[Pokemon] Chapter 67: Amethio vs Rayquaza

(…What now?)

The moment the black Rayquaza appeared, Jin felt a surge of excitement—but that thrill had quickly cooled, and he was now thinking calmly. His instincts as a Trainer had immediately started simulating a potential battle with Rayquaza, but no matter how he calculated it, the location was far too poor. In this vast open sea, the only footing was this small island and surrounding reefs—land-based Pokémon would be forced to fight at half their potential.

What’s worse, the Brave Olivine was also anchored nearby. If Rayquaza were to use a wide-range move like Draco Meteor again, protecting the ship without damage would be near impossible. While he still wanted to battle, ideally, resolving this peacefully would be the best course under the circumstances.

But… there was someone here who wasn’t thinking that far ahead—someone who held an intense obsession with the black Rayquaza.

“Hey—Rayquaza! I’ve been searching for you all this time! Battle me!!”

“Fueee!”

As expected, Roy and his partner Fuecoco raised their voices, calling out loudly to Rayquaza.

Well… I figured as much.)

Roy had joined the Rising Volt Tacklers with the sole goal of catching the black Rayquaza. He’d come this far, never giving up, even when misled by false information. And now, finally, he was reunited with it. Roy’s heart wasn’t yet mature enough to suppress that urge in this moment.

Roy...)

Jin, too, wished he could let Roy battle it—but no matter how he calculated it, Roy still wasn’t ready to take on Rayquaza.

Should he force Roy to give up? Or let him try, so he could realize his own limits? Jin was torn—but the dilemma ended up being meaningless. Rayquaza, seemingly lost in scanning its surroundings, didn’t even glance at Roy… or maybe it noticed him and simply chose to ignore him as unworthy.

“Could it be… the Six Heroes are calling to each other?”

“It’s possible… Maybe Rayquaza can sense where the other Six Heroes are.”

So far, wherever the black Rayquaza had appeared, Pokémon like Arboliva and Galarian Moltres had been nearby. When Jin formed his hypothesis back at the Galar Mines, it had still been uncertain. But now, with Rayquaza showing up even in this sea where Lapras resided, the connection seemed clear—Rayquaza shared a strong link with the Six Heroes and could sense their presence.

“Pago Paaago!”

“Rayquaza! We’re over here!!”

Roy… Terapagos… please, let your voices reach it…)

Watching Roy and Terapagos call out with all their hearts, Liko silently prayed their feelings would get through. As if in response to her emotions, the three ancient Poké Balls on her belt suddenly began to glow.

“…!”

Reacting to the ancient Poké Balls’ light, Rayquaza, which until now hadn’t even looked their way, suddenly turned its gaze toward the small island and let out a mighty roar.

…Doesn’t seem hostile.)

Rayquaza had clearly noticed them, but unlike before, there was no sign of aggression. At the very least, it didn’t seem intent on battle right now.

But… while everyone’s attention was focused on Rayquaza, nobody—including Jin—noticed one Trainer and their Pokémon rapidly closing in.

“…What the—?”

Suddenly, Rayquaza shifted its gaze and turned toward something behind it. Then, without hesitation, it unleashed a Dragon Pulse in that direction.

“Wh-what was that!?”

Everyone was shocked by the abrupt action—but there was no time to catch their breath. Rayquaza let out a roar filled with unmistakable hostility, unlike its earlier calm.

The ocean trembled under the force of its voice, sending waves that rocked the small island where Jin and the others stood. The first to realize what had triggered Rayquaza’s change in demeanor… was Roy—the one who had called out to it most desperately.

“That’s… Amethio!?”

Following Roy’s gaze, they all saw him—Amethio, standing atop a large reef, his Pokémon at the ready, projecting open hostility toward Rayquaza.

---

A few minutes after taking off from the submarine, the Corviknight carrying Amethio finally closed the distance—Rayquaza was now within visible range.

“Corviknight! Get in front of it!”

“Korvii!”

Following Amethio’s command, Corviknight accelerated rapidly, closing in on the black Rayquaza. Sensing the approaching bloodlust, Rayquaza shifted its gaze away from the small island where Jin and the others were and turned to face the threat.

“I finally found you! This time, I will capture you!”

Amethio’s eyes locked with Rayquaza’s. In that instant, Rayquaza recognized him as a threat and fired off a Dragon Pulse. Corviknight narrowly avoided the blast, dipped in altitude, and descended toward a reef to drop Amethio off.

“Come forth!”

Amethio pulled out three Poké Balls and threw them into the air. Out came Ceruledge, Tyranitar, and Garchomp.

“Ceruledge, Psycho Cut! Corviknight, Air Slash! Tyranitar, Stone Edge! Garchomp, Scale Shot!”

All four Pokémon launched their attacks toward Rayquaza in unison. Ceruledge’s glowing psychic blades, Corviknight’s slashing wind, Tyranitar’s jagged stones, and Garchomp’s flurry of scales closed in. Rayquaza roared with force, trying to disperse the barrage with sheer power.

Even for Rayquaza, completely nullifying a four-way simultaneous assault wasn’t easy. Some attacks landed—but they dealt only minor damage.

“Ranged attacks won’t cut it… Corviknight! Ascend with Ceruledge on your back!”

Corviknight lifted Ceruledge onto its back and shot upward. Garchomp followed close behind. Tyranitar stayed back to guard Amethio and continued firing Stone Edge to provide long-range support.

“Ceruledge, Psycho Cut! Garchomp, Scale Shot!”

Once again, the two launched coordinated attacks. This time, Rayquaza didn’t use a roar to counter—it met the onslaught with another Dragon Pulse, aiming to blast all three from the sky. But just as it fired, Ceruledge and Garchomp used their attacks to disrupt the beam enough to dodge out of harm’s way.

***

“...I see. So that’s what’s going on.”

Upon seeing Amethio, Jin quickly grasped the situation. And at the same time, he instinctively understood that this sea—this very space—was about to become a deadly battlefield.

“Tch… thanks for dragging us into this.”

Without hesitation, Jin pulled out a Poké Ball and summoned Sceptile. As the waves from Rayquaza’s Dragon Pulse surged toward the shore, Sceptile leapt in front of Roy—who was closest to the sea—and slashed through the waves with Leaf Blade.

“Roy! Don’t just stand there!”

Jin called out, but Roy didn’t respond. His attention was locked on the battle unfolding between Amethio and Rayquaza. Jin’s words didn’t even register.

“We were the ones who found it first!”

“H-Hey! Roy!”

As Roy tried to push past Sceptile to run toward Rayquaza, Friede rushed in to stop him. Roy tried to shake him off, but this time Friede was serious.

“Roy! You can’t handle it right now!”

“Let me go! That’s Rayquaza!”

Friede restrained Roy and began pulling him back toward the Brave Olivine.

“Liko! You too—fall back!”

“B-but! I have to talk to Rayquaza! Terapagos is here too!”

“…Sorry, but we’re way past the point of talking.”

“No way…”

“Jin’s right. Rayquaza’s on edge. Nothing you say will get through now.”

Meanwhile, the battle between Rayquaza and Amethio’s Pokémon raged on.

Corviknight, with Ceruledge on its back, and Garchomp circled Rayquaza, dodging Dragon Pulses while looking for an opening. Tyranitar supported from a distance, continuing to fire Stone Edge attacks. Most of the rocks were destroyed by Rayquaza’s attacks, but some still managed to chip away at it.

…They’ve gotten stronger.)

Even from this distance, Jin could tell that Amethio’s Pokémon had leveled up. But more than that, their coordination stood out. Corviknight and Garchomp kept moving to make targeting difficult, while Tyranitar supported from afar—carefully timing attacks so as not to interfere, and stepping in when the others were in danger.

Now then… how should I move?)

Whether he planned to talk or battle, Jin had clearly missed the initiative. No matter what move he made, he’d have to wait until this clash reached some kind of conclusion. With that decision made, he focused his attention on the fight between Amethio and Rayquaza.

---

Corviknight and Garchomp continued dodging Dragon Pulses by the slimmest of margins. But even with their speed, they couldn’t keep it up forever.

Not yet… Just a little longer…)

Amethio hadn’t achieved the setup he needed yet. He had to draw even more of Rayquaza’s attention.

“Taa…”

“Don’t worry. You’re doing great. Keep firing Stone Edge.”

Tyranitar had begun to feel like he wasn’t contributing, but Amethio reassured him. In truth, Tyranitar’s attacks had consistently drawn Rayquaza’s attention and caused some damage—he was playing a vital role.

“Baaaaan!”

Energized by Amethio’s words, Tyranitar roared and launched another Stone Edge. With Rayquaza focused on Corviknight and Garchomp, it left itself open just enough—the jagged rocks slammed into the back of its head.

Rayquaza let out a strained cry. It was the first real opening since the battle began—and Amethio didn’t miss it.

“Ceruledge! Phantom Force!”

Riding on Corviknight’s back, Ceruledge disappeared and reappeared above Rayquaza, striking down with a powerful blow. It didn’t do massive damage, but it was enough to force Rayquaza to lose altitude.

“Now!!”

This was the scenario Amethio had been building toward since the battle began. Responding to his command, his final Pokémon burst out from beneath the waves.

“GROOOOOAAAH!!”

Emerging from the ocean was a Gyarados—but not a regular one. It had a thicker, more aquatic body—it was in Mega Evolution form. Apparently, Amethio had already Mega Evolved it and hidden it in the sea, waiting for the perfect moment.

Ice Fang!”

Mega Gyarados’s Ice Fang sank into the now-lowered Rayquaza. The move was super effective, and even Rayquaza screamed in pain as it writhed, trying to shake Gyarados loose.

“Don’t let up! Ceruledge, Bitter Blade! Corviknight, Brave Bird! Garchomp, Dragon Rush! Tyranitar, Stone Edge!”

Rayquaza began thrashing, but Amethio’s Pokémon launched an all-out assault. Ceruledge, Corviknight, Garchomp, and Tyranitar struck from above and below. Overwhelmed by the relentless, high-powered attacks, Rayquaza crashed down into the sea.

“…We can do this.”

It was five against one—still an uphill battle. But Amethio and his Pokémon had fought with strategy and forced Rayquaza into a corner. Victory no longer seemed impossible.

“Don’t relax! Keep attacking!”

Victory was near—but Rayquaza was no ordinary opponent. It could still have tricks or hidden power waiting. Amethio stayed alert, and his Pokémon continued attacking the sea surface where Rayquaza had fallen, not giving it a chance to recover.

“Kyrryrrrrrshaaa!!”

Suddenly, Rayquaza let out a terrifying roar—completely unlike its earlier cries of pain. This one was the howl of a cornered beast about to go all out, ready to risk everything.

“!! Don’t let it! Finish it off—now!”

Something was coming. Amethio could feel it. He knew they had to end this immediately. As his Pokémon pushed themselves to the limit, Rayquaza endured, glowing with a powerful green aura—it was preparing its ultimate move.

Would Rayquaza unleash its attack first—or would Amethio’s team finish it off in time?

No one knew.

Dark Void.”

But the outcome would not be decided by either of them.

Suddenly, from above, a rain of small black spheres began to fall. Corviknight noticed them first and escaped just in time, but Ceruledge, Mega Gyarados, and Garchomp were struck—and all three immediately fell asleep.

“Wha—!?”

Amethio looked skyward to find the source—and saw it.

Hovering above them was a figure like the embodiment of death itself: Darkrai.

And standing tall on Salamence’s back, looking down upon them with unwavering eyes—was Jin.

***

Hmm… impressive.)

Seeing the Mega Gyarados rise from the sea and sink its Ice Fang into Rayquaza, Jin couldn’t help but silently offer words of praise to Amethio and his team.

Thinking back… Corviknight and Garchomp had the numbers advantage. They could’ve overwhelmed Rayquaza and forced an opening. But they didn’t. Was that to keep Rayquaza from noticing the Gyarados lurking underwater…?)

Rayquaza is a massive Pokémon. Attacking from all sides—above, below, front, and back—might not have been fatal, but it would’ve dealt some damage. However, doing so would have spread Rayquaza’s awareness in every direction. This was all to keep it from detecting the hidden Gyarados.

“…No way…”

“Rayquaza…”

Liko and Roy stared at the scene in stunned disbelief, their voices barely audible.

Right after Gyarados landed its Ice Fang, the remaining four Pokémon launched a coordinated assault, driving Rayquaza into the sea. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before Rayquaza was defeated. Under normal circumstances, they should’ve stepped in immediately…

…But I just can’t bring myself to do it.)

If Amethio had tried to take down Rayquaza through underhanded means, Jin wouldn’t have hesitated. But having decided earlier to observe, Jin now felt reluctant to interfere just as the battle neared its conclusion.

Rayquaza must have a trump card too… I’ll watch until the end.)

So Jin opted to continue watching, feigning rationality—but in truth, he was more intrigued than anything. He wanted to see how this clash would unfold: Amethio, who had become stronger than expected, versus Rayquaza, Lucius’s most powerful partner.

“Rayquazaaaaa!!”

But unlike Jin, Roy couldn’t sit still as Rayquaza took damage. He rushed forward once again.

“Roy! Stop!”

“Let go! Rayquaza’s in trouble!”

“It’s too dangerous to go there now! We need to regroup first—”

“No! Rayquaza’s right there! I have to protect it!”

Roy screamed, tears threatening to spill, as Friede held him back. Jin, who had intended to stay out of it, changed his mind after seeing Roy’s face.

…Guess I have no choice.)

To challenge a Pokémon like Rayquaza, using multiple Pokémon was the standard strategy. Jin would’ve done the same. He didn’t think Amethio was being unfair—but even so, the time to act had come.

“Roy, stay here. I’ll go to Rayquaza.”

“…Huh?”

“Jin!? You too!?”

“I know it’s dangerous. But I’m not letting Amethio take Rayquaza.”

“…I see.”

“Friede, protect the others. Don’t worry—I'll be fine.”

“…Alright. Just don’t overdo it.”

Having traveled with Jin, Friede knew his strength. If Jin said he could handle it, then Friede would believe in him.

“Jin! Let me come too!”

“No. Stay here.”

“But catching Rayquaza is my dream! That’s why I have to go!”

Jin understood Roy’s feelings. He had watched Roy endure intense training every day to achieve that very dream. As someone who had seen that journey, Jin wanted to honor Roy’s wish. But instead, he chose tough love.

“Forget it. You’d be useless right now.”

“W-What!? But I’ve been training for this—!”

“…Sorry to say, but do you really think a few months of hard training is enough to beat Rayquaza?”

Legendary Pokémon aren’t something you can just catch easily. You need blood, sweat, experience, a solid strategy—and even then, you’ll need luck. That’s what it takes to catch a legend.

“Roy… if you really want to catch Rayquaza, then learn exactly what you can and cannot do right now.”

“What I can and can’t do…”

“First, accept this truth. Right now, you can’t beat Amethio or Rayquaza. But I can save Rayquaza. If you come with me, you’ll be more of a liability than help. You’d lower the odds of saving Rayquaza. Now, can you stay here? Or can’t you? Which is it?”

With a bitter expression, Roy slowly nodded. Seeing that, Jin stepped close and placed a hand on his head.

“Leave it to me.”

With just that, Jin drew another Poké Ball. From it, Salamence appeared, and Jin swiftly climbed onto its back.

“Take me above, to Rayquaza.”

“Salaaamence!”

Following Jin’s command, Salamence took flight and soared upward. In seconds, they were above Rayquaza—but by then, the battle had intensified. Amethio’s Pokémon were now launching a coordinated assault on Rayquaza, who had fallen into the sea.

“…Yeah, this is bad.”

Amethio’s Pokémon weren’t like any regular Trainers’. Even Jin’s well-trained Pokémon would struggle to take them down in one strike.

But that was the old Jin.

Now, Jin had a Pokémon that could overcome even this situation.

“…Time for you to shine.”

He pulled out the last Poké Ball on his belt. Pressing the release, the ball opened—and beside Salamence, floating in midair, appeared a Pokémon.

“Darkrai. The truth is—

'Kiryuryuriryushiiiii!!’

? …Yeah, guess there’s no time for explanations.”

Jin had been about to fill Darkrai in on the situation, but Rayquaza suddenly let out a mighty roar from below. Its body began radiating a green aura. Sensing an imminent powerful move, Jin acted immediately.

Dark Void.”

Darkrai extended both hands, conjuring a large black sphere and raising it high. From it, dozens of smaller black orbs shot forth, targeting Amethio’s Pokémon mid-battle.

Only Corviknight, who had noticed the Dark Void just in time, managed to escape. The rest—Ceruledge, Mega Gyarados, and Garchomp—were struck and fell into a deep sleep.

“Jin!? Why are you here!?”

“That’s my line. But never mind… Sorry to interrupt your battle—but I’m stepping in.”

//END