Pokémon: Ash's New Journey

"Go, Totodile! You got this!"

"Don't lose, Marshtomp!"

"Lombre, you're the best!"

The moment the water race began, the crowd on the shore erupted into cheers, passionately rooting for their favorite competitors.

The event's host, armed with a microphone, enthusiastically narrated the action of this Grand Water Capital competition, Tour de Alto Mare.

"Let's go, Azumarill! Don't lose to Ash's Squirtle!"

"Azuma!"

With Misty aspiring to become a Water-type Pokémon Master, all of her Pokémon had impressive swimming abilities.

To her left was May, riding on her Wartortle, slightly trailing behind Misty's Azumarill.

On Misty's right was Ash, his Squirtle propelling him forward with remarkable agility. Despite its small size, Squirtle's high level more than compensated for the difference in physique.

"Keep going, Squirtle!"

"Squirtle, Squirtle!"

"Pika-Pika!"

Pikachu cheered from Ash's shoulder as Squirtle surged ahead.

Next to Ash was Anabel, partnered with her elegant Milotic.

Thanks to its streamlined body and high level, Milotic held the lead alongside the previous Water Race Champion—Ross and his powerful Wailmer.

"Latias, Latios, let's cheer them on!"

Floating invisibly above the race, Latias and Latios watched eagerly. After three days of bonding, they had grown fond of May and Anabel, but Latias, in particular, was laser-focused on Ash.

Noticing that Ash was slightly behind, Latias anxiously floated in circles.

"Brother, let's help Ash! Nobody can see us anyway! I did it last time too!"

Latias excitedly recalled Ash's previous race.

"You mean the time you got him disqualified by leading him the wrong way?" Latios chided, making Latias shrink back sheepishly.

The race neared its final stretch. The cityscape blurred as the racers sped past, approaching the most challenging sections—sharp turns where many would be eliminated.

"If you fall off, you're as good as out," the host exclaimed. "This is where the real test begins!"

The lead group had dwindled to four: Misty's Azumarill, Ross's Wailmer, Anabel's Milotic, and Ash's Squirtle.

The broadcast camera tracked the intense showdown, showing the competition on a massive screen for the audience.

Among them, Anabel's Milotic started to widen the gap, edging out the others.

May had fallen into the fourth tier of racers, while Misty and Ash remained neck and neck with Rossi.

Pikachu continued cheering, but Anabel made a calculated decision.

She knew that Misty and May would soon be parting ways with Ash, while she would continue traveling with him. Wanting to give them a meaningful farewell gift, she mentally communicated with Milotic to ease up slightly.

As a result, Misty and Azumarill surged ahead, clinching first place!

Anabel and Milotic followed in second, Ash and Squirtle in third, with Ross and Wailmer in fourth.

May finished in fifth.

Misty was elated to win another Alto Mare Cup Champion Medal, a momentous achievement.

Back at the Secret Garden, Latias and Latios lay peacefully on the grass, sensing the emotional weight of the day.

Misty retrieved both of her Alto Mare medals, one from this year and one from a past competition.

With a determined look, she had Sceptile use Leaf Blade to slice the medal in half, evenly splitting it.

Holding Anabel and May's hands, Misty gave each of them a half.

"This way, we all share a part of today's victory," she said with a bittersweet smile. "Anabel, May and I won't be by Ash's side anymore… so take care of him for us."

Though Misty said it playfully, her voice carried deep emotion.

May felt the same.

Latias and Latios, sensing the mood, quietly lay in the grass, refraining from their usual playful antics.

Misty had already booked her ticket for a ferry back to Cerulean City.

She didn't want Ash to see her off, fearing that if he did, she wouldn't have the strength to leave.

She looked at everyone—her friends, their Pokémon, even Latias and Latios—and smiled.

May and Anabel smiled too.

And so did Ash.

"Misty," Ash said, stepping forward and embracing her, "Today's farewell is just a step toward an even better reunion. Let's keep in touch through our Pokémon watches, and next time I visit, I hope to see an even stronger you!"

Misty nodded, holding back her emotions.

"I'll overcome my fear of Bug Pokémon," she thought to herself. "I'll train even harder. The next time we meet, I'll show you a different me!"

The next morning, Misty left quietly without waking anyone.

If she had said goodbye in person, she wasn't sure she would have been able to go through with it.

She had fallen in love with Ash.

But life must go on.

Meanwhile, Ash was also preparing to leave Alto Mare.

Just as he was debating how to ask if Latias wanted to travel with him, Lorenzo and Bianca approached—except, there were two Biancas.

One of them was an—Latias in disguise.

"Ash," Lorenzo said with a solemn expression. "I have a request… Could you take Latias with you, and show her the world beyond Alto Mare?"

Author's Note:

Writing this chapter was emotionally complex.

If there's someone you care about, don't hesitate—speak up. Sometimes, the only thing standing between you and happiness is waiting for someone to make the first move.

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T/N:

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