Chapter 22: Ingenuity Breeches The Barrier.
As they hover into Professor Oak's lab, the nostalgia was palpable. The cluttered shelves, the faint smell of ozone from the various machines—it all brought back memories of a simpler time. This was where he had first met Pikachu, where his journey had truly begun. The lab looked almost the same as it did the day he left, but now it was filled with a new kind of wonder.
Latias's eyes lit up as she took in the array of scientific equipment that surrounded them. This was a place of discovery, of understanding. The machines were not cold and oppressive like the one in Alto Mare; the DMA, they were tools of curiosity and learning. There was a gentle hum in the air, a symphony of gears and circuits that spoke of the endless pursuit of knowledge.
Professor Oak, his lab coat flapping with the excitement of a young trainer, led them to a cluttered desk where a computer hummed quietly. On the screen, a complex blueprint of a device lay open. It was unlike anything Ash had ever seen—sleek, metallic, and covered in intricate circuitry. "This," Professor Oak announced as he sat at the desk, "is my latest invention. It's designed to interpret the different sounds of Pokémon, to translate their language into human speech. I developed it using careful study of Psychic Pokemon. I call it the 'Pokémon-Human Communication Interface'."
Ash felt a thrill of hope. If it worked, he might finally be able to tell his story, to explain the transformation that had changed his life so profoundly. "Professor," he began, his voice a mix of excitement and nerves. "I'm not just any Pokémon. I'm..." But he trailed off, remembering that the words wouldn't be discernible to Professor Oak. He was a Latios now, bound by the limitations of his new form. With this new device, hopefully that will change.
Professor Oak's fingers danced over the keyboard with a speed and dexterity that belied his age. He was a man on a mission, the kind of focus that comes from a lifetime of chasing after elusive answers. The blueprint on the screen morphed and changed, lines of code scrolling by in a blur as he worked. Pikachu watched, his tiny paws clutching Ash's feathers, his eyes wide with wonder. Even in his altered state, Ash could feel the electric mouse's excitement.
"It's almost ready," the professor said, not looking up from his work. "The interface is calibrated to detect the unique signatures of Pokémon. Once it's synced with Latios here, it should be able to translate his words into something we can all understand."
Ash stared at the device on the screen. The headset looked like a piece of futuristic tech, with a slender, rounding frame, with things that look like tiny microphones jutting forward on miniscule metal rods. He couldn't believe it—after all this time, a way to bridge the gap between human and Pokémon. The implications were staggering. It wasn't just his story that could be told; it was every Pokémon's.
Professor Oak's typing grew more frantic as the final adjustments were made. His eyes darted over the display of the device on the screen, his face a mask of intense concentration. Latias hovered by his side, her own excitement palpable. She had seen so much of the world, but she had never seen anything quite like this. This was a human invention, a testament to their desire to understand the world around them.
The room was filled with the clack of keys and the occasional beep from the computer. It was a symphony of creation, a dance of man and machine that had the power to change everything. And then, as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped. The keys fell silent, the screen froze, and the professor leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile.
"It's ready," he announced, gesturing to the cylindrical device next to the computer. With a hiss, it slid open, revealing a tiny metallic box that seemed to pulse with the promise of understanding. It was attached to a series of wires that snaked out like the tendrils of a curious plant.
Gently, almost reverently, Professor Oak picked up the device and carefully unhooked it from the tangle of wires. It was clear that he had spent countless hours perfecting it, each wire and circuit a testament to his dedication. His eyes never left Latios as he approached, his steps measured and deliberate.
"If you're willing," he said, his voice steady and calm, "this will help us understand each other better."
Ash nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He leaned his head forward, allowing Professor Oak to place the device on the back of his head. It was cold against his skin, the metal feeling alien and unyielding. But as soon as the professor's gentle hands touched the mechanism, it sprang to life, morphing from a simple metal box into the intricate headset he had seen on the computer.
The microphones at the corner of his mouth tickled slightly as they extended, the tiny instruments poised to capture the whispers of his voice. He could feel the device adjusting, calibrating to his unique physical nature. The sensation was strange, but not unpleasant. It was as if he were being embraced by a gentle, unseen force, a warmth that suffused his entire being.
Professor Oak's eyes searched his, looking for any sign of discomfort or distress. Ash knew that the professor was a kind-hearted man, a man who cared deeply for all Pokémon. He had to trust that he would do what was right.
With a nod, Ash gave his consent, and Professor Oak pressed a button on a small remote. There was a soft click, and the headset lit up with a gentle blue glow. "Now," the professor said, his voice filled with hope, "can you tell me what has become of Ash Ketchum?"
The room was still, the only sound the quiet whirring of the lab's machines. Pikachu clung tightly to Ash's feathers, his tiny eyes wide with anticipation. This was the moment they had all been waiting for, the moment that could change everything.
Professor Oak's heart hammered in his chest as he held his breath, the fate of his invention and his dear friend's whereabouts hanging in the balance. He had spent months on the device, working tirelessly in the hope that it would work, that it could bridge the gap between human and Pokémon. His eyes never left the Latios's, searching for any flicker of understanding, any sign that the headset was working.
Ash felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the anticipation almost suffocating. What would happen if the device didn't work? Would he be unable to tell his story, unable to explain the love he felt for Latias, the burden he now carried as a Guardian of the Alto Mare? The fear was palpable, a cold hand around his heart.
But what was more terrifying was the thought of it actually working. Would Professor Oak understand? Would he look at him differently, see him as a creature of legend rather than the boy he had once known? The boy he had watched grow into a strong, compassionate trainer? Would he be able to reconcile the human he knew with the mythic beast before him?
Ash felt a gentle squeeze on his claw. It was Latias, her touch grounding him in the present. He looked into her eyes, and she gave him a nod of encouragement. "Remember what I told you," she whispered, her voice a gentle breeze in his ears. "You're not alone in this."
With that, Ash took a deep breath and whispered the words that had been burning on the tip of his tongue. "It's me, Professor." The words felt strange in his new form, but they were as true as the sky above them.
Professor Oak's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard the voice—Ash's voice—coming from the Latios before him. His hand trembled as he reached out to touch the headset, as if to confirm it was working properly. It was performing just as he speculated it would, and that can only mean one thing. "Ash?" he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is that really you?"
The Latios nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions—relief, hope, and a hint of fear. "Yes, Professor," the voice from the headset confirmed, "It's me."
Professor Oak felt his knees give out beneath him, his hand shooting out to grip the desk to keep himself upright. The implications of what he was hearing were too much to process. Ash, his friend, his student, the boy who had started his journey in Pallet Town with nothing but a Pikachu and a dream, was now a legendary Pokémon? How was it possible?
He stared at the creature before him, trying to reconcile the form of Latios with the voice of Ash. The device was a marvel, a bridge between species that he had never thought could be crossed. But the truth of the transformation was a revelation that shook him to his core. "How?" he managed to ask, his voice cracking with emotion.
Ash took a deep breath, his new form feeling both strange and natural all at once. "It's a long story, Professor," he began, his voice now clear and steady through the headset. "But it all started when Latias and I first met in Alto Mare."
Professor Oak nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving Ash's transformed form. "I remember," he murmured. "The tidal wave. It was all over the news. Such a tragic loss."
Ash's eyes filled with sadness as he nodded. "It was," he said. "But it was also the catalyst for our bond."
Professor Oak looked at Latias, his gaze filled with curiosity. "What bond?" he asked, his voice a mix of wonder and skepticism.
Ash took a deep breath, the words heavy in his throat. "Latias was suffering," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "Her brother, Latios, had passed away, and she hadn't been able to move on. Darkrai showed me her pain, her loneliness, and I knew I had to help."
Professor Oak leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Ash's transformed face. "And what exactly did Darkrai show you?"
Ash swallowed, his gaze shifting to Latias. She hovered nearby, her eyes wide and hopeful. "It was a vision," he began. "Darkrai showed me Latias's nightmares, her grief. She was trapped in it, unable to move on because she was all alone. Her brother, Latios, had been her everything, and without him, she was lost."
Professor Oak's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "How did all this result in... your current form?"
Ash took a deep breath, the memories of that fateful night in Alto Mare rushing back to him. "When Latias saw me, she was overwhelmed," he began. "Her joy was so intense that she... she kissed me." He paused, the weight of the moment still fresh. "And in that kiss, I realized how much I had missed her, how much I had thought about her since leaving. My feelings had evolved, Professor."
Professor Oak's expression was one of shock and confusion. He had never heard of such a deep connection between a human and a Pokémon. The very idea was unheard of, yet here it was, standing before him. "Ash," he said, his voice tentative, "are you saying that you're in love with Latias?"
Ash looked down, his cheeks burning with embarrassment, but he nodded. "I didn't intend for it to happen," he murmured. "But I can't deny the bond we share. When she kissed me, it was like... I was reborn." He looked up, his eyes meeting Professor Oak's. "And now, I'm here, as a Latios."
Professor Oak stared at him, his mind racing. It was one thing to create a device that allowed a Pokémon to speak human language, but to have it reveal a truth like this was something he had never anticipated. The silence in the lab was deafening, filled only with the soft whirring of machines and the occasional crackle of electricity. Even Pikachu was still, his eyes wide with anticipation.
Ash watched the Professor, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that this revelation was a lot to take in, that it was going to change everything. But he also knew that he had to be honest, that he had to share his truth. "Professor," he said, his voice filled with a mix of hope and trepidation. "I know it's a lot to take in. But I had to become what she needed."
Professor Oak's eyes searched his, and Ash could see the wheels turning in the man's head. "What do you mean, 'what she needed'?" the professor asked, his voice low and measured.
Ash took a deep breath, his feathers fluttering with the force of his emotions. "When I realized I was in love with Latias," he began, his voice tight with emotion, "I knew I couldn't just be her friend anymore. She needed a lover, someone who could understand her on a level that no human ever could." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "So, I sought out a way to transform into a Latios."
Professor Oak's expression shifted from shock to understanding. "You did this for her," he murmured, his eyes softening. "To become her equal."
Ash nodded, his gaze never leaving the professor's. "I had to," he said simply. "I couldn't bear to see her in pain."
Professor Oak's expression softened further, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and concern. "Ash," he said, his voice gentle but firm, "what you've done is both incredibly brave and incredibly reckless." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "You've become something that transcends the boundaries of the human world."
Ash felt a pang of sadness at the thought of all he had left behind, but he nodded. "I know," he said quietly. "I've given up a lot to be here with her. My family, my friends, my human life." His gaze fell to the floor, the reality of his sacrifice stark and painful. "But I had to," he added, his voice filled with conviction. "It was the only way to save her."
Professor Oak stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Ash's shoulder. "You haven't given up on them, Ash," he said firmly. "You've just become something... more." His eyes searched Ash's, filled with a warmth and understanding that made the young man's heart swell with gratitude. "And they will understand. I will help you explain. Your mother, she will understand."
Ash took a moment to let those words sink in. The thought of his mother's love and acceptance brought him a sense of peace he hadn't felt since he had transformed. "Thank you, Professor," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion.
Professor Oak nodded, his grip on Ash's shoulder firm. "But," he added, "we must proceed with caution. This bond you share with Latias, it's something that could be misunderstood by those who don't know the full story." His gaze shifted to the beautiful Eon Pokémon hovering nearby. "Your transformation is a powerful symbol of love and sacrifice, but it's also a testament to the deep connection between humans and Pokémon that we're only just beginning to understand."
Ash nodded solemnly, the gravity of his situation fully apparent. "I know," he said. "But I had to come back, to tell everyone the truth. To let them know that I'm still here, still me, even if I've changed."
The professor nodded in understanding. "And I believe you're right," he said. "It's probably best we tell your mother post haste. She deserves to know the truth more than most."
The words hit Ash like a bucket of ice-cold water. The thought of facing his mother, explaining the unexplainable, was overwhelming. He felt the weight of his transformation, the gravity of his decision, and the fear of her reaction settling heavily on his shoulders. But he knew he couldn't hide from her forever. "Okay," he said, his voice a bit shaky. "Let's go."
Professor Oak nodded solemnly, then turned to the door. "Before we go, I need to inform my assistant," he said, his voice steady. "I'll be right back." He disappeared into the hallway, leaving Ash and Latias alone in the lab.
As the door closed, Ash felt his heart racing. What would Tracey think? Would he recognize him in this form? Would he be able to understand the depth of the bond he now shared with Latias? The questions swirled through his mind like leaves in a storm, a tempest of doubt and fear.
But before he could even begin to formulate an answer, the door slid open again, and in strode Tracey Sketchit, his usual enthusiastic gait replaced by a brisk efficiency that spoke of his new role as Professor Oak's assistant. "Oak, the Pokémon eggs are fine," he called out, his eyes scanning the room as he approached the desk.
Tracey's gaze landed on the transformed Ash, and his eyes grew wide with shock. He froze, his mouth agape, as he took in the majestic form of the Latios before him. The silence was deafening, only broken by the distant sounds of the Pokémon outside.
Ash felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he saw Tracey. They had shared so many adventures together in the Orange Islands, and now, here they were, reunited under the most extraordinary of circumstances.
Tracey's eyes lit up with recognition and awe as he took in the transformed Ash and the real Latias. "I don't believe it," he breathed, his voice filled with wonder. "It's Latias and Latios, the Legendary Eon Pokémon!"
Ash felt a twinge of pride at the excitement in Tracey's voice, but the fear of rejection still lingered. Would his old friend accept him in his new form? Would he still see the same person he had known?
But before he could say anything, Tracey was already pulling out a sketchbook from somewhere, his hand moving with a familiar urgency. As a Pokémon Watcher, he had always had a knack for capturing moments, and this was no exception. His pencil flew across the page, tracing the lines of Ash's new form with a precision that spoke of years of practice. It was a comforting sight, a reminder of the shared experiences and adventures they had once had.
"Tracey," Professor Oak called out, his voice bringing Ash back to the present. Tracey looked up, his pencil hovering in midair. "There you are. I need you to..."
But Tracey was already speaking, his voice filled with excitement. "Professor, this is amazing. When did you capture Eon Pokémon?" His eyes darted between Ash and Latias, his question hanging in the air like a bubble waiting to pop.
The room grew tense, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken tension. Professor Oak's hand shot up, a silent command for Tracey to hold his tongue. But before the professor could correct him, Latias was in front of him, her teeth snapping sharply. The sound was like a whip crack, echoing through the lab.
Tracey took a step back, his eyes wide with shock. "I-I didn't mean it like that," he stuttered, his hand rising in a defensive gesture. "I just..."
Professor Oak sighed heavily, his gaze flicking between Ash and Tracey. "These are not Pokémon I've captured, Tracey," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
Tracey's eyes snapped back to the Professor, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, I'm sorry," he mumbled, his pencil hovering over the sketchbook. "I didn't mean to..."
But before he could finish, Ash took a step forward, gently pushing Latias aside. "It's okay," he said, his voice a little shaky, a little unfamiliar in his new form. "Hello, Tracey."
The shock on Tracey's face was palpable, his pencil clattering to the floor. His eyes searched the Latios's, and then he gasped, his hand flying to cover his mouth. "Ash?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief.
The Latios nodded, the motion a silent confirmation that sent a shiver down Tracey's spine. "It's me," the voice from the headset said, and the familiarity was unmistakable.
Tracey felt his knees wobble as he took a step back, his eyes scanning the majestic form before him. It was Ash, his friend, the trainer he had known for years. But how? How could this be? He looked at the Latias hovering protectively beside him, her eyes filled with a fierce love that was impossible to miss.
"Tracey, I know this is a lot to take in," Professor Oak said, his voice firm yet gentle. "But we must tell Ash's mother about his transformation immediately, and I need you to watch the lab in the meantime."
Tracey nodded, his eyes still wide with shock. "I understand," he murmured. "I'll stay here and keep an eye on everything."
With a grateful nod to Tracey, Ash turned to follow Professor Oak. His heart was racing as they left the lab, the reality of what was about to happen crashing over him like a wave. He had never been so nervous to see his mother, not even when he had decided to leave Pallet Town all those years ago to become a Pokémon trainer. But this was different. This was something no one had ever done before.
As they approached the door leading to the outside world, Latias hovered closer to him, her wings brushing gently against his side. He could feel her love and support, her confidence in him, and it bolstered his own wavering spirits. He took a deep breath and stepped outside, the warm sunlight caressing his new form.
Ash's mother, Delia Ketchum, had always been his rock, his cheerleader, and his confidante. He had told her everything, from his earliest Pokémon battles to his deepest fears. And now, he was about to share the most unbelievable secret of all.