Been a while since I updated this. There are a few reasons why it's been quite a bit late, so I'll explain why right now.
I recently got into a hit-and-run car accident on May 20th, which gave me a major headache in terms of updating the story and working on it. Two little fuckballs (best way I can describe them, really…pardon my swearing anyways but I'm utterly devastated and depressed after this event) with no licenses or insurance papers slammed into my car when I was en route to receive my G2 license and gave me and my instructor a 3 hour headache as the police sorted out things. Did I mention both of them didn't admit who the driver was? Kids these days…they left their wrecked car (totally annihilated) at the scene and ran off into the nearby neighborhood.
No one was hurt, although my instructor had some minor neck pains, probably because of his age. However, I'm still extremely upset. It felt like something I didn't deserve but there's no point in mourning something that's occurred already. Moving on.
Second of all, a rushed story is never a good thing, correct? Better to have a delayed but well finished product than a wreck that was rushed for the deadline and turns out to be completely dysfunctional. I don't plan to update this ALL the time. Maybe once every 4 weeks, but…life is sorta getting on my nerves now. Do not worry though, I will try to keep this fic going. I have no intentions to abandon this one bit.
Here's to chapter 13 of my story so enjoy what's to come!
Like always, I don't own Pokémon.
Chapter 13
Double the Pokémon, Double the Glory
"Fools fight when it's not necessary. The wise fight for a reason."-Latios of Alto Mare
"Explosive champion right here!"-Krakatoa
"Oh good grief!" James complained upon seeing the twerps take their leave from the valley on the back of their Pokémon. "We took hours to get here, and now they leave? Why couldn't we have gotten here faster? How come they get powerful Pokémon while we get weaklings!"
"Because it was your bright idea to come here on this piece of trashy vehicle! And quit your complaining already, will you!" Meowth shot up in disgust, his legs already starting to get tired from continuously pedaling the bicycle-like whirlybird. "If we had brought a supersonic jet or something-"
Jessie slapped her face in disappointment. "We'd be broke if that was the case. We can't afford one to begin with given the fact we feed on table scraps everyday!"
The trio attempted to fight off the fatigue of sleep and tiredness (and of course, arguing over absurd things), but it wasn't long before the complaining began from the two humans and got out of hand. Having not gotten a bite to eat in days, the lack of energy soon overtook their senses as their eyes fell droopy with the need for slumber and rest.
"I'm tired…" An overly tired Jessie yawned.
"Me too…" James spoke drowsily.
Not wanting to hear the complaining of his two human companions, the Scratch Cat Pokémon immediately slapped them across their faces angrily. "HEY! Keep pedaling! Otherwise this thing will-"
The Team Rocket trio panted tiredly as they attempted to keep their vehicle airborne, but after a nonstop trip for almost 5 hours straight and the thought of extreme hunger setting in to their stomachs, their legs finally gave in as their vehicle stopped functioning due to the lack of its occupants putting in an effort to keep the vehicle airborne via the bike-like pedals. It wasn't long before the bicycle-helicopter suddenly took a plunge towards the valley as it spiraled out of the sky and crashed through some trees like a failing Pidgey, leaving the group disoriented as their vehicle was wrecked into a heap of trash metal upon crash-landing into the valley.
All three members of the crime organization were left hanging in the trees. Lucky for them, for they would have been easily killed if they divebombed towards the floor and resulted in a smack-dab collision with the forest floor.
"Uggh…where are we?" James questioned upon scrambling out of the totaled wreck and viewing the surroundings. They found themselves in a forest of some sort which bordered the Charific Valley with virtually no ways out.
"Oh great! We crashed into a chasm! Now there's no way out!" Meowth raged as he leapt up and down angrily. "I didn't want to starve and die in a stinking hellscape in the middle of nowhere!" The overly frustrated Scratch Cat Pokémon could not find another possible reason that would make this day get any worse.
It was about to as two behemoth-like Pokémon observed the trio argue childishly from some dense undergrowth.
"It was your entire fault!" Jessie shot up. "If you spent some of your money on food prior to our departure we wouldn't be starving here!"
"My fault?" Meowth replied. "Blame it on James for using that trash heap he built in 15 minutes!"
"Hey, I bought the parts with my bottle cap collection! None of you had to pitch in any money for the task!" The male teenager fought back, hating to have lost the majority of his prized collection of beer bottle caps he spent collecting throughout his entire childhood.
"Well, you're the rich one here!" Jessie mouthed back.
James slapped his face in disappointment. Maybe being rich wasn't a good idea after all.
The noises they made, however, attracted two very agitated Pokémon. Both of them stomped over, their heavy breathings soon drowned out by their intimidating growls. Seeing three intruders made them want to smash them all flat into the ground.
"Uh, guys, I think we have company…" Jessie stuttered upon witnessing two angry Aggrons, which were apparently the ones who previously belonged to Annie and Oakley and were sent flying into the canyons after battling the trainers' Pokémon, advanced onto them. While they were no longer corrupted due to the fact they were freed, defeated in the earlier battle and abandoned by the agents, they weren't particularly happy with intruders trespassing into their territory and causing a racket in the middle of the night.
"Oh my. This isn't good…" Meowth sweatdropped at the two rather upset-looking Pokémon as they intimidated the Rockets.
"LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" James yelped in fright, turning tail to the aggressive Pokémon and fleeing. His two companions mimicked his actions without a second thought.
Before they could clear any further than a couple of meters, both Pokémon opened their gaping maws and gathered energy in their mouths, a spherical glowing shape forming in the openings. Only moments passed as the hyper beams fired from the Iron Armor Pokémon exploded at the ground below the Rocket agents and sent them flying into the sky once again.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" All three of them wailed their signature tagline before disappearing over the horizon with the twinkle of a star, their last words echoing throughout the valley multiple times. As the trio were sent sky-high, their argument continued as always.
"I blame the twerps for leading us here!" James wailed.
"OH SHUT UP ALREADY!" Meowth yelled with a rather humorous as he performed a fury swipes on the male agent.
En Route to Pewter City
The flight to Pewter City only took approximately 2 hours or so for the Pokémon who transported the humans there. Clearing the Indigo Plateau and over more mountains that led into Kanto, the group made their way into the moderately sized city that had a fairly large population size after the years passed. Well known for the museum of science and its close approximation to Mt. Moon directly to the east, the city was often visited by people of many types often. Archeologists would come to see the museum or make a quick stop before setting out to the mountain to the east to search and dig for rare fossils, while trainers just starting out would face their first gym challenge here and attempt to earn their first badge on their first step to becoming a Pokémon Champion.
However, the gym leader was no longer Brock, as he was replaced recently by his younger brother after Ash's friend wanted to go into medical science after their adventures in Sinnoh.
The majority of the group was trying to fight off sleep and exhaustion, as they had spent the entire night fighting Annie and Oakley and exhausting almost all of their energy in the process. Nevertheless, they all kept their focus as they approached the city that was coming into sight as they made their approach. They knew they would have all the time needed to sleep and rest up after they arrived in Pewter City and found a place to stay for the night.
"So this is it?" Latios asked, surveying the city below them. "Our destination? The view's beautiful from up here, even for a city that can't be compared to my home."
"You bet." Raine replied happily. "Dragonite, land us outside the Pewter Gym!"
Her Pokémon nodded its bright smiling face before quickly descending towards the ground and landing outside the gym. Latias, Latios and Blade followed her Pokémon and touched the ground moments later.
"Here, let my Dragonite carry the two boys for you." Raine offered assistance as she witnessed Latias's panting face. Despite being a capable flier, she wasn't as strong in terms of physical strength when compared to her older brother. As Bianca and Raine hopped off the back of the dragon, it happily approached Latias and Latios and took the trainers with it, carrying them on both its arms with almost no difficulties at all. It was as if it was lifting two dumbbells that felt like paperweights on its powerful muscles although the boys didn't weigh too much to begin with.
"Phew…that was tiring!" Latias shook some sweat from her forehead, shaking bits of water droplets that drenched her feathers. She panted a bit, sticking her tongue out like an exhausted Growlithe after jogging on a hot summer day but nevertheless felt proud for her achievement.
"Wasn't for me." Latios replied.
"Well, you regained all your strength overnight! Not to mention you were always stronger than me! That's not fair now, was it?" She giggled a bit. Ash's Pikachu rolled his eyes a bit from her lame joke.
"It was sure a tiring flight even for a skilled flier like me, but I guess the battle worn me out earlier." Raine's Scizor gave off a sleepy yawn before rubbing its eyes sleepily. He tried to ignore the pain that emitted from the charred portions of his armored body that still remained even though Latios had patched him up with his psychic strength. "I'll hit the Pokémon Center tomorrow one more time."
Bianca immediately released Typhlosion from his Poke ball that was normally meant to contain Latias, and he stretched his arms and legs upon experiencing freedom. Breathing in the night air while sighing happily, he flexed his muscles proudly before scratching his ears. "Next time, I want to ride a Pokémon, you got it?" He demanded. "Getting stuffed into a Poke ball when you've been free for so many years is definitely not comfortable, I'll tell you that."
"Well, I am your trainer, so you have to listen to me!" Bianca teased him with a bright, yet tired face.
"Come on, I wouldn't do the same to you if you were a Pokémon!" Krakatoa wailed desperately, trying to reason with his trainer.
"Point taken. Alright, I promise. I'll see how we can work things out in the future."
Overhearing the conversation, the red-headed trainer interrupted their chattering and hoped that Brock would let the group crash at his place for the night. "Wait here, guys." Raine approached the gym's doors and hesitantly rang the doorbell, hoping there would be someone available to answer the door. When no one did, the trainer pressed the doorbell switch a couple more times. Surely, someone must be home, especially for an important figure in Pewter City.
Moments later, a half-asleep Brock answered the door before letting out another sleepy yawn.
"…can I help you?" He asked sleepily while rubbing his eyes, trying to adjust to the bright streetlights that shone through the city.
"We need your help, Brock." Raine immediately focused on explaining the task at hand. "The chitchat and other nonsense will have to wait."
"Hey Raine! Long time no see!" Immediately wide awake upon seeing the bright face of the energetic trainer after not seeing her for almost 2 years after their last gym battle together, he shook her hand with a bright smile while the trainer mimicked his actions in return. "What brings you here this late at night?"
"Long story. I'll explain later-I'll cut to the chase right now to save time." She turned to the group behind her. "These are my…um…friends. We need a place to crash for the night and I was wondering if you are so kind enough to let us stay here for a night or so."
Brock's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Latias, Latios, and the trainer's Dragonite who carried the two unconscious boys in its powerful arms. Bianca on the other hand waved with a smile while Krakatoa simply focused with a sharp stare. "Oh…my…" He immediately recognized two of the legendary Pokémon and their identities, but the sharp glare of Typhlosion and the impressive build of Raine's Dragonite only amazed him more. Such powerful Pokémon were extremely rare these days, especially with the UAAF's violent methods to quell their rebellious actions. To him, the legendaries didn't look as impressive compared to the Dragonite that was inexplicably larger than usual by at least 3 feet.
Latios decided to say something to break the silence. "Pardon us if we're being interruptive, but I don't think we can all fit in one room at the Pokémon Center. Well, not with like a whole band of members here."
The fact the Eon Pokémon actually spoke to begin with only sent Ash's former companion into a further state of shock, but nevertheless, he invited the whole group into his house after regaining his composition. "Oh, what am I doing forcing you all to stand out here! Please, come on in! Excuse my manners, please!" The cuteness of Bianca and Latias's faces only made him feel more embarrassed and rude for making the group stand outside like a bunch of homeless people and Pokémon begging for a place to sleep this time at night.
"Are you surprised?" Raine asked Ash's wide-eyed friend.
"Somewhat. Dragonites and Typhlosions are elusively rare these days, but…seeing two legendaries just outright amazes me even more." Brock stuttered. "Sorry if I gave you a shocker, but yes, everything's fine. Make yourselves at home!"
Everyone entered into Brock's house, which was right next door to the Pewter City Gym. Due to the massive family that Brock had been living with (8 siblings if Brock himself wasn't counted) the house was fairly large in order to accommodate the total number of 11 occupants, counting the two parents of the massive family and the former gym leader himself. The living room was beyond massive, with four large-sized sofas (each designed to hold at least 5 people) designed to greet guests, or hold the entire family in the room while they were camped around the large-screen and high-definition television. While it wasn't shown to the rest of the group, the upstairs level led to at least 10 bedrooms, each room for each sibling while the parents slept together in their own room.
"Wow, this place looks awesome!" Bianca exclaimed at the interior decorations of the house which dwarfed her own home in terms of size back in Alto Mare.
"Sure beats our own house." Latias added. "I can actually fly around without having the risk of knocking expensive things over!"
"Well, it's needed when you have a family with 11 members, counting myself." Brock flipped a switch on the wall and lit the room brightly with lighting.
"…11?" Krakatoa stuttered. "11 members? Just how many siblings do you have?"
Brock widened his eyes at the talking Typhlosion that had kept itself silent all this time. "Did he just…"
Slapping his face in disappointment and frustration, the Volcano Pokémon hated it whenever someone would lose their minds upon witnessing his ability to talk. "Look, I know it's a shocker, but let's just say I learned the ability to speak over the years. Like that crazy Meowth that stalks your friends all the time. So why don't you stop treating me like an alien!"
"Eheheh…sorry." Brock laughed nervously.
"Apology accepted." To Krakatoa's side, Bianca only smiled nervously at his impatient yet somewhat rude type of attitude.
"Alright, like I was saying, yes, I do have a massive family. My parents are out of town while my siblings are all asleep, so please try not to make too much noise." Brock explained. He didn't want to give his siblings a rude awakening, especially when Forrest, the second eldest brother of the family, was scheduled for gym duty tomorrow the next day at the crack of dawn.
Meanwhile, Raine's Dragonite placed Leon and Ash on the couch, dropping both boys in a lying position. The Pokémon was promptly recalled into its Poke ball by its trainer, as its massive size gave it difficulties as it tried to move around the interior of the house. The Dragon Pokémon nearly knocked over an entire glass case that held some expensive stones and other natural artifacts, but Typhlosion and Blade managed to prevent the case from toppling over and shattering upon impact.
"Whoa, watch it. Don't want to break anything here." Latios added as he carefully adjusted the glass case back into a stable upright position with his telekinesis powers.
"Sorry about that…I guess Dragonite isn't used to being in small, cramped spaces. Dragonite, return!" She apologized as she returned her Pokémon. The abnormally large draconic creature disappeared into the device with a beam of red light, and its trainer tucked her Pokémon's Poke ball onto her belt.
Latios wasn't used to being in such a cramped space either, even while inside Brock's massive living room. "Look, do you mind if I sleep outside in your backyard for the night?" He noticed fairly large trees in the rear yard of the mansion, which was his favorite type of environment to sleep in.
"Sure thing." Brock replied without objection, but wanted to know why they wanted to crash at his house at the night to begin with. "But what brings you all here?"
"I'll explain tomorrow." The Eon Pokémon replied, having already known the question that was going to be asked. "Are you coming too, Latias?"
The Eon dragoness huddled with Ash on the sofa, gently cuddling up with the trainer comfortably. "Is it all right if I spend the night with Ash?" She yawned slightly as Bianca blushed at the adorable scene while Pikachu tried to make himself comfortable by snuggling on Latias's warm and fluffy back.
"If it makes you happy, I have no objections. Good night." Bidding everyone sweet dreams, Latios opened the door with his psychic powers and flew outside. Blade decided to join him too, but instead he chose to sleep on the sweet-smelling grass on the ground. Being a Pokémon who spent the majority of his life living, sleeping and fighting outdoors made him feel uneasy having to live in a human-oriented environment even if it was a warm and welcoming one.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Raine. Blade communicated. I'm probably going to have a word or two with Latios."
"Very well. Good night." The trainer answered as the golden-colored Pincers Pokémon disappeared through the door to the backyard.
"…what happened to them?" Brock asked upon noticing Ash and the new guest he couldn't seem to identify in a totally unconscious state. "I know that's Ash, but who's the young man in the fancy clothing?"
"That's Leon. He's a Pokémon Ranger." Raine explained, scratching her head nervously unsure of how to tell their intense battle against Annie and Oakley earlier. "Look, I know you won't believe us, but…we recently had a massive scuffle with a couple of Team Rocket agents. I wouldn't have joined the fight or met up with anyone here if it wasn't for Leon's request to transport him to the Charicific Valley after it was clear elite Team Rocket agents were going in there for a major operation. I didn't really expect to meet two legendary Pokémon there, however…" To her surprise, there was a notable difference about his hair after she examined his features.
Two protrusions of hair, similar in shape and size of Latios's two ears, stuck out from his head. "Strange…what is that? I didn't notice them before when I spent the day earlier with him…it's probably nothing to worry about. His hair's quite messy anyways." She brushed it off her mind without giving much thought to the subject.
"Hey, you must be Bianca!" Brock exclaimed after being able to recall some of his memories during his vacation to Alto Mare. "How have you been?" He tried not to blush at the attractive and cute girl's physical impression.
"I'm fine. It's been so long. But what about you? Is the Pewter Gym doing fine?" She placed her purse on the table while stretching slightly.
"…were you listening to me?" Raine demanded angrily, not amused or pleased at the fact she was being ignored.
Brock immediately focused his attention back onto the trainer once again. "Oh, sorry! I haven't seen an old friend for so long it just surprises me that I get to see her again, even though it was only for a day or so. 5 years pass by so quickly…but yes, there hasn't been much happening around here. But what really happened today with you guys and girls?"
"It is a very long story." Krakatoa tried to explain. "We were beaten to an inch of our lives by Team Rocket, but fortunately, we had some assistance and made new allies. But even then, we barely emerged victorious. I don't know if you have been paying attention, but do you know who the United Aerospace Armed Forces organization is?"
"Are you talking about that peacekeeping organization?" He replied, having seen their news reports quite often on television.
The veteran Pokémon snickered at the false media reports that were obviously fed to broadcasting stations. "Peaceful? Peacekeeping? HAH! You wish! But that's another story for another time. No need to go into the heavy details." The Volcano Pokémon felt it was better off to be kept a secret, at least until their next major encounter with them. To his fortune, Brock didn't ask any more questions or request for further details. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm calling it a night. I'm very, very tired." He curled up on the rug at the feet of the sofas and unleashed a loud yawn, the ring of fire on his back going out to prevent starting accidental fires. "Good night ladies, stay pretty and get some beauty sleep."
Both Raine and Bianca yawned too, exhausted also as their eyes began to drop slightly. "You got a place for us to sleep for the night?"
"Well, there are a few empty bedrooms upstairs at the moment, so you can sleep there. Just try not to wake anyone up." Brock advised the girls before turning to Ash one last time and feeling envy amassing in his mind. "He's so lucky! He gets a drop-dead gorgeous Pokémon that can take the form of any human she desires to sleep with him!"
It wasn't long before everyone was tucked in for the night, the majority of the guests relieved to know they didn't all have to register rooms in a Pokémon Center like a group of homeless kids. With Latios and Blade both sleeping reassuringly outside in the backyard, Leon, Ash, Pikachu, Latias and Typhlosion all slept in the living room of Brock's house, with the Ranger's mouth snoring wide open as he drooled all over his uniform and the female Eon Pokémon cuddling happily with the trainer she was so in love with. Occasionally, she would giggle and smile in her sleep as she fantasized about playing and frolicking with Ash in a conflict-free world in her dreams. Pikachu just slept in a standard pose, nothing like the other boys and their crazy positions. On the ground, Krakatoa occasionally scratched himself in his sleep with his two legs, trying to fight off various wild dreams that rambled into his head. Raine and Bianca slept upstairs in the spare bedrooms that Brock offered them, and Ash's closest friend himself returned to his own bedroom after making sure his friends, both old and new, were sleeping away peacefully and comfortably.
Latios, however, couldn't simply fall asleep like the rest of the team. The troubling day he just had was more than enough to keep him well awake for at least 2 hours, and he leaned down on the tree with a troubled face. Blade noticed this, and flew up to join him in the vegetation.
"Something troubling you?" Raine's Pokémon asked as he caught sight of the Eon Pokémon wide awake and perching himself on the trees.
"Not really. I'm just having a tough time. Especially the fact I might shock the Ranger tomorrow morning when he realizes his life will be changed forever." He narrowed his eyes, but nevertheless didn't regret the decision.
"What did you do exactly? I know there were some physical differences such as his odd-looking hair, but…"
The Eon Pokémon quickly interrupted his sentence and broke the real truth to the Pincers Pokemon. "I gave him my powers. He has the ability to transform into another Latios at will, if he wished."
"You…YOU WHAT?" Blade widened his eyes.
"You heard me." Latios tried to hide his laughs. "He has my powers. The same goes for Ash, although he'll be rather pleased-or shocked-that he's inherited the soul and embodiment of a Typhlosion. Maybe my sister would have taken his place, if Ash was a girl."
"Ok…if what you said is just true, then I'm puzzled." Blade tapped his titanium-hard pincers against the tree branches slightly, trying to get the facts straight. "So essentially, we'll be seeing three Eon Pokémon flying around our heads and another Krakatoa running around by tomorrow morning?"
"Precisely. But remember that, we have the abilities to transform into humans at will if we wanted to. He still has clear control over his old body and he is still essentially a human. But it was needed to save his life. I didn't know my body was so energy-demanding, so in return, I had to give him a portion of my own life force to the Ranger. Words can't express how thankful I am for his sacrifice. Without him, I would not be here. Krakatoa would've probably died either if Ash didn't step up to save him." Staring up at the stars above, he sighed. "I owe him everything I have. Bianca and Latias are both so happy to see me again, and I have a second opportunity at life. But all of this is for a real purpose that will show itself later on…"
"But how is it possible? Pokemorphs, or so many coin it as, only exist in the UAAF."
"Nah. A human with a pure heart and aura can easily adopt such a skill." Latios chuckled. "I guess those two boys are lucky they possess either one of them or both."
"I don't know what to say, but I suppose we'll find out tomorrow." The Scizor could only wonder what Latios really meant by his words-does this mean they would have another proficient fighter on their team? "The questions of life are always so puzzling. Well, sleep well Latios."
"You too." The male Eon dragon yawned lightly before slumping down onto a branch and made himself comfortable for the evening.
The Next Day
With total exhaustion caused by the battle from yesterday, none of the guests at Brock's house were awake until at least like 11AM in the morning. Blade and Latios were wide awake at the moment the sun shone through the trees due to their early bird traits, but since they understood how tired the rest of the team was, they decided to let the crew catch some extra snooze time while they conversed in the backyard via mind communication. Both Raine and Bianca weren't awake either until 9:30AM, not even with Brock's siblings chattering at a moderate level of noise. However, Raine had gone out before everyone was awake so she could do some shopping at the local Pokemart to pick up some supplies. Her Scizor promised that he'd catch up with her after he has gotten some extra shut-eye.
The lazy boys downstairs that slept in the living room were definitely no exception when it came to slackers sleeping in. Ash, Leon, and Typhlosion continued to sleep, but their continuous snoring and mutterings in their slumber woke Latias up well before 9AM. While she would normally wake them up with her own antics and stunts (the same types she'd pull on her brother just for pure amusement, much to Latios's dismay) she couldn't help but ease down upon seeing Ash's innocent face as he continued to sleep. Kissing him gently on the cheek, she quickly rose out of her bed, took on a human disguise, and went upstairs to find Bianca.
It was at this time Leon humorously fell off the sofa and crashed to the ground with a loud thud, but he was in such a deep sleep that even the sudden noise didn't awake anyone, not even Ash or Krakatoa. Not even the Ranger himself woke up from the impact! Pikachu, however, was startled a bit as he came to his senses but didn't bother to give any attention before promptly fell back asleep.
"My pizza…back off guys…I earned it…don't make me get…my battle rifle!"
"Burn…baby burn…United…Aero…"
"I am…the champion…the league…will be mine…make way for…"
"Talk about a bunch of lazy sleepyheads!" Latias laughed a bit in the back of her mind, her heart feeling warm from all 3 boys' silly speeches as they muttered in their deep sleep. Now to find where Bianca is…"
Tiptoeing through the hallways without making a noise, she sneaked past Brock's siblings as they wandered back and forth between their rooms before approached the bedroom where Bianca was sleeping and quietly made her way inside without making a noise, save for the door creaking slightly. She noticed her childhood human friend was still peacefully sleeping away sweetly and giggled at the adorable sight. She always had a soft spot whenever she witnessed cute-looking human beings snore away so peacefully.
Gliding over to Bianca, she nuzzled her with her head to wake up her up gently. Bianca, wake up. She spoke telepathically, wishing for her words to be heard.
The girl twisted and turned in her sleep, seemingly unresponsive at Latias's wake up call. After it was clear that simple gestures would not work, the Eon dragoness transformed back into her Pokémon form, licked her across the face repeatedly, and the action soon made Bianca spring out of the bed. Upon noticing her friend's bright, sunny look, she couldn't help but give the same expression in return.
"Aw, did you have to wake me up so early?" She asked while rubbing her eyes and patting the Pokémon on the head gently. "You know it's not polite to bother someone while they're having sweet dreams."
"What did you dream about, if I may ask?" The Eon dragoness asked with a cute-looking blush.
"Dreams won't come true if they are spoken!" Bianca answered back, not willing to reveal her somewhat embarrassing fantasies in her sleep.
Latias landed on the bed and dug her face into the soft, fluffy bed sheets, cooing happily from the comfortable sensation in the process. "Well, it's a beautiful day today. It feels sort of a waste to sleep it all away. That's what you always said to my brother, right?"
"It's only 9:15AM in the morning and we aren't late for anything important." Bianca yawned a bit and ran a hand through her messy hair. "What's with the sudden awakening?"
Well, I need your help!
"With what?"
Latias blushed a bit, trying to explain herself as she fidgeted with her draconic claws. "I don't know how to put it this way, but…"
"I get it." Bianca tried to hide her laughs. "You obviously want to impress Ash again with a new look, am I not right?"
The sound of glass breaking could be heard inside Latias's mind, as her friend had managed to guess her true thoughts and feelings dead and right on the track. She rolled her eyes in response, trying to find a suitable excuse to avert the truth. "Uh, well, actually…am I really that predictable!"
"You've been annoying and badgering me about seeing Ash again ever since he left and Latios's passing. But now that they're both back and with us, why don't you just stop hiding your feelings and confess them? Not to mention you talked to me before about getting bored with taking my appearance all the time. I'm sure Latios would say the same thing to you." She advised while she climbed out of bed, rubbing her eyes.
"Yeah…I guess…"
"First things first. You said you need a new look, right?"
Latias nodded her head.
"I can help you with that. It's better than always taking my look, people will think I'm cloned or something." Bianca nervously scratched the back of her head.
Leading the Eon Pokémon to one of the washrooms, she closed the door and got to work, being Latias's fashion designer and advisor of the day while the Pokémon followed her tips and redesigned her human appearance using her psychic skills. Meanwhile, Typhlosion and Leon were finally starting to come to their senses as they got out of their sleeping states, with the fire-type Pokémon grumbling a bit from the glaring sunlight that bathed the living room through the windows. He looked up at the Ranger, who had just climbed off the ground and realized his vest was soaked beyond belief with drool.
"Did you just salivate all over your uniform while you were sleeping last night?" Krakatoa laughed, trying to hide his laughs.
"Huh? Oh man, not again…it always happens when I have awesome dreams." Leon moaned as he wiped off some dried-up drool from his lips.
"Care to tell what dreams you had? You know what I mean." He asked in a taunting voice while smiling devilishly and twitching his eyelids continuously.
"They're private! I don't ask you about what dreams you have now, right!"
"Whatever, soldier. Better wash up before you embarrass yourself to the girls here."
At this time, he realized he could see minimal traces of thoughts inside the Pokémon that was talking to him. Brushing it off as nothing but just a coincidence or a paranormal phenomenon, Leon groaned a bit and scratched his head a bit as he quickly made his way to the lower level bathroom to clean himself. "I'll be right back."
"Take your time." Typhlosion turned to the sleeping Ash. "Talk about lazy, but then, I shouldn't be talking with my 12 hour naps!"
In the washroom, the Ranger took off his vest and started to wash his face and the stains of saliva all over the protective gear. Scrubbing the disgusting liquids out of his vest, he yawned slightly before taking a quick glance at the mirror. Looking at his reflection sleepily, he realized there was something completely different about his physical appearance in general. "What the…"
His hair was slightly different for some reason. Instead of the messy black hair he normally had, there were two pointed protrusions sticking out to the sides of his head in the form of his own two ears, while both his eyes had a slight shade of bloodshot red instead of the usual dark brown scheme. The features resembled Latios's own pointed ears and piercing red eyes, and it was at that exact moment that he remembered about Latios mentioning about "leaving a gift for him". Thinking he was daydreaming to begin with, he quickly realized it was no hallucination and that he wasn't seeing things or anything. He decided to talk it over with Latios to see what the true results were after the life transfusion. Washing his face one last time, he quickly departed from the washroom and headed out to the backyard with Typhlosion interrupting him along the way.
"Strange, I noticed some differences in Ash too, but mines seem to stand out more…"
"You want a soda?" Krakatoa called to him as he raided Brock's fridge, looking for some breakfast. Just seeing the contents inside made the Pokémon drool as his stomach grumbled. The impressive amounts of rations stocked in the appliance amazed him as he tried to make out what would be his first course of breakfast.
"Not now!" The Ranger called back as he quickly wandered out to the back, where Blade and Latios were conversing among themselves. The Eon Pokémon noticed the Ranger approach and smiled slightly, relieved to see he was alright to begin with.
"Morning, Leon. Glad to see you're alright." He greeted with a sunny face.
"I request an immediate explanation right now for these changes right now, Mister…I'm feeling alright, but I've noticed changes with me." He grumbled under his breath.
"Ah, so you're wide awake and looking healthier than ever. Your energetic attitude tells it all to me." Latios was proud at the fact the Ranger had made a full recovery, but was well expecting a surprise from the boy.
Leon's face immediately had dead-serious written all over it, demanding an explanation. "Ok, I need to talk to you. No more sweet talk, okay? What's with these odd features I have? The pointy parts on my hair, the bloodshot eyes…I also feel a tad stronger, like as if I could fly…wait…fly? What the…PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!" He focused his newfound powers, and to the shock of Blade, the Ranger began to literally levitate off the ground and towards the air.
"He's…he's…FLYING?" The Pokémon couldn't believe his eyes at the floating human. "Good Mew, what's going on!"
"Holy crud…what did you do to me! I repeat, put me down this instant!" Leon cried out in shock and excitement as he tried to land onto firm ground again, but with no results. It was at this moment he began to feel a surge of pure energy flying through his blood vessels and nervous systems, making him feel as strong as 500 maniacal killers packed into one powerhouse of a warrior. "Hey, what's going on!"
"Looks like extreme senses of emotion activates the transformation. I'll have to teach him that and how to control it." Latios tried to keep that in his mind, as he knew he was going to have to take the role as an instructor for the Ranger and his new abilities. The fact his successor was known to be emotionally weak on occasions didn't help either.
That was, until this new Pokémon could handle the powers.
To the shock of Blade, Leon's body was suddenly engulfed with bright blue light as his body underwent a morphing process of some sort. His humanoid figure shifted in the blinding rays and soon emerged as something completely new. With no idea what was happening, the Ranger stared at himself and tried to scream, but could only utter nothing but empty words. In moments, there was no longer a young, energetic and brave kid in the position of where the boy was once, but rather the sleek figure of another Latios. With the exception of the color schemes and slightly different physical features, he resembled the exact same Pokémon of the one he had saved only about 12 hours ago. The only notable differences were the alternate color scheme of the eyes and body. Instead of blue, Leon was colored in an aquamarine type of shading while his eyes were jet-black opposed to bloodshot red. The triangle-shaped figure on his chest was navy-blue colored opposed to red or yellow, the colorations of the same feature for other Pokémon of the same species.
Latios tried not to chuckle or gasp in awe. "It's successful. His soul has merged with my own life force, and this is the result. Not bad if I say so myself. While I would pick Ash instead, perhaps this young one may unlock even further potential with this profound new strength."
Surprised, shocked, breathless and just outright amazed all at the same time, Leon stared at his physical features. He no longer had human hands, but rather claws of a dragon Pokémon. His two legs were reduced to small, stubby extensions while two bladed wings akin to a sword and a fighter plane's delta-shaped wings sprouted from his back. "What in the name…"
Blade's mouth just dropped wide open. He wasn't sure how Raine and the others were going to react to this shocking news but decided not to stick around any longer. "Uh…I'll let you two have some alone time. Alright?" He quickly wandered back into Brock's house, not sure if to break the news to the group. Gasping heavy breaths, he tried to calm himself down. "Easy, Blade. Everything will work out. I mean, what could possibly happen about him transforming into a Pokémon?" He remembered having to meet up with his trainer at the Pokemart, and quickly made his way out of the yard and headed into the streets.
"Latios, WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?" The Ranger screamed to the top of his lungs. While it was awesome being a Pokémon, he didn't want to become one forever. How was he going to explain to Ranger HQ and his friends about this fiasco?
But to Latios, all the words he could hear were the angry squawking and cooing of the newly transformed human, but he could clearly understand what his companion was attempting to say. "What! I can't speak!" He tried to bark out words, but nothing more than high-pitched squealing came out of his mouth.
"Use telepathic means of communication. It should be easy." Latios recommended.
Typhlosion, having caught the attention of the racket out in the backyard, went outside with a soda in his claws. "Hey, what's going-" It was at this moment he witnessed the new Latios. Dropping his jaws, the soda he was holding fell to the ground as the liquid spilled out of the can. "What the heck! Am I seeing two of you, Latios!"
"No, you're not. This is Leon. He's…well, to put it in proper, simplistic words, this is the result of the powers I lent him in order to prevent his death. But for some reason…he can't speak yet. At least not for now in this form." The Eon dragon knew he was going to be in serious questioning for all of this.
"Transform me back immediately!" The Ranger angrily demanded mentally, but didn't charge at Latios in anger like any shocked teenager would. This, of course, resulted in upset and frustrated noises that only other Pokémon could understand.
"Hahaha! You sound like a clown on helium!" Krakatoa laughed. Latios joined in on the laughter with the fire-type Pokémon, much to Leon's dismay.
By this time, Latios had enough of his own dosage of laughs and comedic moments at the surprised and shocked attitude of the human. "Alright, alright. First, calm down and focus your powers. I don't have control over it. Only you do." The Eon Pokémon replied in a cool, laid back manner. "Relax. Put your mind off combat. Think of happy thoughts that put you into a state of calmness. Getting angry will only accelerate your powers even further."
Listening to his words, the Pokémon/human hybrid closed his eyes and placed his hotheaded self in a state of relaxation. In moments he reverted back into his human form in his Ranger outfit as a wave of light overtook his body, transformed back into his old human shape and became his old self again before crashing into the grass with a thud.
"Whoa. Wish I could do that…" Krakatoa commented. "Being a former human being I wish I could transform back into my old trainer self. But really…that's so awesome, soldier! You can transform into a legendary Pokémon!"
"It isn't on my part and quit calling me soldier!" Leon got to his feet before brushing some grass and dirt stains off his clothing and hair, somewhat feeling uneasy at the nickname that his compatriot started to refer to him as. "Alright Latios…you have a lot of explaining to do. Right now on the double." His voice changed from shocked to dead outright serious, but yet calm, but to the fortune of the human reversing himself back to his human state allowed him to speak once again instead of coo, squawk, or just scream angrily in a completely laughable manner. "Why did this happen?"
Taking in a deep breath of the morning air, Latios lowered his head. He had hoped his rescuer had appreciated his gift and had been happy about it, but it wasn't the scenario right now. He proceeded to go into the lengthy explanation of what he really did to preserve the life of the human that so bravely accepted the task of a life transfusion. "Listen carefully, it's because…" Krakatoa only joined in and listened, for he didn't have anything else better to do at the moment.
Back upstairs in the washroom, Bianca helped Latias finish the final touches of her new human form as the Eon Pokémon used her psychic abilities to literally create what her human companion recommended her to look like. Nevertheless, her radiance dazzled even the young artistic girl herself.
"My, I have to say, you look drop-dead gorgeous. Ash will probably die of a heart attack if she saw this!" She commented as she fixed the Pokémon's hair a bit with a comb.
"Well, I don't want to literally, you know…kill him with this form." The Eon dragoness communicated.
"I'm kidding. He'll probably blush so hard he'll probably faint, along with the other boys on the team." Bianca laughed. "Let's go and surprise him!"
Ash had recently just kicked himself out of sleep, and was helping Brock prepare breakfast. He yawned slightly before he placed a ton of waffles and pancakes into the oven, hoping to toast them all instantly so they could have one giant buffet after the battle. He had felt a little odd, such as a wave of new strength going through his veins, but he brushed it off as nothing like his new Ranger companion. "Probably because of a good day's rest, I guess."
"So Brock, how have things been?" He questioned his old friend.
"Nothing much. Forrest has taken over the job as the new gym leader, and I'm going to be studying medical science soon at an academy in Hoenn. But I won't be leaving anytime soon, so please don't stress too much. Someone has to watch over my siblings after all!" The dark-skinned teenager replied with a smile. "I've got faith in our newest gym leader, I mean, he's been doing his job well. His Rhyperior sure makes my Steelix look a tad weaker, if not by a huge difference!" He chuckled a bit before remembering the time when the Drill Pokémon was beaten by a Nurse Joy's own Latias. It was a close match but in the end, Forrest lost against the might of a legendary Pokémon.
"Pika!" Ash's Pikachu chirped happily, knowing that their old friend would be staying with them for at least a little while.
"Looks like the food is ready." Brick announced. "Let's prepare it before it gets too cold."
"Sure thing."
The two continued their conversation until they finished preparing breakfast, and taking out the pancakes and waffles on multiple plates, they placed their work on the table and prepared to call everyone in for breakfast.
At this very moment, the most beautiful girl, at least in Brock's eyes, descended from the stairs that led to the second floor with a bright, sweet and dazzling smile written across her face. Even Ash's eyes widened a bit in complete surprise upon seeing her appearance.
"Who…who is that?" Ash asked himself mentally. "She's real gorgeous, but I don't remember such a person accompanying us."
She had fairly pale peach-colored skin with barely any signs of a possible tan, while her bright eyes were a chestnut-amber golden colored scheme. Her radiant hair was extremely similar to Bianca's own design, with the exception it was at shoulder length and was a reddish-brown instead compared to the aforementioned, who had dark brown hair. She wore a bright red sleeveless shirt that displayed her curves nicely, all accompanied by a white dress that was fairly short, but wasn't as small and revealing as Bianca's white skirt. Both her feet were adorned with a pair of expensive-looking high heel slippers that exposed her toes. She happily skipped towards the two boys with a dazzling smile and carefree manner, with both Ash and Brock not knowing who this new stranger was.
Brock's heart immediately fizzed out like an exploding Voltorb upon seeing the absolutely gorgeous female make her approach towards the males. "HOLY HEAVENS IN THE NAME THAT IS ALL OF LORD ARCEUS! LOOKS LIKE I'LL BE GETTING A DATE TONIGHT FOR DINNER!"
"Oh my…" Ash stammered nervously. He had to agree with his friend; whoever she was, she looked like a goddess incarnated into a human but his behavior wasn't different one bit after all these years. "He hasn't changed one bit…"
"Pika…" His Pikachu could only chuckle in agreement with his trainer.
Losing it immediately, the former Pewter City Gym Leader immediately sprinted up to her in order to recite his poems to her in order to charm the girl after being infatuated with the stranger.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, and your beautiful body makes me feel real-"
He didn't get an opportunity to finish his love poem as his Croagunk emerged out of nowhere and jabbed him in the back with his trademark poison jab attack. The assault sent Brock crashing into the woodwork with a loud crash once the poisons did its work on the Pokémon Breeder's body (but not damaging the floor, fortunately!) while the mischievous Pokémon chuckled in a proud, sinister manner as if it enjoyed jabbing its trainer. However, it wasn't like the disguised Latias was going to pay any attention to him regardless as she simply strolled past the fallen Pokémon Breeder with what was arguably the most heartwarming face.
"Croak." The fighting/poison-type spoke, the expression on the Pokémon showing a sense of enjoyment from stabbing his trainer.
"Life…so…cruel…can't…get…a girl…" He uttered before his Pokémon dragged him away, cackling to himself. The Croagunk always had a long history of pulling his trainer away from attractive girls with one of his poison-type attacks whenever he got infatuated. Some would say it was ruining his moment but others say it was for the better good.
Ash blushed a bit as the girl approached him. "Hi, uh, who are-?"
The girl threw her arms around the trainer's back and kissed him on the cheek with her sweet lips, forcing the trainer to blush brightly. Meanwhile, Pikachu gave off a sigh of happiness, knowing who it exactly was.
"Chaaa!" He squeaked. "That's so adorable!"
"Hi Ash! Do you like my new form?" Latias spoke as she rubbed the trainer's face lovingly with her head. "Bianca helped me design this! Come on, tell me! I need some feedback, please?"
For some reason, the trainer actually managed to understand what the Eon Pokémon was saying. Instead of incomprehensible cooing and chirping, the words were more clear than crystal to him. "Uh, yeah, you're beautiful and very nice-looking, Latias, but…I…"
"Did you understand what she said?" Pikachu asked with suspicion, sensing some strange power from within his trainer. The trainer nodded in reply, understanding his Pokémon speech.
Bianca came down the stairs while trying to contain her giggles. "Isn't Latias gorgeous? It took me quite some time to pick out the right outfit that suited her, but here she is. I can't have her running around all the time as an exact copy as myself!" She turned to Brock, who was lying on the sofa and trying to utter some words through the toxic effects his Pokémon had given him. "What on earth happened to Brock?"
"Uh, well…" Ash didn't know how to explain it. "He gets real excited around good-looking girls, but his Pokémon always ruins his moment." His Croagunk expanded its poison sacs and croaked slightly while trying not to burst out laughing from his trainer's actions. "But yes…why can I understand you now? Like, before, I can understand your telepathic messages, but now, I can literally hear your words!"
"Please sit down. It's quite a long story." The disguised Eon dragon dragged her trainer over to the couches with Pikachu following them closely at their feet. He sure recovered fast…
Heading over to the couches, Latias sat down beside Ash, with Bianca and Pikachu sitting across them on the opposite end of another sofa. "Let me explain and I hope you'll understand." The female Eon Pokémon began in Pokespeech. "When the life transfusion process began, your soul came into interaction with mines and Krakatoa's. However, there was a side effect after you saved his life. It is probably because the Typhlosion has a clear knowledge of human and Pokémon speech, and since your soul interacted with his, you gained this new profound strength and knowledge to understand what we say. In addition, I think…you might be surprised at the results of the transfusion as there is a side effect. He had to give you a part of his soul because he feared you might not make it out alive after the majority of your powers were sacrificed to Bianca's beloved Pokémon." She gripped the trainer a bit by his shoulders while sniffling slightly, horrified at the potential outcome of Ash dying. "If you passed…I don't know what I would do…it's the same reason why my brother disapproved of giving you his powers. You aren't ready to accept his powers yet, hence why he gave it to the Ranger's well-trained and disciplined mind." Nevertheless, the dragon girl dreamed of the day her dear Ash would become a Latios-but at the time, she could accept the fact he was a completely different species.
"Hey, it's alright." The trainer hugged her close to comfort her. "Everyone's here. No one's gone or anything. Nothing will happen to us or anyone else we befriended."
While Bianca couldn't understand Pokespeech, Latias assisted in filling her in on some extra information as a translator via mind communication. "Well, at least you're both fine. Ash, I must thank you for saving Krakatoa. He's equally important to me as Latias, Latios, or my grandfather." While she had only been with the Pokémon for a couple of days or so, she felt a strong connection of companionship with him.
"Oh, not a problem. Anything to help a friend." Ash fidgeted his arms nervously as he smiled.
"What's the side effect anyways?" Pikachu asked curiously, thinking back to Latias's explanation.
The Eon dragoness decided it was time to reveal the truth of what really happened to the young Pokémon Trainer. "Alright Ash, concentrate your powers. Pretend you are in battle. Try to be as angry as you can, but don't get too enraged. Let the thrill of fighting course through your blood vessels." Latias advised him with a smile, hoping her love wouldn't freak out at the scene. "You might be surprised."
"Uh, okay…" Nodding his head, Ash rose from the couch and allowed his powers to rage through his body all the while evoking angry, exciting, and spirit-raising thoughts in his mind. Almost instantly, his body underwent a transformation as his entire physical appearance changed drastically. In a bright flash of white light, the young trainer had transformed from his standard human figure into an exact copy of Typhlosion, with the exception his eyes were not bloodshot or fire-red. Rather, they were the same color scheme as the trainer's. The fur on the back of his body was also jet-black instead of a dark green color scheme. On the back of his neck was a blazing jet of fire that flared with ferocity, a sign of the health status and condition of the Pokémon/human. To the humans, it was burning in pride and strength as a symbol that his health was in a better state than a newborn baby. A bluish aura surrounded his body, emanating from the trainer brighter than ever. None of his original human clothes-not even his hat-were present on his Pokémon form.
"…oh my…what is this!" Ash looked down at his hands. No longer human hands, they were bear-like paws with fairly sharp nails. He found his entire human body transformed entirely, with none of his features resembling the standard human being. "WHAT IN THE NAME OF MEW?"
Bianca could only gasp in awe at the trainer as opposed to in complete shock like the others. "Ash…you're a Typhlosion! This is amazing!"
"I think you look better like this instead of a copy of me…" Pikachu commented, referencing the one time where his trainer was transformed into another Pikachu via magic spell. "But you look a hundred times fiercer than before!"
Pikachu was speechless, and Brock, having gone over the poisonous aftermath of his Pokémon's poison jab attack, dropped his mouth wide open once again. "Am…I still hallucinating? Did Ash just transform into a Pokémon!" He asked while trying to recover. The Croagunk at his feet laughed a little bit, and Bianca shook her head.
"Nope, you're not seeing things. Stay still, Ash! I have to draw this down!" She spoke excitedly as she quickly rummaged through her purse for her sketchpad, and with a pencil in her hand, rapidly began to jot down a rough layout of the transformed boy's figure. "This will make an amazing portrait!"
At this time, Latias was beyond excited as threw her arms around Ash once more and brushed her head against his silky fur. "Oh Ash, I can't believe it! You're finally a Pokémon!" This just allowed her to be closer and affectionate towards her love than she could have previously thought to be.
"Oh, yeah but, I…"
At this time, Krakatoa had returned into the house and smiled upon seeing the sight of the trainer having taken the form of a Pokémon. "Whoa, Ashy-boy's a Pokémon too? Or is it too early for Halloween?"
"I HAVE A NAME!" Ash roared angrily. "IT'S NOT THAT!"
"Calm down, I'm just messing with you!" Glancing over to Latias and her human form, he blushed a bit. "Oh my…she's so radiant…more beautiful than Bianca. Someone hit me with a sledgehammer now, I must be in-" Upon hearing his comment, the artistic girl shot him a dirty look of disgust. "Sorry! I mean-"
"I understand. I was kidding around. Glad you like it, though. I designed it personally for her! Doesn't she look just the sweetest girl ever?" Bianca giggled heartily as she returned to her sketching.
"Not surprised for someone who's so artistic. Overall, great job on the design." Krakatoa complimented with a snide-looking face.
Completely lost in a state of thought, the trainer didn't know to either be happy or simply explode in fright and fear of being stuck as a Pokémon forever. While it was amazing to him that he had become a powerful fire-type Pokémon with impressive fighting skills and strengths, he didn't want to be like one forever. How was he going to explain to his other friends? What about his Pokémon? Worst of all, how was he going to tell his mother about this? He planned to go visit her sometime after he returned from Sinnoh, but this new addition just made things all the more complicated.
"Look, guys, I just want to know-"
"If you want to transform back, just relax!" Latias explained to him cheerfully while catching his panicking thoughts and laughing a bit. "You'll be your old self again before you know it!"
Bianca raised a hand in interruption as she was about to finish her sketch of Ash. "Can you wait? I'm almost done here."
"Fine, but make it quick. I feel uncomfortable here!" The trainer demanded.
A couple of seconds later, she looked up from her drawing and nodded her head. "Done! Now I'll just need some time to polish this drawing."
Sighing, Ash followed the instructions that Latias gave him, and in moments, he was once again his old human self. Fortunately, Brock had kept his siblings upstairs (except for Forrest, who was at the gym preparing to face any new challengers for the day as he was now the new official gym leader of Pewter City) so there were no freak out accidents or potential heart attacks at the sudden shock events.
"Well, that felt amazing, but strange. So…why did I exactly turn into another you? I might need some time to get used to this new body, however." Ash asked Typhlosion, confused and puzzled at the same time.
"Because I thought you won't make it through that life conversion process. I had to give you some of my life force-because apparently, a life transfusion is very energy demanding. The same thing happened to Latios when Leon attempted to save his life. Both of you now possess the power of a Pokémon, namely, me and Latios. You also possess minimal psychic-type powers, so congratulations for being a triple-type! You have aura, fire, and psychic abilities at your disposal!"
"What?" Bianca asked, not clearly understanding what the Pokémon really meant to say.
"Take a look outside." Krakatoa pointed out to the backyard with one of his nails, where a pair of Eon Pokémon was flying around the backyard garden in a carefree manner. "That's right…Leon is a new Eon Pokémon while you are a new me. But don't worry. You will be able to assume human forms whenever you desire. It's better off to keep it that way because I think the public might freak upon seeing a morphing human being in the streets. The fact I can talk already brings potential heart strokes to the common human anyways!" He chuckled nervously.
Bianca, Latias, Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Krakatoa all rushed to the window and glanced through the glass. There he was. They were not dreaming at all. A shiny-variation of Latios was flying around the wide-open spaced backyard along with the original Eon Pokémon, with the latter helping the transformed Ranger learn a variety of attacks and moves. He was mostly clumsy, however, as the new Pokémon somewhat had difficulties controlling his power, which often resulted in him attacking Latios by accident. However, a couple of safeguards and protects managed to stave off the misfires easily.
"Another Latios…" Bianca whispered under her breath, breathlessly surprised. "Well, I guess we have a new legend."
"It was a real wake-up call for the Ranger, but apparently he managed to get over it and learn to accept his new powers. Latios wasn't willing to take them away even after extensive begging. Yes, the Ranger didn't want them. It would be an insult to a soldier like him. But it looks like the big brother here wants the young man to grow up for once. Learn to accept new responsibilities and roles in the future." Typhlosion spoke gruffly, hoping his friends would understand. "I wish I had the power to revert to my human form, but I was subjected to the procedure in a much different way."
"How?" Latias asked curiously, still wanting to know what happened.
"Let's not go into that. I'm sure you know, if you were nosy." He responded without even wanting to think about it. "But yes, the Ranger's actions have saved Latios and given him another opportunity to life. Apparently, he has two lives. One is in the Soul Dew back in Alto Mare, the other one is…a fusion of the Ranger's self with what remains of his. But don't worry. He's still the old Latios we all know and love." He smiled a bit, proud of the fact he had studied and did his homework on the history of Alto Mare thus allowing him to explain without any misinterpretations. "Let's head outside and give him a warm greeting."
Outside in the backyard, Leon could only lose his mind further while hearing the Eon Pokémon's explanations. "Are you for real? I…I am another you and hold all your strengths, weaknesses and abilities?"
"Yes. Why you can't talk, though, is something that I may have to think about. Perhaps Nurse Joy can assist you with that." The Eon dragon responded and nodded at his new friend with a grateful smile.
"This means I can fly, read minds, fire off luster purges and dragon breaths and cloak myself whenever I wished? AWESOME!" He asked with excitement rising in his energetic body, washing away all insecurity about the hefty responsibilities he would have to carry. At least walking 50 kilometers was no longer as boring as he always saw it to be.
Latios nodded. "I will give this power to you freely, and you are authorized to use it should the need arise. But this does not mean you can abuse your powers for unethical means!"
"Elaborate on that, please?" The confused hybrid scratched his head.
"This means you can't use it for purposes which directly cause harm to others or any illegal acts. Now I don't mind if you want to blow a couple of Team Rocket agents or poachers away with a luster purge when the need calls for it, but I don't want you attacking trainers directly unless they really threaten your life. It's better off if you don't transform in public to begin with, unless it is very necessary. With great power comes great responsibility, and you must know that." Sighing a bit, he may have created a new problem and potentially a monster, but he didn't regret giving a part of his power to this brave and noble human being for he knew this new friend had a pure heart like Ash himself. "If you want to revert back to your human form, relax and concentrate your powers like I told you already. The intensity of combat will force you to transform, so try to maintain control whenever necessary."
"You have my word as a Ranger, and I'll keep your advice in mind." Leon saluted with a bright smile, although the prospect of extremely strict rules haunted his mind. "But…can you help me train and practice my new abilities sometime?"
"Definitely. Oh look, here comes our friends!"
"What! Oh no, I can't have them see me like this!" He whirled around, only to realize he was a tad too late.
The whole gang, with the exception for Raine and Blade, was present and were all in complete awe at the presence of yet another legendary Pokémon.
"Wow, Leon! You look awesome!" Bianca complimented at his impressive new body figure. He was slightly smaller in size when compared to Latios, but nevertheless, having the powers of a legendary Pokémon was a great honor to have for just about anyone.
"Ash, why don't you show off your new abilities too?" Pikachu piqued up.
"New abilities?" Leon asked, confused. What was going on?
"Uh…actually…Ash received the same treatment so you might be surprised." Latias walked forward in her drop-dead gorgeous human form and stroked the Ranger's neck, running her hands through the soft, aqua-turquoise colored feathers that coated his back. "I must thank you for saving my brother. Bianca and I can't owe you enough for your sacrifice. Is there anything I can do for you?" Behind her, Bianca smiled with gratitude.
"Not a problem. No, you don't. I'm happy too that Latios is alive, and that is all that matters." He turned to the older sibling and grinned. "But these powers are awesome! I can fly and shoot lasers whenever I wished!"
"Don't let it go to your head, kid." Latios just hoped he wouldn't go totally crazy with his newfound strength.
"Hey guys, breakfast is ready!" Brock called out from the kitchen, having finally recovered from his Croagunk's poison jab attack. "Come on! The food's getting cold and it isn't going to eat itself!"
"ALL RIGHT!" Ash yelped as he made a mad dash back towards the house. "I'm starving here! Make way for the big man!"
"Me too!" Typhlosion added. "Last one to the food is a rotten Chansey!"
"Save some for the new Latios!" Leon laughed mentally as he followed.
All three boys immediately ran into the dining room, but out of the respect for their friends and Brock's siblings, they patiently waited at the table, drooling at the delicious aroma of food assaulting their noses.
"He hasn't changed at all." Brock commented on Ash's gluttonous attitude, and everyone else couldn't help but laugh at his comment.
Breakfast for the group was relatively normal, save for one major difference that the common family wouldn't expect. At least as much as 20 occupants were crowded around the dining table, and while the table could easily fit Brock's entire family, it couldn't seat all the unexpected visitors that were staying at his house. With no other choice, the group decided to split up and eat at the couches instead, careful not to stain the expensive-looking furniture with maple syrup and grape juice. The trainers decided to release their Pokémon too in order to allow them to enjoy the bright and beautiful morning and weather. Letting them outside before they chowed down on their meal, Bianca's Pidgeotto, along with Raine's Infernape, Dragonite, Gardevoir and Swampert (she decided to drop her Spiritomb and Rotom off at the local Pokémon Center's PC while Blade decided to eat with his trainer) frolicked in the backyard while Leon's Sceptile spent its time alone up in the trees, reflecting its solitary manner. Ash's Staraptor spent its time with Bianca's newest Pokémon, while his Buizel, Pikachu and his own Sceptile tried their best to make new friends with Raine's impressive-looking team, but his Bayleef had an entirely different attitude immediately upon being released from her Poke ball.
"Ash!" The Leaf Pokémon squealed with happiness upon seeing Ash as she immediately tackled her trainer to the ground and nudged her head against him affectionately. "Let's play a game!"
"Uh…not now! I have to eat!" He yelped, trying to struggle out of the crushing weight of his first Pokémon that he caught in the Johto Region. Even with his newly-gained Pokémon strength, he could not get out of her crushing weight even though it weighed no more than about 35 pounds.
To him though, 100 pounds was more like it.
"Come on! You haven't played with me since like forever! Let's wrestle and see who's stronger!" His Pokémon badgered her trainer, demanding attention as she nipped at his face playfully and with glee. It was trait that she had ever since she became Ash's first catch in Johto.
"Listen, I'm really starving…can we play some other time?" Ash moaned as he felt his stomach rumble like an upset Rhyperior.
"You always say that and you end up forgetting about your promise! Stop breaking your promises, please!" The grass-type Pokémon pouted angrily as her red eyes began to water.
Upon hearing the sudden commotion, Latias walked into the backyard in her human form, only to be shocked with wide eyes that there was another Pokémon attempting to steal her love. Not only this, but the so-called "thief" that seemed to be a wild Pokémon of some sort was perched right on top of Ash while constantly licking his face!
Reverting to her dragon form in anger, she shot forward aerially and tackled Bayleef off Ash with excessive force. "Back off! He's mines!" She hissed angrily before dragging Ash back to his feet and defiantly levitated in front of him with her arms spread out. This only made the opposing Pokémon, who also had a crush on the trainer, angrier.
The rising escalation made all of the other Pokémon who loved to fight observe the battle, thrilled at such a feminine rivalry. Leon's Sceptile only shot a quick glance before snorting under its breath and returning to its usual sunbathing routine at the top of one of the trees, enjoying the warm rays that soaked its tropical body. Its apathetic and lone nature simply couldn't care less about such a childish conflict.
"Latias?" Ash questioned. "Uh, this is not-"
"It's not your fault, Ash! I shouldn't have left you undefended from this wild Pokémon! I'll deal with this!" She apologized, hoping the trainer wouldn't get angry at her while she prepared an ice beam attack. "Mess with a legendary Pokémon, will you!"
"Wild Pokémon! This isn't-"
Turning her attention back to the dinosaur-like Pokémon in order to drive her away quickly, she immediately fired off an ice beam from her mouth, striking Ash's Pokémon whom she thought was a wild Pokémon directly. Her target screeched from the pain caused by the super effective attack, with their other Pokémon looking on in confusion at the sudden skirmish. Raine's Infernape, however, was thrilled at the sudden fight that was started as it began to pump its fists into the air in excitement, wanting more explosive action and violence as it shouted in excitement. Her Gardevoir, due to its calm and mature nature, could only shamefully shake her head in disappointment at such a childish fight.
"Fight fight fight!" The action-loving Infernape cheered. "Come on, let's see some skulls crack and crumble!"
"My friends, this is no time for battle!" The Dragonite replied.
"Kids and their love lives these days…" Raine's Gardevoir lamented.
Latias smirked at the successful hit, hoping it would show her dominance over this Pokémon that tried to take her precious lover away. "That'll keep you down, you little-"
Latias had no opportunity to finish her sentence or relish her temporary victory as she caught sight of her opponent recovering in milliseconds, two whip-like vines being shot from Bayleef's neck as they ensnared Latias by her throat. Smiling evilly from the success, the Leaf Pokémon proceeded to forcefully ground the Eon Pokémon into the dirt with her vines in complete surprise. This made the Eon dragoness yelp in pain from the impact. While not injured, she was relatively dazed and aching from the forceful tactic.
Bayleef's victory was short lived, though, as Latias quickly regained her flight skills and unleashed a dragon breath attack from her mouth, the hot gusts of wind scorching the Leaf Pokémon and forcing the latter to shield itself from the miniature firestorm.
"Who's the superior one now?" Latias giggled proudly at the back of her mind.
"Please, stop fighting! This is no time to start such a mess!" Ash pleaded as he immediately transformed into his Typhlosion form, hoping to use his newly gained ability, power, and moves to defend with force if necessary. He just wished he didn't have to use violence to settle the conflict, as harming his two friends or anything for that matter was not on his mind.
"Who is this girl of yours?" Bayleef questioned with an angry-looking face. "Why is she trying to steal you away from me?"
"It's not what you think!" The trainer nervously sweatdropped, running through his mind and looking for a reasonable solution to prevent this mess from going ugly. "She's not my girlfriend or whatever you call that and you two need to stop fighting-"
"Look, leaf-head!" Latias demanded as she levitated into the air, ready for battle. "He's mines! So back off! Get your own mate in the wild for I can care! I rightfully set my eyes on him first and it will stay that way!"
"I met him first way before you did, you dumb brat!" Bayleef countered. "He rightfully belongs to me so back off, Miss Legendary!" Readying herself into a defensive position, she prepared for another scuffle even though the odds weren't in her favor.
"This will make you change your mind!" A mist ball was promptly amassed in Latias's claws as she fired the projectile right at Ash's grass-type Pokémon, with the latter deploying a barrier around itself with protect. The psychic-type attack dissipated upon contact, inflicting no harm. Ash was nearly caught in the middle of the crossfire so he ducked to avoid the sphere of psychic energy that whizzed by his head, narrowly missing by a few inches.
"Cut it out, girls!" Ash pleaded.
Both female Pokémon glared at each other with threatening eyes while hissing and growling with utter rage, with Ash's intervention in the middle being the only one stopping them from breaking out in a giant brawl.
At this time, Latios emerged into the backyard to check out the commotion that somehow managed to find its way into Brock's house, and he noticed the marks caused by the temporary battle on his sister's body. It was clear to him that the Bayleef that Ash owned had attacked her.
"YOU!" He roared at the Leaf Pokémon in a manner that would make anyone stand down immediately in obedience. "You did this to my sister, did you not!"
"Yeah, so!" The Bayleef stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner. "No one steals my man away from me! Who are you anyways, her overprotective yet brainless brother? I ain't scared of you, fat boy! Come on, you and I, one on one, RIGHT NOW!"
The insults just enraged the male Eon Pokémon further as he allowed his power to grow in preparation for an attack. "You dare speak to a legendary Pokémon in that manner? I'll show you! No one harms her and gets away with it!" He opened his mouth and prepared to use his signature luster purge against the hapless Pokémon, but Ash immediately rushed over to his Pokémon and protected her from further harm while Leon darted out of the house after catching the rising tensions with his mind, transformed into his alternate Pokémon form and urged the powerful legendary to call off his attack. This made Latios stop in his tracks.
"Hold it!" Ash yelped as he threw his arms around Bayleef's neck. "You can't do this! This is all a big misunderstanding! She's no wild Pokémon, she's mine! You must understand!" As much as he was sick of his Pokémon's constant requests and desires for his affection, he wasn't letting her get harmed in any way. His companion nibbled on his cheek gently in return for his protective nature. Latias only grew angrier at the sight. "Latias…I think I should've told you about this earlier, but…"
A frown descended across her gentle-looking yet fierce expression. "You didn't tell me you were already taken…why, Ash? Why are you so dishonest?"
"NO! That's not what I meant!" "Oh geez, what did I do to deserve this? Things were going fine and all until this mess came up. I only have myself to blame…" He started to ponder about the prospect of spending more time with Bayleef too in order to fulfill her expectations of attention. But then, he promised Latias he'd do the same prior to his departure from Alto Mare…the suspense and decision making processes were beginning to take a toll on his mind.
"Leon, Ash, get out of the way immediately. No one whips my sister like that and lives to tell about it." The older sibling of the Eon dragon duo growled in a demanding manner.
"Latios, calm down. Now I'm sure she didn't mean it." The transformed Ranger suggested calmly, hoping to ease the anger of the defensive Eon dragon. "There must be some misunderstandings here from my predictions. Why not work it out peacefully?"
"But my sister-"
"I didn't punch you out of anger because you changed my life entirely, correct? I thought you don't like conflicts. As a Ranger, it is my duty to ensure fights are avoided. You can take out your madness some other time like when we meet more UAAF and Rocket agents, alright?"
Latios fell silent. "…you have a point." He lowered himself to the ground and relaxed his mind, breathing steadily as he did so.
"Whew, that was close." Leon thought, with the conflict somewhat having dissipated.
Ash walked towards Latias and commanded Bayleef to come over too. "Look, girls. I know that you both want my attention, but you two have to learn to get along! We're supposed to be working together as friends, not fighting or competing like bitter rivals!"
"No can do!" The Leaf Pokémon stormed back into the yard, with her back turned against the trainer. "You're either with me or with that ugly freak of a dragon!"
"I don't like that mindless vegetable either!" Latias hissed before transforming back into a human and disappearing back into the house. This prompted Ash to drop his head in disappointment.
"Pikachu…" Ash's Pikachu groaned a bit at the childish conflict and silly insults that the two female Pokémon threw at each other that could potentially ruin their peaceful hour. "…and a silly fight always ensues in some moment of peace."
"…what's up with Bayleef?" Leon asked Latios, dumbfounded at its anomalistic nature. It was common for him to see Pokémon demanding attention from their trainers, but seeing two contesting over one was all but a rare sight. "It's rare for a Pokémon to act like that…well, maybe not for Latias considering her intelligence." He tried to avoid the Eon dragoness's death-defying glare when she heard the comment. "Maybe Krakatoa was right, girls can't take jokes!"
Latios chuckled a bit. "It's clear she has a crush on the young man, similar to how my sis can't leave him alone at all. I'm sure we can settle this, somehow. But…I'm terrible with relationships."
"Don't worry guys, I'll deal with this. Sorry for the racket-you both go on inside and enjoy yourselves." Ash smiled as he sent the two individuals off as he formulated a plan in his mind. "Hey! Which one of you lovely Pokémon want to eat with me? First come, first serve!" He called out into the air, hoping to settle the conflict in some way.
In a flash, both Latias and Bayleef picked up his words and in moments, both Pokémon were at his sides, staring at him with puppy-style faces. The trainer blushed a bit but eventually shook off a potentially embarrassing moment. "Alright, you can both eat with me but on one condition. You two must stop fighting because this is unacceptable!" He scolded in a manner comparable to any parent commanding their kids to behave themselves. This made Latias sniffle a bit-after all, she had done a lot more than being a loyal Pokémon to the trainer (add to the fact she wasn't officially a Pokémon of his, at least not yet), but deep down in her heart she knew Ash preferred her more.
"Fine…" Bayleef glared angrily at the Eon Pokémon, hissing through her teeth. "At least I'm not a mute girl!"
"Only because I admire you, Ash…" Latias grumbled mentally under her breath while scowling at the one Pokémon trying to steal her love away.
As Leon transformed back to his old self and headed back into the house, he tried not to laugh. "You know, that Bayleef has courage to stand up against a legendary Pokémon."
"If it wasn't Ash's, I would've murdered her with no second thoughts." Latios replied, still agitated at the fact someone had tried to harm his beloved sibling.
His companion's expression fell blank. "…are you serious?"
"I could if I wanted to, so don't push me too hard. I don't joke around in situations like this."
The Ranger shifted his footsteps (or rather floated) away from Latios a bit, but nevertheless knew he could be joking. After all, they were good friends and promised not to harm each other under any circumstances. Grinning, both individuals went back into the house and had breakfast with the rest of the group.
Brock eventually brought out Pokémon food for everyone in the backyard, and all of Raine, Bianca and Ash's Pokémon huddled around happily in a giant circle munching on the delicious grub. The only two Pokémon that didn't join in were Leon's Sceptile, who was sitting up in the trees eating all by himself, but eventually decided to join after being badgered over and over again by Raine's overly friendly and compassionate Dragonite (despite its massive body structure), and Ash's Bayleef, who sat closely to her trainer's side chewing her food and growling angrily at Latias. The latter ate her food in addition but kept a sharp glare on the Pokémon who was contesting so much in an attempt to steal her true love away.
Poor Ash Ketchum was of course stuck in the middle between two conflicting females. Who was he going to pick and side with? It was clear none of the two were going to let him go without a fight. The situation was tough for him-even tougher than getting his once-stubborn Charizard to obey his commands without the Flame Pokémon either slacking off or fighting with its own style for once.
But with Latias taking on the form of an attractive human female only made Ash want to side with her more. Bayleef fumed inside her mind, angry at the fact she couldn't do the same.
"Pffft!" Latias teased while sticking her tongue out.
"…I'll get you for this…sometime, some day." The Leaf Pokémon retaliated jealously under her breath.
"That'll be the day!" The Eon dragoness giggled childishly, confident in her abilities.
The two promptly returned to eating, with Ash stuck in the middle while sweatdropping in a confused manner of what to do. In the meantime, though, he focused on filling his belly up first with tons of pancakes and waffles. To prevent the two females from suddenly fighting over him again at an unexpected moment, he projected a plume of fire from his neck, the heat keeping them away.
"So…what exactly happened outside?" Raine asked curiously as Latios and Leon returned to the living room's table as she gulped down some pancakes while washing down her food with a glass of grape juice.
"Uh…you don't want to know." Latios uttered as he sat down and dug his entire face into a plate of waffles soaked to the brim with maple syrup. Licking his lips, he grabbed a pitcher of an orange beverage before quenching himself of the thirst the sweetness of the syrup treated him to.
"My, Latios! Please eat properly! There's plenty to go around, you know." Bianca urged.
"Sorry, I just haven't eaten in days. I'm starving beyond belief." He apologized. Leon could only chuckle a bit in return as he mimicked the former's actions.
"Come on! Please tell me!" Raine begged once again, putting on her cute face in the process.
The Ranger rose to his feet as he approached the kitchen to get a second round of pancakes. "Bottom line, Latias and another one of Ash's Pokémon has a crush on the trainer, and both are not happy about it. Thought I wanted to keep it in since you had the same feelings as they do…" He suddenly regretted saying his last statement, for he had read her mind by complete accident, albeit in a minimal amount as he had only tried out this new skill a couple of minute ago firsthand.
"Oh, it's alright. I'm just a big fan of him, that's all!" She blushed slightly. Blade only rolled his eyes as the Latios hybrid returned to the table.
"That's such a cute scene!" Bianca gazed at the two female Pokémon as they both huddled next to Ash while at the same time shooting glares of disgust at each other.
"It ain't at all if you're him to begin with." Krakatoa laughed. "So, what do you guys have planned for the day? I mean, I think we should lay our minds off the conflict at the moment…I don't think I've experienced a happier time even though the majority of you all are complete strangers. And Mr. Ranger…shouldn't you get a new name? Like…Latieon? It fits you in my humble opinion!"
"NO." He shot back tensely, a pulse building in his head as his eyes grew bright red in anger. Being made fun of and feeling the pain of embarrassment was one of his biggest emotional weaknesses.
Krakatoa edged back, the retaliation seeming to scare him somewhat. "Calm down! I was kidding around. You know, you can use a new name. Can't call you Ranger all the time."
"Just call me by my own name. I'm still human, after all." He facepalmed as he continued eating, annoyed by the sudden extra attention everyone has been giving him.
Latios lowered himself to the sofa, his well-built body hogging 50% of the furniture which could easily accommodate 6 overweight people with no difficulties and with plenty of room to spare. "I plan to train the kid. He's already getting used to his strength, but he needs a mentor there to guide him, however. What about you guys?"
"Probably going to explore the town a bit and maybe Mt. Moon later during the day." Raine responded. "It's been a while since I made my stop here. That was years ago."
"I guess I can go sightseeing around Pewter City." Bianca wiped her lips with a napkin as she finished her fill. "But there's something I need to get done first, at least, before we leave Pewter."
Latios could easily realize what his childhood human friend was thinking in her head. She wanted a gym battle with Forrest, the newly reinstated gym leader of Pewter City.
"I'll be right back." Leon interrupted as he quickly dropped his dishes into the sink and headed outside to where Ash and his two female Pokémon were accompanying him. "Stay cool without me." Disappearing through the door to the backyard, he left the group rather wide-eyed and silent.
"Ever think he's uncomfortable around us?" Raine asked, complimenting on the rather rude-sounding tone he used to deliver the message.
"I'm pretty sure of it." Latios replied, sighing heavily. "From what I can tell, he's brave and all, but…he's also weak emotionally. His thoughts, if you can read them, tell it all. I guess the young one doesn't show it." He just wondered-how could anyone bottle up that much bad memories from the past but at the same time, act so confident and strong willed?
Krakatoa munched his food slightly and steadily. "I guess that's why he was so angry at me when I suggested a new name for him!" He spoke with a full mouth, trying not to choke.
Brock's House, Backyard
"Hey Ash, mind if I join you?" A voice asked.
The Pokémon Trainer looked up and noticed the very one Ranger who received the same treatment as him and smiled slightly whilst at the same time trying to please two female Pokémon who were continuously growling at each other. Fortunately for the group, the tensions seemed to have died down, at least for now. But it was obvious this wasn't the last time the rivalry would last. "Uh, sure. I can always use some company." Ash scratched his head, staying in his impressive-looking Typhlosion form.
Leon sat down on the stony steps and laughed mentally at the actions of both Latias and Bayleef, hoping to enjoy this afternoon a bit before he got started on his training sessions with Latios. Transforming into his pristine Pokémon state, he hovered about four feet from the ground as he gazed at the sky with a blank stare. "Romance's a funny thing but…then, I failed at that stuff anyways when I was back in the Ranger academy. Oh well, it's not like the majority of them are alive now anyways."
"Uh, what's romance?" A dumbfounded Ash asked, being able to pick up the Pokémon/human hybrid's thoughts thanks to his limited psychic abilities.
"You can read minds?" The Ranger spoke in a shocked manner after learning that Ash had limited telepathic and mind-reading techniques. He kept his view on his Sceptile, who was enjoying his morning making new friends with the other Pokémon. When the Forest Pokémon caught his glance, he waved to his trainer with a slight grin.
"I'm glad you are all right, master." The reptilian creature spoke telepathically. "Your new state is…impressive. I feel honored to work alongside you."
"Hey hey hey, no need to go all fancy on me. I'm still the partner you know and love to work with, so don't go all fancy on me." Leon replied mentally. "How is your day?"
"Great as usual. Made some new friends even though I'm not particularly fond of them, but like you said, I have to grow out of that phase."
"Glad you're enjoying your day, Sceptile. It's good to hear you're making good friends." Leon thought as he waved back with his right arm. He was just happy his first Pokémon was slowly growing out of its socially awkward phase, but he could not blame the grass-type Pokémon for its solitary nature, especially after all his longtime friends perished.
"Uh, I just somehow managed to sense your thoughts mentally…so come on, what is it? What's romance?" Ash spoke, trying to apologize for potentially intruding someone's mind.
The older teen decided to stray from the subject anyways, as it was clear there was no point in explaining such an unnecessary matter when he wasn't that knowledgeable on the subject and the fact it wasn't wise to say or discuss such heated matters in the presence of two female Pokémon. "It's something that you'll learn when you get older. To be honest, it's a mature thing brainless kids like you won't ever realize in your lives." He teased, hiding his laughter.
"Hey! I'm not a kid you know!" An overly defensive Ash spoke upon hearing snickers from the Pokémon/human.
"Yes you are!" Leon laughed again.
"Am not!" Ash defended himself.
"You're 16, I'm 18. There's an age difference right there, kid!" The Ranger retaliated as he quickly checked his styler and brought up Ash's profile, just to make sure he got the exact age of the trainer correct. "I probably have a ton of more experience than you will ever dream to be. Can you wield an assault rifle?"
Ash fell silent upon hearing of his new friend's capabilities but the Eon dragoness accompanying him was about to change all of that.
"Age does not constitute experience. Perhaps Ash is a much more proficient battler than you are, given the fact you are a Ranger and not a trainer." Latias interrupted, siding with the one person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
"Just who's side are you on anyways!" An outraged Leon demanded.
"Ash's!" Latias giggled, teasing the hybrid with a sweet and seductive smile.
"Oh my, you're very helpful." The shiny Latios rolled his eyes while levitating upright, folding his claws across his chest. "But then I'm not surprised for starters."
Taking a quick glance at Ash's Bayleef, he noticed the Pokémon was not talking one bit. Instead, she stared blankly at the trees ahead as if there was something in the overgrowth. Deep down though, she was trying to cool down from Latias's teasing and insults the Eon Pokémon had thrown at her.
"Everything all right?" He asked the grass-type Pokémon mentally.
"Oh?" The Bayleef glanced at the legendary Pokémon. "Everything's fine. I just feel embarrassed at what happened earlier."
"Are you sure? It's not really your fault."
"Yes. I'll be fine." She quickly glanced away from the black-haired boy talking with her and tried to hide some tears, fanning herself with the sickle-like leaf that protruded from her head in order to cool her body down in the summer heat.
From Leon's perspective, he could sense Ash's affectionate companion slapping herself mentally. He'd have to talk with her sometime.
"Infighting is the last thing we need in such an organized and capable team." The Ranger pondered. After all, he had worked with countless Pokémon and could easily understand their thoughts, emotions and methods of thinking.
In the meantime though, he'd have to get stronger first. It was tough trying to stay normal in a world where he was the sole surviving member of his unit anyways…now, he felt as if he had made a whole new band of brothers and sisters in arms. They had only known each other for less than a day or so but they were now considering each other as best companions.
"Everything okay?" Ash asked, witnessing Leon's rather somber-looking and blank expression.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about some old friends. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure?" Latias requested. "It doesn't hurt to explain it to us-we're listening."
"It wouldn't be a good idea regardless." The Ranger buried the memories of all his deceased friends that he served alongside in the Rangers. He was, after all, the sole surviving member of the 14th Aerial Regiment of Oblivia after the unit and its base's annihilation at the hands of the Pokémon Pinchers.
"Pleaseeeee!" Latias begged with a cute Growlithe face.
"No." The newly born hybrid took a quick glance at the Eon dragoness's face and realized he couldn't help himself but fall for her charms. "But, if you really want to hear it…I can tell it to you. It's not exactly pretty though."
"Well, talking about your problems always makes things better!" Ash answered.
"Sit tight, boys and girls and listen closely. Hmph, well…" Beginning his story, Leon told his tale about the fateful day where his unit and its soldiers were completely destroyed, and how he grew to be the last member to bear the 14th Aerial Regiment insignia on his uniform. The other Pokémon in the backyard all eased their chatter and conversations as they silently listened to the story of the Hoenn-born human and his tales of serving in the Pokémon Rangers.
"Wiped out by a paramilitary force, it's always caused by them these days." Blade silently spoke in his sharp mind as he paid close attention.
That's chapter 13! Things get real interesting now for both sides…
It might get a little mushy later on especially with Latias gushing over Ash, but do not worry, this isn't a romance drama. Maybe a chapter, but that's it. Bear with me there, please. But don't expect any heavy fighting for a couple of chapters, though.
So, what do you think of this chapter? Rate and review please!
-Soldier of the Future