BOOM—!
Even from kilometers away, Aiden heard the thunderous detonations as the black Rayquaza's meteor swarm slammed into Area Zero's depths.
The ground beneath his feet trembled.
Through the observation device's final glimpse, the Paradox Pokémon—moments ago preparing to exit their cave—were now scrambling back into hiding, terrorized by the assault.
After all, this was the wrath of a god. Even Paradox Pokémon, far beyond ordinary creatures, couldn't fathom resistance.
The moment Rayquaza appeared, everything clicked for Aiden:
Why Area Zero's surface was barren…
Why Larry's earlier words were cryptic…
"All this time… Rayquaza's been clearing Area Zero's threats?"
He turned to Larry, who was bracing himself against the tremors.
"Exactly."
Larry's grim nod confirmed it.
"We don't know why this black Rayquaza appeared in Paldea. All prior records tie Rayquaza to Hoenn. Even Paldea's 3,000-year royal archives never mention it."
"The League first spotted it when Profs. Sada and Turo entered Area Zero. For years, it coexisted peacefully—even helping us recapture escaping Paradox Pokémon. Researchers called it the 'Guardian Dragon'."
"But then…"
Larry hesitated—weighing whether to share what came next.
"A year ago, when the deep-site research team vanished, President Geeta rallied Elite Fours and Gym Leaders to mount a rescue."
"When we reached the Zero Gate… the area was swarming with Paradox Pokémon that shouldn't exist there."
"Even with the League's full might, we struggled to contain escapees."
"Then… the black Rayquaza intervened."
"Meteor showers blotted out the sky, sweeping Area Zero in minutes. Most rampaging Pokémon fled in terror. That's likely Meteor Shower's true power—unattainable by others."
"Thanks to Rayquaza's dominance, the Paradox Pokémon remain trapped inside."
Larry gave a wry smile, pointing at Aiden.
"Honestly, the League knows little more than you. Its only public appearance was to seek you out."
"We've confirmed it bears no ill will toward humans and actively prevents Paradox Pokémon from escaping. That's why Area Zero operations are on hold."
"What you just saw? It happens daily—dismissed by the League as 'mining activity'."
Aiden nodded, eyes fixed on the hovering black Rayquaza.
A true Legendary, Hoenn's revered "Sky Lord," capable of single-handedly banishing both Groudon and Kyogre. Among all mythicals, few surpassed its might.
Having such a guardian brought immense relief.
But…
"Why?"
The question slipped out—Aiden's lifelong confusion.
Why was Rayquaza in Paldea?
Why seek him out… and show kindness to Shelgon?
What binds it to Area Zero?
The League had no answers. Rayquaza couldn't speak.
He'd have to find the truth himself.
Aiden suspected it lay with the mythical Pokémon slumbering in Area Zero's depths.
"Don't relax yet—it's not over."
Larry's sharp warning cut through his thoughts. Aiden turned to see Larry gripping a Poké Ball, battle-ready.
"Paradox Pokémon show hive-like intelligence. After testing Rayquaza, they devised a strategy:"
"Send waves of scouts to exhaust it—denying rest."
"It just used Meteor Shower. Now's when they'll strike."
Aiden's hand drifted to his pocket, eyes scanning below.
Just as Larry said—
A crimson blur shot from the caves, scaling toward the surface at terrifying speed.
Rayquaza spotted it instantly… but didn't attack. Instead, its gaze locked onto Aiden.
A chill ran down his spine—it was watching him.
"Here it comes!" Larry growled. "Rayquaza needs rest. We handle this. If it chases one, others escape—chaos!"
"Understood."
Both Trainers hurled Poké Balls.
If it's who I think… Sylveon's perfect.
As Sylveon and Braviary materialized, a blood-red crescent ripped across the sky, trailed by silver streaks.
"Braviary—Superpower!"
In a flash, Braviary's talons clashed with the crimson streak, screeching as it deflected the ambush.
The attacker revealed itself:
Wings vast enough to eclipse the sun, edged with bloodstained serrations—as if forged in endless slaughter.
Eyes blazing with feral malice, its body bristled with primal weaponry.
An ancient horror had breached time itself.
Its name—
The Paradox Pokémon: Roaring Moon!
"Careful—it's strong!" Larry warned.
Even the ever-weary man tensed, every sense on high alert.
"These things won't hesitate to kill humans. End it fast!"
Their brutality was worse than their power.
Roaring Moon—territorial, instinct-driven, devoid of modern restraint—saw only prey.
Had Braviary not forced it back, a close-range strike would've been catastrophic.
But Superpower weakened Braviary. Larry knew this—he sent out Flamigo, a brawler over a flier.
No honor in fighting savages. Overwhelm it.
Aiden followed suit… but held his second Poké Ball back.
"Sylveon—you handle it."
"SYLVEON?!"
Sylveon—trying to vanish into the scenery—let out a whimper.
Me? Fight that monster?!
It'd seen Roaring Moon's blinding speed. A single hit could cripple her!
TERRIFYING!
Roaring Moon sneered down, amused.
Scared by one attack?
This prey's weaker than expected.
And strangely—the "monster" (Rayquaza) wasn't attacking.
Two-on-one? Easy victory.
It banked sharply toward Larry.
These Pokémon obey the frail human. Eliminate him first!
"Braviary—Air Slash!"
"Flamigo—predict its path, Low Kick!"
Larry's commands cut through the chaos.
Roaring Moon surged forward, crimson wings slicing air—
Air Slash deflected harmlessly off its spinning wings.
Flamigo, balanced on one leg, lashed out—
—but Roaring Moon twisted mid-air, dodging the kick.
Tougher than expected…
Larry's brow furrowed, finger hovering over his Poké Ball.
Good thing it's not targeting Aiden—
"Now—Sylveon! Blood Moon!"
Aiden seized the opening.
Roaring Moon ignored Sylveon—was she too "weak"-looking? Or did it not recognize modern Pokémon?
No matter. Perfect for a sneak attack.
"SYYYL!!!"
Trembling but resolute, Sylveon channeled Fairy energy.
Roaring Moon's spine prickled. It froze mid-lunge, wings faltering.
POP!
"Altaria use Play Rough!"
Larry's backup strike launched but Roaring Moon's sudden hesitation made Altaria overshoot.
Irrelevant.
Roaring Moon was now drowned in suffocating Fairy energy. Its vision flooded pink.
Danger! It whipped toward Sylveon—eyes shut in prayer.
That timid runt's a natural enemy of dragons!
And it had hidden its power so well!
But by the time it realized this, it was too late.
Silvery moonlight crashed down.
Roaring Moon howled, crashing to earth. It convulsed, wings too heavy to lift, until—
Stillness.
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