Chapter 182: Pryce and His Swinub
Silver noticed the shift in Asahi's expression and immediately released Weavile, keeping it on high alert.
Closing his eyes, Asahi activated his Aura abilities, sensing the area.
"No need for that — there's no one around," Asahi said.
Silver didn't understand how Asahi could be so sure, but Asahi offered no explanation.
They approached the spot where Asahi had last met Lance's subordinate. He carefully examined the area but found no clues.
He glanced into the depths of the Slowpoke Well.
[Don't tell me... did they go down the well?]
Frowning, Asahi released Arcanine.
Patting Arcanine's head, he said, "Take me to your trainer."
Good thing he'd borrowed Arcanine — otherwise, he'd have no idea how to track the man down.
Arcanine sniffed the air and looked toward the nearby forest.
Not what Asahi expected, but he wasn't surprised either.
"Lead the way."
With a nod to Silver, the two followed Arcanine into the forest.
---
As they trekked through the woods, Asahi began noticing signs of a recent battle — torn fabric, frozen trees — clear evidence of a fierce fight.
Picking up a scrap of cloth, Asahi recognized the texture immediately.
He had a uniform made of the same material.
"Team Rocket," Asahi muttered.
At the mention of Team Rocket, Silver's face darkened with disgust. "Team Rocket… I've heard of them — a bunch of villains."
While investigating the Masked Army in Johto, Silver had come across Team Rocket's activities more than once.
Even though Team Rocket hadn't directly targeted him — and were, in fact, seemingly at odds with the Masked Army — Silver felt nothing but disdain for them.
Asahi didn't respond. It wasn't the right time to tell Silver the truth about his lineage.
Instead, he examined a frostbitten leaf, feeling the icy chill still lingering.
"Their opponent was an Ice-type Pokémon master… not a weak one."
Gripping Gardevoir's Poké Ball, Asahi fell into thought.
There were only so many Ice-type experts in Kanto and Johto. Aside from Lorelei — who should currently be back at the Sevii Islands — that left only one likely candidate.
Pryce.
Asahi winced at the thought.
He hadn't come to Johto to pick a fight with Pryce — Mewtwo was still back home.
But Lance had helped him so much… now that his subordinate was in danger, Asahi couldn't just turn a blind eye.
[I really need to order a portable Poké Ball transfer device…]
Pushing the thought aside, Asahi recalled Arcanine and released Gardevoir. "Gardevoir, take us to the nearest Pokémon Center!"
Asahi wasn't about to take any chances — if Pryce was involved, he needed Mewtwo at his side.
Gardevoir nodded and used Teleport.
In an instant, Asahi and Silver disappeared from the forest and reappeared in the Poké Ball transfer room of the Pokémon Center.
Nurse Joy blinked in surprise at their sudden arrival, but Asahi quickly flashed his credentials and contacted Blue to send Mewtwo's Poké Ball over.
Turning to Silver, Asahi said, "Wait here at the Pokémon Center. I'll find the guy and be right back."
Before Silver could respond, Asahi teleported away again.
Left standing alone, Silver muttered, "..."
Was Asahi serious when he said he was the weakest member of the Kanto branch?
Doubt crept into Silver's mind.
---
Asahi wasn't concerned with Silver's confusion.
Back in the forest, Asahi released Mewtwo, who held its signature spoon glowing with psychic energy.
[Asahi, who's the enemy?] Mewtwo asked eagerly.
It had been training nonstop and was itching for a real battle.
"This opponent could be dangerous… just follow my lead."
With Mewtwo at his side, Asahi resumed tracking with Arcanine.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew noticeably colder.
More and more trees were encased in ice.
Finally, the sounds of battle echoed through the woods.
Asahi signaled Mewtwo and Gardevoir to hide, then crept forward.
Peering through the icy foliage, Asahi saw exactly what he expected.
Team Rocket was locked in combat — led by one of their Four Generals, Lambda.
Lambda's Weezing was half-frozen, barely able to move.
Frustration was written all over Lambda's face. "Pryce! Are you really going to stand against Team Rocket? We've done nothing to provoke you!"
Lambda's day had gone from bad to worse.
Already stressed from dealing with the Masked Army, he'd only come to Azalea Town for a "routine" operation — kidnapping a few Slowpoke to initiate new recruits into Team Rocket.
But then a League inspector ambushed them.
Fine — Lambda could handle a mere inspector.
But just when he thought the trouble was over, Pryce appeared out of nowhere.
Now, the old man had been relentlessly pursuing them through the forest, his Ice-type Pokémon freezing their escape routes one after another.
Sitting calmly in his wheelchair, Pryce maintained a serene expression.
He responded to Lambda's outburst with a composed voice. "As a Gym Leader under the League, I cannot turn a blind eye to Team Rocket's evil deeds."
He tapped his cane against the ground.
Swinub, which had been resting by his side with its eyes closed, suddenly sprang to life — unleashing a flurry of Powder Snow.
"Again with that move! Dodge it!" Lambda barked.
But several of his subordinates weren't quick enough. Their Pokémon were caught in the icy blast, frozen solid.
Lambda's face grew even more twisted. "Just a Swinub… how is it this strong?"
He never imagined a mere Swinub could push him so hard.
Damn it — first the Masked Army, and now even a Gym Leader like Pryce was making him look like a fool.
What would Giovanni think if he heard about this?
"Enough!" Lambda snarled.
Suddenly, the ground beneath Pryce's wheelchair cracked open — a Raticate leapt out, its Hyper Fang gleaming as it lunged straight for Pryce.
A cruel smile spread across Lambda's face.
But just as Pryce was about to counter, his expression shifted — his gaze drifting toward a spot in the forest.
He'd noticed someone watching.
***
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