Guardian Angels

Chapter 7 - Life of Alto Mare

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Chapter 7 — Life of Alto Mare

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"I'm surprised this place has an antique feeling comparable to Michina Town." Brock paused and chuckled as the group stepped over the archaic cobblestone streets of Alto Mare on their way to the city's main plaza. "The modern one, not the one we time traveled to, that's not a fair contest," he added after a moment's thought. He took a deep breath and hummed in delight. The air brimmed with a delicate blend of salty sea breeze and the enchanting aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the nearby cafés.

"I don't think you can beat the old-timey feeling of a place thousands of years ago," Ash pointed out. Pikachu voiced his agreement with a cry.

"Yeah. I mean, look at this place... It's so beautiful," Dawn said. She smiled and ran a hand over the facade of a centuries-old building that stood proudly, adorned with elegant balconies, intricately carved statues of the city's common Pokémon species, and vibrant flower boxes that added splashes of color to the dulled hues of the stone walls.

"It is," Ash agreed. "I wonder how long this place has been around without changing much." He strolled along the edge of a large canal, marveling at the graceful arches of the bridges that guided their way over the sparkling turquoise waters, with the sound of its gentle lapping against the stone foundations accompanying their every move. Pokémon swam abundantly beneath the surface and gondolas glided by with their skillful gondoliers effortlessly maneuvering in and out of narrow waterways that fed the larger canal.

"We're riding one of those later, right, Brock?" Dawn asked while glancing at the passing gondolas. "Because I'd love to."

"Yeah, we will," Brock confirmed with a nod. "Can't visit Alto Mare without doing so, or so I've heard." He glanced at the map in his book and then at the upcoming turn. "I think this is it."

The group turned at the narrow alleyway and walked through an ornate wrought-iron gate whose intricate details resembled a flower-like pattern shaped after Latios. The city's vibrancy came to life in the bustling square they found themselves in, where locals and visitors converged to enjoy the wonders Alto Mare offered.

The piazza brimmed with activity, alive with the chatter of people, the cries of Pokémon, and the melodies of street musicians. Artists dotted the corners, diligently capturing the scenery on their canvases, their brushes dancing to the rhythm of their inspiration and the environment. People gathered in small groups, engaging in animated conversations, their expressive gestures punctuating the air with abundant laughter and smiles, demonstrating a spirit of camaraderie and warmth. All around them, children chased after one another in animated games of tag along with a few playful Eevee, Growlithe, and Houndour, their merry laughter echoing alongside those of their parents.

Ash, Dawn, and Brock stopped in their tracks. The first thing that caught their eyes was the square's centerpiece, a beautiful fountain adorned with an enormous sculpture of Latios that towered imposingly and spewed crystal-clear water from its mouth which cascaded gracefully into the basin below. The sound of its steady trickle harmonized with the nearby musicians' melodic notes and created a symphony of serenity.