Mew and Teddiursa rode atop Zapdos, following the Pokémon that could transform into human form through a hidden passage. They arrived at a serene, secluded garden nestled deep within the city.
The gentle gurgling of fountains filled the air, and sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, bathing the area in a dreamy, ethereal glow.
The tranquil beauty of the scene left the three Pokémon from the Hero Expedition Team awestruck.
Latias, flying gracefully ahead of them, turned back with a wide, joyful smile and let out a melodic cry.
"Woo~" (Isn't it beautiful? This is my brother's and my secret base!)
"Ursa!" Teddiursa nodded enthusiastically, expressing its admiration for the stunning place.
Suddenly, another mysterious Pokémon emerged from the depths of the garden.
Mew, Teddiursa, and Zapdos turned their attention toward the new arrival.
When they saw it clearly, they froze.
The new Pokémon looked almost identical to Latias.
Latios, the Pokémon that had appeared, had sensed an unfamiliar presence in their secret garden. Initially alert, its guarded demeanor softened upon seeing the Pokémon following its sister.
Latias quickly introduced the newcomers. "Woo!" (Brother, this is the Hero Expedition Team!)
Mew nodded excitedly. "Mew!" (That's right! We're the Hero Expedition Team! We travel across the world, helping Pokémon in need!)
Teddiursa added enthusiastically, "Ursa-ursa!" (Exactly!)
Zapdos, towering behind them, lifted its head with pride. "Chiu!"
After the introductions, Latias turned back to Mew and the others. "Woo!" (Hero Expedition Team, this is my brother, Latios!)
Latios regarded the three unusual Pokémon with curiosity. As the guardian of Alto Mare, it was unaccustomed to seeing such Pokémon in its territory.
Pokémon interactions were straightforward and sincere.
After exchanging introductions, Latias eagerly asked about the Hero Expedition Team.
So, on that sunny morning, Mew and Teddiursa sat on the soft grass and shared tales of the adventures and good deeds they had accomplished with Latias and Latios.
They spoke of how they helped a giant Dragonite find a partner.
How they fulfilled a Ninetales' long-held wish.
How they encountered the enigmatic and conflicted Mewtwo.
And how they reunited Poliwag with its mother.
Latias listened with wide-eyed wonder, her gaze sparkling with curiosity and admiration.
Even Latios, who was typically more reserved, seemed intrigued, his expression reflecting both surprise and respect.
After hearing their stories, Latios tilted his head and asked thoughtfully, "Woo?" (The Hero Expedition Team? Can such things truly be accomplished by Pokémon alone?)
Mew blinked, offering a knowing smile but saying nothing.
Teddiursa, however, met Latios's question with unwavering determination. "Ursa-ursa!" (The power of one Pokémon may be small, but when we unite, we can overcome any challenge!)
Mew nodded in agreement. "Mew!" (Exactly!)
Its sparkling blue eyes reflected Latias and Latios as it continued. "Mew…" (And it's not just us. Naoki has been supporting us all along!)
Hearing the name, both Latias and Latios looked curious.
"Woo?" (Naoki?)
Teddiursa eagerly chimed in. "Ursa-ursa!" (Naoki is the best person in the world! He even planted a World Tree where Pokémon from all over can live!)
Latias tilted her head in curiosity. "Woo?" (World Tree? What's that?)
Teddiursa spread its arms wide to emphasize the grandeur of its words. "Ursa!" (It's a giant tree, big enough to house all the Pokémon friends we've met on our journey!)
Teddiursa continued excitedly, "Ursa-ursa!" (Naoki said if we meet friends we don't want to part with, we can invite them to live at the World Tree. That way, we can always see each other!)
Latias's eyes lit up with excitement. "Woo!" (That's amazing! We're friends, right? Can my brother and I visit the World Tree too?)
Mew chimed in cheerfully, "Mew~" (Of course! But we still have a long journey ahead, and the World Tree hasn't fully grown yet. No one lives there yet.)
Latias turned toward her brother, practically glowing with enthusiasm. "Woo!" (Brother, when the World Tree is ready, let's visit Mew and the others!)
Latios, however, remained composed and spoke earnestly. "Woo." (We can't leave Alto Mare so easily.)
As guardians of the city, their duty was to protect it and its people.
Hearing this, Latias's excitement dimmed, and disappointment clouded her face.
After a moment's pause, Latios softened his stance. "Woo." (But when the time comes, you can visit Mew and the others.)
Latias brightened instantly but quickly asked, "Woo?" (What about you, Brother?)
Latios replied firmly, "Woo." (I'll stay behind to guard the Soul Dew and ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.)
Latias understood her brother's intentions and immediately cheered, affectionately nuzzling him in gratitude.
"You're the best, brother!"
Latios responded with a gentle lick to his sister's forehead, a sign of their close bond.
Then, Latias's form shimmered, transforming back into the appearance of a short-haired girl. She turned to Mew and Baby Bear, her eyes bright with excitement, and said, "Is this your first time in Alto Mare? Let's go out and explore! I'll show you all the beautiful sights of the town!"
Mew and Baby Bear shared her enthusiasm, eager to see more of the enchanting water city.
Zapdos, however, remained indifferent to the prospect of sightseeing. Its immense size and striking appearance would undoubtedly draw too much attention from humans, which it found exhausting.
Without waiting for the others to ask, Zapdos made its decision clear: it would stay behind in the garden and wait for their return.
Mew and Baby Bear were already accustomed to Zapdos's reclusive nature. They nodded in understanding and promised to bring it back something delicious from town.
Latias led the way, guiding the two Pokémon through the hidden tunnel that connected the secret garden to the outside world. To blend in with the humans, Mew transformed into a small Pichu and perched on Latias's shoulder, while Baby Bear snuggled comfortably in Latias's arms.
In this manner, the three Pokémon joyfully wandered through Alto Mare's cobblestone streets and winding alleys, marveling at the lively atmosphere.
The annual Pokémon Water Race was underway, drawing crowds from all over the region. Trainers and athletes raced atop their Water-type Pokémon, cutting through the canals in an exhilarating chase. Spectators cheered from the bridges and riverbanks, creating an electric atmosphere.
Latias brought Mew and Baby Bear into the heart of the crowd, where they watched the event unfold with awe.
Unbeknownst to them, a hovering surveillance drone tracked Latias's movements from above, its camera focused intently on her human form.
"Target located," said a voice.
The scene shifted to a sleek control room aboard a speedboat. A female thief, dressed in sharp black attire, smirked as she studied the monitor displaying Latias image. "The legendary Pokémon, Latias. This is going to be our big break."
Her accomplice, another thief with short auburn hair, practically buzzed with excitement. "We were right! When Latias transforms into a human, her body temperature is much lower than a normal human's. We're going to hit the jackpot this time!"
The first thief, Lyon, leaned back with a self-assured grin. "Hmph. A legendary Pokémon like her is still just another prize waiting to be claimed. No matter how powerful they are, they all fall into the hands of Lyon, the number one thief in the world."
She shut off the observation device, pocketing it as she turned to her partner. "Zanna, get everything ready. It's time for action."
...
Bonus Chapter at 400 Powerstones.
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