Chapter 27

"Ash- uh, Latius, could you use sight-sharing so I can see what's around you? Maybe I can figure out where you are," said Latios, trying not to let his panic show in his telepathy.

Ash had no idea what sight sharing was but something inside clicked at the words. No sooner had he thought about it, than his eyes began glowing as he projected his surroundings to Latios.

Latios gulped as he took in the room. He quickly tracked it psychically before examining it further. Just as he suspected, his worst fears were confirmed. Right in front of him (or rather, in front of Ash) was a near replica of the DMA. The machine was already activated and Latios instantly recognized Nigel in the control capsule. Whatever Nigel was planning, Latios knew he, Latias, Pikachu, and Skye would have to act fast if they wanted to save Ash.

"Got it, I'm coming," He quickly telepathed to Ash before sending a message to his sister. "Latias, quick, Nigel brainwashed Ash and has him in some sort of DMA. I need you to grab Pikachu and Skye and follow me. I'm heading over there now, but hurry, I don't think we have much time."

"Wait what?"

"No time to explain sis, just go!"

Panic filled Latias' as she raced back to Pikachu and Skye. Did her brother say brainwashed? And the DMA? She would never forgive herself if anything happened to Ash, what if he never remembered her again? What if… No. Now was not the time to panic. She needed to calm down if she wanted to save her crus- her best friend. Latias shot into the room where Pikachu and Skye were still waiting.

Brock cleared his throat and concentrated on the lines in front of him.

To help your friend you must wish,

For nothing with a magic swish.

Rater, wish for that which doesn't get old,

Wisdom is much better than gold.

The Chosen must have the courage to go on,

His partners, his friends, they must be strong.

The Chosen must regain what was lost,

Even if it comes at a cost.

The evil must be defeated in the land,

The dark and the void go hand in hand.

Innocent prisoners must be free of the curse,

Back to their homes, they must disperse,

Use your wish, proceed carefully,

What will save the world is up to thee.

That is all we have to give to you,

Good luck, my friend, this ends your clue.

"What does that mean?" asked Misty.

"I think," said Professor Oak, "we're supposed to wish for something that's not physical, like courage,"

"Right!" said Jirachi, "I've met lots of people who wanted money, or jewels, or servants. I always give them what they want, but I've watched them, and they're never content. Even with everything they have, they seem always to want more." Jirachi sighed. "I grant wishes because I want to make people content with their lives, but sadly, most people wish for things that, after a time, make them unhappier than they were before. I've granted hundreds of wishes, but only once did I have the privilege to grant a wish that truly made someone happy."

"What wish was that?" asked Brock.

"I can't tell you," replied Jirachi, "unless given permission, I keep all wishes secret." He gave the group a hopeful look. "I know it might be hard, but as long as your wish comes from you. Not your heart, not your desires, but YOU. I promise you'll not only get your wish, but you will be happy AND content. You have the chance to make a wish not just yourselves, but one that will rid the world of one more evil and help millions because of it." The Wish Pokemon have a soft smile. "Will you do that for me?"

"Of course we will," said Misty.

"Yeah," said Brock, "we won't let Ash down!"

Both professors nodded in agreement.

"Thank you so much!" said Jirachi, "Now, what is your wish?"

Nigel tapped his seat as he watched the new Dark Balls being created. Normally Dark Balls of this power would be impossible to create, but with the power of the mythical Latius, it was fairly simple. Speaking of Latius, he hadn't complained about being bored for a while. Nigel shrugged, maybe the promise of food was enough to keep him quiet.

Latius, or Ash, meanwhile, was still thinking about his 'new' friend Latios. Maybe it was just because Latios sounded like Latius, but Ash knew he had heard that name before, spoken it, even. But where? When? Why couldn't he remember? As he concentrated harder, a sudden memory came to mind;

Flashback

"Latios, are you ok?" Ash walked over to the Eon Pokemon who was lying on the ground, a sad look on his face.

"Well, I…"

Ash sat down next to Latios. "Come on, you can tell me,"

Latios sighed. "It's all my fault…"

"What's your fault?"

"It was my fault you almost got hit by that Azumarill. I was too distracted fighting Politoed and let it get by."

"Latios, how is that your fault?" asked Ash, "There were lots of Pokemon, and there was no way you could fight them all at once,"

"I know," replied Latios, "but you saved my life, you trusted me to protect you, and I failed you."

"Look at me Latios," said Ash.

Latios turned his head.

Ash gave the Eon Pokemon a serious look. "Latios. It wasn't your fault. Not any more than it was Latias, Pikachu, or Skye's fault. And no, it wasn't their fault either. I trust you to protect me, but it isn't something you should feel bad about. Besides, I've gotten hurt and even killed many times before. I trusted Pikachu to protect me, and he did, but there's always a limit. He didn't save me from Mewtwo and Mew because he couldn't, he didn't protect me when I saved Celebi from the Masked Maurader because he couldn't. The important thing was, he did his absolute best. And that was enough. We're still best friends, and I think we're even better friends because of it. You did all you could today Latios, nobody blames you for what happened. I think the only one who hasn't forgiven you, is you."

"T-thank you, Ash," said Latios, smiling at the raven-haired boy. "I needed that."

"Anytime," replied Ash. His body suddenly glowed as he switched to his Latius form. "Now, how about we get back to the Pokemon Center? It's getting late,"

Latios levitated off the ground. He grinned. "Race you there!"

"Hey, come back here!" Yelled Ash as he raced after Latios.

Flashback End

Ash blinked. Was that his memory? It had to be, he was still Latius after all. But, was he also a human? Did that mean he was the Ash Latios was talking about? But that didn't explain why he didn't remember. Desperate for answers, he concentrated even harder on his memory.

That's the chapter!

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