Even Kite, usually loathe to be touched at all, not only tolerated but leaned into the hug. None of them wanted to leave it at this.

But there was nothing for it... they couldn't stand out here in the snowy park forever.

As Assumption turned to toddle back to his trainer, Heather hesitated for a few seconds before withdrawing the forlorn trio back into their Pokeballs, the cold air betraying the sigh that escaped her. Now that they'd gotten the goodbyes out of the way... she had to decide exactly how she wanted to deal with their transgressions.

Wolf and Kite, she could hardly blame... but Warden and Val (the obvious schemer and the reluctant-but-compliant enabler) are another story entirely.

God, how did this even happen.


When Walter looked up and spoke, she nodded in reply.

"... Get a fire-type Pokemon while you're on the road if you can. Spring isn't coming for a while."

And then she, too, turned her horse and started to head back in the direction she came from.