"Huh? You agree my flying proposal's a good idea too?"
Hikaru was about to equip his Aegislash with its very first external gear—a flying mount. This type of equipment, designed for riding "mount-type Pokémon," was commonly used in distant Alola.
As for where exactly to install the flying mount, Hikaru thought it would be pretty cool to stand directly on the blade while flying. After all, his Aegislash was much larger than the average, so it was entirely feasible.
Typically, when Aegislash carries a person through the air, it simply levitates. The trainer either clings to the main body or sits atop the blade and shield. In some cases, like in the movie featuring the phantom thief and his daughter, they simply straddled the Pokémon. Others might install handles and ride while standing on both arms—like a referee from the Galar region.
But no matter the method, they all looked dangerously unstable!
It was like bouncing on a spring. And if you carried a heavy backpack, there was no way it wouldn't feel wobbly!
When Hikaru shared his flight idea with Aegislash, the Pokémon immediately went full chuuni-mode!
Oh! Like a sword soaring across the sky sniping from ultra-long range—wasn't that awesome?
A king descending atop a massive blade, landing with a Sacred Sword strike!
"So... as long as the pose is cool enough, the flying method doesn't matter at all, huh?"
"Guuuuh! (Whatever mode you want, transforming is easy!) Guuuh sword! (Even that is doable!)"
With that, Aegislash struck a bizarre pose that almost made Hikaru jump!
Super Form Transformation!
The shield now looked like the main body, and its ribbon-like arms twisted onto it, the right arm gripping the giant sword.
At this point, it wasn't "Aegislash" anymore—it had become Swordshieldslash!
Since Cynthia was waiting, Hikaru didn't spend too long tinkering. Using available materials, he hastily threw together a basic "mount-sheath," made of iron with sockets on either side to insert rods for support.
Though it didn't have guardrails, this setup was already pretty secure for temporary flight.
Aegislash happily donned the sheath. Since it had lost the scabbard after evolution, regaining one—even if it was just a metal case—made it ecstatic.
Vrrrnnn—
Just as they were about to leave, a surge of creative power within Hikaru began to stir. Golden, sand-like energy spilled from his fingertips and tugged him forward.
A strange resonance echoed.
Its source was the Guardian Charm Stone resting in the workshop. It pulsed faintly like Aura, and Hikaru's body began to glow in sync.
The stone seemed to convey a vague will—some form of divine blessing.
"Huh?"
This blessing was odd. It was the first time Hikaru had seen the stone glow like this, as if trying to communicate something.
[??? – Millennium Wrist, Shinto Ruins]
A strange voice echoed in his mind, but as Hikaru shook his head, the sound vanished—as if it had never been there.
What?!
Something strange had occurred just before heading to the Shinto Ruins. Hikaru checked the Guardian Charm Stone again. It really seemed like it was trying to tell him something!
"Well then… let's fly!"
Once away from the workshop, Hikaru glanced down and noticed faint spatial ripples around it. That was likely the sign of an alternate space. The workshop, the village, the fields, rivers, and mountains were quickly left behind by the gliding greatsword. The wind in the sky was fierce!
Thankfully, faint spiritual energy formed a barrier around him, reducing the impact of the high-altitude gusts.
"This spiritual energy is really handy. I wonder how other trainers riding Dragonite or Garchomp handle the wind?"
In the games, characters always wore helmets when flying Pokémon, looking pretty professional. But in reality, everyone flew around with their hair blowing and no headgear—posing coolly in the sky!
Basically, everyone was Superman-tier. Hikaru hadn't thought about it when Steven flew in, but now that it was his turn to fly, he realized something felt wrong.
"Ugh, I better crouch a bit… I need to make some goggles and a helmet later. Right, let's just use Dustproof Goggles and the Bonk Helmet."
Meanwhile, back at the Shinto Ruins, Cynthia and Volo weren't expecting a giant sword to descend from the sky.
Because Hikaru failed to adjust his posture during landing, he nearly crash-landed vertically at a 90-degree angle.
"Whew! That was dangerous! First time flying like this… really lacking experience." Hikaru hopped off Aegislash, who clearly had wanted a flashy entrance but almost messed it up.
"Sorry! The workshop is currently sealed, so people can't find it. By the way, are you...?"
Familiar mountain cabin, familiar ruin entrance, familiar—wait a second?!
Aside from the Sinnoh Champion he'd seen countless times in games, anime, and manga—Cynthia aka the "Cabbage Queen"—Volo was here too?!
And the two weren't inside the cabin but standing in the snowy valley clearing outside the ruins. The same spot where Hikaru had previously battled Volo!
Are these two… about to battle?
"Oh ho! Your expression changed instantly. You clearly don't want to see me!" Volo casually pointed out the obvious, feigning sadness in a silly tone.
"So cruel! I even gave you discounts before. Do I really annoy you that much?"
"Or are you worried I'll do something bad to these ruins?"
His smile carried hidden meanings, and Cynthia remained silent. Hikaru could almost see an ellipsis floating over her head. Clearly, this situation was something he hadn't anticipated.
"Oh my! That Pokémon… I've never seen it before! Did that sword evolve?"
"That's Aegislash, the fabled sword said to choose kings."
Thankfully, Cynthia cut off Volo's rambling.
"From Kalos and Galar—Aegislash. I've seen its kin before, but yours seems especially powerful! That massive blade… I've never seen one this big!"
She admired it. Aegislash's shield and blade shone brightly, and its massive frame radiated an extraordinary power.
Though, the iron-case scabbard looked pretty goofy. Clearly a hastily-assembled flight accessory. Cynthia recalled other Aegislash flying techniques, and Hikaru's "horizontal flight" approach… was very different.
Still… it was absurd, yet oddly believable?
"Nice to meet you! I'm Cynthia, a 'seeker of myths,' or rather, Sinnoh's mythological scholar."
Cynthia finally smiled. Her presence was like a gentle spring breeze.
Tall and elegant, dressed in her signature black coat, with waterfall-like golden hair and Lucario-style headpieces, and skin as fair as porcelain.
Calm, resolute, noble, gentle—all of these qualities converged in one person.
As a universally acknowledged beauty in the Pokémon world, she embodied what it meant to be "strong and beautiful."
And honestly, Volo could probably borrow a little of that praise—after all, they did have the same face.
"You know, she's the Sinnoh Champion. A very famous person!" Volo interjected, a blatant tone of pride and smugness in his voice.
Cynthia looked a bit awkward.
Was this like… unspoken affection from a great-grandfather?
Hikaru couldn't help but chuckle. Cynthia looked even more puzzled, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
Cynthia shot Volo a glance. "There's no need to flaunt the Champion title everywhere. My real profession is a scholar."
"And being Champion doesn't automatically mean I'm strong… The top trainers of each region change with the times—Blue, Red, Lance, Steven, Wallace…"
"Maybe I'll be remembered as Sinnoh's Champion now, but it won't last forever. One day, I'll step down. What's important is not the title—it's leaving a mark on people's hearts."
"When I enter as Champion, it comes with a certain intimidating aura that keeps people distant. But if I call myself a scholar, I seem more approachable, don't you think?"
Volo grinned. Cynthia sighed and rubbed her temples. She really didn't know what to make of Volo—he was just showing battle-crazed excitement earlier, and now he was full of cheerful smiles with zero killing intent!
And he kept highlighting his identities in front of Hikaru like… an old man showing off his grandson?
Yeah, that's what it felt like. The tone and expression were all too weird for flirting or flattery!
"More or less," Cynthia turned to Hikaru and smiled. "The Pokémon training items I bought from you earlier worked wonderfully! My Pokémon's power, endurance, and moves have all improved dramatically!"
"You flatter me. As Mr. Volo mentioned, you're Sinnoh's Champion—reaching your level makes further growth difficult. But those items really made a difference, huh?"
"This place was also incredibly hard to find. I had to do extensive research to figure out how to enter this ancient land. The strong winds and snow never cease here, only calming in summer. No wonder old texts are vague about it."
"If I could help, then I'm glad. So—let's get to the main topic," Hikaru said as he glanced at Volo, who smiled knowingly, as if he'd been waiting for this moment.
"You're here for the Pure Pendant and the Shinto Ruins, right?"
"Yes… though, to be precise, not just the pendant. I'm fascinated by the crafting process behind it. Also, the statue you sold me—I'm still investigating its secrets."
As she shifted into research mode, Cynthia's eyes sparkled like obsidian, filled with passion.
"My grandmother in Celestic Town is skilled in crafting ancient charms. However, the charms she makes no longer possess the power described in the old texts. Some part of the process has clearly been lost."
"But your method of crafting the Pure Pendant closely resembles the Celestic style. While investigating the Shinto Ruins, I also hoped to uncover the truth behind these ancient charms."
From her coat pocket, Cynthia took out a pale blue pendant and handed it to Hikaru.
"This is a special amulet passed down for hundreds of years. It was crafted to make a wish to a certain deity. It's known as the 'Safety Charm.'"
Hikaru: "The Safety Charm, which prevents fainting."
"You know how it works?" Cynthia asked intently. When it came to ancient history, she would fall into this kind of passionate state.
"Oh my, that's one of Hisui's three charms. But unfortunately, we can't make those anymore," Volo interjected, waving dismissively as he glanced at it.
He knew that charm all too well! Back in the day, one particular "super Hisuian" carried a bunch of these to brawl with Pokémon hand-to-hand! But during Jubilife Village's development, the most critical component—the stone used to bless the charms—had been lost!
Cynthia raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, she looked at Hikaru with expectation in her eyes.
As she thought, this little charm from her grandmother carried many secrets.
A mysterious craftsman, a peculiar merchant—both seemed unusually familiar with it. Despite the simple design, modern methods couldn't replicate it. So… what step was missing?
"It's alright. I can make it. It's simple. But the missing part of the process… sorry, with Celestic craftsmanship alone, it can't be reproduced."
Hikaru's response surprised them both. Cynthia turned and gave Volo a cheeky look.
"Seems like our merchant friend wasn't quite accurate after all."
But then she frowned. "Celestic's craftsmanship can't replicate it?"
Volo's expression turned odd. He looked from Hikaru to Cynthia and began rubbing his chin, clearly shaken.
He didn't think Hikaru was bluffing.
Could he really do it? No—that look in Volo's eyes sharpened.
"You actually plan to remake this charm? This isn't a simple carving craft—it's a sacred item! But you speak with such confidence."
"Oh my~" Volo murmured, his voice filled with layered emotion. "From the beginning, I thought you were different from anyone I've ever met. It was only when this Champion showed me the statue you made that I truly understood."
"Hikaru… just how much do you really know about Arceus? And about these Shinto Ruins—what secrets are you hiding?"
"You know what I mean. These Safety Charms can't be made without the Guardian Charm Stone. That stone was the gift of the Sinnoh Almighty. No one used to believe that… but after it went missing in Jubilife, these charms became impossible to craft!"
"To be able to create a Hisuian-era charm without the Guardian Stone means only one thing… you are a Trainer chosen by the gods!"
"I'm so jealous," Volo sighed dramatically.
"If that's all it takes to be chosen," Hikaru muttered, "then there are dozens of such people in Kalos's Origin Valley."
"But I suppose… it's always been watching you too."
"Is that so!" Volo's expression changed again. This time, his smile was genuine.
"That answer alone satisfies me. If you won't tell us more for now, then at least bear witness. I will show it my power, here on this stage of light. Whatever answer I receive afterward… well, we'll talk again. Ms. Cynthia has waited long enough."
"This Mr. Volo challenged me to a Pokémon battle, right here in front of the Shinto Ruins. Odd, isn't it?" Cynthia smiled at Hikaru, but when she turned back, her expression sharpened with battle spirit.
"But as a Trainer, once our eyes meet—we battle!"
"When you challenge a powerful opponent with your whole heart, both Pokémon and human alike can shine brilliantly. That's why I always seek out strong Trainers!"
"Please, watch me win. And afterward, tell me more about the Shinto Ruins—I really want to know its story!"
When it came to battling, Cynthia was like a different person. Just then, Hikaru heard a distant, ethereal voice.
It came from the Shinto Ruins.
Fwoosh—a surge of Creation Energy burst from Hikaru's hand, a gift from the Guardian Charm Stone. It was power deeply connected to Arceus. And in that moment, strange fissures appeared within the ruins. Twisting light filled the stage of myth, and then—
A flood of Unown burst from the ruins!
"Unown! Unown~!"
They spilled out in waves, as if summoned by a mysterious force, here to fulfill some unknown purpose. As they hovered above the battlefield, the wide eyes of many Unown locked onto Hikaru.
The mood instantly shifted—everything went still.
"Ah! It's you guys!"
Of the Unown now present, only a few were from the Shinto Ruins. The rest… were from the Crystal Tower incident! These were the same Unown from the other interconnected ruins—like Solaceon and the Ruins of Alph!
When Hikaru raised his hand, those "troublemaker" Unown froze. Panicking, they tried to escape back into the time-space rift—but the Shinto Unown blocked their way!
Hey! You heard the Sinnoh Almighty calling! How dare you try to skip out!
"Unown~"
Among the crowd, a dozy Unown E had just woken up.
"Huh? Oh, working again? But we're still in Shinto Ruins—eh, it's fine."
Unown E zipped down, followed by the rest of the Shinto Unown. Together, they formed a word.
Suddenly, the Arceus Plate in Hikaru's bag floated into the air, aligning perfectly with the Unown as they spelled out a single name—
Arceus!
"What's going on?!" Cynthia and Volo's battle was interrupted by this surreal sight. Both stared in awe at the massive swarm of Unown rising from the ruins.
Volo gasped. "I've been here for years, and I've never seen this many Unown! There weren't supposed to be any in that ruin!"
"They're not here for us—they're here for you!" Volo stared at Hikaru, his mind racing, piecing together implications that made his whole body tremble.
Could it be… is the Sinnoh Almighty truly watching this moment?
So that's it. The reason nothing happened during the first battle… was because the chosen ones hadn't yet arrived!
"Cynthia, you too… You've also been chosen by the gods."
Of course! As his own descendant, granted the freedom to study myth and indirectly burdened with opposing the fallen Team Galactic… a Champion's duty is to uphold peace and stability. Even though Volo had been rejected by Arceus, his descendant had flourished.
Is that not divine favor?
So, even his great-granddaughter had been watched by Arceus all along. She would grow stronger. Someday… Volo's gaze turned solemn.
He envisioned a new future—one that would no longer include him.
"Hmph. If I can't do it, then let you challenge 'it.' If it's you, you're better than I ever was."
Cynthia frowned. "What are you talking about? Does this have something to do with Arceus?"
From the voices of the Unown, Hikaru understood the message.
"Bonds. Show me your bond."
"The trust between Trainer and Pokémon is the true source of power. Let life shine even brighter. Create the Millennium Wrist Pendant and give it to the right person. The one who proves their bond and wins will receive a special gift."
"Then… stand in the center of the stage of light."
As Hikaru processed the message, he froze.
Wait a second!
In the original game story, you had to bring Arceus to the Shinto Ruins to trigger the creation event. But now… Arceus was initiating it on its own?
So Volo's line about "showing it your power" was actually becoming reality!
Totally unexpected!
So the Guardian Charm Stone's previous message… was from Arceus?!
"Could it be… there are two Arceus in this world?"
It had been a small theory of Hikaru's.
The Arceus from the old era had fallen into slumber after being injured a thousand years ago—that might've been the one who granted power to Sinnoh's ancient heroes.
But during the Hisui era, another Arceus still resided at the Hall of Origin.
So maybe… a stand-in?
After all, every world has its own Arceus, and their personalities are all over the place!
In the Mystery Dungeon universe, Arceus was lazy to the extreme—even when Darkrai or Dialga went berserk, it just summoned others to fix things and watched from the top of a tower.
But in the Special manga universe? That Arceus was terrifyingly violent—one wrong word and it wanted to erase all life and start over. Compared to that, Giratina looked like a gentle soul.
So maybe that explains why Arceus didn't punish Volo and Giratina back then—instead, it summoned a newcomer from the future to deal with them.
Lazy, perhaps—but more than that, this Arceus valued witnessing "trust" and "bonds." It wanted to show Hisui's people the importance of coexistence between humans and Pokémon.
Meanwhile, the Michina Arceus treasured life itself and was willing to sacrifice itself to save the world.
"Well then, you two."
Hikaru turned to the stunned pair.
"This came suddenly, but I can understand Unown speech—that's my ability."
"If you're willing, your battle now must show your strength to Arceus—yes, the Sinnoh Almighty is watching!"
"From now on, Volo… you too are a Trainer chosen by the gods. This is your chance—your only chance."
"And I can't say what reward you'll receive."
Surely not a divine egg to hatch a Legendary… right?
Hikaru no longer hid anything. After all, "the big guy" had already decided to give Volo a chance.
Yes, Volo had harbored dangerous ambitions. But he'd also accepted defeat and let go. He could take things up and set them down.
Most importantly—the key reason Arceus was probably interested—
Volo and his Pokémon truly shared a deep bond of trust.
Even as a secret antagonist, that part was never fake. And that… might've been what finally drew the Sinnoh Almighty's gaze.
Hundreds of years of pursuit had merely been a test.
"Volo, you know that on the stage of the Shinto Ruins, the symbols carved are of the world's creators—Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina."
"Well, now I'll reveal to you what you've been seeking—the true purpose of the Stage of Light."
"Come and listen… to the hidden tale of Hisui."
(End of Chapter)
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