The ocean's surface glittered under the early morning sun, deceptively calm. From the observation point aboard the League's monitoring vessel, Alex could see the faint shimmer of Kyogre's massive form moving beneath the waves. Even from a distance, the sheer scale of the Legendary Pokémon was imposing, a living tempest contained beneath the surface. Infernape stood alert on Alex's shoulder, flames flickering nervously in the crisp salt air.
"Hydreigon, Talonflame, keep altitude high and maintain surveillance," Alex instructed. His voice was calm, methodical, betraying no hint of apprehension. "Infernape, Ceruledge, Garchomp, Typhlosion H—focus on precision strikes if it surfaces near the deploy zones. Heatran, Roserade, Gardevoir, prepare defensive countermeasures. We're not just attacking; we're controlling the battlefield."
Lance's Dragonite landed lightly on the deck, its wings folding neatly. "Alex, you take point with your team. I'll coordinate the Dragons to flank and contain. Lorelei's ice formations will channel water currents away from ships. Bruno and Karen's units will manage high-risk points offshore. Timing is everything."
Alex nodded, eyes scanning the dark swells. The sea began to churn, a forewarning of Kyogre's awakening. Jolteon zipped along the deck, sparking lightly against the railing, testing electrical fields designed to track water energy surges. Crobat flitted ahead, scanning the horizon for incoming waves or unexpected enemy interference.
Then the water erupted. Kyogre's dorsal fins broke the surface, massive waves radiating outward with each movement. Its roar echoed across the bay, reverberating like thunder. Hydreigon swooped in immediately, wings slicing the air as it drew Kyogre's attention, while Talonflame's rapid dives forced the Legendary to adjust its trajectory.
Alex signaled Infernape and Ceruledge. Flames flared, metal blades hummed, and the first coordinated strike landed against Kyogre's flank. The Legendary responded with a towering wave, but Heatran projected a heat barrier to prevent the force from impacting the vessels. Typhlosion H exhaled bursts of precise fire, diverting smaller streams of water, while Roserade's vines and Gardevoir's psychic shields manipulated debris to protect support units.
From the south, Lance's Dragonite and Salamence struck in tandem, breaching the wave's crest and forcing Kyogre to redirect its attacks. The ice formations projected by Lorelei created temporary platforms and slowed the water's movement, allowing Bruno's Hitmonlee and Machamp to engage at close range without risking capsizing. Karen's Umbreon and Bisharp darted between the water and waves, executing feints and drawing attention away from vulnerable units.
Alex's tactical mind worked at a rapid pace. "Hydreigon, circle wide, but maintain altitude. Talonflame, bait left flank. Infernape, Ceruledge, coordinate: heat and blade strikes in sequence. Garchomp, Typhlosion H, focus on pressure points near fins. Heatran, Roserade, Gardevoir—maintain barriers."
Each Pokémon moved flawlessly, reacting to Alex's commands almost before he gave them. Kyogre thrashed, waves breaking against ships, but its focus was split. Hydreigon's aerial assaults forced defensive maneuvers, while Talonflame's dives drew repeated attention. Infernape's blazing punches landed with perfect timing, Ceruledge's strikes disrupting muscle and fin control.
Offshore, smaller Magma remnants attempted interference, sending mechanized devices into the water, but gym helpers were ready. Tomas Vale's Rhyperior smashed machinery into harmless debris, Sophie's Magmortar and Flareon disarmed threats from a distance, Torkoal's heat pulses disrupted aquatic machinery, Eli's Alakazam telekinetically disabled electronics, Jolteon short-circuited controls, and Crobat harassed units from above. Rina Holt's Venusaur, Ludicolo, and Vileplume ensured terrain and water currents were manipulated safely for containment.
Kai's Talonflame executed a perfect loop to distract, while Lila's Gardevoir shielded key support units from splashes and debris. Arcanine sprinted across the decks, delivering precise assistance and ensuring the younger Pokémon were protected.
The battle stretched over hours. Kyogre's strength was formidable, each strike reshaping waves, but Alex's team demonstrated Elite Four-level coordination. Each move was calculated, every attack controlled to minimize collateral damage. The ocean churned like a battlefield, but not a single ship was lost, not a Pokémon harmed outside strategic engagements.
Finally, Alex saw the opening. "All units, converge on the dorsal fins! Maximum coordinated strike—simultaneous timing!"
Hydreigon and Talonflame struck from above, Infernape and Ceruledge delivered pinpoint blows, Garchomp and Typhlosion H applied pressure from below, Heatran and Roserade manipulated energy and terrain, Gardevoir projected a psychic countermeasure to stabilize the water. The combined force landed, disrupting Kyogre's momentum and forcing it to surface fully, exhausted but contained.
The ocean settled. Waves lapped gently at the ships, and trainers and Pokémon alike breathed heavily, tired but uninjured. Alex allowed himself a brief moment of pride. "Kyogre is restrained. Minimal risk to the environment. Cinnabar is still untouched. That's how we handle a Legendary."
Lance's Dragonite landed beside him, wings folding carefully. "You've outdone even my expectations, Alex. That was textbook coordination on a massive scale."
Alex glanced toward the horizon, Infernape resting against his shoulder. "It's not over. Kyogre will need to be escorted safely back, and we'll need continuous observation. But for now, the ocean—and Cinnabar—are safe."