Chapter 151: The Radiant Stone and the Battle Against the Plasma Orb

"Professor Juniper."

"Oh, Ash, Cheng Cheng, you've arrived. Thank you so much for coming such a long way."

"Not at all. We're very grateful to have been invited."

"Professor Juniper, have you discovered something here?"

"Yes. It seems there is something related to Reshiram hidden within these white ruins."

"Is it similar to what we found previously in the ruins of Zekrom?"

"Indeed."

"Could the object placed inside correspond to the Dark Stone we found before?"

"Ah, that is quite possible. However, we must first figure out what is displayed on this wall; only then can we proceed further inside."

"Look, a piece of stone is missing from this wall, though I'm not sure which one it is. Still, I've noticed that the order of these inscriptions is somewhat incorrect, so we need to rearrange them."

"Let us help, then."

"No need, I can handle it."

Professor Juniper began shifting the stone blocks embedded in the wall, which were engraved with characters Cheng Cheng could not read. The moment she moved the final block, another stone emerged from within. Immediately afterward, the entire stone gate swung open.

"Ah, since it's open now, let's go."

Stepping inside, everyone discovered a vast chamber featuring a sacrificial altar at its center.

Observing the surroundings, Cheng Cheng realized this place was an exact replica of the black ruins.

They turned their attention toward the central altar, upon which rested a stone. However, this stone differed somewhat from the one in the black ruins.

"Oh, this must be the Light Stone."

"The Light Stone?"

"Yes. Legend says it is the stone capable of reviving Reshiram."

At that moment, Professor Juniper suddenly picked up the Light Stone, which instantly erupted with intense flames. Surprisingly, no one felt any heat from the fire.

Suddenly, Cheng Cheng's Poké Ball stirred, and his Sigilyph emerged.

"Sigilyph!"

The Pokémon soared high into the air, bathing in the fiery energy. It then proceeded to absorb all of the radiating flames entirely.

Having finished absorbing the energy, Sigilyph descended toward Cheng Cheng and collapsed softly into his arms. It appeared that the Pokémon had absorbed the immense power and subsequently fallen into a deep slumber.

Cheng Cheng recalled Sigilyph into its Poké Ball.

"Cheng Cheng, what just happened?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps these ruins share some special connection with Sigilyph."

Cheng Cheng recalled the Sigilyph they had encountered in the black ruins. Although he had no idea what they had communicated about during their prolonged exchange, it now seemed likely that his own Sigilyph served as a guardian of these ruins.

Yet, Cheng Cheng also found it rather puzzling, considering his Sigilyph's Pokéball had originally been found in the Hoenn region. Logically speaking, it didn't quite add up.

"Alright, let's head outside first," Professor Juniper decided, turning to leave the ruins.

Noticing several inscriptions carved into the floor slabs, Cheng Cheng had his system record them rapidly before following Professor Juniper and the others toward the exit. Before long, the group stepped out of the ruins.

"Professor Juniper, is this truly the Light Stone?"

"I cannot be absolute, but there is little doubt."

"Can it summon Reshiram?"

"Well, the exact details remain unclear; it will require extensive research. However, the Chapter of White contains this passage:

*Throughout human history, should a human who pursues truth emerge, Reshiram shall appear. This individual shall be known as the hero. First, Reshiram shall battle the hero to test their truth and purity of heart. Should the hero pass this trial, they shall obtain immense power, while Reshiram shall turn its blades against the hero's enemies, caring for the hero as a mother cares for her child. Yet, once the hero attains this great power, their heart shall inevitably cease to be true and kind.*

*And so, Reshiram shall use its flames to burn away the entire civilization created by the hero, and depart.*"

Another voice suddenly interrupted from nearby. Turning around, they saw N, who had parted ways with them not long ago.

"Mr. N, why are you here?"

"I sensed the presence of Reshiram, which led me to this place."

"Who is he?"

"Professor Juniper, this is our friend, N."

"Professor Juniper, I have heard of you. Might I ask what you intend to do with the Light Stone?"

"Naturally, I intend to conduct research upon it. Reshiram is one of my lifelong subjects of study."

"If that is the case, then I am afraid I cannot allow it."

Abruptly, N rushed forward, snatched the Light Stone from her hands, and bolted.

"N, what are you doing?"

"I cannot allow the Light Stone to fall into your hands. The Professor's words just now made it clear—you merely wish to use it as an object of study."

"That's not it, N, please listen to us."

"No need. I once witnessed firsthand how Reshiram destroyed Team Plasma. I do not know why Reshiram acted in such a manner, which is precisely why I must find the answers. Therefore, I will not hand over the Light Stone."

With those words, N continued running.

Ash immediately gave chase.

"Mr. N, wait!"

"Ah—!"

Suddenly, the ground beneath Ash's feet gave way, trapping him.

"Ash!"

N suddenly turned back, but the ground they stepped upon collapsed entirely, causing both of them to plummet downward.

"Gardevoir!"

Utilizing its psychic powers, Gardevoir hoisted both of them back up to safety.

"You two, why are you in such a hurry? Is there nothing that can be discussed calmly while sitting down?"

"Liepard, Shadow Ball!"

"Gardevoir, Protect!"

Gardevoir intercepted the sudden assault.

"Team Plasma! It's you again, why have you shown up here?"

"Hah, N, you won't escape this time. Hand over the Light Stone as well."

"I will never give it to you."

"Then don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Liepard, Hyper Beam!"

"Gardevoir, Shadow Ball!"

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

The research team arrived at that moment, accompanied by several Golett to lend assistance.

"Professor Juniper, are you alright?"

"We are fine, but we must deal with Team Plasma first."

"Golett, Flash Cannon!"

The Golett launched a barrage at the Liepards, successfully driving them back.

"Damn it, at this rate we won't get our hands on the Light Stone. Professor—!"

"Alright, let's play with them properly."

A figure appeared atop the cliffside, operating a piece of machinery.

"Oh no, it's a Pokémon control device!"

Immediately, a beam of light fired, sweeping directly across the Golett.

"Gardevoir, dodge quickly!"

Swiftly evading the beam, Gardevoir avoided being caught in the sweep.

At that moment, the eyes of the Golett turned crimson, and they unleashed Flash Cannons toward the group.

"Gardevoir, Protect!"

Gardevoir managed to block the attack, though the strain was immense.

"Liepard, use Hyper Beam!"

"Scatter and dodge!"

Everyone scrambled out of the path of the attack.

"Go, Dragonite!"

"Go, Charizard!"

"Go forth, my finest Crustle!"

"Go, Dragonite!"

Matsu also released her Dragonite into the fray.

"Everyone, be extremely careful and avoid the machine's attacks!"

The Pokémon clashed fiercely with the Golett. By now, Team Plasma had completely surrounded the area, making a breakthrough exceedingly difficult.

"Shadow Claw!"

"Watch out!"

A Liepard lunged at Cheng Cheng's blind spot while his attention was diverted.

"Fury Swipes!"

Another Pokémon intercepted the attack just in time.

"Meowth? What are you doing here?"

It was Team Rocket's Meowth who had intervened.

"Team Rocket is here to help out, too!"

"That's right, runts, we'll temporarily act as your allies this time."

"Precisely, meow!"

Despite Team Rocket's assistance, the situation did not improve; the enemy simply possessed far too many Pokémon.

Not only were Team Plasma's Pokémon deployed, but all of the research team's Pokémon had also fallen under enemy control. The situation had truly become critical.

"Everyone, come out!"

The group released all of their remaining Pokémon to join the battle. Through coordinated teamwork, they temporarily managed to stabilize the battlefield.

"Oh? I didn't expect you to hold out this long. In that case, we'll take your Pokémon as well!"

"Careful, they're going to use the machine to control your Pokémon!"

Realizing the impending danger, N shouted a warning as he noticed Team Plasma preparing the control apparatus.

"Recall your Pokémon quickly!"

"Everyone, return!"

The trainers hastily recalled their Pokémon, successfully shielding them from mind control. However, they had overlooked one crucial detail: Pikachu could not enter a Poké Ball.

A beam of light flashed through the air, striking Pikachu dead center. Pikachu's eyes immediately turned crimson.

"Pikachu!"

"Pikachu... pi!"

Unleashing a massive Thunderbolt in every direction, Pikachu forced everyone to scatter for cover. Defending against the wrath of the God of Thunder was no simple feat.

"Ash, watch out!"

"Snap out of it, Pikachu!"

Ash rushed directly toward Pikachu.

A point-blank Thunderbolt struck Ash squarely, yet he pressed forward regardless, wrapping his arms tightly around Pikachu.

Pikachu showed no signs of regaining consciousness, and the continuous electrical discharge battered Ash's body to the point where even he could barely endure it.

"Stop this! Team Plasma, what you want is the Light Stone, isn't it? If so, release Pikachu!" N yelled toward the members of Team Plasma.

"Very well. The moment you hand over the Light Stone, we will deactivate the control over Pikachu."

Team Plasma deactivated the device, causing Pikachu to calm down instantly.

Without hesitation, N handed the Light Stone over to them.

At that moment, a massive airship descended from the sky—evidently, the leader of Team Plasma had arrived.