Chapter 0697: Stand Down, Rayquaza!(Two-in-One)

Sky Pillar towered into the clouds, shrouded in mist, the top invisible from the ground.

Natsume, riding on Latias, landed on the platform at the bottom of Sky Pillar, glanced at the entrance, and speculated:

“So, Ruby and Sapphire were the first to enter the trial... and then another Trainer entered Sky Pillar as well?”

Steven was crouched down, examining the footprints.

“That’s entirely possible.” Steven stood up, frowning. “I think Ruby and the others wanted to resolve the Groudon and Kyogre disaster as quickly as possible, so they decided not to spend time on any battles.”

No one could have predicted the crisis of the Hoenn duo would be resolved so quickly.

Norman looked respectfully at the black-haired young man, then said gravely,

“Ruby and the others likely haven’t received word yet that the crisis has been resolved.”

“Let’s enter Sky Pillar.” Natsume said. “Maybe we’ll find them inside.”

No one had ever counted the exact number of floors in Sky Pillar, only that climbing it on foot would take at least an entire day.

Not to mention the tower was suffused with Rayquaza’s intimidating aura, ancient Pokémon like Claydol roamed inside, and floor cracks were everywhere.

Peril lurked on every step—even a slip could shatter the staircase and send someone plummeting hundreds of meters!

“You can’t fly here?” Natsume asked.

“You can, but Rayquaza can sense everything inside Sky Pillar. Flying in the sky god’s territory might invoke its wrath.” Steven replied.

Natsume pointed ahead at a floating Claydol whose single eye rolled shiftily: “Then how come this guy can fly?!”

Claydol: ?

“Roar!!”

Slaking picked its nose, but its eyes suddenly glinted sharply as it lashed out with claws surrounded by the shadow of ‘Shadow Claw’, knocking Claydol out in a single strike!

Claydol crashed to the ground, dizzy-eyed, and a passage to the second level appeared ahead.

Norman recalled Slaking, calm as ever. “Alright, let’s keep moving.”

Natsume: “……”

As expected of Leader Norman—tough and efficient!

Rumble!

Everyone looked up at the ceiling as dust crumbled down—there was a battle raging on an upper floor, but it was impossible to tell how many levels up.

Natsume glanced at the fragile ceiling and suggested:

“How about we just punch through the ceiling and fly all the way up?”

Steven and Norman’s faces changed, and both shook their heads.

If they did that, Rayquaza wouldn’t just refuse to help—he’d probably kill them on the spot!

“Fine, then.” Natsume conceded, “We’ll just fly up along the stairs... Anyway, there’s already fighting going on up there; a little flight won’t matter.”

Steven and Norman exchanged looks, and finally agreed to the plan.

The staircase spiraled upward and upward.

Steven’s white Metagross jetted torrents of air from its four arms, charging ahead in the lead.

Natsume-sensei, ever-cautious, brought up the rear, musing to himself:

“It’s too cramped here. Only once we reach the upper major platforms can I use Palkia’s spatial warp!”

Rumble!

The echoes of battle intensified. The three quickened their pace again, and through the stone windows saw they were already above the sea of clouds.

Around the twentieth floor, a red glow from fire lit the staircase. Norman suddenly halted:

“It’s here!”

……

Ten hours before, Ruby and Sapphire were the first to enter Sky Pillar. Ruby used Pokéblocks to lure swarms of ancient Pokémon, thus slowing down the pursuing Zinnia.

But the Sky Pillar’s trial also included riddles and various mechanisms. After a sleepless night, with the top nearly within reach, Zinnia finally caught up to Ruby and Sapphire.

Zinnia, in her cape, Salamence and Noivern floating by her side, said coldly:

“I told you... Devons, leave the land of the Dragon God!”

The Successor recognized by Rayquaza was not Zinnia, but her friend “Aster.”

“Aster” appeared in the Draconid people’s prophecy as the one destined to Mega Evolve Rayquaza and shatter the super-meteorite.

But “Aster” was killed in a skirmish with Devon Corporation; so Zinnia inherited the title of Successor, vowing to save Hoenn for her lost friend.

Because Zinnia was an “impostor,” both in the games and Special editions, she was never acknowledged by Rayquaza.

But the mission she took on for her departed friend—the conviction for revenge—was no less than Steven’s or President Stone’s.

“I don’t know your background, but...”

Ruby looked at Salamence, gripping Sapphire’s hand firmly, “We have a mission of our own to accomplish!”

“ZUZU, Chichi, Mega Evolution!”

Swampert and Blaziken Mega Evolved simultaneously. At that moment, Zinnia’s Super Bracelet burst with white light.

Salamence, under a rainbow glow, its blood-red wings morphing into a crescent, let out a fierce roar: “Salamence!!”

Mega Salamence is naturally violent, sometimes even attacking its own Trainer—hence the nickname “Blood-Stained Crescent.”

By now, Zinnia no longer cared where she was—even Sky Pillar itself. The pain of her friend’s death and her hatred for Devon Corporation clouded her eyes.

“Salamence, Double-Edge!”

“Salamence!!” Mega Salamence sliced the narrow space with a raging wind from its crescent wings!

“Water Pledge!” Ruby and Sapphire called together. “Fire Pledge!”

Flames entwined around a pillar of water, smashing into Salamence and halting its charge. Amidst the swirling black smoke, a brilliant rainbow rose!

“Mere parlor tricks…” Zinnia shielded herself against the smoke, her cape whipping in the air currents as she flung a Poké Ball. “Goodra, Ice Beam!”

“Goodra!!” A chubby, purple-grey Goodra inhaled deeply and spat a frigid blue beam.

The beam hit the ground, freezing Ruby and Sapphire’s ankles—triggering the ‘Frozen’ additional effect!

Ruby and Sapphire didn’t try to dodge, just stared past Zinnia with joy brightening their faces.

“There’s no more time to toy with you.” Zinnia snapped her fingers coldly. “Salamence, use—”

“That’s enough, young lady.” Norman was now behind Zinnia, his voice stern. “Slaking, Mega Punch!”

Zinnia spun, stunned, as the brutal Slaking hurled a massive fist at Mega Salamence.

Thud!!

Mega Salamence couldn’t dodge in time and was smashed aside, shattering the wall and howling in pain!

“Slaking~” Slaking yawned, rudely scratching its nose.

Norman stood arms crossed, his entire posture screaming “protective dad!”

“Father! Uncle!” Ruby and Sapphire both cried.

Norman glanced at his son and future daughter-in-law, nodding coolly.

“You’re...” Zinnia’s gaze moved to Steven’s iconic blue hair, her teeth clenched tight. “Devon Corporation!”

Steven had heard tales of the Draconid “traitor”—she was once an ordinary person, but for her lost friend Shijia, had braved censure to become the Successor.

In fact, Steven frowned—Devon really did owe her a lot...

“They are, I’m not.” Natsume interjected. “I’m with the Pokémon Company.”

Everyone froze.

Zinnia looked blankly at the handsome, black-haired young man, then shook her head.

Well, I’ll leave him off my attack list...

“Successor of the Draconid people.” Steven spoke, regret in his frown, “I deeply apologize for what Devon has done.”

“But we share the same mission—to save Hoenn.” Steven’s eyes glimmered. “Successor, maybe you could work together with Devon—”

“Work together?” Zinnia cut him off. “Don’t be absurd.”

Zinnia paused, her gaze suddenly freezing over.

“I’ll never again trust a word from you hypocrites.”

“I will forge my own bond with the Dragon God—and I will save Hoenn my own way.”

With that, Zinnia recalled her Pokémon and strode toward Steven and Norman.

Bang!

Zinnia shoved them aside, walking between the two men, heading for the summit of Sky Pillar.

This black-haired girl looked up at the light above, her eyes razor-sharp.

I will finish the mission for you, Aster...

Inwardly, Zinnia called her late friend’s name.

Even at the cost of my life, I’ll keep our promise!

“Aren’t we going after her, Mr. Steven?”

Sapphire asked anxiously, “Groudon and Kyogre are still out there...”

“The Groudon and Kyogre crisis is already over.”

Steven reassured her, “Don’t worry, Natsume-sensei defeated them.”

Ruby and Sapphire both paused, looking blankly at Natsume-sensei.

He defeated Hoenn’s duo without Rayquaza’s strength!?

So what was the point of coming to Sky Pillar!

Natsume, noticing the confusion, explained: “The giant meteorite coming in ten days still needs Mega Rayquaza’s help... I think we need to meet Rayquaza.”

“So, that girl just now…” Ruby said.

“Her name is Zinnia.” Steven’s eyes clouded with memory. He looked up. “Let her undergo Rayquaza’s evaluation... After all, that’s a right the Draconid people deserve.”

Zinnia and Devon Corporation both sought different ways to counter the super-meteorite.

The heritage of the Draconid, the science of Devon... Their conflict grew ever sharper, irreconcilable.

Natsume stared at the steps where Zinnia had gone, his eyes bright.

To take up a lost friend’s mission, to stand alone against the tide of capital—Zinnia possessed a dreamer’s heroism.

But just as in Unova Region, as Natsume told N, the world isn’t just black or white.

To resolve the meteorite, the Draconid can also cooperate with their old adversary, Devon Corporation.

Zinnia hadn’t realized this yet. She stubbornly wished to bond with Rayquaza, seeking its strength.

Natsume shook his head.

Rayquaza isn’t a fool—no way would he let Zinnia use him as her weapon...

“If that girl isn’t recognized by Rayquaza... What will happen?” Sapphire whispered.

“She’ll be attacked by Rayquaza,” Norman replied gravely. “Unlike you and Ruby, as a Draconid she’d face even harsher punishment.”

Ruby froze, eyes wide: “So she knows that and still...?”

“Let’s go together.” Natsume said.

Everyone turned to look at Natsume.

Brilliant white light particles welled up around him, a temporal pulse rising in his aura.

Natsume gazed up at the summit.

Zinnia wasn’t Rayquaza’s chosen Successor... but she wouldn’t die here.

Because Natsume understood Zinnia’s heart—and had faith and strength Devon or the Draconid could never hope to match.

Heritage, science, revenge, mission… These were all too abstract, too ensnared in the worldly.

In the face of the sky god who looked down on Hoenn, there was only one transcendent answer—

“It’s not about Rayquaza evaluating the Successor.”

Natsume’s eyes sharpened as the wind lifted his black hair, and he declared:

“It’s the Successor who will evaluate Rayquaza!”

……

Sky Pillar, summit.

All was desolate ruin, shrouded in clouds. Invisible dread weighed on everything.

Zinnia reached the top floor. Her gray cape whipped like a flag; her knees trembled.

She drew a deep breath and stepped forward into the mist, then suddenly stopped.

A special gas hung in the air—Zinnia knew it was mostly ozone; Rayquaza, when asleep anywhere below the ozone layer, would use it to shield himself.

Which meant—the “Dragon God” was near at hand!

Zinnia inched forward, hands groping, eyes lost in mist, barely able to find her way.

CRACK!

A pebble was kicked aside, and her pupils contracted. In the fog, a gigantic shape slowly stirred awake!

A gale roared out—Zinnia crossed her arms, cape billowing.

The clouds swept away. A green dragon unfurled his body, rising up with his chest broad, stretching out his claws—imposing, unmovable.

Ancient Pokémon, the sky god, Rayquaza!!

Golden markings flared along his scales; Rayquaza let out a piercing roar.

“Roar——!!”

The Intimidate was suffocating. A bead of sweat trickled down Zinnia’s cheek to her collarbone. She lifted her chin, black eyes shining with resolve.

Pa!

Zinnia stepped forward, dropped to one knee, bowed her head, and called out clearly:

“Dragon God, I am the Draconid Successor. Please... form a bond with me!”

The growl ceased.

Rayquaza’s fierce, contemptuous yellow eyes stared coldly at Zinnia, his inhuman voice sounding inside her mind:

“You are not the Successor of the Draconid people, yet you carry that Successor’s scent…”

Zinnia jerked in shock, answering in a hoarse voice:

“Aster is already gone... Now, it’s my turn to fulfill her mission!”

Rayquaza narrowed his gaze, golden markings burning bright. His “Mikado organ” emitted dazzling metallic gold dust—his voice interrogating:

“Do you take me for a fool?”

Crisis flooded down Zinnia’s spine. She pulled out the golden scroll from her chest, offered it with both hands, and bowed low:

“Dragon God, this—this is the symbol of the Draconid Successor... Please, please take it!”

“Roar——!!” Rayquaza did not reply, but howled forth a blast of wild wind.

The scroll was swept away by the gale. Zinnia’s pupils shrank—is the Dragon God not going to accept it!?

Thunk!

Rayquaza’s claws landed on Zinnia’s back—just a light tap—but the floor cracked open meters wide under her heels, her eyes went grey, and she coughed up blood!

Rayquaza was never a gentle deity, and in his eyes, Zinnia’s actions were blatant insult.

Swooosh—

Rayquaza’s jaws yawned wide, wild energy swirling in his maw!

A black shadow flashed across, carrying the dying Zinnia behind a giant rock.

Zinnia opened her dim eyes and glanced weakly at the Pokémon beside her. “Latias…”

“Just watch.” Latias said sullenly. “All you people ever do is make trouble for him!”

Zinnia’s eyes lit faintly as she peered from behind the boulder to the battlefield.

On the broad Sky Pillar summit, Rayquaza’s mighty body loomed. His gaze was lofty and severe.

A small black-haired young man faced Rayquaza, locking eyes with the dragon.

“Who are you?” Rayquaza demanded coldly.

Natsume didn’t answer. Darkness stretched behind him, swirling into fog—it coalesced into Darkrai.

Above the sky, five cracks of different colors split the vault, opening portals one after another behind Natsume!

Rumble——!!

Thunder and flame mingled, darkness thickened, and the sky went dim.

Blue, red, gray, black, white—time, space, reverse, ideals, truth!!

Rayquaza’s golden eyes shot wide as he looked up at the five raging portals, momentarily dazed.

“Stand down, Rayquaza.”

Natsume said calmly, “I’ll give you a reason you simply can’t refuse.”

Rayquaza: ???