----
After drifting through nearly every canal in the city, Ross finally guided the gondola into a narrow side channel and brought it to a gentle stop along the bank.
They had already toured most of Alto Mare from the waterways, and from the deck of the boat, there seemed to be little left to see.
"Over there," Ross said cheerfully, pointing toward a small riverside restaurant. "They serve the best crêpes in the entire city. You should try them!"
Misty smiled politely and bowed her head. "Thank you for taking the time to guide us today. We really appreciate it."
Ross waved off the gratitude with easy charm. "Think nothing of it. Here in Alto Mare, we're known for our hospitality. Besides, having the champion of the tournament aboard my boat? That was an honor all its own. I hope you enjoy the rest of your journey."
He gave them a final wave before heading off. Kai watched him go with a thoughtful expression. The young man's manner had seemed frivolous at first, but underneath, there was something genuinely good-natured.
The group soon made their way into the restaurant Ross had recommended. Within minutes, each of them was holding a paper-wrapped crêpe in hand.
"Chocolate for me!" Ash grinned.
"Banana!" Brock declared.
"I'll take the nut butter one," Erika said with a smile.
They each took a bite, and their eyes widened almost in unison. Ross hadn't been exaggerating the crêpes were heavenly.
But just as they were savoring their treats, Ash's eyes darted left and right. His smile vanished.
"Wait… where's Pikachu?"
The others quickly joined the search, fanning out across the plaza until at last they found the little yellow Pokémon standing by a fountain, nose to nose with a young girl.
"Pikachu!" Ash rushed over, relief washing across his face. He laughed. "Already making friends, huh?"
From a distance, Kai's eyes narrowed. The girl's face tugged at his memory. Red hair tied into two odd tufts, a green T-shirt, white shorts, pink boots over long black socks… To anyone else, she was just another local girl.
But Kai knew better. The images from the old film in his mind were too sharp to ignore.
Latias.
As he stepped closer, the girl turned on a faucet, letting cool water flow into the basin. Pikachu lapped it up happily, and Ash's puzzlement melted into understanding. "So that's it you were thirsty."
Ash beamed at the girl. "Thanks for helping him."
She didn't answer. Instead, she circled Ash curiously, leaning in close to study his face before darting toward the canal's edge. Misty frowned, bewildered. "Why didn't she say anything?"
Before Ash could respond, the roar of an engine echoed over the water. A sleek speedboat glided past, carrying two sharply dressed women.
Their words were lost to the distance, but whatever they said made the girl's eyes widen in fear. She bolted down a side alley.
With a flick of their wrists, both women released Poké Balls. In flashes of light, an Espeon and an Ariados emerged, giving chase.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, sprinting after them.
The others exchanged a single look before tearing off in pursuit.
They caught up just in time to see the ambush unfold on a small bridge. Espeon's psychic power lifted the disguised Latias into the air, her limbs paralyzed in a shimmering aura.
Ariados followed up with a spray of webbing, binding her arms and legs.
"Hey! What are you doing to her?!" Ash shouted, charging forward. He tugged at the sticky strands, desperate to free her.
The two women stepped into view beneath the bridge, their speedboat idling at the bank. One was tall, with long golden curls and a glittering pink top that bared her midriff.
The other had cropped silver hair and a crimson halter, her makeup sharp and striking. Both dripped with gaudy jewelry and carried themselves with practiced arrogance.
The silver-haired one smirked. "Relax, kid. We're just… giving this girl a little makeover."
"A makeover?!" Ash snapped. "Are you blind? She doesn't want this!"
Kai studied them carefully. Their names escaped him, but he knew exactly who they were infamous thieves who hunted rare Pokémon.
The blonde giggled. "Well, we want to. Isn't that enough?"
Ash growled in frustration, yanking the last of the webs from Latias. "She's not your toy! Why are you doing this?!"
The silver-haired woman folded her arms, her voice icy. "Tsk. Such manners. You shouldn't address ladies with such rudeness, boy. Ariados teaches him a lesson."
Ariados hissed, its many eyes glinting as it stalked forward.
----
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!