I'll post 5 Bonus Chapters this week, if we gather 1300 PS by this weekend.
...
Cleveland stared in awe at the majestic being before him.
He had never seen anything like it.
He opened his mouth, wanting to speak, but words failed him.
'Was this a beast? No, its proud bearing and the frost that seemed to still even the air made one word far more fitting: god.'
Then came a cry, high and clear, like a melody spun from ice itself.
"Cuuuuno!"
The great bird flapped its crystalline wings, scattering snow and ice in a sparkling arc, then turned and soared into the distance. Its ribbon-like tail traced a graceful curve across the sky.
As if releasing its hold, the snowflakes suspended in midair fell again. But in their place, the blizzard parted, leaving a single, clear road cut through the storm.
Cleveland's breath caught. 'It's guiding me.'
The thought ignited a fierce will to survive. He forced his broken body upright and stumbled after the "snowless path."
One step. Two. Three.
Through the haze, the faint outline of his lord's territory emerged. But before he could reach it, hunger and exhaustion overtook him. He collapsed into the snow.
The Articuno had vanished into the storm.
"So it was useless after all?" Cleveland whispered bitterly, his voice fading.
Just then, a shadow landed beside him.
He heard the sound of claws shuffling in the snow.
"Deli!"
Cleveland's eyes snapped open. A red monster stood over him, its hollow tail bundled like a sack, white feathers puffing across its face and chest. It looked for all the world like the Santa Claus from a child's story.
The monster tilted its head, tapping him with its wing. When Cleveland failed to respond, its eyes showed concern.
It had only come out to search for more food to store. But when it spotted a lone human stumbling across the snow, empty-handed and half-dead, it had followed. When he finally collapsed, it had rushed down to help.
"Deli!"
Seeing him stir, the monster chirped with relief. Then it reached into its bundled tail and pulled out two berries, dropping them in front of him.
"Deli! 'Eat! Fill your strength!"
It flapped its wings happily, satisfied with the offering. After all, there was more food to find and deliver.
Cleveland stared in stunned silence at the monster's retreating back. Then, stomach growling, he devoured the berries. Warmth and strength returned, just enough to keep moving.
A complicated look crossed his face. 'That monster… it helped me.'
But there was no time to dwell. He still hadn't made it back.
He staggered on through the storm. He no longer knew how long he walked, only that his body grew numb, and instinct alone carried him forward.
"Cleveland!"
"Uncle!"
Through the white blur, Ryan and Christina's voices reached him. Shapes emerged, people rushing toward him.
Finally…
He collapsed with a heavy thud into the snow, unconscious.
Cleveland dreamed again.
In the dream, he saw the radiant bird of ice, guiding him through the blizzard's fury.
"...!"
His eyes flew open.
He was lying in a small wooden cabin back in the territory. A charcoal fire burned warmly at his side.
Ryan and Christina were seated nearby. The instant they saw him wake, joy broke across their faces.
"You're awake!"
A flicker of bewilderment crossed Cleveland's face.
"You've been missing for three days!" Christina breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her companion awake. "Uncle, I'm so glad you're okay!"
Cleveland glanced at his bandaged arm and muttered, "What on earth happened?"
Ryan, standing nearby with his arms folded, explained,
"That day, Christina and I made it back safely to the territory. When His Highness Lucien heard you'd stayed behind to fend off that monster, he immediately sent the Knights into the mountains to search for you. They finally found you unconscious in the snow."
His Highness Lucien…
Memories of the battle returned. Cleveland pushed himself upright.
"Did you report your findings to His Highness?"
"Not yet," Christina admitted sheepishly. "We just came back, then went into the mountains again to search. I only hope His Highness won't be upset…"
Cleveland frowned but said firmly, "I'm fine now. Let's go to His Highness and report everything."
Lucien was in his tent with Elif, the old butler, counting supplies for the winter when Ryan, Christina, and Cleveland entered.
"Is Cleveland still not awake?" Lucien asked, surprised.
Before they could reply, Cleveland stepped forward. "Your Highness, I'm here!"
Lucien's eyes flicked to his arm. "Feeling alright?"
"Much better, Your Highness. Don't worry," Cleveland replied.
"Good. Rest and heal properly, once you've recovered, everything will be fine," Lucien said.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Christina nervously stepped forward, holding out a leather-bound notebook. "This is the map and the monster illustrations you tasked us with. Please forgive us for taking so long… we're so sorry!"
Lucien chuckled as he took the book. "Don't be so nervous. I know you were worried about Cleveland. I'm just glad all of you are safe."
Relief washed over Christina. 'His Highness really is kind…'
Lucien flipped open the book.
On the first page was a detailed sketch of a Pokémon he recognized immediately.
A tiny, pot-shaped creature with a red shell riddled with holes. From within, thin yellow limbs and a small head could retract at the slightest disturbance.
Shuckle.
Christina had written her observations beneath the drawing:
[Species: Unknown monster. Timid by nature. Hides under rocks. Non-aggressive. When approached, it retracts its head and limbs into its shell.]
"There are Shuckles in this region?" Lucien was astonished. "That's excellent news."
His eyes lit up as he imagined the possibilities. By next spring, they might capture a Shuckle and entrust it with brewing tree sap into restorative juices, natural tonics far superior to ordinary fruit.
Satisfied, Lucien nodded and turned the page. But before he could continue, Cleveland stepped forward, his face solemn.
"Your Highness… there is something I must report to you."