Under the overwhelming pressure of Mega Rayquaza, even Groudon and Kyogre could no longer remain calm.
Kyogre's Origin Pulse slammed into Rayquaza—yet not even a scratch appeared on the sky dragon's body.
Kyogre let out a furious cry, and in the next instant, Sheer Cold erupted.
The entire sea froze solid in a heartbeat.
Terrifying subzero air surged upward, racing toward Rayquaza, trying to lock the god of the skies in ice.
At the same time, Groudon sensed the deadly threat radiating from Rayquaza and unleashed Precipice Blades.
The magma-formed continent stretched skyward, and a colossal molten sword erupted from the earth, cleaving straight toward Rayquaza.
But it was all in vain.
Against normal Rayquaza, perhaps such attacks might have worked.
But this was Mega Rayquaza.
As Dragon Ascent activated, heaven and earth seemed to change color.
A tangible, crushing pressure descended, and a vast draconic phantom tore through the sky as Mega Rayquaza surged forward.
Even Groudon and Kyogre were forced back by that overwhelming might—let alone the Trainers watching from afar.
Luckily, Rayquaza's killing intent wasn't aimed at them. Otherwise, merely standing here would have been impossible.
"I… I can't breathe…"
Roxanne was the first to falter, her face turning pale beneath the crushing divine pressure.
Steven's expression darkened.
"Everyone, withdraw immediately. This is a battle between gods—we don't belong here."
The crowd retreated in a hurry.
Only Team Rocket, fully prepared, dared to float straight into the battlefield in their Meowth balloon.
Brave? Or just stupid?
The moment Dragon Ascent detonated, a catastrophic storm formed and flung the three of them far away.
"We didn't even get to act!"
"Be grateful—that attack wasn't aimed at us!"
"This feels terrible!"
"Sonans!"
…
With a thunderous crash, the three divine attacks collided.
For a split second they resisted each other—then Dragon Ascent shattered both Precipice Blades and Sheer Cold.
The resulting tempest swallowed sea and land alike.
The frozen ocean exploded into countless ice shards, while magma and stone were torn apart and sucked into the raging vortex.
Water, ice, rock, and lava were all dragged into a colossal storm.
Moments later, the cyclone expanded violently and hurled Groudon and Kyogre away.
Groudon crashed into the ocean.
Kyogre slammed down into the molten land.
Both gods roared in pain.
"Rayquaza—Dragon Breath!"
Aiden Flint seized the moment, pressing the advantage.
Rayquaza fired another wave of draconic energy, blasting both gods once more and driving them back with agonized cries.
Below, Team Magma and Team Aqua stared in disbelief.
Their gods… being overwhelmed so completely?
Their faith shattered before their eyes.
Another devastating blast struck both Legendaries, forcing them to retreat yet again.
The cries they released were no longer defiance.
They were the howls of defeated gods.
Aiden appeared before them, his voice resonating directly in their minds.
"Groudon. Kyogre. You've lost. Will you keep resisting?"
"If you become my Pokémon, the Red Orb and Blue Orb will be returned to you."
"You'll be able to awaken Primal Reversion and gain even greater power."
The two gods hesitated.
Those Orbs were theirs to begin with.
They had only been stolen and twisted by Maxie and Archie—and now held by Aiden.
But they couldn't deny reality.
Rayquaza was simply too powerful.
And the human standing before them… was someone who could block a Legendary's attack head-on.
At last, Groudon growled.
"Let me fly… and I'll accept."
Aiden blinked.
"…So that's your trauma?"
He shook his head with a helpless smile.
A surge of brilliant purple psychic power erupted from Aiden's body, lifting Groudon up into the air.
The land god froze—then burst into laughter like a child.
"I… I can fly! I can fly!"
A Master Ball flew forth, engulfing Groudon in red light.
Three shakes.
A clear chime.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host—Groudon has been captured."
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/SorenSwiftTL