Beyond the known, below zero

‘ Her words didn't make this beautiful scenery justice. As much as I try to grasp it, I would have never expected the harshest side of nature to leave behind such sight. Contrary to its very nature, a stream of running water has been frozen solid. That would appear impossible, but in truth is all a farse, for the river still lives under the protection of its ice.

Although the sheet of solid ice won't even budge when stepped on, careful observation will reward a watchful investigator with the proof of the life below. Fish Pokémon live their lives within, free of dangers from the surface in exchange of dealing with the cold temperatures and, while I can only speculate that upstream there would be a tall mountain from which the stream was born, I wish that they will eventually find the courage at the end of their journey to reach the ocean so that they may experience what it is to, if only for a moment, feel the air wash over their scales ’

These were the words written by a Heracross in his journal, describing the small segment of running water he had come by minutes after he had delved into the icy region. He rested below the branches of one of the few trees around near the snowy bank to take time to write this small entry. The cold breeze is constant and some snowflakes often find themselves either on the 'Whimsicotton' brand brown hiking coat or at the large horn of the Heracross, unprotected but imposing even in this weather.

While writing, he smiled at the cold icy surface, remembering that some Pokémon were skilled enough to use its slipperiness as a way to move faster or even skate over it. His mind was about to daydream when a harsher, freezing wind snapped him out of it, reminding him to continue on. Despite the opportunity, he mustn't fall victim to laziness as he has yet much to see. He took the journal and put it back into his backpack before staring at the sky.

Dark clouds gathered, blocking the delightful sunlight that made the snow blindingly radiant and the ice crystal clear. An omen of the harsh weather that was to come. If Darios wants to make the most out of this day, he has to get back into the move and explore this dungeon. As odd as it might first appear, the dungeon seemed to follow the river, expanding downstream to the very core of this wilderness. The banks were somewhat barren, with grass and dirt under a permanent layer of thick snow that was annoying to trudge through and the occasional tree taking advantage of the lack of sunlight competition. For the medium-sized biped insect, journeying on the sheet of ice above the river was the most sensible of options, as his feet latch onto the ice without slipping like he often does with the bark of trees. It's better than trying to walk over the sinking snow and let the incoming hail catch up to him.

[Energy: 24 - 18 (Entrance cost) = 6]

"Not as chilly as Frostmeer, though i guess that area has the advantage due to higher altitude. The weather makes it a lot prettier though. Or... Maybe not" An Absol murmured to itself as it slowly and casually strolled along the river bank, originally having been enjoying the nice weather amidst the constant snowfall. His appreciation for the snowfall was brought to a halt as dark clouds slowly gathered overhead, causing a soft sigh to echo out.

Shaking his head disapprovingly to his relaxing gaunt being darkened and rained on by small hail, he increased his pace and advanced on wards, following the river down with intent to take cover at the wilderness beyond it. Commanding Blizzards and fighting within them was plenty of training enough to be able to ignore smaller hail fragments, but the slow pelting of ice on one's back was still something he wouldn't complain about avoiding.

Trudging along through the snow in silence with relative ease, a lone figure carefully walking on the frozen surface came into view, seemingly an insect of some kind.

(Energy: 50-18=32])

One step after the other, careful to step well enough to avoid slipping. Being under the elements made Darios smile. Even with this weather and temperature handicap, he still had to be watchful. Bounty awaited those that had a keen eye and the Heracross didn't know yet if treasure would be hidden amidst the snow or be in plain sight down the frozen river. Perhaps he'd even catch an orb rolling down from behind him. On the other hand, should a trap trigger while he's on the icy surface that could plummet him down into the freezing water would be catastrophic.

Eyeing his surroundings, looking to his sides, he spotted a Pokémon. If they were feral, spotting them with the snowy background would be close to impossible but the fact that they carried some gear with them made it easier to tell apart from the environment. Raising an arm over his head to prevent snow from falling to his eyes, Darios paused and waited. There was some small tension, wondering if this Pokémon was friendly or if they were trying to avoid any company. Should he say something?

Of course. it couldn't possibly hurt. Darios turned to the right, aware that this extra time could cost him should he stick around for too long. He didn't know when the hail was going to strike. With this in mind, he turned in the direction of the Pokémon and began to make his way into the snowy area to meet them midway. Just a glance at the Heracross could reveal that his interaction with the snow was minimal, as even walking about he had trouble "Salutations!" He spoke, slowly noticing that this Pokémon was an Absol. The coincidence of this situation made him chuckle "I believe you are a little late to deliver your warning, Disaster Pokémon. The sky makes it clear that we should get on the move!"