Elsewhere...
With invaluable help from Excadrill and Pyroar, Keldeo finally dealt with the Cryogonal blocking its way.
Free of the Cryogonal's interference, Keldeo joined forces with Bai Shi's Pokémon and successfully freed its masters from the ice.
"Masters, let's hurry and help Bai Shi!"
Overjoyed to have rescued its three masters, Keldeo immediately appealed to them.
It hoped to join forces with its masters and gang up on Black Kyurem.
"All right, Keldeo. I'll go lend a hand..."
At Keldeo's request, Terrakion eagerly prepared to help, but Cobalion stopped it.
"Since Bai Shi has already passed through the Trial Gate set up by Kyurem, he should complete this battle on his own."
Unmoved, Cobalion calmly explained this to Keldeo.
Kyurem had established the Trial Gate to rigorously test the strength of any Pokémon daring to challenge it.
Although Bai Shi was a human Pokémon Trainer, he was subject to the same test.
Their interference in Keldeo's battle had already enraged Kyurem, which had mercilessly frozen them into ice sculptures.
Having learned that painful lesson, they naturally had to be more cautious and avoid repeating their mistake.
Of course, in return for Bai Shi's help with Paludeo, they would intervene without hesitation if he truly found himself in danger.
"But..."
Though reluctant, Keldeo could not change Cobalion's decision.
It could only watch quietly from the sidelines, filled with anxiety and worry.
Meanwhile, Bai Shi focused entirely on directing Stantler to fight alongside Heatran.
"You despicable human! Sneak attacks are all you're capable of! Don't get ahead of yourself!"
Enraged by another sneak attack from Stantler, Black Kyurem immediately redirected its assault, spitting a thick red-and-yellow beam toward it.
Heatran stepped in front of Bai Shi and Stantler and used Protect, shielding them from Black Kyurem's attack.
"Human... Bai Shi, we're even