Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 78: The Abomasnow-man

"In our youth, there were stories about an Abominable Snowman that used to live in the mountains of Northern Sinnoh. It would attack and eat travellers, killing all but one survivor. Some called hoax, others froze to death trying to prove otherwise. No one was certain what the creature was—was it a Pokémon? A monster? An undiscovered Pokémon? Or a crochety old hermit living in the ice not wanting to be disturbed? I'll save you the speculation; it was an angry old Abomasnow. Did I kill the surprise? Maybe. But the title of this chapter did that already. But that doesn't mean it's not still a good story."

Jeremy had been in pursuit of a Weavile all morning.

Ever since Iron Island, Jeremy had been looking for a sixth Pokémon to make a part of his permanent team.

Lucario had been a valuable team, ally, and friend, but he wasn't a Pokémon Jeremy wanted to use in a battle if he ever had to challenge the league—or Sam.

This Weavile had caught Jeremy's eyes a few days ago, back in the forest when it was battling another Weavile. This Pokémon seemed like the alpha among a group of local Weavile. It was larger than most, and definitely stronger. Weavile were solitary Pokémon, but there was a pecking order for resources and territory.

As the group moved closer to Lake Acuity, Jeremy kept tabs on that Weavile.

But now as they stood on the side of a mountain, one of the further mountains of the Mt. Coronet chain, the winds began to howl, and snow obstructed sight of the path ahead.

This mountain was known as Ghost Mountain.

Local legend stated that a massive giant, some kind of ice creature, or a spirit, that tried to kill anyone who trespassed on the mountain, haunted it.

So of course, the group scaled it looking for a Weavile on their way to Lake Acuity.

Lucario had reassured everyone that there were no spirits on this mountain, just Pokémon that lived there, and a lot of plant life and snow.

No one was convinced.

But the closer they got to the top of the mountain, the harder it was to see. The winds blew harder, at record speeds; the snow was blinding and made it impossible to see far in front of oneself, and the temperature was blisteringly cold.

Things were starting to get dangerous.

Yet, they pressed on for the sake of Jeremy and his Weavile.

"Are we still on track to Lake Acuity?" asked Jeremy.

"We're going in the general direction," reassured Sam as he checked the map and compass, "You thinking of calling it?"

"I don't want to, but things are getting nasty," replied Jeremy.

"Whatever you choose, we support you," added Niya.

Jeremy looked over at his friends. Everyone but Sam seemed cold, but they looked ready to press forward.

Jeremy was going to open his mouth; suggest they continue on a little while longer...then a roar erupted across the mountainside.

The ground shook, the wind howled harder, rocks and ice started to tumble down the side of the mountain.

And it came right down for the group.

"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" cried Jeremy.

"I told you this mountain was haunted!" cried Alyssandra.

"There are no spirits on this mountain!" called Lucario, "I've searched the entire mountain with my sight and have seen no spirits, no ghosts, nothing! Just the Pokémon that live here?"