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Chapter 7 — Life of Alto Mare

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“I’m surprised this place has an antique feeling comparable to Michina Town.” Brock paused and chuckled as the group stepped over the archaic cobblestone streets of Alto Mare on their way to the city’s main plaza. “The modern one, not the one we time traveled to, that’s not a fair contest,” he added after a moment’s thought. He took a deep breath and hummed in delight. The air brimmed with a delicate blend of salty sea breeze and the enchanting aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the nearby cafés.

“I don’t think you can beat the old-timey feeling of a place thousands of years ago,” Ash pointed out. Pikachu voiced his agreement with a cry.

“Yeah. I mean, look at this place… It’s so beautiful,” Dawn said. She smiled and ran a hand over the facade of a centuries-old building that stood proudly, adorned with elegant balconies, intricately carved statues of the city’s common Pokémon species, and vibrant flower boxes that added splashes of color to the dulled hues of the stone walls.

“It is,” Ash agreed. “I wonder how long this place has been around without changing much.” He strolled along the edge of a large canal, marveling at the graceful arches of the bridges that guided their way over the sparkling turquoise waters, with the sound of its gentle lapping against the stone foundations accompanying their every move. Pokémon swam abundantly beneath the surface and gondolas glided by with their skillful gondoliers effortlessly maneuvering in and out of narrow waterways that fed the larger canal.

“We’re riding one of those later, right, Brock?” Dawn asked while glancing at the passing gondolas. “Because I’d love to.”

“Yeah, we will,” Brock confirmed with a nod. “Can’t visit Alto Mare without doing so, or so I’ve heard.” He glanced at the map in his book and then at the upcoming turn. “I think this is it.”

The group turned at the narrow alleyway and walked through an ornate wrought-iron gate whose intricate details resembled a flower-like pattern shaped after Latios. The city's vibrancy came to life in the bustling square they found themselves in, where locals and visitors converged to enjoy the wonders Alto Mare offered.

The piazza brimmed with activity, alive with the chatter of people, the cries of Pokémon, and the melodies of street musicians. Artists dotted the corners, diligently capturing the scenery on their canvases, their brushes dancing to the rhythm of their inspiration and the environment. People gathered in small groups, engaging in animated conversations, their expressive gestures punctuating the air with abundant laughter and smiles, demonstrating a spirit of camaraderie and warmth. All around them, children chased after one another in animated games of tag along with a few playful Eevee, Growlithe, and Houndour, their merry laughter echoing alongside those of their parents.

Ash, Dawn, and Brock stopped in their tracks. The first thing that caught their eyes was the square's centerpiece, a beautiful fountain adorned with an enormous sculpture of Latios that towered imposingly and spewed crystal-clear water from its mouth which cascaded gracefully into the basin below. The sound of its steady trickle harmonized with the nearby musicians’ melodic notes and created a symphony of serenity.

“It’s so life-like,” Dawn marveled as she stopped before the intricate fountain. The large marble statue refracted light in an ethereal manner that gave its blue surfaces an enchanting appearance of depth and shrouded its immediate surroundings with an alluring blue glow. The dragon’s face featured a calm and serene expression, with the two rubies that made his eyes gleaming gently with the sun's rays. “Even his expression mirrors him well, as we saw yesterday.”

“From afar, you could even mistake it for… him.” Brock moved closer to the statue’s front and looked at its face. “You know, if you stand here, it gives off the vibe that he’s watching over you,” he added.

“Yeah,” Ash agreed, utterly mesmerized. “If he’s the city’s guardian, that’s probably how it’s supposed to work.” He glanced down and slowly circled the fountain, noticing the assortment of flowers and handwritten notes scattered at the base, all of which contained joyous messages or prayers for the legendary dragon, which he made a dutiful note not to step on. As he did so, Ash walked around a few people who knelt before the statue, eyes closed and hands clasped together in silent prayer.

Pidgey and Murkrow took flight from a nearby balcony, creating swirling patterns in the sky and dancing shadows on the ground as they basked in the warmth of the morning sun. Ash and Pikachu laughed joyously and looked up at the flock. They immediately noticed that the balconies and rooftops of the buildings framing the piazza brimmed with all kinds of Pokémon.

“It’s like the Pokémon come here to pay their respects too,” Dawn commented. She grinned excitedly and took out her Pokédex while looking around at all the native Kanto and Johto Pokémon she saw for the first time. Pidgey, Hoothoot, and Murkrow upon the rooftops, Growlithe, Houndour, and Eevee around the cobblestone floors, Wooper, Goldeen, and Horsea swimming within the fountain’s basin, and many others.

Ash walked to one of the many artists and peeked at his work—a beautiful depiction of a nearby canal with the form of an unmistakable majestic blue dragon at its top. “Latios…”

The artist—a young man with chestnut hair dressed in casual summer clothes who only looked in his early twenties—glanced at him and smiled. “Hello! I take it you’re not from around here, are you?”

Ash and Pikachu shook their heads in tandem. “I’m not. All of this is pretty new to me.”

The young artist’s eyes lit up in recognition. “You’re the one who won the Tour de Alto Mare!”

Ash grinned enthusiastically. “Yeah! I won yesterday. It was awesome.” He turned to face the open space of the piazza. “It’s really pretty here.”

“It’s a great spot to pick up inspiration, find peace, and get in the mood for drawing,” the artist agreed. “It’s why you see so many of us here.”

“I can see why,” Dawn commented while approaching the pair along with Brock. “What’s up with the statue, who made it?” she asked curiously. “It’s so beautiful.”

The artist put down his brush and faced the statue. “It is said to be over a thousand years old and part of Alto Mare since our earliest history. There are so many rumors and tales about it I could spend the whole day talking.”

“Like what? What are the best ones?” Brock asked. He held up his book and chuckled. “This book has brief info on it, but there’s nothing quite like local folklore.”

The man smiled. “Popular theory is that the city’s earliest inhabitants sculpted it as a gift for Latios—a show of gratitude for his protection during our darkest days. In response, Latios imbued the statue with his power, that’s where its unique aura comes from. It is said that he can listen to everything people and Pokémon say or think close to it.” He motioned to their surroundings with his arm. “Hence why many come here to pray and ask for his blessings. Or leave him messages of gratitude.”

“And, is it true?” Ash asked. “Because, if it is, it sounds so cool.”

The artist laughed and shrugged. “We don’t know,” he admitted meekly.

“You could just ask Latios, or Latias,” Dawn pointed out. “They don’t look like they’d mind answering and it doesn’t look like it’s hard to chat with them.”

“Our guardians love and protect us, but don’t tell us everything. They can be quite mysterious at times,” the artist answered. “Sometimes it's better that way. Ambiguity leads to tradition and folklore, after all. It keeps the city alive and keeps you wondering what you’ll find next. It’s part of Alto Mare’s charm.”

Brock glanced at the marble statue and then at the people and Pokémon around it going about their day. “Good point.”

Ash nodded at the artist gratefully and walked closer to the statue. “I wonder why there’s only one of Latios and why all the notes reference just him. What about Latias?”

“Well, according to my city map, this is Latios’ plaza. It looks like there’s an identical one on the opposite side of the city for Latias,” Brock answered. “I assume it’s like this one, but for her.”

“I see, so they each have their own square,” Ash said. “We should visit it too. I’d love to see her statue.” He made a face when his stomach grumbled and Pikachu snickered. “After we eat, of course.”

Brock shook his head in amusement. “It’s on the other side of the city. We should do that when we go near. For now, let’s go eat.” He gave Ash a teasing smirk. “Someone’s hungry.”

“We haven’t had breakfast,” Ash protested as the group walked past the piazza and resumed their walk to the city’s main plaza.

“So, what are we doing after we eat?” Dawn asked curiously. Piplup chirped, echoing his trainer’s question.

“We’re checking out the museum,” Brock answered. “It’s Alto Mare’s best attraction, so we’ll do that.”

“Oh yeah!” Ash hit his open palm with a fist. “Latios mentioned that yesterday.”

Pikachu abruptly jumped off Ash’s shoulder and dashed over the cobblestone sidewalk, weaving swiftly through people and the occasional Pokémon until he came up to a drinking fountain in the middle of a crossroad, where a woman he recognized as one of the Tour de Alto Mare competitors held the tap open for her Vaporeon to drink and cool off. He frowned when he saw the woman shut off the tap and leave along with her Vaporeon just before he reached it. Pikachu sighed and watched the pair depart, ears pressed flat against his head.

Then the tap opened again.

Pikachu leaped in surprise, coming face to face with a gentle smile and a beautiful coat of red and white feathers towering above him.

“Hey,” Latias greeted amiably, claws holding the tap open. “Pretty hot day, isn’t it?”

Pikachu stared at her, stunned that despite his acute and battle-hardened senses he hadn’t heard or sensed the dragoness’ approach. He regained his faculties, grinned, and dove under the cool water stream.

“What’s gotten into you!?” Ash called out as he rounded the corner. “Pikachu!” He stopped when he noticed the guardian Legendary. “Oh, uh, Latias! I’m sorry, I hope Pikachu didn’t cause any trouble.”

Pikachu glared at Ash from under the stream and emitted a few sparks of electricity from his red cheeks. Latias burst out laughing. Ash winced and looked at her with an embarrassed expression.

“You’re not helping, Pikachu,” Ash reprimanded.

Latias’ merry laughter died down. “Relax, being the city guardian doesn’t mean I’m strict or only show up when there’s trouble. It’s fine. I just wandered by because today turned out far hotter than expected, I figured I’d stick around in case anyone needs help to stave off a heat stroke.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“That’s a relief,” Ash relented while visibly relaxing.

“By the way, tour winner, we ran into each other again.” Latias shut off the drinking fountain when she noticed Pikachu was done. “I hope the medallion is to your liking.”

Ash grinned and flashed the guardian a thumbs-up. “It was! I’ll hang it next to my other trophies and awards. It’ll look wonderful there.” He chuckled meekly and rubbed the back of his head. “Not that there’s many there yet, but it’ll grow soon.”

Latias stared at him, noting that the teenager hadn’t changed much since the race and award ceremony the day prior and that, much like then, his smile and boundless excitement felt quite contagious. She mirrored his grin. “Hey, you better, or Latios will be angry at you.”

Ash blinked and glanced down from her face to her slender neck. “Huh, what’s with the ribbon?” he asked curiously.

Latias glanced down at the lovely blue ribbon wrapped around her neck with a crystal pendant in its center holding it together. “Glad you noticed!” She did a happy twirl in place to show it off. “Sometimes, I like wearing the occasional thing to break the monotony of looking the same every day.”

“That’s neat. I didn’t know Pokémon enjoyed wearing stuff,” Ash said. “I’ve met a couple of Pokémon that dress up… but never on their own, I think?”

Latias smirked. “Oh trust me, I’m unlike any Pokémon you’ve ever met.”

“Well, I think it looks pretty on you,” Ash said, leaning forward. “It’s cute.”

Latias clasped her claws together adoringly. “Wonderful! That’s what I hoped.” She tilted her head as Dawn and Brock walked by and reunited with Ash. “Looks like your friends are back. Where were you guys headed to?”

“We were on our way to find something to eat,” Brock answered with a respectful bow. “After that, we’re off to the museum.”

Latias nodded in approval. “The museum is a great choice. As for food…” She looked around as if making sure no one heard her. “I can recommend a few places.” She winked playfully at them. “Just don’t tell the staff I recommended it. I hate picking favorites among the city, even though I do it often.” She pointed to one of the narrow alleyways. “Go down that alley and turn right at the end. You’ll come to a large canal. Two restaurants to the right after the exit there’s a place that makes delicious seafood. You’ll love it.”

“Thank you,” Dawn replied politely.

Ash’s eyes lit up and his stomach grumbled again. “That place must have great food if Latias says so!”

Latias giggled. “Great to see you’re all enthusiastic about it. Alto Mare has quite the cuisine.”

“We are.” Brock patted Ash’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go. I’m getting quite hungry myself.” He turned to walk to the alleyway to follow Latias’ instructions and let out a short scream when he slipped on the wet sidewalk of the canal’s edge. Yet he stopped halfway into his fall.

Ash gasped and looked between the spot where Latias had been and where she held Brock by the rim of his shirt with her claws. He didn’t notice when she moved. One moment she’d been at his side, the next she held Brock.

Latias carefully pulled Brock back into balance. “The wet edges can be slipping traps, especially if you aren’t used to walking around here. Keep that in mind,” she advised.

Brock sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

Ash glanced at Dawn. “Latias saved me from falling into the water at the race and saved Brock just now. Be careful, Dawn, you’re the last one left.”

Dawn crossed her arms and glared at him. “Excuse me, Snorlax. I’m not as clumsy as you two.”

“Falling into the canal would’ve made a terrible start to our day, no doubt,” Brock commented.

“Yeah,” Latias agreed. “You would have had to rush to your hotel and change clothes.”

“I would’ve forced him to eat all wet because I’m starving. Let’s go!” Ash eagerly turned around and walked in the direction of the suggested place at a brisk pace.

Latias burst out laughing when she noticed Ash turned into the wrong alley and one of his friends hurriedly rushed after him to set him on the correct path. “My, my. He’s funny. Silly boy.” She felt something bump into her side. “Hm?”

“Hi!” a young and cheerful voice chirped.

Latias blinked and glanced down to find a young girl dressed in an eye-catching Pikachu onesie, who she noted looked a little older than three years old. “Hello, little sweetie!”

“You’re a Pokémon! You talk!” the little girl shouted excitedly, pressing both arms to her chest while jumping up and down on the spot. “You’re pretty!”

Latias giggled. “I’d hope so!” She reached down, gently picked up the girl, and cradled her. “What’s your name, sweetie?”

“Violet!” the girl answered. She ran her hands over the soft plumage of Latias’ neck with widened eyes, visibly thrilled at the strange sensation.

Latias pressed a single claw on the girl’s lively violet-hued hair and gently played with one of the girl’s locks, eliciting a soft giggle in response. “I wonder why that’s your name.” She hummed and glanced around briefly. “Are you lost? Where are your parents?”

A woman who looked strikingly like the young girl—with equally stunning violet hair—abruptly stepped around a nearby corner, noticeably out of breath, and stopped short of the small square with a mortified expression on her face when she came face to face with Latias. She blushed in embarrassment, unable to speak at the scene that greeted her.

Latias slowly levitated over to her, immediately noting that she didn’t recognize her as a local. “Well, I think I found your mom, Violet.” She immediately sensed the woman’s shock and apprehension through her empathic senses. ‘Probably someone who has minimal to no contact with Pokémon. Must be quite the surprise to meet me, then.’

The woman’s blush reddened and she stammered out a reply so faint even Latias’ extremely acute hearing had trouble making out the individual words.

Latias’ expression softened. “Hey, it’s fine. Kids are kids.” She gently placed Violet in her mother’s arms. “There you go.”

“Wait!” Violet hurriedly reached into the pocket of her adorable onesie and took out a beautiful rose. “This for you!”

“Aww, that’s so sweet of you! I love it!” Latias took the rose from the little girl’s hands and hooked it behind her fluffy ear. “How do I look?”

Violet laughed merrily. “Prettier!”

Latias grinned and looked at Violet’s mother. “Wait here, I’ll be back in just a bit.”

“Oka—” The woman blinked, taken back, as Latias’ form flickered and vanished completely in a skyward red and white mist trail. The woman took a step back in surprise when Latias reappeared with another misty flicker only a few seconds later.

“I’m back!” Latias levitated closer to Violet and opened her claws, showing off a beautiful lilac flower with countless petals and an elongated form. “This is a wisteria flower from my personal garden. I think it’ll go wonderfully with your looks.”

Violet let out a thrilled squeal. “So cute!”

Latias placed the flower behind the little girl’s ear. “There we go, now we’ve got a matching pair. You look beautiful, Violet!”

Violet eagerly turned around in her mother’s arms and pointed repeatedly to her ear. “Look Mom, I’ve got flowers too! We’re flower sisters now!”

“We are.” Latias laughed inwardly at the woman’s flushed and stunned face. ‘Totally someone who doesn’t interact much with Pokémon,’ she thought in amusement.

“T-Thank y-you,” the woman stammered.

Latias bowed and flew backward to give her space. “You’re welcome.” She watched, bemused, as Violet bragged excitedly about her wisteria flower to her mother as they left.

“Hey, Latias, can you check the ocean to the south? I picked up something funny an hour ago, I’m curious to see if it left or closed in,” Latios’ voice said in her mind.

“Busy?” Latias asked.

“Yeah, it’s Monday. I have a few school visits scheduled today. I must perform the critical and civic task… of helping first graders learn addition and subtraction,” Latios replied. “Just making sure you picked it up too. I didn’t know when you next planned a routine perimeter check.”

“Oh boy, have fun, Latios. Be sure to let the best kids ride your back. That’ll be a reward.” Latias levitated calmly into the air above the rooftops and gazed out toward the open ocean while softly humming. A faint glint of blue light abruptly flashed in her eyes, which narrowed at the response she felt from the far-reaching telekinetic ping that accurately mapped her surroundings within her mind. ‘He’s right. I better keep an eye out for that.’

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The ocean’s calm waves spread against the hull of a dull gray submarine featuring a poorly painted skull emblazoned on its side. Its periscope extended, allowing its occupants to observe the city that jutted from the water ahead.

A thin-faced short man with whisker-like marks on his cheeks and a bowl haircut looked out from it. He pressed several buttons on his console and made the periscope’s video feed appear on a large screen within the submarine’s control center. “Alto Mare! Dead center!”

“Good work, Chico!” a tall and well-built man with a confident expression called out. “Don’t push the engines and keep the steady pace straight. After all, good things come to those who wait.”

“Aye aye, Braggo!” Chico pushed a lever and made the submarine rumble on steadily. “Blurt, I hope you’re ready because we’ve got this!”

“We’re about to make the poach of the year!” Blurt, a man with an enormous physique and a prominent red nose replied eagerly. He stopped and looked at the pair with a befuddled expression. “So, what are we after again?”

Braggo held his chin with a hand and smirked. “We’re approaching the perfect poaching. Can’t believe we found such a good hit right after we left jail, that’s why we can’t fail!”

Chico bowed dramatically in Braggo’s direction. “You find the best jobs! That’s why you’re the boss!”

Braggo slumped in his seat and crossed his arms confidently. “True!”

“What’s the plan then, boss?” Blurt asked.

“When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Braggo reached to the side and patted a large tranquilizer rifle. “You two will attack and cause a distraction. I’ll shoot and take them down, that should cause a reaction. Once the dragons are immobilized, we’ll move in for extraction!”

“You’re brilliant, boss!” Blurt and Chico shouted dramatically in tandem while waving their arms and bowing in Braggo’s direction.

Braggo leaned further back into his seat and smirked exaggeratedly. “Yeah, so true!” He gave Chico a thumbs up. “With this new machine you’ve created, there’s no way we’ll be frustrated.”

Chico pointed to himself. “Criminal equipment inventor mastermind Chico strikes again! We’re back in business and ready to rake in the moolah. I designed it for optimal Pokémon poaching, no corners cut, and maximum efficiency!”

“Easy come, easy go!” Braggo replied.

“Ugh… Did I just break something important?” Blurt asked while scratching the back of his head and holding out a severed lever from his control panel.

“Nothing on your seat is connected to anything important, so no,” Chico answered with a shrug.

“Phew, that’s a relief,” Blurt said while tossing the lever behind him, where it clattered loudly upon impact with the metallic floor. He made a face once Chico’s words sunk in. “Wait, what do you mean I got nothin’!?”

“Quit being funny. Time is money,” Braggo snapped. “Are we set and in a position to carry out our mission?”

Chico pressed several buttons on his control panel and focused the submarine’s periscope on Alto Mare. “We’re near the city, boss. Neither target Pokémon is in sight yet, though.”

Braggo grabbed the large rifle and several supplies, stood up from his seat, and opened a secondary hatch. “Prepare the secondary submarine. We will cause a scene!” He disappeared into the compartment.

Chico monitored the status of the secondary submarine and, once the release light blipped, released a lever that expelled the smaller craft from the main unit. “Submarine off!”

Braggo drove the midget submarine under the water of Alto Mare’s canals while keeping an eye on its radar to coordinate with the main unit. “What a lovely city, it’s almost a pity.”

Meanwhile, Chico moved the main submarine further ahead and pulled another lever. The large submarine rose and abruptly broke the water’s surface on one of Alto Mare’s canals. “We’ve successfully infiltrated the city! Blurt, time to look for and ambush one of the targets!”

Blurt stood up, climbed a short ladder, and opened the upper hatch. He stuck his head out and looked around with a wide grin plastered on his face. “We’re about to fu—” He gasped and froze when he came face to face with a vibrant down of red and white feathers, as well as a pair of intense yet curious golden eyes.

“Hi! Welcome to Alto Mare! Eon ticket, please!” Latias greeted, voice dangerously cheerful. She gave the poacher a too-friendly smile at the same time as the wind blew by and ruffled the beautiful blue ribbon tied around her neck and the rose tucked behind her ear. At the lack of any reply, her eyes narrowed as she said, “May I ask why a submarine equipped with dangerous weapons just ‘snuck’ into my city?”

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Chapter End

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