Chapter 150: The Enraged Haxorus and the White Ruins

Everyone, we are about to reach the next town. Once we arrive, we will be parting ways with Mr. N, Cilan said, looking at the map.

That is right. I am heading to a place even further than Driftveil City, N replied.

Then let us hold a farewell dinner in the next town. I will definitely prepare some delicious food for us, Cilan proposed.

Alright then, let us hurry to the next town.

The group continued on their journey. Before long, they spotted a river, across which lay the city they were heading toward.

As they approached the bridge to cross, Officer Jenny blocked their path.

I am terribly sorry, but passage ahead is currently prohibited.

Why won't you let us through, Officer Jenny? Did something happen? Ash asked.

A berserk Haxorus suddenly appeared on the city streets and is currently causing destruction. We are working on a solution, so crossing is not permitted at this time.

A berserk Haxorus? No way, Haxorus is a very gentle Pokémon and would never attack unprovoked!

Upon hearing that a Haxorus was the cause of the chaos, Iris could barely contain her anxiety.

Officer Jenny, please let us pass. I believe I can handle this.

No, all the streets are locked down. I will not let you through.

Realizing Officer Jenny would not budge, Iris ran toward the other bridges to see if she could find another way across. However, she discovered that every single bridge leading into the city had been sealed off.

I have to get across. Haxorus is not a bad child. I will swim across if I have to!

Calm down, Iris. Leave this to me, Cheng Cheng said.

Cheng Cheng, do you have a way?

Of course. Actually, we could just fly across using a Flying-type Pokémon, but that would draw too much attention. In that case, let us use Gardevoir's Teleport.

Come out, Gardevoir. Gardevoir, could you please take us across?

Cheng Cheng grabbed Gardevoir's hand, and the others gathered close, holding onto one another.

Ralts!

Gardevoir activated Teleport, and in an instant, the group arrived on the opposite bank of the river. Fortunately, the distance was not too great, and Gardevoir managed to bring everyone across, though it took some effort.

We must find Haxorus quickly.

Iris sprinted toward the streets, and the others followed closely behind. Before long, they heard a tremendous commotion echoing from a nearby alleyway—it had to be Haxorus.

It must be right over there.

When they arrived at the scene, they saw Haxorus rampaging through the streets. Standing nearby was someone who appeared to be its Trainer.

Haxorus, stop!

Haxorus continued its destructive rampage regardless.

This is bad. We have to subdue it right away. Let's go, Pikachu!

Wait, leave matters concerning Dragon-type Pokémon to me!

Iris dashed toward Haxorus.

Haxorus, what on earth is going on? Please, calm down!

Iris, look out!

Gardevoir!

Haxorus lashed out at Iris with Shadow Claw, but Cheng Cheng immediately had Gardevoir pull Iris back to safety.

What is going on here? Why has Haxorus become like this?

I can no longer hear the voice in my friend's heart at all.

Cheng Cheng attempted to establish a telepathic connection with Haxorus, but he discovered that its mind was entirely consumed by rage, making communication completely impossible. It appeared to be under some kind of external control.

In that case, I choose you, Dragonite!

Iris released Dragonite.

Dragonite, use Flamethrower!

Dragonite unleashed a stream of flames toward Haxorus in an attempt to subdue it.

At that exact moment, however, a beam of light fired from a distance and struck Dragonite directly. Dragonite's eyes instantly turned red, mirroring Haxorus's state.

Roar!

Dragonite began firing Ice Beam in all directions, freezing everything the chilling energy touched.

Dragonite, stop this at once!

Instead, Dragonite charged forward with a furious Dragon Rush.

Gardevoir, Shadow Ball!

Cheng Cheng ordered Gardevoir to intercept and block Dragonite's attack with a Shadow Ball.

Go, Charizard!

Ash summoned Charizard, preparing to subdue Dragonite.

Ash, handle Dragonite. I will deal with Haxorus!

Gardevoir, Shadow Ball!

Ralts!

Gardevoir launched a Shadow Ball at Haxorus, which blocked the attack directly with Shadow Claw.

In that case, Gardevoir, use Hypnosis!

Ralts!

The hypnotic wave washed over Haxorus. Just as it appeared the Pokémon was about to fall asleep, it suddenly snapped awake.

No effect? Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball again!

Gardevoir repeatedly fired Shadow Balls to suppress Haxorus, but if this kept up, Haxorus would soon exhaust itself to the point of collapse.

At that moment, an airship suddenly descended from the sky, and several individuals stepped out.

Team Plasma! It is you again. No wonder the Pokémon lost their sanity.

Ash recognized them instantly as members of Team Plasma, the very culprits behind the previous incidents of maddened Pokémon.

N, it has been a long time. I never expected to run into you here.

Why is this happening? What on earth did you do to the Pokémon?

N demanded, glaring at the Team Plasma members.

Pokémon are simply unable to unleash their full potential in a natural state. Therefore, I designed a device that allows Pokémon to draw upon their absolute maximum power.

Why would you do such a thing? Why must you hurt Pokémon?

Have you not noticed? It was only after our guidance that Dragonite and Haxorus were able to display their true power.

Stop it! This will only hurt them!

So what if it does? Now, be a good boy and come with us.

I will not go with you.

Then do not blame us for being harsh.

Everyone, attack!

Pansage, Bullet Seed!

Axew, Dragon Rage!

Liepard, Shadow Ball!

We must hurry, or Haxorus and Dragonite will literally exhaust themselves to death!

Cheng Cheng expanded his psychic awareness. He could sense a strange frequency broadcasting and controlling both Haxorus and Dragonite. Tracing the signal, Cheng Cheng discovered that the wave was originating directly from their airship.

Ash,

Cheng Cheng walked over to Ash and whispered quietly.

Ash, have Pikachu use Thunderbolt on that airship. The machine controlling Dragonite and the others should be inside. I will cover you.

Got it!

No problem!

Come out, Slowpoke!

Slowpoke, use Water Gun!

Slowpoke fired a powerful jet of water at the Team Plasma members, pinning them down.

Ash, now is your chance!

Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!

Pika... chu!

Pikachu's Thunderbolt struck the airship squarely, the massive surge of electricity directly interfering with the internal machinery. Cheng Cheng could feel the controlling frequency vanish instantly, and both Haxorus and Dragonite finally snapped back to their senses.

Oh no! The equipment seems to have been disrupted by that current; it is completely unusable now.

In that case, we retreat for now.

Liepard, Shadow Ball!

Covered by Liepard's attack, the Team Plasma members fled the scene. Cheng Cheng did not attempt to stop their retreat, knowing it would not be easy to detain them here.

Haxorus, are you alright?

Haxorus's Trainer rushed forward.

Haxorus, I am so glad you are back to normal. Thank you all so much!

You are welcome. You should get Haxorus to the Pokémon Center to rest right away.

Right, thank you!

Iris, you should recall Dragonite as well.

Return, Dragonite!

Just as the group prepared to head toward the Pokémon Center, a thick fog suddenly rolled in from all directions.

Cheng Cheng sensed two distinct psychic signatures; there had to be Psychic-type Pokémon nearby. Before long, the dense fog dissipated, but N had vanished along with it.

What is going on? Where is Mr. N?

Ash looked around in surprise, realizing N was gone.

He must have left.

Cheng Cheng, did you see Mr. N?

No, but I sensed the presence of Psychic-type Pokémon within that fog just now. They did not seem hostile; they probably came to pick N up. There is no need to worry.

I see. I wonder where Mr. N went, though?

Alright, Dragonite needs treatment. Let us get to the Pokémon Center first.

The group arrived at the Pokémon Center and entrusted their injured Pokémon to Nurse Joy's care. N's abrupt departure left them with mixed feelings, but they ultimately decided to press on toward the White Ruins.

They rested for the night at the Pokémon Center and set off again early the next morning.

After walking for some time, they entered a sprawling rural countryside, in the distance of which a towering structure came into view. That had to be the Dragonspiral Tower, which meant the White Ruins were close at hand. Excitement filled the air at the prospect of finally reaching the White Ruins, where they might even catch a glimpse of Reshiram.

Let us hurry!

After taking a short break, the group resumed their march toward Dragonspiral Tower.

After walking a little further, a vehicle pulled up alongside them.

Oh, hello there. You must be Ash and Cheng Cheng, right? Professor Juniper sent me to pick you up.

Sorry to trouble you.

The previous evening, the group had spoken with Professor Juniper over the video phone, and she had promised to send someone for them.

They boarded the car and drove toward the White Ruins.

Before long, they arrived at the excavation site outside the ruins. Stepping out of the vehicle, they saw numerous workers bustling about, transporting equipment and materials. We only recently excavated these ruins, so many areas have not been fully processed yet. However, the passages are clear now. Come inside with me.

Walking together into the ruins, Cheng Cheng noticed that the passageway was remarkably long, its architectural structure bearing a striking resemblance to the previous Black Ruins.

They pressed onward until they reached a stone chamber. Professor Juniper was already standing there, seemingly engrossed in studying various artifacts and inscriptions.