Chapter 0837: Leon vs. Eternatus(Two-in-One)

Hammerlocke, Arena, Contestant Lounge.

The room was dim—lights off. A purple-haired man sat on a long bench, hands resting on his knees.

His expression was steely, TV fluorescence casting pale shadows across his bronzed face, while the distorted commentary echoed through the quiet.

“Raihan uses Dynamax! Gigantamax Duraludon takes the field!”

“Natsume sends out the Nightmare Pokémon—Darkrai!”

Leon stared at that Darkrai, lowering his head, cap brim pulled low, knuckles clenching and unclenching.

Could I beat that Darkrai…?

He looked up, golden eyes shining, smacked his stubbled cheeks with both palms, and stood to leave for the arena.

“Keep it together, Champion.”

Leon’s eyes were determined:

“You’ve still got a battle of your own.”

His cape—plastered with sponsor logos—flapped in the wind as he disappeared down the dark corridor.

Outside Hammerlocke, in the pitch-black Wild Area, Sonia was feverishly trying to make a phone call in a little pink car.

No one answered—Sonia, frustrated, tossed her phone onto the passenger seat, the screen flashing: “Leon: no response.”

“Seriously, of all times for the car to stall!” Sonia thumped the wheel. “And who knows where Leon’s gone and gotten lost!”

“Yamper…” Her Yamper whimpered from the back seat.

According to Professor Magnolia’s intel, the Galar region’s Dynamax energy readings were spiking, set to peak tonight.

With a frustrated huff, Sonia slipped out of the car, clutching Yamper as she gazed anxiously into the darkness of the Wild Area.

The night sky was roiling—a black vortex of clouds, red lightning flashing deep within. The moon and stars were consumed.

It all looked eerily like Galar’s legendary “Darkest Day.”

Three thousand years ago, Eternatus appeared in just such a vortex, causing Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena to spiral out of control. Berserk Pokémon laid waste to Galar—almost ending everything. In Galar’s hour of need, the Sword and Shield Heroes joined forces and brought Eternatus down.

Now, three millennia later, Eternatus had returned. Not only were abnormal Gigantamax Pokémon popping up everywhere in Galar, tonight the meteorite—and Eternatus—would reach Hammerlocke!

“Chairman Rose must have sent Leon alone to handle this…”

Sonia whispered, a bitter smile on her lips: “No wonder the Wyndon match wasn’t canceled. Everything in Galar seems so normal.”

What does “Champion” really mean?

Sonia didn’t truly know. Maybe, for Leon, “Champion” just meant being the one shouldering everyone’s burdens.

With Leon there, no one else worried.

Galar—the region, and Chairman Rose himself—held almost fanatical faith in Leon.

“If even the Champion can’t fix it, Galar’s finished.” You’d hear that all the time.

And so Leon never asked for help. It was like he was “The Strongest Champion” before he was even himself.

Sonia remembered how, as a boy, Leon used to break out that beaming smile whenever he won a battle.

Somewhere along the way, that radiant grin turned into the reassuring, trademark smile of a Champion.

But was it ever truly for himself? How many times had he wanted to lose, only to end up winning anyway…

Sonia hugged Yamper, gazing up at the black vortex, mind flickering with her latest research finds.

Leon, you don’t have to force yourself anymore… I’ll be the one to win this battle for you!

Down in the Wild Area, Sonia’s car belched black smoke as she pleaded—

“Come on, please, just start!” Sonia first pressed her hands together in prayer, then smacked the dashboard in frustration. “Start, already!”

VRRRRM!

The engine roared to life, and Sonia’s eyes brightened as she looked sidelong at Yamper: “See? Success!”

“Yam~” Yamper wagged his tongue. Don’t ask me, I just work here.

“Alright, let’s go—Slumbering Weald, and find the heroes for help!”

Sonia put the pedal to the metal, her car careening across the Wild Area.

“Let’s goooo!!”

……

Hammerlocke, Train Station.

A police officer stood on the platform, Poké Ball in hand, about to recall his Centiskorch.

Passengers watched the sky in curiosity—

“What’s that black whirlpool? Some kind of atmospheric phenomenon?”

“I dunno, maybe a powerful Pokémon’s behind it?”

“If it’s this close, aren’t we in trouble?”

The officer just laughed: “We’ve got Champion Leon in Galar—no wild Pokémon’s getting through on our watch!”

Everyone nodded in relief.

Suddenly, a flash of red streaked from the vortex—a streak crashed into the Centiskorch on the platform.

Startled, the officer pressed the Poké Ball—only to find the red beam wouldn’t recall Centiskorch. His eyes widened in alarm.

Bathed in crimson light, Centiskorch swelled, crushing the signals and wires on the platform. Shrill with rage, it roared as golden fire erupted from its sides!

For a moment the passengers were stunned—then their eyes shrank to pinpricks as a ten-meter-tall Gigantamax Centiskorch loomed over the tracks, spewing fire and thick, black smoke.

A Charizard swooped in from the night, a purple-haired man on its back.

Leon scowled: “Another rampaging Gigantamax Pokémon, huh…”

“Alright, Charizard!” Leon gripped his neck. “Use Air Slash!”

“Charizard!!” Charizard whipped its wings, conjuring two sharp blades of wind that slammed into the Gigantamax Centiskorch’s belly.

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

A chain of explosions rocked the platform as Leon and Charizard soared over the passengers’ heads, flying for Hammerlocke Arena’s rooftop.

Leon’s golden eyes flared.

I have to reach the high ground—take down the real source of all this!

Gigantamax Centiskorch crashed unconscious, shrinking back to normal size.

The officer approached, trembling, and took off his cap, staring up at the man in the sky.

Leon turned, flashing that signature reassuring smile and shouted:

“Don’t worry—I’ll handle this, just leave it to me!”

People saluted, the crowd letting out a collective sigh of relief and waving up at him.

“He should’ve shown up sooner—my hair’s a mess now!” one red-suited man with a shield-shaped haircut muttered.

“Shielbert, show some respect to the Champion,” said a blue-suited man with a sword-shaped haircut, flatly.

“We came here to honor our ancestors’ legacy… We could end up working with the Champion yet.”

“When we defeat the Darkest Day, who the Champion is might be up in the air!” Shielbert laughed.

“We’ve waited ages for this—we even recovered our ancestors’ relics.”

Ancestor? That wasn’t important—it was about seizing those treasures.

Sordward’s gaze was steady as he checked the backpack.

The zipper wasn’t fully closed, revealing a wooden sword hilt.

Appears luck was on their side; they couldn’t take it from the altar themselves, but a sly trick had gotten it out.

But… could this dim old wooden sword really defeat a legendary Pokémon?

Sordward shook his head, looking up toward Hammerlocke’s highest tower.

“Let’s use our ancestors’ strength to crush the Darkest Day!”

……

Hammerlocke Airport.

Ash strode out, Pikachu on his shoulder, scanning the horizon.

He whipped out his Rotom Phone and video-called Professor Kukui.

“Professor! I’ve landed in Galar!”

“Really, now? How was it, seeing Natsume-sensei vs. Raihan live?” Kukui smiled, arms folded.

“There was… a little hiccup,” Ash scratched his cheek, sweatdropping. “My flight got delayed by the weather. I only just arrived in Hammerlocke—still gotta catch a connection to Wyndon.”

“Ah, rough luck,” Kukui chuckled, scratching his head. “Their match is about done—you’ll have to catch the replay.”

“Wha—!?”

“No worries, hah! By the way, how’s the Rotom Phone treating you?”

Ash’s phone chimed in, bursting with energy:

“Beep… totally satisfied, Rotom!”

Kukui stroked his chin. “I figured you might need some adjustment jumping from Pokédex to phone forms… But it sounds like you’re already set.”

“I’d recommend you spend tonight in Hammerlocke. Reach out to Natsume-sensei tomorrow—maybe he can show you around Galar.”

“And remember to get back soon—Alola League’s starting up!”

“Got it, Professor!” Ash grinned.

“Alright, Alola~”

Once the call was over, Ash looked around and muttered, “Better find a Pokémon Center first…”

BOOOM!

A massive explosion blazed up from the city.

Ash’s eyes widened as he saw a giant Pokémon in the distance. He quickly pulled out his Rotom Phone: “What’s that…?”

“Beep… That’s Gigantamax Centiskorch; its released heat radiation scrambles air currents, Rotom!”

“So that’s Gigantamax, huh. But why’s one here…?”

He looked up again—sharp eyes catching a Charizard soaring in the night.

Leon riding on Charizard’s back, face grim, heading straight for Hammerlocke’s tallest tower!

“Leon, the Champion!”

Ash’s eyes lit up. If he met up with Leon… maybe he could challenge him right then and there!

“For flying, you’re my go-to…!”

Ash pulled a Poké Ball: “Your turn, Noivern!”

Swoosh!

“Think you can keep up, Noivern?” Ash said, mounting up. “Just follow him!”

Noivern nodded, massive wings slicing into the sky as they trailed after Leon’s Charizard.

Above, the Darkest Day’s black vortex devoured the sky.

A searing red streak split the heavens—a small meteorite fell towards Hammerlocke Arena’s rooftop!

……

Galar Region, Slumbering Weald.

Hammerlocke was a two-hour drive away at best.

But with Sonia burning rubber, dodging tickets, she made it in just one.

“According to the inscriptions Natsume-sensei deciphered…”

Sonia trekked deeper into the Weald, muttering, “The two heroes must live in the heart of Slumbering Weald…”

Careful not to disturb any sleeping Pokémon, Sonia pushed on with her flashlight.

Even with landmarks, she lost herself in the mist—until Yamper leapt from her arms and shot off into the fog.

“Wait for me!” Sonia called, plunging in after.

Suddenly, the mist parted—and she found herself facing a glowing, beautiful altar.

“So… this is the true purpose of the Slumbering Weald.”

Ancient texts said the relics of the Sword and Shield heroes were kept here.

But after searching and searching, Sonia found nothing, slumping in defeat.

So in the end… Leon would have to fight alone again…

“Yip!” Yamper barked suddenly.

“What is it?” Sonia turned to see the fog closing in, instinctively squeezing her eyes shut.

A mysterious, majestic howl rang out; Sonia opened her eyes.

Before her stood two Pokémon, one red, one blue, unlike any she’d ever seen.

The blue one—long mane trailing, body scarred, with a thick braid at its ear.

The other—a red mane, a curled tuft on its head, a scarred face.

Suddenly Sonia realized—

“You’re… the legendary heroes?”

‘That was a title given to us by humans.’ Zacian’s voice was cool and androgynous.

Zamazenta’s rang deep as a bell: ‘We only did what needed to be done.’

Sonia felt she was close to the truth of the legends, swallowing nervously.

It wasn’t human heroes, or the royalty, who saved Galar—it was these two legendary Pokémon!

“I know this is forward… but with the Darkest Day upon us again, Galar alone can’t stand its ground. I have to ask, please—!”

‘We are no longer the heroes.’ Zacian cut her off.

“Eh?” Sonia froze.

Zamazenta looked to the altar: ‘Humans lied and stole what we guarded. That’s as much our fault as theirs.’

‘Since the sword and shield now belong to humans, it’s only right that they defeat the Darkest Day themselves.’ Zacian turned away coolly. ‘Please leave, miss.’

“But only you two can actually wield the sword and shield!” Sonia pleaded. “I’m a scholar of Galar mythology. My studies say only when the legendary heroes reunite with the sword and shield can they truly unleash their power and evolve into new forms!”

Zacian and Zamazenta stopped, exchanged a glance, eyes flickering.

True—relieved of their seals, united with the sword and shield, they’d awaken new powers and save Galar.

But perhaps… they were no longer heroes for this era.

New champions would step up to save Galar, banish the Darkest Day, bring back the light.

Zacian and Zamazenta both pictured an old, familiar figure—then shook their heads.

Even without the sword and shield, they retained a just, noble heart; they were legendary for a reason.

Which is why Sonia’s plea struck a chord.

As the two legendary Pokémon were lost in thought—

Sonia gasped softly, staring skyward.

A meteorite, burning bright red, plunged from the heavens.

“That’s… over Hammerlocke!”

“Roooar!!”

Zacian and Zamazenta braced, sensing a dire, ancient foe. Without hesitation, they howled—one red, one blue streak rocketing toward the falling meteorite.

Hammerlocke, Arena rooftop.

The city’s highest point—overlooking all of Hammerlocke.

A dark red streak flashed through the skies, swelling into a burning meteorite. Clinging to its surface was a grotesque, jointed, bone-hued Pokémon.

Eternatus’s skeletal claws clamped into the meteorite, its featureless white eyes staring down at Hammerlocke without emotion.

The meteorite raked the tower, shearing one half of the lookout clear off, the rest barely standing.

Below, Hammerlocke Stadium took the brunt—exploding in a towering inferno.

From the flames, Eternatus’ claws stabbed deep into the remaining spire as it climbed to the roof’s highest point.

But when Eternatus reached the top, it found an uninvited guest.

“There you are…”

The purple-haired man tossed aside his cap, a wild grin revealing determined gold eyes.

Leon whipped off his cape, revealing black sportswear and muscular arms. He slapped his cheeks and stared dead-on at the monstrous Eternatus.

“I choose you! Charizard!!”

“Charizard!!!”

Charizard snapped its wings open—no Gigantamax buff, no Mega Evolution—a pure, stubborn fighter as it rocketed upward, unleashing Fire Blast with a hero’s roar!