Rayquaza's movements became more straightforward.
It stopped consuming the meteors, simply waiting for the Energy Blocks thrown by Natsuhiko.
Darkrai, silently watching from the side, turned its head.
Unable to bear looking directly.
How does it feel....
This scene of tossing and eating looked a bit like....ahem.
As a large number of Energy Blocks were continuously thrown, Rayquaza accepted them without hesitation.
Even though its energy had returned to its peak, Natsuhiko didn't stop, and it showed no intention of stopping its intake.
Its "Celestial Emperor Organ" could not only absorb and convert energy but also store it.
Gradually.
With their actions, the distance between Natsuhiko and Rayquaza grew increasingly closer.
Natsuhiko was not distressed at all.
The process of making these Energy Blocks was very simple, highlighted by a spicy flavor and rich energy, with just a little consumption of Tree Fruit.
For him, who consumes a large amount of Tree Fruit every day, Rayquaza's meal was merely equivalent to what Snorlax devours in ten days.
It's trivial.
But it's just...
The pale circle of red around Rayquaza's mouth seemed to be becoming more pronounced?
"That's enough."
Rayquaza's voice finally rang out again.
It needed to maintain face; being half-full was sufficient.
Natsuhiko decisively stopped his actions.
Thankfully.
Only a third of his prepared amount was consumed.
He thought Rayquaza could at least eat half.
"Burp——"
An unexpected burp came forth, catching Natsuhiko off guard.
The spicy aroma contained in it made his eyes sting a little.
"Let's go."
"Alright!"
This time Natsuhiko didn't refuse.
The eating time was not long, but finding Rayquaza took considerable time, and he still didn't know the situation below.
Darkrai grabbed Natsuhiko's shoulder, preparing to head back.
Rayquaza frowned.
Its tail lightly swung, directly tossing Natsuhiko and Darkrai onto its back.
"Too slow."
Sitting on Rayquaza's back, Natsuhiko's hands pressed against the dense, crystal-clear green scales, causing his breath to pause slightly.
Just like that...
He's sitting on it?
Rayquaza...seems rather easygoing.
Before Natsuhiko could react, he suddenly felt a terrifying sense of falling.
If it weren't for the invisible airflow behind supporting him, Natsuhiko had no doubt he would have flown off directly.
This was far more thrilling than any roller coaster.
In just the blink of an eye, they had returned from space to the Pokemon Realm and once again felt gravity, the sense of falling becoming more evident.
While Natsuhiko was experiencing the Pokemon Realm's most chilling "roller coaster."
Rayquaza's slightly complex voice sounded again.
"Take care of those two little ones."
The tone was very complex.
Filled with indescribable emotions.
This was Natsuhiko's first time sensing Rayquaza's helplessness, along with a hint of reassurance.
The excitement of riding on Rayquaza slowly dissipated.
What he felt instead was significant pressure.
Ultimately.
Natsuhiko was merely fortunate due to Latios and Ono.
That's right, Ono.
Now Natsuhiko was almost one hundred percent certain that Ono was actually Latias.
Even though he didn't know why she had become the way she is now, nor why she couldn't recognize herself as a Pokémon, nor whether she could revert back.
But Natsuhiko still solemnly assured Rayquaza: "I will."
Rayquaza glanced sideways at the serious-looking Natsuhiko on its back, the corner of its mouth slightly lifted.
In the next second.
The speed suddenly increased again.
Natsuhiko's painstakingly maintained expression faltered again.
A mix of green and white.
He had every reason to suspect that Rayquaza was taking this opportunity to "retaliate" against him.
"Retaliate" for him replacing Rayquaza, gaining Latios and Ono's closeness.
What nonsense about being easygoing.
What achieving the feat of riding Rayquaza.
All lies!
This big guy, not only prideful but also petty!
Prideful and petty Rayquaza.
Natsuhiko had silently labeled it in his heart.
However, all things considered.
Rayquaza's speed was genuinely fast.
Of course, not ruling out the factor of Rayquaza intentionally speeding up to "discipline" Natsuhiko a little.
For Latios and Darkrai, it would take a long time to fly to the ozone layer; yet it wasn't long before they could already see Groudon and Kyogre's outlines below.
Oh.
Kyogre had been pushed onto the ice layer again.
It seemed Kyogre hadn't suffered such indignity.
In the past, they were always evenly matched, but now, due to external forces helping Groudon cheat, even without reverting to Primal form, it was being skewered helplessly by the "Sword of the Cliff."
Groudon was roaring towards the sky, a massive amount of magma spewing from its feet, like a gigantic volcano erupting on the ocean surface.
Seeing Groudon's showy demeanor, Rayquaza narrowed its eyes slightly.
"Look quickly! That's Rayquaza!"
Finally, the first reporter noticed the rapidly approaching Rayquaza.
"It's really Rayquaza! Rayquaza has come!"
"So cool!"
"Wait, have you noticed, is there someone on Rayquaza's back?"
"There's really someone!"
"Who is that?!"
"..."
The confrontation between Groudon and Kyogre had already drawn the attention of the entire Pokemon Realm.
Many powerful trainers from various regions were rushing upon hearing the news.
However, even people from the Johto Region and Kanto Region, the closest to the Hoenn Region, hadn't made it so quickly, so most people could only watch through the reporters' live broadcasts.