May 14th, a Not-So-Crazy Thursday
Thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of Professor Carolina's team, the—by their standards—heartbreakingly brief Pokémon examinations finally concluded.
And the Professor's original promise of "I'll return them tomorrow" had somehow stretched into four days.
During this time, Aiden thoroughly experienced life as a "Sinnoh son-in-law"—gradually understanding why he'd chosen to return to Sinnoh after his Gym's hypothetical closure.
The soft rice of a wealthy heiress… is just too fragrant!
Of course—as an ambitious, down-to-earth youth—Aiden absolutely never entertained thoughts like "This actually isn't so bad?" regarding such unhealthy temptations!
Thus, at Professor Carolina's summons, he reluctantly entered the research institute.
"Your Pokémon are all in excellent health—no—excessively healthy. Their physical constitutions have nearly surpassed Pokédex records."
As she returned the Poké Balls, Professor Carolina's expression carried quiet marvel.
The delay hadn't been intentional—but how could they possibly complete examinations when Aiden's Pokémon defied all documented data? Everything had to be measured from scratch.
Sylveon—learning moves theoretically impossible for Eevee;
Lucario—mastering martial arts with shocking physical power;
Salamence—maintaining Mega Evolution indefinitely when energized, and reverting at will;
Indeedee—a master of bizarre, undocumented Psychic techniques.
Each one is extraordinary.
And if those were merely challenging…
The true headaches were the three Pokémon with zero Pokédex records.
Over these three-plus days, most efforts focused on testing Miraidon, Ogerpon, and Mewtwo—finally establishing preliminary typings, Abilities, and move sets.
How does one Trainer casually carry three completely undocumented species?
Is it sheer luck… or does this kid possess some special constitution?
"T-thank you for your hard work."
Under Professor Carolina's scrutinizing gaze, Aiden suddenly felt inexplicably guilty.
Can having Pokémon that are too overpowered actually be a problem?
No!
Our achievements today came solely from mutual support, effort, and sweat! How could anyone call this "cheating"?
"Hard work? I found the time far too short to thoroughly analyze their capabilities."
Professor Carolina smiled, eyes gleaming with scholarly fervor.
"And Aiden—you understand, right? For researchers like us, busying ourselves with entirely new, unknown Pokémon is infinitely more fascinating than staring at well-trodden data sets."
Her words resonated with many junior researchers present.
To them, Aiden—who'd delivered fresh thesis topics—was practically divine.
Such promising talent… why didn't he stay in Sinnoh?
True, his skills as a Trainer were absurdly prodigious—but Trainer and mythologist weren't mutually exclusive roles.
Look at our own cabbage—Cynthia's living proof! Having diverse interests makes becoming Champion easier!
Still—future opportunities remained.
Even if he'd formed new bonds in Paldea and had no immediate plans to settle in Sinnoh…
Worst case? Start a new save file later~
By then, she'd long retired—plenty of time to enjoy life… and perhaps assist Aiden and Cynthia——
Professor Carolina's thoughts abruptly halted.
They're only eighteen. Thinking this far ahead is premature.
And—
If I keep fantasizing… won't I lose focus on work?
"By the way—I've taken the liberty of registering the three undocumented Pokémon in the Pokédex."
Professor Carolina spoke again.
"The data's still preliminary—but your name is now permanently recorded as their discoverer in the database."
Aiden blinked—then promptly retrieved his special Pokédex.
Thanks to its real-time update function, searching "Miraidon" immediately displayed his own Miraidon's reluctantly posed portrait.
[Miraidon (? Pokémon, Genderless)]
[Type: Electric/Dragon]
[Ability: Unnamed (Proactively sets Electric Terrain and enhances Special Attack)]
[Moves: No data]
[Slightly timid nature]
[Discoverer & Namer: Aiden]
Just as Professor Carolina said—Miraidon now appeared in the Pokédex.
Searching Ogerpon and Mewtwo yielded similarly sparse but accurate entries—nearly matching his "mental Pokédex."
To gather precise data in just three days… Sinnoh's researchers are truly formidable.
Additionally, Duraludon's evolved form—Archaludon—now had its own page, also crediting him as discoverer.
Must be Chairwoman Geeta's doing.
As Aiden mused, he failed to notice Professor Carolina's astonished gaze.
A red… special Pokédex?
No wonder Oak seems fond of Aiden—he's already a recognized Pokédex Holder.
But it made sense.
A youth who's encountered Legendaries multiple times… if anyone can fulfill Oak's dream of completing the Pokédex, it's him.
That's likely what Oak thought.
After all—this was the child she'd watched grow up. A prodigy even more absurd than Cynthia in his youth. For Oak not to recognize his uniqueness would be unnatural.
Warmth filled Professor Carolina's heart—though her expression remained stern.
"If you're free—head back. Cynthia mentioned taking you to Lake Acuity to search for clues about the Lake Guardians."
"Along the way, fill in missing Pokédex entries. As a Holder, you have permission to contribute data—only the discoverer holds this right."
"Understood."
Just copy from the original Pokédex—zero brain cells required.
Aiden nodded—quickly exiting the institute.
Time to find our adorable cabbage!
With his Pokémon reunited—it was time for serious business!
---
"Lake Verity, Lake Valor, Lake Acuity—the Three Great Lakes of Sinnoh."
"Legend says when mist rises from the waters, the fortunate may glimpse the Lake Guardians—guiding lost souls to safety."
Seated in the passenger seat, Aiden cradled a legend compendium "borrowed" from Cynthia's home—softly reciting passages aloud.
"Mythical tales like these seem to be everywhere in Sinnoh."
Closing the book, he mused aloud.
And—unlike his previous life—these were all true.
In the Pokémon world, myths typically corresponded to documented historical events—which was why archaeologists like Cynthia were called "mythologists" rather than historians.
Thus—mythology was history. Not the exaggerated folklore of his past life.
As for the Lake Guardians' existence—it was no secret to Sinnoh residents.
——
"After all—this is Sinnoh, a land that's coexisted with deities since ancient times. Having more Legendary Pokémon is only natural, right?"
Cynthia smiled while focusing on the road.
Their destination today was Lake Acuity in Sinnoh's northern mountains—even departing from northern Celestic Town required a considerable drive.
"The Lake Guardian dwelling in Lake Verity is Uxie—the being who gifted humanity knowledge. Said to be the most rational of the trio… it might consent to meet us."
"Gaining one Lake Guardian's acknowledgment would make finding the other two significantly easier."
Aiden nodded in agreement.
During recent translation work, he'd seen photos Cynthia took of the special mechanism deep within Spear Pillar's ruins.
Beyond the central keyhole awaiting the Spear Key, the hexagram-shaped slab had missing pieces at its corners—and eighteen square gaps along the base.
Clearly—activating this device required extensive preparation.
Beyond the eighteen type-corresponding slabs and the three orbs representing Sinnoh's trio… the inverted triangle's markings likely corresponded to the Lake Guardians.
Though often overlooked—they were among Arceus's earliest creations. And unlike the other deities, they offered more frequent contact opportunities—hence their enduring presence in Sinnoh folklore.
Amid casual conversation, time flew.
"We're here."
After disembarking, Aiden and Cynthia were greeted by a vast, seemingly endless lake stretching to the horizon.
"This is a wildlife preserve—so we'll proceed on foot from here."
Cynthia brushed wind-tousled golden strands from her face, gazing at the scenic expanse.
By mid-May, even northernmost Sinnoh bloomed with verdant life—warm breezes gently warming their cheeks.
Perhaps for this reason—today she'd forgone her signature black trench coat for a more casual ensemble. Her gray long coat swayed softly with each movement.
"The weather's perfect today. If we don't spot Uxie… we can treat this as a simple outing~"
"What do you think, Aiden?"
As Aiden quietly admired Cynthia's silhouette—she suddenly turned, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
He nodded—instinctively glancing away.
Just a clothing change… why does Cynthia seem even more captivating today?
Though—Cynthia looking stunning in anything was an undeniable truth!
Noting his gestures and micro-expressions, Cynthia—who'd been about to speak—blinked once… then her smile deepened.
"Let's go. We have proper work today—better stay focused, okay?"
As she spoke, Cynthia reached out—taking Aiden's broader hand in hers—and led him toward Lake Acuity.
So soft——
Aiden's immediate reaction.
But he quickly snapped back—shaking his head firmly.
No—now's not the time for this.
Cynthia's right—work comes first!
His expression instantly turned serious—but he didn't release her hand. Instead, he gently tightened his grip… matching her pace.
Lake Acuity houses a Legendary Pokémon—holding hands is simply safer.
Yes—purely work necessity!
Feeling Aiden's response, Cynthia's expression remained unchanged—but the warmth in her eyes deepened further.
Her steps grew noticeably lighter.
The profound, boundless waters of Lake Acuity lay before them.
Aiden instinctively scanned the surroundings—realizing no Pokémon were visible nearby.
As a preserve… shouldn't wildlife be abundant?
Could this be… an anomaly?!
Sensing his confusion, Cynthia shook her head—smiling as she explained:
"Pokémon perceive auras far more acutely than humans. They sense powerful presences instinctively."
"With a Lake Guardian residing here, most Pokémon avoid the vicinity—only occasionally appearing at the grassy perimeters."
"Though——certain species are exceptions."
Mid-sentence, Cynthia pointed toward the water's surface.
Following her gesture, Aiden instantly understood.
A school of clear-eyed, wobbling Magikarp swam below—followed by a Psyduck that had somehow integrated itself into their ranks.
Both shared a notable trait: profound obliviousness. Likely unaware a powerful being dwelled beneath them.
"Nature truly is wondrous——"
Aiden couldn't help but marvel.
Who'd have thought seemingly ordinary, somewhat foolish Magikarp not only thrived globally across all waters—but also possessed extraordinarily long lifespans?
And upon evolution… transformed into the ferocious "great savage."
"Yes—so Grandma often says we must maintain reverence for nature and Pokémon."
Cynthia echoed the sentiment—then lifted her gaze.
"With such lovely weather… mist likely won't form. Perhaps we've come at an inopportune time."
According to historical records, encounters with Lake Guardians in the three lakes occurred only during heavy fog—when they'd guide lost travelers.
Just as Cynthia considered ending their work early and simply enjoying the scenery with Aiden—he suddenly spoke:
"No—wait——"
Aiden's gaze fixed ahead.
He faintly sensed… a pair of eyes deep within the lake's abyssal waters, intently observing him.
Probably just imagination—or merely Magikarp/Psyduck.
But after brief consideration—Aiden decided to try anyway. Cupping his hands before his mouth, he called out:
"Come forth, Uxie!!!"
"I see you!"
His voice rang across the lake.
Yet——nothing happened.
——
Seeing his attempt to summon Uxie vocally, Cynthia couldn't suppress a light laugh. After chuckling awhile, she spoke softly:
"This lake may be hundreds of meters deep. Shouting won't reach Uxie."
"But… truly adorable, Aiden~"
Cynthia's words flushed Aiden's cheeks slightly.
He'd acted on impulse—feeling Uxie's gaze—resulting in that childish gesture.
Before he could explain—his gaze toward the lake suddenly froze. Then—lifting his head—he radiated newfound confidence.
"Don't laugh yet—my method worked!"
"Look."
Mirroring Cynthia's earlier gesture, Aiden pointed toward the water.
His knowing expression sparked curiosity in Cynthia—prompting her to turn.
And she, too, froze.
Where the lake's surface had been placid—rippled only by occasional breezes—countless air bubbles now surged upward.
Then—in the varied expressions of Aiden and Cynthia—a yellow-and-blue figure suddenly leaped from the water—floating gently before them.
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