke’ball. “I wouldn’t Ash, watch them.” Brock restrained his young friend. Articuno flew forward, glittering with power as it charged up its Ice Beam. Letting loose the attack on Zapdos, it spun in mid air only to take a Fire Blast full in the face from Moltress. The fire attack weakened Articuno sending it into a tail spin towards the ground. It disappeared into the trees ahead. Zapdos and Moltress flew off in the opposite direction. “We have to go find it!” Ash jumped leapt from the spot he’d been hiding in and dashed towards the trees. “Ash! Wait!” Misty shouted. “What if the others come back!” “He’s right this time Misty, we have to help it.” Brock grabbed her wrist and went after Ash. “Articuno!” Ash shouted into the trees. “Hey, Articuno!” “Cunnn.” A moan came from above. Ash looked up to see Articuno dangling from a tree branch. “It looks pretty weak, I’ll capture and take it to Joy. Pokeball, GO!” He three the red and white sphere at the bird. Articuno knocked it away. “It’s still too strong for that Ash.” Brock said. “Battle it a little.” “Good idea. Charizard, I choose you!” With a deafening roar Charizard appeared, moving its serpintine neck from side to side as it looked at Articuno. “Charizard, not to rough now. Weaken it carefully.” Ash instructed. As usual the fire pokemon ignored its trainer as it took in a huge breath of air. A billow of flames shot from its mouthe engulfing the ice bird in a torrent of blazing heat. “Knock it off Charizard!” Ash shouted kicking the huge dragon like Pokemon in the shin. It turned its head and blasted as Ash with its powerful flames. “I shoulda seen that coming.” Ash said in a smoked voice. Burning Articuno had scorched away most of the branches that had been holding it in mid air, so gravity took effect, causing the poor bird to fall to the ground. It shambled to its feet and faced Charizard. “Articuno, cuno no cuno.” It said looking at Charizard. “CHAR!” It roared in a deep bellow. Again it took in air to blast the offending legendary with blazing heat. It’s flames found no target as Articuno lept into the air and winged slowly away. Charizard pumped its batlike ings a few times and took off after it. “Cuno!” Articuno turned around and fired an ice beam at the huge dragonish pokemon. Charizard dodged that fevered attempt and retorted with a blast of its own. Articuno was once again knocked sensless from the sky. “Charizard!” It bellowed as it dived after its prey. It swooped down, its claws reaching out to rip Articuno apart. “Charizard, return!” Ash commanded zapping the Pokemon with the red return beam. Charizard tried to dodge, but disappeared in the flash of red. “He was going to kill it?” Ash wondered in a shocked voice as he wento over to the unconscious Articuno. “That Charizard is dangerous, Ash. You should give it to a more experienced trainer.” Brock advised. “No way am I going to give Charizard up. I won’t abbandon him like Dammien did. Do you think its weak enough yet?”Ash asked. “I’d say so, it took some awfully hard blasts back there.” Brock said. “All right then, Pokeball, Go!” Ash tried once again to capture the Pokemon. Articuno disappeared in a flash of red light. The ball on the ground wiggled from side to side erratically. For a brief instant Ash was reminded of the time when he had tried to capture a pidgey, the ball wiggled just like that. “Get back!” He shouted watching the ball. “Ash, the light turned on, you caught it.” Misty informed him in a sarcastic tone. Ash had been so caught up in his thoughts he hadn’t noticed the capture light turn on. But then what was causing the ball to shake like that? There was a deafining explosion of smoke directly in front of the trio, followed by an all to familiar voice “Prepare for trouble” “Make it double.” “To protect the world from Devistation.” “To unite all people within our nation.” “To denounce the evils of truth and love.” “To extend our reach to the stars above.” “Jessie” “James” “Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light.” “Surrender now or prepare to fight.” “Meowth, that right!” “Look you guysm we’d love to kick your butts, but we’re a little busy at the moment, can you wait a second?” Ash asked picking up Articuno’s Pokeball. It disappeared in a flash of light. “Hope Proffor Oak likes you.” “We don’t wait for anything. Arbok, poison sting, I want that Pikachu!” Jessie ordered the serpent forward. “Weezing, Sludge attack, disable the nerds attacks.” James commnaded the gaseous pokemon to attack. “Go Charizard!” Ash shouted. Charizard had no reason to like Team Rocket or its Pokemon. Maybe it would fight for him. “Onix, here we go!” Brock commanded the huge rock Pokemon. “Misty calls, Staryu!” Misty threw the pokeball. Out popped Psyduck. “You stupid little quaker get back in your ball.” Misty zapped it back and replaced the dumb looker with the familiar star shaped Staryu. “Charizard, flamethrower, now!” Ash commanded. Instead Charizard lifted off the ground and flew away. “Charizard! Come back!” He shouted. Even from that distance Charizard blasted Ash full in the face. “Onix, bind that Arbok.” Brock instructed. Onix used its huge rock solid coils to trap Arbok in stasis. “Staryu, water gun!” The water blast nailed into Weezing. Charizard floated on the rising air currents, slowly following the odd compulsion flowing through its mind. //Ash Master, listen to Ash// **No, come to me** //Ash//**Come**//A*Come*Ash good master//**Listen to me, charizard.** Daminens image surged into Charizards mind. Ash was there and he was only a puny Charmander. Yet Ash had liked him, and so had Brock. Ash had saved him from Damien. A mass of Exxegutor was racing towards that puny Charmander as it blasted with all its might to save the only Master who had loved him. A burst of strenght and a new body, new mind. But even as Charmeleon, he had been unable to save Ash. Aerodactyl smashed him into insensibility. Rage. Shouting a challenge to the ancient pokemon. Rage. Another burst of strenght and he was Charizard, the ultimate fire Pokemon. Yet this compulsion still held over him. **Come to me, Charmander. Come.** The voice etched with the smokey grayness of paper spoke. And Charizard obeyed that command. “Weezing, sludge that thing now!” “Likitung, take down that hard headed snake!” Staryu and Onix both took a full Team Rocket attack. Both of them reeled physically and mentally. “Weezing, Self Destruct!” James ordered as the pokemon moved nto position. “Wee-eee-zing…” there was a moment of dead silence as the pokemon prepared to explode. With a shimmering KABOOM it blasted Staryu and Onix into a faint. “Pikachu, go!” Ash ordered, hoping Charizard would return. “Pikachu!” Pikachu lept in and sent a bolt of electricity at Likitung. Using its tounge as a ground it defeated that purpose. “Meowth thinks this game is over.” Meowth said as he pulled out a remote control and pressed a button. The groundd aroung Pikachu sprang up revealing a rubber ballon trap which nullified Pikachu’s electricity. “We got the Pikachu, we got the Pikachu!” Jessie and James exalted in unison. They grabbed the balloon and made a break for it, Meowth and Likitung following close behind. “Pikachu!” Ash started after them. As soon as he had taken a step another trap opened beneeith him, plunging him into a deep pit with Misty and Brock. “Great.” He said glumly. “C’mon Ash, we have to get out of here.” Misty said trying to climb out. “Yeah.” Brock agreed. “You two are right, we can’t let Team Rocket get Pikachu. Bulbasaur, Vine whip us a bridge out of here.” The seed pokemon quickly made the neccasary path. Unfortunatly by the time they had gotton out Team Rocket was long gone. “Pidgeotoo, I choose you! Find Team Rocket and fly back to me.” Ash threw the bird into the sky. It flapped its wings a few times and sped off. **Come, Charizard, come to me.** Charizard soared higher into the sky following the strange compulsion. “Its that blasted bird.” Jessie growled spotting Pidgeotoo. “That’s all right, we brought our anti air patrol blaster!” James pulled out a small bazooka like object and fired a blast of electricity at the bird. There was a puff of feathers. Pidgeotoo turned around and flew back the way it had come. “We better get ready for that kid then.” Jessie said as she pulled out a shovel. “Pidgeoo…”Pidgeotoo colapsed to the groung as soon as he’d landed. The bird was totally wiped out from the electricity of Team Rocket. “Did you find Pikachu?” Ash said earnestly. “Pidgeotoo.” It replied pointing to the air. “Good work Pidgeotoo.” The bird disappeared into its ball. “Lets get Pikachu back.” Misty said setting Togepi into her bag. “The three set off in hot pursuit, running at their fastest in the direction Pidgeotoo had pointed. “Ash, why did you send Articuno back?” Brock said suddenly. “Send Articuno back? The Pokeball retrieval system sent him back, not me.” “Ash, let me see you Pokedex.” Brock said screeching to a halt. “O.K, but hurry it up.” He handed Brock the small computer. “Remember, you have to press this button to send a pokemon back. Now that you have only five pokemon, Articuno should have stayed with you.” Brock pointed to the white button. “This one Ash, is the one you use to recall a pokemon. It can’t hurt you to carry six.” “Well, I guess I should get another out of storage, but who to choose.” He thought over it. Krabby was to weak, Muk stank too much, Articuno was torched and bruised. No one seemed like a good choice. Fortunate for him, someone else made the decision. “Ash! Late again I see. Amazing how slow you go when you’re such a wimp.” Gary stepped out of the woods, his squad of trained idiots close behind. “Gary! Go away, I’m too busy to bother with you right now.” Ash snarled. “Heh, too busy for the worlds greatest pokemon trainer? I think not. Ash, its time we had our little fight.” “I’m a bit busy, Gary, someone stole Pikachu.” “You mean it ran away from its weak trainer.” Gary replied. “Look, either help me find Pikachu, or go away, I don’t have time for this right now.” Ash put his Dex away. “Cmon Brock, Misty.” “Fine, I’ll help you find the little rat. Then I’ll fight ya’.” Gary and his cheerleaders walked close behind Ash and his company. “Well, well, the nerd has managed to get a new friend. I wonder if that guy has any good pokemon.” James said popping up. “Why don’t you surrender now, kiddies, and we’ll all go nice and peacfully away…with your pokemon.” “Forget it!” Ash and Gary shouted at the same time. “Go, Squirtle!” “Sandshrew, Go!” The two pokemon appeared, looked at each other for a moment, and turned their attentions to Team Rocket. “Squirtle, Water Gun, now!” Ash shouted. “You got a sandshrew?” “That’s right, caught it with a vulpix. Sandshrew, dig attack!”Gary said glancing at Ash. “Look at their faces.” Brock whispered to Misty. Both Ash and Gary looked exactly the same. A determination to win was set upon them and they showed it. “Maybe that’s why they don’t get along.” Misty whispered back. “Give it up kiddies. Likitung, now!” James stepped aside and let the tounge pokemon jump into battle. As soon as it had landed there was a shuddering sound as a magnet burst from the ground. Ash and Gary’s pokeballs were pulled free from their belts, leaving them with Sandshrew and Squirtle. “Sandshrew, take care of that magnet!” Gary shouted. Sandshrew blasted out of the bround and began hacking at it with his claws. “Squirtle, get Likitung!” Ash commanded. “Skull Bash!” “Likitung, lick it.” Jessie ordered. “Likiiii.” Its tounge lashed forward and slurped at Squirtle. “Squirtle Squirtle!” Squirtle ducked into his shell and came up like a rocket, slamming hard into Likitung. ++Meanwhile, at almost the exact same time++ “Wow…” Todd said as he stepped off the plane. “Its so…different. Pokemon Island is certainly behind the rest of the world. //For those of you who don’t get this, It’ll be explained-Anim.// “Todd Snapper?” A voice called out. “Are Todd, where are you!” “Todd Snapper? That’s uh, me!” Todd shouted in a relieved voice. People rushed all around him as he struggled to move through the thickly crowded airport. “Ah, I’m glad I got a hold of you Mr. Snapper. Please follow me.” A woman with shining blue hair said. “Your party is waiting.” “Its Todd ma’m, and what may I call you?” Todd asked. “Scala my dear boy.” ++Cherry Hill Temple++ “So what just happened?” Malre asked as soon as Raye was done making sure everyone was comfortable. “Tetonite has the Third Key.” Magus replied solemnly. “And now, the Spells of the Ancients will break.” “Third Key, I think it may be a good idea to explain Magus.” Marle said to the ancient wizard. “I’m getting to that Marle. I believe everyone here is ready for this.” He looked at the group. The Sailors sat on one side of the table, the CT members on the other. Renai stood in a corner, hovering several inches in the air and paying absolute attention to everyone and everything. “As you all may know, I’ve been around for quite a long time.” He began. “And over the years I’ve done many things. I have total control over myself, and my powers. I am not evil, but I do not neccasarilly have to comply with the wishes of good. I may lean there, but I am far beyond the petty conceptions of good and evil as you see them. Either way, many years ago, I came across a book. It is called The Prophecy of Convergance.” “ It tells of many events, including the destruction of the Moon Kingdom, the Rising of Lavos, and the Unfogging of a Monsterous Island. These three events are keyed to several smaller ones. One of them is the Three Keys of Time.” “I quote now, the passage : And so shall the Traitor take the Three Keys, one of Pure Innocence, one of a Brave Soul, and one of Technology, and the Traitor shall use them and bring Convergance. The Monsterous Island will Unfog, and the Stiller shall bring the Master, the Breeder, and the Champion of the Island to Convergance.” And for a second Magus’ head dropped wearily to his chest. Then as if that very gesture had enraged him, he jerked it upright. “Which means?” The Sailors and CT’s asked(Except Crono who still remained silent) “It means that somethiing big is bound to happen. Tetronite is the Traitor, right Magus?” Renai said. “Yes.” He growled his reply. “Which makes Rini’s Time Key the Innocence Key, Marle’s Pendant the Brave Soul Key, and the Gate Key the Technology Key. It makes a lot of sense. But, who is the Stiller, the Master, the Breeder, and the Champion of the Island? And where is this Convergance?” “Convergance is anywhere these events are taking place. As to those others, I don’t know who they are yet. Emphasis on yet.” Magus replied. “I’m working on it though.” “I know, Magus. You aren’t the only one who’s seen The Prophecy of Convergance. I’d look you to meet Todd Snapper. Come in here Todd.” Schala said as she appeared as mysteriously as Magus did. “Whoa, you got quite a group here, lady. Are any of you Pokemon Trainers?” Todd asked as he pulled out his camera, screwing on a lens. “What the heck is a Pokemon Trainer?” Serena asked. “Man where exactly have you all been. You’ve never heard of Pokemon before. What kind of weird place is this?” Todd inquired. “Here let me show you.” He pulled out his favorite album of photos to show them off. “See, this is an Aerodactyl, and Snorlax, and Eevee. Aren’t they cute?” he said pointing to their respective photos. “Whats this one?” Serena pointed to a picture of a huge dragon-like Pokemon. “Charizard.” He replied. “Really, it sure looks like that!” She pointed out of a window. In the distance a Charizard was winging towards the Shrine. “About time.” Magus said. “I was wondering how long it would take him to get here.” “CHARIZARD!” It roared landing. “Everyone, meet Charmander.Er, I think he’s changed a bit since I gave him to Dammien. Of course, the Champion of the Island has been training him. I belive you’ve met him, Todd.” “I’ve met a lot of Trainers, sir.” Todd replied. “This one is rather unique. Do you remember Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town?” “Ash? Yeah, he saved my life once.” Todd replied. “He’s the Champion of the Island?” “Not yet, but I’ve been watching him and his Pokemon. Charmander here was even mine once. Right Charmander?” “CHAR!!” It roared. “Either way, I need you to call him. Tell him to go to Saffron City, I’ll pick him up there.” “He hasn’t finished his Pokemon Journey, yet Magus. I doubt he’ll be willing.” Todd warned him. “He will come, Todd. His journey can begin again as soon as I am through with him. Convergance is to important to risk.” “I’ll call him and tell him Charizard is here.” “There’s one other thing I need from you Todd. I’m openeing a Pokemon Center here in Tokyo. I need you to go photograph it, so Ash will want to stay here and fight to win the Black Badge.” “What about Pokemon, Magus. There aren’t any wild ones here.” Todd objected. “I’ve already introduced them. Don’t worry, Todd. The city will be over run with small wild pokemon.” “If you say so, I’ll call Ash right now.” Todd said. “But where’s the phone?” ++A little later++ “Ash, this is Todd. Are you there?” “Todd? How are you?” Ash’s voice exclaimed. “I’m good Ash, how’s Pikachu?” “Good, still camera shy though.” Ash said. “Cool. Umm, listen, are you anywhere near Saffron?” “No, not really.I’m on one of the Saefoam Islands. Why?” “I need you to come to Saffron. I’ll explain later. I have to go Ash. I’ll explain later.” Todd hung the phone up. “He’ll be looking for me. I’ll have to go too.” “As you wish, Todd.” Magus said. “How long do you think it will take him to get to Saffron City.” “I have no idea, a few days if he finds someone who can fly, otherwise, up to a month. The Seafoam Islands aren’t really that close to Saffron.” Todd replied. “So where is this Gym?” “I’ll show you the way. Magus, you may want to take care of things. Come along Todd.” Schala beckoned to the boy. “I think I’ll go too, I’d like a chance to talk to you Todd.” Marle said standing up. “You too Schala.” “If you wish. Come along then.” Shcala shrugged her shoulders, causing the folds of her white cloak to shift like a rolling wave. “You, come with me.” Magus said pointing at Renai. “I wish to speak to you further.” “This had better be good.” Renai said following the ancient sorcerror. “When did our group get so large?” Serena asked as soon as Magus and Renai were gone. “I mean, look at it, we’ve nearly doubled in size.” “Trust me, madam, I shall not be staying too long. I have pressing duities in my own time. As soon as the Gate can be opened I will return to Atropos.” Robo said in his droning mechanical voice. “I too shall be returning to mine duties. I have many unaccomplished oaths as well as quests to complete, er I can no longer lift this sword, nor see mine opponent through the eyes of eld. Aye, that shall be the day I am safely buried beneith the soil, a sword stuck through mine chest.” Frog looked up from polishing his sword. He peered carefully at Serena. “Dost mine appearance make thee that nervous, my lady?” “Not nervous no, I mena I’ve seen a lot weirder things, but well…um…isn’t it weird. I mean being a frog and all.” She said hastily. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry like that.” “Tis no matter, my lady. Tis true that at first I found this form strange, but I have overcome that discomfort, and even now I take pleasure in this form. A miracle that one of Magus’ curses should bring me pleasure.” He lowered his head for a moment. “Not that I wouldst mind being restored to my natural shape. As you can tell, many find this one disgusting, and unpleasant to be around. Although I am the mightiest knight in the kingdom, rumours mighty jaws say that I win only because no one will face so horrendous a creature.” “That’s awful,” Lita exclaimed as she stood. “ Just plain revolting. You show me who does this, and I”ll make them uglier than their mothers did.” “A noble sentiment, my lady, but I doubt that though couldst stand mine presence for too long. Many find this forms smell when it becomes dry…unpleasant.” Frog replied to the outraged burst. “But, I value the tiken all the same. I thank thee. You prove that not everyone of the opposite sex is a pussywillow that shies away from the slightest breeze.” “Thanks, I think.” Lita said, returning to her seat. “All right you, just what can you do?” Magus demanded of Renai as they entered the courtyard. “Enough. I know several attack spells, basic levitation, and I can fight with my staff here.” She jerked her thumb over her shoulder to the harness on her back. “I can teleport short distances, and detect a spell coming at me, before it reaches me. I can shapeshift, but not for very long. After about an hour, I lose control and drop the spell. Why?” “Because you are posotively spilling magical residue everywhere. I can sense it. You have got be careful. Someone has to teach you how to control your power, and it looks like I’m the one.” He sighed. “Before this goes any further, Magus, I want to know anything you can remember about the future.” “No way, telling you could affect the timeline. Come child, we have much to learn.” He folded Renai within his cloak and disappeared. “Just what do you think you’re doing, Old Man!” Renai shouted as soon as her breath had returned. Magus had just swept her into what she recognized as a very long and complex teleport, and he hadn’t even broken a sweat. “If I’m going to teach you, it will be on my terms. I welcome you to my castle.” He gestured broadly at a huge building before them. A large central tower rose from a huge sea of blackness that sat in the middle of a grove of gloomy trees. The air radiated danger everywhere, and Renai’s senses were on full alert as she looked at the site. She gazed at the huge stone spire and gave a gasp as soon as her eyes beheld its top. A very large and viscious dragon was glaring down at her. She let ou a slight gasp of air and Magus chuckled. “It’s only stone, child. Come, we have much to do.” He took her hand in his and led her into the forebooding structure. “I have to hide it from the rest of the world. Renai. You are the first person other than myself to come here since Lavos ravaged its depths. Look there.” He pointed to a long scar running across the bridge leading into the castle. “That comes from the temporal energy the Lavos creature used when Crono and his friends interferred in my plans for revenge. Remember that, child. Revenge may seem sweet, but in the end it can only bring you pain.” “It can’t be all bad, Magus.” Renai said grimly. “I think I could live with it.” “Don’t you dare!” He whirled around. “I will not see you draged into that kind of an abyss. My sister risked herself mightly to save you. If you want someone dead, tell me and I’ll do it. You will keep your hands pure of such things. Promise me girl.” “If I want to get revenge on someone, Old Man, then no one, nott even you, will stop me. Did you hearr that Old Man!” Renai returned. “Renai, this will be your first lesson. No amount of pleasure in killing someone who hurt you is worth the pain it enevitably causes. Remember that.” He said darkly as he placed his hand on a pair of huge wooden doors. They swung open at his silent command. If Renai had thought the outside forebooding, than the inside was absolutely terrifieng. The entire place was envelpoed in a thick, dismal fog, making the torches in the wall burn only in a ruddy, noncomforting glow that offered little light. Magus’s sharp eyes peered easily through the gloom, and he led Renai calmly through the castle until they came to another set of double doors. Again he placed his hand against them and they swung open. This room lacked the fog that the others did, and as Renai watched the sinking gray curiously, she noticed it swirled away from the door, and any part of it that came near to the entrance shuddered away as if the fog were alive. Within was a chair and several rows of bookcases, each one jammed with leatherbound tomes. “This is my study.” Magus said simply. “You are the only other person to enter here other than myself. Treat its walls with the respect they deserve, and they shall repay in kind.” “What’s with that fog, Magus?” She asked looking at the gray mass. “It’s a spell I made. The fog can’t enter my study. Very few things can.” He said walking over to a wall. He waved his hand and a desk folded out. He grabbed what seemed to be a random book and set it on the oaken surface. He continued along his shelfs, grabbing what appeared to be random books until a sizable stack had been piled upon the desk. The books all appeared to have leather covers, although the color of the leather appeared to be totally random. Many of them had worn spots on the corners, obviously from where Magus himself had held them for many long studious years. “I want you to look through these, child. Once you arre through, I want you to tell me what you understood from them.” “Magus, you can’t seriously think I;m going to read all that!” Renai objected looking at the pile. “It’s way too much. I have to get back to the Temple, I have to find Spectre. I have to finish what Corius has started. I will not let his death go unpunished.” “Renai, listen to me, nothing you do will bring him back.” Magus said reaching to her. “That isn’t the problem, Magus. I know I couldn’t have saved him. That isn’t the problem.” She said closing her eyes, “that isn’t the problem at all.” “Then what is it, Renai.What is it?” Magus asked.//Poor girl, she’s so lost. Just like I was./ “He….he died trying to protect me. Magus. He died because of me!” Renai wailed,her face a torrent of emotion. “He died to save me. I’m not even his child, and he died to save me.” She collapsed into him. Magus. Not knowing what else to do, stood there, letting Renai pour her anguish into him. //Just like me. So alike we are. How I miss my wife. I could do nothing either.// “I’m sorry, Magus. I’m very sorry. I’m stupid for putting you through all that.” Renai sniffed. “I’ll go now. I don’t want to trouble you any further.” “No, you are my student now Renai. I have a story for you to hear. It is quite similar to yours. Sit here, next to me, and I'’ll tell you.” Renai sat next to Magus and an aura of extreme calm descended over her. It wasn’t a spel she realized, but Magus himself. He had so much control over his every action that it spilled onto her like a comforting blanket. For the first time since Corius had been murdered, she felt a calming peace. “It all begins several hundred years in the future, Renai. Probably from around the time you were born.” He began… “The Utopia of Crystal Tokyo was being attacked, just as the Moon Kingdom that preceded it had been. Monsters called Troopers were pouring from the sky. There was a tremendous battle. The city was in ruins, and the Crystal Tower was the last place attacked. The Sailors were putting up a good fight, and for a while it seemed like they might win.” **I had just returned from fighting at one of the five Crystal Points. I made my report to Neo Queen Serenity. The point had been captured, and I wanted to send my family to safety. Rini had already been sent back, and I knew how.** “I’m sorry Serena, but I must see to my family and their safety.” He said. “Hurry Magus, we will need you in the fight to come.” “Oracle will keep them out, Serena, send for Oracle.” “I have no one to send Magus. Everyone is defending Crystal Tower.” “Then I will return, as soon as my family is seen to.” “Hurry Magus. The Silver Crystal will be depleted soon.” **And so I rushed to our quarters. As soon as I came close to my door, I could almost sense what was happening within.** “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Magus howled as he swung the door in, just in time to see a grinning Tetronite shove his dear wife out the window. “You lousy piece of scum sucking filth!” He roared, lunging enraged at Tetronite. “Why did you do it?!” “You have the gall to ask me that, Magus? Amazing how stupid you are.” Tetronite said in an icy voice. “I’m sure you’ve tried to save her with your powers Magus. Couldn’t could you? I’ve learned how to counter you Old Man. You won’t ever be able to control me again.” There was a dull thud from outside. “I belive she’s hit bottom, chap.” “I’ll kill you for what you did to my wife and my daughter!” Magus lunged, wanting to rip Tetronite’s very flesh into small, very bloody bits and pieces. “I doubt you’ll manage that old man. Your daughter was quite delicious I’d say. She’s a soft one she is. Very strong in your arts I’d guess. She didn’t even bounce when she splatted.” And Tetronite vanished. “And that’s how I lost everyting, Renai. My wife was gone, my daughter nothing more than a bloody smear. I couldn’t change anything. It was beyond my poweer to do so. I wanted revenge so badly. I still do. Yes, child, we do have a lot in common. Read those books, Renai, and then we shall both face our fears.” “Fears, Magus, from you?” “We both fear what we both want. I fear it because I’m wise, you because you’re young. We both fear what may happen if we carry out our revenge. We both fear becoming the killer.” And Magus left the study. “Amazing, simply amazing.” Todd said in awe as he snapped another picture of two trainers fighting. “A gym in a place where not everyone is a trainer. And a good one too.” He snapped at the Golduck trying to smash a Kingler. “It even has League Authorization. Who’s the head trainer here?” “His name is Sirus. Magus has a thing for old names. Sirus, come here.” “Yes, Schala?” Sirus said steeping out of a back room. “A lovely Gym. My Arcanine loves it. Hey, I recognize you.” The short man with sweeping blonde hair said. “Your’re the famous Todd Snapper, right? A pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Tokyo City Pokemon Gym.” “Hi, I guess. Listen, have you ever heard of Ash Ketchum?” “Can’t say that I have.” “He’s gonna be here real soon, do you think you can handle him.” “I don’t lose Todd. Trust me.” “Good, Schala you had better be right about Ash. O.K. then Sirus, I’ll tell you all of Ash’s pokemon. I want you to be ready to beat them.” “Isn’t that cheating?” Marle objected looking up from Golduck and Kingler. “And aren’t there any better pokemon than those ugly things?” “Many more. Perhaps I’ll teach you about it.” Sirus said to Marle. “Say over dinner or something.” “Forget it!” Marle slapped him in the face, “I have a boyfriend who could rip you apart in no time.” “Spirited isn’t she?” Sirus said to Todd. “I guess.” He replied. ++Meanwhile, on Pokemon Island++ “Why don’t I like coming back here?” Ash said to Brock rhetorically. “Maybe because we almost became permenant residents in Sabrina’s toybox.” Brock replied. “I have a bad feeling Brock. A really bad feeling.” Ahs said looking to the horizon. And right you should, Ash. Who knos what dangers lurk for the Champion of the Island and his friends. And what is this thing between Renai and Spectre. And Marle’s first experience with pokemon. All next time on Pokemo…er The Convergance Project.