Early the next morning, after a simple breakfast, Xia You and Erika entered the unnamed mountain range, accompanied by Gardevoir, Scyther, Eevee, and Erika's Leafeon.
Although they had entered the mountains, Charizard Canyon lay in the deepest part of the range. They still had a long way to go before they could reach it.
At first, the two could follow a broad mountain trail, but after rounding the first two mountains, the path beneath their feet grew increasingly narrow and rugged. It rose sharply, with sheer cliffs below, and one careless step could easily send them slipping over the edge.
Everywhere they looked, there were bare boulders with hardly any vegetation. The sight alone was daunting.
That was why they had specifically let their Pokémon out. With them around, they could ensure their safety even if something did happen.
As for why they had not brought out Pokémon like Charizard or Dragonite to fly them straight to the summit, it was just as Xia You had said before: climbing mountains like these was not only training for the Pokémon, but for Xia You and Erika as well.
Xia You led the way across a towering natural stone bridge. Looking back and seeing Erika treading carefully, he naturally held out his hand.
"Be careful. The rocks here can easily come loose, so make sure you watch your step."
Erika smiled faintly and took Xia You's hand without any hesitation. He then gently pulled her across to the other side.
Once she had found her footing, they let go of each other's hands in unspoken agreement, as though nothing had happened.
Their hazy feelings went unspoken but were understood by both, and deep down, each longed for more intimate contact with the other.
Of course, holding hands like this was only a