Chapter 0659: Darkrai - Gimme That!(Two-in-One)

Under a clear baby-blue sky,

Natsume rode atop Reshiram's back as they pierced through layers of clouds. His face paled slightly.

"That's high enough! No need to go higher!"

"We haven't even reached the stratosphere yet," Reshiram replied, exasperated.

Though protected by a transparent Light Screen, the sheer visibility of the swirling clouds and endless sea of white beneath them made it worse.

Peering down at the miniature buildings below, Natsume hugged Reshiram's neck tightly, sighing in relief. "Much better."

This reminds me of clinging to Moe-Moe when riding Garchomp.

Come to think of it, Giratina's platinum helmet at least had ridges to grip.

If I don't pull Reshiram's twin-tail feathers, hugging its neck is my only option—like riding a Tropius.

"Victini~!" Though capable of flight, Victini mimicked Natsume, wrapping its tiny arms around Reshiram.

Watching the falling snowflakes, Victini's eyes sparkled with childlike wonder.

This was its first time leaving the castle in centuries—its first real glimpse of the world beyond.

Noticing Natsume-sensei's queasy expression, Victini floated over and happily latched onto his head.

"Victini~!"

"Stop pulling my hair! I'll go bald—wait, no, I'll FALL—!"

Reshiram observed its "hero's" fear of heights, hesitating before speaking. Then its expression sharpened.

Below, heavy snow blanketed the mountains as a draconic roar echoed from the depths.

"That direction." Natsume steadied himself, gaze fixed ahead.

Reshiram nodded, wings beating powerfully as it carried Natsume through the blizzard toward Lacunosa Town.

……

Lacunosa Town, Giant Chasm

Colress pressed the fusion device's button, spreading his arms as his glasses reflected manic excitement.

"Now, Kyurem! Let the world witness science's miracle!"

BOOM!

Kyurem's powerful claws dug into the earth as it raised its fierce jaw, eyes gleaming ominously.

Suddenly, its icy wings folded inward, the glacial spikes at their tips firing crimson beams straight at Zekrom!

"Zekrom!!"

Zekrom's mechanical black wings snapped shut before flaring open, lightning radiating outward to intercept the attack.

CRASH!!

Kyurem's beams tore through Zekrom's Teravolt barrier, striking true!

"Zekrom!" N shouted in alarm.

A dark red glow slowly consumed the enraged Zekrom, crystallizing it into a shadowy orb.

Kyurem's gaze remained frigid as genetic chains extruded from its wing spikes, latching onto the Dark Stone and dragging it closer.

The stone hovered above Kyurem, pulsing with eerie light before merging into its body!

Evolutionary energy erupted. N's pupils shrank.

"Kyurem... fusing with Zekrom?! It's like a mathematical equation!"

"Allow me to present Invention #1198—a replica of the DNA Splicers," Colress said, adjusting his glasses with a smirk. "My masterpiece."

Ghetsis stared upward, his red monocle reflecting the newly formed Black Kyurem as it roared.

The abyssal dragon stood bipedal, one arm black, the other blue. Its tail now housed a dark engine, while obsidian plating armored its torso, back, and face. The once-glacial tail had morphed into a three-clawed clamp, locking the engine in place.

Ghetsis trembled with exhilaration, whirling toward N.

"With this power, I won't need a monster like you to rule Unova!"

"Kyurem—!!"

Black Kyurem activated Overclocking Drive Mode.

Blue electricity surged through its engine, energy channeling into its wings and arms via tubular conduits. Its maw exhaled freezing mist as it glared at N.

The sheer pressure manifested as an icy gale.

N's green hair fluttered beneath his cap as he calmly spread his arms.

"Zekrom... I hear you. You can still separate. It's not too late—"

Ghetsis gnashed his teeth.

That cursed ability to commune with Pokémon—this is exactly what I feared!

To his shock, Black Kyurem hesitated, its eyes flickering with conflict.

Colress sighed. "Futile. Even I can't fully control Overdrive's output."

He pushed up his glasses, sharp gaze locking onto N.

"But a few minutes? More than enough."

"Rend him apart, Kyurem!"

Ghetsis raised his staff—embedded with Colress's control chip.

"Kyurem!!"

A sphere of blue lightning coalesced before Black Kyurem's chest, its radiance threatening to engulf N entirely.

"Pokémon are not human tools."

N lifted his gaze, standing resolute amidst the crackling electricity.

"They meet us, help us... and together, we forge new bonds—"

He stepped forward, conviction burning in his eyes.

"Pokémon are our companions."

Ghetsis's face twisted between rage and pallor.

With a furious roar, he thrust his staff forward.

"Silence, you monster!!"

The lightning erupted.

N remained calm, facing the onslaught—accepting his fate.

Even in defeat... I fought. That is my proof.

KABOOOM!!!

Azure flames clashed against the thunderstorm, the explosion hurling debris outward!

Ghetsis shielded himself with his cape, then stiffened at the cavern entrance.

His cap tumbled away in the blast.

N turned slowly, eyes widening in disbelief.

"...Reshiram?"

Backlit by the cavern's mouth, a figure astride the white dragon was silhouetted in darkness—only the sharp curve of a smirk visible.

Reshiram's flowing mane billowed as its azure eyes surveyed the stunned crowd.

The black-haired young man dismounted, picking up the fallen cap and dusting it off.

Sunlight cast his chiseled features in shadow as he spoke—having heard Ghetsis's venom, having sensed N's turmoil.

"One's origins don't determine their end."

Natsume's obsidian eyes held fathomless warmth.

"What defines you is how you live."

He offered the cap to N with a smile.

"Sorry for the delay."

N's breath caught, light returning to his dulled eyes.

"...Natsume-sensei."

Ghetsis's veins bulged as he glared at this meddlesome trainer.

Colress adjusted his glasses with a trembling hand, his smirk laced with reluctant respect.

I should've known.

The one who earned Reshiram's allegiance—Unova's Hero of Truth!

His gaze sharpened.

But this is also my chance for redemption.

Black Kyurem loomed before them, its oppressive aura clashing with Reshiram's presence.

From the elongated shadow behind Natsume, Darkrai emerged with a disgruntled expression, eyeing Black Kyurem suspiciously from left to right.

Name is this thing?

An actual fusion of two Legendary Pokémon?!

Well I'll be damned... Working with Natsume sure keeps things interesting!

The prospect of an imminent tough battle made Darkrai feel increasingly cheated.

That bodyguard gig was clearly a mistake...

Whatever!

Darkrai's eyes narrowed as it stared down Black Kyurem.

I'm definitely demanding a raise after this!

Meanwhile, N was still contemplating Natsumes earlier words.

They reminded him of Mewtwo's famous declaration during their confrontation. Just as Mewtwo sought meaning for its existence, N questioned whether he was human or Pokémon.

Remembering his brief encounter with Meowth, N lifted his gaze with renewed determination.

"If we keep searching - for ideals, for bonds, for meaning - we'll eventually find the answers!"

To think Colress actually created a fusion device without the DNA Splicers...

"The power of science truly is remarkable..." Natsume murmured.

BOOM!!

Colress's fusion device suddenly sparked before exploding in his hand!

"Reached its limit already..."

He calmly observed the smoking component he'd dropped, then his scorched hand, before adjusting his glasses impassively.

"No matter. The objective is achieved."

Now it was Black Kyurem's time to shine!

Ghetsis raised his staff and commanded sharply:

"Black Kyurem! Fusion Bolt!"

Black Kyurem roared ferociously as blue electricity surged from its tail engine through tubular connectors, entering Overclocking Drive Mode!

A sphere of blue lightning gradually formed, illuminating the entire cavern like daylight!

Reshiram's eyes showed a trace of apprehension as it flew in front of Natsume.

"Stay behind me, human."

That is no longer the Zekrom I knew...

To restore truth's proper course, I must deliver judgment with Blue Flare!

Natsume frowned slightly.

Reshiram alone stood no chance against Black Kyurem, the fusion of Kyurem and Zekrom.

But while you have fusion, I've got unlimited cheat codes!

"Victini, lend your power!" Natsume called.

Victini possessed the ability to transfer energy to other Pokémon - called 'Infinity Energy' - represented by its signature move V-create.

As a Fire-type Legendary, Reshiram could convert flames into energy through its tail engine. Victini's flames would serve as perfect booster fuel!

With Victini's support, Reshiram could hold its own against Black Kyurem!

"Victini~!"

The V-shaped mark on Victini's forehead glowed red-hot, pouring endless energy into Reshiram.

"Reshiram!!"

Reshiram's massive wings stirred scorching winds as its tail engine ignited with orange-yellow light, sparkling with embers!

Natsume commanded:

"Reshiram, Blue Flare!"

"Reshiram!!"

Reshiram spread its wings wide as intense flames erupted from its engine-like tail, unleashing a torrent of fire from its maw!

Fire and lightning illuminated the cavern as they collided again, causing massive boulders to fall from the ceiling, threatening total collapse!

"Reshiram! Lure Black Kyurem outside!" Natsume shouted.

"Reshiram!"

Reshiram maneuvered through the cramped space, blasting flames to provoke Black Kyurem into chasing it outside.

"Kyurem!" Black Kyurem bellowed angrily, levitating up and swinging its mismatched arms at Reshiram.

BOOM!!

The cavern couldn't withstand the Legendaries' battle, walls cracking everywhere.

Seeing Reshiram fly out, Ghetsis' eyes flashed coldly.

Black Kyurem would soon regain consciousness, but there was still enough control left to accomplish much.

"Black Kyurem!" Ghetsis pointed his staff at Natsume and roared, "Eliminate him!"

Natsume's eyebrow arched.

Attacking the Trainer directly, old man?

Perfect.

"Kyurem!!" Black Kyurem gathered crackling electricity before unleashing a devastating Fusion Bolt at the unsuspecting Natsume!

N gasped, "Natsume-sensei!"

Ghetsis grinned viciously.

Colress glanced back at Ghetsis, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.

Yet from the shadows before Natsume rose Darkrai, its azure gaze calmly tracking the incoming attack.

"Darkrai," Natsume commanded, "Dark Void!"

Darkrai's claws tore open swirling black holes that swallowed the brilliant lightning whole, a smirk playing across its features.

Mine now!

(Giratina: ???)

Simultaneously, the chip in Ghetsis' staff flickered and failed.

With a final roar, Black Kyurem took off after Reshiram, their battle continuing in the skies beyond the cavern.

The dim cavern now held only a pale Ghetsis, a facepalming Colress...

And an amused Natsume standing beside a stunned N.

"We need to help Reshiram!" N urged urgently.

"No rush."

Natsume spun a minimized Poké Ball on his finger, smiling.

"First we handle the Trainers. Then Black Kyurem."

N blinked before turning to the uneasy duo.

Even Colress' chip had barely controlled Kyurem—Black Kyurem was beyond manipulation.

Now with the fused beast lured outside...

Only Ghetsis and Colress remained, exchanging nervous glances.

"OMG," Colress sighed.

Behind him, Gengar materialized with a fanged grin before driving a merciless fist into Colress' back!

Ghetsis found his ankles ensnared by shadows, cold sweat dripping as escape became impossible.

"Now, Natsume-sensei," Ghetsis forced a strained smile,

"Surely a Champion wouldn't violate standard battle etiquette? Or stain his honorable hands?"

Natsume raised one finger:

"First, I'm using 9th Indigo Plateau Conference rules."

Ghetsis' smile froze as he glanced questioningly at Colress.

What's that?

"No-holds-barred mode," Colress explained bitterly. "Direct Trainer combat. Champion Red won that year."

Natsume raised a second finger: "Second, I'm not actually a Champion."

Ghetsis: ?!

You'd lie about that just to fight dirty?!

Reshiram, is this truly your Hero of Truth?!

"Gengar," Natsume snapped his fingers. "Shadow Punch!"

"Gengar! ┑(￣Д ￣)┍"

The shadow-wrapped fist connected squarely with Ghetsis' stomach.

The would-be ruler's eyes bulged as he crumpled, his red monocle shattering with a CRACK!

The precisely calibrated blow left him unconscious but unharmed.

Colress' composure cracked. "As a Pokémon Professor, I qualify for sentencing reductions..."

Given his Alolan activities and prior arrest, leniency was likely.

"A hero of justice like yourself values due process. Until proper warrants—"

His plea died as Natsume produced a black, gold-embossed badge.

"International Police, Countermeasures Division consultant," Natsume stated clearly. "Professor Colress, you're under arrest for multiple felonies. You'll be transferred to Castelia City HQ."

"Gengar~"

Gengar's frigid tongue creepily licked sweat from Colress' face.

"In short,"

Natsume pocketed the badge, staring down the paralyzed scientist.

"You're busted."