Chapter 15 — Alto Mare’s Family

  The water dragon, immense and powerful, towered over the main pool of the Secret Garden, its roar echoing like a waterfall crashing down a cliff face. As it opened its jaws, the beast displayed a raging whirlpool down its throat, and rushing spires of water formed along its mouth and head in the shape of jagged teeth and horns.

  A spine of telekinetic energy held the constructed beast together, with constant pulses of blue light surging through the monster’s body in a continuous rhythm. As it moved, water fell like rain from its enormous translucent body, creating a stunning trail of rainbows when lit by the secret garden’s mythic sunlight.

  A lone woman dressed in a white miniskirt and a teal shirt walked up the monster’s spine—with disc-like platforms of psychic light framing her feet as she moved up the water body—and stood atop its head between its two massive horns. Her face twisted into a scowl, eyes narrowed, as she defiantly pointed a finger at Ash. At the top of her lungs, she shouted, “Intruder!”

  “Wait, I know you! I saw you earlier at the museum!” Ash gasped, pointing back at her. He balled his fist at her. “…You seemed much friendlier back then! You came here for a fight?”

  “That is because your presence bore no ill will there, but not here, not in our sanctuary,” the water dragon said in a deep, rumbling voice. “Prepare to perish, human!”

  Latias let out a long, weary sigh, and her lips pursed. “Hey, Ash? I’ve got a riddle for you.”

  Ash’s eyes darted between Latias and the monstrous apparition, his heart pounding at the sight of its raging form and chilling aura. His hands now rested on his belt, just above the Poké Balls of Infernape and Torterra, while Pikachu adopted an aggressive stance at his side as wild sparks flew from his red cheeks. That Latias remained calm and nonchalant only confused him further. “Uh, is this the time for riddles? Because, well…” He pointed at the imposing monster again. “That.”

  Latias ignored his question. “What do you get if you mix imprudence, stupidity, and insolence into one annoying sack of blue feathers?”

  Ash blinked and thought for a moment. “I have no idea, and I barely even understand what those words mean. I… Uh, I suck at riddles, to be honest. The last one I tried to solve had a pun with my name, but I didn’t get it until someone explained it to me.”

  “Well, you get… My brother.” Latias’ eyes narrowed, and with a furious snarl, her claws erupted in a violent swirl of emerald energy, crackling with draconic power. Her form blurred from the speed of her movement as she rushed down the monster’s spine, around its midsection.

  The water monster reared to dodge the imminent assault, but its massive, clumsy movement proved too slow. Bianca gasped and opened her mouth to speak. However, the attack ended before she uttered a word.

  Latias’ body pierced the water construct like a green arrow through its center, releasing a potent blast of draconic power that extended like deadly scythes from her claws. It rippled through the water with a vibrant onslaught that caused the water beast to collapse into the pool with a blinding burst of emerald light. Latias shot up like a red blur and caught Bianca with a single hand by the rim of her blouse. She looked at the woman with an unimpressed expression. “This was Latios’ idea. It reeks of something he’d do.”

  “Hey!” Bianca yelled, kicking at the air while dangling from Latias’ claws. “Put me down!”

  Latias gave her a sly grin. “Oh, that’s perfectly fine by me. Your wish is granted.”

  Bianca’s gaze fell upon the distant pool, and her eyes widened. “Wait, Latias! Wait a moment, no! I’ll take that—!”

  Latias’ claws opened, and Bianca screamed as she plummeted into the pool below them. Latios emerged from the construct’s collapsing torrents of water and rushed to catch the falling human. He grunted in pain as Latias crashed into his side, sending them tumbling down the grassy hill; the rough ground scraped against their feathers as they rolled, crashing into a thicket of bushes at the foot of a colossal tree. Bianca unceremoniously fell into the cool water with a modest splash that deafened her scream.

  Bewildered, Ash stared at the scene that unfolded with his jaw dropped. Pikachu rubbed his eyes with his paws to ensure his eyesight proved correct. “You saw that, right, Pikachu?” Ash asked. Pikachu nodded dumbly.

  Bianca emerged from the pool, took several greedy breaths of air, and swam to the edge. She leaned on it with her arms crossed and pouted. “Dammit, and my shoes are new, too.” She lifted her camera and shook it to remove the excess water. “Thank goodness it’s waterproof.”

  Latios’ head popped out from the bushes. He flew out, shook his body to get the shrubs off him, and lit a brief flash of draconic fire throughout his plumage to dry the excess water from his feathers. He levitated to Ash while eying him with a critical expression.

  Latias emerged from the bushes and stifled a giggle when she looked at her brother. “You may want to get a good look at yourself, fluff ball.”

  “That’s perfect!” Bianca lifted her digital camera and snapped a photo of Latios. “Got it.”

  “What—” Latios craned his neck and noticed the heat and motions had left his plumage standing on end and fluffed out in all directions. His eyes glowed, and a swift swirl of telekinetic light pressed it back into place. “Delete that photo!” He pointed at Bianca with a sharp claw.

  “Well done, Bianca,” Latias said while clapping. “You’ve earned mercy for today… for whatever stunt you two just pulled.”

  “I can’t believe you just turned against me,” Latios said, giving Bianca an offended expression. “I thought you were on my side.”

  Bianca laughed and dangled her camera. She winked at the dragon. “Between you two, I’m on the side of whoever is most convenient to me at any given time.”

  “Figures. Anyway.” Latios looked between Ash and Latias. “So, who’s your new boyfriend, Latias? Hmm… He’s a bit on the short side, but he’s fit. He looks a bit clueless, but that’s never stopped you before. Not bad.”

  Latias scoffed at him, flustered. “Listen, you idiot, I just met him.”

  Latios clasped his claws together and let out a thrilled noise. “Oh! At first sight, too! Ain’t that a charm?”

  A rumbling growl made its way up Latias’ neck. It echoed throughout the garden, stilled the air eerily, made the plant life around them shrink, and silenced the water fountains for a second. “Latios. I’m just moments away from celebrating becoming an only child.”

  Latios laughed nervously and waved his claws at her. “Now, now, Latias—Oh! Hey, I just realized you look familiar. You won the Tour de Alto Mare!” He stopped before Ash. “Congrats. That was a sweet win. First non-boring race in a few years.”

  Ash chuckled and flushed. “Thanks. It was a fun race. I enjoyed it very much.”

  “Well, in that case, I approve! A fine choice, my dearest Latias!” Latios threw his arms up in the air in faux excitement. He flew over to his sister and patted her back to push her forward. “You’ve got my blessings! You got a real winner here.”

  Latias glared at him with an ominous red glow in her golden eyes. “You do that again; the city will be short of one guardian. Effective today.”

  “Is that because you’ll be leaving with him? So soon after meeting him?” Latios’ eyes widened, and he smacked a hand dramatically into his chest. “I can’t believe this!”

  Ash looked between the two dragons and waved his hands in panic before Latias responded. “Uh, no need to fight!” he blurted out. “You two are not mad I’m here or anything… Right?”

  Latios snickered and patted a fuming Latias on the back. “Oh, don’t be frightened. I’m just teasing her.” He levitated to the pool’s edge and grabbed Bianca by her armpits. “If she trusts you to be here, you’re good.”

  “Yeah, Latias always knows who to trust best and usually has a good eye for guys.” Bianca winked. “Right, Latias?”

  Latias snarled, her feathers ruffled, and her eyes erupted with a vibrant blue glow. A powerful telekinetic light surrounded the unprepared Latios and Bianca and, with no warning, forcefully pulled both underwater with a large splash. She turned to Ash and smiled. “What my dumbass brother means is that as long as it’s one of us that brings new people into the garden, it’s fine.”

  Bianca resurfaced, coughed to catch her breath, and used her hands to clear the water off her head and hair. “You’re going to kill me one day, Latias.” She tensed, her muscles rigid, as the water beneath her surged, propelled upward by Latios’ sudden levitation. She wrapped her arms around his neck for balance.

  “I will one day at this rate. Hardly something you wouldn’t have earned one way or another by now,” Latias responded with a side-eye. “But, yes. Anyway. Meet my new friend, Ash. Ash, meet Latios and Bianca; you know them from the race ceremony.”

  “He doesn’t seem too bad. I’m surprised he’s so calm in the presence of two Legendaries,” Latios said as he deposited Bianca on the grass beside him. “Granted, everyone’s seen us before so many times. We lose a bit of the wow factor there. Though he looked ready to fight my water monster prank thing; that’s impressive.”

  “He did win the race and got an award in person from you two,” Bianca pointed out as she rinsed her hair and moved to remove her sodden shoes. “That was his first impression of you.”

  “He says he’s met his fair share of Legendary Pokémon before, too,” Latias said. “So, I’m not surprised there either. Especially if he’s met bigger Legendaries than us.”

  Latios smirked. “Oh, your new friend’s a braggart. What a surprise.”

  “Well, if anything, he proved it right today.” Latias motioned to herself and then to her brother with her claws. “He’s met us personally, not publicly.”

  “Good point,” Latios admitted with a shrug. “Well, tell us of these Legendaries you’ve met, oh well-traveled Pokémon Trainer. I’ll be impressed if you’ve met something bigger than… I don’t know, maybe the odd Moltres in Kanto or a Registeel somewhere in Hoenn… or something like that.”

  Ash tapped his chin with a finger in thought, wondering which of his many encounters to start with. “Hmm, well, I think it’s easiest to go with my most recent one. I met Arceus, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina not long ago, if that counts for anything in your book. My travels through Sinnoh were something else.” He sighed as the memories rushed to the foreground of his mind. “Giratina was surprisingly friendly, even if she looked the scariest. I even got to ride on her head! Palkia and Dialga were annoying because they constantly tried to kill each other, and we got caught in the crossfire. Arceus… was cool, I guess. In any case, he was a bit whiny about his stolen Jewel of Life thing. He chilled once he got it back, at least.” His attention refocused on the two dragons before him. “And—” He stopped. “Uh?”

  Latios and Latias stared at him, dead silent and unmoving. Even the gentle sways of their levitation had ceased.

  “What?” Ash blinked.

  Latios and Latias did not move or respond or appear to acknowledge his question in any manner.

  “Did I say something wrong?” Ash asked. He waved a hand in front of Latias’ face. “Hello?”

  The two dragons’ jaws dropped, and their eyes widened.

  Pikachu laughed at the two dragons’ expressions and almost fell backward. Bianca snapped a picture with her camera and grinned.

  “Are you both okay?” Ash asked, concerned. “I can go to the Pokémon Center—”

  “There is no way you could have possibly met all the universe’s creators,” Latios said, his tone dripping with disbelief and skepticism after finally processing Ash’s unbelievable claim. “They’re like myths, legends, higher gods, even to us Legendary Pokémon.”

  “Really? I met them on three separate occasions, even,” Ash said, humming in thought. “Just the third time had all four at the same time, though. In a place called Michina Town.”

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  Latios stared at him, his expression betraying his suspicion and disbelief. “…What? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “Why are you so surprised?” Bianca asked. “Are they that big of a deal? I’ve heard those names once or twice, but never really looked into them much. Though, here in Alto Mare, no legendary matters other than you two, so there’s that.”

  “You have no idea,” Latios answered. “Which is why I doubt he’s for real.”

  “He’s not lying,” Latias said. “My empathy isn’t picking up falsehood from him.” She paused. “Just mild annoyance that you’d doubt him. Ha!”

  “Your empathy can’t detect falsehood if someone is deeply convinced their lie is the truth, or if they’re a pathological lair whose nature is so deeply rooted in lies that they can say them without any emotional variance,” Latios pointed out. “I know that for a fact.”

  Ash crossed his arms and tapped the grass with a foot. “Well, why would I lie about that?”

  “There is absolutely no way he’s telling the truth,” Latios said in protest. “Zero chances. Dead stop.”

  Pikachu pointed at Latios and spoke several vocalizations of his name, which Ash guessed—and hoped—helped confirm his story.

  “See? I doubt the two would conspire. Plus, Pikachu seems honorable. My empathy doesn’t detect falsehood there, either.” Latias smirked and side-glanced at her brother. “Dye your feathers pink if he did. Bet.”

  “Oh, I’m calling that bluff, Latias. One hundred percent.” Latios’ vivid red eyes focused intently on Ash. “Prove it. I dare you.”

  Bianca stood up, though her wet clothes clung to her, and a shiver escaped her when a breeze passed by. “I’m making good on that bet, you know.”

  With a graceful movement, Latias levitated behind Ash, her presence barely disturbing the air. “You got any way to show him? I’d rather not ask for a mind intrusion because that’s rude.”

  “Uh, I think so?” Ash looked up, deep in thought. “Oh! I got it!” He took out his Pokédex, looked for the registered images from his travels through Alamos Town and Michina Town, and showed them to the trio. “Here you go.”

  Latios, Latias, and Bianca peeked into the recorded images, which displayed the correct registration of the four Sinnoh deities. Latias’ eyes glowed in a faint blue hue as she psychically pressed one of the device’s buttons to scroll through a few of the pictures it recorded through the trainer’s travels.

  “Impossible! What if it’s altered… or something?” Latios objected, retracting his arms into his body indignantly. “I call foul play.”

  Ash harrumphed and pocketed the device. “Do I look like someone who even knows how to alter photos? Or tamper with a Pokédex? The last time I tried to use a computer, I crashed it.”

  “Again, my senses didn’t detect any falsehood coming from him,” Latias said, voice low and marred by a growl. “Are you doubting me? We could ask to read his mind to confirm it, but that’d be extremely rude only to confirm something I’m sure you know is the truth by now.”

  Latios scoffed and looked away. “Well, you now have a vested interest in winning this argument because I’ll get turned pink.”

  “I don’t know. Latias’ word plus the Pokédex seem like enough proof to me,” Bianca said. She rubbed her hands together and elbowed Latios’ side. “I’ll buy some pink dye when I run to the store later tonight. You’ll look gorgeous, I promise.”

  “They aren’t the only ones I’ve met. I ran into quite a few others as well,” Ash said. “Though those four are the most impressive, I’d say.” He winced. “And the scariest. The amount of times we almost died…”

  “Well, if you’re that lucky, I’m not surprised you somehow caught Latias’ interest and got pulled into the garden,” Bianca commented. “So soon after meeting her, too.”

  “I wouldn’t call it lucky every time,” Ash said. “Sometimes, meeting Legendary Pokémon is dangerous. More than a few times, those meetings end up with us almost dying. But maybe you can chalk up the privilege of meeting them as luck.”

  Pikachu nodded grimly and spoke at length while making several dramatic gestures with his paws, prompting Latios and Latias to frown. Ash wondered what his best friend had brought up.

  “Well, I’d say we can’t ascribe his track record to luck,” Latias said. “He’s honest and hard-working.”

  “Never confuse what you earn through effort with luck. Maybe you are the real deal here.” Latios gestured to his sister. “Though that’s for you to find out.”

  Latias rolled her eyes. “Gee, thank you, Latios. I couldn’t have guessed that without you.”

  “But,” Ash said, his voice low and hesitant. “Effort or luck—like I told Latias—I don’t think it makes me special. It’s just, it happens. Most of the time, we’re running for our lives. You guys have that skeleton displayed in the museum, so you two have had a similar experience.”

  “Oh yes, you can say that. We don’t interact much with other Legendaries, but the few times we’ve done so haven’t turned out the best,” Latios said in agreement. He growled. “The result of one of those times is indeed an ornament at the museum now.”

  Ash blinked, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze the only sound, along with Latios’ rumble, as he looked from the two majestic dragons flanking him to the distant shrine. His thoughts drifted back to the museum’s skeletal exhibit and the tales Lorenzo had gone through, realizing something didn’t quite add up. “Huh, those tales sound like they were a long time ago. They mentioned Alto Mare’s creation; I know some cities can be old. Which means… How old are you two exactly?”

  “Well, excuse me, mister, never ask a lady her age,” Latias said, voice brimming with playfulness and the distinct tone of feigned indignation while her ears flattened against her head. She head-butted Ash in the chest so that he fell onto his butt. “Hmph!”

  “Hey!” Ash protested. He stood up and dusted off his pants. “What was that for? It was just a question.”

  “And, to answer it, like most Pokémon species, we have our distinct aging timetable. I won’t bother you with a number, but if you must know, I’m not close to adulthood and still have some growing left. I won’t get that much bigger, though, as I’m done with my growth spurt. If I had to give you an answer that you’d understand, I’d say I’m in the middle of my teenage years.” Latias pointed at her brother with a claw. “And so is this useless lump. We’re twins.”

  Ash gasped. “Wait, whoa, whoa, you’re still a teenager? Just like me? But you’re the city’s guardians! You’re so… I’m not sure how to put it into words… Adults? Like, you two act like grown-ups.” He paused and glanced at the drenched Bianca. “Though, now that you say it, you two are different here than outside.”

  Latias leaned in and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone. It’s our secret.” She hesitated, then looked away. “The city would be thrown for a loop if they learned their fabled guardians are still a pair of clueless, dumb teenagers still figuring out their way through life. We know how to behave like adults, hold public decorum, and act like respected dignitaries before the crowds and yadda… Yadda… But we’re still young at heart. You get the point.”

  “I’m… shocked,” Ash said. Now, their earlier antics made so much sense to him. “But, in a way, it’s cool.”

  “Surprising, isn’t it?” Latias asked. “It’s funny. The city and the surrounding legends make it so my brother and I appear as these gods of immense power, vast wisdom, and unconquerable will and whichever fashionable grand titles and over-the-top word strings the people of the time come up with. I could go on for hours describing what we’re made out to be.” She giggled melodiously and did a carefree twirl in the air. “Yet we’re just two teenagers getting by and living life. We’re gods, yes. We’re Legendaries, yes. But we’re powerful because of our dedication and are no more legendary than any other legend out there.”

  Bianca cleared her throat and puffed out her chest. “Latias’ benevolence goes far beyond just protection, for Latias is also a source of guidance and inspiration. We revere her as a beacon of hope, seeking—”

  Latias glared at Bianca, bared her sharp teeth, and a low growl rumbled in her chest. “You continue that speech, and I’m throwing you into the pond. Again.”

  Bianca laughed and clutched her sides. “Aww, but Latias! That’s my grandfather’s newest speech, revealed this week for his daily museum tours. I figured you’d love it.”

  Latios clapped and let out a roar of approval that rattled nearby plant life and pools. “Tell Lorenzo I think it’s great, but it needs double the dramatics and triple the epic over-the-top wordplay.”

  Bianca bowed. “I shall pass on our guardian god’s demands to him.”

  Latias rolled her eyes and buried her head in her claws. “Oh, for the love of… I’m surrounded by idiots.” She glanced at Ash and Pikachu. “Not you two, by the way. You’re okay.”

  “Anyway, back on topic, when we were much younger, it was easy to tell we weren’t adults. If you were at the museum earlier, then you probably saw some paintings done of us long ago,” Latios said. “Now that we’ve gone through our main growth spurt, I’m sure the average resident has long since stopped being capable of telling our accurate age.”

  “Only our close, personal friends know our true age,” Latias said. “Welcome to the club.”

  “Well, you two fooled me and my friends, that’s for sure,” Ash said. “You’re also not the only young Legendary Pokémon I’ve met. I once met a Lugia that was a baby.”

  “Of course you did,” Latios said with narrowed eyes. “It sounds like it’ll be easier to ask which legendary you haven’t met.”

  “Never heard of any baby Lugia around here. We don’t venture out of Alto Mare much. We respect the territories of other Legendaries as much as we expect our territory to be respected.” Latias’ gaze drifted to the garden’s heart. “Especially because of that. We can’t allow anyone near it. Especially other careless Legendaries.”

  “Yeah. Given what you’ve said, the Soul Dew is important. Not just to the city, but also for you, in a very special way,” Ash said in agreement. Pikachu echoed his best friend’s sentiment with a nod and a cry.

  “I can’t believe you just met him and already told him everything about our innermost secrets.” Latios threw his sister a snide smirk. “Is it because—”

  The feathers on Latias’ ears and neck involuntarily flared, and her claws flexed. “You finish that sentence, and there won’t be any feathers left on you for Bianca to dye pink.”

  Latios groaned. “I forgot that I agreed to that bet.”

  “I didn’t,” Latias and Bianca said simultaneously. They looked at each other and giggled.

  “Well, if my feathers will be ruined no matter what, and I’ve got nothing to lose—” Latios started.

  “Anyway!” Latias said a little too loudly. She flew to Ash’s side and roughly tugged on his shirt. “We were about to leave before you two annoying little pests interrupted us.” She stuck her tongue out at Latios and Bianca as she flew by while dragging Ash along. “Great that you met my brother. He’s the best waste of space you’ll ever talk to. Now that pleasantries are out of the way, let’s go back. I’ll go with you because I’m sure you’re lost after so many twists and turns to get you here.”

  Ash laughed and rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, I have no clue where to begin if I want to return. I could try following the big canal to the big museum building. That should work… If I knew how to go back to my place from there.”

  “You could, but it’s fine. I’ll guide you back to the Pokémon Center.” Latias’ amber eyes lit up excitedly while she rubbed her claws together. “Hey, I know! I’ll take you to my favorite café for a snack. You must be hungry by now.” She levitated up the nearest flight of stairs that led to the garden’s main exit. “Come.”

  Ash and Pikachu waved goodbye to a snickering Latios and Bianca as they followed Latias up the stairway. “Uh, wouldn’t it be odd if I’m just casually walking down the street with, you know, one of the city guardians? I’d get a few stares and questions. I don’t want to get you in trouble or anything.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about that; I’ve got it all solved.” Latias grinned as she turned to face him and winked.

  A torrent of beautiful blue light swirled vividly around her. She shrunk, and her form shifted into a bipedal, which Ash identified as a human. The light burst in all directions and bounced against the nearby walls and trees, revealing a young human girl just a tad shorter than Ash and with fairer skin. Her hair was vibrant red and flowed down to the middle of her back with a cute wisteria flower bow tying it in its middle. Her striking golden eyes changed to a subdued amber tone that wouldn’t stand out from other humans. She wore a red undershirt covered by a white gilet adorned with red accents on its edges and zipper, and a fanned white mini-skirt with striking red accents on its end.

  “Tada!” Latias said in a girly voice that lost all the power and luster of a dragon goddess that it perpetually carried, now akin to a normal teenage girl’s voice.

  Ash stared at her, dumbfounded. “I didn’t know you could do that.”

  “Let me guess, this is where you’ll say you’ve met a Legendary Pokémon that can also turn into a human before?” Latias asked, stifling a giggle by placing her hands over her mouth.

  “I have met transforming Legendary Pokémon before, but none to humans. This is a new one for me,” Ash answered.

  “Finally!” Latias cried out with a victorious fist pump. “I’ve surprised you.”

  “I did see a Zorua do it once, so it’s not unheard of,” Ash said.

  Latias pouted. “Couldn’t let me have this one win, couldn’t you?”

  “Hey! You’ve also surprised me with many other things,” Ash said with a nervous chuckle. “The list is big. It’s neat you can do this.”

  “This is one of the several ways we can be out in public without drawing too many crowds.” Latias twirled around and allowed her skirt and hair to wave in the wind to show off. “Now come. You’ll love the place. While we walk, I’d love to hear one of your many legendary tales… You can pick any.”

  Ash grinned. “Oh! I know one! Would you like to hear how I fought off Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres atop a Lugia to save the world from a flood-induced disaster?” he asked as he followed Latias out of the garden and through the illusionary wall without concern.

  Meanwhile, Latios observed the two depart the garden and chuckled at Latias’ excited squeal. He levitated to Bianca’s side and elbowed her. “Latias likes him. I saw it in her eyes.”

  “Like, likes-likes?” Bianca asked.

  “Yeah,” Latios replied. “Cute.”

  “Shocking. While she’s always quick to make friends and has a lot of them, she’s fussy with whom she deals with on a personal level,” Bianca said. “Wonder what’s so special about him. He seems pretty average at first glance.”

  Latios shrugged. “That’s for Latias to know. Anyway, want a ride home? You’re sopping wet.”

  Bianca looked at her clothes and nodded. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that.”

  Latios moved to the garden’s exit, along with Bianca, and stopped. His eyes narrowed, and he tilted his head, his ears raised, listening intently to the sounds of the garden. “Hush.”

  Bianca took a step back. That sharp, no-nonsense look; she knew it by heart. “Latios?” She stopped, remembering his request for silence, and gulped as her eyes darted all over the garden. Out of instinct, she raised a hand to grab Latios for protection, but he was long gone before she could touch him.

  Latios’ form blurred from how fast he flew through the garden. Almost instantaneously, he appeared in front of a gray-colored drone near the other end of the garden. His eyes flashed with a swift glow of telekinetic light, crushing the drone’s rotors and causing it to drop into the grass below. He levitated down and examined the drone thoughtfully. “Hmm…”

  “Hey, what’s gotten into you?” Bianca called out as she ran to the dragon’s location a few minutes later. She leaned over the nearest tree and panted heavily. “You’re going to—What’s that!?” She took a moment to regain her breath, walked closer, and stared at the crippled machine. “Well… It’s a drone.”

  “It looks like someone found their way into the garden,” Latios said as Bianca picked up the drone with her hands and examined it. “I only heard it now because it tried to take off. No clue how long it’s been here. Or what it saw.”

  “This isn’t good,” Bianca murmured. “This isn’t good at all.”

  “You’ve used drones before for your photography side gig. Do you recognize it as something commercially available?” Latios asked. “Or just, in general?”

  “A bit, but it’s heavily modified. A lot of the things I can see at first glance don’t look like something an off-the-shelf drone would come with, and from its looks, it’s very high-quality work, too. This isn’t a cheap drone, and it’s not altered by an amateur in a backyard workshop,” Bianca answered, as she turned and twisted the drone around to inspect it. “This looks professional and expensive.”

  Latios growled. “So, whoever snuck this isn’t some lucky citizen or a tourist. If this drone is highly technical, it means whoever sent it here did it with a purpose, knows what they looked for, and knows what they’re doing.”

  Bianca gave the dragon an apologetic look. “I swear I watched my back when I got here. I always do.”

  “I arrived just after you did, but I was also hurrying to prank Latias. I may not have been attentive in my haste. Latias could’ve also made a mistake in her distraction over her new friend.” Latios placed his claws on Bianca’s shoulder. “It could’ve been any of us. Don’t worry about it. There’s no point in pointing claws. It’s done. I’ll still fly you home, Bianca, but I’m afraid I won’t be staying after. I need to figure out what to do about this.”

  Chapter End