DC: A Cop in Gotham

Chapter 42: This Is My Jurisdiction! Heart Swap

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Trigon was supremely confident that he would be the one to claim victory in the end, but what he hadn't anticipated was the sheer number of unexpected twists and turns that would unfold before that moment arrived.

He had already located the bewildered Manaphy floating on the sea, the little creature completely unaware of the dire situation around her. Confused and frightened, she could only watch helplessly as the demonized Groudon extended its massive, clawed hand toward her, its enormous presence looming like an unstoppable force of destruction.

Victory was within his grasp. The Blue Sea was about to be his. Trigon could already taste his triumph, prepared to declare his absolute dominance, when, in an instant, two smoke bombs struck his face, shrouding everything in thick, suffocating darkness. The opportunity was stolen from him at the very last second.

"Batman!"

With an earth-shaking stomp, the demonized Groudon pressed its massive foot against the ground, sending a terrifying wave of energy through the earth itself. The impact resonated through the very fabric of the battlefield, surging forward like an unstoppable force, twisting the land until it morphed into towering mountains that rose violently into the sky.

"Mana!" Manaphy's eyes sparkled like stars as she saw the Dark Knight appear.

(The bat-shaped man is so powerful!)

With a firm grip on the tiny Pokémon, Batman swung through the ruins of Adam's Port, his grapple hook allowing him to weave effortlessly between the shattered remains of buildings. No matter how ferociously Trigon attacked, no matter how relentless his pursuit, the Caped Crusader remained just beyond his grasp, his movements precise, controlled, and elegant as he danced through the air like a shadow.

This was Batman's strategy—a countermeasure devised through careful observation. He had noticed that, despite Groudon's increased power after its Primal Reversion, there was one key ability the beast had not demonstrated since its transformation—flight. Batman deduced that Groudon had lost its ability to take to the skies, and with that realization, he formulated a plan: rely on speed, agility, and mobility to evade its attacks and buy time.

However, there was a limit to how far he could run. If Batman strayed too far from the battlefield, Trigon might shift his focus elsewhere—toward the shelter, where innocent civilians were still seeking refuge. That possibility was unacceptable. It left him with no choice but to remain close, engaging in a dangerous game of cat and mouse while staying within Trigon's reach.

Spreading his cape, Batman glided through the air, maneuvering behind the jagged peaks created by Groudon's Precipice Blades, using the unnatural landscape as cover while evading the fiery hellflames spewing from Groudon's mouth. The countless rocky spires had become obstacles, hindering Trigon's ability to pursue him effectively.

Batman was utilizing the battlefield itself to outmaneuver Trigon, but his endurance was steadily declining. His mind raced, analyzing every possibility, searching for the next step in his plan when, suddenly, something unexpected caught his eye—a familiar vehicle speeding across the broken terrain.

"The Batmobile?"

His sharp eyes locked onto the unmistakable shape of his car, and atop it, clinging to the roof with determination, was Dean.

"Batman."

Dean, using Hoshikudaki as support, lay atop the Batmobile, his voice carrying over the roar of the engine.

"I'm warning you, in the name of the Gotham Police Department, to immediately halt your plan to destroy this city—because I have something better!"

Hearing those words, Batman didn't hesitate for even a second. He retracted his cape, controlling his descent with precise calculation, and landed flawlessly atop the Batmobile. This was an action he had performed countless times before—a maneuver executed with the same level of expertise and confidence as if he were simply stepping onto solid ground.

Batman wasted no time on unnecessary conversation. His voice was calm, direct.

"Are you sure?"

Dean, undeterred, smirked and motioned toward the tiny, blue Pokémon in Batman's arms.

"You'll have to ask the little cutie over there."

At Dean's words, Manaphy tilted her head, blinking her large, round eyes in confusion.

"How much stronger have you become after gaining the power of the ocean in this world?"

Manaphy curled her two small tentacles tightly, as if she were mustering all the strength in her tiny body, her face flushing red with determination. But after a few tense seconds, she suddenly let out a deep sigh, her expression shifting to one of frustration.

"Mana Mana, Mana…"

(I'm super powerful now! I've learned so many moves, but for some reason… I can't seem to use any of them!)

The reality of the situation became painfully clear. Under the scorching sun, all water-based moves were rendered completely ineffective, and even though Manaphy had gained the power of the Blue Sea, she was no exception.

Batman narrowed his eyes slightly, but Dean remained unfazed. He simply shook his head and offered a reassuring smile.

"It's fine. I wasn't expecting you to fight anyway. What I need from you is something else."

Manaphy tilted her head curiously.

"Mana?"

(Something else?)

Dean nodded firmly, his tone carrying an unmistakable weight of certainty.

"Yes. What I need from you isn't strength, nor is it any of the attacks you've learned. What I need… is the power that you've been using this entire time. The power that comes as naturally to you as breathing. The ability that defines who you are."

His words hung in the air for a moment before he finally gave the answer.

"Your power to communicate with hearts."

Manaphy blinked, then her expression shifted—as if she suddenly understood what Dean was asking of her.

Before she could respond, however, an urgent voice interrupted their moment.

"Have you two finished talking yet?!"

Wonder Woman's sharp, strained voice cut through the roaring wind as the Batmobile continued its reckless charge forward. Her grip tightened around the edge of the car, muscles tensed, her sharp Amazonian instincts on full alert.

"Groudon is still chasing us!"

The earthquake had left massive cracks and broken roads in its wake, creating a treacherous terrain that made driving nearly impossible. Even though the Batmobile was built for extreme conditions, maneuvering through such an unstable environment was proving to be increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, the demonized Groudon showed no signs of slowing down. The monster was closing the distance between itself and the Batmobile at an alarming rate, its towering figure growing larger and larger with every passing second.

Dean reached into his coat, retrieving a Poké Ball—but the once smooth, polished surface was now cracked. He cast a quick glance at the fragile sphere before turning his eyes back to Manaphy. Without hesitation, he brought the ball closer.

"Manaphy," he said in a low voice, "get inside."

Without protest, the little Legendary Pokémon was absorbed into the red light, vanishing into the Poké Ball.

Dean took a slow breath, then lifted his gaze toward the unstoppable force that was bearing down on them. The demonized Groudon was a true beast of destruction, an incarnation of wrath itself, and yet—Dean's hands didn't tremble. His eyes didn't waver.

Because he had already made his decision.

"This will be…" Dean muttered under his breath, fingers tightening around the Poké Ball, "the first and last Pokémon battle that I will ever fight."

Then, with every ounce of strength in his body, he threw the Poké Ball.

The arc it traced through the air was flawless—a perfect, calculated trajectory heading straight toward Groudon. But Trigon was watching. He had already anticipated this move.

At that very moment, dark red, hellish energy surged from the demon's body, giving rise to shadowy tendrils that lashed out like living whips. These hell tentacles shot forward, aiming directly for the Poké Ball in midair.

The two forces collided.

The Poké Ball landed on the tentacle—but instead of capturing Manaphy inside, it simply popped open, revealing nothing but empty space.

Trigon's eyes widened in the briefest flicker of surprise.

Before he could react, a flash of red light erupted from the now-open Poké Ball, transforming into a glowing silhouette that landed safely on the ground.

Manaphy had escaped just in time.

Dean's hand snapped forward, and in a voice filled with absolute certainty, he shouted:

"Manaphy—use Heart Swap on Groudon!"

The command rang out like a declaration of war.

Mind Swap—an ability that allowed two entities to exchange all of their current power states, leaving them in entirely different conditions. The move had only one requirement: it was guaranteed to land, as long as the opponent was still on the battlefield.

"Mana—!"

Manaphy's tentacles glowed, illuminating with a radiant, dreamlike brilliance. A soft pink energy began forming between her and Groudon, linking them together through a mysterious spiritual connection.

This was it.

This was the countermeasure that Dean had devised.

Heart Swap would take every ounce of strength that Groudon had acquired in its demonized state and transfer it to Manaphy. In return, Groudon would be left with whatever remained of Manaphy's current condition.

Dean's theory was simple—he had been analyzing the demonized Groudon's power from the moment the battle had begun. And now, after careful observation, he had come to a conclusion.

This wasn't a new form.

This wasn't a natural transformation.

This was a state of corruption, an unnatural enhancement that had pushed Groudon beyond its limits.

And if it was just a state, then that meant—it could be exchanged.

Trigon narrowed his glowing eyes, feeling the pull of a powerful spiritual force trying to sever his connection to Groudon. His expression twisted into one of mild annoyance, and he let out a low, dismissive scoff.

"Hmph. It's an interesting trick," he muttered, his voice dripping with condescension. "But in the end, you're only delaying the inevitable."

A wave of dark energy rippled through the air as Trigon's spiritual projection loomed over the battlefield.

His very presence was something that no full-level Manaphy could ever hope to contend with, let alone resist. And now, with their minds linked, he had an opportunity of his own.

His smirk widened as he allowed his influence to seep through the connection, slowly reaching toward Manaphy's soul.

"If you wish to form a bond with me…" Trigon whispered, his voice slithering into her thoughts like a venomous serpent, "…then be prepared to face the consequences."

His power surged forward, threatening to taint her through the very spiritual link she had established.

Dean knew without a doubt that Manaphy could never match Trigon's power in a direct confrontation, but that didn't matter—because this was never meant to be a one-on-one battle.

"Groudon!" Dean's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, cutting through the chaos of the battlefield. "Now!"

The massive creature's six green eyes flickered—then, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, one of them began to change.

Slowly but surely, a single eye shifted from green back to gold, and in that instant, the mighty titan of the earth let out a low, rumbling growl—one that sounded almost… pained. It wasn't much, but it was enough. It was a sign. A spark of resistance.

Even after being completely overtaken, even after being warped and corrupted by the influence of Lazarus Pit's demonic power, Groudon was still fighting back.

Dean's eyes narrowed. It wasn't enough.

He clenched his fist and shouted louder, putting everything he had into his words.

"Show me the courage of the God of Earth!"

The weak growl turned into a low roar, and that one golden eye burned brighter.

Dean gritted his teeth. No—it still wasn't enough. He needed something stronger, something that could push Groudon beyond this half-hearted resistance.

"Think about your old enemy!" Dean continued, his voice ringing through the battlefield like a battle cry. "If Kyogre finds out that you've been possessed by an evil god—"

His lips curled slightly as he delivered the final blow.

"—he's going to laugh at you."

The golden light in Groudon's eye intensified.

"Yeah, that's right," Dean pressed on. "And when that happens, do you know what's going to follow? You two are gonna fight. And this time, Rayquaza isn't going to help you. He's going to join Kyogre, and both of them are going to beat you into the ground!"

A deep silence followed.

Then—

BOOM!

A deafening explosion of golden flames erupted around Groudon, completely consuming his entire form.

The titan of the earth threw back his head and let out a mighty, earth-shaking roar—one filled with primal rage, with burning defiance, with the will to fight back.

His massive form began to shift, his once-corrupted body now engulfed in the familiar, blazing red glow of his original return form.

The transformation was instantaneous. The moment his golden eyes opened once more, the demon was expelled—and just like that, Trigon was forcefully torn away from Groudon's body.

The red demon snarled in frustration, his form twisting as he was forcefully ejected, his dark essence separating from the God of Earth against his will.

A blinding red light shot across the battlefield, streaking through the sky like a burning comet—except this time, it wasn't headed for Groudon.

It was headed straight for Manaphy.

The moment Trigon landed, he could feel it—the power of the Blue Sea, the power that had always belonged to Manaphy.

The demon's lips curled into a smirk.

"Even if I've been separated from the Wrath of the Earth…" Trigon sneered, his voice carrying an unsettling sense of satisfaction, "…and even if the Blue Sea belongs to me again…"

His red eyes gleamed with amusement.

"In the end—you still can't change anything."

Dean, however, remained unmoved. His expression remained calm, his sharp gaze locked onto Trigon with an intensity that made it clear—he wasn't concerned in the slightest.

"That's not necessarily true," he replied, his voice low and measured.

Trigon's smirk twitched slightly.

Something about Dean's tone set off a bad premonition deep within him, but before he could pinpoint the reason why, the human turned to Batman.

"Batman."

Dean's voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable weight behind it—something that made the Dark Knight's sharp eyes narrow in response.

"Didn't you ask me before?" Dean continued, "Who I would choose between the majority and the minority?"

Batman immediately stiffened. His fingers curled slightly, and his entire posture shifted—because at that moment, he knew exactly where this was going.

"Dean," he muttered, his voice laced with warning.

Dean didn't let him finish.

"No, Batman," he interrupted, shaking his head. His next words were spoken without hesitation.

"Put away your arrogance."

Batman's eyes narrowed.

"Gotham has never belonged to you," Dean said. His voice was steady. His conviction was unshakable.

"I am a Gotham police officer. And this is my jurisdiction. This is my city."

His next words pierced through the battlefield like a final verdict.

"I won't allow anyone to give up on her. Not Falcone. Not you, Batman."

Without another word, Dean reached down and slammed his hand against the Omnitrix.

A bright green light flashed.

In an instant, his body was enveloped in a radiant glow as his form shifted, his silhouette rapidly transforming into something entirely inhuman.

When the light finally dimmed, standing in Dean's place was a monstrous figure covered in thick, wild vines, his powerful limbs gripping the side of the Batmobile like the roots of a mighty tree.

Dean had transformed.

Using the strength of his new form, he extended one massive, vine-covered arm, gripping the side of a nearby wall. With a powerful pull, he propelled himself off the Batmobile, launching himself toward the battlefield without looking back.

And as he soared through the air, his final command rang out loud and clear—

"Manaphy—use Heart Swap again!"

Trigon's entire body tensed.

His sharp, glowing red eyes darted around frantically as he tried to comprehend what was happening.

He couldn't understand. He had already taken over Manaphy. He had already merged with the Blue Sea. Heart Swap wasn't something that could be used on just anyone—it only worked on the same kind.

That was the rule.

And yet—

Somewhere, deep in his gut, Trigon felt it.

A terrible, sinking realization.

Were there others of the same kind here?

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There were.

Dean's glowing, emerald-green eyes locked onto him.

"Target object—"

A sharp wind cut through the battlefield, and the world seemed to slow as Dean's lips parted to speak one final word.

"Me."

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