Chapter 27
"Ash- uh, Latius, could you use sight-sharing so I can see what's around you? Maybe I can figure out where you are," said Latios.
A mental image shot into his head, and Latios gulped as he took in the room. Just as he suspected, his worst fears were confirmed. Right in front of him (or rather, in front of Ash) was a near replica of the DMA. The machine was already activated, and Latios recognized Nigel in the control capsule. Whatever Nigel was planning, Latios knew he, Latias, Pikachu, and Skye would have to act fast if they wanted to save Ash.
"Got it, I'm coming," He cut the connection with Ash. "Latias, quick, Nigel brainwashed Ash and has him in some sort of DMA. I need you to grab Pikachu and Skye and follow me. I'm heading over there now."
"Wait, what?"
"No time to explain, just go!" Latios could feel Latias' concern for Ash. He wanted to tell his sister that Ash would be okay, but he couldn't.
"Be there in a minute," Latias telepathed. "Is there a way to save Ash?"
"I don't know," Latios shot down another hallway, leaving many startled Team Void grunts in his wake. "But if there is, I swear to Arceus we'll find it,"
~~~
Brock cleared his throat.
To help your friend, you must wish,
For nothing with a magic swish.
Rater, wish for that which doesn't get old,
Wisdom is much better than gold.
The Chosen must have the courage to go on,
His partners, his friends, they must be strong.
The Chosen must regain what was lost,
Even if it comes at a cost.
The evil must be defeated in the land,
The dark and the void go hand in hand.
Innocent prisoners must be free of the curse,
Back to their homes, they must disperse,
Use your wish, proceed carefully,
What will save the world is up to thee.
That is all we have to give to you,
Good luck, my friend, this ends your clue.
"What does that mean?" Misty looked over Brock's shoulder.
"Before you decide," said Jirachi, "I want to tell you that I've met lots of people who wanted money, or power, or fame. I always give them what they want, but I've watched them, and they're never content. They always want more." Jirachi sighed. "I grant wishes because I want to make people happy with their lives, but most people wish for things that, after a time, make them worse off than they were before. I've granted hundreds of wishes, but only once did I have the privilege to grant a wish that made someone truly happy."
"What wish was that?" asked Brock.
"I can't tell you," replied Jirachi, "unless given permission, I keep all wishes secret. I know it might be hard, but as long as your wish comes from you. Not your heart. Not your desires. You. I promise you'll not only get your wish, but you will be happy AND content. You have the chance to make a wish not just for yourselves, but for the world." The Wish Pokemon looked at them whistfully. "Will you do that for me?"
Misty nodded. "Of course,"
"And if we can help Ash, I'm in," said Brock.
"Same here," said Birch.
"And me," said Oak.
"Thank you," Jirachi smiled. "Now, what is your wish?"
~~~
Latius was still thinking about his new friend. Maybe it was just because Latios sounded like him, but Latius knew he had heard that name before, spoken it, even. But where? When? Why couldn't he remember? Latios… oh!
Flashback
"Latios, are you ok?" Ash walked over to the Eon Pokémon, who was lying on the ground, a sad look on his face.
"I'm fine,"
"No, you're not," Ash sat down next to Latios. "Come on, you can tell me,"
Latios sighed. "It's all my fault…"
"What's your fault?"
"It was my fault you almost got hit by that Azumarill. I was too distracted fighting Politoed and let it get by."
"Latios, how is that your fault? There were lots of Pokémon, and there was no way you could fight them all at once,"
"I know," said Latios ruefully, "but you saved my life, you trusted me to protect you, and I failed."
"Latios, look at me,"
Latios turned his head.
Ash looked directly into Latios' ruby-red eyes. "What happened wasn't your fault. Not any more than it was Latias, Pikachu, or Skye's fault. I trust you to protect me, but it isn't something you should feel bad about. Besides, I've gotten hurt and even killed many times before. I trust Pikachu to protect me, and he does his best. He couldn't save me from Mewtwo and Mew, he couldn't protect me when I saved Celebi from the Masked Maurader, but that doesn't mean it was his fault. The important thing was that he did his absolute best. We're still best friends, and I think we're even better friends because of it. I know you did all you could today. Nobody blames you for what happened. I think the only one who hasn't forgiven you is you."
Latios took a long, slow breath. "You're right. Thanks for that,"
"Anytime," replied Ash. His body glowed as he switched to his Latius form. "Let's get back to the Pokémon Center? It's getting late,"
Latios levitated off the ground. He grinned. "Race you there!"
Latios was back. "You're on!" Ash did a barrel roll as he raced after his friend. Mission accomplished.
Flashback End
Ash blinked. Was that his memory? Was he also a human? Did that mean he was the 'Ash' Latios was talking about? But why couldn't he remember?
Who was he?
~~~
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