FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

As they walked along through the semi-darkness of the Distortion World, through his observations of the place, Valor had come to one conclusion: despite its sinister reputation, the place was incredibly dull.

At first the floating platforms, distorted gravity, paths that curved up to the point of being upside down, and even the odd inverted waterfall were entertaining and even entrancing, but after a while it all just became monotonous. There wasn't really anything to do but keep walking. Even the trepidation over the possibility of running into Giratina had faded, leaving Valor with only a mild curiosity as to where and why it appeared to be hiding.

After they had been walking for what felt like hours, Valor voiced the question that was on his mind. "Hey Galen, where are we going, and when are we going to get there?"

Galen looked back over his shoulder at Valor, then said, "It won't take too much longer. As for where, well, you'll see soon enough. Just be patient."

Valor let out a small sigh, wishing that for once Galen would deign to fill him in on a detail or two. As Galen had said, it didn't take too much longer before he stopped, and mere feet in front of him the portal out of twisted dimension opened. Galen stepped through, closely followed by Luxor. Taking a deep breath, Valor stepped through the portal, Tamash? right by his side.

The first thing that he noticed upon stepping out of it was that he felt less nauseated than he had the first few times. The second thing he noticed was that they were in a cave that was darker than where they had just come from. Once his eyes adjusted, he realized that there was something was...off about the cave. It looked almost as though someone had carved the walls to give it it's shape.

Tamash?, having noticed that as well turned to Galen and asked, "So, where are we? This cave doesn't look natural."

Galen nodded. "You're exactly right. This is no cave. These are the Celestic Ruins."

As they looked around, suddenly shapes that hadn't noticed before came clear. There were several pillars, and some of the walls seemed to have alcoves carved into them. The entrance to the cave also appeared to have some kind of arch around it, and far at the back of the cave was a wall with ancient looking images depicting three creatures gathered in a triangle around an orb of light.

Tamash? returned her attention to Galen, a look of concern in her eyes. "Hold on. The Celestic Ruins...are in Celestic Town. In the Sinnoh Region. Why are we here? Is it really a good idea to be here? I mean, wouldn't anyone looking for us expect us to come to our home region to find somewhere safe to hide?"

"Again Tamash?, you're right. And, as it happens, Twinleaf Town is being closely watched right now, as is Snowpoint City. However, in general it's believed you are still in Johto, and Celestic isn't exactly the kind of town they would expect you to hide in. There aren't a lot of people here, so you can't just blend in here. It's also a bit isolated, so they haven't probably considered that you could even get here. Not only that, but this town is advantageous to us for a couple of reasons, first and foremost being that this town has no police force, or even a local sheriff. It's also-as I said before-a bit isolated. Not only that, but I have an old friend who lives here that's willing to take us in-or more specifically you two-in for at least a couple of nights."

Valor, after the explanation was over, asked, "And how much do you trust this friend?"

"I trust her implicitly. She and I have known each other for over ten years, and I would never doubt that she would help if I asked."

With a smile Tamash? said, "Well, that's good enough for me! Let's go, I'm getting hungry."

Without checking to see if they were following she started walking toward the entrance to the ruins. With an amused laugh Galen followed after her, Valor trailing a further few feet behind, an unsure expression on his face. Even with Galen's assurances, he was still a bit reluctant to trust anyone to know where he and more importantly Tamash? were.

The sun was already setting outside, serving as a reminder of how the Distortion World altered the flow of time and the movement of space when one travelled through it. Galen led them through town, seemingly unconcerned by the fact that they were traveling out in the open. A few minutes of walking to the north brought them to a house that was clearly different from the others in the town.

Whereas most buildings in the town where fairly small, and consisting of one floor, the building before them was larger, and was two stories tall. Though the structure was simply painted, there was something oddly impressive about it. Galen walked up to the simple wood door and knocked several times, then stepped back to wait. A minute later a female voice came through the door. "Yes? Who's there?"

Galen replied with a smirk. "Well, it couldn't possibly be the most handsome, brilliant, powerful-"

"Alright, you've made your point. Only you would pretend to be that narcissistic." There was the sound of a lock being turned, then the door opened. "Though I do wonder sometimes if you really are pretending."

Standing before them was a tall blonde woman dressed in black who looked to be maybe a few years older than Galen. With that same smirk still on his face Galen said, "Come now Cynthia, you know me better than that. I tend to be my own worst critic."

Cynthia returned his smile. "I suppose. And you two must be Valor and Tamash?. I've heard quite a bit about you two from Galen. It's nice to finally meet you."

Tamash? replied to Cynthia's greeting in a similar fashion to how it had been extended, but Valor simply stared in disbelief. "You...you're the...Champion of the Sinnoh League."

Galen shook his head with a sigh, then jokingly asked "Now how is it that you never get this way around me? I mean, she's only the Sinnoh League Champion."

"Yeah...but I've known you since I was like eight years old. This is...new. Uh...sorry, I'm probably embarrassing myself aren't I?"

Cynthia stifled a giggle and said, "Only a little. Believe me, there are people who have reacted far more embarrassingly to meeting me."

With a 'humph' Tamash? said, "I think you're really embarrassing yourself. I mean, what's the big deal about her anyway?"

Valor turned to his mate with a raised eyebrow. "Is that jealousy I'm sensing?"

"Jealous of what?"

"Admit it: you hate it when I pay the slightest bit of attention to any female but you."

As the continued back and forth like that Cynthia leaned in close to Galen and asked, "Is this normal for them?"

Galen gave a weary sigh accompanied by an affirmative nod. "Yeah, it's normal for them." Snapping his fingers to get their attention he said, "Not that this isn't entertaining or anything, but we should probably get inside. Besides, weren't you saying you were hungry Tamash??"

Reminded of her empty stomach, Tamash? quickly forgot about her 'argument' with Valor. "Oh...yeah. I am pretty hungry. I haven't eaten since breakfast..."

Valor snorted. "Yeah, but you weren't the one who had to run from the police on an empty stomach."

She tried to think of a comeback for that, but she didn't have one. Instead she settled for slipping her paw into his hand and saying, "Well then I guess we should both get something to eat, shouldn't we?"

"I...uh...alright then." Valor replied, slightly caught off guard by her response.

Cynthia sighed. "I suppose I'm setting a table for eight now."

Valor gave her a confused look. "What do you mean eight?"

Cynthia turned to Galen. "You haven't told him yet?"

"I was getting to it. Kid, let's just say that you and Tamash? aren't the only ones I've brought here."

"Then who else is here?"

Galen hesitated for a moment, then said, "It...would be easier if you just saw for yourself."

Without waiting for a response Galen entered Cynthia's house, expecting the others to follow. Valor and Tamash? exchanged confused looks, then followed after him, Cynthia closing the door behind them before following as well.

Following Galen they reached a den near the back of the house-a den already occupied by two familiar faces. Sitting in the room were Zyle and Faerin's Lucario, recognizable by the red scarf tied around his neck. Valor looked back and forth between them, trying to decide which one was more surprising to see. "Okay, I'm gonna need some explanations."

Tamash? nodded. "I agree. What's going on around here?"

Zyle snickered. "Good to see you guys too. I guess I'll explain first, shall I? When we met last time, I was a member of the International Police, and it was supposed to be my job to make sure you two didn't escape the authorities once the magnate train reached Goldenrod."

"You're job was what?!"

Zyle held up his hands. "Calm down, I'm not done yet. Anyway, after meeting you I decided that I couldn't in good conscience do something like that to two uh...beings whose only crime was loving each other. So I told the police in Goldenrod that you weren't on the train. 'Course, when InterPol found out that I had 'screwed up' that badly, I was fired."

The room was quiet for a moment, then Tamash? said, "Thank you. Thank you for making that sacrifice for us."

Zyle waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. That job involved too much paper work anyway. Oh...though I feel I should apologise as well."

Valor gave him a quizzical look. "What for? If it weren't for you, Tamash? and I would have been captured, and neither of us would be sitting here right now."

"Yeah...but it's kind of my fault that there was a warrant for your arrest in the first place. I believe you guys are familiar with a man named Lawrence?"

Valor clenched a fist in anger, and Tamash? suddenly became very still and silent. Valor slowly said, "We...are familiar with him, yes."

"Well, I was the one who interrogated him...and I was also the one he told about your...relationship. And, as if that weren't enough, I am the one who then told my superiors about you. So, for that I apologise."

Yet again silence filled the room. It was Valor who broke the silence. "It's alright. You were just doing your job. Besides, Lawrence would have wound up telling someone else eventually anyway. That and you did help us, so it's kind of hard not to forgive you, right Tamash??"

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Valor smiled. "See? With the past out of the way, why don't you explain why you're here?"

Zyle shrugged. "I dunno. Ask Galen, he brought me here."

Valor turned to his friend, who was now leaning back against one of the walls of the room, quietly watching. "Care to explain?"

"I sought him out because I thought he could be helpful."

"With what?"

"In due time. Which, by the way, it's not time yet."

Valor sighed. "Fine." He turned to Faerin's Lucario. "So what about you?"

He looked down, his ears and tail drooping with clear sadness. "Well, first off, we were never properly introduced. When I was born, Faerin gave me the name 'Azure'. As for how I got here, well, after Lily Cove, despite trying to move past...losing Faerin...I found myself in a downward spiral of depression. Galen happened to find me, and asked that I come here. He said that if I wanted to be of use, if I wanted to find a new purpose, I should come here."

Before anyone could say anything, Tamash? walked over to Azure and hugged him. "I'm so sorry. I really wish you didn't have to go through this."

Zyle raised an eyebrow at the display, and looked to Valor. "You okay Valor? You don't seem too concerned about your mate hugging a male of her own species."

Tamash? growled in Zyle's direction before returning to comforting Azure. Valor stepped close to Zyle and whispered, "I'm not really worried. I mean, A: she is as loyal to me as I am to her, and B: uh...Azure isn't really into Lucarios...or females."

Zyle's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? Well that's...different."

Tamash? stepped away from Azure and turned to look directly at Zyle. "Is it really? After all, look at me and Valor?"

"I uh...didn't realise you could hear me..."

Azure let out a short laugh. "Well, we Lucarios do have better hearing than humans. And yes, what Valor said is true. Though admittedly, the only one I've ever been attracted to was Faerin, so, I guess don't really have a type."

Zyle looked away in embarrassment. "Oh...sorry. I didn't mean to uh...you know..."

"It's fine. Most people-and pokémon-don't really get it."

Valor cleared his throat. "Okay, with that out of the way, would you like to start explaining Galen?"

Galen shook his head. "Not just yet." Then, raising his voice, Galen went on to say, "You two had better come out! You can only hide for so long!"

A minute or two passed and there was no response. Just as Valor was about to ask Galen what was going on, a door on the far side of the room opened, and in came Aitana and her Gardevoir, both with expressions on their faces that displayed a mixture of nervousness and guilt.

The reactions to their presence were immediate. Valor immediately took a step back away from them, and Tamash? began to make a low, threatening growl. Valor looked over to Galen and with clear stress to his tone said, "You had better explain this. RIGHT NOW."

Galen gestured to Aitana and the Psychic-type, "I think it would better if they explained."

Valor shook his head. "Oh no. No, I do NOT want to hear anything these two have to say. Not after what they did to-"

He was cut off by Aitana quietly saying "Valor, please just listen to what I-we-have to say."

Valor slowly turned to look at her. There was a pleading sort of sincerity in her eyes. With a heavy sigh Valor conceded. "Fine. You have five minutes. Tamash?, stop growling, at least for now."

Tamash? stopped growling, looking at her mate in disbelief. "You can't be serious!"

"I am. We'll hear what they have to say, then we can decide how to deal with them. Aitana, get started."

Aitana gulped, on edge due to the cold death stare Tamash? was giving her. "W-well, first off, I-that is we- want to apologise for...well, everything we put you through. Right Gardevoir?"

Gardevoir nodded in agreement, then Aitana continued. "We...came here to help you. When we heard about what had happened to the two of you...we decided that we should do something to help you because we...kind of...owe you."

"For what?"

Aitana and Gardevoir exchanged soft smiles before she went on to say, "We owe you because, well first because of the trouble we caused you, but also because if it weren't for the two of you...Gardevoir and I never would have...gotten together."

It was quiet for a moment, then Valor spoke. "I am...not going to forgive you as easily as you would apparently like me to, but if you really want to help I guess that's okay. However, my opinion doesn't matter here. Not as much as Tamash?'s."

Tamash? blinked in surprise. "My opinion?"

"That's right. I won't force you to accept their help or presence. I don't want to do anything in this situation that you aren't okay with."

Tamash? sat there for a moment, weighing the options. Then, she reached a decision. "I'm not saying I trust or forgive either of you, but I will accept your help if you really feel like you owe us. However, I will be keeping an eye on both of you. Especially YOU." She pointed to Gardevoir when she said that, then said, "One wrong move, and you will dearly regret it. Am I understood?"

Both of them nodded nervously in response. Satisfied-at least partially-Tamash? asked of the room in general, "Now where do we stand on dinner?"

Everyone but Aitana and Gardevoir struggled to stifle laughter at her sudden change in priorities and attitude. Cynthia cleared her throat and said, "Well, I suppose I'll get started on that then. Azure, Zyle, would you two mind giving me a hand?"

Azure stood up with a smile. "Sure. Glad to help."

Zyle on the other hand was not nearly so compliant. "Do you really need my help? I mean-"

"Either you help me in with dinner, or you get your ass tossed out on the street. Your choice."

Zyle reluctantly stood and followed after her and the male Lucario, grumbling and irritated about being so easily manipulated.

When they were gone, Valor turned to Galen and asked, "So do you think you could explain why we're here?"

Galen shook his head. "Not yet. It's a conversation that involves everyone here. Just wait until after dinner. I promise I'll explain everything then."

"Fine, but I'm gonna hold you to that."

"Whatever you need to do. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to take this time to change into normal clothes."

With that he left the room, his footsteps retreating upstairs, leaving Valor and Tamash? alone with Aitana and her Gardevoir. An awkward silence filled the room. Valor cleared his throat. "So, you and Gardevoir huh?"

Aitana nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "Yeah. Now, I think I finally get why you care so much about Tamash?. I finally figured out the difference between love and obsession."

Tamash? scoffed. "I doubt it."

It was Gardevoir who spoke then, his telepathic voice ringing out in all of their minds. "I know it may be hard to believe, but we have changed. And uh...even though it's been stated already...I personally wanted to apologise as well. Looking back...I feel awful about what I did."

Valor let out a sigh. "Look, let's just stop with all the apologising. I appreciate the sentiment, but let's just move on, okay?"

Gardevoir nodded quietly, and Aitana simply said, "Okay."

Silence fell on the room once more until a short while later Azure came and told them dinner was ready. They then all left for the dining room, Tamash? keeping a close eye on Aitana and Gardevoir just as she had said she would.

***

Once all of their stomachs were full and the table was cleared, the eight of them arranged themselves around said table for the second time that night. Galen, now back in his usual clothes, was the first to speak. "Now, I know that all of you are waiting for explanations. Some of you already know bits and pieces of what is going on, but some of you have no idea whatsoever. So, in order to make sure everyone knows everything they need to, I'm going to start from the very beginning."

Galen was quiet for the shortest of moments, then he continued. "No one is quite sure how old our world is, but we do know one thing: humans are a relatively new species on this planet as compared to some of the most ancient creatures that in habit our world."

Zyle held up a hand, stopping him. "Hold on, what creatures are you talking about?"

It was Cynthia who answered. "He's referring to pokémon. Specifically species like the Unown, or Mew...Latios and Latias, Rayquaza, Heatran, Regigigas, Zekrom and Reshiram, and the list goes on. He is referring to species and even individual pokémon that are as old as this planet."

Galen nodded. "Exactly. Though we humans in our narcissism often forget this, we are far from being the greatest creatures produced by evolution. The most industrial and technological yes, but not the greatest. Not the fastest, not the strongest, and arguably not even the most intelligent. Yet in spite of this, we tend to have the audacity to decide what is best for the whole world and all that inhabit it."

Valor cut in to ask, "What does this have to do with what's going on with me and Tamash??"

Galen gave a weary sigh before responding. "Kid, one of these days I really hope you will learn to be patient enough to let me explain everything at the right pace and in the right order. Now, where was I?"

"Humans have unbelievable audacity." Tamash? reminded him.

"Right. That. Well, as you may well know, there was a time when humans lived alongside nature just as pokémon do. In some places, people still do live with a very close connection to nature. In fact, for the last three or four decades people have been making a concerted effort to be more connected with nature. But we are still missing what we used to have, and I doubt we will ever get it back."

Galen paused again, then went on. "Now, I don't know how much reading anyone in this room does, but there is a library in Canalave City. On the top floor of that library, there are many books that tell of the myths and legends of not only Sinnoh, but of every region in the world. If read in the right order, those legends are more than just stories, they are the history of this world, as well as the history of pokémon, and the history of were mankind comes from. Now there is one book in that library that, if you know what to look for, makes a somewhat veiled reference to a very interesting period in history."

Aitana tilted her head to one side in confusion. "What period would that be?"

"There was a time when not only was it socially acceptable to form a relationship between a human and a pokémon, but there were even official, sanctified marriages between them."

Galen paused for long enough to let that sink in, taking note of their varied reactions. Cynthia was unsurprised as she was familiar with the texts he was referring to, and Zyle was sitting there in stunned silence at the information. As for the other five, their expressions were all mixtures of awe and disbelief.

Satisfied that they understood, Galen continued. "However, this period of history didn't last, as I'm sure you can all see. Over time, people who were...afraid, or who didn't understand, or who simply thought interspecies relationships were wrong, came to change things for the worse. People became...intolerant. Some people came to think that they knew better than anyone else what it meant to love. Some came to think that they knew what was best for everyone. That was what led to things as they are today."

All was quiet, than Valor asked, "So, what does all that mean for our situation?"

Galen smiled then. "There has been a shift. You and Tamash? might as well have been living under a rock for the last month. People were inspired. They were inspired by someone as young as you fighting to be with the one you love. Now, two sides have sprung up. Three if you count those who are neutral. Right now a political conflict is taking place between those who want to change things, and don't want to keep others from being with whoever they want to be with. Then there's the other side, who want to keep things the way they are. Those are the people who think it's wrong for beings of different species to love each other. But here's the real kicker: on our side, we have quite a few high profile supporters. Believe it or not, most Gym Leaders, and all of the Elite Four and Champions of every region are supporting us, not to mention around half of all trainers, and a rather significant portion of the general population as well."

When he stopped, Tamash? asked, "So what does all of that mean?"

"It means the world is changing. And if things work out in our favour, it will be a change for the better. However, there is a problem."

Valor sighed. "Of course there is. There's always a problem. Well, what is it?"

"You. Well, you and Tamash?. You see, even though you two have provided inspiration to some, to others you two are big walking targets. If you two get captured, then suddenly there comes a drop in morale that leads to the dissolution of everything that could be accomplished. You two have become a symbol for the change that can come. So, not only do we have to deal with that, but there is the ever present threat of the Guardians finding you. If that happens, it's game over for Tamash?."

The room went deadly quiet as the meaning of that sunk in. Then, Valor spoke. "So, what then? Do you have a plan or...something?"

Galen nodded. "The easiest thing to do is get you two out of the way. Somewhere where there isn't really any danger of you being found. Unfortunately, that narrows down the places where you two go. So, with that in mind, Cynthia and I have made arrangements for you to travel to the Oblivia Region. It's fairly small, but there isn't any form of law enforcement, unless you count the Pokémon Rangers."

Feeling a glimmer of anger Valor asked. "So you're solving your problem by just brushing us out of your way then?"

Galen shook his head. "No. We are getting you out of the way for the sake of both of you continuing to live. And, if it makes you feel any better, it's not just you. We're sending Zyle with you."

With an indignant tone Zyle said, "Hey, I did not agree to that!"

With a bemused smile Galen replied, saying, "Too bad. You're going with them. I need to have someone keeping them safe and out of trouble."

"I'm not gonna be somebody's babysitter just because you tell me to!"

Valor nodded. "I agree. Tamash? and I can handle ourselves."

Galen was about to say something, but Tamash? interrupted him to say, "Valor, I'm sorry, but history is against us on that. We could definitely use the help."

Valor scoffed. "Fine, I can accept that, but what use is he gonna be to us?"

"Oh, you think I won't be of use to you huh?" Zyle asked. "Well, I dare say these would beg to differ." With a certain amount of flourish Zyle reached beneath his coat and produced twin pistols for all to see. "I may not be with InterPol anymore, but I still have a license to carry fire arms."

Valor tensed up at the sight of the weapons. "Fine, you've made your point. Just put those away before you hurt someone."

"As you wish."

Valor released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding once the guns were safely holstered once more. Looking at Galen he said, "Alright, I don't really feel comfortable about traveling with someone who uses guns, but if he really has to come with us, then fine."

"So you've accepted going to Oblivia then?"

"If it's fine with Tamash?, then yes." He paused for a moment, favouring his mate with a loving smile before saying, "But as for me, I would do anything to keep her safe, so this does seem like the best solution."

Tamash? hugged him tightly and nuzzled his neck as soon as he finished. "Of course I'm okay with it. Besides, it'll be nice if we can relax and not have to worry about whether or not we'll still have our freedom at the end of the day."

"Good. And you Zyle?"

He hesitated for a moment, then acquiesced. "Fine, I'll do it."

Azure, who up until that point had been quiet asked, "So what about the rest of us? What are we doing?"

Aitana gave a nod. "I've been wondering about that too."

Galen cleared his throat. "Well, the plan right now, is that we are basically splitting into three groups. Zyle, Tamash? and Valor will, as we have already established, be going to the Oblivia Region. Cynthia is going to be working the political side of things, trying to push for the legal changes that are crucial to our situation. Aitana, you and Gardevoir will be assisting her in that in what ever way she may require."

Tamash? canted her head upon hearing that. "Hold on, I don't really know how humans decide who is more important, but, if Cynthia is just the Sinnoh Champion, and you are the World Champion, wouldn't that make you the more influential one, and therefore the one who would be better to affect a change like that?"

Galen gave a short laugh. "You know more than you give yourself credit for. In a normal situation, you would probably be right. But, Cynthia tends to have better control of her emotions then I do, and we need someone with a level head to be in that position. Not only that, but bringing us to what Azure and I will be doing, there is a more difficult job to be had."

The male Lucario blinked in confusion. "I'm going with you?"

Galen nodded. "That's right. You and I have the lovely little job of trying to get the Guardian Council of Elders to change multiple centuries worth of entrenched dogma about how a Guardian forming a sexual relationship with a Lucario is a perversion of the sacred bond between them."

Azure gulped. "Sound like a tonne of fun," he said, not meaning a word of it.

"So, with that out of the way, I have a question. How exactly are you getting us to Oblivia?" Valor asked.

"Simple," was the response. "In three days there will be a ship docking in Canalave City. You, Tamash? and Zyle will be boarding the ship and taking it to Oblivia. However, it's going to take about a week to get there because the ship you're going on is a cruise liner that will be taking what we might call the scenic route."

Tamash?'s expression became one of concern. "Hold on, how are we going to get into a well populated port without attracting attention? Not to mention trying to stay hidden while on a ship full of people. I just don't see how this is going to work."

"Well, the ship part is easy enough, Tamash?. Just as long as you stay in the room we've gotten for you and Valor, you should be fine. As for getting into Canalave, you're going to have to do the same thing that Valor had you do in Ecruteak. Valor and Zyle walk into town, and you stay in you're Pokéball until they're safely on the ship and Valor can let you out."

Tamash? sighed with a shudder. "Great. I manage to avoid being in a Pokéball for all this time, and now I have to be in it twice in the space of a week. I really hope this doesn't become a consistent thing."

Valor placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and with a mournful smile he said, "This'll be the last time, I promise."

"Fine. I guess if it's what we have to do, I can deal with it."

Stifling a yawn Galen said, "Good. Well, I think that's everything, so I suggest we all get some sleep."

Everyone started to get up, but all stopped when Valor said, "Hold on. I have something I'd like to ask you Galen."

Galen blinked in a combination of surprise and tiredness, then said, "Well, let's hear it then."

"Well...it's just that you...have risked a lot to help Tamash? and me. I mean, you've risked your life to help us. I know you're our friend and all, but even for a friend you seem to have gone above what most friends would have done for...anyone. So, I'm wondering...if maybe there's some other reason you've been so willing to help us."

The room was then filled with silence. Galen seemed to be filled with indecision for a few minutes before he finally answered. "Yes. I do have another reason. I'm so determined to help and protect the two of you...because I don't want to see either of you with your heart broken the same way mine was. When I look at the two of you...I'm reminded very much of my first relationship...and my first love. If I can help it, I'd like to prevent your relationship from ending anything like mine did."

Cynthia gave Galen a strange look, as though she didn't understand. "Galen...I knew your first girlfriend. I saw that relationship. There was no way you were as heart broken as you claim to have been after that relationship ended."

Galen shook his head with a sad smile on his lips. "No Cynthia. You knew my first girlfriend, but that was not my first relationship. I fell in love for the first time almost a year before that."

"With who?"

Galen hesitated, looking around at the curious expressions directed at him. "The first time I fell in love...my first relationship...was with...a Ninetales."

Everyone fell into a shocked silence. The Zyle spoke. "Okay, am I the only person in this room who is attracted to their own species?!"

Seeing that Galen was struggling to keep his emotions in check, Cynthia answered for both of them. "Zyle, Galen married a human, and he is very much in love with her, even after they've been together for nine years. And as for me, I've never been attracted to a pokémon."

"Oh, well, now I don't feel quite so outnumbered," Zyle replied with clear sarcasm.

Showing the slightest irritation, Cynthia said, "Well then maybe you should just join up with every other person who thinks it's a problem."

"Look, I didn't say I had a problem with it, I'm just starting to feel like the only normal human in this room!"

It was Aitana who responded then, clearly becoming irritated at the man. "The only normal human?! What the hell does that mean?!"

As they continued arguing back and forth, eventually drawing Valor and even Azure into the argument, Tamash? stood there quietly, watching Galen as he seemed to struggle to fight back against whatever painful emotions he was feeling. There was something she was trying to remember. Somehow what he had said...seemed to tweak at some piece of information in her head, but she couldn't figure out what. Then, unbidden, the pieces suddenly fell together in her mind.

"HEY EVERYBODY SHUT UP!"

Tamash?'s telepathy rang out in all their minds, breaking their focus on their argument. With the room now quiet, Tamash? asked, "Galen, not to be insensitive, but how did that relationship end?"

"Well...we were...together for about six months...and then one day she just...disappeared. She left...and I never knew why."

Tamash? turned to her mate and said, "Valor, do you get it yet?"

"Get what?"

Showing some rather clear embarrassment, Tamash? asked, "You know last night when we...uh...had that-for lack of a better word-fight? You know, when it was raining?"

Valor tensed up and looked away from her. "Yeah. I remember."

"Well, last night I talked to Mesprit. Besides trying to convince me to go back to you...she also told me about this couple she used to know of near Twinleaf Town. She said that couple consisted of a human and a Ninetales. I think Galen was the human."

Glen gave her a strange look, a mixture of confusion and sadness. "So what? When she and I were together we spent a lot of time near Lake Verity. It wouldn't surprise me if The Being of Emotion knew about us."

"Yeah, I get that. But see, Mesprit also told me something else. She told me that the reason the Ninetales left the human-or Galen as it were-was because she had become...well...Mesprit told me that the Ninetales had become pregnant and she left so as to protect...well...you."

Galen stood there dumbstruck by the information, as did most of the others. Valor however, had the same sudden revelation that Tamash? had. Looking at his mate he quietly asked, "You don't think...I mean she couldn't be, could she?"

"If you're talking about who I think you are, then yes, I think she is."

Galen looked back and forth between them, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, what are you two talking about?"

Valor hesitated briefly, then, with an affirmative nod from Tamash?, he said, "Galen, do you remember my Ninetales? You know, Kasai? Well, I-we-think that she may be...your daughter..."

"Explain yourself. What makes you think that?"

Valor took a few minutes, with help from Tamash?, to explain what Kasai had revealed to Tamash? in Solaceon Town. When they finished, Galen heavily sat down, a disbelieving expression on his face. Everyone else stood there quietly, no one wanting to say anything before Galen reacted. When he spoke again he asked, "What colour are her eyes?"

Valor looked at him in confusion. "Who's eyes?"

"Kasai. What do her eyes look like?"

"I don't-"

"Alright, I'll make this easy for you. All Ninetales have red eyes...except the one I loved. Her eyes were orange. So I ask again: What colour are Kasai's eyes?"

It was Tamash? who answered, saying, "Her eyes are orange as well."

"Well...then the two of you may very well be right. She may be my daughter. But I would have to see her myself to know for sure. Tamash?...Valor...thank you. I'm...glad I found out about this."

Galen stood and started to leave the room. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go outside. I need some air...and some time to think. I'll see you all in the morning."

And like that he was gone, leaving the room filled by an awkward silence. It was broken a moment or two later by Cynthia. "I uh...I'm going to go get things cleaned up in the kitchen. The rest of you should get some sleep."

She quickly walked out, leaving just the six of them in the room. Without a word to anyone Zyle left the room and was soon followed by Aitana and Gardevoir both of whom also left in silence. Azure left then, offering only a simple 'goodnight' to Valor and Tamash?

After another few quiet seconds, Valor said, "Come on. We should get to sleep too."

Tamash? nodded. "I guess so. I'm kinda worried about Galen though..."

Valor smiled gently. "He'll be fine. He can handle himself. Besides, he wouldn't want us to worry about him."

She took a deep breath, then she replied. "You're probably right. So, off to bed then?"

Valor nodded, then took her paw in his hand, and together they went upstairs, quickly finding a room with a simple sign on it that said it was for them. Once inside, the two of them quickly fell asleep, exhausted by all that had transpired over the course of the day.

***

In the room she and Gardevoir shared, Aitana paced back and forth across the wood floor, unable to fall asleep with her mind occupied as it was. From his seat on the bed, Gardevoir watched his trainer with concern. Ever since they had begun their relationship, she had seemed so much more relaxed and carefree. He didn't like seeing her so seemingly concerned. Reaching out to touch her mind with his he asked, "Aitana, what's wrong?"

She stopped in her pacing long enough to glance at him, then she began again, her waist length hair trailing behind her, not unlike a great copper coloured tail. "I'm just...thinking...about what we've seen and heard today."

"Oh. Anything specific?"

She stopped again, hesitating. "Well, to start with, I'm wondering about...well..."

She trailed off leaving Gardevoir in the dark about her thoughts. If it weren't for respect for her he might have read her mind, but to him that seemed to violate the newfound connection between them. Just as he was about to ask if she intended to finish what she had been saying, she quickly turned to face him, her hair whipping around behind her. "Gardevoir I think I want to have kids!"

He flinched in surprise. He had never thought that she had ever thought about having children. It made sense though, that she was considering it. Regaining his usual composure he asked, "Is this because of what is going on with Galen?"

Showing some embarrassment now she nodded quietly. Gardevoir smiled at her. Even though he hadn't considered it until that moment, he liked the idea of the two of them having children. "Well, I don't see any problem with that. Actually...I...think I like the idea."

She blushed in response, then she smiled as well. "Wow, really? I didn't know how you would feel about that. I'm...I'm glad that we're in the same place with that."

"Alright then, was that it? Or is there something else on your mind?"

Once again she hesitated before speaking. "Okay, honestly? It's Valor and Tamash?. I didn't expect then to completely forgive us or anything, but...I was hoping for a slightly more positive response."

Gardevoir considered that for a moment, then said, "After...what we did...especially what I did...to them, I can't really blame them. And truth be told, I'm surprised Tamash? didn't attack us on sight like she did last time. So, I don't think we should worry. They have...tentatively forgiven us, and I think that to ask for more than that would be foolish."

Aitana sighed. "Why do you have to be so damn smart? I know I shouldn't let myself worry about it...but I just can't help it. I still feel so awful about what happened between us and them."

Gardevoir stood and walked over to her. He then hugged her loosely, being careful not to get his crimson coloured chest spike too close to his beloved trainer. "I feel bad about it too, but continuing to worry doesn't help anyone."

She nodded, then carefully laid her head on his shoulder, getting as close to him as was safe. Seeing that she was still focusing her thoughts on darker places he half jokingly said, "Well, if you wan to take your mind off these things, I'm sure I could help with that..."

Aitana started giggling, not stopping for a full minute. Once she finally regained control of herself, she looked into his eyes and, with the same joking manner asked, "Is nailing me all you think about?"

Putting on a fake hurt expression Gardevoir said, "Of course not! It's just what I'm thinking about right now."

Aitana stifled a laugh. "Alright then. I guess I could use a distraction."

She took a step back from Gardevoir, a seductive smile on her lips. Slowly, if only to make him impatient, she began pulling her clothes off, first pulling her shirt off to expose her naked torso. Next to come off were her jeans, slowly being slid down her toned legs until she could step out of them. Gardevoir's face turned bright red as she slid off her panties, dropping them lightly on top of her other clothes. Seeing his expression she giggled. "You are so easy to embarrass, you know that?"

"Well I uh...I mean I...I..." Gardevoir could do little more than stammer in response, causing her to giggle again. Even after seeing her like this so many times over the last two and a half months, the sight never failed to make him blush.

"Not so clever when you're turned on, are you?" Without giving him a chance to respond she stepped forward and locked her lips with his.

His slim green arms instantly flew to her body, caressing her curves and her soft, smooth skin. It always astounded him how soft she felt to the touch, almost silky in fact, and with a subtle warmth that felt ever so comforting.

He felt a pang of disappointment when she stepped away from him a moment later, but quickly got over it when she climbed into the bed and laid herself back against the headboard with her legs spread wide, her glistening sex inviting him to take her.

He wasted no time in joining her, positioning his body over hers then pressing his alabaster erection against her now dripping entrance. Placing his hands on either side of her waist for leverage he gently pushed past the labia, stretching her passageway until he was fully engulfed by the hot, tight opening.

She released a single, quiet moan of pleasure from the sensation of her beloved Gardevoirs manhood filling her so completely, then began biting her lip as he started to thrust, his hips impacting time and again against hers with a less than quiet smack each time.

As her lover focused on burying himself as deeply as possible within her, she reached one of her hands down to the area ever so slightly above where he continued to slide in and out of her body, and began to stimulate her swollen clit, massaging and rubbing it to heighten her own pleasure.

Of course, Gardevoir knew better than to be so selfish as to only think of himself. While he focused his body on keeping up the pattern of thrust and retreat, he turned his mind to a different task. Reaching out with his psychic abilities he gently brushed against her mind, immediately drawing the now familiar sharp intake of air that indicated she felt his presence in her mind.

Gently at first so as not to send her mind into a state of shock or panic, he began to apply his mental influence to the pleasure centres of her brain, sending her mind reeling as the combination of physical and mental sensations threatened to make her lose total control of her mental faculties.

However, Gardevoir had found another useful trick he could perform with his powers. Despite all that she was feeling, her body was unable to reach a climax because he was using a portion of his power to keep her from reaching that point before the time was right. Or in other words, he was keeping her from finishing until he was sure she had enjoyed the experience as much as possible.

As soon as he felt she was close to passing out from sheer pleasure he released his hold on her mind. With his influence gone from her mind an orgasm ripped through her body, her muscles contracting around him until he too could hold back no longer, releasing a flood of his virile seed into her body.

Gardevoir pulled himself from her body a laid down beside her. With both of them physically and mentally exhausted they quickly fell into a deep and contented sleep.

***

In the sky above the stars were shining and the sounds of pokémon like Kricketune filled the otherwise quite night air. Galen sat outside of Cynthia's house, leaning back against the wall only a few feet to the right of the front door. Ever since he had come outside that was where he had been, simply looking up at the sky and letting his mind wander. Of course he had also thought about the daughter he had just found out he might have, but mostly he had just let his thought follow whatever path the fell upon.

He was distracted from his introspection by the sound of the door opening. He looked over to see Cynthia step out side, and watched with mild curiosity as she quietly sat down beside him. When she didn't say anything he returned to looking up at the moon and stars, until she interrupted his thoughts again to ask, "So, how are you doing?"

Galen let out a short laugh in response. "Well let's see. I just revealed one of my most closely guarded secrets to you, two other friends and four more or less complete strangers-a secret that, by the way that not even my wife is aware of. Then I found out I may have had a daughter for the last ten years and that she also happens to be a Ninetales. And to top it all off, even if I find the courage and/or resolve to go meet her, there's a pretty high chance that she will hate me the moment I tell her who I am. So, how do you think I'm doing?"

"I would guess you're a little frustrated and stressed out."

"Yeah. Just a little."

"So, what are you going to do about the whole...daughter thing?"

Galen hesitated before answering. "I think that-at least for now-I'm not going to do anything about it. We all have more immediate concerns. Once this whole thing with changing the world is over-whether it ends well or not-then I'll worry about my personal issues."

"Fair enough. So, next question, if you don't mind. What role do Valor and Tamash? have to play on all of this? Something makes me doubt you're sending them to Oblivia just so people won't lose their source of inspiration."

"Well, it's also because if the Guardians get a hold of them then Tamash? won't survive. And they're my friends; I want to protect them."

Cynthia shook her head. "I know you too well Galen. None of those answers are lies, but you're still not telling me everything."

"I...can't and shouldn't tell you everything. And because I know you well enough to know you'll ask why, it's simply because there are certain things that no one should know."

Cynthia let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine, be that way. But I do wish that you would stop putting the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"Hey you know me. Always the hero, always trying to do things that are too big for me to handle, always trying to save people, and yes, always taking sole responsibility for making sure the world doesn't plunge into darkness and chaos."

Cynthia laughed at that. "Yeah. There's a list of things you've been doing for what, ten years now?"

"Just about. 'Course, you were there for a few of those adventures."

"True, but you were always the one who got things done. Probably why you wound up beating me to become the champion of the Sinnoh League even when you were still a relatively new trainer."

Galen favoured her with wry smile. "Sure, I mean beating you only took me what, three tries?"

Cynthia stifled a laugh as the memories came to her. "Exactly three. But you never gave up, even after one complete thrashing and one very close match."

"Two close matches. Even when I beat you it was still a very slim victory."

Both of them fell silent as they reminisced about what now seemed like such simple days. After a short while Cynthia spoke again, quietly, and with a certain air of reluctance. "You know...it's time like this...and when I think about just who it is you've become...that I really regret rejecting you all those years ago."

"Ah jeez...are we really going down that road? 'Cause I'm pretty sure you know what I'm gonna say on the topic."

Cynthia sighed. "Yes. I do. You're going to say that it's my own fault and that I-in retrospect-had a stupid reason for shooting you down."

Galen nodded with a satisfied smile. "Yep. That about sums it up."

"Well, on that note, I do believe I'm going to turn in for the night, unless you don't think you'll be okay alone out here."

Galen waved a hand dismissively. "I'll be fine. Got get some sleep. I'm not gonna stay out here for much longer anyway."

Cynthia nodded. "Alright then. Goodnight." She hesitated for a moment, then, so quickly that he almost wasn't sure it had actually happened, she gave him a kiss on the cheek, then got up and went back inside, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more.

A short while later Galen got up, then he too returned to the inside of the house, his eyes heavy with the exhaustion of his day up to that point. The moment his head hit the pillows on the bed in his temporary room he was asleep, his conscious mind giving way to dreams.

***

When Valor woke the next morning he blinked in mild surprise as he realised that his mate was not beside him. Looking around he quickly found her. She was looking out one of the bedroom windows, her tail wagging madly. A smile that was equal parts amusement and confusion formed on his lips at the sight. "Good morning Tamash?. What's so interesting?"

She turned to face him, a happy smile on her face. "Good morning! Look Valor, It's snowing outside!"

Valor climbed out of bed a came to stand beside her. Looking out the window he could see that it was in fact lightly snowing outside. When Valor looked back to her she was again looking out the window, her nose pressed to the cool glass as she watched the white bits of fluff fall to the ground below. A loving smile took its place upon his face as he looked at her. He was glad to see her so happy, even if it was over something so simple. "I know you're enjoying yourself, but what do you say we get some breakfast?"

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I guess I can look at the snow more later."

Together they left the room and began to make their way through the house to the stairs. "So, why do you like snow so much anyway?" He asked of her as they walked.

"Why wouldn't I like it? It's pretty and fun to roll around in...and cold days can be so cozy when you're cuddling with someone else to keep warm..." she punctuated that last bit with a saucy little wink in his direction.

Valor laughed for a brief moment, then said, "Alright, I guess those are pretty good reasons. I'm especially fond of the last one though."

"You would be, you pervert."

"Me a pervert? What about all the jokes and innuendos that you come up with?"

"I'm certain I don't know what you're talking about."

Valor shook his head with a smile. "Of course you don't."

She was about to say something else when they entered the dining room and were bombarded by a discordant chorus of good mornings from everyone who was already sitting at the table, which was everyone, with the exception of Galen.

Valor blinked is surprise at the greetings, then, as he and Tamash? sat down replied, saying, "Uh, good morning everyone."

Cynthia gave a weary smile. "Well, so much for taking a moment to enjoy my own breakfast. I'll get the two of you something to eat, shall I?"

"Uh, thanks, that would be great. Sorry if we're causing any inconvenience."

Cynthia shook her head in response. "Don't worry about it. I'll be back in a few minutes."

She then swept out of the room, headed for the kitchen. Looking around, Valor asked of the room in general, "So, where's Galen?"

Aitana answered, saying, "No idea. I figured he was still asleep."

Zyle nodded. "Same here."

"Oh. Alright then."

Not as easily convinced as Valor was, Tamash? closed her eyes and did a quick search through the house for Galen's Aura. "He's not here. He must have left before anyone else woke up. That or he never came back in last night."

"Neither actually. I was awake when he left this morning." They all looked to see Cynthia re-entering the room carrying two plates of food which she proceeded to set down in front of Valor and Tamash? respectively. "He said he had something to do this morning. He should be back soon enough."

"Perhaps sooner than you think."

They all turned in response to see Galen sauntering into the room, brushing snow from his shoulders with his usual confident half smile in place on his lips. He took a seat at the end of the table across from Cynthia, fully aware of the fact that all eyes in the room were on him. Cynthia let put an exasperated sigh. "For Arceus' sake I just sat down! Sometimes you have the worst sense of timing, you know that?"

Galen chuckled in response. "Yeah, I know. And don't bother getting up. I already had breakfast at the Pokémon Center since I was there anyway."

Azure gave Galen a curious look. "What business did you have at the Pokémon Center so early in the morning, and in such chilly weather for that matter?"

Pointing his fork at Galen Zyle cut in to say, "The better question is: Did Nurse Joy happen to mention me?"

Aitana let out a sigh. "Pipe down you man whore! You spent one night with her a week ago. She's not going to mention it to people she doesn't even know are associated with you!"

Zyle scoffed. "Man whore? Forgive me for enjoying the many possibilities of not being tied down to one woman. And for the record, she said I was among the best she had ever had."

"AMONG the best. Not the best. So shut up and stop acting like you're some kind of sex god. Galen, would you please answer Azure's question so we can move past this topic?"

Galen snickered, then a replied. "Gladly Aitana. I went to the Center at such an early hour because I wanted to test something. Or more specifically because I wanted to test Valor."

Valor and Tamash? both looked up from their food in confusion. They had been making an attempt to stay out of the conversation as it had seemed to be taking a bit of an ugly turn, but now they really had no choice but to get involved. "What do you mean 'test me'?" he asked.

"Well you see, because this could be the last time we see each other for a while, I wanted to answer a question that's been on my mind for a while. After you battled Red in Twinleaf, I couldn't help but wonder if that victory was just a fluke, so I-"

He was cut off by Cynthia appearing to choke on a mouthful of food. When she had recovered she asked with clear disbelief, "He beat Red in a battle?!"

Galen nodded. "Just barely, and it was only one-on-one, but yes. Which brings me to what I was saying before. I want to k now how strong a trainer you've actually become Valor. I want to put your pokémon through their paces against other members of their respective species to see how they stack up. After all, there's no denying your pokémon are strong, but I'd like to know how strong."

Valor gulped. "So, what then? You want to pit my Aggron against yours? My Milotic against yours? That kind of thing?"

Galen blinked in surprise. "Wait. Milotic? Is...that the same Milotic you liberated from Lawrence?"

Valor nodded, then quickly explained how he had come to obtain Umi when everyone else gave him questioning looks. Galen let out a small sigh. "Damn. Now I have to go back to the center. I pulled out my Kingdra thinking that was what I was going to be fighting against. Alright, let's meet back behind Cynthia's house in about half an hour so that I can go get my Milotic."

Without another word Galen got up and left. Tamash? let out a sigh once she was sure he was out of ear shot. "I suppose that means I'll be fighting my father."

Valor laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It could be worse. I shudder to think what kind of Aggron or Eelectross a guy like Galen could have. This is gonna be tough on all six of you one way or another."

Aitana chose that moment to chime in with her opinion. "You know, you could just not battle him."

Valor shook his head. "Unfortunately I can say with the confidence that comes from experience that he won't take no for an answer. We'll just have to grit our teeth and do the best we can."

The room then fell into a somewhat uncomfortable silence as they finished their respective meals. About half an hour later they all stood in the thin layer of snow behind Cynthia's house, waiting for Galen to return. Though Valor had alluded to not wanting spectators, everyone was interested to see how things would turn out.

After they had all been waiting for several minutes Galen came around the corner of the house, walking quickly. "Sorry I'm a bit late. Snow slowed me down a bit. Alright kid, let's get started!"

Galen took up a position at one end of the yard, indicating that he wanted Valor to stand at the other end. Once Valor and Tamash? were in position Galen gave a satisfied nod. "Alright, this will be a full six-on-six battle. However, our pokémon will only be allowed to battles against members of their own species. Each round will conclude only when one or both trainers' pokémon are unable to continue. As the challenger, I defer choice of first pokémon to Valor."

Valor nodded. He was determined not to send Tamash? out to fight until he absolutely had to, so instead he plucked Seiza's ball off his belt and released the bird pokémon onto the battlefield. With a certain amount of flourish, Galen pulled a Pokéball from under his jacket and called out, "You're on, Star!"

Appearing in a flash of light came Galen's own female Staraptor, 'Star'. It immediately became clear who had the size advantage, as Star was visibly larger than Seiza. "The first move is yours Valor!"

Valor nodded, a determined expression appearing on his face. Even if he was out matched-which he was aware that he most likely was-he was going to go down fighting. Not pulling any punches, Valor decided to start off with Seiza's strongest attack. "Seiza, Brave Bird!"

Galen responded in kind, commanding Star to do the same. Both Flying-types became cloaked in blue, flame like energy, then both surged forward. The two of them raced toward the center of the battlefield, the snow beneath them being thrown to the sides of the yard in massive bursts as the sheer force of their speed disturbed it. When the two collided in the center of the battlefield there was a brief instant when they couldn't be seen, as they were shrouded both by snow and by a flash of white hot light from the pure energy generated by the impact.

When the snow settled and the light faded they both appeared, hovering in the air. Both Seiza and Star were flapping their wings as they fought to stay aloft, both of them breathing heavily as they dealt with not only the damage they had taken from each other, but also the damage caused by Brave Bird's recoil.

Valor cursed under his breath. Though they were both still in the fight, it was clear that Seiza had taken more damage than Star. In an attempt to counter Galen's ability to have Star deal even more damage, Valor called out, "Seiza, use Double Team!"

At his command a dozen illusionary copies of Seiza appeared, causing Star to look around in confusion, trying to figure out which one was really her opponent. Galen however, seemed unfazed by the predicament he and his pokémon were faced with. With a snap of his fingers he pointed skyward and called out, "Star! Combo strike! Flying Ace! Hit as many of them as you can until you find the real one!"

Valor and Seiza both watched in confusion as Star rocketed high into the crisp blue sky. When she reached the apex of her ascent, she dove back down, using what appeared to be a combination of the moves Aerial Ace and Fly. Cloaked in a cushion of air and moving at speeds so fast that she was nearly invisible Star quickly tore through the group of shadow Seiza's until, with a sound of air exploding in all directions, she impacted with the real Seiza sending him reeling backwards, breathing heavily and struggling with everything he had to stay airborne.

So much for that idea, Valor thought. Now what? How do I fight a pokémon who can so easily combine her moves like that? I didn't even know it was possible to do that! Better just go for broke then.

With that thought fixed in his mind, Valor called out, "Seiza, Brave Bird!"

"Star, use Aerial Ace!"

With a final surge of determined energy, Seiza rushed forward cloaked in Brave Bird's user damaging flames while Star moved toward him on an intercept course moving with the speed that was Aerial Ace's gift. Valor could only watch in horror as, in the final instant before the two collided, Seiza's energy gave out and the blue energy vanished due to sheer exhaustion, leaving him totally unprotected and allowing Star to hit him at full force, knocking him out and out of the air.

Both of them returned their pokémon to their respective Pokeballs, and Galen said, "That was well done Valor. Against anyone else you would have won that round. And, for the record, if Seiza hadn't lost control in that final moment, it may have ended in a draw. Now, select your next pokémon."

With some reluctance Valor complied, pulling Akatsuki's Pokéball from his belt and releasing the moth pokémon onto the battlefield. Galen responded in kind by pulling a Pokéball from under his jacket, then releasing his own Volcarona accompanied by a shout of "Sol, you're on!"

Valor felt a small surge of hope at the fact that at the very least Sol didn't look any stronger than Akatsuki, but he also knew that looks didn't mean anything. "Akatsuki, Hurricane!"

"Sol use Silver Wind!"

Akatsuki quickly whipped up a fearsome wind, creating a tornado of snow as Sol began to flap her wings, sending forth a gust of wind sprinkled with sparkling silvery scales. The two attacks collided, buffeting everyone in the area with a wind that threatened to tear the shingles from the roof tops and caused damage to both pokémon. All fell quiet for the briefest of moments as a mixture of snow and wing scales fell to the ground, creating a view not unlike the inside of a snow globe.

Then came a shout of "Heat Wave!"

In response to his trainer's command Akatsuki let loose a massive wave of blistering heat laced with shimmering embers, melting all the snow within ten feet of the wave. In response to this new assault Galen called out "Fly!"

Sol quickly shot above the wave of fiery air, barely avoiding the attack. She then became surrounded by a cushion of air and dove straight for Akatsuki, colliding with him an instant later with another explosive blast of wind being sent in every direction, knocking Akatsuki to the now snow free ground, completely unconscious.

Feeling less confident by the battle, Valor recalled Akatsuki even as Galen did the same with Sol. Deciding to go with what had clearly already thrown Galen off once, Valor next threw Umi out onto the field. Galen then threw out his own Milotic, calling out "Go, Shimmer!" as he did so.

Both serpents looked like they were quite clearly out of their element, fighting on the land as opposed to in the water. Wanting to waste no time Valor called out "Hydro Pump!"

Umi hesitated for a moment, looking back at him with an expression that seemed to ask "Are you serious?"

Taking advantage of that hesitation Galen called out "Shimmer, use Ice Beam!"

Turning in time to see the pale blue beam of energy coming for her, Umi moved out of the way and retaliated with Blizzard, recoating the field in snow and causing Shimmer to flinch as she took damage from the snow laced storm.

Valor however was not pleased with that. "Hey! I said Hydro Pump, not Blizzard! What are you doing?"

Umi looked back at him again, then looked to Tamash? and let out a quick burst of pokéspeak. Tamash? showed immediate irritation at what ever it was the Water-type had said. "Valor, she says she has no good reason to listen to you because you haven't proven yourself to her."

Valor stared at the Water-type in disbelief. "What?! That's ridiculous! I save you from Lawrence and this is how you say thank you?!"

Umi flinched in surprise at the outburst. She hadn't actually considered that. Come to think of it...she actually felt kind of ashamed that she had been so ungrateful. And she didn't want to do anything that would upset Tamash? either. She let out an apologetic sound, hanging her head in response.

Valor let out a sigh. "It's fine. Let's just focus on the battle, okay?"

"Good, are you two done now? Because I would like to continue."

They both looked to Galen, who was waiting with a less than patient expression on his face. Valor smirked. "Sorry, are we inconveniencing you? Well then, let's fix that, shall we? Umi, use Water Pulse!"

Umi reared back in response, then jerked her head forward to fire a compressed sphere of water straight for Shimmer. Galen smiled. "Now that's more like it. Hyper Beam!"

Shimmer too reared up and jerked her head forward to fire a massive, bright and intense blast of pure energy directly at Umi. The Hyper Beam smashed through Umi's Water Pulse to disintegrate the sphere of water an instant before it slammed into Umi herself, sending the serpentine pokémon flying back. When the smoke from the attack cleared, both pokémon were breathing heavily, but for different reasons. For Shimmer it was exhaustion from using such a powerful attack, whereas Umi was struggling to stay conscious from the damage she had taken.

However, Valor wasn't nearly as worried as he should have been. Instead he called out, "Use Aqua Ring!"

Taking advantage of Shimmer's temporary inability to move, Umi surrounded herself with several rings of water, healing some of the damage she had taken from Shimmer's Hyper Beam. Shimmer herself was now back up to fighting strength, clearly ready for the battle to continue. Galen smirked. "I don't think that Aqua Ring will help you much kid. Shimmer, let's finish this up with another Hyper Beam!"

"Use Hydro Pump!"

At the same instant that Shimmer shot off another vibrant blast of energy Umi responded by firing a torrential blast of water straight at her. The two blasts collided in the center of the field, pushing each other back and forth as the two pokémon tried to over power each other. Valor bit his lip in concern. Even if their strength was matched, how could a pillar of water hope to overcome pure energy?

It was that thought that caused him-and everyone else-to gasp in shock when Shimmer's power gave out and the blast of energy vanished, allowing Umi's Hydro Pump to strike Shimmer with its full force. The moment the attack hit it was clear that the battle was over, as Shimmer collapsed to the ground, and once she became fully visible again it was obvious that she was completely unconscious. Galen let out a long whistle at the sight. "Damn. I honestly didn't see that coming. Well done kid."

Without any hesitation, Galen in a single movement returned Shimmer to her Pokéball, then pulled out another and released the pokémon with in saying, "Let's go, Verity!"

Valor blinked in surprise as the unconscious Milotic was almost instantly switched for a rather large female Aggron. Coming to his senses he quickly called Umi back, then released Kinzoku onto the battlefield. All was quiet for the briefest of moments as the two Steel-types sized each other up. Then Galen called out, "Outrage!"

Verity became surrounded by purplish blue draconic flames fringed with orange before charging forward across the battle field. Deciding to match Galen move for move Valor ordered Kinzoku to do the same, and she instantly rushed forward, surrounded by a very similar nimbus of draconic flames. The two Aggrons collided in the center with a sound of metal smashing into and scraping against metal, not unlike the sound of a car crash. The horns on their heads became locked together as the two struggled to gain dominance over the other, pushing back and forth, trying at all costs to gain ground on their opponent so as to deal damage as the draconic flames whipped and flickered around them both.

They continued their back and forth struggle for several minutes, neither able to gain more than an inch or two in either direction. Finally they were forced to separate, backing away from each other as once it became apparent that they were evenly matched.

With a both a win under his belt and with the fact that the two Aggrons appeared to be equal in strength, Valor felt a new surge of confidence. "Alright Kin, use Double Edge!"

Galen shook his head as Kinzoku rushed Verity. "Don't get cocky kid. Verity, Earthquake!"

Kinzoku was immediately thrown off balance as the ground began to shake, causing her to stumble and fall so she was on all fours. The earth continued to shudder beneath her until finally her whole body was shaking and she collapsed onto the ground, unable to move. When the shaking finally stopped, Kinzoku struggled for a moment to get back up, then collapsed back onto the ground, knocked out stone cold.

"So kid, what was the lesson there?"

Valor sighed. "Don't get cocky and don't underestimate your opponent."

"Exactly." Galen then returned Verity to her Pokéball and plucked another one from the inside of his jacket and released his next pokémon with a call of "You're on, Shocker!"

Next to appear on the field was Galen's Eelectross, and Valor responded by returning the now unconscious Kinzoku to her own Pokéball, then sending Inazuma out onto the field. Neither of them wanting to waste time, they both called out, in a strange sort of unison, "Wild Charge!"

Shocker and Inazuma both shot straight at each other, their respective bodies crackling with surges of electrical energy. They collided a moment later, damaging each other and themselves with Wild Charge's recoil, and causing both of them to go flying back from the point of impact. Both eel pokémon had clearly taken a large amount of damage, and appeared to be evenly matched. But this time Valor resisted letting that go to his head. "Use Zap Cannon!"

At his command, Inazuma built up the electricity in his body, then fired of a single blast of pure electrical energy at Shocker. The energy raced across the battle field but it wasn't fast enough, and Shocker easily evaded the blast dodging to the left and causing the blast to harmlessly smash into the snow a few meters behind him.

"Shocker, use Giga Impact!"

Valor tensed up. Giga Impact was an incredibly powerful move, and had on occasion been called the Hyper Beam of physical attacks. But he wasn't about to let that stop them. In the very instant that Shocker began to race across the battle field toward Inazuma, Valor called out, "Wild Charge!"

Once again Inazuma became surrounded by a field of electricity and like Shocker raced toward the center of the battlefield for a kamikaze like attack with the intention of taking them both out in one shot. When the two collided the released energy was almost tangible and threw up a cloud of smoke and snow that completely obscured them form view.

When the debris settled it revealed two very unconscious Eelectross for all to see. Valor and Galen both wordlessly returned their respective pokémon to their respective Pokéballs. Then, Valor gave Tamash? a nod, and she stepped out onto the battlefield. Turning to Galen he said, "Well, looks like this is it. The final battle. Tamash? versus Riley. Should be interesting."

Galen was silent for a moment, then began to chuckle, drawing looks of confusion from everyone. Tilting her head to one side, and with her eyes slightly narrowed, Tamash? dared to ask, "What's so funny?"

There was another few seconds of laughter before Galen answered. "What's so funny, Tamash?, is that your mate has automatically assumed that the Lucario I will be using is your father."

This time it was Valor's turn to ask the question. "Wait...you have more than one Lucario?"

Galen shook his head. "You really don't think before you ask question like that, do you? Do you think Tamash? only has one parent?"

Realization hit both of them like a tonne of bricks the moment he said that. Tamash? then spoke, asking, "Galen, are you saying...what I think you're saying?"

Galen nodded. "I thought it would be interesting to see how you fare, against your mother."

Before either of them could say anything else, Galen pulled his final Pokéball from under his jacket, and they couldn't help but notice that it was a type of Pokéball known as a Love Ball. With a smile Galen called out, "You're on, Kasan!"

Then, in a flash of pink light appeared a female Lucario. A female Lucario, without a chest spike.

Everyone simply stared at the sight before them. It was rather easy to believe that Kasan was Tamash?'s mother. They looked almost identical with the exception of the Soothe Bell Tamash? wore and the fact that Kasan seemed about an inch shorter. Then, Kasan spoke, giving the only other obvious difference between them. Whereas Tamash?'s telepathic voice was sweet, and even had an innocent sort of quality to it, Kasan's voice was sort of...sultry. "Well, your father was right. You do look just like me. Kind of odd actually. Like looking in a mirror that can move on its own."

Tamash? nodded slowly. "I agree. Very...odd. Galen, answer a question for me would you? Why am I just now meeting my mother? And why have I never been told how much we look alike?"

Galen shrugged. "It never came up. And I never had her with me at a time that we happened to run into each other. Simple as that."

Tamash? gave him a look of incredulous disbelief. "Are you kidding me? That's why I have a member of my family I'm just now meeting? And not even just a member of family, but the female who laid my egg?"

"First off, yes to all of that. Second, I'd like to finish this battle, so I'd like you to wait on any other questions. You can ask all the questions you want afterward, okay?"

Tamash? hesitated for a moment, then gave in. "Fine. But I'm going to hold you to that. Valor, let's make this quick!"

Kasan scoffed. "Quick? Do you think I'm gonna go easy on you or something? You're father may have taught you to fight, but clearly I need to teach you a lesson of my own. I'm afraid you won't be winning this fight little one."

Tamash?'s expression changed to one of irritation. "Little one? Do you think I'm still a Riolu or something? Just for that, I'm gonna beat you even harder you old bitch."

Kasan's expression suddenly matched that of her daughter. "Old? OLD?! That's it, fuck the battle! I'm gonna beat some respect into you the hard way you insolent pup!"

"Bring it on!"

Without a command from either Valor or Galen both of them rushed each other, both with rage burning in their eyes. The attacks came the instant the two of them were within reach of each other, Tamash? dealing an open palmed strike to her mother's chest while Kasan hit Tamash? in the chin with a full force right uppercut.

Both Galen and Valor could do little more than watch as the Lucarios fought. Kasan went flying back several meters, barely managing to land on her feet while Tamash? was knocked onto her back, rolling backward with the motion to get back on her own feet. Tamash? let out a small growl, then quickly charged and fired an Aura Sphere at Kasan.

The emerald sphere of energy raced across the field at high speeds, moving directly for its intended target. Kasan, seeing it coming, bared her teeth for a moment then erected a similarly coloured Aura Shield in front of her, blocking the sphere completely. Letting the shield drop, Kasan fired of an Aura Sphere of her own, sending it blasting toward Tamash?, who managed to dodge it with only inches to spare.

The two of them simply stared at each other for a moment, red eyes locked with red eyes, neither wanting to move lest they instigate another attack. Kasan was finding some difficulty in breathing and Tamash? was dealing with a consistent twinge of pain in her jaw, but both were determined not to show any signs of weakening.

An eerie silence fell as the two tried to plan their next respective attacks. The battlefield between them had been left with all manner of pock marks and craters, not to mention a mixture of snow and icy slush from the earlier battles. And yet they both waited, waited for an opportunity.

That opportunity came for Tamash? when Kasan took a step back and briefly lost her balance slipping on some of the aforementioned slush. It was only an instant, but it was more than enough. In that briefest of seconds, Tamash? rushed across the field in a blue furred blur, her paws charged with emerald Aura. In that single second it took for Kasan to make the attempt to stay balanced, Tamash? made it to where she stood and dealt a swift flurry of punches, completely knocking her mother off balance and into the mess of snow and ice that covered the ground.

That however, did not knock her out of the fight. Now on her back, Kasan snaked out one of her feet, hooking it behind Tamash?'s ankle to pull her down to the ground as well. Kasan then pushed herself off the ground and made a lunge to pin her daughter, but Tamash? was prepared for that and used her legs to propel Kasan off of her and over her head, causing her to land with a muffled thud a meter or two away.

Tamash? then rolled herself so she was on all fours, looking to see where Kasan was. To her surprise the other female was already back on her feet, albeit with obviously shaky balance. Tamash? quickly pushed herself off the ground so that she too was back on her feet, then she surged forward, intending to knock her mother down again while she was off balance.

What Tamash? didn't notice though was the slight smile on her mother's lips. Just as Tamash? was about to collide with her, Kasan turned to the side, grabbing Tamash? in a head lock as she passed, pressing Tamash?'s head against her thigh. "Still think you can win? Not when you make foolish mistakes like that, little one."

Just that was enough to turn irritation to anger, and Tamash? lashed out, firing a pulse of pure Aura at her mother's left shoulder, causing the older Lucario to yelp in surprise and pain, and forcing her to soften her grip enough for Tamash? to break free. Tamash? then gave her mother a rough shove, causing Kasan to stumble forward.

Not wanting to be caught off guard Kasan quickly pivoted around in time to block a right hook from Tamash?. The two then backed off from each other, back pedalling to get out of striking distance. Then, when they were about ten feet apart, both planted themselves firmly were they stood, and each began charging up an Aura Sphere, each wanting to end the fight with one final blow.

There was no sound for a moment, then in an instant they both fired, and when the two orbs of energy collided they filled the air with an explosive sound as well as creating a large smoke cloud and a rather sizeable shockwave.

When the smoke cleared, both Tamash? and Kasan were lying on their backs on the ground, both clearly having been knocked down by the force of the explosion. To the surprise of everyone present, the two female Lucarios then burst out laughing. After a few moments they both pushed themselves up so they were sitting. Kasan shook her head with a smile. "You may be an insolent little pup, but your father certainly taught you to fight well."

With a matching smile and an air of mock conceit Tamash? said, "But of course! What did you expect? Though, I suppose you didn't do too bad yourself...for an old bitch."

Kasan gave a playful growl in response. "Watch it. I'm not all that much older than you. I'm only eight. Hell, your father is two years older than me!"

"Fair enough. I'll remember to call him an old man the next time I see him!"

Kasan laughed. "Something tells me he won't like that too much. Do me a favour and wait until I'm around to see it okay?"

Tamash? nodded. "Deal."

Kasan then looked back over her shoulder to where Valor was standing, uncertain whether or not it would be safe for anyone to come out onto the battle field with them. "Speaking of older males and mates, I would say you picked a good one. How much older than you is he?"

Tamash? blushed. "Seventeen years. Though, sometimes it feels like I'm the older one. And really when you think about it from a biological standpoint we're both young adults...and we're both liable to live for another...seventy years or so. So really, there may as well not be an age difference."

Kasan stifled a laugh. "Hey, you don't need worry, I'm not condemning your relationship one way or another. Actually, I think he's kind of cute."

Then, much to Tamash?'s horror, Kasan turned and waved to Valor, and said, with the equivalent of a telepathic shout, "Oh Valor sweetie! I'm wondering what you opinion would be on the idea of having both me and Tamash? to yourself for a night?"

Valor's face turned bright red at the suggestion and Tamash? looked simply mortified. "What the hell are you doing?! That's my mate you're talking to! Besides, what about father?"

With a saucy wink Kasan said, "I won't tell if you don't..."

"It's out of the question! Not going to happen! What would make you even think of something like that?!"

"She's not actually serious." They both looked up to see Galen walking over to them, shaking his head with an amused sort of smile on his face. "Tamash?, meet your mother, the worlds biggest tease. She'll basically flirt with or hit on any male with a pulse, but she never actually means any of it."

Kasan's ears and tail drooped in disappointment. "Aww, why'd you have to go and ruin my fun? I was enjoying that!"

"Kasan, what have I told you about tormenting people like that?"

Struggling to keep a straight face Kasan said, "That it makes you jealous."

Galen sighed. "Like I said, any male with a pulse."

"Aww, but Galen, you know I don't just think of you as 'any male'."

Walking over to join them Valor said, "You know, suddenly Tamash?'s promiscuity seems tame by comparison." He then reached down and helped Tamash? get to her feet.

Standing up as well Kasan said, "Well look who decided to join us. So, interested in my offer?"

Valor shook his head. "Not in the slightest. I would rather just spend my nights with Tamash?."

Tamash? gave him an affectionate nuzzling when he said that, but gave him a shove when he added, "Besides, I can barely handle her some nights. What would I do with two of you?"

Kasan giggled. "That's my girl. Nice to know she takes after me in that area."

Tamash? sighed. "Is it just me or is this conversation becoming more embarrassing by the second?"

Kasan rolled her eyes. "Well what do you want to talk about?"

"How's this for a topic? Father once told me that no male would ever accept a female with out a chest spike, so how did you two wind up together? Or did he just lie to me?"

Kasan's entire demeanour changed then, becoming somewhat sombre. "No. He didn't lie to you. Your father is an exceedingly rare exception to that. He saw me for me, not for my...difference. I was lucky. As it seems you are as well when it comes to having a loving, accepting mate."

Tamash? nodded in understanding, then proceeded to nuzzle Valor again. "Yeah. I am lucky."

Kasan favoured her with a sad smile. "Of course, things weren't always like that. There was a time when things were actually reversed. You and I are representative of a dying breed Tamash?. There was a time when ALL females of our species lacked what we lack. It was the only real difference between the genders-other than the obvious. But, over time, something changed. Now those of us who still have that bloodline are seen as the odd ones."

Tamash? and Valor both felt a certain sadness when she said that, but Galen's mind was suddenly racing. "Kasan, how do you know that?"

Kasan blinked in surprise at the question, then said, "Because my mother used to tell me that. She heard it from her mother, and so on back through the generations. I swear it's true."

Galen took in a shaky breath. "Oh...that's not good. I am an idiot. How the hell did I miss that?"

Valor gave him a confused look. "What are you talking about?"

Galen hesitated, then said, "Now's not the time. I need to see if I'm right first. Sorry to break up this little family thing, but we need to go. Kasan, return!"

Everyone watched in surprise as Galen whipped out her Pokéball and returned her too it. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out two blue and white tickets. "Here Valor, these are the tickets for you and Zyle to get on the ship in Canalave. Don't lose them."

Feeling very confused now he took the tickets. "Hold on, where are you going?"

Galen shook his head. "Not the time. I need to look into something." Pointing at Azure he said "Come on you, we have to go!"

Azure blinked in surprise. "Me? Now?"

"Yes, now. And Cynthia, make sure everyone stays safe, okay?"

Cynthia nodded. "Alright. I will."

With Azure now by his side Galen stepped in close to Valor and quietly spoke. "I want you to listen very carefully. There is a dark shroud being drawn over this world. I have an unfortunately good idea who's behind it, but I won't say more than that for now. However, there's a possibility that someone else like Faerin could appear. If that happens, I want you to promise me that you will not fight them."

"Why not?"

"Because, those who control Dark Aura are naturally stronger than us, and by their standards-and I'm sorry you have to hear this Azure-but by their standards Faerin was on the weak side. So I want you to promise me that you won't fight if you run across one of them."

Valor gave a reluctant nod. "Alright."

Galen backed away from him then. "Good. Alright Azure, we need to go."

From his pocket Galen produced a small mirror and shattered it with a small pulse of Aura. After a moment a portal to the Distortion World opened up a few meters away from them. Azure looked at the vortex with disdain. "That thing again? Really? Cause once wasn't enough?"

Galen shook his head. "We need to move quickly, so yes. Everyone, good luck. Hopefully we'll all meet again."

And with that he took off through the portal, Azure reluctantly following behind him. When both were gone the portal snapped shut, leaving silence in its wake. Valor and Tamash? walked over to join the others. When they got there Zyle asked, "Okay, I don't really know him, so, is this normal?"

Valor shook his head. "No. I don't believe it is."

Cynthia then spoke. "It's not normal for him at all. Honestly, anything that worries him like that should worry all of us. Unfortunately, it is normal for him to try to deal with things on his own. He's always been like that for as long as I can remember."

Aitana raised an eyebrow. "You seem to know him very well. Was there...something between you two?"

Cynthia shook her head. "No. We've just known each other for a long time. But right now we have important things to deal with. Zyle, Valor, Tamash?, if you want to get to Canalave in time to be on that ship, then you should leave soon. And Aitana, you, Gardevoir and I need to get going soon as well."

Valor nodded and pushed the ship tickets deep into his pocket. "Yeah. You're probably right."

As they were all in agreement on needing to leave, they all quickly gathered up their respective belongings from inside the house, then after quick farewells they split into their groups, and went their separate ways.

***

At around midday on the third day after leaving Celestic Town, Valor and Zyle entered Canalave City, Tamash? already safely tucked away in her Pokéball. During his time traveling with Zyle, Valor had found that while he seemed kind of narcissistic and insufferable at times, he wasn't all that bad once you got used to him.

Having made it into the city without arousing suspicion they quickly made their way to Canalave's rather large port. Most of the ships were cargo carriers, but there was one that most clearly wasn't. The ship was as large as any other in the port, but unlike the plain steel grey carriers, this ship was white in colour, and was clearly designed as a cruise liner. In large black lettering near he bow was the name of the ship.

Zyle stared at the ship in disbelief. "Is this...is this the ship we're taking?"

Valor fished the tickets from his pocket and laughed once he saw what he hadn't before. "I would say Galen was understating things when he simply called this a 'cruise liner'."

"What else would you call the St Anne?"

Valor laughed again. "The world's largest, most famous, most expensive...cruise liner."

Zyle shook his head once more. "Just how much money does Galen have exactly?"

"No idea. But I would say a good way to measure would be to get on board and find the rooms we've been given."

"Fair point. Then what are we waiting for?"

Two hours later the St Anne left the port, the vessel's crew unknowingly transporting Zyle, Valor and Tamash? to what would hopefully be a safe haven for the two lovers.