6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 11 Frostguard Kingdom

As Ash, Lillie, and Golly step into Frostguard Kingdom, they are immediately struck by the intense cold that permeates the air. The landscape is a stark contrast to the dense forests of Bramblethorn and the fiery heat of Flamborough. Here, everything is covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, sparkling under the pale light of a sun that barely rises above the horizon. The entire kingdom appears to be frozen in time, with towering glaciers and crystalline spires dominating the skyline.

"This place was born from Arceus' Icicle Plate," Golly explains as they tread carefully across the icy ground. "Frostguard is a kingdom where the cold is absolute, and the people here have adapted to survive in these harsh conditions."

Ash pulls his scarf tighter around his neck, his breath visible in the frigid air. "It's beautiful, but... unforgiving. How do they manage to live here?"

"The people of Frostguard are as resilient as the ice itself," Golly replies. "They've learned to thrive in the cold, relying on their Ice-type Pokémon to help them navigate the frozen landscape and defend their home. But life here is tough, and only the strongest survive."

The trio moves cautiously through the kingdom's main pathway, their footsteps crunching in the snow. Ice sculptures line the streets, depicting legendary Pokémon and heroes of old, their features etched with precision and care. The buildings, constructed from blocks of ice and stone, glisten like jewels, their surfaces smooth and flawless.

Lillie wraps her arms around herself, trying to keep warm. "It's so quiet... almost eerie. There aren't many people out, are there?"

Golly nods. "Most of the inhabitants stay indoors during the day, conserving their strength and resources. The real activity begins at night when the cold becomes even more intense. That's when the people come together in communal halls, sharing warmth and stories to get through the long, dark nights."

As they venture further into the kingdom, they notice the absence of greenery and the barren, icy plains that stretch out before them. The air is so cold it bites at their skin, and even the Pokémon that accompany them seem more subdued, their breaths coming out in frosty puffs.

Ash glances at Pikachu, who is shivering slightly despite his best efforts to stay warm. "We'll need to find shelter soon," Ash says, concerned for his Pokémon's well-being. "This cold isn't something we're used to."

Golly nods in agreement. "There's an inn not far from here. We can rest and gather more information about what's happening in the kingdom. Frostguard may seem peaceful, but beneath the surface, there are troubles brewing—troubles we need to understand if we're going to help."

Ash, Lillie, and Golly approach a small, weathered inn in Frostguard Kingdom, their cloaks pulled tight against the biting cold. The innkeeper, a gruff man bundled in furs, eyes them warily. Golly hands over a few coins, and the man gives them a key with a stern warning to keep to themselves.

Inside the modest room, they shed their disguises and huddle near the small fire. Lillie shivers as she looks around. "It's colder than I expected."

Golly stokes the flames. "There's a reason for that," she says, settling into a chair. "This kingdom wasn't always like this. The eternal winter, the fear—it all began with a queen who couldn't control her powers."

Ash and Lillie listen closely as Golly begins the tale. "Long ago, Elsa was born with the power to control ice and snow. When the king noticed her abilities, he made her parents the rulers of the Ice Region, hoping they could use her powers to protect the kingdom."

"But things didn't go as planned," Golly continues. "Elsa's parents were killed in an accident, leaving her to rule. The people feared her powers, seeing her as a monster. Overwhelmed by fear, Elsa fled the kingdom, but in her panic, she accidentally plunged the region into eternal winter."