The lightning produced by the Thunder God's wingbeats struck indiscriminately all around.
Ash, Team Rocket, and the others instinctively ran beneath the sailboat to shelter from the lightning. Only Xia You stood calmly where he was, and just as a bolt was about to strike beside him, Gardevoir raised her arms and blocked it with Confusion.
The lightning struck the barrier formed from psychic power, sending sparks flying with a bang!
The Great Balls at Xia You's waist shook even harder. His Legendary Pokémon seemed ready to burst out at any moment!
"Don't get worked up," Xia You soothed softly. "It isn't trying to attack me, and the star of this show hasn't appeared yet. It's not your turn to act, so hold on a little longer."
Fortunately, the Great Balls provided a barrier that allowed Xia You's Legendary Birds to sense the Thunder God without the Thunder God detecting their presence, sparing him any unexpected trouble.
Still... although it looked no different from an ordinary Zapdos, this Thunder God was a size larger than his Zapdos. Presumably, its power had to be greater too!
Just then, the Thunder God circled above their heads a few more times, seemingly searching for something, before folding its wings and landing atop the shrine on Fire Island.
The next second, it unleashed a massive surge of electricity that spread in every direction.
At the same time, a strange blue, mistlike gas began spreading inside the volcanic crater.
Footsteps sounded as Sabrina, Misty, Flula, and the others reached Xia You's side.
Watching the Thunder God, Sabrina frowned. "What is it doing?"
Xia You did not answer immediately. Instead, he touched his hair.
It was not just him. Everyone present could feel their hair or body hair becoming extremely dry and standing on end of