Eclipsed 22: Winter Wonderland

Apollo's POV

Blitzen and I were in the guy area.

"So what is it?" He asked.

"We almost kissed." I said.

His jaw dropped. "Wow...I can't believe you've managed to find someone who thinks you're attractive..."

"Shut up... We were about to do it when Ember found us. She didn't see it though."

"Oops. Sorry." The Jolteon said insincerely. "So do you like her?"

"I dunno. She might want her space for a while, considering what she's going through.

"True, true." He looked around; his attention span had given in.

I looked at my feet. Then I felt an all-too-familiar painful sensation go through my body. I yelped and fell off my hammock. "What the heck, dude?!" I glowered.

"I'm bored!"

"So you just shock me?!"

"Yup."

"What is wrong with you?!"

"Dunno."

"Screw you." I said, walking out.

---

The next few weeks passed smoothly. My bond with Blossom was developing, and Blitzen seemed to be flirting with Ember. The temperature was dropping.
Snowdrop left to visit family. I'd told the queen that Blossom found her way out.

I was checking the weather on my hand-me-down Poketch. "Hey, guys, there's supposed to be some snow at midnight."

Blossom looked out the window. "Or now."

Everyone went to see what she was talking about. To our surprise, about six inches of snow-and counting-waited for us.

"Ooh, it's so pretty!" Firework exclaimed, mesmerized by the substance.

Ember made everyone hot chocolate. It was wonderful. She'd added whipped cream and cinnamon, so it was just perfect. When I was finished with mine, Ember walked up to me with another cup. "Hey, could you take this to Blossom? She's on the porch."

I nodded and walked out. As I left, I heard Blitzen commentating. "Wow, Ember, this is the liquid of the heavens..."

The Espeon was wrapped up in a red scarf and a purple hat that matched her eyes. She was watching the snow fall.

"Hey." I said.

Blossom turned. "Hi." She glanced at the cocoa.

"Ember made everyone some." I gave her the warm drink and sat down beside her.

She took a sip. "That gift really knows how to make already perfect things even better."

I smiled and an idea popped in my head. "Hey, check out this cool trick I've been practicing." I went over to the stairs and I was going to impress her with this really cool backflip and then I'd land on my back in the snow perfectly. But when I leapt for the flip, I slipped on some ice and tumbled down the stairs and landed head first in the snow. I felt my face become hot as well as cold.

I heard her giggle. "Wow, I'm wooed, Mr. Acrobat!"

I pulled my head out and looked back to see her delicately make her way down. She then plopped on her back beside me.

I felt myself staring at the sky. The I felt a bit of pain in my left eye. "Oh, Shuckles!"

Blossom looked at me. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I think I got a snowflake in my eye."

"Oh." She stood up and walked back on the porch and returned with her hot chocolate. Then I felt a steaming sensation trickle down my face. It was hot chocolate.

Blossom doubled over in laughter. "You never saw it coming!"

"Oh, you little-" I leapt on her. We rolled around in the snow for a while and we ended up in a position where my back was on the snow and she was above me, her face close to mine.

The Espeon's cheeks went as red as her scarf.

Then we kissed.

It only lasted for a few seconds, but it felt like everything had come into place, everything was perfect. She pulled away, blushing madly. I stood up. The wind was getting harsh and snow was falling harder. We both agreed on going inside.

"What's up with the change in the snow?" I asked casually like nothing happened.

Riptide gestured towards the TV. "There's a blizzard that's going to hit its hardest somewhere around midnight. Galaxy sent out warnings telling everyone to get inside as quick as possible.

Geo glanced outside nervously. "Gee, I hope everyone's alright."

Ember shuddered. "No way I'm ever going out there."

Blitzen frowned. "But you can just melt the ice."

She glanced at him. "And what does ice melt into?"

"Oh. Right."

I looked out the window. The snow was getting thicker. But I saw something black in the distance. I soon realized it was a Pokémon.

"Guys, there's a Pokemon out there!"

We discussed who should get it. Ember and Geo wouldn't stand a chance. After deciding on Riptide, he went out and fetched the small creature. He returned and set it on the couch.

"An emolga! So adorable!" Firework said, examining it.

"Poor thing!" Ember said sympathetically and began to warm it up.

It opened its eyes. "Hello?" It said tiredly and looked around. "Am I dead?"

"No, you're safe and warm now." Firework said gently.

The emolga rubbed its eyes. "I'm Plasma." She said happily. "Thanks for saving me."

"You'll have to stay with us until the blizzard is over," Blossom said, "And then we can return you to your parents."

Plasma's face fell. "My momma and daddy left me out in the snow."

Everyone was silent.

Firework picked up the emolga and held her. "We'll take care of you until you can get a proper home."

"Yay!" She hugged her. "Thanks!"

We decided to go to bed. Plasma slept in the girls room.

I couldn't have ever predicted what awaited in the morning.