The Evils of Truth and Love: Making Decisions
#2 of TruthAndLove
A Quick Note: For all those who have not seen Movie 5 and who do watch the anime, there are two Bianca characters. One is a rival in the anime, the other is exclusive to Movie 5. Hopefully this clears up any confusion in that regard (I know there was some).
The Evils of Truth and Love
Chapter 2: Making Decisions
A Story By: G'lek
Brock was cooking up a storm when Ash and Latias entered. Brock took one glance and knew exactly what was going on. He'd had lots of experience with women. The way they were holding hands was a dead giveaway. Bianca had left to get something from her room for Dawn, so the young Coordinator was understandably confused when Latias entered.
"I thought Bianca was upstairs?"
"Dawn, this isn't Bianca," Ash told her. "This is Latias. She uses Bianca's shape to hide herself from people who would hurt her."
"Oh. Amazing."
Thank you, Dawn.
Dawn's mouth dropped slightly. Even though Latias was using her psychic powers to talk, she still moved her mouth in time with her words. The effect was very realistic, though her words still echoed in a way that real sounds could never. Latias' voice was similar to her real one, high and light, like some delicate wind instrument.
"Ah, Latias, good to see you," Lorenzo commented, entering the room from the cellar.
Lorenzo, I'm sorry I worried you.
"No need to fret, just take a seat and we'll get some food into you."
"Yeah, you're looking a bit thin," Brock observed. "Nothing the famous Brock can't fix."
Where's Bianca?
"Upstairs," Dawn offered. "She said she'd be right back."
Latias sat down at the table. Lorenzo took up the seat beside her while Ash took the seat on her opposite side. Dawn studied the Bianca copy, noting several small differences. The imitations was very accurate, but Latias' own traits showed through in some places. The difference of eye colour was a big one. Latias' eyes were more honey coloured, while Bianca's had some green to them.
"Sorry I took so long, Dawn," Bianca said, coming down the stairs. "I had to dig through several b... Latias?"
Hey Bianca.
"Oh, I'm so glad to see you," Bianca cried, coming over and giving the Eon Pokemon a hug.
"Careful Bianca," Ash teased. "Don't crush her."
"Okay, food's up." Brock proclaimed, bringing several bowls of hot soup.
Latias stood up and returned to her Pokemon form. Dawn and Piplup stared in wonder, and Ash couldn't help but smirk at the similar expressions on their faces. Lorenzo and Bianca, on the other hand, looked concerned. In her human shape, Latias' poor health didn't show. Now, however, they could see her thin limbs and the dark shadows under her eyes. Latias ignored all of them and proceed to lift her bowl to her mouth. She finished it in several long gulps.
"Why doesn't she eat in her human form?" Dawn asked Bianca while Latias started on her second bowl.
Everything isn't in the right place when I'm in Bianca's form.
"Oh?"
The science nerds would have a real surprise if they looked inside me.
Ash observed the others expressions. Dawn, Brock, and Bianca seemed to take the comment as a joke, but Lorenzo seemed deep in thought. Ash had to agree with Lorenzo. Latias, when Ash knew her, didn't seem like the type to make morbid jokes. Which, when Ash thought about it, was just the kind of joke she had made. It was carefully disguised in the wording, but it was there.
Latias was still eating when the others finished. She was easily several bowls ahead of Ash, who usually ate the most of anyone in the group. Brock finally gave up and brought the entire pot over. Latias looked at the pot, up at Brock, and then back to the pot. She picked it up and began drinking the rest of the soup. When she finished, she licked her lips clean and looked over to Brock.
You're an excellent cook, Brock. Thank you.
"Not a problem. Like I said, my food will fix you right up."
"Latias," Lorenzo said. "You need to get your strength back. If you want, Bianca and I can take care of things here while you rest. I know the memory of Latios spurs you to do the job both of you should be doing. But you're only one."
I can handle myself.
"I doubt you remember, but I promised your father I'd watch after you. As his representative," Lorenzo began, his voice filled with faked authority, "I'm telling you take rest."
Lorenzo!
"I made a promise, Latias. You're going to rest and regain your strength while Bianca and I watch over things."
"I have an idea," Ash commented. "Latias can travel with us."
"Explain," Lorenzo said knowingly.
"Training is a great way to get yourself in shape. Brock's cooking seems to agree with her. Dawn's a great person to talk to about anything. And it can't be fun being trapped in this city all the time."
"I think Ash is right," Lorenzo said. "A little world experience would do you good, Latias."
I don't know...
"Latias, I think Ash and his friends," Lorenzo said, putting subtle emphasis on Ash's name, "would be perfect travelling companions. They're all experienced and know how to protect each other."
But the city!
"Grandpa and I can look after the city for a bit," Bianca assured her.
But... but... Latias struggled to find an excuse.
She wanted to go, but she had promised watch over Altomare with Latios. With him gone, she had to watch the city by herself. She didn't see how two humans could do what she could. Latias knew Lorenzo and Bianca were resourceful, but she had powers they didn't.
You can't watch the entire city without help.
"The Pokemon will help us," Lorenzo offered. "It's their home as much as it is ours."
O-okay. For a bit.
"I know you're scared. You've never been outside the city before but don't worry. Ash, Brock, and Dawn can protect you. And you'll get a better understanding of the world. Your father would have taken you and Latios on a world trip when you were old enough, to learn from him. I'm to old to do that."
"Ash," Lorenzo started, turning to the young boy. "I want you to take Latias. She can't truly fulfil her duties as Altomare's guardian unless she understands how the world works. Teach her, guide her, help her grow. I know you're the best one for the job."
"Lorenzo... I'm not sure what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. Now, I assume you'll be entering the race?"
"Sure will."
"I've got all the forms you need right here," Lorenzo said, turning around to rummage through a drawer. "You'll need to select a Pokemon of course, but I doubt that will be a problem for you."
I'm going to take a nap. So much good food, Latias commented drowsily.
"I'll come with you," Ash said, grabbing the forms off Lorenzo. "Thanks Lorenzo, I'll fill these out while she sleeps."
Thanks Ash, Latias said privately.
It was a quick trip to the Secret Garden. Latias lay herself down on the soft grass next to the swing. Ash leaned himself against her side. She looked over his shoulder for a few seconds before laying her head on the grass and dozing off. Ash continued to fill out the forms until he reached the section about which Pokemon he'd use. He sat there, thinking about his choices, warm food in his belly and the soothing sound of Latias' breathing. When he glanced around, he wasn't in the garden anymore, but in a valley. The sounds of battle rang out from below where an army of Pokemon bearing Team Rocket's logo fought with several Trainers, including the members of the Pokemon League.
Ash spotted several Gym Leaders, as well as all of the Champions from the various Leagues. The Trainers and Gym Leaders were focusing on holding off the army. The League Champions and the members of the Elite Four were focusing on a single Pokemon, one outfitted in angular armour. It was taking everything they could throw at it and retaliating with devastating effectiveness. Ash tried to get a better look at the Pokemon. Something about it was familiar.
Before Ash could figure it out, a mighty roar shook the earth. He turned around to spot Sheena and Kevin. Behind them was Dialga and Palkia. Ash watched Sheena communicate with the two Legendaries. The pair jumped to action, unleashing their powers on the Pokemon. The army quickly devolved into chaos. The armoured Pokemon rose up, somehow rallying the army. Palkia and Dialga turned their attention to the apparent leader. Ash watched them release their most powerful attacks, Palkia's Spatial Rift and Dialga's Roar of Time. This proved to be too much for the armour Pokemon.
As it fell to the ground below, realization hit Ash. The armoured Pokemon was one of the Eon Pokemon, Latios or Latias. It was this realization that startled Ash awake. Looking around and finding himself back in the garden, he reflected on his dream. Ash couldn't avoid the sense of impending Fate, but the dream was fading, the details becoming fuzzy and muddled. Eventually, it vanished completely.
Ash looked at Latias beneath him. Already she was looking healthier. Her colours more bright, the shadows under her eyes less dark. He sighed, leaning back so he could hear her heart beat through her skin. It was a slow, strong rhythm. Ash let that beat carry him back into sleep. A less fitful sleep.
This time his dream placed him in a grassy field. Instead of lying against Latias, Ash was lying against a large tree. He looked up and spotted a red and white form lying on a branch.
"Hey Latias."
Ash? What are you doing here?
"What'da ya mean?"
This is my dream. At least, I think it is.
"You're... dream?"
Yeah.
"So this is what Pokemon dream about? Sunny days and lovely fields?"
Sometimes. I guess.
"You guess?"
It's been a long time since I had a good dream.
"Huh."
An awkward silence intruded on the conversation. Ash tried to think of something to say, but gave up. Time seemed to have slowed to a crawl in the dream world. As time passed, the awkward lapse in talking transformed into companionable silence. Ash and Latias enjoyed the presence of each other. Ash could have sworn he could hear Latias' thoughts, feel her emotions and the sensations her body could feel.
Eventually, though, all good things come to an end. Ash could feel the waking world pulling on his consciousness. Begrudgingly, he let himself return to the world of the living. Below him, Latias also stirred. Ash looked down to see a light blanket over him. He wondered to himself who left it, Lorenzo, Bianca, or one of his friends. The entry forms were piled neatly beside him, missing only which Pokemon he'd use in the race. Ash stared for a minute, then picked up the pen and filled in the blank.
This would be a race to remember, Ash was sure of that.
Author's Note: Chapter 2, Chapter 2, duh duh dah duh duh duh. Okay, in all seriousness. Those of you who are really into breaking writing down will be able to spot a really common literary technique in here. Please don't post it in the comments and ruin it for others. PM me if you really want to ask if you're right. I'll certainly tell you if you are.
The only part of this story I'm not completely satisfied with is when Latias is trying to get out of leaving Altomare. That section falls a bit flat, and I'm not sure why. It could just be the perfectionist in me. I'd love to hear what you guys think.