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Alto Mare lay on an isolated island, surrounded by endless sea. For nearly a hundred and fifty nautical miles around, there was nothing but water save for a single barren islet.
The city itself was a maze of narrow canals, where small boats served as the main form of transport.
It resembled Venice on Earth, almost as though it had been modeled after it.
From the harbor, Kai, Erika, and Ash's group wandered into the sprawling city.
Before leaving the coast, they passed a grand museum and two stone pillars carved in honor of Latios and Latias.
The sight stirred something in them. Perhaps the legends Kai had mentioned weren't just stories after all perhaps the guardians truly did dwell here.
Ash, unable to contain his excitement, immediately tugged them toward the registration site for the Water Pokémon Race.
Along the way, they marveled at the canals' crystalline water, the colorful boats darting through them, and the ornate European-style townhouses with finely sculpted façades lining the streets.
"This city is gorgeous!" Misty beamed, her eyes sparkling. "No wonder it dares to call itself the most beautiful in the world!"
Kai chuckled softly. "It's unique, I'll give it that. But there are plenty of other cities just as breathtaking Castelia in Unova, Lumiose in Kalos, Wyndon in Galar… each has its own charm."
Soon, they reached the registration desk inside the stadium. A clerk explained that the race was part of Alto Mare's annual Summer Festival.
It drew tourists by the thousands every year, fueling the city's economy. The winner would receive a special trophy the Alto Mare Glass Medal.
Ash's eyes lit up immediately. "That medal is mine!" he declared with fiery determination.
Misty scoffed. "Hah! Dream on. First place will be Kai's. I'll take second. As for you…" She smirked. "If you don't come dead last, I'll call it a miracle."
"You—!" Ash sputtered, red in the face. "That's so harsh!"
The race would be held the next morning at 9 a.m. The entire city was already abuzz, building anticipation for the grand event.
That afternoon, they checked into the Pokémon Center. Later, they enjoyed a dazzling parade of flower-decked boats along the canals, followed by yet another lavish dinner on Kai's tab.
By now, it had become a running joke: every time they bumped into him, he ended up treating the whole group.
Over the meal, Kai learned Ash had already earned seven badges. All he needed was one more the Rising Badge from Clair in Blackthorn City to qualify for the Silver Conference.
"Good luck," Kai told him with a grin. "Clair's no pushover."
As the sun dipped low, they returned to the Center. But Ash, restless and overstuffed from dinner, challenged Kai to a friendly battle out back.
Kai accepted with a smile. He sent out his Eevee, while Ash chose Pikachu.
The match was fierce but lighthearted, both Pokémon darting and trading blows until finally, Pikachu's Iron Tail landed cleanly, knocking Eevee out.
Ash froze in disbelief for a heartbeat before erupting into cheers. His Pikachu had actually beaten one of Kai's Pokémon! Deep down he knew Kai hadn't used his full strength, but still the victory filled him with pride.
'Maybe… just maybe… in the Silver Conference, I'll actually be able to defeat Kai himself.'
The thought made his heart race with anticipation. Since the day they met, he had never once abandoned that dream.
---
The next morning, dressed in shorts and light shirts, they arrived at the starting canal.
For the water race, each competitor would stand on a surfboard tethered by rope to their chosen Pokémon, pulled at high speed through the twisting waterways.
Kai had arranged for his Blastoise to be transferred in especially for the competition. With such a powerhouse of stamina and strength, he felt confident about his chances.
Ash and Misty prepared alongside him, brimming with determination. From a nearby bridge, Brock and Erika cheered them on, ready to watch the event on the giant screen.
Dozens of racers lined up at the start, their boards rocking gently in the water. Among them was the defending champion, Ross, whose Wailmer was famed for its blistering speed.
He had dominated the previous year's race in near-record time.
Kai found himself positioned in the center of the lineup, directly behind Ross. Ash and Misty stood at his sides, all three poised and focused.
The crowd's energy reached a fever pitch.
High above, three Natu and one Xatu unfolded their wings in sequence, forming a living signal light.
When the Xatu cried out, the race began thirty boards surging forward in a spray of water and cheers.
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