The medieval fortress couldn't handle Mega Garchomp and Zekrom taking turns demolishing it. Stone that had stood for centuries crumbled like sand.
John had already mounted his Salamence, circling overhead at a safe distance.
Ghetsis scrambled onto his own ride, some flying monstrosity called Hydreigon, barely escaping the collapse.
Where the hell was all that rage coming from?
BOOM!
Another explosion.
Mega Garchomp burst through the settling dust, completely unscathed. Its right claw gripped a massive rock blade, glowing red with magma. The volcanic light cast shadows across its predatory face as it slashed directly at Zekrom's extended claws.
The impact launched Zekrom backward again, smashing through every remaining fortress wall before crashing into the mountain ravine outside. It slammed into the cliff face, creating an avalanche of debris before finally stopping.
"Useless!" Ghetsis couldn't help the curse that escaped.
He raised his staff high, the one bearing Team Plasma's emblem, pointing skyward.
"Release the binding!"
ROOOAAAR!!!
The surrounding mountains trembled in response.
RUMBLE-RUMBLE!
The sky darkened instantly. Black clouds rolled overhead, thunder churning within them.
When Zekrom emerged from the rubble, its aura had intensified dramatically.
Apparently Zekrom wore the same kind of restraint collar as Reshiram.
Released from its binding, Zekrom immediately locked onto Mega Garchomp. Electricity danced across its body. Then it moved—
A thick black lightning bolt streaked across the battlefield.
A heartbeat later, the thunder came.
CRASH!
Another hole punched through castle walls. The lightning bolt connected with a mountain beyond, kicking up a dust cloud that blotted out vision.
John stroked his chin thoughtfully. Expecting Mega Garchomp to match a Legendary Pokemon like Zekrom on raw power alone was asking too much.
So then...
Through the dust cloud, Mega Garchomp leaped free.
"Garchomp" It issued a taunting challenge.
Zekrom's eyes blazed with savage light. It prepared to attack again—
That's when John pulled something from his chest pocket. A crimson orb that seemed to pulse with inner heat.
He tossed it toward Garchomp.
"Catch!"
The Crimson Orb, a special gem containing Groudon's power, granted tremendous strength to whoever wielded it.
A deep resonance echoed across the battlefield.
In the mountain crater, Mega Garchomp and Zekrom clashed head-on, scythe-blade against dragon claw. This time, Garchomp didn't give an inch.
Their power had equalized.
Now it was a contest of pure strength.
"Not bad. Finally evened the playing field," John commented.
Garchomp was still an ordinary Pokemon at its core. The gap between it and a Legendary like Zekrom remained significant.
Even as Dragon King, the difference persisted.
But add in the Crimson Orb's power boost, plus the Sheer Force ability amplification—
Finally, Garchomp matched Zekrom's physical might.
Now the fight could really begin.
Though John thought their power was equal, Mega Garchomp felt its strength actually exceeded Zekrom's.
"GAR!"
Force exploded from Mega Garchomp's twin scythe-arms, launching the struggling Zekrom backward.
It swung again.
"Sheer Force enhanced Precipice Blades!!"
Three techniques, two power-multiplying mechanics, two types of energy combined, all channeled into a single forward slash.
Zekrom swung its claws in response. "Outrage!"
CRASH!
The rock blade collided with Zekrom's Dragon Claw. In that instant, overwhelming force sent the Electric Dragon flying before the Precipice Blades' secondary explosive damage could even trigger.
Zekrom hit the ground, eyes burning with defiance.
Electricity erupted across its entire body. It activated Wild Charge.
One hit wouldn't end this. Zekrom transformed into a streak of lightning once more.
This time, it chose speed over raw power, constantly flickering around Mega Garchomp, attacking from every angle.
Through the ruined mountain crater, Zekrom became pure electricity, hammering at Garchomp from impossible directions.
John didn't issue commands. Through the Mega Evolution bond, he could feel exactly what Garchomp was thinking.
So you like playing tag with speed? Fine. Your funeral.