Chapter 64 Through the Icy area
Inside the Crystal Cave, nestled south of Route 16, Ash and Alice focus on training their Pokémon and capturing new ones. The first Pokémon they work with is Blitzglow, which eagerly learns a new move, Fireworks.
"Now that it's mastered, we can have a fireworks show anytime we want," Ash says, grinning with satisfaction.
"Yeah, I'd love to see an amazing fireworks display with you," Alice replies, her voice filled with excitement. But before they can dwell on the thought, Blitzglow begins to glow intensely. To their surprise, it evolves, transforming into a radiant white Pokémon with flashing rainbow colors.
Blitziboom: The Fireworks Pokemon: Electric and Fire Type. Evolved from Blitzglow by learning Fireworks. Battles between Blitziboom illuminates the whole night sky. Even if it is raining, a Blitziboom at full power would simply blow away the rain clouds with ease.
"Wow... It's so beautiful with those rainbow colors," Alice says, her eyes wide in awe as the lights from Blitzboom reflect off the crystalline walls of the cave. "It's like the whole cave is alive with color."
Ash nods, equally entranced. "I know. Blitzboom is going to be an amazing Pokémon for us."
As they venture further into the cave, Ash and Alice discover a pool of cold water. They take the opportunity to train their jellyfish Pokémon there. After some intense training, both of their Pokémon begin to evolve, each taking on a new form.
Jelliking: The Cold Jelly Pokemon: Water and Ice Type. Evolved from Jellitic at LV:44. Jelliking's body draws in water from around it, draining the heat from it to create ice. As an Ice-type, its body temperature is notably high.
Jelliqueen: The Jellyfish Pokemon: Water and Poison Type. Evolved from Jellinip at LV:44. Jelliqueen do not allow any intruders to approach their offspring. If a stray Jellitot or Jellinip rifts near, the jellyfish queens will take it under their care.
"A king and a queen," Alice observes with a smile. "Just like your mom and dad."
Ash chuckles softly. "You might be right about that."
As they carefully walk across the ice floor, Frogoo and Sluggah help Ash and Alice maintain their balance, preventing them from slipping and falling. During their trek, Frogoo begins to glow and evolves into Toxitoad.
Toxitoad: The Slimy Pokemon: Poison Type. Evolved from Frogoo at LV:44. Toxitoad are extremely venomous to the touch. Able to cause severe hallucinations, people used to utilize their toxins in warfare.
Not long after, Sluggah evolves after battling several Ice-type Pokémon lurking in the cave. The newly evolved Pokémon resembles a snail, and Ash quickly scans it with his Pokédex.
Mossnail: The Shelled Body Pokemon: Bug and Rock Type. Evolved from Sluggah at LV:44. Mossnail take pebbles from the ground and combine them with moss, forming its shell. The shell can grow or shrink depending on their needs.
As they navigate the icy terrain, the mirrors and crystals within the cave cause Ash and Alice to become separated from Pikachu and the two Huskpup. When they finally reunite, Pikachu eagerly reveals that the Huskpup have evolved.
Huskold: The Husky Pokemon: Ice Type. Evolved from Huskpup at LV:44. A layer of ice forms on the bite marks left by Huskold, leading to the term 'frostbite'. The ancient people of Rikoto called it the Arctic Beast.
"Oh, Husky, don't ever do that again," Alice says, hugging her newly evolved Huskold tightly.
"You too, Huskold," Ash adds, kneeling down to embrace his own Pokémon. The two dogs lick their trainers affectionately before turning to each other, renewing their bond as partners.
Now out of the caves, Ash and Alice find themselves in Snowpeak Village, a quaint town nestled in the mountains, where snow huts dot the landscape. They head to the Pokémon Center to take on some quests. Inside, they are approached by a woman who greets them with a hopeful expression.
"Hello there! You look like trainers, don't you? I need someone's help... My husband has been sleeping all day, just like our Lazloth. I've tried everything to wake him, but nothing seems to work... Could you give it a try?"
"That sounds like an easy task," Alice replies with a smile.
"Thank you so much! We live in the house south of the Pokémon Center. You'll find my husband in our bed."
Ash and Alice make their way to the house and find the man fast asleep. Without hesitation, Ash decides to use Wake-Up Slap, delivering a firm yet careful slap that jolts the man awake.
"Huh? What's going on? Who are you?" the man asks, blinking in confusion.
"We're here because your wife asked us to wake you up," Ash explains.
The man chuckles, rubbing his eyes. "Wow, our Lazloth sure makes me tired, haha! Could you please let my wife know that I'm awake? I'm still a bit wobbly on my legs..."
They leave the house and return to the Pokémon Center, where the woman eagerly awaits their news.
"My husband is awake? Thank you so much! I was worried he might sleep for the rest of his life... Here, take this as a token of my gratitude. I tried using it to wake him up, but it just seemed to hurt him..."
She hands them a TM for Dream Eater. "I need to get back to my house now and tell my husband all the things he needs to do!" she adds with a relieved smile before hurrying out.
As Ash and Alice prepare to leave Snowpeak Village for Route 18, they are suddenly stopped by a familiar voice.
"Ash, Alice, already heading out to Frosthail Forest?" Rodney calls out as he approaches.
"Rodney!" Alice exclaims, rushing to give him a sibling hug. "It's so good to see you again."
Rodney smiles and asks, "How was your trek through Crystal Cave? It was freezing in there, wasn't it?"
"It sure was, but look at this," Alice says proudly, showing off her newly evolved Snower and Husky. "They both evolved, which means they're getting stronger and stronger."
"That's awesome! And you've caught more Pokémon while traveling with Ash, right?"
"Yeah, I have," Alice replies with a grin. "But first, what about Team Solar and Team Lunar? Any news?"
"No news about them," Rodney says, shaking his head. "I think we can continue our journey without worrying about them for now."
He then looks at Ash, a competitive gleam in his eye. "So, how about a battle? The last one was back in Rassic City, and I've been training hard with my Pokémon!"
"Of course," Ash agrees with a nod.
They engage in a battle, and once again, Ash emerges victorious. Rodney mutters with a sigh, "Ah, come on... You win again..."
"Sorry about that," Ash says with a chuckle.
Rodney quickly recovers his good spirits and adds, "By the way, Ash, did Alice tell you that Route 18 is known as Downhill Paradise? There are tons of skiers and boarders in the area, so be careful. It's also a long trek to the next city, Subhail City, so make sure you've got enough supplies in your bag!"
After they leave Snowpeak Village, Ash asks, "So, what did Rodney mean by 'Downhill Paradise'?"
Alice smiles as she recalls, "It's one of the places where Mr. Chiu used to train me back when I wasn't a Gym Leader yet. I'm sure you'll be excited about this place too. Actually, I really enjoy skiing. My gym is even based on it."
"Seriously? That's amazing," Ash responds, impressed.
After borrowing some ski equipment from a nearby store, they head to Route 18. Upon reaching the route, Ash and Pikachu take in the view—it's a steep downhill path with numerous slopes. Ash begins to sweat nervously as he says, "It sure is deep. So this is the only way to get to your city?"
"Of course! And I don't mind at all since I really like it," Alice replies, slipping on her safety goggles. "Just don't give up until it's over—I'll be waiting for you at the bottom!"
Alice moves her arms with practiced ease as she begins to glide downhill, feeling the rush of wind against her face. She's not slowing down, embracing the thrill of the descent. Ash watches her in admiration, determination filling his expression. "I can't lose either, Pikachu! Let's go!"
Pikachu nods enthusiastically and leaps onto Ash's shoulder as they start to ski down. However, Ash quickly realizes he has no experience with skiing, and instead of a smooth descent, he finds himself screaming in terror as he careens down the slope. In the end, Ash doesn't know how to stop and crashes into a pile of snow, with Pikachu also getting buried in the fluffy mound.
Alice can't help but laugh a little as she approaches and pulls him out of the snow. "It seems like you're getting the hang of it," she teases.
"Why don't we try it again?" Ash suggests, brushing the snow off his clothes. "I'm sure with more practice, I'll be able to reach your level too."
Alice chuckles at his determination. "If you keep that up, what about your Gym Battle against me? We should probably hurry up and leave."
Ash groans in realization that she's right, so they both head toward the gate and leave Route 18 behind.
In the heart of Frosthail Forest, Ash and Alice walk together, taking in the snowy surroundings. As they explore, they come across two small electric mouse Pokémon. Ash's eyes light up as he says, "And I was just wondering where we might find this mouse Pokémon..."
"They're Aurorai," Alice explains with a smile. "Aren't they adorable? Like how Kalos has Dedenne and Kanto has Pikachu, I think this Pokémon is part of the Electric Mouse family."
"And I always wonder why there's an Electric Mouse in every region," Ash muses. Pikachu quickly befriends the Aurorai, playing with them cheerfully. Both Ash and Alice decide to capture one, and Alice names hers Aurora.
Aurorai: The Aurora Pokemon: Electric and Ice Type. Aurorai gathers under auroras, absorbing the light that shines down on them from the natural phenomenon. They leave behind colorful trails when dashing.
With their new Pokémon in tow, Ash and Alice head back to Sario Town to complete a quest. The lady they meet there exclaims, "Ah, Aurorai! Now I remember the name! It has the ability Snow Cloak too! Thanks for showing me one. Here, take this—it's a great move for my favorite type of Pokémon."
She hands them a TM for Thunderbolt, and Alice comments with a grin, "Thunderbolt... how fitting."
Ash nods, then adds, "I guess we've completed all the quests up until now?"
"Not yet," Alice replies, "There's still one in Rassic Town that needs Meterock to learn Wish... and that move—I wonder how we're going to learn it..." Ash sighs.
Back in Frosthail Forest, Ash and Alice decide to take a rest, releasing their Pokémon to stretch and relax. However, after a while, they notice that both Huskold and Husky are missing again. Alice groans, muttering, "Not again... Why are they always disappearing?"
"I have no idea, but we need to find them quickly," Ash replies, glancing up at the sky. "A blizzard is coming, and we need to find shelter from the heavy snow."
They continue searching for their missing Pokémon until they spot a cave. Alice calls out, "Husky! Huskold! Are you inside?"
After a brief moment, they hear barking from within. "They're inside," Ash confirms.
"Let's go," Alice says as they rush into the cave, only to find the two Huskold lying together on the ground. Alice sighs, "Husky, what were you thinking? You already disappeared in the Crystal Caves, and now you're doing it again?"
The Huskold look apologetic as they nudge something towards their trainers. To Ash and Alice's surprise, it's a Pokémon Egg. Ash gasps, "Wait, did you two...?"
The two Huskold blush deeply and nod, causing Ash and Alice to blush with happiness as well. "Congratulations, Husky, you're going to be a mother," Alice says, hugging her Huskold.
"And you'll be a great father, Huskold," Ash adds, smiling at his own Huskold.
Their happy moment is interrupted by a strange noise echoing from deeper within the cave. Alice flinches slightly and asks, "What is that sound?"
"It's coming from further inside the cave. Maybe we should check it out," Ash suggests.
As they venture deeper into the cave, they come across stone tables and stone beds. Alice gasps as she recognizes the place. "I remember this place... When I was alone, I hid here, and the Pokémon became my friends..."
Then, as they venture deeper into the cave, Ash, Pikachu, and the male Huskold suddenly spot two strong-looking Polar Bear-like Pokémon approaching them. Instinctively, they prepare for battle, but to their surprise, the Polar Bear Pokémon rush forward and hug Alice.
"Wait, Paul? Paula? Is that you?" Alice exclaims.
The two Pokémon nod, and Alice gasps in amazement. "Wow, look at you! The last time we met, you were just cute little Colcub, and now you're strong Polarpaw! Oh, by the way, this is my boyfriend, Ash."
Ash is taken aback but pleasantly surprised as the two Polarpaw, having recognized Alice as their friend, act friendly towards them. "It's nice to meet you as well," Ash says, smiling.
Noticing the egg that the Huskold is holding, Paul and Paula motion for them to follow deeper into the cave. As they go further inside, they're greeted by two cute Rhino-like Pokémon that rush toward them.
"Rinolars? What are they doing here?" Alice asks. Paula explains that the Rinolars were abandoned during the blizzard and have no family, so the Polarpaw have taken care of them as their own. The Polarpaw then guide the Huskold to a safe, warm spot where they can keep the egg protected.
As Ash and Alice watch the scene unfold, they can't help but feel touched by the care and support shown by the Polarpaw. "Wow, I never imagined so much was happening while we were searching for you two," Ash says gratefully. "Thank you for helping our Huskold."
The two Polarpaw nod in acknowledgment. Alice glances outside and sighs, "But I guess it's impossible to get back to Subhail City today..."
"Yeah, but at least we have this place to stay," Ash replies. However, both trainers start to yawn, exhaustion finally catching up with them. "I don't know why, but I feel like I want to sleep..."
"Me too," Alice agrees, and soon after, they both drift off to sleep, leaning on each other's shoulders. Their Pokémon, seeing this, gather around them, providing warmth and comfort as they all settle in to sleep through the blizzard together.
New Pokemon/Evolution: Blitziboom, Jelliking, Jelliqueen, Toxitoad, Mossnail, Huskold, Aurorai
Crystal Cave:
Cave: Molice:25% (LV:42~44), Iggle:20% (LV:42~44), Jeweltal:15% (LV:42~44), Battic:15% (LV:42~44), Carbonix:15% (LV:42~44), Cycrill:10% (LV:42~44)
Route 18:
Land: Huskpup:25% (LV:42~44), Moofork:25% (LV:42~44), Rinotic:15% (LV:42~44), Snowrong:15% (LV:42~44), Molice:10% (LV:42~44), Iggle:10% (LV:42~44)
Headbutt: Puffle:55% (LV:42~44), Battic:30% (LV:42~44), Crysilla:15% (LV:42~44)
Frosthail Forest:
Land: Puffle:25% (LV:43~45), Crysilla:20% (LV:43~45), Colcub:20% (LV:43~45), Cryscoon:10% (LV:43~45), Snowrong:10% (LV:43~45), Aurorai:10% (LV:43~45), Aipen:5% (LV:43~45)
Headbutt: Cryscoon:50% (LV:43~45), Puffle:30% (LV:43~45), Battic:10% (LV:43~45), Aipen:10% (LV:43~45)
