Although Ash has had some insights on Legendary Pokémon from the chat group, he hasn't yet learned about the regional forms. Perhaps it's because the group members feel it's not something Ash should be concerned with at the moment.
Lorelei, despite her extensive knowledge, also found herself in a blind spot regarding the regional forms of Legendary Pokémon. After all, these pertain to the remote Galar Region.
Ordinarily, aside from people from the Galar Region, very few would know of such things, right?
Cynthia knows about it not only because she's the Sinnoh Champion but also an archaeologist. Even many professors in the league might not possess her understanding of Legendary Pokémon.
"Galar regional forms of the Three Divine Birds? Can Legendary Beasts also have regional forms? Did Team Galactic bring these two Divine Birds from the Galar Region?" Lorelei's face showed slight confusion. Why would Team Galactic go through so much trouble to bring two Divine Birds from the Galar Region?
Judging by their aura, these two Divine Birds have exceeded the Champion Peak level and likely reached Divine Domain Grade. How did Team Galactic manage to capture Pokémon of such a level?
"As expected of the Sinnoh Champion, indeed very knowledgeable. Yes, these two are indeed the Galar regional forms of the Three Divine Birds, but they weren't brought by us from Galar. Instead, they are the result of us transforming the Three Divine Birds here in the Orange Archipelago!"
Ash and the others: !!!
Pluton's words left Ash and the others, including Cynthia, visibly shocked. They hadn't expected these to be their native Three Divine Birds!
"What have you done to those Three Divine Birds!!" Ash stepped forward, shouting at Pluton with an angry face.
Just earlier, he had quietly released the Power of Viridian to try and make contact with the two Divine Birds—not expecting to be repelled by a violent force. Yet in that brief moment, Ash could feel that both Divine Birds were undergoing unbearable pain!
Obviously, this form, forcibly changed by Pluton, is not beneficial for the Three Divine Birds. Otherwise, they wouldn't show such deep-seated pain.
Although on the surface, Moltres and Zapdos only showed malicious faces towards them without appearing in pain, the emotions sensed by the Power of Viridian couldn't be false, meaning... even the surface emotions of these two Divine Birds were under Pluton's control. They couldn't even express their pain!
This guy... truly damned!
This was the first time Ash had shown such an angry expression and emotion since his debut.
Pluton nonchalantly said, "It was merely a simple conversion experiment. I extracted the data of the Three Divine Birds from the Galar Region and injected it into these two creatures. As a result, the power of the Galar Region easily invaded their bodies."
"Perhaps this form is their original one? Otherwise, why would the conversion be so easy? After conversion, using the prepared power controllers traps them, easily giving Team Galactic two Divine Domain-level henchmen."
"The so-called Divine Domain, sounding lofty and unreachable, is actually no different than regular Pokémon. Find their weak spot, and you can easily control them. These so-called gods are just nonsense."
Pluton's words dripped with disdain for the Divine Domain level and pride in his research results.
No matter how he belittled the Divine Domain level existence, the strength held by the Divine Domain level is real. His ability to use technology to control the Divine Domain is enough to demonstrate how great his invention is.
It's also Pluton's pride, driven by not only the Team Galactic leader's ideals but also his research inventions.
Mankind feels awe towards deities, but in his hands, deities are mere toys and tools to be manipulated. In this regard, he has far surpassed the human level; yes, Pluton's wisdom has transcended the boundaries of humanity!
"Alright, enough idle talk. Although God's Domain is something I can easily manipulate, it is an insurmountable mountain for you. Even if you rescue Cynthia, it would be in vain. Feel the despair brought by the Divine Domain." As Pluton finished speaking, he waved his hand, and the Twin Divine Birds screeched sharply, darting towards Ash and company like arrows from a bow!
"Ash, have Mewtwo get us out of here first!" Lorelei said coldly, and the moment her voice fell, their figures vanished from where they stood.
...
On Asia Island—
Around Asia Island, despite the raging storm, those tempests didn't affect the island. Asia Island seemed untouched by rain, as if blessed by the Sea God.
Ash and the others appeared at the island's edge, and Mewtwo emerged from the Pokeball, levitating beside Ash.
'A fierce battle is likely to ensue later. If you can go far, please do. Just leave Ash and me here.' Mewtwo's voice echoed in everyone's minds.
Divine Domain-level battles are only qualified to be intervened by Divine Domain level individuals. Even the Champion Peak level would gain nothing from meddling.
Cynthia and the others pondered momentarily, then nodded, "Then we leave this to you, Ash, Mewtwo. We'll go look for the last Divine Bird, Articuno, and see if we can trace the Sea God. Before we return...hold on!"
"Hold on? Hey, Miss Cynthia, do you think Mewtwo and I will lose? Although fighting two Divine Domain levels is a bit challenging, Mewtwo's strength isn't as weak as you might think. We will win!" Ash tilted his head and gave a thumbs up, smiling brightly.
"...I see. Then we entrust you to leave us some cleanup to do, Ash. Don't resolve the opponents too quickly before we return!" Cynthia was silent for a moment, then changed her tone.
"I can't guarantee that. It depends on whether the opponents are resilient." Just as Ash finished speaking, a massive shadow surged from the turbulent sea.
The gigantic figure raised an unparalleled wave rushing towards Ash and the others. Mewtwo merely lifted a hand, halting the incoming wave, then slightly clenched his hand, causing the wave to shatter into countless droplets in mid-air.
This colossal figure emerging from the sea was Team Galactic's submarine. As the submarine surfaced, two large hatches opened atop it, a black and a yellow silhouette shooting out, hovering in the stormy sky.
"Both are Primary Divine Domain level, time to move, Mewtwo!"
'Mm!'
Ash held his arm in front of him, tapping the Key Stone on his wrist with one hand, "Respond to my will, MEGA Evolution!!"
The light of Mega Evolution enveloped Mewtwo, and with Lorelei and Cynthia watching in shock, Mewtwo shifted his form.
His form became smaller than before, with his tail vanished, replaced by a ponytail-like appendage on his head. His body turned milky white, with the purple accents spreading to his limbs and falling ponytail.
This is one of Mewtwo's MEGA Evolutions—MEGA Mewtwo Y!
"Mewtwo... Mewtwo can undergo MEGA Evolution too?!" Knowing Mewtwo's origins, Lorelei exclaimed incredulously.
"No wonder you were so confident, Ash, keeping that card hidden. Now we can rest easy." Cynthia said with relief, her tense heart relaxing.
The enhancement MEGA Evolution brings to a Legendary Beast is unimaginable. No wonder Ash was so confident even in a two-on-one scenario.
This little guy sure likes to keep surprises up his sleeve!