No matter how chaotic and contentious things are internally, when it comes to external threats, unity is unquestionable.
So...
Did Articuno sense the presence or mark of Zapdos within Beedrill?
Screech!!!
Suddenly.
Articuno violently flapped its wings, and in an instant, a fierce wind arose, snow and ice raging, with such a strong airflow mixed with ice and snow that Natsuhiko and the others couldn't open their eyes at all.
The howling wind and snow grew stronger.
With no other option, Natsuhiko and Hilona, along with their Pokémon, had to cling tightly to Snorlax's massive and heavy body.
However, at such close range, even Snorlax's weight couldn't withstand Articuno's wing flapping.
Natsuhiko thought quickly and urgently told Snorlax, "Snorlax, roll out!"
On hearing this.
Snorlax, not wanting to linger for a moment, immediately curled into a ball and started rolling with the wind.
Natsuhiko, Hilona, and a few others nestled in Snorlax's embrace, while the larger ones had to grab onto Snorlax's body.
Then.
Then, they left Articuno's nest in a very swift and rounded manner.
Though their departure was clumsy, Articuno showed no intent to attack, merely flapping its wings to create the wind, which undeniably was the best outcome.
Not sure how long they rolled.
But when Snorlax lay on its back in the snow, the violent wind and snow had disappeared, and Articuno was nowhere to be seen; even the snow on Celestial Crown Mountain had significantly lessened.
A beam of warm, golden sunlight pierced through the thick clouds, shining upon them, adding a touch of warmth.
"Whew—"
Natsuhiko lay on Snorlax's belly, exhaling deeply.
Thank goodness it was a close call; he almost couldn't resist summoning Dragapult, which would have wasted another of their already precious and limited occasions...half an occurrence.
Hilona, blushing, tidied her disheveled clothes and even more disorderly hair as she stood up from Snorlax.
She wondered, "Why didn't Articuno attack us again?"
Natsuhiko sat up, slid his hand into Snorlax's soft fur, and pressed his palm against its skin, feeling a slight warmth.
"Perhaps... because Eevee has already evolved into an Ice-type Pokémon, and there's no need to make things difficult for each other?"
He casually remarked while looking at the crystalline light blue Pokémon shaking off the snow, emerging from the snowdrift.
"Really?" Hilona also followed his gaze to the Glaceon.
Though the explanation seemed far-fetched, it seemed to be the only logical explanation.
"Regardless of the reason, the result is good, the process doesn't matter."
"That's true."
Thinking this way, a smile appeared on Hilona's face as she turned and embraced the approaching Glaceon.
Natsuhiko looked at Beedrill, meeting its gaze as well.
Probably only the two of them knew about this matter.
"Buzz-pzz—"
Beedrill came up to Natsuhiko and gently buzzed.
"It's fine now."
Natsuhiko patted its body, comforting it.
Beedrill shook its head, rubbing its long needle against its head, seemingly unsure of how to speak.
"Buzz...pzz..."
'It's saying, too weak, come back when stronger, now's too early.'
Natsuhiko was stunned for a moment.
What does that mean?
Did Articuno have a private conversation with Beedrill?
And saying something like "too early" and "be stronger," what does that mean?
It seems... there are indeed many mysteries about that "Pure Gold Feather" consumed earlier...
It's necessary to find an opportunity to understand it.
The path to the alliance is a journey we must take.
———————
The third and fourth chapters are released together! Please vote!