Ya boi Mimikyu is here, with another chapter!

I'd like to personally thank ItsYeBoiGuzma for taking the time to review and point out the weaknesses of previous chapters. Rest assured, I do plan on doing better.

I am in need of a beta reader, to help with that. If at all interested, just shoot me a PM and we can discuss it.

Now, as they say... On with the show!

Just like old times

The red dragoness giggled as she led the trainer through the streets, his hand in hers.
Just like old times, she thought with a blush.

He seemed to be thinking the same thing, as he was grinning at her when she turned to look behind at him. At that very moment, their eyes locked. Latias felt that same sensation as she did back at the docks; her cheeks flamed, her stomach twisted, and her heart threatened to burst out of her chest.

And she tripped. Rather unceremoniously. In fact, she almost face-planted, which Ash miraculously prevented by pulling her close as she fell and turning, resulting in him landing on his back.

With her on top of him.

Latias was mortified. She about wanted to die of embarrassment right then. Not even a few minutes in, and this happens. Oh Arceus, what could Ash be thinking of this?

She turned to look at him to see his expression. There was nothing that even suggested he was the least bit shy, but there was a plethora of concern on his face.

"Are you alright, Latias?" He asked as he sat up. She nodded her head, looking away shyly. Suddenly, she noticed she was sitting on his lap. Latias quickly got up and dusted herself off. "Y-yes, Ash," she replied shakily. She added with an ever deeper blush, "Thank you for catching me. That was super sweet of you... But you really didn't have to." Ash got up as well, wiping the dirt off his shorts. He looked up at her, with a confused smile on his face. "Of course I had to. I care about you, you know. I didn't want you to get hurt." Latias looked at him with a soft expression, not saying anything. He stretched, before turning back to her and asking, "Now, where to?" She lightly jumped, startled before letting out a pent-up breathe and responding, "This way. It's not too far." She turned and walked off again, hiding her expression. The feelings inside her grew, and she did not want them to reveal themselves. At least, not yet.

Ash hurried up to her side, glancing around as he did. She noticed, and inquired, "What are you looking for, Ash?" The trainer jumped a little, before looking at her and replying, "Uh, Pikachu. I can't believe I didn't notice earlier, but... I don't think he followed me- er, us."

She tilted her head as she responded, "Relax. Chances are, he's back with Lorenzo and your friends." He nodded, a slight frown. "Yeah... I'm just so used to him being with me."

Latias smiled comfortingly. "Don't worry about it, Ash. If we come across any trouble, I'm more than capable of taking care of it. I have been training, you know. I wasn't just sitting around in the three years you were gone." No, but you were moping on patrol about the fact that he wasn't here, she thought. She flushed, before continuing. "Right now, it's just you and me." You and me, just like how it should have been, and should always be. Her stomach fluttered at the thought.

In the time it took for their little exchange, Latias and her companion arrived at their destination. A place even Ash, in all his forgetfulness, could remember. He slowly walked forward, a somewhat far-away look on his face. He seemed to smile. "The bridge... this is the place where..."

Latias nodded as she joined him in looking at the aforementioned structure, continuing for him, "Where we met, yes. The place where you saved me." She peeked at his face, wondering what he might be thinking. He still wore that distance look, until it was suddenly broken by a frown. She looked at him, concerned. "What is it, Ash?" He turned to face her, confusion evident as he replied, "But, this isn't where we met, exactly. We met at the Pokemon fountain, with Pikachu. Even though I didn't yet know who you were." Latias graced him with a smile, before taking his hand once more and bringing him over the bridge. She called over her shoulder, "You're right. So let me take you there, as well." And with that, she faced forward once more. She didn't really need to hold his hand, as the fountain was just around the corner. But the feel of it in hers was, in her mind, unmatched. Well, unless of course you count that kiss, she thought with a flushed face. The pair slowed, before finally stopping as they took in the rather unimpressive sight. It looked much the same as it had when Ash was here the first time. Latias sighed, thanking every Legendary she could think of for leading her to this spot, three years ago. Both her AND Ash. And Pikachu as well, she supposed. Speaking of the boy...

Ash walked forward, with Latias watching curiously. He stopped before the fountain and laid a hand on it. There he stood, not moving, as looked down at it, apparently lost in thought. After a moment, he gave the handle an experimental wiggle, before pulling it and releasing the water from the pipes. Ash let it flow for a few seconds, before turning it off again. The two stood there for a few minutes, the breeze rustling their hair, before he turned back to her. He wore a slight grin, with excitement clear in his eyes. He approached, before asking, "So, have another place you'd like to show me?"

Latias caught on to what he was saying, smiling at him and nodding. "Right this way."

Ash strode forward, following her as she led him once more. She wondered what Ash would think about being in the Garden again. When he last visited, they had played for a long time. She hoped they could do that once more. Maybe, even, she could convince Latios to leave the Garden for a bit. Then it really would be just the two of them. Just the two of us... she thought with a sigh.

Her thoughts went away as they came across a wall. The wall. A wall they both stopped in front of, staring at it. Normally, she would be annoyed at all the stopping and staring at random objects. Who wouldn't?

However, everything her and Ash visited had meaning. The bridge, the fountain. This wall. All binded the two together in memory and friendship. And beyond this disguised gateway, more memories to be remembered. With all that in mind, she took a breath and stepped forward. Just as she was about to walk through, she turned to Ash, beckoning him with a finger. With that, she vanished through.

As she appeared on the other side, she remembered her previous thoughts. Just like old times. An idea struck her. A silly idea, to be sure, but a nostalgic one.

Knowing she only had seconds, she quickly ran down the path, between the mighty oaks that stood on either side. As she reached the intersection, she heard Ash calling out behind her.

"Latias?"

The dragoness turned and saw him looking around, before he finally noticed her. As he started towards her, she ran off once again, towards main area.

Once she arrived, Latias quickly sat on the swing and kicked her feet to start the motions.

As she swung back and forth, Ash stepped into view. Much the same as he had three years ago, he looked around the garden. He seemed to be in awe of the oasis, despite it not changing much.

Latias watched as he turned and saw her on the swing. He stood, before slowly approaching her. She continued swinging as he stopped next to her and watched.

Between them, no words were spoken. Silence, except for the creak of the swing and the splashes of the fountain. Occasionally, the rustling of the leaves as the wind blew through them joined the symphony.

Ash finally broke the silence as he spoke. "Here. This swing; this is where we met properly."

Latias nodded, before giggling. "Indeed it is, Ash. This is also where you face-planted after I revealed myself to you."

At that, he flushed, before rubbing his neck awkwardly. "To be honest, I really wasn't expecting that."

She giggled as she got up from her seat and advanced towards him. Ash turned his head to look at her, only for her to walk behind him and gently push him towards the swing. He seemed to catch on quickly, and sat down onto it. Latias walked behind him, grasped onto the ropes holding it up, and stepped up onto the swing, kicking off as she did. The pair swung back and forth, feeling the wind gently brush their faces. Looking down at him, Latias blushed as she noticed Ash glancing up at her. Nostalgia coursed through her as she remembered a very similar situation. What pushed her to walk down memory lane, she couldn't say. All that mattered to her right now was playing and having fun with the trainer that made her heart do strange things.

Hoping he wouldn't face-plant again, she quickly released her disguise.

With a shimmer of blue, her red-haired form was replaced by her "real" body. As she no longer had legs, she used her levitation to keep afloat and continued to push the swing. She was relieved when Ash didn't fall off again, although he did stare at her in surprise.

"Er, Latias, are you... bigger?" He asked, startled.

She gave a small smile as she squealed her response. Rapidly remembering he couldn't understand her in this form, she once more entered his mind, shivering at the contact. "Yes, Ash. I am bigger. Granted, not by much, but now I'm strong enough..."

He tilted his head, confused, still swinging. "Strong enough? For what?"

"To do this."

Quick as can be, she quickly darted around the swing, grasped him close to her, and shot into the sky. He yelped when he felt them shoot through the air, wrapping his arms around her tightly. At this, she blushed, although her feathers prevented it from being too visible. She slowed to a stop as they got a few hundred feet off the ground. The nearby buildings would prevent a searching eye from seeing them, not to mention the Garden's magic kept anything above it hidden for twice what they were at now.

Latias felt Ash slightly tighten his grip on her. While this wasn't exactly undesirable, she did need to breathe. She spoke to him once more. "Ash. Do you trust me?" She felt a nod against her chest. She smiled, then resumed, "Then I'm going to have to ask you to not panic. Don't worry. I won't let you fall." Ash seemed to tense up, before asking, "What? What do you-" She grasped him with her psychic powers and gently pulled him away. She at him as he looked around, scared at first, before the fear turning into wonderment. Latias let him gaze at the city below them as she gently pulled his back to her, hugging him from behind, and giving his cheek a light nuzzle. There the two floated in silence. Him in awe, and her... in adoration.

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Professor Kukui allowed himself a smile as he sipped tea from a glass. All his students, plus Burnet, were in the old man's house. With a healthy supply of refreshments, they listened as he explained the history behind the city, as well the significance of Valentine's Day to the City of Water.

Well, almost all his students. He did not fail to notice the red-haired girl, "Bianca", pulling Ash away and leaving Pikachu and the others behind as she lead him to Arceus-knows-where. Whatever she felt for the young trainer was more than just friendship, Kukui knew. He could see it in her eyes and behaviour; she was clearly infatuated with Ash. Perhaps, he mused, even more so than Mallow. A quick glance over at the green haired girl told him she noticed Ash's absence as well; and although she seemed confused and perhaps a bit disappointed, she didn't interrupt Lorenzo. His lips twitched in amusement. While he didn't want anyone to be in conflict over anything, he was curious to see which of the two girls would eventually open his eyes. Although, he thought, this Bianca girl will most likely be staying here. He wondered how she would feel about the knowledge Ash and his classmates would be leaving Alto mare and Johto behind in a couple days. Probably, not very happy at all. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully; perhaps they could stay for just another day. That would give the girl more time with Ash, not to mention he could investigate the city and the rumors of its guardians. Speaking of which...

Seeing their host had gone silent after another story, the Professor cleared his throat. Lorenzo looked over at him, and asked jovially, "Ah, what can I do for you, Professor?"

Smiling, Kukui replied with, "Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I seem to recall there was an... incident here at Alto mare, about three years ago. It seems there was a rather large wave coming towards the city, but was dissipated, with quite the light show that came along with it."

At that, the cheerful look Lorenzo had on his face disappeared as he slightly flinched. "Erm, from whom did you hear that from, Professor?"

Kukui noticed his reactions as he responded, "A colleague of mine happened to be up one night in Cherrygrove, when he noticed something quite peculiar happening over here. He stated that there was a rather large amount of light coming from some point beyond the city, and just before that, what seemed to be a wall of water. I don't suppose you'd know anything about that?"

Lorenzo seemed to shift uncomfortably in his seat, before carefully setting down his drink on the table. He looked down into his hands, before raising his gaze and making eye-contact with everyone in the room, before settling on Kukui. "I take it that everyone in here can be trusted with knowledge about Legendaries?"

The students nodded, although Sophocles seemed indignant. The round boy opened his mouth before being swatted at by Lillie and Lana. He closed his mouth again as Kukui replied, " Certainly. Everyone in here is adept at keeping secrets. After all, we have been privy to information to some, rather unusual, Pokemon that are probably more curious than some legendaries. That, however, is a story for later. That being said, everyone can keep whatever this man is about to say discreet, right? Even you?" At the last bit, Kukui lightly nudged the blue bag that was propped up against the couch next to his feet. The bag wiggled as the zipper came undone. Inside was a rather round, beige shape that seemed to be snoring, along with a smaller red rectangular shape that quickly rose out of the bag with a loud rzzzzt!

The odd rectangle's screen showed a grin as it floated up, and in a robotic voice, it said, "Right, Professor!... What were we talking about again?"

Everyone collectively sweat-dropped as Kukui repeated himself. "I said, you can keep a secret, yes?"

Rotom dex gave a salute with one of its arms. "Sure can! What's the secret?"

Kukui turned back to Lorenzo. "That is what we're about to find out."

Throughout this Lorenzo just stared at Rotom with a look of confusion on his face, before apparently deciding he had seen stranger things. Clearing his throat, he began.

"Long ago, before the city was as busy as it is now, a couple were walking along a pier, when they noticed what appeared to be a bundle. As they came closer to investigate, they saw it was not one, but two, bundles. What they found wrapped up inside each were two human babies, a girl and a boy. Naturally, they were concerned, no parents or guardians seemed to be around. So, they took the two children with them to their home, and raised them as their own. For years they lived there, learning and growing. It was, indeed, extraordinarily peaceful. Unfortunately, that was not to last. One day, for reasons unknown, the earth shook and the ocean rippled. Confusion was abound in Alto mare, as they had never experienced such a powerful tremor. That was the least of their concerns, for rapidly approaching was tsunami the size of which was beyond comprehension. It seemed as though the city was doomed. Many inhabitants prayed to Arceus and Kyogre to spare them, others simply waited for the inevitable."

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Lorenzo paused to catch his breath, and observed his audience. They appeared enraptured, even the weird red thing called Rotom dex. He continued; "However, when the last prayers fell silent, the two children began to rise and glow. With a shimmer, they transformed from small humans to legends. They were Legendary Pokemon, Eon dragons. Latios, the male, and Latias, the female. However, the couple had no time to wonder at this, as the two climbed higher still, and used their great powers to dispel the wave and save the city. The effort proved too much for the male, as he sacrificed his all to stop the threat. He died, and in his place was a very special gem. That gem is called the "Soul Dew", and as you can gather from its name, holds the spirit of the life that came before it, along with the intentions of the deceased. It is thought," he said, noting the near tracks on some of the youngsters' faces, "that this was not simply a blessing for the city... but also a curse. Whatever energy the Soul Dew contains, it keeps the waters at Alto mare calm. Well, as calm as one can get. But, should the gem ever become broken or corrupted, it sends the water away, only for it to come back in a wave. Much as it did all those years ago. Anyway, the grief-stricken Latias left the city, although not before hiding the Soul Dew, and wasn't seen again for a few months. When she did come back, she was holding two eggs. Two eggs she entrusted to couple, before leaving forever. Those eggs would hatch into a Latios and Latias, and it is believed that they guard the city- and Soul Dew- to this day."

And with that, he stopped again. The faces of his audience were a mixture of sadness and awe, which he reasoned, was perfectly understandable.

The male Professor, Kukui, leaned forward before asking, "You mentioned the curse, and how if the Soul Dew were to be destroyed or corrupted, the waters would form a wave again. If that's the case, then how do you know about it?"

At the question, Lorenzo gave them a serious look. "That, Professor, is the next part of my story."

Author's note:

Hiya! I'm back! And with a pretty long chapter, as well! Well, not necessarily. But it is indeed longer than previous chapters. This is due to the fact that I'd like to slowly increase chapter size, from a measly ~2,500 words to something 4-5 times that, maybe even 6 times. Ambitious, sure, but I would like my readers to have something good and long to read, not what it is now.

I ran this by a reader, Delta4Phoenix, before finishing up the last 2000 words, so there's probably some kind of error my tired brain missed. But, I am happy I finally got this out. I'd like to thank all the people reading, favoriting, following, and more importantly, reviewing this fic. Shoutout to all of you reviewers.

I have nothing further to add that is of any value. So please, read and review! If you spot any errors or questions, do not be afraid to PM. I promise I don't bite (at nice people). In fact, I rather enjoy getting PMs. I am a social Beautifly, after all. Hell, you can even just hit me up about random Altoshippingness. I promise I will do my damndest to reply to all.

Hope you enjoy! R&R

~Mimikyu

PS: I looked at the document in expanded view. That just made me want to lengthen the chapters even more, because holy hell... It's practically pathetic.

PSS: Don't be afraid to vote on my poll on my profile. Gen 8 starters, who you picking? #SobbleSquad