"How about Kyurem?" Carl explained, "Whether Kyurem itself can fly isn't important. The three dragons of Tao are originally one entity, and Kyurem represents the body. It can merge with the other two to become either its black or white form, naturally gaining the ability to fly."
"And what about Xerneas?" Lillie pondered about the deer-like mythical creature. "It doesn't look like it can fly."
As the God of Life, Xerneas has antlers that emit healing light. However, once its energy is depleted, it transforms into a tree and slumbers for a millennium. It definitely doesn't seem like a creature that can take to the skies.
Carl reluctantly admitted, "Indeed, it's not just Groudon that can't fly. But the scene Hoopa set up for Groudon is just too iconic—while all the other legendary creatures are soaring in the sky, Groudon is trudging through the water."
"Maybe you'll understand better when I show you a picture later," Carl added, planning to use the technology of this world to recreate that classic scene.
"Is it true that Xerneas can't fly?" Carl sought confirmation from Mew.
"Mew! (Of course, it can!)" Mew affirmed confidently.
Carl was taken aback by this revelation. "Mew! (Using its Fairy-type abilities, it can create a misty terrain. This Fairy energy, combined with its life domain, allows it to float effortlessly.)"
"Mew! (Additionally, it has impressive jumping power, and with its antlers, it can glide.)"
"Mew! (The reason you rarely see it flying is mainly because it prefers to remain in its life tree form, having a natural affinity with the earth.)"
In simple terms, Xerneas is essentially a tree, and it takes the form of a deer for easier movement. Although it prefers to stay grounded, it doesn't mean it can't take flight.
"That's impressive!" Carl exclaimed.
So, it seems the only one truly unable to fly is Groudon, who struggles even with jumping.
"To think Xerneas could also fly..." Carl shared the insight he gained from Mew with Lillie and the others.
The four girls were momentarily speechless.
Lillie tried to defend Groudon, "But what about Zygarde? It's a Dragon and Ground-type, surely it can't fly?"
"Well, Garchomp is the same type combination and it can fly, can't it?" Carl retorted.
Lillie was at a loss for words.
Carl continued, "Zygarde can spread its cells across the world, isn't that a form of flying?"
"If that's not enough, its complete form can transform into a mecha-like mode!"
Unwilling to give up, Lillie pressed on, "What about Zacian and Zamazenta?"
"Of course, they can," Carl replied helplessly. "In their Sword and Shield forms, they even have metal wings!"
How could Zacian and Zamazenta possibly not fly?
"So among the top-tier legendaries, is Groudon really the only one that can't fly?" Lillie finally conceded, casting a sympathetic glance at Groudon, who was engaged in battle with Kyogre in the distance.
Now she understood Groudon's relentless pursuit of Kyogre—it was jealousy over this Water-type creature's ability to fly.
"Boom!"
An enraged Groudon unleashed another solar beam.
This time, Kyogre smartly evaded the attack, countering with a high-pressure water jet. Taken by surprise, Groudon was pushed back, leaving long trails on the ground.
With a roar, Groudon stomped in frustration, causing the earth to tremble. Just as it prepared to unleash its ultimate move, Kyogre suddenly soared into the air.
"Hey, don't you notice something strange?" Kyogre called out from above. It had realized that the battle area was somehow restricted, with the skill aftermath not spreading. More puzzling was the absence of Rayquaza, who should have appeared by now.
"Cut the chatter!" Groudon ignored the taunt, launching an attack. Massive pillars of rock erupted from the ground, aiming for Kyogre's jaw.
"You playing dirty?" Kyogre growled in pain.
"Serves you right for flying so high! You deserve it!" Groudon retorted defiantly.
"I'm not letting you off today!"
"Bring it on!"
"Dumb brute who can't even fly!"
The two titans argued, ready to clash once more.
Carl shook his head at the scene, contemplating whether to call on Rayquaza. But then he reconsidered. He noticed Rayquaza was trapped 20 kilometers up in the ozone layer, seemingly held by some force.
This was the perfect arena for Rayquaza. The high-altitude environment allowed it to unleash its signature move with devastating power, the acceleration from diving down would amplify its strength.
However, this height wasn't conducive to Carl's plan. He had previously used the World Tree domain to block the energy waves from Groudon and Kyogre's battle, preventing Rayquaza from interfering.
To lure it down, he needed to disable the shield.
But that would expose the battle to the outside world. Moreover, it would take time for Rayquaza to descend from such a height, enough time for the two legendary beasts to wreak havoc. The current World Tree was still too weak, only capable of suppressing energy, not creating a protective barrier.
Seems like for now, the best option is to halt their fight and postpone capturing Rayquaza. Carl turned to Mew and asked, "If no one stops them, how long will they keep fighting?"
"Mew?" Mew, though puzzled, honestly replied. She was still under Carl's control and had no desire to become a puppet again. Until she found a way out, she dared not provoke this formidable opponent.
"Unlimited stamina?" This answer was both unexpected and logical. In this merged world, as embodiments of land and sea, their power stemmed from nature itself. As long as the land and ocean existed, they could keep on battling.
"So, if unchecked, they'd fight forever?" Carl mused aloud.
Mew assumed he was asking her and continued explaining, "They're not even serious yet. If they were, the land and sea would have already clashed—they both want more territory."
"Even without considering territory, they'd revert to their primal forms, boosting their power to the max. But after such a battle, they'd need a long rest."
"Though they won't run out of power, excessive consumption requires recuperation."
"Right now, they're merely testing each other."
Carl raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Interesting, seems like they're not foolish."
Nessa suddenly remarked, "I foresee two terrible futures."
Caitlin chuckled softly, "Even I can make predictions of that level. But talking like this might be a bit disrespectful to the top-tier legends?"
Lillie interjected excitedly, "Outside, they might be revered as legendary beings, but here with Carl, it's different. Maybe I can add two more to my collection."
Mew turned to stare at Lillie.
"What do you mean by that? What do you mean 'again'?"
Lillie hugged Mew, squeezing her cheeks, "What are you looking at? It's not the first time. The texture of mythical creatures feels amazing."