"ROOOAR!!"
From the depths of the sea, Rayquaza's furious roar resounded once more. In the next instant, the ocean surface split open, and its immense body soared skyward again, glaring furiously at Primal Groudon.
"…Its stamina and defenses are this high?"
Seeing that although Rayquaza bore no small number of injuries, its vitality remained astonishingly robust, Lucas spoke in surprise.
Its endurance was absurd.
Zekrom had been gravely injured after enduring just a single Precipice Blades from Primal Groudon. Yet this Rayquaza had taken not only an Origin Pulse but also Precipice Blades head-on, and it still brimmed with vigor.
"It should be based on that original Deoxys vs Rayquaza template, right?"
Lucas muttered in his thoughts. That Rayquaza back then had been just as ridiculous. No one knew how many times it had endured Deoxys's relentless Psycho Boosts, yet it had still remained lively and vigorous. In the end, it even relied on Deoxys's own face-plant into the grass to deliver a one-hit counterattack that turned the tide and defeated Deoxys outright.
Most likely, all of its talent points had been poured purely into health and endurance…
"But just being able to take a beating is useless." Lucas soon shook his head as he corrected his own thoughts.
"ROOOAAARRR!"
Rayquaza roared once again. Its long draconic body twisted, and in the next instant it charged straight at Primal Groudon.
The pure essence of draconic energy condensed. A Dragon Pulse blasted forth first, surging straight toward Groudon.
Primal Groudon showed not the slightest hint of fear. The scorching blaze of sunlight gathered in its maw and surged outward to meet the incoming attack head-on.
Dragon Pulse and Solar Beam clashed heavily in midair.
The very next moment, Primal Groudon's Solar Beam began pressing down, steadily overwhelming Dragon Pulse and pushing it back with unstoppable might.
Rayquaza decisively abandoned Dragon Pulse. Its long, lithe body showcased its extraordinary flying skill as it spiraled and maneuvered, speeding forward while circling around the column of sunlight, rapidly closing in on Primal Groudon.
Dragon Tail!
At last, Rayquaza swooped down from above Primal Groudon. Its tail shone with a fierce azure radiance, carrying a howling gale of force as it smashed downward with ruthless might.
Primal Groudon's thick, powerful arms lit up with a blinding white glow as it swung them upward to meet the blow directly.
Hammer Arm!
Dragon Tail and Hammer Arm collided violently, and the explosion of force created a shockwave that rippled outward.
But in the very next second, a savage, almost human-like grin appeared on the ferocious face of Primal Groudon.
Its two massive claws suddenly spread wide and clamped down, seizing Rayquaza's tail in a brutal grip!
Rayquaza's draconic pupils widened in alarm. Without hesitation, it opened its jaws and fired a Dragon Pulse directly into Groudon's body at point-blank range.
The Dragon Pulse detonated violently against Groudon's massive frame.
But immediately afterward, Rayquaza felt an overwhelming, terrifying force transmitting up its tail.
"ROOOAAAR!"
Primal Groudon let out a thunderous bellow. Harnessing its immense strength, it yanked Rayquaza by the tail and swung its entire enormous body downward, smashing it mercilessly into the ground behind.
Secret Technique—Earth Slam!
BOOOOM!
The ground quaked violently from the impact. Rayquaza's eyes squeezed shut in agony—the strike was far too heavy! The pain was unbearable, nearly no weaker than being hit by a full Earthquake.
"Rayquaza…!"
Zinnia's eyes went wide, her pupils trembling as if her entire worldview was crumbling before her eyes.
But the assault had clearly not yet ended. Primal Groudon's entire body began glowing with a deep, ominous crimson light.
Precipice Blades!
From directly beneath Rayquaza, a massive molten blade erupted upward from the ground. It pierced into Rayquaza's underside with unstoppable force, lifting its body high into the sky as magma surged.
Rayquaza's face twisted in pain. At nearly zero distance, taking a Precipice Blades head-on was nothing less than a devastating critical blow.
"Rayquaza… it's actually about to be defeated…"
On the small island, not only Cynthia and N, but even Marnie wore expressions of shock and disbelief.
Even Zekrom had a face that could only be described as "you've got to be kidding me," his draconic features twisting into a distinctly human-like look of stunned incredulity.
What the hell?! The Sky Dragon, Rayquaza, is only this strong? Hah! Doesn't seem much better than me at all!
"Eternatus, use Dynamax Cannon!"
Seeing Primal Groudon gathering another surge of crimson flame within its maw, Lucas acted without hesitation.
If Groudon managed to follow up with another Solar Beam, Rayquaza would truly be finished this time.
And besides, it was now abundantly clear—Primal Groudon wasn't holding back in the slightest. Its attacks were merciless.
From Eternatus's chest and abdomen, a dangerous scarlet radiance flared. A massive crimson beam erupted forth, launching straight toward Primal Groudon.
"Rayquaza, use this chance!"
Lucas summoned the power of his Dragon Force ability to communicate with Rayquaza, urging it quickly to pull away from Primal Groudon's reach.
"ROOAAAR!"
Primal Groudon detected the incoming Dynamax Cannon. It swiftly turned, the fire gathered in its maw bursting into several massive fireballs that shot forward to collide with the crimson beam.
Dynamax Cannon and Flamethrower collided in midair and exploded violently.
Taking advantage of this moment, Rayquaza gritted its teeth through the pain. From behind, it fired off another Dragon Pulse that struck Primal Groudon squarely, before shooting upward and tearing itself free from Groudon's grip.
"Can't we really summon another Rayquaza? Without Mega Evolution, this one isn't a match for Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon."
Lucas turned again to Zinnia, voicing the truth that had already become obvious.
This Rayquaza stood no chance of winning against them.
"No… the clan's prayer isn't unconditional. If I try to use it again so soon, it most likely won't succeed."
Zinnia's expression was equally grim. The Draconid people's prayer was not without its limits. Having just performed it, it was impossible to attempt again in such a short span.
"Then this is going to be troublesome…"
Lucas narrowed his eyes, turning toward the Primal Kyogre leaping from the sea's surface.
Rayquaza, unreliable?
Who the hell would have thought this could happen?!
"I've already contacted my father and my uncle. They're on their way here as quickly as possible."
At that moment, a weary but resolute telepathic voice echoed in both their minds.
Then, a massive draconic shadow descended behind them—it was the battered but still unyielding Rayquaza, having escaped Groudon's clutches.
"Rayquaza, are you alright?"
Hearing its voice, Zinnia turned quickly, her concern evident as she looked upon the dragon.
"I am unharmed… it was my own carelessness. With my current strength, I am not their match."
Rayquaza's body bore no light injuries—its wounds were heavy. Its telepathic voice was low and weak as it admitted the truth.
Without Mega Evolution, facing both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre in this form was simply too reckless.
From that exchange just now, Rayquaza had already learned this truth firsthand.
"Thank you for your help just now, human."
Rayquaza's draconic eyes shifted toward Lucas. It glanced briefly at Eternatus before offering its thanks.
To have captured such a powerful Legendary… this human was truly special.
As Rayquaza's gaze slid across Reshiram and the shiny Genesect, its curiosity toward Lucas deepened, mingling with a faint fondness.
After all, had Eternatus not intervened, it might truly have been crushed mercilessly by Groudon.
Unfortunately, Rayquaza also sensed that Lucas's spirit was not as clear and pure as Zinnia's. Otherwise, it might even have been willing to allow him to attempt Mega Evolution with it.
Fondness was one thing—but true recognition was another matter altogether.
Rayquaza had its pride. It would not casually choose its successor.
"There's no need to thank me. Just now, Rayquaza, what you meant was…?"
Lucas shook his head. Through his Dragon Force power, he could sense Rayquaza's goodwill. His intervention earlier had clearly raised its favor toward him.
That was a good sign. The goodwill of Rayquaza's kind should apply universally.
"I am still young, the youngest generation of my lineage. So, my weakness just now must have been laughable to you…"
"But I have already contacted my father and my uncle. They are both incredibly powerful Rayquaza, and they are already flying here as we speak."
"Especially my uncle—he is the strongest Rayquaza of our entire lineage!"
Rayquaza lifted its head slightly, its telepathic voice carrying a tone of lofty pride.
That's right—it couldn't beat Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre. But so, what?
It had a background—it had a family! It was the child of dragons with connections!
Once its elders arrived, let's see how long those two brutes could continue strutting arrogantly. Especially that one who couldn't even fly—damnable!
Lucas blinked, overwhelmed by the sheer pressure radiating from it. Goodness gracious… so this seemingly weakling Rayquaza actually had a dragon clan shield protecting it.
Damn these unfair family backgrounds!
He couldn't help seriously considering something—if he could capture this Rayquaza, wouldn't that be the same as gaining the backing of two immensely powerful Rayquaza elders?
It sounded… quite appealing, honestly. But…
He still needed to observe more carefully. Even if he wanted to capture it, he'd need to raise its favorability first.
Zinnia remained silent. So, there were still other Rayquaza coming? If so, that was all for the best.
"But until they arrive, we will need to buy time ourselves."
Rayquaza's telepathic voice turned serious again as it addressed Lucas.
"So, in other words, until then, we have to hold out on our own, is that it?"
"That is correct…"
Rayquaza nodded. But to endure until then would not be easy. After all, it was already heavily injured.
And this human's Eternatus too seemed to be bearing wounds.
As for Reshiram and the shiny Genesect, they could only serve as temporary stalling forces at best.
"This problem isn't too big."
Lucas raised his brows slightly. Although Eternatus was injured, it could still hold out.
And moreover, Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre were not in pristine condition either.
After such prolonged battle, the toll on their stamina and their hidden injuries could not be ignored. Their bodies were simply too resilient, making the wear less visible.
But top-tier Legendaries were all built on the same template—devastating offense, towering endurance, overwhelming defense.
"Eternatus."
Lucas turned his gaze toward it.
The dragon's speckled scarlet eyes flashed with irritation, but still it lifted its head high.
"ROOOAAAAR~"
Its deep, resonant draconic cry spread across the heavens, carrying far into the distance.
Both Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon turned their heads almost simultaneously, watching Eternatus warily, uncertain what this Legendary intended.
"What… is it doing?"
Zinnia asked in confusion.
That dragon's cry seemed to be transmitting a certain message.
At that moment, a streak of blue light shot across the sky at incredible speed.
The streak fell before Lucas and the others, resolving into a cold, wolf-like Pokémon whose presence was sharp and commanding.
Zacian!
"It's been a long time, Zacian," Lucas greeted warmly, smiling and waving his hand.
Yes, it was Zacian itself!
Ever since the battle in the Unova region, Zacian had departed. But in truth, it had never gone far. It had always kept itself at the maximum distance possible while still following Eternatus's aura, trailing them quietly from the shadows.
Because Zacian had said it before—it could never rest easy about Eternatus. If there ever came a day when Eternatus lost control, Zacian would appear immediately to cut it down.
And if it had simply returned to slumber in Galar's Slumbering Weald, how could it possibly know when Eternatus might lose control?
So back then, Lucas had already suspected that in reality, Zacian had been secretly following them all along.
The reason Eternatus had been allowed just now to release its aura without the slightest restraint, letting its presence spread wantonly in every direction, was in truth for one simple purpose—to lure Zacian out from hiding.
"It has been a long time."
Zacian cast a sharp, piercing glare at Eternatus, who had already withdrawn and suppressed its aura once more. Of course, it instantly realized that it had been tricked, and its cold, detached voice of telepathy echoed clearly.
"You summoned me here… for what purpose?"
Its fierce, wolf-like eyes then swept coldly over Rayquaza before finally fixing on Lucas, questioning him directly.
Zacian knew very well that if it had been deliberately lured, it must mean that Lucas had something in mind for it.
The three ancient legends of Hoenn had all manifested at the same time, a phenomenon Zacian was certainly aware of. Yet it had no intention of intervening. To it, such matters had nothing to do with its own duty.
After all, the incident in Unova the last time had left Zacian with a very bitter taste. It still remembered how unpleasant and infuriating that battle had been.
And this current situation, in Zacian's eyes, felt uncannily similar to that same event: the white dragon (here, Primal Groudon) and the black dragon (Primal Kyogre) locked in their inevitable conflict… followed then by the arrival of Kyurem's "stand-in"—Rayquaza.
Was this not practically a one-to-one reenactment of that very same storyline? A scene restored with uncanny precision?
The only difference, however, was that the landbound titan and the flying fish of the sea were far, far more terrifying in strength than the dragons of the previous tale. Their power was simply on another scale altogether.
But Zacian, unwilling to repeat its past mistakes, had no desire to become entangled. It had no wish to get bitten again—quite literally—by that "dog," Kyurem, as had happened before.
"It is like this, Zacian," Lucas began, paying no mind whatsoever to Zacian's cold indifference. He knew that this great wolf Pokémon was, in truth, an unmatched battle tool, an incredible ally if persuaded to move. "The reawakening of Groudon and Kyogre has already gravely disrupted the ecological balance of both land and sea here in Hoenn."
Straightening his expression, Lucas spoke solemnly, his voice firm.
"Rayquaza will put an end to it."
At these words, Zacian's eyes remained calm, without even the faintest ripple of emotion. Its answer was cool and detached:
"No. This Rayquaza is still young. It does not yet possess the strength to contend against Groudon and Kyogre."
Lucas shook his head in disagreement. But behind him, Rayquaza rolled its eyes skyward, before raising its head high in a posture of lofty indifference, as though standing aloof above the world—though in truth, its expression was almost sulky.
Well… as awkward as it sounded, Zacian's words were not entirely wrong.
Zacian narrowed its eyes slightly, carefully scanning Rayquaza from head to tail. In truth, it had already been secretly observing the battle from a distance just moments earlier. From what it had seen, it did indeed seem as though this Rayquaza had been thoroughly beaten down by Groudon and Kyogre…
And just as Lucas was attempting to coax and persuade this great wolf into temporarily stepping onto the battlefield—
Far away, beyond the ozone layer of the Kalos region, a magnificent, colossal figure was streaking at full speed toward Hoenn.
The backdrop was the vast and endless starry void outside the azure-blue, beautiful planet. Countless meteorites drifted silently along the wide rivers of stars.
And in this seemingly silent and lifeless vacuum… multiple life stirred.
A long, serpentine body of purest black, scales shimmering with luminous ripples that resembled glittering starlight as they undulated along its length.
A Shiny Mega Rayquaza!
At this very moment, that black, shimmering Mega Rayquaza was piercing through space at an incredible velocity, diving toward the planet below. Its destination—Hoenn!
(End of Chapter)