Secret Garden

"I know."

Dian took a deep breath and headed down the side alley.

Luckily, he had studied Alto Mare's map and walked its streets a few times. Otherwise, the maze of alleys would have left him hopelessly lost.

As he entered the alley, he glanced back at the two enormous stone pillars in Saint Mado Square and the statues above them.

"Alto Mare's Guardian Deities, Latias and Latios. A city under the protection of the Infinity Pokémon..."

Dian's gaze darkened for a moment. "I'm not from Alto Mare, but I've spent some time here. Let's call this returning the favor."

"Misdreavus."

He spoke softly, then recalled Larvitar.

"Misdreavus!"

Misdreavus smiled happily. Faint black light spread over her body, enveloping them both before they vanished on the spot.

"Alto Mare. Another city that makes me laugh."

Laika sat quietly in a small boat, gazing without interest at the peaceful scene around her. "Even if Blue Sky Country has vanished beneath the sea, countless others will rise in its place."

She spotted the statues in Saint Mado Square, and a mocking smile crossed her face. "A human city has to rely on Pokémon for protection. Then who protects the Pokémon? There's no end to human foolishness. Even the True King, our ancestor, couldn't put an end to it."

Odo had been rowing behind her in silence, but he couldn't help speaking up. "Your Maj—Laika, aren't we going to take the Soul Dew?"

"No. Not yet."

A mysterious smile touched Laika's lips as she toyed with the golden Poké Ball at her neck. "Everything is under control."

"The stage is set. There may be no script, but the ending won't change. This is the fate our ancestor Lester ordained."

With that, she closed her eyes and listened quietly to the faint call