Within the Distortion World, the three dragons' battle had reached its fever pitch.
Perhaps Giratina's vengeful pursuit had grown too ferocious—even the Time-Space deities could no longer endure it.
At some point, the two dragons—previously fleeing in terror—ceased dodging. Exchanging a glance filled with grim resolve, they simultaneously turned to counterattack the Renegade Pokémon.
And then——
There was no "then."
Giratina's claw sent Palkia flying with a single swipe. It then repeated the motion—sinking its teeth into Dialga's steel-hard nape with a sharp crack.
Dialga instantly lost all will to resist—going limp in resignation as Giratina carried it aloft.
Palkia too was seized by Giratina's extended right claw—struggling futilely to break free.
Their desperate counterattack having failed utterly—the Time-Space deities were completely subdued.
It was at this moment that Aiden—who'd been silently observing from the sidelines—finally spoke up.
"Hey, Giratina—time to call it off!"
Giratina instinctively turned with a displeased growl—but upon seeing Aiden, it immediately calmed.
It understood his meaning.
For the world's sake—these two "brats" had to exist.
Without them, time and space would expand chaotically—causing irreversible damage to both reality and the Distortion World.
The recent pummeling had vented much of its accumulated fury—a debt owed largely to Aiden.
Without him—it likely never would've dragged them into the Distortion World to unleash decades of pent-up rage.
Thus—it granted Aiden full face.
With a heavy thud, Dialga and Palkia—released by Giratina—crashed onto the ground below, emitting twin cries of pain.
Fortunately—they were remarkably durable. Despite Giratina's relentless pursuit, they'd sustained little beyond superficial scrapes.
Dialga's neck bore two bite marks that had cracked its metallic shell—revealing a bloody wound. But for beings of their caliber—this was hardly severe.
"Now—can we have a proper conversation?"
Seated atop Salamence, Aiden crossed his arms—regarding the deities below with an amused gaze.
For a moment—the Distortion World fell into eerie silence.
As world-stabilizing deities long revered by humanity—the Time-Space pair naturally refused to heed a mere human's words.
Even sensing traces of the Creator's aura upon him—they'd never lower their noble heads!
But the current situation… offered them no choice.
"Roooar——"
Seeing their delayed response, Giratina emitted a dissatisfied growl—its tail beginning to thump rhythmically against the ground, producing deeply intimidating booms.
The freshly battered dragons instantly recoiled in terror—promptly bowing their heads.
Upon reflection—even Giratina chose to heed this human's words. Humoring him for a moment couldn't hurt.
This isn't cowardice—it's strategic flexibility!
Satisfied with their compliance, Aiden nodded approvingly.
Good—communication is possible.
Otherwise—he'd have had to trouble Giratina further to "physically persuade" these stubborn dragons.
After brief contemplation, Aiden spoke:
"I can roughly guess why you two started fighting this time."
"It's related to that Lord… isn't it?"
At these words—the Time-Space dragons—previously trembling under Giratina's oppressive aura—suddenly widened their eyes. Forgetting Giratina's presence entirely—they lifted their heads to stare at him.
How could this human possibly know?!
"Roooar——"
Giratina's warning growl instantly made the startled dragons sit upright—patiently awaiting Aiden's continuation.
Understanding their confusion from their expressions, Aiden explained:
"Come to think of it—you should be able to sense it, right?"
"The aura of Arceus… upon me."
Not just the two beaten deities—even Giratina floating nearby nodded repeatedly.
The Creator's aura was utterly unique. Once sensed—it could never be mistaken. Even those three little ones dwelling in the spirit realm could detect it.
This was precisely why they'd agreed to bring Aiden into the Distortion World.
And Aiden had fulfilled his role admirably—not only calming Giratina's fury but exceeding expectations by resolving the deities' century-long conflict.
"So——I'm coming clean."
Aiden took a deep breath—as if making a momentous decision.
"Everything I've done… has been under Arceus's direction."
This was a lie.
Before arriving in Sinnoh, Aiden had been completely unaware of any connection to Arceus—even learning of it only through Uxie's slip.
Yet—the more Sinnoh deities he encountered—the more certain he became of his status as Arceus's "chosen one."
Though unconfirmed—this was currently the most plausible explanation to make the deities comply.
If he failed to persuade them—once released—they'd likely resume brawling someday. The root cause had to be addressed.
Connecting intelligence from the Lake Guardians and Giratina—Aiden had formed his conclusion.
For world peace—Arceus would just have to vouch for him.
Three seconds—if the system doesn't react, I'll assume He consents.
Aiden thought this.
1… 2… 3——
Good. Arceus has no objections.
After silently counting to three—he exhaled deeply—smiling again at the astonished deities.
"Dialga, Palkia—do you know where you went wrong?"
"Rooa?" ×2
The deities exchanged bewildered glances—finding only confusion in each other's eyes.
We——did something wrong?
This human… is suddenly spouting nonsense again?
"Pretending ignorance won't help!"
Aiden slapped Salamence's back firmly—his tone commanding despite lacking overt anger.
"Roar!"
Salamence chimed in appropriately—further bewildering the dragons below.
"Just because that Lord departed this world—you collapsed into despair… even turning on each other… disrupting both reality and the Distortion World."
"Isn't the problem clearly you?"
Aiden promptly resumed applying "pressure."
Huh???
Dialga's eyes shot wide—turning sharply toward Palkia.
I see now——
No wonder you suddenly challenged me to battle—it was because of this?!
So you've been taking out your frustrations on ME this whole time?!
You bastard… you deserve to die!
Beside it—Palkia wore an identical expression.
Definitely Palkia's/Dialga's fault!
"Ahem——"
Seeing sparks of renewed conflict flashing between the deities' gazes—Aiden quickly cleared his throat.
"Anyway—realizing your mistake is what matters."
Having expertly stoked their conflict moments earlier—Aiden now smoothly transitioned into peacemaker—speaking with near-parental warmth.
"Even though that Lord has left this world… He still watches over you. So please—don't give up on yourselves."
"Finally—the mess you've created has significantly impacted both reality and the Distortion World. The cleanup falls to you."
"Until you've fully resolved this incident's effects… I'll have Giratina supervise your work."
As Aiden finished—Giratina emitted a warning growl—darkening the deities' expressions further.
Though resentful of taking orders from a human——
He was the Creator's emissary. And combined—they still couldn't defeat Giratina. Compliance was their only option.
Merely repairing spacetime rifts… trivial for us. Just somewhat tedious.
Seeing the deities thoroughly subdued—Aiden smiled.
"And Alamos Town too—the entire settlement was destroyed by your conflict. You must restore everything you've ruined to its original state."
He spoke again.
This was fundamentally their duty—he was merely returning responsibility to its rightful owners.
But since he wished to foster goodwill—now was the time to extend kindness.
"If you repair the damage you've caused… when next you meet that Lord… I'll speak highly of you in His presence."
"ROOAR?!" ×2
The deities gasped in unison.
They were astonished that—despite the Creator's departure—a mere human retained means of contact with Him.
A privilege even us order-maintaining deities never possessed.
Honestly… somewhat envious. But——
Despite the trouble we've caused humanity… he'd still praise us to the Creator?
What a wonderful feeling——
The deities—who'd previously regarded Aiden with hostility—suddenly viewed him far more favorably. A faint sense of "this kid's actually a decent sort" even emerged.
Thus—under Giratina's stern gaze—Dialga and Palkia sprang up cheerfully—eagerly commencing repairs to the Distortion World.
Clearly—Aiden's "carrot-and-stick" approach had yielded significant results.
"Roooooar——"
Just as Aiden watched the deities with satisfaction—marveling at how much easier they were to reason with than humans—a low growl from Giratina beside him drew his attention.
Aiden turned—immediately furrowing his brows.
Did I just see… a hint of coyness in Giratina?
But why?
His sensitivity to Pokémon emotions rarely failed him—this judgment was sound.
After brief reflection—Aiden suddenly realized—his expression turning wryly amused.
"Alright, alright—I get it."
"Since you've helped me so much this time… if given the chance—I'll certainly praise you profusely to Him!"
Upon receiving Aiden's verbal promise—Giratina's eyes narrowed in identical fashion to the deities—clearly pleased.
In that moment—Aiden suddenly felt——
For all their divine status… personality-wise, these three aren't so different from ordinary Pokémon?
Must be my imagination.
Come to think of it—since he was already here——
Might as well film material for the next few "Myth Series" episodes while in the Distortion World?
Though the Time-Space deities' rampage had lasted centuries—the actual affected area remained limited. Their Distortion World repairs concluded swiftly.
Aiden prepared to depart with them—returning to Alamos Town for real-world cleanup.
But as they parted—Aiden detected a flicker of reluctance in Giratina's eyes.
Probably… after eons of solitude in the Distortion World… this lively scene was its first of its kind.
Sensing its sentiment—Aiden approached—patting its——knee.
"If you ever feel lonely… I'll try bringing those two brats over to keep you company. And I'll visit you too."
"But for now—I have more important matters to attend to."
"Roooar——"
Giratina nodded understandingly.
It knew well—Aiden's original purpose in entering the Distortion World was to obtain the Azure Flute—to unseal Spear Pillar and open the path to the Hall of Origin.
Thus—it held absolute faith he would indeed meet the Creator.
Suddenly leaping upward—Giratina vanished from Aiden's sight.
???
Aiden blinked in confusion.
Wait—you're leaving?
Without you… how do I return to reality?!
Approximately a minute passed—Aiden growing increasingly anxious—before Giratina reappeared before him.
Accompanying it was a rustic-looking, entirely purple flute.
Clearly—the Azure Flute entrusted by Arceus to the Distortion World—obtainable only by humans Giratina deemed worthy.
Aiden accepted it—waving cheerfully at Giratina.
"Then—until next time~"
"Roooar——"
Giratina emitted a faint, weary roar—then actively tore open a spatial rift—watching as Aiden—riding Salamence—and the two deities departed together.
Once the rift vanished—Giratina immediately flapped its wings—summoning a bubble from nearby airspace.
Bubbles were miniature reflections of the real world within the Distortion realm. The one before it now displayed Aiden's reappearance above Alamos Town.
When the spatial rift reappeared above Alamos Town—numerous figures had already gathered near the ruined buildings below.
Awakened Alamos Town residents, Officer Jenny maintaining order, and personnel actively engaged in cleanup efforts.
And among them—one figure stood out distinctly: a golden-haired beauty in a black trench coat, accompanied by a Garchomp.
As Sinnoh's Champion—facing such severe disaster in Alamos Town—she naturally bore responsibility to personally oversee operations.
Well——there was also a small desire to await Aiden's return.
"Look—it's Teacher Azure!!!"
"Holy crap—why do the Time-Space deities look like bodyguards trailing behind him? Did he already beat them into submission?"
"We still don't know what happened inside the Distortion World earlier——"
Soon—several workers noticed the figures above—quickly spotting Aiden and the two silhouettes behind him.
Cynthia—who'd been directing Officer Jenny—immediately looked up upon hearing the commotion.
In the sky—a black-haired youth riding Salamence descended gently—waving while flashing her a brilliant smile.
Cynthia instantly exhaled in relief.
Watching Aiden chase three Legendary Pokémon into the Distortion World had naturally caused her anxiety.
But now—seeing him return safely—having truly quelled the deities' fury—all her unspoken words condensed into four simple ones:
"Welcome back."
------------------------------------------------------
30+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)