Chapter 17

Numero Artic-Uno

'There's a place I know that's always jumping. I'm thinking we should go and leave our worries!'

"Quick! Quick!" Ruby shouted, flapping her arms to get everyone's attention. "It's starting! IT'S STARTING!"

Weiss blinked and could only stare in horror as Ruby procured sweatbands and ankle weights from her pack and began distributing them amongst her Pokémon.

"One of Ruby's favorite shows," Sakura explained, slipping on weights and a headband herself. "She doesn't travel with a portable TV or computer, or even a phone for that matter, so she only gets to watch it when she's staying at a Pokémon Center, which isn't often. She introduced it to me the last time she came through Ecruteak and I've been hooked ever since. Even the Pokémon seem to like it."

The heiress glanced around the cozy bedroom of the Pokémon Center that had been their base of operations for the past couple weeks. Yang was renting the room to herself but Ruby and Sakura used it to get dressed and shower, preferring to sleep in the courtyard with the Pokémon despite there being an extra queen-sized bed. In between cities, most Pokémon Centers were cramped and bedrooms consisted of a glorified closet with a couple bunk beds, but in larger cities they had hotel-style rooms, complete with the ever elusive private bathroom. Despite being economically friendly to trainers however, they still weren't quite up to Weiss' near impossible high standards of living.

"Welcome back, boys and girls, to another exciting edition of 'Dance Darling Dance' with the fabulous Miror B!" shouted the television.

"You have got to be kidding me..."

The screen transitioned to a tall man wearing a purple leisure suit, bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and oversized sunglasses, but the gaudiest feature of all was an afro styled like a Pokéball. A conga line of Ludicolo surrounded him as he gyrated his body in ways Weiss thought for sure wasn't appropriate for television, especially Saturday morning cartoons, before finally turning to the camera to address his captive audience.

"Disco is not dead, Darlings," Miror B, Ruby, and Sakura shouted in unison, "but if it ever was I've gone and used a Full Restore! Now I've got some funky moves to share with you today, so DJ, hit the music, and all you haters get to stepping!"

"QUE RICO!"

The music crescendoed and Ruby and Sakura began what appeared to be some kind of half-workout, half-dance routine. Ledian and Togetic danced together in the air while Meganium's head bobbed up and down outside the window.

"We thought it'd be a great way to help Ruby build her strength back," Sakura said, putting her years of dance practice to good use while Espeon ran between her legs. "Come on, Weiss. It's fun!"

"Thank you but I get enough exercise already without making a fool of myself. I'll see myself out, and I'll put a sign on the door to make sure you aren't disturbed. I'd hate for anyone to embarrass themselves by walking in."

She made for the door but just as she reached for the handle, it smacked her in the face.

"Oops. My bad." Yang hurried into the room with her hair uncharacteristically tied in a ponytail and wearing a workout singlet that hugged her figure rather generously. "Am I late?" She dropped to the floor and slipped on ankle weights, looking as if she stepped right out of an eighties workout video.

"Just in time," Sakura said. Ruby was already breathing heavily and concentrating to keep up, but Sakura was all smiles and seemed to have already coordinated a dance routine despite hearing the song for the very first time.

Yang waved to Weiss to join them before taking her place on the other side of Ruby, already shaking her hips in ways even Miror B would've blushed at. "I'll just go out through the window," Weiss murmured, holding her potentially broken nose. "Less chance of being seen that way. Meganium, would you mind giving me a hand?"

The gentle giant nodded and helped Weiss through the window with her vines. Outside, Weiss took a deep breath and regarded her surroundings which had become increasingly familiar while they waited for her Pokémon and Ruby to recover. Scizor as usual was training nearby with Blaziken and Hitmonchan while everyone else lounged around or sunned themselves. Empoleon was her only Pokémon currently outside its Pokéball, and was floating in the pond, still recovering from its intense battle only a few days prior.

Yang's Flareon was half-playing, half-training with Ruby and Sakura's Eevee in an endless game of tag. It was only marginally faster than its unevolved form, but the pair of Eevee were much more nimble after their training with Espeon and Glaceon, and able to run circles around Flareon who had to bide her time to catch them off guard.

"QUE RICO!" It may have just been Weiss' imagination, but she could've sworn she heard the obnoxious catchphrase shouted from every open window of the hospital and Pokémon Center.

"Everyone in this region is insane," she muttered, "and it's all been downhill ever since Ruby ambushed me using Skull Bash. If I leave now, I can be back in Lumiose City by noon, sipping tea at my favorite boutique and-"

"I thought I might find you out here." Weiss spun toward the gruff voice, and was nearly lifted off her feet by the sight of Pryce sitting at a nearby table with Diana and an elderly couple.

"Master Pryce!" she cried, bowing low. "I'm very sorry for disturbing you. The music isn't too loud, is it?"

"Not at all," he said with a rare grin. "When you're our age, you learn to appreciate the energy of youth. Your friends are having fun, and it's not their fault they don't have good taste in music."

"Besides," the elderly woman added, "we can barely hear it anyway." Both her husband and Pryce chuckled.

"Kinda looks like fun," Diana said, drumming her fingers in rhythm to the music. Weiss huffed but glanced back at the girls inside and Pokémon gathered around the window. Even if they all looked ridiculous, she had to admit they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

"Salsa music isn't my cup of tea," she said with her chin held high, "and disco can stay dead as far as I'm concerned."

Pryce's grin widened. "There's no shame in admitting you enjoy the music, Miss Schnee, especially when the company is good." He gestured toward her own foot which she'd been tapping subconsciously.

Weiss stomped her foot down but couldn't quite stop herself from swaying to the infectious rhythm. Although she had nowhere near the amount of practice as Sakura, or Yang on the dance floor, she had taken extensive lessons growing up, and often incorporated dancing into her recitals.

"I'm glad to see you're finally starting to get your priorities in order," Pryce said. "A journey means very little when you have no one to share it with, and nobody waiting for you at the finish line." He turned to the elderly couple who nodded and smiled back at him. "The journey of a Pokémon trainer is hard and can be lonely, especially if you insist on becoming a champion, which is why we have to hold those we cherish close. There's no time in my life I regret more than the years I spent in the Champion League, and no time I value more than when I was traveling with my friends."

The old man gave a sad, wrinkled smile. "I pushed everyone around me away to better focus on becoming a Pokémon Master. Who's to say I wouldn't have become Champion if I hadn't, but after I lost the Championship, I also realized I'd lost all my friends as well. Since then I've been trying to make up for lost time, and helping trainers by making sure they don't follow in my footsteps."

His smile faded somewhat as his friends laid their hands atop his own. Pryce cleared his throat and motioned toward the open window. "Tell me, what is it you really want, Miss Schnee? There are many roads to becoming a Champion. You have the talent and drive to become one someday, and I'm interested in hearing which path you've chosen."

Weiss glanced back at her friends and traveling companions, all having fun without her. "Even if I win the Silver Conference, I have no interest in entering Tohjo's Champion League," she said. "It would be an honor of course, but my real goal is to win as many accolades and see as much of the world as I can before taking my rightful place in the SDC. I have every intention of running the company someday, but the more I add to my resume as a trainer, the harder it'll be for my father to drag me back home. If I don't win either the Silver or Lily of the Valley Conferences, I'm afraid my Pokémon journey could come to an end as soon as next spring."

He nodded. "Reminds me of what happened to your grandfather, though I suspect he would've continued his journey had I not pushed him away. He was a great trainer, and he loved his Pokémon dearly, but I'm afraid he wasn't an exceptionally strong battler. Had I remained a true friend, maybe he wouldn't have inherited his family's company at such a young age, and ultimately be put in an early grave because of it."

Pryce sat contemplatively while music blared from all corners of the courtyard before finally shrugging. "Nothing I can do about it now. It's in the past, and we said our goodbyes on good terms later in life. The only thing left for me to do is make sure trainers like yourself and Diana don't live to be my age with the same regrets. Miss Schnee, why don't you go spend some time with your friends. You too, Diana. Leave the reminiscing to me and your grandparents. We'll be on our way to Ice Path after lunch. Don't be a minute late."

"Yes, Sir!"

Weiss glanced back at the bedroom and smiled when Ruby toppled over only to be caught by Sakura, who twirled her around before handing her off to Yang. "I think I will. Thank you, Master Pryce. Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker."

Diana excused herself while Weiss bowed again, and a moment later were being helped through the window by Meganium who seemed to have been waiting for them. The two Ice-type specialists moved to opposite sides of the room, but despite their continued hostilities toward one another, they'd occasionally catch the other's eye and smile, having the time of their lives while still trying to outdo each other.

"QUE RICO!"

The party set out for Ice Path shortly after lunch as expected, but only because Weiss hadn't given Ruby any opportunity to get distracted or slow them down. She was afraid Pryce might leave without them if they didn't arrive at the gym exactly on time, and didn't want to be forced to choose between meeting her idol's mentor and her friends. She didn't quite trust herself with that sort of decision just yet.

Pryce led the rag-tag group from the passenger seat of his all-terrain golf cart while Diana drove, and flanking them were Yang riding atop Arcanine and Weiss on Rapidash. Since her Galarian unicorn was still recovering from the battle with the red Gyarados, Weiss had exchanged the Psychic-Fairy for its more common Fire-type counterpart. While none of her Pokémon were 'replaceable' by any means, each of her six party members had set rotations much like Yang's team, and Weiss' was never without one of her beloved unicorns for very long.

Bringing up the rear and falling more behind by the minute was Ruby and Sakura riding atop Meganium, who couldn't help stopping every few minutes to smell the flowers or rejuvenate any dead vegetation it came across. Weiss was the only one who showed any visible impatience whenever they had to slow down so they could catch up, but even she struggled to be annoyed for very long as Route 44 was rather scenic with its scattered lakes and grasslands.

Ordinarily, Ruby would've walked the entire route, and in all likelihood spent at least a week exploring every nook and cranny it had to offer. In her current condition however, it would've taken her a week just to follow the main road to their destination. If she even made it that far, that is.

"This feels like cheating," Ruby grumbled as they passed a group of Psyduck splashing in a nearby pond. "I wanna play with the Psyduck in their bathtub."

"Cheer up, Ruby," Sakura said, hands wrapped around her waist. "We need to get Gyarados to the Dragon's Den before it gets hungry, or else we'll have to let it out of its Pokéball and feed it ourselves. Besides, after you win the Rising Badge, we can come back this way and take all the time you want getting to Silver Town."

Ruby sighed and hung her head. "I already told you, Sakura. I don't wanna challenge the next gym, and I don't wanna enter the Silver Conference either. I don't even wanna continue my journey anymore. I just wanna go home..."

Sakura poked her head over Ruby's shoulder, who promptly pulled her hood up to try and hide her face. "I used to be able to run all day, every day nonstop," she continued, "but now I can't even get through a thirty minute dance video with commercial breaks. I don't wanna slow Weiss or Yang down. I know they said it's fine, but they're gonna be champions and it's not fair to them, and it's not fair to you either. You're only coming with us because of me."

"That's right. I'm coming because of you," Sakura emphasized, resting her chin on Ruby's shoulder. "I wouldn't have left home again if it wasn't for you, and I made a mistake not coming with you the last three times you asked me to come with you. I'm not making that mistake again. If you plan on going home, then I'll make sure you get there safely."

"Sakura..."

*sniff*

"Besides, the reason we've been in Mahogany Town this long is because of Weiss, not you, and she was already planning to visit the Dragon's Den because of her Garchomp anyway. You're not slowing her down, but even if you are, so what? It's probably a good thing she stopped and smelled the roses once in a while." She took a comically deep breath, making Ruby giggle. "As for Yang, there's nowhere in the world she'd rather be than with you, and I think staying with us has been good for her. Something tells me she's been cooped up on Mt. Silver too long, and something else tells me that girl doesn't do well alone."

Once her laughing fit ended Ruby begrudgingly nodded. "Yang doesn't like traveling by herself, but she also gets restless pretty easily, and prefers doing her own thing. She's kinda like me in that she'll just wander in a certain direction because she feels like it, and tomorrow go in the opposite direction for the same reason. That's just Yang. and if you travel with her, you just have to get used to it."

"Reminds me of someone I know," Sakura giggled, "and it makes me wish I'd had companions when I started out. My parents live only a couple blocks from the studio, and I see them every day, but I live at the studio like all the other trainees. It's kinda tradition but it's also practical since a lot of trainees are from out of town and have nowhere else to go. I didn't mind traveling alone at first. It was kinda nice actually, but after I lost to Whitney, I could've really used someone to cheer me up. Instead of training hard like I should've, like you did, I went back home because I was scared, sad, and lonely."

Ruby took a deep breath, knowing who Sakura was reminded of again, and thinking over what to say. While she had a habit of blurting out whatever popped in her head first, just as often she'd carefully consider her words to keep from saying something she shouldn't, sometimes until the conversation had long since ended.

"I'd go crazy living at the studio, surrounded by so many people," Ruby admitted, blushing slightly. "I like traveling by myself, but I also like having you, Weiss, and Yang here with me. Especially after, well, you-know-what happened. It's nice having someone to lean on once in a while, but I don't know how long it would last even if we didn't plan on splitting up after Blackthorn. We're all just too different."

"Maybe, but it's like what Master Lance said about you and Gyarados. There's a lot you can learn from each other, and there's a lot we can learn from you too."

Ruby snorted. "You mean like battling? I don't know how much I can teach Yang and Weiss that they don't already know."

"You've already taught them plenty, but that's not what I mean." She pulled Ruby's hood down so she could see her face. "You're an introvert, Ruby. Yang and I are pretty much the definition of extroverts, and Weiss is, well, Weiss." The pair chuckled at the rather apt description. "You don't like crowds or being the center of attention, but the three of us practically thrive on it. We're self-centered and we know it. Hmm, maybe that's why a Kimono Girl hasn't seen Ho-Oh in over a century."

Sakura paused for a moment, biting her lip. "You help us pay better attention to what's around us, what's really important in life, and we help you come out of your shell. Yang thinks it's for the best that you traveled on your own for so long, forcing you to be strong and rely only on yourself. I think it's been good for all of us, but now I think it's time we rely more on each other. For a little while at least. In my heart I'll always be a performer. You're a traveler, Yang's a battler, and Weiss is somewhere in between, still trying to figure out what she really wants. We'll go our separate ways eventually, but that doesn't mean we can't still be there for each other."

Ruby didn't respond and remained silent while Meganium galloped to catch up with Yang, who had told Arcanine to wait and was enjoying the scenery, but was already growing bored by the familiar sights after having already come this way once or twice before.

"Sakura, can I ask you something?" Ruby asked. "I-it's a little personal."

"Of course. Anything."

She took a deep breath. "Have you ever messed up during a show?"

Sakura flinched slightly but nodded, her grin only slightly forced. "Lots of times, and it's not often I'm perfect throughout an entire show. Nobody's perfect all the time, not even my sister, and she's the current leader of the seven. We learn ways of hiding our mistakes, but most of the time we just move on and pretend it's part of the show. One mistake isn't going to ruin a show, and if you dwell on a mistake too long, you're bound to make more."

"I'm scared of messing up, Sakura," Ruby said quietly, looking around to make sure no one else could hear. "That's one reason I have to focus so much on the journey instead of the destination. Battling in a stadium on worldwide television is Yang's dream, but I get nervous just battling on playgrounds. I think about losing more than I do winning, and I'm scared of making mistakes. I'm scared of a lot of things actually..."

"Ruby, I-"

Ruby grinned suddenly and glanced behind her. "I tell myself that tomorrow will be a better day, but even if it isn't, I'll still have my sister, my friends, and my Pokémon rooting for me."

Sakura smiled back. "Absolutely, and by the time I'm through with you, I'll have you and Eevee joining me on stage!"

The caped-girl shuddered, but in the back of her mind, Ruby imagined herself in the Kimono Girls' makeup and garb. Nobody would be able to tell who she was since she herself had trouble picking Sakura out from the other trainees during a show without Espeon. "Maybe..."

"Alright," Diana hollered. "We're almost there!"

Ruby patted Meganium on the side to get her to move along, which she did, albeit in her own time. "Sorry," she said once they caught up and realized everyone was waiting on them. "Meganium thinks the entire world is her garden, and that it's her job to tend to it." The gentle giant bayed in agreement, and twisted her long neck around to nuzzle her riders and the others.

"Fine by me," said Pryce, rubbing her snout. "Means I get to enjoy the scenic route back to Mahogany that much more."

"There's a ranger station we have to check in with before going inside," Diana said, "and we'll check with another when we come back out the other side. The cave has clearly marked paths to follow, but there's wild Pokémon, and cave-ins do happen from time to time. If we're not out by dark, they'll send in a search team after us. Don't worry, even though we're going off the beaten path, Master Pryce and I know where we're going. It's impossible to get lost in Ice Path anyway."

"I'd probably find a way," Ruby admitted, earning a chuckle from Sakura and agreeable nod from Weiss.

"How about I just meet you on the other side?" Yang suggested. "No reason all of us should get frostbite and hypothermia."

"You'll regret it," Pryce said with a mischievous grin. "I know you hate the cold, Miss Xiao Long, but trust me. Just this once, you'll appreciate it."

Yang didn't seem so sure, but followed the group to a large cabin near the entrance of the cave. A lookout tower rose nearby with bird Pokémon perched on the railing and a ranger inside. Ranger stations doubled as Pokémon Centers even if they weren't always run by a Nurse Joy, but lodged travelers and cared for Pokémon just the same. Ruby tended to avoid them unless her Pokémon needed healing, but the other girls planned their journeys according to where the nearest Pokémon Center, ranger station, or rest stop was on the map.

"Despite the late start and lollygagging, we've made good time," Pryce said. "We're journeying deep into Ice Path, and it's best to do so when the day is warmest. Don't worry, we'll only be in there for a few hours. My mentor likes people more than I do, but not by much, and she won't be happy I'm bringing so many guests into her home. The quicker we leave the better."

Yang seemed to think a few minutes in a cold, damp cave was too long, but the others appeared more disappointed they wouldn't get to stay forever. "Home?" Ruby asked. "Your mentor lives in Ice Path?"

"Periodically," he said, chuckling as though something was funny. "Think of it as her summer home. You'll see." Diana chuckled as well, but a warning glare from her mentor was all that was needed to keep her mouth shut. Sakura had tried relentlessly to get more information out of her, but Diana avoided the subject like the plague to the point she refused to even speak, much to everyone's chagrin and Weiss' delight.

Inside the cabin, the girls dressed for winter, and considering how long it took five teenage girls to decide on what to wear, it was a wonder Pryce didn't leave without them. They had been mostly prepared and brought their own clothes, but they couldn't resist shopping around at what was offered, and Yang gladly rented whatever looked warmest even if it wasn't particularly stylish. Like everyone there except Ruby, she'd rather die than be found looking unfashionable, but made an exception when it came to freezing to death.

Outside they changed mounts, with Pryce and Diana riding Mamoswine while Ruby sat in front of Yang atop Arcanine and Sakura behind Weiss due to Meganium not being overly fond of the cold.

"You may want to keep Eevee in its Pokéball while we're inside," Sakura said to Ruby, the two mounts walking side by side. "It usually takes a high concentration of Ice Stones to evolve Eevee into Glaceon, just like Leaf Stones with Leafeon, but there's always the chance your Eevee might start to evolve while we're here."

Ruby nodded and opened her cloak. Eevee had fallen asleep on her lap shortly after lunch, and not even dismounting or remounting had caused him to stir. She hated for her new favorite cuddle buddy to leave, but knew Sakura was right.

"Sorry, Eevee," she whispered, "but we've only just met, and you're still too young to evolve. You haven't even decided what you want to be when you grow up!"

She returned him to his Pokéball and suddenly felt naked without any of her Pokémon beside her, and not in a fun way like Yang always talked about. Scizor was the only one who wouldn't mind the cold, but she wasn't about to send him out just to tag along. He preferred remaining in his Pokéball while traveling, and wasn't overly fond of cuddling anyway. Keeping a Pokémon outside their Pokéball was for protection as much as companionship for trainers, and feeling her anxiety rising, she found herself playing with Arcanine's ears for her own comfort.

Ruby felt particularly naked however when Yang suddenly yanked her cloak off and wrapped it around herself. "Yang, we just got here! I can't even see my breath yet!"

"Too bad. I'm already cold," she grumbled, burying her hands and arms in Ruby's jacket.

"If Eevee ever starts to evolve on accident," Weiss said, ignoring them, "such as if it accidently touches an evolutionary stone, you can cancel it with your Pokédex if you're quick enough. Even your Pokédex should have that function."

"Thanks. I'll try to remember that."

"If you want," Sakura said, "I can give you an Everstone just to be safe. It'll keep Eevee from evolving while it's attached to his collar. Since we have so many Eevee around the studio, we take extra precautions to make sure they don't accidently evolve. We keep all of the evolutionary stones under lock and key, but accidents still happen, especially with hundreds of guests coming to our shows every week. I keep an Everstone around my Eevee during the day so it doesn't accidently evolve into another Espeon, but take it off at night so he can evolve into Umbreon when the time is right."

"Do the Eevee get to choose what they evolve into?"

Sakura nodded. "Most of the time. Like I said, accidents happen, and it's hard for Eevee to control when it evolves into an Espeon and Umbreon, or in rare instances Sylveon. Eevee are genetically unstable, and sometimes they can evolve depending on what element they're touching. One trainee had her Eevee evolve into a Vaporeon just by taking a bath with it, but stuff like that happening is really rare. We might give them a little push, and there's no shortage of Eeveelutions at the studio for Eevee to learn from and get a taste of what it'd be like to breathe underwater or spit fire, but it's ultimately up to them. Forcing your Pokémon to evolve is a good way to get kicked out."

Weiss felt a pang of guilt hearing about Pokémon being forced to evolve against their will. She had pushed Garchomp to evolve early, and possibly Empoleon as well even if he technically pushed himself, and now she wondered if she'd done the same to her other Pokémon. Particularly Glaceon, Ninetales, and Froslass who evolved via stones.

She reflexively patted Rapidash on the head, its fiery mane warm to the touch. She'd caught him as a Ponyta north of Oreburgh City while its Galarian counterpart had been a birthday present from her grandfather. That felt like several lifetimes ago now, but while she preferred her female Rapidash for battling and making grand entrances, its mate was faster and also her only Fire-type.

"We need to battle together again sometime," Weiss said absently, playing with Rapidash's mane. "It's been too long."

The fiery horse gave her a curious glance. Much like Weiss' other Pokémon, Rapidash carried himself with pride and rarely showed emotion, but she could read her Pokémon almost as easily as a company expense report, and even those meeting him for the first time could tell he was both surprised and excited.

Rapidash being rotations for one another meant they only spent time together when Weiss wasn't traveling, which gave them incentive to get her from city to city as quickly as possible. Unlike Ruby who walked everywhere, Weiss didn't appreciate sore feet and blisters, but it was also a little known secret that she tired more easily compared to other trainers.

"If you want," Yang said, interrupting her trip down memory lane, "you two can battle Arcanine and I once we get out of this hell hole. Or we can have a battle here and now. This place might be a natural wonder or something, but I'm okay with melting the ice and turning it into a hot spring resort. I could use the extra cash, and seem to know a thing or two about business."

Weiss chuckled. "More than a thing or two, and we might just take you up on that offer. I think we've only had one battle together since arriving in Johto. We won of course, but still."

"Maybe we can have a race!" Ruby said excitedly. "Meganium likes races! She even won once!"

Weiss smiled politely and kept to herself that if they were to race, she and Yang could cross the finish line, have another race to Kanto and back, have a six on six battle, and still have time for a spot of tea before she and Meganium crossed the finish line. She wasn't sure which one was slower, the trainer or Pokémon, but thought they were a good fit for each other, and the same was true for Yang and Arcanine. Rapidash meanwhile like all wild horses was practically bred for racing. He couldn't help trotting half a step in front of Arcanine who in turn would quicken his own pace, but unless Rapidash wanted to risk stabbing Mamoswine's backside with his sharp horn, he was forced to back off and let Arcanine stay ahead.

Just like their trainers, Arcanine and Rapidash were prideful Pokémon and couldn't resist a challenge. It had been agonizing for them to have to follow an old man in a golf cart, much less a lumbering mammoth in an icy cave, but both were well-trained and obeyed their trainers whenever the two got restless. Although Weiss was almost certain of the outcome against Yang's starter, she liked Rapidash's chances in a Pokémon battle better than a race. Her encyclopedic knowledge of Pokémon told her that while Rapidash could run longer distances without tiring, Arcanine was indeed faster, and thought it likely that Yang knew this as well.

Again her hand strayed to Rapidash's mane. Weiss felt that she had neglected both Rapidash much like her other non-Ice-type Pokémon. "Am I being too hard on myself?" she asked him quietly. The unicorn couldn't possibly have known what she was talking about, but nodded anyway. "I suppose I was still in awe of being a Pokémon trainer that I forgot about my dream of becoming an Ice-type Master."

She smiled fondly, having almost forgotten that childlike sense of wonder starting a Pokémon journey, until recently of course. "You and Staraptor were the first Pokémon I ever caught on my own. I suppose it was only sometime later that I started getting cynical. The only reason I wanted a Gible was because of Cynthia's Garchomp, and because I felt that if I could tame a pseudo-legendary dragon, that it would prove my mastery over Ice. I was on the right track, wanting to master all of Ice's strengths and weaknesses, but I was doing it all for the wrong reasons. Not anymore."

Sakura chuckled behind her, and Weiss stiffened, having forgotten about her passenger. She glanced back but Sakura kept her head turned, admiring the crystalline formations now commonplace around them, or at least pretending to. To their left, Ruby was making silly faces at a wall of mirrors while Yang stared blankly ahead, hoping they'd suddenly come upon the exit or perhaps a convenient bonfire.

"If we don't get out of here soon," she muttered, "I'm gonna cut a hole in somebody's chest and crawl inside of them like a Tauntaun from 'Spare Wars'..."

"You say something, Sis?"

"Just trying to decide which one of you would be the warmest. Diana, Weiss, and Pryce are probably as cold on the inside as they are outside. You'd be a tight fit to squeeze into, but Sakura on the other hand- Well, let's just say you're not the only one fantasizing about-"

Ruby elbowed her in the ribs, but with all the layers of clothing, Yang thought she was merely moving to a more comfortable position. "I'm never gonna be warm again," Yang realized. "Arcanine, if I asked you nicely and promised you a charcoal bone, would you be a good boy and set Ruby on fire for me?" He shook his head. "I'll give you all the tummy rubs you want when we get out of here. Just please warm me up!"

The wolf-lion turned and blew hot air in their faces. The sensation wasn't unlike a hair drier, and he made a conscious effort to increase his body temperature even more. "Good boy."

Ahead of them, Mamoswine began to slow. "Alright," Pryce called. "We go on foot from here."

"What!?" Yang cried. "But my butt's the only thing that's still warm!"

The girls along with Pryce and Diana upfront dismounted and returned their steeds to their warm, comfortable Pokéballs before setting out on foot, but not before Yang stole a few more articles of clothing from her sister who quickly caught up with Sakura and warned her not to be alone with Yang anytime soon.

They were careful walking on the icy floor but their winterized boots had enough traction to keep them from having too many close calls. Pryce seemed particularly chipper the further into the cave they delved, barely even needing his cane.

"I'd like to see Rapidash try and walk on this," Diana teased, knowing from experience the species wasn't overly fond of slick surfaces.

"And I'd like to see you slip and fall..." Weiss muttered.

After exiting a long, narrow tunnel they came upon a steep incline, but even so the elderly gym leader led the way. The others were more slow going, with Diana hovering near her mentor to make sure he didn't slip. The others needed a bit more help, particularly Ruby and Weiss. Ruby tired easily and her muscle memory still hadn't fully returned, and the cold air was burning her lungs, making it even more difficult to breathe. Weiss didn't mind the cold so much, but she also tired easily and like Ruby was only a couple inches over five feet, and appreciated the help of their much taller companions even if she told them otherwise.

"Wow, you're really strong, Sakura," Ruby noted when she picked her up under the armpits and set her on a ledge where Yang was waiting to help.

"Dancers don't get enough credit for how strong we are," she said, helping Weiss who demanded something more dignified than being picked up like a child.

Sakura hopped up the ledge with little effort, and even Yang seemed impressed by her nimbleness. Both were tall and athletic, but Yang was more filled out and admittedly looked more like a model than an actual Pokémon trainer on a journey. Sakura was thinner but had stamina that even trainers walking across regions would've been envious of. She was hardly out of breath even in the cold, and the others hadn't seen her so much as lose her balance once despite the slippery floor.

"Careful," she said, catching Ruby.

After another winding tunnel they came across a large body of water littered with small icebergs. A pod of young Seel were swimming around the underground lake, as well as a pair of Dewgong that kept a close eye on the group. The scene reminded Weiss of the Mahogany Gym, and she wondered if it's what the sanctuary had been loosely based on.

"Whelp, we tried," Yang announced. "Time to leave and snuggle up near the fire with Ranger Carlos."

"Not so fast, Miss Xiao Long," Pryce said. "We're crossing the lake."

"Is now a bad time to mention I forgot my polar bear bikini back home?"

Diana laughed and threw a Pokéball into the air, releasing a large, vaguely reptilian-like creature with a shell growing on its back. The girls had all gotten to see several Lapras back at the gym, all except Yang of course, but this rare beauty was almost eight foot tall and almost certainly the leader of its herd.

It let out a sing-song cry that brought tears to the girls' eyes and caused every muscle in their bodies to relax, but the plesiosaur-like creature let out a sad whimper when there wasn't a response. "Sorry, girl," Diana said, rubbing her snout. "Breeding season ended a few months ago. Everybody's already made their way back to the ocean. Don't worry, you'll see your friends again next spring."

Although they were Ice-types and could be found in colder climates, Lapras were generally found in warmer waters such as around the Orange Islands and Alola. Exceptions were always made during breeding season however.

Being from Alola, the sisters had practically grown up riding Lapras, with wildlings almost as friendly as those tamed by trainers. In Yang's opinion, they were the only smart Ice-type Pokémon considering they migrated to warmer waters every winter. "Lapras really come this far inland to have their babies?" she asked, momentarily forgetting about the cold. "And here I always thought Lapras were smart."

"She's gorgeous." Weiss smiled at the familiar face, and could tell at a glance that Diana's Lapras was as healthy a specimen she'd ever seen. Her own Lapras had been a gift from her sister and wasn't much of a battler, and preferred lounging lazily in the pool back home. A part of her wished that Pryce had used one during their gym battle, but reminded herself that Lapras were far more threatening than Dewgong, and that it was probably for the best that he hadn't. They were incredibly intelligent creatures, capable of learning all sorts of attacks, and in some rare instances even telepathy.

"Her name's La Glace," Pryce said fondly, rubbing her snout like his pupil. "She's the daughter of Le Prus and La Pris, both of whom were with me every step of my journey. She was born around the same time as Diana. Seemed only fitting for them to be together."

"La Glace is like my sister," Diana said, caressing the side of her face. "We grew up together. She's saved my skin more times than I can count, and I've repaid the favor once or twice. She's the ace of my team, and if you don't count Mamoswine, she's the ace of the entire Mahogany Gym." She stole a sly glance at Weiss who was too enamored to notice.

The girls all took turns petting La Grace who soaked up the adoration almost as much as her trainer. The species had been on the endangered list when they were all children, and they'd grown up being told Lapras would be all but extinct in the wild by the time they grew up. Thanks to conservationists like Pryce however, organizations funded by the SDC, and professors like Ruby and Yang's father, they were practically common now and even beginning to disturb the fishing industry.

"It'll be a tight squeeze," Diana said, helping Pryce onto La Grace's back, "but we'll fit so long as everyone holds their breath."

Yang and Sakura helped Ruby aboard next, and after climbing aboard themselves, the only person left standing on the shore was Weiss, who bit her lip. It was going to be a tight squeeze indeed, especially with Yang getting as far away from the freezing water as possible, and both Diana and Pryce standing in front to get a good view. Ruby scooted over to try and make room, but unless one or both of them was willing to indignantly crawl into somebody's lap, there wasn't going to be enough room. More importantly, she didn't want to give Diana the satisfaction.

Without further delay Weiss tossed a Pokéball into the air and released Empoleon onto the land. "I'll be riding first class, thank you very much."

"Suit yourself." Diana grinned, and without needing her trainer's command, La Grace began ferrying them across.

The emperor penguin slid into the water, careful not to get its back wet, and Weiss climbed aboard, tucking her legs so as not to get wet either. Empoleon was large enough to sit two trainers semi-comfortably, but its metallic feathers had the nasty downside of conducting cold temperatures, and by the time they made it across, Weiss' backside was painfully numb.

Diana occasionally glanced her way, grinning ear to ear, but Weiss kept her chin held high and did her best not to reveal she couldn't feel her lower torso even when she stumbled onto shore. "T-thank you, Empoleon." She returned him to his Pokéball, and gave La Grace one last appreciative look before it too was returned to its ball.

Another steep incline awaited them, but as if reliving younger years, Pryce practically jogged up the hill with Diana close behind. Yang's legs were too frozen to allow such freedom of movement, and needed Sakura's help almost as much as Ruby and Weiss.

"Have you been to Ice Path before, Sakura?" Ruby asked breathlessly.

She nodded, motioning for Ruby to take a drink from her thermos. "Lots of trainees come here to evolve their Eevee into Glaceon at the Icy Rock on the other side of the cave, and there's always a handful of gym trainers wanting to tag along. Especially the boys." Ruby giggled and nearly choked on her lukewarm coffee. "We also need lots of Ice-types for our winter shows, so sometimes we'll come here to catch Swinub."

"Why would anyone willingly come here?" Yang muttered, wrestling the thermos away from her sister. "Arceus is dead and it's trainers like Weiss that killed him..."

"Have you ever been this way before?" Ruby asked. "Do you know who Pryce's mentor could be?"

Sakura shook her head. "Even when I'm with Diana, we stick to the marked trails. I can't think of any Ice-type specialists older than Pryce, especially from the Kanto region. I think the oldest sanctioned gym in Kanto is maybe fifty years old. The region has a lot of great trainers, arguably the best in the world, but it's a fairly young region and there aren't many trainers of Pryce's age and caliber."

"How much sugar did you put in this, Ruby?" Yang spat. "Pretty sure I've got diabetes now. I thought I told you to lay off the caffeine and sugar."

"Figured if something bad happened while we were inside, we'd want something that'd keep us from falling asleep and freezing to death." The girls all looked at her dubiously. "Don't judge me. I can stop whenever I want. Now give it back!"

"Alright," Pryce called once they were at the top of the incline. The old man was out of breath and relying more on his cane now, but had never looked happier or more alive. "It's a straight walk from here. Don't mind the decorations. It's their own fault, but I'll see about thawing them out when spring comes around."

The others glanced at one another, unsure what he was talking about, but they soon came upon blocks of ice with figures inside. Ruby gasped and would've fallen had Yang and Sakura not caught her. "You might not wanna look, Rubes..."

Several Sneasel had been frozen solid, as well as a wicked-looking Weavile that gave even the Ice-type experts cause for concern. "Diana," Pryce whispered. "Keep an eye on it. Make sure it's actually frozen." She nodded and stealthily reached for a Pokéball.

"What in the world?" Weiss rubbed her sleeve against the ice to get a better look at their faces. "They never even knew what hit them! Did your mentor do this, Master Pryce? If so, why? Why just leave them here?"

Pryce chuckled. "You'll see. Ah, I see Team Rocket's been snooping around too. Serves them right."

The girls were startled to see half a dozen men in black uniforms with red 'R' insignias over their chests, all frozen solid. "Team Rocket!?" Ruby stuttered, being helped along by Sakura while Yang tried unsuccessfully to block her view. "They're the ones that hurt Gyarados!"

"Aye, and I'd say these men have been here for about a month. Idiots should've known what they were walking into. I have half a mind to let them stay here forever, but I suppose I should inform the proper authorities when we leave." He glanced at Ruby, his expression softening. "My mentor is cold, not cruel. They're still alive, though I suppose that could be considered by some an even crueler fate. Doesn't mean they don't deserve it though."

Weiss didn't particularly care whether it was cruel or not. In her opinion it was justice. Team Rocket was an evil organization, and while she still blamed the red Gyarados for its own actions, she was willing to spread the blame around, especially to herself. Ruby on the other hand shuddered, unsure what to think, but felt sorry for the men even if they were evil and might've deserved it.

"That's gonna be us if we don't get out of here," Yang whimpered. "Clothes look warm though. Bodies probably burn real nice..."

"Alright, everyone get behind me," Pryce ordered. "My mentor won't attack me, but I can't say the same for the rest of you. Miss Xiao Long, if there was ever a time NOT to send out a Fire-type, now would be it. All Pokémon stay in their balls. That includes your invisible bodyguard, Miss Schnee. My mentor's not likely to appreciate the presence of ghosts right now."

Weiss sighed and held out a white Luxury Ball, and as if on cue, Froslass reappeared beside her, her chilly presence barely noticeable in the already icy cave. The girls had gotten so used to Froslass being out of her Pokéball and out of sight that they hardly even thought about it anymore. She was there, but not really, all except for Weiss.

"It's only temporary," she said as much to herself as her faithful guardian. Without another word she returned Froslass to her Pokéball, and suddenly felt even more naked than Ruby. She enjoyed the companionship even if seemingly talking to herself did turn a few heads, but she preferred the sense of security even more. The world was a dangerous place, full of not only dangerous animals and Pokémon, but people as well. And Team Rocket weren't even the worst of them.

She glanced back to the frozen Team Rocket members. "This had better be worth it," she muttered, her hand straying to an emergency Max Repel in her pocket. It'd keep wild Pokémon away, but it'd also act as particularly nasty pepper spray in a pinch.

"One more thing," Pryce said, turning to Ruby. "Miss Rose, try not to do anything stupid to get yourself killed."

"I'll try."

Pryce grinned at the sheer childlike sincerity in her voice, and chuckled softly to himself. Weiss meanwhile blanched at the dark humor while Yang gave the old man a murderous glare that had been known to scare off hungry Sharpedo. Sakura instinctively wrapped an arm protectively around Ruby, afraid such a remark might've upset her, but either she'd been oblivious, or more likely, agreed with the sentiment. Ruby had her fair share of weekly close calls and near death experiences after all, usually her own doing, and Yang but especially Weiss never shied away from reminding her whenever she did something stupid.

Despite being upset about the old man's forwardness however, the girls silently agreed that keeping an extra close eye on Ruby wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if Pryce's mentor was as surly as him.

"Still wasn't very nice," Sakura muttered.

Ruby doubted she was meant to hear her, but standing as close as she was, it was impossible not to. "I kinda just died, Sakura," she whispered, not wanting the others to hear. "Mr. Pryce didn't mean anything by it, and I probably deserved it."

Sakura huffed and repeated herself, but relented by the time they made it through the sparkling tunnel into a massive chamber carved entirely out of ice.

Everyone gasped at its sheer beauty, and only after their eyes had explored every other inch of the chamber did their eyes fall to the massive bird's nest sitting in the middle.

"Oh my God," Weiss breathed. "It can't be..."

Blending in perfectly with its surroundings was an ice sculpture of a bird roughly seven feet in height, and when it began to move, revealed a wingspan of eighteen feet or more. Even Yang forgot about the freezing cold long enough to appreciate the majestic creature spoken of in legends before her, and Sakura held tightly onto Ruby to keep her from tackling the bird and asking if it wanted to join her on a journey.

"Ladies," Pryce said, "I'd like to introduce you to my mentor, Articuno. She was the inspiration for me becoming a trainer, and she's one of my oldest, dearest friends."

The legendary bird stooped down to sniff its visitors, pausing at Weiss, so close she could almost touch it. "I think she recognizes your scent as Nicolas' granddaughter," he said. "Articuno are incredibly intelligent creatures, as well as long lived. They're powerful mind you, but their status as legendary Pokémon stems more from rarity than raw power. They generally make their nests atop snowy mountains or uninhabited islands, but they've been known to make their dens in caves as well. Ice Path is different however because it isn't where this particular Articuno comes to nest. It comes here to lay its eggs."

Weiss nearly fainted as three little heads poked out from the nest. "Articuno chicks," she whispered, her legs growing weak.

Pryce nodded, grinning ear to ear. "Beautiful, aren't they? Articuno lay eggs only once every twenty years or so, and only a handful at a time. These chicks are about three months old, and it'll be another three before they're able to fly. Articuno tend to chase cold weather, or perhaps it's cold weather that chases them. They'll leave the nest before spring gets here, and then my old friend will return to the Seafoam Islands where her mate is waiting for her."

The old man cleared his throat and rubbed something from his eye. "Unless I decide to live to a hundred, I expect this visit will be the last time I ever see her. Soon it'll be Diana's job to make sure Articuno is able to have her babies in peace, and that research can be done as unobtrusively as possible. If Pokémon trainers or the media were to find out there was an Articuno here, let alone three baby chicks, I'm afraid they'd never know peace again."

"I can't believe I'm looking at a real life Articuno," Weiss said, her hand shaking as she touched its snowy feathers. "It's like a living sculpture carved from ice."

"Many have perished trying to find these majestic creatures. Scaling the tallest mountains and swimming in frozen caves, but the only Articuno I can think of owned by a trainer is Noland's."

"WHAT!?"

Weiss' voice echoed throughout the cave, and after promptly apologizing to the mother bird and chicks, she turned to Pryce and repeated herself in a more civilized manner. "Excuse me, Master Pryce. What did you just say?"

Pryce chuckled. "Noland. He's a Frontier Brain from the Kanto Region, and I suppose Hoenn now that they have their very own island. The Battle Factory is located somewhere north of Cerulean City. He was flying his biplane one night when he noticed an injured Articuno beside him. He rescued it and nursed it back to health, and while it lives up in the mountains, it comes down to visit him from time to time. They've even been known to battle together when the mood hits. And yes, Mamoswine and I have challenged them on more than one occasion."

"Why haven't I heard about this before!?"

"Because you haven't been invited to participate in the Battle Frontier. If that's your wish, I suggest that you do well in the Silver Conference. Plenty of trainers are invited to the island attraction, but traveling across Kanto to challenge the Frontier Brains is something else entirely. They're all Elite Four caliber trainers, and they don't just let anyone challenge them. In Hoenn, their facilities are more like amusement park attractions, and in order to keep things somewhat fair, they rarely use their strongest Pokémon. In Kanto however they have no such limitations, and only the world's best trainers get invited to challenge for their gold symbols. Otherwise if you're not invited, you have to prove yourself by winning a certain number of battles in a row at their facility. Even then it's only for their silver symbols."

"Noland," Weiss muttered to herself. "Battle Factory. Cerulean City. Kanto..."

The decision had been made unbeknownst to those around her. Also unnoticed by her companions was Weiss' hand slowly drifting toward a spare Ultra Ball in coat pocket.

"You'd be dead before the ball ever left your hand," Pryce whispered, reading her mind without even looking at her. "Articuno's been a wildling since before my grandparents were your age, and it wouldn't take kindly to being caught in a ball, or its chicks for that matter. They still need their mother for another six months, and afterward they need to spread their wings for a few years. I'm not saying you can't catch one someday, but I wouldn't count on it, and I also wouldn't recommend keeping one in a Pokéball. That's a cruel fate for such a majestic Pokémon."

"She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Weiss agreed, tucking the ball away. She wiped away several tears but twice as many appeared looking at the baby chicks that weren't much bigger than her forearm. Not since Lance's rainbow scaled Dragonite flew off had she seen anything so beautiful.

For the next several hours the girls simply watched the family interact, with Pryce and Diana being the only ones allowed to get close enough to touch the chicks who seemed to have already been introduced. That is except for one particularly adventurous chick that wandered out of its nest. It wasn't the least bit scared of strangers, and seemed happy to have new playmates. It even allowed the girls to hold it which nearly started all out war whenever somebody's turn was over and they refused to let go.

The girls all took a multitude of pictures and were quick to register the family into their Pokédexes, though Ruby was the only one who didn't care about bragging rights. Yang meanwhile was complaining more and more about the cold, and it wasn't long before even Weiss was struggling to stay warm. She might've complained even more than Yang had it not been for Diana and her willingness to freeze to death so long as she got to hold the adventurous chick one more time.

"I think it's getting time to go," Pryce said, setting the smallest chick down. "The sun will be going down soon, and after that the temperature in this part of the cave will start to plummet. Besides, Articuno might be a kindhearted Pokémon by nature, but they're also reclusive, and only have so much patience. Heh, I guess you could say she's the patron saint of all Ice-type trainers."

The legendary bird appeared to nod, understanding his intentions if not his actual words after many decades of friendship. Weiss and Diana had difficulty saying goodbye, and Yang had to practically drag her sister and Sakura away. "No, Ruby, you can't ride the giant blue chicken or feed the chicks coffee. How about I find you a Moltres instead? I happen to know where to look."

"Farewell, Articuno," Pryce said. "I'll come and visit a few more times before your chicks leave the nest, and I'd appreciate it if you came by the gym one last time to say goodbye. Chances are it'll be our last time together, and then it'll be Diana's turn to learn from you. She's a fine student. The best I've ever had, and thankfully you won't have to teach her nearly as much as you've taught me."

Articuno bowed, and after one final goodbye said in private, Pryce turned and followed the others. The journey back the way they came didn't take nearly as long due it mostly being downhill, and everyone was distracted from the cold, talking nonstop about the once in a lifetime experience they had just encountered.

"I can't believe I just saw an actual legendary Pokémon!" Ruby cried, unaware of her body's many aches and pains. "Weiss, you've seen both Suicune and Articuno practically a week apart! Hey, Sakura, Articuno's related to Ho-Oh, right?"

"Articuno falls under Lugia's jurisdiction," Sakura said, in awe of the icy feathers she and the others now all possessed. "Nobody knows the exact relationship between Lugia and the legendary birds, but they can sometimes be seen flying together. I don't really know if Ho-Oh has ever interacted with any of the legendary birds before, but it's a phoenix just like Moltres, and while they represent winter, spring, and summer respectively, Ho-Oh represent autumn. I don't really know if there's a connection beyond that though."

Yang remained mostly silent on their journey, besides muttering about the cold of course, but after exiting the tunnel leading to Articuno's lair, she tossed a Pokéball into the air releasing Flareon. "Come here, big girl," she said. She unzipped her jacket and much to the fire-fox's delight, stuffed her inside so that only her head was visible. The other girls giggled at their expense, but although Flareon was practically half her weight and she was now walking as though she were nine months pregnant, Yang was leading the way out.

Flareon for her part seemed to enjoy being carried like an Eevee again, and spent much of her time licking the icicles on her trainer's nose and nuzzling close.

"So what are everybody's plans after the Silver Conference?" Diana asked, her eyes on Weiss.

"I'm going back to Alola where I'm spending Christmas in a bikini working on my tan," Yang said without hesitation. "I might not even wait for the Silver Conference."

"Ruby and I are gonna travel the Kanto region together," Sakura said. "You should come with us, Weiss. There's plenty of time before the Lily of the Valley Conference."

"I'll think about it," she said, having already made up her mind, "but don't you think you should ask Ruby what her plan is?"

Sakura turned to Ruby, suddenly afraid of what she might say, but while she was silent for several moments, she finally shook her head and grinned. "I don't know about challenging any more gyms or entering the Silver Conference, but I wouldn't mind traveling just a little longer."

"Does that mean you're not going home after Blackthorn!?"

Ruby shook her head, and received a bear hug from Sakura that caused them to slide down a steep hill. Pryce and Diana meanwhile glanced at one another, a conversation unbeknownst to the others taking place.

Once the cave opened up and they were ferried across the lake, the group were able to ride their steeds again, and Yang wasted no time sending out Arcanine and racing out of the cave, forcing Ruby to ride with Weiss and Sakura.

Since the trip to Blackthorn would've taken them several more hours, and because Yang didn't know where the other exit was, they instead returned to the side of the cave they entered, and got to watch the sun set in the mountains toward Mahogany Town. They found Yang at the campground outside the ranger station in front of a roaring fire, surrounded by Arcanine, Charizard, and Blaziken while Flareon sat in her lap.

"How about I warm everyone up a bit," Sakura said, retrieving a Pokéball from her belt. "Go, Sunkern!"

From the ball emerged a yellow seed-like Pokémon not much bigger than a baseball with leaves growing out atop its head. "She's so cute!" Ruby cried, picking it up.

"You actually caught a Sunkern?" Weiss asked, trying and failing not to sound disappointed. "Don't you think you have enough Pokémon already?"

"She's been spending a lot of time lately with my Pokémon," Sakura said, ignoring her disgust, "and she started crying when I told her we were leaving today. I couldn't just leave her behind. Besides, Bellossom and Skiploom are needed at the studio for the upcoming fall shows, and we could always use more Grass-types. Sunkern's got good rhythm, and she's gonna make a great addition to the team, isn't that right?"

The little seed gave a melodic cry that brought tears to Ruby's eyes. "We're gonna be the best of friends!"

"Alright, Sunkern, use Sunny Day!"

An orange light shot from the tiny seed into the air, and suddenly it was as though the mid-day sun was shining overhead. Yang made a sound somewhere between a moan and whimper, and began shedding off layers of coats, and even allowed Ruby to have her cloak back. The caped-girl wasted little time sending out Meganium and Ledian for their nightly rituals, but also sent out Eevee to cuddle with as well as Scizor and Togetic, who greeted everyone with hugs and kisses and took turns sitting in everybody's laps.

Yang was too frozen solid even for a heated Pokémon battle, and Weiss too elated, so they allowed Arcanine and Rapidash to play by themselves, spending half the night racing to different parts of the region and back while Meganium chased after them.

Pryce checked in with the rangers inside and settled into bed not long after, apparently being an 'early to bed, early to rise' type to nobody's surprise. Diana meanwhile joined the others for girl talk and to trade stories from their adventures, of which she had almost as many wild tales as Yang, who just as often would start games for them to play.

"Alright," Yang said. "If Ruby were a Pokémon, what would her ability be? I'll go first. Rock Head."

"Slow Start."

"Cute Charm!"

"Oblivious..."

"Insomnia," Ruby finished. "Alright, now it's-"

"Klutz."

"Hey! You only get one pick, Weiss!"

"Reckless. Own Tempo. Stench..."

"Alright, fine! Your ability would be Anger Point. No wait, Moody. I know, Ice Body because you're so pale you're practically see through!"

Diana fell over laughing, unaccustomed to Ruby's quick wit and blink-and-you-miss-it temper that resembled her sister's. "More like Nice Body, am I right?"

The terrible pun earned Yang just as many groans as chuckles, and Diana looked into the cup Yang was drinking from. "You sure that's just hot chocolate and not something else?"

"Why don't you try some and find out," she said with a playful wink "Alright, Rubes. You deserve a turn. Me and Sakura next."

"You'd either be Guts or Berserk. Sakura's would be Dancer. Or maybe Limber. Oh, I know! Serene Grace."

On and on the games and stories continued long past midnight until eventually Diana began to nod off and went to their room, with Yang and Weiss joining her not long after, leaving just Ruby and Sakura alone by the fire where they eventually fell asleep under the stars surrounded by their Pokémon.

(A/N: Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. I like the idea of Pryce going out of his way to help Ruby remember how wondrous the world of Pokémon can be. Exploring that world and being fully immersed in it has been everything she's ever wanted, but it's also what got her killed, and her having lost that spark for adventure made sense in my mind. Meeting a legendary Pokémon and her babies seemed like a good way to rekindle that spark. Pryce may be cold and grumpy, but gym leaders deal with a LOT of teenagers, and after so many decades I like to think he understands kids on a level others don't. Gym leaders help trainers become stronger and more attuned to their Pokémon, and that has a great effect on maturity as well.

I do have ideas for a Kanto journey in the future, but obviously that's a LONG way away. I just wanted to plant the seeds and let your imaginations run wild. Pokémon journeys never truly end, and I always want there to be a "The journey continues" vibe from this story. Sakura has her reasons for wanting to visit Kanto, Ruby is probably game to go anywhere her friends want to go, and now Weiss has a reason to visit Kanto as well. Empoleon versus Articuno sounds like an interesting battle, and once Weiss learns about Brandon's Regice, I think conquering the Battle Frontier will be her goal. There's a few Battle Facilities Ruby can take part in, and maybe Sakura as well who'd probably enter a contest or two. Overall I just like imagining such things.

As for Mirror B, I'm a big fan of his character from the GameCube games, and I thought him having his own TV program and Ruby being obsessed with it would make for a fun scene. Sakura being a dancer would probably enjoy it, and you can't convince me Yang doesn't enjoy salsa dancing or dressing up in 80s workout attire. She's always given me an 80s anime vibe anyway, and it was just a fun visual I had that also plays into Ruby's slow road to recovery. It adds a bit of depth to the characters in my mind, especially with Sakura since she's a professional dancer, and as shown later in the chapter is stronger than what you might expect her to be.

All credit goes to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has blessed me with this story and wonderful readers such as yourself. God bless)