"Since that is the case, then prove your strength to me."
A dragon's roar shook the cavern as Kyurem released a terrifying pressure that surged outward.
Crackling noises spread across the frozen lake. Layers of ice rose upward, intertwining and locking together until a circular ice wall encircled the entire lake.
In the blink of an eye, the entire lake had become a sealed ice arena, radiating a biting chill.
Before Lucien's eyes, Kyurem's power shaped a jagged ice gate at the edge of the arena.
Kyurem exhaled two streams of pale frost from its nostrils. Its massive, heavy body advanced step by step, its weathered voice echoing through the cave.
"Go through that door."
Lucien understood immediately. This was Kyurem recognizing his challenge.
But…
Lucien glanced at the Poké Balls at his waist: Dragonair and Larvesta.
With their current strength, they stood absolutely no chance against a being like Kyurem.
There was no turning back now.
Lucien knew the truth. To gain a legendary Pokémon's allegiance, defeating it was not enough. What mattered more was earning its recognition. This battle was not simply a contest of strength. It was a test of will, conviction, and purpose.
Legend said the Original Dragon split into three parts.
The Light Stone gave birth to Reshiram.
The Dark Stone gave birth to Zekrom.
And the empty husk, the shell that remained, became Kyurem.
Just as Reshiram sought truth and Zekrom pursued ideals, Kyurem too awaited the person who could fill the void in its heart.
Lucien could not retreat. No matter the outcome, he had to show Kyurem the convictions he carried.
Steeling himself, Lucien lifted his foot and stepped into the ice gate.
Kyurem narrowed its icy eyes, exhaled a blast of frost, then let out a roar as it charged forward like an avalanche.
It swung its claws in a sweeping arc.
Shadow Claw.
Lucien reacted instantly.
"Serperior, create distance! Leaf Storm!"
Serperior's lithe form slid across the ice and leapt upward, twisting gracefully as it landed atop a rising ice pillar. At the same time, a swirling tempest of razor-sharp leaves erupted outward.
The storm hit Kyurem head-on.
Kyurem simply snorted. Shadow Claw sliced through the gale of leaves with terrifying ease.
Before Serperior could reposition, Kyurem's mouth glowed with gathering frost.
A beam of icy light blasted forth.
"Dodge!"
Serperior's tail muscles tightened, launching its long body into the air. The freezing beam narrowly missed.
But Kyurem's follow-up strike came instantly.
Shadow Claw swept upward.
The blow sent Serperior flying, its body skidding across the ice.
Kyurem's ancient voice echoed.
"Is this all your power?"
A second freezing beam flashed across the arena, engulfing Serperior completely.
Serperior collapsed in a single hit.
Lucien clenched his jaw. He sprinted forward, knelt beside Serperior, and pulled a Full Restore from his bag. He sprayed Serperior's battered scales until the light returned to its eyes.
Kyurem quietly watched.
Only when Lucien finished did Kyurem speak again.
"The battle is not over."
"I know." Lucien stood, inhaled deeply, and raised Dragonair's Poké Ball.
But the moment Dragonair materialized, a wave of ice-type energy struck.
Dragonair froze solid.
Kyurem's voice thundered across the crater.
"Weak. Too weak."
To Kyurem, this was not a battle but an insult.
Lucien's heart tightened. He silently took out the next Poké Ball.
Within five seconds, Larvesta's fiery body dimmed and went cold under the overwhelming chill.
On the rocky cliff above the cave, the three Swordsmen silently watched the battle unfold below.
"Look at that human. He is really overestimating himself," Terrakion said with a mocking snort.
But Virizion's sharp eyes noticed something unusual.
Those Pokémon… were following the human's commands.
Cobalion said nothing. Calm and composed, it continued observing the scene in silence.
Inside the frozen arena, Victini had witnessed everything. Its little face was full of anger as it looked at Lucien, now standing alone on the ice.
"Nini!"
It had promised the old king it would never allow anyone to bully Lucien.
Victini shot forward, flames flickering, glaring fiercely at Kyurem.
"Nini!"
"Oh? So there is still a little one left?" Kyurem's cold gaze shifted toward Victini.
The battle was not over. Lucien exhaled, steadied himself, and spoke in a deep voice.
"Victini, please."
Victini nodded fiercely.
"Nini!"
Kyurem swung its massive Shadow Claw downward.
Victini darted aside just in time, its tiny body weaving around the attack with ease.
"Now! Fireball!"
"Nini!"
A surge of brilliant flames erupted from Victini's body, exploding outward. The scorching heat melted the ice with sharp hissing sounds. A few fireballs struck Kyurem's armored hide.
This was the first real hit they had landed.
For an instant, a spark of hope lit in Lucien's chest.
But Kyurem simply exhaled, unimpressed.
Power surged across its body, heavy and suffocating like the weight of a mountain. The melted ice refroze instantly. Even the air seemed to crystallize wherever Kyurem's power passed.
The flames surrounding Victini flickered and died.
Victini's eyes widened. It tried to escape upward.
It was too late.
Its small body froze solid in midair, encased in ice.
Lucien's heart dropped. A wave of despair washed over him.
He knew that move.
Frozen World.
Kyurem's signature power, a force so overwhelming it could freeze an entire city in an instant.
The cold surged outward, rushing across the arena. In moments it reached Lucien. His boots froze to the ground. Ice crept rapidly up his legs.
Just as it was about to envelop him completely, Kyurem suddenly stopped.
The icy aura receded slightly.
"You are not worthy to wield my power," Kyurem said, its tone cold and merciless.
It slowly turned away. Its massive silhouette dissolved into the misty darkness at the back of the cave, leaving only its echo reverberating across the frozen arena.
"Leave."