Pokémon Heroes 2003

In the charming city of Alto Mare, a calm paradise is under the vigilant protection of two extraordinary dragon siblings, Latias and Latios. These legendary creatures are bound by a rich legacy of bravery, with their father—a noble Latios—having once saved the city from a perilous Pokémon Trainer and his powerful Kabutops and Aerodactyl. His incredible feat of turning the city’s streets into canals earned him the unwavering gratitude of the townspeople, who erected the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare (D.M.A.) as a safeguard against future threats. Though this powerful contraption has yet to see use, whispers abound that the soul of the father ________ resides within the enchanted Soul Dew (ko-koro no shizuku), a relic that can energize the city’s defenses.

In today’s timeline, a sinister scheme is afoot as Team Rocket agents Annie and Oakley get their hands on an ancient manuscript that reveals the history of Alto Mare. Their intention? To exploit its defensive mechanisms for their own gain. Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, and Brock find themselves exploring the city, unwittingly crossing paths with the wondrous Latias. The trio soon finds themselves embroiled in a web of intrigue as Annie and Oakley don disguises to track Latias, deploying their Espeon and Ariados in their attempts to capture her. Just in time, Ash and Pikachu come to her aid, guiding the fleeting Latias to safety before she mysteriously vanishes.

Their next stop is the local museum, where they meet Lorenzo, the knowledgeable curator who passionately shares stories of Alto Mare’s rich heritage, the D.M.A., and the ancient Pokémon that reflect the city’s enduring strength. Ash is particularly captivated by a young girl named Bianca, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Latias in disguise. As he pursues her, Latias appears once more, leading both Ash and Pikachu to a concealed refuge where she and Latios live, under the watchful eyes of Lorenzo and his granddaughter Bianca.

As darkness descends, Annie and Oakley stealthily invade the sanctuary, managing to capture Latios along with the sacred Soul Dew. Although Latias escapes, Bianca and Lorenzo must take action to thwart the duo’s nefarious agenda and prevent the catastrophic use of the D.M.A.’s full benefits. With the Soul Dew and Latios commandeered, they empower the fortification, bringing back the fearsome Kabutops and Aerodactyl to wreak havoc in the once-peaceful city. Chaos erupts as Bianca and Lorenzo fall into the hands of Team Rocket, while Ash, Pikachu, and Latias spring into action, determined to rescue their friends and save Alto Mare.

“Chaos has both the allure of destruction and the resilience of unity.”

In the midst of Oakley’s frantic attempt to submerge the group, Latias’ formidable psychic prowess spirals out of control, leading to a malfunction of the D.M.A. As the frantic group makes their way to the museum, they manage to free Latios and bring the malevolent machine to a halt. Yet their victory is bittersweet when Annie, seizing the moment, snatches the corrupted Soul Dew—an impulsive act that results in it shattering and unleashing a devastating tidal wave threatening the city’s very existence. In a tragic turn of events, the combined forces of Latias and Latios are required to avert a disaster, culminating in Latios’ sacrificial act for the greater good. The once-mighty Kabutops and Aerodactyl return to their fossilized forms, while Annie and Oakley find themselves ensnared within the D.M.A. as justice finally catches up with them.

Days later, Ash and his companions mourn the loss of Latios, their sorrow softened by a shared vision with the fading Pokémon. As they prepare to leave Alto Mare, bidding farewell to Lorenzo, they are left questioning the fate of Bianca—her absence poignantly felt amid the city’s revitalization. Just as they depart, the group glimpses Latias or perhaps Bianca (with her hat left behind on the dock) standing resolutely, gifting Ash a heartfelt sketch of himself and Pikachu before disappearing wordlessly. Ash offers his sorrowful goodbye, leaving Brock and Misty to ponder the mystery of whether they had encountered Bianca or the enchanting Latias.

Meanwhile, Annie and Oakley are eventually apprehended by authorities, forced to confront the dark truths hidden within their connection to Lawrence III, their deceit now exposed in the cool, harsh light of justice.