The air was crisp as the Atlesian airship descended upon Beacon Academy, its engines humming with precision. The moment it landed, the ramp lowered, and out stepped Winter Schnee, her white military uniform pristine as ever. Her piercing blue eyes swept over the academy grounds, but she wasn't looking for a mere inspection. She had someone specific in mind.

"Winter!"

A familiar voice rang through the courtyard. Weiss Schnee, her younger sister, rushed forward, an eager yet composed expression on her face. She had been anticipating this visit and was thrilled to see her sister again.

Winter smiled softly as Weiss approached, but before her younger sister could say a word, Winter spoke first.

"It's good to see you, Weiss. However, I'm here for more than just a visit."

Weiss blinked in confusion. "You… are?"

Winter nodded, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "I heard from a reliable source that a boy—one with a rather peculiar creature—has been seen around Beacon. A boy you seem to have taken an interest in."

Weiss's face instantly turned red. "W-What?! That's ridiculous! Where did you even hear such nonsense?"

Winter's smirk widened slightly. "Oh, I have my ways." She folded her arms. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about this, would you?"

"I—!" Weiss shook her head, huffing in exasperation. "That is completely false! I don't know what you've been told, but whoever your source is, they're clearly mistaken!"

Winter raised an eyebrow, studying her younger sister's reaction. Weiss's denial was far too defensive.

"Oh? So if I were to go find this 'Ash' myself and speak to him, you wouldn't be the least bit concerned?"

Weiss flinched. "H-He has nothing to do with me!"

Winter smirked knowingly. "Interesting."

Weiss groaned, rubbing her temples. "Winter, you're being ridiculous. Why would I—of all people—be interested in some reckless, dense boy—ugh, you're infuriating!"

Winter chuckled. "Duly noted."

Weiss crossed her arms, her face still flustered. "I don't care what your 'reliable source' says. I am not interested in Ash Ketchum."

Winter hummed thoughtfully before giving her sister a small pat on the head. "If you say so, Weiss."

Weiss groaned again. "Ugh, I hate it when you do that."

Winter simply smiled as she turned on her heel. "Well, I suppose I should meet this boy myself. If he truly is as 'reckless' as you claim, I'll be the judge of that."

Weiss clenched her fists, trying to suppress her frustration. "You are impossible!"

Winter merely smirked as she walked off, leaving Weiss grumbling to herself.

Meanwhile...

Ash and Pikachu wandered through the vast halls of Beacon Academy, taking in the sights and marveling at the grand structure. It was different from any of the regions Ash had traveled to—less about Gyms and Pokémon battles and more about training Huntsmen and Huntresses.

Pikachu's ears twitched suddenly, and Ash stopped walking when a sharp, authoritative voice cut through the air behind them.

"You there—boy."

Ash turned to see a tall woman approaching, her piercing blue eyes locked onto him with intense scrutiny. She had long, snow-white hair, neatly tied back, and wore a pristine military uniform that commanded respect. Something about her looked familiar.

"Uh… me?" Ash pointed at himself, blinking.

Winter Schnee stood before him, arms folded as she examined him carefully. She had expected someone older, or at least someone who didn't look like he just stumbled out of a casual adventure. His spiky black hair, red cap, and easygoing demeanor screamed anything but nobility or prestige. Yet, this was the boy Weiss had supposedly taken an interest in?

Her sharp gaze lingered on his youthful features, and she found herself raising an eyebrow. Weiss, really? She hadn't expected her sister to be interested in someone so young.

She tapped her chin in thought. If I were ten years younger, I might just consider stealing him away…

Ash tilted his head, confused. "Uh… lady, you okay? You're kinda muttering to yourself."

Winter blinked, realizing she had been speaking out loud. Clearing her throat, she quickly dismissed her stray thoughts with a wave of her hand. "It's nothing."

Ash shrugged. "Okay… so, who are you?"

Winter straightened her posture. "I am Winter Schnee, Specialist of the Atlesian Military."

Ash's eyes widened slightly. "Schnee? Wait—are you related to Weiss?"

Winter nodded. "I am her older sister."

Ash's mouth formed an 'O' shape. "Huh, that makes sense! You kinda look like her."

Winter smirked slightly. "Indeed. And as Weiss' older sister, I take it upon myself to look out for her well-being. That includes investigating anyone who may… influence her."

Ash scratched his head. "Influence her? Uh, we're just friends."

Winter's eyes narrowed slightly, as if analyzing every micro-expression on his face. "Perhaps. But whether you realize it or not, you have caught her attention. And for that reason…"

She stepped closer, standing tall as she looked down at him.

"I will be keeping an eye on you."

Ash blinked. "For Weiss' sake?"

Winter nodded. "Precisely."

Pikachu glanced between them before smirking slightly, sensing the unusual tension. "Pika pika~."

Ash chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, uh… okay? I guess that's fine?"

Winter gave a satisfied nod before stepping back. "Good. That's all I wanted to say."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked off, leaving Ash standing there, utterly perplexed.

"…What just happened?"