The strings of colorful lights that hung on the palm trees of the cities and the limited edition flavors in the Malasada shops could only mean one thing: It was finally December in Alola.
Even if the islands lacked the crisp mountain air, the residents took their holiday festivities just as seriously. Older folks dressed as Santa in custom outfits to suit the warm temperatures and none of the major cities skimped on their tree lighting ceremonies. Many of them had to make due with man-made structures rather than a genuine pine tree, but the holiday spirit shined in the residents and snowbird tourists nonetheless. Artisans sold handmade wreaths that were decorated with seashells and bakeries were accepting orders in advance for their famous holiday treats.
There was just one thing missing to make the mood just right.
For many younger residents of Alola, the sight of freshly fallen snow was nothing more but a fleeting desire. Traveling to Mount Lanakila was quite a hassle without strong Pokémon and many have never made a point to go there before the Pokémon League was established.
“I wish it would snow in Alola.” was a common phrase around this time of year. Despite the rebukes from tourists who were escaping blizzards and freezing temperatures in their home regions, many children still yearned for a chance to have snowball fights with their peers and build snow people.
Mina was no exception either. Nothing could be more exciting for her than to build a snow sculpture.
Snow in Alola was just as rare as finding a Celebi in the wild.
“I wish it would snow here.” She mentioned offhandedly as the topic came up in a conversation the other day. “I bet it would be fun.”
And so it did. Weather forecasts couldn’t have predicted this phenomenon in advance. It just happened overnight. Everyone in Seafolk Village couldn’t believe their eyes then they woke up and the docks were covered in ice. The ocean was slow to freeze over but the sandy beaches were completely covered in pure white powder.
No one knew how it happened and some people worried about the safety of older folks and the vegetation that was sure to die off from this phenomenon. But the only thing that concerned Mina right now was building her first snow sculpture. Oberon waited patiently for her to bundle up with a pink fleece jacket, a knit hat and gloves and an ordinary pair of jeans and shoes. Believing this would be enough for their outing, the two of them set out towards the Poni Wilds to have the time of their lives.
☆ ・‥… “Aeeegiiigggaaahh, ahhhhh- Luc!” Comes a whining groan from an open refrigerator, but mostly from the half-naked body of Yours Truly, limbs and all half sticking out from within the to-go boxes and stashed fruits. “If I stay in this region any longer, I swear, I’m going to end up sweating off more gains than I can..well gain!” (muscle.. that is!)
“Wish this region would cool off a bit, maybe some good ol’ Sinnoh snow as a friendly introduction-” The boy perks up, a metaphorical lightbulb blinking on as he emerges from within the fridge. “Hey, do ya think it’s possible to ship some over? Snow, I mean. Like, uh, that movie where they shipped some flowers for the bee- Lucas? Luuucas, where’d ya go?”
The motel room was silent. The air still humid and impossibly stifling as Barry huffs and puffs at some sliced watermelons about how rude his friend could be at times! Leaving his genuine inquiries unanswered! The bold nerve of the indoor nerd!
Good for Barry, his ridiculous question was granted an answer. He wakes up, perkier than usual and no sweat dragging him to the showers. He opens the curtains to find-
“Whoa whoa whoa! No way!” He doesn’t bother changing out of his PJs and canon-balls right in the closest snow lump, whopping and hollering all the way. Not once did he think this was weird, coincidental, or down right impossible. After a good moment, just soaking in the biting cold of familiar snow, did Barry think it was time for exploring- he didn’t do much of that because of the debilitating heat before! So with his classic short-sleeve orange striped shirt, cotton jade colored scarf, and his lovely pearly whites Barry and his Staraptor shot straight into the sky in search of a place to train and there they found Poni Wilds. Ha! The name had Wilds in it. Basically named for him!
With a hoop and holler, the two dive bombed out of the clouds and landed not-so-gracefully on the very top of the tallest tree the island had to offer. Heavy lumps of snow cascaded down and if anyone was under that tree, well, they better enjoy snow showers! Barry skillfully climbs down the tree, looking very much like a Chimchar, to see someone had indeed been a victim of the shower.
“Haha! Watch out a little more, yeah? I’m sure you guys aren’t used to snow- or cold weather in that matter- but never fear for I-” He stretches for emphasis! “-am an expert! Top tier! A prodigy! A supre-,” Star shakes the tree to cut of her trainer before he went on another tangent. A thinking hand taps his chin.
“Buuut, your hair looks nice like that, with the snow and all, kinda like little glitter stars from the sky. What can I say, blond hair types like us always look dashing in anything, so I can’t say I’m surprised!”
“The name’s Barry by the way!” A hand stuck out for a hearty handshake that is paired with a toothy grin. “Barry Kramer! Runner-up Champion of Sinnoh and only the strongest trainer to walk this wonderful earth- oh? Is that a blush I see? Please, please hold your applause, don’t mind me at all! Anyways, wanna battle, show me what this islands trainers power level is all about?” ・‥…━━━☆
