On the way to Nacrene City, Iris and Cilan have a practice battle. However, Axew, being young still, does not battle very well and the battle ends early. Later while resting, Iris talks to Ash and Cilan about how she and Axew met and what her dreams are. During this time, Axew wanders off to get some apples and ends up trapped in the horns of the bug pokémon Scolipede. The Pokémon begins rampaging and now everyone must find a way to stop it and get Axew back. Meanwhile, Giovanni gives Team Rocket an important mission in preparation for his big plans for the Unova region.