The rain poured heavily outside as it pounded against the window.

Staring down at my coffee, I gave a soft sigh.

Nova: Didn't think the rain would be this bad.

Nova sat across from me with a few small bags of mini pies.

200 Years Ago
5:30 PM
Local Coffee Shop

Remaining silent, Nova proceeded to place an apple pie in front of me.

Nova: Oh well… Guess we gotta wait before continuing. Do not wish for my fur to get all matted.

Nodding slowly, I sunk into my seat and closed my eyes, feeling both exhausted and unsure what to do. Nova must've noticed this because I heard him speak up again.

Nova: Right… You must be ready to pass out. Well, we're nearby a hotel. I'm sure we can rest there for the night before setting out once again.

Frost: Sounds good…

Sighing deeply, I just laid across the booth's seating before falling asleep. I was so exhausted that I remained asleep for hours. I just remember opening my eyes to only see that I was in a pitch black room and in a bed. Rubbing my eyes, I got out of the bed and went towards the door. Faint light was seen underneath it as I slowly opened it. Poking my head out, I looked down a hallway.

Frost: Nova…?

Still feeling exhausted, I made my way down the hall and into a living room looking area and no one was there. But only a few seconds later, I saw the front door open and Nova stepped in. He was soaked as it poured outside. Nova spotted me instantly and he gave a soft smile.

Nova: Thought you'd be asleep all night. Feeling better?

Nova said this while taking off his dripping raincoat.

Frost: A- a little… Where did you go?

Nova: Oh? I just had to collect some stuff from a nearby store. Thinking about it, I should've waited until the morning. Just did not know how much it would still be raining.

Nova chuckled softly. He then walked to a nearby table and placed a box on it. He then turned to face me and still smiling, spoke.

Nova: So…! I have planned out our route for the morning. We'll be heading through Brightstar.

Frost: Isn't that city huge though…?

Nova: Indeed it is. Reason for us heading there. It can be seen for miles. So I've been thinking it'd be a good place to search for the ones you lost.

Frost: O- oh… Yeah, does sound kinda nice… I hope something comes up by going there…

Nova: Yep! Have you ever been there before?

Frost: O- once… I think three or four years ago. It was only for a single night though…

Nova: Ah.

Nova gently patted my head and walked down the hall.

Nova: Well, I'll show you around, sounds good? Anyway, I think you should get some sleep. We got a big day ahead of us.

I watched Nova enter a room before closing the room.

Frost: Guess he's right… Still feel a bit tired…

Heading back into my room, I fell onto the bed and closed my eyes.

Morning came and I was gently shaken awake by Nova standing over me.

Nova: Hey, we best get going. I'll let you get ready.

Yawning, I just nodded as Nova left. I rolled off the bed and after dragging myself up, I took my bag and headed outside where Nova waited for me. The sun wasn't even fully out. Looking towards Nova, I spoke.

Frost: W- what time is it?

Nova: Almost seven. I know it's a bit early… But it'd be better heading out before it gets too late.

Frost: Oh, okay…

Nova smiled. He then motioned me to follow and we started on our journey again. We then proceeded to walk for nearly three hours. The journey was a bit quiet, so I decided to speak up.

Frost: So, um… You said you helped ones like me, right…?

Nova: Hmm? Yeah. I helped quite a few afterlife forms before. It's quite a difficult time for them, and I often support however I can. Would say I've been doing it for a few years now.

Frost: I'm not really sure what happened… Just… Woke up like this.

Nova: Quite a common way of it happening. I've done loads of research on this strange phenomena. But I have yet to learn why it happens. All I know is that after dying, you just wake up in this new form. A second chance of sorts. And only an Eevee, Zorua and Vulpix can have it happen as far as I know.

Frost: Really…? Guess I got lucky then. Maybe it has something to the way you die? I… Died during a raid. Protecting my only family…

Nova: Hmm. Most likely a possibility. But from past ones I encountered, it wasn't some sort of violent death and they still awoke in those forms. There is still a lot I am researching about it.

Frost: Oh. Well, um… I'll try and help if I can.

Nova gave a soft nod before pointing.

Nova: Anyway, this pathway should lead up a hill. I would say about ten more minutes before we can see the broadcast tower in the center of the city.

Frost: S- sounds good.

Nova smiled and started jogging down the path as I kept pace with him. After ten or so minutes, we did reach the top of the hill and there was a massively tall building in the middle of the city just like Nova said. Despite being here only a few years ago, I never remembered this tower being there.

Frost: Wow…

Nova: The Brightstar broadcasting tower. I've been here a few times during it's development. I just never really expected how tall it would be until it was finished a year ago. It's mostly used as a region wide broadcast tower. Delivering music stations and news. All that stuff.

I stared a bit in awe.

Nova: Heh… Well? We best get down there.

With that, Nova started making his way down. I broke from my stare and followed him down. Five minutes more and we were entering the busy streets of this city.

Nova: Supplies was kinda running low… So this is a good rest stop to restock before we journey out. The next place we need to visit is… Three days away? Depends on weather really.

Frost: Three days?

Nova: Well, from here we would need to take the road north. Lunar City is our next destination and it takes around that time without any sort of transportation.

Frost: O- oh.

Nova just smiled and lead me through the streets. He then entered a store full of different things from food to camping supplies. Nova left me so I ended up browsing around. I was looking around for a bit before grabbing a pack of brownie looking fudge.

Frost: Huh. Used to love these. Wonder if my taste changed after dying…

Then out of nowhere, Nova appeared behind me and grabbed it which startled me.

Nova: Heh. Guess you found what you wanted. We best pay and head out.

Frost: W- wait, uh…

Nova quickly walked away to pay for the items in his arms. Rubbing the back of my head with a soft sigh, I just followed and waited nearby as he finished payment. When he was finished, we left the store and Nova turned to face me.

Nova: I asked around but no one saw any Zorua's lately. But someone did come up to me… Told me they may have seen one leaving the city which leads to Moonlight City. So it looks like our plans changed. Off to Moonlight…!

Frost: O- okay… Guess we should go…

Nova nodded and we started to head to our new destination.

The day went on as we traveled down a new road. But soon night came and we had to set up a small camp site. So we were just sitting by a fire as I watched the embers fly into the night sky.

Frost: Feels weird camping… Last time was so long ago…

Nova: Hmm? It's always nice for me. I think I spent more time outside than inside at this point. Though I'll say it's nice spending this time with someone else. Quite boring on the road solo.

I nodded and laid back.

Frost: Guess it is nice…

Nova and I kept talking for a little before Nova decided to get some sleep. I agreed with him and went into the tent. After Nova put out the fire, he followed and we slept.

The next morning was early. Around eight as we were already traveling down the road. Clouds looking pretty dark overhead.

Frost: Looks like another storm…

Nova: Yeah. Looks like a pretty serious one too. Feel like a thunderstorm's coming… Just our luck, huh?

We kept on walking down the path. A river to the side of us which had a forest on the other side. It was fairly peaceful.

Frost: Hey, um… I didn't really ask before… But you said you were a merchant?

Nova: Hmm? Yep. For quite some time. I've been all over the place, so I decided to start up a business to make cash on the road. Since, well… I can't really stay in one place for a long duration. I just love exploring, you know?

Frost: Oh…? Well, um… How did you get into helping ones like me…? K- kinda curious.

Nova: Huh? Heh… Well, I was studying overseas about six years ago at a very prestigious collage. Can't recall the region, but I remember freezing my ass off daily due to how much it snowed. But during one night after a long drag of classes, I came across a Vulpix. It's fur was white, tails all fluffy, icy blue eyes, nothing like a normal Vulpix. This was my first encounter with one of these forms. It was certainly a surprise to me… So I took this Vulpix who looked exhausted and helped it out for the next week or so. He was fairly quiet for a good while, but I managed to get some information out of him. And that's how I learned about these new forms.

Nova crossed his arms.

Nova: Sadly it didn't last long. This Vulpix would soon leave. Never seen him again during my time at collage. But when I moved back here, I started to notice a few of these forms roaming around. All clearly confused or distressed. So I made it my goal to help them.

Frost: G- glad I guess… Wouldn't have known what to do…

Sighing, I just felt Nova's paw patting my head. Then rain began to fall. I heard Nova huff.

Nova: Gonna start pouring very soon. We better pick up the pace.

Nova and I started jogging down the path.

Nova: Okay, we should reach a small village soon just outside of Moonlight. We could rest there.

After five minutes of jogging, Nova suddenly stopped me and looked confused. I wasn't sure why he stopped as I looked at him.

Nova: Huh. That's not good.

Before I could ask what was wrong, Nova ran forward. I tried to follow him and that's when I noticed it. Thick smoke coming over the hills. This made me stop for a moment. Nova took a quick glance back and told me to follow quickly.

Frost: It… L- looks like fire…

Shivering, I ran to catch up to Nova. He was standing still, scanning the surrounding area. When I got to his side, I looked and saw this village Nova mentioned. It was engulfed in flames. It had spread to the nearby forest and greenery, causing a large wildfire.

I was a bit frozen as memories of what happened to me not long ago came back. Nova looked back at me and noticed my fear. He glanced back for a second before picking me up.

Nova: We should get going. I know another route.

And with that, Nova carried me down another path.

Nova: This clan war is starting to become a serious issue I must say… I try and stay clear of such conflict. But it's getting more difficult.

Shivering, I sighed.

Frost: Why not go on vacation then…? Wait for it to die down…

Nova: Hmm? I considered it not long after moving back here. But I like this place. Though now that you said that… I would like to visit Zalco. That region looks very appealing to me. Warm weather year round, beaches and a crystal clear ocean. I somewhat wanted to visit when I was younger, but never got the chance.

Frost: S- sounds nice…

Nova nodded and huffed.

Nova: I was never a fan of cruises though. I don't get seasick or anything, but eh… There's just something about it that I dislike.

Staying silent, Nova continued.

Nova: Anyway… We should be reaching Moonlight soon if we keep taking this path.

Nodding, I just closed my eyes. Ten minutes later and we were heading into the city. Nova placed me down and looked around.

Nova: Hmm. Hadn't really been here for a bit. Looks a bit different. Hey, a new coffee shop. I might visit there before we head out.

Nova crossed his arms.

Frost: Should we tell the police about what happened earlier…?

Nova: Yeah, that might be a good idea. I'll head there. Why don't you explore around?

And with that, Nova walked down the path.

Nova: We'll meet up soon, okay?

I nodded as Nova disappeared into the crowd. Standing alone, I felt a little nervous. My appearance was still getting me looks as others passed. Inhaling deeply, I just tried to mind my own business and walked down the sidewalk. I kept thinking about my siblings. Sitting on a bench, I just stared down and sighed. This search is already exhausting enough. We asked around many places and still no leads. Laying my head back, I stared up in silence. I was lost in thought for a good while. That's until Nova's warm and fluffy tails were shoved in my face. My eyes looked up at Nova with a confused expression.

Nova: So, they told me they would check it out. They weren't really surprised though… This war has really destroyed multiple locations.

Nova closed his eyes and sighed.

Nova: I just hope this war ends. Makes business hard and you need to be alert at all times.

Nova: But we should get going, huh?

Nova smiled softly and turned back. Getting off the bench, I followed Nova throughout the city. Moonlight City had no information. And the next city. And the next.

We've been all around for the next few months without ever finding any clues. So now it was around August. It was hot outside and we were near a beach resort. I was laying my head on a table. I somewhat lost hope that I would find my siblings, but spending my time with Nova did make me feel better. Nova was always looking for adventures and had lots of fun. The many nights we spent camping was also a nice time.

Nova: Hey, Frost.

Nova's voice suddenly jolted me from my thoughts as I stared up at him.

Frost: Hey…

Nova: You gonna sit there all day? Come on. It's the end of summer, we gotta do something fun…!

Frost: Uh… Sorry, it was just really tiring with this heatwave. I kinda miss the rain of Spring…

Nova suddenly picked me up as I gasped. Kicking, I tried to wiggle free from him.

Frost: H- hey, come on…! You know I don't really like being picked up…!

Nova just chuckled and carried me to the water before throwing me in. The cold yet refreshing water struck my body and it took a few moments to resurface. Somewhat shivering, I stared up at Nova. He was laughing softly and waved.

Nova: Feeling better now? Heh.

Frost: J- jeez… This water is way more freezing than I thought on a day like this…

I swam to the shore and after ten minutes, we were sitting under a tree. I was drying my fur off as we relaxed there.

Nova: This summer I would say was very fun.

Frost: Y- yeah. It was the most fun I had.

Nova smiled and nodded before rubbing my head.

That night, I was sitting near a lake by our campsite. Holding onto a fishing rod, I watched for something to bite. Nova meanwhile was gathering firewood and he joined me after doing so.

Nova: No luck?

Frost: Not really… Never been that good at fishing.

Nova shrugged and laid back.

Frost: When I was alive… I used to enjoy hiking… There was a mountain I would always attempt to climb to the top. Sometimes with my siblings too. I don't remember the mountain's name, but there was a village half way up. It was called Ayko. A small but really nice looking village. They had cherry blossom trees and festival lights strung up all year long. I always took a break there on my hikes. They had a really good cafe that I would visit each time.

Nova: Sakura trees? I didn't even know this place had such trees. It does sound really nice and relaxing though.

My fishing line tugged and I gripped the fishing rod hard.

Nova: Hmm? Nice. You got something.

Standing up, I pulled back with my fishing rod and started to reel in. The strength of whatever it was had been a challenge. I was nearly pulled into the water a few times as I kept reeling in. Then with one powerful pull back, a figure in the moonlight launched out of the water. This fish I had reeled in ended up slamming into me. Falling onto my back, I felt a heavy weight on me. Pushing at it, I managed to push it off and jumped up. Looking towards this fish, I noticed a massive Magikarp. Nova walked up to me and smiled.

Nova: Hey, not bad, heh.

Frost: Y- yeah, thanks…

Rubbing the back of my head, I watched as Nova collected the Magikarp. Nova prepared the fish and after eating, we went to sleep.

More time passed and before I knew it, December had arrived. Nova and I had stopped at a hotel to spend a few days at. Christmas lights and a large tree decorated the lobby as I looked around. This was the first Christmas I experienced in this form. Nova noticed my disappointed expression and patted my head.

Nova: Something wrong?

Frost: Kinda… Just reminds me of spending the holiday with my siblings. Feels a little lonely…

Sighing, Nova just rubbed my head before heading off to check into the hotel. While he was away, I just sat in one of the lobby chairs. I stared outside through the big windows. Snowflakes began to fall gently.

Frost: Snow…

Huffing softly, I watched the snow which kept falling slowly.

Nova: Okay. We're all set. Fourth floor, room 12.

Nova smiled and walked towards the stairway. Looking down, I got up and followed Nova to the fourth floor. Upon getting to the 12th room, Nova used a key and unlocked the door. We both walked in and it looked pretty fancy for a hotel. Living room was quite large. Bedroom had a large bed as well. Kitchen too. There was also a large window in the living room that overlooked the fields that lead into a nearby forest which was all white due to the snow picking up.

Nova: Huh. Not a bad place for the price.

He proceeded to head off somewhere else within the hotel room. I was feeling pretty tired after all our walking around, so I headed into the bedroom and fell onto the bed. Closing my eyes, I fell asleep.

The night went by but I awoke around three in the morning. Faint light shining through the windows. I felt oddly warm as I rubbed my eyes. Looking around, I noticed Nova who was asleep next to me. Head buried into a pillow and out cold. This is when I noticed his tails. They were laying across me. Nearly wrapped around my body which is why I felt so warm and cozy.

Frost: Nova…?

I knew Nova wouldn't respond. He was fully out for the night. So I just laid there, staring out of the window. Snow fell and everything felt peaceful. Closing my eyes, I decided to get some more sleep.

So when morning arrived, I awoke to the sun shining into the room. Nova was gone at this point as I sat up.

Frost: Um… Nova?

Getting up from the bed, I walked out into the living room. Nova wasn't there either.

Frost: Huh… Wonder where he went…

Rubbing my eyes, I paced around the room, unsure what to do. But then the door opened. Nova stepped in with a tray of food. We stared at each other and Nova smiled.

Nova: Ah, you're awake. I just went down to the lobby to get some food.

He placed the food down and continued to speak.

Nova: Can't believe this year's almost over. A week left before Christmas and all… At least this winter hasn't been extremely snowy like previous years. My least favorite weather… Just makes it so much harder to travel.

Nova chuckled and shrugged before getting two plates.

Within seconds, he placed some fish dish in front of me.

Nova: We should check around the place after we eat, hmm? I saw some places nearby as we arrived yesterday, so could be fun.

Frost: O- oh. Sure.

Nova smiled and we proceeded to eat. After twenty minutes, we were off and walking through the small town. We visited a few places and all that. By the end of it, Nova had a few bags worth of random stuff he had picked out. Mostly traveling stuff I guess. So we headed back to the hotel and up to our room. For the rest of the week, we were just doing our own things. When Christmas arrived, it was sorta normal. The day went on but around six when the sun had gone down, I was just watching some TV. This is when Nova walked out of the bedroom and dropped a box in front of me. It was wrapped in a shiny red wrap. I looked up at Nova with a confused expression.

Nova: Heh… I got a gift for you. You know… For Christmas.

Frost: A… Present? D- didn't expect that.

Nova: When we were shopping a few days ago, I noticed this and got it for you.

Taking the box, I started to unwrap it. Opening the box, I pulled out a backpack. It was white and red in color and looked pretty big. My eyes met Nova before he ended up speaking.

Nova: Thought it'd be useful since you are always dragging a lot of gear with you with no way to store it.

Frost: T- thanks… Didn't expect to receive a gift this year…

Smiling softly, I examined the backpack a bit more.

Nova: We are suppose to head out tomorrow too. We're heading to Celestial City!

I nodded and Nova left me alone to prepare.

So the next morning, we were off. An inch or so of snow was on the ground and the air was bitter, but we pushed through it. We traveled for more than three days to reach Celestial City, and despite being in this new form, I was feeling so cold. But we managed to reach the city. This city was so populated with so many out and about that it made me feel a bit weird. Most ignored us but quite a few looked with questionable stares. I knew I would have to deal with such stares from now on, but it still made me feel weird. Inhaling, I just followed Nova.

Nova: Okay… Celestial City. Been a bit since I've been here. Neon lights shining against snow and ice does look nice though.

I nodded slowly as Nova lead me through the city's streets. We ended up visiting a shop to warm up and while sitting, I stared at a nearby TV that played some news channel. I let out a sigh after hearing more snow was coming. Not just a little either. There was a blizzard on a way.

Frost: Blizzard, huh…? Doesn't sound fun for traveling…

Sighing, I rested my head back and listened to the faint sound the TV made. However, my ears perked up after hearing the next news story. A new attack on another town. I looked towards the TV once more and started to listen more clearly.

The news station announced another attack by a strange group. And just like before, this place was engulfed in fire. Smoke and flames. I shivered at the scene that flashed on the screen. It was difficult to watch. Closing my eyes, I let out a soft groan and laid my head against the table. Nova sat down across from me and sighed.

Nova: Another attack… So much destruction.

Nova sat back and shook his head.

Nova: I swear… Each passing day makes me want to move to Zalco even more, heh…

Nova chuckled gently and shrugged.

Frost: Y- yeah…

Nova then jumped up and looked down at me.

Nova: Anyway…! We shouldn't let that kill the mood. We still got a lot to do. So lets go!

Nova grabbed his bag and stepped out into the cold air. I followed, taking one last glance at the news channel displaying more burning buildings. Shuddering, I left and the two of us continued our journey. Our journey did get rough though, because of that blizzard. It sorta came out of nowhere. Snow began to fall lightly, but before we knew it, a blizzard had struck. Howling winds and snow falling heavily in large thick snowflakes. Visibility dropped to only a few feet as the two of us stuck close.

Nova: I knew this was coming… But didn't expect it to come so soon.

Nova sighed gently as we pushed through this snowfall. An hour later and we had reached a small village. Nova then stopped me. I looked up, a bit confused before he pointed. Looking towards where he pointed, I noticed a figure pushing a few snowmobiles.

Nova: Looks like a rental place.

He then smirked at me before running up to it. I struggled to keep up due to the few feet of snow already collecting on the ground. However, once I reached Nova, I heard him speaking.

Nova: That's quite cheap for a week's use. I'll take it!

He took out some cash and handed the Sylveon it. After receiving the key, Nova got onto the vehicle and started the engine.

Nova: Now we can make some real distance. Come on!

Walking up to Nova, I got on behind him and with that, Nova floored it. I nearly flew off before gripping onto Nova. His tails covered my entire body as I attempted not to fall off.

Frost: G- give a warning next time…!

Sighing and a bit shaken, I looked between his tails to see where we were going. Nova was flying down the empty street and soon we left the village. After hitting a slight hill, we were launched into the air and Nova seemed to be enjoying it. Meanwhile I felt a bit sick from how fast we were going. After landing from the small jump, Nova spoke.

Nova: Woo…! I hadn't done this in forever! We've got this for a week, so we can make so much more distance. Off to our next destination!

Nova revved the engine and we flew down the trail. The snowfall began to slow and we were able to see fairly normally again. If I wasn't on the verge of puking, I would've enjoyed the view. So I rested my head on Nova's tails.

What would've been a good 12 or more hours of walking turned into only half an hour before we reached our destination. Nova suddenly came to a complete stop and exhaled deeply. He jumped off as I remained clung to him. Losing my grip, I fell off him and fell back first on the cold snow. Dizzy and panting, I stared up at Nova.

Frost: I… I'm… G- good…

Forcing down the urge to puke, I slowly sat up.

Nova: Heh. Sorry about that. Got carried away…

Nova smiled softly before helping me up. Nearly stumbling over a few times, I ended up falling into Nova, my head pushing against his stomach.

Frost: Yeah, uh… G- give me a second…

After taking a bit, I slowly removed myself from Nova and sighed softly.

Frost: Okay… B- better… Uh… Where are we now?

Nova: This is Quantum Town. Our final destination should be Aurora City after this. Then we'll rotate back.

Frost: O- okay.

Nova smiled and started to push our vehicle through the town. Unlike other towns, almost everyone was talking about the recent attacks. Some taking place very close to Quantum and many were concerned they were next. Getting close to Nova, I spoke quietly.

Frost: This doesn't sound good…

Nova: Yeah. It feels like these attacks are taking place nearly everywhere now. Just… Happens out of nowhere with no warning.

Frost: Kinda afraid… What if my siblings got caught up with one…?

Nova stood quiet for a second.

Nova: I know they'll make it. They made it through the last raid. I'm sure they'll avoid another.

My ears lowered and I sighed.

Frost: I hope…

We continued to make our way through this town and after getting some food and asking around, we decided to move on. Everyone was so worried about the recent attacks that they had no additional information and they hadn't seen anyone arrive in town other than us. So with no lead, we decided to leave and we headed to our final destination. Aurora City.

So after getting on the snowmobile, Nova started it and started making our way to our destination. We drove all day and during the night, we were setting up camp. Sitting inside the tent with a heater next to me, I was ready to get some sleep. But Nova's voice suddenly jolted me up. I poked my head out of the tent and looked at Nova. He turned to face me.

Nova: Oh good, you're still awake. Guess what? There were sightings of a few taking shelter in Kuri City. Two being Zorua's.

My ears perked up.

Nova: Guess we'll cancel our trip to our original place. Kuri it is!

Nodding, I felt very strange. After so long, we finally had a lead. It was hard to sleep after hearing about that. It took almost a year and finally heard something about it. But this could be it. I didn't even remember passing out. I just remember being awoken by Nova as the sun shined through the fabric of the tent.

Nova: Ready? I've mapped out our route while you were sleeping. If we're heading to Kuri City from where we are then we'll need to head through Catalyst Town and Brightstar. After getting through Brightstar, it's only around 30 miles to reach Kuri. So… With this route, I believe it will take only five hours on this snowmobile.

Frost: S- sounds good. I… I'm nervous though… It's been so long and just suddenly appearing like… This? I'm afraid what they'll think…

Nova smiled warmly and patted my head.

Nova: I'm sure it'll be fine. They'll be glad just to see you. I know it.

Feeling a bit reassured, I got up and helped Nova unpack the tent. After getting everything packed away, we got onto the snowmobile and Nova proceeded to drive to Kuri City. During our drive, Nova spoke.

Nova: New Years is almost here. Three more days. Been quite an eventful year I must say. Much better with you.

Frost: Huh…?

Nova: Well… I didn't expect our journey to be this long. But kinda glad… I had a lot of fun with you. When normally… I just go solo. Don't think this is the end either, heh… I'm sure we have lots more adventures in the upcoming years.

Smiling softly, I laid my head against Nova's back.

Frost: S- same…

Nova continued to drive. We passed Catalyst Town and continued down the road. It took another hour to each Brightstar. The drive was pretty quiet, but finally, we reached Brightstar. We stopped outside a gas station and Nova got off to get some stuff as well as fuel. I sat on the snowmobile. Just sorta lost in thoughts. Nova just proceeded to fill the snowmobile up and we started slowly driving around.

Nova: So, I heard it was some sort of camp set up within Kuri. Not that hard to spot, right? Mostly for ones who suffered from these raids.

Nova continued driving around and we stopped upon seeing lots of tents set up.

Nova: Okay, I'm sure that's it.

Nova turned the snowmobile off and we walked up to the gates. Nova looked around and then down at me.

Nova: I'm gonna look around. See how bad it is and try to help. We'll meet up in a bit, okay?

Nova said this and walked off, leaving me alone as I stepped into the camp grounds. It was full of others as I walked around. It felt strange. Being left alone that is. But I pushed through this feeling and explored alone. It was five minutes of me exploring before I felt a tug on my backpack which stopped me. I turned my head and saw a Raichu.

"Ah, sorry. But there is someone who wishes to speak with you." He said.

Frost: Speak… With me…?

The Raichu moved to the side and pointed at a certain tent.

"Not entirely sure why. They had stopped me and asked to come get you since they were busy with their own things." He told me.

He then walked off after being called by another.

Frost: Why would anyone want to speak with me…?

I walked to the tent, confused to who it was. But when I looked in, I noticed a Lucario. He was checking over his gear and lifted his head to stare at me.

"Well damn. I wasn't seeing things. A snow white Zorua…? Now that's something you don't see everyday." He said.

He then walked up to me.

"Sorry about calling you over. I saw a few Zorua's lately and was very interested seeing you up close." He continued.

This made me stop for a moment.

Frost: Seen a few Zorua's lately…?

"Hmm? Oh yeah, I saw two of them like a few hours ago. That's why it caught my attention seeing such a unique one." He said.

This Lucario looked over me a bit more before putting his paws up.

"Okay, okay, I think I'm done checking you out. Such a unique Zorua… Looks so cool if I must say." He said and smiled.

I just nodded as the Lucario returned to his gear. I was left a bit confused, but it kinda made sense others want to see me closely. So with that encounter done, I backed up and started to think about what the Lucario had just said. He saw two Zorua's lately. It must've been them. It had to.

Nova: Hey, have you found them?

Nova's voice made me jump as I shook my head.

Nova: Dang. I looked around too but couldn't find them either.

Frost: O- oh…

Nova: Lets look around some more, hmm?

The two of us split up but nothing came out of it. We explored all around but couldn't find anything. When night came, we were just staying in a hotel nearby. I was laying on a bed, feeling pretty awful. Nova stepped into the room and dropped his bag. He gave a soft sigh.

Nova: Others confirmed they seen Zorua's and all. But no one really know where they went. They stood for a bit but vanished in the morning.

Frost: Guess they are wandering around like us then… It's okay though…

Falling silent, I just laid there. Nova crossed his arms and walked up. He sat on the bed and stroked my head.

Nova: You know what? Why don't we do something fun?

Frost: Fun…?

Nova reached over and took something out from his bag. He then displayed a piece of paper. In bold letters, it announced a cruise that was heading out on new years.

Nova: I saw this and found it interesting… I remember us talking about Zalco. And well… This is saying something about a cruise heading to Zalco.

Frost: D- don't you hate ships though…?

Nova: Uh, yeah… But I can deal with it. And Zalco seems perfect to escape this cold. I know we never found your siblings… But I fear a full blown war will start soon.

Staying silent for a bit, I spoke quietly.

Frost: I… Understand… L- lets head there… I know them. They'll survive no matter what… We'll find them one day…

Nova nodded and laid on the bed.

Nova: I'm sure of it. Now… We should get some sleep.

I nodded and laid there. Closing my eyes, I felt Nova's tails slip underneath me and proceeded to wrap around my body. Gently holding onto his tails, I shivered gently.

Frost: Nova…

Sighing softly, I tried not to cry but tears were giving it away. Keeping my eyes closed, tears silently fell as I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning came as I awoke. Nova was already awake and looking through his bag. His tails still wrapped around my body. Looking up to Nova, I softly spoke.

Frost: N- Nova…

Nova looked at me and smiled.

Nova: Ah, you're awake. Just in time too. It's almost ten in the morning. We need to get ready to head out to the cruise.

I nodded and Nova unwrapped his tails from around me which let me get up. I prepared myself and after Nova finished with his own stuff, we headed out. Getting on the snowmobile, Nova started to drive. The drive went by fairly peacefully and after a lengthy journey, we reached Aurora City. A large ship was docked as we stopped. Getting off the snowmobile, I looked in amazement. Nova stood next to me.

Nova: For $200, this isn't too bad. Lets hurry, hmm?

And with that, Nova and I went through the process and before we knew it, we were sitting in one of the many rooms this ship had. I watched out the window and soon we started our journey. Sitting back, I closed my eyes.

Frost: I never left this place… How is Zalco…?

Nova: I hadn't been to it, but I know it's always warm with lots of beaches and pretty beautiful sights.

Nodding, I just enjoyed the cruise which took almost five days to dock. When we were finally there, we stepped off the ship and Nova was right. Despite it being winter, it was sunny and very warm. Nova looked down at me and smiled before walking off.

After getting set up with our own small place, we started to enjoy our vacation. We were suppose to be here for three whole months, so time to make the best of it. We headed down to the beach and I found the perfect opportunity as Nova was near the water. So with all my force, I shoved him into the water. When he resurfaced, clearly surprised, I smirked and spoke.

Frost: That's for last time in summer.

Nova growled and lunged towards me. My ears lowered as he grabbed my arm.

Frost: C- crap…

And with that, Nova launched me into the water. I flailed around before positioning myself upright. I heard Nova laugh as I shivered from the cold water.

Frost: M- man…! You'll pay…!

The two of us then began to tackle each other. We had fun for the rest of the afternoon and when we were back in our room, I landed on the bed. Stretching, I let out a yawn. Nova walked into the room and chuckled.

Nova: Today was perfect I would say.

He said this while sitting on the bed. I agreed with him.

Nova: And we're here for three months. Enough time to explore every inch of this place.

Frost: Can't wait…!

Nova smiled and laid there with me. Nova placed his arm around me and closed his eyes.

Nova: Today was exhausting however… I am ready to pass out, heh. You should get some sleep too… Got a lot to do early in the morning.

I nodded and pushed myself against Nova's body. Closing my eyes, I fell asleep.

Current Day
8:30 PM
Hexa Town

Sitting on the beach, I just stared out at the ocean. Moonlight reflecting off the water. Next to me was my backpack. Worn but still durable. It was completely quiet. Not a single sound other than the waves rushing up shore every few seconds.

Taking my bag, I held it tight and shook my head. A tear formed as I exhaled.

Frost: Sorry...