There was a brief pause. Rika looked puzzled, while Larry and Hassel exchanged concerned glances. Poppy looked eager to jump into action but held herself back when she saw the seriousness in Kai's eyes.
Geeta's expression softened as she considered his request. "I understand, Kai," she said, her voice steady. "We've always respected your desire for privacy. I'll agree to your terms, but know that this won't be easy. Iron Thorns isn't just a typical Paradox Pokémon. We need all the help we can get."
Kai nodded, his eyes unwavering. "I'm not concerned about help," he replied. "I'm concerned about keeping this under control. We don't know what's driving Iron Thorns to act this way. If others get involved, it might escalate. We need to contain the situation as quickly and quietly as possible."
Geeta looked around at her Elite Four. Rika, Larry, Poppy, and Hassel all nodded in agreement, understanding the weight of Kai's words.
"I agree," Geeta said, her voice now resolute. "We'll keep this between us. No one else needs to know about the full extent of what we're facing."
Kai's eyes softened for a moment, grateful for Geeta's understanding. "Thank you."
With the plan in place, the group set off for the Glaseado Mountain Range — a place known for its treacherous paths and unpredictable weather. The mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks covered in snow and mist. The air grew colder as they neared the range, the winds picking up as if warning them of the challenge ahead.
Kai's team of Pokémon was ready. He glanced at his Pokéballs, feeling the weight of each one. Chimchar, his trusted starter, was already at his side, fiery tail alight with energy. The other members of his team — including his Paradox Pokémon — were all waiting, ready to face whatever came their way.
"We'll need to be careful once we get closer," Geeta warned, adjusting her cloak against the cold. "The region's wildlife is unpredictable, and with the situation involving Iron Thorns, things could get even more dangerous."
Kai nodded again, eyes focused on the path ahead. "I'll take the lead."
As they ventured further into the mountain range, the atmosphere became tense. The wind howled through the narrow passes, and the rocky terrain made it difficult to move quickly. The group proceeded with caution, eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of the Iron Thorns or other potential dangers.
Then, they found it. A faint flash of movement ahead, too quick for any normal Pokémon. Iron Thorns was nearby, and the tension in the air was palpable. Kai reached for a Pokéball, but Geeta held up a hand, signaling him to stop.
"We need to be smart about this," she whispered. "We don't know what kind of state it's in. It's already proven to be aggressive."
Kai nodded, his mind already working through possible strategies. They needed to approach with caution, not allowing the situation to spiral out of control. If Iron Thorns was truly being driven by something more than just instinct, they needed to understand what that was before they made their move.
The mountains loomed overhead, and Kai couldn't shake the feeling that something was waiting for them — something far more dangerous than they had anticipated.