"10% Zygarde!"
Zygarde, the Order Pokémon and guardian of Kalos's ecosystem, appearing here made perfect sense.
However, judging from the current situation, the 10% form of Zygarde would have difficulty subduing the rampaging Pyroar.
It was not that it could not do it, but that it should not.
As the Totem Pokémon of Route 12, Pyroar was deeply connected to this land.
"Cyc!"
Cyclizar cried out and quickly retreated with Silas on its back, avoiding the shockwaves of the battle as the clash between the two Pokémon drew closer.
"Hmm?"
Locking his gaze onto Pyroar, Silas immediately sensed something was off.
"Pyroar's appearance… it has changed."
It had already reached its final evolution, so a further transformation could only mean one thing.
Mega Evolution.
Silas suddenly understood.
No wonder Pyroar had gone berserk.
It had somehow Mega Evolved on its own, just like the Manectric incident at the Kalos power plant before.
Without a Key Stone acting as a link, Mega Pyroar could not fully control its power, which led to its loss of control.
From the edge of the battlefield, Silas directed Cyclizar to dodge the aftermath while focusing intently on Pyroar.
He noticed something important.
Unlike the Mega Manectric before, which had completely lost its mind and rampaged indiscriminately, Pyroar still retained a trace of clarity.
It even deliberately avoided the female Pyroar, ensuring she was not caught in the crossfire.
The burning grassland was not intentional either. It was caused by stray flaming tufts falling during battle.
The only one truly suffering was Zygarde.
He needed a way to let Pyroar release its power without defeating it.
"Cyclizar, get closer to Pyroar."
Lowering his body, Silas gripped the Dive Ball in his hand.
To suppress flames, Water-type Pokémon were the best choice.
"Cyc!"
Cyclizar responded, dodging Zygarde's Thousand Waves before accelerating forward.
"Phiona~"
Though small, Phione played a crucial role, using Aqua Ring to shield Silas from the intense heat and flames.
Patting it in thanks, Silas threw the Dive Ball high toward the battlefield.
"Greninja, Water Shuriken."
The moment the ball opened, Greninja spun out, already holding two shurikens, which it flung in a crossing motion.
The Water Shurikens sliced through the air with a sharp whistling sound, aiming straight for Pyroar.
Boom!
Steam erupted along with a thunderous explosion, and dense white mist engulfed the battlefield. The temperature dropped noticeably, allowing Zygarde to retreat.
"Roar!"
From within the mist, Pyroar emerged unharmed.
The blazing flames that had previously covered its entire body had vanished, revealing its true Mega form.
Seeing its current appearance, Silas was now certain that Pyroar possessed a Mega Evolution.
Overall, the changes were not drastic.
It was larger, more muscular, and more imposing than before.
The most noticeable difference was its mane.
The original flame-shaped golden mane on its face now had another layer overlapping it, forming the kanji character for "Blaze."
With each breath, the mane trembled slightly, shedding burning strands that could easily ignite fires wherever they landed.
"ROOOAAR!"
Mega Pyroar threw its head back and let out a thunderous roar, like a war drum, as if signaling Silas and the others.
Immediately afterward, its throat surged with energy, releasing a giant fire attack shaped like a blazing character.
"Blast Burn?"
Silas murmured, meeting its gaze and understanding its intent.
"Greninja, Hydro Pump."
The powerful Water-type attack surged forward to meet the flames.
But the result was unexpected.
Mega Pyroar suppressed Greninja despite the type disadvantage.
"That's not right…"
Silas frowned. Pyroar's moves had clearly been amplified in some way after Mega Evolution.
"Zyga!"
The 10% Zygarde suddenly appeared beside Silas, its gaze fixed on the Mega Bracelet on his wrist.
"Zyga." (The out-of-control Mega Pokémon can only be handled with Mega Evolution.)
"Cyc!" (I can do it too!)
Cyclizar protested loudly.
Legendary Pokémon were excluded from its prideful claim.
"I understand."
Silas took out a blue Mega Stone from his bag. At its center swirled black, pink, and pale yellow colors.
It was the gift from Celebi, a Mega Stone unique to Greninja.
As for the other requirement of Mega Evolution, the bond between trainer and Pokémon…
Did he really feed all those friendship-boosting meals for nothing?
The bond between Silas and Greninja had long surpassed the required level.
"Greninja, catch!"
He threw the Mega Stone. Greninja created multiple clones to distract Mega Pyroar while its real body caught the stone.
"Nin…"
Greninja also longed for greater power. From the very beginning, its goal in following Silas had been to grow stronger.
"Here we go!"
Silas pressed the Key Stone on his Mega Bracelet. A brilliant rainbow light burst forth, resonating with the Mega Stone.
The two lights intertwined, forming a dazzling ribbon that completely enveloped Greninja.
Within the glow, Greninja's body rapidly reshaped.
With a loud cry, a brand new Mega Greninja appeared.
Silas fell silent for a moment.
"…Is this some kind of Spider-Man cosplay? Interesting."
Compared to Mega Pyroar, the changes in Mega Greninja were far more pronounced.
Its body was black, its chest yellow, and the pink scarf around its neck remained, still its tongue.
It now hovered upside down on a massive Water Shuriken, giving it a rather intimidating appearance.
"Nin, nin!"
Mega Greninja adjusted itself, stepping onto the floating giant shuriken beneath its feet.
It could clearly feel the transformation.
Endless power surged within its body. The exhilaration of breaking past its limits made it eager to fight.
Right now, it might not be able to defeat Dragonite or Kangaskhan, but against a Fire-type like Pyroar, victory was well within reach.
In the Mega Evolution state, Silas felt as if his senses had merged with Greninja's.
Smiling confidently, he snapped his fingers.
"Greninja, show it your strength. Another Water Shuriken!"
At his command, the giant shuriken beneath Mega Greninja began spinning rapidly.
It leaped into the air, throwing a smaller shuriken backward.
The smaller one traced a graceful arc before lightly striking the spinning giant shuriken.
The small shuriken bounced back into Greninja's hand, while the giant one shot forward like a massive blue disc, hurtling toward Mega Pyroar.
This was no longer a minor exchange.
If it landed, even Mega Pyroar would be seriously injured.
Pyroar's pupils contracted.
Instead of retreating, it charged forward, letting out a roar that shook the entire grassland.
Flames surged from its mane, engulfing its entire body.
Its battle spirit ignited as it rushed head-on.
The attacks of the two Mega Evolved Pokémon collided violently.
(End of Chapter)