The Distortion World.
This was the reverse side of the physical realm—a convergence point of the dimensions of spirit, time, and space.
Countless bubbles reflecting scenes from the real world floated throughout the Distortion World. When these bubbles burst, the worlds within their reflections would be affected.
During Arceus's creation of the world, the Distortion World had nearly shattered under pressure from other dimensions—sucking in countless fragments of reality that still drifted within it to this day.
Thus, a guardian was left behind to stabilize this plane.
Its name: Giratina.
Among the countless bubbles, one displayed Aiden's smiling face—he seemed to be conversing with someone.
And not far ahead of this bubble—
A colossal beast loomed: its body pure white, encircled by golden semi-circular rings, six limbs poised with grace, and tattered wings radiating an eerie aura like black tattered cloth.
With a mere flick of its wings, the crimson claws at their tips could instantly rupture the bubble—dragging everything within into the Distortion World.
Yet Giratina had no intention of doing so.
It could sense it—just beyond the sealed rift between the Distortion World and reality, three familiar presences stood ready.
Perhaps no action was needed from its side. He would naturally arrive in the Distortion World, guided by those three little ones.
Thus, Giratina withdrew its gaze—its wings fluttering gently.
Its towering, majestic form instantly dissolved into a spectral shadow—vanishing at impossible speed.
---
May 17th, Sunday
After returning from Lake Acuity, Aiden spent two days "resting" at the research institute.
Though "resting" was a generous term—he hadn't actually done much.
After all—his current objective wasn't the type where preparation increased success rates by even a single percent.
Giratina, the Renegade Pokémon—entrusted by the Creator Deity Arceus with guarding the Distortion World and maintaining cosmic balance.
To calm its fury was unthinkable for ordinary humans.
Yet as Aiden prepared to depart, he remained remarkably composed—even exhibiting the excited anticipation of a child heading on an outing.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
Seated in the living room, Cynthia's gaze carried unmistakable worry.
No matter how much she trusted Aiden—the being he was about to face was an immensely powerful Legendary Pokémon.
Moreover—this task rightfully belonged to her as Sinnoh's Champion. The events at Lake Acuity had already burdened him enough.
Her invitation… yet he would walk into danger.
If Aiden were injured—
She'd never forgive herself.
Thus Cynthia wished to accompany him to the Distortion World—at minimum, she could protect him should battle erupt.
"Don't worry—I've prepared plenty of contingencies."
Aiden smiled gently.
"Since Uxie and the others can open the gateway to the Distortion World and teleport me directly to the destination… they can certainly pull me back if needed."
"Going alone is actually safer."
Of course—there was another reason he left unspoken.
Cynthia worried for him… but did he not worry for her?
Even knowing a Champion-level Trainer was unlikely to falter in a deity-level confrontation… Aiden refused to let Cynthia be drawn into the Distortion World's conflicts as in the game's storyline.
This was mutual protection.
But he kept these thoughts to himself.
Cynthia held his gaze for a moment—as if reading his intentions through his eyes—then reluctantly conceded.
"Fine."
"But don't pressure yourself. This burden was never meant for you alone."
"Even if this attempt fails… other paths will exist."
"I know."
Aiden smiled—waving gently before closing his eyes and mentally calling Uxie's name.
"Uxie—I'm ready."
Just as Uxie had promised at Lake Acuity, establishing this "party channel" seemingly granted him brief long-distance communion with the Lake Guardian—a connection confirmed yesterday by all three Lake Guardians.
In an instant—Aiden vanished.
---
Sendoff Spring, Deepest Chamber
In Pokémon Platinum, this was the sole post-game entrance to the Distortion World—and the only place in the physical realm where Giratina might appear.
Normally, reaching this chamber required an arduous process:
First—descend from Veilstone City to the Sendoff Spring, the hidden "fourth lake" where departed souls were said to journey to the afterlife.
Near the spring lay the entrance to Sendoff Spring—but reaching this deepest chamber demanded lengthy exploration. A single wrong turn would trap travelers in endless loops—forever lost within the caverns.
But Aiden bypassed all steps entirely—materializing instantly at the destination.
After all—he'd been teleported here by the Lake Guardians. Beings wielding Psychic power wouldn't be hindered by mere illusions.
Upon arrival, Aiden instinctively scanned his surroundings.
Ancient, weathered stone walls surrounded him. Four long staircases led to other chambers in each cardinal direction.
At the room's center stood only a stone pillar fused with the floor—and the three Lake Guardians who had pulled him from Celestic Town.
Beyond the familiar Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf—meeting Aiden for the first time—stared with wide-eyed curiosity.
"Hello there."
Aiden immediately waved with a warm smile.
His natural demeanor made Mesprit and Azelf exchange glances—reaching the same conclusion:
Just as Uxie described.
This human named Aiden truly shows us no reverence.
Though—they didn't dislike it.
After all—he was a human favored by that Lord. A slightly unusual personality seemed only natural.
"Hello… human who seeks to open the Distortion World and calm Giratina's fury."
Mesprit—the "pink mushroom" embodying emotion—greeted him through telepathy.
Unlike Uxie's steady, wisdom-laden voice, Mesprit's tone carried sweetness—vibrant like a neighborly girl.
Beside her, the "blue mushroom" Azelf studied Aiden curiously before speaking:
"I admire the formidable willpower within you. You seem the type who, once resolved, persists unwaveringly."
As the legendary being who gifted humanity willpower, Azelf's evaluation of Aiden was notably high.
All three Lake Guardians present—each offering favorable impressions.
Finally, Uxie transmitted its thoughts to Aiden:
"No further words are needed. Your courage has earned the Lake Guardians' acknowledgment. We shall temporarily open the sole gateway to the Distortion World."
"If you truly retrieve the Azure Flute… when all preparations are complete and Spear Pillar's seal is ready to be broken—we shall grant you all the power you require."
Though Aiden appeared frail—likely unable to defeat even an ordinary Pokémon—
For some reason, Uxie found itself trusting him.
But as that Lord's emissary… accomplishing the impossible should be expected, no?
"Thank you—I appreciate your help."
Aiden nodded solemnly—his expression turning serious as he awaited what came next.
At his cue, the three Lake Guardians positioned themselves around the stone pillar—channeling their psychic energies.
Aiden's gaze shifted to the massive pillar before him.
Four simple lines were carved upon its surface:
[Here lies the convergence of the radiant world of life and the silent realm of the departed.]
As Aiden silently recited the words—a brilliant crimson energy erupted from the Lake Guardians—wrapping around the pillar.
As their power poured in, the previously dull gray stone suddenly erupted with countless violet-black patterns. A pillar of light shot skyward from below.
Within the radiance, Aiden glimpsed the outline of a portal.
Soon—a void of blue-purple emptiness materialized before him—the earlier transformations vanishing instantly.
Through this spontaneously formed gateway, Aiden faintly perceived the world beyond:
Desolate. Barren. Silent. Bubbles drifted aimlessly through the air—utterly devoid of vitality.
"The path to the Distortion World is open. Now enter—and find the deity consumed by fury."
Uxie's voice—slightly weakened—resonated in Aiden's mind.
"Stay safe. If danger arises… silently speak our names."
Mesprit offered gentle caution.
"Strive to persuade Giratina—I believe in your will!"
Azelf delivered encouragement.
"I will succeed!"
Aiden nodded firmly—then stepped resolutely through the portal.
The violet-black space before him warped unnaturally. Under the three Lake Guardians' varied gazes—Aiden vanished—reappearing within the hollow world beyond.
Upon entering the Distortion World, Aiden's expression immediately tensed.
Compared to the physical realm… this world was utterly desolate.
This deep-purple expanse was littered with small landmasses floating aimlessly—deprived of gravity. Countless bubbles connecting to the real world obstructed his vision—hiding distant horizons.
In the games, the Distortion World was a spatially disorienting realm where directions constantly inverted.
But in-game—at least paths forward could be found with careful searching.
Here—floating islands ahead floated with zero pattern—while reality-bubbles further blocked his way.
Puncturing a bubble carelessly might bring catastrophe to the real world.
Thus, Aiden cautiously blew a gentle breath upward—attempting to avoid contact with the bubbles.
He held little expectation it would work.
Yet—to his surprise—his action produced unexpected results.
Not just above him—but in all directions—the reality-bubbles immediately drifted away—clearing a vast open space.
Within this unobstructed area—a mighty roar suddenly echoed from below.
Instinctively, Aiden looked down.
Ripples spread across the surroundings—a distorted black shadow surging upward toward him.
In mere breaths—the shadow leaped onto the same floating island beneath Aiden's feet. The impact shook the ground violently.
Before Aiden could even lift his head—several Poké Balls in his pocket spontaneously cracked open—crimson beams materializing at his sides.
Sensing immense pressure ahead, his ever-vigilant Pokémon could no longer remain passive.
First to meet Aiden's eyes: a white-and-golden body adorned with crimson-black patterns.
A majestic dragon Pokémon—its eyes blazing with scarlet light.
Giratina—in its Origin Forme.
——
Facing Giratina's gaze, Aiden instinctively scratched his head.
'Well… I was just wondering how I'd find Giratina in this vast emptiness.'
No need to worry now—it came to me.
And why wasn't his first reaction fear?
Obvious.
At Giratina's speed—if it intended violence, he'd have had zero reaction time.
Yet here it stood before him—making no move to attack. Merely… staring.
Completely unlike Uxie's description of "fury." Quite rational, actually~
Sensing subtle shifts in the outer world, a pair of crimson dot-eyes suddenly emerged from Aiden's shadow as he observed Giratina.
Quickly—Marshadow poked its head out from within Aiden's shadow.
As Aiden's "Shadow Guardian," it remained obligated to protect this prospective Brave One until Lord Ho-Oh's trial concluded.
But the moment it lifted its gaze—meeting Giratina's naturally imposing presence—
Sorry—wrong room.
Marshadow instantly retracted its "online application"—slipping silently back into Aiden's shadow.
Then—it began trembling uncontrollably.
So terrifying!
How does Aiden keep encountering these beings?!
That black Rayquaza last time was bad enough—but now Giratina too?!
And this is definitely the Distortion World—familiar territory for Ghost-types! The connection to the physical world should've been severed long ago!
Just whose trial is this—Aiden's… or my Phoenix Guard's?!
Marshadow didn't understand—but it now absolutely believed in Aiden's strength.
Even without me—the Brave One chosen by Lord Ho-Oh surely fears no mere Giratina!
Of course—Aiden remained unaware of the drama unfolding behind him.
He only knew—from its current behavior—Giratina seemed capable of rational communication.
As he pondered this—a deep, spatially transcendent roar suddenly resonated directly within his mind.
Clearly not human language—yet Aiden somehow understood its meaning:
[Human… why have you come?]
Though comprehending Giratina's voice felt surreal—given the countless anomalies he'd experienced—this was hardly the strangest.
Aiden paid it little mind—lifting his head to meet Giratina's gaze with unwavering resolve.
And he spoke:
"Giratina—I've Come to Bargain!!"
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