Intercept again?
The Unown were somewhat puzzled by Natsuhiko's thinking.
Intercepting again is indeed a simple matter.
But the problem is, given their current state, even if they intercept again, they can't replicate a being that can rival Phantom Groudon.
Isn't this Dragapult capable of contending with Groudon?
Why do you need to try again?
The Unown were filled with confusion, but seeing Natsuhiko's gaze...
Enough, enough.
"You don't need to construct something that can fight against Phantom Groudon, just connect the phantom with Dragapult, using it as the basis for the phantom. This should consume little energy, right?" Natsuhiko said.
The Unown nodded repeatedly.
Since you put it that way, it shouldn't cost much.
But honestly, their energy consumption will indeed be significantly reduced.
After all, they have witnessed Dragapult's power.
But.
What is the purpose of doing this?
Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes, "Move quickly."
"Alright... alright!" The Unown shuddered.
Dragapult didn't know what Natsuhiko planned, but after spending so much time with him, it believed Natsuhiko's actions always served a purpose, and were not simply for show.
Hmm.
While the Unown were operating, Phantom Groudon saw its attack easily shattered by Dragapult. Although emotionless, its instinct drove it to move again.
"Roar——!!"
Masses of scorching lava surged from its body, cascading upward over its abdomen. After briefly gazing skyward, its mouth opened wide, unleashing a terrifying breath of flame.
Flamethrower!
Fire-type Technique, with maximum power reaching a terrifying 150.
Dragapult looked serious but showed no sign of avoiding it.
Natsuhiko patted its side, calmly saying, "Meteor Shower."
Orange light flickered on Dragapult's body, an orange sphere appeared before its chest.
When the light faded, an Energy Ball formed in front of Dragapult's mouth, choosing not to cast it into the air, but to directly meet Groudon's "Flamethrower."
Boom!!
A fiery collision like a meteor crash, the aftermath tore up chunks of earth and debris, turning the surrounding ground into flat land.
Natsuhiko's psychic powers helped him stay firmly on Dragapult's back, preventing the shockwaves from knocking him off.
"Is it done?"
He asked the Unown.
"Yes, it's done!"
The Unown hastily answered.
Natsuhiko's eyes gleamed.
Giving Dragapult's back a heavy slap, he commanded, "Go!"
"Baluya!"
Dragapult uttered a low cry, lightly swayed its tail, body taut, and charged directly at Groudon, fearless.
And as Dragapult rushed toward Groudon, the mysterious power of the Unown finally began to subtly manifest on Dragapult.
Based on Dragapult's body and strength, constructing the phantom was extremely simple.
Just watch.
Starting from Dragapult's head, crystal-like specks of white light gradually covered it, black, gold, and gray blending, slowly altering Dragapult's appearance.
Wings.
Black wings flapped, speeding up even further.
The phantoms constructed by the Unown were generally unconscious.
But this time, with Dragapult as the basis, dark red eyes abruptly opened within dim eye sockets.
Once the eyes fully opened, Dragapult's appearance had entirely changed.
In the distance.
The Latios and Togekiss gathered once more, staring dumbfounded at the scene.
This Pokémon, Togekiss and Beedrill had once briefly glimpsed.
The most surprised was undoubtedly Doublade; this Pokémon was its once-haunting shadow.
Yet now, this odd Pokémon was ridden by Natsuhiko.
Before delving further, the visual impact was profound.
A large, gray, dragon-like Pokémon, six massive limbs gently stepping, as if running on ground, ghostly wings that can morph like liquid or gas, golden semicircle rings surrounding its neck from the back, black and red striped neck.
This is...
Nether King Dragon!
Giratina!
Natsuhiko let the Unown intercept consciousness once more, and it was Giratina!
Moreover, as the phantom is based on Dragapult, it carries Dragapult's consciousness!
Sitting on "Giratina's" back, Natsuhiko's eyes contained a hint of heat and madness.
Today, I'll ride, Giratina!
Confronting Groudon, Natsuhiko indeed had thoughts of some Divine Beasts capable of opposing it.
Things like Final Green Caterpillar or Big Water Fish could work.
But he chose Giratina.
A part is because Darkrai recently shared too many nightmares featuring Giratina with him, leaving profound impressions.
Another part.
Is because of attributes!
Nether King Dragon Giratina is a Dragon and Ghost type Pokémon, just like Dragapult as Dragon and Ghost type!
No one wouldn't know Giratina is also called Little Dragapult, right?
Attribute match allows Dragapult to maximize the phantom's potential.
The most crucial aspect is.
Natsuhiko, reclined on "Giratina's" back, used Telepathy to transmit thoughts to Dragapult.
"Dragapult, truly feel the changes this body brings."
If Phantom Groudon could produce a watered-down "Sword of the Cliff."
Then it stands to reason Phantom Giratina should manage a watered-down "Shadow Assault."
With Dragapult's attributes matching those of Giratina.
Thus.
Natsuhiko had no folly in instructing the Unown to act this way just for show.
He planned to have Dragapult try learning from Giratina's capabilities.
Given his limitations in experience and power, even Natsuhiko was unsure of how Pokémon should advance after reaching Dragapult's level.
Is it through ongoing training and battle over time?
Or seeking a new approach?
No one had told him, not even Agatha, as he wasn't at that level yet.
But he believed letting Dragapult feel Giratina's capabilities wouldn't be a mistake.
"Roar——!!"
"Giratina" murmured deeply,
A thick surge of Ghost Energy diffusely radiated from its form, enveloping both it and Natsuhiko.
The next instant.
Swish!
"Giratina," along with Natsuhiko, vanished from all Pokémon's views, Phantom Groudon ready to strike, saw its target disappear, leaving it briefly perplexed.
However.
Suddenly, Natsuhiko and "Giratina" reappeared behind Phantom Groudon, their bodies slammed hard against Groudon.
Bang!!!
Wildly surging Ghost Energy dealt a great blow to Phantom Groudon.
Shadow Assault!
Its body staggered forward, transformed to ethereal, seeming to dissipate.
However, the Unown evidently invested abundant energy, letting Phantom Groudon solidify again.
A single attempt falls short; Natsuhiko was patient.
More time for Dragapult to sense transformation, feel energy fluctuations.
During the instant of the "Shadow Assault," Natsuhiko on "Giratina's" back also moved together into the void.
It was a... truly wondrous place.
Bang!!!
Rock shattered, space altered.
Phantom Groudon and "Giratina" collided substantively once again.
Unown exchanged glances.
Should they... escape?
However.
Before any movement, Natsuhiko's peripheral vision fell on Unown "P."
It immediately shuddered.
Hastily blocking companions considering other moves.
Why leave?
Battle isn't finished yet.
Doesn't staying sincere feel good?
————
Book circle has some currency and title events~~