Cyclizar stood upright in its battle form, planting both feet firmly on the ground as it took up a fighting stance. Its tail lashed back and forth restlessly, clearly unable to hold itself back any longer.
Registeel slowly rotated its head, the hexagonal red dots on its face flashing rapidly. As its black metallic arms rose, several stone spheres formed from Ancient Power hovered in the air.
With a light motion of its arm, the stone spheres shot forward with piercing whistling sounds, attacking Cyclizar from multiple angles.
"Use Rapid Spin to dodge, then go in with Dragon Claw!"
"Cyc!"
Upon receiving the command, Cyclizar immediately shifted into its riding form. The two wheel-like structures on its chest seemed to spin as it pushed itself forward with all its strength.
The whistling stone spheres flew past its sides, smashing into the ground and leaving small craters behind. Cyclizar accelerated as it advanced, weaving deftly between the incoming attacks, darting back and forth without being struck even once.
Ancient Power missed completely.
Compared to the stationary Registeel, Cyclizar, with its increased speed, moved like a bolt of lightning.
When it closed the distance to just a few steps, Cyclizar pushed off the ground and leapt high into the air. Its body glowed with a bluish-purple aura of Dragon-type energy.
In an instant, it switched back into battle form. Its forelimbs gathered into a massive, sharp energy claw, ready to strike.
It swung the Dragon Claw straight at Registeel's chest, the most convenient point of attack.
It was not that Cyclizar did not want to target a weak point, but Registeel simply had none.
Its entire body was forged from metal. Whether physical defense or special defense, Registeel had both maximized, leaving no obvious flaw.
The Dragon Claw struck the silver-gray metal shell with a sharp tearing sound, sparks bursting forth as a loud metallic clang echoed.
Registeel was knocked slightly backward by the force, its cylindrical legs sliding a few steps.
However, the damage from the Dragon Claw began repairing itself at a visible speed, leaving behind only two faint scratch marks.
As one of the three legendary titans, the unknown metal composing its body possessed not only outstanding defense but also a flexible, elastic quality. Unless its limits were exceeded, it was extremely difficult to leave any lasting damage.
After steadying itself, Registeel raised both arms. Fighting-type energy wrapped around them as the metal structures bulged like muscles, its arms transforming into massive war hammers.
Without any unnecessary movement, it brought both arms down in a crushing strike, its actions precise and efficient.
Its speed was surprisingly fast, far beyond what its massive frame would suggest.
"Watch out, Cyclizar!"
At the critical moment, Cyclizar used a move all lizard-like Pokémon seemed to know, Shed Tail.
By sacrificing some stamina, it created a substitute in place while its real body slipped away like a cicada shedding its shell, retreating rapidly to a safe distance.
Boom!
Both arms slammed into the ground. Fighting-type energy collided with the rock, sending debris flying everywhere, while the substitute left behind by Cyclizar shattered instantly.
Registeel did not stop. The hexagonal red dots flashed rhythmically as it used Lock-On.
Lock-On was a rare move, but its effect was simple: the next attack would never miss.
Silas's heart tightened. That meant no matter how fast Cyclizar was, it would not be able to dodge the next strike.
"Come back, Cyclizar!"
Two Poké Balls completed a swift exchange as Silas sent Dragonite into battle.
As expected, Registeel used Lock-On again, this time targeting Dragonite.
"Ignore it. Use Dragon Dance, then follow up with Fire Punch."
With its Multiscale ability, Dragonite was not afraid to trade blows. After a Dragon Dance boost, a Fire Punch that dealt double effective damage would be enough to heavily injure Registeel.
Dragonite leapt lightly into the air and began a mysterious dance. With each movement, its attack and speed rose.
At the same time, Registeel would not just stand by and watch.
The star-shaped lights on its face flickered as it gathered a large amount of Electric-type energy.
Between its hands, a crackling sphere of electricity formed, about the size of a basketball.
Zap Cannon.
A powerful special move with immense force, but normally low accuracy. However, under Lock-On, it would hit without fail.
"Whoosh!"
With a sharp sound, the electric sphere shot forward like a cannonball. Its incredible speed compressed it into a flattened shape.
The overwhelming pressure of the incoming Zap Cannon forced Dragonite to stop its second Dragon Dance.
"Use Fire Punch to knock it away!"
Dragonite understood instantly. Its right fist burst into blazing flames as it charged directly at the Zap Cannon.
Boom!
A blinding white flash erupted as energy surged outward. A mushroom cloud rose from Dragonite's position, sending sand and debris flying into the air.
"DRAAA!"
From within the smoke, an orange streak shot forward.
Relying on its Multiscale ability, Dragonite endured the Zap Cannon head-on. It pushed its speed to the limit, reaching Registeel in an instant at an almost unbelievable pace.
Its Fire Punch, now even stronger than before, slammed down onto Registeel. The intense heat caused the metal body to glow red.
"Bang… rumble!"
Flames engulfed Registeel. Its body was blasted backward like a kite with a snapped string, crashing into the ground and creating a deep crater.
Propping itself up with its burning body, Registeel struggled to rise.
The Dragon Dance-boosted, super effective Fire Punch had dealt massive damage.
With its health critically low and suffering from a burn, the chance of capture was now at its peak.
Silas hurled the Master Ball with all his strength. The purple-red sphere struck Registeel and, without resistance, absorbed it instantly.
The Master Ball shook slightly three times before settling with a soft chime.
"It worked!"
Stepping forward, Silas caught the Master Ball handed to him by Dragonite. Through the transparent center, he could see Registeel inside, reverted to its giant iron sphere form.
This was the first legendary Pokémon Silas had captured through battle.
"Congratulations!" Steven stepped forward, his tone filled with admiration.
"Haha!"
Silas laughed, clearly in a great mood.
"Cin~"
"Morpe!"
With the battle over, the Pokémon rushed over immediately, tugging at Silas and clamoring to see their new companion.
Smiling, Silas patted them and tossed out the Poké Ball. "Registeel, come on out!"
With a heavy thud, Registeel appeared once more.
Minccino, Morpeko, and the Dratini approached curiously, observing the massive figure.
Minccino cautiously reached out to touch it. When Registeel showed no reaction, it boldly began helping clean its body.
"Morpe!" it said, offering a handful of snacks with both hands, sharing food with the new friend.
The lights on Registeel's face blinked rhythmically, as if responding.
At that moment, shiny Dratini suddenly darted out, opened its mouth, and swallowed most of the snacks in one bite before quickly fleeing.
Morpeko puffed up in anger and gave chase, the two Pokémon circling around Registeel in playful chaos.
Before long, Registeel was covered with Dratini and Dragonair climbing all over it, the group quickly growing familiar with one another.
Not far away, te shiny Metagross sparred with Dragonite over the sea, surrounded by a crowd of Dragonite watching the match.
Silas and Steven exchanged a glance and burst into laughter at the same time.
The Pokémon were getting along wonderfully.
All except Cyclizar, who stood off to the side, biting Silas's pant leg, clearly sulking.
(End of Chapter)
TN: Should have been caught by Steven..