Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

Haxorus is a Dragon-type Pokémon registered in the Unova region.

As a pure Dragon-type Pokémon, Haxorus possesses all the typical characteristics of its kind—a powerful physique, exceptional physical fitness, remarkable speed, and explosive offensive capabilities. Among Drake's Dragon-type Pokémon, many are part Flying-type, making them difficult to utilize in narrow cave environments. However, Haxorus faces no such restrictions.

The cave's interior terrain may shift unpredictably, but for now, Haxorus remains the most suitable choice for navigating these conditions.

Aoki immediately activated his scanning system to analyze Haxorus's data.

Pokémon: Haxorus (Light Blue)

Gender: Male

Level: 80

Attribute: Dragon

Ability: Mold Breaker

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Endeavor, Counter, Reversal, Iron Tail

Basic Moves: Outrage, Scratch, Leer, Assurance, Dragon Rage, Dual Chop, Scary Face, Slash, False Swipe, Dragon Claw, Dragon Dance, Taunt, Dragon Pulse, Swords Dance, Guillotine, Giga Impact

Learnt Moves: Draco Meteor, Low Kick, Dragon Pulse, Aqua Tail, Thunder Wave

TM Moves: Protect, Dragon Claw, Hyper Beam, Earthquake, Double Team, Rock Tomb, Shadow Claw, Rock Slide, X-Scissor, Substitute

While Haxorus's base stat total of 540 isn't the highest among Dragon-types, its stat distribution is highly efficient—particularly its 147 Attack and 97 Speed, making it a formidable physical sweeper. As a pure Dragon-type, Haxorus naturally learns many high-powered Dragon-type moves, including Dragon Dance and Outrage, both of which are devastating in battle.

Additionally, Haxorus can learn Swords Dance, a move Aoki had once paid a hefty sum to obtain from Team Rocket's trade conference. Yet, this Pokémon could learn it naturally.

Drake's Haxorus also had the Mold Breaker ability, allowing its attacks to bypass defensive abilities—further increasing its offensive threat.

Aoki's Slowking stood beside the Haxorus. Though similar in size, the difference in presence was stark.

Drake, however, seemed intrigued by Aoki's Slowking.

"Is this your Slowking? I've seen it on TV before, but this is my first time seeing it up close," Drake remarked with a smile.

Aoki patted Slowking's back. "He's one of my most trusted partners. We've been through life-and-death situations together."

Drake's eyes gleamed slightly. "Partners?"

The two continued forward, each holding a torch as they ventured deeper into the cavern.

At a glance, the difference between Aoki's shiny Slowking and a regular one wasn't drastic—just a slightly darker hue compared to the usual pink.

The cave was damp, their footsteps echoing against the wet stone. To avoid detection, Aoki suggested using Slowking's psychic powers to muffle their steps with a thin psychic barrier.

This way, no sound would betray their presence, preventing potential ambushes.

Slowking also acted as a living radar, using its psychic abilities to scan for threats.

Yet, strangely, after walking for some time, they encountered neither humans nor wild Pokémon.

Eventually, Aoki halted abruptly.

"Wait!"

Drake stopped immediately. Despite leading the mission, he trusted Aoki's instincts.

"What's wrong?"

"Check your communicator—see if there's a signal," Aoki said grimly.

Drake pulled out his device. No signal.

"So this is why Steven and Phoebe's transmissions failed," Aoki muttered.

"What's the cause?" Drake asked.

"This 'mysterious cave' is just a façade. We're approaching a space that doesn't naturally exist in the Pokémon world. Right now, we're at the boundary between this artificial space and our reality—which is why communications are failing."

Aoki had only realized this when his system alerted him that his connection with Porygon2 on the island was weakening.

Drake frowned. "So this place truly is unnatural."

Mysterious spaces like these were rare in the Pokémon world, often remnants of ancient times—either created by legendary Pokémon or lost civilizations. Despite modern technology, the Pokémon League still hadn't uncovered the secrets of artificially constructing such spaces.

Knowing they were about to enter an unstable dimension, Aoki quickly retrieved all his Pokémon via portable transporter while his system still had a connection.

Once inside, his system would lose contact with Porygon2.

Besides, he didn't know how long they'd be trapped—better to have his full team with him.

Even if they were stranded, at least they'd be together.

With Drake and the six Mega Stones on his wrist, Aoki felt prepared.

"Aoki," Drake said seriously, "since you're aware of these spaces, listen closely. We don't know what awaits inside. We might even be separated upon entry. We need matching markers to regroup later."

He paused.

"If something goes wrong… based on our communicators' limits, if you can escape within a week, do so immediately."