Deep within Dragonheart Cave, Elior stood before the Dragon Scale Altar. Floating above it was the golden Dragon Scale. But before he could reach it— The entire cave trembled.
RUMBLE!!
Cracks spread across the altar. Blue crystals shattered. Ancient dragon energy erupted into the air.
A massive roar echoed throughout the cavern.
ROOOOOOAR!!!
From behind the altar emerged a gigantic dragon Pokémon. Its scales shimmered like silver armor. Ancient symbols covered its body.
Eldrake
The true guardian of the Dragon Scale.
Lucario stepped forward. Lunashade prepared for battle. Thundrion sparked with electricity.
But Elior raised his hand.
"No."
Everyone looked at him.
A smile appeared on his face.
"Infernyx, let's do this together."
A Poké Ball opened.
Infernyx appeared.
The moment Infernyx landed— The atmosphere changed. Infernyx and Elior exchanged a confident glance. No words were needed. They understood each other perfectly.
Eldrake attacked first.
"Dragon Pulse!"
A beam of dragon energy rushed forward.
"Infernyx, Flame Charge!"
Infernyx surrounded itself with fire and charged ahead.
BOOOOOM!!!
The attacks collided. The cave shook violently. Not a Battle of Power Infernyx was clearly smaller. Clearly weaker physically. But it never backed down. Again and again it rose. Again and again it attacked. Elior remembered every battle they had fought together since the beginning of the journey.
Eldrake suddenly stopped attacking.
The ancient dragon stared at Infernyx.
Then slowly nodded. The guardian wasn't testing strength. It was testing spirit.
The Dragon Scale descended from the altar. Floating directly in front of Infernyx.
The Fire-type Pokémon gently touched it.
Golden light spread throughout the chamber.
Meanwhile...
At the entrance of Dragonheart Cave... Several cloaked figures appeared. The symbol of The Eclipse Rebellion glowed on their uniforms. At the front stood Kael.
He looked toward the depths of the cave.
"...We're too late."
A familiar voice answered from behind him.
Zeff smiled.
"No."
"Everything is proceeding exactly as planned."
Back at the altar...
The Dragon Scale suddenly projected an ancient image into the air. A colossal golden dragon. A shadowed figure. And a throne surrounded by broken chains. Then a single ancient name echoed through the cave.
"Aetherion..."
Elior's eyes widened.
And Infernyx stared at the vision as if it recognized something impossible.
TO BE CONTINUED...