Chapter 2: Team Rocket's Frozen Quest
A shiny, silver plane flew steadily over the icy region of Cryopeak. The strong winds outside couldn't shake it, as it was built to handle the harsh weather. Inside, Jessie and James sat comfortably, enjoying the warmth of the cabin while Meowth napped on a soft cushion. Jessie pressed her face against the wide window, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"This place is beautiful!" she said, staring at the endless snow and ice below. The land was covered in white, with tall, icy mountains and frozen rivers spreading across the view.
James looked up from his Cryopeak Index, a notebook filled with Pokémon facts. "It's amazing," he agreed. "The boss said this place is full of rare Pokémon. We could find some really valuable ones here."
Meowth stretched and yawned loudly. "Wake me up when we've caught somethin' worth braggin' about," he mumbled, curling back up on his cushion.
The plane landed softly on a snowy field, and the trio stepped out into the freezing cold. They were wrapped in thick jackets, pants, and beanies, but the icy wind still bit at their faces. Jessie's excitement quickly turned to frustration.
"There's nothing here but snow!" she shouted, stomping her foot.
"Don't be so quick to complain," James said, flipping through his Cryopeak Index. "This is where we'll find plenty of Snowrunt and other unique Cryopeak Pokémon. We just have to look."
Jessie crossed her arms. "We'd better find something soon, or I'm turning into an ice sculpture!"
The group began walking through the snow, their boots crunching with each step. The cold wind howled around them, making Jessie pull her scarf tighter. After a while, James suddenly stopped and pointed ahead.
"Look!" he whispered.
A small white Pokémon moved gracefully across the snow. Its thick fur shone in the light, and its bushy tail swayed behind it.
"It's a Cryopeak Vulpix!" James said excitedly, flipping through his notebook.
The Vulpix's fur was pure white, with soft blue markings around its paws and tail. Unlike the usual Vulpix, which was orange and a Fire type, this one was an Ice type with long, thick fur to keep it warm in the cold. Its bright blue eyes watched the group carefully.
Jessie's eyes lit up. "A Vulpix? It's perfect! This will be our first catch in Cryopeak!"
She pulled out a PokéBall and threw it, but the Vulpix's fur suddenly stretched into sharp, icy spikes. The PokéBall bounced harmlessly off, falling into the snow.
"What just happened?!" Jessie yelled.
James read from the index. "Cryopeak Vulpix can extend its fur and tail up to two meters for protection and battles. It's one of its special abilities."
Jessie growled, grabbing another PokéBall. "Let's see how it handles this!"
She threw a barrage of PokéBalls, but the Vulpix dodged each one, moving gracefully through the snow. It didn't look afraid; instead, it seemed to be toying with them.
"Meowth, do something!" Jessie shouted. "Use Scratch!"
Meowth jumped forward, claws ready, but the Vulpix turned and unleashed a Bubble Beam. The attack sent Meowth flying backward, landing in the snow with a wet splat.
"Gah! I hate water!" Meowth groaned, shivering as he shook himself off.
The Vulpix took the chance to run away, disappearing into the snow-covered hills. Jessie fumed, clenching her fists.
"First a useless landing spot, now this?!" she yelled. "This region is a nightmare!"
---
The group continued walking, hoping to find another Pokémon. The cold wind picked up, and the snow seemed to grow deeper with each step. Jessie hugged herself tightly.
"Why does it have to be so cold?" she muttered. "Even with all this gear, it feels like I'm freezing!"
James ignored her complaints, keeping his eyes peeled for movement. After some time, they spotted a group of small Pokémon hopping between icy rocks.
"Those are Cryopeak Sandshrew!" James said, pointing excitedly.
These Sandshrew were different from the ones they knew. Their bodies were covered in icy, crystal-like armor, and their claws were sharp and shiny, like icicles.
"This is it!" Jessie said. "Let's catch them!"
She pulled out another PokéBall, but before she could throw it, the Sandshrew burrowed into the snow and disappeared.
"Are you kidding me?!" Jessie shouted, throwing the PokéBall into the empty snow in frustration.
"Patience, Jessie," James said, adjusting his scarf. "We're bound to find something worth catching soon."
---
The hours dragged on as the trio wandered through the freezing wilderness. They saw Cryopeak Pidove, with icy blue feathers and sharp beaks, but the birds flew away before they could get close. They also spotted a Cryopeak Sneasel, with dark fur and glowing blue claws, but it disappeared into the shadows before they could act.
"Why is everything here so hard to catch?!" Jessie whined.
"Cryopeak Pokémon are highly adapted to their environment," James explained. "They're not going to be easy to catch."
"Well, I'm done!" Jessie said, stopping in her tracks. "I'm cold, I'm tired, and I'm hungry. Let's just go to the city already!"
James sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. Tomatomb City should be just ahead. We'll rest there and try again tomorrow."
---
The trio found a spot to set up camp under a large pine tree. The branches were heavy with frost, but they offered some protection from the wind. Jessie and Meowth sat close to the fire, trying to warm up, while James flipped through his Cryopeak Index.
"I can't believe we didn't catch a single Pokémon," Jessie grumbled.
James shrugged. "At least we learned more about the Pokémon here. That's a good start."
"Yeah, yeah," Jessie muttered. "I'll feel better after a hot meal."
The next morning, they packed up their camp and headed toward Tomatomb City. The promise of food and warmth kept them moving, even as the cold nipped at their noses and fingers.
"This region may be tough," James said, "but Team Rocket never gives up. We'll catch a Cryopeak Pokémon yet!"
Jessie nodded, her determination returning. "You're right. We just need the right strategy."
Meowth groaned, trudging behind them. "I just need a hot chocolate..."
The city's skyline appeared on the horizon, and the trio quickened their pace. For now, their quest to catch Cryopeak Pokémon would have to wait.