Undella Town, Unova Region
While Aiden and Cynthia enjoyed Sinnoh's cool summer night, the opposite side of the globe—Unova—had just welcomed dawn.
"——?!!!"
In a villa within Undella Town, Caitlin—who'd stayed up most of the night—had barely drifted into sleep when her expression suddenly twisted into something grotesque.
"Wah—no!"
As if trapped in a bizarre nightmare, she jolted awake—only to realize everything had been mere illusion.
Yet as a Psychic-type user, she immediately sensed something was amiss.
For Psychic users, unconscious psychic energy occasionally plunged the subconscious into peculiar states—typically during sleep.
This strange sensation was commonly called "prophetic dreams."
Once unable to control her powers, she'd frequently lost herself in such dreams—succumbing to fear-induced rampages.
But ever since Aiden's provocations gradually taught her emotional control… she hadn't experienced this familiar-yet-alien state in ages.
And this time—it was deeply tied to Aiden——
"Cynthia actually kissed Aiden?! This can't be happening!!!"
Her expression, previously brightened by recent victories across Unova and her imminent Elite Four candidacy, now crumbled completely.
Even if she'd grown less resistant to Aiden and Cynthia's intimacy… being forced to watch them dote on each other like a camera feed——
That required at least five centuries of mental preparation first!!!
Still—what truly unsettled her was the latter half of the prophetic dream.
"Long ago—in absolute void—a Pokémon Egg miraculously emerged. From it… the world-creating deity Arceus was born."
Caitlin murmured softly—recalling the mythological tale Cynthia had once shared.
"The Creator who banished chaos and established order set new cosmic laws… then, having expended too much power, slumbered within the Hall of Origin."
"No one knows the Hall's precise location. Historical records of it have long been lost."
"Yet—"
In her dream—she'd clearly seen that majestic figure: golden hooves treading air, a thousand cosmic bracelets adorning its form.
The legendary deity gazed downward.
From its transparent platform—a faint, ethereal staircase to divinity slowly extended.
And at its summit——
She'd glimpsed a blurred silhouette—climbing upward without hesitation.
"Was that… Aiden?"
Caitlin frowned.
Instinct told her—the path to divine audience would be fraught with obstacles.
Had it been Cynthia ascending that staircase… she'd have immediately worried and rushed back to Sinnoh to support them.
But—
For some reason—recalling Aiden's back instilled unexpected trust.
If it's him… he can probably make it.
Wait—why do I think that?
Sighing, Caitlin used Psychic to activate her phone screen.
Still can't shake this unease. At minimum—I should contact Cynthia about this strange dream.
After all—it was merely a prophetic dream. No telling when—or if—the vision would manifest.
---
May 22nd, Friday
Today marked their official ascent to Mt. Coronet—to enter the Spear Pillar ruins and activate the key.
Since Celestic Town lay nearly at Mt. Coronet's base, reaching the summit wasn't difficult—requiring only a flying mount.
But for various reasons—only Aiden and Cynthia made the journey.
First—most researchers lacked flying mounts, forcing a long detour up the mountain's opposite slope.
Second—combat capability.
This Spear Pillar activation might involve contact with the legendary Creator Deity Himself.
And should anyone anger Arceus—
Researchers possessed zero self-defense capability. The risk was immense.
Most crucially—Cynthia was Sinnoh's premier mythologist, while Aiden was a prodigy in ancient languages. Together—they sufficed.
Ultimately—after Aiden promised to photograph/video any Arceus encounter, the researchers (who turned to stone at the mere sight of Legendaries) reluctantly conceded.
Aiden rode Salamence—while Cynthia mounted Garchomp—as they flew toward Spear Pillar ruins.
"Azure Flute, Spear Key, three Orbs, eighteen Plates… and——"
"Lake Guardians contacted too. I'm honestly curious what role they'll play in this ritual."
Landing before the ruins, Aiden rummaged through his bag—muttering as he checked items.
Beside him, Cynthia couldn't help but smile wryly.
"You really have zero reverence for legends, do you?"
These were Sinnoh's revered Lake Guardians. For ordinary humans—even glimpsing their silhouettes was considered extraordinary luck.
But coming from Aiden—it made sense. Only someone who'd already bonded with black Rayquaza, the Temporal-Spatial dragons, and Giratina would treat this casually.
"I've seen bigger spectacles before. One more won't hurt."
Aiden grinned.
After all—technically he was the guy who "punched Dialga" (via Lucario) and "kicked Palkia" (via Marshadow)!
"Besides—we might soon meet the highest-tier legend of all."
Cynthia nodded.
She knew he meant the Creator Deity Arceus.
Yet even this world-creator—who birthed all life and deities—failed to induce tension in Aiden.
"By the way—Caitlin messaged me this morning."
As they prepared to enter the ruins, Cynthia suddenly recalled the notification received upon waking.
"She dreamed of Arceus returning to this world."
Aiden blinked—then unexpectedly brightened.
"Really?"
"Doesn't that confirm our theory?"
"—I suppose it does?"
Soon—they stepped inside the Spear Pillar ruins.
Perhaps anticipating their arrival—Cynthia immediately noticed differences from their previous exploration.
During their first visit—they'd scoured every corner yet found zero wild Unown.
But this time—as they crossed the threshold—countless Unown emerged from stone walls and inscriptions. Their countless eyes fixed simultaneously on the pair.
Honestly—Aiden found it sanity-draining.
Fortunately—the observation didn't last. Soon recognizing their identities—the Unown slowly arranged themselves into text:
[He… shall return!]
[Ascend to the Hall of Origin… and pay homage!]
Aiden roughly translated—then the Unown vanished, leaving only a small formation pointing toward a specific direction.
"That leads to the ruins' deepest chamber."
Having visited once before, Cynthia recalled the layout well.
No obstacles arose thereafter.
Soon—they arrived directly at the ritual chamber discovered by Professor Carolina's team.
"Tsk—"
Seeing the actual ritual altar for the first time, Aiden instinctively clicked his tongue.
This stone apparatus—with its deliberately gapped central design——
Gave strong "gather seven 'X' artifacts from neighboring franchise" vibes.
Aiden stepped forward—examining it from bottom to top while muttering:
"Eighteen rectangular slots—corresponding to the eighteen type rules Arceus established during Creation. Granting future lifeforms greater possibilities."
"The outer triangle's three missing orbs—representing Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina's primordial powers."
"With these orbs—they can even revert to their immensely powerful Origin Forms."
After speaking—he reached toward the inner inverted triangle.
The interlocking upright and inverted triangles formed a mystically resonant hexagram.
He couldn't discern what this section lacked—but the Lake Guardians had presumably resolved it.
"Yet the material world alone was insufficient. To grant creations unique spirits—ensuring the world's continued development even during His slumber—Arceus generously bestowed wisdom, will, and emotion upon life."
"Thus—a world capable of functioning without Arceus… was born."
As Aiden placed the tablets and orbs in their slots—his final words made Cynthia instinctively frown.
"A world that functions… without Arceus?"
Honestly—Aiden's statement felt borderline heretical.
After all—Arceus was this world's Creator. The eternal "One" from which all originated.
But since Aiden spoke thus—he must have learned something.
"Mm."
Aiden nodded—offering brief explanation:
"Whether from the Lake Guardians' words… or the behaviors of the three deities guarding their respective realms—all point to one clue."
"Arceus's true form… has long since departed this world."
Having spoken—he closed his eyes. Thus missing Cynthia's shifting expression behind him.
Or perhaps—he simply knew anyone learning this would react with shock——
Still—Aiden vaguely sensed matters weren't so simple.
Thus—whether avatar or true form—he intended to personally ask Arceus: What were Your intentions?
As Aiden mentally called the Lake Guardians' names—three colorfully distinct "Lake Trio" instantly teleported before him.
Noticing their surroundings—they immediately understood Aiden's intent.
Each extended their hands—silently beginning to channel power.
Aiden inserted the Spear Key into the hexagram's central slot.
Click——
The key turned half a rotation. Under the trio's power—the entire apparatus revealed tricolor patterns.
Through intense resonance—the three orbs sequentially glowed—illuminating the entire hexagram before transmitting energy to the eighteen Type Tablets below.
As the ritual concluded—Aiden heard rumbling above. Instinctively looking up—
The stone-encased Spear Pillar ruins began trembling. Strong vibrations forced him to lower his stance—glancing toward Cynthia.
Seeing her react faster—already half-crouched while gripping a Poké Ball—Aiden relaxed.
Soon—the ceiling retracted via hidden mechanisms—while the floor beneath them slowly elevated.
Until lifting Aiden and Cynthia above ground level.
Phew—
Aiden took a deep breath—gazing at the Azure Flute in his hand.
Next—surely the final step.
Blow the flute… and earn an audience with Arceus.
Raising the ancient yet exquisite flute to his lips—he softly played Oración—learned in Alamos Town.
Legend claimed this melody could soothe any creature's fury. Hopefully effective against Arceus too——
Ethereal notes soon echoed across Mt. Coronet's peak.
Whether his flute worked—or simply followed Arceus's programmed design—
Soon—a transparent staircase gradually unfolded before Aiden. Extending upward with his gaze—reaching into cloud-shrouded heights beyond mortal sight.
Familiar figures now materialized along both sides of the divine staircase.
Nearest the base—Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf appeared first—extending hands to materialize the path ahead.
Noticing Aiden's gaze—the adorable trio offered encouraging smiles.
Seemingly cheering him on in their own way.
Higher up—Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina manifested unexpectedly.
Under their combined power—the entire staircase suddenly blazed with golden light—solidifying from summit to base as if inviting Aiden to begin this "pilgrimage."
"Go on, Aiden."
As Aiden stood stunned—a hand patted his back.
Turning—he found Cynthia smiling warmly.
"Having earned friendship with so many Legendary beings… only you possess the qualification to meet Arceus—to become the bridge between humanity and the Creator Deity."
"Of course—if anything unexpected occurs…I'll aid you immediately."
"..."
Aiden said nothing—only nodding solemnly.
He soon stepped onto the first stair—silently praying within:
You lot better not joke around now. Hold on until I return!
The sky-piercing staircase appeared imposing—but Aiden soon sensed something amiss——
As he climbed upward—a strange gaze—devoid of emotion, like a machine scanning his body—swept over him.
Lifting his head again——
Beyond the clouds—the Hall of Origin now loomed startlingly close.
And at the path's end—stood a peculiar Pokémon: humanoid yet equine, resembling a qilin, adorned with a thousand cosmic bracelets.
Aiden's eyes narrowed.
No mistake—this was——
The Creator Deity… Arceus!
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