Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy
---------------------------------
This was a mysterious place. As rippling, water-like light shifted around them, Liam and Delia, along with Latios and Latias, appeared inside the hidden sanctuary.
The moment they passed through the wall of light, what greeted them was an ancient, majestic stone staircase. Below the staircase stretched an endless expanse of green gardens. It was hard to imagine that Alto Mare—an isolated island city—still hid such a vast region within it.
This was a world brimming with life, painted in shades of green and blue.
Green forests and shrubs filled the land, while blue fountains and streams cut across it. Countless wild Pokémon lived peacefully here—Butterfree and Yanma glided through the treetops; Poliwag and Wooper splashed around in the clear ponds.
Many pools dotted the garden, connected by manmade waterways. Crystal-clear spring water flowed continuously through them, eventually draining into the city itself.
At the heart of the garden stood a stunning circular fountain pavilion—the source of all the flowing water.
Latios and Latias carried Liam and Delia further inward, gliding over the ring-shaped pools and into the garden. Following a path lined with metal wind chimes, they arrived before the Fountain Pavilion—where someone was already waiting.
The person beside the pavilion turned at the sound of their approach, greeting them with a calm expression.
"You've arrived? Welcome to Alto Mare's Secret Garden."
A familiar voice and a familiar face—it was none other than Harribel, one of Johto's Elite Four.
"Yo, Harribel."
"Hello, nice to see you again."
Sliding down from Latios and Latias' backs, Liam and Delia greeted her warmly.
"Oooo~"
"Yaaa~"
The two dragon siblings flew happily to Harribel's side, rubbing affectionately against her.
"You two behaved very well. Good job. Go on—have some fun and get some rest."
Harribel smiled gently, stroking their heads. After receiving her praise, Latios and Latias chirped in delight and flew off toward the pools, playfully splashing around like children.
"It seems Latios has recovered quite well. He looks full of energy."
Seeing Latios flying around lively and carefree, Liam smiled as he spoke.
"Mm. He's not fully recovered yet, but the worst is over. The aftereffects of that farewell gift were too strong—considering that, recovering this much in a few days is already impressive. I originally wanted Latios to keep resting quietly, but that child just can't stay still. He's always been a handful."
Despite the complaint, Harribel's face carried a rare, gentle smile as she watched Latios and Latias dart between the treetops and ponds.
"Haha, you really are close with those two. It's enviable, honestly.
Ah, right—Harribel, we haven't thanked you yet for the ferry tickets. And for inviting us here. We've really enjoyed ourselves. Isn't that right, Delia?"
Liam could feel the strong bond between Harribel and the Eon siblings, and couldn't help feeling a bit envious.
"Yes! This place is beautiful! I really love the atmosphere of this city. The people here are so warm and genuine—it makes you feel at ease. I really like it. If I get the chance, I definitely want to come again!"
Delia's eyes shone with sincerity.
"I'm glad you like it."
Harribel nodded slightly, clearly pleased.
"Harribel, if I'm not mistaken, this place must be Latios and Latias' secret sanctuary, right? Are you really sure it's okay to bring us here?
…Do you have something else you want to tell us?"
After finishing all the pleasantries, Liam got straight to the point.
"Correct. This is indeed Latios and Latias' resting place. Normally, no one comes here. But for the two of you, it's fine. I trust you both—you'll keep this secret. As for the other matter…"
Harribel paused mid-sentence and glanced subtly at Delia.
Just as Delia began feeling embarrassed under her gaze—
"Oooo!"
"Yaaa!"
The two Eon siblings suddenly swooped down, scooped Delia onto their backs, completely ignoring her startled cries, and carried her toward a nearby pond.
There was a swing beside the water. Latios gently placed Delia onto it while Latias began pushing the swing back and forth.
Soon Delia's laughter echoed across the garden.
"Alright then—what did you want to ask?"
Seeing Harribel deliberately take Delia away, Liam's face darkened. His tone grew noticeably colder.
"I simply wanted to ask what you did with Pryce. I already went to the small island where you said the battle took place. It was in ruins—there was no sign of him. So I'm curious—what exactly did you do with him?"
Harribel asked calmly, ignoring Liam's tone.
"Hm? He wasn't there anymore? Then I don't know. I crippled his mobility at the time, so he may have ended up swallowed by the sea. Everything I told you before was the truth."
Liam frowned slightly at the news, but he didn't seem overly concerned. He had already punished Pryce as he should.
For the foreseeable future, Pryce wasn't likely to cause trouble. And if he did someday—someone else would handle it.
"…Alright then. In that case, I won't pursue it. As we agreed, I'll keep your secret. As long as Pryce doesn't resurface to cause harm, I won't involve myself in his fate."
Harribel clearly didn't want to dwell on the topic. Once she received Liam's answer, she let it drop.
"As it should be. Delia and I are traveling—we don't want to get dragged into unnecessary trouble. A peaceful journey is what matters most. But really, thank you—for helping us before, and for bringing us to such a beautiful place. I genuinely appreciate it. If you ever need my help with anything, just ask. I'll do everything I can."
Liam smiled, then walked over to Delia. Pulling the still-enjoying-herself Delia away from the swing, he called out his Aerodactyl, who lifted them both into the air and carried them out of the secret realm.
Latios and Latias watched them leave, then returned to Harribel's side, letting out soft, puzzled cries.