Chapter 1: A New Guardian

Pikachu's suggestion of leaving the path to chance had worked out splendidly for him and Ash. They first found a patch of berries (which they knew to be edible, thanks to some information picked up from Brock during their extensive time traveling together), then a brook where they found fresh water, and, lastly, a perfect location for them to set up camp for the night. The young Pokemon trainer rested in his sleep bag within a cozy glade, the night sky above him, his best pal Pikachu in his arms. However, unbeknownst to both of them, that random stick toss hadn't been as random as they thought.

An obscured second party had intervened at the time, making sure that the stick Ash Ketchum threw landed in a position to deliberately lead him here, where they could meet. But the one responsible didn't just walk into the glade. No, a swirling multicolored vortex opened up in the sky above, its progenitor stepping out and hovering in place in all his glory. Arceus had appeared in all his splendor, the ornate golden arc adorning his back casting an immense glow that rivaled the sun.

Ash and Pikachu cringed slightly in their sleep at the intense light, the duo being on the cusp of waking up, but a tranquil wave of psychic energy eased them back into the realm of sleep. Arceus, his gold highlights and arc shifted to the color pink as he utilized the Mind Plate, began to slowly descend downward, until he hovered mere feet above the sleeping bodies. If he was to succeed in his intentions tonight it would be best if Ash's conscious mind remained unaware of what was about to transpire.

Again invoking the power of the Mind Plate, Arceus entered into Ash's very dreams.

—

Ash stood before the cheering crowd, brandishing the World Championship Trophy. This was his crowning achievement, the most glorious win of his Pokemon journey. He felt elated and proud…

…until everything vanished, the crowd, the trophy, even Pikachu: They all disappeared. There was nothing left but the dark mist that surrounded him.

"Hey! What gives?!" he called in annoyance, and with a hint of worry.

"Calm yourself, Ash…" came a tranquil, powerful and masculine voice.

"Who's there?!" Ash called, looking around in search of the owner of the voice, noticing the unsettling surroundings. He began to grow nervous. "What is this place?"

"As I have said, calm yourself," the voice insisted again. "There is no need to be afraid. No harm can come to you here, Ash."

Ash paused as the voice continued. He recognized this voice now. How could he ever forget the voice of the Alpha Pokemon from all of the times he had encountered him before?

"Arceus?" Ash asked into the nothingness.

The Alpha Pokemon appeared before Ash in a flash of bright pink light, still utilizing the Mind Plate. Ash stood before the great quadruped form that now towered over him, transfixed. Even after multiple encounters, Arceus's mere presence still instilled a sense of awe in Ash. It would probably be the same for anyone who ever met the Pokemon rumored to have created the universe and its coexisting dimensions. But even so, Ash regained his composure faster than most, having become accustomed to the process after meeting so many of the Legendaries over the years.

"So it is you," said the young trainer with a welcoming expression.

Arceus looked at Ash with his green and red eyes. Somehow, Ash knew he was smiling, despite the Alpha Pokemon's lack of facial features. "It pleases me greatly that you remember me after so long, Ash, and that my presence does not instill trepidation in you as it does most."

"Oh, you and I have been through enough together that we're well past that," said Ash with a friendly chuckle. First the incident with The Jewel of Life, then Hoopa, and then Heatran. If Arceus was going to bring harm to Ash, it wouldn't have taken so many encounters to do so.

"Yes, we have been through quite a lot together," said Arceus, his tone becoming serious. "Which is what brings me before you now, Ash."

Ash paused and looked around once more, once again unnerved by his surroundings. "Where are we anyway? Where have you brought me, the Reverse World?"

"Nothing quite so extreme," assured Arceus with a small shake of his head. "You are asleep now, Ash. This is merely a dream."

A dream?

Now that Ash thought about it, a lot had happened since he won the Championship. His return to Pallet Town, visiting his mom, and then resuming his journey. Had he actually been dreaming this whole time?

"Okay… so I'm dreaming now," Ash reassured himself, grateful that their bleak surroundings were nothing to be concerned about. Ash didn't bother to ask how Arceus got here. He was the Alpha Pokemon, and his abilities were endless, so surely entering someone's dream was well within his capabilities. Instead he decided to focus on what Arceus was doing here.

"So why are you here?" asked Ash curiously.

"I seek your assistance, Ash," Arceus regally stretched neck up. "There is an approaching threat I must prepare for, and I feel your contribution is essential in dealing with it."

Ash felt any hint of unease or uncertainty immediately vanish as soon as he heard Arceus's request. After all, anything the Alpha Pokemon would be concerned about was surely something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

"Sure, I'll do anything I can," said Ash with conviction, clenching his fist. "What can I do to help?"

Arceus was pleased by Ash's compliance, but overall, wasn't surprised by it. The young boy had always displayed an eagerness to help, no matter the circumstances.

"Do you remember the criminal originations that went by the aliases of Team Magma and Team Aqua?" The Alpha Pokemon asked.

How could Ash forget? Those organizations nearly destroyed the world when they tampered with the Legendary Pokemon, Kyogre and Groudon.

"Yeah, I remember them," Ash confirmed, "But I thought both groups disbanded after their plans with Kyogre and Groudon failed?"

"For the most part, that is true," said Arceus, his tone serious . "But the collapse of both organizations left a power gap in the system of organized crime, and, over the years, this vacuum has been steadily filled by a new syndicate. A syndicate made up of former members of both groups that calls itself Team Phreatic."

Ash didn't like what he was hearing. If Team Magma and Team Aqua were trying to not only recreate themselves, but had joined forces somehow, did that mean their objectives were going to be continued too? If that was the case, Ash couldn't just stand by.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Ash asked, once again raising his fist. "We have to stop them! I'll gather my team and…"

"Calm yourself, Ash," Arceus reassured, putting a comforting hoof on Ash's shoulder, using the Mind Plate to cast a Calm Mind technique to quiet Ash's rage. "While it is true that this new group is composed of former members of both Team Magma and Team Aqua, they do not share either's former goal."

Ash settled down once Arceus's move came over him. He thought over what Arceus had said. While he was glad he didn't have to worry about the world's ocean or land increasing through the destructive means of Legendaries, Arceus wouldn't be coming to him unless this "Team Phreatic" was dangerous. They may not have the same agenda as Team Magma and Team Aqua, but they must have horrible intentions, all these secret organizations did. Team Rocket was a testament to it.

"So if they don't want to reshape the world, what are they up to?" Asked Ash.

"For the moment, they have yet to decide what their organization's purpose shall be," answered Arceus simply. "At the moment they seek profits to fund themselves."

Ash was confused. Team Phreatic couldn't be up to anything good, but if they haven't even decided on a purpose yet what was so detrimental that Arceus was visiting Ash in his dreams? Shouldn't he be talking to, maybe, an Officer Jenny for something like this?

"And you need my help dealing with them?" asked Ash, feeling some of his concern die down.

"Do not be fooled by the simplicity of their current objective, Ash," insisted Arceus. "Team Phreatic is prepared to do anything to get what they need to establish themselves, no matter how immoral or wicked. And their first plan of action is so abominable that I simply can't stand by and watch."

Now Ash's anxiety was back, full force. "What do they intend to do?"

"They want to attack the city of Alto Mare."

Ash couldn't suppress a gasp, his mind flashing with memories from his own experiences in the tranquil island city.

"Why would they do that?" he asked, worriedly.

It didn't make sense. Team Magma and Team Aqua had been based in the Hoenn region, not the Johto region, where Alto Mare was, and whilst the distance wasn't great, Ash couldn't fathom what would be so important that the remnants of those two criminal groups would go to Johto and attack Alto Mare. The city was beautiful, sure, and housed a lot of rich culture and valuable artwork, but, in Ash's opinion, that would hardly garner the attention of an entire criminal organization. Maybe individual crooks, but nothing to this extent.

"Their target is the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare," said Arceus bluntly in answer to Ash's question.

Ash felt his blood run cold at the words. How could he have forgotten about the DMA? That machine had literally turned the world upside down, at least within the city limits of Alto Mare. Maybe he had been doing his hardest to forget about the nightmare mechanism since his own encounter with it? It had caused a lot of grief, and not just to him; in fact, others had suffered worse because of it.

…Namely the Legendary Pokemon that guard Alto Mare, Latias and Latios… Latios especially.

"They intend to seize that horrible machine and the artifact used to power it and reverse engineer the technology," Arceus continued. "They intend to mass produce it and sell it en masse for profit. Most likely to other criminal originations."

Ash's mind was churning with worry and dread at these implications, though now he fully understands why Arceus sought him out. Despite having no primary goal, Team Phreatic's current objective was immensely worrisome. If other people got their hands on the DMA's technology…

"The artifact used to power the DMA…?"

These words stuck out to Ash, for they could only be referring to the Soul Dew.

"Latias!" Ash blurted out, eyes wide in concern. "Latias is in danger!"

"Indeed," Arceus confirmed. "If Team Phreatic were to carry out their plans, they would be led into direct conflict with Alto Mare's sole remaining guardian. And she may very well not have the strength to stand up to them."

"What are we standing around for then?!" Ash asked worriedly, clenching his fist. " Latias needs our help! Wake me up so me and Pikachu can gather up some of my Pokemon and we can get to Alto Mare!" Ash paused, but Arceus didn't move, and Ash didn't feel as if he were about to wake up. "What are you waiting for!?"

"My apologies Ash, but this situation requires a different solution than what you are thinking," said the Alpha Pokemon. "It's gallant for you to want to go to Alto Mare to confront Team Phreatic by yourself, but even if you were to succeed, Team Phreatic is but a small portion of the problem we face regarding Alto Mare and the versatile machine housed within."

Ash was confused again, and Arceus seemed to notice so he clarified further: "Even if you succeed in driving Team Phreatic off, the DMA's technology is too enticing for the black hearted people of the world to ignore, especially with how vulnerable it is now, with only one guardian where there were once two. Others will come after Team Phreatic, just as there were those that came before them."

Ash had to admit that was true. This wasn't the only time someone had sought the power of the DMA for themselves. Ash still remembered the actions of Annie and Oakley the first time he went to Alto Mare; and he hoped they were still rotting in jail for everything they had done… all of the calamity they had caused when they seized control of that dangerous machine.

"My intents aren't just to defend the DMA from Team Phreatic," said Arceus, kneeling down on his forelegs and placing his eyes level with Ash's. "Alto Mare needs a new guardian to fill the role left when the former guardian passed away the last time the DMA was operational, and, as the Alpha Pokemon, it is my duty to anoint a new guardian."

Arceus's words were inspiring, but Ash was beginning to get nervous now as the concept behind them hit him.

He wouldn't be the first to admit that he wasn't the sharpest Scyther claw in the swarm, but he was pretty sure that he was picking up on what Arceus was implying. Latios, who had guarded the Secret Garden, had given his life saving Alto Mare from a tidal wave that was the final result of Annie and Oakley's meddling. It left Alto Mare with one less guardian and, by his own admission just now, Arceus intended to appoint a new one.

…And Arceus had come to Ash with such intentions in mind. It stood to reason Arceus was considering him for the role. But a human Pokemon Trainer wouldn't be a suitable guardian, let alone an adequate replacement for the one who was lost. Latios had been a potent fighter. Arceus was the Alpha Pokemon, fabled to have shaped all of existence with his vast power. If he could do that he would be capable of much much more.

Say, turn a human into a Pokemon…?

"You… You intend to make me Alto Mare's new guardian?" Asked Ash, taking a nervous step back. "By making me a Pokemon?"

"Precisely," Arceus admitted with a nod. "A Latios, if you haven't surmised already."

Ash grew more nervous. "But why me?"

"You deduced my reasoning for visiting you but cannot comprehend the reasoning behind my choice?" asked Arceus, leaning into Ash further. "Can you not see the qualifications within yourself? Multiple times you have risked your life for the sake of Pokemon, myself included." Arceus looked deep into Ash's eyes, the young boy's expression quite anxious now. "You have displayed a dedication to protecting Pokemon rivaled only by the guardian Legendaries themselves. You also have a kinship to Pokemon no other human can boast."

Ash saw the logic in Arceus's reasoning, but he was still apprehensive. Ash had no doubt himself he would make a good guardian for Alto Mare and the Secret Garden, and, truthfully, a part of him would be honored to comply, but…if Arceus wanted to turn him into a Latios, as he suspected the Alpha Pokemon did, wouldn't that mean he would have to give up on his Pokemon journey and be confined to Alto Mare in order to protect it? That was an immensely terrifying thought for Ash, not to mention the prospect of being changed into something else was very unnerving and frightful in of itself.

"What about the other Latios of Alto Mare?" suggested Ash. "Wouldn't they be better at the job than me? They already live there! "

"The physical aspects are only half of the requirements Alto Mare's new Guardian needs," said Arceus, his composure remaining stoic. "It's true that another Latios could easily be enlisted to fill the empty mantle left in the Secret Garden. But what of the Secret Garden's surviving guardian?"

"Latias? What about her?"

"The fallen Latios was her brother," explained Arceus, somewhat solemnly. "He was not just her brother, but her only family, who had been with her and cared for her for years. No random Latios, who'd be but a mere stranger to her, could ever be a co-guardian with her. Only you have the ability to work together with her as well as her brother, since you two already share a close bond."

"What about Lorenzo or Bianca?" asked Ash.

"Yes, those two have known Latias longer than you," admitted Arceus. "But it was not them who accompanied her through the crisis involving the DMA the first time. It was you, Ash, who she sought out when those two thieves intruded on the Secret Garden, stole the Soul Dew and kidnapped her brother, and it was you who fought alongside her to save her home."

"...That is why it must be you, Ash."

Despite agreeing with Arceus, Ash was still hesitant. "Is there really no one else who can do this?"

"No one who could fill the role so well," said Arceus.

"But…my journey… being a Pokemon Master ...my Pokemon... Pikachu… Do I really have to give all of that up?"

Arceus blinked in surprise.

"It seems I have neglected to make certain aspects of my intentions clear," said Arceus, slightly backing away from Ash. "I do not intend to turn you yourself into Alto Mare's new guardian, Ash… at least not in the way you might be thinking."

"What do you mean?"

"It's true, you have all the qualities I desire for a new guardian of Alto Mare's Secret Garden, including a pre-existing relationship with the other guardian, but that's all I need: your qualities," explained Arceus. "I do not intend to just outright turn you into a Latios as you stand before me, such an action would not have favorable results anyway. No, I intend to make a brand new Latios to guard the Secret Garden alongside Latias. One with your loyalty, dedication… even your memories. You protected Alto Mare once before. Certainly possessing even only your memories can benefit Alto Mare's new guardian."

Arceus's explanation seemed to ease Ash's mind. Though the thought of there being a Latios duplicate of him was a little unnerving, it wasn't nearly as unsettling as the thought of being outright transformed into a Latios, so Ash had no objections to the idea. Besides, he was still willing to protect Alto Mare from Team Phreatic, no matter the circumstances.

"I understand," said Ash with dedication, clenching his fist again. "What do I have to do?"

"So you accede to my request?"

Ash nodded. "As you said, Latias and I went through a lot together… If she is in trouble, and this is the best way to help her, then I'll do it."

The Life Plates emerged from Arceus's arc. Arceus was pleased with Ash's response.

"Thank you, Ash," said Arceus gratefully, his Life Plates beginning to glow in their respective colors. "You will not remember what transpired here in this dream when you awaken. It's best you, as well as the rest of the world, remain unaware of what is to transpire tonight."

Ash didn't have time to get a word in; his consciousness being guided into a dreamless sleep.

—

Outside in the waking world, Arceus hovered above the sleeping pair of Ash and Pikachu, his Life Plates orbiting the creator. From Ash's body, a blue sphere of light emerged that hovered before Arceus. Contained within it was a perfect duplication of Ash's dedication: his loyalty, his compassion, and most importantly, his memories and personality. His task complete, Arceus glided away into the night, aloft on a nimbus of golden light, disappearing into a portal, leaving the young trainer and his Pikachu to their slumber, their Pokemon journey destined to resume tomorrow, unaware of what happened.

Just as Arceus had promised.

—

Back in Arceus's dimension, the Mind Plate was once again being put to use.

Arceus was hard at work on the luminous sphere, adjusting and modifying it. It wasn't conscious yet, as Arceus felt the need to modify and adjust the composition of Ash's mind first. As much as the Alpha Pokemon respected the young Pokemon trainer for his accomplishments and devotion, there were certain aspects of his character Arceus felt would be adverse to the goal of guarding Alto Mare with Latias. Namely, his devotion to his Pokemon journey and his personal attachment to his own Pokemon, especially Pikachu. Arceus didn't object to such characteristics, nor was he planning to outright remove them from the being he sought to create, but if he left them as was, the Latios that would result from Arceus's efforts here would be an exact mental copy of Ash, meaning he would have the same insurmountable dedication to his Pokemon journey and his own Pokemon, especially Pikachu. The Latios won't be privy to the things that constitute the original Ash's life, so such devotion needed to be directed to other objectives, namely protecting Alto Mare.

Arceus wasn't cruel though. He made sure the mind would have all of Ash's memories and emotions, though Arceus also added a sense of solace: solace in the fact that there was another Ash still out there, human, working towards the dream of being a Pokemon Master with Pikachu.

But as he was redirecting attributes towards the protection of Alto Mare, Arceus noticed an underlying layer of other emotions unrelated to journeying or his Pokemon friends. Arceus was aware Ash had a prior encounter with the Eon Duo, but apparently there were more details than the Alpha Pokemon had been aware of.

Arceus observed, within the duplication of Ash's conscience, that after the DMA was deactivated and the tidal wave was destroyed, Ash and his friends were stopped as they were about to leave Alto Mare and continue their journey. Before their boat could fully depart the city, someone stopped them on the outskirts to thank Ash for all he had done… And this gratitude was shown through a kiss on the cheek. Apparently, ever since then, Ash had some underlying wonders about who it was who kissed him, for it could only have been one of two beings: the local Alto Mare girl, Bianca, or Latias, who often disguised herself as Bianca with an illusion. Ash had two differing thoughts on the matter, each pertaining to a certain possibility. If it had been Bianca who kissed him Ash felt that the gesture was sweet and appreciated, for she was a good friend after all. However, Ash's thoughts on whether it was Latias who kissed him were almost entirely different…

These sensations had even increased fairly recently too. Arceus observed in Ash's memories that during his recent travels in Alola he had encountered another Latias. Not the same one he had met in Alto Mare, obviously, but the experience the two shared in their time together had reminded Ash of his adventure in Alto Mare prior and had him thinking of the Latias he had met there.

From these memories, Arceus could tell that Ash was confused by these feelings and was unable to make sense of them. Arceus grew amused. It was only through Ash's sheer lack of experience that the boy didn't know what these feelings he was dealing with were. That, and the fact that Ash never truly paid these feelings much mind in his day to day life either; he was too engrossed in his Pokemon journey and his friends, be they human or Pokemon, to pay them any heed.

But it made Arceus wonder… how would things play out if he realized the truth…?

Feeling that he had made all of the necessary modifications, Arceus ceased his alterations, but kept the Mind Plate at the ready. It was still essential for the final step, even if the Mind Plate couldn't do the job alone. From the arc on Arceus's back, another Life Plate emerged to hover next to the Mind Plate, on either side of the duplication of Ash's essence:The Draco Plate.

Both Plates that represent the duel-typing of the Eon Duo shined brightly, projecting themselves into the replicate of Ash's essence, pooling their energies and bringing forth their typings. The sphere of thoughts, memories and emotions soon began to take a more definitive shape as a streamline form soon appeared. The shape began to expand, growing twin sets of tail feathers, angular wings similar to that of an airplane, a rough, spherical body, long neck, and an aerodynamic head with pointed ears. Then, the tranquil blue luminescence that had composed the sphere of traits dispersed like sparkling dust.

A Latios now hovered in place, having come into existence through the sheer will of the Alpha Pokemon.

"Ash?" Arceus leaned in closer to the figure about half his size that was now hovering in his realm. Its eyes were closed, posture stiff. "Ash, can you hear me?"

Crimson eyes opened and peered up at the Alpha Pokemon.

—

The last thing Ash remembered was Arceus visiting him, apparently in his dreams, seeking his help. He had found the Alpha Pokemon's request to be… unorthodox, to say the least, but once he understood them, he had no real reason to object, especially with what Arceus insisted was at stake. Arceus apparently had succeeded in his goal, to make a Latios with his characteristics and memories, for here he was.

Becoming self-aware at the call of Arceus's voice, Ash awoke, spotting the Alpha Pokemon before him. Ash, however, only paid him heed for a fraction of a second as he quickly became aware of his new form. No longer was he a ten year old human boy. He had no legs to speak of, but the way his body hovered felt just as natural as standing or walking. The wings that jutted out from his back felt massive, long, and powerful, their purpose and use instilled in Ash's mind the same as any part of his human body had been. He felt the same way about his arms, but there was no denying their differences in physical characteristics compared to human arms. Three sharp claws attached to ovoid hands, rather than spindly fingers attached to palms, with those connected to the ovoid shoulder by a narrow elbow joint. Ash just looked at his arms, stretching and retracting them experimentally, observing as they inserted over his shoulders against his torso so as to limit drag, which would increase the aerodynamics of his body in flight. His neck's length was another glaring difference compared to his human form, feeling his former height there alone. His head, truthfully, wasn't all that concerning, with the more angular snout and elongated ears, though he did notice a certain sharpness to his vision.

"How do you feel, Ash?"

Ash turned his attention to Arceus, facing him. Ash was unsure of how to respond, both out of uncertainty of how to speak in this new form, as well as from pure shock. Again he looked down at his body, this time feeling the strands of the blue and white downy feathers Latios were known for. The feathers, his feathers, bristled in anxiety, actually making the sensation worse. In Ash's mind, he had been human before, same as he had been his whole life, and now… he was a Latios.

It was an overwhelming prospect, to say the least.

Sensing that things might be going poorly, Arceus once again used his Calm Mind technique to calm the boy's psyche. Instantly, Ash's mind became tranquil, his anxiety and unease dying away.

"Better?" inquired the Alpha Pokemon.

With a clearer mind, Ash slowly began coming to terms with the foreign, yet also familiar, sensations of his body. After a moment, Ash finally dared to try to speak.

"I…I… think so….!"

His voice sounded the same. At least that was a familiarity he could rely on.

Arceus was relieved. Until now, he wasn't sure if this would result in something disastrous or not. There had been no guarantee that a human mind could cope with the fact that they were now a different species. Duplication or not, that consciousness had still been Ash. If Ash could at least speak in this new form without too much trouble, then it was a step in the right direction.

Still, they weren't out of the woods yet.

"Do you remember what we discussed?" Arceus asked. "Do you remember why you find yourself a Latios now?"

For the first time Ash's face dropped its overwhelmed expression for one of seriousness. "Of course. Alto Mare needs a new guardian. Team Phreatic is targeting the DMA and Alto Mare will be ill prepared to face the threat with just one guardian. I need to help Latias!"

"And you are…okay with this?" asked Arceus. He needed that final piece of clarification. He wasn't going to force this Ash into the role, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his existence. It has to be by choice. Ash, either the trainer or the Latios, deserved that much.

Ash thought for a second.

He thought about his Pokemon journey, his Pokemon, Pikachu. He knew accepting this new role would separate them indefinitely. But…he was okay with that. The solace Arceus had given him was working. He was aware he was not Ash the Pokemon Trainer, but that he was instead a replication of his traits and memories now housed in a Latios. He needed to protect Alto Mare in the stead of the former Latios who passed away so long ago. This was a variation of his goal, and he accepted that. He would never forget his Pokemon journey, or his Pokemon friends, or the lessons he learned from them, but that was all the responsibility of the other Ash, the original Ash, and, if Ash knew himself, then he had everything covered. The Ash that was a Latios had his own responsibilities now.

"I am," said Ash, nodding his head.

Arceus sighed in relief. To the left, a swirling portal opened, leading out of Arceus's realm.

"Then we should not delay," he said, turning to Ash. "You should be able to utilize the inherent camouflage of a Latios. I suggest you use it."

Ash recalled how, upon entering the Secret Garden the first time, he was assaulted by an unseen force that turned out to be Latios. If he was the same species now, surely he could do the same. Closing his eyes and concentrating, Ash tried to figure out how it was done. He had no idea how Pokemon used moves, for he was a human only mere moments ago. Eventually however, what could only be described as asking his own body for help proved to be the answer, as Ash's form steadily became more transparent until it had completely faded from sight.

"Good," said Arceus, also turning invisible. It was best that they remain unseen. They didn't want more unwanted attention than they needed.

The two unseen forms entered the portal, exiting Arceus's pocket dimension for their destination: Alto Mare.