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It had been a week. She had been following Valor and his Lucario for a week. For some strange reason those two had chosen to take a ship to Hoenn, so she had been unable to isolate them, and she had been forced to wait even longer for her chance at revenge. But now, now they were alone and vulnerable. They were walking along the road through a forest, and no one else was around. She and her Gardevoir were lying in wait, waiting for the right moment to strike...

Suddenly, there was the sound of a scream from a short was down the path.

***

Valor was trying to make sense of what was going on. He and Tamash? were in a forest, heading in the general direction of Lilycove City. They had been having a pleasant time of it too, until a Seviper had slithered across their path, at which point Tamash? had screamed.

Now the Seviper at them curiously and Tamash? was cowering behind him like a frightened child. "Tamash?, what are you doing?!"

"I don't like snakes!"

Valor looked at her in disbelief. "Snakes? Really? Since when?"

"Since ALWAYS!"

"But you're a Steel-type, you can't even be poisoned."

"I didn't say I was scared of being poisoned! Snakes just creep me out, okay?" Even in his mind he could hear the stress in her voice, let alone the small whimpering noises she was making.

The Seviper continued to watch them for a moment, then shook its head and slithered off into the underbrush.

Valor sighed. "It's gone Tamash?, you can come out now."

She stepped out from behind him, looking embarrassed. "Sorry about that; snakes just REALLY creep me out."

Valor gave her a loving smile. "It's okay. Everyone has those kinds of weird fears and dislikes. Now, what do you say we keep moving? If we're lucky we'll be in Fortree City by nightfall."

Tamash? nodded, and they started off down the path once more. "So, any particular reason behind this fear of snakes?"

"I told you already Valor, they just creep me out. I really don't want to talk about it-" She was cut off as they were lifted into the air by an unseen force resulting in her letting out a surprised shriek. They simply floated there for a moment, then moved quickly through the air, each of them winding up pinned-by a still unseen force-to one of the trees lining the path.

"What the hell is going on?!" Valor struggled for a moment, then stopped as he realized that whatever was holding him was too strong to break free from.

"What's wrong Valor? Don't you like my Gardevoir's telekinetic abilities?" The question was followed by laughter. Stepping out of hiding on the other side of the path came the aforementioned Gardevoir and a red-headed young woman that Valor knew all too well.

"Aitana." As Valor said the name a dark smile spread across her face.

"Would you look at that. The little Poke-sexual remembers me. What an honour." The sarcasm in her voice was quite clear.

"Wh-what are you talking about?"

"Come on now Valor, don't play stupid just because you're good at it. I know all about you and your furry blue girlfriend over there. Although, I must admit I was somewhat surprised by that. Then again, it makes some sense. You never very good with human women."

Tamash? chose that moment to project her thoughts into all of their minds. "Valor, who IS this woman?"

Valor sighed. "She's my only ex-girlfriend, Aitana." Redirecting his attention to the woman before him he said, "And I would very much like to know what it is you're doing, Aitana."

There was irritation clearly showing on her face as she said, "You're lucky you're cute Valor, because you're not too bright. I came here for revenge."

Valor was confused. "Revenge? What are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about? Let me tell you a little story about a girl, and her first time falling in love..."

...She had always been told she was a pretty girl, even from a young age. And, even from a fairly young age, there were always boys who were interested in her. But there was only one who ever caught her interest. He was so cute, and so endearingly shy. She was smitten. Her friends teased her, saying she had fallen for a loser. But she didn't care, she loved him anyway. She spent years imagining what it would be like to be with him. Then, when they were 15, she mustered up the courage to tell him how she felt. He was a bit reluctant, but they started "dating", and she just chocked up his reluctance to shyness, or nervousness. But, as time wore on, she realized it couldn't just be shyness. They never kissed, or hugged, he even avoided holding her hand. It came to the point where she was almost throwing herself at him, but to no avail. She realized he simply wasn't attracted to her. She then chose to end their so-called relationship. She was heartbroken. She thought to herself 'What did I do wrong?" Then eventually she figured out she wasn't the problem. It was him. She swore she would get revenge for the heartbreak and embarrassment. She spent the next four years waiting, and now her moment has arrived...

Valor looked at her, dumbstruck. Coming to his senses, he spoke. "Really? That's what this is about?! That's ridiculous! I'm sorry I hurt you, but, as you pointed out, I'm not attracted to humans in general. It really wasn't my fault."

"Not your fault? You didn't even make an effort to be attracted to me!"

Valor shook his head. "Yes, I did. Look, I didn't understand myself why I wasn't attracted to you. I thought there was something wrong with me. But, that's in the past. I really am sorry."

Aitana scoffed. "Whatever. It doesn't change the fact that you hurt me. Now, I'm going to return the favour."

Valor gulped. "What do you mean?"

She had a sinister smile on her face as she said, "Simple. The easiest way to hurt a man, is through the one he loves."

"If you so much as lay a hand on her..."

"Oh, don't worry, it's not me you need to worry about. It's my Gardevoir you should be concerned with. After all, HE does get ever so sexually frustrated."

Valor felt as though someone had dropped a stone in the pit of his stomach, and he could see the fear on Tamash?'s face.

"Your Gardevoir...is male?"

"That's right. And now you can just sit there and watch as he has some fun with your Lucario"

Her Gardevoir started moving toward Tamash?, prompting Valor to start struggling against his telekinetic bonds once more. "You stay away from her! Aitana, your problem is with me, leave Tamash? out of this!"

"I can't do that Valor."

"Please, do whatever you want to me, but leave her out of this."

Aitana's smile went from merely cruel, to totally sadistic. "Whatever I want, huh? So, in order to protect her, you would do something like, oh, I don't know...make love to me?"

Tamash?'s voice rang out in his mind once more. "Don't do it Valor! I'll be fine!"

"If it means you will leave Tamash? alone, then fine."

Tamash? looked horrified. "Valor, you can't. You're my-"

"Mate. I know. But I've told you before, I'll protect you-no matter what. I promise you though, whatever happens, I won't enjoy it."

"How sweet, but I'm sure you'll change your mind before I'm through with you. Gardevoir, let him down, but keep his arms bound."

Valor dropped to the ground, but his arms were now being held behind his back by her Gardevoir's psychic power. "Good. Valor, Gardevoir, follow me. I'd rather not do this in the middle of the road. Oh, and leave 'Tamash?' where she is for now."

They then set off deeper into the forest. Aitana was in the lead, followed by Valor, with her Gardevoir bringing up the rear, leaving Tamash? behind, the look on her face a combination of fear and anger.

A few minutes later the three of them arrived in a small clearing. "Alright, this will do." Aitana turned to face him, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "So listen Valor, I've had a change of heart."

Valor raised one of his eyebrows, highlighting his scepticism. "Oh really? So, does that mean you're going to let me and Tamash? go and you're going to give up on this ridiculous quest for revenge?"

"No, I just decided that forcing you to have sex with me, simply isn't a humiliating punishment."

Valor sighed. "So what are you going to do then?"

"Like I said, forcing you to have sex with ME isn't a humiliating punishment. My Gardevoir on the other hand..."

Valor gulped. "Excuse me?"

"I'm going to let my Gardevoir take out his sexual frustrations...on you."

"You've got to be kidding me! You can't be serious!"

Aitana smirked. "I just figured it would be easier on you-after all, you did say you weren't attracted to humans. Besides, if you don't do as I say, I'll just have Gardevoir turn your 'mate's' mind into a blank slate-no more memories. Understand?"

Valor's entire body was shaking with anger. "You-manipulative-bitch. Fine-let's just get this over with."

"Good, that's the spirit. Have fun, Gardevoir." She walked over to the edge of the clearing, and sat down, leaning back against a tree.

Valor slowly turned to face her Gardevoir, and noticed with sick fascination that his eyes were red, like Tamash?'s. But unlike Tamash?'s eyes there was no love, no sparkling beauty-only lust.

Valor was shaking again, but this time in fear. Suddenly his entire body seized up, and he knew he no longer had any control over the situation. As if of their own free will, his clothes came off his body. His body was then contorted by psychic power, bending him over, binding his arms behind his back. He then felt Gardevoir's hips pressed against him, as well as the pokemon's hardened length. A male voice rang out in his mind, saying, "Don't worry human, I'm not going to hurt you." With that, in a single thrust, Gardevoir buried himself fully in Valor's virgin asshole.

Gardevoir was surprised by how tight it was. Though he preferred females, he had been with a few male pokémon in the past. But this human felt...different. He looked over to his trainer, not surprised that her hand had disappeared down into her jeans. She nodded, indicating for him to continue. Gardevoir took a deep breath, and started thrusting against Valor, trying to drive himself in deeper. Despite the strangeness of the situation, Gardevoir found himself enjoying it.

Valor on the other hand, was in shock, trying to cling to his sanity. His mind was rebelling against what was happening, telling him to fight back, but Gardevoir's psychic power was holding him too tightly. Each thrust of Gardevoir's hips jarred his entire body, pushing his mind to the brink. In spite of his mind hating the situation, his own manhood had become erect, showing that his body at least was deriving some kind of perverse pleasure from it. He then felt Gardevoir's slim arm reach around his body, inhuman fingers stroking his length.

He felt his balls contract a moment later, covering the ground with the sticky white liquid. Gardevoir continued for another moment, but the friction was too much for him, and he released his own seed into Valor's bowels. He pulled out, releasing his control over Valor's body. Surprised by the sudden return of control, Valor fell to the ground, his whole body quivering slightly.

Aitana stood, stretching her arms over her head. "Well, I wish that had lasted longer, but can't do anything about that. Come on Gardevoir. Oh, and release his Lucario as well." With Gardevoir back by her side, they made to leave the clearing, when a blast of energy smashed into the tree next to her. She turned, and was surprised to see Valor, still on the ground, a look of rage on his face, his outstretched hand glowing with green light.

As he spoke his breathing was rapid and shallow. "Aitana, if-if you ever...come near me, Tamash? or...anyone I care about...ever again...the next blast directed at you...will not miss."

She kept her expression neutral, but on the inside she was scared out of her mind, scared by the ferocity being exhibited by a man she thought had none to speak of. "I'll keep that...in mind." She turned and walked away, wanting to get as far away from him as she could. She then found herself wondering what had brought about such a change in the timid, shy boy she had once fallen in love with.

Valor laid back against the ground, exhausted by everything that had transpired.

***

Tamash? dropped to the ground, landing on all fours. The power holding her up had dissipated, and she was out for blood. She quickly found Valor's Aura, and raced off toward him. A few minutes later she found him, undressed and lying in the middle of a clearing.

She ran over to him and knelt by his side. His eyes were closed. "Valor!"

His eyes opened, and he smiled up at her. "Hey Tamash?." He pushed himself up into a sitting position. "Guess I've looked better, huh? But, I suppose that's what happens when your psychotic ex lets her Gardevoir take advantage of you."

Tamash?'s face went from concerned to enraged instantly. "What?! Where are they?! I'll destroy them both!"

Valor placed his hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, and don't worry about it. I took care of it; we won't see them again." Valor's vision shifted as something struck him across the face. Refocusing he realized that it had been one of Tamash?'s paws that had hit him. "What was that for?"

"You idiot! What were you thinking?! I told you I would be fine! Why did you do it?"

"Because, I didn't want to see this happen to you. I wasn't going to stand by and watch as that Gardevoir did to you what he wound up doing to me anyway. I did it to protect you-I would do anything to protect you." Valor flinched in surprise as she hugged him tightly. He then wrapped his arms around her, finding comfort in the familiar feeling of her fur. "I love you, Tamash?."

"I love you too...you idiot."

***

Later that night-after spending a brief period recovering from what had happened-they arrived in Fortree City. After spending a handful of quiet days recovering in the heavily forested city, they set out on the road once more.

Valor sighed. "It is nice to be able to walk properly again." Tamash? giggled, causing him to scowl. "It's not funny!"

Tamash?'s expression became one of guilt. "I-I know. I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean-please don't be angry."

His expression softened. "It's...okay. It's just...a sensitive subject. I shouldn't take it out on you though-it wasn't your fault. I'm sorry, I should never-could never- be angry with you-not really."

She slipped her paw into his hand, and gave him a loving smile. "It's okay. I know...this can't be easy on you. But, even if I don't really understand it, I'm always here to help and comfort you."

Valor sighed contentedly. "Thanks. So, I guess, we should get going."

Tamash? nodded, and they set off down the road to Lilycove once again.

***

"So, you really don't know where he is?"

"Sorry. I wish I could be more help, but I really don't know anything."

Valor sighed, frustrated with what was becoming an all too familiar pattern of conversation. "Alright, thanks anyway."

Valor felt a bit disheartened as the man he had been questioning walked away. Ever since they had arrived in Lilycove City they had been asking around, seeing if anyone knew what had become of Faerin, the Guardian they had come to find. "Dammit. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but this is ridiculous. We don't have anything to go on!"

Tamash? smiled, and gently placed a paw on his shoulder. "Stay calm sweetheart. We won't accomplish anything if we let our emotions get the better of us."

Valor gave a wry smile. "Right Tamash?, cause you never let your emotions control you."

"That's exactly right."

He laughed at her mock-narcissism. "Come on, we could use a break-and food for that matter."

"Agreed." With that they set off through town, headed in the general direction of the Pokémon Center.

***

"So, I was right. They finally sent a new Guardian." He had spent the last few days observing them. Their actions...amused him. "Well then, if they really want to know what happened to Faerin, than perhaps I shall show them. One way or another, this should be...fun."

***

"Here."

Tamash? blinked, surprised by the half-bar of chocolate being offered to her. They had just finished eating lunch, and were now sitting on a bench outside the Lilycove Pokémon Center. She took the chocolate, then looked at her mate with suspicion. "What's the occasion?"

He looked at her curiously. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean, normally I have to seduce and/or maul you in order to get you to share these kinds of things with me."

"I just figured I should try to be a bit nicer to you."

"You're ALWAYS nice to me, Valor."

"Even so, I've been kind of...on edge lately. I just thought I would try to make it up to you, at least a little bit."

"That's sweet and all, but you don't have to make up anything to me. Of course, if you really want to make it up to me, then maybe you'll let me maul you later anyway." She winked at him, then started eating the candy.

Valor blushed. "Do you have to make jokes like that?"

"Would you want me any other way?"

He laughed. "No, I don't believe I would-"

"Um, excuse me."

They looked up, and were surprised to see a woman standing before them. She was quite attractive by human standards. She had strawberry-blonde hair and hazel eyes; she couldn't have been more than twenty-five years old. "Yes, how can I help you?"

She looked very nervous, but spoke anyway. "I'm...Holly. You-you're the one who has been looking for Faerin, right?"

"Uh...yeah. Why? Do you know something?"

"Well, I don't know where he is, but he and I were...rather close. We spent a lot of time together-although I always felt like his Lucario didn't like me. Anyway, like I said, I don't know where he went, but before he disappeared, he started acting kind of...strange."

Valor nodded. "Strange how, exactly?"

"He was always so confident, and seemed so carefree, but before he went missing he started acting worried and paranoid. He was always looking over his shoulder, as though he was afraid of something."

"Where was the last place you saw him?"

"At the little lighthouse overlooking the cliffs in the southeaster part of town. We spent a lot of time there together."

Valor stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, Holly. You've been a lot of help. I'm sure we'll find him."

She smiled, but seemed to be on the verge of tears. "Thank you, um...I'm sorry, I don't even know your name."

"Valor."

"Thank you, Valor. Please let me know if you find...anything."

"We will." She then walked away, and Valor turned back to Tamash?. "We should go check out that lighthouse. We might find a clue there."

Tamash? nodded in agreement, and together they set off toward the southern part of Lilycove City.

***

The wind was sweeping across the top of the cliffs, and dark clouds had gathered in the sky above. Before them was a lighthouse made of white stone. As Holly had said it was small, no more than three stories in height. Tamash? looked at it with curiosity. "So, what is it you think we'll find here?"

Valor shook his head. "I don't know. But, Holly said she and Faerin spent a lot of time here. Maybe there's some kind of clue or...something."

I suppose it's possible, but it just doesn't seem very like-" She suddenly tensed up, then without warning tackled him to the ground.

He was about to ask her for an explanation, when he got one in the form of a bolt of pure black energy passing through where he had just been standing. The energy smashed into the lighthouse, leaving what appeared to be a smoking scorch mark on the white stone.

They quickly got back up, looking for the source of the attack. It didn't take them long to find it. Walking toward them was a man with blond hair, a malicious grin, and a nimbus of black energy surrounding his body. He would have been handsome were it not for the evil, soulless pits that were his eyes.

By his side was a Lucario, but not one like they had ever seen before. The black sections of its fur were normal, but the rest of its fur was devoid of colouration. The only colour on its body was a red scarf tied around its neck.

"So little Guardian, how do you like my power?" The man's voice was equal parts mocking and cruel. "That's the kind of power you could have, if you learn to make use of the darkness that lurks within all men's' hearts."

Valor was unsure of how to respond, so he decided to stall. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I am what remains. I am the incarnation of the eternal truth: darkness always wins. And I want to spread that truth. For you see, darkness is patient, and light is but a temporary state. Light can unravel all of darkness's best laid plans, but in the end, when all the stars have burned out at the end of the universe, darkness will remain, triumphant in its survival. Darkness will always survive, for its power is greater than any other."

Valor was glaring at him now, not liking what he was hearing. "So mister 'incarnation', do you have an actual name?"

The man laughed, a cold, manic, high-pitched laugh. Then, he spoke. "Is it not clear, little Guardian? You have spent days searching, and here I am. I, am Faerin."

Valor stared in shock. "You? You're Faerin? But, I was told Faerin had gone missing."

The man claiming to be Faerin shrugged. "Perhaps in the short sighted view of the Guardians, but, the way I see it, I have merely become more than I once was."

"Why do you speak of the Guardians as though you aren't one?"

"Because, I've embraced the power of darkness. I have become the opposite of a Guardian. Whereas you draw your power from your own emotions, myself, and others like me, draw our power from the darkness that haunts men's' souls."

"What about your Lucario? Is his colouration a result of darkness as well?"

"Yes, he has given himself to the darkness, as I have."

Tamash? chose that moment to chime in. "That's impossible! No Lucario would follow such a power, or a master who is so foolish as to use that power!"

The grey scale Lucario's voice rang out in their minds, and Valor couldn't help but notice it had a strangely musical quality. "Believe what you see, for like my master, I have seen the power darkness brings."

Tamash? was fuming, but Valor had one last question to ask. "What about Holly? How does she fit into this?"

Faerin scoffed. "That love struck fool? Don't worry, she and I aren't in league with each other. That pathetic girl just happened to give me a way to isolate you. She had no idea of the situation she was throwing you into. But that brings me to my question for you. Will you join me? Will you embrace the darkness?"

Valor was shaking with anger. "No, I will not. It's clear darkness has destroyed whoever you used to be. You and Holly cared for each other, but now you insult her because of that! Well you know what, I think you're wrong about how powerful darkness is. I think that love is far more powerful. Love is what lights the darkness and keeps the darkness within from corrupting us. Love can ignite the stars themselves, and THAT is the truth."

Faerin laughed again. "It seems my message has fallen on the deaf ears of an insipid fool. I shall enjoy destroying you, and showing you how wrong you are."

Valor shifted his body into a fighting stance, and he could see that Tamash? had done the same. "You can try Faerin, but you will not succeed."

***

"Valor, let me deal with his Lucario. I want to beat some sense into him." To her surprise her mate didn't argue, he simply nodded. They all stood there for a moment, all braced for a fight. Then, the attack came. Faerin charged toward Valor, forcing the younger man to rapidly move backward so as not to be hit. The Lucarios though, hadn't moved. "Why have you allowed yourself to become corrupted?"

He eyed her for a moment, then scoffed. "Why would I waste my breath? You wouldn't understand, so I won't explain it."

"Try me."

"It would just be a waste of my time. Besides, you won't be alive long enough to use the information." He ended the conversation by lashing out with a Dark Pulse.

Tamash? dodged the attack, and retaliated with an Aura Sphere. This is not going to be pleasant, she thought.

***

Valor had an Aura shield in front of him, blocking blast after blast of dark energy. Their fight had moved around behind the lighthouse, blocking the Lucarios from sight, but Valor could sense that they too had started fighting.

He had never been in an actual Aura-based fight before, so he was unsure of how to proceed. Faerin's high-pitched laugh rang out once more. "What's wrong, little Guardian? Afraid that you can't match my power? It's not much of a fight if you spend the whole time defending."

Much as he hated to admit it, Valor knew Faerin was right. He waited for just the right moment, then dropped his shield, rolled to avoid an attack, and shot a blast of Aura at his attacker. Faerin blocked the blast, and Valor used that instant to get back to his feet. They started to circle one another, not taking their eyes off each other.

Valor now had his back facing the lighthouse, and Faerin's back was facing toward the cliffs. They both chose that moment to attack. Valor just managed to dodge the attack, but Faerin was not so lucky. The bolt of green Aura smashed into his left shoulder, and there was the sound of bone shattering.

Faerin's left arm was now hanging limp at his side. "So little Guardian, you do have some fight in you after all. Good, that means this won't be boring, at least." He smiled sadistically, then raised his right hand, which started to crackle with a halo of what seemed black electricity.

Suddenly a massive blast of that electricity shot toward Valor, who avoided it with only inches to spare. Even then, he could feel heat radiating from the blast. Valor was frightened now. If an attack like that connected, he knew his chances of survival wouldn't be very high. Faerin smiled. "That's right, become afraid, little Guardian. Your fear will only make me stronger."

A thought then clicked in Valor's mind. Faerin had said that he drew his power from the "dark" emotions in other people. If fear was one of those emotions...

It's time to cut him off at the source, Valor concluded. He calmed his mind, and focused on what he knew to be his most powerful emotion: his love for Tamash?. His entire body started to glow with his Aura, casting an emerald green light on the ground around him. He started to walk toward Faerin, who know looked scared himself. Faerin lashed out with a shot of black Aura, but Valor blocked it easily, continuing to move toward him.

Faerin started to back away, truly frightened by the power Valor was displaying. "What the hell are you?!"

"I am a man with something worth fighting for."

***

Tamash? jumped back, staying just ahead of the male Lucario's Force Palm. He growled at her. "You try to tell me what a Lucario would and wouldn't do, and yet here you are running away like a coward!"

Tamash? growled back. "There is a difference between running away, and keeping one's self out of harm's way!" She fired a Flash Cannon, which the other Lucario, as opposed to dodging, simply blocked.

They were both panting, exhausted from their fight. Then, without any clear reason, Faerin's Lucario dropped to his knees, holding his head, howling in what seemed to be pain.

***

Faerin was on his knees, holding his head in his one good hand. He was breathing heavily, and his face carried a pained expression. Valor was watching carefully, not sure if this was some kind of trick, or if something was truly wrong.

Faerin's whole body was shaking, and his eyes were wide with fear. "I...I don't...want this...anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"I-arrgh-I don't want...this power...this darkness...anymore. He...he told me...I wouldn't be afraid...anymore, but this power...scares me. It scares me...to think...of what I might do...with this power."

"Who told you Faerin?"

He ignored the question. "Please, please help me. Please help me rid myself of this power."

Valor shook his head. "I-I wouldn't know how. There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry."

Faerin struggled to his feet, a sad smile on his face. He then started backing up toward the cliff face. "Fine. That's fine. I understand. I wouldn't-I don't-know what to do myself. But, I can...at least end this, on my own terms."

Valor was concerned, not liking what he was hearing. "Faerin, what are you doing?"

"Listen, I'd like you to do something for me, even though I don't deserve your help. Please, tell Holly, that I cared about her a great deal. And tell my Lucario, that I'm sorry I dragged him into this mess. Also, I'm sorry to have put you through this as well. Now, I'm end this, while I'm still in control."

"Faerin wait!"

Before Valor could stop him, Faerin fired a blast of energy at the ground beneath him. The energy wasn't black though, it was bright yellow in colour. The ground collapsed, sending Faerin plummeting over the edge and down to the crashing waves below. Valor ran over to the edge of the cliff, and looked down, but there was no sign of the fallen Guardian. Valor stepped back, wishing he had been able to prevent this. "Now at least you're free of the darkness that consumed you, Faerin."

Suddenly he heard Tamash?'s voice in his mind. "Valor, come here. You need to see this."

He turned and quickly ran to where he and Faerin had left the Lucarios. When he got there he was surprised to see Tamash? kneeling beside Faerin's Lucario, who was unconscious on the ground. Even more surprising was that his fur had returned to its normal colour scheme. "Tamash?, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"What about him?" He gestured to the other Lucario.

"He's alright, just asleep."

The Lucario's eyes fluttered for a moment, then opened. He pushed himself into a sitting position, and Valor knelt beside him. "Try not to move too much. How are you feeling?"

The Lucario looked at him for a moment, then spoke. "Where is Faerin?"

"Uh, he's uh...he's gone. He sacrificed himself to stop that dark power from spreading."

The Lucario looked simply devastated. Valor didn't want to be insensitive, but there were questions he had to ask. "I know this is hard for you, and you don't have to if you don't want to, but I'd like you to answer some questions for me, if you can."

The Lucario nodded.

"Faerin said that somebody had told him, that those powers would take away his fears. Do you know who that was?"

"No. I don't know who he was. But if I ever see him again..."

"I understand, I know the feeling. I only have one other question. Tamash? said no Lucario would allow itself to become corrupted, so why did you?"

"It is simple. I would have followed Faerin, and stayed by his side no matter what, because I loved him."

This caught Valor off guard. "You mean you-"

"Yes. I wanted to be his mate. Do you have a problem with that?"

Valor shook his head. "No. Besides, neither I nor Tamash? has any right to judge someone based on who they love."

He looked at them both. "What do you mean?"

Tamash? answered. "Valor and I have been together as mates for over a year."

This time it was the Lucario's turn to be caught off guard. "I see. Then you understand how I feel about this...situation."

"I know I would be devastated if I lost Tamash?." She nodded in agreement with him. "Also, Faerin asked me to tell you that that he was sorry about dragging you into this."

The Lucario stood up, smiling now. "He always was concerned with my feelings. Thank you, Valor."

"What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. I'm essentially a wild pokémon now, so I guess I can go wherever I want. I think Faerin would have wanted me to stay strong and keep moving forward, so, as much as I'll miss him, that's what I'm going to do. Perhaps we will meet again someday, but until then, I'll say goodbye."

"Good luck, wherever you go." Tamash? echoed the sentiment, and they went their separate ways. Faerin's Lucario contemplated his lost love as he went, and Valor and Tamash? both wondered how they would fare in the same position.