FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The resolve of each person

---

When Jake asked about what had happened when he passed out, Jaden could feel the cold, solid gemstone enwrapped in his closed fingers. He and Latios exchanged gazes, a mutual message being sent to each of them: Not now!

"Sorry, but my head is a bit blank right now." Jaden lied, pretending to rub his head, "Any important thing we missed?"

"Yeah," Jake's expression turned serious, "We've found the missing key stones."

Blood rushed through Jaden's ears. Carried away by his little adventure with Latios, he had nearly forgotten why they were here in the first place, "Seriously?"

Jake nodded and held out his hand, in which laid three small, perfectly round gemstones of different colors - translucent white, yellow and purple. Even without their respective mega stones, these key stones radiated subtle yet powerful suction, almost like whispers, yearning to be reunited with their mega stones - with their other halves.

"Where did you find them?" Jaden asked.

"It's hard to describe, but I'll try my best. Remember those paintings of the Lake Guardians? Well, after you two fainted, that crazy light show also ended, and the paintings, they kinda...turned into some sort of cavities, and we found the stones inside." Jake explained,

"The paintings must be disguises for those built-in containers." Cynthia said, "Still, how were they triggered in the first place? Maybe there was some hidden mechanism...I don't know."

Somehow, Jaden had an idea about who had unlocked the hiding places, but he was wearing an excellently oblivious expression. After witnessing everything in Latios' memory, Jaden thought hardly could anything startle him again.

"Anyhow, I'm glad we finally found these stones before they could possibly fall into evil hands." Cynthia remarked. Was it Jaden's imagination, but there seemed to be a wishful spark in the Sinnoh champion's eyes when she looked at the purple key stone, "Now, as for who to keep them save..."

"Is there really anyone more suitable?" Jake spoke, "You're the champion, the strongest in Sinnoh. These gems belong to Celestic Town - your hometown. I think we all agree that they will be safest in your hand."

He looked at Jaden hopefully, as if looking for any sight of agreement, which the latter easily nodded. Jaden was tired. On his account, Jaden felt like having spent hours dwelling in the Eon pokemon's past, yet it seemed only a few minutes had only passed in reality. Man, he hated memory wrapping, since it could easily mess up a person's mind and tended to make people crazy, but some legendary pokemon just had to have that nasty power. (Uxie, for instance?)

Still, there were some unfinished businesses awaiting Jaden to deal with: Ryan, who was waiting his wanted explanation, and more importantly, what to do with Latios' new power. Even if Jaden had determined to be resolute when he decided to accept the Eon pokemon' mega evolution, a tiny bit of doubt was still lurking somewhere in his consciousness, storming his mind with a bunch of 'what if' questions and giving him one of his worst headaches ever.

Headaches. Jaden knew them well. During his time as the Hoenn's champion, he had been assigned to tons of tasks and responsibilities, more than enough to give anyone a major headache, or possibly drive them nuts. Yet, he had managed to keep his mind and sanity in one piece, thanks to his fellow Elite Four, his former (but eternally cool) pokemon team, and most importantly, his beloved Latios. They all taught him teamwork, how to trust others and most precious of all, how to share the weight on his shoulder and turn it into something meaningful, rather than a burden.

Humans who alone exist? That's impossible.

As of now, even when he was in a new region, Jaden had managed to make himself two amazing friends. He shouldn't, and didn't have to face that problem alone, for Jaden knew Latios, Jake, Ryan, Lucario, Charizard and everyone else, would always be there for him.

"Hello, back to earth, Jaden?" Jake waved his hand, snapping Jaden out of his thoughts. He looked at the key stones then at Cynthia, and his lips curved into a soft smile, "Jake is right. These stones will be safe with you, Cynthia."

Cynthia looked stunned for a second, but she nodded firmly as Jake handed her the key stones, "I'll keep these safe, even if it costs my life." the Sinnoh's champion promised.

"Then we'll leave the rest to you. C'mon guys, I'm hungry. Let's get outta here and grab something for lunch, my treat." Jaden declared; then turned to Ryan, "And while we're at it, I think I own you a story."

...

It wasn't easy to find the Pokemon Center in a town that looked like it had been constructed at least several centuries ago, especially when the Pokemon Center, too, had a classic design, probably to blend into the town more easily. Nonetheless, a block with a huge 'P' on its front couldn't possibly be mistaken for anything else, and at least the inside was modernly furnished. Personally, after the recent events in Eterna City and this town, Jake felt like he could do without ruins and ancient-looking buildings for a while.

They stuffed themselves to a hasty lunch in the Pokemon Center's cafeteria, since Ryan insisted on hearing his needed explanation as soon as possible. Poor guy, after having watched that flashy show by Lucario, how could he not, but Jake found it quite funny that Ryan seemed unable to take his eyes off the key stone on his glove, as he kept glancing at it every now and then.

Jake passed Typhlosion his plate; his hand touched the pokemon's and...how to describe this? He'd never actually understood the term "warm and fuzzy", but Typhlosion, via just a tiny physical contact, had given him that sensation (though it could be due to the fact that he was a fire-type). Jake, however, knew better, because that warmth wasn't simply from Typhlosion's body, but also from his eyes - they contained fire, flickering and cozy like that in a hearth.

Typhlosion had changed. He was no longer the newcomer who would relentlessly take advantage of the situation to flirt with Jake, nor was he the lustful pokemon who had once forced Jake to take his own virginity (okay, Jake admitted that he'd somewhat enjoyed the one night stand, but still, it would have been nice without the rape/non-consensual initials). He radiated nice warmth; he seemed calmer and more mature; his friendliness toward Lucario had gone up a notch. But who was he now?

(After lunch)

Just like the last time, Jaden was in charge of retelling the Sinnoh's legend and explaining the mega stones' mechanics. While everyone was listening in silence and full attention, Jake studied Jaden's face, and he could tell the guy was rather exhausted. Although he tried to put up a front and made his story cool and exciting, Jaden's voice failed him, as it sounded like a he was forced to recite a poem for, like, a million times, dryly and sleepily.

Whatever had happened to Jaden and Latios when they passed out; it had drained the guy of his mental energy, but for now, Jake decided against bringing that up.

As Jake expected, when everything became clear to Ryan, he was wearing a mixed expression of enlightenment, resentment and, of course, suppressed anger, "That's a nice tale, but it'd be even better if, like, I knew sooner. Jake, you know, don't you? Why haven't you told me anything?" he demanded, looking at Jake accusingly; his voice was so dangerously cold that it sent chills down Jake's spines.

"Don't blame him." Jaden held up his hands and made a 'calm down' gesture, "Jake, too, knew nothing at first, and when he found out, he really wanted to tell you, but I was against it."

"You_what_?"

"Look, I know how you feel, and I'm sorry," said Jaden patiently, "but you must understand that mega evolution is more than just a regular evolution or a power up. In order to work, it solely requires a very high degree of bond between a trainer and his pokemon partner."

Jake heard a choked sound. Next to him, Typhlosion shuffled uneasily.

"That's absurd!" Ryan scowled, "I've heard of, and even saw friendship evolution, but even that has something to do with a pokemon's levels. Now you're telling me this mega evolution is stronger, yet powered only by emotions? Besides, I've been with Jake all the time, and until today, I've never seen him using mega evolution. How do you explain that?"

"Calm down and listen to me, Ryan." said Jaden; his voice was soft yet commanding; "You've never seen Jake's mega evolution, because you weren't there when he first used it. Remember Eterna City? On that night, when you were fighting outside, we were also fighting inside the building, against one of their commanders and her minion."

Jake shuddered as he caught the image of Venus - the seemingly crazed commander with a heavy makeup that her face looked ghastly pale while her lips were vampire red, ranting about her boss' master plan and all while sending out her pokemon to do her dirty work.

"During our battle, Lucario was in serious trouble, and that's when Jake's intensified feeling triggered their first mega evolution." Jaden continued, "With his new power, Lucario made short work of the enemies. However, when he turned around, his eyes were so wild and predatory that I thought he was about to go berserk. Luckily, he was somehow able to control himself, but it seemed the evolution had taken a serious toll on his body."

"And your point?" Ryan knitted his eyebrows.

"What I'm trying to say is...mega evolution is a power that we have yet to fully understand, so it's best to let everything come naturally, not forcing it onto your pokemon...which brings me to my point: What can guarantee that you won't have Charizard mega evolve after knowing this?"

Ryan's jaw dropped just as fast as it closed, almost resembling a fish out of water. Jake looked at Jaden in awe. This dude had a way with words, and Jake thought he'd experienced enough on himself before, but the way Jaden outsmarted and completely shut Ryan down was still a wonder to behold.

Tension filled the air as the teenage trio looked at one another in silence while their pokemon exchanged nervous gazes, as if fearing that one of the trainers might resort in a violence outburst.

Finally, Ryan got up, so violently that he almost knocked his chair over, his hands balled into trembling fists, "I'm off to my room now, see you two later. Let's go, Charizard!"

Charizard eyed his trainer, shook his head disapprovingly. He then looked at the other like, Sorry guys.

Jake smiled tolerantly, "No biggie."

The fire pokemon nodded appreciatively and quickly caught up with his trainer.

"Are you okay with leaving Ryan alone?" Jaden inquired.

"I've been with him longer, and I know him better." Jake grinned, "Ryan has a strong will, but he can be pretty stubborn, so it's no use trying to persuade or comfort him. Don't worry, all he needs is time. Also, he has Charizard. What could possibly go wrong?"

Jaden looked thoughtful, but he also grinned, "Just this time, I can't argue with you."

"...which proves how awesome I am." said Jake half smugly, "And speaking of time, I think you could use some, too, Jaden. Whatever happened with you and Latios when you passed out, I don't know...and I won't ask, but it seemed to have taken quite a toll on your mind, didn't it? Now go get your sleep."

"No objection here." Jaden agreed, covering his mouth as he failed to stifle a yawn, "C'mon Latios, you heard the man."

A strange surge of satisfaction washed over Jake. He'd managed to earn more respect from Jaden, the second target on his rival list, and more importantly, from himself. During the last few days, the trainer was certain that he'd become more mature. He realized that words weren't always the best method to solve a problem, because sometimes, actions spoke louder. A silent yet sympathetic gesture reached a soul, further than any fancy word could.

Ah, philosophy...never Jake's favorite subject. It hurt his brain, but sometimes, in a good way.

(Ryan's room)

SLAM!

"Damn it!" Ryan snarled; his fist hit the mattress furiously. Never in his life had he been in this kind situation: outtalked, mortified and quite frankly, ashamed.

Initially, Ryan's angered was focused on Jake. He was pissed off because the guy whom he considered his best friend had kept such a secret from him. It felt exactly like being left out from an awesome party to which he was supposed to be invited. Moreover, he couldn't help feeling disappointed, for Jake seemed to no longer trust him with important matters. They weren't the two friends who had once confided in each other anymore.

Then, Jaden took over and began to bash him. Usually, Ryan was never afraid of arguments, but this time, he'd been completely out of his depth. More precisely, he'd been obliterated in a battle of words. Had Ryan's embarrassment been any worse, he might as well crawl into a hole and die. To add insult to injury, Ryan felt belittled, because the way Jaden criticized him was exactly like how a father approach his kid (Sure, he was the youngest of the pack, but that was irrelevant!), and Ryan had had enough scolding from his annoying dad already. The old man always pressured him, telling him to do this, to do that, until Ryan was so sick and tired that he decided to start his journey on another region, namely Sinnoh. Another dad to lecture him was the last thing he needed.

Worst of all, was his shame. Until this point, Ryan had pretended that Jaden had accused him for no reason. However, a darker, greedier side of his mind was telling him otherwise, and he knew it was right. Jaden had foreseen his intent, but Ryan was simply in denial. Had he known mega evolution sooner, he'd have forced Charizard practicing it, whether the pokemon wanted to or not. Ryan just couldn't resist power. He always sought power to surpass his father, and mega evolution was like nothing he'd ever seen. It was so powerful that simply witnessing Lucario's made his skin tingle.

After having heard Jaden's words, however, Ryan started to feel disgusted with no other than himself. By surrendering to his lust for power, Ryan also admitted that he'd intended to treat Charizard like a tool to sate his desire. Ryan was never the geek who would waste time beating himself over his mistakes, but the shameful feeling was inevitable; and it kept building up in his chest. To make things worse, he couldn't confide in anyone. Jake and Jaden? Nah ah. His pokemon? Bad idea. Charizard? Absolutely no!

Ryan looked at the gem attached to his fingerless glove. As of now, he was fully aware what it was, yet so far, the key stone had brought him nothing but trouble. If only...if only there was a way for Ryan to clear his clouded mind.

The trainer heard a soft 'thud'. He brought his head up, and found Charizard sitting next to him on the bed. The pokemon's clear, unwavering blue eyes made it impossible to tell what was in his mind.

"I wonder what's bugging you that even I don't get to know?" asked Charizard.

"Do you honestly want to?" Ryan muttered.

"Not really," the pokemon shrugged relaxingly, "You're my trainer; you give me orders and I comply. If 'don't stick your nose into this' is an order, then so be it. However, I believe it's my privilege to find out what's messing with my lover's head. Of course, you're free to remain silent. I've said everything I need to, now, the call is yours to make."

'You give me orders and I comply.' he said? Ryan was shocked. Wasn't it bad enough for him to have that kind of idea, but Charizard too? Had Ryan been mistreating his pokemon so much that they all thought of him that way? It was like, the final insult, and Ryan lost control.

"Am I really that kind of trainer?" Ryan asked; his voice drenched in a silent rage,

Charizard smirked. For a while now, He'd been working on a theory to explain Ryan's sudden depression, and just now, Ryan himself had confirmed it, "So my guess was right."

"What guess?" asked Ryan suspiciously.

"No need to rush." said the drake, patting the mattress, "First, take a seat."

Ryan did as he was told. Chrizard then continued, "Now, you prefer me to speak my theory out frankly, or the other way around?"

"Geez, you know me; cut to the chase already!" Ryan complained, getting impatient.

"Alright," Charizard's eyes flickered, "Everything began with Lucario's show. We were both surprised. The mutt completely changed: His appearance, his presence, his potential...but at that moment, I saw a glimpse of envy in your eyes. You want that power. You'd go to any length to obtain it. That's why, when you found out that we had, indeed, possessed it all the time, you got seriously angry. Your friends have been jerks, and you felt cheated and underestimated."

Ryan made a choked sound of astonishment as he was rendered speechless by the precision in Charizard's words

"What can guarantee that you won't have Charizard mega evolve after knowing this?" Charizard said, in the exact same tone that Jaden had, making Ryan flinch, "Your anger peaked when Jaden made that comment. You thought his accusation was wrong and unreasonable, but then, you quickly had second thoughts, and realized that Jaden was right. As a result, you started beating yourself over the conclusion that you've mistreated me. I was certain since you got so worked up with what I said earlier."

Bull's eye! Ryan hung his head in shame as his worst fear became truth. It was almost like his skull had been made from crystal, and Charizard had completely seen through it.

"So everything you said...was a bait?" Ryan faltered.

With surprising gentleness, Charizard put his claws under Ryan's chin and lifted the trainer's face; gazing directly into his eyes, "Partly, yes, but I truly meant it...now before you say anything, just hear me out: I don't question your orders because I trust you. I know each and every decision you make is well-thought and resolute. Don't push yourself too hard though, because it's totally okay to make mistakes once in a while."

"No...I-I can't afford to let you down." Ryan's voice broke; his suppressed feelings finally broke free in the form of hot, salty drops.

"Ryan, I want my faith to be your driving force, not a burden." Charizard said with a soft smile which Ryan hadn't seen for so long that he almost forgot how beautiful it was; his voice rich and velvety, "You never stop trying to become stronger, which I deeply admire and appreciate. However, a truly strong person is someone capable of being honest to his feelings. As for our evolution, I honestly have no idea when, or how it'll happen, but until then, you can always count on one thing: I'll always stay by your side."

Ryan nodded. His face might have been covered in tear, but he'd never been happier and more relieved.

"One last thing: Just like you, I also seek power." said Charizard, slowing moving Ryan's face closer to his, "But not to sate myself. I want power to grasp our dream, protect my friends...and the person I love."

Their lips met, and hardly could either of them felt any lust, as all that existed in that precious, intimate moment was a genuine connection.

(Jaden's room)

Jaden was tempted to just crash onto the bed and take a long, peaceful, dreamless slumber until Latios pointed out that his shirt smelt heavily of sweat, so the two decided to take a quick shower. Normally, 'things' were bound to happen under this kind of circumstance, but as of now, neither trainer nor pokemon was in the mood due to their drained mind.

Jaden lay on the bed, facing the Latios. Sleepy as he was, the trainer found it hard to doze off when he studied his mate's face. People said the eyes never lied, and Latios was no exception. However hard he was trying to put up a calm front, the look in his eyes was somewhat shattered like broken glass, which Jaden wasn't surprised. During their time in Latios' memory, Jaden had always been with the Eon pokemon, and if it was shocking enough for an outsider like him, Jaden couldn't begin to imagine how deeply Latios had been wounded.

"You okay?" asked Jaden softly, voice full of concern.

The Eon pokemon exhaled warily, "I wish I could say yes, but that'd be an utter lie, so no, I'm not okay. Everything was too sudden, too much to take in, and my head still hurts now."

Latios' voice sounded somewhat shaken. Jaden wondered if something in his heart had changed permanently, and he wondered if it was a good idea to let Latios know the cruel truth about his father. The Lake Guardian Uxie had claimed that knowledge was the most powerful weapon, but Jaden honestly thought that some secrets were meant to be kept secret.

"So...what should we do with these?" Jaden asked in an attempt to change the subject as he pulled out a pair of gems, Latios' mega stone and his own key stone, from his shorts and showed them to the Eon pokemon. Now that he had a closer look at them, Jaden noticed the gems looked exactly like two mini versions of the Soul Dew, which he wasn't really fond of. The resemblance was almost like a cruel and ironic reminder of the death of Latios' father, and what the Elder Eon pokemon had sacrificed his life for. Now Jaden wished he hadn't brought that up.

"At least keep them safe, and, uhm...wish for the best. I personally hope that we won't have to involve in life-threatening situations to trigger the evolution." Latios said, and Jaden wondered whether he was joking. (Hopefully, he wasn't, because no sane person would be in the mood to tell jokes after an ordeal like the one they'd just been through.)

Speaking of ordeal, there was a confession Jaden needed to make, "Hey Latios, I'm sorry."

Latios looked at his mate questionably, waiting for an explanation.

"When Uxie gave us the mega evolution, I wavered because I didn't have enough faith in you. I'm the one responsible for introducing this whole 'mega evolution' thing to my friends, yet I didn't have enough courage to accept the power when it comes to my turn."

Surprising enough (or at least Jaden thought so), Latios chuckled. He reached for Jaden's head and gently brushed his hair, "You know, there're many fascinating trails I found in you: Cute, smart, kind and witty, but among them is a fatal flaw. At times, you tend to doubt yourself, and remember what almost happened first time you did?"

"Sure do." Jaden nodded; face became a little pale, "Man, just thinking about that...I'm scared."

"And there's your problem. Remember, you're not perfect, and neither am I. In fact, nobody's perfect, and that's what makes our lives precious, because we have to spend time finding and cherishing our other halves. I've chosen you as much as you have me, so have more confidence in yourself, okay? Also, you honestly think I'm petty enough to mind some trivial matters?"

Jaden made a mental note to always bear in mind those forgiving words. He wondered if he'd already used up his luck by having Latios as his mate...no, lover or mate, those words were no longer enough to describe how important the Eon pokemon to him. Latios was the missing piece to the puzzle that was Jaden himself; an inseparable, irreplaceable part that made him whole, body and soul.

"Tsk tsk tsk...just from looking at that face, I know what you're thinking." Latios grinned, "Instead of saying 'I'm so lucky to have you', which is true by the way, why don't you shut up and kiss me?"

"Yes sir!"

(Jake's room)

The door opened, but it was Lucario who peeked inside, "Hey guys, have you seen Jake anywhere? He's kinda gone missing for a while."

The other four didn't seem pleased to have their rest disturbed, but they managed some responds. Starly shook his head before going back to sleep. Buizel gave a half-ass shrug, like, 'none of my business'. Luxray, trying his best to be polite, still couldn't hire the irritation in his reply, "I don't know. Wasn't he with you all the time?"

"He was, but after we finished lunch, he told me to go back alone. I'm really worried. Where have he possibly gone?"

"Geez..." Typhlosion finally spoke up as he casually rose from the couch, "Use your brain, pup. Just track Jake's aura and locate him. Might be a bit tough in this crowded place, but I'm pretty sure you can distinguish his aura with ease, can't you?"

Lucario scowled. Nobody, and he seriously meant nobody, except for Jake, had the privilege to call him 'pup', but other than that, he was pretty amazed that Typhlosion was actually the one to offer him such a practical solution (which his addled mind failed to come up with), because the fire-type certainly topped Lucario's list of most unlikely people to help him. Something smelt fishy...or Lucario himself was being paranoid.

"Thanks." for the first time in his life, Lucario genuinely expressed gratitude towards Typhlosion, even though it took him a lot of willpower to say that word without smacking himself in the head.

"No big deal, although...I'd like to go with you. Is that okay?"

Lucario almost fell flat on his face; his thank was pretty much wasted, and Typhlosion really had him in a corner. It was impossible for Lucario to say no after the fire-type had just helped him, especially in front of the others?

"Fine." Lucario growled; his hackle rose.

...

The two walked in silence, Lucario was having a hard time locating Jake's aura and swallowing the anger building in his throat. Of all the people, why must it be Typhlosion to get between him and Jake? It didn't help that because he was walking so close to Typhlosion, Lucario occasionally caught a whiff of Jake's scent on his body - the very proof of his raping Jake, which made the aura user even more cautious and defensive.

Of course, Typhlosion didn't fail to notice Lucario's expression. He chuckled, "Relax, Jake won't enjoy that face you're making? Besides, I won't ruin your precious time with him; just wanna look at him and then leave immediately. Heh, he probably won't even know I was there."

Lucario's feet stopped moving as their owner looked at Typhlosion in bewilderment, "Okay....that's so not like you. Either you're scheming something, or you've been hit somewhere on the head. Spill it out."

"You're hopelessly skeptical." Typhlosion shook his head, "Oh well, I should probably clear things now. I'm over Jake. In other words, I won't pursue him anymore, so you can breathe a deep sigh of relief."

Lucario stared at his love rival in disbelief. He wanted to think that Typhlosion was joking, but the seriousness in the volcanic pokemon's voice stated otherwise, "Seriously? You'd give up on him so easily? Didn't you say you really love him?"

Typhlosion's laugh contained a gentle level of sadness, "I do, always, from the day he helped me, until now, to the future; that feeling will never change. I wish he'd choose me, but at the same time, I want him to be happy.

I'm no fool, Lucario. I know how deep your bond has become, and at this point, keep trying will do me no good, or possibly hurt us all, so the best I can do is to step down."

Inhaling deeply, the pokemon continued, "Besides, I'm satisfied with the way we're rnow. When I was with Jackson, my old trainer I mean, everyday was a grueling schedule of practicing and battling...But you guys are different. You welcomed me with open arms and treat me in a way that I've never dreamed of: A family. And you, Lucario, you're no longer my rival. From now on, I just want to see you as a brother, annoying, sure, but darling. Who know, if I'm in the mood, I might even help you get closer to Jake."

Lucario was lost for words. All he and Typhlosion shared was a simple, hearty talk, but the aura user felt like a miracle had just happened. He learned that he and Typhlosion actually had a lot in common. Their pasts were miserable, one way or another. Their ex-trainers were selfish and horrible, one abusive, the other exploitative. They were saved by the same person, with whom they ended up falling in love. They both craved for a family, and found it within their new team and trainer; and ultimately, they lived for one sole purpose: To make Jake happy.

Even though Lucario felt like the antagonism between him and Typhlosion had yet to be completely cleaned, the knot of anger in his gut had started to unravel, followed by a spark of sympathy. Lucario had once said it himself: Loving someone wasn't a sin, and Typhlosion, just like him, was no sinner. Furthermore, the trustworthiness and sincerity in the fire-type's words were absolute; and selfish as it might sound, Lucario was glad to confirm that Typhlosion had finally been out of the picture with Jake. There was pretty much no reason for him to hate the guy now. And hey, wasn't this what Jake always wanted, for them to stop bickering and become friends?

Typhlosion blinked when a paw was stretched towards him, followed by Lucario's voice, "So...are we cool?"

There was, of course, no reason for Typhlosion to refuse that pawshake (lol) or stifle the ear-to-ear grin on his face.

...

They found Jake on the rooftop, sitting casually on a bench, enjoying the clear sky. True to his words, Typhlosion only stopped for a short moment to look at that familiar, endearing face, savoring every detail that had been deeply engraved into his heart, followed him to his dreams, so close...yet so far away. Typhlosion smiled bitterly for his own foolishness. He knew love hurt, but why couldn't he let it go? Why did he allow it to break him inside out? (Don't we all, Typhlosion, don't we all?)

However, when the pokemon was about to turn back, Jake's voice ceased his movements; "I was wondering when you'd show up, Lucario...And Typhlosion, why don't you come here and join us?"

"How did you know?" both pokemon sputtered.

"How do I put it?" Jake grinned sheepishly, "I felt your presence, Lucario. Besides, there were two different footsteps, so I figured that you must have some company, and you two are the only ones crazy enough to look for me at this hour."

Lucario and Typhlosion flushed as their brains quickly conveyed the hidden message, 'You two are the only ones loving me enough to look for me at this hour'. Gingerly, they made their way toward Jake and sat on either of his sides.

Instantly Jake knew something different. A few hours earlier, the two looked like they were ready to beat each other to a pulp, and as of now, they seemed oddly casual around each other, almost like they were buddies rather than love rivals. True, it was explainable because Jake did want them to be friends, but a progress of this level certainly couldn't be made in such a short period. He wondered if something had happened between them...Jeez, those two seemed to enjoy doing stuffs behind his back. Hopefully it wasn't another bet. Jake liked Lucario and Typhlosion, but he couldn't say the same about being treated as a prize/trophy of their love competition.

"What're you doing up here?" Lucario asked, snapping Jake out of his thoughts.

"Why, relaxing of course." Jake shrugged, "Enjoying some fresh air. Any open space will do, but personally, I prefer somewhere high. My father always says 'idiots are drawn to high places', wonder if that's true."

"I don't mind." Typhlosion grinned, "In fact, I kinda envy you. If only I could be an idiot, enjoying a carefree life without having so much to worry about."

"Yeah..." Jake inhaled, feeling the lush warmth and softness enclosed him from both sides as the two pokemon moved in closer to him. Part of Jake scolded him for deliberately enjoying this situation and acting like a two-timer; yet the other, bigger part considered this to be a good sign of what was to come, and that he could indeed find a way to conclude this complicated relationship on a high note.

"Love cannot be forced." Jake pondered, "But can it be shared?"

...

The next morning, Jake and Jaden stepped out from the Pokemon Center, looking well-replenished, both physically and spiritually. Their originally plan was to leave on yesterday's afternoon, but for some reasons, Ryan insisted on staying for another night, which they easily agreed. Another night wouldn't be that much of a deal and since Ryan was in a foul mood, Jake and Jaden decided to, just once, spoil the younger trainer.

The two waited for a while, until they heard Ryan's voiced, accompanied by Charizard's distinguishably heavy but steady footstep, "Hey guys! Sorry for the wait!"

Jake and Jaden looked at each other as they exchanged quizzical gazes and a hidden message, _Wasn't he really depressed yesterday, what's with the change of heart? _

Then, Jake's eyes caught the new piece of accessory on Charizard's arm - a metallic black wristband decorated with flaming silver patterns, attached in the middle of which was a perfectly round, orange gemstone.

Look like Charizard got himself a new toy. He's gonna be a tough adversary, Jake thought.

Meanwhile, Charizard and Lucario seemed to have a staring contest. The flames flickered in Charizard's eyes sent a silent challenge, like, I'll master this power and kick your ass, while Lucario's retaliating sneer told the obvious reply, Bring it! I'll take you on anytime, anywhere.

"Okay, shall we get going?" Jake said, "Hey Ryan, where's our next stop?"

"Veilstone City." Ryan replied, flipping the pages of his travel guide, "From here, only Route 210 is available."

Jake couldn't help smiling as he saw Ryan acting like his usual self. Together, they set forth Veilstone City, where a new adventure was waiting.

(To be continued)