"Gary, does your Gengar also dislike staying in its Poké Ball?" Ash asked.
I already knew that Gary's Eevee didn't like staying in its Poké Ball back when we were at the Cinnabar Laboratory, but I didn't expect Gengar to be the same.
"Yeah," Gary replied. "Gengar never liked being in the Poké Ball—even back when he was a Gastly. But honestly, it works out. He can sneak into shadows and help me detect danger."
"That's really convenient. Makes me want to raise a Gengar too," Ash said thoughtfully.
"You should wait until the right one comes to you," Gary said, quickly pulling Ash away before he could get too absorbed in the idea. "Let's go buy some supplies—we leave tomorrow."
Ash's future Gengar was still out there in the wild. If Ash caught one now, that future partner might end up abandoned and alone.
The two of them found Brock and Misty, and together they went to the Pokémon Department Store to shop for supplies. Along the way, they encountered several fans—mostly girls—asking Gary for autographs. Gary signed as many as he could.
Seeing Gary welcomed by so many admirers made Ash feel a bit downhearted. Though slow when it came to emotions, even Ash couldn't help wishing he was just as popular.
After escaping the crowd and finishing their shopping, the group departed early the next morning, heading to the coast to board a boat to Alto Mare.
A week later, they finally arrived.
During the journey, Gary didn't train much. He simply enjoyed a relaxing travel life. With so many people around, tasks were divided efficiently and everything got done quickly.
Especially with Brock—the all-around caregiver—in the group, there was never any worry about food. Since their supplies only covered a few days, Brock led the way in foraging for wild fruits and edible plants along the road.
Ash had made it this far thanks to Brock. They'd gotten lost numerous times on earlier trips, and without Brock, they would've starved—or at the very least, gotten seriously ill from poor eating.
"Wow! This is Alto Mare, a city built on water. It's so romantic!" Misty exclaimed as she got off the boat, thrilled by the canals that surrounded them.
Ash and Brock were just as fascinated. Even Gary, who was visiting such a unique city for the first time, couldn't help but stop and admire the view.
"Alright! I'm joining the Water Race—let's go sign up!" Misty shouted excitedly, dashing off.
Gary and the others looked at each other and followed.
On the way to Alto Mare, Misty had already researched everything about the city. Knowing that a Water Race was held there regularly, she was determined to join as soon as they arrived.
The Water Race was a festive weekly event held in Alto Mare. The group quickly found the registration area at the Pokémon Center.
"You came just in time," Nurse Joy said. "The Water Race will be held tomorrow. If you want to join, now's the time to register."
"I'd like to sign up!" Misty said eagerly. If it was a water-related event, Misty never hesitated to participate.
"Okay! Then I'll enter too!" Ash chimed in, unwilling to miss a chance for competition.
"Wait… Ash, you don't have any Water-type Pokémon with you," Misty said, puzzled.
"No problem," Ash replied. "I'll contact Professor Oak and have him send over Totodile."
Misty had momentarily forgotten that Pokémon could be transferred remotely.
"Then let's compete and see who gets first place!" Misty declared.
"You're on! I'm winning this for sure!" Ash retorted.
Their friendly argument continued.
"Hey, Gary—aren't you going to join?" Misty suddenly asked when she noticed Gary silently observing from the side.
"Yeah, you have Blastoise. Why not enter?" Ash added.
"I'm kind of famous now. Gotta keep a low profile," Gary said with a smirk.
Misty and Ash both sweat-dropped.
It had already been a week since the Silver Conference ended. They were in a different region—who would even recognize him here?
Neither pressed the matter further. If Gary didn't want to compete, that was fine.
After registering, Ash used the Pokémon Center's teleporter to request Totodile from Professor Oak's lab. With everything settled, they spent the rest of the day exploring Alto Mare and enjoying its unique cuisine.
Gary, meanwhile, was quietly observing the city's sights, trying to spot Latias.
He knew Latias was mischievous and loved disguising herself as a girl to roam the city. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be around that day.
Still, Gary wasn't too concerned. With Ash acting like a Legendary magnet, they'd probably run into her eventually.
The next morning, the Water Race began.
Ash and Misty stood on floating platforms built for the race, holding reins attached to their respective Pokémon.
"Thank you for waiting! It's time for Alto Mare's annual summer festival. As always, we kick things off with the traditional Pokémon Water Race!"
Residents and tourists cheered from the sidelines.
"Pika!"
"Eevee!"
Pikachu and Eevee were cheering excitedly for Ash and Misty.
"Who will claim the prestigious Alto Mare Glass Trophy? Let's find out!"
Three Natu and one Xatu took their places at the starting line. The Natu stood atop Xatu's head and launched Dual Wingbeats one after another. When Xatu followed suit, the race officially began.
In a flash, the water Pokémon dashed forward like wild stallions.
Ash and Totodile led the pack, with Misty close behind. Other racers followed in hot pursuit.
"Pika! Pikachu!"
Pikachu, excited to see Ash in the lead, accidentally lost balance and tumbled off the bridge.
Brock and Gary panicked, but Ash happened to be passing under the bridge and caught Pikachu mid-race—allowing him to ride along.
Gary smirked. Totodile was already struggling to pull Ash, and now he had Pikachu too? That was a lot of extra weight.
Unfortunately, there was no video coverage of the race. The competitors had to swim a full loop around Alto Mare's waterways before returning to the starting point.
The race wasn't long. After about ten minutes, two racers emerged onto the final stretch—Misty and Ross.
Ash, strangely, was nowhere to be seen...