Chapter Five - oh angel Whoa-oh! Oh Angel! Come greet the dawn, it's a brand new day! Whoa-oh! Oh Angel! Let burn the passion that fires your soul!! Each lonely night I get through without you becomes my victory Each empty night I fight against the light that is my destiny Yet, I know that having might don't mean you're right I can't be both cruel and kind! When nothing makes sense I look up at the clouds in the sky They don't answer but I still ask why... Grinning, Satoshi grasped his arms around Ikoui's flaming neck, pushing his sneakers to the roof of iit to climb up as the massive horse flinched back the jab, causing Satoshi to crumble among his back before pulling himself up again. His sneakers sunk like rocks inside the flames of the creature, leaving small gaps that made the fire crawl up his jeans but soon disappear once it got up an inch or too, not leaving a single burn mark on his faded blue jeans. Once his right leg pushed over the side of its neck, he pulled his chest upwards to allow his other leg to comfront the side, Pikachuu easily making the jump to Satoshi's shoulder in a simple leap. Satoshi felt a bit umcomfortable underneath without a saddle and reins to hold onto, but he kept silent about the facts that could make Ikoui even slightly angry. So instead, he grinned grimly, and kept his balance faintly. *Hold onto my neck. I know you'd prefer what humans call 'reins,' but I will not accept those to come among my neck...to itchy, if you know what I mean.* Satoshi nodded, and bent forward as he grabbed his arms around the creature's neck, letting them sink into the gentle warmth of the fire brought upon its face. He tried to hold on loosely, but found himself holding on tighter and tighter as he looked down at the ground beneath him; trying not to flinch to show Ikoui his fear of falling. Ikoui slowly started off at a trot, sending the dirt at its heels flying into the ashes. Each step it took sent the ground burning into soot, sizzling like burning tar. Satoshi and Pikachuu watched as the grass that had hugged at their legs earlier withered away within the fire, Ikoui gathering speed in his trot at each chance of this. Once the party again came into sight, followed by the fire Ikoui had arised from, Satoshi had forgotten all about his fear of falling. Now his thoughts were clouded in how amazing it was to ride on such a maginificent horse--feeling the flames bite in warmth through his skin as it trotted in a mix of fast and slow paces. Pokemon stared as they approached, Satoshi giving a heavy wave to their audiance as Pikachuu gripped tightly to his shoulder blade, slightly sweating in embarassment. A Hitokage arose to its talons and stared in confusement, as well as anger; the Raichuu that had talked to Ikoui earlier as well sharing the same feelings--each showing anger-filled eyes. *How dare you do this, Ikoui!* The Raichuu's earing clanged against the rim of its ear as it glared in anger, showing its powerful paws that now bore into fists, *you know how much this is a disgrace! Leting a human ride you, one of the fastest creature in this valley!* Ikoui seemed to ignore the Raichuu as it continued to trot by, letting its flames glisten to the dark forest. *This human is different, Malosu. Give him a chance.* It stared at the earing in loathe. "And if you think its such a shame to have a human ride upon me, then it's a shame for you to be wearing that human contraption...am I right?* Malosu looked really annoyed by that fact, but gave a chance to snap back. *This so called human 'contraption' has been handed down from my family's generation! How dare you speak that it's human!* Ikoui gave a shrug-like movement with its shoulders, trotting past the two monsters without such care. Satoshi continued to grab sharply onto its neck as it continued, not seeming to notice he had fairly released his grip. As Ikoui reached the blazing fire to feast on the flame for a quick rest, Satoshi spoke up in wonder as he restlessly shifted in place ontop of its back. "Ikoui...why do some of the Pokemon here hate humans so much? I mean...those Aabo...they were kinda catious about me at first, but soon loosened up--but, the only Pokemon who hasn't been weird around me so far was Ryonike...what's up with that?" Ikoui continued to chew on the flames as if it were hay, swallowing it slowly and uneasily as he finished his sentences. *It's because they're simply afraid of what humans are capable of.* Pikachuu's right ear slid up in wonder, its brown eyes showing the confusement its face could not. *What they're capable of...? Heh! You can't mean weapons and such...those things are a breeze to come by if you know how to dodge 'em.* Ikoui looked up at Pikachuu with a firey gaze, watching as both of its ears went into the air. *They're afraid of what humans will come up with, is what I mean. Humans always come looking for us to take us in as slaves. Using us for their battle objects so they can kick us into becoming stronger. The only reason the monsters here don't try to kill you, Satoshi, is because your Pikachuu seems to like you a lot; and in those words, come in deep handy into feelings.* Satoshi's eyebrows raised as he stared down at the flames bubbling out from Ikoui's head, giving a sigh that made it look up to him. Pikachuu continued for him. *Satoshi and I are friends...which is the only reason why I actually listen to him.* Satoshi flinched at that, but allowed it to continue. *Most people use Pokemon for battle, but others just as friends. Satoshi does both; but in a good cause. He treats all of us fairly, and only trains them so they can take care of themselves. He's a great trainer, as you can see.* Ikoui nodded in unison as Satoshi grinned at the compliment. *Although he can be such a baka sometimes.* Breaking out of his grin, Satoshi glared at Pikachuu resting on his shoulder, only causing it to sweatdrop nervously. *Gee, Satoshi! Just admit it! We're all dense in our own way!* Satoshi still looked scornful as Ikoui finished eating the flickering flames of the fire, lifting its head up as it continued onward to a group gathering among the silver road. All sorts of monsters were gathered in a large huddle, a small gap confronting Ikoui as it took a step inside; grass at its hooves dying to the flame. Being ontop of Ikoui was a big advantage for Satoshi; he could see above most of the monsters, and luckily, could make out most of the silver pathed road he would soon take forward. The road slickly lead down a long hill that dropped almost like a waterfall, leading toward a rock-like bridge that crossed over the Aabo river. The bridge ended a little ways from the otherend, offending large stones that jettisoned from the bottom for the use of stepping stones. Farther up the path it led to a mountain way that seemed to almost lead in circles, but soon crossed far out into the distance into the road once more. Squinting, Satoshi tried to look on more, but couldn't--for the path was now fading into the distance within a blur of colors made from the golden sun among the horizon; which as well remained a blur. He knew this road would be a long one. One of many victors and loosers. But then, he had to stand tall, and bring out his courage to withstand his fear of falling. Proove to the other Pokemon he could be trusted just as their friends could be. Stand tall, you won't fall! Even a wolf gets away Now and then run into the sun Sharpen your claws, bare your fangs and go on! Grinning, Satoshi looked on at the Pokemon below him; seeing an aqua shaded creature, a Shawaasu, take its place in front of the others, mermaid-like tail brushing at its side casually. *My friends.* It seemed to speak as an old aged man did before sending a troup of warriors out to battle, weak but spirited. *We have all come here to race for the training of the great Gods themselves--the Gods that will make you a skilled warrior even a human can't master.* It gazed over at Satoshi as it continued. *Remember that in this race, there isn't any unfair play acceptable. Yueo--* It looked at a giant Onidoriru that seemed to fall from the sky within a mahogany blur, ebony markings that seemed to resemble cuts running among its feathers and beak. Which probably was the same paste [in only a different color] Satoshi bore. *--will be watching over to make sure there isn't any cheating. Is everything clear?* When every creature nodded, the Shawaasu pushed its aqua tail closely to the ground, slowly moving it across the road as it left a similar colored marking among the dirt. Soon afterwards, it moved away from the line, beckoning toward the crowd. *Now everyone take their position on the line.* Ikoui slowly trotted torwards the starting line, feeling Satoshi's grip soon come upon its neck, as he did Pikachuu's. As Satoshi bore his teeth in determination, he looked at their components; watching the unpreticipating bunch slowly walk away from the racers. A few Rizaadon of all assortments of markings [one of them being Ryonike] lined up with their claws outstretched, emerald wings airborne in the blazing cerulean sky. Their jaws turned toward the cobalt flesh of the life above, spotting Yueo, again a mahogany blur, taking the skies within a magnificent flap of its massive wings. In Satoshi's eyes, they almost looked golden to the sun's beauty. A silver fleshed Kokuun relaxed its nine tails as it bore its teeth, letting its claws come out leashed to the dirt's rotting flesh. Crimson eyes gazed darkly at the road ahead of it. A beautiful Uindii that bore stripes of gold stood ready to leap into a run, claws crushing into the rock it nearly stood upon, denting cracks and ridges inside its core. Saliva dripped from its sharp fangs onto the crushed boulder, sliding down the ridged cracks onto the ground. Even other sorts of Pocket Monsters that didn't seem right for the racing technique stood standing at the line, ready to pounce forward at any time necessary. Satoshi leaned forward on the rim of Ikoui's neck, ready to feel the pressure of the wind among his face as it would bolt in a feirce run. He shifted uncomfortably for a moment, waiting for the right spot to come to him. At that moment, a fairly large Rizaadon flew above the racers, gliding among his leathery wings far off to the right of the entrance. *Once my fire reaches the end of the path, jump over the flames and start the race.* The Rizaadon's orange tail outstretched behind it as it took a deep breath, smoke exhaling from its nostrals as the faint scent of fire dripped from its fangs. Then, with a big breath of compassion and direct, fire spilled like spilt milk across the blue line the Shawaasu had made earlier, the buldging, flickering flames outstretching into the air among invisable hands. Its wings outstretched backwards from the flame's force, causing it to slightly tumble to the ground as the flame continued to outstretch to the other side. Ikoui nudged Satoshi slightly as he peered at the flame. *Get ready, Satoshi...a long ride is ahead of us.* When Satoshi gave a slow nodded, hanging on tightly to Ikoui's silky neck, the spreading flame finally reached the otherside, making all the Pokemon dart into a run. The Uindii flashed within a blur at the corner of Satoshi's eye as Ikoui took off into a run, watching the immense wolf-like creature leap off its boulder into a head start on the road of silver. Glaring, he watched as it took a jettisoning leap through the river of flame, landing at the other side covered in fire and only dashing faster than before. As Satoshi's eyes tore away from the Uindii, he stared onwards at the on going path, seeing the flames coming at him faster and faster--orange and gold blending in within his determination. Bracing himself for the leap, Satoshi only held on tighter to Ikoui's neck, his knuckles turning white in fear. Despite the steering pain running down its neck, Ikoui continued to gallop forward the silver road, taking an immense leap over the frolicking flames in determination, only to make Satoshi's stomach churn as it fell on the otherside in a massive gallop. Opening one eye to the scene, Satoshi gazed behind him in the blur of the race, sighting a trail of fire being left from Ikoui's flaming hooves. Many Pokemon ran behind in fury, dashing as fast as their paws, wings, or hooves would take them. A speeding Rizaadon sped quickly towards Satoshi's pack within a quick dash of its emerald wings, eyes crooked in determination as it tried to pass the dashing Ikoui. Not at all allowing this to happen, Ikoui immensely peddled forward, seeming to fly as all four of its hooves took off into a gallop. Satoshi continued to hang on for dear life as the clattering of hooves continued to echo through his mind, feeling Pikachuu's tiny paws grip tighter and tighter to his shoulder. *Just hang on Satoshi! Like I said, it's going to be a long ride, but be sure just to trust me! I wont let you fall!* Trying to nod against the heavy wind upon him, he watched as Ikoui galloped forward upon the rock bridge, hooves making a clippity-clop noise as it dashed faster and faster; seemingly without a care in the world. The gleaming cerulean river glistening in twilight as Satoshi watched it rush by within a blur, the flames of Ikoui's fire sizzling into the river every gallop or so. Satoshi started feeling more relaxed by the second, the wonder of this horse's amazing run astounding him as it continued to dash faster and faster among the bridge; the wind whiping at his hair as water pounded in his eyes. His emerald cape fled on wings behind him, catching the wind higher and higher as Ikoui desired to run faster. The end of the bridge came into sight among fierce gallops, Ikoui taking another massive leap to reach one of the huge cement-like stepping stones drowned within the water. Listening closely among Ikoui's clattering hooves, Satoshi faintly heard the sound of galloping hoof-pads belonging to a massive creature he did not yet recognize. When he turned around, watching the world spin before him, he noticed an outraged Saihoun charging behind them, solid rock body leaping from stone to stone as the horn it beweld ontop its head struck the air above it. The Rizaadon continued to challenge Ikuoi as the rocks came to an end, slight river currents splashing upon Ikoui's hooves as they beat upon the outgrowing rocks that stood up like iceburgs. Rearing to another jump, Ikoui soared to the other side of the river, again leading a dash among the once again silver road, turning a swift turn among the right as the Rizaadon sped after them, the Saihoun not far behind. The silver road seemed to spead now like the river itself, blinding sprays of light flashing among Satoshi's eyes as he continued to ride the wind with Ikoui. "You're doing fantastic, Ikoui!" Satoshi was now laughing at the fun of riding the wind with this amazing horse of fire, not caring that his voice drowned within the depth of the fierce wind. "That Raichuu was right! You do run faster than fire spreads!" Run your own race--why go for second place? Go on and grab a star! You can survive. You gotta stay alive! Heaven is not that far. When you're on the edge you pledge to live just for today Ain't no sense livin' in the past! Look ahead and you'll see that tomorrow has already come Time heals all wounds and love does go on! Time seemed to fly through the wind as Ikoui raced straight past the Rizaadon's speed, buldging its snout in and out through the fierce wind that now felt like fire. Grinning and laughing, Satoshi let his legs fly at Ikuoi's sides as it took off running toward the mountain that ran in a bond, kicking up fire furiously as it left the ashes behind. Not far ahead, Satoshi spotted the Uindii of golden stripes leaping among the cliff in high calls, letting its pallid fur rush like grass down its back. "That Uindii is up there, Ikoui! If we pass it we could win!" At those howling words, Ikoui began to advance, the charging Rizaadon still not giving up hope on its mighty wings of steel. The dirt path up the cliffs of the mountain were steep and rocky, but held no chance against Ikoui's flaming hooves and agility of the wind. Speeding up the first cliff of the mountain, Ikoui reared forward to get a better grip on the steepness, making Satoshi slightly bounce upwards from the sudden jolt. But from keeping his arms enclosed around the horse's silky neck, he stayed on as still as ever. The Uindii seemed to have the same trouble Ikoui was having; for its pawpads easily became gashed from the sharp rocks it ran upon, and the cliff was way too steep to run up by just dashing straight forward. Closer and closer it came; advancing by the second as Ikoui yet again regained speed, dashing down the course of the path. Cursing slightly at the sight of the advancing threesome, the Uindii tried its hardest to advance up the cliffs, jumping and scratching its way as Satoshi continued to advance. "Alright, Ikoui! We have 'em!" Just as those words were spoken, Ikoui's ashes fell upon the Uindii, telling it that the amazing firehorse had now passed its lead. Now laughing even harder, Satoshi beckoned Ikoui's faster gallops as it ended the circling cliffs, rounding once again to the silver path that lied ahead the challenges he had not yet seen. Looking behind him, Satoshi noticed no followers, coming soon to the conclusion he was in the fair lead--standing tall and proud as a winner. *Satoshi, we're almost as the end of the course! There should be just one more obstical.* Satoshi gave a heavy nod as Ikoui continued to fight the wind, outstretching its might hooves of flame. Looking ahead, he noticed a long slanted path that seemed to end like a waterfall, dirt crumbling over the edge as they slowly plumited to the ground below. Noticing this slanted edge, Ikoui immediately came to a halt, hoves scattering dirt clods to be thrown off the slanted cliff. Nervously, the threesome stared down at the rocky path of nevermore, watching as the dirt continued to fall down the many feet it took. "We have to go down, Ikoui..." Satoshi glanced off into the distance among the cliff, dimly spotting the ring of fire that had started the race among the silve road. "The finish line is over there." Ikoui seemed to stutter a bit. *It's going to be a long way down...* Satoshi's arms tightened among its neck. "I know, but you can do it! You're an amazing horse--the Ikoui that can run faster than fire spreads!" Stand tall, you won't fall! Courage! You stumble and then So that you run into the sun Seek out those songs which have not yet been sung! Pikachuu sweated heavily at the sight of this slanted cliff, golden ears perking down to the side of its head as its voice became dry to words. Ikoui beckoned Satoshi's encouragement, and backed up a bit between a few trots, watching its flame spread beneath the edge of the cliff. Satoshi felt Ikoui's shoulders give out a deep gulp of breath before it started galloping forward again, taking a giant leap off the slanted cliff leading to the finish. Rocks slid and jolted into the air as Ikoui continued to leap; a big ball of flame to the watchers below. The fall was difficult; the rocks were slippery and slick, forcing its hooves to sometimes fall apart as it advanced. But as the silver road advanced to their sight, Satoshi felt Ikoui's shoulders loosen in their tense, a final leap sending Ikoui soaring to the silver road leading toward the finish line. Satoshi yelped in victory as Ikoui reached the bottom, feeling the wind pick up spead as it started to slant forward into a dash toward the finish line; fire flickering up Satoshi's arms as Pikachuu too jumped for their new friend's achievement. As the silver road came to an abrupt end, having Ikoui jump through the finish line of the flickering flames, Satoshi felt Ikuoi coming to a trot as it completed the race, panting and sore; yet pleased in accomplishment. "You did it, Ikoui!" Satoshi immediately jumped off the firehorse's back within a quick slide of his legs, his hands immediately flying to its snout for a compassionate rub of a sort. The monsters crowded among the finish line immediately rushed over to Satoshi, Ikoui, and Pikachuu in a rushed pace, asking repediately how a human could've possibly have 'won' the race in such manner. Ikoui slowly nudged Satoshi in the ribs, letting him yet again aboard his back, answering the question calmly and simply. *It's simple, really. Satoshi is just a great Pokemon trainer. He cares for his Pokemon, and only trains them to be the best they can be...not for the pure battle of sport.* Ikoui watched casually as the other Pokemon rapidly came into the finishline, staring at the uncalled for winner in almost a shocked glance--all but Ryonike and Ukyou becoming surprised by this plot. After a few minutes, when the finishline became extinguished, and Yueo came falling from the sky, Ikoui finally spoke to the crowd as Satoshi started becoming restless, slowly coming to a trot. *Now everyone, Satoshi and I would really like to stay, but we have a few Gods to meet for a way of training. Satoshi has a lot to learn, and I'm not waiting till any other time to get it done.* *~&~* People do fall in love Though they may swear that the pain won't let go forevermore I'll burn the flame of your dreams in my soul It took a long while, but eventually Ikoui, Pikachuu, and Satoshi reached the destination Ikoui had been searching for--the Goronya boulder of Gyaryu. "Ikoui...why here? Isn't this Gyaryu's realm?" *Why yes. That's why I brought you here. You see, the winner of the God's race always recieves a special kind of training...it's supposedly supposed to make you stronger in strength and power. Apparently, the only winners of the race are CHOSEN by them, not chosen by skill.* Satoshi's eyes seemed to pull back in confusion, looking at Pikachuu who answered. *Ikoui means that the winners always are chosen by the God's themselves. That means--* Pikachuu paused, and kinda stared at Satoshi for a second. *They want to train you for some reason, Satoshi. Weird...the Gods hate humans.* Ikoui nodded heavily. *My point exactly.* Slowly Satoshi slid off the firehorse's back. *I was once chosen by the fire God Koniko to bring forth my training...which lead me to my speed and my looks...quite powerful training that lasts such a long time, but seems so short.* When Satoshi blinked in confusement, Ikoui laughed. *You'll see what I mean once you get into your training.* Ikoui nudged Satoshi casually in the back, making him take a few steps forward as Pikachuu yet again leaped to his shoulder. *Now go up to the mountain, and press your hand against the right eye of the Goronya shape.* When Satoshi nodded, he slowly walked up to the massive ruins, his emerald cape somehow lying relaxed to the massive winds that blew his hair into the grazing sky. Grinning weakly as he settled down on his knees, Pikachuu dangling over his shoulder, he pressed his shaking palm to the rim of the Goronya's right eye; feeling the coldness of the boulder rush through him like the wind itself did on winter nights. After a moment had passed, Satoshi turned to tell Ikoui that nothing had happened; but only to find that it was no longer there looking at him; only a slim shape of darkness that shrouded in a spherish shape of the shadows. As Satoshi peered closer, he noticed the shape as a---as a Goronya. Not being able to breathe at the sight of the Ground God itself, Satoshi gasped in awe as he struggled to his feet, denting the dirt patters that he had seen when he had first arrived to the open plains of Masara Taun. "Gyaryu-sama!" Satoshi's now golden eyes shone through the darkness that was now fading over him throughout the Goronya's shadow, blinking rapidly at the paranormal sight. "I...I was told I won a lesson of some sort of training with you..." He seemed to gasp up air as he continued. "Am...am I right?" The darkness soon started to fade from sight, leaving the shape of the Goronya that unusually shone with a golden shell, dark crimson eyes seeming to bleed into Satoshi's gaze. "YES. I DID CALL FOR YOU HERE." The voice seemed arise extensively; like screaming trumpets in the far distance. Satoshi gulped soundlessly as he let Pikachuu jump to the ground in defense, slowly taking a step towards the monster in silent measures. "But...when I came here you..." "MADE YOU FALL. YES, I DO KNOW OF THAT MATTER." "But...why?" "BECAUSE I WAS TESTING YOU." "Testing me!? How can making me almost die be testing me?" "I WANTED TO SEE AROKOI'S REACTION. HE APPARENTLY THINKS OF YOU WORTHY." Satoshi's breath ran short at the rememberance of his leg snagging the poison icy branch, his fall at the dirt becoming less painful than it has been going down the sharp rocks of the cliff. "I...I guess I understand." "GOOD. NOW THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THESE MATTERS, SHALL WE GO ON?" "Go...on?" "YES, GO ON WITH THE TRAINING. I DIDN'T JUST BRING YOU HERE TO TELL YOU OF WHY I MADE YOU FALL, YOU KNOW." Satoshi's shoulders arose to his neck as his golden eyes fluttered like bird wings, feeling the rim of his cape hug his shoulders. "What kind of training is this, anyway?" "NOTHING YOU WONT BE ABLE TO HANDLE, TRUST ME. THE WHOLE POINT IS JUST TO MAKE YOU STRONGER ON YOUR QUEST." "My...quest?" "YES. THE ONE I SEE YOU SEEKING A YEAR FROM NOW. WHEN YOU TURN SIXTEEN, I BELIEVE." Satoshi's eyes perked up in amusement. "You can see the future?" "OF COURSE I CAN. I'M A GOD...ONE OF THE CREATORS OF LIFE ITSELF." "Oh..." Satoshi studdered a bit, watching the massive monster coming closer to him. "DON'T WORRY, I WONT HURT YOU. I'M JUST HERE TO SIMPLY HELP YOU. I'M ALSO HERE TO SUPPLY YOU WITH...A GIFT." Satoshi beckoned the monster's arrival as Pikachuu watched in unison. "A gift?" "YES. I HAVE HIDDEN IT AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE." The monster turned around to bleed its gaze toward the ground, soon taking off into a dig that led in flying dirt, dead roots, and soil, soon coming up above with a silver object forced into its ferocious jaws. "HERE IT IS." As it came to face Satoshi, he noticed the object as a long, gleaming katana that became forced into a sharpened end; a golden handle carved in leather supporting the shiny blade within a skull-shaped outline among the handle. "A sword? But what for?" "FOR YOUR TRAINING OF COURSE. IT WAS GIVEN TO ME BY RUGIA ITSELF; ARMED WITH ITS SILVER FEATHERS. IT TOLD ME TO GIVE IT TO YOU ONCE I GOT TO MEET YOU." Remembering the large, pallid coated dragon bird that ruled the islands of Shamuti, as well as the three legendary birds of fire, thunder, and ice, Satoshi slowly nodded, recalling the memorious journey he had taken among the magnificent creature's back throughout the almost destruction of the world. Pausing, Satoshi looked up at the rock monster in confusement of what they'd now be doing, gladly taking the sword into his posetion. Gribbing the golden handle tightly within his grasp, he held the mirrored object up to his face, watching his double-sided reflection split within the glimmering blade. "NOW LET US BEGIN. IT MAY TAKE A WHILE, BUT IN THE END, YOU'LL BE THANKING ME DEARLY." Whoa-oh! Oh Angel!! Come greet the dawn, it's a brand new day! Whoa-oh! Oh Angel!! Let burn the passion that fires your soul!!