Chapter 51: Free Delibird

The only thing separating Blackthorn from me now was the Ice Path.

When I walked in, I already felt a chill. I saw icicles hanging from the cave roof and icy walls which also seemed to act as mirrors. I had never been in an environment this cold.

I ran into a Pokémon at that moment. It was brown, small and had a small pink nose.

Swinub

191

Ice/Ground Type

Pig Pokémon

1'04" (0.4 m)

14.3 lbs (6.5 kg)

It rubs its snout on the ground to find and dig up food. It sometimes discovers hot springs.

I sent out Typhlosion who took it out with a single Flame Wheel.

After some more wandering and more battling, I found a room with big rocks and holes. There was also a ladder so I climbed down it, which took me to a room with a floor that was covered in slippery ice. I needed to make it to the other side. I stepped on the ice, and went darting off in one direction, not being able to stop. I couldn't make it to the end like this.

I slid back to the ladder and went back to the rock room. What was I to do?

Just then, I saw what looked like a present on the floor. Someone may have dropped it, so I picked it up I see if there was a name on it. There wasn't. I felt nosey so decided to open it. Suddenly, the present exploded. I heard laughing in the distance. It was a red and white Pokémon with what looked like a sack on its back.

Delibird

190

Ice/Flying Type

Delivery Pokémon

2'11" (0.9 m)

35.3 lbs (16 kg)

It nests at the edge of sharp cliffs. It spends all day carrying food to its awaiting chicks.

I didn't find that funny, but clearly Delibird did. It jumped down one of the holes and I jumped down to. I slid around the room trying to chase Delibird like I was in some sort of cartoon but gave up.

I climbed back up to the hole room to catch my breath. I was stuck in a cave with a pranking Pokémon.

I looked around at the rocks. I had an idea. I could hear Delibird's teasing from below, so I sent out Gyarados to use Strength on one of the rocks to push it down the hole. I then went down and slipped and slid about. The rock was blocking my slide pattern! I had stopping points!

I went back and pushed more rocks down the holes. I then went back down and slid around, using the rocks as stopping points. I managed to grab Delibird.

Delibird apologised once we got to the part I was trying to slide to earlier. I told Delibird that people do get lost down here and that playing pranks will only make them more stressed. Delibird then gave me another present and told me to open it. I eyed Delibird, but Delibird seemed insistent. I did so and green energy poured out. My wounds from the explosion earlier healed.

I didn't know what this was, so I opened the Pokedex. It was a move called Present. It has a chance of healing the opponent. I thanked Delibird and we walked on.

Finally, I made it to Blackthorn City. I waved goodbye to Delibird as it retreated to its cave.

I was here. The destination of my final Badge.