81. Articuno -2

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As Kai moved deeper the temperature dropped significantly.

Seeing this, Kai couldn't help but approach Charmeleon, hoping to draw a little warmth from the flame on its tail.

As he passed through the long, narrow tunnel, the space suddenly expanded, becoming tall and wide. It was as though most of the mountain had been hollowed out.

Above him, sunlight streamed in through a gap, illuminating the area and dispelling the dimness he had anticipated.

Looking around, Kai noticed that the interior of the cave extended in all directions, forming a labyrinth whose endpoints were a mystery.

The cave bore obvious signs of past battles. Judging by the damaged stone walls and shattered pillars, countless trainers must have fought their way through the maze over the years to reach this place.

"Follow me," Haunter said.

Under Haunter's guidance, Kai ventured deeper, turning left and right through the maze. Finally, they arrived at a narrow, dug-out hole, no more than a meter wide in diameter.

The cave was teeming with wild Pokémon. Along the way, Kai caught glimpses of red lights in the darkness hostile eyes glaring at him from the shadows.

Yet none of them dared to approach, seemingly wary of Haunter's presence and the group as a whole.

Beside the hole, Kai observed traces of paw prints. He crouched down and ran his fingers over the scattered gravel and dirt.

The hole appeared old and dry, suggesting it wasn't the result of a battle but was instead dug out by a Pokémon, perhaps one that burrowed through to travel underground.

Kai aimed his flashlight into the hole, but the bottom was nowhere in sight. The shaft seemed to drop straight down.

Haunter grinned. "Don't underestimate this little hole. It might look ordinary, but it's actually a shortcut! Go down here, and we'll bypass several levels and reach the deepest point of the caves."

Kai didn't hesitate. He returned his other Pokémon to their Poké Balls and allowed Haunter to envelop him in a protective veil of ghostly energy. Slowly, they descended into the shaft.

The cramped space barely allowed Kai to move his arms or legs, but Haunter's protection eased his concerns.

Thick layers of rock and soil blurred past his vision as they descended rapidly. In just a short time, they had bypassed at least four levels of the cave.

At the bottom of the shaft, they emerged into a vast, open space. The area was barren, save for scattered rocks and stones.

Judging by the depth, Kai estimated they were far below sea level. Without Haunter's guidance, reaching this point would have been impossible without extraordinary luck or immense effort.

The air was noticeably colder, though there was no ice in sight an indication that their destination lay even further below.

"Where to next?" Kai asked.

"We need to go further down," Haunter replied, flashing a mischievous grin. "But from here on, we take a more... unique path."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Unique path?"

Haunter led him through a jagged crevice in the rocks. The sound of rushing water grew louder until they reached a massive underground waterfall, its roar almost deafening.

Glancing at Kai, Haunter smirked. "This is it. We're here!"

Kai could barely hear Haunter over the crashing water. He raised his voice and shouted, "This is the 'unique path' you mentioned?!"

Haunter nodded enthusiastically. Kai sighed in exasperation and stepped cautiously to the edge of the cliff.

Looking down, he saw the waterfall plunging into the depths, its powerful current carving a path further below.

"Well, it seems there's no other way," Kai muttered. Releasing Kirlia from its Poké Ball, he gestured toward the waterfall. "Kirlia, can you teleport us to the bottom?"

Kirlia nodded, and with a touch, Kai and Charmeleon were teleported to the base of the waterfall, arriving at the deepest part of the Seafoam Islands.

The underground cavern was breathtaking. Stalactites of ice hung from the ceiling, while the floor was covered in a thick sheet of frost.

The air was so cold it seemed to pierce through Kai's bones. Yet the icy crystals reflected light, making the chamber brighter than the caves above.

Shivering, Kai quickly released Charmeleon and wrapped his arms around the Fire-type Pokémon for warmth. "Charmeleon, I'm so glad I caught you back then. You're my saving grace right now."

Charmeleon gave him a resigned look as if to say, Again with the hugging? It even tried to push him away.

At that moment, Haunter floated beside them, gesturing toward the distance. "Look over there!"

Kai squinted and saw a lake formed by the waterfall's crashing waters. In the middle of the lake stood a small island, its surface covered in a forest of icicles.

The island sparkled like a crystalline temple, otherworldly in its beauty.

"If Articuno is hiding anywhere, it's there!" Haunter exclaimed.

Kai snapped a few quick photos before kneeling by the lake. He dipped his fingers into the icy water, only to jerk them back immediately.

"It's freezing!" He quickly dried his hands on Charmeleon's tail flame. "Kirlia, I don't want to risk getting soaked. Can you teleport us across the lake?"

Kirlia nodded again, gently touching Kai and Charmeleon. In an instant, they appeared on the island.

Before Kai could take in his surroundings, a sudden burst of icy wind swept across the island, forcing him to shield his face.

Kirlia quickly created a protective psychic barrier, shielding them from the freezing gale. Even with the barrier, the air was so cold it felt like every breath burned his lungs.

Kai's teeth chattered. "Is this... the power of Articuno?"

He rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a potion-like bottle filled with a warm-tonic blend.

Drinking it, he felt heat spread through his body, as if he had downed a strong drink.

Haunter floated over with a sly grin. "We're definitely in the right place! Articuno must be here."

"Kreeee-aaaaahhhhhh!!!!!"

As if on cue, a piercing cry echoed through the icy chamber. A massive blue bird emerged from the forest of icicles, its shimmering feathers radiating a cold aura.

Its eyes locked onto Kai and his Pokémon filled with a majestic, icy resolve.

Kai couldn't help but grin despite the freezing air. "So this is Articuno... the Legendary Pokémon that so many trainers dream of meeting!"

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