BOOM!
A gigantic blade of molten magma tore violently out of the ground. Although Red Core Zygarde reacted swiftly and managed to avoid the brunt of the attack, the edge of the Precipice Blades still grazed its body, knocking it heavily to the ground.
Thud… Thud…
The sound of a massive body hitting the ground echoed. Primal Groudon slowly climbed out from the enormous crater, each step shaking the earth. Its crimson eyes, filled with savage fury, locked coldly onto Red Zygarde.
Its brutal and oppressive aura was enough to make anyone tremble.
"Looks like this Zygarde is still no match for Primal Groudon."
Reshiram's airy, solemn voice resonated inside Lucas's mind. After watching the entire battle unfold, even it could clearly see this outcome.
Although the Core Enforcer attack had landed perfectly, the Dragon-type version of Core Enforcer had no type advantage against Primal Groudon.
Just looking at Primal Groudon's outward condition made that obvious, its injuries were not severe at all.
"Yeah… in its simple of Fifty Percent Form, Zygarde really can't overpower it."
Lucas nodded in agreement. Apart from being unable to fly, Primal Groudon was overwhelmingly strong in battle.
A fifty-percent form Zygarde trying to suppress Primal Groudon… was simply far too difficult.
"But it also seems… right now, it can't complete a full-form fusion."
Lucas glanced at the still-weak and furious Blue Core Zygarde. This Zygarde had been injured far too severely.
He could even faintly see the green light particles of its body beginning to scatter, under such conditions, even if the blue core wasn't being controlled by anyone, its consciousness would definitely be blurry.
And even if the red core had the intention of fusing with the blue core to transform into Complete Form Zygarde, it would be impossible to accomplish.
"Reshiram, go down and take a look."
After a brief moment of thought, Lucas gave Reshiram the order.
Reshiram swooped down toward the enraged Zygarde. Red Core Zygarde noticed its movement but, after a glance, chose not to interfere.
It remembered Reshiram and Lucas, so it wasn't worried that they would harm the blue core.
"I won't lose to you!"
Red Core Zygarde roared toward Primal Groudon, its massive serpentine body leaping aggressively as it lunged forward once again.
Just fight, fight to the bitter end!
Meanwhile, on Lucas's side, Reshiram had only just landed when the remaining green particles dispersed even faster. The huge body of the enraged Blue Core Zygarde completely collapsed, leaving only a single blue core lying weakly on the ground.
Good grief, Primal Groudon literally beat it until it disassembled.
"Gardevoir."
Lucas released Gardevoir's Poké Ball, preparing to administer emergency treatment to the blue core.
If possible, he hoped it could recover enough consciousness to team with the red core and bring out the Gundam form Zygarde to smash evil Hoopa together.
Yes, that would be ideal.
"Heal Pulse."
Gentle lights of healing energy flowed from Gardevoir's hands and infused into the blue core.
As the healing washed through it, the blue core's expression of agony visibly eased. It was clear that Heal Pulse was taking effect.
"But it still doesn't show any signs of waking up… is Zygarde always this weak?"
Hoopa floated lazily above the blue core, curiosity sparkling in its eyes as it inspected it from up close.
Even though they were both legendary Pokémon of the Kalos region, Hoopa honestly knew very little about Zygarde.
After all, Zygarde spent most of its existence separated into countless cells scattered throughout Kalos, making it nearly impossible for Hoopa to interact with it.
But still… for the so-called "Guardian of Order" to get beaten down by Primal Groudon like this…
Even if it wasn't in its complete form, this showing was… truly unsightly.
"Its injuries are severe, and the mental damage is even worse. It'll need some time before it stabilizes."
Lucas gently lifted the blue core, feeling a headache coming on.
Physical wounds could be healed through moves and medicine, but spiritual trauma was much harder to treat. Those methods only had limited effect.
Clearly, this blue core had suffered quite a lot at the hands of Team Flare.
"In short, there's no hope of relying on Complete Form Zygarde anytime soon. Looks like we still have to handle this ourselves."
Lucas tucked the small blue core into the inside of his coat, then turned his gaze toward the various battlefields.
Red Core Zygarde was already keeping Primal Groudon busy, so he didn't need to worry about that side interfering with the other legendary battles.
Even though fifty-percent form Zygarde couldn't overwhelm Primal Groudon, it certainly wasn't an easy opponent to take down either.
"So, what's your plan?" Hoopa asked, tilting its head adorably.
"In a situation like this, plans don't matter. The best method is simply to defeat the enemy."
Lucas pinched Hoopa's cheeks lightly and smiled, withdrawing Gardevoir as his gaze swept the battlefield—finally settling on Zamazenta.
Let's start with it.
After all, when picking fruit, you choose the softest one.
And among all the battlefields right now, Zamazenta was clearly the easiest opponent.
…
Meanwhile, on the battlefield…
Zamazenta's normally deep and steady eyes now glowed with a frightening red light as it roared furiously at Black Kyurem.
But Black Kyurem simply answered that roar with a brutal Dragon Claw.
The sharp talons tore into the side of Zamazenta's head, sending the Shield Hero tumbling backward under the heavy impact.
"Blizzard!"
"ROOOAAR!"
Black Kyurem's draconic cry shook the sky. A storm of snow and ice erupted and surged forward like a devouring tempest, aiming to engulf Zamazenta completely.
Chest heaving, Zamazenta slid through the air, using the momentum to regain its footing. Metallic energy gathered rapidly at its jaws.
Flash Cannon!
The blast fired, colliding with the onrushing Blizzard.
The two forces clashed violently, but it was immediately visible as the Blizzard was clearly overpowering the Flash Cannon!
BOOM!
Even as the Flash Cannon exploded outward, its scale was far too small compared to the Blizzard. The storm tore through regardless, shards of ice cutting into Zamazenta's body.
The chilling cold seeped into it, a thin layer of frost forming across its sturdy armor.
"Tch. This stupid turtle shell sure is tanky."
As the explosive gusts settled, Black Kyurem growled impatiently. Despite outmatching Zamazenta throughout the fight, its attacks rarely dealt meaningful damage.
Either Zamazenta dodged or blocked with its shield-like moves.
Black Kyurem hated defensive opponents like Zamazenta. It preferred opponents that were fierce and aggressive like Sword Hero Zacian.
"A hard shell won't bring it victory. Kyurem, switch to your other form."
Lucas approached atop Reshiram's back, addressing Black Kyurem directly.
In Crowned Shield Form, Zamazenta's typing was Fighting/Steel. Kyurem, on the other hand, was Ice/Dragon.
In pure typing terms, Kyurem was at a disadvantage.
Zamazenta resisted both Ice and Dragon, and with its superb defense, even Black Kyurem's pressure couldn't break through easily.
"You're right. I'll smash that stupid shield to pieces!"
Black Kyurem's eyes glinted murderously. It had already defeated Zacian before—Zamazenta, the little brother, would be even easier.
"ROOOOAR!"
With a violent bellow, flames ignited at Kyurem's tail before spreading across its entire body.
White Kyurem appeared in full brilliance.
Zamazenta roared back and charged forward again.
Red particles lit across its massive shield, enlarging the shield projection as its charging speed surged.
Behemoth Bash!
"Freeze Shock!"
Lucas raised his brows. Truly, the designs of both Sword and Shield Heroes were incredibly cool—especially when they used their signature moves.
White Kyurem's rotor flared brightly, red and blue energy swirling as a massive orb of force condensed before it.
Freeze Shock!
With a thunderous roar, White Kyurem launched the Freeze Shock straight at the charging Zamazenta.
BOOM!
Explosion of frost met shield-shaped force in midair, unleashing violent waves of ice and energy in all directions.
"Not bad at all… truly worthy of standing alongside Zacian."
Protected by Reshiram, Lucas remained unaffected by the shockwaves, but even from a distance the clash was breathtaking.
Freeze Shock was White Kyurem's strongest special attack—and Zamazenta could still hold it off.
This proved Zamazenta's power was indeed on par with Zacian's.
After all, they were the heroes who once destroyed Eternamax Eternatus three thousand years ago.
"But if that's all it has… it can't beat Kyurem."
Lucas smiled faintly.
As if responding to his words, Freeze Shock suddenly expanded violently.
Zamazenta's pupils widened just before the enormous blast erupted, swallowing it whole.
"Reshiram, Blue Flare!"
"White Kyurem, Fusion Flare!"
Without hesitation, Lucas commanded both dragons.
Although Zamazenta had been caught in the Freeze Shock explosion, its Behemoth Bash had provided significant protection.
Besides, Ice-type attacks weren't very effective against a Fighting/Steel Pokémon.
Reshiram tilted its head back, its tail-turbine blazing as azure flames gathered in its maw.
White Kyurem's rotor spun violently as a massive fireball condensed before it.
Blue Flare!
Fusion Flare!
Both fire-type attacks shot toward the center of the Freeze Shock explosion.
The red–blue aftershocks still rippled violently, obscuring all visibility. They could only aim based on Zamazenta's previous location.
BOOM!
The combined flames detonated skyward.
"Hm?"
Lucas's eyes tightened on the blast zone.
A thick, heavily armored figure wrapped in faint green light shot out at high speed—
"Protect, huh? Its defense really is exceptional."
The green glow was unmistakably the move Protect.
This Shield Hero's battle instincts were far better than expected.
"But this is only a final struggle."
"Kyurem."
"ROOAAAR!"
White Kyurem roared as the temperature around it plummeted. Frosty crystals poured from its body in waves.
Zamazenta's red eyes flickered with cold light. Its condition was clearly terrible—the Freeze Shock blast had inflicted heavy damage, chilling its armor to the core.
Still, letting rage consume it, Zamazenta roared and charged again.
"Glaciate!"
White Kyurem unleashed a ring of icy radiance.
The Ice Dragon's exclusive move froze even the world around it as moisture crystallizing instantly into shimmering white frost.
Sensing danger, Zamazenta immediately fired a brilliant Flash Cannon from its jaws.
(End of Chapter)
TN: The chapter cut of here guys, I don't notice before I edited it just now.