The sun began to rise over the horizon, and the beautiful Southern Island awoke. It was a clear day, not a cloud in the sky. Latias awoke, first bringing her head up, then opened her eyes to the bright sky. She looked over to find Latios, but he wasn't there. A look of worry flashed across her face. Where was he..? She got up off of her bed of leaves, and noticed her wing had felt much better than it had last night, but the pain was still noticeable. She flew up into the air, though she was a bit sluggish in her flight, so she decided to walk. "Latios might be where we were sitting yesterday.." she thought.
Sure enough, as Latias reached the ledge of the volcano, where they had been yesterday, Latios was sitting there, slightly bent over. Latias slowly approached him. His wings were drooped down, and his eyes were closed. This worried Latias even more. She approached him from the right, and began to speak.
"Latios.." she asked. "What's wrong?"
He opened his eyes, and looked at her. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Latios, you look so sad..." she said.
Latios let his gaze fall from her. He was obviously in pain.
"About last night.." he began. "I'm sorry..."
"Sorry about what?" she tilted her head to the side. "You did do anything bad. In fact, you helped me...You brought me that medicine, you made me that bed..."
"I know...It's just when I looked at your wing...I saw you were in pain." he replied.
"Look.." she said. " I appreciate you being worried...but you don't need to worry that much...Is there some other reason for your worry?" she asked.
"Yes, there is." he replied.
Latios brought his head up to look at Latias again. He saw that she was worried.
"Latios...if you want to talk.." she said.
Latios brought his head down again.
"I..I'll listen...really...I don't like seeing you like this.." she finished.
Upon hearing this, Latios brought his head up, and gave her a small smile.
"I will always listen to you.." she added.
"..Thank you.." he replied.
"Yes...So what is it that's bothering you..?" she asked, as she sat down besides Latios.
"Well...it is about you being in pain...but it hasn't happened yet." he started.
"So it wasn't about my wing...it was something more?" she asked.
"I was worried about your wing, yes, but...last night...when I saw you in pain, it reminded me of a dream I had. It was before we met...I didn't know you at the time." he replied.
Silence.
Around them, the cold morning haze was beginning to wear off, and the Pokemon below could be seen going about their daily activities. Bird Pokemon flew from tree to tree, Water dwellers could be seen in the clear waters below.
"Did something happen to me, Latios?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes.." he replied, the pain he was feeling was evident in his voice. "We were in this large room...I held you in my arms..."
"Why? Did something happen?" she asked.
"Yes..." he replied. "You were dying.."
Latias was silent. Tears were forming in her eyes.
"Latias..I'm sorry..." he said.
"Sorry for what? You were there for me..." she said, crying.
"But me being there didn't save you." he replied.
Latias continued to cry. She leaned against him, and he put his arm around her.
"It's ok...Latias..." he said, trying to be comforting.
Latios looked up into the sky. What should he say to her? Should he say anything? Latias shifted, and put her head under his chin and closed her eyes.
"So...did I die?" she asked, ever so quietly.
"No..." he replied.
They sat there for awhile, Latios comforting Latias. Twenty minutes passed.
"Well..it was just a dream, after all." Latios said.
"We dreamed of eachother, Latios. That came true..." she replied.
Latios sighed. "Then let me promise you this..." he closed his eyes and breathed in heavily. "If something...anything ever to you..I would do my best to protect you."
What he said raised her mood quite a bit.
"Really Latios?" she asked.
"Really..." he replied.
"Why though? What have I ever done for you?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Actually, you have done a lot for me. You have brought me happiness." he smiled.
"Thank you...that means so much to me.." she smiled. "But...how can I repay you for this?"
"By us meeting, and talking, you have given me a powerful feeling of happiness. It's more than I can ask for." he replied.
"I feel safe around you, Latios." she said.
"Thank you." he said. "That makes me feel like I'm helping." They both smiled.
"So.." she said. "Are we going to go to that place you were talking about?"
"If you want to, sure." replied Latios.
"Yes! Of course!" she exclaimed.
"Then let's go." he said, but stopped. "Oh..can you fly?"
"I can. It's much better, now. Thank you..for the medicine and the bed of leaves, by the way." she said, smiling.
"You're very welcomed. Follow me!" he replied.
With that, they were up in the air. It was nearly noon now, as the sun was high up in the sky. Latios and Latias flew over Southern Island, again admiring its natural beauty. Latios was taking Latias to a very...special place.
"So Latios, where are we going?" she asked.
"Wait and be surprised. I think you will like it." he smiled.
Latias nodded.
They continued flying for a few minutes, and soon a large forest came into view.
"Latios...that forest.." she said.
"It's the one we fell into. That's also where were going."
She nodded.
Latias looked happy. Again, she was glad to be with him, and exploring with him would only add to the enjoyment. However, she was still worried about Latios, and what he had told her. She just didn't understand, who..or what would do that to her? And Latios...this seemed to have troubled him greatly. They had both become great friends in the last two days, and both were very happy. Latias felt something special with Latios..
"Love." her inner-voice said.
She hadn't though about love yet. She felt certain affection towards him..but the word just didn't come to her until now...
"Latias, were here." he broke the silence. "It's just through these woods here."
She followed.
As they entered the forest, they both could hear the sounds of nature. The light began to fade as the went deeper inside.
"So what's in here?" Latias asked. "I couldn't see anything where we were flying over the forest.."
"That's because it's a secret place. Very few know of its existence, and even fewer know
where it's actually located." he replied.
Latias grew more and more eager to see this place. As they continued to walk down the path, it nearly went completely dark, but there was a small light ahead. The light became brighter and brighter as they reached its source.
"Latias..." he said. "Welcome to the Secret Garden!"
Latias looked around in amazement. There were waterfalls, ponds, trees, grass, Pokemon...everything. The serenity of this placed was amazing. It had the feeling of that cold haze up on the volcano that morning, where they had slept. The temperature was cool, not too cold, not too warm, but perfect.
"So Latias.." Latios looked over to her and smiled. "How do you like it?"
"It's...beautiful Latios. It's perfect..." she replied.
"I know what you mean. Everything that is needed is here." he explained.
"Say, Latias..are you hungry?" he asked.
"Now that you mentioned it, very!" she said.
"Follow me." replied Latios.
Latios led the way to some blueberry plants.
"Latias, you have to try these! They are fantastic!" said Latios, picking a few as he spoke and handing them to her.
"These are sweet, I love them!" she replied.
...There was that word again. Love.
Latios looked over to her and saw confusion on here face. "Something wrong, Latias?" he asked, worriedly.
"No, no, nothing. I'm fine. These blueberries are delicious, Latios, thanks!" she quicky replied.
At that, Latios continued to talk about the fruit.
"There's quite a bit of fruit here, not just blueberries. Blueberries just happen to be my favorite!" Latios said, happily.
"They are quite good.." she admitted.
"The water is fine to drink, as well. It's completely pure." he added.
"This sure is the perfect place." she said.
Latios nodded in agreement. They both sat there for a few minutes, eating the sweet blueberries from the bushes. Latias, again, was considering her feelings towards Latios. Latios noticed the confused look on her face appear again.
"You sure you're ok?" he asked.
"Yes..I..uh..Latios?" she began to stutter.
"Yes Latias?" he said, confused.
"I uh...can we talk?" she asked.
"Of course..." he replied. "What's on your mind?"
"We..well.." she looked to her left and right, then back at Latios. " Do you...consider me a good friend?"
"Very much so...I have since we met." he happily replied.
"I feel like that too..." she said. "The feeling...for me...is stronger than friendship..." she said, slowly.
Latios breathed in heavily, and studied their surroundings for a minute. He saw the slight breaking of the forest above, where the daylight was shining through, then looked back down at the ground, deep in thought. His feelings towards her ran deeper than friendship, that was certain. Latios lifted himself from the ground.
"Latias, follow me.." he said. "Let's go somewhere else and talk...like over by that tree, next to the pond."
She followed. They flew slowly, as Latios needed time to think about what he would say.
They landed, and Latios leaned against a tree, looked up, and closed his eyes.
"Latias..." he said, his eyes still closed. "My feelings for you...run deeper than friendship, too."
"So..what do you think this means?" she asked.
"I...it means..for me..that.." he looked into her eyes. "I..I love you, Latias."
She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "I..love you too, Latios." they both smiled.
Latias came to Latios, and they both hugged. "Happiest moment of my life.." Latios said.
She looked him in the eyes again. "And mine, too."
It was then that they kissed for the first time. It was full of love, for the both of them.
They stood, locked in each others arms for awhile, savoring this moment. Every so often, they looked back up to each other and smiled.
"I have probably said this too often, Latias...but I am so glad to have met you. You make my life...whole." he said, lovingly.
"And you make mine whole, Latios.." she breathed in heavily, before again joining him in another hug.
"Whatever that dream may mean...Latias.." he said calmly. " I will...always protect you...no matter what...with my life."
"Th..thank you, Latios...That makes me feel safe..." she whispered.
"I'm glad...that you feel safe.." he replied.
A few minutes passed. Latias let go of Latios. She looked to her side, smiled, and looked back at him.
"So...if you don't mind me asking.." she said. "How long...did you feel this way for me?"
"Well..." he replied. " Ever since we met..."
Latias smiled even wider.
"I...felt this way for you when we first met, too." she said, thoughtfully.
Latias looked around the garden. She saw the trees, and how the sunlight came through the canopy in the middle of the garden. She thought this place was beautiful, but all of Southern Island was beautiful. It's almost as if this island was created specifically for them both. This made her wonder.
"Latios.." she said.
"Yes Latias?" he said, his voice full of love.
"Southern Island...do you think it exists...just to provide a home for us...our kind?" she asked.
"I don't know, but I've wondered that, too. It...is possible." his voice shifting to
seriousness. "I think it may have..."
"Well.." she said. " It would make sense...Or at least, maybe this garden was made for us..."
Latios thought about this. She had a very good point. Maybe the island itself wasn't made specifically for them, but maybe this garden was? Everything needed for survival was here, if there was ever a need to "hide" from anything.
"I think you may be right..Maybe this garden was made just for us..." he trailed off.
"This place is amazing..." she smiled. "It's even better with you."
Latios smiled with her. "Thanks, Latias. I feel the same way..."
They both sat where they were, and enjoyed the serenity of this place.
"Latios..." she said.
"Yeah Latias?" he replied.
"Were there...any other places you wanted to show me?" she asked.
"Well..." he said. "I did have some ideas...Adventure." he smiled.
"Sounds like fun!...Where were you thinking?" she asked.
"Well, there are these caves, you see, around the volcano we were on, that I havn't gotten around to exploring...so I would you like to explore them together? It could be fun!" he said, smiling.
"I would love to explore them with you, Latios!" she exclaimed.
"That's great! Want to leave now?" he asked.
"Sure!" she replied.
With that, they both headed for exited the secret garden. Latios and Latias had confessed their love for one another, and both were overjoyed that they had. They walked slowly down the path that led to the exit, with the light behind them fading, and almost disappearing. It could still be seen faintly through the forest, though one would have to know what they were looking for if
they wanted to find it. As Latios and Latias flew up and over the dense forest, there was no indication that there was a beautiful garden within.
Latios looked over to Latias while in the air. "Your flying looks great!" he said. "Your wing feeling better?"
She looked over at him and smiled. "Yes Latios, very much so!" she said. " Thank you so much for helping it get better!"
Latios nodded, and jetted forward in excitement. Latias followed.
"It's great, isn't it?" Latios yelled. "The wind in your face, the sun in the sky!"
She was excited to see Latios in such a good mood, as opposed to earlier today.
"Yes it is!" she replied. "It's empowering!"
"Yeah!" he said. "Latias, follow me!"
She followed, and he led her down to one of the rivers. They flew very close to the water, almost skimming the surface. The wind was blowing in their faces, and both of them enjoyed it.
"This is fun!" she yelled.
"I know!" he replied. "I love flying at this speed!"
They both quickly glanced at one another, smiled, then focused on flying again. They did this quite a few times as they soared through the skies, and across the beautiful paradise that was Southern Island.
"So, where's the caves?" she asked.
"Over by the volcano...I just figured we'd fly around for a bit, it is a very nice day!" he replied.
She nodded at him. Latios was definitely in a better mood. She just loved to see him so happy. She was very worried about him earlier, as he seemed very depressed.
"Latios..are you feeling better?" she finally asked.
"What do you mean, Latias?" he said.
"I mean...earlier." she said. "You looked so sad."
"Oh..that." he smiled. "Well, talking to you helped!"
"I'm glad!" she replied.
They continued flying about for an hour or so, both of them enjoying the flight. They
were both doing a lot of thinking at this time while having a lot of fun at the same time.
"Ready to go to the caves, Latias?" he asked.
"Sure!" she replied. "Let's go!"
Latios headed for the mountain, with Latias close behind. They were taking path this time, around a shore to their left. Looking below, they could see the ocean waves approach the white sands, then retreating back into the ocean. Like before, they found this to be very peaceful. It was now mid day, and the sun would set in three hours or so. Latios figured this would be enough time. As they approached the volcano, small openings could be seen on the ground.
"Were here, Latias!" he smiled.
"Looks...mysterious down there." she said.
He turned to look at her. "That's what will make it interesting!" he said, smiling.
She nodded. As they entered, daylight quickly faded until it was very dim inside. The temperature of the cave was cool...and moist. There was the occasional drip of water in the cave, probably from the spring. Zubat could be heard about.
"Nice in here.." Latias whispered.
"Yeah it is, I feel moisture in the air." he replied. "...But I don't think it's from the spring. The dripping is probably from the spring, but I'm not sure about the moisture.
He looked down for a few seconds, thinking.
"Latias.." he brought his head back up. "There might be some sort of underground lake in here. I don't think this moisture is from the spring.."
"Maybe...have you ever been down here before?" she asked.
"Not once." he replied. "Nor have I ever felt this moisture in any other cave, so I am sure
it's not from the spring above."
"Well.." she started to smile. "That means we can go swimming. If there is a lake, that is."
He glanced back at her. "Sounds like a good idea!"
They were both quiet for awhile after that. They were walking through one of the many paths within the cave. Eventually, they came to a large room, where some sunlight came through from above.
Latios breathed in heavily, and noticed her could see his breath. "It's getting very cold. Now I'm sure there was a river." he said.
"It is...getting very cold." she replied.
Latios looked over to her and smiled. "Come here Latias.." he said calmingly.
She smiled and came close to him, their combined warmth made the cold stillness more bearable.
"Thank you.." she said.
He looked at her and nodded. "You're welcome." he said warmly.
Unlike the rest of the cave, in this large dome-shaped room the walls could be seen. Latios approached the walls, and noticed there were colors. Upon closer inspection, he saw that they were drawings. Latios studied them very carefully. He saw his kind. Latios and Latias. They were drawn on the walls, along with another being. This being was kneeling, had two arms and legs, and was holding a beautiful orb. The orb was blue, and something could be seen inside it. It glowed brightly, like a representation of a pure soul. Latias had her eyes closed, resting. He gave her a small nudge.
"Latias, look at this." he said.
Latias brought her head up to see what Latios had been pointing at.
"It's a Latios and Latias.." he whispered. "Looking at a orb held by something.."
"That orb is...beautiful, Latios." she said.
"It is...it looks to be burning bright...like a soul itself." he explained.
"It looks like you..." Latias said.
He looked at her quizzically. "I...don't understand..."
She looked ut at him. "When I see the brightness of the jewel in that picture, I think of you. Such a bright light..so pure.."
He smiled, and put his arm around her. "Thank you..."
"What do you think this means, Latios?" she asked. "What is that holding the orb?"
"It is a being..." he replied. "I...don't know what this means..."
"That orb is beautiful.." she said, rubbing her head against his neck. "Just like you.."
"Thank you..." he said. "But how does that orb...remind you of me?"
"Like I said...the bright light...reminds me of your spirit..." she explained.
"I...appreciate that you see me that way.." he replied.
"You are brave, Latios...I love having you by my side...And I love you.." she said.
"Thank you, Latias. I love you, too." he smiled.
She let go of him, and together they walked around the room, looking at the rest of the drawings on the walls.
"Latios, look at this!" she said.
Latios came over to her, and looked at the picture. It looked like an island. Though it wasn't wild. There were hardly any trees, and did not share the same natural beauty that Southern Island did. The island was divided by many river canals.
"This is amazing.." he said. "What could this possibly mean?"
"I don't know...but maybe that...island..is somehow connected to our ancestors?" she suggested.
"Might be..." Latios trailed off while looking at other pictures. "We know these have something to do with us...I see our kind everywhere..."
"Yes..." she replied.
They continued walking around the room, trying to connect these pictures.
Latias looked over to Latios. He was eagerly looking at the picture of the island again.
"Latios, how old is this island?" she asked.
"I don't know..." he replied. "No one...really told me...I do know, however, that there is a prophecy involving us.."
"Really? What is it?" she asked.
"I...don't completely understand it..." he replied.
She nodded. Once again, they continued walking around the room.
"Do you think these are somehow connected, Latios?" she asked.
"I think they are.." he replied. "They are in the same room...they all seem to be about that island, and that orb.."
"I think they may be connected, too..." she added.
A few minutes passed.
"So..Latios.." she said. "Want to go find that underground lake?"
He turned to her. "Would you like to?" he asked.
"Yes..." she smiled. "Do you?"
"Of course.." he replied, taking his gaze off of the wall. "I think it's just down there."
Latios pointed to a passage that went further down. It was in a different direction than the volcano, so the water would not be unbearably hot.
They walked with each other down to the underground lake. Both Latios and Latias were thinking about what the pictures meant. They both had a feeling deep down that the pictures meant something very, very important. And the orb, too.
"Hmm...there it is, Latias." he said.
Latias looked down, and there it was. A pool of water was just below them.
"It looks beautiful, Latios." she replied.
They both descended down the small slope, and into the water.
"Feels so warm.." she said. "Much different from the cave."
"Yeah it does feel very nice..." he trailed off.
Latias looked him in the eyes.
"Yes?" he said. He knew that look.
"Nothing.." she replied.
Latios closed his eyes and let the warm water of the lake relax him. Today had been full of wonder and excitement for the both of them. Excitement that they both felt the same way for each other, and wonder because of what they found in the cave. A few minutes passed.
"Latias.." he finally said. "Was there something you wanted to ask me or tell me?"
"In the cold cave...thank you for the comfort..." she replied.
"Oh Latias, you don't need to thank me for that..." he said, smiling.
"I just..appreciate it." she whispered.
"I know, Latias." he smiled. "Just trying to make you comfortable, is all."
Latias swam over to him, and took his hands. He looked at her.
"Whatever this...prophecy means...let's promise...that we'll go into it together.." she said.
"I promise..." he whispered.
"And I promise.." she replied. "Thank you.."
She hugged him. Latios joined. She was very affectionate towards him, and he loved that. Latios knew he was often far too serious, and she helped that. A lot.
"Latias.." he whispered into her ear. "There's something I need to ask you.."
"Do you...like my personality?" he asked.
"I do, latios." she replied. "Sometimes...I'm not serious enough on things...and you help me with that."
Latios was happy to hear this. They both helped each other's personality.
"Well.." he smiled. "I'm too serious sometimes...and you help me with that..'
"So we help each other.." she whispered. "This is perfect!"
Latios smiled. "It is, isn't it?"
She nodded.
This was...perfect, They both thought. Latios and Latias swam about, still holding onto one another. An hour passed.
"Latios...can we go back to the garden?" she broke the silence.
"Of course Latias. Are you tired?" he asked.
"Very.." she whispered.
"Alright." he smiled. "I am too."
They exited the pool of water, and made their way back up to the room with pictures. Latias was shivering. She looked over to Latios, he nodded, and she came over to him. They walked, and walked. They eventually reached the exit of the dark cave. It was night time, the silvery moon shining upon the calm Southern Island.
"It's beautiful.." she said.
"I know.." he replied. "It is..beautiful."
Both of them pushed off the ground, and began flying back to the secret garden. When they reached their destination, both were amazed.
"That's...even more beautiful." he said.
"Yes.." she whispered.
The moon was shining through the canopy and into the garden. Everything in the garden looked extremely still and serene, even more so than in the day time.
"Latias, where would you like to sleep?" he asked.
"How about.." she thought for a moment. "Over by the pond?"
"Sounds good!" he replied.
So, the both of them flew over to the pond, and they found a good sleeping place, atop the soft grass. Latios turned to latias.
"I love you, Latias." he whispered. "Goodnight, have a good sleep."
"And I love you." she replied. "Goodnight to you, too."
Both of them slept close to one another, sharing each others warmth, and went off to sleep.