Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Chapter 88 The Raging Sands

The howling of graveyard hounds tore through the hot desert winds as five poachers approached in a fan shape, their energy guns flashing in the dust.

The moment Zhang Jianying took a step forward, Gardevoir had already made its move.

Without warning, a powerful spiritual force swept out like an invisible tsunami!

The pale blue ripples of [Mental Strength] spread through the air and accurately struck the two front-line Tomb Raiders!

"Awooo—!"

The two graveyard dogs howled as they were thrown into the air, crashing heavily into the rock pillars behind them, their eyes spinning as they slid down.

"There's an ambush!"

The poacher squad leader shouted, "Fire! Covering fire!"

Five energy guns simultaneously spewed out flames, and the scorching energy beams intertwined to form a net, blocking all angles in front.

Albert's Thunder Beast moved at that moment.

It transformed into a golden lightning bolt, leaping vertically upwards to avoid all the shooting trajectories, its body emitting dazzling electric light!

[Discharge] The violent current, like golden snakes dancing wildly, poured down from top to bottom!

"Aaaaaah!"

Three poachers screamed as they were struck by electric shocks; their protective suits emitted blue smoke as they convulsed and collapsed to the ground.

The other two reacted quickly, rolling to dodge while throwing out Poké Balls.

A super-armored rhinoceros landed heavily, kicking up a cloud of dust. A coal turtle spewed black smoke, and the crater on its carapace began to glow red.

"Turtle terrapins, take care of them," Zhang Jianying said calmly.

"Tutai!"

The earth-platform tortoise roared in a low voice, stomping its forelegs heavily on the ground.

The highly effective Earthquake attack brings two Pokémon into its attack range.

Rhyperior crossed its arms and barely managed to withstand the attack thanks to its [Solid Rock] ability, while Torkoal was drained of all its stamina by [Earthquake] the moment it landed, its eyes spinning in circles.

At the same time, a pair of scarlet eyes peeked out from the shadows.

Gengar grinned and emerged from the shadow beneath Torkoal's body, its short claws brimming with ghostly energy. It unleashed a Shadow Ball that slammed into Rhyperior.

"Bang!"

The Super Armored Rhinoceros also didn't achieve anything and went straight to sleep.

Gardevoir's second [Moon Power] has arrived, the crescent-shaped beam accurately hitting the energy guns in the hands of the remaining two.

The battle ended within thirty seconds.

All five poachers collapsed to the ground, their Pokémon either unconscious or lacking the will to fight.

Albert skillfully used a special strap to tie the people up, while Zhang Jianying and Gardevoir retrieved all five Pokémon into their Poké Balls and locked them in place.

Pipa slumped onto the sand, clutching the container in his arms, staring in disbelief at everything that was happening.

"You—" He opened his mouth, his voice hoarse.

"Now is not the time to speak."

Albert interrupted him, pointing to the center of the valley, "Something is about to happen on the main battlefield."

In the valley, the battle between the poaching gang and the majestic tooth has reached a fever pitch.

-

The raging, majestic "earthquakes" shook the earth time and again, but the poaching gang used the energy fluctuations released by their instruments to offset the impact.

Every time it tries to use its melee attack, it gets entangled by two rogue crocodiles and sand snakes with their skills, while the graveyard hound harasses it from the side, making the majestic dog extremely annoyed.

The columnar device continued to emit eerie purple fluctuations. With each fluctuation, Xiongweiya's movements would slow down for a moment, and the rage in his eyes would intensify.

"It seems they are using devices to weaken and provoke it."

Zhang Jianying observed through binoculars, "When Xiongweiya is exhausted, it will be time to close the net."

"That device must be destroyed."

Albert frowned. "But the rest of the main members are all there, and there are four main Pokémon—wait, what are those?"

In the eastern sky, a black dot rapidly expanded.

It's not a Pokémon, but a flying machine.

The streamlined silver fuselage is painted with menacing claw marks on its sides.

The aircraft flew low over the valley, kicking up clouds of dust, and slowly landed between the poaching gang and Zhang Jianying's group.

The hatch opened, and a tall figure stepped out.

Her short, silver-gray hair stood on end like steel needles, sunglasses obscured her eyes, and her black trench coat fluttered in the hot wind. Her right hand wore a specially made mechanical glove, the fingertips gleaming with a dangerous light.

Hunter J.

Zhang Jianying's pupils contracted slightly.

Memories flashed back in an instant.

Sinnoh, Dark Star Base. At that time, he was just a newly debuted trainer. With the recklessness of a newborn calf, he thwarted J's plan with the help of Mewtwo.

Now, in the desert of Padiya, they meet again.

J seemed to sense something as well; she took off her sunglasses, her cold eyes precisely locking onto the direction of the rock pillar area.

Even from a distance, Zhang Jianying could feel the coldness and amusement in that gaze.

"Oh?"

J's lips curled into a slight smile. "I didn't expect to run into an old friend here."

Her voice, sharp and clear like the clash of metal, carried clearly to the rock pillar area.

Zhang Jianying did not respond, but slowly stood up and patted the sand off his body.

Albert adjusted his glasses and whispered, "Seventh on Interpol's most wanted list, Hunter J." How did she end up here?

"It could be a collaboration, or it could be a double-cross."

Zhang Jianying flexed her wrists. "It doesn't matter. She can't leave today."

J seemed to have heard this and sneered, "Long time no see, you've gotten quite arrogant. Let me see how much that brat who relied on Mewtwo to save the day has improved."

She raised her hand and snapped her fingers.

The aircraft hatch opened fully, and five figures filed out.

Salamence spread its scarlet wings, and Dragonscorpion swung its venomous tail, its compound eyes flashing with cruel light.

Alidos stood upright on its eight legs, slapping its chest with both paws, while the scythe-helmet brandished its scythe-like forelimbs, the carapace scraping against each other with a grating sound.

"Albert, call for backup." Zhang Jianying released all his companions, "and protect that kid while you're at it."

"An emergency signal has been sent." Albert nodded, looking at Piper. "You, come with me. We need to get close to the device and find an opportunity to shut it down."

Piper hugged the container tightly, gritted his teeth, and nodded.

J's gaze swept over the two who were trying to move, and he sneered, "Trying to run?"

Salamence opened its mouth, and a scorching [Flame Jet] blasted towards the rock pillar area!

"Gardevoir!"

The Keystone's light burst forth at this moment!

A rainbow of evolutionary light enveloped Gardevoir, its body elongating, its skirt turning a deep black, and its crown-like horns extending into an elegant curve. Mega Gardevoir opened its eyes, its pupils blazing with blue light!

[Moon Power] Counters [Flame Jet]!

Moonlight and flames collided in mid-air, exploding into a dazzling display of energy fireworks! The shockwave swept away the surrounding dust!

Gardevoir pushed its abilities to the limit, engaging in a fierce aerial battle with Salamence.

"Interesting." J raised an eyebrow. "Circle Bear, Dragon Scorpion, deal with that turtle and the rat in the shadows. Ariados, play with that test subject. Scythe Helmet, hold off those two."

The order was given, and the battlefield was instantly divided!

The Circle Bear roared and pounced on the Earth Platform Turtle, its palms gathering terrifying fighting energy—the Arm Hammer!

Dracovish lashed out with its venomous tail, unleashing a purplish-black "Dark Strike" aimed at Gengar, which had just emerged from the shadows.

"Tortoise, curse! Gengar, Dazzling Magic!" Zhang Jian spoke rapidly in English.

The Earth-Based Tortoise growled, its limbs digging deep into the sand, enduring the heavy blow from the Bear. A thin crack appeared in its shell, and a glow of enhanced power flowed around it as [Photosynthesis] rapidly repaired its injuries.

At the same time, the vines intertwined and transformed into a giant hammer, which smashed down on the circle bear.

The Circular Bear roared arrogantly, crossed its arms, and caught the Torterra's [Wooden Hammer] with all its might. It glanced at the Torterra provocatively, opened its mouth, and spat out a cloud of dark purple [Garbage Shot].

The Earth-Turtle was disgusted by the purple trash hitting its face, and in frustration, it distanced itself, abandoning its plan to continue the attack with the [Wooden Hammer].

The two enormous Pokémon stared at each other, neither willing to back down, and with a cold laugh, they launched into a primal melee.

Gengar laughed without dodging or avoiding, letting the several [poison needles] spewed out by Dracovish pierce its body. [Magical Dazzle] wrapped around its entire body, negating Dracovish's [Ambush to Vital Points].

"Genga~"

While Gengar was blocking the attack, it also sneakily threw a Destiny Bond aura at Drapion.

Just as Drapion was about to continue its attack, it paused, clearly aware of the disgusting nature of the move. Hesitant to attack, neither Pokémon continued.

On the other side, Ariados spewed out a sticky web wrapped in deadly poison, attempting to bind the baby dragon.

"Baby Dragon, get out of the way!"

But upon hearing the words "experiment," the baby dragon's eyes flashed with madness, and it threw away the Everstone that it always carried with it.

Ignoring the sticky net shrouded in deep purple poison mist, it opened its mouth and unleashed a blazing jet of flame at Ariados, causing bubbles of purple poison to rise from its small body.

The baby dragon waved its little arms and violently tore apart the inconvenient spider web.

"Spit it out."

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Ariados's back, a hint of surprise flashing in his compound eyes. This little dragon's fighting style was simply too insane!

"Damn it! Dares to attack my dragon? Greatsword Demon, destroy it!"

The Greatsword Demon, who had been poised to strike from the sidelines, had already fully enhanced his abilities through [Sword Dance] and [Gathering Energy].

It drew its foot blade, looked at the baby dragon's body bubbling with purple light, and then turned its cold eyes to Ariados.

[Water Jet] swirled around his body, and he dashed at lightning speed to Ariados, who was trying to dodge. He precisely targeted Ariados's weak point and delivered a vicious [Water Wave Blade] strike at the junction of Ariados's limbs and body.

Ariados cried out in pain as his dodging motion was interrupted.

The baby dragon seized the opportunity, its small body surrounded by white light, and with the added boost of its flying skin, it viciously rammed into the disgusting giant spider.

Ariados, targeted by two unruly Pokémon, promptly fell into a coma.

J glanced coldly at Ariados and recalled it with a Poké Ball: "Come back, you useless piece of trash."

Her gaze shifted toward the device; Albert and Piper were quietly approaching.

"Want to turn off the device?"

J sneered, "The scythe helmet will shatter under the water!"

"Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt!" Albert threw out a Poké Ball.

Golden lightning struck, colliding with the water and exploding with energy! The scythe-helmet dodged to the side, but that momentary disruption was enough.

Albert seized the opportunity to rush to the control panel, his fingers flying across the keyboard: "This device has an independent energy core; I'll try disabling the protection system!"

Piper looked around warily.

The remaining poachers initially tried to prevent Albert and his group from getting close to the equipment.

But they were stopped by the berserk Majestic Tooth, and the poacher leader, in a fit of rage, ordered his men to capture it.

J's face darkened, and she raised her arm, the keystone flashing: "A swarm of annoying bugs. Mega Salamence."

Evolve! Destroy the device along with them!

Salamence attacked Gardevoir, forcing Gardevoir to dodge. A glow of evolution emanated from its body.

Soon, a flying dragon with blood-red crescent-shaped wings appeared in the sky.

Mega Salamence flapped its red blood wings, and a destructive dragon-type energy condensed in its mouth!

It withstood the [Voice of Deafness] enhanced by Gardevoir's Fairy Skin, preparing to unleash a covering [Meteor Shower] towards the center of the valley.

Hunter J chooses to destroy his own devices and members.

If we cannot ensure that the device continues to operate and weaken the mighty tooth, it is better to destroy it directly and prevent anyone from succeeding!

"Noisy bugs—we'll deal with them all at once."

"6

She raised her right hand, and the petrification device began to condense a grayish-white light. The grayish-white beam tore through the air and shot directly at Mega Gardevoir!

"The Pot, a mysterious guardian."

A rainbow of light suddenly burst forth from the unassuming turtle-shaped Pokémon shell! [Mysterious Guard] enveloped Gardevoir like a veil, and the petrification ray struck the light barrier, creating ripples, but could not penetrate it!

At the same time, a cold wind followed Gardevoir's attack, enveloping Salamence as it gathered Meteor Shower.

When the battle began, the little penguins that Zhang Jianying hadn't released jumped out of the ball at some point.

Ice Goose hid behind the Earth-type Tortoise, which had already dealt with the Ursaring, and waited for the right moment to launch a crucial sneak attack!

【Ice Wind】Although its power is not high, the fact that Ice-type is four times super effective against Salamence is too fatal, successfully interrupting its action!

The Salamence roared in frustration, flapping its wings weakly, teetering on the brink of collapse.

Its stamina was also nearing its limit, and Gardevoir's attacks were not easy to withstand. Both Pokémon were already quite injured from their skill clashes.

Now, the "Frozen Wind" of the Ice Goose has become the last straw that broke the camel's back.

"Damn it!" J gritted his teeth.

Just then, Albert's voice came through: "Device protection system deactivated! Main power supply being shut down!"

The columnar device emitted a piercing buzz, and the energy conduits on its surface burst one after another, causing the purple fluctuations to vanish abruptly!

Majestic Fang's body visibly lightened, it raised its head and let out a triumphant roar, then its crimson eyes locked onto the group of people and their Pokémon around it.

Piper crept closer, sneakily tossing a sandwich with a strange smell into Majestic Teeth's mouth. He shouted, "Majestic Teeth, calm down! We're here to help you!"

The majestic tooth, which was grinning and howling, choked and instinctively chewed: "(One) Oh my, it smells so good!"

Feeling its strength returning and the delicious food in its mouth, the majestic tooth glanced down at the human, then opened its mouth wide, indicating that it wanted another piece.

Pipa tossed another sandwich of the same kind into Majestic Tooth's big mouth. Majestic Tooth wasn't angry anymore; he smiled and gently nudged Pipa.

At Piper's signal, Majestic Fang focused its attention on the poacher group harassing it and Hunter J, and launched an attack on the poacher gang that had been besieging it.

J surveys the battlefield—the device is destroyed, the majestic tooth is freed, and Interpol support is on its way.

Her Ursaring and Ariados had completely lost their ability to fight, Drapion was struggling to hold on, Salamence was also about to run out of energy, and Kabuto had also failed to achieve anything.

Her self-illumination finally landed on the Dragon King Scorpion.

This main force that had followed her for many years was now struggling to withstand the attacks of Gengar and Sagamon. Its compound eyes were full of exhaustion, but it still loyally awaited orders.

There was no emotion in J's eyes.

She raised her hand, aimed the mechanical glove at the Dragon King Scorpion, and pressed a button.

"Buzz"

A special sound wave rang out.

The Dragon King Scorpion suddenly stiffened, its eyes flashing with pain and disbelief, before slowly collapsing to the ground.

J activated the control chip implanted in its body, forcing it to lose consciousness.

"Trash has no value following me."

J's voice was icy and chilling.

She didn't even glance at the Dragon Scorpion before turning and jumping onto the back of the Salamence.

"Salamander, take off!"

The Salamence flapped its wings and took off. J took out a remote control from his pocket and pressed a button.

"Trying to leave? Gengar, Black Gaze!"

Seeing its opponent, who had been fighting hard just moments before, suddenly fall, the Greatsword Demon stared coldly at Hunter J in the air, its chest heaving violently, filled with righteous indignation.

Gengar stopped grinning, its eyes filled with shadows, and it grabbed at the shadow cast by Hunter J.

Hunter J didn't hesitate to throw out the already unconscious Ariados to block Gengar's [Black Gaze].

He then took this opportunity to command the Salamence to take off at high speed.

The unconscious Ariadnos fell from the sky.

At the same time, "BOOM BOOM BOOM—!"

Four modified assault vehicles exploded simultaneously!

The poaching gang, who were preparing to drive away, were in big trouble; only two of them managed to escape.

Flames shot into the sky and thick smoke billowed from the scene!

This was a self-destruct device that J had pre-planted, both to destroy evidence and to create chaos.

"It won't be that simple next time we meet."

J's voice came from the sky, and then the Salamence quickly disappeared into the distance.

Zhang Jianying did not command his Pokémon to pursue them. Gardevoir and the others had already expended a lot of energy, and J's flying vehicle was nearby to provide support.

He looked towards the battlefield.

Ursaring lay unconscious on the ground, Drapion lost consciousness after being abandoned by its owner, and Ariados had just been caught by Gengar.

Despite paying a heavy price, J still managed to escape ruthlessly.

"That madman—"

Zhang Jianying looked at the unconscious Dragon King Scorpion and the others with a grim expression.

"She even blows up her own people." Albert walked over, his face grim. "That's always been her way. She'll sacrifice anything to achieve her goals."

Majestic Tooth's anger gradually subsided under the influence of the Pipa Sandwich.

It looked down at the gray-haired boy, then at the devastated valley, let out a low roar, and slowly sank into the earth, disappearing from sight.

The battle is over.

Pipa, carrying the container, walked up to Zhang Jianying and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for saving me."

Zhang Jianying looked at the determined young man and the secret sour sauce he was holding, and nodded.

"You're welcome."

Without saying much, Zhang Jianying began to treat the baby dragon's poisoning.

While feeding the baby dragon the special antidote, she tenderly patted the baby dragon's hard head shell.

He grumbled, "I told you to dodge it, but you just wouldn't listen. It's really—sigh."

"Woohoo!"

Baby Dragon pouted and turned its head away, ignoring him, but its eyes lingered on the trainer out of the corner of its eye. Its short tail swayed, raising a cloud of dust.

At the same time, he didn't forget to bare his teeth at Gardevoir, who had just deactivated its Mega Evolution.

In the distance, an Interpol task force was hurtling in.

In the hot winds of the desert, the smell of blood mingled with a sour aroma.

But on this land where the war has just ended, a reckless yet enthusiastic young man finally finds hope in healing his companion.