Disclaimer: I do not own the copyrights to Pokémon, or any copyrighted material referenced in this chapter. No this is not for profit. I'm sorry for the long delay. I lost my progress. However, not only was I able to get a Nintendo Switch along with the new Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, but I also just recently cleared Frosty Forest. Unfortunately, my brother-in-law has the game, so I have yet to complete the game's story at this point.

Chapter 15: Laufey's Frosty Forest

Amaris and her friends continued their harrowing journey to find Hecate do they would ask her a question regarding Amaris. Amaris began to question if she really was the person who touched one of Hecate's nine tails. Robin walked ahead of the group, and he was amazed at the sight of the snow covering the landscape like a winter wonderland.

Robin cried, "Guys! Get a load of this view!"

Amaris looked at the snow in amazement and she asked, "How are we to get past this? Akantha is a grass type and will be frozen before unleashing a wave of razor leaf."

Akantha argued, "I have trained in Hercules' Makuhita Dojo for many days since I became a member of your team. Want to test me?"

Badru having a huge dislike for arguments begged, "We should not argue amongst ourselves. I say we go by the Snowy Path."

"No." said Luna, "We have to get past Frosty Forest."

Badru cried, "Are you kidding me? No one has ever defeated Laufey. Anyone that would try to challenge him will be frozen in their tracks before being able to make a move!"

Amaris agreed with Luna, "She's right Badru. This is not a time for hesitation. We need to-"

"Crikey!" cried Irwin.

Irwin noticed a strange dark Pokémon. It had a dark blue-black body that was covered in white fur. It had a ruff around its neck and chest and a tuft on the top of its head. The top of the head was adorned with a single blue-black oval. Between the dark skin, the curvature of the white fur on its head, and positioning of its horn, its face slightly resembled a wu-wei symbol from Asian cultures. However, it had a feline face with almond-shaped, red eyes, a scythe-like tail, and a crescent-shaped horn on the side of its head. Its broad feet were equipped with three claws each, and dewclaw-like spikes protruded from the heels of its hind legs and the elbows of its front legs.

Before Irwin would say anything, the mysterious Pokémon disappeared into the dense snow. Amaris tapped Irwin in the shoulder, and she told him that it was time to move on with their journey to find Hecate. Irwin looked back one more time to see nothing turning up.

Frosty Forest was a harsh and harrowing landscape of ice and snow and would be home to very strong ice-type Pokémon.

As they entered deeper into the forest, they heard a billowing voice that demanded, "Leave this forest or be frozen in your tracks."

Badru asked, "What do we do? I am a normal type sadly."

Amaris stated to Badru, "We have to be brave in spite of our fears."

Just as the small group reached the entrance to a grotto that would lead them to the heart of Frosty Forest, a small pack of canine-like Pokémon with black and gray fur called Mightyena surrounded the small group. The leader of the Mightyena pack was a male Mightyena named Stark.

Stark asked in a grim rasping voice, "Why have you come? This is no place for small Pokémon like you. Especially for plants and normal types."

The other Mightyena began to laugh at the small group, not taking them seriously.

Amaris knowing that these wolf-like Pokémon were not to be trifled with stated, "We're trying to find a way to see Hecate."

Stark laughed as if not taking the Pikachu seriously.

Amaris was not going to put up with Stark's arrogance and she used a quick attack to knock him off balance.

Electricity began to spark from the pouches on her cheeks and she stated, "Let me rephrase this, we do not have time for your arrogance. You can either step away from the entrance or you can face my electrical attacks."

Badru begged Stark, "Can we do this peacefully?"

Amaris cautioned, "Those guys are not like the Poochyena we encounter in the caverns. They're not easily swayed to listen, and they are not to be taken lightly."

Stark laughed as he stepped to the side as he sarcastically wished them the best of luck.

Just when another Mightyena named Maugrim was about to pursue them, he was stopped by Stark. Stark told him that Laufey would handle the small fellowship.

The group journeyed deeper into the heart of the Frosty Forest.

As they were about to leave this frozen forest, when they heard the same billowing and cold voice demanding once more, "Turn back now or you will be frozen in your tracks."

Suddenly the ground began to shine in a bright blue as if the sun was reflecting the ice.

Robin cried, "Holy illumination! This is too bright!"

Suddenly mist and fogs began to cover the forest as a large dark blue bird descended with fogs!

The bird was large with light blue plumage and wings that were covered in ice. Upon the bird's head was a head-crest that resembled a snowflake. The bird's eyes however were a crimson red.

The bird announced, "I am Laufey, the Frost of Reason. Have you come here to cause more devastation to this world?"

Amaris answered, "No, me and my friends are trying to-"

Laufey cut her off as he didn't want to hear the ramblings of a small Pikachu.

Amaris began to feel a sense of concern for her teammates, and she unleashed a Thunder Wave which paralyzed Laufey.

Amaris wasn't done yet as she handed her teammates some Reviver Seeds to ensure that not one of her teammates would faint during the battle.

Laufey was infuriated as he unleashed his Ice Beam in hopes to freeze his enemies in their tracks.

Robin's eyes blazed with determination as he faced Laufey. "I've had enough of this cold!" he shouted, unleashing his Ember attack. The small flames began to flicker, and it suddenly grew, transforming into a powerful Flamethrower that roared towards Laufey's Ice Beam.

Robin's Flamethrower clashed with Laufey's Ice Beam, creating a burst of steam that enveloped the battlefield. Amaris and her friends took advantage of the distraction, launching their attacks Amaris began to unleash a Shock Wave, hoping to defeat him, given that his ability would take away more Power Points. The majestic bird, feeling the pressure, let out a defiant screech as he snarled, "I will not let you leave. My forest's snow is melting, and I suspect that you had something to do with this."

Robin cried, "We had nothing to with any of the disasters."

Just as Laufey was about to retaliate, a new figure emerged from the mist. It was a male Absol, with dark blue-black fur and a white ruff around his neck. His crimson eyes glowed with intensity, and its crescent-shaped horn gleamed ominously.

The Absol stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Laufey, enough!" it said in a calm yet authoritative voice. "These youthful Pokémon are not here to cause any further harm."

Irwin recognized the Pokémon as he remembered seeing earlier.

Laufey turned his icy gaze towards the newcomer. "Noctis, what are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice filled with frustration.

Noctis, the Absol, stood firm. "I sensed a disturbance and came to investigate. These Pokémon seek answers, not conflict. Let them pass."

Amaris, recognizing the opportunity, stepped forward. "Thank you, Noctis. We mean no harm. We're just trying to find Hecate to discover something about me."

Laufey hesitated, his icy demeanor softening slightly. "Very well, Noctis. I trust your judgment," he said, folding his wings. "But know this, little ones. The path ahead is fraught with danger. Be prepared for what lies ahead."

With that, Laufey retreated into the depths of the Frosty Forest as he took flight, leaving Noctis with Amaris and her friends.

Noctis turned to Amaris and her friends. "I will join you on your journey," he said, his voice calm and resolute. "I sense that my skills will be needed in the challenges ahead."

Amaris nodded, grateful for the powerful ally. "Thank you, Noctis. Your help means a lot to us."

The group, now with Noctis, continued their journey through the Frosty Forest. The presence of the Absol brought a sense of reassurance to Team Unity, knowing they had a strong and wise companion by their side.

As they navigated the icy terrain, Noctis shared his knowledge of the forest and its dangers. "Stay close and be vigilant," he advised. "The forest is home to many powerful Pokémon, and not all of them will be as understanding as Laufey."

Robin, still glowing from his recent evolution of Ember into Flamethrower, walked beside Noctis. "Thanks for stepping in back there," he said. "We were in a tight spot."

Noctis nodded. "You all showed great courage. It's important to stay united and support each other regardless of our species or type."

The group pressed on; their spirits lifted by Noctis's presence. They knew that the path ahead would be difficult, but with their new ally, they felt more confident in their quest to find Hecate and uncover the truth about Amaris.

Author's Notes: Amaris has a new member of team, Noctis. Will they reach Mt. Freeze and find Hecate? Tune in for the next chapter: Mt. Freeze.

Noctis is Latin for Night and has no connection to the Final Fantasy character.