Looking at the three options on the system panel, Aiden made his decision without hesitation.
Option One.
Ding.
"Host has selected Option One. Capture the three Lake Guardians within three days. Upon completion, the Griseous Orb will be granted, along with coordinates to the entrance of the Distortion World."
The reasoning was simple.
The same as when he chose Rayquaza.
Because Giratina was stronger.
And cooler.
As ruler of the Distortion World, Giratina possessed power capable of rivaling Dialga and Palkia combined.
If he had to choose—
He would choose the strongest.
Besides, the Adamant Orb and Lustrous Orb could always be tracked through Team Galactic.
But the Griseous Orb?
Much harder to locate.
With his decision made, Aiden now had less than three days to capture the remaining two Lake Guardians.
Without delay, he locked onto Lake Verity with his psychic power and teleported.
The unconscious Galactic members at Lake Valor were left behind—Cynthia and the Sinnoh League would handle them.
Sinnoh might appear small in games, but in reality it was vast. Even with teleportation assisting long distances, reaching Lake Verity still consumed part of the day.
Standing before the calm waters, Aiden sensed it.
He released Azelf.
With a companion present, persuading the others would be easier.
Unlike the legendary birds or the Forces of Nature, the Lake Guardians were not rivals.
They were family.
And capturing a Pokémon meant winning its heart—not forcing obedience.
Azelf called gently.
The lake rippled.
A pink figure rose from beneath the water.
Mesprit.
Ding.
Pokémon: Mesprit
Title: Being of Emotion
Level: 75
Ability: Levitate
Type: Psychic
Aptitude: Red
Moves: Rest, Healing Wish, Flatter, Copycat, Future Sight, Mystical Power
Created by Arceus to grant emotion to humanity.
Mesprit circled Azelf happily before turning its curious gaze toward Aiden.
After hearing Azelf's account of Lake Valor and Team Galactic's ambush, Mesprit hovered closer.
"You… feel different," it said softly. "Your presence is calm. Warm."
Aiden smiled.
"I promised Azelf I would protect you and Uxie as well."
"Team Galactic targeted Lake Valor. That means Lake Verity and Lake Acuity are not safe either."
As if on cue, Mesprit's ear-like tails twitched.
It looked toward the horizon.
"They're coming."
Aiden followed its gaze.
Sure enough, a squad of Team Galactic grunts approached under the command of Mars.
But before Aiden could even move—
A familiar psychic presence descended.
Lucian appeared with Gallade at his side.
Within moments, Mars and her squad were subdued.
No effort required.
Lucian approached with a polite smile.
"Thanks to your information, we moved quickly. Flint is already at Lake Acuity—Saturn has been captured as well."
"All three commanders are now detained."
Aiden waved it off lightly.
Eliminating Team Galactic wasn't his primary objective.
His true goal—
The Lake Guardians.
And beyond them—
The Sinnoh dragons.
Mesprit floated before him once more.
"If I travel with you… will you truly protect Uxie too?"
"Of course."
Mesprit nodded.
"Then battle me."
Aiden released Latios again.
The clash was swift and elegant.
Psychic power against psychic power.
Future Sight versus Luster Purge.
When Mesprit finally faltered, Aiden threw a Luxury Ball.
Click.
Shake.
Click.
Ding.
"Mesprit has been captured."
Two down.
One to go.
Only Uxie remained at Lake Acuity.
If all went smoothly—
Within three days, the Griseous Orb would be his.
And the path to the Distortion World—
Would open.
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