[centre][b]In the mean streets of Glacefloe, yo[/b][/centre]

Pontus' heart was pounding in his chest as he skidded around a corner, expertly catching himself before slipping. Months spent in the icy streets had honed his ability to run on ice, to the point that he could run full pelt without slipping and falling on his arse. [colour=f7941d]"FROAD!"[/colour] he screamed, his voice echoing down the empty street. It was dark, the only light a single street lamp. All the homes and shop fronts lay cloaked in darkness. Already, icicles had formed on window sills and a thin sheet of ice covered door steps.

As the snow swirled around him, Pontus slowed his run to a jog. He stopped at the lamp post and leaned on it. In the light, he could see a stream of steamy breath dispersing from his mouth and nose. [colour=f7941d]"Arceus...."[/colour] he panted, leaning on his knees. [colour=f7941d]"Where are you, Froad?"[/colour]

His partner could be anywhere - talking up girls by the dock, stealing frozen Oran from gardens, smashing the ice of the stagnant pond in their small backyard or even (though Pontus thought it unlikely) training somewhere. He needed to be quick finding Froad or else he'd - sorry, THEY'D - miss his chance with Gala. The Monferno began a trot down the icy road once again, this time without screaming his partners name. I'll check the base, he thought. With a new destination in my mind, he turned left and began slipping across the icy flags on the soles of his feet. He pulled the neckerchief across his mouth and cupped the flaming tip of his tail in his hands for warmth.

He jumped as a shout echoed down the street, muffled slightly by the swirling snow. [colour=8dc73f]"BLOODY HELL, PONTUS! WHERE ARE YA? THE-"[/colour] came the shout, although Pontus failed to hear how it finished as he slid suddenly on a patch of ice, catching himself just in time. It didn't matter, though. He'd recognise that voice anywhere. It was Froad. He began to sprint down the street, eager to find his friend. [colour=f7941d]"Froad!"[/colour] he called as he ran. [colour=f7941d]"Come here! It's important!"[/colour]

The two met at the street corner, almost smashing into each other. Pontus pulled the scarf down and clutched his friend by the shoulder. He looked the same as he always did. Green, fat and a dazed look on his face. What else was there to say? He was Froad the Politoed, Pontus' oldest partner and best friend.

[colour=f7941d]"What the fuck have you been doing, you green sack of shit? I've been looking all over for you"[/colour] snarled Pontus, lifting a hand to lash out before taking a deep breath and calming his self. [colour=8dc73f]"Bu-but...house..."[/colour] murmured Froad, looking more dazed than usual. [colour=f7941d]"We can go home later. I've got some big news, mate. Now come on, we're going to Flaafy's Wool!"[/colour] said Pontus, grabbing his friend by the arm. [colour=f7941d]"I met an old friend. Remember Shitty Scarab? He's in Team Rhinestone! Yeah, I know, I'm surprised too! Basically, he's here with Dr. Gems and Rook meeting Gala, the Federation officer. They're going out on some big expedition to the wastes and I've signed us up!"[/colour] said Pontus, speaking a million words a minute and dragging his friend along the icy street. Froad groaned in reply, rubbing his scalp and only half willingly being dragged along by Pontus.

"[colour=f7941d]Hurry up, Froad! This shits big! We're going to be explorers. Proper explorers. This Gala fellow won't know what hit him when he meets us![/colour]" grinned Pontus, lifting the scarf above his mouth again to protect from the torrential snow.