Pokemon: Thunder & Fire

Episode XII: Sneeuwpunt Town

Four Pokémon travel through a vast, snowy landscape, the world around them an endless sea of white, broken only by the distant silhouettes of frost-coated trees.

The Mudscale-drawn carriage creaks through the heavy snow, its wheels laboring against the icy terrain. The frigid air claws at their bodies, stealing away any lingering warmth.

"W-why did we ch-choose a-a mission in such f-freezing conditions?" Astrea, the Staravia, mutters through her chattering beak as she wraps herself tightly in a woolen blanket, her feathers puffed up in a vain attempt to shield against the cold.

Seated beside Astrea are three of her companions: Kenshi, the ever-watchful Decidueye; Akio, the Jolteon who seems to radiate energy even in the freezing cold; and Mari-Merle, the graceful Primarina.

As Kenshi's younger sister, Mari carries an air of authority despite her gentle demeanor, serving as the third in command of Division Ten.

"Kenshi is certain these missions will suit your skills perfectly, and, his intuition rarely misses," Mari says, her melodic voice carrying a note of amusement, eyes glinting with the ease of someone who enjoys seeing others proven right.

"Miss Mari-Merle, uh, no offense, but how often does Kenshi get things wrong?" Astrea asks, her voice shaky from the cold and laced with a hint of hesitation, as if bracing for the answer.

She tucks her head further into the folds of the blanket, her feathers still quivering against the icy breeze. Mari's lips curl into a soft smile. "Almost never, but let's keep things less formal. Just Mari will do," she replies, her tone warm, as though trying to melt away the distance between them with kindness.

"What exactly are the two missions again?" Akio asks, his fur bristling slightly as he tucks his legs closer to his body, trying to fight off the cold seeping into his bones. Kenshi, ever the calm and focused leader, straightens up in his seat.

"Our first task is simple: upon reaching Sneeuw Punt, we'll escort a scientist to the airport. The second mission is a bit more delicate, providing security at a community gathering in town," he explains, his voice precise, every word weighed carefully.

"And who's doing what exactly?" Astrea asks, her voice barely a whisper now, shivering as she clings to the blanket like a lifeline. Kenshi's sharp eyes flick over the group before he answers.

"Akio and Mari will handle the escort mission. You and I will take responsibility for keeping the community event secure," he says with quiet authority, as if he has already anticipated every possible outcome.

Mari tilts her head, an eyebrow raised. "Wait, I thought you'd be partnering with Akio for this," she remarks, her voice colored with surprise. Kenshi meets her gaze but remains composed, leaving her question hanging in the frosty air.

"Hmm, this arrangement is intentional. Each mission serves as a tailored opportunity for them to develop specific skills," Kenshi explains, his voice calm but laced with purpose. Mari nods slowly, a flicker of understanding crossing her face as she processes his words.

She knows Kenshi rarely leaves things to chance. "I see. So how long, and how difficult, is our journey expected to be?" she asks, seeking clarity not just for herself but for her team. There's always more beneath Kenshi's plans, and she wants to be ready.

"The escort to the airport is projected to take four hours in total," Kenshi continues, his eyes narrowing slightly as he mentally maps the route. "The first leg will be by Mudscale Carriage, about two hours down the mountain. After that, you'll transfer to a car waiting at the base to take you the rest of the way." His tone is steady, but there's a hint of calculation in his words, as if he's already anticipating the variables that could shift.