The frozen battlefield was rippling with apprehension as Wallace stepped into the challengers circle. His body didn't even shiver, despite his revealing outfit. Across from him on the other side of the arena stood Wulfric, who also lacked any sensible attire. The gym leader grinned and tossed the Pokéball in his hand like it was a coin, catching it easily as it fell back into his palm.
"Alright, Wulfric. What exactly will the rules be for this battle?" Wallace's fingers played against his own slender hip as he waited for the challenge to start, not that it would be challenging. He couldn't help but smile with smug confidence. The icy field would truly bring out the beauty of his lovely Milotic.
On the stands lining one side of the wall, mere feet away from the battleground, Steven and the rest of their group huddled together. Not one of them dared to sit on the frigid seats. Manon feared that if she rested on the bench she would never be able to pry herself from its surface. Wallace waited for the short girl to catch his eye, but she seemed to be somewhere else entirely. Wallace glanced at the petite girl with hopes that she would catch his eyes, but she seemed to be somewhere else entirely. Disappointed, he turned his attention back to Wulfric
"Would a three on three battle be alright with you?" The leader stretched his muscular arms high above his head. "The blizzard shouldn't last all that long. I know you are eager to be on the move."
"That sounds like a reasonable request. Milotic darling, take the spotlight!" With a rhythmic swing of his wrist, Wallace's Pokéball flung easily into the air and released a bright beam of light onto the field. As the sparkling white faded it revealed the long and dignified form of his Milotic. The blue and red scales that ran down the serpent's tail shone with a healthy sheen from its years of contest experience.
Smiling, Wulfric chucked his own Pokéball and, less delicately, his Avalugg crashed down to the ground on its four heavy feet. Shards of ice shattered at the impact. The frosty giant roared proudly.
"Avaaaaaaaa!"
Milotic narrowed her eyes, disgusted by her opponent's lack if class. Turning to Wallace, she waited for a command. Impatience radiated from the twitching of her antennas.
"Milotic darling, let's take the first move." Wallace said as he drew a clean circle with his hand. "Use Aqua Ring, if you would."
Wulfric shielded his eyes against the strange blue glow that enveloped the battleground. Milotic let out an echoing cry, stretching her slender head into the air as a ring of water droplets danced around her body. The ring disappeared within seconds, leaving Wulfric mystified. Frustrated with the confusing move, he stomped his heavy foot and thrust his arm out towards his own partner.
"Avalugg, use Crunch!"
The icy beast lunged forward, the stomping footsteps crunching against the ice like raging drums. As it closed in on Milotic, the Water type slid easily to the side in a flashy dodge. The frozen floor only quickened the beautiful creature. With a swift flick of her strong fin, Milotic launched the slow Avalugg across the battlefield, back to where he had started.
"Wonderful move, darling." Wallace chided. He pulled his hands against his chest as if embracing victory. "Treat Avalugg to a lovely Hydro Pump!"
"Oh no you don't!" Before Milotic could release the powerful blast, Wulfric howled out a move of his own. "Gyro Ball!"
The two moves clashed in a massive explosion. Giant gusts of wind surged through the gym and Wallace narrowed his eyes and lifted his arm against his cheek to protect himself from the flying smoke streaming in the air. Eventually the chaos dribbled away and the two monsters were visible again. Milotic stood proudly as the effects of Aqua Ring rained over her, but Avalugg was struggling. Wallace's Hydro Pump had overpowered the foe.
"Miloooooo!"
The once smooth ground was now smashed and broken. Shards of shattered snow and ice littered the floor. Milotic, though full of energy, wouldn't be nearly as agile with the field change. Sensing this, she shivered with annoyance and let out a noise that resembled a purr.
"Now, Milotic. We have nothing to fear. Stay calm darling, everything will be fine." There wasn't a single hint of doubt entwined in Wallace's smooth words. He snapped his fingers playfully, eyes sparkling. "Let's finish this off with a Dragon Pulse."
"Avalanche!"
Wulfric's desperate attempt was in vain. The slow and bulky Avalugg had barely managed to charge its move when Milotic fired off the screaming rainbow blast. The colourful beam morphed into the shape of a dragon's head and crashed down, devouring Avalugg's form. Finally, the light dispersed. Avalugg, though still standing on its four feet, was no longer able to battle. The devastating blow had left it unconscious.
"That was a splendid display, Milotic." Wallace strode forward and rested a gentle hand on his Milotic's smooth body. After giving her a few affectionate strokes he returned her to her Pokéball and faced Wulfric. The gym leader had already called back his own Pokémon. Wallace was surprised to find only a cheerful smirk lining his face.
"Not much to say other than you beat me in that round. I'm not done yet though!" Wulfric laughed heartily and slapped a thick hand against his hip. He pulled another Pokéball out and chucked it into the battlefield. A strange ghost-like Pokémon appeared. It was the shape of a giant snowflake, but blue eyes glowed in its core.
"Cryooooo"
Manon pulled her hood over her winter hat as she slipped out the gym doors. The raging blizzard hadn't weakened in the slightest. Her steps were slow as she fought against the greedy winds. Her face was instantly pelted by bullets of snow. Sharp pains raced across her cheeks, burning with the cold.
I'll show them! I'll be stronger than Steven and Wallace! I'll be stronger than Alain! I'll be the strongest!
She had managed to sneak away as everyone was enraptured by Wallace's battle against Wulfric. Seeing the magnificent Water type trainer fight had ignited a spark within her. She couldn't bear to simply stand and watch anymore.
Determined, Manon wrapped her small fingers tightly around the straps of her bag and fought her way through the monstrous storm. She had never faced anything like it. She sank into the deep snow with each step. The drifts got higher and higher. Sometimes she would be up to her waist in white, freezing powder. Her skin felt raw and her face was red. Sweat crawled across her flesh and her nose ran. She couldn't tell if she was still in Snowbelle.
The sky was a dark gray, curtained with angry clouds. Where had this sudden chaos come from? The thought kept swirling, and as she was lost in her head another snowdrift caught her by surprise. With a sudden cut off yelp, Manon dropped to the snow. Her entire body hurt, she was exhausted, dehydrated, and annoyed with her own fragility.
What if I can't find my way back?! What if Alain and the others never find me?!
No! She couldn't think that way! She had left the gym to prove that she could be strong, not to prove that she needed to be saved. Manon lifted her head against the furious storm, squinting her eyes against the icy blasts.
"Where is the forest?"
Her frustrated groan was lost in the howling gusts, but in the distance her eyes caught a darker line that was set apart from the rest of the sky. Treetops! The sight was all she needed for a final push. With all the energy she could muster, she trudged through the deep snow and into the strange woods.
The weather changed almost instantly once she was under the cover of the thick trees. The cutting winds couldn't break through the wide trunks and the snow was blocked by the spreading canopy of leaves and pine needles. It was like an instant cut off from the storm. In the forest the snow barely made it up to her knees.
Relieved, Manon slipped her bag from her shoulder and unzipped the biggest pocket. She pushed her sketchbook and pencil crayons aside to get to the Pokéballs at the bottom. Biting her lip, she grabbed Molly's.
"This is the perfect place to train. We won't be interrupted and-"
Rustle, rustle.
Dropping the Pokéball back into the bag, Manon raised her head. Her pulse raced suddenly. With wide hazel eyes, she scanned the surroundings. It was too dark to see clearly but she felt a strange presence, like a million eyes were watching her. Shivers crawled across her arm and up her back as she hugged her bag close, too scared to call out a Pokémon.
"Hello?"
The eery silence was only stirred by the low growls of the blizzard raging outside of the woods. Taking a deep breath, Manon clutched her bag tighter against her chest and sunk down to her knees. She felt her legs turning to jelly. Before she could call out again a ghostly cry moaned from the black shadows. The creaking of branches followed, and a horde of beady red eyes blinked at her from beyond the trees.
A shrill scream ripped from her throat and, unable to collect her thoughts, she clumsily threw herself into a run and barreled through the trees. Her chest was heaving and she ignored the branches that whacked at her as she passed. The wooden limbs scratched like pins against her clothes.
Thud, thud.
THUD.
Something snatched Manon's swinging hand and pulled at her briskly. She almost fell backwards into whatever was yanking at her but she caught herself and turned, catching a glimpse of a Pokémon that looked like a rotting tree. It was taller than she was and had a piercing red eye that dug and twisted into her like a knife. Ripping her hand away she sprinted farther into the forest.
I can't keep running! Alain wouldn't run away like this! He would fight! I came out here to get stronger, not to prove how weak I am!
Singling her focus onto her resolve, she dug her foot into the snow and whipped around suddenly. In the distance she could make out the shapes of the shambling Pokémon, quickly approaching. Throwing her bag off her shoulder once again she reached for Bébé's Pokéball and pitched it into the air resiliently. The small Fairy type twirled in front of her in seconds, ready for a command.
"Alright, Bébé use Razor Leaf!"
Bébé chirred and spun its yellow flower in circles. A curtain of flying leaves danced suddenly around it and then shot towards the approaching silhouettes. Most of the shapes stumbled and retreated slowly, surprised by the attack. The one that had lashed out at Manon earlier, however, didn't back down from the challenge. With a burst of speed it launched towards the tiny flower Pokémon and raised a threatening claw that glowed with a strange, dark aura.
"Dodge it!"
Manon hugged her coat as her throat swelled with a heavy pain. She watched with wide eyes as the giant hand smashed down onto her Flabébé. Bébé landed sloppily against the snow, shaking and injured. Quick on her feet, Manon rushed to her side and carefully cradled her in her arms. She returned Bébé to her Pokéball and narrowed her now blazing eyes at the approaching opponent. With a quaking hand she reached back into her bag and hurled her last Pokéball into the air. Molly snarled threateningly as the red light faded around her, the black set of jaws on her head gnashed its teeth greedily.
"Trevenant . . . Treee?" The wild creature regarded them curiously, a sinister gleam in its eye. It rocked on its roots, neither backing down nor making a move.
"Keep your guard up, Molly. This will be our first battle together." Manon rubbed her nose, trying to disguise her fear and uncertainty. Steven and Wallace couldn't help her now. She was on her own. What would happen if she lost? "Umm . . . Molly, use Play Rough!" She drummed her hands against her head, trying her best to remember her new Pokémon's moves.
Mawile raced towards the ghostly tree, snow spraying behind her in heaps. With a bark, she leaped off the ground and towards her target with outstretched arms. In a series of punches and kicks, Molly pummeled the moaning monster before leaping backwards as it attempted to hook onto one of her hands. The attack, though hitting dead on, didn't seem to do much damage.
"Aghhh, I don't know what type this thing is!" Manon stomped her soggy shoe against the slush. She didn't notice the opposing Pokémon charge forward until it was too late. Molly let out a cry and Manon snapped her head back to the battlefield. Her Mawile was struggling in the tight grip of the frightening enemy. Eery blue flames floated up around the two and trailed down until they engulfed Molly in a bright flare. Even as the fiery light dispersed, Molly was left glowing red. She had been burned.
"M-Molly!" Voice pitching, Manon trembled. "Molly, use Crunch! Use it now!" Fear and desperation cloaked the young trainer's voice and her Pokémon picked up on the strong feelings of worry. With a final desperate push, Molly flung the black jaws on her head towards the tree and clamped down on its thick body, crushing the bark. The wild Pokémon wailed and Molly released it, watching as the tree hobbled back into the forest.
Manon scooped Mawile into her arms and hugged her tight, feeling the heat pulsing from its small body. Gently, she rested her hand on Molly's head and pet her with long and careful strokes, taking in each and every injury that her Pokémon had sustained. "You did amazing. I think we make a really great team." Molly smiled back and nodded before the red light around her grew brighter again. The Pokémon whimpered with pain, squeezing its eyes shut. Hastily, Manon returned Molly to her Pokéball. Steven kept all the healing supplies in his bag, leaving her unable to do a thing to help her own Pokémon.
Her legs were shaking and she couldn't feel her fingers or her cheeks. With burning ears and sore feet she lurched through the snow, trying to find her way out of the horrible forest. It wasn't what she had expected at all. What Wallace had described was completely different than this Hell. Eventually, she was too tired to keep searching for a way out. If the tree Pokémon came back she wouldn't be able to fight them off again. Spotting a large boulder through the falling snow, Manon forced her feet to carry her towards it. Soon enough she sank down and rested her back against the rocky surface, closing her eyes. She prayed that the horrible weather would settle soon so that she could make it back to the gym.
Wallace and the others are going to be so mad . . . But I won.
Wallace smiled smugly as his Wailord finished off Wulfric's Abomasnow with a last devastating Heavy Slam attack. Wulfric watched dumbfounded as his last Pokémon fell in defeat. The gym leader had failed to take out any of Wallace's prized Water types. He suddenly felt guilty for scoffing at them previously.
"Well, that's that I suppose." Wulfric stated, returning his fallen Abomasnow to its capsule before meeting Wallace in the middle of the icy arena. He held out his gruff hand and Wallace cautiously shook it before backing away with a slight bow.
"It was a pleasure to battle the person who helped us through the snow." Before Wallace could return to his group on the sidelines, Wulfric reached into his pocket and took Wallace's hand with his free one. The strange man pried Wallace's fingers apart and dropped a small badge into the champion's hand. Wallace stared with confusion and Wulfric shrugged.
"You beat me, so I gotta give you a badge. Congrats, you earned the Iceberg badge."
"Er, thanks." Wallace was about to argue that it wasn't necessary when he heard Alain's voice rise up from across the room.
"Where's Manon?" A slight hint of worry tinged his usual even tone and Wallace hurried over to him and Steven. "She was beside me when the battle started, but when I looked over just now she was gone."
"Maybe she had to go to the washroom?" Wallace scanned the battle room but there was no sign of the young girl. He bit his lip in worry. Surely she hadn't left the gym with the horrible weather raging outside. "She's got to be around here somewhere. Maybe she got bored of the battle and went for a walk?"
Alain shook his head. "Manon loves watching people battle. She never tore her eyes away whenever I fought challengers." The teen murmured something else under his breath but Wallace wasn't paying attention. He turned to Steven, who was deep in thought.
"What are you thinking, darling?"
Steven sighed and shook his head, silver hair falling in all directions. "Earlier she said that she would train so that she could get stronger and battle Wulfric. Maybe she was serious?" Shooting a stern look in Alain's direction, Steven went on. "I think we should split up. Wallace, you look around the gym. Alain and I will search outside."
"In the blizzard? You can't!" Wallace clasped Steven's hands in his own, but Steven pulled away. Sighing, Wallace accepted his fate. "Alright, just be careful out there."
"We will be." Steven nodded and a small smile tugged at his lip. "Alain and I will check the forest just outside of the city. She would have gone there to train."
Wallace frowned and watched as his lover and Alain exited the doors. With a sick feeling of defeat heavy in his heart, he tucked the gym badge into his pocket and started inspecting the gym for any sign of the small girl. Wulfric joined him in the search after being told the situation.
"The cute little one from earlier?" Wulfric had said. "I'll take a look in the more obscure areas of the gym. Maybe she got lost."
What is it with children and sneaking off? Wallace shook his head and went back to business. He was starting to consider keeping the troublesome girl on a leash.
Alain squeezed his eyes shut against the tremendous winds that blasted through the trees. The Winding Forest was less than welcoming, but it was better than the open space separating it from Snowbelle.
"Manon?!"
Alain's voice bounced between the thick trees, echoing across the dark woods. He waited for a response and when nothing called back he trudged deeper into the shadows. It was getting late now. He could hear the steady whistling of Noctowls hiding within the wavering tree branches above. They didn't stir or cause any trouble, so he kept to his own business in hopes that they would do the same.
"Manon, can you hear me?!"
His voice felt tight in his throat and a strange throbbing bounced in his chest. Where was she? Was she alright? Why wasn't she answering? Annoyed at his own lack of control, Alain lifted his hand to his chest and took a moment to calm himself before pushing on. Steven was skirting the outermost section of the woods. Perhaps she didn't get this far?
What if she's hurt?
The thought struck him like a bullet. If she got hurt, would it be his fault? His hair flew wildly as he shook his head to dispel the troubling thought. Still, it haunted him, tapping the back of his skull.
She ran off because I called her weak. She wouldn't have left if I hadn't said anything . . .
He cursed at himself for being so stupid. Why did she make him say things he didn't mean?! Now, more than ever, he knew he had to find her. Even if it was only to quell his own fears. Calling out as loud as he could, he prayed that she would eventually hear him.
"Manon?!"
Everything was a blur. Manon moaned tiredly as she fought to open her eyes. She had fallen asleep. Her pants and shoulders were now caked with a fresh layer of snow. She brushed it off wondrously, trying to figure out what could have woken her. Everything was quiet, but she could have sworn that she had heard her name being called from the depths of sleep.
"Manon?!"
Perking up, she swished her head in every direction. The snow had died down so that she could see clearly through the light flakes. The voice had been Alain's. Did he sound worried? She chewed her cheek lightly and strained to listen, wanting to hear her name being called again by Alain's voice. She was quickly rewarded when it rang through the trees.
"Manon, where are you?!"
She was about to call back when another noise startled her back into her hiding place. It was a strange beeping. She peeked out over the boulder to see Alain staring with surprise at his Holo Caster. Lysandre's face blurred into view. He always looked so intimidating. Unsure of what action to take, Manon waited and observed. It would be rude to interrupt now.
"Alain, I trust you've heard of what is happening to Cyllage City?"
Lysandre's voice was gruff, and Manon narrowed her eyes as Alain shuffled uncomfortably, appearing confused with the sudden call.
"Err, yes sir. But, what does that have to do with my mission?"
"Fool! We're using this storm to attract Zygarde! Why do you think we want you to keep an eye on Steven and the other man?"
Terror and shock raked down Manon's spine. Her stomach swirled and she hunched over in sudden panic, fearing Alain would somehow sense her presence. She couldn't make sense of what was going on. Her head spun. Lysandre was creating the storm? But he was a good guy! He was taking care of Chespie!
"What about the people that live there?!" Alain barked back. His teeth were clenched and his jaw twitched.
Lysandre's tone had a disturbing calm to it, like the silence after a terrible tragedy. "We warned the city's population. No one should have gotten hurt. Don't you trust me, Alain?"
"Of course, sir." Alain answered quickly, but his voice faltered and fell short. Lysandre didn't seem satisfied.
"I'll need you to make your way to Cyllage City."
"Steven, Manon, and Wallace will be going that way already. Should I stay with them?"
Alain's words seemed to spark something in Lysandre. The man's eyes lit up and he crossed his arms. "That reminds me. I need you to bring that girl to me. I'll be waiting at my lab in Lumiose"
"Girl? You mean, Manon?"
"Yes. Or does she mean more to you than your work? Don't you want to be the strongest? Don't you need mega evolution? Don't forget who gave you your stones."
Manon's breaths were coming in heaving gulps. She could feel her heart ramming against her ribs. What was going on? This wasn't right! Why would Lysandre want her?! She felt her hand slipping as she ran it across the stone. Alain wouldn't . . . He wouldn't really hand her off to the man who created the horrible storm causing everyone so much trouble.
"I'll bring her . . . "
"Good."
The call disconnected and Alain tucked the Holo Caster away, a dark look was painted across his rigid face. He rubbed his hands against his head before treading in the opposite direction. He continued to frantically call her name, but Manon didn't chase after him. She couldn't. Her shoulders were shaking and her eyes were wet and heavy.
I'll bring her.
The words echoed in her head. She could feel them eating away at her from under her skin. She wanted to rub her arms until they were raw, so that she could pluck the words from within her and throw them away like they had never happened. He couldn't have meant them . . . Could he? She buried her head in her knees and squeezed herself into a tight ball, not knowing what to do with herself now.
"Manon?"
Manon raised her head, tears staining her eyelashes. It had been at least half an hour since Alain had left. Steven was bent over in front of her now, confused and relieved. Snow settled across the top of his head and it made his silver hair look like it was sparkling. He smiled warmly and offered her a hand. When she was back on her feet the two started making their way back to Snowbelle. Steven didn't ask any questions, which was good. She didn't exactly know what she would say to the man. She didn't plan on saying anything to anybody.
"I'm glad we found you." Steven said as they entered the city from the outskirts. The citizens were outside, clearing away the snow from the blizzard. It would take them forever, Manon was sure.
"I'm sorry I caused you trouble." She replied, lowing her head as Wallace caught sight of them from the gym doors. Alain was standing beside the man with his hands in his pockets. Even Wulfric was with them. The three men met up with her and Steven, Wallace quickly embracing her happily.
"Oh darling, we were so worried about you." Waving a finger in front of her face he added, "Don't you ever run off again or so help me I will send my Milotic after you."
Manon nodded swiftly and let her go. She glanced in Alain's direction. He was staring back at her with a look of relief etched across his face. She tried to smile at him but he looked away before she could. Was he really going to obey Lysandre's order? Alain wasn't always the kindest person, but Manon knew that he wouldn't purposefully put her in harms way. She had to trust in him to do the right thing. If Steven or Wallace knew what had happened, she didn't know what they would do. Surely they would send him away at the very least.
"Seeing as you've found your friend, I think it is about time for me to head back inside." Wulfric waved to them once more and leaned over to look Manon in the eyes. His friendly aura filled her with a soothing warmth. "You come back and battle me some time. I'll be waiting." With a massive hand he messed up her hair and bid them farewell. She watched him go, already looking forward to when she would get to battle with him.
"The television said that the storm had moved to Cyllage right? We'll have to go through Lumiose City to get there. It's just West of here." Steven said, pulling out the Kalos map and tracing the suggested route with his finger. "It should only take us a few more days."
Alain nodded plainly and Manon tried to hide the nervousness already slithering back into her gut. They were going to be walking straight through Lumiose City, where Lysandre was expecting her.