[Author's Note: I plan on releasing 3 chapters on Christmas Eve, so I won't be uploading any more chapters for a few days after. Also, the grey line you see sometimes indicates a transition of location with different characters present.]
-7 days later-
"Are you sure you have everything?" Delia asked with a tone of worry. "It's alright mom, we have everything we need." Delia smiled, well aware of how much her son had grown since he had left on his adventure. There was one question however that she never hesitated to ask. "Did you remember to grab an extra pair of underwear?" Everyone in the room burst into laughter at the old joke. When it all died down, Delia embraced Ash. "Make sure you don't get into trouble and come home safely." Ash pat her back. "I will, don't worry. It's only going to be a month or maybe even less." Ash broke off the hug and picked up his bag. "Let's go guys, we shouldn't keep the taxi waiting." Misty and Brock both nodded in agreement and the group headed out on their trip.
-2 days later-
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Ash asked to no one in general as he stared at the sunrise over the town of Alto Mare. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu cried. "I suppose we should wake up Misty and Brock." Ash said. However, something made him stop mid-turn. A flash of red in the distance. Ash smiled to himself. "Long time no see." He whispered.
Latias soared through the sky, scanning her surroundings with an eye as sharp as a Pidgeot's. She had stuck to her word about guarding the city and even took it upon herself to aid the local Pokémon as well she could without being spotted by a human. "It seems like there will nothing to do today." She thought to herself. "With that said, something still feels off. It feels like something is going to happen today… Oh well, I guess I'm just not feeling very well. I should probably head back and take a nap." She was about to turn around when she noticed something on the barely lit horizon. "Oh! The ship is here! I have always enjoyed watching tourists walk around for the first time." With this thought in mind she flew to the docks and waited on top of a rooftop for the ship to arrive.
-A few hours later-
Brock yawned loudly earning him a smack from Misty. "At least cover your mouth!" she said angrily. Ash jumped ahead of them and turned his head to his two traveling companions. "Come on guys! Lorenzo's place is this way!" he yelled sprinting off with Pikachu at his heels. "Yeah, well you're not the pack mule are you." grumbled Brock trying to find a comfortable position to carry the bags. "Oh quit complaining." Misty said taking her own bag from him. "And since when is he any good with directions?" Brock asked. "Last time we were here he got lost on his way to the ice cream parlor." "Oh well, a lot about him has changed since we last saw him." Misty said. They were silent for a few moments before Brock responded. "Yeah, he's growing up isn't he?"