Time for some of Latias' Point of view and situation. Still setting up the story, but now we're getting somewhere ;]

Enjoy!

-StartersoverLegends

Chapter 3:

The island of Alto Mare was tranquil as usual. The water filling the canals was still and calm, the only ripples coming from gondolas and the occasional aquatic pokemon that passed by. To most societies it would seem strange to rely on water so heavily for transportation, but here it was just a fact of life. Ever since the first Latios to visit the island sacrificed himself to protect Alto Mare, the streets had become flooded with the water that had resulted of his actions. But rather than condemn the flood, the island's inhabitants adapted to the city's water. Now the island was flourishing, as it had become a must-see location for any sightseer. Along the canals businesses of all types prospered. This only attracted more visitors- though the most common sight was of young couples that visited this place for the romantic atmosphere.

And today, that was exactly what bothered Latias.

It was getting close to noon at the island, and as usual it was bustling with activity. Bakeries and restaurants left their windows open, allowing their many tempting aromas to waft out over the water and hopefully bring in customers. It was a gorgeous day so naturally people and pokemon alike were busy exploring the iconic city. That was, except for one.

A lone girl sat on a bench along one of the stone walkways beside the water. Her wardrobe was simple but effective, made up of a green shirt, along with a short white skirt and pink shoes- the same thing that she always wore. She was more than attractive; having what would be considered by some a flawless face along with a slender, yet curvy figure. Her brunette hair fell down to her shoulders, though was also done up on the sides like spikes. But the most spectacular aspect of her appearance lied within her eyes. They were a bright brown color, but also had a strong golden hue that made them practically shine. Yet as beautiful as the girl was, this wasn't her true form.

She was, in fact, a pokemon. And not just any pokemon, but the last remaining Guardian of Alto Mare.

She had been there for close to an hour now, simply serving as a witness to the beautiful morning. She enjoyed listening to the bird pokemon sing, and the laughter of children as they passed. The weather was perfect to be outside, but she quickly grew restless with just sitting there. The truth was that she wasn't the type to just relax. She would much rather be playing, or running around with a friend. But today, like every day since her brother had died, she found herself feeling alone.

After her brother had sacrificed himself to protect the city just like their father had, she was devastated. For several months she wasn't the same as she mourned the loss of her brother. But she had recovered surprisingly fast (given the situation) and accepted that it was what Latios had wanted. It was his purpose. Now he rested in the form of the Soul Dew within the Secret Garden, but Latias would still visit often as she could still feel his presence from within it.

Sure, losing her brother had attributed to this loneliness inside of her. But there was more… There was someone else, who she didn't go a day without missing greatly. He had saved her life, played with her, and comforted her in her time of need. He was her hero… Her friend…

Her love.

Latias loved almost everyone, given that her heart- like her eyes- was pure as gold. She was forgiving, caring, kind, and very playful. But in this instance, it was a different love… The kind that lifted her up, and made her feel as though everything would be alright as long as she was with him. She felt a warmth just at the thought of him, and simply adored every aspect of his life. Not only did he have a selfless personality unlike any other; he was also funny, sweet, and not to mention rather attractive.

But the time came that he had to leave Alto Mare, which also meant leaving her. However she couldn't let him go without first expressing some of her gratitude and affection. Right before he left the island, Latias kissed him on the cheek and gave him a picture. With that, along with one last meaningful look, she had turned away and let him go. It was a decision that she had regretted every day and night since, but she knew that there was a whole world out there for him, and that he was in store for great things. She had no intention of keeping him from that- so she parted with him, hoping that someday they would again cross paths.

Still, it seemed that not a second passed without her missing his chestnut brown eyes, his messy black hair, his determined smile… among countless other things. And she would do almost anything just to see him once more.

She sighed, realizing that she had been lost in thought again. Slowly she turned her attention back to her surroundings, when she had an idea. Deciding that drawing would help to get her mind off of Ash, Latias reached for the artist's pad and pencil beside her on the bench. She had brought it along just in case, and was now glad that she had.

As Latias flipped open the cover to a fresh page, she explored the possibilities as to what she could create. Believe it or not the dragoness was actually quite skilled in the artistic sense- having a lot to do with how she came across drawing in the first place.

Her best friend Bianca had told her once about how art served as a way to forget her troubles and relax. Intrigued, Latias had watched Bianca draw over the course of a few months, (without letting her friend know that she was spying, of course), as to try to teach herself as well. After observing for a while, Latias had borrowed one of Bianca's sketch pads and pencils before flying to the garden and giving it a shot. She was surprised at how well she did for her first time. Even if she had used Psychic to move the pencil along the paper, the first picture she made was a complete success. Within a few days Latias was drawing in her human form, with skills that almost rivaled her friend's. Ever since then she had turned to drawing in times of boredom or stress, "borrowing" more of Bianca's art supplies whenever she ran out. Of course Bianca figured it out eventually, but rather than get upset at her friend she encouraged Latias to pursue the hobby- much to Latias' excitement and appreciation.

Latias looked up from the pad with an eye towards anything interesting that she could sketch. As the front of a gondola appeared from around a corner, she got ready to draw the boat and its riders. But when the craft came into full view she felt her heart drop, as the passengers were a young couple that kissed tenderly as they passed. Once they were out of sight, she shook the thought and continued onto the next subject. This time it was a woman who stood outside of a bakery across the canal. Quickly, Latias made to sketch her- but just then a man exited the bakery and joined her, the two laughing and holding hands as they walked off.

There was a sting in her heart at all of these happy couples surrounding her. It wasn't jealousy that she felt toward those passing by; rather it was a deep sense of longing. She had gone so long without seeing her one and only love, and she would commonly imagine the two partaking in the same activities that she saw before her. Now she was forced to just sit and watch, as others did what she had dreamt about for so long.

All of these people seem so happy together… Latias thought with a hurt expression. But I'm left all alone…

A single tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the blank paper below her, leaving a wet spot in the center. It was then that the girl broke down.

Ash… Why did you have to go? She thought as she began to weep silently, more tears joining the first. I miss you… Why can't you be here?

Her shoulders shook with her sobs as she closed the sketch book resting in her lap. She didn't know what to do, and she didn't know how to react to these feelings. She loved Alto Mare, Bianca and Lorenzo. But without him, she couldn't ever be completely happy.

"Latias?" a voice softly asked.

At hearing her name, Latias sniffed then looked up. Standing in front of her was none other than Bianca, wearing a concerned expression at seeing her best friend crying. The girl looked identical to Latias' human form, the only exceptions being the white beret she wore over her hair, and her eyes which were more of a dark brown than gold.

"What's the matter?" Bianca asked when Latias didn't answer. After another moment with no reply but sniffles, Bianca sighed and took a seat beside her friend. Luckily for the two, there had been a slow in people passing by so they could speak somewhat privately. There was a stretch of silence before Bianca spoke again.

"It's him again, isn't it?"

Latias turned to look her friend in the eye. Bianca already knew the answer- it was easy to see by the look on her face. Biting her lip for a moment to fight crying again, Latias suddenly broke. She quickly pulled Bianca close, burying her face in her best friend's shirt as she began to weep.

'I-I miss him... and I… I just don't know what to do anymore…' Latias sobbed through telepathy. It was an ability that she had grown into recently, and allowed her to choose who all heard her speak. This was extremely convenient, even if the ability had surfaced at a tough time for the dragoness.

"It'll be ok…" Bianca said softly as she pulled Latias close, embracing her with one hand while soothingly stroking her hair with the other. It killed Bianca to see her like this. Granted she had only witnessed it a handful of times since Ash left, it was still very unlike Latias to act so hurt. It was clear that she missed him greatly. It was then that Bianca got an idea that just might help with this, if she could only pull it off.

"Latias?" She asked in a motherly tone. Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, Latias looked up at her with reddish eyes at all of the crying. "Why don't you go back to the garden for a bit? I promise I'll be right behind you- I just have to go do something really quick."

With one last sniff, Latias nodded and stood. She then grabbed her art supplies and began walking in the direction of the Secret Garden. Once she was out of sight, Bianca let a small smile cross her lips as she stood. Not wasting any time, she sprinted toward the town's Pokemon Center. There was no way that she would let her friend down with this.