The Mantis Stalks the Cicada

Ben Gray knew he had fallen into a trap. Those three people had only been bait to test the Obstacle!

The problem was that Latias and Latios were gentle by nature. If they saw him held hostage, they might be unable to resist, allowing the enemy to capture them all. Better for Latios to escape with Latias and the Soul Dew. As long as the Soul Dew remained safe, Alto Mare would be safe too.

"We'd be in trouble if they escaped."

A woman with short silver hair, a black short-sleeved top, and gold armbands gave a cold laugh. "Latias, Latios, if you don't want this old gentleman to suffer, behave yourselves."

"That's right. You're making things difficult for us."

Beside her, a woman with wavy blond hair, a black bodysuit, and silver armbands looked perfectly innocent. "We don't want to do anything bad. We just want to see a beautiful jewel. Loving beautiful things is only natural for women. Little Latias understands, doesn't she?"

"Uu..."

Latias looked at the struggling Ben Gray, then at her brother, who seemed just as helpless. She was utterly at a loss.

"Latios! Go!"

Ben Gray was frantic. The power granted by the Secret Garden was strong, but it would not last much longer. Every moment they delayed put them at a greater disadvantage.

"Hmph. You don't know what's good for you."

Lian, the silver-haired woman, gave a cold laugh. She pressed a blue button, and a projection appeared in the air, showing Kanon bound and unconscious.

"You...! Kanon!"

Ben Gray looked up, his face flushing red. "Do you have any idea what the Soul Dew means to Alto Mare?!"

He could hardly believe someone would kidnap his granddaughter to get their hands on the Soul Dew. "If the Soul Dew is taken away,