Chapter 5

Wrath of Kokki pt. 2

(A/N: This is the fifth chapter in my story and the end of the Kokki mini-arc. And Ryuko- Vulpix, I am sorry, but I tried to add line breaks, and I couldn't. I'll change the A's to asterisk. It's the best I can do. Sorry.)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ash bent his knees, preparing for a leap that he knew wouldn't take him far enough through the flames. He would land in the middle of the raging inferno, burn away, and disappear. And then it would be over. Suddenly, Latias leapt in the way of the blast. Her eyes glowed white and a barrier appeared in front of her, shielding Ash and Latias from the blast. The energy struck the barrier with terrible force; pushing Latias back a few feet. Ash could see her face, contorted with pain as she tried hopelessly to hold off the divine fire. He knew that she couldn't hold on for very much longer. He had to do something. That's when he realized Kokki was wide open. Ash raised his sword and summoned a salamandra. He whirled the burning blade over his head and fired the dragonic blast. It arced through the air, sizzling with power as it tore at Kokki. The dragon opened its mouth, and struck the red jewel on Kokki's chest. Kokki roared in agony and ceased the attack. Ash didn't give him time to attack again. He launched another salamandra at Ryu, and shattered the red jewel. Kokki screeched in pain and glared at Ash. Suddenly, the light in the monster's eyes dimmed, and it fell apart into skulls. Ash gave what seemed like the first deep breath he had taken since the fight had begun. That's when he remembered…

"Latias!" He exclaimed, and knelt by the wounded Pok'emon. Her feathers were coated in soot and blood, and she didn't seem to be breathing. Ash shook her gently on the shoulder. The dragon gagged and began to cough. Smoke came out of her mouth in puffs, but she didn't open her eyes. With a thrill of horror, Ash knew what he had to do. With a groan, he turned Latias on her back and took a deep breath, leaned down and gently blew into her mouth. Then he put both hands on her chest and pressed repeatedly.

"One…two…three…four…five." He said.

Latias coughed again, her eyes still closed. Ash's expression clouded. He had to get her out of here. As carefully as he could, he lifted Latias off of the ground and carried her outside. Laying her on a patch of grass, he turned and stared thoughtfully at the plants around them, muttering something to himself. He walked to a patch of plants with rigid stems with large pods on the end. He stared at it for a few seconds, then nodded and drew his sword. Severing one of the stems, he put a bowl on a flat rock nearby and laid the pod in the bowl. He then took the flat side of his sword and crushed the pod. Instantly, a pale green juice flowed from the pod. Ash nodded and took out a face towel. He dipped it in the juice and walked over to Latias. With infinite care, he rubbed a bit of the juice on her wounds. Latias shrieked and flinched. Ash sighed.

"Sorry if it hurts, but I know what I'm doing."

He finished and sat back. Latias whimpered for a few seconds, then stopped. Ash breathed a sigh of relief. Lorenzo had taught him how to survive in the wilderness, using plants for just about anything. Ash knew a lot about botany, and knew very well how potent the healing powers of the pods were. He got up and went over to the bowl again. He pulled out another face towel and started on his own wounds. Latias floated over to him and looked over his sholder. Ash turned and jumped at the unexpected appearance of Latias.

"Please don't sneak up like that!" He gasped, clutching his heart.

"Sorry!" Latias said, grinning sheepishly. She and Ash looked at each other for a few pointless seconds as the author thought of what they should say.

"Latias, uh, you saved my life. If you hadn't jumped in the way of that blast…" Ash started.

Latias shrugged. "You're the Chosen One. I couldn't let you die."

Ash raised an eyebrow and gave Latias a penetrating gaze. "That the only reason you saved me?"

Latias blinked. "Huh?"

Ash mentally slapped himself. And I said that…why? He took a deep breath. "Look. I think we got of on the wrong foot. I mean, I haven't been too nice lately. So… let's start over, okay?"

Latias nodded. "I'm okay with that. Ash, can I ask you a question."

Ash nodded slowly. "Yeah."

"Why do you act so emotionless?"

Ash sighed. "Emotions… they get in the way of one's goals. Fear…anger…pity…they all can stop you from doing what you need to do, and that can get you killed. I know that all too well…" He trailed off.

Latias sighed. "Ash, I believe that you need a bit of a break from fighting."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Latias grinned and tagged Ash on the chest. "Tag!"

Ash blinked, then sighed and ran after the fleeing dragon.

I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is my real test; to train them is my cause.

Ash is calmly fishing. Latias sneaks up behind him, and yells 'boo!' Ash jumps, and falls into the water. He sits up and splashes Latias. Latias shrieks and splashes him back.

I will travel across the land, searching far and wide. Each Pokemon, to understand the power that's inside.

Ash is practicing martial arts by shadow fighting, when suddenly, a bunny appears on the wall beside him. He turns and glares at Latias, who immediately puts her hands behind her back and begins whistling.

Pokemon, gotta catch 'em all. It's you and me! I know it's my destiny! Pokemon! Oh, you're my best friend, in a world we must defend.

Ash and Latias are watching a movie. A monster pops out of a closet onscreen. Latias screams and throws her soda into the air. Ash watched as it turned over in the air and came splashing down over his head. Latias grinned sheepishly. Ash grabbed a handful of popcorn and tossed it at Latias.

Pokemon! A heart so true. Our courage will pull us through. You teach me and I'll teach you. Pokemon, gotta catch 'em all!"

Latias buys a hot dog and tries to squeeze ketchup on it, but the bottle explodes for some unknown reason. Ash wiped ketchup out of his face, then grabs a mustard bottle and squirts Latias with it.

Ash chuckled. "Hey, Latias. I think that I had been fighting for too long, and that I really had needed a rest from it."

Latias was silent.

"Hey, Latias? You don't look so good." Ash said.

Latias turned to him. "N-no! I feel fine! Tip-top!"

Ash looked at her. "You look really pale."

Latias nodded. Suddenly she turned to the Clock Tower. "Mm?"

"What?" Ash said.

Latias turned to him. "You know, I could have sworn that I heard something in the tower."

"Well, there's nothing in here but Ryu's bones." Ash said.

Latias nodded and turned to leave. She gasped. "Look out!"

Ash turned and drew his sword, but a dark shadow descended upon him…

"Moannn." Ash groaned as he sat up. Latias got up next to him and gave a groan as well. Suddenly, sinister laughter rang through the palace.

"Well, well. Ash Ketchum and Latias. This really is a pleasure."

Ash got to his feet and pulled Latias up. "Keep behind me." He told her

"Don't bother, you fool. I can see you both perfectly well." Oakley said.

Ash grinned. "If you can see so well, did you see what I'm about to do to you for all the pain you have caused?"

Oakley chuckled. "Actually, Ketchum, I predict you won't lay a finger on me."

"Why's that?" Ash said angrily.

Oakley was silent.

"Well?"

Oakley grinned. "Sorry, Ash. I just haven't been myself lately. In fact…" Suddenly her eyes flashed red and her voice changed to sound more masculine. "I mean that quite literally!"

Suddenly smoke exploded out from her. Ash and Latias covered their eyes. As the smoke cleared from around Oakley, Ash gasped.

"No! Not you. How? Why?"

(So who do you think it is? I'd like guesses if you have any. I promise you won't be disappointed when you find out who Oakley really is.)