~Attractive Altomare Chapter 4~

 

~Left Wanting More~

 

The soothing breeze that permeated throughout the Secret Garden echoed a sound of peaceful serenity. Wild Spinarak made webs in the parts of the tree above and Poliwag slept next to the running water of the fountain. Keeping the garden safe were two younger Latias and Latios who just happened to be floating overhead of the three debaucherous individuals who'd done many things that night.

 

'The nerve of that guy… Doing those things to Mama like that.' Latios said while gritting his teeth. 

 

Latias rolled her eyes, 'It's not about Mama. Is it?' She asked with a glint in her eye as he turned with a burning flame in his eye.

 

'What did you say?!' He exclaimed into her mind directly as she grinned and flew off in the opposite direction. Making sure that her brother gave chase and finally leave the lovebirds alone.

 

Ash was lying between Latias and Bianca, both of whom were cuddling up to him while peacefully snoozing away. Ash had woken up  first and been unable to sleep after such an experience. Ash wondered about Latias's wording the other day, "with other women I approve of." He only wanted for her, but ended up with Bianca too? Or was it just a one time fling?

 

Pikachu hopped over to where he currently was, "Pika…" He trailed off as Ash turned his head up.

 

He whispered back, "What's going on little buddy?" Questioning his companion.

 

Pikachu looked at him and then toward the fountain. A light was emanating from a fixture right above it. The wellspring of all of Altomare and its last protector in the Soul Dew. Ash had felt the powerful aura emanating from the place, but figured it was better to avoid getting too close.

 

Pikachu tapped Ash's leg with his tail, then pointed again at the Soul Dew, "Pika." It said a little more forcefully.

 

'Ash.' Another disembodied voice echoed throughout the garden.

 

Ash was a bit resistant still. He was warm and two of the most important women in his life were still wrapped around him. So, he pulled his leg from Pikachu slightly. Pikachu wouldn't leave him alone.

 

He finally gave up, "Alright… I'm getting up." Ash was about to wake up the girls, but was surprised as they floated up on their own. 

 

'What's going on?' He thought to himself as he got to his feet. Once Ash was done, he watched as they were laid back down closer to one another.

 

Ash heard the remnants of a laugh from above. Then some extra sounds that reminded him of Latios eerily enough, but the wind would blow and suddenly it would be quiet all over again. Pikachu hopped on Ash's leg and made his way up to Ash's shoulder.

 

Ash felt another presence besides himself, Pikachu, and the girls. A giant blue aura was burning brightly at the top of the stairs next to the fountain. Ash turned to see it. The bright flames seemed to be radiating warmth upon the surrounding area. Ash was surprised to say the least.

 

Another voice echoed across the area, 'Ash, please come up and see me.' Ash looked back at Bianca and Latias for a moment before deciding with a nod that everything should be fine.

 

The fountain itself was reflecting the night sky as he got closer to it. Grabbing the railing for the stairs, Ash was surprised by the heat coming off the metal. As his feet graced the cobblestone rocks, he felt that warmth spreading up his legs. Even Pikachu tensed up a little, scratching Ash on his shoulder at the sudden feeling.

 

"Hey, loosen up, Pikachu." Ash said to his buddy.

 

"Chaaa…" Pikachu let out which sounded like, "Sorry" to Ash.

 

'I'm waiting…' The voice sounded off smoothly into both Pikachu and Ash's ears as he began to continue his climb up the stairs. Reaching the top, Ash looked around to try and see if someone was there, but there wasn't any obvious sign that there was anyone at all. He looked at Pikachu in confusion as Pikachu seemed to be in awe of something else.

 

Ash then looked back over and he was struck by the same feeling. There, floating in midair was an almost ghost-like apparition. It was cloudy looking and filled with stars. Ash took a step back, but Pikachu approached the being by leaping off Ash's back. 

 

Ash's eyes widened as Pikachu seemed unafraid of the thing in question. He then got a better look at it himself. A familiar aura was making itself known. He knew what this was. No, he knew who this was.

 

"Latios?" He questioned as the formless being began to take shape. Soon enough, Latios was indeed floating before them both.

 

'Yes. Though, I wish this meeting was less… awkward.' Latios looked him up and down and Ash realized that he was naked. 

 

Pikachu spoke up, "I'm naked all the time! Woah… That's what I sound like when I speak?" Latios chuckled.

 

'Of course. I've made your speech into reality. You can probably tell Ash all the things you can never get fully across if you wanted to.' Latios shifted to Ash, 'Speaking of you, I've noticed the events that transpired… Twice.' He said as Ash scratched his head in anticipation.

 

Pikachu got a smirk all over his face, "Yeah, Ash did a lot of work today. Beat that one trainer and your sisters in battle!" Pikachu stated while swinging his tail back and forth.

 

Latios sighed, 'He certainly did… The point of this meeting is to make sure you stick with them. Don't break their hearts.' He narrowed his eyes at the clueless looking man who straightened up and bowed to Latios immediately.

 

"I'm pretty sure you already should know, but of course I wouldn't break their hearts." Ash said as he looked back up at Latios. 

 

Latios was already aware of his character. Latios remembered when Ash had come to rescue him when his sister had nobody to run to. Latios still felt the pain in that time when he'd been forced to power the DMA and the small comfort of knowing that at least someone had been looking out for not just them, but the town itself.

"I… Thank you for speaking with me. I know you well enough to believe those words." Latios shook his head while continuing, "I wish I could be there in body rather than spirit to see you and them live a happy life." He finished as Ash walked up to him.

 

Ash reached up to pet Latios, but he backed away, "Uhhh… Why are you floating away?" Latios arched his eyes.

 

"You're asking me that? You're still… You know." The eon looked a bit scared as Pikachu cut back in.

 

"Naked Ash. You're still naked." Pikachu reiterated as Ash finally let that sink in despite being told earlier.

 

"Oh yeah! So are you." Ash laughed a bit as Pikachu sighed.

 

"Hate to agree, but he's got a point. Even though we established this." Pikachu crossed his arms, "Speaking of naked. Maybe you should move Bianca and Latias to another place. You were lucky that Bianca caught you the first time and not Lorenzo." Pikachu finished as Ash agreed.

 

Latios turned away from both Ash and Pikachu, "I'll be seeing you, Ash and Pikachu. Take care of my sisters." The light from Latios's form began to brighten until the luminescence took over the entire portion of the upper fountain. Ash covered his face and Pikachu even hid behind his leg. Then within a few moments, it was done.

 

Uncovering his eyes, Ash realized that Latios was gone. He frowned, looking down to see Pikachu whose ears were folded down just slightly. The wind shifted and Ash shivered a bit as the cobble was no longer filled with warmth. Ash noticed a small glow still dissipating near the spring from which all water flowed in Altomare. Walking over while passing the ornate structures, the duo was still filled with awe despite having seen this before. A somber mood had filled the air as both Pikachu and Ash gazed upon the Soul Dew.

 

"Pika…" He said in a low tone.

 

Ash pet him on the head, "Yeah, I get ya buddy." While they gazed at the water, it rippled almost like a heartbeat. Ash could see and feel the pulsating aura emanating from the treasure that kept Altomare safe. The wind rustled his hair and Pikachu's tail lightly blew to the side in that breeze.

 

“I think we should go.” Ash said as Pikachu nodded with just a small sideways look back at the fountain one last time before hopping on to Ash’s shoulder. They both left feeling a bit heavier than usual.

 

~The Next Morning~

 

Bianca woke up with a gasp. Her eyes widened as Bianca realized where she was, ‘I’m in my room? But how? I remember…’ Everything that had happened last night blazed through her mind and made her face light up. 

 

She was certainly a bit more self conscious after that flash of recollection, ‘Did he carry me here?’ That thought made her feel an array of emotions and then Bianca also added, ‘Where’s Sis?’ That question wasn’t so simple.

 

As Bianca pushed the covers down and turned onto her side, she found that on her desk was what appeared to be a note next to her clothing, ‘Oh? What’s this?’ She thought while getting off the bed. As soon as she set her feet down, she felt a real soft material on the floor. Bianca looked down to see one of her blankets on the floor.

 

‘I don’t remember leaving that on the floor.’ Bianca thought as she walked over to pick up the note. Unfolding it, she quickly read through the contents.

 

Hey, It’s Ash!

 

I brought you up here last night while sneakily avoiding letting Lorenzo know I was here. I also made sure to bring your clothes as well. I had made sure Latias was comfortable before doing that and ended up sleeping on the floor here. Hope you don’t mind that. When I got up, I went out for some cardio. Hope you’re having a good morning. 

 

Lov- With Love, Ash

 

Her heart also skipped a bit after seeing the note’s ending, ‘Love… He said love. I’m sure Ash was going to say love you, but it could’ve been a bit awkward.’ She hugged the note to her chest and then set it down on the stand. Bianca then heard her alarm go off much to her surprise. 

 

“Oh- no! I’m going to be late!” She shouted, quickly getting some clothes together that were clean and went to get a shower. When five minutes passed, she hopped out of the shower and dried off as fast as possible. Quickly throwing on her, signature green shirt, white skirt, panties, and white beret. She put on her socks and slipped her pink running shoes on, tying them up and grabbing her art materials before finally bolting out the house. She passed by Lorenzo who gave her what appeared to be an egg sandwich that Bianca took while shouting, “Thanks, Grandpa!” Before leaving him to attend to his own work.

 

Lorenzo sighed, “She’s always on the move… Maybe Altomare is getting to be a bit too small for her.” He’d always thought of the day that his granddaughter might leave the town to explore the world. Yet, she seemed a little content with her situation. 

 

‘Maybe something will come up?’ He wondered while walking out of his home and locking the door, ‘Can’t think about that all day though. Gondolas to work on till the day I can’t do it any longer.’ This was a profession to be taken seriously in the part of the world he lived in. One that he enjoyed profusely.

 

Meanwhile, passing by Lorenzo as he went on his path were three individuals. A woman with red hair that jutted out who seemed very relaxed. A man with purple locks of hair that looked very happy and a Meowth wearing the signature golden coin. They all wore Hawaiian shirts.

 

The purple haired one spoke up first, "You know, Jessie. When the boss decided to send us away this time. I was almost certain it was because we messed up something, but a promotion?" He sighed in contentment, "I just had no idea that it could be so nice to be an agent in the field again." 

 

Jessie couldn't help but agree, "Yeah and with generous pay to boot. It couldn't get much better than this, right Meowth?" She asked the little cat Pokemon who just nodded with a grin.

 

"And all we're required ta do is keep tabs on da twerp. Well, do we even consider him a twerp anymore?" He asked the two.

 

James jumped in on that, "Of course he is. Just because he's a big time champion now doesn't mean that the title of, "Twerp" is being removed. Right, Jessie?" James asked the redhead who didn't seem to agree all that much.

 

"Depends on who you're asking. He certainly seems more gifted now than any Twero I've met." She said much to James' chagrin.

 

James shook his head, "What are you actually charmed or something?" His question didn't get an answer from her.

 

Meowth butted in, "Don't get too distracted guys, we gotta keep up with da twerp. The Boss was adamant dat we make sure he stays out of da way." He smirked, "Besides, enjoying da vacation portion of da work is a nice bonus." Though speaking of the Twerp. They hadn't seen him in a while.

 

James bemoaned the idea of actually keeping tabs on Ash, "Do we really need to keep up with him right now? The Twerp is still here on the island." He turned to Meowth, "He'll be no issue for us to get a report on."

 

Jesse shook her head, "Honestly James, I'm really not sure about your dedication to Team Rocket." She scoffed at him as several children passed by them.

 

James grumbled about wanting a vacation and such under his breath. Meowth was content to enjoy his day as it was. Jesse was on the lookout for Ash. All was right with the world.

 

~With Ash~

Ash ran along the seaside with Pikachu happily running beside him. He'd been breaking quite a sweat as the morning went on. Having finally gotten a little time for himself anyway.

 

Ash had received a flier saying that the Tour De Altomare was happening this specific week. Which had been another reason for him to visit. Ash was intent on winning this time, but the competition would be fierce. Misty was said to be coming here just for this event and he really wanted to see what she would bring for the event.

 

'It has been a while. I wonder what she's been up to.' Ash thought as he powered through his morning jog with gusto.

 

He'd even ended up hitting a different route this time. Running along the maze-like halls of Altomare until he came to find himself on the opposite end of the shoreline. Pikachu, having enough of the exercise. Slumped down and tilted onto his side like a Meowth might do. 

 

"Hehheh, guess you're getting a bit older buddy." Ash chuckled as Pikachu let out a, "Chaaaa…" in response.

 

He got the message across and Pikachu felt himself being lifted up. Ash had opened his bag and after moving some stuff around. Finally placed Pikachu inside. 

 

"Are you comfy, Pikachu?" Ash asked to which he received a comforted nod.

 

The little guy was tuckered out and preparing to finally sleep it off. Ash gently put the bag back on his back before continuing on his path.

 

The wind coursing through the area gave a refreshing salty mist from the ocean. Ash sighed in comfort. This place was really nice. If he was sure about anything. Living here wouldn't be too bad, but then the thought of not traveling all over. Well… He couldn't bear the thought of not seeing new faces and Pokemon. 

 

Ash had only gotten this far because of his tenacity and willingness to grow beyond what came before. All of the lessons that made him who he was were irreplaceable. Walking through, he got a familiar tingle up his spine. Turning immediately to the left, Ash met face to face with none other than Team Rocket.

 

They freaked out immediately and backed up a few feet. Ash to them was just a monstrous figure now with his new height and body type. He gave them a narrow eyed look which made Meowth fall backward. Jessie recovered first, but Ash was the one to question first.

 

"What do you guys want?" He asked as James let out an eek in response.

 

Meowth jumped up, "Notin! We were just in da town! Enjoyin da view!" He sheepishly shouted as Ash arched his eye at that.

 

Ash frowned, but gave them a little breathing room, "Say I believed that. You're not up to anything?" He asked as Jessie stepped up.

 

Jessie swiped her tongue across her lips, "If anyone was up to anything, Twerp. It'd be me." She walked up to him with a salacious intent, "Damn, you've definitely grown." Meowth balked at that while James got a bit frustrated about it.

 

James clenched his fists, "This is no time to be flirting, Jessie!" He exclaimed while Jessie got just close enough to Ash, but he stopped her.

 

"I hate to say it, but James is right." Ash couldn't be bothered with her right now. That is until Jessie decided to go about it her own way.

 

"Are you sure, Twerp? Wouldn't you like to try these out?" She grasped her bikini with an exaggerated motion of playing with her breasts. Ash seemed resolute, but she saw the faintest hint of a blush hidden behind that barely concealed frustration.

 

James jumped back in, "Jessie, the Twerp isn't buying what you're selling. Now let's go enjoy this vacation." 

 

She leaned in and Ash could smell the perfume she was wearing. A strawberry incense wafted off Jessie. But then, her movement stopped midway. Ash felt a familiar energy radiating off her. He smiled and turned away to leave the area.

 

"We'll cancel the usual meetup. See you around and don't cause any trouble!" Ash said while holding his backpack straps tightly and trying to forget just how close Jessie had just been to him.

 

Jessie then fell forward much to her displeasure once her body was released from its prison. Somewhere on top of a building, a different Latias was giggling to herself. A Latios floated around her with a serious look on his face.

 

'You shouldn't mess with humans! Bianca might berate us when we get back if she finds out.' Latios telepathically said to his sister.

 

'Mama wouldn't like it if someone was messing with her special person.' Latias pointed out, but her brother scowled.

 

‘Regardless, I’m sure he can handle himself. He did help save the town.’ Latios finished as Latias frowned.

 

"Spoilsport!" She said to her estranged brother who balked and lowered his head in preparation to charge at her. Latias giggled and blasted into the air while Latios gave chase.

 

Jessie had finally gotten up and looked angry, "Who did that?! That Twerp was all m-" She stopped herself while James and Meowth's mouths were agape.

 

Meowth was the first to recover, "Jessie is down bad for da Twerp?" Jessie turned to him with an angrier look than earlier, "EH! NYAO!" Meowth yelled while running off on all fours as Jessie ran at him this time leaving James by himself.

 

James sighed, 'As much as I love this town, those two are going to ruin our vacation…' His thoughts trailed off in annoyance as he walked after them.

 

~Bianca~

She was painting the dilapidated island in the distance that used to have a full castle standing on it before the return of the water years ago. She captured the contours of the little mass of land with the experienced eyes of a master artist. Every stroke of her brush led to a new avenue of depicting the hopeless shores that were lapped at by the ocean. Even the eroded rocks at the bottom were just as crude looking as the real thing. 

 

Bianca had worked her way up to finally landing a job being a professional painter. This painting was to be delivered to the Altomare Museum where she worked to commemorate every piece of the island. Bianca was well off due to this job, but still lived with Lorenzo despite that. The wind blew against Bianca's skirt and her hair flagged to the side as she put the finishing touches on her work.

 

She had other thoughts that were picking at her brain, 'Is this how I'll spend my life?' Bianca put down the brush to savor the ocean spray as it salted the air. 

 

'I've never left this place. It feels like a never ending cycle of just doing my job, helping my grandfather, and just living to live.' She pondered the meanings of life as her thoughts turned to Ash.

 

Bianca had been surprised to see him and Latias in the garden that night, 'Ash has a way of mixing up things. I wonder about his adventures and how I might be if I'd had experiences like those.' She felt a bit down about it, but a shift of wind and two bursts of air coming out from both her sides had a way of lifting her up. Bianca felt like she was riding on something and sure enough, Latios had picked her up.

 

Bianca smiled, leaning forward to hug the dragon pokemon, 'Aww! Latios, it's good to see you!' She said mentally.

 

A blush evident on his face, Latios shook it off to report the going ons of the island, 'Everything is clear out there, big sis!' He responded as Latias floated just to the side lazily.

 

Latias had a bit of a smug look on her face, one that bothered Latios a bit, 'What?!' He questioned her as Latias started giggling.

 

'Crushin hard, bro?' She asked with a knowing grin. 

 

Latios grunted as if in mock pain and his body shifted backward. Bianca let out a yelp of surprise as she fell, but then her momentum was stopped by Latios's psychic. He had panicked with quite a bit more emotion than necessary which made Latias grin even moreso.

 

Bianca touched the ground lightly and he let the psychic go, "Latios, are you okay?" She asked in concern as Latios couldn't help letting hearts pop out from his eyes.

 

Bianca was truly an amazing woman in his eyes, but she didn't see him like he saw her. He was in essence, a lovestruck child in need of more growth. Latias would always tease him about his crush, but she knew that perhaps one day he might find someone to truly love.

 

'I'm fine.' Latios said into her thoughts, glad that part of the conversation wouldn't be translated for Bianca to hear.

 

Regardless, Bianca patted him on the head. Scratching his ears and earning what appeared to be a purr. She thought it was cute and loved playing with him. Latias sighed, all was well.

 

Latias turned to see the painting and let out a gasp, 'Incredible! That looks so cool, Big Sis!' She said as Bianca smiled.

 

"Thanks! I feel that island's depression whenever I make a brush stroke. I'm sure it was something spectacular long ago." Bianca said wistfully as the large wave hit the rocks below. The spray reached them at the top and Bianca had to shield herself until Latios floated before her, blocking the spray.

 

"Thanks Latios!" She said as he brushed it off.

 

'N- No big deal! I would do it for anyone!' He laughed nervously.

 

Latias did a back stroke in midair while twisting every few seconds to entertain herself while the one sided love continued on. She often got bored and loved to play just like her Mama. Even though she called Latias, Mama. Latias was often the one to remind her that she and Latios were born as soon as the Soul Dew was put back into place. The spirits of the Latios and Latias of the past would give two new protectors a chance at life if even one was ever snuffed out.

 

Her Mama often talked about when she and her brother would move about Altomare. Saving kids if they fell into the water, keeping the peace if they could manage it, and having as much fun as her brother would allow. Yes, she'd heard plenty of those stories. Mama had done a lot, but rarely got to leave her duties. She probably sacrificed more to protect Altomare than it gave her back.

 

Then this boy visited and that had changed her significantly. That Ash Ketchum had helped her in a time of need. Had played with her and made Latias feel like more than just a protector. Then, when her brother passed on, she gave him her affection and he left. Anyone else would have had a broken heart, but Mama was strong and believed that perhaps he’d come back eventually. For years Mama knew that perhaps she couldn’t move on from this boy who had now become a man. He’d even left a profound impact on Bianca even if she hid those feelings. Now that he had returned, a woman left wanting is a dangerous thing.

 

This Latias knew one thing for sure. Perhaps this would be a guiding stone that would allow her Mama to leave and experience the world. Maybe Bianca would join them and life would be a welcoming prospect for them again. She could only hope for the best.