Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon; I don't own anything! … except this plot… and yeahh . . . -walks off-

A/n: Sorry for the really, really, really, late update.. I hope those of you old reviewers still enjoy, and new readers, welcome. As always, reviews are most definitely appreciated. And I apologize for the abrupt POV switch last chapter.. ate my separator.

With the Wind at My Back

By: Saffire Persian

Part 1: The Ties that Bind

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." – Lynda Berry

Chapter 5: Choices and Chances

"It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny." –Jean Nidetch

010101010

"Looks like the mist's finally lifting."

"Humph," said a Gary Oak in a haughty toned voice. "About time. I was starting to think we might have been stuck here, wandering in circles like a bunch of idiots. I knew there would be mist, but nothing like that. Heh. We're probably going to be late."

"I know. Ash is going to kill me." The boy beside him smiled humorously, his eyes sparkling. No doubt he was trying to make him laugh, but Gary showed no sign of it. Not even a twitch at the corner of his mouth.

This was the usual behavior of the seventeen year old. Gary Oak had not changed much over the years, and he knew it. He still retained his looks, which had only gotten better in his opinion, judging by the amount of fan mail he sometimes got from a wide variety of girls that he could care less about. He never did write back.

His companion seemed to have faired the same, his brown hair wavy, with the same idiotic hat he had always worn. Like Ash, Gary snorted. The two were alike in more ways then was comfortable for him.

"Ashy-boy? I doubt it." Gary snorted, shaking his head. The mere thought of Ash attempting to do such a thing amused him. He was probably having a fit right now. "He'll probably be on his knees, thanking us for even showing up."

Gary moved towards the girl – Misty's – birthday present, wheeling it toward a trail that he could make out, as the mist lifted, as fast and suddenly as it had come. Odd, that was. It had come upon them in mere moments, blanketing them in a thick cloud, until it had been hard to even see a few inches ahead of them.

"Ash isn't that kind of person," Richie pointed out, fixing the cap situated on his head, while his Pokemon, Sparky, did the same, with a rather large tuft of yellow fur. The Pikachu emitted an amused growl as a small Pokemon, a Ralts, attempted to mimic her Trainers movements, nearly toppling over. Sparky shook his head, attempting to help the tiny Psychic type up, before darting forward up the brown path, ears twitching, with the Ralts hesitantly following.

Gary eyed the small Ralts. "Heh."

"He isn't," Richie stressed.

Gary waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah."

Though, Gary had found himself doubting his original thoughts concerning Ash, he never easily admit it, or accept it. Even against the bits of proof that had come his way – such as how, it the last League, it was Ash, not himself, who had emerged triumphant. Even Gary had to admit that it had been a stunning battle; he had not been expecting his 'rivals' tactics. That had impressed him.

Gary brushed back a strand of brown hair. "Heh. All right, he's not that bad. Still, Ashy-boy has a long ways to go."

Richie didn't say anything in response, his eyes widening. "Kyra!"

Gary's head snapped back to the trail, where Kyra was scuttling down the trail as fast as she could, nearly tripping numerous times. She ran into Richie's outstretched arms, shuddering in obvious distress and fear. But Gary couldn't see anything up ahead, except for the confused electric rat.

Gary rolled his eyes at the display, not sure whether to be disgusted, or otherwise. "Never in my life . . ."

"Something's scaring her."

Gary snorted. "From the way she's been acting lately? She's probably just scared of her own shadow."

Ritchie said nothing in retaliation, trying to soothe the small Pokemon as she trembled. He was trying to sound reassuring, but in Gary's opinion he failed miserably. "It'll be all right you'll see . . ."

Gary bit back a stinging insult, eyeing the Ralts with concealed disgust. It looked up at him, or at least he assumed so, as the Pokemon inclined her head. Upon doing so, she squeaked, burying her head deeper into her trainer's chest. Gary rolled his eyes, wondering if the creature had sensed his disgust at her weak display.

Gary knew Ralts were very in tune to the atmosphere, and to the emotions of people. However, they were too overly sensitive and cautious, then to his liking, with small bodies that could be easily torn apart by roving creatures, even if they possessed impressive Psychic abilities. Ones that Gary had to admit, impressed and interested him. But his interest had nothing more than that. He grabbed the bike's handles again, setting off at a brisk pace without hesitation. Richie looked surprised.

"We're going to be later then we already are if you're going to stand and comfort that thing all day."

Richie stared back at him coldly, and for the first time. Gary did not wince, or shy away at the frosty glare. He just shrugged in a non-committed fashion that Gary hoped conveyed that he could care less, and continued. Richie, too, began to walk, with the Pikachu falling in step, his eyes bright and alert, and his ears pricked up.

Almost as if he was listening for something . . .

Naa . . .

"Pichau…?"

Gary all but listened too the rodent's mumbles, focused on the trail ahead. Richie, however, was giving the electric Pokemon a rather thoughtful look, and muttered something along the lines of: 'Something wrong, Sparky?', at which the mouse replied. Even the Ralts raised her head, and muttered something so quiet that it was nearly impossible to hear.

"PIKAHPI!"

Gary halted at the loud cry. But it sounded some distance away, and didn't carry Richie's Pikachu's gravelly tone of voice. Gary glanced skeptically down at Sparky, who had jumped to the very appearance of alertness, looking confused. He blinked, but a smile slowly came to his face.

"Pikka! Chu pika, Piiii!"

Richie posed the question that Gary would never have asked. "Who is it, Sparky?"

The Pikachu grinned back. "Pikchaiu!" He then turned back in the direction of the voice, shouting, and waving his little paws. "Kahh! Chu kahh!"

Richie seemed to understand. "It's Ash's Pikachu, I think . . . and wherever Pikachu is, Ash'll be."

Gary's eyebrows rose at this, and he tried not to look the least bit surprised. So . . . Ash had gotten impatient and started looking for them, then? Figures. He never stopped to think things through. He was probably in a panic, wondering where Misty's gift was.

"PIKAHPI! PIKACHU! PIKKKAHHPI!"

The bushes rustled, and the familiar looking Pikachu darted out of the bushes a few feet in front of them, a strange piece berry-attached foliage clutched tightly in its paws as he hobbled out onto the trail, in a wobbly short of way. Its hollow black eyes were staring strait at them. But a distant, hazy look was all they contained – not a familiar light of recognition; it was almost like they weren't there, or something that did not deserve to be noticed.

"Pikchiu!" Sparky dashed forward along the trail, as fast as he could on his two feet, while waving his forepaws in the air.

But Pikachu did not hear him. Instead, the thunder mouse turned its back upon them, moving steadily along the path, yelling aloud its dronish cry. "PIKAPI!"

"Cha!"

Sparky was in front of Pikachu in a matter of moments, speaking hastily, and moving his arms in a kind of mime, trying to get Pikachu's attention. But still, Pikachu plodded on.

"That thing's out of it. It can't be Ash's Pikachu. Even he's trained it better than that."

"It's Ash's Pikachu," Richie stated firmly. "I know it is."

Gary retorted. "Like it'd go anywhere without Ash."

Eyes widening, Richie replied in a near whisper. "You're right . . ."

Gary smirked. "Of course I'm –"

Richie cut him off, rushing up the path, Kyra clutched tightly in his arms. Gary stared after him, a mixture of amazement and disbelief etched on his handsome features. Gary sighed, muttering something under his breath. Seeing as Richie wouldn't be deterred from the pursuit of the electric rodent, was now gazing at both Sparky and Richie with hazy black irises.

Gary was wheeling the bike slowly, seeing no reason not to take his time, as both Pokemon and Human seemed to be engrossed in trying to bring Pikachu back to its senses – if it really was who they claimed it to be. Gary's gaze lingered over the branch held tightly in the Pikachu's grasp. It took only a moment for Gary to recognize the orange colored fruit: an Iapapa berry.

Gary grew immediately wary and alert. He knew exactly the berry was known to possess: it had healing properties, but also contained the potential to confuse. Which in itself, could be very deadly. And that would account for the Pikachu's dazed look. … Well, if the Pikachu had eaten a lot of it, anyways.

"Where's Ash?"

No response.

"Where's Ash?" Richie said again, enunciating every word, as if Pikachu were a child. Pikachu didn't respond, too focused in its own dream world. It was still chanting the same word, whatever it was, over and over in the same emotionless tone. Sparky looked more confused than ever, while Kyra had actually turned her head to examine the Pikachu.

She closed her eyes, and a tiny wisp of purple energy emerging from the purple aura surrounding her. Hesitant at first, the tiny string of energy departed from its host, gaining energy as it went. Like a firefly, it hovered in the air, swirling around, as if trying to gain courage for its next endeavor. Then, Kyra's eyes snapped open, and the minute-sized bolt of purple energy shot through the air, coming in contact with Pikachu's body. It fizzled and writhed upon contact. The Pikachu gave a startled cry, dropping the berry immediately. It swayed, though a small glimmer of conscious though appeared on its features.

"Pikapi?"

Sparky seemed to sense the change in his friend's demeanor, moving forward, a smile replacing the confused look. He shook his head. "Pika."

Pikachu stared, and swayed. Fright quickly replaced the hopeful light, and the electric type looked widely over his shoulder, spinning around like a dancer looking for its partner, only to find that partner has gone, or merely was never there in the first place. Again, Pikachu called the same word aloud, and Gary had an inkling of thought: that repeated word had been that of a name. Ash.

"What happened? Where is Ash?" Richie tried again, and the mention of Ash's name, Pikachu's head jerked mechanically upward. But whatever he hoped to see was dashed. Looking even more stressed them before, Pikachu dashed away, having paused only to pick up the branch in his teeth.

Immediately, Richie and Sparky followed, leaving Gary behind.

"Hey!"

He glared down at the bike, as if it was the perfect object to take out his annoyance. Gary debated the options of following and not, but a enraged squeak, and a yellow surge of energy quickly changed his mind.

"Oh hell, why not?" Throwing the red bike carelessly aside, Gary pursued.

It was strange, being alone now. And yet, Ashton Ketchum was strangely relieved. His vision was already becoming blurry, and it hurt to breathe. And the strange, mist covered figure was still in front of him, little but a sapphire blur. It was stepping forward, and he could see a pair of sharp ruby eyes, boring into him.

He tried to concentrate. What was it? He was sure he had seen this . . . this creature before. Ash forced himself to move, his legs gathering beneath him in a meager attempt to stand. But the movements were futile, and he knew it. The creature was in front of him now, and, vision lurching, he slumped back to the sand, now covered with his own dark blood. It was steadily forming small puddles around him, as the blood had begun to soak through his torn black shirt and jacket, thanks to the sharp rocks that had lain waiting for him at the bottom of the waterfall.

His vision darkened, before refocusing again, and he felt himself being lifted, gently, like that of a great mountain cat lifting a tiny, newborn cub in its jaws. He was so out of it, he didn't even realize that his jacket was torn off his back, and the animal had somehow shifted him onto its back. Its legs were beginning to move, slowly at first. Quite suddenly, the creature jerked forward and burst into a run.

Ash cried out in pain from the hard, jarring movement. He gasped for breath, as his chest burst with a new pain – like a knife plunging into his lungs, only to withdraw, and prepare to stab again. The coppery taste of blood rose into his mouth, and he coughed. He felt the beast's body shift, and if his vision wasn't blurring in and out, he perhaps would've distinguished the look of concern upon the unknown thing's features. But the beast seemed to understand, or guess, and every moment became smoother. Like water. Droplets of moisture suddenly splashed on his face, and he could, out of the corner of his eye, make sparkling, cerulean terrain beneath him.

It was walking on water.

Surprise filled him for an instant, curiosity instilling in his brain, and he rasped: "What…are…you?"

No word was heard, but he fancied he heard the animal answer.

A . . . - it seemed to hesitate - . . .friend.

He looked down into the water at this. The fact that maybe he should have answered, and asked what was happening, escaped him. Memories seemed to leap from the water; fragments of a life he knew, and recognized. Regrets, hopes, and dreams swelled within him. And more than ever, he felt like he was going to die. Something almost instinctive, like a dog that wanders off into the woods to die alone when it feels its time has come. But, Ash did not want to die. He had so much to live for, so much he needed to do.

Hold on . . .

A hard thud. They were on terrain again, and though the curiosity he had felt had not yet faded, his eyes were beginning to feel like lead, and the pain, though sharp, was dulling.

The being he was riding growled, and he felt himself being flung to the right, and he tumbled off the creatures back, screaming with pain, as he hit the hard ground. His eyes were bright with panic, and he could feel a quick shot of adrenaline move quickly throughout his body; for one last burst of energy, exhausted and bleeding though he was. It was enough for his vision to sharpen enough to notice and large, odd, cleft in a large wall of rock in front of him.

The beast snarled at whatever had dashed in front of it, and he was roughly pulled off his feat, fanged teeth grasping the collar of his black shirt. And they both moved liquidly in the blackness. But . . . it was not so dark. Glimmers of light were sparkling from the walls . . . but they were gradually darkening. The adrenaline had faded as quickly as it come, leaving Ash with a more prompt feeling of exhaustion then before.

The creature stepped into water, the splashes echoing. It laid him half in and half out of the water. His face rested on the cold, damp slaps of rock, and he felt tiny droplets of water begin to rhythmically pelt his head, while his feet were now submerged in water. He allowed with little protest, for his leaden eyes to have their wish, and close. Though he tried his best to remain as alert as he could, through his deteriorating mind. Oddly enough, he felt an odd sensation in his legs, and a veil seemed to be lifting from his dying mind. Ash imagined he could hear voices, understandable ones now, though perhaps this was only his imagination. Misty always said he had too much of an overactive one.

Her name sent guilt panging through his mind, as sharp and damaging as the pain in his chest. He was not going to be there . . . he would never see her again. And it was her birthday, too. She would hate him for it.

The deep voice within the cavern startled him out of his reverie.

'You are foolish!' hissed the voice. 'Do you have any idea what you're doing? What you are putting into play?'

The clearer voice was defensive . . . it reminded him vaguely of his mother. 'He's dying!'

Then figure sniffed haughtily. 'Let him die. He will wish it later.'

'But he is the Chosen One! It's time, isn't it? Or this wouldn't have happened. I was here for a reason!'

'You are only trying to justify your own selfish reasons!' the voice retaliated, as it all but roared. The other tried to defend itself, but was immediately cut off from speaking. 'You think you want to begin what is supposedly set in motion, because it will bring you closer to your goal. You think he will save you - help you achieve your greatest desire. But, in truth, you have no right to play fate.'

A snarl. 'It is you who's here for selfish reasons . . . if I did not help, he'll die!'

The creature made a guttural 'tsking' sound. 'Trying to justify yourself again, Lady Fate? Well, justify yourself.'

'I – you.. He'll die!'

The voiced practically oozed smugness and anger, like a teacher who knows he is right, though the student still insists otherwise. 'That would be a same wouldn't it? . . . What even makes you think he is ready?'

The dark voice rose to a crescendo as it continued on its tirade. 'What makes you think he'll accept what is needed for you to heal him here? To bestow your –' it took a more menacing, mocking tone '– gift? There is always, always! A price! Even for one so great as you.'

The others' voice softened. 'I will gladly pay it. I will do anything to save him.'

'Save who, Lady Fate? Save who?'

The more feminine creature ignored the other's statement. 'I have seen him . . . he is kind, he is understanding. He will accept now . . .'

'Ah! But will he except later? When he has been more tormented than he is now? When he is forced to make a choice, when he should have no power to decide over it at all? It will eat him away, and he will hate you for it.'

'It would have come sooner or later.'

'But to him? Why not another somewhere down the line?'

'I will ease his pain. The choice will be easier after I have done so. All of the last Chosens have done it too, to my understanding. It will be easier.'

'Will it? Will he still be able to decide the fate of? –'

Ash's mind lurched, and the conversation went fuzzy, and he could no longer concentrate on what was being said; instead, he was being lured into the approaching darkness that was promising to take all his pain and worry away. Even the frustrated, angry roar that echoed through the cave barely fazed him. Instead, it sounded muffled, staticy, like a telephone.

Silence.

Ash wallowed in the quiet that now surrounded him. He did not even move, and barely noticed the creature pulling him further into the water, nor had he noticed that she had ever stepped in. But he could feel the odd, cold, yet warm sensation flooding up his body. The essence filled him with tranquility, and all the pain began to fade. His eyes fluttered open, but all he could see was a wide expanse of white.

Was he dead?

Then, a figure appeared. Large, and daunting. He blinked rapidly. "It's you."

It smiled sadly, and nodded. Then, it said as simply as one would in talking about the weather. "You are dying . . . fast."

"I kinda thought so."

"I can save you from dying."

"You can? Thanks, really I –"

"There's a price."

He paused. "A catch?"

"You . . . are the Chosen One for the generation."

"I'm not the Chosen One."

His savior ignored him, and continued as if he had said nothing. "And . . . it will soon be the time, if you choose to live, for you to take your destiny, as it has happened many times before. You cannot run from it, you cannot escape it. It will come. You can turn you back upon it, but that would only kill the world, and all those you love."

The idea of this thing coming to harm any of his friends was unbearable. "Will it come real soon?"

The creature shrugged. "Possibly . . . but it could be years before it ever comes. It has usually always come late . . . from what I understand."

"It?"

It smiled sadly. "Yes. 'It'. But the real name is not important.

"Well, if I'm the one to do it, then I'll do whatever I can, if it'll help, and help my friends."

"There is a heavy price for defeating it."

"I'll do it, whatever the price. If I can give it . . . that is. Though really, I don't have anything . . ."

"You have everything; but," the sapphire figure turned, "you will not consent to the Price now. Nor will you if you are who you are now."

"What?"

"You will not accept the Price as you are now," it repeated. "Therefore, you must accept the price I give you at t his moment. It will free you from the pain, and give you the will to pay that will come. It will be the price to give you the first Gift, and heal you, and to save your friends. Or," it said, anticipating his next question, "you will die."

"What's the price?"

"Understand that it's only to help you from later pain and anguish –"

"Just tell me what is is!"

"Your memories."

Reviewer Replies:

R12: Been awhile, hasn't it? Yeah. Anyway, thanks for the review.. and yes, a bike. What else.

Hazy Aurora: I know it's not all accurate.. buuut.. it was this time.

Smiley, Shaman Queen Lee, Clara200, Daydreamer 64, Bottled: Thanks for your reviews.


Act: .. As I said, ate the seperator for the POV change… which probably won't be happening again. I realize he probably sounded a bit more intelligent, though I imagined him to be quite intelligent as far as Pokemon go.. in fact, I'm assuming most of them are quite intelligent… but yeah, thanks a ton.

Misaki Cherry: Not soon, I know.. and I'm sorry.. I hate myself for being so slow, eh?

Misty's Double: Thanks. Hope to see you again.

Lorea02: Well, you'll have to find out.

xSpinx: Thanks! Yes, the POV switch was confusing.. especially with no separators… I'll have to put up a big warning sign next time.

Dannichu: Hopefully iti'll only get better.. I hope it has.. I took so long with this chapter 'cause I'm a lazy idiot.. with other things besides.

Thi: glad to see someone still reads the story even if it's not been updated.. Hope to see ya again!