Chapter 0692: Regigigas VS Primal Groudon!（Three-in-One）

Above the waters, a towering golden sandcastle rose—like a gigantic Palossand wrought from endless grains.

The colossal Tyranitar stood atop the fortress, a furious sandstorm swirling around him. Beneath the bleak sky, Regigigas planted both feet in the ocean, gripping the sky-piercing Precipice Blades with iron limbs, and the crystals embedded in his metallic body pulsed with light!

CRACK, CRACK!

Regigigas, using both massive hands, Crush Gripped the Precipice Blades in half. Chunks of stone crashed into the surf, spraying water skyward!

The sudden turn of events left everyone present in utter shock.

Steven’s gaze trembled, seeking out the source—the Trainer who had summoned Regigigas and bent its will to command—

Natsume, wearing safety goggles, called for Giratina to land, leaped up onto the fortress, and locked eyes with Tyranitar for a fleeting moment.

Contending with Primal Groudon for control of the weather—was this Giovanni’s technique? Or the ultimate art of the Sandstorm?

Natsume released Tyranitar from its Mega Form, focusing his entire mind on directing the towering, Gundam-sized Regigigas.

Standing amidst the sandstorm, Natsume barked sharply:

"Regigigas, Hammer Arm!"

"Regigigas!"

Having crushed the cliffs with brute force, Regigigas drew back its mountain-breaking fist, its crystals flashing madly. The Hammer Arm came crashing down on Primal Groudon!

"Chikazzz!"

Primal Groudon, with no time to reclaim the weather, raised its crimson armored arms to block amid the raging yellow sand, and caution flashed deep in its gaze.

With a stunning crash, the Hammer Arm struck, and Primal Groudon recoiled despite itself.

"Rawrr!" Primal Groudon stumbled back a pace; its pupils tightened to pinpricks.

A giant hand—a hand that once moved continents—had closed into a fist and was now swinging with gale force straight into Groudon’s face!

BOOM!!!

Steven froze. The three titans, too, seemed to enter a state of system lag.

With both feet in the sea, Regigigas unleashed a straight punch that caved in the side of Primal Groudon’s face, kicking up walls of water on all sides!

The Friendship-Finisher Punch!

Steven had never imagined that a Primal Groudon, the ancient Pokémon of legend, could be so completely overwhelmed by Regigigas.

The End Land failed to grant Groudon its usual power boost—that was part of it. More important, though, was that this Regigigas appeared to be freed from any restraints, running at full throttle!

"Rawrr!!"

Primal Groudon shook its head, letting loose a sky-splitting roar. The sun broke through the clouds, scorching the earth below!

Under the blinding sunlight, water steamed from Regigigas’s metallic hide at a visible rate.

Natsume recalled Tyranitar into its Dusk Ball, then stood atop the sandy citadel behind Regigigas, trying to work the pins-and-needles out of his legs from a 12-hour, non-stop ride on red jets.

Once again, The End Land reasserted itself. There would be no easy peace.

"Rawr!!"

Primal Groudon opened its jaws, breathing out an immense fireball, empowered by the searing sun. Fire Blast erupted forth!

Natsume drew a steadying breath. "Regigigas, Heavy Slam!!"

"Regigigas—!"

Regigigas moved ponderously, but began striding forward, each step pounding the waters and making the seas tremble. Crossing his mighty arms, he braced through the Fire Blast. Scalding flame surged, but red light blazed from Regigigas’s crystals as he powered on!

"Groudon!!!"

Primal Groudon’s eyes grew wide, seeing Regigigas charge through the sea—slow but truly irresistible!

Bam!!

Regigigas set his feet on The End Land, putting his whole weight behind a devastating tackle that took Primal Groudon off its feet; both titans tumbled into the surf!

Boom!!

A tidal wave shot up. Primal Groudon stared at the heavens, dazed, as the water on its back instantly evaporated into new land. Regigigas, astride Groudon’s chest like the hero in a fabled beast-slaying, raised a colossal iron fist glinting in the sunlight!

"Rawrr!!" Primal Groudon nearly shed tears.

Mercy! Please, mercy!

“Regigigas?” Regigigas paused and awkwardly tilted his head to the side.

Floating above the waters, the trio of titans blinked their crystals in wild applause.

Boss is incredible!!

“Did… did Regigigas actually beat Primal Groudon?”

Steven could barely believe his own voice.

At the same moment, a waiting Devon Corporation airship appeared in the clouds, successfully retrieving the Rainbow Meteorite.

Primal Groudon, battered and bruised, watched despondently as the prize was snatched away.

Life really is too hard sometimes…

Seeing that Primal Groudon had no intention to continue battling, Regigigas stirred, joints clanking, and rose from Groudon’s chest.

The scale of this clash between two titans was etched into the memory of everyone who witnessed it.

“To command such ancient might…”

A shiver ran through Steven, and he turned, eyes keen, to the sandy tower where Natsume stood.

Steven Stone knew all too well the price of commanding a legendary Pokémon. It exacts energy, health, focus—even life itself.

And Natsume had spent nearly 14 hours battling, orchestrated two Mega Evolutions—he was already at the very edge of human possibility.

"Natsume!" Steven cried out as he saw the black-haired young man collapse, limbs shaking, color drained from his face.

“Lately, every time I shout, I feel like something is leaking out of me,” Natsume said with a wry smile. “Maybe that’s just my life force draining away…”

“Victini?” Victini tilted its head, then poked Natsume’s shoulder with a gentle finger.

A surge of burning energy rushed into Natsume’s body, and it felt as though he was igniting—vitality flooding his veins!

In that same moment, the Rainbow Wing tucked into his shirt pocket sparkled, scattering the light of life.

Rainbow Wing: (^_☆)

I’m not just here for show any longer!

Natsume: “Oooh—yeah! That’s what I needed!”

“Victini!” Victini spread his hands cutely and sighed, as if to say: can’t do anything when you’re hungry. Here’s an Infinity Energy boost!

Steven breathed a long sigh of relief, then chuckled self-mockingly.

After all, this was the same Natsume who’d faced down countless legendary Pokémon… Maybe I worry too much!

Natsume climbed back onto Latias, looked down at his hands, and slowly made them into fists, letting out a gentle sigh.

His HP might be restored, but his mind was worn thin…

I’ll need a nap with Moe-Moe before I’m anywhere near whole again.

“Tyranitar! (▼へ▼メ)” Inside the Dusk Ball, Tyranitar wore a fierce, proud scowl—cool and cocky as ever.

After the battle of weather against Primal Groudon, Tyranitar had successfully evolved and glimpsed the shape of his future strategy.

As a Desert Tyrant, standing strong in a sandstorm—defeat is not an option!

The Giovanni of the Earth (×) The Natsume of the Sandstorm (√)

“That title actually sounds pretty cool,” Natsume chuckled. “And I won’t have to share it with Boss Giovanni!”

“Latias~” Latias glanced over her shoulder at the trainer riding atop her. She couldn’t help but think: So cool one moment, and laughing like a fool the next… How exactly did he ever develop such nerves of steel?

Primal Groudon stood again, wearing a strange look as he locked eyes with Regigigas.

“Regigigas…” Regigigas scratched his massive head, unsure how to exit the stage gracefully.

Suddenly, Primal Groudon’s eyes widened, excitement blooming as he gazed at Regigigas.

Wait, does this guy… not know how to fly, either?!

Kindred spirits—they’re kindred spirits!

(True, Regigigas didn’t have the power of flight himself. After all, when you’re strong enough to drag continents, you don’t need wings. Still, under the telekinetic lift of his juniors, Regigigas could manage to float if needed.)

Natsume sensed Primal Groudon’s mood and let the big guy have his moment, stroking his chin.

Let’s just let Groudon enjoy his hope—for now. That’ll make the disappointment all the greater when the legendary showdown comes!

"Natsume!" Steven rode up on Metagross, pulling alongside. "Are you all right?"

"Oh… I was, but now I’m fine."

Victini lounged contentedly on Natsume’s shoulder. "Honestly, I feel like I could command a few more legendaries and not even break a sweat!"

Steven: "…"

Yeah, there really is a gap between me and Natsume.

"Rainbow Stone has already been recovered," Steven confirmed, gazing at the empty sky. "The strategy on both fronts was a huge success… Natsume, please let me thank you again!"

"A Champion carries a heavier burden," Natsume said, gazing upward, his eyes deep and distant. “That’s what I learned, facing Arceus.”

Steven hesitated, at a loss for words.

Out in the darkness, Darkrai, too, was struck speechless.

Damn it, he pulled it off again!

……

Hoenn Region, Dewford Town.

From here among the crisscrossing waters, the sky to both east and west was divided by strange weather. On one side, blazing sun; on the other, a downpour. The dividing line cut directly over Dewford.

"Mr. Red, did you, um, spot anything?" Yellow asked nervously.

It almost looked as if she’d grown wings; look closely, and you’d see it was Butterfree, enfolding little Yellow protectively.

Natsume would’ve surely marveled at Yellow's Aura of Viridian. Only yesterday, Butterfree had been so timid, but now she gave off an Elite Four’s presence.

Yellow’s Aura of Viridian could quell a Pokémon’s power, or trigger a wild burst in a pinch… truly, the very essence of "hiding one's strength."

"I just got in touch with Gold… He said Natsume managed to delay Kyogre’s advance, then the signal went dead."

Aerodactyl gripped Red's shoulder. Red frowned. “We have to weaken those two behemoths even more… If Rayquaza doesn’t show, and the clash begins, Hoenn itself will be wiped out!”

"Red, Mr. Red!" Yellow’s voice trembled. She tugged his sleeve, pointing. “Look at the waters!”

Across the horizon, two immense figures brawled, their power shaking the sea all the way to Dewford.

“Primal Groudon, and—”

Red blinked in disbelief. "Regigigas? How could it be here?!”

“It seems like it’s on our side…”

“Is Mr. Steven in command?” Red wondered aloud, gravely. “Let’s check it out!”

As they drew nearer, Yellow’s eyes widened. "On top of that tower… That’s Natsume!"

"No doubt," Red confirmed, eyes sharp as flint. "And that’s Tyranitar, freshly evolved!"

"Regigigas, Heavy Slam!"

With Natsume's command, Regigigas braced through the Fire Blast, pounding forward across the waters—a mountain in motion!

BOOM!

The two titans crashed into the sea, sending towers of water skyward. Regigigas completely dominated!

Yellow stared, awestruck. "Natsume… is actually commanding Regigigas?"

"He’s single-handedly crushing Groudon…"

Red murmured, the brim of his cap shading a rare smile.

"Professor Oak knew what he was doing: a Pokédex holder best at command and strategy!"

"With Natsume here, there’s no need for us… let’s go, cut Kyogre off."

Red tipped his cap, resolve sharpening in his eyes.

"Don’t let those two monsters face off!"

……

Hoenn League, Emergency Response HQ.

The earlier excitement faded, leaving only emptiness on many faces.

He’d fought Mega Blastoise against Primal Kyogre alone, holding the beast at bay.

Then rushed west, fighting for weather control with The End Land, calling Regigigas to flatten Groudon.

"Can humans really do such things…?"

In the silent war room, one researcher murmured blankly.

A low buzz of conversation built up as others began to chime in.

"That’s what it means to be a Champion!"

"Too bad Natsume didn’t let Rotom live-stream…"

“Reporting in: currently in Hoenn, just finished clobbering Primal Groudon?”

The tension eased. The team broke into laughter, and yet the Hoenn President watched the monitors pensively.

Now was not the time for relaxation…

Compared to Groudon, Primal Kyogre’s HP was clearly still full.

If battle breaks out, if the balance is broken, Hoenn will be drowned.

"Get in touch with Champion Wallace! Tell him…" The President gritted his teeth. "If possible… ask for even more—"

"Mr. President!" The researcher was startled.

"Primal Kyogre has stopped moving—someone’s engaging it! A third interception!"

The President froze in surprise.

On-screen, floodwaters raged. Primal Kyogre leapt high, wings spread in the hurricane, lording over two tiny figures riding the crests.

One of the Pikachu wore a little flower on her forehead, arm around the other—eyes sharp—standing on a surfboard.

“Woooo!!”

Primal Kyogre almost wanted to laugh.

If I can’t win against Blastoise, I can certainly crush two little runts, right?!

“Pikachu—”

“Chuchu—”

Red and Yellow: "Use Thunder!"

Thunder—Pikachu couple—Aura of Viridian enhanced version!

Primal Kyogre stared dumbfounded.

Clouds roiled like vast whirlpools. From their heart, twin columns of lightning speared down—a divine judgment! Lightning engulfed the immense Kyogre, the sea beneath blindingly bright.

BOOM!

Kyogre fell into the sea, belly up and ash-black, gazing dazedly at the sky.

Are these two Pikachu… even legal?

Filthy humans! It must’ve been Mew in disguise as Blastoise—and now two more Mews!

"Woooo!!"

Primal Kyogre dove for the deep, fleeing at bolt speed towards H17 Waters.

Kyogre: ??????????????

Oh no… Looks like I’m in for it when Kyogre gets loose again!

"Red! Mr. Red!" Yellow cried anxiously. "Should we follow?"

"No. We can’t let the balance tip."

Red watched the receding storm, exhaling slowly.

"Let’s leave it to Natsume-sensei for now."

……

H17 Waters.

Primal Groudon’s face stiffened; he glanced warily back at Regigigas.

"Don’t worry. If Kyogre gives you trouble, we’ve got your back!"

Natsume, standing atop Regigigas’s mighty head, pilot-like, bellowed his promise.

"Regigigas!" Regigigas’s crystals flashed in solidarity.

"Rawr…" A whisper of warmth crossed Groudon’s gaze.

This human is kinda…

Pretty decent, actually!

Natsume knew: the Hoenn Duo are like a set of scales—you can’t let one have the upper hand. The best solution was to have Regigigas act as referee. If Groudon or Kyogre tried to tip the balance, one good punch from Regigigas would enforce fairness!

Was it getting a little… heavy handed?

Half an hour earlier, Steven had listened to the plan with wary reluctance. He’d wanted to call it crazy, but bit back his tongue.

"No worries, I’m a pro at this. Leave it to me," Natsume insisted.

Steven: "…"

Just what have you lived through, Natsume?

Now, Steven balanced atop Metagross, eyeing a massive dark shadow marching through the sea.

"Careful, Natsume, here it comes!"

Natsume braced for battle, Groudon narrowed his gaze in kind.

BOOM!

The shadow broke the surface—the waves that rose were instantly vaporized.

Primal Kyogre swooped low over the water, icy eyes landing briefly on Groudon before stopping, surprised, at the familiar silhouette atop his back.

"Gengar~(￣▽￣)／" Gengar offered a big grin.

Kyogre: (⊙_⊙)

I’m doomed—so doomed!

The Hoenn Duo are fated rivals. But at this moment, as Groudon gazed at Kyogre, he paused in surprise.

Battered Groudon, battered Kyogre. The two shared a long, searching look.

At the same time, both looked up at the empty sky where the Rainbow Stone had vanished. They made eye contact again.

Maybe nothing was said—maybe everything was said…

"Why aren’t they fighting yet?" Natsume whispered.

“Maybe… they’re just getting ready,” Steven replied.

Suddenly, the two ancient Pokémon turned away at the same time. One traipsed home alone, the other drifted off at a lazy pace.

Natsume: "...What’s going on here?"

"The conflict of the Hoenn Duo isn’t a battle to the death. When their fighting spirit’s spent, they return to rest."

"Maybe…" Steven mused softly, "Maybe Kyogre and Groudon are just tired."

Natsume understood, nodding. "So, does that mean—Hoenn’s crisis is over?"

A relieved smile spread over Steven’s face.

"Yes. Except for the meteorite big enough to wipe out Hoenn in about thirteen days."

Natsume: "…"

That doesn’t sound like much of a solution!

"Still…"

Natsume let out a ragged sigh, watching Groudon’s lumbering shadow lumber away. "At least, for now, we can rest."

The sun sank toward the horizon, gilding the sea. The two ancients parted back to back.

Groudon looked back, met Natsume’s gaze for a second. Natsume started—then smiled and nodded.

Groudon narrowed his eyes.

I like this guy. Good for him!

Natsume, expecting Groudon to get pounded again, only thought sadly: "A pity…"

Time to teleport Regigigas back to Snowpoint Temple.

“Goodbye, Regigigas!” Natsume waved.

“Regigigas.”

Regigigas paused on the golden sea, glanced down at Natsume astride Latias, and nodded graciously.

(Trademark Oak nod—erased… Regigigas’s nod, official jpg)

A few more Aura Massage Therapies for Regigigas, and his crystals pulsed with happy energy.

Under Steven’s amazed gaze, the three titans watched as their boss disappeared into a white pulse of space.

The battlefield fell suddenly silent.

Natsume quietly patted himself on the back.

With the interception of Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre complete—a resounding success!

……

Sinnoh Region, Snowpoint Temple.

As the symbol of faith for all Snowpoint City, the temple was in dire need of repairs.

Brandon was scratching his chin, planning the reconstruction, when he was seized by a sudden chill.

He lifted his head. A shimmering portal opened in the sky—and an eight-meter-tall Regigigas came tumbling through!

BOOM!!

"Regigigas…" Shrinking to normal size, Regigigas turned to red light and slipped back into its orb, falling fast asleep.

Brandon scrambled up from the snowbank, spitting out a mouthful of powder.

Carefully approaching, Brandon picked up the Imprisoned orb and turned it over, then looked up at the empty sky.

"Temple…" Brandon muttered, acknowledging fate.

“Guess an open-air design will do.”