Chapter 0698: Riding My Beloved Rayquaza(Two-in-One)

The unexpected turn happened so fast.

When Steven and the others reached the rooftop, they were stunned by Rayquaza’s mountainous pressure, witnessing a wild orb of energy blazing in Rayquaza’s maw!

Natsume was the first to react. Latias sped in, whisking Zinnia away behind the cover of a giant rock.

This black-haired young man stepped forward, lifting his striking, angular face and locking eyes with Rayquaza’s awe-inspiring form!

What in the world was he trying to do?!

The same question echoed in everyone’s minds.

Suddenly, cracks split the vast sky—a stream of space rifts, pulsing with surging energy!

Amid the fields of jagged stone and sea of clouds, Natsume’s coat flared in the wind, the sky behind him gleaming cobalt, crimson, gray, deep black, and pure white! Five distinct Space Pulses, radiating unique authorities and convictions, surged at Natsume’s back!

Rayquaza straightened majestically, staring at the firmament, yellow eyes wide, lower jaw slack with momentary stupor.

What was this?

Time, space, distortion, ideals, truth.

This Trainer had met the five legendary dragons? And even forged bonds with all of them at once?!

Rayquaza glanced at the black-haired young man, his mind erupting with question marks.

Where on earth did this guy come from—a monster conjured by Hoopa?!

Reflected in Norman’s pupils, the sky churned with lightning and fire. Clutching his arms, his voice was cracked:

“That’s... Unova’s Opelucid—Zekrom, Reshiram.”

Steven’s blue hair fluttered in the breeze, his gaze flickering:

“And from Sinnoh—the deities of time, space, and the mirror—Dialga, Palkia, Giratina.”

The two powerful Trainers fell abruptly silent.

The whole battlefield, even Rayquaza, was seized in a moment of disbelief.

Black-short-haired Zinnia stared on, dazed. She looked up at the black-haired young man below the sky, mumbling:

“That Trainer... is the true Dragon God…”

RUMBLE——!!

In an instant, the portal rifts expanded. The five legendary dragons broke through space and appeared in full force!!

Even Steven, the ever-elegant, had a curse stuck in his throat.

All eyes stared skyward in shock.

The dragon of ideals, Zekrom, with spiral turbines and black-gold armor reflecting sunlight.

The dragon of truth, Reshiram, with thrusters of orange fire and broad, snowy wings.

On the right of the heavens was black-and-white Opelucid. In the center, Giratina clad in platinum white armor bristling with spikes.

To the left, the cobalt-blue quadruped dragon Dialga; beside him, Palkia in rosy hues, standing on two feet.

Natsume stood beneath a sky that threatened to shatter, with the Rainbow Wing and DNA Splicers left and right in his breast pocket, forcibly powering up his presence.

Under the pressure of five dragons, even speaking felt challenging; Natsume gripped the burning hot Cherish Ball in his palm, feeling Victini’s “Victory Flame” surging into his body.

Natsume said calmly, “I will give you a reason you cannot refuse.”

Rayquaza froze, jaw slack, pupils unfocused.

Wait, you—me—the ones behind you—what the heck ARE all these things!?!!

Rayquaza glanced up at the sky, pulling back his temper and asking again, stiffly:

“Who… are you?”

Natsume glanced at the sky behind him, tongue clicking; even he was a bit scared by this lineup.

The five legendary dragon Pokémon all lowered their heads to meet his gaze.

Natsume’s expression was complicated.

So, without realizing it… I’ve cleared so many dungeons and met so many legendary Pokémon!

Turning back, a shiver ran down Natsume’s spine.

Those are the scars—the proof—of countless battles fought and wounds endured along the way.

“Standing before you is—”

Natsume drew a deep breath, and shouted:

“The one who saved Sinnoh’s shattered space and time, maintained the balance of the Reverse World, the hero where truth and ideals intersect, the solver of Hoenn’s great conflict… (pant) Rainbow Hero, Aura Warrior, messenger of Arceus, Moe-Moe!’s husband, Cynthia’s boyfriend, Cynthia’s lover!!”

Everyone: Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

There’s some strange titles mixed in there, Natsume-sensei!

Rayquaza: ???

I can kind of follow the start, but what’s with those at the end?!

The five legendary Pokémon behind him, hearing that string of titles, briefly reflected on the past, then began to chat among themselves.

Giratina said, “You two came along too?”

Palkia replied gently, “Isn’t this testament to your wise leadership?”

Dialga intoned, “We still owe Natsume a great debt.”

Zekrom boomed, “He is the sensei to my favored hero. I feel compelled to aid him.”

Reshiram covered her face with a snowy wing, saying nothing.

Though she didn’t want to admit it, this shameless Trainer… really was the hero of truth she acknowledged!

Darkrai lingered in Natsume’s shadow, not seeking to join the spectacle in the skies, the corner of his mouth twitching.

He understood why all five deities came to help.

Scene after scene flashed by—without realizing, Natsume had become entwined with countless beliefs and bonds.

He’d saved Sinnoh’s turbulent time-space, the collapsing Reverse World, and owed Dialga, Palkia, Giratina their lives.

As a hero acknowledged by Reshiram, he’d even freed Zekrom from Kyurem…

Darkrai stared at Natsume’s back, finally registering the shock:

“He’s really this strong!?”

Steven was mystified. Commanding the three Regis was his limit.

But Natsume-sensei? One pull, he brought Regigigas; next pull—the entire Creation Trio, and the black-and-white Opelucid dragons.

So this is what it means to be the “never defeated,” the Trainer blessed by Victory Star!

Rayquaza looked up at the heavens, his body tingling all over, gripped by a mental paralysis condition.

If I fight… Without Mega Evolution, I might lose…

But if I don’t fight… being challenged like this is a loss of face.

Suddenly.

Rayquaza had an epiphany!

I’m not cowardly—I’m just giving Arceus face!

Giving Arceus’s messenger an opportunity to negotiate—there’s nothing wrong with that!

Rayquaza cast a sidelong glance at the crowded sky of legendary Pokémon, then pointedly ignored them, arrogantly lowering his head and pronouncing:

“Messenger of Arceus! State your request!!”

Rayquaza’s breath unleashed a gale, whipping Natsume’s clothing, the sheer pressure almost tangible.

Norman’s legs stiffened. Steven frowned, gazing up at Rayquaza.

Even with Natsume-sensei’s bonds to so many legends… for the mega meteorite in 10 days, they would be useless.

After all, the universe is Rayquaza’s domain. Not even the temporal or spatial dragons can intervene.

To save Hoenn, Mega Rayquaza’s strength is still essential!

Natsume secretly exhaled.

Without this support behind me, whether Rayquaza would’ve even agreed to negotiate was a toss-up.

At least for now, even prideful Rayquaza had no intent to attack.

“I would like you to shatter, ten days from now, the massive meteorite descending upon Hoenn. If the meteorite crashes into the earth, it will destroy the ozone layer that is your own habitat.”

Rayquaza’s yellow eyes flashed with intent.

Natsume continued, “And at the same time, you may choose a Successor you desire, continuing the ‘Dragon God’ legacy.”

Rayquaza casually glanced at Zinnia behind the giant rock, then at the five dragons standing on the ground.

He decided to save face for Natsume, and no longer pursue Zinnia’s case.

The five dragons weren’t in their free forms—just three or four meters in size, like their standard entries in the Pokédex.

Yet as Steven gazed at these legendary Pokémon at such close range, a chill of awe ran down his spine, his respect for Natsume-sensei growing deeper.

“A Successor, chosen here?” Rayquaza glanced about, dissatisfied.

“If you could allow someone other than a chosen Successor to ride you… choosing is not needed,” Natsume whispered.

Rayquaza cast a disdainful eye at Natsume.

Figured this guy, from the start, just wanted to ride me and smash the meteorite.

Though he grumbled about Natsume’s “summoning backup” tricks, Rayquaza knew he himself needed to smash the meteorite—for the vital sake of his ozone.

“And also…” Natsume looked at Ruby, addressing Rayquaza, “If you don’t mind, please try the Pokéblock this kid made.”

Rayquaza paused, then suspiciously eyed Ruby.

“Natsume-sensei?” Ruby ventured.

Norman frowned, uncertain, but trusted that Natsume had his reasons.

“It’s fine,” Natsume said sincerely. “I trust your ability as a Pokédex holder!”

Ruby’s talent—called ‘Charmer’—gave him an unrivaled skill for coordination and flavor discernment at a single glance.

Natsume didn’t know Rayquaza’s preferred flavor, and his approach had admittedly been forceful.

Recommending Ruby as a Successor was Rayquaza’s chance to save face and back down gracefully.

After all—on Rayquaza’s turf, forcing himself as Successor would make the dragon risk fighting five legends.

Pressure, incentive, saving face… This was the best move Natsume could devise.

“Let me try.”

Ruby looked at Sapphire and Norman, gave Sapphire’s hand a gentle squeeze, then brought out his case of Pokéblocks, adjusting his glasses.

Stepping before Rayquaza’s daunting presence, Ruby bowed on one knee, smiled, and presented his open palm, looking up:

“Dragon God… no, Rayquaza… I hope you’ll enjoy this flavor.”

Rayquaza narrowed his eyes, dropping his intimidating head to sniff the unassuming red block.

He’d eaten meteorites before… food from the human Pokémon world was something new.

Natsume furrowed his brow thoughtfully.

In the Special editions “Omega Ruby,” Ruby offered a spicy red Pokéblock as a gift for Rayquaza.

But in this world—would that satisfy Rayquaza…?

All eyes watched, tense.

Rayquaza signaled for Ruby to feed him; Ruby obeyed, and Rayquaza’s narrowed eyes slowly relaxed.

“Even I’m starting to feel hungry,” Dialga remarked.

“Yes… maybe dinner at Natsume’s place tonight,” Giratina mused.

From the Reverse World, he’d long been envious of Natsume-sensei’s kitchen.

This idea got hearty agreement from the black-and-white Opelucid duo.

Size was no barrier—just minimize, and they could gather around the table!

After a pause, Rayquaza suddenly soared into the clouds, his vast form stirring up a gale. Then, with outstretched claws and piercing yellow eyes, Rayquaza threw back his head and roared:

“My Successor! I have chosen!”

Zinnia gazed up, blank and defeated, but oddly relieved to be spared by fate.

“Someone… took up my mission to save Hoenn…” she whispered.

Ruby swallowed nervously.

Natsume stroked his chin.

I wonder if this Rayquaza can Mega Evolve on its own with Dragon Ascent.

Otherwise… we’ll need to visit Hoenn Corp, and use the Rainbow Meteorite we recovered.

With everyone’s eyes on him, Rayquaza’s claws pointed to the chosen Successor—passing over Ruby, Zinnia, and even Ruby again.

Sapphire, wearing a red bandana, looked around in confusion before hesitantly pointing at herself, in shock:

“Me?!”

“That’s right!”

Rayquaza gave a sidelong glance at an equally flummoxed Natsume, feeling unexpectedly pleased, and said levelly:

“You possess a physique beyond the ordinary, fit to accompany me into space!”

Natsume: (°ー°〃)

Well… so he didn’t pick Ruby like I wanted, and there’s no big fight with Giratina and the rest—

Bit of a tsundere Dragon God.

“I wonder, if he fought the black Rayquaza, who would win…” Natsume thought ambiguously.

In “Ultra Sun and Moon,” Team Rainbow Rocket gathered countless villains from alternate universes—each mastering evil ideals, each controlling legendary Pokémon. Archie hailed from a world submerged by the sea, Team Aqua with Kyogre; Maxie from a world swallowed by land, Team Magma with Groudon.

But in this universe, I’ve gathered almost every legendary Pokémon. Clearly, bonds beat ambition every time!

Ruby, looking at the bewildered Sapphire, grew anxious, and spoke up to Rayquaza:

“Dragon God, please allow me to accompany Sapphire into space!”

Natsume paused, then felt a surge of joy.

Perfect—back on the original plot! The Hoenn couple, riding Rayquaza, saving the world from the super meteorite!

Does that mean I can slack off now?!

Rayquaza glanced at the silent Natsume, feeling satisfied, and thundered:

“No problem!”

Suddenly, there were two Successors—both riding Rayquaza to space.

Zinnia was left doubting herself.

Being a Successor was this easy…?

Is it because—I can’t make Pokéblocks?

Zinnia decided, free from her mission at last, to try training as a Coordinator after returning home.

No need to go into space. Natsume was happy to relax, but Norman leaned in and whispered:

“Mr. Natsume… I worry that only Ruby and Sapphire heading into space isn’t safe.”

“So, if possible, I’d like to request…”

Norman paused, his gaze resolute. “Actually… I’ll negotiate with Rayquaza personally.”

Seeing Norman walk toward Rayquaza, Natsume was torn; he hurriedly pulled Norman back.

In another timeline, Norman died after riding Rayquaza—no need to risk that again!

“I understand, Mr. Norman.”

Natsume sighed. “Let me do the negotiating.”

Norman froze—this steadfast, mountain-like man’s resolve almost seemed to pass from his eyes.

“I don’t wish to be a Successor. But… may I, as their guardian, go with your Successors into space?”

Natsume rubbed his hands together, and under Rayquaza’s suspicious stare moved closer:

“No other reason—just curious about space travel, and with Victini, we can supply you energy too!”

“Victini~” Victini appeared with a sharp smile, giving a victory sign.

The true MVP wasn’t the five summoned dragons, but the battery providing infinite energy, keeping Natsume alive—

Victory Star, Victini!

Rayquaza glared at Natsume, seeing his palm rest on his emerald body. He vowed—should Natsume harbor any further ambitions, risking battle with all five legends, he would punish Natsume himself.

At that instant—

A gentle blue light bloomed from Natsume’s palm.

Natsume had used the Aura of Ripple!

All arrogance faded instantly from Rayquaza’s face, as he sensed the Tree of Beginning’s gentle aura; his voice slowed a bit.

“Hm... so it’s... not out of the question to negotiate…”

Finally, Rayquaza chose Ruby and Sapphire as the Successors.

Natsume gained no new “Successor” title—but did acquire “Guardian of the Successors.”

Natsume would accompany Ruby and Sapphire, riding Rayquaza into space to shatter the meteorite.

“In the end, I’m still going to ride it, huh…” Natsume muttered.

Such is the pride of a sky god, perhaps.

No battle broke out. Palkia and Reshiram breathed a sigh of relief; Dialga and Zekrom felt mildly disappointed.

The chance to team up and thrash the proud sky god comes so rarely, after all…

The movie’s black Rayquaza was so violent, surely bullying the other legends in its world!

Giratina didn’t mind—his real-world battle ability always lagged behind Rayquaza’s. But in the Reverse World, things might be different.

The hostile atmosphere softened. Rayquaza chewed Ruby’s spicy Pokéblock, then looked down at Steven.

“I am Hoenn’s Champion, Steven.” The blue-haired man gently placed a hand on his chest. “May I respectfully ask a few questions…”

When Steven discreetly asked about “self-induced Mega Evolution,” Rayquaza didn’t mind, answering with lazy calm.

First, Rainbow Meteorite energy is required. Steven would hand its core to Natsume-sensei for safekeeping.

Second, a Scroll recorded with the move “Dragon Ascent.”

“Is this it?” Sapphire picked up the Scroll, glanced at the injured Zinnia.

Zinnia stretched one leg, her arm over one knee, avoiding Sapphire’s eyes.

Sapphire softly apologized and returned the Scroll to Steven.

“That’s the one,” Rayquaza answered serenely.

With permission, Steven unrolled the golden Scroll, its archaic script twisting in curves, making him frown.

The Draconid should have been able to master the Ancient language and read the Scroll—just as Key Stone and Mega Stone resonance—but Rayquaza hadn’t sensed this from Zinnia, which was part of his anger.

“This is no longer needed.”

Rayquaza lifted his yellow eyes to the sky, replying coldly: “My strength alone is enough to shatter the meteorite!”

Ancient Language Professor Natsume: “Can I take a look at the Scroll?”

Under Rayquaza’s imposing gaze.

He accepted the Scroll from Steven, unrolled it—and froze.

【■■■■ (Technical Record · Dragon Ascent)】

Natsume: ???

Who are you looking down on here!