Before turning away, Latios gave Xia Chi one last, lingering look, entrusting him with a solemnity he had never shown before.
"Ooh-yoh-"
[From now on, please... take good care of my little sister!]
"Hey, brother-in-law... Latios, don't rush into the tragic farewell scene just yet."
Xia Chi suddenly chuckled, breaking the heavy atmosphere.
With a turn of his wrist, a gem appeared in his palm, glowing with a soft, steady blue light. It was almost identical to the one that had just shattered.
Against the apocalyptic backdrop, it looked utterly out of place, yet full of hope.
"Take a look for me. This is a pretty stone I picked up by the sea earlier. Do you recognize it?"
His tone was so casual that he might have been asking about something completely trivial.
Latios whipped his head around. The moment he saw what Xia Chi held, his gemlike pupils trembled violently!
The Soul Dew!
And it was a perfectly intact Soul Dew, brimming with energy!
Overwhelming shock and joy instantly washed away his resolve to die.
"Ooh-ee?!"
Mega Latias also sensed the familiar, surging energy and looked at her brother in delighted surprise.
Latios nodded emphatically, his eyes blazing with unprecedented hope!
There was no mistaking that aura. It was the Soul Dew!
"Well then."
Xia Chi extended his palm, the Soul Dew shining in his hand like the morning star in the darkness.
"I'll leave saving Alto Mare to you two. May our guardians prevail and return safely!"
Without hesitation, Latios swooped down and carefully took the Soul Dew, which carried the entire city's hopes, in his mouth.
Azure light instantly enveloped his battered body, seemingly healing his injuries at speed.
Latios gave a clear cry that rang through the skies and exchanged a look with Mega Latias, who