The cold wind swept across the mountainside, but no one seemed to notice it anymore.
After watching Charizard tear apart the Blizzard tornado and defeat all seven Abomasnow with a single attack, the expedition members could only stare at Aaron and his Pokémon in disbelief.
Grant was the first to break the silence.
"Aaron... you're still as ridiculous as ever."
Aaron gave him a flat look.
"Thanks. I think."
Ryan walked over as well, still glancing at Charizard in the distance.
"That Pokémon of yours is incredible. I thought I understood how strong you were after the first Abomasnow, but apparently not."
Aaron scratched the back of his head.
"You're making too much of it. I'm just a student who hasn't even started university yet."
Grant and Ryan both stared at him.
Aaron smiled innocently.
"Anyway, we should keep moving."
Grant sighed.
"Yeah. Before he says something even more annoying."
The expedition regrouped and continued deeper into the secret zone.
...
They encountered several more Ice-type Pokémon along the way, but none posed much of a threat. Some of the weaker wild Pokémon kept their distance entirely after noticing the size of the group and the Pokémon accompanying them.
Eventually, the expedition reached a snow-covered forest. Thick branches and dense trunks sharply reduced visibility, so Aaron released Greninja and Sceptile to scout ahead while he stayed near the front of the group.
"Grenin."
"Scep."
After traveling a short distance, both Pokémon stopped at almost the same time and turned toward the same section of the forest.
Aaron noticed immediately.
"You found something?"
Greninja nodded.
Aaron looked back toward Grant and Ryan.
"They picked up something in that direction. Want to check it out?"
Ryan glanced toward the trees.
"That's what we're here for."
Grant nodded as well.
"Lead the way."
With Greninja and Sceptile guiding them, the expedition changed course.
About ten minutes later, the forest opened into a much wider grove.
Everyone slowed.
The trees ahead were still blanketed in snow, but clusters of ice-blue fruit hung from their branches. Each one had a faint crystalline sheen that made it stand out against the white surroundings.
Several large Pokémon were gathered beneath the trees.
Their pale-blue bodies were supported by four sturdy legs, while translucent, sail-like structures stretched from their heads down along their long necks.
Aurorus.
The Pokémon were calmly reaching into the lower branches and eating the blue fruit.
Grant's attention immediately shifted from the Aurorus to the trees.
"Those are Frostfruits."
Aaron looked at him.
"Frostfruits?"
Grant nodded.
"They're rare. Ice-type Pokémon can absorb the energy inside them to strengthen themselves. Regular consumption can even improve a Pokémon's potential over time."
Aaron looked back at the grove with renewed interest.
"How valuable are they?"
"Very. A single fruit can sell for at least ten thousand, and supply rarely keeps up with demand."
That got everyone's attention.
There were far more than a handful of Frostfruits hanging from the surrounding trees.
Grant smiled.
"Looks like this secret zone already has something worth coming back for."
Ryan, however, was watching the Pokémon beneath them.
"There's one problem."
Several Aurorus had already noticed the newcomers.
"If we want those fruits, we'll have to get past them."
Grant considered the herd for a moment.
"We'll try to make them move first. No reason to start a fight if we don't have to."
No one disagreed.
The expedition approached slowly.
The Aurorus immediately became more alert. Several raised their long necks and called out in warning.
"Aurorus!"
Grant stopped at a safe distance and raised his voice.
"We're not here to fight. Move away from the trees and we won't bother you."
Aaron glanced at him.
"Pretty sure they understood the part where you want their food."
Grant ignored him.
One of the Aurorus answered with an angry cry.
"AURORUS!"
Ice-blue energy gathered in its mouth.
Grant's expression changed.
"Oh, come on—"
Ice Beam shot across the clearing.
Greninja moved before anyone else could react.
"Grenin!"
He appeared in front of Grant and thrust one hand forward. A sphere of water formed in his palm and launched toward the incoming attack.
Water Pulse collided with Ice Beam halfway between them.
BOOM!
The attacks burst apart, sending water and fragments of ice scattering across the snow.
Grant took one step back and stared at the Aurorus.
Then he looked at Greninja.
"Thanks."
"Grenin."
Aaron folded his arms.
"That negotiation went well."
Grant shot him a look.
"I noticed."
Across the clearing, the other Aurorus were already becoming agitated. More of them turned toward the expedition, lowering their heads and preparing to attack.
Grant's expression hardened.
"All right. They've made their choice."
He looked toward the rest of the group.
"Get ready."