Bird nest!
What kind of Pokémon would build a bird nest in a place like this?
Chirp!!
A loud bird call from afar pierced through the clouds and snow, reaching the ears of Natsuhiko and Hilona.
Natsuhiko's expression suddenly changed.
The name of the creature making that distant sound was coming into focus.
Articuno!
A legendary Pokémon!
On the same level as the Zapdos once captured by Tom Rokicki!
Although it's certainly not the "Divine Position" real Articuno, just the name "Articuno" alone is unmatched by ordinary Pokémon.
Hilona also understood the meaning behind Natsuhiko's words, coupled with the sound, the swiftly approaching shadow, and the growing sense of oppression...
She didn't expect there to be an Articuno residing on Celestial Crown Mountain!
Possibly, most people wouldn't even imagine it.
Mostly because Celestial Crown Mountain is too high, with dense snow and wind often shrouding it above. Amidst the wind and snow, not to mention hiding one Articuno, even a group of Articuno might go unnoticed.
Especially since they were already at a very elevated position, at the junction of the mountain and cloud layers, the thick, swirling mist added a hidden element to Articuno's presence.
Even though Articuno is rare and legendary, they do have a community, fairly sizable in fact.
However, some powerful Articuno may leave their group to live alone, seeking out frigid peaks or remote islands.
Celestial Crown Mountain, whether in height or coldness, surely meets Articuno's requirements.
But now the appearance of an Articuno is quite unfavorable for Natsuhiko and Hilona.
No wonder they found "snow-covered rocks" here. It was all due to the existence of Articuno.
Whether these rocks attracted Articuno, or Articuno's presence led to these rocks, cannot be investigated.
All that's known is, if they don't leave now, having moved the rocks, Hilona and Natsuhiko will surely become its primary targets.
But at this moment.
The frolicking, evolution-driven Eevee was only seconds away from the rocks.
Just as Natsuhiko hesitated on whether to have Hilona call back Eevee and leave now, Hilona spoke first:
"Thank you, Natsuhiko, for telling me about Eevee's evolution. Don't get involved this time, quick, go!"
Natsuhiko's mouth opened, and the words stuck in his throat were suddenly choked.
Go?
'If you hadn't said that, I really would have left...'
Natsuhiko felt helpless inside.
If Hilona hadn't spoken like that, he might have really left. Now, her words left him in a dilemma.
If you say you won't go, you might... no, you will definitely face Articuno's wrath, and although its strength is unknown, it surely cannot be underestimated.
But if you say you'll leave, her words make him feel awkward, making him reluctant to leave.
The one sure thing is, if he leaves, his relationship with Hilona would become parallel lines; they'd be even, with no debts.
At first, that wasn't a big deal.
But if he seeks to settle in Sinnoh and establish a Dojo, then the future Champion is someone he can't ignore.
If he stays, no matter the outcome, successful or not, Hilona owes him a favor.
And with Hilona's rising power, that favor becomes increasingly valuable.
It's a matter of choosing.
In the end,
Natsuhiko gritted his teeth.
Screw that!
It's just Articuno, I've handled Zapdos before, why fear Articuno.
But whether Dragapult can withstand it... that's uncertain.
After making up his mind, Natsuhiko coldly told Hilona, "What do you take me for?"
It was Hilona's first time hearing Natsuhiko speak to her in such a cold voice, yet she felt no distaste, even a bit moved and admired.
Not many could face an Articuno directly.
Tightening her lips, she sincerely said to Natsuhiko, "Thank you."
"Even so, prepare to face Articuno's wrath," Natsuhiko said, taking out several Pokeballs.
He opened them in succession, summoning Beedrill and Doublade.
"The opponent is very strong, be prepared."
Hearing Natsuhiko's words, Beedrill and Doublade nodded gravely, especially Doublade, who looked particularly worried.
Though it seemed safer with Natsuhiko, occasional thrills still found their way.
On the other side, Hilona also threw out Pokeballs.
Besides Eevee moving towards Articuno's nest, she summoned Lucario to counter the Ice-type Pokémon, and the familiar Gabite, along with a Spiritomb and a Roselia.
Among Hilona's Pokémon, aside from Spiritomb being a bit uncharacteristic, the others were quite fitting.
As for Roselia,
Clearly, it's the controller in Hilona's team.
Though Grass-type Pokémon are weak against Ice-type Pokémon.
The two stood ready, prepared for Articuno's arrival.
Elsewhere,
Little Eevee, in its excitement, felt nothing amiss; its mind was occupied with the "ice-covered rocks" ahead. As it approached, it sensed a resonance, its body's cells cheered at the proximity.
Its genes, too, began to stir eagerly as it neared.
Eevee finally understood why it felt such joy at the sight of snow when it was young; it was born for this attribute.
So,
When it neared the frigid rocks, it felt not coldness but a strange fondness.
So fond that it couldn't help but reach out its paw to touch it.
"Buyi~~"
Eevee didn't restrain its impulse and desire, leaping softly to the stone, extending its paw to place it on the brightest, most alluring part.
In an instant.
Eevee's body quivered slightly, as a cold surge traveled from its paw, awakening dormant genetic fragments within.
Soon, its entire body emitted a dazzling white light.
And as the cold stream continued from the stone, the milky white glow grew more pronounced, completely enveloping it.
In the haze, Eevee's form began to change.
Entering the evolution state!
Natsuhiko and Hilona were both stimulated by the intense white light.
"It seems indeed to have effects similar to an Ice Stone." Natsuhiko nodded internally.
"It's evolving!" Hilona's eyes shone with undeniable excitement, her clenched fists showing her joy for her Pokémon's favorable choice.
However, their joy contrasted starkly with another Pokémon's feelings.
The speeding Articuno also saw the white light and sensed the rapid depletion of energy from one of its stones.
It quickened its wing flapping.
Not long after leaving, its nest was being raided.
Rage surged within.
Chirp!!
With a long cry, it finally pierced through the clouds and snow, appearing before Natsuhiko and Hilona.
Articuno!