The fireworks of Draco Meteor finally came to an end, and Zacian, the Crowned Sword, landed atop a skyscraper, its calm eyes scanning the entire city.
Although it had intercepted most of the Draco Meteors, a few had still managed to hit the ground, causing damage to the city.
Everything that was once beautiful had been abruptly destroyed.
"Truly a calamity."
In a flash of light, Zacian reverted from its Crowned Sword form, its resolve to eliminate Eternatus growing even stronger.
Zacian transformed into a blue streak of light and vanished into the horizon. Unable to sense Eternatus's presence, it naturally couldn't locate it either.
But that was fine. It had been staying in the Slumbering Weald for long enough, and now it was determined to track down Eternatus.
…
On a vast plain, Ryuu Shiro and his Gardevoir suddenly appeared.
"You've worked hard, Gardevoir. Take a rest now."
After scanning the surroundings, Ryuu Shiro took out a Poké Ball and smiled at Gardevoir.
Worried that Zacian might catch up, Gardevoir had performed over a dozen Teleports in succession.
This distance was more than enough to ensure their safety.
"Saa~nai~"
Gardevoir's ruby-like eyes narrowed into crescent moons as it wrapped its slender arms around Ryuu Shiro's waist, nuzzling its cheek against him and letting out a soft cry to express its affection.
"What a sweet child."
Ryuu Shiro chuckled and returned Gardevoir to its Poké Ball. Though he was arrogant and proud by nature, Ryuu Shiro was also a Trainer who genuinely loved Pokémon.
His bond with his main team was exceptionally close.
"Eternatus, how are your injuries?"
After confirming the direction—there seemed to be a small town in the distance—Ryuu Shiro began walking toward it, using his Dragon Clan abilities to communicate with Eternatus once more.
"That guy's strikes are as ruthless as ever. I've lost a lot of energy."
Eternatus's weak, low telepathic voice echoed in Ryuu Shiro's mind. Clearly, its battle with Zacian, the Crowned Sword, had left it heavily injured.
But that was to be expected. Eternatus's massive size made it an easy target for Zacian.
Moreover, Eternatus had endured two direct hits from Zacian's Behemoth Blade.
Even with its immense stamina and strong defenses, it was struggling to hold on.
"Shiro, I need to replenish my energy. I don't have enough left to sustain my vitality for much longer."
Eternatus then spoke to Ryuu Shiro in a low voice. It was a unique Legendary Pokémon.
To maintain its life force, it required a constant supply of energy.
The battle with Zacian had drained too much of its energy, and it needed to replenish it urgently.
Otherwise, not only would it be unable to sustain its vitality, but it might even 'starve' to death!
When it first awakened, its energy reserves were already low. Before it could absorb the energy from the Energy Plant, Zacian had arrived.
Eternatus felt utterly wronged.
"I understand. We can't return to the Energy Plant now, so we'll have to find another energy source."
Ryuu Shiro pondered for a moment. He wasn't particularly surprised.
After such a fierce battle, it was inevitable that Eternatus's energy would be depleted.
In the Galar region, the place with the most abundant energy was undoubtedly the Energy Plant.
Rose had collected a large number of Wishing Stars and Wishing Star fragments to fully revive Eternatus. These were fragments of Eternatus's body from three thousand years ago…
If it was energy they needed, the Wishing Stars were the most concentrated source.
But returning to the Energy Plant now?
Ryuu Shiro wasn't foolish. While breaking into the Energy Plant would be no challenge for him, what if Zacian hadn't gone far?
To be safe, Hammerlocke was absolutely off-limits. They couldn't return there at this stage.
That left them with no choice but to find another energy source.
"Thank you, Shiro." Eternatus nodded, expressing its gratitude to Ryuu Shiro.
What a good person! This human was truly a great person!
Eternatus was moved to tears, its fondness for Ryuu Shiro skyrocketing like a rocket.
Eternatus wasn't an inherently evil Legendary Pokémon. It had arrived on this planet twenty thousand years ago and had been quietly slumbering ever since, never causing trouble.
Three thousand years ago, it had awakened only because it was running low on energy. Acting on instinct, it began absorbing energy from the Galar region, causing the Darkest Day phenomenon.
But not only did it fail to absorb enough energy, its entire body was nearly destroyed by Zacian and Zamazenta…
It had barely survived until three thousand years later, only to be sealed away in the Energy Plant by Rose. Today, it had finally seen the light of day again, only to be beaten up by Zacian and nearly cut to pieces…
Eternatus's history was a tragic one, filled with blood and tears.
And now, this human had not only freed it but also helped it escape from the 'demon' Zacian's sword. Now, he was even willing to help it find energy.
Eternatus was deeply moved, tears streaming down its face.
"No need to thank me. I just hope that when I need your help in the future, you'll lend me your strength."
Ryuu Shiro grinned. This Eternatus, the most powerful and feared Legendary Pokémon in Galar, was unexpectedly simple-minded.
"Of course. If anyone tries to harm Shiro, I won't allow it!"
"Then let's work well together from now on, Eternatus~"
A/n - I will upload another chapter in a few hours, until then enjoy this extra chapter and the next goal is 150 Powerstones :) only 30 more PS needed!