I successfully completed another chapter! People really seem to be enjoying the story, just as much as I am writing it. More excitement continues. I don't have any notes this time... I think. Anyway, please read and review!
Chapter III
I watched the entrance pillars of Alto Mare float into existence on the horizon. The pillars were topped by sculptures depicting Latias and Latios. They looked almost like the pictures ancient artisans had painted in my books. Wynaut sat cradled in my arms, snoozing.
"Behold Alto Mare, the City of Water," the captain of the ship announced. I had found the boat, destined for Alto Mare, not long after landing in Cherrygrove City. Having secured a ride, Skarmory abandoned Wynaut and I, flying back to its master. The trip had totaled only an hour by boat. As we approached the city's port, I could see instead of roads for cars, canals flowed through the entire city. Gondoliers manned their vessels, drifting around twists of the canals. I climbed off the boat, thanking the captain. Glancing around, I spotted a free gondolier, docked near a bridge.
"Could you help me out?" I asked.
"Sure thing. I'm Ross, by the way. What can I do for you?" he asked. Wynaut squeaked and jumped from my arms into the gondola.
"Can you recommend a place where I can find out about Latias and Latios?" I requested.
"The museum would be the best place to start. I can take you there," Ross recommended.
"Sounds good, sounds good," I consented, hopping down to sit in the gondola. Ross pushed away from the sidewalk and steered us through the city, passing under many bridges. Wynaut decided to entertain itself by running around the deck of the gondola and flapping its ears. People we passed who'd glanced down laughed at Wynaut's antics. I covered my face in shame.
"Your Pokemon has quite the personality," Ross commented with a chuckle.
"You have no idea," I groaned. Eventually, we pulled up in front of the museum, a large palace complete with a green dome. I strode across the plaza, which overlooked the ocean, with Wynaut at my feet. We entered the main open aired lobby of the museum, where fossils of ancient Pokemon had been impressed into several of the tiles. Ducking into the back of a tour group, I listened to what the guide had to say.
"In this room here, we have Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare, to help protect the city should it ever come under danger," the guide narrated. She looked maybe two or three years younger than myself. Her light chocolate hair was teased up so that it resembled ears, with a white beret perched between them. The rest of it curved into crescents at her neck, bordering the white collar of her light green polo. She wore a white skirt below that, stretching to mid thigh. Pink sneakers with dark green knee socks covered her feet.
"Excuse me, excuse me," I called, raising my hand.
"Yes?" she responded, pointing at me.
"Do you know anything about the Soul Dew, or Latias and Latios?" I asked. The guide stared at me with intense amber eyes.
"Folks, why don't you go on ahead while I answer this gentleman's question?" the guide suggested. The tourist dispersed around her, going into the room with the DMA, snapping photos. The guide approached and scrutinized me. A few families loitered at the edges of the lobby, but it mostly felt like just her, Wynaut, and I in the room. Suddenly, she lashed out and pinched my cheek. Whacking her hand away, I stumbled backward and tripped over Wynaut. I landed on my tailbone with a grunt, as Wynaut slapped its tail angrily that I had almost crushed it.
"Don't touch my cheek!" I snapped, laying my hand over it. The girl leaned over and looked me square in the eyes.
"Listen here. After what happened seven years ago, and after my grandfather's death, I swore to protect Latias and the Soul Dew. I don't care if you are just a curious tourist, or a criminal, or how you know about the Soul Dew, but you aren't going to find out anything," the guide warned.
"Wait, wait," I protested, trying to draw out my Soul Dew.
"I don't care," she said, turning her back to me. By the time I had gotten it out, the guide was returning to her group. As she walked away, it occurred to me she had mentioned both a Latias and a Soul Dew.
"There's another Soul Dew? In the city?" I wondered aloud. Wynaut continued to beat its tail, but I ignored it and decided I would have to speak to the guide again. However, not while she was busy, but after her shift ended. Picking up Wynaut, I headed to scour the city for proof of the Legendary Pokemon I sought and the artifact I already possessed. After interviewing various locals, I discovered that Latios and Latias were considered the guardians of the city. They had brought the water to the city that had given it the nickname of the city of water, but they hadn't been seen in decades otherwise. If that was the case, then why had the guide mentioned protecting Latias? Most of the locals had never heard of a Soul Dew before either, though one old man came through for me.
"Yeah, I read about it once in this old book," the old man mentioned. I perked up at hearing the mention of a potentially ancient text.
"Do you still have the book?" I asked. The man patted Wynaut's bulb, causing it to purr.
"Not anymore. I lost it while gambling," the man shrugged. I headed back for the museum in disappointment. The day had faded to dusk, and a chill was in the air. As I was walking over a bridge, lost in thought, I bumped into someone. It was the guide, heading home from work. My hands immediately went to my cheeks, dropping Wynaut.
"It's you, the pincher," I stammered, shuffling back from her.
"Oh, please. Don't call me something that sounds like a criminal name," the guide sighed, brushing past me.
"Hold up," I urged, grabbing her shoulder. She flung her arm around, knocking away my hand.
"I warned you already, didn't I? I refuse to spill any information," the guide snapped.
"Please, please just hear me out," I begged. The girl crossed her arms and waited for my story. First glancing around to make sure, I pulled the Soul Dew from my satchel. The guide's eyes grew wide at the sight of the glowing orb.
"Where did you get that?" she stuttered.
"I swear I didn't steal it," I started before recounting my life ambition to find and capture Latias and Latios, where I had gotten the Soul Dew, and my escape to Alto Mare.
"I always thought there could be more," she commented once I was done, plucking the ball from my hands.
"So there is another in the city," I confirmed, raising my voice. The guide clamped her hand over my mouth.
"Shut up. That's a serious secret, but yes, there is," she relented.
"Would I be allowed to see it?" I inquired. The girl inspected my Soul Dew while she considered my request. Finally, she returned the artifact.
"I'm going to trust you. Whether it'll be a mistake or not will be up to you," the girl decided, waving for me to follow her. I picked up Wynaut and we strolled through the city in silence until we reached a small grove, where a large shed sat. Gondolas that were half carved were suspended on work horses. The guide led me to a door at the back of the shed.
"Is this is where it is?" I asked.
"Hush up. I'm not sure if Latias is asleep," she muttered. Night had descended over the city as we walked through the door. We found ourselves in a park, complete with trees and ponds. Paved paths wound their way through the garden, all meeting at a small fountain. The fountain was on a raised mound, with steps on all sides leading up to it. The girl led me over to the central fountain. Inside was the Soul Dew, the gem held by a metal bracket. Everything about it was the same as mine, right down to the size and color. I reached my hand into the pool. As soon as I touched the other Soul Dew, and felt the similar pulse of warmth it emitted, a cry rang through the garden. Wynaut perked its ears and leapt from my arms. It ran down the path, where a gust of wind knocked it over. I quickly realized it wasn't wind once the Pokemon shed its camouflage.
"Latias," I breathed, struck with the awe of seeing the Legendary Pokemon. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure either Latias or Latios actually existed. Now there was no doubt. Latias was red and white, and more graceful than any paintings I'd ever seen. My heart skipped a beat seeing Latias, seeing as how it compromised half my obsession.
"Get down," the guide shouted, knocking me to the ground. Latias zoomed over my head.
"It's attacking me," I realized. As Latias circled to trial two, the girl stepped in front of me.
"Latias, stop! He's a friend!" the girl shouted. Latias slammed on the breaks, halting inches in front of the guide.
"Amazing, amazing," I stammered, the feelings of awe overwhelming me again. I stood up and approached the Pokemon.
"Meet Latias," the girl introduced.
"Hi Latias. I'm Lech," I murmured, reaching out a hand to feel the soft down that coated Latias's body. Wynaut came bounding back to me, having recovered. It hid behind my leg, Latias flew around to greet my Pokemon. Wynaut quivered until Latias poked it playfully with its nose. Immediately, Wynaut gave a happy squeak and ran down the path again. Latias chased after, scooping Wynaut up in her arms.
"Satisfied?" the guide asked.
"Almost. Is there a Latios around?" I admitted. The guide pointed to the Soul Dew.
"That's the soul of Latias's brother, the Latios who use to live here too. He sacrificed himself to save the city seven years ago. That's why Latias attacked; she thought you were trying to steal him away," the girl explained.
"Oh, that's sad," I murmured.
"Yeah, and Latias has been lonely ever since, even though she has me as a best friend," the guide sighed.
"I didn't catch your name," I said.
"I guess you didn't. I'm Bianca, and I know you're Lech," she told me. We leaned on the edge of the fountain together and watched Latias and Wynaut continue to play. Wynaut was riding on Latias's back, both Pokemon chirping in happiness.
"I wish I could capture Latias," I sighed. Bianca poked my cheek, to which I flailed and fell backwards into the fountain. I came up spouting water out of my mouth.
"Don't you dare take Latias away from me," Bianca threatened.
"Relax, relax. I swear I won't, just don't touch my cheek anymore. I hate when people do that," I surrendered, rubbing my cheek.
"Good," Bianca grinned. Latias flew to a stop in front of us, allowing Wynaut to hop down beside me.
"Time to go, thanks for everything. It was such a true pleasure to get to see Latias," I said to Latias and Bianca.
"I'll walk you out," Bianca offered. We were half way down the path when someone spoke from the Soul Dew's fountain.
"Quite a pity to see you go," Enervation commented. I whirled around to see the villain gazing into the pool.
"Enervation," I growled. Wynaut retreated to behind my legs. Despite my clenched fists, my legs shook with the fear of encountering him again.
"Don't fret, Lek. I have no intentions of taking your Soul Dew. Quite a bit of effort, especially when compared to the one sitting right here," Enervation assured me.
"You think you can just steal it like that," Bianca snapped.
"Quite," Enervation laughed, plucking the jewel from its holder. The water flowing from the fountain ceased. Latias's cry echoed across the garden as it flew at Enervation. However, Enervation didn't react beyond snapping his fingers. A shadow passed over the moon, and a Gliscor tackled Latias. The Legendary Pokemon was sent flying into a tree, where she slumped to the ground. She tried to ease herself into the air, but kept collapsing.
"You monster!" Bianca cried, tears welling into her eyes.
"That's another name I hear quite often," Enervation agreed, pocketing his new prize.
"Give that back," Bianca shrieked. She charged at Enervation, but his Gliscor was faster. It flew over our head and plucked its Trainer off the ground.
"I'll be seeing you quite soon. On to the next Soul Dew collection spot, where dreams are frequent," Enervation bided. Gliscor disappeared into the night. Latias managed to get airborne again, and flew over to where Bianca was crying on the ground. I approached them, a hole swelling in my heart. Wynaut went over to Bianca and patted her on the back with its ear.
"I'll go after him, get back your Soul Dew, and find out what he's up to. I have an idea of where he's going," I declared, though my knees still trembled from this meeting with him.
"Really?" Bianca asked, blinking tears from her eyes. Latias also looked at me.
"I will, I will," I swore. I started to run out of the garden, after Enervation. Wynaut gave a squeak and followed after me. Before we reached the door out, Latias floated into my path.
"I think Latias want to go with you, to recover her brother," Bianca figured, walking up behind me. Latias chirped in agreement, and my heart skipped another beat. Maybe I would end up capturing Latias after all.
"That's fine," I nodded eagerly. Bianca fished two Pokeballs out of her pocket and handed them to me. They were both purple with two pink bumps, with an M inscribed right above the button.
"Master Balls. You can use these to capture any Pokemon," Bianca detailed.
"Why are you giving them to me?" I asked.
"Capture Latias here, then use the other to capture your Latios," Bianca urged.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes, it'll be safer for her to travel that way," Bianca said. I glanced at Latias, who nodded toward the Master Balls, ready to be captured. Tossing one, Latias disappeared inside with a flash. The Master Ball bobbed back and forth, blinking. It came to a halt with a click. I stared at the Pokeball, blown away that I had captured not just any Pokemon, but a Latias.
"I'll be back, and return both the Soul Dew and Latias," I promised. Bianca nodded, tears in her eyes and hands over her heart. I picked up Wynaut, pocketed Latias and the empty Master Ball, and left the garden, bent on going to the Dreamyard in Unova.
I remembered the note! The Bianca in this story is the one from Pokemon Movie 5: Pokemon Heroes, not the one from Black & White. With that, please review!
