A faint smile curved at Logan's lips as he nodded.
He had almost forgotten about Sabrina's ability—an extraordinary power perfectly suited for locating people. If her psychic senses weren't unable to detect objects imbued with mysterious forces, he might have taken her across the world treasure hunting.
"Sabrina, you and Green go find Red and Blue Oak and rescue them. Cynthia, Yellow, and I will head directly into the heart of Cerise Island. Once you locate them, return immediately."
He paused briefly before making the decision.
With Cynthia and himself together, at least three members of the Elite Four would be required to stop them effectively. That alone would significantly reduce the danger Sabrina and Green might face.
As for Yellow—Sabrina's psychic versatility and Green's unpredictability gave them countless escape options, even if Lance or Agatha personally intervened. But Yellow might become a liability in a retreat situation.
Better to bring Yellow into a direct confrontation instead.
No one objected.
Sabrina and Green exchanged a glance and snorted softly. Though they clearly disliked one another, this was not the time to quarrel. Cooperation was necessary.
"No time to waste. Move."
The group split.
Green and Sabrina followed the guidance of the Spoon of Fate to search for Red and Blue Oak. If they succeeded, their combat strength would rise dramatically.
Meanwhile, Logan, Cynthia, and Yellow advanced straight toward the island's center.
The central island of Cerise was enormous.
The temperature was frigid. Massive crystalline caverns stretched in every direction like frozen cathedrals. The tunnels were labyrinthine, twisting and intersecting endlessly. It would be easy to lose one's way.
From the outside, there was no visible plain—only jagged terrain. It was obvious the Elite Four were hidden deep underground.
"The island's core contains an active volcano," Logan said, his breath fogging in the icy air. His voice echoed hollowly through the cavern. "I can sense tremendous geothermal energy beneath us. If it erupts…"
The emptiness was unsettling. Not a single Pokémon stirred. It felt as if they were descending into a demon's underworld.
"There's no need to worry," Cynthia replied calmly as she walked beside him. "Before departing, I spoke with the League Chairman. The League has activated its highest emergency protocol. No matter the outcome, they have contingency measures to prevent total disaster."
She had replaced her usual high heels with flat shoes for this mission. From beneath the hem, faint glimpses of her sheer stockings were visible, and beneath that, the subtle lines of muscle and vein.
Her black trousers traced her long legs elegantly. Her coat hugged her slender waist. A hint of pale skin at her collarbone caught the faint cavern light. Her golden hair flowed softly around her shoulders.
Logan found his attention drifting.
Until—
"Big Brother, we will win!"
Yellow's voice snapped him back to reality.
Her round face, still carrying a trace of youthful softness, was filled with determination.
"Yes," Logan said warmly, ruffling her hair. "We will."
He added with mild irritation, "The Chairman told me the same thing. I don't know why he insists on being mysterious. If he has a solution, why not use it now instead of letting us take the front line?"
"The League must have its reasons," Cynthia said gently. "The Chairman carries immense responsibility. Especially now."
Her cheeks flushed faintly—not from the cold, but from the way Logan had been looking at her.
She had prepared carefully before coming.
It seemed worth it.
As Sinnoh Champion, she was powerful. But she was also a woman. And she was confident in herself.
Her fingers brushed Logan's hand—cool and delicate.
"Logan… after this battle, there's something I want to tell you."
"Don't raise death flags before a decisive battle," he interrupted immediately. "That never ends well."
Cynthia froze for a moment.
Then she laughed softly.
Suddenly—
The cavern trembled.
A violent rumbling shook the ground. Pebbles rained from above.
"An earthquake?" Cynthia asked sharply.
"It feels like one—but this isn't natural!"
Logan's expression changed instantly.
The ground beneath them bulged upward.
A colossal body erupted from the earth.
"It's an Onix! We were walking on its back!"
The cavern floor collapsed inward, revealing a roaring underground river beneath.
The "rushing" sound he had heard earlier had not been magma—but water.
As Onix shifted its enormous body, the ground between Logan and Yellow split apart, leaving a yawning chasm over the rushing river below.
Logan grabbed Yellow's hand to keep her from falling.
His mind raced.
The Onix had surfaced precisely between him and Yellow.
It wasn't random.
It was deliberate.
Why separate Yellow instead of Cynthia?
Why did the Elite Four want her isolated?
Before he could process further—
A sharp gust of wind sliced toward him.
An ambush.
"Big Brother!"
Hanging over the void, Yellow looked up at him.
Her expression was resolute.
She nodded.
Logan understood instantly.
Without hesitation, he released her hand.
At the same time, he pressed a Poké Ball marked with the letter "M" into her palm.
Yellow fell into the raging underground river and was swept away by the current.
Logan moved instantly, rushing to Cynthia's side.
They stood back-to-back.
Surrounded.
"Long time no see, Logan!"
A booming laugh echoed through the cavern like thunder.
It was Bruno.
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