Ok, final intro chapter.

Enjoy!

-StartersoverLegends

Chapter 4:

Bianca smiled as she entered a number into the video phone before her. She was in the Alto Mare Pokemon Center, where she had been calling around for what feels like forever to obtain a single number in particular. It was tedious work to get ahold of someone in a different region with nothing to go off of. However, Bianca had her methods. She started by calling the Pewter City Center in Kanto, then worked her way up to talking with Brock Slate, the former Gym leader and personal friend of hers. She told Brock that she urgently needed to talk to Ash, and he informed her that the best way to do so would be contacting Professor Oak in Pallet Town. Bianca hung her head at this. Getting the personal number of a world-renown Pokemon Professor would be nearly impossible, especially at this rate. Brock noticed her down expression and offered to help. Before long he had given her a number that would, hopefully, reach Oak's lab and in turn allow her to speak with Ash Ketchum.

"I hope this one works," Bianca sighed as she began the call, "I don't know how much more I can take."

The screen remained dark for a moment as the receiving end rang. After about four rings, the monitor lit up with an unfamiliar face smiling kindly at her. He looked to be about her age, and had long black hair held back by an orange headband. He also wore a green shirt, and held a round blue pokemon that Bianca could identify as being a Marill. She nearly facepalmed at dialing yet another wrong number, but was relieved when she heard what the other caller had to say.

"Professor Oak's lab," He greeted as he awaited a response. She silently thanked Brock for the number before replying.

"Hi, I'm Bianca Soul from Alto Mare. I was hoping I could talk to Ash Ketchum, is he available?" She asked politely.

"Yeah, I think that he's out with the Professor right now. I'll go get him for you," Tracey offered with a smile. Bianca thanked him before he walked off the screen, then she sat back with a satisfied grin. She was excited to see Ash and Pikachu again, but after several moments with no one returning to the phone, the smile faded.

Where could Ash possibly be to take so long? Bianca thought as she observed the lab through the phone for the third time since Tracey left. Then she could hear talking through the monitor and sat up in interest. After only a few seconds, a teen came into view and smiled at her through the monitor.

"Hey Bianca," Ash said with Pikachu perched happily on his shoulder.

"Ash!" Bianca answered, relieved beyond words to finally get to talk with him. "It's great to see you again!"

She could see that his face had changed since he left Alto Mare, there was more maturity in his facial details and he was also a bit taller. Still, it was easy to see that it was him. He basically seemed to be a more handsome version of the boy that visited the island well over a year ago, and still wore the same outfit as he did then.

"You too," Ash replied. "Are you calling from Alto Mare now?"

"Yes, and we really need to talk." She answered with her expression becoming more serious.

"Ok, what's up?" He asked, unsure as to what was going on. Bianca took a breath before answering.

"Have you ever thought about coming back to Alto Mare?" She answered with another question, "You know, to visit?"

"Yeah of course," He answered without hesitation, "I was just thinking about that today, actually. Why?"

That's a good sign; maybe this will be easy after all. Bianca thought before continuing.

"Well, I noticed that it's been a long time since we've all seen you. And… Well we miss having you at Alto Mare." Even while she said this, she thought mostly about Latias.

"Thanks," Ash replied while scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I think I miss you guys too. Lately I've been having all of these dreams about the island, and... About what happened." Bianca nodded solemnly at the last part.

"How is she?" Ash asked after a moment of silence, referring to Latias.

"She's doing alright." Bianca replied with a weak smile. "But… Well, I'm just going to say it. She really misses you Ash. She hasn't really been the same since you left, and I think it would help her a lot if you came for a visit sometime."

Ash thought about this for a moment. He greatly missed Latias too. In fact, she had been on his mind a lot since he left her on the island. Maybe I should go back, Ash thought. It would be fun. Besides, I don't really have anywhere to be now anyway.

"Alright, then it's settled," Ash said suddenly with a grin, "I'm coming back to Alto Mare!"

Bianca wore a huge grin at this. "That's fantastic! We can't wait to see you again, when will you be here?" Ash gave it a thought before speaking.

"How about tomorrow? That way I can pack, then take a ferry to the island from Vermillion City."

Bianca nodded excitedly. "That sounds great; well I guess I'll see you in a few days then."

"Wait!" Ash stopped her right before the call could be ended. "Would it be ok if I brought some friends along? I know that Brock for one would love to visit again."

"Sure, the more the merrier is what Grandpa always says." Bianca replied with another smile.

"Thanks," Ash said, "See you then!"

"Bye!" Bianca said.

And with that, both screens went black. Ash, unable to hide his excitement, jumped up from in front of the monitor and started running through the lab to tell Professor Oak. From there he would grab a few pokemon to take with him, then head home to call a couple of friends and pack.

Bianca was overjoyed with the news. Ash is coming back! She thought excitedly as she stood from in front of the now blank screen. Then, an even larger grin spread across her face. Wait until Latias hears about this!

With that as her motive, Bianca ran out of the Pokemon Center and onto the waterside streets of Alto Mare. She kept an impressive pace as she took off down alleys and over bridges on her way to the Secret Garden. As she weaved around the people wandering the city, she would occasionally hear somebody tell her to slow down, but she didn't care right now. Imagining the smile on Latias' face was worth more than what others thought of her.

Finally she reached the maze of alleys that lead to one of the Garden's secret entrances. It wasn't hard for her to navigate through the disorientating maze, as she had done this countless times since back when she was a little girl. Before long she reached the disguised entrance, not slowing at all as she ran straight through what appeared to be a solid stone wall. However she arrived safely on the other side of the structure, the wall being nothing more than an illusion to conceal the Garden.

From the wall she stepped onto one of the paved stone paths that navigated around the Garden. It was as beautiful as ever, the weather sunny with a slight breeze swaying the flowers and trees gently as she walked through.

"Latias?" She asked as she scanned the area for the dragoness. When there was no answer, Bianca took it upon herself to find her.

After several minutes of searching the garden, she saw her friend right where she would expect her to be. Latias was sitting on an old wooden swing that hung from a large tree beside a pond. She was in her natural form, a red and white dragon with bright golden eyes. On her chest was a blue triangle mark, seen from between her two clawed arms. Her large red wings were folded back a bit to allow her to sit on the swing, something that she had been seen doing more lately than she ever had before. And Bianca knew just why.

This swing meant a lot to Latias sentimentally. It was where she had first played with Ash, and where she revealed her true form to him. Now with him gone, all she could do was sit there solemnly and remember the boy. Bianca knew that this was just what Latias was doing now, as the look on her face expressed loneliness and remorse. Normally, seeing that look on Latias would make Bianca want to cry for her friend.

But not today.

She thought for a moment about how she wanted to give the news, then came to a decision. Taking a breath, Bianca stepped forward to make her presence known.

"Oh, there you are Latias," She said coyly. At hearing Bianca's voice, Latias put on a smile so her friend wouldn't worry.

'Hello Bianca,' Latias greeted.

"So I guess you're wondering where I was, huh?" Bianca asked as she picked up a small stone from beside the pond and skipped it over the water's surface. As the ripples spread across the mirror-clear water Latias replied.

'Yeah, a little bit. You said you would be right behind me, what happened?'

"I just had to run an errand." Bianca replied as she skipped another stone. Latias accepted the answer, and a moment of silence followed. Then Bianca spoke again. "I have something that will cheer you up from earlier."

Latias perked up a little at this, more intrigued than anything. 'You do? What is it?'

Bianca gave a mischievous smirk, as she knew that Latias was right where she wanted her. She couldn't wait to tell Latias the good news, but wanted to play with her first.

"Oh, nothing." Bianca replied casually as she turned to start walking away. Latias, having an overly curious personality, couldn't accept that. Quickly she hovered off the swing and went after Bianca.

'You can't do that!' Latias said as she floated next to Bianca, looking her right in the face as she walked. 'Come on, you have to tell me now!'

Bianca merely shook her head. "Nope. But don't worry, you'll see soon enough."

With a pouty face, Latias ran through her options. She didn't want to have to resort to this, but it was all she had left. Moving her face closer to Bianca's, she put on her puppy dog eyes and begged.

'Pleeeeaaaaase?' Latias asked. Bianca knew that she was no match for the eyes, so she looked away with a huge smile on her face. Latias quickly saw what she was doing, and couldn't allow it.

'Fine, but you made me do this!' Latias said as she suddenly tackled Bianca, landing on top of her on the ground and holding her arms down with her claws (Careful not to do any damage). Once Bianca was pinned helplessly, Latias stared down at her with the best pair of puppy dog eyes that she could make. Bianca fought her hardest to resist, but eventually gave in. This was exactly what she wanted, after all.

"Fine, get off of me and I'll tell you." Bianca said honestly. Latias accepted, and floated off of her friend to await the answer. Bianca stood and dusted herself off before smiling at Latias. "Well… As it turns out, a friend is coming to visit us." She said vaguely, wanting to see Latias' reaction when she figured it out. Latias thought on this for a moment, before letting out a loud groan.

'It's not Lorenzo, is it?' She asked, disappointed if that was the case. Bianca shook her head.

"Not Lorenzo."

'Bianca, can you please just tell me?' Latias pleaded. She couldn't take the suspense anymore, curious as to which of Bianca's friends she would meet. Bianca sighed as she tried a different approach.

"Alright, here's a hint. Pikach-"

'It's Ash!?' Latias said, cutting her off as the answer dawned on her. Bianca hung her head.

"I kind of knew that was a giveaway." Bianca said.

If there was such a thing as being too happy at a given time, that was Latias. With an ecstatic squeal, she flew high up into the air, doing flips and rolls as she just didn't know what to do with all of this excitement. She felt as though the missing part of her was just filled with the only thing that could make her this happy.

'Ash is coming back!' Latias said, filled with happiness. 'I get to see Ash again!'

Bianca had a warm smile on her face as she watched Latias race around the garden in bliss. She had tried in vain for more than a year to get the old Latias back, but just saying that Ash is returning was all it took. If only Bianca had known, she would have called Ash a long time ago. Suddenly Latias plowed into Bianca, almost knocking her off her feet in a tight hug.

'How did you do it?' Latias asked excitedly. With a giggle, Bianca answered.

"It was easy. I just went to the Pokemon Center and called him in Pallet Town." She purposely left out all of the work and calling around it took to actually reach him there.

'And he said he would come back?' Latias asked to verify.

"Yep," Bianca replied, "He's boarding the ferry to Alto Mare tomorrow."

'Thank you Bianca!' Latias said sincerely as she hugged her friend tighter. 'I can't wait to see him.'

"I can tell," Bianca joked as she struggled to speak through the crushing hug.

'Sorry,' Latias apologized as she released Bianca, realizing what she was doing. Bianca waved it off as she caught her breath, then spoke.

"Well, I think I'm gonna head back to Grandpa's house for some rest." She said as she turned for the exit. "You should too. Tomorrow we'll prepare for Ash's arrival."

Latias nodded enthusiastically in agreement with what she said. 'Ok, good night Bianca.'

Bianca nodded. "Sweet dreams Latias."

Latias smiled at this. Because for the first time in forever, she felt like she actually could. Once Bianca had left, Latias did a few more excited laps around the garden before heading to bed. By now the sun was almost set under the horizon, allowing Latias enough light to fly to her favorite resting tree. It was probably the oldest one in the garden, and had several branches large enough for her to rest on. She gently lowered herself onto her favorite one, a large limb that was covered in a soft moss. From her spot on the tree she could see a lot of the garden below her, including the fountain that housed the Soul Dew. She smiled at the dim blue light that came from within the gem before she spoke.

'Hello brother.' She said while looking down at it. 'Ash is coming to visit in a couple of days! Isn't that great?' She paused for a moment, as to await a response. But when none came, she continued. 'I really miss you… But I don't feel like I'm without you either. I just wish we could talk one last time.' There was a moment of sad silence before Latias shook her head of the thought. 'I know that our father would be proud of you. And so am I. Goodnight brother.'

With that, the young legendary laid her head down onto the moss and drifted to sleep.

Ok, so there they are. The 4 chapters that start off Pokémon: Return to Alto Mare. I hope that you guys have enjoyed it up until this point, and I would REALLY appreciate some reviews. If you have ideas, comments, questions, or just want to say something to me in regards to the fic, please review now.

Now the action can really start in the story ;] It won't be long until the lovebirds cross paths and the plot takes off!

Thanks you guys!

-StartersoverLegends.