Hello! This is the second chapter of the story. Again, nothing really much to write in here in the A/N, just enjoy reading!

Author's Notes: The story will not include Alola. It will only scale up to Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and Kalos. I do hope you understand that. And random fourth wall breaks would occur from this point on. Be informed.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than my story. This is a fanfiction after all.

Chapter I

World of Fanatics

Five years later, the world has still been quiet despite what happened. The atrocity of Ash Ketchum was not forgotten, for it burned into the memories of the masses, especially his family and friends. Ever since that day came about, there was no more news about him. Worry and grief surfaced his circle for a long time, until they grew desensitized to it. Some were still angry with what Ash had done, well, that's because they wasn't able to understand why he did it. Time over time, his friends and rivals slowly begin to forget what he did, etching deep into their old memories until someone would be reminding them of the incident. The question is: Where has Ash Ketchum gone off to now? What has he been doing for the past five years? Ever since that Mt. Chimney incident, some grew to resent him for what he did. Lives were lost, properties were reduced to dust. It was no child's play. He had done it with his own volition. The Pokemon League Association coordinated with the police for the hopes of searching for Ash. He had a bounty on his head, as he is wanted for a million pokedollars. Officer Jennys and pokemon rangers had traversed across the world in all six regions, only to have returned empty-handed. But of course, there are certain areas they are not allowed to go to, and they speculated that not even Ash can hide in there. Recently, a few months ago, there had been reports of natural disasters that were surfacing in the world, and every time the media pressed on to investigate, there seems to have sights of cloaked people, sometimes in dark red robes, sometimes dark blue. They looked like pokemon trainers with just costumes, since there were pokeballs in their waist. However, when two people of different robes meet each other, they were seen to be fighting with their pokemon. Not just with their pokemon, but the trainers themselves, locked, engaged into close combat. Although there was no harm and reported casualties, it became an alarming presence to the people, a nuisance. It was like two gangs began fighting each other without their motives explained. Although Officer Jennys apprehended them, some refused to speak, and some even lost their memory. It was then they've heard of various few people fighting at the same time throughout multiple Regions, meaning, the groups opposing each other were not originally local to begin with.

In the caverns of the mountain ranges of Kalos, there was once a complex network of pathways with pitch-black tunnels were now lit with torches blazing with luminescence in the walls. Footsteps were heard, thumped across the stone floor. A male walks with a tattered cloak, his robes painted in crimson. Reaching down to the lowest level, his view shows him the number of people, knelt down in reverence, their backs covered with the same crimson cloak. They were worshiping. They were paying their tributes. What was in front of them was a crystallized cocoon— albeit it seems to have changed now at this point. There were now cracks compared to the clean slates of crystal five years ago, and it appears that the seal is most likely about to break... soon. One of the worshipers stood up, and approached the standing male from the distance,"Soon, it will awaken. Our efforts are now bearing fruit thanks to your trigger from five years ago, isn't it?" the cryptic voice spoke, boomed and echoed across the caverns. The other worshiper pulled his hood back, revealing it to be Ash Ketchum.

A serious look on his face was already there, his eyes showed nothing but emptiness. He had little concern over Pokemon and humanity in this moment, but he turned to be more level headed. Since five years had passed, he took the time to disguise himself. He grew quite taller, while he maintained the raven hair as a remembrance to who he was, and for some reason, his zigzag cheeks were gone. He didn't wear a robe at all compared to them, only the cloak of their group; his Kalos outfit expired from use due to the size difference. Now, he wore a larger version of his old outfit; but the color was red instead of blue, his short-sleeved shirt accompanied by the crimson cloak. Pikachu was nowhere to be seen, never resting on his shoulder again.

His companion took the liberty of speaking again, "Have you heard of the inter-regional tournament held by the Pokemon League?" he crossed his arms, expecting for an answer.

"It's a trap," Ash nodded, his tone maintained its coldness since 5 years ago, but had a more mature vibe, because he already grew up and went through puberty.

"Yes, I'm aware. It was simply a tournament to draw you out, and apprehend you in the end. However, we can't miss our chance. There are all kinds of trainers participating, especially the Elite Four and the Champions. The energy wrought out by Pokemon battles this intense would be most likely enough to awaken our master. That's why we need you there. You seem to be the only member of our brotherhood to be able to cause destructive energy that much, if not, more than any of us here, and we will collect them," he shrugged, taking out his hood as well. It was revealed to be Grings Kodai, the same man who Ash had such an encounter in Crown City. How they ended up in the same boat is a mystery, especially how he was able to break out of the prison he was detained for he committed a major crime; he exploited the phenomena of the legendary Pokemon, Celebi's Time Ripple, for his own selfish ends.

"Kodai, won't you be coming with us?" Ash only rubbed his temples, eyeing Kodai with an suspicious look on his eyes.

"Oh, how could I not? James and I would be there to collect the energy. It's a shame that Colress went to the other side, though..." Kodai sighed, scratching the back of his head. Colress used to be their ally, but for some reason, he defected and joined the other group, branding him as a traitor to the group where Ash and Kodai are banded together. However, during his stay, he invented a device that allowed them to contain destructive energy and isolate it, before feeding it to the crystalline cocoon. Ash had only to run tests during its early days of invention, eventually colliding with a few people into a battle, and his Pokemon started giving off strange amounts of destructive energy during battle. It'll be a matter of time before Yveltal wakes up... he thought to himself, the look of his face was similar to someone with expectations. For what possibly could be the reason he wants to awaken Yveltal? What sort of plan does he have?

Kodai gave off a slight chuckle, giving Ash a pat to his shoulder, "Our brethren and I will be keeping this place as it is. You can simply go run wild and collect that energy for us," Some of their brethren stood up and crowded among the two males, taking off their hoods.

They were not a group of ordinary people. Ash acknowledged that some of the members of the group they are in are the same people whose plans were thwarted by himself. These people took their hoods off, and it revealed to be some old acquaintances and enemies of his. Ghetsis, the former leader of Team Plasma, became one of the generals. Trip, Ash's confident rival from Unova, is now one of their vanguards. However, he seems to be detestable by some of the other members due to his overconfidence sometimes stooping into arrogance. Sabrina, a powerful psychic Gym Leader from Saffron City, eventually defected from the Pokemon League of Kanto and joined them during the five-year timeskip. Her tasks are for those who others could not perform; such as situations that require her psychic powers. Brendan, the young former Champion of the Hoenn region who replaced Steven during his time, eventually defected from the Pokemon League after reports of him gone missing for a year. At first, he did not expect that Ash is in the same group; the one who caused quite a mess in his home region. Erika, one of the Gym Leaders in Kanto, particularly Celadon City, decided to join their cause as well. And lastly, Leaf. An unheard neighbor of Ash's, who took a different journey from the very start, also ended up being in their circle too. The rest who were still knelt down were ordinary trainers drawn to Yveltal's sinister aura in lust to its power, and revered it as their master.

They are a cult of worshipers revering Yveltal; they are called the Yveltians, seeking the legendary Pokemon's power to absorb and obliterate all life and energy in the world order to start anew. One of their principles is that in order to start something, they must first destroy/end something. Their philosophy is that creation comes after destruction, however they are not sadists about it. They simply grew nihilistic of what has the world of Pokemon become today; and felt that the world is stagnant, devoid of progress despite how it appeared the other way around. They held little to no value for the lives of Pokemon and humans this time, albeit they still had a moral code to follow. They also see the notion that something will show its true value only when it ends, a "fact" that happens when it comes to grieving with lost loved ones.

While Ash is not the leader of the Yveltians, he serves as a figurehead in the cult. However, he is not a pushover either. His skill in handling Pokemon was noteworthy, and his personality grew to be more farther than who he once was; being more calculative and serious. He was also one of the unlikable bunch like Trip, for mainly because he tends to act on his own, but Ash is rather more reserved compared to Trip, and assertive when it comes to situations where he has to take matters into his own hands. The Yveltians see this part of Ash's rebellious nature quite unnecessary, and potentially perilous to their purpose. They knew they had to at least keep Ash into a leash, but they could not do that. Not when Ash becomes too serious.

One of their last known members, James, an ex-Team Rocket member, dashed into the caverns before he stopped in front of Ash and panted, "I-I got the letter like you asked!" He stuttered because of exhaustion, fell on to his knees as he tried to catch his breath, the hood eventually being taken off by the wind. He passed up to Ash a clean white letter. The latter took it up and read the letter aloud.

"The very first inter-regional tournament will take place in Lumiose City, and it is called the Prism Championship, held in an arena of Kalos's Prism Tower in Lumiose! Everyone with these letters are cordially invited to join. Stop by now at your nearest Pokemon Center, present this letter and register using your Pokedex! At sundown by Friday, the Prism Championship will take flight. The Prism Championship is the most competitive tournament the Pokemon League has yet to offer, for it comprises even the Elite Four and Champions being eligible to join! Everyone in the tournament is expected to fight for the title of the mightiest trainer in the world! So, what are you waiting for? Do you believe you have what it takes to garner that title? Come on, follow your dreams and hopes!

Yours truly,

The Pokemon League Association."

Ash sighed, after reading the letter, it was a clear bait for the Yveltians, especially Ash Ketchum, into joining the competition. Trip snatched the piece of paper, examining it. At least it's not Charles Goodshow with these sweet-sounding tournaments along with short notices... This makes much more sense than those, he deadpanned.

"Heh, looks like I should be able to prove my worth!" Trip curled his hand into a fist of determination, causing the others around them to sigh as well.

"You know, Trip, you do realize that's for Ash, right?" Leaf shrugged. Ash should be taking the chance, not his rival because he was thought of being not as much efficient as him in completing missions of collecting destructive energy.

"Don't care. If I can see those Xerions, I will prove that I'm stronger than them!" Trip folded the paper and handed it back to Ash, in which the latter put it back into the letter's envelope.

Ghetsis commented, "Dealing with Xerions isn't our top priority for now, but fighting them would still give us the benefit of destructive energy." It was when at the same time the Yveltians were formed, there were Xerions, their nemesis. The Xerions were the cult worshiping Xerneas. Albeit their intentions are noble and promising, their methods seem to be radical. They wish to subjugate and conquer, much like the order in the chaos. Compared to the Yveltians' philosophy, the Xerions were existentialists in attitude; making what's the best in their lives and make their own fate. It directly contrasts with the nihilism of the other cult. But, both cults seem to be causing mayhem regardless of their intentions, and were frowned upon by the Pokemon League and the people. Both are considered extremists and thus need to be stopped.

"The Xerions have been already building up territories especially from Johto," Leaf nodded, out of worry that the Yveltians would be outnumbered in influence. Their home bases; The Xerions in the forest, and Yveltians in a cavern of the mountainous ranges, both in the same region, appeared to be close by. They were very close to the point one would already consider orchestrating a crusade to fight with the other to their bases, but it wouldn't be wise for both sides. For now, they had to expand their influence with their own ways.

"Ash is the only wanted convict though, and having him just around in anywhere would cause everyone to be alarmed," Brendan crossed his arms. He knew that Ash became a convict ever since he attacked Brendan's region, but he was thinking if anyone would actually dare to strike at him in case he arrives for the tournament. It would not help if he would obscure his identity with a disguise or a cloak; for the simple fact that he is a Yveltian, and people would be alarmed now that they were marked extremists along with the Xerions. Ash had to register in another way, but it seems he has a plan. The look of his face after Brendan's comment didn't change. It was like he had no problem with it, and is well aware of it.

"Fret not, Brendan. I know what to do," Ash nodded, looking at his own hand that curled up into a fist. Sabrina approached by and stood by beside Ash. "Don't worry. I'll be there," the reassurance became quite clear when Sabrina came by of all people, knowing that they would rely on her psychic powers. However, they wouldn't be able to take it for granted either, because Sabrina is the only Yveltian with extraordinary abilities, aside from Ash had he awakened his dormant aura. "I suppose I'll leave it to you when it comes to Ash's safety," spoken by Ghetsis, feeling a sense of relief considering Ash is an important member to the Yveltians, and they could not afford to risk him being apprehended and held captive. This was a risk they have to take, because the tournament doesn't just come that frequently, at the same time it opens a grand possibility for them to collect much combat energy with Ash participating. Had they just blatantly caused chaos to collect those energy, they would have been apprehended and defeated easily by the number of overwhelming forces combined with the Pokemon trainers around the world. That's why they couldn't just pass up this small glimmer of opportunity; into awakening Yveltal and fulfill their philosophy. They see the Prism Championship as the only chance to execute their plans smoothly without outside interference; regardless of winning or losing.

And so, they spent the dusk formulating a strategy that would soon mark the path of their victory...

In the forest at the same region, particularly in an open area where the stump is located, first uninhabited by humans, now populated with a camp. People of blue robes rest by, like they are feeling peaceful and tranquil. An hour later, they were assembled into a meeting, they were rounded up in a circle with a hooded leader sitting in the sacred stump. It seems that they are conspiring something; especially against the Yveltians. They are the Xerions, devoted followers of Xerneas, the legendary Pokemon of life, settled into a congregation. The leader took off his hood, revealing it to be Riley, who has appeared now to be an aura guardian.

The Xerions' philosophy is about making the most in the people's lives; the existentialism is apparent to them. Contrary to the nihilistic Yveltians, they sought to not only protect the futures of mankind, but also spread their influence. Their main flaw is that they are radical, pursuing in whatever means to achieve their goal of conquest, even going so far on to the extreme methods. It seems that Sabrina's counterpart would be Riley; for the former having psychic powers, Riley on the other hand has aura to rely on.

Some didn't choose to reveal themselves yet, for it'll only ruin the surprise for Yveltians, and for those people watching outside their world.

"We can't let the Yveltians run amok," he nodded, putting on his signature hat that he had since the time he was in Sinnoh, for about a few years ago.

The others agreed, some part of the crowd just murmured, unsure what to do. This is pure naivety, one thing that the Xerions has, and yet, it would be accountable for their greatest strength; their links with Pokemon make up for their skill lacking behind the Yveltians in a small gap.

One of the members revealed themselves, who is Lucas, one of Dawn's friends in Twinleaf who started a journey separate from her. He seems to be the calm type; for no matter how dreadful the situation is, he maintains a cool head. "We'd be totally losing had not Colress joined our cause," he spoke, fixing his hat.

Colress, who was just behind Riley, was mashing numbers on a keyboard while mumbling to himself all of the comprehensible calculations he could make in a device, trying to improvise the invention. "Well, even with me here, we still would be in trouble with the Yveltians. Their goals also feed on conflict, which is why we should not fight them," he deadpanned, continuing his work.

"That's right," Came from the distance of their congregation was Tobias, the mysterious Pokemon trainer who surprised the people of Sinnoh of having Darkrai and Latios. Now his cloak now matches with the Xerions, he approaches the crowd slowly. They gave way as for Tobias to approach Riley, "I'm afraid we can't sit still though. Even with this much life energy we have been gathering and expanding our influence with territories... we're not even that close yet to bringing forth Xerneas into this world. It would take a mass amount of energy infused into the stump in order to activate the summoning. The Prism Championship is our only shot as well, because there comes a whole lot of people and Pokemon coming to participate and watch."

"Now, now, wouldn't that be mass genocide?" Alder commented, the former Champion of Unova, now defected from the Pokemon League, he was sitting in a tree branch despite his weight from his burly physique. He gave out a slight chuckle as he jumped down, the cloak of Xerions followed his graceful landing. "We shouldn't just use it on anyone. Draining their energy may be possible, but we can't murder anyone. We wouldn't wanna end up like the guy who went crazy five years ago-"

"Yes, I know, I know. Ash did that out of a whim and we wouldn't do the same," Lucas huffed, looking at Riley. "As the Xerions, what should we do?"

Riley cupped his chin only for a moment and blinked, now figuring out what to do. "I say that we should participate the Prism Championship. This is also a chance for us to prove ourselves, as to prove that we're not bad people. We also have to stop the Yveltians from achieving their purpose, though it will be difficult because conflicting with them would just be their benefit," he sighed, knowing that dealing with them would just be trouble regardless.

"Speaking of joining, do we have the invitation letters?" asked Lucas, the tournament perked his interest.

"Fortunately we have," replied Tobias, holding a bag of invitation letters.

Meanwhile, in the Kanto's Pokemon League Association, particularly at the top floor, a few Champions and the president, Charles Goodshow, are gathered together in a meeting.

"Are you sure this is seriously going to work?" Lance, the Champion of Indigo Elite Four, slammed his open hand into the desk of Charles Goodshow, the president of the Pokemon League Association, out of agitation. Charles was the one who orchestrated the Prism Championship, and it was clearly obvious that it was a trap to lure Ash from the hiding and capture him from there. However, Charles had a different idea in mind; he wouldn't just have the League apprehend Ash just yet. With a warm cup of tea, he sipped some from a small cup and placed it back at the desk.

"Yes, this is absolutely going to work. Ash is a very competitive Pokemon trainer in nature, and despite his loss of interest in achieving Champion in each region's respective Leagues, this is one opportunity he won't bring himself to miss. The original, childish dream of his into being a Pokemon Master lies in this road. If he still had that desire, that is," Charles huffed, stretching his arms in confidence that his plan will work.

"Ash needs to pay for what he has done five years ago. That case was left unsolved until now," claimed Steven, his arms crossed as he remembered the dreadful day when Ash Ketchum attacked his home region without warning. The memory etched into his mind, he couldn't just let that slip. He grew to be resolute and determined that time. Without malicious intent, without the idea of revenge, he vowed himself to find and stop Ash at all costs, before it's too late, for the grandeur of the people's future. Ash was the one jeopardizing their dreams and lives, but since he disappeared for five years without a news about him, the burning desire of Steven to deliver justice turned bleak and blurry.

"Wait, what about these two cults?" Cynthia intervened, feeling concerned about the more pressing matter as of now; especially the Yveltians who had an apparent lust for battle, along with the Xerions' greed for conquest. While Ash disappeared from the face of the earth, what replaced him was the rise of two cults who clearly worshipped Xerneas and Yveltal; and their continuous clashes with one another pose a danger to the innocents around them. Fanatics, it may seem for the eyes of the League and the people, but to them, it is a crusade, a fight for their cause, a decisive battle to prove that their belief is more superior than the other.

Charles gave off a slight chuckle, before placing his hands on the desk with fingers crossed. "It's the golden opportunity. The Prism Championship is held in Kalos, and that's also where the two cults' main headquarters are situated at. It would be also a bonus if Ash comes in the way, it would seem to be like two birds with one stone, along with an extra treat," he replied, appearing to be eager of what could happen soon. "You know, while most of their cult members are out in the participation, we can send our forces to take their bases into siege. That could put an end to them and their schemes. If Ash comes along the way as well, all of our problems could be solved."

It seems it is going well in my plan. Someone definitely thought of this well to carry it out, very much written I see. A sly smile plastered across Charles's lips, knowing what he had to do, and that part of his knowledge is currently withheld even from the Champions themselves.

The wondering look into their faces slowly changed into satisfied smiles, processing through at what Charles had been thinking. It was a perfect plan for him, and he can't pass up this opportunity either.

It appears that the three sides of the world have been looking forward for the grand opportunity that one of them itself had made... well, I just seriously wonder how this should turn out.

Well, that's just about it for now. You can leave a review if you'd like to share your thoughts. Until then, stay tuned!