Twilight spread its violent wings over Montenevera. The soft colors of the sky reflected across the snowy landscape. Steadily, the candles began to be lit throughout the town, twinkling in windows and lampposts alike. They had a cozy, rustic charm that stood in stark contrast to the town's other well known light display, the light shows that accompanied the concerts and gym battles hosted by Ryme, the MC of RIP.

But tonight the gentle flickering of the candles didn't have to compete with the flashy spotlights and stellar glow of Terastallization in battle. Tonight, Ryme was not taking the stage. Tonight she was home, bundled up in a plush bathrobe, sitting in her favorite chair with a view of the mountainside, with a hot cup of tea to soothe the voice and the soul.

She was just about to reach for the newest Shauntal novel when her Rotom-phone began to ring.

Roooo-to-to-to

The Rotom-phone hovered up from across the room and flew before its partner's face. Ryme gave a brief sigh of annoyance (she had been dying to start that book) but upon seeing who the call was coming from, decided to answer it. She gave the Rotom a nod and it connected the call.

"Hey Hassel, how's it-"

"Hello, Ryme? I need your help."

Concern crossed the seasoned trainer's face. Whatever was troubling Hassel had to be serious for the usually polite trainer to interrupt her.

"What's wrong?"

Dragonite's howl carried through the snowy forest. Baxcalibur returned the call with a howl of his own.

"Are they here?" Hassel asked.

His partner nodded in affirmation and Hassel breathed a sigh of relief. He had sent his Pokemon to circle overhead and lead the flying taxi from Montenevera down to where he and the injured Abomasnow were. Not long after hearing Dragonite's call, he saw the glow of a lantern approaching through growing dusk. Dragonite led the way, guiding Nurse Joy and another young trainer from Montenevera. A Bergmite trotted along behind them.

"Thank goodness you've made it." Hassel said.

"I heard there was a Pokémon that need help. I couldn't say 'no' and call myself a Pokémon nurse, could I?" Joy answered with a smile.

"All the same, I appreciate you coming all the way out here at this time of night."

"We have cold weather camping gear and fire-type Pokémon with us. We'll be safe." Nurse Joy's partner assured.

"We're from Montenevera, this isn't our first night on the mountain." Nurse Joy said. "I'm more concerned about you. You look exhausted, Hassel. We asked the flying taxi to stay and wait for you. You should go back to the Pokémon Center, warm up, and rest."

Hassel gave a polite smile, the movement causing his red cheeks to sting.

"I'll be fine. Dragon masters train to endure situations such as this."

"Just because you can, does not mean you should always push yourself. Abomasnow will be alright. We will call you in the morning."

"But what if the Sneasel return?"

The space before the cave was still a mess from the battle against the pack of dark-types. The snow was torn up with claw marks and skid lines in places where Pokémon had fallen or been knocked back. Jagged stones from Haxorus's attacks still stuck up through the snow covering and chunks of ice from both the Snover and Sneasel littered the place.

"Looking at how fierce the battle was, I don't think the Sneasel will be returning." Joy said as she surveyed the scene. "They are probably recovering themselves."

"Berg-MITE!" The chilly Pokémon said as she straightened her posture up to look bigger.

Baxcalibur looked over the smaller Pokémon, assessing if she could hold her own in a fight. He made a low grumbling noise.

"I also have Pyroar, Bronzong, and Cetitan." The accompanying trainer said as he held up two Pokéballs.

"And I have Blissey and Growlithe." Joy added, "We will be safe."

Satisfied with their responses now, Baxcalibur nudged Hassel gently in the back towards the path to the flying taxi.

"But what if-"

"If anything changes, we will call you at once. Otherwise, we will call you in the morning."

Baxcalibur looked to Dragonite. The other dragon nodded in understanding and reached out to gently take Hassel's arm in his paws and tug forward.

"Listen to your Pokémon. You need rest."

"Bur." Baxcalibur grunted in agreement and gave Hassel another nudge forward.

Hassel looked between his Pokémon and sighed in resignation.

"Very well. Let's go."

He took a step but stopped when he felt a tugging on his coat. The Snover he had helped was looking up him with pleading eyes. Hassel reached down and gently pet the horns atop his head.

"Snoooow. . ."

"Do not worry, little one. They promised they would take good care of you all."

The little ice-type made another low whine. Bergmite scuttled over to him and nuzzled up against him.

"Berg-berg-bermite." She chirped.

"There, you already have a new friend." He reached down and gave Snover's paw a gentle squeeze as he moved it from his jack. "I'll be back tomorrow. I promise."

"Calibur." Baxcalibur reaffirmed with a nod.

Snover shuffled back a step and held him own paw.

"Snowver, snow, snowver?" he squeaked.

"I promise." Hassel repeated before turning to Nurse Joy. "Thank you again, good night."

Exhaustion kept Hassel in bed longer than he would have preferred. He slept as soundly as a Snorlax through both his first and seconds alarms and it was not until his Rotom-phone itself began to nudge him in the cheek that he was finally roused.

Roooo-to-to-to

"I'm awake, I'm awake." Hassel grumbled.

Roooo-to-to-to

"Answer it but please, don't put on video."

The Rotom-phone bobbed as if nodding before connecting the call.

"Mornin' sunshine!" Ryme's voice came through the device.

"Good morning." Hassel answered through a yawn.

"How're you feeling? You crashed hard last night. We didn't have any time to talk."

"Sorry about that. I was more tired than I thought."

"Let's fix that. I'm about to head out on my morning jog. Gotta keeps these old bones moving. I usually finish up around Dusk Stone Café. Best coffee in Montenevera if you want my opinion. Let's meet up there for a cup and have a chat."

"That works for me. I'll see you soon."

"See you soon."

With a trilling beep, the call ended. Hassel let out another yawn which swiftly morphed into a groan.

"Alright, up and at 'em." He grumbled to himself.

Even inside a warm Pokémon Center room, the chill of Glaseado Mountain was felt as soon as Hassel pushed the blankets off himself. But the cool air did little to slow him as he brushed out his hair and got himself dressed; the cool air was nothing compared to the many chilly Baxcalibur hugs he would receive.

Ready for the day, Hassel pulled on his jacket and his stepped outside. The weather felt mild, almost spring-like after how cold he had been wandering through the pine woods at dusk. Hassel took in a long, deep breath of the cool, clean mountain air, and exhaled slowly. He felt better today.

Montenevera sparkled like brilliant diamonds in the mid-morning light. Snow covered trees, icicles hanging from the corners of buildings, and the glass of the Lampent-shaped lanterns reflected the light across the town. Even a group of clustered Snom added to this display as the light bounced off their icy spines. The Snom looked so dazzlingly adorable that if he wasn't on his way to meet Ryme, Hassel would have wanted to stop and sketch the tiny Pokémon. As it was he had to settle for taking a picture of the little group and making a promise to himself to paint them when this was all over and continued on his way to the cafe.

The Dusk Stone Café was located on the southeastern edge of Montenevera and offered a beautiful view of the southern slope of the mountain. People and Pokémon filtered in and out of the café in a steady stream. Even with the cold, the outside seating patio was packed with people stopping to enjoy their drinks and the view. A pair of Talonflame sat on matching, specialized perches that transferred the heat of their flame bodies and radiated it outwards to warm the surrounding area, keeping the patio pleasantly warm. At the sight of the café, Hassel felt his stomach growl and went inside for a coffee and breakfast sandwich. When Ryme arrived, he could always get another. He felt hungry enough.

The inside of the café was as cozy as one could hope for, being delightfully warm smelling heavily of freshly baked goods. The aroma intensified as a baker came around from the kitchen, a Dachsbun at his side, and began refilling the front display with cake pops decorated in bright purple icing to resemble Drifloon. Behind the counter a barista and her Banette were hard at work pouring drinks into cups the color of dusk stones. All around various pieces of art depicting ghost-type Pokémon were hung, that largest of which showed a Mismagius using its power to levitate a cup of coffee up to its mouth. Underneath was painted "Coffee so Strong, it Could Wake the Dead" in an elegant font. It was no wonder why Ryme liked this place. Hassel went and took his place in line.

It was another fifteen minutes before Ryme rounded the corner with her faithful Houndstone jogging alongside her. She spotted Hassel at once and waved over to him. Houndstone saw him too and bounded past his trainer to go greet the familiar face.

"How-woo-woo!"

The Pokémon rushed up to Hassel and nudged his boney face against the man's thigh.

"Whoah, Houndstone. Good morning."

Hassel scratched the underside of Houndstone's chin, earning a pleased growl from the ghostly dog.

"Sorry about that, Hassel." Ryme said as she jogged over. "Houndstone, where are your manners?"

"Houuuun…" Houndstone whined apologetically.

"He didn't jump up on me this time, so I think his manners are improving." Hassel answered.

He pat the side of Houndstone's head and his attitude improved instantly. His tail began to wag, making a clacking noise as it did.

"Well can you just stay out here with Mr. Manners while I grab something to drink. You want anything?"

"Another latte would be appreciated. I'll send some money over."

Ryme waved her hand.

"Don't worry about it, just treat me next time I'm in Mesagoza."

"It's a deal."

Ryme nodded and went to join the line inside the café. As soon as she was out of sight, Houndstone laid his head across Hassel's lap and tilted his head up towards the trainer expectantly. Hassel for his part, was happy to give the friendly ghost-type exactly what he wanted and placed a hand on either side of the Pokémon's face and scratched vigorously. Houndstone's tail continued to clack and wag wildly.

When Ryme returned, a hot cup of coffee in each hand, she looked down at her Pokémon and smirked.

"Well don't you look comfortable?"

"Houn-hound." Houndstone woofed.

She took her seat across from Hassel and passed him over his drink. It was fancier than first one he had ordered for himself. It was decorated with latte foam being shaped like the head of a Frigibax, with its eyes painted on with chocolate sauce and a single thin shaving of chocolate placed under its snout to act as Frigibax's icicle. Hassel's eyes grew wide at the sight.

"I hope you don't mind that I asked the barista to do that." Ryme said.

"It's, it's adorable." Hassel answered.

"She's got a real talent for latte art. You should see the foam Cubchoo and Shuppet she can make."

"Truly art comes in many forms." He took his spoon and carefully bopped the foamy-bax on the top of its head. "I almost feel guilty drinking it."

"Don't. She'll be more upset if you let your drink go cold."

"Ah, well I'd hate to upset the artist."

He brought the cup to his lips and took a sip. It was even better than the first cup, but sharing a drink with friends always made them taste better. Ryme likewise took a sip of her coffee and let out a contented sigh.

"It could be the middle of winter and I think this would still be my favorite drink. Next time you need to try the Froslass cold brew blend. Coffee so strong, it could wake the dead' they've more than earned that motto!"

"I might have to give it a pass. I don't care much for bitter coffee." He tapped the side of his cup and pointed up at the drooping foamy-bax. "I need a little something to sweeten it."

"It's got some nice minty notes too and you can always add as much cream and sugar as you want. What's important is that boost it gives me, just what I need to keep myself movin' and groovin'. Those kids you send up from the academy deserve me at 100%."

"I can't picture you giving anything less than that."

"That's what I like to hear." She said with a chuckle.

They each took another sip of their coffees. Houndstone bumped his head against Hassel's side, nudging where the trainer kept his Pokéball on his belt.

"StooOOoonne." He whined.

"Hassel, why don't you let Baxcalibur out to play with him? Then we can talk without Montenevera's liveliest ghost nipping at our heels?"

Hassel nodded and pulled his partner's Pokéball off his hip. Houndstone wagged more vigorously his tail at the sight and followed the trainer as he went to the open space beside the café.

"Baxcalibur."

With a snap and flash of light, the dark dragon appeared in the field, looking equally refreshed after his care from the Pokémon Center. He stretched his arms above his head and let out a spirited cry as he felt the cool air against his scales.

"Baaax!"

No sooner than he did though than Houndstone sprinted over ready to play.

"Houooouund!"

Surprise widened the dragon's golden eyes and he looked for his trainer. Hassel and Ryme waved back at them both.

"Cal?"

"Enjoy the snow, Baxcalibur," Hassel said, "you've more than earned some fun."

"You two have fun now!" Ryme added.

Houndstone crouched down into a playful position.

"Woo-woo-wuff."

Baxcalibur looked over at Hassel a final time before suddenly lashing his tail out and sending a shower of snow at the other Pokémon. Houndstone leapt eagerly into it, snapping his massive jaws shut around a clump. By the time he landed, Baxcalibur already had a head start and barked back as if to say "catch me if you can." With a howl, Houndstone accepted the challenge.

With both of their Pokémon busy, Hassel and Ryme could talk in peace. They scooted their chairs closer to each other and spoke with a volume befitting the nature of the conversation.

"So continuing from last night's brief conversation," Ryme started, "you're searching for a very unique Pokémon, is that right?"

"So unique it may have never been recorded before."

"Interesting."

"Incredibly so."

"And incredibly dangerous from the sound of it."

"I believe it to be."

"And you believe the Abomasnow you protected is your best lead towards your mystery Pokémon?"

"I do." Hassel gripped his cup more tightly, letting the warmth of it seep into his fingers. "I'm a little concerned that I haven't heard back from Nurse Joy yet."

"She's going to make sure that Abomasnow is fine. Trust her."

"I do, I'm just concerned. Abomasnow was massive and she looked incredibly powerful. I can only imagine the kind of power the Pokémon she faced has if it was able to thrash her so severely. What if that had been a student?"

"I understand your fear. Gym Leaders and teachers, it's our responsibility to keep them safe."

Hassel nodded.

"While we wait to hear back from Nurse Joy, can you tell me if you noticed anything out of the ordinary over the last few days. Any tracks, sounds, anything?"

"Let me think." She reached up and rubber her earing as she thought. "You know, there was one thing a little odd that happened about two days ago. I was out late training with Mimikyu, he's always got more pep in his step at night, and we were on the slopes between here and Glaseado'sGrasp."

As she spoke, Hassel took out his Rotom-phone and opened its map app. He zoomed in on the location she was speaking of.

"Suddenly, we saw a bright light illuminate the snow on the mountain below us. It wasn't a flash, it lingered, and it shone like daylight. It must have been a Sunny Day. Sometimes the Bronzong on the mountain know that move, so I didn't think much of it initially but then Mimikyu got all nervous. Then we heard the strangest howl I had ever heard. At first I thought it was maybe a Dragonite that flew up from Casseroya. I know they roost along the cliffs from time to time."

"But you don't think it was a Dragonite, do you?"

Ryme shook her head.

"Hassel you know I don't get rattled easily, but there was something eerie about that howl that was like a Lycanroc howling at midnight. Mimikyu was really frightened. He wanted to go back, so we did. I don't think I've ever seen the little guy tremble like that before. He's shy but not fearful. I didn't like seeing him like that."

"I wonder if the place where the Abomasnow fought that Pokémon will line up with where you heard the noise coming from. Can you please mark it on my map?"

"Sure thing." The Rotom-phone few over to Ryme and she marked the location on the map. "Of course, sound can echo through the valleys around here so this might not be perfectly accurate."

Roooo-to-to-to

"It's Nurse Joy."

"Rotom, answer it!"

The call was connected.

"Hello, Hassel," Joy's voice came through.

"Hello."

"Abomasnow is doing much better now."

There was a grumbling noise followed by the delighted squeaking of several Snover. Hassel let out a breath he had not realized he had been holding in.

"I'm so glad to hear it."

"Blissey is nothing short of a miracle worker."

"Blissey-bliss." The Pokémon added in the background as if to tell her trainer not to sell her own skills short.

Behind Nurse Joy, the Abomasnow leaned down, looking at Hassel through the video.

"Snow," she nodded. "Aboma-snow."

"I believe she wants to see you." Joy said.

Abomasnow nodded.

"I'll be right down." Hassel answered.

Joy nodded.

"We will see you soon."

The called ended and Hassel looked to Ryme.

"Sorry, but it looks like I'm going to have to cut this conversation short too."

"No worries, Hassel. You've got work to do, but like I said, next time I'm in Mesagoza, you're treating."

"Of course! Thank you. Take care!"

"You stay safe now and say "hi" to my sister for me!"

With his pulse quickening, Hassel went to collect Baxcalibur. In the lawn, two large mounds of snow were piled up; Houndston's protuberance poking out the top of one and Baxcalibur's spine sticking out of the other.

"Baxcalibur,"

A snorting sound came from the snow pile.

"It's time to get back on the trail."

The pile lurched upwards as Baxcalibur sent a shower of snow downwards as he shook it from himself. Beside him, Houndstone also sprang up.

"Hound?" he whined.

Hassel brushed the little balls of snow clumped to the Pokémon's long fur off.

"We need to go, but when this is over, you two can play some more."

Baxcalibur bent over a gently blew cool air over Houndstone.

The dog Pokémon let out another whine, nudged both Hassel and Baxcalibur with its boney face a final time, and took a step back as Baxcalibur was returned to his Pokéball.

"Take care."

Hassel turned and waved back to Ryme before setting off to pack his and hail a flying taxi. He was ready to resume his investigation, refreshed and fully caffeinated.