Author: Marianne Ng | Banner: Marianne Ng
The streets of Motostoke City rumbled as two warring giants clashed. One of the combatants, a silver and red giant, jumped forwards to land a karate chop atop the head of the monster he was fighting, a large brown reptilian. The creature roared as it tried to bite down upon the arm of the silver giant to no avail, the gaping jaws of the primal beast closing down upon nothing but air. With a shout, the giant leapt backwards before crossing his arms in a plus sign, the side of his right hand shimmering with blinding light for a split second before a dazzling blue beam shot out, impacting the mighty monster he was battling. Unleashing a screech of agony, the brown beast was sent toppling over to the ground, before he promptly exploded in a gigantic fireball. Turning his back to the explosion, the silver and red giant proudly stood tall as the victor. As he did so, the people and Pokemon of Motostoke cheered aloud, grateful and happy to have had their city saved from the menacing monster. Nodding in acknowledgement of the cheering crowds, the giant looked to the heavens and jumped, flying high up into the sky as he shouted one word:
“Shuwatch!”
As the giant faded from view, the cheering crowd called out to him, shouting his name with joy and glee. It was a name that had spread far and wide throughout the world, one that brought feelings of hope in humanity’s darkest times. As long as Ultraman stood tall, the light would never lose to the darkness that threatened them all.
***
High up within the atmosphere surrounding the planet, all was tranquil and peaceful. Pieces of debris floated lackadaisically by, the dim light of the far away sun casting the faint shadow of something massive passing on through. The entity took the shape of a green colored serpent, yellow rune-like markings plastered upon his body in a pattern broken by trapezoidal fins with red outlines. Two small three-digit clawed hands flexed as the draconic being twisted his snakelike form to watch the planet he was duty bound to protect.
The sky high Pokémon, Rayquaza, hovered high above within the heavens, a reflection of the pristine blue, green, and white colors of the planet present within his golden eyes as he gazed down upon it. For millennia, ever since his conception, Rayquaza’s purpose in life was to protect this planet, from anyone or anything that might pose a threat. It had been a while since anything of the sort had arisen, but now, the legendary pokemon was beginning to become concerned. He turned a blind eye to Ultraman’s descent from the stars down onto the planet, and he let the giant do as he pleased for some time. But his foremost worries were coming to fruition. Ultraman’s very presence was too much of an imbalance within the planet’s stabilization. He was an alien, and despite his actions, he wasn’t meant to be in this world. If Ultraman were to keep being an active presence, there was no telling the disasters he might unintentionally bring about. If the lord of the sea and ruler of the Earth were to awaken… No, Rayquaza could not allow this.
The legendary Pokémon growled in a low tone as he uncoiled his long twisting form and slithered his way throughout the vacuum of space down towards the airy blue skies. It was time he brought his divine justice down upon the intruder…
***
Ultraman flew high up in the sky, his color timer a healthy glittering blue as he soared above the clouds, looking down upon one of the cities he had saved just days earlier. A smile, if it was possible, would have appeared upon Ultraman’s face as he remembered the cheers of people and Pokémon alike that he had saved. Though he had been on this planet for a mere month, he had come to cherish its inhabitants. The bond between man and Pokémon was something he had never seen so powerful in any other planet he had been to, its strength shocking him. The hope of mankind mixed with the loving bonds they had with the many different kinds of Pokémon here on this Earth, it warmed him to his core. This world truly was a wonderful place…
The hero of light’s train of thought was cut off as he noticed something in the distance that was rapidly approaching. Stopping in mid-air, Ultraman’s eyes widened as he saw clearly what was approaching him; a massive green serpentine monster. Having experienced thousands of battles with such beasts, Ultraman’s immediate instinct was to bring his arms up in a defensive stance, waiting to see what this newcomer would do.
As he came into view, the god of the sky, Rayquaza, coiled his body into a neutral position as his gaze bored into Ultraman. The hero of light slowly lost his defensive stance as he began to communicate with the legendary Pokémon. Rayquaza introduced himself first, stating his duty as the guardian of the planet. Ultraman listened to the fellow defender until something took him by surprise. Rayquaza was demanding he leave, lest he suffer the wrath of the sky high Pokémon?
Ultraman shook his head, refusing to abide by Rayquaza’s terms. The legendary serpent snarled, citing he had his reasons. He could not let Ultraman carry on, doing as he pleased. The planet could suffer an unmitigated disaster if the imbalance that Ultraman’s presence caused were to culminate, and he wouldn’t allow such a disaster to happen. Ultraman disagreed, arguing that regardless of any such disasters that would eventually come, he could defend the people and Pokémon within. He would die for them if need be.
However, to Ultraman’s shock, Rayquaza brushed his claims aside. The sky high Pokémon seemed to not care about what he was saying, citing how he cared only for keeping the planet safe, and he would make Ultraman leave, whether it be by his own volition or taking him out here and now. Ultraman shot back at Rayquaza, citing the several monsters he had defeated. Why didn’t Rayquaza come to his aid? If he truly cared about this planet, why not come down from his post and destroy the beasts that threatened this world. Why didn’t he try to save the people and Pokémon whose lives were in jeopardy? Ultraman argued his point, growing accusatory at the guardian of Earth for his perceived laziness.
Rayquaza’s jaw slackened, dropping in shock before rage filled the sky high Pokémon. He could barely believe what he was seeing and hearing, were it not for his inner conscience telling him this was very much real. It was by his grace he had let Ultraman do as he pleased for this long, and now he was telling him how to do his job?
Rayquaza growled in a low and aggressive tone, his fury having been stoked as he angrily shot back at Ultraman that he should have never let him into this world, and that the monsters that he had defeated could have been dealt with by the native Pokémon just fine. The legendary Pokémon doubled down, claiming that Ultraman’s presence here was a mistake, and that he didn’t care how many lives he saved, many more would die should Ultraman upset the planet’s balance.
Ultraman hovered in the air, stunned for a split second before he flared with anger, his silvery fists clenching. How dare this serpent call himself a guardian of the planet when he cared not for the lives within? Every life on this Earth, every man, woman, child, and Pokémon meant something to him, a foreign alien. And yet, a native of this planet, one who claimed to be duty-bound to this world, seemed to disregard those who lived on it. Ultraman would not stand for this blatant lack of care for this world. Whatever it took to knock some sense into Rayquaza, he would do it. For the sake of humanity and the Pokémon who called this planet home.
Rayquaza curled his lip in aggression as he prepared to dispose of this intruder. It was his sworn duty to protect this planet, one which he had carried out for millennia, and he would do it once again here and now by destroying Ultraman. He had had enough, he was sick of letting the silvery giant do whatever he wanted, the planet damned if he did. He would take action against the silver giant, for the sake of the world.
The two guardians glared daggers at each other as time seemed to stand still. Two mighty warriors, staunch and immovable in their respective views of the planet they protected. For a split second, two valiant defenders tensed up ever so slightly, barely containing themselves from bursting forth. All was silent, until…
Rayquaza roared his mighty call as he barreled forwards, ramming head-long into Ultraman. Expertly twisting his snake-like body around, the legendary Pokémon wrapped his coiling frame around his foe, intent on squeezing the life out of him. Ultraman grunted as he tensed his muscles and forcibly stretched his arms outwards, using his herculean strength to wrench his foe off him. Rayquaza screeched in fury as the god of the sky snapped his jaws down upon his opponent’s shoulder. The hero of light winced at the pain, yet quickly reacted by karate-chopping the legendary Pokémon straight in the neck. His jaws loosened for a split second, allowing for Ultraman to grab ahold of his throat and throttle him, shaking the sky high Pokémon’s body like a ragdoll before hurling him away.
Slightly disoriented, Rayquaza balanced himself and bellowed his fury at Ultraman, his toothy maw opening wide. Orange energy gathered within, pulsating with pent up power before he reared back and spat his prime weapon of choice, the deadly Hyper Beam. Ultraman saw the orange blast rocketing towards him and quickly crossed his wrists to make a plus sign with his hands, gathering energy before shooting out his signature Spacium Ray. Blue met orange in a dazzling display of power, the epicenter of where the two beams collided glowing white hot. The two struggled within the beam lock for a few seconds before the power build up was too great for either of them, the force of the colliding beams expanding outwards in a massive shockwave. Rayquaza and Ultraman both were blown back by the sheer force, with the hero of light finding his balance first.
Capitalizing on his momentary advantage, the silver giant shot his arm and hand out, several arrow-shaped projectiles firing out towards Rayquaza. The god of the sky recovered just in time to slither his way beneath the oncoming Slash Beam, beelining straight for his target. Ultraman brought his hands up defensively, only for Rayquaza to coil his long serpentine body into a circle and spin rapidly, the wind picking up at an unnaturally fast pace. Having whipped up a vicious tornado, Rayquaza cackled as his foe found himself caught in the twister. Thinking quickly as he felt his senses going haywire, Ultraman countered the vicious air stream by spinning his body the other way, freeing himself from the raging gale by dispersing it. The Ultra kept spinning around as he shot out of the dissipating wind column, launching his body like a projectile right into the very surprised Rayquaza. Ultraman abruptly stopped spinning as he swung his fist forwards, socking his serpentine opponent right between the eyes.
Rayquaza shrieked in pain, shaking his head furiously as his tail shot forwards, intent on stabbing Ultraman in the gut. Swiftly moving to the side, the paladin of light dodged the incoming strike and clasped his hands firmly upon his foe’s tail. Picking up speed, the Ultra began spinning around again, rotating faster and faster as he swung the legendary Pokémon around. With a gargantuan heave, Ultraman let go, sending Rayquaza hurtling farther up into the sky. Flying up to meet him there, Ultraman crashed into the serpent, sending both protectors flying out above the atmosphere.
With a screech of fury, Rayquaza bit down upon Ultraman’s forearm, ripping the hero of light off of him and throwing him further still out of the planet’s atmosphere, sending him into the vast vacuum of space. Ultraman found his balance, crossing his arms and firing the Spacium Beam once more in retaliation. In response, Rayquaza opened his jaws, glimmering power the color of the deep ocean surging forth in the form of the Dragon Pulse. The two blue-tinted attacks collided, causing an immense explosion that temporarily obscured them from their foe. Rayquaza rocketed out of the explosion’s fire, shooting like a bullet train at his foe. The vanguard of the planet rammed headlong into the giant of light, the two grappling furiously.
With a sharp kick, Ultraman drove his foot into Rayquaza’s midsection, a sharp hiss of pain emanating from the legendary Pokémon. Retaliating quickly, his tail snapped forward like a whip, cutting across Ultraman’s torso. Sparks shot from the impact, Ultraman falling back ever so slightly. Putting his arms parallel to his chest before bringing his right arm back and left arm forward, the hero of light gathered energy with his right hand and threw a spinning projectile at his foe. The Ultra Slash ripped into Rayquaza’s green flesh, a screech of agony escaping him as his blood flowed freely from the wound that the serrated projectile had left.
Incensed, Rayquaza’s mouth opened wide once more, blasting Ultraman with a bright azure beam. The Ultra brought his hands up protectively, but the blue beam inexplicably washed over his forearms. The silver giant’s confusion turned to surprise as the beam solidified into ice, momentarily freezing his arms. Before Ultraman could utilize his gargantuan strength to free himself, Rayquaza charged forth, smashing his bulk into his foe. Ultraman was sent spinning away, right into the path of a nearby asteroid that shattered into a thousand pieces upon impact. The Earth defenders’ battle had raged for such a time that they had traveled far out of the planet’s reach and into the asteroid belt within the solar system. Rayquaza slithered through the rocky arena, Ultraman only able to see glimpses and flashes of Rayquaza’s green form throughout the millions of rocks surrounding him. Setting his feet down upon a particularly giant asteroid, the Ultra waited in silence, preparing himself for when his foe might soon strike.
Without warning, Ultraman was knocked off his feet, Rayquaza having ambushed him from behind. The legendary pokemon’s teeth sank into the alien’s shoulder, wrenching the silver and red hero off the asteroid he had been standing on. The god of the sky rammed Ultraman through several rocks, intent on bludgeoning him senseless. Thinking quickly, the giant of light drove his elbow into his foe, causing the grip upon his shoulder to slacken. With this short window of opportunity, Ultraman spun around and swung his fist into Rayquaza’s jaw. The emerald serpent shrieked in pain and fury as he attempted to stab his opponent with his forked tail, but was met with a stream of highly pressurized water, courtesy of his foe. Rayquaza sputtered in incredulous surprise, shaking his head to rid himself of the bizarre sensation. When the sky high Pokémon’s golden eyes opened, Ultraman was right in front of him, his silver fist nailing him straight between the eyes.
Rayquaza recoiled, rearing back as he howled in agony, his vision blurring and ears ringing. Ultraman shot forth and tackled the emerald serpent, their path crashing through several asteroids, blowing the larger ones into chunks of rubble and reducing the smaller ones to dust. Gripping Rayquaza by the sides of his head, Ultraman swung his snake-like body into a giant asteroid, the space rock exploding into pieces. With a heave, the silver giant tossed Rayquaza into the path of the broken up space debris, leaving the asteroids the emerald serpent’s body collided as nothing more than powder.
Dazed, yet fuming with unbridled outrage, Rayquaza roared furiously as he snaked his way up, charging another Hyper Beam. The legendary Pokémon blasted the powerful attack at his foe, who was thrown back into another space rock. Ultraman groaned as he got up, his silvery red body steaming. His yellow eyes gazed upon Rayquaza slithering his way towards him, mouth open and claws outstretched to try and maul him. Ultraman threw an Ultra Slash at his oncoming foe, but the god of the sky curled over the projectile and crashed headlong into his foe.
The two toppled backwards, furiously exchanging heavy blows. Ultraman grabbed the top of Rayquaza’s mouth and his jaw, intent on wrenching the two apart. The sky high Pokémon struggled mightily, his bladed tail slashing against his foe as he frantically charged a Dragon Pulse within his wide-open maw, the beam exploding against Ultraman’s face. The silver giant fell back, freeing Rayquaza from the jaw lock and allowing him to stab his tail down at his foe. The jab connected, only for Ultraman to fire a point blank Slash Beam at his opponent. The arrow shaped projectiles cut into the emerald skin of the legendary Pokémon, blanketing him in small explosions that seared his open wounds.
Rayquaza howled, shooting a retaliatory Ice Beam at his foe, freezing over the warrior’s still outstretched arms. Charging a Hyper Beam once more, his mind raced. Not once within the eons of his life that he had spent protecting the planet had he faced anything, anyone, like this. Ultraman was the most horrific opponent he had ever faced, a feat that not even the almighty trio of creation could reach. His eyes illuminated by the blazing light gathered within his maw, Rayquaza laid his gaze upon his foe, hatred bubbling in his heart and mind.
Ultraman glared up at his foe, shattering the ice binding his arms and assuming a defensive stance. The Ultra was shocked at how resilient and powerful Rayquaza was, having withstood attacks that would cripple and even kill most other terrible monsters. Whatever happened next, he would see to it with all that he was, for the good of all mankind and Pokémon. Crossing his arms in their iconic stance, drawing up energy within himself, Ultraman steadied himself for the inevitable beam clash. With a shout, he fired the Spacium Ray, intent on winning the day.
Beams clashed and collided, blows that would kill were traded, the surrounding asteroids reduced to rubble. Neither Rayquaza nor Ultraman was intent on losing this fight. Too much was at stake to give up for the both of them. Rayquaza knew if he fled, it would contradict everything he had done for eons past. He was the absolute guardian of the planet, and he’d weather the storm no matter what. Another cataclysmic explosion rocked the asteroid belt from their power detonating, pushing the hero of light backwards. The god of the sky closed his eyes, gathering energy within.
Now. It was time.
Rayquaza’s golden eyes shot open, power coursing through his body. A brilliant light shone from within, expanding outward through his whole frame. When a Trainer and a Pokémon’s bond reached new heights of trust and companionship, with the help of a certain type of stone, the Pokémon in question could reach new limits of power. Such a process was dubbed Mega Evolution.
Rayquaza didn’t have such limits, however. He didn’t require any of what shackled the lesser Pokémon from achieving such grandiose heights. His bond with the planet he defended was unbreakable, eternal, and infallible. And that was all he needed.
The energy coursing through the god of the sky reached maximum capacity, expanding outwards in a shimmering multi-colored sphere that encased Rayquaza. The symbol of infinity was emblazoned upon the energy sphere, symbolizing the infinite potential, and an eternal bond. Not a second later, the sphere vanished, leaving behind a reborn legend in the flesh.
Rayquaza’s enormous body had lengthened considerably from his transformation, heightening the size advantage he had over his foe. Huge serrated tusks jutted out from his cheeks, akin to the crushing mandibles of a stag beetle. Red orbs encased sequentially within his new muscular body shimmered alight, and flowing tassels trailed behind him, anchored to his new mouth spikes, horns, and tail.
The newly evolved god of the sky bellowed, his divine power shining bright. His old limits had been surpassed, peaking higher than any earlier restrictions upon his awesome strength.
Mega Rayquaza roared, his eyes locking onto his foe. With his old wounds gone, his strength restored, the divine vanguard of the world rocketed down to meet Ultraman in combat. In his mind, victory was now assured.
Ultraman was stunned at his foe’s sudden transformation. Grunting as he brought his arms up defensively, the silver giant was blindsided by a sudden rush of speed from Mega Rayquaza, the newly formed serrated tusk of the god of the sky ripping against the side of his arm. Ultraman staggered, looking around for the emerald serpent as he slithered about. Mega Rayquaza bellowed as he charged up his Hyper Beam once more, the blazingly bright orange lighting up brighter than a star. Thinking quickly, Ultraman shot his arms forwards, palms outstretched as he summoned the Ultra Barrier. Mega Rayquaza spat his empowered Hyper Beam at Ultraman, the dazzlingly powerful ray colliding with his opponent’s energy barrier, slamming into it like a super-powered hose. The shield held, with Ultraman straining to keep it active against the overwhelming might of the Hyper Beam against it.
Mega Rayquaza’s beam pushed Ultraman further and further away until it finally shut off, steam billowing out from his jaws. The god of the sky gazed upon the tiny figure of Ultraman in the distance, before his eyes shifted to the space debris surrounding them both. A devious plot shot through his head as the legendary Pokémon channeled his draconian power into the asteroids, blue and purple glows shimmering between tens of hundreds of the rocks, both titanic and minuscule. Ultraman looked up in surprise as he watched his foe and the asteroids surrounding him built up in a streaking network of dual-colored tendrils of energy. Mega Rayquaza roared at the top of his lungs as the built up energy he had been pouring into the asteroids promptly exploded outwards, each rock shooting at Ultraman at speeds faster than either could have reacted to. Mega Rayquaza snarled in satisfaction as the Draco Meteor struck Ultraman, the projectiles imbued with unearthly power that showered the silver giant in explosions.
The powerful force of the Draco Meteor was too much for the hero of light to withstand, sending him hurtling out of the asteroid belt. Mega Rayquaza slithered after him, azure power building within his jaws as he spat an Ice Beam at Ultraman, freezing random parts of his body unevenly. Chuckling at his handiwork, Mega Rayquaza charged up a Dragon Pulse and blasted Ultraman with it, his body flinging out further like a rag doll. Ultraman struggled to recuperate himself, finding it difficult to do so as his foe repeated the two attacks multiple times. Ultraman groaned, the repeated freezing and abrupt forceful shattering taking its toll. The color timer on his chest lost its shimmering blue color, suddenly switching to a flashing red that beeped urgently, signaling that he was low on power.
A shimmering bright light suddenly caught the attention of both Mega Rayquaza and Ultraman, causing the former to halt his assault. The sun itself blazed bright against the dark and empty backdrop of the vacuum of space, the glowing orange ball of gas lighting up everything within reach. Seeing his foe stalling momentarily, Ultraman quickly brought forth an Ultra Slash, heaving the bladed projectile with all of his remaining might at the god of the sky. The spinning disc of energy collided with Mega Rayquaza, cutting deep into his green hide. The sky high Pokémon screeched in fury and pain, distracting his attention away from his foe. The last of his energy spent, Ultraman fell away, his body moving closer and closer to the sun, the raging inferno threatening to consume him should he get too close.
As Ultraman floated ever closer to the sun, thoughts raced through his mind. He couldn’t fall here, could he? To leave the people and Pokémon he had come to cherish without a hero… Ultraman knew that those thoughts were ultimately selfish. However, he knew furthermore that if it meant protecting even one life from a needless death, that he would die for them in their place. To perish here would be useless, not benefiting or saving anyone or anything. To leave everyone without the hope they looked up to, longed for… No. He would not lose. He would win, for everyone. Ultraman strained his body to move, leveraging every last bit of strength he had.
Seemingly in response to Ultraman’s innermost thoughts, the sun blazed brighter than ever. Instead of burning the silver giant and setting him alight, the awesome power of the star flowed into him, the solar energies bathing him in light. Power surged into the battered body of the defender of humanity, reinvigorating him and recharging his rapidly beeping color timer. The flashing of red halted, the incessant noise fading out as Ultraman’s color timer was restored to a healthy, shining blue. His energy restored, Ultraman locked his gaze onto Mega Rayquaza, the legendary Pokémon slithering his way closer and closer. Ultraman flew out of the way, turning his back away from the sun to face his foe head on, the serpentine form of Mega Rayquaza illuminated by the blinding light of the sun.
It was time for this conflict to conclude.
Mega Rayquaza leered at the silvery figure of Ultraman in the distance, flexing his claws as his gaze bored down upon the giant of light. Outrage flared up in the legendary pokemon’s body as he trumpeted a roar of incredulous grandeur. The serpentine dragon shot forwards, intent on finishing this fight, here and now. For the planet, he wouldn’t fall to this invader. He was the staunch defender of the world, and as long as he drew breath, he’d protect it.
Down to the bitter end.
Ultraman’s fists clenched as his glowing yellow eyes met Mega Rayquaza’s own in the distance. Enough was enough, he would finish this now. As he watched his foe shoot towards him, Ultraman yelled in defiance as his color timer shone brighter than the blazing sun surrounding them. Rocketing forwards, Ultraman drew back his fist, ready to slam it into Mega Rayquaza’s head. For all of the people and Pokémon of the world he’d come to cherish, he would win.
No matter what.
With a powerful shout, Ultraman smashed his fist right into Mega Rayquaza’s skull. The blow sent shockwaves rattling throughout the skull of the legendary serpent, but he refused to give one inch of leverage to his opponent. His roar echoing throughout the empty void of space, Mega Rayquaza headbutted Ultraman back, the silver and red giant grasping his foe’s tusks in retaliation. Heaving with all his might, Ultraman chucked the emerald serpent away before sending a Slash Beam his way. Mega Rayquaza roared out in slight surprise as he twisted his body around to dodge the incoming projectile. He facedUltraman again, opening his mouth to fire the dragon pulse.
Ultraman wasn’t about to let him though, the hero of light rocketing forth to prevent his foe from using the deadly draconian beam. Arms outstretched, Ultraman locked his hands onto Mega Rayquaza’s neck and lower jaw respectively, forcing the trajectory of the Dragon Pulse pulse to miss entirely. Mega Rayquaza shrieked indignantly, his clawed hands raking across Ultraman’s form. In response, the paladin of light let go, only to swing his fist into the side of the sky high Pokémon’s head. In his few seconds of time allotted, the silver giant swung his balled up fist upward, socking the emerald green serpent’s lower jaw with all the force he could muster.
A cry of agony escaped the divine guardian, but he would not fall so easily. Rearing backwards before shooting forth like a spring loaded device, Mega Rayquaza’s tusks jabbed into Ultraman’s torso, sending a shower of sparks flying off from the impact. Ultraman slammed his fists down onto the top of Mega Rayquaza’s head before driving his foot into the body of the sky god. The serpent roared, snapping his jaws forth to bite down upon his foe’s arm. Ultraman struggled, karate chopping Mega Rayquaza on the head to make him let go. The legendary Pokémon’s grip held firm, however, as he swung Ultraman around by his arm, shaking the silver giant like a dog would a chew toy.
Thinking quickly and without an ounce of remorse, Ultraman grunted as he jabbed two of his fingers into Mega Rayquaza’s eye, gouging the optic sensor of the serpent out. Mega Rayquaza howled in utter agony, letting go almost immediately. Before Ultraman could do anything further, the tail of his foe swung into view, slamming like a baseball bat into his side, sending the giant of light hurtling away. His remaining eye bloodshot and his very being boiling with rage, Mega Rayquaza opened his mouth wide open, the Hyper Beam charging with insurmountable power. Not wasting a moment, the legendary Pokémon spat the orange blast headlong at Ultraman, who flew at his foe, swerving around the path of the deadly beam.
Shutting his mouth to cease firing the blast, Mega Rayquaza’s maw opened up wide once more, breathing forth an Ice Beam. The azure blast froze Ultraman mid-flight, suspending him momentarily before Mega Rayquaza barreled forth, slamming his whole weight into his foe. The two grappled furiously, leveraging all of their might against each other in a physical spectacle. Complete and utter rage filled Mega Rayquaza as he clamped his jaws onto Ultraman’s shin, biting down with all of the force he could muster. The hero similarly shouted in fury, striking his foe in the nose with his heel. They both bellowed their hatred for the other in every strike they landed, their blows so strong that shockwaves emanated for miles from every hit.
Ultraman yelled furiously, striking Mega Rayquaza in the side of the head.
Mega Rayquaza bellowed in outrage, ripping his tusk across Ultraman’s face.
The two great defenders of the Earth were reduced to their most primitive instincts, intent only on beating the other senseless. Logical battle tactics and strategic reasoning had all but vanished, leaving the two mighty warriors to simply pummel each other until one of them fell.
Shrieking in indignation, Mega Rayquaza charged up his mightiest beam, the orange glow shining brighter than an exploding supernova within his cavernous maw. Ultraman bellowed his fury in response, conjuring the Ultra Barrier and smashing the energy shield right into his foe’s face. Mega Rayquaza fired regardless, the extraordinary power of his beam clashing against the shield his opponent had brought up. Mega Rayquaza poured all of his wrath into the ray, with Ultraman being sent hurtling back by the concussive force, the distance between him and his foe lengthening by the second. Shutting off the energy stream, Mega Rayquaza roared ferociously, charging up all of his energy into one final attack. He would claim victory, or die trying. Ultraman tossed his energy barrier away as he crossed his wrists in their iconic plus sign, shouting defiantly as the power of light blazed within.
Feeling his body being enveloped in green energy that billowed like flames across his lengthy form, Mega Rayquaza shot upwards, gaining even more distance from his foe, who looked like a gleaming blue speck in the distance. Locking his eyes on Ultraman’s form, the god of the sky took but one second before he barreled headlong down at the silver and red giant, rocketing down like a blazing green comet, gaining speed with every passing moment.
Gathering the highest reaches of the power of light, Ultraman charged up his Spacium Ray as he watched Mega Rayquaza charge towards him. It was now or never. With a shout that pierced the vacuum of space, Ultraman fired his signature beam, the brilliant azure column of energy meeting the descending body of his foe.
Dragon Ascent clashed headlong with the Spacium Ray, dazzling green meeting luminescent blue in a wondrous display of pure light that threatened to overtake the light from the sun above.
***
Mega Rayquaza could feel himself inching closer and closer to Ultraman, but at great cost. For every bit of distance he gained, he could feel his form burning into nothingness, his skin evaporating and blood boiling away. He would not reach his target before he died. Knowing that this was the ultimate outcome, the rationale that guided the legendary Pokémon returned to him, his last ever thoughts racing through his mind.
Perhaps he was wrong in his judgment of Ultraman. He had been so worried and caught up in the what ifs that he failed to understand what was right in front of him. This conflict that would ultimately cost him his life had been entirely avoidable were it not for such egregious misunderstandings between himself and the giant of light. Regret twinged at the mind of the god of the sky, yet he refused to let such thoughts be his last. With his soon to be demise leaving the status of guardian of the planet vacant, Mega Rayquaza reluctantly bequeathed the title he once held to Ultraman. With him no longer around, someone needed to protect the planet he held so dear. Despite their disagreements in point of view, Mega Rayquaza now held a begrudging respect for the hero of light. Despite the eventual turmoil the planet would now experience because of Ultraman’s extraterrestrial origins, Mega Rayquaza knew that Ultraman would be up to the task of defending the planet no matter what.
Closing his one remaining eye, Mega Rayquaza let the Spacium Ray wash completely over his body. His final thoughts were of the gorgeous view he frequently experienced high up in the heavenly domain which he had inhabited, the puffy white clouds sporadically blanketing the deep blue ocean and the lush green lands. It truly was a beautiful sight that he wished he could have seen one last time.
***
Ultraman’s beam finally overtook Mega Rayquaza, an incredible explosion of light illuminating the surrounding space, the enormous blot of light reaching so far that the skies of Mercury and Venus were lit up in pure white.
As the blinding rays of light finally faded, Ultraman was left floating out in the vacuum of space, the sun’s glow still ever present upon his silvery body. He floated aimlessly, without direction, all of his energy spent in his final attack that led to his victory. Ultraman’s dim eyes slowly lit up with yellow as the sun’s energies flowed into his color timer once more, restoring a large portion of his energy. Slowly moving his limbs, the silver giant moved his form to face the sun, laying his eyes upon the grand light source of this solar system. One thought came to him as he did this.
He had won.
Ultraman would’ve had a bright smile on his face if he could, thinking of all those he had protected. With his victory over Rayquaza, the people and Pokémon of the world would be safe from harm. He had done it. As the sun’s light washed over his battle beaten body, Ultraman thought of the view of the sun from Earth. Out here in the void of space up close to the fiery star, it was an awe-inspiring yet incredibly frightening sight. However on Earth, the sun painted the skies and landscape with beautiful colors whenever it rose and set. It was truly a beautiful view.
Turning away from the sun and propelling his body away, Ultraman prepared for his journey back to Earth. If he was quick enough about it, maybe he would be lucky enough to witness one of his favorite sights. Whether or not he made it in time, the hero of light knew one thing for certain.
The sun would rise, shining its calming light upon a grateful planet.
Winner: Ultraman (Universal)
