"Beedrill, have some energy blocks to replenish yourself."
Natsuhiko returned to Beedrill's side, took out several advanced energy blocks, and also prepared a pre-made medicine to treat the wounds on Beedrill's body caused by falling rocks.
"Szzbree."
Beedrill endured the pain, letting Natsuhiko do his work, while focusing its attention on the energy blocks.
While treating Beedrill's wounds, Natsuhiko was also pondering some matters.
"I wonder how Flint and Hilona are doing."
At the time, during the battle, the three were not close to one another, and because of the surrounding darkness, the falling rocks obscured their view, making it hard to see them.
"I warned them, Flint has Shiny Metal Monster and Skarmory, making it easier for him to handle compared to me. And Hilona has her Gabite, making such situations easier to manage than Beedrill."
Gabite, although a Ground Type and Dragon Type Quasi-God, commonly known as Earth Dragon, can also fly.
Even if it couldn't fly, gliding at least wouldn't be a problem.
Compared to certain well-known but non-flying Divine Beast, it holds an advantage.
Natsuhiko shook his head continuously, "With their skills, I shouldn't need to worry about them. Instead, I should think about how to get out of here myself."
Abra had overused its psychic powers and had fallen asleep. Considering the characteristics of such a Pokémon, it's unknown how long it would take to wake up.
Flying up there...
Glancing at the unseen top, the falling rocks had decreased significantly, but looking from this place, no light could be seen anywhere.
"I wonder what the situation above is; rocks of varying sizes might fall anytime. Unless absolutely necessary, I'd temporarily abandon this option."
Even though he had a Pidgeotto that could carry him flying for some time, it still wasn't safe compared to waiting for Abra to wake up and checking if the previously set psychic 'anchor' was still there.
"Then..."
Natsuhiko turned and looked at the dark cave stretching endlessly behind him.
"Was this cave discovered when the League was excavating the ruins, or was it exposed due to the collapse this time?"
If it was a cave the League had already confirmed, it should be relatively safe inside.
But if it was exposed due to the collapse, who knows what might exist within?
Yet it was precisely this that tempted Natsuhiko greatly.
Places untouched by the League might contain unearthed treasures.
"Better wait for Beedrill to recover fully, then delve deeper; return if met with danger." Natsuhiko sat contemplating on the ground.
After consuming several advanced energy blocks and treating its injuries, Beedrill quickly recovered.
Seeing Beedrill in good shape, Natsuhiko dusted off his clothes, stood up, and took a flashlight from his backpack.
A beam of yellow light led into the dark abyss, still unable to reach the end.
"Let's go take a look."
...
...
Elsewhere.
Standing on the back of Shiny Metal Monster, Flint and Hilona carefully stepped on the ground with Gabite, looking somewhat disheveled.
Their dusty appearances were likely rare for them.
Their expressions were heavy.
Glancing at each other, they both saw a hint of concern in each other's eyes.
"Natsuhiko, he...." Hilona hesitated slightly as she began to speak.
"It seems that while battling a Sandslash, it dug a hole near his feet, making the ground on his side much weaker than ours. When the ground collapsed, his side became the center region of the collapse." Flint said with a grave expression.
"He reminded us, or I might not have reacted in time."
Hilona bit her lip, a determined look passing through her eyes.
Had it not been for Natsuhiko's warning, she might not have summoned Gabite promptly.
"I proposed this adventure; Natsuhiko initially refused. It was after my persistent invitations that he joined us; this responsibility is mine." Flint appeared remorseful.
"With his skills, he might just be stuck somewhere."
"I think so too."
They fell into a brief silence.
Suddenly, they both declared firmly: "I will go find him."
Upon hearing each other's resolve, they looked slightly surprised, but soon nodded in understanding.
"First, we must clear away these piled rocks; otherwise, we won't be able to go down." Flint looked at the chaotic rubble in front and added: "But we can't make big movements or the fragile, barely stabilized structure might again collapse."
"Leave it to my Gabite."
"Alright, I'll have Metang help you stabilize the structure."
After reaching an agreement, Flint and Hilona started excavating the rocks ahead, preparing an entrance to proceed downward.
With their combined skills, it wasn't difficult, just a matter of time.
...
...
While Flint and Hilona were strategizing on saving Natsuhiko, he was also facing a decision.
Looking at the bifurcation ahead, uncertain which path to choose.
He touched the rock wall.
"Seems like this isn't an artificial tunnel but an ancient one possibly made by a certain Pokémon from old times?"
"Szzbree——"
Beedrill hovered closely around Natsuhiko, staying vigilant with its crimson compound eyes to prevent sudden attacks.
"Which path to choose really isn't important."
Natsuhiko murmured, picked a stone, and silently marked the rock wall.
This way, if the path led to a dead end or a maze-like tunnel, at least he wouldn't get lost.
He chose the left pathway and entered.
But neither Natsuhiko nor Beedrill noticed that, after they left the fork for some time, a small, somewhat rounded silhouette appeared leisurely, humming a self-made tune at the place they'd just stood.
Its small eyes gleaming with mischief, it covered its mouth with its tiny hands and giggled "ee-ee-ee."
Putting considerable effort to reach Natsuhiko's mark, it gently wiped off the mark with its little hand, erasing all traces.
Afterwards, it jumped down, laughing out loud like a pig's squeal.
Clapping its tiny hands, it proudly admired its 'masterpiece,' feeling very pleased.
Suddenly, it paused.
Seeming to realize something.
It quickly dashed towards the tunnel Natsuhiko and Beedrill ventured into.
However, its short legs indeed lacked in this capacity, moving slowly.
But it remained unruffled, familiar enough with the place.
Shaking its body, running and humming along, imitating the cautious pace keeping up with the never-before-seen Natsuhiko and Beedrill.
Its tiny body's Prankster's Heart was fully demonstrated at this moment.
The sound of its feet was both crisp and concealed.