A few days later, Sam was ready to depart for Cerulean Cave.
This time, he was heading there to investigate the whereabouts of Team Rocket.
For this adventure, Sam couldn't go alone. He needed reliable partners.
Erika couldn't accompany him because she was busy handling family matters. Because of that, she had been especially gentle and attentive toward Sam these past few days.
The first person Sam decided to recruit was Blaine. Blaine was powerful, experienced, and always willing to help.
As expected, Blaine agreed immediately.
The second partner Sam invited was Ash.
And just as expected, Ash enthusiastically agreed without hesitation.
Now they had three people. For the fourth member, Sam decided to invite Misty. She was one of his closest friends, and after he had helped her recover Munchlax, she readily accepted as well.
For the final teammate, Sam wanted someone who could keep Misty company during the trip, so he tentatively contacted Sabrina.
The two arranged to meet at a café.
On the day of the meeting, Sam arrived early and waited for Sabrina.
When Sabrina arrived, she was dressed beautifully. Anyone who saw her would immediately be captivated.
"Did you need something from me?" Sabrina asked.
This time, her tone was cold and calm, as though nothing had happened between them before.
Sam smiled and said, "Didn't I mention going to Cerulean Cave before? Misty is coming with us this time, and I was hoping you could keep her company."
"Okay. I also wanted to go on an adventure anyway."
Sam was slightly surprised by how quickly she agreed.
"Then we'll set out tomorrow."
"You can contact me directly when it's time."
After saying that, Sabrina turned to leave.
"Why not stay and have a cup of coffee first?"
At that moment, the coffee Sam ordered hadn't even arrived yet.
Sabrina paused briefly before replying, "No, I still have other things to do."
Then she left.
Sam scratched his head awkwardly. She had acted perfectly normal while they were shopping together before, so why was her attitude suddenly so distant again?
Although he didn't fully understand girls, he didn't dwell on it too much. There would still be plenty of opportunities in the future, so there was no need to rush.
The next day, Sam contacted Blaine, Misty, Ash, Sabrina, and the others, asking them to gather at the central plaza.
After everyone arrived, the group officially set off.
Cerulean Cave was located east of Cerulean City. After discussing their plan along the way, the group headed directly toward the city.
The purpose of this trip was to investigate Team Rocket's movements.
After arriving in Cerulean City, the group headed straight for Cerulean Cave.
Sam had already researched the cave's location thoroughly. After following the path along Route 24 and walking to the very end, everyone finally saw the entrance to Cerulean Cave.
Cerulean Cave was an extremely mysterious place. It was said that only Trainers who had battled at the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League and achieved victory were qualified to enter.
There were also rumors that the strongest mysterious Pokémon in the Kanto region—Mewtwo—lived deep within the cave.
Along the way, Sam had already shared everything he knew about Cerulean Cave with the others.
Fortunately, everyone present met the requirements to enter.
After making preparations, the group stepped inside.
The interior of Cerulean Cave was extremely dark. Certain mechanisms had to be activated in order to safely proceed deeper inside.
Moreover, the cave was filled with traps and hidden dangers.
Everyone advanced carefully, step by step.
Eventually, they arrived at the first major checkpoint.
To proceed further, Trainers had to prove the strength of their Pokémon in order to unlock the path ahead.
Everyone began placing Poké Balls into the mechanism.
Soon, strange patterns lit up across the device—only to dim moments later.
The Pokémon were not strong enough.
Sam took out Charizard's Poké Ball and placed it into the mechanism once again.
This time, the glowing patterns remained illuminated, and the mechanism activated successfully.
A hidden passage slowly opened before them.
Sam glanced at the group and warned, "This is only the first mechanism. Don't let your guard down."
Everyone nodded before stepping into the passage.
Fortunately, there didn't seem to be any danger along this section of the route, and the group progressed smoothly.
Soon, they arrived at a cliffside.
Floating in front of them were several enormous stone platforms. However, the rocks looked unstable and fragile, as though they could collapse at any moment.
But for now, this was their only path forward.
"Brother Sam, it looks like this is the only way," Misty said.
At that moment, Sabrina suddenly spoke from the side.
"This is a Stonehenge formation. Only by finding the correct path can we cross safely. Otherwise, the floating stones will collapse."
---------------Author---------------
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