Chapter 4: Life's Full Of Tough Decisions.
Meanwhile, back in the Secret Garden, the sound of shifting feathers pierced the quiet. Ash stirred, his eyes slowly opening to the soft light of dawn. He blinked, taking a moment to orient himself. He was in the garden, Pikachu nestled against his side, his tiny body a comforting presence. Then he felt the weight on his chest. Latias. She was still asleep, her feathers a warm blanket over his body. The memory of the night rushed back to him in a flood, the nightmare, the kiss, the unspoken promises.
He looked down at her, her features serene in sleep. The realization hit him like a tidal wave—his feelings for Latias had grown beyond friendship, beyond companionship. He was in love with her. The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating, a revelation that shook the very foundations of his world. His journey had been about becoming a Pokémon Master, but in that moment, he knew that making Latias happy had become his ultimate goal.
Pikachu stirred, sensing the shift in Ash's emotions. He sat up, his eyes blinking sleepily, and looked from Ash to Latias and back again. He let out a soft, questioning chirp, as if asking if everything was alright. Ash managed a small smile, running a hand over Pikachu's head. "Everything's going to be okay," he murmured, though the words were as much for his own comfort as for Pikachu's.
The reality of his newfound love settled over him, a heavy cloak that both warmed and weighed him down. He had become a Pokémon Master, the pinnacle of his journey. Yet, here he was, faced with a challenge that dwarfed any battle he had ever fought. He had conquered the Pokémon World Coronation Tournament, but could he navigate the uncharted waters of a relationship with a being so powerful, so ethereal?
Ash knew the racial barrier between humans and Pokémon was vast. It was a chasm that could not be bridged by mere affection. Yet, as he watched Latias's chest rise and fall with each gentle breath, he couldn't help but feel a fierce determination to somehow find a way. He had seen the bonds that could form between humans and their Pokémon—his own bond with Pikachu was a testament to that. But this was different, something more profound, more primal, than the friendship that had carried him through countless battles and adventures.
The idea grew in his mind, a wild and impossible dream that whispered sweet nothings in his ear. If only he could become an Eon, like her. If only he could share in the immortal grace that Latias embodied, they could be together in a way that transcended the constraints of their forms. He would soar through the skies with her, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the universe itself. He would see the world through her eyes, understand the depth of her sorrow and the vastness of her love.
The memory of Lily's botched spell surfaced, unbidden. That one brief, terrifying, but also exhilarating, moment when he had been a Pikachu. It had been strange, disorienting, but also liberating in a way. He had felt the world differently, seen it from a new perspective. And he had felt Pikachu's love, pure and unbridled, in a way that had forever changed their relationship. If he could do that again, become something other, maybe he could reach Latias on a level that no human ever had.
Ash's mind raced with the possibility. To become an Eon, a Latios, would mean leaving behind his human life. The thought made him swallow hard. Would he miss his mother, his friends, the thrill of battles, the camaraderie of his journey? Would he regret it? Yet, the pull of Latias's love was a siren's call, a force that washed over his doubts, whispering that this was the only path to true understanding.
He knew that he had made sacrifices before. He had risked everything for the sake of Pokémon, for the sake of friendship and the protection of the world. The memory of the incident at the Tree of Life, its vibrant energy pulsing through him, was still fresh. The perilous dive into the abyss of the Sea Temple, the fierce battle against the ancient sea beasts, were moments etched into his soul. And here he was again, faced with a choice that could alter the course of his life forever.
Ash's thoughts drifted to the moments he and Latias had shared, the battles they had won and lost, the laughter and tears that had bound them. The quiet moments, the shared glances, the way she had leaned into him when she was afraid—it was all there, laid bare in the light of this new revelation. It was more than companionship; it was a bond that resonated through every fiber of his being.
If becoming an Eon meant he could share in her immortality, to experience the boundless love that she offered, then what was the cost? To soar through the skies, to feel the wind rushing through feathers instead of hair, to understand the whispers of the cosmos that Latias heard—it was a price he was willing to pay. He had conquered the Pokémon World Coronation Tournament and achieved his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master, but this was the ultimate challenge, the ultimate bond.
Ash took a deep breath and gently stroked Latias's face, his touch as light as a feather. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the deep, cosmic pools that had haunted his dreams and fueled his love. She looked up at him, the warmth of her gaze piercing his soul. Her chirp was friendly, a soft greeting to the new day, but there was a question in it, a silent query as to why he was looking at her like that.
Without another thought, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a good morning kiss, the warmth of his touch surprising her. For a moment, she was still, as if caught in the sudden glow of the sun's first rays. Then she melted into him, her feathers shivering with the intensity of the emotions she had held at bay for so long. The kiss was tender, filled with the promise of a future that neither had ever dared to dream of.
But just as their passion grew, threatening to overwhelm them both, a sudden giggle pierced the air. They broke apart, breathless, to find Pikachu staring at them, his already red cheeks reddening further with laughter. Ash blinked, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Pikachu," he whispered, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
The little electric mouse winked knowingly, his tail wagging with amusement. He had always known Ash's heart was a vast, uncharted sea, and it seemed that Latias had finally become the lighthouse guiding him home. Their bond was something Pikachu had never seen before, a tapestry of love and friendship so intricate that it was a wonder it had remained hidden for so long.
The previous night, as Latias and Ash shared their first real kiss, Pikachu felt a warmth spread through him, a kinship that transcended species. He knew that love came in many forms, and the love between his trainer and this ethereal being was a force that could illuminate even the darkest of nights. He watched them, his heart swelling with joy. The garden around them seemed to sigh with relief, the very air thick with the promise of a new dawn.
Ash, now fully awake, gently cradled Latias's face in his hands. Her eyes searched his, a silent question in their depths. She had admitted her true feelings through the kiss last night, did he feel the same? He nodded, confirming the truth that lay between them. Latias's cheeks flushed a soft pink, a rare sight for one of her kind, as she leaned into his touch. Her body was a study in grace, the delicate curve of her neck and the softness of her feathers. In that moment, the barrier between them felt as insubstantial as the mist that clung to the garden's edges.
Her eyes searched his further, looking for any hint of doubt or hesitation regarding their relationship. What she found instead was a love so strong, it could have moved mountains. The bond they shared was not just that of a trainer and a Pokémon; it was something more profound, something that resonated with the very essence of the universe. Ash's thumb stroked her cheek, the tender gesture speaking volumes of his affection.
The warmth of Latias's body against him made Ash's heart race. He had felt a connection to Pokémon before, but this was different. It was a bond that went beyond understanding, beyond the confines of their respective worlds. It was a love that whispered of destiny and fate, of stars aligning to bring them together. He knew he would do anything to protect her, to ensure her happiness.
"Latias," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I know it's crazy, but I... I think I'm in love with you."
The word hung in the air, a declaration that seemed to resonate with every living creature in the garden. The petals of the flowers fluttered in the sudden stillness, the water in the fountain stilled as if to listen. Latias's eyes widened, her feathers fluttering with the intensity of her feelings. She had felt it too, the unspoken longing that had grown between them. The realization was both terrifying and exhilarating.
Her response was not spoken in human words, but rather in the universal language of love. She nuzzled her head against his chest, her eyes closing as she let out a soft coo. The warmth of her breath and the gentle brush of her feathers sent a shiver down his spine. He wrapped his arms around her, his hand finding the smoothness of her neck, feeling the steady beat of her heart beneath his palm. It was a silent confession, a pledge of her own feelings, and it was all Ash needed to hear.
The weight of the world lifted from his shoulders, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt at peace. He knew that they had a long journey ahead of them, fraught with challenges they could not even begin to fathom. But in that moment, nestled in the Secret Garden of Alto Mare, with the first light of dawn breaking through the canopy of leaves, all that mattered was the love they shared.
Ash sat up, his eyes never leaving hers. Latias backed up slightly, resting her upper body in his lap. Her feathers ruffled with the movement, the softness of her skin a stark contrast to the firmness of his. Her eyes searched his, a silent question that seemed to ask if he truly meant the words he had spoken.
The air was charged with anticipation, the moment frozen in time. Then, with a tremble that started in the depths of his soul, Ash whispered, "Latias, I truly love you." The words hung between them, a declaration that seemed to resonate with every atom in the garden. The world around them grew still, as if even nature itself was holding its breath.
And in that stillness, a single tear slid down Latias's cheek, a crystalline bead of pure joy that caught the light of the breaking dawn. It was a tear that spoke of a love so deep, it had the power to heal the wounds of the soul. Ash reached up with his thumb, gently brushing it away. The warmth of his touch seemed to soothe the ache that had been festering in her heart for so long.
She cooed at him sadly, her expression becoming somber. He could see the question in her eyes, the fear that he would leave her again, just as he had after Latios's sacrifice. The weight of her pain was a burden he knew she could not bear alone. But he also knew that he would not leave her side, not now, not ever. He leaned in closer, whispering words of reassurance into her ear, his voice a gentle caress that seemed to resonate through her very being.
Latias listened, her eyes closing as she absorbed the warmth of his promise. Her breathing evened out, the tension in her body slowly dissipating. When she opened her eyes again, they shone with a newfound hope. She knew that together, they could conquer any challenge that lay ahead.
But then he spoke the unthinkable. "Latias," he began tentatively, "what if I became an Eon? Like you?"
The question hung in the air, thick and heavy with the weight of his words. Latias stared at him, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. It was an idea so foreign to her, so outside the realm of what she had ever considered possible. Her heart raced as she tried to understand what he was saying, what it would mean for both of them.
But as she searched his eyes, she saw the sincerity in his gaze, the depth of his love for her. It was a love that knew no bounds, that was willing to transcend the very nature of their existence. She didn't know how to react. This human-Eon bond of theirs twas unprecedented, a bridge that had never been crossed, and Ash was willing to go even farther. Yet, as she felt the warmth of his body against hers, the gentle pulse of his heart, she couldn't help but wonder if it was a possibility.
For a moment, she allowed herself to entertain the thought. To share the rush of the wind beneath feathered wings with another once again, to share in the immortality of her kind—it was tempting. But she knew the cost. To become an Eon was to leave behind everything he knew, everything he loved. His mother, his friends, the life he had built as a human—it was a sacrifice too great for any creature to bear.
Latias cooed again, this time with a hint of sadness. She knew the depth of his love, felt it in every fiber of her being. But she also knew that she could not be the reason for such a monumental change in his life. Her eyes searched his, willing him to understand. She didn't have the words to express her thoughts, but she hoped that he could feel the weight of her decision in the way she leaned into him.
Ash took a deep breath, his grip on her tightening slightly. "Latias," he whispered, "you don't need a human to love you. You need a partner who can understand you, who can share your world, your experiences." The words hurt to say, but he knew they were true. "I can't give you that as a human. But I won't leave you alone."
Her eyes gleamed with a mix of gratitude and sadness. She shook her head, her feathers ruffling slightly with the movement. The idea of him becoming an Eon was too much. She had felt the pain of her brother's sacrifice, the emptiness it had left in her heart. She couldn't bear the thought of causing that same pain to Ash. Her gaze was firm as she communicated her refusal without words, her eyes speaking volumes of her love and her need to protect him.
Pikachu, who had been quietly watching the exchange, let out a surprised "Pika!" His tail shot up, his tiny body stiffening with shock. He looked from Ash to Latias and back again, his eyes wide with understanding. He had witnessed the depth of their bond, the silent pact they had formed in the heart of the night. He knew that love had the power to overcome any obstacle, but he also knew the gravity of what Ash was suggesting.
Ignoring the electric mouse's protests, Ash turned back to Latias. "I know it's a lot to ask," he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "But I want to be with you, truly with you. I need to know if that's what you want too."
The weight of his words settled in the air, a silence that seemed to stretch on forever. Pikachu watched, his cheeks pulsing with anxiety as he waited for Latias's response. The Eon Pokémon sat there, her gaze unfaltering, a storm of emotions playing across her delicate features. Then, with a tremble that started at the tips of her wings and traveled through her body, she leaned in closer. Her feathers brushed against him, sending a shiver down his spine. Her eyes searched his, a silent plea that seemed to say more than any words could. Tears of guilt and desire trickled down her face, leaving a glistening trail in the early morning light. She cooed in a tone that was both mournful and hopeful, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of her longing. Her touch was like a soft whisper, a gentle acknowledgment of the yearning that had been building within her since her brother's sacrifice.
Ash felt a pang of sorrow, understanding that he was asking her to give him a gift she had never wanted to share. The idea of becoming an Eon was not just a transformation; it was a sacrifice that would rip him from the world he knew and plunge him into the vast, uncharted waters of her existence. Yet, the love he felt for her was so profound that he was willing to take that plunge, to leave everything behind and embrace the unknown. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that clung to her lashes. "I'm not just asking this for you," he said, his voice a gentle rumble. "I'm asking because I want to be with you, Latias. To understand you, to share in your joy and your pain, to be a part of your world."
Latias looked up at him, her eyes swimming with a mix of emotions that he could feel deep within his soul. She knew the depth of his love, the fierceness of his determination. Her heart ached with the weight of his sacrifice, but she also knew that love was a choice, a bridge built from moments like these. Her eyes searched his, a silent conversation that needed no words. She leaned into his touch, her feathers fluttering with the barest of nods. The warmth of her body against his was the only answer he needed.
The garden around them seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with anticipation. Pikachu, sensing the gravity of the moment, leapt onto Ash's shoulder. He looked at his trainer with eyes that seemed to hold a universe of love and concern. His cheeks were puffed out, his tail quivering with the weight of his emotions. "Pikachu," Ash whispered, his eyes never leaving Latias's. "I have to do this for both of us."
He reached up to rub Pikachu's cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring. "But you're always going to be by my side," he continued, "no matter what. Not even this will change that." The electric mouse's eyes searched his, trying to understand the depth of the human's resolve. He knew the bond between them was unbreakable, a bond forged in battles and adventures, a bond that had grown stronger with each shared victory and defeat. But this was different. This was a love that transcended friendship, that called for a sacrifice greater than any they had faced before.
"Pikachu," Ash murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I need you to understand. If I become an Eon, I won't leave you behind."
The electric mouse stared at him, his tiny body quivering with the intensity of the moment. His eyes searched Ash's, trying to find the truth in the depths of his trainer's soul. And there, in the warmth of that gaze, Pikachu saw the unshakeable resolve that had driven Ash through countless battles and trials. He knew that his trainer would not make such a decision lightly.
With a soft "Pika-pi," Pikachu nodded, his tail drooping slightly. He knew that love was a powerful force, one that could reshape destinies and defy the very laws of existence. But he also knew the pain of separation, the ache of loss. He was torn between his loyalty to Ash and his fear of losing the human he had known since the start of their journey. Yet, if this was what Ash truly desired, then Pikachu would stand by him, no matter the cost.
Latias, sensing the turmoil in her newfound friend's heart, leaned closer to Pikachu. With a gentle nuzzle, she licked his cheek, leaving a wet trail that sparkled with the remnants of her tears. Pikachu's eyes grew wide at the sudden gesture, but then softened as he felt the warmth of her love. It was a silent promise that she would never forget him, that he would always be welcome in their shared world.
Ash watched the interaction with a mix of hope and trepidation. He knew that Pikachu had been his constant companion for years, the Pokémon who had seen him at his best and his worst. The thought of losing that connection was more than he could bear, but the love he felt for Latias was a force that could not be denied. He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Pikachu's. "Pikachu," he said, his voice filled with emotion, "you're my best friend, and I can't do this without you."
The electric mouse looked up at him, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He knew that his trainer was asking for more than just his acceptance; he was asking for his blessing. And as he stared into the depths of Latias's soulful gaze, Pikachu realized that she was more than just a beautiful Pokémon; she was a creature of boundless love and kindness. The way she had cared for Ash, the way she had fought alongside him, was proof enough of her worthiness.
With a heavy heart, Pikachu took a deep breath. He knew that change was inevitable, that their journey together would soon take a path he had never imagined. But if it meant keeping Ash by his side, if it meant bringing happiness to the one he loved, then he would face it with courage. He turned to Latias and offered a tentative smile, his cheeks still flushed from her gentle touch.
Latias looked back at him with a soft coo, her eyes filled with a warmth that seemed to reach out and embrace him. She knew the bond between Ash and Pikachu was something special, something that transcended the ordinary ties between a trainer and a Pokémon. Her own love for Ash was a force of nature, a bond that could not be broken by the constraints of their different forms.
The air in the garden grew lighter, the tension dissipating like mist in the early dawn. The Pokémon around them watched, their gazes filled with wonder and curiosity. They could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the pulse of a love so pure it seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the universe.
Pikachu looked at Latias, his heart swelling with a warmth that was both comforting and new. He had always enjoyed playing with her, the way she would dart around with the grace of a dancer and the speed of the wind. Her gentle coos and the soft touch of her feathers had brought a smile to his face even during the darkest moments. If he was to be honest with himself, the thought of having her in their lives permanently didn't seem so bad.
But a sudden coo from Latias lingered in the air, filled with doubt and confusion. Pikachu knew what had her perplexed and couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety as well. The idea of Ash becoming an Eon was absurd, a fantasy that didn't have a place in the reality they knew. He knew his trainer was strong, brave, and filled with the kind of love that could conquer anything, but this was a realm beyond their understanding.
Ash, noticing the bewildered look on Latias's face, realized that his words might have been too hasty. He took a deep breath and leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know it sounds crazy," he said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "But I've seen the impossible before. I've felt it in every battle we've won together, in every friendship we've forged."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Remember the time I was turned into a Pikachu?" he asked, his gaze flickering towards the electric mouse on his shoulder. Pikachu nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving Latias. Ash turned back to Latias. "If that could happen, then surely there's a way for me to become an Eon, to be with you in the way you deserve."
Latias stared at him, her eyes wide with astonishment. The concept was alien to her, but the conviction in Ash's voice was undeniable. She had never heard of such a transformation, but she knew that the world was filled with mysteries and wonders that often eluded the understanding of both people and Pokémon. Her thoughts raced as she tried to process what he was saying.
Pikachu, sensing her confusion, leaped down from Ash's shoulder and began to speak in a series of squeaks and chirps, his tiny paws gesturing animatedly. Latias watched him, her eyes narrowing in concentration as she tried to piece together the story of a human transformed into a Pokémon. As he recounted the tale of Lily the witch and the botched spell, her gaze flitted back and forth between the electric mouse and her love.
The garden remained still, the only sounds the distant whispers of the city waking up and the rhythmic splashing of the fountain. Ash's heart raced as he watched Latias process the information, hoping she could find some shred of belief in the fantastical tale. Her eyes searched his, seeking reassurance, and he nodded, his smile gentle and earnest. "It's true," he said, his voice filled with wonder at the memory. "If that could happen, then maybe anything can."
With a deep breath, he continued, "Latias, I want to be with you, not as a human, but as an equal. I want to feel the sky beneath our wings, to explore the canals with you, to share in the immortal dance of the Eon Pokémon." He took her hand in his, the warmth of her feathers sending a jolt through his body. "That's why I plan to seek out Lily," he whispered, his voice filled with determination. "I want to ask her to cast a spell, to make me into a Latios, only this time I want the change to be permanent, so I can be with you forever."
The words hung in the air, a declaration that seemed to resonate with every leaf in the garden. Latias's eyes searched his, her mind racing with the implications of his proposal. The love and longing in his voice were palpable, a force that seemed to reach out and touch her very soul. She felt a surge of emotion, a cocktail of joy and fear that threatened to overwhelm her. Her heart swelled with gratitude, but she couldn't shake the thought of the cost—the human life he would leave behind, the family and friends who would grieve for him.
Her resolve wavered, her eyes brimming with tears that she hadn't allowed herself to shed since her brother's sacrifice. And then, with a suddenness that took even Ash by surprise, she threw herself into his arms. Her feathers enveloped him in a warm embrace, her body trembling with the weight of her decision to accept his willingness to give up everything he knew for her, for them. He held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her tears against his neck as they fell. It was a moment of pure, unbridled emotion, a testament to the depth of their bond.
Pikachu watched, his cheeks pulsing with the intensity of his own feelings. He knew that this was not a decision to be made lightly, but he also knew that love could move mountains. The sight of his trainer, so willing to give up his humanity for the sake of the Pokémon he loved, filled him with a mix of awe and sadness. Yet, as he saw the peace that settled over Latias's features, the way she leaned into Ash's embrace as if she had found a piece of herself she had lost, Pikachu couldn't help but feel a sense of rightness in the moment.
He knew that love came in many forms, and the bond between Ash and Latias was something he had never encountered before. It was a love that transcended the boundaries of species and form, a bond that was as strong as any he had seen. He knew that if Ash became an Eon, he would lose the human he had grown to love, the friend who had been with him through countless battles and adventures.
But as he watched Ash and Latias, their love for each other palpable in the stillness of the garden, Pikachu understood. The way they looked at each other, the way their bodies seemed to fit together—it was a bond that deserved to be whole. He knew that Ash's love was vast enough to encompass them all, and that even as a Latios, he would still be the same caring and courageous trainer Pikachu had always known. With a heavy heart, he made peace with the idea that change was inevitable, that sometimes love required the most profound of sacrifices.
The human's arms tightened around Latias, and she could feel the warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart. She knew that this was what her brother had felt, the love that had driven him to give his life to save hers, to save Alto Mare. Her thoughts grew quiet as she allowed herself to simply be in that moment, to bask in the warmth of their connection. The tears on her feathers grew fewer, replaced by a gentle sense of peace that seemed to emanate from the very core of her being.
And then, as if pulled by an invisible force, Ash's lips found hers once more. The kiss was tender, filled with a love that seemed to echo through the very fabric of the garden. The air around them shimmered with a soft light, and the petals of the flowers fluttered gently as if in approval. Latias felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of belonging that she had not felt since her brother's sacrifice. The taste of him was sweet, like the nectar of the most fragrant of blooms, and she found herself leaning into the kiss, her own love for him spilling over.
The moment was broken by the distant sound of the city coming to life, the calls of Pokémon and the murmur of early risers. Ash pulled away, his eyes shining with determination. He knew what he had to do. He had to find Lily, to make this transformation possible. For Latias, for their future together.
"We need to go," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "We're going to find Lily. I'll come back to you, I promise."
With a heavy heart, Ash broke the embrace, the warmth of her feathers lingering on his skin. Latias hovered into the air, her eyes searching his, a silent question in her gaze. He knew she was concerned about the journey ahead, but he also knew she has to stay in Alto Mare, no matter what.
"No," he said firmly, "you need to stay here, Latias. You're the guardian of this city, and your people need you." Her feathers ruffled in protest, but he held her gaze, his voice steady. "I'll come back to you. I promise."
But Latias wasn't swayed. She nuzzled him, desperate to go with him. Her eyes were pools of sadness, and he knew it was not just the journey that troubled her. It was the distance, the separation that would come with it. He felt a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving her behind, but he knew it was for the best. He had to find Lily, to make this transformation happen.
But before he could insist again, she leaned in and kissed him. It was not a kiss of passion, but one of desperation. Her warm, feathery embrace enveloped him, and through her kiss, he could feel her soul reaching out to him, begging him not to leave her here. Her love was a tangible force that seemed to fill every part of him, and at that moment, Ash felt his resolve waver. The idea of leaving her was like ripping out a piece of his heart, and he knew that for Latias, it would be unbearable.
Taking a deep breath, he made his decision. "Alright," he said as he broke the kiss, his voice a soft whisper. "You can come with me." The relief in her eyes was palpable, and she clung to him even tighter.
Gently, he held her at arms length. "But," he added, his gaze serious, "first, we have to tell Lorenzo and Bianca. They're our friends. They deserve to know what's happening."
Latias nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. Since her brother's passing, she had pushed away those who cared for her, too caught up in her grief to see their love. But now, with Ash by her side, she could appreciate the warmth and kindness they offered. Her eyes searched his, seeking reassurance, and he gave it freely.
With a sudden flicker, Latias's body turned invisible, a trick her kind can use to evade the prying eyes of the humans. Pikachu's eyes grew wide at the sight, his cheeks puffing out in amazement. He had seen her do this before, but it never ceased to amaze him. Ash, too, was in awe, feeling the weight of her invisible presence against his body as they exited through the garden's hidden entrance.