The tunnel ahead narrowed into a twisting passage, the air growing heavier with every step. The ground dipped unevenly, forcing Ash to slow and watch where he placed his feet. The sound of their movement echoed back at them, distorted and delayed.
They reached a small opening where the ceiling lifted just enough to breathe easier.
Something moved near the far wall.
Ash raised his hand, signaling stillness. A pale shape stepped into the dim light, round-bodied and cautious, its ears twitching as it scanned the cavern.
Ash lifted his Pokédex.
Pokédex:"Clefairy. Fairy Pokémon. Rarely seen. Drawn to moonlight. Shy but curious."
Ash lowered the device slowly. His eyes stayed on the Pokémon.
"Clefairy," he murmured.
The Pokémon tilted its head, watching him back.
Ash felt the familiar pull, the thought forming before he could stop it. This wasn't like the Zubat. This was calm. Careful. He reached for a Poké Ball, not throwing it yet, just holding it.
Pidgey fluttered suddenly on Maya's shoulder, wings beating in short, anxious bursts.
"Easy," Maya whispered, steadying it.
Ash glanced back, then forward again. The Clefairy shifted, sensing the change. It took a small step back, eyes never leaving Ash.
"Wait," Ash said quietly. He took one step forward.
The ground gave way.
Stone cracked beneath his boot, the sound sharp and final. The floor sloped suddenly, loose rock sliding away in a rush. Ash lurched forward as the cavern trembled.
"Ash!" Maya shouted.
The Clefairy vanished into the shadows as the floor dropped out from under them.
Ash lost his footing, the Poké Ball slipping from his hand as gravity took over. The world tilted, sound roaring in his ears as they slid downward into darkness.
The cave swallowed them whole.
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T/N:
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