Xiao Zhi pointed to the deep cave and asked the group of Pokémon, "Can we go in?"
Machop, Jynx, and Lickitung were hesitant. They circled around, exchanged glances, and seemed a bit unsure. After all, the legendary Pokémon resided deep within the cave.
Although the presence deep within the cave made them feel some unease and worry, they ultimately decided to set aside their hesitation and allow Xiao Zhi and the others to enter the cave.
...
...
Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mao ventured deep into the cave, marveling at this world completely different from the outside. The scene inside the cave was exceptionally spectacular, with crystal-clear ice pillars hanging everywhere, like a forest of ice sculptures.
They carefully passed through the ice pillars, feeling their cool touch, as if they had entered another magical world.
The light inside the cave refracted through the ice crystals, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors, decorating the entire cave like a fairyland.
Suddenly, at a corner, Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mao's eyes lit up. They were surprised to see an open space deep within the cave, and there, a Pokémon stood quietly.
Her beauty and majesty were astonishing. Her blue, transparent feathers shimmered, as if condensed from ice crystals.
A dark blue, prismatic feather crest stood proudly on her head, and her red eyes appeared mysterious and piercing.
Her short, gray beak complemented her long legs, and her long, flag-like tail was particularly striking in the cave.
From her body emanated a mysterious and powerful aura.
This Pokémon was the legendary Articuno!
'Articuno, the Freeze Pokémon. She is a legendary bird Pokémon, Ice/Flying type.'
During Li Qingfeng's introduction, Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mao, almost simultaneously, took out their pokémon index to scan her.
Articuno sensed the sudden appearance of unfamiliar auras around her and slowly turned her head to look at Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mao.
Although she couldn't understand human behavior, she could sense their interest and curiosity. In her red eyes, a hint of dignified and noble temperament was revealed.
Articuno was like a monarch in the ice and snow; her presence gave off a solemn and majestic feeling. Although there were no words, her aura was enough to express the nobility and dignity contained within her.
Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mao both felt this temperament, which ignited their deeper curiosity and desire for a challenge.
They were Trainers who set out from Masara Town; how could they possibly shy away from a powerful opponent?!
Xiao Zhi looked at Articuno excitedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He could barely contain himself from confirming with Li Qingfeng: 'Brother Qingfeng, is this the legendary Pokémon? She looks so powerful!'
'Hmm, yes. But she has no relation to Ho-Oh; don't get them mixed up, okay?' Li Qingfeng nodded slightly. He recalled how Xiao Zhi had once thought Articuno resembled Ho-Oh and gave him a reminder.
Just then, Articuno seemed to sense something and flew in front of Xiao Zhi, looking at him with curious eyes.
"Hello?"
Xiao Mao tentatively greeted her. Articuno politely nodded in response, then stared intently at Xiao Zhi's backpack.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhi placed his backpack on the ground and found the rainbow wing.
"Feather." (Human, why do you have this feather? Since that incident, that one should no longer trust humans.)
That incident back then spread throughout the legendary Pokémon. (The legendary beasts of the Kanto and Johto regions know each other; this is a private setting.)
Standing before Articuno, Xiao Zhi said with surging emotion, "This feather... Ho-Oh gave it to me on my first day of travel." He was immersed in memories, the scene of Ho-Oh bestowing the rainbow wing upon him vivid in his mind.
That was the result of his and Pikachu's combined efforts.
Articuno listened quietly to Xiao Zhi's words. She sensed Xiao Zhi's special temperament and knew he must possess extraordinary abilities.
Moreover, to be able to receive a rainbow wing from Ho-Oh. At this moment, Articuno also understood that the young man before her was definitely not simple.
"Feather." (Humans, why have you come here?)
If she remembered correctly, very few humans should come here. Even for capturing Ice-type Pokémon, most people go to Twin Islands.
Her dwelling place was on Twin Islands; this snowy mountain was just a place she stumbled upon during an outing, a good spot to find some peace. She hadn't expected humans to arrive here, which made her slightly surprised.
Xiao Zhi explained the whole story, while Xiao Mao looked at him in shock. He hadn't expected Xiao Zhi's special power to allow him to understand Pokémon speech; this was a very good ability.
Xiao Zhi clenched his fists tightly, filled with fighting spirit and confidence. He continued, "Articuno, Xiao Mao and I want to challenge you! Deep in this snowy mountain, let's have a showdown!"
"Eh?"
Clearly, Xiao Mao was once again shocked by Xiao Zhi's words, not expecting him to invite him to battle Articuno together.
Articuno remained silent for a moment, the tension in the air gradually rising. Suddenly, Articuno let out a magnificent cry.
The sound was like a roar, showcasing her majesty and power. Her cry was filled with infinite might, as if expressing her acceptance of this (impromptu) challenge.
Along with the cry, the ice and snow around Articuno seemed to become even more dazzling. Her body was tall and upright, her feathers shimmering brilliantly, revealing an absolutely awe-inspiring aura.
Articuno's presence exuded supreme majesty and nobility!
Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mao were awestruck by Articuno's majestic aura, as if they were in a peak showdown. They both felt the arrogance and dominance emanating from Articuno, igniting an even stronger fighting spirit!
"Pikachu, I choose you! We must unleash our strongest power and have a showdown with Articuno!"
Xiao Zhi looked at his Pikachu with a determined expression, filled with resolve and confidence.
Pikachu sensed Xiao Zhi's determination and fighting spirit, and its eyes shone with a resolute light. It nodded with all its might, indicating its willingness to accept this challenge.
As Xiao Zhi's closest partner, the tacit understanding and trust between Pikachu and Xiao Zhi were deeply ingrained. No matter how powerful the opponent, they could fight heart-to-heart, together!
'The Blizzard hasn't stopped yet. If I use Arcanine and it gets knocked out, that wouldn't be good.'
Thinking this, Xiao Mao kissed his poké ball, then tossed it upward: "Go, my darling!"
Li Qingfeng looked at the Pokémon that appeared, nodding slightly. It seemed the two had brought out their highest level.
——————
This battle ended quickly.
Pikachu received an epic buff.