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Valor's eyes opened, and he felt pain. Then, he remembered. In her anger, Tamash? had accidentally attacked him. He tried to sit-up, but the pain in his midsection was too great.

The bedroom door opened, and in came his mother, looking relieved. "Oh good, you're awake. I was so worried." She turned to close the door as she said, "Maybe now you'll see that I was right. A human and a pokémon just aren't meant to form a relationship like tha- what are you doing?!"

Valor had managed to sit-up by now, and was working on getting out of the bed. His mother rushed over, trying to make him lie back down. Breathing heavily, and struggling to work through the pain, he snapped. "Get off me! I have to find her. I know you think it's 'unnatural', but I love her, and she needs me, because right now, she is probably scared and worried more than you can imagine!"

She backed away, silenced and shocked by her son's reaction. Valor stood, and slowly made his way out of the room. Clinging to the wall the whole way, he moved through the hall and down the stairs. After several painstaking minutes he arrived at the front door.

Going outside, he worked his way along the house, the stopped and looked around, wondering where to start looking. "She's at Lake Verity." Valor turned his head and saw Galen walking toward him.

Arriving at Valor's side, Galen wrapped his arm around Valor's torso, and began guiding him down the path, supporting his weight. Looking confused, he asked, "What-ungh-are you doing?"

"Didn't you hear me? Tamash? is at Lake Verity. You're in no fit condition to get there on your own, so here I am, carrying your ass for the second time in two days."

"The second time? What are you talking about?"

Galen smiled. "Who do you think brought you home last night?"

"Oh. You always seem to show up when something interesting is going on." Valor looked concerned as his thoughts returned to Tamash?. "Why is she at Lake Verity? What is she doing?"

"She's hiding. She's afraid that you won't forgive her." Galen said this rather somberly.

Valor was stunned. "How could she think that? There's nothing, that she could do, that would make me unable to forgive her."

There was a flash of light from under Galen's jacket, and Riley appeared before them. Valor then heard a gruff, but equally kind voice in his mind. "That's good to hear. I suppose you're not as much of an idiot as I first thought."

Valor's eyes went wide. "Riley? Is-is that your voice?"

Galen sighed. "It's him alright. I believe he wants a word with you."

Valor gulped, then heard Riley's voice once again. "Exactly. First off, I don't like you. You're weak willed, and, near as I can tell, you're not too bright either. However, Tamash? loves you-for reasons I can't begin to figure out-so, I'm willing to put my feelings aside for my daughter's happiness. But I still don't like you."

Ignoring the insults interwoven into the speech, Valor smiled. "Thanks Riley."

"Alright, let's get you to the lake, shall we?" Galen asked.

Valor nodded, still smiling. "Let's go."

* * *

Tamash? sat on the shores of Lake Verity, her knees drawn up to her chest, using them as a headrest. She was-as she had been since the night before-replaying the events of the previous night in her mind. Her anger. Her blind attack. Valor lying unconscious on the ground.

Tamash? sighed. Even if he does forgive me, she thought, I don't think I'll be able to forgive myself.

"Emotions can be such troublesome things, would you not agree?"

Tamash? looked up, and was surprised to see a small pink pokémon floating lazily in front of her.

"You're-" Tamash? started.

"That is right! Mesprit, the Being of Emotion!" Mesprit punctuated this by doing a flip through the air. She then righted herself, and came to rest floating in front of Tamash?.

"Great. What do you want?" Tamash? was in no fit mood to deal with this cheerful little pokémon, and she wanted her to know it.

"Oh, do not be like that. How could I not be here? You came to my home feeling such powerful emotions. Besides, I am here to help." Mesprit had a sly smile on her face as she said this.

"Help how?" Tamash? asked, more interested now.

"Simple. I drain away your emotions. No more anger, no more sadness...no more heartbreak."

"You mean, you could take away...all of these terrible feelings?" Tamash? was suddenly hopeful.

"No. I cannot be that specific about it. I would have to take ALL of your emotions."

Now Tamash? didn't know what to do. She didn't want to be sad anymore, and she didn't want to let her anger get the better of her again, but she couldn't let go of her love for Valor, not to mention the happy memories of their times together...

"Tamash?!"

She turned and saw Valor standing at the edge of the woods, leaning against a tree for support. He had left the others behind, knowing he had to go in alone. Tamash? began to back away, scared of what might be about to happen.

"Tamash?, please, don't run. You don't have to run. I don't blame you for what happened, it wasn't your fault. I don't want to lose you, not over this, or at all. I love you, and being in love means never having to say you're sorry. No matter what, I'll always forgive you. I'll always love you. You'll always be my mate." As meaningful as his words were, it was the look in her mate's eyes that convinced her.

She ran to him, and a moment later he was holding her close to himself. It was then that, for the first time in her life, Tamash? cried. She cried partly in sadness, knowing the pain she had caused him. There were also tears of joy though, as she was happy. Happy that he had forgiven her, that he still loved her.

Mesprit watched for a moment, then left, knowing she wasn't needed anymore.

A short while later, they set off for Twinleaf, Tamash? helping Valor along as the sun set, reflecting on the lake.

* * *

Waking up the next morning, Valor happily noted that he was in less pain then the day before. Tamash? was snuggled up against him, still asleep. They had returned to his mother's house the night before for the sake of convenience, and, luckily, they had avoided actually running into his mother.

Tamash? woke up with a yawn, then her voice rang out in his mind. "Good morning. How-how are you feeling?"

Valor could hear the guilt in her voice. He tried to smile convincingly as he said, "I'm feeling better. You don't have to worry, I'll be fine."

She ran a paw along his body for a moment, then smiled. "Maybe I can help you feel a little better."

This surprised him. "I don't think that would help. I'm not in the best condition for that kind of...activity."

"Who said you had to do anything?" Before he could stop her she dove under the covers and pulled his pants down to his knees.

"Hold on! You don't have to do thaaah." He trailed off as she ran her tongue along his length.

She then slipped it between her lips, and pushed her head down as far as she could. She pulled back for a moment, then went down again. She continued with this pattern, each motion causing a tingle of pleasure to run through him.

Noticing how she was positioned, he decided she should get as much out of this as he was going to. He reached out, and began stroking her entrance, causing her to moan slightly. He pushed his way into her, enjoying the now familiar feeling of her passageway.

Her body began to tremble slightly, causing her fur to ripple as well. He could feel the warmth building in his member, signalling that it would soon come to an end. He increased his efforts, trying to make sure she would finish as well.

It was only a moment later that her felt his muscles contract, sending his seed into her mouth. She swallowed as much as she could, the pulled away completely. His efforts came to fruition a minute later, sending another ripple through her fur as she felt her own orgasm.

They both lay there for a moment, a little breathless, then she turned herself back around, bringing them face-to-face. Valor couldn't help but smile as he looked into her beautiful, sparkling red eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, and said, "Thanks, I think I do feel a bit better." She snuggled back up against him, and, though she didn't say anything, he could sense her happiness.

* * *

Valor's mother sat in the living room, wondering how to proceed. She knew what she wanted to say, but she didn't know if Valor would be willing to listen. There was the sound of a door opening, so she prepared herself for what was coming.

Valor and Tamash? came down the stairs, but, before she could react, her son spoke. "Don't worry, we're leaving. You don't have to be in the presence of our 'unnatural' relationship any longer."

They continued toward the door, and she spoke up, not wanting to lose this chance. "Valor wait! I-I wanted to say-I'm sorry. I think-I was wrong about you two."

Valor stopped, turned to face her, and crossed his arms. "That's great, but I already knew you were wrong. Besides, I'm not the one you need to apologize to. If you want forgiveness, talk to her."

She looked at Tamash?, and the Lucario stared back. Tamash?'s piercingly red eyes seemed to be looking into her soul, and she gulped, not sure what to do. Valor was clearly irritated as he said, "Well. We're waiting."

"I-I truly am sorry, Tamash?. I wish I hadn't treated you so horribly. I don't expect you to forgive me, but, I hate the idea of not having a good relationship with my son...or the one he loves." She didn't know what to expect as a response, but she certainly wasn't expecting what came next.

She could hear a female voice in her head, one that clearly didn't belong to her. "I will forgive you, but not because of your apology. I will forgive you because Valor is my mate, and, to my mind, that makes us family."

Her eyes went wide with shock, and she managed to stammer out, "O-oh. W-well that's nice."

Valor smirked. "Kind of a shock, huh, hearing her like that." His mother nodded, and they started toward the door once again.

She was confused. Hadn't they just resolved the issue? "Hold on, where are you going?"

Already through the door, Valor looked back to her. "Don't worry, we'll be back later. We might as well enjoy the festival while it's here, right?"

"Oh. Uh, right, I guess so. Well, I'll see you both later then." She watched as they walked away, wondering just what the future would hold for them.

***

"So, I guess that makes both of our respective parents, huh?" Valor commented as he and Tamash? walked through town, enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival.

Tamash? looked at him, not understanding. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, our respective parents aren't against us anymore."

Tamash? smiled. "That is a nice change, not to mention a relief."

They continued onward through town, both happy with this small victory. It certainly wasn't mass acceptance, but it was a start.

It was a quiet sort of day. Despite the festival, the town had a strange serenity about it. One could hear every sound on such a day, straight down to the rustling of leaves.

Valor stretched and yawned, feeling suddenly sleepy. It was similar to the pleasant sleepiness he felt after his and Tamash?'s amorous activities, or at least he thought so.

Looking up ahead of them, Valor could see a small cafe with round tables surrounding. Sitting at one of these tables was Galen, Luxor lying on the ground next to him. Sitting next to him was a man that Valor didn't recognize. Spotting them, Galen waved, signalling for them to come over to the table. He greeted them once they got to the table. "Hey you two. How ya feeling kid?"

Valor placed a hand on his stomach. "Still a bit sore, but otherwise I'm fine. So um...who's your friend?"

The other man became visibly irritated, as though it were the most ridiculous question in the world. Galen snickered, then said, "This is the second highest ranked trainer in the world, Red."

Recognition clicked as soon as Valor heard the name. "Oh yeah, I remember you. You were the World Champion until Galen beat you six years ago. So, what are you doing in Twinleaf?"

Red pointed to Galen, seeming even more irritated. "I came here to challenge him."

"Yes, and I told you I would battle you again when you stopped caring so much about winning."

"You say that as though you don't care about winning." Red countered.

"I want to win, I try to win, but I don't let that consume me. That's the difference."

It was quiet for a moment, then Valor spoke. "Well Red, if you really want a battle, I'll battle you."

"Uh, kid that's not such a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because, he'll put all of your pokémon in full body casts." Galen answered as though this were obvious.

"They weren't that badly hurt against your pokémon." Valor responded indignantly.

"My pokémon were holding back. Red is not so kind. Besides, Red never battles anyone he thinks won't provide a challenge."

"Actually Galen," Red began, "I haven't been in a battle in a while. This could be good practice for REAL opponents. I accept your challenge, uh...what exactly is your name?"

Fully awake now, he answered. "Valor, and you'll find I'm a stronger trainer than I look."

"Sure you are. I'd like to keep this simple though. How about your strongest pokémon against my strongest; one-on-one." Red had a clearly condescending tone to his voice.

"Fine by me. Let's go." Now Valor was determined to battle him, if only to wipe the smug look off his face.

Red got up, and they started to walk away. Galen got up a few seconds later, Luxor at his heels. This isn't going to end well, he thought to himself.

Tamash? stood by her mate's side, looking out across the battlefield he and Red had chosen. A crowd of people had gathered in the area, excited to see a battle between someone from Twinleaf, and one of the strongest trainers in the world. Some seemed disappointed that Galen wasn't involved in the battle, but from what Tamash? could tell most of them were supportingValor.

"Alright, everybody listen up! I'm not going to repeat myself!" Red was at the other end of the battlefield, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. "This is going to be a one-on-one battle. It will be over when either trainer's pokémon is no longer able to continue. As the challenger, Valor will choose his pokémon first."

Valor started to reach toward his belt, so she placed a paw on his arm, drawing his attention. "Valor, he said he wanted to battle your strongest pokémon. We both know that means me."

"But..."

"Valor, you may be my mate, but you are also my trainer. Now is the time to act like it. Don't worry, I can handle myself."

He took a deep breath. "Alright, but be careful."

Tamash? nodded then walked out onto the battlefield. "So, your Lucario then. Alright, here's my choice." Red pulled a Pokeball off his belt, and clicked the button on the front. There was a brief flash of light, and Tamash? found herself staring down a Pikachu.

The Pikachu had a confident look on his face, as though he had no doubt about what the outcome would be. "Ready to lose, Lucario?"

"MY NAME is Tamash?, and you shouldn't count me out just yet." She growled back.

"The first move is yours, Valor." Red called out.

"Alright then. Tamash?, Aura Sphere!" With that, the battle began. Tamash? did as instructed and fired an Aura Sphere toward Red's Pikachu. He dodged at the last moment, and Red had him strike back with a Thunderbolt.

The battle continued in this fashion. She used Flash Cannon, and he countered with Iron Tail. She fired a Dragon Pulse, and he dodged with Quick Attack. Neither could land more than a glancing blow on the other. They wouldn't be able to continue like that forever though. As the battle drew on Tamash? could feel herself tiring, and she could tell Pikachu was experiencing a similar effect.

"This battle has gone on for long enough. I was going to take it easy on you, but no more." Red smiled, looking as though he had a very nasty plan. "Pikachu, Volt Tackle!" Pikachu's body became wrapped in electricity and he charged forward, clearly intent on colliding with her. A second later she could feel electricity surging through her body, and then, she heard her mate calling her name.

"Tamash?!" Valor could no longer see her, as the entire battlefield was shrouded in dust. He struggled to look through the debris, not knowing what to expect. If she was hurt...

The dust started to clear, revealing the results of Pikachu's attack. Pikachu was shaking slightly, clearly feeling the recoil from Volt Tackle. It was Tamash? though that had everyone's attention. There were gasps off awe from the crowd as she became visible. Not only was she still standing, but her entire body was shining with the bright, emerald-green light of her Aura.

Valor could feel relief washing over him. "Tamash?, you're alright."

She looked at him over her shoulder, and he could hear her voice in his mind. "I told you I could take care of myself."

Valor smiled. "Yeah, you did." Redirecting his attention to his opponent, he asked, "So Red, what do you say we put an end to this?"

Red nodded resolutely. "Yes, let's. Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"

"Aura Sphere!"

The attacks collided, producing a massive flash of light. Valor turned away, shielding his eyes. When the light faded, he turned back, and was amazed by what he saw. Red's Pikachu was unconscious, and, though she was no longer cloaked in her Aura, Tamash? was still standing. "We...won?" Valor asked in disbelief. His disbelief was nothing though, compared to the shock and disbelief on Red's face.

"Tamash?, we won!" They quickly covered the distance between them, and hugged each other tightly. "That was amazing. YOU were amazing."

"I couldn't have done it without you, Valor." Realizing that there was still a crowd of people watching, they quickly separated themselves, both blushing, although it was only visible on Valor's face.

***

Galen stood up from where he had been watching the battle. The kid had managed to surprise him, but then, the kid did have a talent for surprising people. Galen walked over to Red, who was still clearly in shock. "So Red, learn anything from this?"

Regaining his composure, Red nodded. "Clearly, my bond with my pokémon isn't strong enough. Not when compared to theirs."

"There may be hope for you yet. So, what are you going to do now?"

Red returned his Pikachu to its Pokeball, then turned and started to walk away. He stopped for a moment, then said, "Not sure. But I do know that I need...to become more like you...and like Valor. I need to become the person I used to be, the person I was when I started out all those years ago." Red disappeared into the crowd, leaving Galen to marvel at the influence the kid seemed to have on people.

***

The next few days passed in a blur, and, for the first time in what felt like forever, Valor and Tamash? were able to enjoy simple peace and quiet. By the final day of the festival Valor had fully recovered, and Tamash?'s accidental attack was nothing but a bad memory.

After spending the last day of the festival in town, they returned to his mother's house. While Valor and his mother were eating dinner, Tamash? had decided to lie down on the couch in the living room, not to sleep, but merely to rest.

As she lay there, she suddenly, seemingly without cause, began to feel very...needy. It felt as though it had been an eternity since she and her mate had properly...mated. However, it clearly wasn't the time or place for such things. Seeking privacy, she quietly made her way up to Valor's room, closing the door behind her.

Still downstairs, it was a few moments before Valor noticed that Tamash? was no longer in the living room. Always concerned for her well-being, he closed his eyes, reached out with his Aura, and quickly found her on the floor above. Once he realized what she was doing his eyes snapped open, and he could feel his face growing warm. Standing up, he said, "Excuse me. I just realized something requires my attention."

Before his mother could respond, he left the room and hurried upstairs. Opening the door to his bedroom, he could see Tamash? sitting on his bed, an innocent look on her face.

Valor smiled mischievously. "Don't act so innocent, Tamash?. I know what you were doing up here." She tensed up, and he closed and locked the door behind her. "You couldn't wait five minutes for me to finish eating?"

Tamash? instantly relaxed, then stood up walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you, Valor."

"I love you too, Tamash?." Leaning down a bit, he kissed her, enjoying the familiar feeling of her tongue sliding its way deeply into his mouth. He ran her hand down her back along her spine, causing her to arch her back slightly, pressing her hips against him. By this time her tail was flicking back and forth with delight and anticipation, and his pants were growing very tight. Without breaking off their kiss, she managed to pull his pants and underwear down past his knees, allowing him to kick them the rest of then way off.

A moment later she reluctantly pulled away, and then laid herself down on the bed, a come-hither look on her face. Pulling his shirt off he joined her on the bed, and started to kiss her once more. She rolled onto her back, pulling him over her in the process. She whimpered slightly as he began pushing his way into her, his length parting her lower lips. When he had pushed in almost as deeply as he could, he pulled most of the way out, then pushed his way back in, deeper than before. He repeated the cycle over and over again, each time eliciting a slight moan from her.

Though she was significantly larger than the average Lucario, she was still smaller than him. Because of this, he was at least trying to be gentle, not wanting to hurt her. She wasn't having it, though. Wrapping her paws around his waist, she started pushing him deeper into her and at a faster rate. Getting the message, he picked up the pace and started to push deeper, causing her to moan more frequently and with greater intensity.

They then wrapped each other in their Auras, casting a flickering, pulsing green light on the entire room. Extremely aware of how loud she was becoming, she did then only thing she could think of at the moment to quiet herself, and bit into her mate's shoulder. As opposed to crying out in pain, a gasp of pleasure escaped him, and if anything it only seemed to spur him on.

She could feel the pressure building within her, and a moment later her orgasm washed over her. As he continued thrusting, one became two, and two became three. Then, his body stiffened, releasing his fluids into her body.

He laid down next to her, breathing heavily. "So, the biting was a bit of a surprise."

Though the skin was unbroken, he had a very clear ring of bite marks was on his left shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't hurt you did I?"

Valor laughed. "No, but maybe the next time you do that you shouldn't bite quite so hard."

Tamash? gave a small laugh, then snuggled up against him, and nuzzled his neck. "I'll keep that in mind."

***

On the last night of the Twinleaf Festival there were always plenty of three things: food, music, and alcohol, lots and lots of alcohol. The whole town was lit by torches, and the stars above were shining brightly. The center of town was buzzing with activity. A band was playing, and people everywhere were dancing to the music-most of them couples.

Valor and Tamash? sat together on a bench near the center of town, watching the goings on with some sadness, wishing they could actually act like a couple. Valor sighed, then looked around in confusion as he heard the sound of joyful whistling.

The source of the sound became apparent when Galen came into view a moment later, a contented smile on his face. He sat down next to Valor, his eyes shining with an emotion Valor couldn't identify. "So, what are my favourite forbidden lovers up to tonight?"

"Not-uh...not much." Valor scrutinized him for a moment, "Uh, Galen, are you-are you drunk?"

Galen laughed quietly. "No, I discovered years ago that the stuff people make around here is WAY too strong for me. I only had it once, and I literally can't remember anything from that night."

"So then why the weird behaviour-well weird for you anyway."

Galen sighed contentedly. "I just got a call...from my wife. She's uh...heh she's pregnant."

"Wow. That's...great. Congratulations."

"Thanks kid. Wish I had been there when she found out, but, can't do anything about that. I'll see her again soon enough." Galen gave another contented sigh.

Valor smiled. He was happy for his friend, but at the same time he felt a strange...emptiness in his heart, and, judging by the look on Tamash?'s face, she was experiencing a similar feeling. Looking over at the two of them, Galen shook his head. "Snap out of it you two! Getting depressed won't get you anywhere."

They looked at him with surprise, and it was Tamash? who responded. "Galen, what do you..."

"It's obvious what's on both of your minds. Getting depressed will only serve to put strain on you relationship. That happens, and you'll have even less chance...of ever having pups. Just focus on what you can control, like your love for each other."

And suddenly, that empty feeling made sense. Then, Valor smiled. "You're right, Galen." He and Tamash? looked at each other, both smiling now. "I guess, neither of us...really realized...how much...we wanted...children of our own." Tamash? nodded in agreement, then, quickly making sure no one was watching, they shared a brief kiss.

Galen laughed. "Of course I'm right. So care to explain why you two aren't dancing together like every other couple in town?"

Valor was shocked. "You can't be serious. What do you think would happen if we did that? We would be persecuted, shunned, and ridiculed! And that's the BEST case scenario!"

"Damn, you're an idiot."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Valor asked, clearly offended.

"It means, open your eyes kid. Everyone in town already knows about you two."

Valor and Tamash? looked at him in shock, then Valor found his voice. "Wh-what?!" Tamash? echoed the question telepathically, and Galen sighed in exasperation.

"Let's look at the evidence, shall we? Five days ago you two returned from Lake Verity, supporting each other's weight, looking physically and emotionally exhausted. That's when the rumours started-and if the people of Twinleaf can do anything, it's spread rumours. Then, the very next day, you more or less confirmed those rumours with that little display of yours after your battle with Red."

Valor looked horrified, and Tamash? didn't look much better. "Oh dear Arceus, we're screwed! How could this happen? We are completely screwed!"

"Calm down kid! Where are we right now?"

"Twinleaf Town?" Valor answered, not understanding.

"That's right. Now, what that means, is that nothing bad is going to happen to you two. People from this town, well, we take care of each other. We keep each other's secrets, we protect and support each other-and we certainly won't sell out somebody who was born here, no matter what. As long as you're here, you don't have to hide who you are."

Valor smiled, suddenly feeling overjoyed. "If that's the case, then we'll see you later!" He stood up, grabbed Tamash? by the paw, and started off toward the center of town, leaving Galen behind.

"Valor, what are you doing?!" Tamash? asked, surprised by her mate's behaviour.

"I don't know about you, but I would say this is the perfect opportunity for us to have our first dance together."

Tamash? looked at him with a bemused smile. "But neither of us knows how to dance."

Slowing down as they started to mix with the other people in the center of town, he said, "That's not important. What matters is that we can finally do stuff like this without worrying about what will happen."

They were now surrounded by other couples, and the band seemed to have picked the perfect moment to play a slow song. Valor placed a hand on Tamash?'s waist, another on her shoulder, and he pulled her close. Then, going on instinct more than anything else, they started to dance. As wonderful and romantic a moment as it was for them, perhaps the best part was the way people were reacting to them. Because they weren't reacting. Everyone around them was acting as though it was perfectly normal for a young man and his Lucario to behave in such a way. Tamash? laid her head against Valor's chest, a smile gracing her lips. "I guess, that just maybe, people can be accepting, huh?"

"Maybe, someday, we won't have to hide at all." He kissed the top of her head, and she nuzzled him in return.

They would stay like that the whole night, wishing for it to last forevermore, because they were happy. Happy, that there was at least one place, where they wouldn't have to hide their feelings for each other.

***

She stood in the shadows, the torchlight causing her waist length copper hair to shimmer every time she moved. Standing by her side was a Gardevoir. But her green eyes were focused on them. The boy and his Lucario. Both so happy, holding each other so close, and both so completely unaware of the vengeful eyes watching them.

She had been waiting years for this opportunity, though she had to admit she hadn't expected her chance for revenge to come in the form of a Lucario. She smiled, a sick, twisted smile. "Come on, Gardevoir. We have a little planning to do."

The Gardevoir hesitated for a moment, and then followed its trainer, the two of them disappearing into the night.

***

"So, you really can't stay any longer?"

Valor shook his head. "No, we need to go. We've been here too long as it is."

It was early in the morning, and the sun was just starting to come up. Valor and Tamash? were standing out in front of the house, and his mother was standing in the front doorway. "Well then, promise me you'll be careful."

Valor gave a short laugh. "I'm a Pokémon Trainer. Dangerous situations are kind of an occupational hazard."

"No, I mean you TWO be careful."

"Oh, that. Don't worry, we'll be fine. After all, we've managed just fine for over a year now."

His mother sighed. "I know, but still, just be careful, okay? And Tamash?, try to keep my son out of trouble, will you?"

Valor rolled his eyes and Tamash? giggled. "I'll try, but he usually winds up protecting me."

His mother smiled sadly. "Alright then, as long as you two take care of each other. You two should get going then. Oh, and if you want to come for a visit, can you let me know a few days ahead of time?"

Valor looked at her curiously. "Sure, but why?"

"So I have time to get earplugs."

Realizing what she was saying, Valor's face turned bright red. "You uh...you heard that huh?"

His mother smirked. "Yes, I heard that. More specifically I heard HER."

Valor looked at Tamash? and wasn't surprised that his mate looked extremely embarrassed. "Well, on that note, we'll be leaving now. Come on Tamash?." He took her by the paw, and they walked away as quickly as they could without running.

"Bye honey!" The last thing they heard from her before they were out of earshot, was laughter.

Half an hour later they were at the edge of town. After a while they came to a split in the road marked by a sign that simply said "201." Leaning against the sign, Luxor by his side, was Galen. He was looking up toward the sky, a smile on his face.

"Uh...hey Galen. What are you doing?"

Galen looked down, noticing them for the first time. "Hey kid. Hello Tamash?. Just...remembering. I started my journey as a trainer the first time I stepped out onto this route, you know. A lot has changed since that day. But, I'm also here waiting for you. I've got something for you-two things actually: a message, and a gift."

Valor blinked in surprise. "Oh, okay. So, what's the message?"

"The message comes from the Guardian Elders. You are being temporarily re-assigned to Lilycove City-in Hoenn. The Guardian who was stationed there-a man by the name of Faerin-disappeared about two weeks ago. You are going to try to find out what happened to him, and, until a permanent replacement can be found, watch over that area in his place."

"So then, who's going to be stationed in Snowpoint? I'm-we're-kind of supposed to be there you know." Valor asked, a bit confused by all the information they were being given.

"Don't worry about that, Snowpoint is a quiet area, so it'll be fine for now. That brings me to the gift." Galen reached into his pocket, and pulled out an envelope. "This is from me. But, it comes with a condition: you can't open it until the next time you're IN Snowpoint, okay?"

"Okay, sure." Valor accepted the envelope, becoming more confused as the conversation went on.

"Good. Well, I'll see you two later then." They watched as he and Luxor walked away, and Valor found himself wondering if he would ever stop being confused by Galen.