章 57: Chapter 57: The Water City
Chapter 57: The Water City
"Thank you, Hikaru, for taking this on," said Aunty Yu with a warm smile.
"It's no problem, Aunty Yu. Honestly, I haven't even properly thanked you for your help with my apprenticeship," Hikaru replied.
After hanging up the call, Hikaru took a moment to think. The idea of accompanying Yuki to the Frost Domain seemed like a great opportunity.
His Pokémon—Charmeleon, Kirlia, and Frogadier—were all stuck at level 29, just shy of reaching the Gym-level threshold. They had been at this bottleneck for some time, particularly Charmeleon, who was eager for a breakthrough. A challenging environment like the Frost Domain might just provide the push they needed.
Additionally, Riolu had yet to experience real battle. This trip could also serve as its initiation into combat.
What made this mission even more appealing was the Frost Domain's restrictive entry policy. Typically, only Gym Leaders or those with their explicit permission were allowed in. Having Aunty Yu's endorsement opened the door to an opportunity that most trainers could only dream of.
After their expedition, the timing would align perfectly with the Provincial High School Pokémon Tournament, which was being held in the Water City this year.
Unlike its usual location in the capital city of Bohai, the tournament had been moved to the famed Water City. Surrounded by an expansive lake, Water City was an isolated yet picturesque venue that was already attracting trainers from all over the region.
---
The Next Morning
Hikaru began his day with his customary ritual of checking his skill draws.
[Blue Skill (Child of Frost)]: In icy or snowy environments, maintains a constant body temperature and increases friendliness with Ice-type Pokémon. (Binding Skill)
"Well, this couldn't have come at a better time," Hikaru thought, his excitement growing.
The Wish Fulfilled skill had done it again, granting him a highly situational but immensely useful ability. Although it was a binding skill and couldn't be removed once equipped, it was perfect for the upcoming expedition to the Frost Domain.
With his preparations complete, Hikaru headed to the Frost Gym, where Yuki was waiting.
---
At the Frost Gym
Despite the festive atmosphere of the new year lingering in Shuimu City, the Frost Gym was quiet and empty.
"Hikaru!" Yuki called out, her eyes lighting up as she saw him approach. She had been waiting by the door and seemed genuinely happy to see him.
"Good morning, Yuki," Hikaru greeted her with a smile.
The cold weather and their destination—a domain known for its freezing climate—had prompted Yuki to ditch her usual schoolgirl-style dresses. Instead, she wore a pink padded coat, white leggings, and snow boots, bundled up like a marshmallow. While the outfit muted her usual lively vibe, it gave her an endearing, cozy charm.
"Do I look okay in this?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course! You look great no matter what you wear," Hikaru replied, chuckling.
"Thanks, Hikaru! You're so sweet!" Yuki beamed, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink.
---
As they reached the entrance to the Frost Domain, Hikaru could already feel the biting cold seeping through from the other side.
After presenting her pass to the guards, Yuki turned to Hikaru, her face slightly flushed.
"Hikaru, can I hold your hand?" she asked suddenly.
"Uh, what?" Hikaru blinked in surprise.
"Don't overthink it! It's just…we need to maintain contact to be teleported to the same place within the domain. It's one of the domain's rules!" Yuki explained quickly, her face growing redder.
The guards nearby rolled their eyes. Clearly, they were skeptical of this excuse. "Young couples these days," one muttered under his breath.
Still, Hikaru didn't question it further. He extended his hand, and Yuki eagerly took it, her soft and warm grip sending a fleeting but pleasant sensation through him.
As their surroundings shifted, they found themselves at the base of a towering snow-covered mountain.
---
The Frost Domain was a frigid expanse dominated by a towering mountain encircled by vast snowfields. The mountain's peak, where the domain leader—a Froslass—resided, was their destination.
Yuki reluctantly let go of Hikaru's hand as soon as they arrived, though her cheeks remained slightly red.
The freezing wind howled around them. Even in her heavily padded coat, Yuki shivered as the cold bit through her layers.
"Hikaru, aren't you cold?" she asked, her teeth chattering.
Hikaru, clad in a simple sweatshirt, appeared completely unfazed. Thanks to the Child of Frost skill, he couldn't feel the chill at all.
"Not really," Hikaru replied honestly.
"That's not possible!" Yuki frowned, clearly worried. "Here, take my coat—"
"No need! I'm really fine, see?" Hikaru quickly interrupted, grabbing her hand to show her how warm his own hands were. "See? Totally fine!"
Yuki reluctantly nodded, though her concern lingered.
Just then, Hikaru's demeanor shifted as he sensed a presence through his Aura ability. He immediately summoned Charmeleon.
"Mime~" A small, cautious Smoochum peeked out from behind a snowdrift.
"Mime Mime!" Startled by the imposing Charmeleon, the Smoochum quickly retreated.
---
As they continued up the snowy path, Yuki released her Alolan Vulpix. Its pristine white fur and crystal-blue eyes made it a perfect fit for the icy terrain.
[Pokémon: Alolan Vulpix]
Ability: Snow Cloak
Gender: Female
Potential: Master-tier
Level: 21
Moves: Powder Snow, Icy Wind, Ice Shard, Freeze-Dry, Tail Whip, Aurora Veil, Ice Beam...
Hikaru admired the Vulpix's stats, impressed by its high potential and versatile skill set.
"Our destination is the summit," Yuki explained. "Thanks for coming with me, Hikaru. I really appreciate it."
Before Hikaru could respond, his Aura ability flared again. Two figures emerged—a Jynx accompanied by the same Smoochum they had seen earlier.
The Jynx's golden hair shimmered in the icy wind, her sharp gaze fixed on the pair.
"Looks like we've got company," Hikaru said, stepping forward. "Let's handle this together."
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