Chapter 2: A Cheerful Reunion

Latias watched from above as Bianca exited the Secret Garden through the illusion concealed entrance. It was fairly early in the morning in Alto Mare, but Bianca and Latias had been up since the crack of dawn. Bianca had expressed a desire to draw Latias in flight in the Secret Garden, with the transition of night sky to morning as a backdrop. Latias had no objections. Bianca was a talented artist and Latias always enjoys posing for her work, and she had to admit, this next piece had turned out really beautifully. She remembered as Bianca showed her the completed picture, having finished it just in the nick of time before she lost the desired light. Despite her cheeriness, thinking about the picture brought on some more unfavorable feelings for Latias. It wasn't anything Bianca or her picture had done… it was just that Bianca had unintentionally added an object to the background that always dispirited her when she saw it.

A certain tranquil stone fountain.

Latias hovered above said fountain, its waters glistening in the morning light. She let out a single trilling call as she looked beneath the surface of the basin, seeing the large, extravagant orb fitted to the bottom in a housing of wrought iron. At one time, the Soul Dew housed in this pool was the Soul Dew of her father, but that Soul Dew had been destroyed due to the evil actions of some thieves who wanted it to take control of the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare. As a result, her brother had to sacrifice his life in order to save the city. The Soul Dew that resided at the bottom of the pool came from him.

It had been almost a year and a half since those tragic events, and to this day Latias still felt the tremendous loss of losing her brother. Reaching an ovoid hand beneath the surface of the water, Latias felt the surface of the Soul Dew. It felt smooth and hard, like polished stone. Nothing like the comforting downy feathers that had adorned her brother's body. She remembered constantly snuggling into those feathers whenever she was scared, or whenever she hugged him.

A sensation she would never get to experience again.

A tear splashed onto the surface of the water, the ripples distorting the visage of the Soul Dew. She would give just about anything to be able to speak to her brother one last time, but all she could do was hope that his spirit was at ease within the confines of the Soul Dew.

Her cheeks glistening, Latias donned her invisibility camouflage and dove into the pool leading into the canals of Alto Mare, leaving the Soul Dew to rest in the water. Her gleaming tears fell into the water in her wake as she patrolled throughout the city that day, still dedicated to performing her duties as Alto Mare's Guardian, no matter what.

—

Far out at sea, outside of the Johto region, two invisible figures flew on, their forms occasionally materializing as the sun's rays struck them at just the right angle. Arceus had opted not to teleport them directly to Alto Mare in order to allow Ash the opportunity to become accustomed to his new body. He had given him the basics about how a Latios's body functions, but he hadn't made him an expert on everything he was now capable of. After all, talent honed from extensive hands-on experiences was bound to be more productive than talent that had just been directly channeled into him with little to no effort. Arceus just hoped Ash could become accustomed to being a Latios in time. He needed to vanquish Team Phreatic when they made their move.

"Keep your focus, Ash," instructed Arceus, as the Latios flying beside him began to stagger in his flight.

Reasserting control, Ash was able to steady himself. It was still so odd to be flying without assistance from either a machine or Pokemon, yet it was also thrilling. The freedom of flight was indescribable. The wind whipped past his streamlined form, a feeling most humans would never get to experience, at least under their own power.

And speaking of power…

Ash could feel exuberant energy coursing through his body, akin as blood. The only sensation he could compare it to was the time he had donned Sir Aaron's gloves and utilized the power of the aura, though that experience was meek compared to what he was feeling now. Somehow, Ash knew that this was the energy Pokemon used to form their moves. That, he could tell, was going to be an entirely new experience. Rather than being the one suggesting what moves a Pokemon should use next, Ash now had the capability to use Pokemon moves himself. The thought was… exhilarating. He may not have been able to journey anymore, but to get to experience life as a Pokemon, especially one as powerful as a Latios, promised to be an adventure in of itself. The more Ash thought about it, the more excited he grew.

"Look ahead, Ash. We are nearly there," said Arceus, his stoic tone bringing Ash's attention outward to their surroundings.

Sure enough, Ash could see a small thin shoreline on the horizon: the island Alto Mare was built on. If Ash squinted his eyes and focused he could just barely make out the two stone pillars situated in the distant bay, depictions of Latios and Latias at their peaks. Ash swallowed a lump in his throat, feeling his enthusiasm diminish as Alto Mare came into view. Somewhere throughout that city's intertwining canals was a very special girl whom he had not seen in a long time. He was excited and eager to see her again, of course, but he was also worried as well. What would be her reaction to his return? They didn't exactly have a very happy goodbye, not with everything she had lost. And him leaving her was another issue altogether. Sure, he couldn't put off his Pokemon journey then, but he had always felt like he should have done more to comfort her back than. He hadn't even been back to visit her after all this time.

And not only that, he wasn't exactly returning as he was before. How would Latias react to seeing him in his new form? Would she be able to accept him like this? Would she be upset? Ash didn't know the answers to any of these questions, and the only way to answer them was to find Latias. The thought made Ash's avian heart race.

The velocity of Arceus and Ash's flight cut a ravine in the ocean swells below as they steadily made their way closer to Alto Mare, neither of them noticing the large periscope that lowered itself beneath the water's surface.

—

A massive submarine cruised through the ocean depths. Anyone familiar with Team Aqua would instantly recognize it as once belonging to them; however, the resemblance to Team Aqua's submarine was only in physical appearance now. The massive vessel sported a new paint job, the oceanic blues now replaced with obsidian black. In place of Team Aqua's renowned Jolly Roger was a new logo that resembled a capital P made of wafting white steam. Inside, several people wearing black jumpsuits and bandanas emblazoned with the same P design, all wearing night vision goggles, sat at stations across the bridge. The leader of Team Phreatic sat in the captain's chair, shadows hiding most of their features, but it was definitely a woman.

A woman with poofy red hair.

The dark submarine moved forward through the water like a living, submerged mountain, with their destination set to Alto Mare.

—

It was well past afternoon when Ash and Arceus reached Alto Mare. He had to admit, it was nice to see this place again. The architecture and canals, traits only Alto Mare was known for, were made all the better by the skyward view his new body afforded him. To think, last time he was here, that he was just here to participate in the Tour de Alto Mare, despite all that happened afterwards…

…now he was there as Alto Mare's new Guardian.

Entering the Secret Garden from above was a different experience compared to how Ash had entered it last time. Nothing had changed much, and why should it? The Secret Garden had always been a thing of beauty. The only change would only be noticeable to one with prior knowledge of its existence, and, unfortunately, Ash had that privilege.

Ash and Arceus landed directly before the fountain that housed the Soul Dew, their camouflage dissipating as they both became visible. The two stared into the clear water, observing the magnificent jewel beneath. Ash felt a wave of remorse come over him as he stared not only at the Soul Dew, but at his reflection in the water. He was a Latios himself now, to be Alto Mare's Guardian, same as the soul housed in the orb before him.

Was he… replacing Latios? If that was the case, then Ash was starting to have second thoughts about accepting this position. Latios had done so much, and he deserved much better than to just be replaced as casually as a change of tires.

"I know what you are thinking, young one," said Arceus, putting a hoof on Ash's shoulder. "But you coming to fill his role doesn't diminish what he has accomplished as one of Alto Mare's Guardians. No matter what you do from here on out, his sacrifice will always be remembered with gratitude and reverence."

Arceus's words seemed to placate Ash, but he was still troubled. "Is he happy?"

"His perspectives are different to those still living now, Ash," explained Arceus, still looking into the pool. "But rest knowing that he is content. He has a new role, as Alto Mare's Soul Dew."

Arceus's words quelled Ash's surfacing doubt, however, he had to say something to his predecessor.

"Latios…" he murmured, leaning closer into the pool. "I don't intend to replace you… Heck, I probably could never live up to your legacy anyways. But I will try to protect Alto Mare as you would have. I will give it my all, for both you and Alto Mare."

If Arceus could smile he would be beaming with pride, "Well said, Ash."

And with that Ash and Arceus hovered away from the Soul Dew's fountain and deeper into the Secret Garden. Ash looked around the trees expectantly, but saw no hint of red anywhere.

"Where is she?" He asked, worriedly.

"She must be out patrolling the city," Arceus surmised.

"Then should we just wait for her to come back?" Ash asked.

Arceus shook his head. "It's best we don't delay this."

With that Arceus tilted his head upwards, came a high pitched noise leaving him. Ash felt himself tremble as it washed over him, feeling it instill a strange sensation in him. It could best be described as a summons… A summons that ran through him at an almost instinctual level…

It was one that could not be ignored.

—

On the outskirts of Alto Mare, Latias lay curled up beneath the wing of the statue of her brother, quiet tears pooling beneath her head. All she knew at the moment was her loneliness, feeling a hollowness in her soul that longed for lost loved ones…

Her ears picked up a sound that was not only one she had never heard before, but one that was entirely incomprehensible. She couldn't discern anything specific about it, but if there was one she could understand, it was that the sound was a command: a summons.

"Come…"

Latias looked up, her tears drying as confusion took hold. She didn't know what could make this kind of sound, but despite not understanding it, she "understood" its meaning. Something or someone was calling her. And the compulsion to comply she felt was too strong for her to ignore. Almost reflexively, Latias felt her body lift off of the statue, carrying herself back to the source of the noise. .

And judging from where she had heard it, it was coming from the Secret Garden.

—

"What was that?" asked Ash, as the noise dissipated.

"The Call of Arceus," the Alpha Pokemon explained. "I can use it to call any Legendary nearby to me."

"And did Latias hear it?" asked Ash eagerly.

"Undoubtedly. She should be here any second," clarified Arceus, looking down at Ash with a single eye. "It's best you return to being invisible until I say otherwise."

"Huh? Why?"

"My call is meant to summon Legendaries, but Latias is a relatively young Legendary that has no prior experience with me," explained Arceus, turning to face Ash directly. "Meeting me for the first time will no doubt be an overwhelming experience for her. If she were to also learn that the human boy she knew is now a Latios at the same time, it would be too much for her to take. She might react poorly."

Ash agreed, complying, turning invisible with a nod. Not a moment later, Latias's transparent form entered the Secret Garden, deactivating her invisibility as she looked around for whatever had called her here. Her eyes wide, astonished, as she beheld Arceus's regal form. Ash took a cautious step back in his invisible guise, slightly nervous.

—

Latias drifted slowly down the cobblestone path, astonished by the being before her, mesmerized by his presence Though she had never seen him in any shape or form, she somehow knew his true identity: Arceus:The Alpha Pokemon. Creator of the universe. Patriarch of the Legendary Pokemon. And the almighty being was in her home, coming closer to her.

"L…Lord Arceus…" she greeted humbly, bowing her head against the stone in respect.

"Please rise, child," said Arceus reassuringly as he hovered closer to her, the unseen Ash watching nervously from his concealment, concerned about Latias's reaction so far.

Latias didn't hesitate to comply with Arceus's request, hovering up to eye level with him, but she still extruded a sense of awe at his presence.

"What brings you to Alto Mare, almighty Arceus?" she said in a quiet, respectful voice.

At these words, Ash, while technically not participating in the conversation, realized that this was the first time he was actually hearing her spoken voice. As a human, he couldn't understand Pokespeach, but now he could understand Latias, clear as day. Her tone carried the same tranquil pitch as her calls, though her speech melded into words that he could now understand. He had to admit, she had a lovely speaking voice.

"Please cease with the formalities, child, there is no time for them," Arceus insisted with a somber tone. "It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that a great threat looms over your home."

Latias's awestruck expression fell away as her eyes grew wide with concern. "What? What threatens Alto Mare?"

Arceus closed his eyes, even him having to brace himself for what was to come next. "The explanation, as crucial as it is, will have to come later. For now you need to be made aware of what I have done in order to help you counter this threat." Latias's expression filled with concern and curiosity as the Alpha Pokemon turned to look over his shoulder. "You may show yourself."

Ash, unsure why Arceus had neglected to formally introduce him by name, dropped his invisibility and appeared in the Secret Garden. He hovered forward and smiled at Latias. Latias, however, formed a horrified expression at the sight of the new Latios before her. It didn't take long for her to deduce what Arceus's intentions were.

"No…" she whimpered, the word sounding almost indistinguishable from what a human would hear upon hearing her call. "No…"

She didn't want to be assigned a new fellow guardian, Arceus's decree or not. She… didn't want to replace her brother.

Ash grew concerned as Latias tumbled to the ground, landing on her stomach, trembling with sobs. He wanted to rush to her side, but Arceus's outstretched foreleg stopped him.

"Nobody can ever replace your brother, child," Arceus reassured her kindly. "But you cannot hope to face the challenge ahead alone, which is why I have enlisted the help of this Latios. And let me assure you, he is more than what he seems."

This was the endgame. It was all up to Ash now. Removing his hoof, Arceus gestured Ash forward with his head. Looking up at the Alpha Pokemon for confirmation one final time, Ash hovered towards the trembling Eon Pokemon. She looked up at him once, then clenched her eyes, her tears trickling into the grass beneath her.

Ash didn't know how to proceed; he was never good with emotional situations. However, he could not just stand by while Latias is so distressed. He racked his brain for a solution, but all he could think about was all he and Latias had been through when he was in Alto Mare so long ago. Playing with her in the Secret Garden, fighting alongside her as they ventured through the streets of Alto Mare altered by the DMA, and, finally, holding her after Latios's fate. At first Ash was frustrated, for all these random memories wouldn't aid him in comforting Latias…until he realized one thing. These memories were a testament to Latias's affection for him, affection she rarely showed to anyone else.

A simple solution came to Ash as he arrived before Latias, lowering his head to her ear and whispering two simple words: "Hey Latias."

As soon as she heard those words Latias ceased her sobbing, looking up at the Latios smiling in front of her in disbelief. She knew that voice, for she could never forget it. It was a voice that reminded her of a gallant young man who had earned her affection through a sheer selfless desire to protect her, who had played with her, and who held her when she had lost her brother. The form before her didn't resemble the boy from so long ago, but, at the moment, that mattered little, because now that she was fully concentrating on him, she realized it wasn't just the voice. With her keen sense of smell, Latias noticed a distinctive scent mixed in with the scent of Latios. It was a familiar scent she remembered well, for it had once shrouded her in a blanket of comfort as the owner gave her a tight, comforting hug.

"A…Ash?" she mumbled, propping herself up on her arms and looking straight at him.

Ash, for the briefest of moments, hesitantly paused. He couldn't help but be nervous about her reaction once he confirms his identity to her. Not only had he changed so much since the last time they had met, but he was still unsure of what her response would be upon seeing him again. But, regardless, he couldn't let her slip back into the distraught state she was in moments before.

"Yes, Latias. It's me," he responded, reaching up and running his ovoid hand along her cheek. "I know this is probably very confusing, but I promise that I'll explain everything…"

"ASH!"

Ash felt the breath leave his lungs as Latias tackled him in a bone crushing hug. Her joyous tears streaked behind her as her momentum carried them past Arceus and into the pool which connects to the rest of Alto Mare with a mighty splash. The Alpha Pokemon blinked once, his typing switching to Water as the cascade of liquid washed over him.

It would seem that Latias could accept Ash as a Latios after all.

—

At the bottom of the pool, Ash opened his eyes. He tried to gasp, but all that came out of his mouth were bubbles. His first impulse was to try and get back to the surface, but he soon realized that he didn't feel a demand for air from being underwater, as would be the case for a human. In fact, he felt fine. Realizing he wasn't in danger of drowning yet Ash tilted his head down and looked towards the trembling figure latched onto him. Latias held onto his body tightly, burying her head into his chest. She looked up at him once, her golden eyes shining even in the dim light of the pool, before she buried her head back into his chest, tightening her grip and nuzzling his feathers. Smiling, Ash wrapped his arms around her and rested his jaw on her brow, returning her embrace, Latias trilled happily in response, the sound audible even underwater.

The circumstances around their situation could wait; right now, Ash could tell that, at the moment, all Latias needed was comfort.