Step into the vortex.
No feeling at all.
But when Natsuhiko and his Pokémon opened their eyes again, they were startled by the sight before them.
At first glance, everything was white, as if they had entered a world of pure white.
But after taking a closer look.
It was not a white world at all; everything in sight was covered with a thick layer of ice and snow, concealing most of the colors within.
So...
"Have we entered an alternate space again?" Natsuhiko said in surprise.
He initially thought he had just entered the Casual Ruins and might spend a long time getting lost in the complex underground tunnels but unexpectedly found himself in an alternate space.
"Togekiss!!"
"Latios!!"
Togekiss and Latios' eyes lit up instantly.
Togekiss had been to Snow Peak City with Natsuhiko and had seen a world completely covered in ice and snow, but Latios hadn't; it was its first time seeing such a sight, and it "whooshed" out with excitement.
However, Chimchar shivered a bit and moved closer to Natsuhiko.
The cold environment was a bit uncomfortable for it.
"Alakazam."
Fortunately, Alakazam immediately used its psychic ability to envelop Natsuhiko and Chimchar.
As for Togekiss and Latios...
The two little ones fluttered for a while before shakily settling on the ground.
Natsuhiko thought they were frozen and approached to hear their conversation, making him chuckle.
Latios: Sister, is this edible? (๑˘˘๑)
Togekiss: Silly, this is snow.
Latios: But it's just like ice cream, cold and soft, right?
Togekiss: Emmmmm... shall we try?
Then Natsuhiko saw the two little ones crouch on the ground, extend their tongues, and cautiously and expectantly lick the snow on the ground.
"Togekiss!"
"Latios!"
The moment they made contact, they hurriedly stood up.
Togekiss looked at Latios, and Latios looked at Togekiss.
Togekiss: How was it?
Latios: ...Too fast, couldn't taste it.
Togekiss: Dummy!
Latios: Then what do you think?
Togekiss: ...Too cold, couldn't taste it.
Natsuhiko: ...
Slightly rubbed his forehead.
Having one Togekiss was already one thing; now there's another lively one.
Alakazam beside them faintly raised the corners of its mouth.
Actually, having one or two playful members in the team is not bad at all, at least keeping everyone in a good mood.
As long as Togekiss isn't causing trouble.
Natsuhiko walked forward, with Chimchar already clinging to him for warmth, just as he was about to say something.
"Alakazam!"
Suddenly.
With an "Instant Movement," Alakazam appeared by Natsuhiko's side.
Two spoons floated in front of it, its expression stern, staring at a thicket not far away.
Faintly.
As leaves fluttered and scattered some accumulated snow, vague dark shadows emerged into the view of Natsuhiko and Alakazam.
As the shadows slowly approached, they finally saw the approaching creatures clearly.
Natsuhiko gently patted Alakazam on the back, signaling it not to be overly tense.
Because, slowly walking out from the thicket were a few creatures covered in deep brown fur, with a pair of curved golden antlers on their heads, connected by a black orb, resembling ordinary deer-like Pokémon.
They found an area with relatively less snow, cleared the snow, and started leisurely munching on the grass below the snow.
Stantler.
A relatively common General Type Pokémon in the Johto Region.
Though a General Type Pokémon, Stantler is quite adept at Psychic abilities.
If you encounter a group of Stantler in the wild, you need to be concerned. They won't harm you, but they can surround you and create one illusion realm after another, trapping you inside until you exhaust yourself and lose consciousness.
Nonetheless, Stantler is generally considered a gentle Pokémon, and as long as they aren't provoked, their extremities usually only lead to exhaustion rather than any substantial harm.
They're not considered overly dangerous Pokémon.
"Alakazam!"
But Alakazam was not fully reassured by Natsuhiko's calming gestures.
And its reaction led Natsuhiko to ponder, unless...
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes, once again glancing towards the thicket.
Then, he saw another figure emerging a bit slowly from the trees.
Slightly larger in size than the Stantler, with longer golden antlers exuding a faint glow, seemingly emitting a special resonance. Its connecting point still had a black orb.
And the most significant distinction from the Stantler group was its entire grayish-white fur, with long whiskers hanging from its chin, resembling Santa Claus's beard draping over a reindeer.
Its fur on the tail and legs was visibly denser than Stantler's, suggesting excellent warmth.
"Wyrdeer?!" Natsuhiko uttered in slight astonishment.
Wyrdeer, a General and Psychic Type Pokémon, the evolved form of Stantler.
However, it remained undiscovered by the entire Pokémon Realm that Stantler could evolve into Wyrdeer, primarily because...
Wyrdeer is only evolved from Stantler in the Hisui Region; the evolution process remains a mystery.
Even Natsuhiko didn't know how Stantler evolved into Wyrdeer, merely aware it was a Pokémon exclusive to the Hisui Region.
Natsuhiko had previously encountered Hisui Region Pokémon once before, specifically a Hisuian Braviary within Regigigas's alternate space.
And now, he's seeing his second one!
A faint blue light shone in Wyrdeer's eyes as its Psychic waves subtly flickered across its form.
It wasn't the Stantler, but Wyrdeer that had made Alakazam attentive and alert!
Upon its appearance, unlike the other Stantler busy at grazing, Wyrdeer silently observed Natsuhiko and his group from afar, its eyes holding a cautious gleam.
The antlers atop Wyrdeer's head worked like antennas, excellent for pathfinding. One of Wyrdeer's responsibilities was guarding the accompanying Stantler, akin to assuming the role of a leader and elder.
Evidently, in Wyrdeer's eyes, Natsuhiko and his group were considered fairly perilous.
Nonetheless.
At this moment, Natsuhiko's focus wasn't entirely on Wyrdeer.
He raised his head, scanning the surroundings.
Eventually.
In the far distance, he faintly glimpsed a huge, indistinct silhouette.
It was too distant to discern entirely.
But Natsuhiko recognized it at first glance.
He was very well acquainted with it.
After all, he'd intentionally or unintentionally glanced at it dozens of times every day.
And that gigantic far-away silhouette was...
Celestial Crown Mountain!
So the area he was in wasn't an alternate space at all.
It was...
The Hisui Region!
The real Hisui Region!
While Natsuhiko marveled at his current location, Dragapult, hidden behind him, suddenly seemed to sense something, turning to glance at a distant steep mountain.
A vague white silhouette flitted across the mountain.
Despite its swift speed and natural blending with the surrounding environment, moving as if a ghostly apparition, it was nonetheless caught by Dragapult.
Its eyes held a trace of curiosity.
————
Thanks to Master ChengLi GuTu for the Alliance Leader support, and to President Pi for the generous rewards! Hisui Region oh~~ We ask for monthly votes!
Leaving everyone with a place for scientific posting of images, Wyrdeer!