----
As the group pushed deeper into the crystalline forest, the terrain grew more treacherous.
The crystal structures of thickened trees twisted into solid, glittering towers of glass. Their jagged branches were unnaturally rigid and completely unbreakable. At times, they had to climb over obstacles just to proceed a few feet.
They dared not fly overhead. Riding Flying-type Pokémon might be faster, but it would make them an easy target for Entei.
Thankfully, luck was on their side.
Kai was the first to spot it as a river, still flowing freely. Unlike the surrounding landscape, the water hadn't crystallized. The constant movement had protected it from the phenomenon.
That changed everything.
An open river meant no obstacles no jagged crystal walls, no impassable brush. If the current led upstream to Professor Hale's estate, they could follow it straight there without worrying about being seen.
Kai stepped in first to test it.
The stream wasn't deep just up to his ankles, maybe calves in the deepest parts. The water was cold, sending a sharp sting up through his boots, but it was manageable.
Compared to the dense forest, this was paradise.
He gave the signal.
One by one, Ash, Misty, and Brock followed him into the water. They moved upstream, wading carefully, mindful of their steps.
Though the chill numbed their feet after a while, they didn't complain. Pokémon Trainers like them were used to harsh travel. Wet boots were nothing.
"Stay quiet," Kai warned as they advanced. "If Entei hears us, we'll lose our element of surprise."
But his warning had barely left his lips when a roaring column of fire sliced through the sky above them!
They all looked up in alarm.
On a distant cliff stood Entei, wreathed in heat. It had just launched a fire blast—not at them, but at a Team Rocket hot-air balloon drifting above the forest.
BOOM!
The balloon exploded midair, scattering metal, fabric, and panicked screams in all directions. Three familiar silhouettes fell from the blast, spinning like missiles into the crystalline treetops.
"Team Rocket…" Kai murmured, recognizing the trio instantly.
Apparently, they'd tried to tail the group—only to be spotted by Entei first. Their bright balloon had drawn all attention like a beacon.
"Guess they took the hit for us," Kai smirked. "I owe them one."
"They really are unlucky," Misty said, half-laughing. "Think they'll be okay?"
"They bounce like rubber," Brock shrugged. "They'll be fine."
Entei turned its head, scanning the area with keen eyes.
"Hide!" Kai whispered.
The group scrambled out of the water and ducked into the crystal-covered brush. Entei surveyed the area for several tense seconds… then, seemingly satisfied, turned and bounded back toward the crystalline tower.
Kai exhaled. "Talk about cautious…"
He turned toward where Team Rocket had fallen. "Really, though, they took the heat for us. Next time we meet, I'll go easy on them."
Misty chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sure they'll appreciate that."
After the detour, they reentered the river and continued upriver until they reached their destination.
At last, they arrived beneath what had once been Professor Hale's estate.
Now it was gone entirely encased in a crystalline structure shaped like a massive flower, petals stretching into the sky. There wasn't a trace of the building's original form.
But there was an opening of a drainage pipe where the water was still flowing from the tower's side. It hadn't been sealed, and it was just wide enough to be their entrance.
The problem?
It was over thirty feet up, with slick, crystal-coated walls. No one could climb it on foot.
Kai and Ash exchanged a look.
It was time to bring out their Pokémon.
Kai released his Charizard; Ash summoned his shiny Noctowl.
Kai climbed on Charizard's back and extended a hand to Misty. She blushed faintly but accepted, and he lifted her up. Charizard carried them to the top with ease.
Ash, on the other hand, had a problem. His Noctowl wasn't large enough to carry two full-grown people.
Not wanting to rely on Kai, Ash came up with a workaround.
He released Bulbasaur and Bayleef, instructing Noctowl to lift them up first. Once the Grass-types reached the pipe, they used Vine Whip to pull Ash and Brock up, one at a time.
It wasn't quick, but it worked. And for Ash and Brock, that was good enough.
When they all reached the top, Kai asked, "What about your Charizard? Why didn't you use it?"
Ash scratched the back of his head. "I left him in the Charicific Valley. Thought some training might do him good."
Kai blinked. So he's already been there… I should check it out sometime too.
Unlike Ash, though, Kai had no intention of leaving his Charizard behind for good.
---
Inside the tower, they stepped into a vast greenhouse chamber.
Water trickled down the walls, masking their footsteps. Though the room was silent, they remained cautious. They moved slowly, alert.
Most of the greenhouse had been consumed by crystal, but a small, circular flower house surrounded by a shallow moat remained untouched.
It stood out like a relic of the past, preserved amid the crystal chaos.
"…This guy's greenhouse is bigger than a Pokémon Center," Kai muttered, impressed. "No wonder he's called a professor. Must be loaded."
They began wading through the shallow water to reach the flower house when Kai's PokéGear started to buzz.
It was Erika calling.
He picked up and immediately heard her sigh on the other end.
"Bad news," she said. "Your little escape's been blown. Professor Oak knows."
"What? Already!?"
Kai groaned.
Apparently, a news crew had spotted the group crossing the river. Their entire infiltration had been broadcast live on local television Oak and Officer Jenny had seen everything in real-time.
"…Of course, it had to be that reporter."
----
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