~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 216 – Snowboard Lodge]
Now, having sought refuge and a brief respite at the Snowboard Lodge on Route 216, the warmth of the roaring fireplace had begun to thaw the stiffness from their limbs. Platinum, her breath still misting in the air, found herself gazing at a vibrant poster proclaiming Candice, the 'Diamond Dust Girl,' and her prowess.
Her brow furrowed slightly. The weight of Team Galactic's malevolent plan pressed heavily on her mind. Stopping the Galactic Bomb, protecting the legendary Pokémon, ensuring the survival of Sinnoh's lakes – it all hinged on her ability to progress, to grow stronger, to overco every obstacle.
Winning that Snowpoint Gym Badge wasn't just a personal achievent; it was a vital step in their desperate race against ti. The fact that Snowpoint City and Lake Acuity were practically neighbors was a stroke of undeniable luck.
With a decisive sigh, Platinum shrugged off her contemplation, reaching for her thick, indigo jacket. As she zipped it up, her gaze drifted to the window, through the swirling flakes that danced against the glass.
A flash of familiar movent caught her eye. Outside, amidst the pristine white, a figure moved with an almost dancer-like grace, her ditite and Riolu shadowing her every step, their movents fluid and practiced even in the deep snow.
Platinum murmured in surprise, a flicker of recognition in her eyes, "Wait a mont… I know her..."
Azure followed her gaze, his keen vision slicing through the deep white snow. He stated, a faint smile touching his lips, "Maylene… From Veilstone City. Looks like she's also making her way north."
*Wooosh*
Without a word, both Platinum and Azure were out the door, the chill of the air a sudden shock after the lodge's warmth. They quickly closed the distance, their boots crunching loudly in the powdery snow.
*CRUNCH*
Platinum called out, her voice crisp against the wind, "Maylene!"
*CRUNCH*
The Gym Leader, her short, spiky hair a dark contrast to the snow, turned, her ditite and Riolu striking alert stances before recognizing the duo. A wide smile broke across her face as she replied, "You two! What a surprise to see you two all the way out here!"
She jogged towards them, her Pokémon trailing, continuing the conversation, "Still on your journey, I presu?"
Azure replied casually, a friendly nod, "Indeed. And you, Maylene? Heading sowhere in this weather?"
Maylene chirped, her enthusiasm undimd by the cold, "Snowpoint City, actually! Candice and I are old friends, and I promised to et up with her for so training. Gotta work on those Steel- and Fighting-type weaknesses, you know?"
Platinum's eyes lit up as she explained happily, "Candice! We're heading there too! We need to challenge her Gym."
She didn't hesitate, reaching out and seizing Maylene's hand with unexpected strength, adding, "Co on! We'll go together!"
Maylene blinked, slightly taken aback by Platinum's sudden zeal, but a warm laugh escaped her as she replied happily, "Whoa there, Platinum! You're really in a hurry, aren't you?"
Platinum declared, already pulling Maylene along, her pace quickening, "Every second counts! Team Galactic won't wait, and neither can we!"
Azure chuckled, falling into step beside them. His Pikachu chirped in agreent, and Eevee let out a soft cry. The small Pichu (w) peeked out from his jacket, its bright blue eyes curious.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 217 – Acuity Lakefront]
The trio continued their trek, the landscape growing progressively more breathtaking and unforgiving. Route 217 lted into the sprawling, snow-laden expanse of the Acuity Lakefront. Towering pines, heavy with snow, lined their path, their branches creaking in the wind. The air grew thinner, sharper, biting at their exposed skin.
Maylene puffed, her cheeks flushed from the exertion and the cold as she complained bitterly, "Whew! All this running... I'm starving!"
*Grmbl*
She rubbed her stomach with a dramatic flourish. Platinum, her ears attuned to the slightest sound, paused and asked, "Did you say sothing?"
Maylene shook her head quickly, a playful glint in her eyes, replying, "? No, no, just talking to ditite here about finding so berries!"
Her ditite gave a knowing nod. Then Maylene asked, impressed, "But really, Platinum, I'm impressed! And Azure, too! You two are still in your lighter jackets. Candice and I are dressed like this for fashion, but you two..."
Maylene gestured to Platinum's relatively thinner jacket compared to her own layered coat, adding, "You're built differently!"
Platinum bead, striking a confident pose as she replied dramatically, "This isn't just a jacket, Maylene. This is the dress of a heroine!"
Her Empoleon, whose Poké Ball was clipped to her belt, seed to resonate with her declaration, a faint ripple of determination emanating from it. Azure, pulling his own jacket tighter, shrugged, replying, "I just got used to it. Spent a good chunk of ti training back at Mt. Silver; the cold here is practically a vacation compared to that."
*Poof*
As if on cue, a shimring purple form materialized beside Azure, a mischievous grin plastered on its spectral face. It was Gengar, his shiny form a stark contrast to the white snow.
Gengar zipped around them, a visible fog of cold air trailing in his wake, responding mischievously, "Ch-ch-chills! Seriously, boss, even I feel the bite out here! This place is frostier than a Froslass's heart!"
Maylene blinked, her eyes wide. Then she asked in a surprised tone, "Huh? Your Gengar... is it talking?"
Gengar, hearing his na, promptly floated over to Maylene and gave her a delighted, slimy lick right across her face, "Gengar-ga-GAR!"
*LICK*
Maylene exclaid, wiping her cheek frantically, "Ew! Gross! I got saliva on ! Azure, your Pokémon are wild!"
Azure chuckled, unperturbed, as he replied nonchalantly, "She's just saying hello. And yes, Gengar can talk. Most of my Pokémon can, actually."
He gestured vaguely to his head, where Pichu (w) had erged fully from his jacket, its ears twitching. Eevee let out a soft cry of agreent, "Eevoi! (Yup!)"
Maylene, still shuddering from the unexpected slobber, composed herself as she explained, "Anyway, as I was saying, Candice just loves fashion. She's a great friend, and we've known each other for ages. And she's a fantastic trainer, strong. But even the best have their weak spots, you know? She's trying to refine her team to better handle Steel and Fighting-types. That's why I'm here to help her train."
Platinum mused, her brow furrowed, "There shouldn't be weaknesses among Gym Leaders, though. You're supposed to be beacons of strength for trainers."
Maylene countered warmly with a cheeky grin, "And she is! Candice has so much authority, a real presence in the Gym. It's just... even with all that, constant growth is important. For all of us."
She suddenly stopped, her eyes widening as she pointed ahead, exclaiming, "Look! We're at the end of Route 217! Snowpoint City!"
In the distance, nestled amidst a sea of white, the hardy structures of Snowpoint City erged, smoke curling from chimneys into the crisp, blue sky. It looked like a beacon of civilization in the vast, frozen wilderness.
Platinum exclaid, a shiver running through her that had nothing to do with the cold, "The northernmost point of the Sinnoh region! Achoo!"
Maylene agreed, and both girls, as if on cue, let out simultaneous sneezes, "So far north! Achooo!"
Azure chuckled, a soft tone escaping his lips, "Bless you both."
Gengar, however, floated above them, muttering, "Ugh, bless them? More like curse them with a bad cold for making walk through this tundra!"
Beyond the city, they could discern the imposing silhouette of the Snowpoint Temple, its ancient stone walls dusted with snow, and closer, the distinctive shape of an icebreaker ship docked at a frozen harbor.
Maylene added, pointing to a vast, shimring expanse nearby, "And not far from the city is Lake Acuity itself. Beyond those peaks."
Platinum's gaze focused on the city, her determination reigniting. She declared, her voice firm, "The Gym! Azure, let's go!"
They turned to Maylene, offering a polite bow. Platinum said sincerely, "Thank you for accompanying us, Maylene. It was... invigorating."
Azure added in a respectful tone, "Yes, thank you. Good luck with your training session with Candice."
Maylene smiled, a little wistful. She tilted her head, a thoughtful expression on her face as she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Of course! Good luck with your challenge! Though... Whatever happened to the other boys who were traveling with you, Platinum? The one with the green scarf, and the other with a food addiction?"
Platinum's smile faltered for a mont, a flicker of concern crossing her features before she masked it. She explained vaguely, "They're on their own important missions now. We've split up to tackle a problem from different angles."
Maylene nodded, accepting the answer without pressing further, "Well, be safe, all of you! I'll see you around!"
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Snowpoint City – Gym]
With a final wave, Platinum and Azure strode directly towards the Snowpoint City Gym, a large, ice-hewn structure that seed to glow faintly in the afternoon light. As they approached the heavy, frost-covered doors, a life-sized statue of a Froslass, intricately carved from ice, shimred into existence near the entrance.
The statue's voice bood, "Halt, challengers! State your intention!"
Azure stood silently beside her, his hand resting on a Poké Ball. Platinum declared, her voice steady, "We're here to challenge Candice, the Gym Leader."
The Froslass statue narrowed its icy eyes, stating, "Hmmph. It seems you two are familiar faces. The trainer with the Empoleon, who has obtained six badges already. And the one who accompanied her, with such an array of powerful Pokémon."
The statue's gaze lingered on Azure, a flicker of sothing akin to respect in its cold, crystalline eyes, asking, "You have co seeking the Icicle Badge, yes?"
Platinum hesitated as she tried to explain, "Actually, I rely ca to speak with Candice about sothing urgent—"
*Wooosh*
Before she could finish, the Froslass statue, with surprising speed, extended a translucent arm and shoved them through the heavy doors, stating, "No ti for pleasantries, challenger! A Gym is for battles! Candice awaits!"
They stumbled inside, the doors slamming shut behind them with a resounding thud. Platinum blinked, regaining her balance. She looked back at the closed doors, then around the vast, cavernous interior of the Gym, which was a maze of icy platforms and trainers.
A sigh escaped her. Her eyes hardened, muttering, "Well, it seems there's little choice now. Then I'll win this badge, and I'll talk to Candice after."
She turned to Azure, then to the statue as she declared in a resolute tone with a resolute expression, "Statue, I'll take on Candice's main challenge. I'll use Empoleon, Rapidash, and Alakazam. A 3-on-3 switch battle."
Azure nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation as he stated, "Understood, Platinum. I'll take the Ace Gym Match. For that, I'll use Infernape, Magmortar, Kleavor, and Rotom. A 4-on-4 switch battle."
He gave her a reassuring smile, adding, "We'll clear the way for Candice."
And clear the way they did. The intervening Gym trainers, accustod to challengers struggling with the icy terrain and the cold-hardened Pokémon, were t with an unexpected whirlwind. Platinum's Empoleon, Rapidash, and Alakazam moved with precision and power, dispatching opponents in blazes of water, fire, and psychic energy. Azure's own team, a dynamic display of raw force and strategy, ripped through the remaining trainers like a blizzard.
His Infernape, a fiery blur of combat, his Magmortar, a cannon of pure heat, Kleavor, a whirlwind of sharpened stone, and Rotom, a playful but devastating electrical force, left little doubt as to their strength. In a flash, the path to the main arena was open.
They ascended the final icy staircase, reaching a wide, circular platform carved from glacial ice. Around its periter, several Pokémon — a Jynx, a Glalie, a Froslass, a Weavile, and others — stood silently, watching.
Platinum wondered aloud, her eyes sweeping over the varied Ice-types, "Are those... Candice's Pokémon?"
A lodic laugh echoed through the vast space, saying, "Oh no, those aren't mine, dear challenger! Those are rely so of the wild Pokémon drawn to the warmth and activity of the Gym. They love watching a good battle!"
From the shadows, a woman erged, her short, pony-tailed hair and fashionable, light blue winter coat making her instantly recognizable. Candice, the Snowpoint City Gym Leader, exuded an aura of confident energy.
A mischievous smile played on her lips as she looked between them, said boldly with an eager grin, "So, you've finally arrived to challenge ! I'm Candice, and I'm very pleased to see you both."
Her gaze lingered on Platinum, adding, "And you, young lady, I recall your previous victories. You've certainly made a na for yourself."
Platinum bowed slightly, her expression earnest, stating determinately, "Candice, I am Platinum Berlitz. And this is Azure Sky. Thank you for welcoming us. While I respect your power imnsely, I assure you, I won't go down without a fight."
Her resolve was palpable, a tangible force against the chill air. Candice's smile widened, a glint of challenge in her eyes, replied, "Excellent! I wouldn't have it any other way. But know this: my kindness ends the mont you step onto this battlefield. As a Gym Leader, I promise not to hold back."
Platinum replied, her voice firm, "Nor will I."
The two trainers moved to opposite ends of the icy arena, a palpable tension settling over the space. Azure, knowing his Ace Gym Match turn would co after Platinum's, moved to the stands carved into the ice, his Partners settling comfortably around him.
His Gengar, however, floated excitedly above the arena, a mischievous gleam in its eyes, while his Rotom, currently in its fan form, zipped around Gengar, humming with anticipation. Gengar's voice bood, carrying surprisingly well through the arena, much to the Statue Referee's visible annoyance, "Alright, everyone!"
The Froslass statue flickered, a faint groan escaping its icy form as Gengar and Rotom continued, "This is Gengar, your premier spectral comntator, live from the iciest arena in Sinnoh!"
Rotom buzzed, "And Rotom! Bringing you the electrifying play-by-play!"
Azure muttered under his breath, a faint smile on his face, "Alright, you two. Try not to annoy the referee too much."
Gengar asked innocently, floating closer to the Froslass statue, "Annoy? Who, us? We're just adding color to the show!"
*Shiver*
The statue shuddered visibly.
The Gym's Froslass statue, acting as the referee, held a paw high and declared, "The official Gym battle between Gym Leader Candice and challenger Platinum Berlitz is about to begin! Each trainer will use three Pokémon! The battle will be a switch battle! Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon!"
The statue announced, "Are both trainers ready?"
Platinum called out, her voice clear, "Ready!"
Candice quipped, a confident smirk, "Ready to chill!"
The statue declared, "Begin!"
Platinum declared, throwing her Poké Ball with a flick of her wrist, "Go, Empoleon!"
*POP*
With a flash of light, her Empoleon materialized on the ice, its regal form shimring, the [Expert Belt] on its waist a subtle glint. It let out a majestic cry, steam rising from its tallic beak, "Empoooo! (Bring it on!)"
Candice returned, sending out a small, tree-like Pokémon, "Snover, it's your turn!"
*POP*
Snover, with its stubby limbs and perpetually frosty deanor, appeared on the ice, shivering slightly, "Snooo… (Oh no…)"
Gengar announced, his voice echoing, "Alright, opening moves, folks! Platinum leads with her ace, Empoleon, a Water/Steel type, carrying that spicy [Expert Belt]! And Candice counters with Snover, a Grass/Ice type!"
Rotom buzzed, its fan spinning, comnting, "A type disadvantage for Snover right out of the gate! Empoleon's Steel typing resists Snover's Grass, and its Water typing resists Ice! But wait, Snover's Ice typing is weak to Empoleon's Steel-type attacks!"
Platinum recalled Maylene's earlier words about Candice's team and its weaknesses. A Steel-type move would be potent here. She commanded, her voice ringing with authority, "Empoleon, use tal Claw!"
Empoleon roared, its tallic wings glowing with a steely sheen. It lunged forward, its sharp claws extending, shimring with condensed tallic energy. Snover, caught off guard by the sheer speed and power, barely had ti to react…
*CLANG*
The tal Claw struck with a resounding CLANG, sending shockwaves across the icy arena. A cloud of snow and ice shards erupted as Snover was sent skidding backwards, collapsing with a pained squeak.
*THUD*
The small Pokémon lay still, its body covered in tiny dents, completely unable to battle. The Froslass statue announced, its voice less annoyed now, more surprised, "Snover is unable to battle! Empoleon wins!"
The victory had been swift, brutal, and decisive. Platinum's Empoleon stood tall, pride radiating from it.
Candice blinked, a slow smile spreading across her face. She said, her voice laced with genuine admiration, "Well, I certainly underestimated you, Platinum Berlitz. Snover rarely goes down that quickly. You've definitely gained my respect right from the start."
She returned Snover to its Poké Ball with a gentle touch. With an eager grin, she added in a determination, "Very well. Then it's ti to bring out the Pokémon I set aside for a challenger worthy of a real fight!"
Candice reached for another Poké Ball, her gaze sharp; a figure watching from a nearby window stiffened. Maylene, her ditite and Riolu beside her, had been peering through the frosted glass, expecting to see Candice training, perhaps a quiet conversation when she arrived.
Instead, she had witnessed the shocking speed and power of Platinum's Empoleon. Maylene whispered, her jaw slightly agape, "A Gym Battle? Are they actually having a Gym Battle? But... why didn't she say anything earlier?"
*POP*
Before Maylene could ponder further, a shimring blue light enveloped her. She yelped, a startled cry escaping her as she felt a sudden, disorienting pull, "Whoa! What?!"
In an instant, she, ditite, and Riolu were no longer outside the window but standing in the Gym's observation stands, right beside Azure. Azure chirped, a bag of popcorn appearing in his hand as if from nowhere, "Surprise! Didn't want you to miss the show. Gengar shared."
He offered her a handful of the fluffy kernels. Gengar floated nearby, a wide, toothy grin splitting his face, and said cheekily, "See? Told you it'd be more fun to watch up close! And the popcorn's fresh!"
Maylene, still reeling from the sudden teleportation, blinked at Azure, then at the popcorn, then at Gengar. Her ditite and Riolu, equally bewildered, sniffed cautiously at the offered snack. A mont later, Riolu let out a happy bark, snatching a kernel.
Maylene sighed, a mix of exasperation and amusent on her face, "You... you just teleported ?"
She looked at the arena, then back at Azure, then at the battling Empoleon and the determined Platinum. A smile finally broke through as she said, "Well, I guess I'm here now. Pass the popcorn."
She resigned herself to the unexpected turn of events, her Riolu and ditite happily munching on scattered treats as the Gym battle and the comntary continued. Azure, anwhile, watched above, spotting a seed as he thought, 'Now that's just a nasty surprise waiting to happen…'
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!
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