Chapter 5: A Morning To Remember.

The early morning light washed over them as they passed through the illusionary wall. The streets of Alto Mare were still mostly empty, the cobblestones shimmering with dew. Latias's hand remained in Ash's, a ghostly pressure guiding him through the waking city. They passed by sleepy Pokémon, the occasional trainer beginning their day, and the faint scent of freshly baked goods wafted from a nearby bakery.

As they approached the museum, the grandeur of its architecture stood tall against the soft hues of dawn. Latias led him to the side entrance, her invisible form gliding through the air like a specter of hope. Ash felt a pang of excitement and trepidation mingle in his chest; he knew the gravity of their quest, but the thrill of the unknown didn't deter him, but propelled him forward.

Inside, the museum was a maze of corridors and galleries, each one showcasing a different aspect of Alto Mare's rich history. Latias's ghostly touch grew warmer as she navigated the space with a familiarity that spoke of countless visits. They moved swiftly and silently, avoiding the prying eyes of any early visitors or museum staff. The air was thick with the scent of dust and ancient artifacts, a silent testament to the stories they held within.

Finally, they arrived at the chamber where the DMA was housed. The massive machine loomed in the center of the room, its intricate gears and gyroscopes casting long shadows in the dim light. The room was a stark contrast to the serene beauty of the garden, a testament to the human pursuit of power and knowledge. Ash felt a sense of foreboding as they entered, but the warmth of Latias's hand kept his fear at bay.

As they approached, Lorenzo, who had been examining the DMA, looked up from his work, his eyes lighting up when he saw them. "Ash," he exclaimed, rushing over. "You're awake!" He was flanked by a concerned-looking Bianca, who had been standing next to him, who clutched a sketchbook tightly to her chest.

Ash nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah," he said, his voice still groggy from sleep. "How did you know we were coming?"

Bianca held out her sketchbook, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and affection. "I saw you two earlier," she said, flipping through the pages to reveal a stunningly detailed drawing of him and Latias, nestled together in the soft embrace of the garden. "You looked so peaceful."

Latias, still invisible, blushed a deep shade of pink. She hadn't realized anyone had seen them, and the thought of being caught in such an intimate moment was both mortifying and strangely comforting. She felt a gentle squeeze from Ash's hand and knew that he understood her feelings.

"Why did you come back, Ash?" Lorenzo asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. He knew that something profound had occurred between the boy and the Eon Pokémon, judging by how intimate his granddaughter's sketch looked.

Ash took a deep breath and looked at his friends. "There's something I need to tell you both," he said, his eyes flickering between Lorenzo and Bianca. "But it's something we should discuss in private."

Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Why can't we talk here?" he asked, looking around the empty museum chamber.

Ash took a step closer, his eyes intense. "It's more than just Pikachu and me here at the moment," he said, holding up his empty hand. To Lorenzo and Bianca's astonishment, they saw Latias's invisible form take shape, her translucent hand nestled in his. "Latias is with us."

Bianca's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth forming an 'o' of wonder. Lorenzo, ever the pragmatist, quickly masked his shock. "Ah," he said, nodding gravely. "The bond between the two of you seems to have grown even stronger."

Ash felt a mix of embarrassment and pride. He knew their relationship was unconventional, but the depth of his feelings for Latias was undeniable. "Yeah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "More than I ever imagined. And you guys too, I suspect."

Bianca looked at them with a confused expression, while Lorenzo's eyes searched his face, understanding the gravity of what he had just revealed. "We should go somewhere more private," he suggested gently. "Legendary Pokémon need to be careful."

They made their way back to the Secret Garden, the same place where Ash's new, self-appointed journey had begun not moments ago. The air was cooler now, the dew on the leaves glistening like a thousand tiny jewels in the early morning light. The fountain's gentle melody served as a backdrop to their whispers, the only sound to break the tranquility of the dawn. Latias, her invisibility lifted, hovered slightly above the ground, her eyes never leaving Ash's as they walked side by side; or hovered, in Latias's case.

"So why have you returned to Alto Mare again?" Lorenzo asked, his voice low and filled with genuine curiosity. "I thought you had said your goodbyes when you left us."

Ash looked at him, his expression earnest. "I didn't plan on coming back," he admitted. "But several nights ago, something strange happened. I was visited by Darkrai."

The mention of the name sent a chill down Lorenzo's spine. His eyes narrowed as he studied Ash carefully, his mind racing with questions. "What did he want?" he asked, his voice tight with tension.

Bianca gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. She had heard whispers of the shadowy Pokémon, the one who could manipulate dreams and bend them to his will, as well as how he supposedly fed on nightmares. The thought of such a creature approaching Ash filled her with fear. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Ash nodded, his grip on Latias's hand tightening. "Darkrai didn't want to hurt me," he said, his voice steady. "He came because he was worried about Latias. Her nightmares had become too powerful, too painful for her to handle on her own."

Lorenzo's eyes grew wide with understanding. "Ah," he murmured, looking at the Eon Pokémon with newfound respect. "The bond between the two of you is indeed strong. It's not often that a Darkrai would seek out help for a creature in distress."

Bianca, however, remained puzzled. "But I thought Darkrai was dangerous," she whispered, looking at Latias with a mix of awe and fear. "They say he feeds on the nightmares of the innocent."

"It's true," Ash said, his voice gentle. "But that doesn't mean he's evil. It's just his nature. Darkrai has his own kind of compassion, you see. He sensed Latias's pain, and when he realized it was too much for her to bear alone, he had to do something." He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Latias's. "That's when he came to me. He guided me here, so I could help her."

Latias hovered in the air, her feathers fluttering slightly with the revelation. She had been so lost in her grief, so consumed by the nightmare, that she hadn't noticed the shadowy presence that had led Ash to her. How had she been so oblivious to a Pokémon so powerful? It was a humbling thought, one that filled her with a newfound respect for the creature of the night.

Her eyes searched the shadows, looking for any sign of Darkrai. She had heard the whispers of his kind, the legendary Pokémon who could weave dreams and nightmares at will. Yet, she had never encountered him before, not even in her deepest, most painful moments of solitude. It was a testament to the depth of Ash's love and the strength of their bond that he had come to her aid, even when she didn't know she needed it.

With a heavy heart, Ash turned to Lorenzo and Bianca. "I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly," he said, his voice thick with regret. "I didn't realize Latias was suffering this much."

Lorenzo waved off his apology with a gentle smile. "Don't be silly," he said, his eyes warm. "You're training to be a Pokémon Master. Your journey takes you to many places, and we know that sometimes you stumble upon challenges you couldn't have anticipated."

Bianca stepped closer, her gaze shifting between Ash and Latias. "But what now?" she asked tentatively. "Do you plan on staying here until she feels better?"

Ash's expression grew solemn. "No," he said, his eyes never leaving Latias. "We need to find a way to ensure she never has to endure those nightmares again." He paused, swallowing hard. "And because of that, I've made a decision."

Latias looked at him, her eyes wide with anticipation. The bond between them grew stronger with every heartbeat, and she could feel the gravity of his words before he even spoke them.

"I've decided," Ash began, his voice strong and sure, "that I want to become an Eon Pokémon." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his decision. "I want to share Latias's immortality, to be by her side always. To understand her fully, I need to become one with her world."

Bianca's hand flew to her mouth again, her eyes wide with shock. Lorenzo's face paled, the color draining away until he looked like one of the ancient statues that adorned the garden. "An Eon Pokémon," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "But Ash, that's..." He trailed off, unable to find the right words.

"I know," Ash said, his voice firm. "It's a huge decision, and I've thought about it a lot. But I've seen the power of love and friendship, and I know it can overcome anything." He looked at Latias, her eyes filled with a silent plea. "I want to be with her forever."

Lorenzo and Bianca exchanged a look, their eyes reflecting the tumult of emotions they were feeling. "But Ash," Lorenzo began, his voice filled with concern, "you've only known Latias for such a short time. Why do this for her? Why give up being human for her?"

Ash swallowed, his throat dry. "It's not about time," he said, his voice firm despite his trembling hands. "It's about connection. And what we have..." He looked at Latias, who was now hovering before him, her eyes filled with an intensity that made his heart race. "It's something that goes beyond time."

Before he could say another word, Latias leaned in, her feathers brushing against his cheek as she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was gentle, but it contained a fierce determination that spoke louder than any words could. The garden seemed to hold its breath around them, the very air charged with emotion as the two beings from different worlds affirmed their bond.

Bianca's eyes grew wide with shock, both hands covering her mouth this time. Lorenzo's eyes were equally as large, his mind racing to process what he was seeing. The guardian of Alto Mare, the very symbol of the city's protection and beauty, was kissing a human. It was an image that would have been unthinkable just days ago, and yet here it was, unfolding before their very eyes.

In that moment they realized Ash didn't just have a deep affection for Latias, they were in love.

The garden seemed to respond to the kiss, the flowers blooming brighter, the fountain's water dancing in joyous arcs. The air was charged with a power that neither of them could fully comprehend, a testament to the depth of the bond that had formed between Latias and Ash. As they pulled away, the light that had surrounded them faded, leaving only the gentle glow of the early morning sun.

Lorenzo and Bianca remained silent for a long moment, their eyes wide with shock and awe. "How did this happen?" Lorenzo finally managed to ask, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and confusion.

"It's not something I can explain," Ash replied, his eyes still locked on Latias. "It just did. And I wouldn't change it for anything."

Lorenzo nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "I understand that love can be... unpredictable," he murmured. "But a bond such as this, between a human and a Pokémon, is something that has not been seen in many, many years. It is a rare and powerful thing."

Ash felt a surge of emotion, his eyes still never leaving Latias's. "I know," he said, his voice filled with awe. "But I also know that it's real." He paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I actually believe it was Cresselia's influence that allowed me to see what I couldn't before. To feel what she feels."

Lorenzo's eyes grew even wider at the mention of Cresselia. "The Pokémon Of Good Dreams," he murmured, his gaze searching the shadows of the garden. "It's true, she is Darkrai's counterpart, a force of light to balance his darkness. If she has had a hand in this..." He trailed off, his voice filled with wonder.

Ash nodded, his heart swelling with emotion. "I think she did," he said, his voice filled with awe. "When I was in the garden with her, she showed me what it was to truly love without fear of loss. And when I saw Latias in pain, I knew that I had to do whatever it took to help her."

Bianca looked from Ash to Latias, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's so beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "But..." she took a deep breath, steeling herself. "What does this mean for you, Ash?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of its implications. Becoming an Eon Pokémon was no small feat; it was a transformation that would alter the very fabric of his existence. Ash looked at Latias, her eyes shining with hope and love, and he knew he had made the right decision.

"It means I'll have to give up a lot," he said finally, his voice strong despite the tremor in his chest. "My life as I know it, the friends I've made along the way, the adventures we've shared." He took a deep breath, looking around the garden that had become so precious to him. "But if it means being with Latias, understanding her world and protecting it, then I'm willing to make that sacrifice."

Bianca's eyes grew misty, and she stepped closer, reaching out to gently touch Ash's arm. "We'll miss you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "But if this is what you truly wish for, then we'll support you."

Lorenzo nodded solemnly, his gaze drifting to the garden around them. "The transformation is not something to be taken lightly," he warned, his voice filled with the wisdom of years. "But if you are certain, then we will do what we can to help you."

Ash's grip on Latias's hand tightened, his eyes shining with determination. "There's no reason to miss me," he said to Bianca, trying to keep his voice from cracking. "I'll be right here, with Latias." He looked up at her, his heart pounding in his chest. "And together, we'll watch over Alto Mare."

Bianca's grip on his arm tightened, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But it won't be the same," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Ash nodded, his own eyes misting over. "I know," he said, his voice tight with the weight of his decision. "But Latias has been alone for too long. She needs someone to share this burden with her, to understand her world and help her in a way that no one else can." He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the gravity of his words. "And I'm the one she needs."

"But how do you intend to become an Eon Pokémon?" Lorenzo asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "It's not a simple matter of wishing it so."

Ash took a deep breath, his eyes shining with the memory of a past encounter. "I've met someone who can help us," he said. "Her name is Lily, and she's a powerful witch."

Lorenzo and Bianca exchanged skeptical glances, but the conviction in Ash's voice kept them from voicing their doubts. "A witch?" Lorenzo repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Ash nodded, his smile filled with nostalgia. "Yeah," he said, his eyes drifting to a distant memory. "I met her before I came to Alto Mare the first time." He recounted the whimsical tale of their encounter, how she had approached him with a peculiar request. She needed assistance with a spell, one that would bridge the gap between the worlds of humans and Pokémon. A spell that would allow a human to understand a Pokémon's language, the very essence of their thoughts and feelings.

The memory was as vivid as if it had happened just yesterday. Lily had been a whirlwind of energy, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she explained the intricacies of the spell. The ingredients had been exotic and rare, the incantation ancient and complex. Ash had felt honored to be a part of something so extraordinary, so powerful. He had never imagined that it would change him in such a profound way.

"I was supposed to help her," he said, his voice filled with the excitement of the memory. "But the spell... it went wrong. Somehow, I ended up as a Pikachu."

Bianca's eyes grew wide, her hand moving to her mouth to stifle a giggle. Lorenzo's skepticism melted into astonishment. "A human transformed into a Pokémon?" he breathed. "This is a tale worthy of the legends."

"It's true," Ash said, his voice filled with wonder. "And even though it was only for a short time, it changed the way I saw the world." His gaze returned to Latias, who hovered nearby, watching the exchange with a gentle smile. "It's because of that experience that I understand what Latias needs, and what I'm willing to give up to be with her."

Lorenzo's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of what Ash was saying. "But why do you think Lily will help you become a Latios?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. "Her spells are not to be taken lightly."

"I know," Ash replied, his eyes never leaving Latias's. "But she owes me a favor. And she's a good person, and I believe she can see the strength of our bond, as well as realize how much this will mean for the both of us. If anyone can help us, it's her.."

Bianca's eyes grew large with curiosity. "A witch owes you a favor?" she asked, her voice filled with incredulity. "What could you possibly have done for her?"

Ash chuckled, remembering the absurdity of the situation. "Well, it turns out that the last time we met, Pikachu's Thunderbolt was the one ingredient she was missing for her spell," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was the purest form of electricity she had ever encountered."

Lorenzo's eyebrows shot up. "Ah, so you're a celebrity in the witch world too," he said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"I guess you could say that," Ash said, a small smile playing on his lips. He looked back at Latias, his expression growing serious once more. "Me, Pikachu and Latias need to leave Alto Mare soon," he said, his voice firm. "We have to find Lily."

The color drained from Lorenzo's face, and even Bianca looked alarmed. "But Latias can't leave," Lorenzo protested. "Alto Mare needs her. She's the guardian of this city!"

Latias's eyes grew misty, and she let out a mournful chirp, her body language speaking volumes. She hovered behind Ash, her hands resting gently on his shoulders as she nuzzled his cheek. Her eyes pleaded with her oldest friends, filled with a desperation that seemed to echo the very essence of her soul. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was an unmistakable sadness in her gaze, a longing for the connection they had all shared.

"I know what you're saying," Ash murmured, his voice thick with emotion as he addressed Lorenzo and Bianca. "But I've seen what Latias has gone through, and I can't bear the thought of her being in pain. She's been carrying this burden for so long, and now that we're together..." He paused, his eyes shining with determination. "I just can't imagine being apart from her."

Latias chirped mournfully, her eyes reflecting the same intensity of feeling that Ash's voice held. Her wings fluttered slightly, and a soft glow emanated from her body, the light playing off the dew-covered leaves around them. It was a sound that spoke of shared sorrow, of understanding that was deeper than words could ever convey. The bond between them was palpable, a silent conversation that resonated in the very air of the garden.

With a grace that belied her inner turmoil, Latias moved closer to Ash, her eyes never leaving his. She knew the path ahead was fraught with danger, but she also knew that she couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him again. The pain of their parting was still fresh in her heart, a wound that had barely begun to heal.

Lorenzo and Bianca watched the silent exchange, the understanding dawning on them that this was more than just a fleeting infatuation. The bond between Ash and Latias was something unbreakable and profound, a connection that transcended species and time. They knew that if they tried to separate them, they would be causing more harm than good.

"Very well. We'll find a way," Lorenzo said, his voice firm. "Alto Mare will survive without her for a short time. We'll figure it out."

The weight of his words settled over the garden, the silence a stark contrast to the vibrant life that usually flourished within its walls. Latias looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and offered a small nod of gratitude. Her heart was heavy, but the thought of not being by Ash's side was unbearable.

Bianca took a step back, her hand dropping from her mouth as she watched the exchange. "We understand," she said finally, her voice trembling. "Alto Mare will miss her while she's gone, but we know she's in good hands with you, Ash."

Ash nodded, his eyes never leaving Latias's. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude. "We'll come back as soon as we can. I promise."

With a heavy heart, he turned to the path that led out of the Secret Garden. "We should get going," he said, his voice filled with a determination that didn't quite mask the sadness that lingered beneath. "The sooner we find Lily, the sooner we can make this happen."

Latias hovered beside him, her eyes never leaving his. She knew the gravity of his decision, the weight of the promise he had made. She also knew that he was right; they needed to leave soon. But the thought of leaving behind the place she had called home for so long was almost too much to bear.

"We'll come back," Ash repeated, as if reading her mind. "Alto Mare will have two guardians once more. Together, we'll watch over this city, and nothing will ever harm it." His voice was firm, filled with a conviction that made Latias's heart swell with hope.

Latias felt a warmth spread through her, a warmth that didn't come from the sun's rays. It was the warmth of love and determination that emanated from the boy beside her. Hearing the voice of the one she loved, the voice that had become a beacon of comfort and protection in the darkest of her nightmares, was enough to steel her resolve. She was more determined to go with him than ever, ready to face whatever lay ahead.