The path to Frost Cavern was frigid and almost unbearable. Victor had been traveling for several days and had finally reached his destination outside of Dendemille Town. Violet eyes swept the snow laden path, observing several battles taking place. Victor adjusted his scarf and cap and tucked his gloved hands into the pockets of his black trench coat. Uncomfortable didn't begin to describe what he was feeling. He had begun his journey in the fall. Not the wisest choice, but better late than never.

But as cold as he felt, he was content with the feeling. He put in a lot of hard work and energy into his journey. Yes, Victor was indeed satisfied. Victor took out a necklace in his pocket and simply stared at it. Attached to it was a keystone. Along with that, was a silver rose. The symbol of a promise between rivals. The crunching of snow behind him caught his attention. Not even the snow could mask the way she walked.

That confidence she had was always recognizable no matter what she did. That powerful presence she held rolled off of her in overwhelming waves. The sound of her footfalls stopped as she paused beside him. He spared her a glance, almost wishing he hadn't. As usual, her face was devoid of expression, always serious. Her icy blue hues shifted to his face, acknowledgment of his presence within. Her chocolate locks showered in curls down both sides of her neck. She was fair-skinned and had rose-red lips that looked inviting. Her ensemble consisted of a crimson trench coat with black leggings and red leg warmers. A red winter hat sat atop her head. About her neck was a necklace just like Victor's.

A loud silence reigned for but a moment before she turned to face him fully. Violet clashed with blue as their eyes met. The tension was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. Others who were battling stopped. Everyone knew what was taking place at that very moment. It was the beginnings of a conversation in a language only those who have earned their right to become trainers possessed. That language was battle. And it all began with eye contact and an unspoken greeting.

Victor didn't even blink as she stared him down. He could already read in her expression, the words. Well, are we just going to stand here? Or are you going to ask me to dance?

She reached for a Poké Ball and enlarged it, holding it out to him as a dancer would her hand. An invitation.

It's not so much a dance, but a battle, was his wordless reply as he received the invitation by replicating her action.

Ah, but what is a battle but a dance? A witty reply as she tossed her ball with a practiced hand.

The ball opened up and a Barbaracle exploded onto the field, his feet hitting the ground with a thud. At the same time, Victor released his companion onto the battlefield. The bat dragon, Noivern, gave a mighty roar as he spread his wings, his gaze fixed upon the opposition. All eyes were on this fight. The two opposing Pokémon stared each other down while awaiting their trainer's command. Silence held everything in a mighty grip, until Melody's commanding voice shattered it.

"Stone Edge!"

Predictable. At least, in Victor's mind it was. As Barbaracle prepared the jagged stones for his onslaught, Victor prepared a counter.

"Hurricane!"

Noivern channeled the power of the wind through his frame and expelled it from his wings in a devastating gust. The violent winds carved through the air and dispersed the rocks with ease. Though successful, something was off about that clash of power.

"Shell Smash!"

She would! Victor thought as the sound of armor shattering echoed loudly in the air.

"Dragon Pulse!" Victor commanded.

Noivern reared his head back and purple light shone from within. Suddenly, his head lurched and a violet beam erupted from his maw, slicing through the air towards the collective Pokémon. Barbaracle stood his ground unflinchingly as the blast roared towards him with intent to destroy.

"Razor Shell!" Melody commanded calmly.

Barbaracle's right claw lit up with azure aura that soon solidified into a blade. Once the beam drew within range, he lashed out at it, knocking it right back at Noivern who had no choice but to evade. Even as he swayed to one side, Barbaracle had already leapt up to meet him with the other claw alight. Before Noivern could do anything, Barbaracle slammed his blade into his maw, sending the bat dragon into a nosedive.

Noivern managed to pull up in time to avoid Barbaracle's attempt to pin him to the ground. Noivern roared defiantly at Barbaracle who only stared back.

"Air Slash!" Victor called out.

Noivern raised his wings and then swung them together, creating a sharp blast of wind that knifed through the air like butter. Barbaracle remained in place, awaiting Melody's orders.

"Protect!"

In a flash, a green barrier materialized before Barbaracle, shielding him from harm and thwarting the assault. Noivern growled low but Barbaracle remained complacent. Both trainers exchanged glances. Both held neutral expressions, yet Melody's seemed to be bored. Victor could see this. He had known Melody for a while and this was her way of telling him to step it up.

Alright, if that's how you want it, an unspoken remark. "Hurricane and then Dragon Pulse!"

The wind picked up heavily on the battlefield, blowing snow all over and clouding vision. Barbaracle dug his claws in to keep from being battered too badly by the cutting winds. A violet beam erupted from Noivern, aiming to collide full force with Barbaracle.

"Razor Shell!" Was the command heard through the harsh winds.

Barbaracle crossed his arms and extended his aquatic blades out in front of him. The blast soon collided, causing a brief struggle. Barbaracle was forced back a few yards but remained standing. He was clearly running low on stamina, and so was Noivern.

Now that's more like it, he could almost hear her say as he caught sight of her lips twitching into a slight smirk. Suddenly, Barbaracle toppled over, leaving an inprint of himself in the snow. It was just as Victor suspected, Shell Smash ended up being his undoing.

Melody returned Barbaracle without a word, however she did hold the ball close for but a moment, kissing it before putting it away. Never had Victor been so envious of an inanimate object. He watched as she reached for her next ball, as if carefully selecting who she would use. Having made her choice, she snapped the next ball from her waist and released it.

A towering black Haxorus immerged onto the battlefield, a deafening roar heralding his arrival. Noivern snarled at him, as if knowing this would be a fight he would enjoy and at the same time hate. Haxorus was calm, just like his trainer, making him all the more intimidating to face.

It's not your style to make it easy is it?

No, and it never will be, Victor.

After another wordless conversation, Melody glanced in Victor's direction as if reading his next move. Victor was having a slightly difficult time, considering Haxorus was one of her best. Haxorus had the power advantage while Noivern held all the cards when it came to speed. The battle could go either way, but Victor wasn't going to chance getting too close to that powerhouse.

"Noivern, use Dragon Pulse!"

A flash of purple was seen before the blast erupted from Noivern's maw. Undeterred, Haxorus stood his ground, welcoming the challenge.

"Dragon Tail!" Was Melody's order, which Haxorus obeyed.

The great beast concentrated his power into his tail, causing it to glow neon green. Haxorus then whipped the tail around and slammed it into the blast, knocking it right back at Noivern. No fool, the bat dragon barrel rolled to avoid the assault, only to have his wing clipped. Victor muttered something under his breath as he watched Noivern spiral downwards, struggling to right himself. It was as if Haxorus could read Noivern's strategy before it happened.

"Dragon Dance!" Melody called out.

Haxorus began to glow with red and violet light. He stomped his feet as though he were dancing to a rhythm in his head. When the light faded, sparks flew across the snow, signaling the completed dance. Noivern hit the snow with a thud and pushed himself up, shaking the snow from his face. Noivern shot a glare at Haxorus and snarled in challenge. Victor had a feeling this would happen. The moment Noivern took a plunge she seized her opportunity. It was just like her to be a step ahead. She always was.

"Outrage," Melody commanded, causing Victor's eyes to widen.

Haxorus roared menacingly as a dangerous crimson light erupted around his deadly frame. Without hesitation, the axe head dragon rushed towards Noivern, lashing out with vicious intent.

"Drive him back! Air Slash!" Victor countered.

Noivern flapped his wings repeatedly, sending forth burst after burst of sharp winds. Haxorus, using his newly gained speed to his advantage, avoided the attacks with ease. Soon he was right on top of Noivern before he could fly off. Haxorus raised a powerful claw and slashed Noivern across the torso before whirling around and slamming his tail into the bat dragon, sending him sprawling through the air and into the snow bank. Noivern was now unconscious.

Victor sighed softly and recalled Noivern, and then slipped the ball back onto his belt, murmuring his gratitude as he did so. He reached for another ball on his belt and snapped it off, priming it to throw. He soon released the sphere, unleashing a Weavile into the fray. She brandished her claws as she appeared, making it known that she was ready for battle. Haxorus snorted at the Ice-type's arrival. Victor simply kept his focus on the battle, knowing that although he held the type advantage, the ball was in her court in terms of power.

The crimson aura still outlined Haxorus, showing he was still set to rampage, and yet he was perfectly calm. This was what made Melody a feared and respected trainer. She could calm anything. None of her Pokémon questioned her orders because they were always sound. Which was why Haxorus gave Weavile a challenging stare instead of an unsure glance at his trainer.

"Icicle Crash!" Victor commanded.

Melody blinked for the first time in the match. It was as if she wasn't expecting it. Weavile drew in a sharp breath and then let loose a cold blast of wind that formed sharp, long icicle spears in the air. The spears raced towards Haxorus at an alarming speed.

"Outrage through it!" Melody countered.

Haxorus roared menacingly before rushing at the attack head-on, slashing through several spears while others shattered against his scales. Though it was painful, he pressed on, breaking through the assault and winding up in front of Weavile. Haxorus whipped his tail around, causing Weavile to leap high into the air only to be caught by an axe edge from Haxorus's face. Weavile skidded along the ground and rose to a stand, ready for another round. Haxorus charged in once again, still not finished with the onslaught.

Okay. Haxorus is tougher than before. And not just because he powered up. Wait...that's it! Victor realized.

"Weavile, Punishment!"

Weavile gave a wicked smile as she extended her claws, lacing them with dark purple energy. In a swift movement, Weavile lashed out at Haxorus, striking several heavy blows to his face, abdomen and chest areas. Haxorus stumbled back, roaring in pain. Weavile gave a cocky smirk before beckoning Haxorus with a single claw, as if daring him to attack.

You've gotten stronger, Victor.

And you're as strong as ever...

It was as if both Haxorus and Weavile could hear the wordless conversation because they mirrored their trainer's expressions. As their battle raged on, a crowd of trainers had gathered nearby to watch. The intensity of the fight was incredible. Not one of the other trainers dared look away.

"Haxorus, Earthquake!"

"Jump and use Ice Punch!"

Haxorus raised a foot and slammed it hard into the ground, causing the snow to fly up while the earth shook. Weavile had closed in by this point, claw aglow with frozen energy.

Gotcha...Melody thought.

"Dragon Tail!"

Haxorus narrowly avoided the Ice Punch and whipped his tail around and rammed it hard into Weavile's stomach, sending her flying.

"Icicle Crash!" Victor countered hastily as Weavile flew back.

In a last ditch effort, Weavile breathed in and shot a hasty burst of icicle spears towards Haxorus, making a solid connection before she hit the snow bank. Haxorus crashed hard into the snow covered ground while Weavile struggled to stand. Weavile gave one last grin before she too slumped over.

Both Victor and Melody recalled their companions, silently thanking them before reaching for their third Pokémon each. Melody primed her ball and released it, and from the chamber came forth a Mamoswine, towering above them. Victor hesitated on the ball he had chosen.

Figures, he thought as he moved his hand to another and fired the ball from his grip. Chesnaught erupted onto the field, slamming his powerful legs into the snow. Raising his head, he gazed upon his would be opponent. Mamoswine snorted and dug his foot into the ground. He was very much at home in this weather.

"Avalanche!" Melody commanded calmly.

Mamoswine stomped fiercely on the ground and charged Chesnaught with intent to drive him into the snow. Chesnaught, however, stood his ground as if he knew what Victor would order him to do before the command was spoken. Chesnaught gave Victor a knowing look before facing Mamoswine.

"Spiky Shield!" A command that threw even Melody for a loop.

Chesnaught slammed his fists together, creating a circular shield from his forearms. Spikes were jutting out from every angle as the shield formed a sphere of protection around Chesnaught. Mamoswine, unfortunately, charged straight into it and recoiled in pain after the ground shaking collision.

"Hammer Arm!" Two words that were bad news for the beast.

Chesnaught swung a glowing white forearm towards Mamoswine and sent all 641 pounds of him skidding backwards on his side, leaving a trail in the snow that looked as though a snow plow had gone through the area. Melody watched with what could be considered amusement. In essence, she was testing his Chesnaught.

"Hail," she said simply, catching a flicker of worry in Victor's eyes.

Mamoswine's body began to glow bright blue, causing the clouds overhead to produce hail. Large chunks plummeted from the sky, nailing Chesnaught, causing him to wince. Mamoswine shook the chunks off of his fur and snorted. Victor stole a glance at Melody, only to find that she was smiling a little. If anything, that was not a good sign for him.

"Bulldoze!" Melody's voice rang out.

"Seed Bomb!" Victor countered.

Mamoswine snorted and then thundered towards Chesnaught. The armored titan released a bombardment of glowing white seeds that exploded upon impact with whatever they touched. Due to the hail, Mamoswine's Snow Cloak ability activated, making him more evasive. He batted away a few seeds, much to his regret, but kept charging. Upon closing the distance, Mamoswine lashed out with his tusks only to have them grabbed by Chesnaught in a death grip.

"Icicle Crash!" Melody's voice echoed.

This was the opportune moment Melody desired. Mamoswine struggled against the sheer strength that Chesnaught possessed while at the same time drawing in a deep breath before loosing a point blank blast of icicles in Chesnaught's face. This caused Chesnaught to let go of Mamoswine.

"Finish with Avalanche!"

"Spiky Shield!"

Chesnaught brought his arms up to produce the shield, but it wasn't fast enough due to Mamoswine being right on top of him. Chesnaught was driven into the snow with devastating force. When Mamoswine backed away, Chesnaught could be seen out cold. Victor had to admit, he knew her Mamoswine was tough to begin with, but he wasn't expecting that. Returning his friend, he'd hitch the ball to his belt before snapping off his fourth partner. With a deep breath, he released the ball and immerging from it was a shiny Gigalith.

The wall of rock shifted his gaze towards Mamoswine, assessing his foe. Victor and Melody locked eyes for a moment, as if they were determining what the other would do.

"Icicle Crash!"

"Stone Edge!"

Icicles showered down upon Gigalith only to be shattered into powder by the jagged stones that Gigalith produced. Mamoswine snorted in challenge while Gigalith simply stared, waiting.

"Bulldoze!"

Mamoswine charged in recklessly, aiming to send the pile of rocks into the cold ground. Victor, however, had other plans.

"Protect!" Victor called out.

Gigalith adhered to the call and the green globe of defense surrounded him, shielding him from harm. Mamoswine recoiled off the barrier and grunted in annoyance.

"Curse!" Victor shouted.

Gigalith's body began to glow scarlet as his stats were being altered. Melody knew what this meant. The consequences of the move didn't matter because Gigalith was already unbelievably slow. What did matter was the power he just gained. Gigalith's gems flashed brilliantly when the power up was complete.

Victor smirked and Melody narrowed her eyes. Bring it. Those were the words she didn't need to say.

"Bulldoze!" Melody commanded sternly.

"Stone Edge!"

Gigalith's gems lit up brightly, gathering in power before releasing the jagged stones from within. Mamoswine was soon bombarded with stones and driven into the snow, just short of his intended target. Mamoswine struggled to get up afterwards and managed to do so, only to topple over into the snow. Melody smiled softly at this development. She returned Mamoswine and murmured a thank you before putting the ball back on her belt. She reached for her next one and grinned.

This was her forth Pokémon, meaning that the next two were going to be a lot tougher. Victor knew he was in for one heck of a fight. Melody fired the sphere onto the field and an Aegislash appeared onto the frozen battlefield. The odds weren't exactly in his favor here, but Victor wasn't going to give up easily. Gigalith had recently been powered up by Curse.

"Earthquake!"

"Shadow Sneak!"

Gigalith roared aloud, raising its rocky feet to slam into the ground. But before he could do anything, Aegislash ducked into the shadows and came out swifter than the eye could track, slicing across Gigalith's torso. Gigalith reeled back in pain and glared at Aegislash menacingly.

"Stone Edge!" Victor roared.

"Flash Cannon!" Melody commanded.

Gigalith's gems flashed white and stones circulated above him. With a stomp of his forelegs he released the barrage of stones towards Aegislash who patiently waited. Aegislash swung himself upward so that the tip of his blade body faced skyward. Gathering in steel energies, he pointed himself at the oncoming assault and released a devastating blast, incinerating every stone and continuing on. Gigalith was struck hard by the retaliation and sent skidding backwards a few yards. Despite his condition, he shook himself off and turned back to the battle.

"Shadow Sneak!"

"Protect!" Victor retaliated.

Aegislash, though faster, was not quick enough. Gigalith was able to conjure up his defenses, thwarting Aegislash's attack, causing the blade to slam into the barrier instead. However, when it faded, Melody wasted no time.

"Sacred Sword!"

Before Victor could call for a countermeasure, Aegislash swiftly struck Gigalith hard enough to topple him, knocking him out cold. Needless to say, Victor wasn't at all shocked at the results. Aegislash was one of her best next to Haxorus. He'd seen her mop the floor with trainers at the Battle Chateau with just Haxorus and Aegislash alone. And yet, here he was, facing off against his biggest rival and crush, faring much better than he'd seen anyone else. Yes, Victor liked Melody, though he'd never say it out loud. But perhaps this battle was the best way to do so. After all, that was the reason he invited her to battle, or in her terms...dance. With his fourth partner down, he would return him, latching the ball onto his belt before reaching for the next ball. Priming it, he'd cast a glance in Melody's direction before tossing it onto the field.

A Talonflame screeched as he immerged from his chamber in a blaze of glory. The flaming falcon hovered aloft, his gaze fixated on Aegislash who was ready and waiting. Now it was Victor's turn to be calm.

"Flare Blitz!" Victor bellowed.

"Kings Shield!"

Aegislash swiftly changed into a defensive stance, placing his shield before him. Talonflame collided with the barrier set up, causing him to retreat quickly to avoid a counter strike.

"Shadow Sneak!"

"Brave Bird!"

Aegislash began to dive into the shadows in order to press the assault. But before he could even call upon the darkness, Talonflame hit him hard and fast. With the ability Talonflame carried, speed ties were nonexistent. Talonflame circled around and hovered in place, sparks flying from the recoil.

"Fly up and use Roost!"

"After it with Shadow Sneak!"

Talonflame rocketed into the skies, gaining altitude at a steady pace, Aegislash not far behind. Spreading his wings, Talonflame would regain his lost energy and screech in challenge. As if by reply, Aegislash shot from the shadows and slashed across Talonflame's chest, sending the falcon sprawling backward. Righting himself, he'd glare at Aegislash and screech once more in challenge.

"Brave Bird into Flare Blitz!"

"Kings Shield!"

Aegislash attempted to raise his shield, but due to the overwhelming speed of the mighty fire bird, he wasn't fast enough. Blue light turned to flames as Talonflame crashed into Aegislash at full force, sending the blade towards the snow covered ground. Aegislash slammed hard into the snow, a sign that he might not be getting back up. As Melody had expected, Aegislash was out cold.

Melody couldn't help but smile as she returned her friend. Her eyes flickered towards Victor, excitement dancing in her icy depths as she reached for her fifth partner. Victor knew who this was. It wasn't her ace, but it was one she had for a long time, just like his Talonflame. With a smirk she fired the fifth ball and out screeched a Braviary.

The two opposing birds of prey stared each other down intently. They both knew that this was going to be a fight that would test their limits. Braviary held a massive power advantage while Talonflame was the speed demon of the skies. It was another strength against speed matchup. All spectators were still watching, even though the cold was irritating.

"Tailwind!"

"Brave Bird!"

Braviary flapped his wings swiftly, causing cold winds to blow about the battlefield. Talonflame blazed towards Braviary in attempt to ram into him, only to be avoided due to his foe catching the wind and barrel rolling away. This resulted in a speedy pursuit by Talonflame.

"Crush Claw!"

"Brave Bird!"

Talonflame launched himself forwards at breakneck speeds, wings out and ready to rip Braviary from the sky. Braviary screeched in challenge and took off on a tailwind and met Talonflame head-on. Talons clashed with wings as the two collided in the air, sending both competitors spiraling into a nosedive. Both birds looked at one another before pulling up to regain altitude.

"Braviary, climb as high as you can and use Sky Attack!"

Victor watched as Braviary gained altitude, spreading his majestic wings as he called upon his power. Victor knew it took time, hence why he didn't have Talonflame pursue.

"Swords Dance now!"

Talonflame obeyed, spreading his wings and gliding about, steadily increasing his power. A loud screech echoed loudly in the air, signaling Braviary was ready. Crimson flames surrounded the eagle as he took a dive towards Talonflame.

"Brave Bird!"

Talonflame launched himself into the air, eager to trade blows with the approaching bird of prey. A fierce explosion resounded through the skies as the two predators met. Out of the smoke, two blurs slammed into the ground, kicking up snow. Both trainers rushed to their companions to examine them, making sure they were okay. Both of them were out like a light.

"Looks like we're down to our last Pokémon huh?" Melody chuckled.

Victor raised a brow. It was the first time she had spoken to him the entire battle. A faint smile crossed his features as their eyes met. Arceus she was beautiful. Everything about her was just so darn perfect.

"Yeah...it appears that way doesn't it?" Victor replied.

"So you can talk. Your usual vocal banter was lacking,"Melody quipped.

"I guess I was too focused on the battle." A half truth, as he was focused more on her than anything else.

"So I see," Melody responded with a knowing glance.

You were checking me out, weren't you?

And if I was? What are you going to do about it?

As if by way of reply to his answer, she reached for her final teammate. A smirk crossed her visage as she released her ace. Heracross exploded out of the ball and stared at Victor in a challenging manner. Victor reached down and snapped off his last ball, giving Melody a prolonged look before sending out the headline of his team. Scizor burst forth from the ball in all his crimson glory. Mega Stones were hung around the necks of both Pokémon.

In unison, Victor and Melody reached for their respective keystones and called upon their bonds with their companions. In a blinding flash of violet light, both Pokémon went through a startling transformation. When it was complete, both Bug-types got into a fighting stance.

"Heracross, Rock Blast!"

The mighty hercules beetle pointed his arms forward, and they soon began rotating like gatling guns, firing softball sized rocks towards Scizor.

"Bullet Punch!" Victor commanded.

Scizor's enlarged claws began to glow bright orange. As the barrage of rocks shot his way, he began puncing rapidly at them, shattering each rock as it came within reach.

"Megahorn!" Melody shouted.

"Superpower!" Victor countered.

Heracross's horn glowed bright green and with a mighty leap, he lunged for Scizor, wings out for increased speed. Scizor shot forth at blazing speeds, cocking a claw back in preparation. Heracross lashed out with his horn while Scizor thrust his right claw forth. The ground shook from the clash of hardened skin on steel. Both Bug-types slid back a ways, regaining their balance and shaking off the damage.

"Earthquake!" Melody called out.

"Bullet Punch!"

Heracross raised his bulky fists and slammed them on the ground with brutal force, causing the snow to shifg and the earth to shake violently. Scizor took off swiftly, his wings beating rapidly as he avoided the spreading fissures in the ground. Upon closing the distance, Scizor launched his claws into action, battering Heracross with relentless punches.

"Knock him back with Rock Blast!"

Heracross winced as each hit made contact. Hearing his trainer's call, he pointed a fist towards Scizor and shot off a few rounds of rocks to drive him back. Scizor backed off a bit and crossed his claws before him to shield his body from the assault. Scizor sidestepped the rocks and surged forward, going in for another round.

"Bullet Punch again!"

"Bulk Up!" Melody countered.

Scizor's claws glowed brightly as he lunged. He began to strike Heracross who puffed put his chest and flexed his arms, red aura radiating from him as he did. The blows began to feel less painful after the powerup and in a swift motion, Heracross grabbed Scizor.

"Throw him down and use Earthquake!" Melody commanded.

Heracross swung Scizor over his head and thrust his arm downwards, sending Scizor crashing into the ground. The other arm came down and shook the ground, sending the Steel/Bug-type flying into the snow bank.

"Roost!"

Melody's eyes widened. She hadn't expected this. Scizor began to regenerate his energy, and was now looking a bit better off.

"Now Swords Dance!"

Scizor began rapidly slicing at the air, raising his power to match thag of his foe. Scizor stared at Heracross with a determined expression. Both Pokémon mirrored their trainers.

"Megahorn!"

"Superpower!"

A loud crash was heard as both Megas clashed in power, each pushing the other to their very limits. Neither was giving an inch.

"Earthquake and follow it up with Rock Blast!" Melody commanded as Heracross held onto Scizor.

Heracross slammed his feet onto the ground, sending out shockwaves for a close proximity quake. Scizor went flying again only to be pelted with a barrage of rocks. Scizor managed to right himself long enough in the air to roll away from the tail-end of the assault. Scizor and Heracross were both panting heavily by this point.

"Let's end this with Megahorn!"

"Aerial Ace!" Victor countered.

Scizor exploded off the snow and raced towards Heracross. The herculean beetle charged in as well, his large horn aglow with green energy. As he closed in, Scizor suddenly blurred, and impact between the two was made as three clear strikes resounded. Both Pokémon remained still, stuck in the pose they landed in. Scizor and Heracross looked back at each other from the corner of their eyes. Every other trainer held their breath.

Then, Melody smiled and Heracross fell on his face while Scizor fell to one knee. Victor blinked. Had he won? Heracross reverted from his mega form and so did Scizor, only he remained kneeling. Victor recalled Scizor, silently thanking him for the victory. As he looked up, Melody was already in front of him, a warm smile on her face despite the cold. That smile could melt the snow all around them.

"Looks like the victory goes to you this time," Melody said with a grin.

"Looks to be that way, though I thought for sure you had me," Victor replied.

"You've really impressed me Victor. You've come a long way from when we met on the beach half a year ago. I am honored to call you my rival," Melody stated as a matter-of-fact.

Clapping was heard as the trainers who had been watching began to walk off. A smile painted itself onto Victor's features as he heard the applause.

"So...what now?" Victor inquired.

"Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me? That is why you invited me here, right?" Melody chuckled.

"That must have slipped my mind while we were battling." A bold faced lie.

"Perhaps," Melody began, stepping closer to place her arms around his neck, "I can refresh your memory."

Victor froze, and not because of the snow that had him feeling numb. No. It was because her forehead was pressed to his and her lips were moving in. Without a word, she closed the distance between their lips and the world just melted away.