Zisu had been wrong. It took Snowflake more than a week before he could move onto crutches.

All because of his stupid broken arm.

According to Passelle, with two weak legs he would need to use two crutches at once in order to stay upright, but with only one arm it wasn't possible.

So he stayed on those damn hand rails for a long time. Until he was able to do multiple rounds back and forth on them without falling over from weakness or balance loss. Luckily Caboose remained by his side the entire time, offering him support no matter how frustrated he became. She even used her ribbons to help if his balance seemed off, or force him to take a break when he started breathing too heavy.

He didn't know how he wound up with such a wonderful Sylveon, and Caboose reminded him every day what a godsend she was.

The day he was given permission to move to a crutch without the stupid hand rail nearly brought him to tears.

He hadn't been that happy since Melli returned his coat!

Unfortunately, there were a lot of things to remember while using the crutch.

First of all, he was to use it more as a balance tool then an actual walking support. It was meant to help him go up and down stairs, and maintain stability or fall easier if he felt his legs giving out.

He wasn't even allowed to practice walking without human supervision, for the first few days at least. Apparently Caboose was too small to really help him if the worst happened and he did fall.

It was ludicrous! Caboose was more than capable of helping if needed!

Still, his fear of Passelle's wrath outweighed his current desire to practice by himself. He did as instructed, no matter how frustrating it was.

The stairwell was a particular challenge.

He had to practice ascending the stairs backwards using his crutch as a push off point, or crawling up the steps by sitting and scooting when it became too much strain to stay standing.

He became verrry well acquainted with everyone that worked in the basement, and got plenty of snickers when he had to scoot up the stairs on his backside.

Caboose was never far from his side throughout the whole thing at least. The extra assurance despite their staring was very much appreciated.

It was a great day when he was given permission to walk about with only Caboose's company.

Not long after that, the last of his stitches were finally removed.

He could make facial expressions without the fear of Passelle sewing his mouth closed now!

"So, it's safe to smile and emote, right?"

"Yes. Though I would suggest not overdoing it still, your face shouldn't rip open anymore," Pesselle rolled her eyes, leaning in to examine the scarring. "I'd like for you to start airing out the skin. We will still use bandages and salves to attempt scar reduction, but their constant use is no longer necessary."

"Ummm… is the eye okay to stay?" He was hesitant to ask, fearing the answer.

"At the moment, it can stay. The organ doesn't look infected, but if it hurts too much let me know right away."

"R-right. Thank you." He let out a small sigh of relief at that. The idea of losing it REALLY scared him.

He'd remember to not complain of any eye pains in the future.

"Your arm and shoulder should be ready to start therapy soon too."

"Good to hear!" And it genuinely was. He was sick of it being splinted all the time and was more then ready to get the stupid sling off. He'd been experiencing painful spasms in his arm more recently, especially when he tried twitching his fingers. Perhaps actually moving it might help with that.

Pesselle left him with a small mirror and went back to her other business. Snowflake had to admit, it was nice not wearing the bandages constantly, as they did get warm and sweaty after a while. At the same time, his head and chest almost felt naked without them.

Exposed for everyone to see.

He took the chance to really look at himself. It had been a while since he last saw his reflection, and he wasn't sure if anything had changed.

To his surprise, he did look a bit better, even if some things didn't work properly.

First of all, he didn't have full range in motion. The corner of his mouth only went up so far no matter how hard he tried, creating a lopsided smile that was bigger on the left. He couldn't help but notice how creepy it was, with the especially raised scars on his cheek where the stitches had ripped multiple times creating a permanent gutter in the skin, which became way more obvious when he smiled.

His eyes weren't symmetrical anymore. Though there was still a small amount of swelling and the remnants of a black eye, it was clear the skin around his right eyeball would permanently droop a bit, making that half appear tired while the other side looked more lively and awake. It was odd. Even though there were only a few pock scars on the left side where teeth pierced through skin and muscle, and a couple deep cuts healing into dark pink lines, the two sides of his face looked at odds with each other. One semi normal, the other a complete wreck.

Speaking of his eyes, He could actually see something out of the bad one. Granted, it was faint, mainly lights and darks with some fuzz of color every now and then, but it was something! Shutting his good eye he had to test it out, looking around the medical bay trying to identify any details.

He could tell which side the window was on, as there was more light coming from that area. There were also odd darker shapes right next to him, which if he didn't know they were beds already he'd never have guessed. A very muted pink made up what were meant to be brightly colored walls, and there were some darker splotches that were either doors or cupboards.

It was scary to think what life would be like if this were the only vision he was left with.

Though it was better than having no vision at all, and there was still a chance it would improve?

Hopefully?

He had to latch onto the positives at this point.

"Breeeee!" Caboose hopped onto his lap, curious now that the bandages were gone. She sniffed at his jaw where a particularly bad rut ran all the way down his neck.

"I-I hope you don't mind too much. It's not pleasant to look at…" Snowflake whispered. Caboose just licked his cheek between the raised skin, trilling happily and wrapping a ribbon around his arm.

She didn't seem to care whatsoever.

A smile split his face, one he didn't have to hold back on. Of course Caboose would never abandon him over scars. It was just a silly fear.

"What do you think we should do? Maybe find a razor to even out my sideburns?" He had to admit it was funny to look at, the right side of his cheek and jaw had hair desperately trying to grow back, while the left had a very messy, out of control mutton chop threatening to merge with his growing beard and mustache. It was verrrry lopsided.

And itchy.

He didn't really care for the mustache.

"Breee!" Caboose used her ribbons to shake the crutch by his bedside. Yes, walking would be a good idea. The more he did it, the faster he'd gain the strength to leave!

With Caboose by his side, the two started scuffling up and down the hallway as they had done many times before, only Snowflake didn't have the wrappings to hide his scars.

And there were young children in the hallway that day.

The two kids nearly knocked him over in their game of tag.

"BREE!" Caboose growled at the two, but they didn't stop because of her. They saw Snowflake, and they were scared. He tried to smile, but they both screamed that he was a Zoroark and ran off to their parents.

The little girl even cried.

He hadn't had a chance to say anything…

That was okay though! No children would cry if he was hiding during the periods he didn't have bandages! Nobody would disturb him in the medical bay!

Melli and Zisu did not agree.

"You can't stay here forever." Melli sounded annoyed.

"You are correct! Which is why I practice walking at night when all the children and their angry parents are gone."

"That isn't a solution," The Warden rubbed his temples. "Pesselle said she would like you to start going outside-"

"Why outside?! Everything we could ever need is right here!"

Melli just looked at him suspiciously, Snowflake's smile way too tight. It was a weird, confusing feeling. He really wanted to leave this place, but the idea of going outside terrified him.

Vulnerable.

Exposed to both people staring and a particular Pokémon he never wanted to meet again.

It made his heart rate spike.

Melli waited until Zisu stopped by, discussing the issue with her. She agreed to take Snowflake outside before sunrise, while most of the village children were still asleep. Melli was kind enough to join, and Snowflake was glad for the extra support. The Warden's presence helped him feel more at ease in general, which was needed when just the breeze made him flinch.

Now he was standing on the top step of the Galaxy Hall entrance, hand gripping his crutch tightly and eye darting around the area.

It was too dark to see very far, even with the lanterns lighting some of the dirt streets. Still, Zisu and Melli were both very relaxed. If they weren't afraid then clearly there was no danger, right?

Right?

"Breeee?" Caboose wrapped one of her ribbons around Snowflake's arm, a sense of calm slowly flooding his body. It was strang how just her touch could bring him down to a sense of ease he hadn't felt in a while.

She smiled, looking up with bright blue eyes waiting for him to take the first step.

With a deep breath he stared descending, putting his crutch on the next lowest step before carefully moving his foot beside it. Melli stayed right beside him if needed.

Thankfully he made it with little issue. When his sandal hit dirt, he almost wanted to bolt back inside.

He half expected something to happen. It wasn't clear what exactly, but something terrible to befall him or his friends.

…

But nothing happened.

He tried to steady his breathing, Caboose wrapping her ribbon around his arm again and releasing her calming energy. With her help he managed to lessen his trembling, not that Zisu noticed.

"The training grounds are this way," the redhead pointed towards a verrry steep hill. "We can take the longer route near the shrine. It should be easier to walk."

Snowflake didn't know if he would call it easier. It was still steep, and he felt his legs shaking from strain already by the time he reached the top.

Melli huffed and helped him to a wooden platform so he could rest.

"T-thanks, Melli." He panted.

"Of course. What else would you expect from me of all people?"

Snowflake grinned. He knew Melli cared, even if he had to make a show about doing certain things. The Great Melli's time was verrry precious, after all.

"Breee!" Caboose rubbed against his leg as a thank you, Melli shivering at the contact for some reason. He didn't say anything though, so Snowflake let it go.

"Now then!" Zisu slammed one fist into her other palm, smiling wide. "I think it's about time we get started! Show me what your Sylveon can do!"

Snowflake couldn't help mirroring her expression. This is exactly what he'd been waiting for. Standing upright he stepped closer to the arena, ready to get started.

"Alright Caboose. Let's show her what we're made of!"

His Sylveon lept full force into the ring against Zisu's Ambipom. She followed every order he gave, dodging when asked and running head first into her Tackles. They were finally able to work on her other attacks too. Fairy Wind and Swift were ones they'd never try indoors, but now they could really let loose.

"Caboose! Use Swift!"

"BREEEE!" The small Sylveon formed several star shaped rays over her head and flung them forward, Ambipom easily took the hits and moved in for a counter strike. It was hard hitting enough to throw Caboose back.

"Caboose, keep your legs bent when attacking. You need to be ready to move at a moment's notice."

His Sylveon cried in agreement and stood back up, continuing her volley of Swift attacks. It took a few more pointers, but after nearly an hour she was finally able to attack and gracefully jump before Ambipom could deliver any blows.

"Not bad." Zisu laughed, arms crossed and chin held high. "But can you handle actual attacks? Ambipom, Fire Punch!"

Her Ambipom rushed forward, the hands on its tail flaming as it swung relentlessly at Caboose. She ducked and weaved the best she could, but wasn't able to dodge forever. One of the fire punches made contact, sending her skidding across the ring.

"Caboose! Are you alright?" Snowflake watched his Sylveon stand up on wobbly legs. He hadn't realized how strong Zisu's Ambipom was. She wouldn't be able to handle much more.

Caboose ran forward, right as a quick motion in his peripheral vision took his full focus.

A large gray blur.

His heart stopped, body turning to face the creature.

It was big, massive even. Narrow glowing eyes seemed to pierce right through him, and that sharp toothed grin on its face made him feel so weak in its presence.

But that wasn't the worst part.

No. It was the six massive claws at the end of each arm, several feet in length and hooked at the ends for maximum damage output.

Long.

Deadly.

Coated in something that he couldn't identify.

Claws ready to rip out his throat and intestines without more than a single swipe.

It dug into the shingles on the Security Corp's building, not pouncing nor charging at him.

Just watching.

He tried to usher a noise.

A scream.

Shout.

All he could manage was a breathy whimper and a step backwards, only to lose balance and fall flat on his backside. He never took his eye off the creature, not even when Caboose jumped between him and that thing on the rooftop.

For a moment, nothing else existed. Just him, his heart pounding in his ears, and whatever the hell was staring him down.

Until Melli's shouting broke through his panic.

"Hey! No! You leave right now!" Melli tried shooing the large weasel away. He was approaching it with no concerns for his own safety.

Was he insane?!

"M-Melli-"

"Go home! You are not needed here! I have everything under control!"

The Warden's efforts were met with an angry hiss.

Snowflake blinked, trying to process the interaction before him.

These two knew each other?

Melli wasn't worried, and this scary Pokémon wasn't attacking.

That meant he wasn't going to die?

Right?

This… this was okay?

"Breee?" Caboose wrapped a ribbon around his arm, a new sense of calm coming over him. He was grateful now that his mind could think more clearly.

He wasn't in danger. No.

But what the heck was that thing?

"Lady Sneasler! I told you I have everything covered! Tell your Warden to mind his own business!"

"PSSSSSKKK!"

"That is very rude!"

"L-Lady Sneasler…?" So this was the Pokémon stalking the outskirts of the village? The one he'd seen in the distance, but was never able to make out concrete details.

What he thought were long arms had been massive claws this whole time.

"Huh, I've never seen Lady Sneasler inside the village, with absolutely nobody notifying me," The anger in Zisu's voice was clear. "I'll be having a word with the security guards after this… Unless she managed to find a vulnerable spot in our defenses? This will need some investigation…"

The woman continued mumbling to herself, helping Snowflake back to his feet before taking out a notebook and starting a checklist. "We are taking a short break." She said it as an afterthought.

If they weren't continuing for a few minutes, then he'd at least catch his breath. Leaning against the platform, Snowflake watched as Melli and Lady Sneasler continued their back and forth, the Warden shouting at her to leave while the Pokemon kept hissing.

It brought a small grin to his face. Maybe not all large scary Pokémon were dangerous? He didn't trust Luxrays though, but he could try making an exception for Lady Sneasler.

XxxxxxxxxxxxX

Days passed, and Snowflake gradually became more and more comfortable outside. He had taken to wearing his coat though, not liking how exposed he felt without it. The heavy weight on his shoulders provided a small amount of comfort, like something was shielding his back. Maybe it was a silly fear to have, but that didn't make the possibility of a surprise attack any less real to him. The coat even had nice arm straps too! Letting him wear it over his broken arm without worry of it sliding off.

With increased activity, his legs were gradually getting stronger. Now he was able to walk farther distances without needing to rest or feeling like his legs would give way. The increase in stamina was verrry helpful when it came to his most recent project. Caboose needed to learn some new moves and grow stronger, which is when challenging every Security Corp member in the village became his next milestone.

There were a lot of them, which meant Caboose could gain so much experience from it all.

At first he stuck with the ones willing to battle him at the arena, not wishing to travel the village streets unless he had to. Snowflake only came outside when his scars were covered, and people stared enough with the bandages on.

He didn't want to see more reactions to what he looked like without them.

Then something strange happened. The Security Corp members that would previously battle him started to refuse. He wasn't sure why though!

… Okay, perhaps he and Caboose were a littttttle bit brutal, but that was part of battling! How were his opponents to improve themselves if they didn't take battles seriously?

Besides, he only caused two of them to cry, and all completely by accident!

So he was forced to start walking the outskirts of the streets looking for new challengers!

Nobody asked him to battle though, so he had to do all the work in asking. Sometimes they would battle, and other times they would say they had things to do and leave verrry quickly.

It was good to see them so dedicated to their work, but he did wish they had a little more spare time.

Who wouldn't want to battle their Pokémon to determine supremacy?

One day he heard something very strange. It was whispered among the Security Corp members whenever he and Caboose passed by.

"Frostbite."

Apparently it was the nickname he got around the members of Galaxy Team, though he didn't fully know why.

He thought his nickname was Snowflake?

Nobody said it to his face though, so he chose to ignore it in favor of Caboose and her training. He was still working with her on mastering all the moves she could learn. So far Wish had not shown up, nor had Moonblast.

The last move she learned on her own was Double Edge, which wasn't even a fairy type move.

Zisu kept offering to teach her some techniques for Snowflake, which he had so far declined.

At this point he was trying to win their semi bet, and he reallly liked to win. He didn't know anything about tutoring fairy type moves, so he started with a different one he knew Zisu could teach.

"Caboose. Magical Leaf!"

The little Pokémon summoned a wind of pink dust, striking her targeted tree with another Swift attack.

"Hmmmmm… still not right." Snowflake knew the problem was himself, not Caboose. He was skipping something important.

He just didn't know what.

"I can teach it to her if you'd like!" Zisu grinned like she was about to with the whole bet.

Not on Snowflake's watch!

"No thank you! We are perfectly fine!" He turned away from her, looking at the patches of grass along the sides of the Security Corp building.

A move tutor did just that.

Tutor.

Perhaps he wasn't going into enough of an explanation for Caboose to understand?

It wouldn't hurt to try.

"Come, Caboose. We are making a quick stop." She was at his side immediately, watching him walk to a large rock near the grass and carefully taking a seat, setting his crutch down next to him.

He would need his hand for this.

"Caboose. I am going to explain grass type moves to you. Actually, I'm going to explain what grass is too. I need you to listen very carefully and let me know if you don't understand."

"Breee?"

"It's okay if I need to explain it more than once. I need to make sure you fully grasp what I'm about to say," He reached down and plucked a grass blade, holding it up for Caboose to sniff. "We will start with what grass is. More specifically, how it eats. It goes through a process called photosynthesis…"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

It was well past dark by the time Melli stormed up to the training arena. Snowflake barely noticed, now standing with Caboose facing their tree target once more.

"That's it! I am dragging you back to bed!"

"Not yet."

"Don't talk back to me!" Melli sounded offended. "You haven't stopped to eat yet, have you? Zisu said you were being stupid and ignoring her!"

Snowflake felt a hand on his arm attempting to pull him back towards Galaxy Hall. He shook it off.

They were so close.

"Not. Yet." He turned to look at his friend, eye serious. "One more try, then I will follow. I have a good feeling about this."

Melli growled, throwing his hands up with a huff.

"Whatever. But if you pass out I am not dragging you back to Galaxy Hall! You can sleep outside in the dirt!"

"Thanks Melli!" Snowflake smiled genuinely, turning back to Caboose. She was still focused on her target, legs and back bent ready for his command.

This was it.

"Caboose! Magical Leaf!"

The grass around his Pokémon began to lift from the ground and swirl, leaves thrown like shuriken into the tree target.

She did it.

It actually worked!

"Bravo Caboose! Well done!"

"Breee!" She leapt around his legs chirping in excitement, her trainer leaning down as far as he could to give her some congratulatory scritches.

"Yes, very good. Now come with me already." Melli had a hand on Snowflake's shoulder. They would have to work more on it later.

Tomorrow, they were learning a move even Zisu didn't believe existed.

He was ready to prove her wrong.

XxxxxxxxxxxX

It was windy, nearly taking Ingo's hat from his head and off to parts unknown. He had to hide it in his satchel just to keep it safe.

Though he didn't like exposing his receding hairline. It was cold without hair or the hat.

"Are we getting close to our destination?" Ingo asked.

"Just over this ridge." Rei led the way. Since Melli and Rei had so many issues working together, Cyllene decided to switch Rei and Akari, leaving Ingo with the young man today. It was weird working with a local again, but he was making do.

Rei was a fine young lad, if not a bit cautious.

Except when his mind traveled stray tracks instead of focusing.

"Woah there!" Ingo grabbed Rei by the shoulder and yanked him back, right before he stepped too far off the cliffside.

"Woah! That's a huge drop!" Rei stumbled back. "I nearly fell, and I didn't even see the edge…"

"I've struggled with this spot before. I am very familiar with it." The Warden explained. "I'd like to make this area safer. Perhaps a sign or some railing?"

"I can help later, if you want," Rei offered. "Maybe Lady Sneasler can help us transport supplies? We can mark it in the meantime."

"That's an excellent idea," Ingo nodded. He reached up for his hat, only for a cold gust to chill his scalp.

Damn the winds.

The teen rushed off grabbing a thick stick and rock, Ingo holding the branch steady while Rei hammered it into the ground. A piece of ripped fabrics tied to the top helped mark where the foul spot was.

"We work well together!" The teen smiled.

"Like a well oiled machine."

"I'd like to see a machine one day," Rei sighed. "Professor Laventon is alway telling me about the amazing inventions of the Galar region. I gotta wonder what those are like."

"One day they will come to Hisui. Progress is a one way track. Just look at how far Jubilife has gotten in only two years."

"True. I still can't believe how much it's grown since Akari started helping," Rei rubbed the back of his neck. "She is such a natural at catching Pokémon, and the whole survival thing…. She's on a whole different level."

"She is very talented indeed. I'm curious to see where her own tracks will go."

"Maybe she will let me be her protege? Or assistant? I could learn so much from her."

"You seem to be doing fine on your own." Ingo looked down at him, unsure why he'd gotten so self deprecating. "You've managed to gain rank enough to travel the Highlands, yes? That's no small feat."

"Well, the thing is, I don't know if I ever would have made it this far, if not for Man Eater…" he crossed his arms, looking down at the ground. "They didn't have enough Survey Corp members to assist in the Highlands after the attack. I was… heavily encouraged to up my rank at a quicker pace then I cared for."

Ingo stayed quiet, watching the kid fiddle with his scarf.

"This place is way more treacherous than I ever imagined," His voice got quiet. "I don't know how you Wardens survive up here all alone."

"Well, it helps that we have the Lords to guide us when needed. Partner Pokémon are a necessity to survival as well." A small grin split Ingo's mouth. "Keep chugging forward with your own Pokémon, and the journey will get easier as time goes on. You will see."

"I hope you're right…" Rei glanced up, expression turning from somber to excited. "This is the place!" He rushed over to the steep cliff, the two not far from Celestica Pass. "I was standing here looking at the Rhyhorn herd when I spotted that thing headed south. I tried tracking it, but by the time I reached the place it had long left."

"And how would you describe it again?"

"Uhhh, very yellow? I thought it was an Electrobuzz at first, but it was too small. It had blue on it too, with lots of legs."

"Hmmm… I don't recall ever seeing something quite like that around here…" Ingo scratched his chin, deep in thought. It was an odd description, but Rei wasn't the type to make up tall tales. "Perhaps it's a wayward distortion Pokemon? Some odd ones appear inside those things."

"Maybe? But I thought the Pokémon never leave their distortions."

"The ice type Sneasels around here would disagree with that."

"Wait, ice type Sneasels?" Rei gawked. "I've never seen one!"

"They generally stay near Lady Sneasler's den. As long as they don't disturb her young or eggs, she allows them," It was good too, given how much they seemed to enjoy socializing. The first stray one was desperate for affection from its own kind, and didn't really get any until more ice types wandered from their distortions. "Regardless, we have a good vantage point here. I suggest we use this area to scan for Luxrays and your mystery Pokemon."

"Right." Rei nodded. He got his Raichu out and started searching. Ingo summoned his Gliscor, the Pokémon circling around before hovering by his trainer, waiting for his instruction.

"We are on the lookout for a Luxray and odd Pokemon. Notify me if you spot anything suspicious."

"Groa!" The Gliscor circled once more and took off, gliding around the immediate area. Ingo walked and scanned the mountains, searching for something out of place. With all the trees though it was hard to spot anything, but he knew the area well enough to recognize when things were out of place.

Any weird changes to the landscape, or Pokémon acting out of the ordinary.

Unfortunately, everything was in order. The wild Pokémon were all following their normal routines, nothing looked recently disturbed, nor had-

Wait.

It was small, wedged in a bush, and at least half way down the cliffside, but there was something white. It was barely visible, nearly overtaken by the greenery it was stuck in, but there was something there.

It was too steep to reach safely on his own.

Placing his fingers in his mouth he let out a short, loud whistle. Gliscor immediately abonoming his search and returned to Ingo. Directing him to the object, his Pokémon glided to the right spot and fumbled with the bush.

"Ingo! Did you find something?" Rei and Raichu rushed back. "I heard a whistle."

"Perhaps. We shall find out very soon." They both waited with baited breath. When Gliscor returned, he handed Ingo a piece of fabric.

An oddly familiar piece of fabric.

"Hey, it looks a lot like your hat." Rei commented. "It looks newer though."

"I-I see that…" Ingo was too stunned to give a proper response.

This hat…

He quickly pulled out his own tattered cap, holding the two next to each other. Sure enough, they both shared the same odd button design and brim size.

The only differences were color and condition.

His was black, faded, tattered.

While this one was nearly pristine.

No rips. No stains. No scratches on the button or dents in the brim. With the exception of some dirt marks and leaves stuck to the fabric from being exposed to the weather, it looked like a brand new, snow white cap.

"Mister Ingo?" Rei questioned, but he still couldn't get a hold of himself.

Why did this look exactly like his hat?!

His memories were still locked away, all he could recall was a fuzzy figure in white. No details, no distinguishing features.

Just a man in white.

Smiling.

It felt so close, yet he couldn't make sense of it.

Why?!

A canteen was suddenly shoved in his face. Ingo tore his eyes away from the hats to see a very nervous Rei holding out his supply of water.

"Mister Ingo?! Do you need to sit down? Or some water?" He looked very unsure.

Ingo blinked, needing a minute to process everything.

He was in the Coronet Highlands.

With Rei of the Survey Corps.

Wait, when had he started trembling?

He couldn't keep his hands steady, and his legs felt weak.

"N-no, thank you." He pushed the canteen away, plopping down on a felled log still trying to make sense of this.

It felt like searching for a needle in a pit of mud.

Completely hopeless.

"Ummm… maybe it came from one of the distortions?" Rei offered. Ingo looked at him questioningly. "You said that Pokémon sometimes wander from their distortions, and weird objects show up inside of them too, right? Maybe one of those Pokémon carried it out of the distortion?" He rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged.

It honestly made the most sense.

An oddball object like this must have come from a distortion. That, or it was a custom made piece someone from the Galaxy Team had used to play a cruel prank.

Either way, his instincts told him there was more to this than just a stray distortion object.

"I apologize for the delay." Ingo placed both hats into his satchel and stood up. "I thought I had remembered something, but I fear I was mistaken."

"Maybe you'll remember when you least expect it?" Rei tried. "I always remember weird things when doing something unrelated. If it's important, it's sure to come back to you eventually."

The Warden had been telling himself that since landing in Hisui all those years ago with no memories, but he also feared worrying the boy more.

"Yes. I am sure you are correct," He directed his Gliscor to start surveying the area again. "We should start moving."

"Are you sure-" Rei's question was cut short by the look on Ingo's face. He glanced to the ground and nodded, quickly leaving to continue his own search.

Ingo rested a hand on his pouch. The pouch with both hats safely tucked away.

Perhaps something would come to him as they continued searching. He just prayed, whatever he was forgetting, it wasn't something important.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Snowflake is becoming a terror to society!

And Ingo, go fix your amnesia already!

What could the mystery Pokémon be I wonder? I mean, I already know, but it's fun to see everyone else's guesses.

A few readers from AO3 I need to thank!

Thank you nyacat39 for your insight into your experience with physical therapy and leg recovery, as your input really helped shape this chapter, as well as future chapters to come

Thank you MultiFandomShell for the whole "Frostbite" nickname suggestion for when Snowflake truly starts becoming a terror to society. The nickname is already making me laugh.

And again everyone thank MultiFandomShell because THE MADE ARTWORK! EVERYBODY LOOK AT WHAT THEY DID IT'S AMAZING! Everyone must know the power of Snowflake's leer! I never thought anyone would ever make artwork out of something I've written, and I must say it's a huge honour to see it. Thank you so much for this!