Chapter 2

"I think we should all take separate journeys."
The stunned silence that abruptly followed was awkward. Everyone turned to Cheren, who was blinking in surprise at the reaction to his words. "Hear me out, guys." he continued after a brief clearing of his throat. "We can go at our own pace, meet each other in various towns, and have stories to tell of our journeys. It would be easier."
Touya thought about this. It seemed like an okay plan. "I'm up for it." he said, followed by the nodding of the other two, a sad reluctant one from Bianca.
"Well then." Cheren said with a smile. "It is freezing out here. Last one to Accumula Town is a rotten Chansey egg!"
With that, he took off, throwing up snow behind his heels. Touko shouted: "Hey!", and ran after him, followed by a surprised Bianca.
Touya was dumbfounded. He was alone. Was this a foreshadowing of his while journey? He looked at the Pokeball he had kept in his jacket. It was a ruby and pearl colored capture device, slightly transparent. Touya could see his Oshawott. It was miniature and was sitting, looking up at him confusedly.
It really was cold.
The boy put his Pokemon back in his jacket, fearing it was still cold in the capture device. He should really catch up with his friends...
He walked forward, wincing as an icy wind whipped across his face. The next town wasn't so far away. The snow under his feet crunched as he trekked on.
After a few minutes, though, the boy heard a voice. A familiar voice. "Snivy! Use Vine Whip!"
This was proceeded by a sharp crackle. Touya lifted his head against the cold to see Touko. She didn't seem to mind the chilly weather, and was smirking in satisfaction. Snivy seemed to have badly weakened what looked like a puppy.
"Pokeball! Go!"
She threw an empty Pokeball. At first, it seemed it would fly into the forest, but suddenly it bounced back, a white light emitting from it. The puppy was absorbed. After a few shakes, in which seemed to go by in slow motion, the capture device let out a low drone. The Pokemon, Lillipup, was caught.
"Well worth being an egg!" she gushed, rubbing the Pokeball against her cheek, which was pink from the cold.
Suddenly, though, she looked up. "Touya!" she called, waving. She remembered the race Cheren declared, though, blinked, and took off.
Touya took off after her after a moment's hesitation. She was always faster than him, but maybe he could get through the snow better. He tried to stay lightfooted, as to not sick. The boy saw a display of lights ahead. Accumula Town. It was around 3, and therefore it was getting a tad dark. Dull light made the snow sparkle, and Touya admired the "winter wonderland".
It was futile. After ten minutes of trying to catch up. Touya ran up the stairs entering the town. She cheered. "Yesssss! Eat it, Touy!"
Touya groaned at her taunt. "Yeah yeah, whatever. Let's just find Cheren and Bianca."
Touko was practically skipping to the Pokemon Center. "I got a Liiiillipup~ Then I beat Tooooouya~" she sang with a grin, trying ever so desperately to irk him. She had that mischievous glint in her eye. Despite her mockery, he couldn't help but smile. When they entered the Pokemon center, they were hit with a wave of wonderful heat. The building had a mulitude of windows. In the back was the healing area, with Nurse Joy behind the desk.
Nurse Joy was a young women usually of age twenty. They are a large group of relatives, and are therefore known by that pseudonym and work as nurses for Pokemon in most towns.
In back of her was a Battling Room, and two doors on either side of it. The right one lead to a diner of sorts. The left led to rooms.
Along the right side of the large building was a Pokemart, and the left an area with a lot of chairs and tables. At one, playing chess, was Bianca and Cheren.
Cheren had an exasperated expression. One hand was on his chin, while the other was frozen on a pawn. At closer inspection, it was surprisingly Bianca winning.
The frozen pawn suddenly was moved, but Bianca let out an almost eerie laugh. "Checkmate~" she said, moving her king into the right position. Cheren sat, dumbfounded, as the king was in the direct path of both his pawn and king. She could skip over them both, easily taking the victory. Cheren hung his head. "But how...?-"
He was cut off as Bianca waved. "Oh hi, guys!" she called. They both beamed, and walked over. At the sight of the simultaneous expression, Bianca giggled. "Weeeeell, aren't you two a good pair?"
Touko frowned at the jab, and Touya felt himself blush. Thankfully, all eyes were trained on Bianca, so no one saw it.
"Trainers! Citizens! Gather around!"
The call came from outside. The four of them turned. "I wonder what the commotion is about." murmured Cheren.
Touko got up, and was already heading for the door. "Let's find out."
The three got up to follow her, and emptied back into the cold air. Touya had forgotten how cold it was, and instantly regretted it. How could Touko wear such casual apparel at a season like this?
The commotion was coming from the town square. A man wearing a heavy robe was in the middle of it, crowded by a large group of people. He was middle aged, with heavily pale skin and red eyes. "People of Accumula Town!"
Everyone looked confused. His guards held them back with a dozen or so Lillipups. The man continued. "I am Ghestis, and I ask you to release your Pokemon!"