Sitting, I just laid my head on the table. I stared outside the window. Snow fell as I gave out a soft sigh. After a bit, I heard Ember who walked over to me.

Ember: Hmm? You hadn't touched your pancakes for nearly 20 minutes. Something wrong?

Shaymin: Huh?

Looking over to the food Ember gave me a bit ago, I spoke.

Shaymin: Oh, sorry. Was just lost in thoughts.

Ember: Hmm…? Well, we should be reaching Hexa in about ten or so more minutes. Why not get ready? I'll make sure the others get ready too.

Nodding slowly, Ember walked off. I then proceeded to sit back in the chair and closed my eyes.

Sky: Definitely looks like you've got something bothering you.

Sky spoke out as he stood up from his bed.

Shaymin: Oh, it's, uh, nothing…

Sky shrugged and walked to the door. He turned back to me and told me he'll be waiting to dock. He then walked off as I remained sitting there for a bit more before getting up and grabbing my bag. Walking out into the snowy weather, I stood next to Sky and soon we were at Hexa and getting ready to dock. After all of us were on the beach, we were instantly interrupted by Autumn who walked down the path.

Autumn: Damn. Was wondering when you were returning. What took you so long? I almost sent out another team…

Shock walked up to him and started explaining. During this, the rest of us stood around and spoke. But after a quick look, I noticed Sky wasn't around. Looking confused, I looked at the others.

Shaymin: Where's Sky?

Scorch: Eh? I think he already left. Maybe we should do the same… I'm pretty tired.

Ember: Same. I guess we'll chat later.

And with that, half left which only left Gluttony, Frost along with Autumn and Shock. Once the other two were done, Autumn looked over to the rest of us and shrugged.

Autumn: Alright. I guess all of you should rest up. I'll be in the guild hall if you need me.

And with that, he left. But before I headed back, I was grabbed by Gluttony who looked at me.

Gluttony: Strange timing, but could I speak to you?

Shaymin: Uh… Sure?

Gluttony smiled gently and walked off as I followed. We headed up into Hexa and stopped in a somewhat empty area of town. He then looked at me and looked a little uneasy. This confused me as he soon lifted his tail to show me.

Gluttony: Still sore from that fall… Thanks for taking me in during that time.

Shaymin: O- oh…? No problem.

He then stopped for a moment and looked to the side. He sighed and spoke.

Gluttony: All of you seem pretty cool, but I think it's time for me to return to my town. I… Didn't really tell you this because it didn't seem like a good time but… The reason why I was out exploring such a place was because I needed to collect some stuff for a friend.

Shaymin: Uh… Was it that flower you showed me?

He nodded.

Gluttony: Yeah. My friend got a rare illness and I heard this flower could provide a cure for him. But right before reaching it, that's when I fell. It's been a bit since I left our place, so I have a feeling he is wondering where I am.

He then chuckled nervously and shook his head.

Gluttony: I don't really wanna fall again so I guess I'll just try and buy it. We never had a lot of money, but if it's to make him feel better.

Watching, he turned and began walking off.

Gluttony: I'll go ahead and stay with you for the night then I'll most likely head out. Thanks again for helping me.

He smiled and headed off.

So with that, I headed back to the house. Upon entering it, I was greeted by Scorch.

Scorch: Back home again. Why don't you join us in a game?

Shaymin: Huh…? O- okay. I guess that sounds nice.

He then dragged me to the others who already set up a game night. And that's what we did for a few hours before everyone passed out.

Four Days Later

Snow fell on a dark night as I entered Hexa. The streets were empty as the only sound was the crunching of snow beneath me. I walked into the main plaza and cleared a bench of snow before sitting down as I gave out a soft sigh. Placing my bag next to me, I started to rest. I relaxed for a while after a long day of exploring.

Sitting there for a while, I soon heard walking in the snow. Stretching, I looked around and saw Nira. Nira walked up to me and yawned.

Nira: Huh… Didn't expect you to be here. I was just heading home after the bar closed.

Shaymin: O- oh. I've been out all day gathering stuff for Frost.

Nira: That Zorua is quite strange. Never really seen a Zorua like him before, that's for sure.

Shaymin: I've never seen someone like him either. But he seems pretty okay.

Nira: Yeah, I suppose.

We kept talking for a few minutes before Nira decided to head home. When he left, I got up and wanted to head home to warm up. I walked to the house and entered. Frost was already out, so I dropped the bag next to him and went to my bed. Laying down, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

2:50 PM

Scorch: Dang, you've been asleep for so long.

Standing in front of a mirror, I started to brush my brownish ears after taking a shower.

Shaymin: Yeah… I've been out all day and most of the night yesterday because of Frost…

Scorch: Jeez. I knew he sent you to collect things, but didn't knew it was that long.

Shaymin: It was okay with me. The isolation in the forest while getting those things felt nice to me.

Scorch nodded.

Scorch: Well, I'll let you finish up.

Scorch then left the bathroom as I continued to brush myself. When I finished up, I walked out into the living room. Shock was checking over a map as the others laid around.

Scorch: Are you sure we can do it?

Scorch said while holding a note.

Shock: I'm pretty sure… Though I've never been to such a place.

Tilting my head, I walked up to them. When Scorch saw me he got up and spoke.

Scorch: Hey. We were just talking about a commission posted not long ago.

He then looked at the note.

Scorch: It says… Who can brave the wilderness and reach the top of Mount Overlook? Those who achieve victorious by reaching the top will be rewarded for their efforts.

I stopped for a moment upon hearing Overlook.

Shaymin: Suicune…

I softly said under my breath. Scorch tilted his head and spoke.

Scorch: Everything fine?

Shaymin: H- huh…? Oh… Yeah…

Scorch: Oh, okay. Well… We were planning on entering. Though there is no list of rewards, I still think it'd be fun to take this challenge! If only Gluttony stood with us since he was really experienced with climbing mountains.

Shock: It will be tough climbing such a place. I'm up for it though.

Scorch: Yep! Everyone other then Cloud wants to come. Do you want to come too?

I thought for a moment. I hadn't seen Suicune in such a long time. I am unsure what he would think. But after another few seconds, I just sighed and nodded.

Shaymin: S- sure… I won't mind that…

Scorch smiled and nodded.

Scorch: Sweet! We were gonna pack up and head out in about an hour. Why don't you prepare?

Simply nodded, I walked into the bedroom and sat on my bed. Sighing deeply, I was a little nervous. If Suicune is there, it would be very awkward, especially with my team. I didn't want to stay back though since I've explored Overlook many times in the past. I could help them reach the top since it's a maze getting to the top. I shook my head and stood up to prepare.

When I got all my stuff ready, I just sat in my bed and waited for everyone else. When the time came, we all headed out and to Overlook. The journey took almost a day but we made it and when we reached the base of the mountain, we noticed many others who were split into groups. They didn't pay much attention to us as they were preparing for the climb as well.

Shaymin: Uh… Guess we aren't the only ones who got the notice…

Scorch: Eh, it's fine. I'm sure we can still get to the top first!

Ember: We should probably get going… Snow's on the way it looks like and it would be best starting early.

Shock: Gonna be quite a journey but I'm ready. Lets get out there.

Looking at the mountain, I sighed gently. I watched as the others begin walking up the path into the mountain.

Shaymin: I guess it's time to get started…

Stepping forward, I began to follow the others as we started our hike up the mountain. The time was nearly two in the afternoon, so we only had two or three more hours before dark. Fresh snow laid on the ground. It was a little worrying since if it turned to ice, it would've been much more difficult staying on the path and one slip could be very bad. The others didn't take much notice of this as they spoke to each other and kept traveling upward. I didn't really get involved with the conversation at first. But after a while, I heard Ember speak to me.

Ember: Hey, I want to ask something. I read that this mountain is home to Suicune. Is that true?

Staying silent for a moment, I sighed and nodded gently. I didn't really want to pretend or something.

Shaymin: Uh… Y- yeah. His shrine is at the top of the mountain…

Ember: Really? Well damn. It'd be pretty awesome meeting him. Heard he is quite cool.

Shaymin: H- he sorta is. At least to ones he likes…

Ember nodded and returned to his conversation.

Day quickly turned to night after a bit longer and we soon set up a campsite. While the others were around a fire, I just stood near the edge of the cliff and looked out into the distance. Lights from cities and towns scattered the land. It was quiet. However, that didn't last long because after a few more minutes, I saw a shadowy figure flying through the sky. I looked confused as I tried looking closely.

Shaymin: Sky…?

This didn't look like Sky. It looked much bigger with much larger wings. The sound of flapping wings started to get louder as I looked back to the others. I told them as the others got up and looked. They were also very confused. We kept watching but 30 seconds later we noticed it was getting closer. Fast. Very fast. Stepping back, this figure nearly slammed into us. The landing was so forceful that it nearly launched us back. Once the snowy mist faded, we looked up to notice it was a Charizard that had black fur. Out of nowhere, this strange Charizard pointed at us and somewhat growled.

"Found you…"

Before we were able to react, this Charizard slammed his bulky tail against most of us which sent the others back. Shock and I stood there.

Shock: What the hell?!

Shock tried to dodge, but Shock's tail was gripped painfully tight and was thrown right at me. I managed to catch him as I stumbled back. But in that time, the Charizard launched towards us. Using a headbutt, he crashed right into us. I gagged as I was lifted from the ground. With such force, I flew back and right off the path. I held Shock tightly as I endured the very rough fall down into a steep ditch. I crashed into multiple things and after a bit, I reached the bottom.

Opening my eyes slowly, I held my head. Blood dripped from my nose as I looked around in a daze. After a few seconds, I managed to locate Shock who was sitting up. He looked up and panted.

Shock: What… The… Hell…? Arceus… My body…

He looked up at me and got to his feet weakly. He managed to walk up to me but fell back and sat there.

Shock: You good…?

Shaymin: Thankfully only a few cuts that isn't too serious… But it hurts a lot.

Shock: I can probably patch you up if we get back to our camp. But what just happened…? He attacked for no damn reason…!

Shaymin: I… Don't know. But I'm a little more worried about the others. They got launched into the trees while we were knocked down here…

Looking up, I noticed snow beginning to fall.

Shaymin: Now it's snowing. This isn't looking good…

Shock: I took less of a beating, that's for sure since you were shielding me. S- so, um… Thanks… Since I can sorta walk, I am gonna look for a way out of here. It looks like… A crater of some kind. But I'm sure I can find something.

Nodding, I laid back and stared at the night sky, the cold somewhat numbing the pain I was feeling.

Shaymin: I'll search too. I just need a moment…

Shock nodded and began looking around as I remained laying there. Once I felt good enough, I managed to pull myself up. My legs quivering softly as I followed Shock in the hopes we'll find a way out. And we were in luck as there was a less steep part of this place that allowed us to climb up. Shock had to pull me up half of the way, but we were able to escape. Once we were out of there, Shock looked up to me.

Shock: Do you have your phone?

I took out my phone and gave him it.

Shock: I hate doing this, but I need to call Autumn… I need to warn him and hopefully send us help. If there is someone like that Charizard attacking teams or just random Pokemon… That's just bad all around.

I nodded and waited as Shock managed to get through to Autumn. When he was finished, he returned the device and looked to the side.

Shock: Hmm… It looks like there is a path here. Lets hope it brings us back to the main route up the mountain.

And with that, we started to journey into the dark pathway...