In the Black World — The two sisters, Sanna and Rian, finally received the punishment they deserved. Although they didn't die, being trapped as immobile, voiceless dolls in the sewers for the rest of their lives was probably a fate worse than death!
Ash had initially felt a twinge of pity, but then again… once he remembered what these two had done, their punishment seemed fitting. Just because you haven't committed an evil act yet doesn't mean you escape consequences. Think about it—what would Alto Mare be like now if Ash hadn't been here? Latios would have died from energy depletion, Latias might not have escaped their murderous hands, and the entire city could have been buried due to the sisters' reckless actions! At least they weren't dead, right?
This matter was now officially concluded. The abnormal events in Alto Mare that night became urban legends: the inexplicable iron bars appearing at midnight, the city's water source suddenly vanishing, and some people claimed to have seen visions of a massive tsunami… Because it all happened so quickly, many simply thought they'd had a collective nightmare.
Three Days Later —
In the Secret Garden, Ash lay on the lawn with his hands behind his head, Pikachu beside him. The two comfortable companions were watching Mewtwo conduct special training in the distance, enjoying the sunlight filtering through the green canopy. It was wonderfully relaxing.
Not far away, Brock was cooking, while Sabrina, Misty, and Kanon chatted happily. To be precise, Misty and Kanon did most of the talking, with Sabrina occasionally chiming in. Their topic of discussion was mostly related to Ash. Often, Kanon would ask questions, and Misty or Sabrina would answer.
Generally speaking… Kanon was intensely curious about Ash's journey.
Within three days, the three girls had grown close. Kanon had also confirmed, just as she suspected, that these two girls were Ash's romantic partners. When she first learned this, Kanon felt a strange pang in her heart. How to put it… She didn't think Ash was the carefree, flirtatious type. If he were, at least his expression and demeanor when talking and interacting with her wouldn't have been so plain and natural. Not to boast, but Kanon was still confident in her looks.
Later, through her inquiries, she learned that Ash indeed wasn't some playboy. Instead, it was the two girls who had actively pursued him! Upon hearing this, Kanon's expression turned extremely odd. These two girls—one cute, one sexy—should have many suitors chasing after them, yet they had taken the initiative to pursue Ash…
But after her initial surprise, Kanon felt a sense of understanding. Weren't she and these two girls in the same boat? That boy did possess a mysterious power to attract people… So, with this complicated feeling, Kanon had become involved with the two girls until three days later—the present.
By now, Ash had fully recovered, and so had Mewtwo. Over the past three days, Mewtwo hadn't just rested; it had also crafted a training plan for Latios and Latias. The psychic potential of these two Pokémon was somewhat beyond Mewtwo's expectations. At the same time, their utter lack of control over their own power surprised Mewtwo even more! They were the only Pokémon it had ever seen who possessed such strength yet couldn't use it at all—and there were two of them! This referred to Latios and Latias. As for "such strength," this wasn't by Mewtwo's standards but by the overall world average. At the Elite Four–level, their raw power was already considered very formidable. However, Latias and Latios, who possessed this power, barely knew how to wield it… This truly left Mewtwo speechless.
I've never seen anything like this.jpg.
I've never witnessed such a scene before.jpg!
So, for these three days, Mewtwo's special training for the two Pokémon focused on developing the power they already possessed! From utilizing their energy, to controlling their output, to employing moves, Mewtwo taught them step-by-step, like a parent. In just three days, the two Pokémon underwent a radical transformation. If it were the current Latias and Latios facing those two thieves, they'd probably wipe the floor with them!
Now that the preliminary training was complete, Mewtwo had recovered, Ash had recovered, and it was time to say goodbye…
After lunch, around noon, the four said their farewells to Kanon and the Latias siblings.
At the pier, Kanon and Latias (transformed into Kanon's form) stood very properly. If not for the white beret on "Kanon's" head, no one but Ash would have been able to tell who was who.
"…Why not stay and play in Alto Mare a little longer?"
"Haha, we'd love to, but we have to get back to Rustboro City to qualify for the Silver Conference. We don't have much time to spare."
Ash had already stayed in Alto Mare for almost a week. According to their schedule—returning to Rustboro, plus registration, training, and competition—they didn't have much time left. So, although it was disappointing, they really could only say goodbye now.
"Don't be sad. We'll come back to play in Alto Mare another time! After all, it's not too far from Pallet Town."
Alto Mare was located near Cerulean City, which indeed wasn't very far from Pallet Town—provided you used transportation instead of walking.
"Then… next time you come back, you must come play with us!"
"Mm-hmm~"
Latias beside her nodded hurriedly.
"Definitely. Well then… goodbye! Mewtwo, I'm counting on you to keep training Latias and the others."
Yeah.
Mewtwo, hiding to the side, replied softly. A temporary separation was for a better reunion. These two little ones might be able to help Ash in the future. Even if their current battle prowess was lacking, their talent was immense.
"Wait, Ash!"
Ash, about to turn and leave, turned back in confusion. Then, a warm touch grazed his cheek. By the time he reacted, Kanon, wearing the white beret, was already running away, her face flushed.
Ah, this…
Misty & Sabrina: …
Although they had guessed a little from Kanon's frequent questions about Ash, this was too fast! Second only to Flora, huh?! Once again… Once again, Ash had been kissed directly on the cheek! And right in front of them! This wasn't exactly NTR, but…! This time was slightly more acceptable than the last… Last time, Flora had kissed Ash without any warning. This time they were somewhat mentally prepared… but not to this extent! What was with these girls treating their kisses so casually?! Why could they just give them away like that?! Even Sabrina, with her calm temperament, couldn't help but feel her mind go a bit numb.
Latias tilted her head, then showed an expression of realization. She quickly ran over to Ash in a few steps, her pretty face leaning in. Seeing this, Ash quickly took a step back. With his reflexes, as long as he saw it coming, there was no way Latias could sneak-attack him. Seeing this, Latias suddenly puffed out her cheeks, like a little pufferfish, then grabbed Ash's hand and pulled him closer. Ash hadn't expected Latias to be so strong suddenly and was pulled off balance. Then, another warm feeling touched his other cheek.
After the successful kiss, Latias flashed a bright smile at Ash. Misty and Sabrina on the side were already numb, their brains in turmoil!! What the heck was this?! Kanon was one thing, but why was Latias joining in?! People shouldn't… at the very least, they shouldn't!!!
Ash was in a daze. Latias, who was about to leave, suddenly seemed to remember something. She handed Ash the piece of white paper she had been holding, then waved and left the pier, leaving behind only a group of bewildered people and a Mewtwo who had no idea what had just happened. Latios didn't quite understand the meaning of his sister's behavior either, but judging by everyone's shocked expressions… it felt like something very significant had happened.
Ash stared blankly at Latias's departing figure, then unfolded the white paper in his hand. He was stunned once more. A drawing was on it—it depicted the backs of him and Mewtwo. Viewed from behind, they gave off a feeling of marching indomitably toward certain death. It was their figures as they faced the monstrous tsunami…
Ash unrolled the paper further and found another sheet beneath it. Pulling it out, he saw a drawing of him and Pikachu lying on the lawn, eyes closed, enjoying the breeze. Compared to the previous painting, they were two completely different styles—one extremely solemn, the other utterly relaxed.
For the past three days… had Kanon been painting these?
Imagining Kanon, over three days, constantly envisioning the scene of him and Mewtwo heading to battle, and secretly observing him and Pikachu relaxing to draw that picture… Ash couldn't help but laugh.
"Thank you… Kanon."
This affection… wasn't easy to accept!
This was the fourth time…
But making someone sad and cry wasn't his style. However, Kanon had turned and run away, asking Latias to deliver these two paintings. It meant she didn't want to face him for the time being. In that case… they'd meet again next time!
Ash looked up at the endless blue sky, his thoughts already turning toward their next meeting.
…And so… the image on the black screen froze on Ash gazing at the blue sky.
If there were a painter present, they would surely want to capture this scene… For example, the real-world Kanon, because this picture was truly beautiful.
At this point, the scene from the Black World came to an end....
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