Eclipsed 20: Frozen Over

Apollo's POV

"What did Galaxy say?" Snowdrop asked when I came over.

"She said if we aren't back in a week she'll send help." I lied smoothly. Most people assume I have this ability because I'm a dark type but I've been good at it even when I was an Eevee.

"Ok! So show us where in the park she was taken."

We raced to the park. Poor Snowdrop's stomach was growling loudly. She tried to conceal it for my sake but it sounded like some kind of hunger beast had been awakened.

We arrived. Everyone glanced at a Taco Truck being run by an extra plump Volbeat. A Blaziken walked away carring a box that held twenty burritos.

Ember's eyes longingly followed the burritos.

Then everyone looked at me, almost begging. Firework gave me puppy eyes and stuck out her lower lip a little.
I sighed and everyone leaned a bit closer. I gave them sharp looks and said, "Fine."

Everyone sprinted towards the Taco Truck, Blitzen being the fastest because of his great speed and love for tacos. I hesitated before following. Mainly everyone had a normal taco while Snowdrop had a Cool Ranch Locos Taco, Riptide a normal Locos, Ember an extra spicy burrito, and Geo a vegan quesadilla.

After everyone finished their Mexican foods, I showed them over to the spot Blossom had been taken at.

"There's no grass there, so they must have covered up their tunnel entrance. But they probably haven't gotten rid of it completely so they can use it again. They covered it up so no one will find their headquarters and Blossom can't escape." Snowdrop said, examining the patch.

Everyone stared at her. It wasn't that Snowdrop was usually stupid, she's usually average.

"How do you know this?!" Riptide said, gaping at her.

Snowdrop snorted. "My parents thought it was a good idea to get one as a pet. Let's just say that I know how their minds work." She said modestly. Then she caught me staring at her and she smiled.

I felt my cheeks get hot and I looked away. I had just realized how attractive the shiny Glaceon was. But I already am developing feelings for Blossom, and everyone already knows about Geo's crush on her. Everyone but Snowdrop.

"So," I said awkwardly, "I know Dig. I can use my sense of smell to find the tunnel. Then I can follow Blossom's scent to where she is and get her out. I'll be able to see in the dark. Everyone else, stay here."

Snowdrop was the only one who agreed. Everyone else burst out with protests.

"Alright, first of all, there's bound to be some ground or rock types down there so no Blitzen. Geo, no offense, but you get really cranky when doing tasks without the sun. Firework, you're meant to stay up here and guard. Use your bow things to whip people or something. Riptide, you can be backup. Ember-" I stopped. I couldn't come up with a reason why the Flareon shouldn't come.

"Apollo, I can make it down okay because I practically give off light. I'll be able to keep the both of us warm. Plus, if anything happens, I can get help quicker than you." Ember said.
I sighed. "Alright."

"So how come we have to guard the place?" Firework asked.

"So Pokémon don't follow us in." I replied quickly.

"But why do nearly all of us have to?"
Well crap. "There could be Pokémon who want to see what we're doing and this is a private mission, so you guys have to stop anyone who tries to get in."

"Whatever." The Sylveon sat down, immediately bored.

I used Dig and made a tunnel that eventually connected to the bidoof tunnel, leading the way because I might be able to see things lurking before Ember's light reaches them. I heard a scream in surprise.

"BLOSSOM!" We shouted, racing in the direction of her cry.

"Ember? Apollo?" She asked. Then the fear crept back in her voice. "Come, quick!"

We sprinted for a minute. The only sounds were our footsteps and panting. Then I froze, Ember crashing into me.

"Hey! What was-" she stopped.

"You hear it too?" I asked grimly.

"Yeah, what is it?"

I listened to the faint whoosh noise. It was getting louder. I suddenly realized what it was. "Ember, run! Get Riptide!"

Ember had figured out what the noise was and dashed the way we came. I ran farther down. Soon I reached the opening. Blossom saw me.

"Apollo!" The Espeon was on a boulder in the middle of the cavern. It was flooded with water and still rising. The liquid gushed through gaps in the walls.

"Blossom, we need to get out."

She hesitated before jumping in the water.

She was about halfway through when the water froze over. I stared, confused, before jumping frantically on the ice, hoping to break it. The ice was tough.

Blossom telepathically communicated with me. We both agreed to use Shadow Ball on the count of three. Right as we released ours, the ice vanished. Blossom's move struck me but it didn't do much damage. However, the Psychic got a full blow of mine, and I could see her strength drain.

I dived in and tried to pull her to the surface. I struggled and kicked, but I'd probably struggle to do this in a pool, and with twice my normal weight, I didn't stand a chance. I nearly gave up when I felt Blossom slip off my back. Terrified, I looked around to see where she fell. To my relief Riptide was pulling her to safety. I found the strength to surface and gasped for air.

Riptide had pushed all the water out of Blossom's lungs. She regained consciousness and looked around weakly.

We were interrupted by a rumbling noise. The water pressure was too much for the clearing to take. The top began to cave in, the tunnel shortly following.