After about a (surprisingly) Uneventful 2-day travel to the Ice Kingdom, they were finally there. The border. Clover had given Hunter a sword he had found before he met him. Hunter thanked Clover and tied it to his back. Flowey was a bit annoying at times, but as long they ignored him, he would ignore them. Though Hunter did see him looking at Clover like he had found an old friend, but didn't understand why, considering they had just met.

They Set up Camp, ate, and decided to turn in for the night. Hunter took the first shift. About an Hour in, when both Clover and Flowey were asleep, An owl Flew by and dropped what looked like a small package. Hunter noticed and caught it midair. He tore the wrapping off the package and tossed it into the fire. A small card was below what looked like a thin rope. He took it out and read it. It said:

Found these and thought you'd need it where you're going– Professor S.

"Professor S?" Hunter muttered. "I don't have a Professor S-" It hit him. Silver. He had just used it in case someone had killed the Owl. Inside was his Invisibility Cloak, The Marnuder's Map, a Hat that had 'Clover Sharp' written inside it, and a cylinder container with a spectrum of what he thought were elements. When he looked inside, there were Capsules of… Something liquid. "Thanks, S." Hunter put them in his bag and woke up Flowey for his shift. He was admittedly a little nervous about what was across the border, but the thought of getting to see Spyro again cleared all of that away. He fell asleep before His head hit the ground.

The second Camp was packed up, they left for the Ice Kingdom. The rising sun glowed over the frosty expanse of the Ice Kingdom's border as they packed up camp. Hunter looked toward the icy peaks, his excitement laced with unease.

Clover glanced at the sword on Hunter's back. "You sure Spyro's as nice as you say?" he asked, trying to mask his curiosity.

"You'll see for yourself soon enough," Hunter replied, adjusting the hilt nervously. "But yes."

Flowey chimed in, his grin sharp. "Let's hope Spyro isn't cold-hearted. He might not like strangers."

"Noted," Clover said flatly, shooting him a look.

Crossing the border, the trees thinned, and frost coated every surface, glittering under the morning light. The stark beauty of the scene did little to ease the tension building in the air.

Hunter whispered to Clover as they walked. "Feel like we're being followed?"

Clover nodded. "Yeah, and it's not just paranoia."

Flowey rolled his eyes. "If anything were out there, they'd have struck already. Relax."

Hunter tightened his grip on the bag carrying the invisibility cloak, hoping they wouldn't need it. As Hunter, Clover, and Flowey trekked through the icy landscape, they reached a fork in the road, where two snow-covered paths stretched into the frosty forest.

Hunter studied the split paths and sighed. "Looks like we'll have to split up."

Clover nodded, stepping forward. "I'll take the left. Flowey, you're with me."

Flowey's petals twitched as he smirked. "Finally, some decent company."

Hunter chuckled softly. "Don't cause too much trouble for Clover, Flowey."

Clover shot Hunter a confident grin. "You take care of yourself too, Hunter. We'll meet on the other side."

With that, Clover and Flowey took the left path, their figures vanishing into the snowy woods. Hunter turned to the right, gripping his sword hilt as he trudged forward alone. The chill seemed sharper now, but he pressed on, ready to face whatever awaited deeper in the Ice Kingdom.

Sometime later, Hunter could have sworn that he felt someone watching him but brushed it off as paranoia, as Flowey said. Eventually, he found a large branch. Not Big enough to step over it, but big enough that he was sure that he couldn't pick it up. He decided to use it as a way to mark if he got lost. He kept walking, thinking nothing of it.

Snap!

Hunter wirriled around, sword drawn. Nobody was there, but the Branch Was snapped in two. "...And Just like that someone broke it like it was nothing." He sheathed the blade and kept walking, Gaurd officially up to its limit. He kept seeing a figure in the corner of his vision and sometimes heard snow crunching behind him. Eventually, he reached something of a gate. The bars were too wide to stop anyone.

Snow Crunched as Hunter stopped to asses his surroundings. By the time Hunter Noticed, The Figure was right behind him. Hunter wanted to draw his sword and silt the Figure's throat but was paralyzed for some reason. "Human." The Figure suddenly said slowly. "Don't you know how to greet a new pal? Turn around and shake my hand." Hunter, still cautious, turned around and took the Person's extended Hand.

Pffttttt.

"hahaha!" The Figure, who appeared to be a skeleton laughed. This time it was a genuine laugh. "The old whoopie cushion in the hand trick. It's ALWAYS funny." Hunter breathed a sigh of relief. The sight of a walking skeleton seemed bizarre, but bizarre things happened every 5 seconds. The skeleton didn't seem to want to hurt him, so that was a start.

"anyways, you're a human right?" The Skelton asked. Hunter nodded. "that's crazy. i'm sans. sans the skeleton. i'm actually supposed to be on watch for humans right now but… you know… i don't care about capturing anybody. hell, i just took the job cause it pays well. But my shift partner, erynn… he's a human hunting FANATIC. oh, i think that's him over there," he said, his grin taking on a mischievous glint. "quick, hide behind that conveniently shaped lamp."

Hunter blinked, glancing at the oddly lamp-shaped object next to the gate. It stood there innocuously, blending perfectly into the snowy scenery. "…Seriously?"

Sans nodded. "trust me. it'll work."

Hunter sighed but decided to humor the skeleton. He ducked behind the lamp just as a loud, confident voice rang out through the cold air.

"SANS! Where are you, you lazybones?!" Hunter peeked around the lamp and saw a dragon approaching, dressed in a heavy winter coat with patches stitched across it and a fur-lined hood. This had to be Erynn. Their sharp eyes scanned the area, but somehow, they completely missed Hunter.

"oh hey, erynn," Sans drawled, leaning casually against the gate. "what's up?"

"What's up?!" Erynn snapped, throwing their arms in the air. "You're supposed to be watching for humans! I just know one's around here!"

Sans waved them off lazily. "nah, you're imagining things. i've been here the whole time, and no humans showed up."

Erynn narrowed their eyes. "Really? Because I thought I saw tracks in the snow…" Hunter held his breath, staying perfectly still as Erynn's gaze passed over the lamp again.

"those tracks?" Sans pointed at some faint, shuffled footprints. "pretty sure those were mine. y'know, skeletons leave footprints too. science or somethin'."

Erynn sighed in frustration. "Fine. But if I find out you let one slip through, you'll be sorry, Sans! Come on, You're late for the other watch." With that, they stormed off, muttering to themselves.

Hunter stepped out from behind the lamp as soon as Erynn was gone. He gave Sans a skeptical look. "Did that really just work?"

Sans chuckled, his eye lights twinkling. "every time, kid. every time. anyway, i'll be up ahead. gotta keep an eyesocket on him." Hunter had barely stepped out of the clearing when Sans called after him.

"oh, wait. almost forgot to ask your name. it's not 'kid,' is it… sword cloak? gun hat? oh, i know—'big boots.'"

Hunter paused, glancing back at the grinning skeleton. "It's Hunter."

Sans gave a slow nod, his grin somehow widening. "hunter, huh? sounds nice. fitting, i guess."

Hunter raised an eyebrow, confused. "Fitting?"

"eh, just a hunch," Sans said, shrugging. "nice to meet ya, hunter. try not to get into too much trouble out there." Hunter had barely started walking again when Sans interrupted again.

"oh, hey, one last thing." Hunter turned, catching the skeleton's casual wave. "in case you were wonderin', erynn isn't dangerous. even if he tries to be." Sans chuckled, his sockets narrowing mischievously. "but hey, if he gives you a hard time, just smile and wave. it'll confuse the hell outta him."

Hunter smirked slightly, nodding. "Thanks… I think."

"no problem," Sans said, turning to stroll back toward the snowy woods. "see ya later, hunter."

Hunter left the area and blinked in bewilderment at what just happened. Hopefully, Clover and Flowey are having a less strange time than me. He thought. But hey, what's the worst that could happen?

Clover shivered slightly as he pulled his Hood tighter, the biting wind of the Ice Kingdom cutting through the trees around him. Beside him, Flowey bounced along in the snow, grumbling with every step.

"Ugh, why couldn't Hunter get the freezing-cold path? This place sucks," Flowey complained, his petals dropping dramatically.

Clover chuckled. "You could always burrow underground if it's too cold for you."

"Ha! Like I'd give up the chance to keep an eye on you," Flowey shot back, smirking. "You're way more fun to mess with."

Clover rolled his eyes and kept walking, but the faint sound of crunching snow behind them made him stop in his tracks. Flowey noticed and froze. "What is it?"

Clover held up a hand for silence. "...I think we're being followed."

Flowey turned to scan the area, his expression unusually serious. "I don't see anything… but I don't like this. Whoever—or whatever—it is, they're hiding."

Clover tightened his grip on the hilt of his gun. "Stay close. If they want trouble, they'll get it."

Clover and Flowey trudged through the snow, the cold biting at them from every direction. A sudden voice broke through the eerie silence as they passed a snow-covered watchtower. "So. You're the human I've heard so much about…"

Clover froze, eyes narrowing. He could make out something, a figure, watching the sky. He was a skeleton, and he wore a zipped jacket, striking a pose like a superhero.

"Heh... As much as I'd like to shake your hand... I can't get all chummy with you," he said in a deep, serious tone. "I lurk in the shadows, ready to bring justice to evil-doers. Anyone who threatens peace. Anyone threatening all kinds. And now that you're here? Well, let's just say..." The skeleton jumped down, pulling out a ketchup gun with a wink. "you're the bad guy. cause, believe it or not, your existence is a crime."

He pointed the gun playfully toward Clover. "as crossbones, the hero and protector of the starlit skies... i can't let criminals slip past my watch. so, through these woods, you'll be judged. for every action, every inaction... and in the end, we duel. there, your history will come to light... and… and then… uh…" He paused, pulling out what appeared to be a notecard, then shrugged. "well, for now, I'll just throw you a bone."

"WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT?!" a thunderous voice boomed, cutting through the frosty air. Clover and Flowey whipped their heads toward the source just as a massive dragon stormed out from the trees. His scales shimmered in the dim light, and his wings flared dramatically as he landed with a heavy thud.

"CROSSBONES!" the dragon bellowed, pointing an accusatory claw at the skeleton. "You butchered the speech! AGAIN!"

Still holding his ketchup gun, Crossbones raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "eh, what can i say, eyren? i'm great at improv."

Eyren groaned. "We practiced for MONTHS. MONTHS!"

Eyren glared at Crossbones, his tail slamming against the ground in frustration. Clover instinctively stepped back, gripping his weapon tightly, unsure whether the dragon or skeleton was the bigger threat. Flowey leaned closer to Clover, whispering, "This just keeps getting better. First Captain Ketchup, now Angry Scales."

Eyren snorted, his breath forming frosty clouds in the air. "You're supposed to be a symbol of justice, not a walking comedy routine! How do you expect anyone to take us seriously?"

Crossbones twirled his ketchup gun lazily. "relax, big guy. it's all about making a lasting impression. trust me, they'll remember this."

Clover glanced between them, utterly baffled. "Uh... are you two done? Or is this part of the act?"

Eyren turned his fierce gaze to Clover, frowning. "You! Human! Don't think I've forgotten about you. Crossbones may joke, but the judgment is real. Prepare yourself."

Flowey muttered, "Oh, this oughta be good…"

Crossbones stepped forward, holding up a hand (or at least what could pass as one) toward Eyren. "whoa there, big guy. no need to breathe fire just yet. let's give our friend here a fair chance, yeah?" He winked at Clover. "besides, we gotta make this dramatic."

Eyren growled but begrudgingly folded his wings. "Fine. But don't mess this up—again."

Crossbones turned back to Clover, his sockets narrowing slightly. "alright, kid. here's the deal. these woods? they're my turf. anyone who passes through gets judged. but lucky for you, i'm feeling generous today." He grinned, spinning his ketchup gun like it was the most dangerous weapon in the world. "so, let's see if you're good... or if we've got a real bone to pick."

Flowey groaned loudly. "Ugh, are all skeletons like this?"

Clover ignored him, keeping his grip firm on his weapon. "And what happens if I fail your 'judgment?'"

Eyren bared his teeth, stepping closer. "Let's just say it won't end with a pun."

Crossbones waved him off. "don't mind him, he's just cranky. let's see what you're made of, kid. think of it as... a test of character. survive this, and maybe we'll let you through."

Clover's gaze darted between them. "Survive what exactly?"

Crossbones' grin widened. "oh, you'll see." He snapped his fingers, and a cloud of ketchup-colored smoke erupted around them, masking both him and Eyren. "good luck, hero!" his voice called, fading into the woods.

As the smoke cleared, Clover found himself alone with Flowey... and the sound of heavy footsteps approaching through the snow. Flowey's face twisted into a scowl. "Great. This is gonna be just peachy, isn't it?"

Clover raised his weapon, his senses on high alert. "Stay close. I've got a feeling this is only the beginning."