Upon hearing Kyurem's words, the temperature in the eyes of the Sword Hero, Zacian, seemed to drop even lower.
"What do you mean by 'I'll settle accounts with you later'?
Did that ice dragon really think that Zacian was afraid of it?
Zacian, the Sword Hero, was extremely displeased with Kyurem's arrogant and overbearing attitude. However, it also understood that now was not the right moment to fall out and engage the ice dragon directly. Its goal—its only target—was Eternatus.
Once it had dealt with that calamity, then it could take its time and 'exchange blows' with the ice dragon if needed.
Zacian's gaze shifted firmly toward Eternatus. Its already cold and aloof eyes sharpened further, gleaming with cutting hostility.
A scourge. This time, you will not escape.
"This really has become troublesome…"
Seeing that Kyurem and Zacian appeared to have reached some sort of tacit agreement, Lucas's eyelid twitched.
There was no doubt at all—this was the worst possible outcome.
"Lucas, what do we do now?"
Reshiram, who was shielding Lucas, gazed solemnly at the two overwhelming legendary beings. Even its usually clear and ethereal telepathy carried a tremor.
This was no longer a matter of things being slightly unfavorable—this was a situation that had turned thoroughly disastrous.
"Don't panic. No need to rush."
Lucas tightly gripped the Poké Ball containing the Shiny Genesect, forcing himself to stay calm.
Yes, the situation was dire, but so what?
What was in front of him? Just one Kyurem and one Zacian. He, the young master, could handle this with a wave of his hand!
…Though, perhaps not quite so easily.
"Reshiram, go and free Zekrom from its ice prison. Eternatus, you go and hold off Zacian for a while."
With that, Lucas tossed out a Poké Ball, summoning the crimson-colored Shiny Genesect at his side.
At this moment, Lucas's mind was colder and sharper than it had ever been before.
Against opponents such as Kyurem and the Sword King Zacian—beings of this terrifying level—the threat was beyond imagination.
"Genesect, I'll have to trouble you to stall Kyurem for the time being."
Lucas commanded calmly. He knew full well that sending Eternatus against Zacian was absolutely unfavorable, but there was no other choice.
Zacian was far too fast, far too explosive. If it was not contained, his entire formation would collapse in an instant.
The Shiny Genesect was indeed extremely quick, but the gap in raw power between it and Kyurem was enormous.
Therefore, it made more sense to let Genesect serve as a distraction for Kyurem, while Eternatus held Zacian back.
"…But this arrangement is not sustainable," Lucas murmured to himself with a faint frown. "Should I prepare to retreat with Genesect if things turn worse?"
He knew this was only a temporary measure. If the situation broke down, he would have to rely on Genesect's speed to escape.
The problem was that Zacian was also monstrously fast. Before Zacian appeared, Lucas had not been particularly worried.
After all, while Kyurem's raw strength was indeed formidable, it was still only a wild legendary Pokémon. With Shiny Genesect, Reshiram, and Eternatus on his side—and with Eternatus's ultimate trump card, Eternabeam—he had full confidence.
Even if it came down to a battle of attrition, they could eventually drag Kyurem down.
Not to mention, Lucas had also once received a boon from Dialga during his time in Michina.
"It's a pity that Eternatus hasn't had much time to attune to the Dragon Plate. If it comes to the worst, I'll have to summon Dialga and see what happens."
His eyes flickered as he considered this.
The Dragon Plate had temporarily merged with Eternatus, gradually nourishing its body and strengthening its power.
Day by day, bit by bit, its strength was increasing. The Dragon Plate continuously provided a trickle of energy, though Eternatus had only had it for less than half a month.
That was far too short to see its full benefits.
If things truly became unsalvageable, he would call upon Dialga. Back then, Dialga had left behind a fragment of its power within him, a link he could use to reach out.
But whether Dialga would actually help him against Kyurem and Zacian—that was another matter entirely.
Even with Dialga added to his side, Kyurem might still face them 2-on-4 without showing a hint of fear.
"ROAAARRR!"
Eternatus let out a deep, guttural roar. Its maw filled with searing firelight, before a great Flamethrower burst forth toward Zacian.
"Scourge! You dare to bring yourself before me?"
Zacian's eyes gleamed with cold fury. The ancient sword it carried shone blue, and with a slash of Sacred Sword, it cleaved through the oncoming flames.
Then its body turned into a streak of blue light, shooting straight toward Eternatus.
Metal Claw!
Its blade gleamed with metallic luster as Zacian swung down at Eternatus.
A dazzling flash split the air—the metallic strike landed hard upon Eternatus.
"Payback!"
Eternatus snarled, ignoring the strike, and raked its own claws coated in black light toward Zacian.
This was the Dark-type move, Payback.
Of course, Dark attacks were not particularly effective against Zacian. But what choice did Eternatus have?
Its pool of usable moves was limited. For special attacks, it had Flamethrower, Shadow Ball, and Meteor Beam. But hitting a fast and nimble foe like Zacian with such projectiles was next to impossible.
On the physical side, it only had a few Dark-type options.
This was why Eternatus was at such a disadvantage—already weaker in sheer strength, and on top of that, it was utterly countered by type.
Even its Dynamax form could only rely on brute force to clash against Zacian.
The Payback strike connected, but with minimal effect. Zacian rolled nimbly and struck again.
Another Metal Claw slashed across Eternatus's neck, forcing a pained roar from the massive dragon.
It tried to charge fire in its jaws once more.
"Sure enough… this won't work. I need another plan."
Lucas frowned. Even under his guidance, Eternatus had no chance against Zacian at its current state.
Against Kyurem, it at least managed to exchange blows. But against a predator that countered its typing and had unmatched agility, Eternatus was suppressed completely.
"Reshiram's flames can free Zekrom from its frozen state…"
His gaze flicked toward Reshiram, which was already breathing its azure fire upon Zekrom's ice-bound body. Then he looked back at the other side—Genesect darting desperately around Kyurem, firing beams that barely kept the dragon busy.
If Kyurem caught it even once, Genesect would be finished.
Lucas licked his lips, anxiety building. The power gap was too large.
"You understand Kyurem's hatred for the twin dragons," Lucas said, turning toward N. "We have no choice—we must work together."
At that moment, under Reshiram's azure flames, the ice encasing Zekrom was finally melting.
"I know."
N pursed his lips, his dull eyes flickering faintly as he nodded.
Not only had Lucas saved Zekrom from its frozen prison, but with Kyurem right before them, they had no option but to fight side by side.
As for escape?
N and Zekrom had tried that once before. To slip away from Kyurem's relentless pursuit was nearly impossible.
"Kyurem and Zacian are not true allies. They simply have higher priorities right now and haven't clashed. That's something we can exploit."
Lucas studied the two legendaries in the sky.
Unlike Calyrex back in the Crown Tundra, neither of these beings were on his side. Both were proud—Kyurem arrogant, Zacian aloof. Provoking conflict between them might not be too difficult.
At last, Zekrom's ice fully melted. The dragon staggered as it landed, its limbs weakened from being frozen too long. Its condition was far from ideal.
"Focus on Zacian first. Kyurem's stamina is vast."
Lucas directed N. In truth, Kyurem was already worn down from earlier injuries. But even so, its dragon body gave it monstrous endurance.
N said nothing, only nodded.
"Reshiram, Fusion Flare!"
"Zekrom, Fusion Bolt!"
For the sake of survival, the dragons of truth and ideals had to unite.
"ROOAARRR!"
Zekrom bellowed as its dark body rose, its turbine blazing with arcs of blue lightning. Encased in an electric shield, it charged toward Zacian.
The Black Dragon took to the skies again!
Reshiram followed behind, condensing a blazing orb of fire.
"White Dragon! Black Dragon!"
Kyurem's eyes flashed dangerously. With a swipe of its claws, it shattered Genesect's latest blast and cast the bug an irritated glare before flying off toward the twin dragons.
That bothersome red insect was too slippery. Better to ignore it and freeze the twin dragons once more!
"Annoying pests…"
Zacian, having just prepared to strike Eternatus again, sensed something and turned sharply.
Charging straight at it was none other than Zekrom.
Zacian's eyes flared with killing intent. Already irritable, now it was pushed further.
Another interruption? Another fool daring to stand in its way?
The sword in its jaws gleamed brilliantly, transforming into a great blade.
Behemoth Blade!
The giant sword traced a dazzling arc and came down upon Zekrom.
BOOM!
Behemoth Blade and Fusion Bolt collided. Golden shockwaves tore through the sky.
One second. Two seconds.
In just two seconds, Zacian pressed harder, and Zekrom's electric barrier shattered to pieces.
Zekrom's eyes widened. 'What kind of monster is this?'
N's expression paled. "Zekrom!" he cried in alarm.
The Black Dragon plummeted like a kite with its string cut, smashing into the snowy ground with a tremor that shook the entire tundra.
Zekrom had fallen yet again…
Lucas blinked in disbelief. 'This Zekrom… how reckless can you be? Already injured, yet still charging headlong?'
Good heavens, was it trying to set a record for most knockouts in a row? Charging in, only to be swatted down every time?
He had thought Fusion Bolt would merely be for show, but Zekrom had truly gone all-in…
"Zekrom! Are you alright, Zekrom?!"
N ignored Lucas's stunned face, rushing toward the crash site with panic.
'Poor, pitiful Zekrom… just days ago it was pummeled by Kyurem. Then it was struck by Reshiram. Then frozen by Kyurem. And now beaten down by Zacian…'
Zekrom truly had it far too hard. Far, far too hard.
(End of Chapter)