Chapter 3

"Have you prepared everything, Haku?" Pryce said, staring at the boy.

"Yes, Grandpa!"

Clad in an oversized winter coat and boots, Haku carried a small backpack packed with essentials. For a Pokémon Trainer, preparation is critical, especially in harsh environments like the Ice Path. Without proper preparation can spell doom, so this lesson must be instilled into aspiring trainers.

"Come then, let's go. Jynx!"

When Pryce called for her, a Jynx appeared out of thin air and placed her hands on the shoulders of him and Haku. Within the blink of an eye, Haku and Pryce were in the Ice Path. Having not experienced teleportation, Haku had his senses overwhelmed and felt quite uncomfortable.

"You'll get used to it."

"Give me a better warning next time, Grandpa."

After a bit of banter, Haku slowly recovered and started looking around the cave. It was spacious, incredibly so. The cave walls were swarmed with large ice crystals that pointed out of them, awaiting an unfortunate victim to fall into them. Comparing himself to the cave, he would seem like a small dot.

"Come on, I have something to show you."

Followed by Haku, Pryce slowly made his way into the cave, his walking stick echoing.

"Isn't this the 4th floor? The crystals are far too large to be formed naturally even under the influence of Ice Stones."

"You are right to say so, Haku. Question for you, why do think we can see here?"

"Since the entire cave is covered by Ice, the light reflected from the top all the way down here, is my best guess."

"Almost true, look at the floor, what do you think is below us?"

"It is… What is it? It glows like a gem, illuminating the entire area. I could not notice it as I was too focused on the walls glowing. Wait. Isn't it Ice Stones?"

"Congratulations, you are right! This entire cave floor is covered in Ice Stones. However, they are far too hard for commercial or even most Pokémon's use."

'If Ice Stones are so common here, why are they so expensive in the market?"

"Think. How did we get here?"

"We got here through teleportation! Is this a hidden area?"

"Correct. This is the best kept secret of the Yanagi Family. For generations, we have relied on this cave to strengthen our powers."

"Then, why don't we let the public use it?"

Upon that question, Yanagi stopped in his tracks and faced Haku.

"What do you think might happen if these stones fall in the hands of criminals?"

With those words, Haku fell into contemplation.

"Ice Stones are capable of morphing the environment around them. What if these stones fell in the hands of some nefarious criminals that planted them in the forests of Johto? Think of the damage that they can do. What about other elemental stones like Water and Fire? If a Fire Stone is thrown into a Forest, how much damage can be done? The forest would burn and destroy the habitats of tens, no hundreds of Pokémon. If a Firefighter squadron is not nearby, think of the danger it places on everyday citizens and Pokémon. Think! Think! What if a few dozen Ice Stones fell into the hands of wild Pokémon. The balance of nature might collapse as we know it!"

Haku's eyes morphed into shock. He underestimated the powers of these stones.

"So, why do you think that Ice Stones are mined so sparingly and under extreme supervision?"

"For the safety of Johto." Those words were uttered unconsciously by Haku. Now, with his eyes opened, Haku could safely state his opinions.

"It is for the protection of Johto. If too much is mined, the overabundance might cause Johto as we know it to change and die as we knew it."

"Smart words. But there is one more thing left. Come out everyone."

As he said those words, Pokémon emerged out of the corners of the cave. When Haku laid his eyes upon them, he was amazed.

"Isn't the Aurorus species extinct?"

"That is what the public knows. For generations, Aurorus and their children have lived in this cave, sealed off from the outside world. They fed on the crystal walls of this cave, growing stronger and better than the outside world. Until, my grandfather found them. In exchange of the Ice Stones, our family will protect and safeguard them from outsiders."

As an Aurorus bent its head towards Pryce, Pryce placed his hand in a loving rub of the Aurorus's head. They seemed familiar with one another as Pryce continued to play with the Aurorus, much to Haku's confusion. Noticing this, Pryce gave a small smile.

"When I was your age, I also went on a journey. I can't remember the number of times Aurorus and my other Pokémon had saved me. We went through thick and thin and when I retired to become a Gym Leader, Aurorus returned to lead his family. Now, he rests here, with his family and I would like to give you something. Aurorus."

As Aurorus and his pack moved aside, a lone egg remained. It was big, around 50 cm tall. But, for its contents, it fit perfectly.

"Come on Haku. We are here to get your second partner."

As Pryce walked towards the egg, Haku followed behind, staring curiously at the prehistoric Pokémon. In return, they returned his gaze with curiosity as well. Who on earth would not be fascinated by a once thought extinct Pokémon?

When they reached the egg, Pryce stood the opposite of the egg.

"Repeat after me. I swear on the name of the Yanagi Family."

"I solemnly swear on the name of the Yanagi Family."

"That I will do my part and protect this land."

"That I will do my part and protect this land."

"And care for my Pokémon."

"And care for my Pokémon."

"That I will raise them with the best of my abilities."

"That I will raise them with the best of my abilities."

"By the name of the Yanagi Family, I vow to uphold my duties."

"By the name of the Yanagi Family, I vow to uphold my duties."

When Haku finished his vows, the Aurorus pack started to howl. Startled, Haku readied himself but was stopped by Pryce.

"Fair not. Just sit and watch."

Following his words, Haku sat and watched in confusion as the Aurorus continued to howl. Their sails began glowing brightly, so bright that Haku had to squint his eyes. Soon, something formed above them.

An Aurora!

It seemed to stretch endlessly in the air as Haku could not see the end. Soon, they began calming down, causing their crystals to dim. Eventually, the Aurora dissipated. However, they still needed to be finished. Like a unit, they formed a straight line, and even their children followed them.

"Grandpa! Are you sure we are not in danger?"

His voice showed a clear sign of concern, but he still remained confident in his grandfather's actions.

Opening their mouths, a small ball of ice started to form around their mouths.

"Grandpa!!!"

His voice was becoming increasingly desperate. After all, they seemed to want to strike them down.

Using his hands, he covered his face and braced himself for the onslaught. He waited and waited. But nothing came, only a brush of wind. But it was too late as the Aurorus pack used Icy Wind, sending an enormous ice storm surging the pair.

Am I fine?

Moving his hands from his eyes, Pryce stood in front of him, his arm stretching towards Haku. Grabbing his hand, Haku stood up with his help and dusted off the snow on him before looking at Pryce with a fit of slight anger.

"Don't look at me like that… Ok, I could have warned you but I wanted to mentally prepare yourself against something like this again. That was a test. If you froze over, you were unfit to lead an Aurorus. But, if you survived, you earned their respect. I am sorry for this but it was a necessary step."

Sighing, Haku just accepted it and picked up the Aurorus Egg. It was too heavy for an 8-year-old boy, but he persisted and continued to carry it. Gritting his teeth, he carried it as he was transported back home.

That day, he relearned the fear of death.