What an evening! After their return to the Union, as well as a well-deserved shower, they had the pleasure of finding their friend Operator who was waiting for them, smiling brightly. The group took this opportunity to go to Pueltown to go eat and above all to renew their bond. Between giggles, nervous breakdowns and more or less disturbing anecdotes, they were in every way happy.

When it was time to go to sleep, they each went back to their rooms, not without giving each other a huge collective hug beforehand. Ah...Kellyn adored these moments of peace and innocence!

That's why the next day, the brunet was in great shape, ready to fight! Even his partner saw that he had a better appearance.

The morning began with a meeting in the Research Room. The diary, which Sven had delivered the day before, was already beginning to show it's true colors. The scientists' excitement was palpable, causing the two Top Rangers to chuckle as they gazed at this pretty little mayhem.

- Oh! We found something!..."B-R-I-G-H-T-O-N"...Brighton. Does that tell you something?

Murph, who was in the room representing the Operators, turned toward the 11th Top Ranger.

- That name sounds familiar, don't you think? What was it again...? A candy brand? Toothpaste?

The one with teal eyes stared at him outraged, before rushing for his tablet.

- "It's the name of the second president of Altru! Not a toothpaste's brand!"

The Operator rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed.

- Ah yes, I knew it! Yep, I knew that. Yup.

The younger arched an eyebrow, unconvinced, causing the redhead next to him to burst out laughing.

- I didn't know you were so wild Kell! Bouahaha!

The teenager blushed a deep red, and turned his head away. But was it due to embarrassment? In any case, the Staravia perched as usual on his shoulder gave him a nice teasing but reassuring peck. Gesture that made him smile, while he returned her affection.

Suddenly, a bluish glow caught his attention forcing him to look at the source. It was Murph, or more exactly his pendant, which was producing this light. Kellyn then noticed that the fragment of black crystal placed under study seemed to drain off it's energy...Was it because of the pendant?

- Murph! What are you hiding?!

Professor Hastings lunged at the sputtering Operator.

- M-My 'Pa gave it to me! He said it was a handmade item from an old lady in Hiya Valley! The blue stone is a fragment from a crystal named "Tears of Prince", or something like that.

- A blue colored crystal? Hiya Valley? Kellyn, you know what that means! Go to Hiya Valley, and bring us this crystal as soon as possible! Given how the fragment reacted, it's more than likely that this crystal is able to neutralize it!

The teen performed his salute with a serious look, immediately imitated by Fischl.

- "Roger!"

The redhead, understanding that his friend had to leave, turned toward him, worried.

- Hey, you're gonna be fine Kell? It's very cold out there. To the point that stalactites form under your nose!

The brunet chuckled softly at the excessive attitude of his (crush) comrade. He delicately placed his hand on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture.

- "Thank you for worrying about me, Scarlet. But everything will be fine. I'm relatively well used to the cold, and I still have Fischl. And Arceus alone knows what she is capable of."

The older teen chuckled before smiling and gently squeezing the hand on his shoulder.

-...Come back safe and sound, ok?

- "Promise."

The two rubbed their heads together in a final gesture of affection and reassurance before parting ways. Kellyn therefore waved goodbye, and left with the young Staravia, leaving the other duo behind.

They then left the Union, and followed his Styler's map to find the way to the land of ice. The boy blessed Rhythmi at the same time, because she was the one who was taking care of "showing" him the way to follow. And Mew knew how bad his sense of direction was sometimes.

A river and cave crossing later, the duo found themselves face to face with a winter landscape. With the temperatures that went with it, of course!

Immediately assailed by the cold, the Flight-Type curled up against the Ranger's neck.

- (BRRRRR!!! It's cold!!!)

- Do not exaggerate! It's true that it's a bit chilly....But it's ok, it's pleasant.

She looked up at him, shocked and outraged.

- (What do you mean "pleasant"?! Don't tell me you're a Froslass disguised as a human?!)

The teenager burst out laughing under the humorous psychosis of his partner, although a headache far too familiar for his taste had decided to seize him.

As a result, he froze, surprising the bird.

- (Kellyn? Are you okay?...Oh no, don't tell me it's happening again!)

- I-I...Argh!

He took his head in his hands and collapsed to his knees. The voice was coming back...!

- "Brrr....Seriously, how do you not get cold? I'm frozen despite all my clothes...."

What...?....He didn't recognize that voice. It was new.

- "Fufufu! You're just sensitive to the cold! Or it's because in my family we are used to very cold weather. Who knows?"

- "Is it THAT cold in your homeland?"

- "Hum....It's not rare that when night falls, the temperature drops drastically, even in summer. So I'll let you imagine during winter."

- "I don't want to know."

- "Pff!...And then, you probably know this but we are nocturnal birds in the family. We live at night, so our bodies have adapted to freezing temperatures, I suppose."

- "Logic. But I still hate you!"

- "The pleasure is mine, fufufu!~"

Kellyn tried to hang on to the voice, but it was useless as it faded into the void of her mind.

- Ugh!!!

The boy let out a cry of pain and breathed in the cool air of Hiya Valley, while trying to remember what had just happened inside his head.

- (Kellyn! Can you hear me?!)

- F-Fischl...? What...? Ouch...! It hurts....!

He curled up in the snow, using the bite of the cold as a painkiller. Since when did his chest hurt so much?

- ( By Mew, call Keith and go back to the Union! He can take care of this mission for you!)

The teen slightly straightened up and shook his head frantically, staring at the Staravia with determination.

- No! It's leaving, I promise! I can take it!

- (Stop being so stubborn for once! You're clearly in no shape!)

- I'm fine, I'm fine! It was a little more violent than usual, that's true, but I'm fine! Look, I'm getting better!

The teenager stood up, and gave the bird an awkward smile. The latter saw that he was struggling to keep his balance, but other than that, he seemed to be doing relatively well.

- (Little Amethyst....)

- I'm fine...! I'm fine....Just...Shaken. In 5 minutes, I'll be like new.

- (...You don't want them to worry, do you? Especially him, do you?)

The brunet froze for a moment before waddling from one foot to the other like a child caught red-handed.

-...They're all doing so much. The Tops Rangers are running everywhere to protect Almia, the Operators are sleep deprived because they have to guide us in our missions...Scientists also work hard. And it will get worse in the days to come.

The one with teal pupils paused as he studied his bracelet. The latter shone with a special glow today, as if reacting to the emotions of it's owner.

- I....I don't want to disappoint them. I don't want to be a burden for them. I'm afraid I won't be up to it...Wendy, Sven, Rhythmi...Keith...They're all so talented, and selfless. They're bending over backwards to accomplish their respective missions. And me? I struggle not to cry 3/4 of the time! I refuse that such a tiny pain puts them in danger! I refuse to be a kid who constantly whines for a yes or a no!

He felt himself starting to tear up, but he bit his lips to contain himself.

-....I am a Ranger. It's my duty to protect Almia no matter what.

He took a deep breath of air, trying to calm his raw emotions. The teenager then felt Fischl tenderly rubbing her head against his cheek. Why is it humid? He wasn't crying though....Oh no...!

- Fischl...? Why are you crying...?

- (...You idiot.)

- Huh?

- (You're just an idiot, Kellyn. The biggest idiot this world has ever known! Have you ever looked at yourself in a mirror? Clearly not. So I'll tell you what I see: a teenager with a heart far too big for his body A teenager with a heart of gold, bending over backwards to protect those around him A teenager looking for himself and taking his responsibilities very seriously An adorable teenager who overwork himself so he won't worry others. A teenager who always puts the well-being of others before his own. But what I see above all is a teenager in love who tries to manage his feelings. That's what I see. )

Kellyn remained silent during the whole tirade, stunned by such sincerity. This time, he couldn't stop the tears from rolling down his cold bruised cheeks, while a silly smile appeared on his lips.

- You...D-Do you really mean it?

- (Look into my eyes. Do you think I'm lying?)

The teal and ebony pupils met and stared at each other for a long moment, a silent but heartfelt conversation going on between the two. The Ranger chuckled as he averted his gaze from his partner's burning gaze.

-...No, you're not.

He felt the bird relax on his shoulder. He rubbed his head against her wet face.

- ( Kell, don't doubt yourself or your abilities. You are an excellent Ranger as well as a lovely human. I know you're struggling with your feelings and emotions, but that's okay. You are in the middle of adolescence while being in love. It's not easy to keep the right balance.)

Fischl then gave him a gentle peck, reassuring him.

- ( So don't be ashamed to be human and to have emotions. You are and always will be Kellyn. A teenager doing his best, but above all... My lovely partner who is in love with his best friend. )

The boy blushed at the words of the Staravia, but he still gave her a very pretty smile.

-...Thank you Fischl.

There were many things he wanted to say, but he was so emotionally weakened that he could only say, "Thank you." This did not bother his Partner too much since she began to coo with tenderness while curling herself up in his neck.

- (You're welcome, little Amethyst. If you ever feel the urge to badmouth yourself again, expect to be enveloped in a cocoon of affection, made by me. And even Arceus himself will not be able to stop me.)

He laughed a crystalline and innocent laugh, releasing the tension that resided in his limbs. He felt much lighter.

- Duly noted...! Well... How about we resume the mission? This blue stone is not going to bring itself back!

- ( Too bad. It would have been very useful.)

The two laughed at their idiocy as they set off again. After all, a long day awaited them.

The duo advanced in the snowy plains, enjoying the landscape for one, and trying not to end up in ice for the other.

- (Brrr....I can't wait to go back to the Union.)

- Sorry, I don't have a blanket to warm you up, my dear.

- (It doesn't matter, your body heat is enough.)

The brunet chuckled and tried to add something when suddenly he heard a voice shout:

- What are you doing?! Leave this Empoleon alone! He needs to be taken care of!

The two friends looked at each other for a moment before rushing towards the source of the problem. That was a man, looking a lot like Murph, who was trying to protect an Empoleon from minions from Team Dim Sun. The latters seemed irritated but above all, frozen.

Understanding the situation immediately, the teenager stepped in, Styler activated. This annoyed the goons a little more who sent him a Houndoom.

Problem, despite it's Fire type, it was completely weakened by the freezing temperatures. Which made it's capture almost too easy, since even Fischl was moving faster than them, despite the fact that she was considerably slowed down.

So a capture and escape from the minions later, everything was back to normal.

- I have to thank you Ranger. You saved us, Empoleon and me.

- "It's nothing. No injuries?"

- Apart from our friend here who already has one, no, I don't think so. Oh, aren't you the famous Ranger whose Murph told me about lately? Kellyn, I believe?

- "That's my name. But how do you know Murph, anyway?"

- Ah! I am his father, young Ranger. That's why.

The brunet looked surprised before remembering that indeed the Top Operator had mentioned him a few times.

- "It's true that he mentioned you..."

The man chuckled softly.

- Unfortunately I can't visit him often. So, it's normal that he only mentioned me, haha! Oh, by the way, what are you doing here?

- "I'm on a mission! I have to look for a blue crystal nearby."

- A blue crystal...?

- "Yes, actually I'm looking for the rock that made Murph's pendant. We need it at the Union!"

- Oh, that one! I'm sorry, I can't help you on that point. You should ask Ms. Winter, she is the one who made this jewelry after all. She lives in a cabin near the lake.

- "Thank you very much Sir!"

The teal-eyed one bowed to thank the adult before starting to leave. The man interrupted him for a moment.

- Don't hesitate to come to Shiver Camp to rest! We're east of Hiya Valley, if you're looking for your way.

- "Oh, that's nice of you! Thank you!"

They waved goodbye before each went their own way.

- Mrs. Winter, huh? She seems like a good person...

- (There's only one way to find out: let's go meet her!)

The duo then ventured back into the snowy plains, seeking the old lady's cabin despite the rising blizzard. When they finally found it, the winds had already been raging for a while.

- (Finally...! I have enough of all this snow!)

- Too bad, we're going to be here for a looooooooonnnnngggggg time.~

- ( Quiet Kell.)

The teenager chuckled as he approached the wooden building. He hesitated for a moment before knocking awkwardly. Not even 30 seconds later the door opened revealing a quite old woman covered in warm clothes.

- Oh, hello young Ranger! To what do I owe the honor of your visit despite this blizzard?

- "Hello Madam! Hum, I just wanted to ask you a question, if you don't mind."

- Not at all. But, come in. You and your Pokemon would be much more comfortable once warmed up.

The brunet was initially tempted to refuse, except that upon seeing Fischl's advanced state of freezing; he decided to accept.

Ms. Winter therefore ushered them inside her home, with a smile on her face. As soon as the heat reached her, the Staravia let out a cry.

- (Salvation!!!)

- / Well, that one came from the bottom of your heart!/

- (I'm cold unlike you, you Froslass!)

The boy discreetly stuck his tongue out at her, royally ignoring her fake indignant expression.

- Sit down, little one, I'll be right back.

The teenager obeyed instinctively, while taking care to properly settle his feathered beast on his knees. He started stroking her head gently to pass the time.

- / I confirm what I said, she is a good person./

- (Very welcoming too! Not everyone brings strangers into their home, even with such weather!)

- / I guess I'm no threat to her./

- (Kell, let's be serious for a second....You are incapable of hurting a fly. Except if you release a Berserk mode from who knows where, you are ANYTHING but a threat!)

The boy couldn't help but giggle, the idea was so hilarious.

- Oh, what's so funny, young Ranger?

The lady was back, a tray containing two steaming cups and cookies in her hands. The boy felt his cheeks heat up, causing him to look away hastily. The adult laughed before settling comfortably in front of him.

- Don't hesitate to serve yourself, you must be hungry.

- "Thanks a lot Madam!"

Kellyn didn't think twice and took the cup assigned to him as well as a cookie which he gave to his partner. As soon as he took a sip of the chocolate liquid he felt a slight shiver. Guess he was a bit cold after all.

- (...Hey, can you give me some?)

- / Of course! Be careful, it's hot.../

The brunet slowly approached the beverage towards the bird, putting his hand under her beak by reflex. The bird then drank slowly, cautiously and with slight difficulty. But upon seeing her face relax as her body regained strength, the Ranger smiled.

- / Feeling better?/

- (Yeah...Hey, do you think you could make this drink again at home?)

- / Hmm...That should be within my capabilities./

- ( Awesome!)

- Well... What's your question, little one?

- "A-Ah! Sorry. Hum...It's about a pendant you made. The one with a blue stone. 'Tears of Prince', I believe?"

- Oh, that one? It's been so long since I made it...What do you want to know about it?

- "Well...I would like to know where you found the blue stone. The Union needs it in order to oppose Team Dim Sun's plans."

The woman "listened" to him in silence as she quietly drank her tea.

-...I see. This explains why I've been seeing suspicious people lurking around the castle for a while...

This caught the curiosity of the duo.

- "A castle?"

- Almia Castle. That's where I found the fragment I used for the pendant...It's on the other side of the lake, but it's been frozen in the ice for years.

- "Oh I see..."

The two friends looked at each other, looking determined but above all worried.

- (Almia Castle, huh? So that's our next destination.)

- / Yeah, but the fact that there are already Dim Sun's minions there isn't good./

- (It most certainly means that they are one step ahead of us. We'll have to be careful.)

-...I guess you're going there, aren't you?

The brunet jumped, almost dropping his cup. So he put it back on the table as a precaution.

- "A-Ah uh, yes. I have to find this stone and bring it back to the Union."

- I understand....*sigh*...I'm not going to stop you, I know it's your duty after all. But don't go tonight. Blizzards have been quite severe lately, especially after dark. Spend the night here, I have a guest room. And go tomorrow morning, when the elements have calmed down.

- "Oh, you shouldn't...."

Miss Winter interrupted him with a wave of her hand.

-...I know that Rangers like you do a lot to keep the peace. You are ready to sacrifice your life for us, inhabitants and Pokemons of Almia. The least we can do in return is to give you shelter for the night. So please accept my offer.

The boy thought for a few seconds before nodding and smiling.

- "...Thank you for your kindness."

The old lady gave him a soft smile, her shoulders relaxing visibly. Once their snack was over, she then showed him the guest room. The young Ranger thanked her before locking himself in the room, waiting for her to leave.

- (...It's good. She's gone.)

- Phew....Well, I guess before going to bed I have to send a report to the Union...Great.

He sat down on the bed with a long sigh. The fact that he had to do it by Voicemail didn't really suit him. The young Staravia moved to his side as she leaned against his hip.

- ( Hmm...Maybe you can call Keith or Rhythmi? You can talk to them without problems and they can pass on your reports right?)

- Yeah. It's a very good idea.

The one with teal pupils flipped open his Styler and began looking for his friends' contacts. Once these were found, he hesitated for a moment between the two before choosing one.

-...Voicemail! Voicemail! Rhythmi speaking. Kellyn, is everything alright?

The teenager nervously tapped the surface of the device trying awkwardly to make himself understood.

-...Oh! Wait 2 seconds....And there you go! It's okay, you can go, Chocolate.

The brunet sighed, which didn't go unnoticed by the Operator's ears.

- Are you okay? You sound tired.

- Oh, I guess I am. At least mentally, haha...!

-...Did you cry?

The remark took him by surprise.

- H-Huh?

- Your voice....It cracks slightly. As if you had cried a little earlier. Everything's good? You can go home if you don't feel well.

- A-Ah, no, no it's fine. I manage. I just had... A slight overflow.

-...If you say so.

- A-Anyway...I have to give you my report. Do you think you can pass it on to the chairperson and the professor?

- No problem! Go ahead, tell me everything!

The brunet chuckled before getting serious again and meticulously making his report, the blonde listening to him in a religious silence. She interrupted him from time to time, asking to repeat certain details or to confirm others. The boy could clearly hear her transcribing all the information he gave on paper.

-...It's all good?

- Yeah, I don't think I forgot anything.

- Well, perfect then! I'll hand it over as soon as possible. And you, go rest. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.

- Yes, Mom.

The girl's laugh echoed softly through the Styler.

- You're impossible...! Alala....What am I going to do with you?

- Haha, sorry?

- It's humor Chocolate. But seriously, get some rest, okay? I have a feeling this will become a rare commodity soon enough.

- You think so too?

- I've had this feeling for a little while, but with what you just told me... It's almost certain.

Kellyn heard her gulp on the other side of the line, but didn't say anything about it. After all, he too felt that the situation was gradually going south.

- Humhum...Don't forget to rest too then.

- Already planned, don't worry.

The brunet smiled a little, relieved to see that the blonde wasn't overdoing it.

- Come on, I'll let you sleep. Talk to you later?

- It's okay with me. Good night Ry.

- Good night Kellyn. I hope you have lots of sweet dreams filled with a certain redhead.~

- Thank you- Huh, what?! Rhyth-!

Aaaaannnddd the communication cut off, leaving only a young bright red Ranger and a Staravia literally dying of laughter.

-...Am I really that transparent...?

- (Yes and no? Let's just say that you have the advantage of being extremely affectionate with your entourage.)

-...Oh.

The bird gently rubbed against his hip.

- (Come on, don't think about it anymore and let's go to sleep. The day is going to be busy.)

-...Yeah. It's a good idea.

The boy got rid of his jacket and his mittens as well as his shoes and socks, not forgetting to put his Styler on the bedside table. Once done, he curled up under the blanket, trying to clear his mind. He then felt Fischl lie against him.

- (Good night little Amethyst.)

- Good night Fischl.

It didn't take long for the bird to fall asleep, adopting a calm and regular breathing. Although he was a little restless, thanks to Rhythmi, Kellyn managed to fall asleep quite easily, too. Come on, no weird dreams tonight!

--------------------------------

Fischl: *trembling* Brrr!! C-Cold!

Kellyn: *absolutely not fazed* Huh? What do you mean "cold"? The weather is nice though...

----------------------------

Rhythmi: *is teasing Kellyn to no end*

Kellyn:...Am I THAT much of an open book...?