FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Note: This takes place a year and a half after Ian and Latias first mate. It is a continuation of Adventures in Altomare, and as always, read, review, and enjoy. And without further ado, let the story begin. ;3

---

** ** A year and a half passed in a blur of happiness for Latias and me after we mated. We spent all of our time together, playing or simply sitting, walking, or flying together in the Garden and around Altomare, finding secret spots where we could spend some time alone together, delighting in the pleasure of each others company. A new Soul Dew now rested in the fountain in the Garden, shimmering golden and red, the result of our love. One day we were walking along the docks in our human forms, holding hands and having a private, telepathic conversation when we noticed a boat drifting into the dock that looked vaguely familiar to me. I was trying desperately to think why it looked so familiar, Latias laughing at the exaggerated faces I was making as I thought when a familiar figure stepped out of the boat onto the dock. I stared in shock for a moment before I called out to him.

"Lucas! Hey, over here!" I yelled as I waved to get his attention. He turned in surprise and his mouth dropped open in amazement as he saw me.

"Ian?! What the heck man?! What are you doing here?" he said in his deep, booming voice. He was around five feet and ten inches tall, roughly the same height as me, had long, wavy blonde hair and brown eyes. He was wearing his usual clothes, a green t-shirt, blue jeans with a belt holding his Pokéballs, and white sneakers. I laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.

"I've been here for the last two years, Lucas." I replied. "Some... Things, happened when I first arrived here, and I decided to quit my journey as a Trainer and stay here in Altomare." Latias smiled and blushed. Lucas looked at her, and back to me. His face lit up in understanding.

"Ah. So you found someone then? But I thought you--" he started to say but I cut him off by shaking my head and smiling.

"You'll see. We'll explain it some other time." I said. He looked puzzled, but shrugged and nodded. "Her name is Bree. Bree, I'd like you to meet my old friend Lucas Lane." I said, and Latias blushed and nodded shyly as Lucas bowed dramatically. I rolled my eyes at his classic dramatics as he straightened and grinned. He turned back to the boat and stepped inside for a moment before he reappeared, leading someone else. As they stepped back onto the dock the someone was revealed to be a Gardevoir, and I smiled happily. "I was wondering where you were." I said. "Bree, this is Lucas' companion and guardian, Gardevoir." I introduced her. Latias smiled and nodded again, then jumped in surprise when we heard a telepathic voice in our heads.

_ Nice to meet you, Bree._ the feminine voice said. Recognizing Gardevoir's voice, I wasn't nearly as surprised as Latias. She looked at Gardevoir in astonishment for several moments, Lucas and I grinning widely at her shock, Gardevoir blushing under her intense scrutiny. I touched Latias on her shoulder, and she looked at me.

"Gardevoir learned long ago how to use her powerful psychic abilities to speak telepathically, and she also learned human language." I explained. She nodded understanding for Lucas and Gardevoir's benefit as she talked to me telepathically.

_ So, like us then?_ she asked.

_ Yep._ I replied and smiled. Gardevoir started slightly and stared hard at us for a moment before seeming to shrug to herself. "So, Lucas, what brings you here?" I asked as we started wandering away from the dock.

"Well, I decided to come for a couple of reasons." he replied. "Firstly, because I wanted to compete in the Tour de Altomare in a couple of months. Secondly, because I heard a rumor about some guy abducting a Legendary Pokémon called Latias and using it to activate something called the Defense Mechanism of Altomare, but he failed. I was hoping I might get to at least see Latias, or, failing that, to find out if the rumor is true." he continued. Latias and I flinched as he mentioned his second reason, and I reflexively clenched my fists as Latias hugged my arm tightly. Gardevoir noticed and nudged Lucas gently, causing him to stop walking and watch us curiously.

_ What's wrong, you two?_ Gardevoir asked. Forcing myself to relax, I gave a fake smile as Latias slightly relaxed her grip on my arm.

"Nothing. Nothing at all." I replied, and she and Lucas studied us a moment longer before shrugging and we all kept walking. "So you want to be in the Tour de Altomare, huh? Maybe I'll join you." I said, grinning at the idea of competing with Lucas just like we used to do. "Though I freed all my Pokémon. I'll have to try and find a new water Pokémon." I continued, but Lucas grinned and shook his head.

"Nah, I'll let you borrow one of mine." he said.

"Really? Thanks Lucas!" I smiled, and Latias grinned at my enthusiasm.

"So, do you two need a place to stay while you're here?" I asked. Lucas rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Um, yes actually... Do you guys know anywhere we could stay?" he asked, laughing a little. I grinned at his customary lack of detailed planning as I looked at Latias and she nodded.

"We have a friend that might be willing to let you stay for as long as you want." I said.

"Great! Thanks you two." Lucas replied gratefully.

"You know, if you would actually plan things out you'd never have to worry about things like this." I grinned at Lucas as Latias and I took the lead, Lucas and Gardevoir following us across Altomare until we came to Bianca's house. I knocked several times, and after a moment Bianca pulled open the door, blinking in surprise at Lucas and Gardevoir.

"Hey Bianca. This is my old friend Lucas Lane, and this is his companion Gardevoir. I told them you might be willing to let them stay as long as they're in Altomare, if that's alright with you?" I asked. She smiled and nodded.

"Of course. Any friends of yours are friends of mine." she said, and she lead us through the ground floor, which was filled on one side by boats, the other side by her drawings and up to the second floor of her house. "Second door on the left is the guest room, third door on the right is the bathroom if you need it." Bianca said before going back down the stairs. The four of us went into the guest room, which contained a single bed for two people, a desk with a chair, a single bedside table with a lamp on it, and a sliding glass door leading out onto a balcony overlooking the canal that ran beside the house. Lucas and Gardevoir looked around the room before looking at Latias and I.

"So... Where are you guys gonna sleep?" Lucas asked.

"We stay somewhere else." I replied as Latias and I walked out onto the balcony. "We'll see you guys tomorrow." I continued as we turned back and I winked at them mischievously. Latias and I turned and leapt over the balcony railing, falling into the canal below as Lucas and Gardevoir rushed to the railing.

"You could've just used the stairs you know!" Lucas yelled laughingly as Latias and I swam to the edge of the canal and climbed out, soaking wet.

"Yeah, but this way's faster!" I yelled back as I grinned, waving as we started walking away. We walked all the way back across Altomare until we came to the fake wall that hid the Garden. We looked around to make sure no one was watching before we walked straight through the wall and into the Garden, which had become our home. We had experimented with the powers Latios had given me when he gave me his soul, and we found that I could still use them even in human form, even flying and becoming invisible, which came in very useful for practical jokes. I smiled at Latias as my form shimmered and changed, becoming my true form, a gold and white jet-like Pokémon, and Latias followed suit, becoming a red and white jet-like Pokémon. I took off, flying through the Garden with Latias chasing after me.

For a couple of hours we chased each other through the Garden, until we finally curled up together in our favorite sleeping spot; a large branch high up in one of the bigger trees. Just before I fell asleep, I heard Latias' voice faintly in my mind.

_ I love you, Ian..._ Her voice trailed off, and I looked over to see that she had fallen asleep.

_ I love you too, Latias, my mate_... I said quietly as I smiled and kissed her cheek gently before slipping quietly off into sleep.

Several months passed, filled with the four of us talking and hanging out, and Lucas loaned me his Squirtle so I could race against him in the upcoming Tour de Altomare, which was less than a month away. Lucas and I staged many mock races through the canals of Altomare, narrowly missing boats and gondolas and laughing at the drivers who shook fists at us good-naturedly. One day, barely a week before the race, Latias and I were in the Garden, curled up together on a branch and relaxing in human form. I was getting drowsy, and had almost fallen asleep when an extremely powerful mental cry echoed throughout the Garden.

_ Someone, help!_ I heard Gardevoir's voice, and Latias did as well. I jerked straight up.

"Latias, stay here. I'll be right back." I said quickly, and she nodded, worry clear in her honey-gold eyes.

_ Be careful, Ian._ she replied. I smiled and kissed her gently before nodding. Then, not even bothering to change from human form, I jumped straight up, becoming invisible as I flew straight up and out of the Garden. I flew over the city quickly, trying desperately to spot Lucas and Gardevoir. When I finally found them, Gardevoir had been paralyzed and was leaned up against a wall helplessly, and Lucas was backing away from a Trainer and a Raichu, which was getting ready to shock Lucas as well. A cold fury burned in my chest as I became visible and plummeted straight down, landing right in front of Lucas on one knee with such force, the ground shook.

"I-Ian?..." Lucas said in confusion.

"Yes." I said as I straightened up, before turning my attention to the Trainer. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, my friend." I said to him, seeing he was about to have his Raichu attack me.

"Oh, really?" he snarled.

"Yes, really." I said, my voice hard, sharp, and cold as a steel blade. "These are my friends, so if I were you, I'd just turn around and go home." I continued.

"Yeah? What if I don't? What are you gonna do then, huh?" the Trainer sneered condescendingly.

"You really don't want to find out. This is your last warning, kid. Go home." I replied, my expression darkening.

"Yeah, not gonna happen. Raichu! Thunder attack!" the Trainer yelled, and the Raichu let loose a powerful bolt of lightning.

"Ian! Watch ou--" Lucas's warning died away as I simply sighed and held my right hand forward, palm out. The lightning struck my palm, but instead of shocking me, it was deflected, leaving a jagged scorch mark on the wall to my left.

"I can do that too." I said casually as my hands erupted in a crackling aura of dark blue lightning. I pointed both of my index fingers at the Raichu, and the lightning blazed from my hands and sped towards it. The twin bolts slammed into the Raichu with enough force to send it flying across a canal and several inches into a stone wall, where it let out a pained cry and slumped to the ground and stayed there, unconscious. The Trainer panicked and tried to run, but my right hand glowed deep blue briefly, and he was yanked back to my hand. I grasped the collar of his shirt tightly.

"You should have listened when I told you to go home, kid." I said calmly, and turned to drag the hysterical Trainer kicking and screaming to Altomare's jail. On my way past Gardevoir, I paused and reached down, touching her shoulder briefly and sending a small measure of power into her, healing the paralysis. Gardevoir smiled thankfully at me, and Lucas helped her up so they could follow me through Altomare until we reached the jail. I disappeared inside with the Trainer and explained to the police that I had found him trying to attack my friends. The police ignored his panicked and frenzied shouting that I wasn't human as they dragged him off, deeper into the prison. I left the jail, and before either Lucas or Gardevoir could say a word, I gestured for them to follow me.

"Don't worry, I'm going to explain, but for now, just follow me, okay?" I said tiredly, and they nodded. I led them across Altomare until we came to the fake wall that hid the Garden. I smiled tiredly over my shoulder at them before I walked through the wall. I turned once I was through and waited for them to follow me. They came through shortly, their expressions showing shock, awe, and wonder all at once. I smiled and chuckled a bit.

"Come on, follow me." I said again, and they followed me through the Garden, their heads swiveling this way and that, trying to see everything at once. We got to the tree Latias and I had been relaxing in before I left, and I yelled up the tree.

"Bree! Everything's alright, you can come down now! Lucas and Gardevoir are here!" I yelled. Lucas and Gardevoir looked up in surprise as Latias, still in Bree's form, came floating down out of the tree. As soon as she touched ground, she came over and hugged my arm firmly. I looked at her in surprise.

Since when have you been able to use your powers in your human form? I asked in astonishment.

I don't know. Possibly always, I've just never tried before now. Are you okay love? What happened? she asked worriedly, looking up at me with concern etched in her expression.

_ _

_ Some Trainer decided to attack Lucas and Gardevoir. I took care of him, though it revealed the powers Latios gave me._ I said, and her expression shifted from anger at someone attacking innocent people, to relief and happiness that we were all okay, to worried. I smiled and kissed her softly. Don't worry, my mate. I trust them, and I don't think they'd stop being my friends just because I'm different now. I told her, smiling reassuringly at her before turning back to the other two. "Alright, time for explanations." I said aloud, and they nodded. "First, her name isn't really Bree," I said. "It's Latias." Lucas' and Gardevoir's mouths dropped open in shock. "Lucas, you remember when you said you'd like to see Latias? Well, you've been seeing her almost every day since you got here." I laughed at his pole-axed expression. "Exactly." I said. I turned to Latias. Sorry I didn't tell you before love, but Lucas is also the only other person who knows about me preferring Pokémon over humans. That's why he was so surprised and confused when he saw you were 'human'. I said with the mental equivalent of an apologetic tone. It's okay to show him, I trust him and Gardevoir more than anyone besides you. I continued, and she looked at me for a moment before nodding, letting go of my arm and stepping away from me a little. She began to glow as she changed forms, until the glow winked out to reveal her in her true form. Lucas and Gardevoir looked at her in shock.

"Well, that explains why she can't talk..." Lucas muttered.

_ Um, actually I can talk, thank you very much._ Latias said to him. He just stood there for a minute before slamming the heel of his hand against his forehead. I burst out laughing, as did Latias, the sound of our laughter echoing throughout the Garden. After we both calmed down a bit, Gardevoir looked over at me.

_ But, Ian, that doesn't explain how you--_ she started to say, but stopped as I grinned and glowed from head to toe, changing forms as well. As the glow faded and my true form was revealed, Lucas looked up and just stared.

"But, but... How is that possible?! You, I know you, well... you were human, anyway..." his voice trailed off, and I explained briefly how Latios had given me his soul so that I could save Latias.

"So the rumor we heard..." Lucas trailed off as I nodded.

_ Was true._ I finished telepathically for him. And also, Latias and I are, well... We're mates. I said, and Latias and I blushed.

"Well, we actually kind of figured that part out..." Lucas said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, and Gardevoir looked at him with a strange expression on her features. I stared hard at Gardevoir for a moment, trying to figure out why she would look at him so strangely. "I mean, come on Ian. We've seen you two holding hands and kissing for the past several months, we knew you were together. We just happened to be under the impression she was human, though I suppose we should've known better..." Lucas continued, making me lose my train of thought.

_ Yeah, you probably should've figured out that Latias was more than she appeared._ I told him, earning a playful midair shove from Latias. Oh, and Lucas, don't worry, I won't use my power to cheat in the race on Saturday. I'll kick your ass fair and square. I said, and gave a Pokémon grin. Lucas grinned in return.

"Yeah right Ian, you know you're gonna lose." he said. Latias and Gardevoir just looked at each other and shook their heads, grinning as Lucas and I kept bickering.

_ Since I trust you two, I'll let you come here anytime you want to visit, but you must swear to never tell anyone, and make sure you're never followed. There's only one other person you can talk about this in front of, and that's Bianca._ I warned Lucas and Gardevoir. They nodded, and I smiled. Thanks you guys. I said happily as Latias and I curled up at the base of the tree, relaxing together as Lucas and Gardevoir sat in front of us.

_ I have a question for you and Gardevoir, Lucas._ Latias said.

"Sure, what is it?" Lucas replied.

_ I'm curious... How did you and Gardevoir meet?_ Latias asked. Gardevoir, Lucas, and I started laughing, and she looked at us in confusion.

_ Go on Lucas, show her the scar._ I said, still laughing. Chuckling, Lucas removed his shirt and turned his back to us. There, illuminated by the failing light of day, were three ragged scars going from the top of his right shoulder, down across his back to end at his left hip. Latias's eyes widened in shock as she saw the scars.

_ _

_ What... What caused that?_ Latias asked as Lucas turned back around and put his shirt back on.

"A Mightyena." he said. "One day, I was about 8 at the time, I was out exploring in the forests around Littleroot, where Ian and I grew up." he said, and I smiled, becoming lost in memories. "I heard a commotion in a stand of trees off to the side, and, being rather inquisitive, went to investigate." he continued, snapping me out of my reverie. "Gardevoir was backing away from a wild Mightyena, and I ran between the two to try to protect Gardevoir. The Mightyena tried to slash Gardevoir and I jumped in front of it, turning so its claws raked across my back and I was knocked away, and unconscious." he finished. I grinned at them.

_ Gardevoir carried his unconscious self back to Littleroot, and from that day she has been his guardian and companion._ I concluded for him.

_ He's right. For a human to risk their life for me, and get hurt because of me... I promised I'd always guard and protect him._ Gardevoir added. Lucas nodded and smiled happily, giving Gardevoir a quick hug.

"So, what's the story behind you two? I mean, the whole story." Lucas asked curiously. I gave a small half-smile.

_ I've got my own scars now too._ I said, briefly changing back to human form and showing them the long, raised scar going from the outside of my right elbow to the left of my right wrist, and the thinner ones going across my palm and fingers, before switching back to my true form and cuddling with Latias again.

"So... How'd that happen?" Lucas asked, and I Pokémon-grinned.

_ Same as you. I jumped in front of Latias to protect her. Shortly after I came to Altomare, I stumbled upon the man that abducted her later trying to rob her in an alley, at that point neither of us knowing she was actually a Pokémon. He cut me just before I punched his sorry ass unconscious._ I said coldly, just the thought of him causing my power to flare, giving me an aura of dark blue power. Latias nudged me slightly.

_ Love, that man is long gone. Calm down, you're scaring your friends._ she said. I looked at them and saw that she was right; they were looking at me with a mixture of fear and awe. Immediately, I pulled my power back and hung my head.

_ Sorry guys, I just get really upset even thinking about it._ I said apologetically. Gardevoir was the first to recover.

_ _

_ _

_ _

_ It's alright, Ian. We understand._ she said, giving a small smile as Lucas grinned weakly. I smiled back gratefully as I cuddled closer to Latias, getting comfortable before continuing the story.

_ _

_ _

_ Anyway, after that, Latias brought me here and showed me her true form. I was so surprised, I jumped into the fountain!_ I said, and was rewarded by all three of them laughing, and Latias poked me in the sensitive spot where my right wing met my body, making me jump, and she giggled more and blushed. I smiled and kissed her softly, long enough that Lucas cleared his throat. Latias and I broke apart and blushed. Sorry. I said, and Lucas grinned widely. Anyway, six months later I told her how I really felt about her, and then the man came back, having heard from Annie and Oakley -the original Team Rocket members that captured Latios and used him along with the original Soul Dew to activate the Defense Mechanism of Altomare- that Latias was actually a Pokémon. He kidnapped her and used her to activate the D.M.A.. In order to save her Latios gave me his soul, shattering his Soul Dew and giving me his powers, which I used to save Latias. I was nearly killed and was knocked unconscious for 3 days, and once I woke up I was a Pokémon. I finished the story. Latias blushed, and I knew she was thinking about what happened after I woke up. I smiled and kissed her again, making her blush deeper as she returned my kiss. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lucas roll his eyes and Gardevoir cover her mouth with her hand to hide her smile. I broke the kiss and stuck my tongue out at them. Hey, don't be so jealous you two. I said, and they laughed. I glanced up and nudged Latias, motioning to the sky and she looked up. Looks like we've been talking for a long time, huh? I told her, and she looked back down and smiled at me. Is it alright with you if we just let them stay here for the night? I asked her.

_ Of course, my mate. If you trust them enough to offer, then I can trust them too._ she replied, nuzzling my neck gently as she smiled.

_ Thank you, my love. I wasn't going to offer unless it was okay with you._ I kissed her forehead gently as she smiled up at me before I looked at Lucas and Gardevoir.

_ _

_ Since it's so late, you two can stay here for the night. Do you need any blankets or anything?_ I asked them. Lucas and Gardevoir looked up to the sky, and saw that the moon was almost directly overhead. As they looked back down, I grinned widely.

_ Yeah, we've been here for a while._ I said as we all laughed.

"Well anyway, thanks for letting us stay for the night. We really appreciate it. And thanks, but we won't need anything." Lucas replied.

_ Alright. Latias and I will be in a tree asleep if you need us. See you guys in the morning._ I said as Latias and I flew off to our favorite sleeping branch. We curled up together, keeping each other warm and comfortable as we slowly drifted off to sleep together.

The rest of the week passed quickly, and Saturday morning found me balancing atop one of the water-chariots used for the Tour de Altomare, the Squirtle Lucas had lent me splashing excitedly in front of the chariot, eager to be off. I looked to my left, seeing Lucas balancing on his own chariot, his Sharpedo swimming in swift, agitated circles in front of him. I grinned at him, giving him a thumbs-up as he grinned back.

"Good luck, Lucas! You're gonna need it!" I said jokingly.

"No more than you!" he retorted, and we both laughed heartily. I looked straight ahead at the large stone bridge spanning the canal, which was one of the largest in Altomare and also the starting point for the race. It was packed with people out to watch the famous race, the crowds extending down the walkways on both sides of the canal. The noise was deafening, even though the race hadn't even started yet. Standing dead center on the bridge were Latias, in human form of course, and Gardevoir. Latias was smiling widely as she waved enthusiastically, Gardevoir simply standing there with a small, amused smile on her features. I raised my hand and waved back at Latias, smiling happily.

_ Good luck, love._ I heard Latias' voice in my mind.

_ Thanks love. I'll do my best._ I replied, just before the announcers voice boomed out over the noise of the crowd.

"Welcome, everyone to the annual Tour de Altomare! And it looks like we have a record crowd out there today!" the announcer's voice boomed over the noise of the crowd. "Remember, this is to be a fair race, and any cheating will result in immediate disqualification. Trainers, get ready!" I bent my knees slightly to maintain my balance as I gripped the handle on the leash connected to Squirtle tightly. "On your mark.. Get set.. RACE!" the announcer yelled, and the crowd roared even louder than before as the fifteen of us racing shot away from the starting line, large, fan-shaped sprays of water flying up behind each of us. Squirtle rapidly gained speed, Lucas and Sharpedo matching us almost exactly as we rounded the first turn of the course, a rather sharp ninety-degree turn into a canal much narrower than the starting canal. I looked back and noticed that Lucas an I had already pulled ahead of everyone except a woman with shoulder-length brown hair and green eyes, and a younger-looking man with black hair cut short in a military fashion and gray eyes. Their chariots were being pulled by a Wailmer and a Quagsire, respectively. I looked over at Lucas, grinning widely in exhilaration and saw he was grinning just as widely.

"You ready for this?!" I yelled over at him, and he nodded.

"Let's do this!" he yelled back, and we laughed as our Pokémon picked up so much speed that the buildings alongside the canal were nothing more than gray blurs. I looked back again and saw we were rapidly outdistancing everyone else except for the man and woman.

Their eyes burned with determination as they pushed their Pokémon even harder, trying to catch up to us. Lucas and I stayed ahead of them, though we were too evenly matched to outdistance each other so easily. One moment I would be ahead, and the next Lucas would nudge his way ahead of me.

We sped through the course, which wound throughout most of the canals in Altomare, at times having to duck under bridges or to avoid a low-hanging clothesline. At one point, a lone, angry Pidgey flew straight into my face, scratching and pecking at me and causing me to fall far behind Lucas, who was laughing his ass off at my predicament. Once the Pidgey finally flew off and I caught up to Lucas, we were nearing the final turn on the course, which led back to the canal we had started in. I looked back over my shoulder and saw that the same pair that had been following us from the very beginning of the race was still right behind us, their teeth gritted together so tightly I was surprised they hadn't shattered. As I looked at them, I saw the woman reach into her pocket and fiddle with something for a moment. Ignoring and dismissing it, I turned my attention back to the front, noting Lucas had pulled ahead of me again.

Just as Lucas and I were about to round the final corner, the wall to our right shivered violently... and exploded! Large chunks of brick, plaster, and glass shot across the canal from the force and I was blown sideways, off of my chariot. Several of the shards of glass grazed me, leaving shallow, ragged cuts across my exposed arms, legs, and face, and almost completely shredding my black T-shirt and the black swimming trunks I was wearing. I crashed painfully into the house across the canal, the breath exploding from my lungs as my head cracked painfully against the rough stone.

I slipped slowly down the wall, crumpling limply onto the small platform bordering the canal. A strange feeling came from the right side of my chest when I tried to take a breath; a sort of cold, pinched feeling. I looked down, and just as quickly looked back up, feeling sick. A shard of glass at least three feet long and two inches wide had slipped between two of my ribs, and from the feeling was protruding from my back.

_ Oh, this is_ not good... I thought to myself as I looked back down at the piece of glass, my breathing rapidly accelerating as I began to panic. Then the pain hit me, and I screamed wordlessly, curling into a sort of fetal position until my voice gave out. I looked up slowly as I heard someone coming down the canal. It was Lucas; apparently the blast had just missed him and he had turned back to try and find me. He spotted my crumpled form and rushed over, his eyes widening significantly in shock and horror when he saw the bloody shard jutting from my chest.

"Oh crap, Ian..." he said before I coughed violently, frothy specks of blood spattering the ground below me. Once I stopped coughing, Lucas looked at me in fear and confusion. "Ian, why don't you just pull that piece of glass out and heal yourself?" he asked.

"Because... because I can't heal.. this much damage... to my body on.. on my own.." I was interrupted by another fit of coughing.

"We need to get you to a hospital!" Lucas said quickly, but I shook my head violently.

"Won't... work... I'm a P-Pokémon now... Remember?" I said between coughs. "Human medicine has.. no effect on me now..." I trailed off as I tried to stand, Lucas hurrying over and grabbing my left arm, pulling it over his shoulders and taking my weight as we started walking. "Got to.. head to Poké Center... ask for Dr... Dr. Jesica Valentine.. She knows about... everything..." I trailed off again as my mind slipped into a daze, blocking out everything but the pain coursing through my chest every time I tried to take a breath. Once we reached the Poké Center, my mind sharpened just enough for me to notice Latias and Gardevoir had joined us. Latias was still in human form, and her expression was of pure, unadulterated fear and worry as she stared at my chest, tears coursing down her face. As Lucas half-dragged me into the Poké Center and asked for Dr. Valentine, I reached out weakly with my right hand and stroked her cheek softly, wiping away some of her tears.

"I'll be... okay... Don't worry..." I said weakly, trying to reassure her. She looked at me desperately, and I knew she wanted nothing more than to believe me. "Don't... worry... Please?" I pleaded feebly. She leaned in and gave me a small, quick kiss on the lips, and I could taste her tears, hot and salty against her soft lips. She broke away so she wouldn't hurt me just as Dr. Valentine, a slim woman in her mid-twenties with bronze skin, short red hair, blue eyes just like mine, and wearing a lab coat walked out.

She barely had to glance at me before she was giving orders to her highly trained staff. "We need to get him into the operating room, stat! You all know what you're supposed to do, now do it!" she yelled in an authoritative tone. Her staff looked a little skeptical about having a 'human' taken into an operating room designed for a Pokémon, but they did as they were told. Lucas let me go so that two men could lift me onto a stretcher and carry me through the halls until they very carefully set me down on an operating table. They left as Dr. Valentine walked in.

"Ian, I know you can heal yourself, why haven't you?" she asked in a professional manner as she pulled on a pair of white Latex gloves.

"C-can't... Too much damage.. Not enough power left..." I mumbled weakly as she came right over to the table and examined me more closely.

"Alright, well... If I can get that shard of glass out of your chest, will you naturally begin to heal?" she asked quietly as she examined the myriad of tiny cuts on my face, legs, and arms, dismissing them as insignificant since they were already closing due to my power working to heal me.

"S-should start... healing... as soon as you pull it out..." I said weakly, fighting with all my willpower to stay conscious.

"Alright. Then I need to get this out now. Are you ready?" she asked as she gripped the shard jutting from my chest firmly.

"Just do it." I said, and screamed at the top of my lungs as she slowly began to pull the long piece of glass out of my torso, my back arching unnaturally as each bloody inch of glass slid slowly out of my body. As the intense pain hit and started to build in intensity, I fought a losing battle to stay conscious despite the pain ripping through every fiber of my being, until I finally couldn't take any more and my mind slipped gratefully into the waiting darkness.

I woke slowly, my mind slowly grasping its way back into full consciousness. As awareness returned, I noticed several things at once. Foremost among them was that I was in my true form, laying on my back in a bed with something warm and soft curled up against my left side. I looked down my body, and found no trace whatsoever of the grievous wound to my chest. Something about my form nagged at me, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I kept looking at myself, trying to figure out what was off about my appearance. Then it hit me; my fur was a different color from before! Everywhere that my fur had been golden before was now a dark, sapphire blue color, and the triangular marking on my chest was black. I puzzled over this as I looked out of the small, whitewashed room's only window and saw that it was mid-afternoon. This puzzled me even more; even with my accelerated healing powers it should have taken at least a day or two before I was so completely healed from such a wound, especially as weak as I had been.

I looked over to my left to figure out what the warm something curled up against me was, and saw that it was Latias, in her true form. She was sleeping peacefully with her head pillowed atop her paws, her chest rising and falling in the slow, steady rhythm of sleep. As I watched her sleep, a realization came to me slowly. Latias must have used her own power to help heal me, which would explain why it was only mid-afternoon and no trace of the wound remained. I smiled slowly, my heart full of love for my mate, knowing that it would have cost her dearly to use the amount of power that would have been required to heal such a serious injury.

I turned my head slightly, just enough so that I could give a quick, gentle kiss to her cheek, trying not to disturb her; after the amount of power she had used, even combined with what little had been left of mine, she would need to rest and recover. I froze as she stirred slightly, giving an adorable little moan. I sighed to myself as I realized I had woken her up. I nuzzled her neck lovingly as she woke slowly, blinking her eyes sleepily until she saw I was awake. Her eyes shot open, and she sat there looking at me in shock for a second before joy and happiness filled her expression and she hugged me tightly, as though I could vanish at any second.

Oh Ian, thank goodness you're okay! she said as she buried her face in my chest fur and began to sob, hot tears running down her face and into my fur as I held her close, stroking her neck soothingly. You were almost gone by the time I managed to get to you... The humans wouldn't let me past until Dr. Valentine came back out and forced them to let me by... You weren't breathing, and you barely had a pulse... she continued as she cried even harder, clutching me tightly as her whole body shook with each sob. I... I thought I was too late, I thought you were gone forever... I was so scared, Ian... she sobbed as I continued to hold her close and stroke her neck soothingly as she cried uncontrollably.

** ** Shh, my mate. Everything's okay, I'm alive. You don't have to cry or worry anymore. Besides, you'd have to work a lot harder than that to get rid of me. I joked, and she looked up at me, a weak smile breaking through her tears. There we go, that's better! I said a little more cheerfully, and she laughed a little.

_ Oh Ian, how is it that almost no matter how bad I feel you can make me smile?_ she asked as she hugged me close, though not as tightly as before. I arched my neck over her head so that I could nuzzle her right behind her right ear, eliciting a soft murmur from her.

Because that's what mates are for; to make each other happy. I replied as I kept nuzzling the soft fur behind her ear. She looked up at me and smiled happily.

I love you so much, Ian. she said as she leaned up and gave me a tender kiss. I returned her kiss, moving my paws from her neck up to her soft, furry cheeks. I broke the kiss and smiled happily at her as I stroked her cheeks softly.

_ _

_ I love you too, Latias. Always and forever, only you._ I said, and she smiled happily in return. _Latias, what happened to my fur color? I look a lot more like Latios than I did before..._I asked, and she looked up at me in confusion for a moment before her eyes widened and she stared in open-mouthed wonder.

_You're right! Except your color is a much deeper blue than my brothers' was, and your chest marking is black..._her voice trailed off as she stared. _Ian, I think... I think Latios helped me heal you..._she said, looking down as she said it. I stared at her dubiously for a moment, not sure I'd heard her correctly.

But, Latias... He gave me his soul and shattered his Soul Dew so that I could save you... How?... I trailed off, my mind reeling in confusion. She looked back up at me, her expression beseeching.

_I know, Ian... But when I healed you, I could swear I heard his voice in my mind... He told me to use his power... and more power than I ever had flowed through me, I felt it! I'm not just dreaming, am I? This can't be a dream..._She said, and I hugged her tightly.

It's not a dream, love. And I believe you, I know you wouldn't lie... I just don't know how it could be possible. I kissed her forehead gently, and she smiled as she nestled her head up under my chin.

Neither do I. I'm just glad that I still have you, Ian. She said as she relaxed her hold on me even more, her paws slipping down my back. One of her paws slid over a particularly sensitive spot right between my wings and I jumped, arching my back a little. She stopped and looked at me with a coy expression.

What was that for? she asked teasingly, causing me to blush.

You know what that was for, Latias. I said, and she smiled mischievously.

No I don't. Why did you jump? Hmmm? she asked again, her tone innocent and yet teasing at the same time. She slowly ran her paw over the spot again, applying a little more pressure. My back arched even farther as I let out a little moan and blushed deeper.

L-Latias, you know full well that's one of my hotspots... I trailed off as my back relaxed and I was able to look at her again. Her eyes were full of a burning desire as she moved up, her face mere inches from mine.

Aaaand? she teased before she kissed me again, much more passionately this time, pulling me tight against her. I kissed her back just as passionately even if I was rather surprised; Latias was never aggressive when it came to intimacy. I licked her lower lip and she parted her lips to let my tongue in. As our tongues explored each others' mouths, one of her paws slid slowly down to rest at my groin. She broke the kiss and looked at me, her honey-gold eyes burning with need.

L-Latias, what are you doing? I asked, and she pulled back slightly, her expression worried.

_ _

_ Is something wrong? I'm not making you uncomfortable, am I?!_ she asked rather frantically, and I quickly shook my head and blushed deeply.

No, nothing like that. I actually like you being aggressive like this. I replied, and she blushed, relaxing a little.

R-really? she asked timidly, and I nodded.

Yes, I do. I was only wondering why. I said. She looked down as she answered my question.

_ _

_ When I thought I was too late to save you, I realized that without you, my life isn't worth living... Because then I wouldn't have anyone... And then when you woke up, I decided I wanted to make the most of it... I'm sorry, I should've said something..._ I put a paw under her chin and gently lifted her head to look into her eyes.

_ It's okay, Latias. There's nothing at all wrong with that._ I said as I smiled. And besides, I rather like the aggressiveness. I said with a wink. She blushed as she looked down and realized what I meant; my red, pointy, and streamlined cock was now fully erect with her paw over it. She looked back up with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

_ I guess you really_ do like it when I'm aggressive. How aggressive do you want me to be, I wonder? she asked teasingly as she gave my cock a quick, hard squeeze.

B-be as aggressive as y-you want... I moaned, and she grinned wickedly.

Okay then. You asked for it. she winked as she flipped us over so that I was lying on my back with her on top of me. I gasped as I felt Latias use her telekinesis to grab my neck and paws and force them back against the bed, holding them tightly so that I couldn't move. I couldn't even move my head enough to look down and see what Latias was doing; so it was a complete surprise when I felt her tongue on my cock. I moaned loudly as she gave a slow, teasing lick from the base to the tip. She swirled her tongue around the tip, teasing me just before taking the entire thing into her mouth. I moaned even louder as I felt the walls of her throat squeezing tightly around me as she sucked me off at a rapid pace. After several minutes, I felt the familiar build of pleasure as I got closer and closer to my climax.

L-Latias, I'm gonna cum... I moaned, and she stopped, pulling my cock out of her mouth with a lewd pop.

_ _

_ Ah, ah, aaah, not yet~_ she teased as she moved up and kissed me passionately. She broke the kiss a moment later as she lifted herself up and positioned her hot, wet pussy over my throbbing erection. We let out moans of satisfaction at the same time as she lowered herself onto my cock, and then Latias started to ride me as hard and fast as she possibly could. I felt the pleasure building again, much more intense than before as Latias sped up, going even faster and harder.

Gonna cu--! I started to say, but was interrupted by the door to the room opening.

"Ian, Latias! You guys awake ye--oh. OH DEAR GOD." I heard Lucas' voice right before Latias came, arching her head straight up and letting out a loud cry as she hilted me and the walls of her pussy clamped down tightly, giving rippling squeezes along my cock and sending me over the edge. I let out my own cry as I came, hot, thick streams of my seed spurting deep into Latias' eager cunt. Utterly spent, Latias collapsed on my chest, her telekinetic hold on my neck and paws vanishing as she kissed me softly. I kissed her back tenderly as I wrapped my now free arms around her form, and we would've stayed like that for quite a long time if it hadn't been for someone clearing their throat. As one, Latias and I looked over and blushed deeply as we saw Lucas, Gardevoir, and Dr. Valentine standing in the doorway blushing as they stared, their mouths hanging open slightly. Dr. Valentine was the first to recover, straightening up and closing her mouth as her blush receded somewhat.

"Well. It appears that you're feeling better, Ian." she said. I blushed deeper as Latias and I glanced at each other.

Definitely. Huge improvement over having a giant shard of glass through my chest, that's for sure. I grinned at Latias and she blushed deeper as she smiled back before I looked back at everyone still standing in the doorway and made a spinning motion with one of my paws. Could you guys, um, turn around for a second? I asked sheepishly, snapping Lucas and Gardevoir out of their stupor and causing them to blush as they realized what I meant; my cock was still buried deep inside of Latias. As the three of them turned around, Latias slowly lifted herself up off of my cock, letting out a small moan as it slid out of her and retracted back into its slit. I told you I liked it when you're aggressive. I teased Latias with a wink as I flipped over onto my stomach, Latias curling up against my side comfortably as she stuck her tongue out at me playfully and blushed.

"Is it safe to turn around yet?" Lucas asked, and Latias and I looked at each other for a moment before we both started to laugh, the high, trilling notes of our combined Pokémon laughter echoing in the room.

Yes Lucas, it's *snort* safe to turn around now. I replied as we continued to laugh. Lucas, Gardevoir, and Dr. Valentine turned back around slightly hesitantly, relieved expressions flitting across each of their features as they saw that it was indeed 'safe' to turn around.

"Well. That was certainly not something I ever expected to see." Lucas said as he and Gardevoir continued to blush deeply. Latias and I only laughed even harder at that.

Wait a moment... Ian, what happened to your fur? It's colored differently now! Gardevoir exclaimed in astonishment. Latias and I immediately stopped laughing, all humor in the situation removed by that one comment.

"She's right! What happened to you?" Lucas and Dr. Valentine chimed in at the exact same moment.

Well..., I said as Latias glanced at me, We're not entirely sure either. We think Latios might've helped Latias heal me. I said slowly, and their eyes widened considerably.

But I thought you said... that Latios was gone? Gardevoir said reluctantly, hesitant to bring up such a painful subject for both Latias and I.

That's what we thought as well... But when I healed Ian, I heard Latios' voice in my mind, and I felt his power flow through me. Latias said, and I hugged her close to me, sensing the pain she tried to hide. A single tear leaked from the corner of her eye, and I wiped it away as I held her tenderly, comforting her as the others looked on rather guiltily.

I... I'm really sorry Latias... I didn't mean to upset you; I was just trying to understand... Gardevoir said, her telepathic voice filled with regret. Latias looked at her and smiled a little as she shook her head.

Don't worry, it's alright...I just really miss him, I'll be fine... We'd better be getting back to the Garden though. She said as she looked at me.

We probably should. I said with a nod to Latias, and our forms shimmered as we changed forms. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw there was nothing different about my human guise. Except...

"Uh, Ian? Your hair's black now..." Lucas said, and I whacked my forehead with my palm.

"Of course it is... At least it's only my hair." I said exasperatedly, and we all chuckled.

"Oh yeah, guess what?" Lucas asked excitedly as Latias and I got up and joined the others in the doorway and we started to walk out of the Poké Center.

"What?" I asked, more to humor him than anything else, and he smiled.

"I won the Tour de Altomare." he said, and my mouth dropped open.

"How?! You turned back to find me before you could finish the race!" I asked in surprise. He grimaced as he replied.

"I went back to the blown-apart buildings and found a sliver of TNT with two names on it, 'Melenium X', and 'Christopher Caroway'. Turns out they were the man and woman behind us the whole race, remember?" I glared as we reached the door to the Poké Center, where Dr. Valentine left us with a wave.

"Of course I remember them! So, they set up a trap so that they could cheat?" I snorted in disgust. "They almost killed me! They'd better hope I never see them again." I said.

They'd better hope they never see ME either. Latias said, and we all looked at her to see a dark glare on her face. They almost killed my mate. If I ever see them, it will go very badly for them.

If they ever meet either of you again, I'm sure it will be a very bad day for them indeed. Gardevoir said with a small smile, and Latias and I smiled mirthlessly.

"Exactly. So anyway, you won since they were disqualified?" I asked Lucas, and he nodded.

"Yep, that about covers it." he said as we strolled through Altomare. As we came within sight of the illusionary wall hiding the entrance to the Garden, I felt a strange sensation in the air, almost like something momentous was going to happen. I shivered and looked over at Latias just in time to see her shiver as well.

"You felt that too?" I murmured, and she nodded.

We should be careful, Ian. she said, and I nodded as I looked back at Lucas and Gardevoir.

"Be on your guard. Something feels... off, here." I said, and they nodded. I slowly walked through the wall, the others following close behind. As we emerged into the Garden, I scanned it carefully, looking for anything out of the ordinary. At first, I didn't see anything, but then something caught my eye; something floating inches above the ground straight ahead of us. As we cautiously approached it, I began to pick up details; a light blue-and-white fur color, a long neck, short arms, large wings... and a red triangular marking on the chest! I stared, dumbfounded.

Latios! Brother! Latias cried out in joy, quickly changing forms and taking off towards him. I swiftly followed suit, becoming my now blue-furred self and chasing after her. Latios stirred slightly, opening his eyes and blinking as he stretched. He looked around for a moment, appearing confused. His eyes widened in shock as he saw Latias flying straight for him.

"La...tias?" he said slowly, right before she tackled him into a hug.

"Oh Latios, you're back! I'm so happy!" Latias said happily, still hugging him tightly.

"Latias... can't... breathe!" he said as I caught up to them and chuckled as she only hugged him even tighter. "Please let me go so I can breathe?" he gasped, and she finally released him, floating back a little and laughing as he gasped for breath.

"Sorry, brother. I'm just so happy you're back, I couldn't help it." she said, and I laughed at her excited expression. Latios looked up at me sharply, studying me with an expression of confusion mixed with wariness.

"Wait... Ian?! Is that you?!" he asked as his eyes widened in shock.

"The one and only." I smiled, and he chuckled slightly.

"Being a Pokémon suits you. Sorry I didn't warn you about that, by the way..." he trailed off, looking sheepish.

"Don't worry about it. I like being a Pokémon." I replied honestly, and he smiled. "So... we're technically brothers now, right?" I asked curiously, and he chuckled.

"If we were going by the human definition of family, then yes. But I suppose you're probably rather more curious as to how I'm here again, correct?" he asked, his tone turning more serious.

"Well... Yes." I said, and he nodded.

"Today, when Latias healed you, she healed me as well and brought me back. She didn't have enough power to heal you, since you were so close to death." he said, and Latias and I just stared at him in disbelief. He sighed as he continued his explanation. "When I gave you my soul and my Soul Dew shattered, it left just the smallest possible trace of me within you. When Latias attempted to heal you, she unintentionally revived me as well, and I was able to help her heal you. That's also why you and I appear so... different, now." he said with a gesture at his much lighter blue fur, and my much darker blue fur. "There's one other difference as well, now... I cannot leave Altomare, ever. I am forever bound here as long as there is a Soul Dew in the fountain. Of course, I am the city's Guardian in any case, but one day I would have liked to see at least a little more of the world..." Latios said wistfully, before snapping back to reality as Lucas coughed.

"Um, I know you can all understand each other, but I don't speak Pokémon, so... What's going on?" Lucas asked, and we all realized we had been speaking aloud, which he wouldn't have been able to understand since he was human. As Gardevoir sighed and started to tell him what we were talking about, Latios looked at Latias and I.

"I'm assuming you know and trust them?" he asked, and we nodded.

"They're old friends of mine, Lucas Lane and his companion Gardevoir." I replied, to which Latios nodded before directly addressing them telepathically for the first time.

I apologize for ignoring the two of you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Latios, Latias' brother. Latios said formally, giving a slight dip of his head. Lucas and bowed deeply and Gardevoir curtsied as they replied simultaneously.

"It is an honor to meet you, Latios." they said as they straightened. Latios favored them with a rare smile. The five of us jumped in surprised unison as a song started playing seemingly from out of nowhere, and Lucas fumbled with his pack. I smiled inwardly as I listened to the song.

Really? "The Legend Comes to Life"? I picked at Lucas as he pulled his phone out and looked at it.

"What? It's a good song. This is my mom, I'll be right back." he said as he walked off, flipping the phone open as he went, Gardevoir following. Latios, Latias, and I watched them for a moment before Latios turned to Latias and I.

"So," he said, speaking aloud once more, "What else did I miss while I was, ah, absent?" he asked, and Latias and I spent the next hour telling him everything that had transpired since he gave me his abilities. Once we had told him everything, he smiled and winked at us. "So, you two are mates in full now? Congratulations!" he said, and Latias and I blushed fiercely.

"Latios!! Why do you always have to pi--!!" Latias started to say, but she was interrupted by the sound of a gunshot echoing throughout the Garden, closely followed by a scream. I looked at the others, horror just as evident in their expressions as I was sure it was evident in my own.

"That was Gardevoir screaming! Come on!" I yelled at them as I shot away, not waiting for a response as I followed the sound of the gunshot. I flew as fast as I was able, knowing that I might have at most minutes, probably not even that long. The first thing I saw as I reached Lucas and Gardevoir was Lucas lying crumpled on the ground, a pistol in his hand and the top of his head blown off, blood and gray matter dripping from his skull onto the grass. He was clearly dead. "Lucas?..." I said, my mind refusing to work properly, unable and unwilling to accept the grim reality; Lucas couldn't be dead, he couldn't! I looked over and spotted Gardevoir lying on the grass as well, her wrists slashed to the bone and still gushing blood. I raced over to her, hoping against hope that I could save her. As I grasped her wrists tightly, she stirred slightly.

_Ian... please, no... Please... Just let me go..._she said weakly, and I shook my head violently.

"No Gardevoir, stay with me! You have to!" I said forcefully as the tears finally started to course from my eyes, blurring my vision as I started to heal her rapidly. "I can't let you die too!" I said, feeling a small measure of relief as the deep cuts mended rapidly, the blood slowing and finally stopping as the flesh knitted back together seamlessly. I collapsed in exhaustion and grief, releasing Gardevoir as Latios and Latias finally caught up. Their eyes widened in shock and horror as they saw Lucas, and then when they saw Gardevoir and me, covered in blood and crying.

"W... What happened?" Latias asked as she came over to me and held me close. However, it was Gardevoir who answered.

"The call... was from Lucas' mother... s-she was c-calling to tell... Lucas that his little s-sister M-Miya was... was k-killed by... a wild Gyarados... t-the only part left of her was her left arm..." Gardevoir said in between heavy sobs. "We... the three of us... we were l-lovers..." I stopped crying in shock, Latios and Latias looking shocked as well.

I never knew... that Lucas liked Pokémon like that too... I thought to myself.

"He k-killed himself... And I tried to... But Ian healed me..." Gardevoir continued, snapping me back to reality. I noticed that Gardevoir had stopped crying so hard, she was only weeping slightly now.

"Gardevoir... Please don't try again, okay?" I asked her, and she looked at me strangely.

"Ian... You saved my life like Lucas did when I first met him... Would you... Allow me to become your Guardian? Please Ian, I need a reason to live! Without a Trainer to guard, I have none!" she cried desperately. I looked at Gardevoir, my mind battling furiously to overcome my grief and shock. I reached my decision, and I looked at Latias, unsure if she would approve. I watched her think with bated breath; Gardevoir's life hung on Latias' decision. With a small nod, Latias sealed Gardevoir's fate. I turned to Gardevoir, who watched me desperately.

"Gardevoir, I accept your offer." I said, and she smiled a little. "Now, I need some time alone though... Please don't follow me..." I said, my grief overwhelming me once more as I shifted to my human form and slowly walked off.

For a week I wandered the streets of Altomare, my soul black with despair, my mind in a daze. Wandering aimlessly, never stopping even to eat or sleep. As I wandered, I pondered. I wanted to honor Lucas' memory, but the only way that would mean a lot to both me and Lucas' family was for me to become a Trainer again, and to finish Lucas' journey for him. But I was a Pokémon myself, not to mention I was supposed to guard Altomare. How could I do both at the same time? I had to choose one. As the week came to an end, I made my decision as I headed back to the Garden for the first time since Lucas' death. I changed forms as I entered the Garden for what would be the last time for a while. Latias, Latios, and Gardevoir were waiting for me in the center of the Garden, so I made my way over to them. Wasting no time once I reached them, I got straight to the point.

"I want to honor my friends memory. I'm going to become a Trainer again, and finish his journey for him." I said. They all smiled, and answered at the same time.

"We know." they said in unison, and I stared, taken aback; I had expected them to be against it. Latias came over and hugged me tightly.

"We knew you would want to do that for him, love. And Gardevoir and I are coming with you." she said, and kissed me tenderly.

"But, how are you going to travel with me Latias?" I asked in confusion. She held out a paw and opened it, revealing a red-and-white Pokéball nestled in her palm.

"In this." she said simply, and I looked up at her.

"You're willing to do that for me? Let yourself be caught by me?" I asked in wonder, and she nodded. I hugged her tightly, full of love for my mate. "I really love you, you know that?" I asked, and she nodded happily.

"I know." she replied as she handed me the Pokéball and floated back a little.

"The only time I'll ask you to stay inside the Pokéball is when we go into a big city for the first time, okay?" I asked, and she nodded.

"I'm ready." she said, and I nodded as I clicked the button on the Pokéball and touched it to her. Her body turned red and transparent as the ball absorbed her, and I watched it rock in my palm for a few moments. When nothing else happened, I smiled; she was okay with it. I threw the ball up in the air and it popped open, letting Latias back out again. I caught the ball as it fell back into my palm, setting it on the ground for the moment as I turned to Latios.

"Will the city be okay with just you here?" I asked him, and he nodded.

"Of course!" he replied, and I chuckled.

"Then I will see you when we return to Altomare, Latios. Goodbye." I said, and he dipped his head in acknowledgment as my form shimmered and I returned to human form, scooping up Latias' new Pokéball and attaching it to my belt.

"Goodbye, brother." Latias said, giving him a quick hug before changing forms as well.

"Be safe..." he murmured as Latias, Gardevoir, and I walked out of the Garden, heading to the docks. Once we reached them, I stood with Latias on my right, Gardevoir to my left as I stared at the Sun setting over the ocean, the smell of the sea in my nose and the breeze ruffling through my hair, and I smiled.

A new journey had just begun.

End Part 2

_ _

Closing Note: There will be more parts to come, don't worry! ^w^ However, the name will be changed since the story is no longer exclusively in Altomare. Anyway, I will gladly accept any constructive comment that is not trolling or flaming.

Trolls will be shot on sight.

Flames will be used to make s'mores, and then will be deleted.

Thank you

-Zeraxen Sar'athin