The white misty barrier surrounding Alamos Town had completely vanished.
Sunlight once again bathed the ground as the previously devastated town underwent astonishingly rapid reconstruction.
Of course—even with this world's black-tech marvels and Pokémon assistance—progress shouldn't have been this swift under normal circumstances.
Collapsed ruins defied physics, soaring skyward before neatly reassembling into building forms. Cracks between bricks were seamlessly filled by spontaneously appearing mortar—restoration completing in moments.
Across land and sky—gaping wounds carved by "Spacial Rend" rapidly healed under faint pink energy, vanishing without trace.
Sinnoh's legendary twin dragons—guardians of time and space—now diligently cleaned up the aftermath of their own chaos under Aiden's direction.
"Truly incredible——"
In Alamos Town's central plaza, Cynthia gazed upward at the hardworking deities—a faint, intrigued smile gracing her lips.
"So the Time-Space deities truly battled above Alamos Town all this time? That means the legend of Oración is genuine?"
"And—Aiden, how did you manage this?"
Cynthia tucked wind-tousled strands behind her ear—turning to regard him with curious eyes.
After receiving Lucian's report about Aiden riding Giratina near Sinnoh League HQ, she'd assumed matters were resolved.
Yet barely exiting the Distortion World—he'd immediately gone live, arriving at Alamos Town ravaged by the deities' battle.
Aiden hadn't just encountered three Sinnoh Legendaries in one go—he'd uniquely calmed their fury… even earning their compliance.
Even "miracle" felt inadequate to describe his deeds——
"Mm—let me answer one by one."
Aiden pondered briefly before replying.
"First—the Oración legend is accurate. Alamos Town's ancestors once used the Space-Time Tower and this melody that moves deities' hearts to restore Dialga and Palkia's calm."
According to the anime/movie timeline, Ash should've appeared here years later—and the destroyed Space-Time Tower would have been crucial.
But with his superior solution? Completely unnecessary.
Giratina's words truly carried weight.
"As for how I did it——"
Aiden propped his chin thoughtfully—then grinned with deliberate vagueness.
"Probably my special constitution? Other Legendaries seem unusually inclined to befriend me."
"And—I obtained this from Giratina."
As he spoke, he retrieved a purple flute from his pocket.
Cynthia's attention instantly locked onto it. After examining it closely for a moment—she blinked in surprise.
"This is the Azure Flute?"
"But it feels—rather ordinary?"
"You're doubting the Creator Deity's aesthetic sense~"
Aiden teased lightly.
The Azure Flute was an essential artifact for audience with Arceus—deeply tied to the Creator Himself.
"Though slightly delayed—the most crucial item is now in hand."
"After resolving the crisis caused by the Time-Space deities and calming Giratina's fury—the Lake Guardians will assist us when needed."
"Now—only the Spear Key remains."
Aiden's casual words left Cynthia momentarily stunned.
Though it sounded simple—and indeed hadn't taken long—the very ease revealed the immense difficulty involved.
Merely contacting the Lake Guardians was extraordinarily challenging—let alone learning the Azure Flute's location from them.
And obtaining it required passing Giratina's trial—a hurdle insurmountable for nearly anyone.
Cynthia couldn't imagine anyone besides Aiden "speedrunning" the Distortion World.
Even she—Sinnoh's Champion—would stand no chance. Their power disparity and mutual unfamiliarity were simply too vast.
Yet Aiden had accomplished it effortlessly.
This truly was——
"Thank you, Aiden."
Cynthia sincerely thanked him on Sinnoh's behalf—only to receive a puzzled look in return.
"Why say 'thank you' to me? Too formal!"
Aiden chuckled—then suddenly took her wrist—abruptly changing the subject while steering her toward another part of town.
"Gar???"
Garchomp behind Cynthia immediately narrowed its eyes dangerously.
This guy—truly harboring ill intent!
Daring to hold Cynthia's hand now—what's his next move?! I dare not even imagine!
Though deeply disapproving of Aiden's boldness—Garchomp took no action. It merely sighed—then silently followed.
Still—
Considering this kid previously acted decently—and resolved numerous troubles for Cynthia…I'll turn a blind eye this once.
Just this once!
Originally, Aiden had intended to stroll with Cynthia—hoping to encounter Darkrai again.
After all—he'd openly "stolen" its move during battle. At minimum, he owed it acknowledgment—and preferably open-source permission.
Mewtwo learning Dark Void meant what?
——
That Sylveon and Indeedee might also pick it up—perfect for surprise "accidents" when needed.
But though Darkrai remained elusive—they quickly encountered a flustered, distressed middle-aged nobleman.
"Ch-Champion Cynthia! Thank you immensely for your timely aid!"
Aiden vaguely recognized him—the baron who'd transformed into a Lickilicky in the movie.
Judging by his panicked demeanor—he was likely Alamos Town's de facto leader?
Understandable. A small town suffering such catastrophe—with all residents trapped in Darkrai's nightmare-induced slumber, utterly unaware of external events—
Waking to find the Space-Time Tower collapsed, the entire town in ruins, and the regional Champion standing before him… even the stoutest heart would shatter.
Though hardly his fault.
A rampaging Legendary might occur once a century—yet misfortune struck him.
Still—Alamos Town held one thing that piqued Aiden's curiosity.
He glanced back at the fully restored Space-Time Tower nearby—its clock hands already ticking anew.
—
Ten minutes later.
"We've arrived."
Guided by the Lickilicky Baron, Aiden and Cynthia reached the tower's highest floor.
"When this tower was built, Alamos Town was entrusted with a sacred duty."
The baron spoke with palpable excitement as they walked.
Even after the tower's destruction—merely recalling its legendary history made him instinctively straighten his posture with pride.
"Alamos Town lies precisely at the convergence of time and space dimensions. Similar incidents occurred in ancient times."
"Our wise ancestors constructed this tower—and at its peak, performed a melody capable of soothing hearts—successfully calming the Time-Space deities' fury."
"Thus—the melody Oración became Alamos Town's most treasured cultural symbol."
As he spoke, the baron reached the chamber's center—inserting a music disc into a device crafted from precious metals.
A gentle, elegant melody began to play—amplified by the tower's unique acoustics to reach every corner of Alamos Town.
"A tender composition."
Cynthia instinctively closed her eyes—immersing herself in the music's cleansing embrace.
Beside her—Aiden quickly noticed——
As the melody entered his mind—his spirit instantly relaxed.
Whoever composed this was undoubtedly a genius.
"May I copy a music disc?"
As the baron also closed his eyes—breathing in rhythm with the music—Aiden's voice broke his immersion—snapping him back to reality.
"Of course."
The baron nodded readily.
"As one of Alamos Town's symbols—you can actually purchase Oración discs in town."
"Understood. I'll buy one."
Aiden vaguely sensed this melody harbored deeply hidden power—potentially useful for someone who frequently encounters Legendaries.
An extra trump card never hurt.
Though—this required a Pokémon capable of performing Oración as a move.
Currently—none qualified. Even Sylveon—with its cute voice—only used "Hyper Voice" for noise attacks. More suited to singing Requiem than melodies——
But I'll surely encounter one someday.
As he mused—Aiden approached the window.
Oración's flowing notes echoed above the town—causing nearby residents to unconsciously relax. Some locals even began dancing in time with the music.
Even the Time-Space deities—freshly finished with repairs—appeared pleased under the melody's influence.
"Roooar——"
Spotting Aiden at the window—Dialga emitted a farewell-like low roar. Exchanging a glance with Palkia—it turned away without hesitation—flying toward the horizon until vanishing from sight.
Having been successfully persuaded by Aiden and Giratina's "joint talk therapy"—they now returned to their respective dimensions to resume their sacred duties.
Aiden waved at their retreating forms—smiling silently.
Soon—Cynthia, savoring the music's afterglow, joined him at the window. Leaning against the sill like him—she smiled softly:
"I thought you'd keep them for a 'Myth Series' episode before letting them go."
"Already filmed in the Distortion World—including Giratina. I even recorded their basic data into the Pokédex."
Aiden's expression turned proud as he continued:
"Uxie and the others now owe me a favor. Before leaving Sinnoh—I'll arrange 'in-your-face' shots for them too."
"If we successfully unlock Spear Pillar… perhaps even that alpaca——Arceus—might yield precious footage."
Discussing this topic clearly excited him.
Sinnoh truly was a wondrous place—Legendaries and Mythicals clustered together. He'd barely met half of them.
Even more prestigious were the Spear Pillar's Arceus avatar—and Regigigas slumbering beneath Snowpoint Temple.
Powerhouses like Heatran and Cresselia—he roughly knew their locations too.
This Sinnoh visit was too brief—likely impossible to complete the entire regional Pokédex. But future opportunities abounded.
"If Professor Oak knew how dedicated you are to Pokédex completion—he'd surely invite you to join his team."
Cynthia teased lightly—then extended a finger to gently poke his cheek.
"Since you're so interested in Sinnoh's legendary beings… why not stay here? Join me as a part-time mythologist."
"Coincidentally—Lady Bertha is preparing for retirement. An Elite Four seat may open next year—perfect stepping stone before Champion."
"Grandma would be overjoyed."
"And so would I~"
Cynthia's tone carried playful teasing—but the sincerity within? Only she knew.
To Aiden—this invitation practically translated to:
Your friend "Cynthia" has sent you a "keep me company" request!
Oh no—the Sinnoh son-in-law title is truly confirmed now.
But honestly—how many could resist working alongside Cynthia with her irresistible charm?
Especially when she personally extended the invitation.
Had he not grown in Paldea—and safeguarded Sunshine Gym (so meaningful to him)—he likely couldn't have refused.
"If I actually did that… Chairwoman Geeta would probably storm into Celestic Town the very next day—"
Ultimately—Aiden gently declined her "invitation."
"Besides—Paldea still needs me."
"Once everything stabilizes… I might transfer both my Elite Four and Gym Leader positions to Nemona—then travel the world for a while."
"If you'd join me… I'd look forward to it even more."
After a moment's silence—Cynthia revealed a wistful smile.
"Truly an irresistible invitation."
"But if I accept… as repayment you must grant my request too."
Aiden blinked—waiting quietly for her next words.
"While you were in the Distortion World—Grandma's research team located the Spear Key. It lies within the Solaceon Ruins—east of Solaceon Town."
Cynthia's voice remained gentle as she continued:
"If Aiden—who reads ancient script—joins our expedition there… progress might proceed remarkably smoothly."
Aiden instantly understood her meaning—and nodded.
"I see."
"I've also been curious about the Ruin remnants often found in such sites."
Thus—Aiden quickly finalized tomorrow's agenda:
Head to the Solaceon Ruins—experience archaeological discovery alongside Cynthia!
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