Chapter 0691:Evolution, Tyranitar!（Three-in-One）

Above the waters near Rustboro City.

Natsume was riding Latias, making a rapid return from Slateport City Port, heading swiftly toward the western battlefield.

Thanks to Latias’s flight speed, it would only take half an hour to cross a major portion of the Hoenn Region.

Leaning forward, equipped with safety goggles, his entire body shielded by a transparent light screen against the raging wind, Natsume yelled:

"Rotom, what time is it now!"

Rotom, hidden in the pocket mobile phone, shivered and reported:

"Beep...4:37 AM, an hour and twenty minutes until sunrise at this latitude, Rotom!"

"So I’ve been issuing commands for eight straight hours..."

Natsume massaged his dizzy temples, murmuring, "How did Steven Stone survive twenty-two days of this..."

“Are you all right?” Latias turned her head, glancing at Natsume with concern.

"I'm fine. I just skipped dinner, so my blood sugar's a little low."

Turning his hand, Natsume pulled out a juicy, sweet Pecha Berry and took a big bite, muttering with his mouth full:

"Once this battle is over, I’ll head back to Rustboro City and cook you all a feast!"

The chef's attempt to warm the mood received no reply.

Latias’s gaze remained anxious, her red wings slicing the air as they flew on toward their waterside destination.

Why was he pushing himself so hard, anyway?

He had nothing to do with those people. Stopping Primal Kyogre had already been a feat...

"Because this is his promise."

Darkrai’s chilling voice rose in Latias’s mind.

"A promise?" Latias asked softly.

"That’s right," Darkrai said. "A Champion’s promise."

In the Poké Ball at Natsume's waist, Pupitar’s eyes flickered, fixed on his trainer’s tense face.

His clothes were streaked with rain, knuckles wrapped tightly around Latias’s neck, whitened by effort, eyes wandering and then focusing again.

A fierce desire for battle welled up in the heart of the desert tyrant.

"Pupitar... (▼へ▼メ)"

He had to help his trainer with all his strength!

"Beep, arrived at H17 Waters, Rotom!" the phone vibrated in Rotom’s voice.

"Victini!"

Victini crouched on Natsume’s shoulder, round eyes growing wide in amazement at the horizon’s dawn.

A blazing sliver of sunlight burst over the horizon—the entire sea shimmering like boiling water.

Breaking through the primeval ocean, the fierce sun now reigned high overhead!

Natsume pursed his lips, and intoned, "That’s not a sunrise..."

"That’s Primal Groudon... The End Land!"

Scorching waves swept over them, as if the world itself were a steaming cauldron.

Natsume shielded his eyes from the blinding glow, feeling a strange surge of pulses.

Tracing the pulse’s direction, he caught sight of a dazzling meteorite shimmering with rainbow hues, levitating high over the waters!

A legendary giant stone—the very source of Mega Evolution!

"That must be the key to resolving the super-massive meteorite," Natsume muttered to himself.

No time to react further—a deafening roar shattered the heavens.

At the distant edge of his line of sight, on the coastline of a neighboring town,

A creature nearly thirty meters tall was wading into the ocean, its body ablaze with the blinding white of nuclear fission, scarlet lines alive with molten magma!

An ancient Pokémon, god of the earth—Primal Groudon!!

Stunned again by the creature’s immensity, Natsume stammered:

"The Pokédex says Primal Kyogre is only eight meters tall...this makes no sense!"

The data was badly underestimated.

This was a monster out of legend—let Groudon audition for a Godzilla film and no one would question the casting!

Sizzle—

Under Primal Groudon’s feet, the ocean boiled away in an instant, leaving a land mass writhing in a wave of hot air. The sun blazed mercilessly overhead, sunlight baking every inch of skin.

"ROAR!"

A helicopter circled above Groudon’s head, the crimson beast loosing an upward howl, seemingly trying to swat the chopper from the sky!

"That helicopter looks familiar... Devon Corporation!?"

Natsume paused in surprise, watching as Metagross and Charizard leaped from the chopper. Hit by the intense Mega Energy magnetic field, both instantly achieved super evolution.

The Blue-Black Mega Charizard X, its wings bristling with spikes, dove fiercely at Primal Groudon!

"Charizard," Alain stood at the door, clenching his fist and calling out, " Steel Wing!"

Natsume’s face fell slightly.

If you’re just a flying type, maybe Precipice Blades might miss you. But a Mega Charizard X who’s fire and dragon? That’s a death wish!

Rumble!

Primal Groudon stomped the ground, generating a fissure that raced to the Mega Charizard X’s position.

In a flash, knife-like cliffs erupted from the crack, piercing the sky!

Precipice Blades!

The Precipice Blades hit Mega Charizard X dead on, the world seeming to turn black and white for a moment!

"Roar, roar, roar!!" Primal Groudon’s eyes gleamed mischievously as it erupted with laughter.

That's all? That's all?

"Charizard!!" Alain cried.

Natsume watched as Charizard crashed down, landing in a crater of dust and broken rock. He nodded in certainty.

Charizard was unable to battle—and rise again!

His gaze shifted to Steven at the chopper’s door, and the silver Mega Metagross at his side.

"Metagross...(⊙X⊙;)" The X symbol on Metagross's forehead caught the sunlight.

Natsume hesitated for a heartbeat.

Steven, why are you just watching?!

Clearly, Steven hadn't expected Alain to be this reckless. He thrust his arm out and yelled:

"Metagross, Meteor Mash!"

Suddenly, Mega Metagross blazed with dazzling white, four sets of claws balling into fists, carving a comet’s arc as it crashed down savagely!

Boom!

Mega Metagross’s Meteor Mash was blocked by Primal Groudon’s raised armored arm! Groudon twisted its fierce face toward them, then lifted the other arm and hammered away, making the entire ground shake as it crashed down on the silver Mega Metagross!

"Kanging!" Mega Metagross, leveraging its supercomputer-caliber reflexes, instantly erected a green Protect barrier around itself.

But Primal Groudon’s hammering arm shattered the barrier with a resounding crunch!

Mega Metagross plummeted, blasting jets of energy just above the waters, skipping and spraying up columns of sea foam before managing to right itself.

"Kanging..." Metagross’s metallic body was battered, with flickering sparks arcing from broken parts.

Steven’s gaze was grim.

In conditions like this, there was no way to retrieve the Rainbow Meteorite in full view of Primal Groudon!

"Steven!"

Steven snapped his head around, eyes falling on the rapidly approaching Latias, astonishment on his face.

"Natsume-sensei!"

Latias spun in a stylish arc, halting right by the chopper door.

Nearly causing a mid-air crash, Natsume breathed a hidden sigh of relief and said concisely:

"We successfully intercepted Primal Kyogre. I rushed back for backup!"

"Really!" Steven’s eyes flickered, voice thick with gratitude and excitement, "On behalf of everyone in the Hoenn League, I want to thank you once more, Natsume-sensei!"

"We can talk about that later!"

Natsume turned, eyeing Primal Groudon in the water with grave determination.

"I need to get close, and intercept Primal Groudon directly!"

"It’ll be safer to use long-range attacks," Steven cautioned.

Natsume: "I’m just...not good in aerial combat."

Steven blinked, then nodded in agreement. "That’s true, direct interception is often more effective!"

Natsume guided Latias to swing around to Groudon’s flank, shouting,

"Steven, let’s split up!"

Steven gave a small nod, looked over at the battered Charizard, determination in his gaze, and called to Alain:

"Alain, hand me Charizard’s Poké Ball!"

"But...I should be the one to act!" Alain protested.

"No buts!" Steven ordered the pilot to bring the chopper in closer to land.

As they skimmed the ground, Steven leapt down, his shoes meeting the cooling earth. He aimed a Poké Ball at the exhausted Charizard.

A beam of red light fired; Charizard was recalled. Steven tossed the Poké Ball up to the chopper.

Alain caught the ball, his expression changing dramatically, and shouted, "Mr. Steven, Groudon’s moving this way!"

Steven turned, spotting Primal Groudon’s menacing glare at the edge of the water.

Primal Groudon opened its tremendous maw, a blinding glow surging and swirling there—before unleashing blistering flames—

Fire Blast!!

The explosive burst, shaped like a huge letter X, swept across the sea, vaporizing water in an instant, towering flames racing straight for Steven!

Steven’s coat whipped in the wind.

He raised his right hand, silver ring on his finger, clutching three minimized Poké Balls between his fingers.

Steven’s gaze was sharp; abruptly, he flung out all three Poké Balls!

“Regirock, Regice, Registeel— Ancient Power!”

The Three Regis, recalled from Mr. Brandon, now stood as Steven’s trump card to protect Hoenn!

The flawless, mighty Hoenn Champion—his presence shining bright with glory—the Three Regis lined up, hands extended forward.

A heartbeat later, a barrage of rocks empowered by Ancient Power streaked forward!

Direct collision with Fire Blast!

Boom!

The violent impact, thick black smoke, shards of rock and surging waves exploded high into the air!

“Ugh…” Steven gripped his chest under the protection of the Regis’ Light Screen, a line of cold sweat trickling down his brow.

The unpleasant pounding in his heart—backlash from commanding the Three Regis in battle.

“But…” Steven’s gaze grew resolute as he lifted his eyes. “I’ll be the one who wins, no matter what!”

Suddenly, Steven stiffened, watching as Primal Groudon swiveled its immense body and changed course.

Steven’s eyes narrowed to pinpoints beyond Groudon’s shoulder—spotting the black-haired youth atop Latias’s back.

“Pupitar, Headbutt!!” Natsume shouted, voice harsh with urgency.

Pupitar launched forward, rocketing like a silver bullet, charging Primal Groudon in a fury!

“Pupitar!!”

CRACK—

Pupitar was bounced away by Groudon’s armor, tumbling wildly onto the land, its stubby feet waving helplessly in the air.

Primal Groudon: “……”

Steven Stone: “……”

Minimal effect.

Natsume wiped a sheepish hand across his face.

No big deal.

He’d succeeded in attracting Primal Groudon’s aggro!

“Roar roar!! (-^〇^-)”

Primal Groudon peered down at the tiny challenger on land, both hands clutching its belly in unabashed laughter.

Natsume realized this oversized brute had an unexpectedly cheerful temper…but of course, I’m even more optimistic than Groudon!

Bang!!

Three dazzling Hyper Beams bombarded Primal Groudon’s back, thick black smoke billowing.

Steven directed the Three Regis in another barrage, inflicting damage on Primal Groudon!

“ROAR!!”

Primal Groudon’s laughter cut short, it glared furiously left and right at Steven and Natsume, unleashing a rageful cry at the sky!

How dare you?!

Natsume’s brows flicked upward.

This, ah, this is the pinnacle of strategic distraction—the ultimate kiting!

Disaster struck—cracks ripped open the earth under Steven, surging power racing straight toward him.

If Groudon could create land, it could just as surely make the earth vanish.

Blade-like cliffs erupted skyward from the widening fissures—

Precipice Blades!!

At the last split second, Steven vaulted onto an incoming Metagross, kneeling. The Three Regis, floating by means of psychic power, left the collapsing ground in a hurry.

Precipice Blades smashed down—hitting only empty air.

Natsume’s expression was subtly amused.

Even that can be evaded? Groudon and I must have some kindred bond!

No time for further thought. Natsume turned to the bewildered Pupitar, telepathically issuing the command:

‘Use Sandstorm and Quicksand to anchor a platform on the ocean!'

There was nothing but endless sea—no land created by Groudon—so he’d have Pupitar build a sand tower instead, creating a foothold in the midst of the waves.

A pillar in the stream, grains gathered into a tower!!

"Pupitar!"

Pupitar’s eyes flared crimson, a swirling storm of sand rising around him.

End Land could dispel any ordinary weather. Under the searing Drought, the sandstorm faltered immediately, the grains slipping into the waves.

Yet the waters churned with silt, spiraling into a sturdy foundation. The whirlwind of sand gradually amassed, coiling itself into a soaring pillar of sand.

Pupitar stood high atop that sand tower, facing down Primal Groudon, roaring its challenge!

“Pupitar!”

Look at me! This is my desert!!

Just a lonely sand tower in the midst of the vast open sea, being steadily worn away by the tides—

But Pupitar’s courage, from who knows where, kept his footing firm, and he dared to provoke the god of the earth itself!

Primal Groudon ignored the floating Three Regis for now, but slowly turned on land to fix Pupitar, atop the solitary spire, with a chilling gaze.

“Roar…” Primal Groudon’s roar dropped low, its eyes turning frosty.

What Pupitar had just declared was impossible for Groudon to overlook.

This—was End Land!!

“ROAR!!” Primal Groudon stomped the ground, its hunched back rippling with rage, unleashing gales that slammed into the Pupitar atop the sand tower.

The land rapidly expanded, swallowing up the base of the tower. As the foundation dropped, threatening to topple him from his ‘throne,’ Pupitar’s eyes danced with memory.

Scenes flashed through his mind.

Larvitar, all alone in a sandpit, building little castles, gazing up at the baby-blue full moon.

Togepi, blissfully gaming, while Larvitar chewed obliviously on chips.

Noisy, welcoming dinners—everyone raising their glasses in cheer—while Pupitar huddled shyly in a corner.

After evolution, no longer able to build sandcastles, Pupitar just squatted in the sandpit, staring up at the moon by himself.

"Sirfetch’d..."

It was as if Pupitar heard his friend’s familiar call. He turned, and saw Sirfetch’d’s calm, razor-sharp eyes gently resting a hand atop his helmet.

In that long, quiet moment, Pupitar and Sirfetch’d gazed up at the moon together.

That call—wasn’t an illusion.

A beam of red light shot from the Premier Ball on its own—Sirfetch’d, unable to fly, dropped from midair, raising its knightly lance, radiating golden light!

"Sirfetch’d!! "

So Primal Groudon, huh?

Eat my Meteor Assault!!!

A pillar of golden brilliance crashed down over the waters, slamming into Primal Groudon’s frame with an explosion that shook the field!

Steven’s face froze for a moment.

“That’s… Natsume-sensei’s Sirfetch’d?!”

Meteor Assault had actually managed to injure Primal Groudon!

The Regis' crystals flickered uncertainly, displaying ‘unable to understand’ in simple code.

"ROAR!!"

Primal Groudon recoiled in pain, retreating half a step.

With Meteor Assault focused on that single, vital point—like a cavalry lance driven to the core, a critical blow landed, breaching the titan’s guard!

Sirfetch'd, clutching the possibility his leek might not survive, glanced down while falling—a look of panic flashing across his face.

“Sirfetch’d!! (′︿‵)”

There was no time for the Premier Ball’s red beam to return him. Latias dove, and Natsume snatched Sirfetch’d from the air, landing him safely atop his shoulder:

"You’re too heavy, Sirfetch’d!!"

According to the Pokédex, Sirfetch’d’s weight was a solid 120 kilograms.

Even without his leek, that was no small burden!

Natsume clenched his teeth.

I swear, when we get back, Sirfetch’d is going on a diet!!

"Sirfetch’d..." Sirfetch’d hovered uncertainly in midair, wiping cold sweat from his brow.

Natsume recalled Sirfetch’d, then looked down at the sand tower—blinking in surprise.

“Pupitar...(▼へ▼メ)”

Pupitar seemed... a little off.

The Meteor Assault’s interruption had paused the expansion of Groudon’s land.

Pupitar, standing atop his sand tower, was now enveloped in dazzling white light!!

"That’s..."

Steven jolted. “Evolution light?!”

But in the thick of such an intense battlefield?!

“ROAR!!” Primal Groudon’s magma-veined markings flared, Fire Blast brewing in its jaw, unleashing with a savage blast!

“Please—Regis, block the Fire Blast!”

"Regiii—"

The Regis’ crystals sparkled, darting in front of Pupitar and raising a Light Screen to shield him.

BOOM!

Fire Blast detonated on the Light Screen, hot air surging wildly.

Steven doubled over with a cough, struggling to his feet on top of Mega Metagross.

His expression set, Steven’s cloak blowing behind him—just as a sudden shadow swept over the blinding sun.

"...a sandstorm?!" Steven looked up, stunned, watching that searing sun momentarily obscured by swirling dust.

For there to be other weather at all, here in End Land...

The glow of evolution ebbed away—now golden sand danced in the battle, clinging to the sand tower until it rose like a fortress!

A golden city, a citadel of sand—and at the castle’s crown, a gray-green, fierce beast faced off with the nearly thirty-meter-tall Primal Groudon.

"Tyranitar!!"

Tyranitar roared, biting winds of sand whipping from the spikes along its back!

Final evolution: Desert Tyrant, Tyranitar!!

After months of gathering energy, in one shining moment it was all unleashed; Tyranitar’s inherent Sand Stream Ability tore through the field!

Alain’s pupils shrank. "What a terrifying sandstorm!"

Steven’s gaze flashed.

Perhaps... this is the weather strategy Natsume-sensei is most proud of.

As a strategist, together with his partner—in the sandstorm, Tyranitar truly shone!

Within moments, sunlight lanced through a gap in the sandstorm, the grains silencing, and falling into the sea.

"ROAR!!"

Primal Groudon bellowed in anger—was someone challenging its dominion as earth’s god in its own End Land?!

“End Land can negate any weather...but the eruption of evolutionary energy can briefly snatch control over the elements."

Natsume squeezed his eyes shut in thought, then snapped them wide open, sharp and focused.

So long as I can seize the weather—even for a few seconds—I can shatter the End Land’s restrictions!

And then, it’ll be up to the true master of plates-shifting might!

With my bond with Tyranitar… Could we pull it off, even without having practiced?

Twelve hours straight giving commands, and one Mega Evolution already—will there be a backlash?

No time to worry.

As Pupitar’s breakthrough finished—evolution to Tyranitar was happening in this instant.

Natsume drew out the Tyranitarite he’d prepared earlier and tossed it to the sandcastle atop the waters.

"Bangiras!!"

Natsume-sensei roared, “Mega Evolution, now!!”

"Tyranitar!"

Tyranitar bit down on the black-and-red Mega Stone, eyes glinting with delight.

Everything was coming back, all coming back!

Gently removing the Mega Stone from his mouth, Tyranitar gripped it tight instead, body blazing with rainbow light!

"How is it possible?!" Alain’s throat tightened. “To perform Mega Evolution right after final evolution?!”

Steven was stunned as well, but a faint smile grew as he let out a breath.

The Tree of Beginning, Blastoise's double evolution—this feeling echoed deep in Steven as he watched.

In the middle of Mega Evolution’s vibrant surge, Steven’s gaze was profound, and he said with a laugh:

"Because...this is just Natsume-sensei’s style!"

Even Primal Groudon paused, eyes filled with surprise, as if wondering how far this little upstart could possibly go.

High above the waters, the Rainbow Stone was boosting the Mega Evolution’s energy.

Victini’s Infinity Energy poured once more into the light swirling around Tyranitar, sandstorm spiraling up with renewed force!

Mega Tyranitar, a monstrous sight, its armor bristling with spikes, ferocious patterns crawling across its stomach.

It still couldn’t match Primal Kyogre’s sheer physical might.

But when it came to weather domains, Mega Tyranitar—at the apex of evolution—could suppress End Land’s advantage, even if only for a heartbeat!

"BANGI!!"

The sky darkened, swirling sand roaring out from Mega Tyranitar, blanketing the waters in gloom.

Alain looked up, stunned as the sun itself seemed to fade behind the storm.

End Land’s blazing sun... was truly dimmed!

“Roar...” Primal Groudon glared, taking in Mega Tyranitar’s power.

Of course, it could easily reclaim control of the weather...

But that humiliation would never fade from memory.

Primal Groudon stamped the ground, Precipice Blades arcing toward Tyranitar amid the storm!

Within the billowing sand, a ring of light gleamed, unseen by Primal Groudon.

It was a teleport from Reverse World, breaking End Land’s restraint!

Natsume, wearing safety goggles, drew forth a Dusk Ball, and breathed out in relief.

He’d managed to seize the weather from Primal Groudon—

Victory was his... Tyranitar!

Rumble!

A sudden Precipice Blade burst forth, sunlance piercing the sandstorm, End Land’s domain expanding once more!

The next instant, every figure—Primal Groudon included—froze in place.

From what remained of the sandstorm, a luminous pulse surged through space.

A colossal Regigigas, nearly thirty meters tall, towered protectively before Natsume atop Latias’s back!!

Stunned, everyone could hardly believe what they were seeing.

Not only had Regigigas appeared out of nowhere—Natsume-sensei could actually command it?!

“Roar...(O_o)” Primal Groudon stared blankly at Regigigas, big eyes looking at the even bigger Pokémon.

What the heck—how did that guy get here?!

"Regigigas—"

Standing against Primal Groudon, Natsume commanded the titan that once dragged continents themselves, voice clear and resolute:

"Crush Grip!"

"Regigigas—"

Regigigas’s signal lights flashed in a frenzy. Suddenly, it thrust its two massive hands—locking on to the immense Precipice Blades rising skyward!

"Chikazu!!!"

With a metallic screech, those giant hands compressed and then crushed the Precipice Blades—CRACK!—snapping them in half!

The Regis’ crystals went wild with blinking.

Holy cow, boss is unstoppable!!

Steven’s expression was a tangled knot.

I thought commanding the Regis had almost exhausted me—meanwhile, Natsume-sensei just wields Regigigas?

Primal Groudon: ???

My Precipice Blades, broken by Crush Grip, just like that!!