Back at their nest, Pyroar pair paid no attention at all to their cubs.
Or rather, they simply did not have the time.
Urged on by the female Pyroar, the male let out a howl and launched forward.
As for what happened through the night, there was no need to elaborate.
Within the cave, orange-red firelight flickered on and off, concealing the springlike atmosphere inside.
By the time it was over, Pyroar lay there completely drained, its entire body weak and sore. It was clear just how intense the battle had been, leaving it utterly exhausted.
Deep in its sleep, it did not notice that with every breath it took, a certain hidden energy within the Kalos region was beginning to gather toward it.
...
At the ranch, in the berry orchard, among the Applin.
The red core suddenly opened its eyes. It emerged from a wormhole as cells across the ranch rapidly converged toward it, forming into its 10 percent form. It moved at a speed almost like teleportation.
A voice sounded in its ears, belonging to another core.
Blue Core: A Mega Evolution individual has been detected near you. The Totem Pyroar is about to lose control.
Red Core: I am already on my way.
Blue Core: How is your investigation going? Will that one disrupt order?
Red Core: The berry platter is very… still investigating, still investigating.
It almost blurted out the truth. The 10 percent form of Zygarde slowed down slightly and hurriedly changed the topic.
"What about your investigation? Any progress?"
Blue Core: For some reason, this energy is gathering toward the center of the region…
Zygarde arrived at the grasslands. Before it could even approach, it was already noticed.
Pyroar, whose appearance had drastically changed, stood atop a cliff. From afar, it resembled a small sun. Flames exceeding ten thousand degrees erupted from its mouth, blasting toward Zygarde.
The blinding firelight seemed to illuminate the entire world. Wherever it passed, the air crackled violently, dry grass instantly curled into ash, and even stones glowed red from the heat.
Right now, Pyroar only wanted to fight, to vent the overwhelming power within its body.
Unlike other rampaging Mega Evolved Pokémon, it still retained its rationality.
That was precisely why it did not recklessly destroy everything, and instead targeted Zygarde specifically.
Without time to think, Zygarde flashed away and appeared at another location.
Before it could speak, the supercharged Pyroar closed the distance instantly. With a battle roar, it lunged forward, fangs blazing with fire.
Zygarde retaliated by raising layers of earth waves.
The battle between the two erupted in an instant.
...
Late at night, Silas was awakened by a ringing sound.
Struggling, he pushed aside the Jigglypuff lying on his chest and fumbled for the transceiver by his bedside, pressing the button to answer.
"Hello?"
"Stop sleeping already. The Totem Pokemon Pyroar on Route 12 has gone berserk. The entire grassland is on fire."
On the other end was Siebold's agitated voice.
Silas was instantly wide awake, all drowsiness gone.
As he suddenly sat up, Jigglypuff rolled off his chest and tumbled onto Cinccino.
Cinccino patted it, and the two Pokémon cuddled together and continued sleeping.
Silas quickly got out of bed, changed clothes, and headed downstairs while listening to the situation report.
"Cyclizar, go get Greninja. Hurry."
He woke Cyclizar, who had been sleeping on the sofa. Sensing the urgency in Silas's tone, Cyclizar dashed out the door immediately.
"Alright, I understand the situation. I'll head over right away and assess it."
After hanging up, Silas glanced at the little Litleo cubs in Cyclizar's nest and woke Alolan Meowth to watch over them.
He hurried upstairs and gently picked up the half-asleep Phione from Kangaskhan's pouch.
"Kang?" Kangaskhan looked puzzled.
"Pyroar has suddenly gone berserk. I need to stop it as soon as possible. I'm bringing Phione to put out the fire."
Outside, Cyclizar and Greninja were already waiting.
Silas recalled Greninja into a Dive Ball, then mounted Cyclizar, holding the drowsy Phione in his arms.
The moment he settled, Cyclizar burst forward at top speed.
Meanwhile, Silas pondered the cause of Pyroar's rampage. Could it be because of the extra spicy hot pot base?
That did not seem right. The side effects were clearly stated, and there was no mention of losing control. He would have to see Pyroar to be sure.
Cyclizar sped through the night like a blur, taking less than half the usual time to cross the midpoint of Route 12.
The air grew noticeably hotter, and in the distance, the sky glowed with an intense orange-red light.
Fire. A massive, overwhelming fire.
"Phion~"
Phione poked its head out from inside the coat, letting out a curious cry.
"Not yet. We'll go to the source first and stop the fire from spreading."
"Phion phiona!" It wanted to help.
Cyclizar circled around the flames as they approached the direction of Coumarine City.
When they arrived, many trainers were already gathering.
Everyone had been urgently called to help contain the spreading fire.
Following the largest crowd, Silas found Gym Leader Ramos, who was directing efforts alongside his Gogoat.
"Gym Leader Ramos, what is the situation?"
Seeing Silas, Ramos visibly relaxed.
As a Grass-type specialist, he was at a severe disadvantage against a rampaging Pyroar. After only a few exchanges, he had been forced to retreat.
"It's not looking good. The fire is spreading toward the city, and Pyroar keeps releasing Fire-type energy. The flames just won't go out."
"I understand."
Silas nodded calmly and tapped Phione.
"Little one, give it a try."
"Phion!" (Leave it to me!)
Phione leaped from his arms, glowing with a deep blue light. It raised its small hands toward the sky.
Its innate talent manifested, amplified by the Sea Crown hovering above its head.
For ordinary Water-type Pokémon, summoning rain over the size of three football fields would already be impressive.
But for Phione, that was nothing.
Bigger. Even bigger.
Thick storm clouds gathered, covering half the grassland. Strong winds swept across the plains, carrying moisture.
Within seconds, heavy rain poured down.
The rain formed a vast curtain over the grassland, droplets crashing into the flames with sizzling sounds.
Seeing a powerful trainer take action, others quickly commanded their Water-type Pokémon to assist.
The flames were gradually extinguished, smoke dispersed, revealing scorched earth and a few wild Pokémon that had not managed to escape in time.
Nurse Joys, protected by several trainers, rushed forward to treat the injured.
The heavy rain lasted for half an hour before Phione finally stopped, looking exhausted.
"It's alright."
Silas gently pinched Phione's cheek, comforting it.
"You are still young. It is not your fault that you could not cover the entire area. One day, even Pyroar will not be your opponent."
He gave Phione a quick kiss, then mounted Cyclizar again.
"Gym Leader Ramos, I'll leave the rest to you. I'll go calm Pyroar."
"Go. We can handle the remaining fires here."
They quickly moved toward the still-burning half of the grassland.
After going deeper, Silas finally saw three figures.
Ignoring the female Pyroar at the edge, which was calling out anxiously, his gaze focused on the other side of the battle.
"That is…"
(End of Chapter)