FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Valor, are you alright?"

From the moment they had arrived in Snowpoint, just a few minutes before, her mate had seemed...on edge. He was nervous, jumping at the smallest sounds. "You know as well as I do that it's only a matter of time until she realizes we're here."

Tamash? sighed. "Oh, that."

"Yes, that. You know how she is, especially when it comes to me. And, I am getting really tired of-"

"Valor!" There was a joyful squeal, and Valor was knocked the ground by a raven-haired young woman who was now clinging to him.

Tamash? sighed again. "Candice, would you please get off my-" She stopped herself, realizing she had been about to say 'mate'. She corrected herself by quickly saying, "Trainer."

The Snowpoint Gym Leader looked up at her, smiling. "Hello, Tamash?. How are you?" There was a groan from underneath her, and she quickly got up, her smile becoming apologetic. "Sorry Valor. Guess I over did it, huh?"

He pushed himself up into a sitting position, snow sticking to his hair and clothes. The sarcasm in his voice was almost tangible as he said, "No, not at all. I mean, that's what I do when I'm happy to see someone. I just can't help but tackle them to the ground!"

Candice crossed her arms, pouting now instead of smiling. "It's not all_my fault. _You said you would be gone for two weeks, but you've been away for over a month. How could I not be happy to see you? It's been sooo boring here without you. I've missed you terribly." She was smiling again, batting her eyelashes suggestively.

Valor got to his feet with a sigh. "Candice, I've told you before, the answer is no."

"Oh, fine. Be that way. But someday you'll see what you've been missing, and on that day you'll agree to go out with me."

He shook his head. "I don't think of you like that." Or any human for that matter, he thought.

With a wink she said, "Don't worry, you will. Anyway, I have to get back to the Gym, so I'll see you later." She walked away with a wave, leaving Valor feeling rather tired out.

Once she was out of earshot he said, "I like her and all, but sometimes she is really irritating."

Tamash? scoffed, her tail flicking in irritation. "You think she irritates you? Whenever she starts acting like that I feel like I want to rip her fucking head off!"

Valor chuckled. "Alright, calm down. Jealousy isn't a good colour on you."

"Humph. Fine." Her stomach rumbled at that moment, her expression turning sheepish. "I don't suppose we could get something to eat before checking into the Pokémon Center?"

He fought back the urge to laugh as he said, "Sure, I don't see why not."

Half an hour later they were sitting in the cafeteria of the Snowpoint Pokémon Center, their stomachs full. Tamash? gave a contented sigh. "That's much better." Valor laughed, causing her to look at him curiously. "What's so funny?"

He shook his head, a smile on his face. "Nothing. You just...amuse me."

"You're very strange sometimes, Valor." She commented with a bemused smile on her face.

"Perhaps, but you're not exactly normal either."

"Touché." They both started laughing at that point, and continued to for another minute or so.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Valor said, "Crazy Gym Leader or not, it's nice to finally be back here. I've missed Snowpoint. And let's face it, most Gym Leaders are a little on the crazy side."

She nodded in agreement, then a strange expression crossed her face, as though she were trying to remember something. "Valor, what did you just say?"

"Most Gym Leaders are a little crazy?"

"No, before that."

"It's nice to finally be back in Snowpoint?"

"Yeah, that. That reminds me of something, but I don't know what. I think...it had something to do...with Galen."

His expression became one of confusion. "Something to do with...wait a minute! I think I know what you're talking about." He started searching through his backpack, and a moment later he produced a slightly bent envelope. "This what you meant?"

She nodded. "Yeah. He said he didn't want you to open it until we got back here."

"Well, I guess it's time I opened it then." He tore open the white paper package, and pulled out three sheets of paper. Written on one of them were the words "Read me first." He unfolded the sheet, which turned out to be a letter, written in Galen's hand. Valor began reading aloud.

Dear Valor and Tamash?, If you're reading this, then you're back in Snowpoint City. If you're not in Snowpoint, than put the letter back RIGHT NOW. Getting back on topic, this is a gift for the two of you. As you may or may not be aware, I have, frankly, a ton of money.

"Oh great, he's bragging." Valor commented before continuing.

As such, I have a few houses in my possession, including one on the shores of Lake Acuity.

Tamash? stopped him. "Is he saying what I think he's saying?"

Valor nodded. "Listen to this."

_Since I'm rarely in Snowpoint, I've decided to give it to the two of you. I figured you were probably tired of staying in Pokémon Centers, and if you do happen to have kids, then this is also better than a Pokémon Center as far a space and privacy go. I included the property deed in the envelope, as well as a map showing where it is, although it shouldn't be hard to find. Enjoy it, and take care of it.

Galen_

P.s. The keys are in the mailbox that's attached to the door.

They were both grinning in a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "He can't be serious. I mean, who just...gives somebody a house?"

Tamash? shook her head. "Apparently Galen does."

Valor unfolded the other papers. As the letter had said, one was a map, and the other was the deed to the house. "Unbelievable. Just, unbelievable." He stood up, put on his backpack, and gathered up the papers. "So, how 'bout we go check out our new house?" He gave a brief chuckle, not believing he had actually just said that.

Tamash? nodded in agreement, and stood up, then they left the Center, and set out for the lake.

***

"I said it before, I'll say it again. Unbelievable."

After leaving Snowpoint they had made the short trip to the Acuity Lake Front. Some climbing and a bit more walking after that, and they reached the lake itself. As Galen's letter had said, the house wasn't difficult to find. Though, looking at it now, Valor decided that the term 'house' was an egregious understatement.

A more befitting term for the building before them might have been 'ski lodge', as that was what it resembled. The base of the structure was stone, and the walls were made of wood. There was a set of stairs leading up to the front door, and stretching around two sides of the building was a raised deck. The roof stretched out over the deck, protecting it from the snow. The structure was only one story in height, but the two chimneys protruding from the roof added to its height.

The climbed the stairs, the snow crunching beneath their feet. Screwed onto the dark wooden door was a black metal box-the mailbox mentioned in the letter. Valor opened it, and, after a few seconds of running his hand along the inside, pulled out a set of keys. He unlocked the door and went inside, Tamash? following close behind.

Valor gave a long whistle upon seeing the room they had entered. It was a well-furnished living room with a fireplace built into one wall. On the opposite side of the room was a counter with bar stools underneath, and there was what was basically a window, through which the kitchen could be seen. There was a door to the right of the counter which clearly led to the kitchen.

Opposite the front door was a door way into a hallway where several closed doors could be seen. The bedrooms, they guessed.

Valor went into the kitchen, the door swinging closed behind him. A quick search revealed a full pantry, and, Valor noted with some amusement, a well-stocked liquor cabinet. The refrigerator however, was empty. He sighed. "I figured as much. Looks like we're gonna have to do some shopping, Tamash?." He was quiet for a moment, awaiting a response from his mate. When none came, he looked away from the empty fridge in confusion. "Tamash??"

This time a response came. "Hey Valor, come here."

He left the kitchen and looked around. She had walked into the hallway, and was now standing there, looking up at something. He walked up next to her, and looked up as well. There was a cord hanging from the ceiling, attached to a rectangular panel. "What is that, Valor?"

"It's how you get into the attic. Here, step aside." She did, and he pulled the cord, a ladder unfolding from the ceiling to allow access to the space above. When he started to climb up, Tamash? placed a paw on his shoulder, stopping him. He looked at her curiously. "What?"

"Valor, I've seen horror movies. Bad things happen in attics."

It was clear she wasn't joking, but he couldn't help but laugh. "Why do I let you watch TV?" He asked jokingly.

"Valor!" She scolded.

He favoured her with a loving smile. "It's alright, Tamash?. This isn't a movie. It'll be fine. You worry too much." He continued climbing, and disappeared into the attic a moment later.

After a minute, and with clear reluctance, Tamash? followed him up after him. As she climbed she was unaware of the icy-blue eyes watching her.

When she stepped into the attic she looked around, and spotted Valor at the far end of the room, a few boxes scattered around him. "So, what's up here?"

He looked up in response to the telepathic query. "Not much. Looks like mostly junk, but we should leave it here, just in case any of it is important to Galen." He walked over to her, a smirk on his lips. "So, here we are, in the attic, and nothing bad has happened."

She crossed her arms with a 'harrumph'. "Fine, but I'd still like to get out of here if you don't m-" At that moment the door to the attic slammed shut. With a slight gloating tone she said, "What did you say Valor? 'Nothing bad has happened?'"

"I've been wrong before." He gulped as the temperature in the room dropped.

They moved so that they were standing back-to-back, not wanting anything to catch them off guard. It was quiet for a moment, then an attack came in the form of a Shadow Ball headed straight for Valor.

He quickly blocked with an Aura shield, the purplish-black orb colliding with the emerald coloured field of energy. He closed his eyes and reached out with his senses to find the source of the attack. It didn't take long to find.

Floating a few meters in front of him was a pale blue Aura, and its form was one he recognized. Having identified their assailant, his eyes snapped open. "Tamash?, it's a Froslass!"

"Well that explains the cold, but why is she attacking us?"

Valor shook his head. "I don't know, but I know you can beat her."

She gave an exasperated sigh. "Valor, I'm a Fighting-type. She's a Ghost-type. I can't even hit her!"

Another attack hit his shield, this time an Ice Beam. "Yes, but she's also an Ice-type. Ice-types are weak against Steel-type moves, and you know Flash Cannon."

"Oh, right." She responded sheepishly. She then turned to face the source of the attacks, which had just used Thunder Bolt. She closed her eyes to find the other pokemon's Aura. She gave a nod, prompting Valor to drop the shield, at which point she fired a shining silver sphere of energy at the concealed ghost pokémon. The attack hit dead-on, causing her to become visible and fall to the ground.

Valor breathed a sigh of relief as the temperature in the room began returning to normal. "Nice shot sweetheart."

"Thanks."

They walked over to the white pokémon, who was now unconscious on the wood panelled floor. "So, what do we do with her?"

"Wake her up, and have her explain herself." Valor answered.

Using a Revive they brought her back to consciousness, and Valor wasted no time in asking, "Why did you attack us?"

"Fros Froslass lass Froslass!"

Valor turned to Tamash?. "Translation?"

"She said, and I quote, 'You invaded my home."

He turned back to the other pokémon, a look of confusion on his face. "But, this isn't your house. It's ours."

"Froslass Froslass lass Fros Froslass."

"She says she's been living here for three months."

Valor ran a hand through his hair, then pulled Galen's letter out of his pocket. "Um, listen Froslass. The guy who used to own this place didn't come here very often, and he gave this house to us. It's all here in this letter."

The piece of paper floated out of his hand and stopped in front of the Froslass. After a minute the paper fell to the floor, and her expression grew sad. "Fros...Fros. Froslass Fros. Froslass lass, Fros Fros."

"I'm sorry. I was wrong. I'll go ahead, and leave." Tamash? translated.

She started floating toward the wall, a depressed look in her eyes.

Valor sighed. "Froslass, hold on. Do you um, do you have any problems with humans and pokémon forming relationships?"

The Ice-Ghost type turned to face him, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Fros?"

"Why?" Tamash? translated, a confused look on her canine features.

"Well, Tamash? and I are together. If you don't have a problem with that, than I don't see any reason why you can't stay here, as long as you behave yourself."

Froslass looked at him in disbelief. "Lass?"

"Valor, are you sure about this?" Tamash? asked, then added, "She said 'really'."

He nodded. "We can't just kick her out. Besides, we have the space."

Coming to her senses, Froslass rushed forward and wrapped her arms around his midriff, hugging him tightly. He gently pushed her off him, saying, "You're welcome, but please don't do that. You are very cold."

She backed away, an apologetic look on her face. "Fros."

This time he didn't need a translation. "It's alright. Just, don't do that again, please. Come on, Tamash?. See you later, Froslass."

They returned downstairs, leaving Froslass by herself in the attic. So, he...likes pokémon, she thought to herself with a smile.

*** Leaving Froslass to her own devices above, they set out to explore the remaining rooms of the house. A quick search turned up a laundry room, a bathroom, and two mid-sized bedrooms.

Opening the last door in the house revealed the master bedroom, complete with its own bathroom. "So, I guess this is our room." Valor said with a disbelieving laugh. Even with how their day had gone thus far, Valor still had some trouble believing it was really all theirs now.

They entered the room, taking quick stock of their new quarters. There wasn't much in the way of furniture. What they did have was a simple dresser with six drawers, a bed with a king-size mattress, and two nightstands, one on either side of the bed.

Valor walked over to one side of what was now their bed, and set his backpack down beside the nightstand. Tamash? on the other hand, with no possessions but the Soothe Bell Valor had given her, immediately laid herself down on the bed, tired by the day's events.

She immediately noticed that something was...different about the bed. She started squirming slightly, trying to make sense of it. It was comfortable, but different. "Valor, something doesn't feel right about this bed."

"What do you mean?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. It's nice and comfy, but it feels...odd."

He pressed his hand down on the bed, testing it. He then lifted the sheets, and his suspicion was confirmed. "That's why it feels different to you. You're used to mattresses made with springs, but this one is made from stuff called memory foam."

"Oh. Well, whatever it is, it's nice." Her contentment was clear, both on her face, and in the sound of her telepathic voice. She turned her head to look at him, a seductive smile on her furry lips. "So, feel like testing our new bed properly?"

Valor laughed, shaking his head. "You're insatiable."

"Only when I want to be."

He rolled his eyes and said, "Right. Only when you want to be." Then with a smile he added, "But I would be crazy to say no to someone as beautiful as you."

He began pulling off his clothes, and she untied her bell from her neck, gently laying it down on her nightstand. "You know, I may be insatiable at times, but you sometimes overuse lines like that."

He smirked. "You sound like you and your vanity don't like being complimented."

"I do like it, but sometimes they feel kind of...cliché."

Valor sighed. "Fair enough, I suppose. I'll uh, I'll try to work on that, shall I?"

She shook her head. "No, don't. It's part of what makes you, well, you."

He slid into bed, moving so that there were just a few inches separating them. "You're kind of indecisive, you know that?" He didn't give her a chance to respond though, as he immediately closed the gap between them, taking her in an impassioned kiss. They continued like this, their bodies pressed together, her fur brushing against his skin. Her long, flat tongue snaked its way into his mouth, sliding in as deeply as it could, enjoying the taste of her mate's mouth. They could feel each other's heartbeats, and every breath as well. He could feel his length swelling, and she could feel a sort of longing in her loins, both of them becoming aroused.

Then came a voice, effectively ruining the moment, simply saying, "Froslass?"

They broke off the kiss, surprised by the sudden intrusion. Still in shock they looked up to see Froslass hovering about two feet above the bed. Valor pressed himself closer to Tamash?, trying to keep his erection out of sight. "Froslass, what are you doing in here?"

Froslass spoke for a moment, then Tamash? translated. "She says she's really grateful for you letting her stay here, and she wants to...thank you...properly."

He looked back at Froslass. "And by 'properly', you mean...?"

"Fros."

"Sex." Tamash? said with a giggle.

Valor gulped. "I thought so. Um, Tamash? and I only do that with each other, so, I would have to say no."

"Actually Valor, I think it's alright for you to...you know."

He blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry, what? Who are you and what have you done with my mate?"

Tamash? shrugged. "Well, the way I see it, she's basically just a floating head with arms. You can't get her pregnant or anything, so I don't really see a problem with it. Or am I wrong, Froslass?"

Froslass shook her head in response. Valor looked back and forth between them. "But, you get stressed out if you even think about me being with another female."

"I know. Why don't we just think of this as my way of...making up for being so uptight about this stuff."

"So, you're really okay with this? This isn't some kind of...test?" Valor asked, not entirely convinced.

She kissed him and simply said, "I'm really okay with this."

He smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too. Now, give me something to watch."

He laughed. "As you wish." He looked up at Froslass. "So, you sure you want to do this?" She nodded, so he laid back, fully exposing himself to her view.

Her eyes widened slightly at the sight, but she wasted no time in floating down until she was just a few inches above him. He could already feel a bit of a chill, and he found himself wondering if this was really such a good idea. Those thoughts were cut short though, as Froslass took him fully into her mouth.

The sudden cold caused him to gasp in shock, but as Froslass's head began bobbing along his length, he became used to it, and even began to enjoy the feeling. He closed his eyes in pleasure, and was surprised at the realization that he was gripping the edge of the bed. Froslass smiled to herself, enjoying his reactions with the knowledge that she had caused them.

As Tamash? watched she found that she was strangely turned on by the sight of the Ice-Ghost type pleasuring her mate. Realizing she wouldn't be able to stand just watching, she reached down, running her paw along her sex, using the sight before her as fuel for the fire.

Froslass began using her tongue, the small, cold muscle only adding to Valor's pleasure as she licked at his tip with it. He opened his eyes, and was immediately amused by the sight of Tamash? touching herself. "Enjoying yourself sweetheart?"

She gave a wry smile, then lunged forward, sinking her teeth into his right shoulder. He arched his back, surprising Froslass as he was forced deeper into her mouth. "How's that for an answer?"

Tamash? began to apply more pressure as Froslass continued bobbing between his legs. The combined sensations proved too much for him. He could feel his orgasm coming, and indeed it did a moment later, filling Froslass's icy mouth with his warm cream.

Froslass lowered herself onto the bed, breathing heavily, each breath coming with a small puff of steam. He found himself wondering where his seed had disappeared to, as she didn't seem to have a stomach. He didn't get very long with those thoughts though, as Tamash? released her hold on his shoulder and rolled her body so that she was on top of him. "You had your fun, my love. Now it's my turn."

She reached down and guided the tip of his still cold member until it was pressing against her entrance. She shivered from cold and pleasure as she slid him into her hot passageway.

She began pistoning along his length, each motion sliding his steely rod between the soft flesh of her lower lips. She laid herself down on him, exchanging the up and down motion for a rough grinding action. Each impact of her hips against his accompanied by the muffled thump of Lucario fur against human skin.

Essentially evening up the marks on his body, she bit into his left shoulder, causing him to thrust into each grinding motion, pushing his manhood deeper into her. Froslass stared in awe as they both became cloaked in green energy, both commanding the flickering lights of their Auras to envelope one another.

A moment later Tamash? cried out in shock and pleasure as the consistent impacts caused her cervix to give way, allowing him access to her body's most sacred area. She began biting harder as her orgasm ripped through her body, contracting around his length, trying to draw him in deeper.

His body couldn't stand it any longer, and his balls contracted, firing his liquid love directly into her womb.

He laid his head back, and she laid hers on his chest, both panting heavily. Tamash? wiggled in happiness, her tail slowly waving back and forth. She then blinked in confusion as she caught an unfamiliar scent. Looking at her mate's body she cried out in dismay. "Valor, you're bleeding!"

He looked down at his shoulder. There were, in fact, four small spots of blood on his shoulder where her canines had punctured his skin. "Oh, I guess I am."

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-"

He held up a hand, stopping her. "It's fine Tamash?. You barely broke the skin. Don't worry about it."

"You're sure."

He nodded, a loving smile on his lips. "I'm sure."

She laid her head back on his chest, snuggling against him. "I'm still sorry."

"I know, but don't worry about it."

With a contented sigh she said, "I love you, Valor."

"I love you too." He replied, wrapping his arms around her.

Froslass had already drifted off to sleep, and it wasn't long before they too entered into the realm of dreams.

***

When Tamash? woke up the next morning the first thing she noticed was that Froslass was no longer in the room. Searching for the ghost pokémon's Aura, she quickly found that Froslass had returned to the attic. She must have returned there sometime last night, Tamash? thought.

Not wanting to wake Valor she gently eased herself off him, shuddering slightly at the feeling of his limp length sliding out of her. With a certain amount of pride she managed to climb out of bed without disturbing her soundly sleeping mate. After making use of the bathroom she gently picked up her bell up off the nightstand and quietly crept out of the room.

As she made her way through the house she tied her bell around her neck, no simple task considering her lack of thumbs. Though it was still dark inside the house she could see through the windows that the sky was starting to grow brighter, indicating the sun would be up soon.

She quietly opened the front door and stepped out onto the deck, enjoying the feeling of the cold morning air.

Tamash? sat down of the bench seat that was against one of the walls of the house, waiting for the sunrise. As she watched the sky continued to grow brighter, until the yellow-orange disk of the sun changed the sky from inky blue to a mixture of vibrant oranges, shimmering yellows and bright, fiery reds. It's beautiful, she thought simply.

"You know, you never really appreciate these things until you see them for yourself."

Tamash?'s head whipped around at the sound of the voice. Valor was standing in the doorway, admiring the sunrise, just as she was. It bothered her that she hadn't noticed his approach. "When did you-how did you...?"

With a smile he said, "You're not the only one who can move quietly, Tamash?."

He walked over and sat beside her, the bench creaking slightly from the added weight. She shook her head with a smile, then leaned against him, laying her head on his shoulder. They then sat there together in silence and watched the sunrise.

***

"So, where are you going?"

After returning inside Valor had started getting ready to leave, which didn't make any sense to her. Halfway through pulling on his jacket he looked at her curiously. "Don't you remember? I said yesterday that we needed to do some shopping."

She shook her head. "With everything else that happened yesterday, I must have missed that. So, do you need me to go with you?"

Now ready to go, Valor started toward the door. "No, it shouldn't take too long. You can stay here and, I don't know, keep Froslass company."

Her ears and tail drooped slightly, almost imperceptibly. "Oh, okay. I'll see you later then. I love you."

"I love you too. I'll be back soon."

With that he was gone, leaving Tamash? feeling rather lonely almost immediately. With a sad little sigh she walked over to one of the two couches in the room, laid herself down on it, and closed her eyes, intending to sleep until her mate returned.

"He's not too bright, is he?"

Tamash?'s eyes opened to the sight of Froslass floating above her. "What are you talking about?"

Froslass floated down to sit on the back of the couch. "Valor. He's not terribly bright is he? I mean, it was obvious that you wanted to go with him, but he didn't even realize it."

Tamash? would have argued, but she knew it was at least a little true. "It's not that he's not bright, he's just a little slow on the uptake at times. He's usually pretty good at knowing how I'm feeling."

Froslass nodded in understanding. Then she spoke again. "Not that I have anything against it, but why mate with a human?"

"I've asked myself that before, but I really don't know. Maybe it was his kindness, or his endearing shyness. But at some point I just...realized that I had fallen in love with him. 'Course, I never would have believed he felt the same way if he hadn't told me himself-and if I hadn't noticed how he looked at me before we were together. I'm not really sure why I chose him, but I'm lucky to have him. After all, no male of my own species would look twice at me."

Froslass canted her head to one side. "Why not?"

Tamash? took a deep breath. She had never shared this with anyone. Not Kinzoku, and certainly not Valor. But for some reason she decided to trust Froslass. "You see, Valor and I went through this whole seven month training thing before we were mated. It was actually during that time that I realized my feelings for him. Anyway, while Valor was learning how to sense Aura, I was learning more about my own species. Most Lucarios are male, so they usually look for love outside the species, or they mate with another male-primarily for the intimacy and protection that comes with the relationship. But, male or not, every member of my species has a chest spike-except me. Because of that one little difference, any male Lucario would see me as an unworthy mate."

Froslass shook her head. "That's disgusting. How could your own species treat you like that?"

Tamash? shrugged in response. "They want the best possible mate to produce the strongest offspring. It's hardwired into our instincts. And they would see my genetic differences as weak."

"I still think it's disgusting. But back to the original topic. Why Valor? From what you've told me, your instinct should be driving you to reproduce. But, is that even possible with a human?"

Tamash? smiled softly. "Actually it is, although the chance isn't very high. Even if it never happens though, I would rather spend my life trying with Valor, than have pups with someone I don't love."

"I think I understand. You-both of you-are lucky to have each other." Froslass floated off the couch and up toward the ceiling.

"Hey Froslass, do you think maybe you could stay out of the way tonight? I feel like having a night alone with Valor."

With a smirk Froslass replied, saying, "I think I can manage that. After all, he is your mate."

She then drifted up through the ceiling and into the attic, leaving Tamash? alone once more. This time though, she didn't feel quite so lonely.

***

Valor returned a couple hours later, carrying plastic grocery bags full of food. To Tamash?'s dismay he was not coming alone though, but was accompanied by Candice.

Leaving the female Gym Leader waiting outside Valor entered the house and hurried straight to the kitchen, avoiding looking at Tamash?. She wasn't far behind him though, and as soon as she entered the kitchen she asked, in a rather accusatory tone, "What is she doing here?"

He gave a stressed sigh, still avoiding Tamash?'s gaze. "She wants to have a battle. I tried to get rid of her, but she wouldn't take no for an answer."

Tamash? shook her head in exasperation. "Wonderful. Alright, hurry up in here so we can get this over with."

She turned and walked out of the room, leaving Valor thinking that this probably wouldn't be the last he heard on the subject.

A short while later they stood on the snow covered shore of Lake Acuity, Candice facing them from the other end of their chosen battlefield. They had agreed to a three-on-three battle-or rather Candice had chosen it without giving them another option.

"Okay, I'll start with this!" Candice opened one of her Pokéballs, releasing her Weavile onto the battlefield.

Valor pulled Akatsuki's Pokéball off his belt and sent out the Bug-Fire Type. "Ladies first."

"Weavile, Aerial Ace!" The Dark-type charged forward at blinding speed, almost invisible to the naked eye, and collided with the moth pokémon, sending him reeling back.

"Heat Wave!" At his trainer's command Akatsuki attacked, the air shimmering with heat and laced with flickering embers as a mass of blisteringly hot air smashed into Weavile, the partial Ice-type being knocked out instantly.

Candice returned her unconscious pokémon to its ball, then immediately threw out her next pokémon, Glaceon. Wasting no time she called out her next attack. "Water Pulse!"

The ice fox fired a solid sphere of water that exploded on impact with Akatsuki, knocking him out. Valor recalled his pokémon, exchanging him for Kinzoku. "Head Smash!"

Following his direction the female Aggron charged toward Glaceon, her entire body cloaked in vibrant blue energy. The Ice-type dodged in response, but anticipating that Valor called out, "Sweep with Iron Tail!"

Kinzoku twisted her body around, smashing into Glaceon with her now glowing tail. The smaller pokémon was sent flying, and was already unconscious when it hit the ground. Candice recalled her defeated pokémon and sent out her final pokémon-Mamoswine. Now it was a literal battle between giants.

"Kinzoku, Head Smash!"

Kinzoku rushed forward once more, headed straight toward Mamoswine. With a slight smile Candice called out the next attack for her pokémon to use. "Earthquake!"

Mamoswine's power caused the ground to shake, damaging Kinzoku until she fell, knocked out by the power of the Ice-Ground Type.

Valor returned Kinzoku to her Pokéball, and, before he could say a word, Tamash? had stepped out onto the battlefield, clearly intent on challenging the behemoth. He would have argued against it, but he knew she was the best choice for finishing the battle.

"Mamoswine, end this with another Earthquake!" At Candice's command her pokémon set off another tremor, creating numerous snow flurries in the process.

But Valor was ready with a plan this time. "Tamash?, jump, onto Mamoswine's back!"

She leapt and flew through the air, landing on top of the larger pokémon. Mamoswine began bucking wildly, desperately trying to throw Tamash? off. Valor smirked at the sight. Now it's over, he though. "Aura Sphere!"

The orb of swirling energy exploded on contact with Mamoswine, causing it to collapse to the ground with another small tremor, knocked out cold. Tamash? jumped off the back of her opponent, landing lightly in front of Valor with a slight jingle from her bell and a satisfied smile on her face.

With a sigh Candice returned Mamoswine to its Pokéball. "Oh well, I guess that's it for me. You win."

Already walking back toward the house, Tamash? looked back over her shoulder at the Gym Leader. "That's right. You can go ahead and leave now."

Valor shook his head, slightly embarrassed by her. "Tamash?, don't be rude."

Candice smirked. "I wouldn't worry about it Valor. I would think about replacing that bell around her neck though. After all, a Soothe Bell is supposed to have a calming effect, but that one just seems to be making her more of a bitch."

Tamash? stopped midstride, and Valor gulped, knowing that whatever came next wouldn't be pleasant. Tamash? turned around slowly, a dangerous look in her eyes. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Tamash? began walking toward Candice, only to be stopped by Valor stepping between them. "Get out of my way, Valor."

"No."

"Why are you siding with her?"

He shook his head in response. "I'm not. I'm trying to keep you from doing something you'll regret." He looked over his shoulder, speaking to Candice next. "Leave. Now. And if you're going to cause problems like this, then don't come back."

For a moment Candice looked as though she might argue, but she then turned and walked away without a word.

Tamash? turned and started walking toward the house again. "Well I'm glad that's over."

"Hold on! You're not off the hook yet!"

Tamash? turned around, shocked that Valor had yelled at her. "Why not?"

He gave an exasperated sigh. "Because you keep doing this! You keep letting your emotions control you in the worst possible ways! I'm sick of it! The anger, the jealousy, the lack of trust. It's getting really old. Why do you keep acting like this?"

Tamash? began shaking with pent up anger. "Why? Why?! Because I'm a fucking reject! Ever since I evolved I've been different! One physical difference, and because of it members of my own damn species will always see me as weak and unattractive! That's why I keep 'acting like this'! It's the only way to get any respect or protect the things I care about!"

Valor was quiet for a moment, shocked into silence by the tirade. Then he found his voice. "Is that why you're with me? Because you didn't think a member of your species would accept you?"

Tamash? was taken aback by the question. "No! I didn't mean-"

"Then why do you care about what they think?" He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Because you shouldn't. Do you know why? Because you are strong, intelligent, and more beautiful than anyone else, of any species. And, as for protecting what you care about, I'll assume you meant me, and tell you what I've told you before: You are the ONLY one I would ever want to be with, because no one could compare to you. So don't worry so much. And one more thing. If you ever start feeling things like that, talk to me about it. It's not good to hold that stuff in. It can help to talk about it, and you can always talk to me about anything. Okay?"

She nodded and snuggled up to him, nuzzling him gently. "I love you Valor."

"I love you too." With a slight shudder and a sheepish grin he said, "Let's head back inside. I'm getting cold."

She shook her head with a smile and gave him a gentle, playful shove. "You wimp."

Holding her paw in his hand they returned inside, both feeling like they had grown just a little closer to one another.

***

Despite their stressful morning, the rest of their day was relatively quiet. That evening found them in their lying on one of the couches in their living room. There was a small blaze steadily burning in the fire place, and the television was on, playing some romantic movie made in the Unova region.

Though she had chosen the movie, Tamash? had fallen asleep on top of him halfway through, essentially pinning him in place. He was desperately trying not to move so as not to disturb her, but at the same time the way she was laying on him was becoming uncomfortable. With a sigh and a smile he thought, it's lucky she's as adorable as she is, or I wouldn't let her get away with this.

Deciding he couldn't take it anymore, he gently shifted into a slightly more comfortable position, but unfortunately that was enough to rouse his sleeping mate. She groggily lifted her head to look at him, blinking in confusion. "What's going on? Did I fall asleep?"

Valor stifled a laugh. "Yeah, you did."

"Oh. How long was I asleep for?"

"Not long. Maybe an hour or so."

With a yawn she laid her head on his chest. "I didn't even realize I was that tired."

Valor sighed. "Tamash?, you being on me like this uncomfortable. Do you think you could move, or shift your body, or something?"

She gave him a curious look. "How is this uncomfortable? I've slept on top of you before."

With a groan he said, "Yeah, but you don't usually have your elbow digging into my side or your knee pressing on my balls when you sleep on me like that."

She giggled. "Oh, sorry." She readjusted her body, alleviating the pressure that was causing his discomfort. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, no lasting damage. Don't worry."

With a suggestive smile she said, "Well, maybe we should make sure there's no lasting damage. You now, make sure you're still...functional."

Even though he knew she wasn't joking, Valor couldn't help but start laughing at that. As he laughed her expression turned sour. "What's so funny?"

Wiping a tear from his eye he answered. "I-that just...sounded ridiculous, even compared to the things you usually say."

She crossed her arms with a 'harrumph'

Valor favoured her with a gentle smile. "Don't be like that. After all, it's not like I said no."

The moment he said that her ears perked up and her tail started waving back and forth with excitement. She moved off the couch and stood up, looking at him expectantly.

With a shake of his head he sat up and started pulling off his clothes, starting with his shirt. The moment he was fully undressed, Tamash? was on top of him again, straddling his waist, her lips pressed against his in a passionate kiss. Blood began flowing to his manhood, causing the soft flesh to rapidly become rigid. She began rubbing her whole body against him, her soft fur brushing against every part of him. Even without any kind of penetration, just that grinding motion was having a major effect on him. He pulled back from their embrace and said, "Tamash?, if you keep this up, I'm going to wind up finished before we really start."

She flashed a smile, saying, "Is that so?" She then proceeded to press her body against his, and bite into his right shoulder, then continued rubbing against him, this time at a faster rate. His breath started coming in rapid, shallow gasps, and with it came the onset of a feeling that he knew meant he wouldn't last much longer. Between the feel of her fur and the feel of her teeth sinking into him, he couldn't hold back any longer, his body stiffening as his cream was released into what little space there was between them, covering his stomach and chest, as well as getting into her fur.

With his release she released his shoulder and leaned back to look at the result. With a chuckle she bent down and began to lick his clean of his seed. "Geez Valor, learn how to hold it in."

With a sigh he said, "You're terrible."

"Perhaps, but you love me anyway." Finished with her cleaning she sat back up and leaned in close to him. "Or am I wrong?"

"No, you're right."

In response she kissed him again, sliding her tongue into his mouth. He wasn't totally sure, but he thought he could taste some of his own juices on her tongue. She pulled back after a moment and stood up so that he had a perfect view of her sex. Knowing what she wanted he leaned forward to run his tongue along her entrance, finding the taste as blissful as always. As he continued she hunched over and placed her paws on top of the back of the couch for balance, enjoying the stimulation her mate was providing.

He continued to work his tongue back and forth more vigorously, occasionally licking at her clit with the tip of his oral muscle. She released small moans of pleasure as he parted her lower lips, working his tongue into her passageway, stretching her ever so slightly. He was breathing out through his mouth, and each puff of warm air only added to the sensations she was feeling. Unable to restrain herself, she cried out as an orgasm tore through her body, her own orgasmic fluids covering her mate's tongue and filling his mouth.

Once the moment had passed she dropped-rather heavily-back into a sitting position astride his hips. Looking over their bodies she smirked at the sight of them both. "Well, we sure have made a mess of things."

"Then perhaps a shower would be a good idea." He replied with a matching smirk.

Together they got up and headed for the bathroom in their bedroom. Once there they wasted no time in climbing into the shower and turning on the water. Valor basically had to stand under the water to get clean, but Tamash?'s fur required a bit more work, especially since it was already partly dried out. A few minutes of scrubbing later though, and they were both clean.

"So, we still haven't actually had sex. Or was this enough for you?" Valor asked, already knowing what the answer would be.

She stepped up to him and sealed their lips together in response to the question. She reached a paw down between them and caressed his now limp length until it was back to full readiness, then she gently guided the tip to her slit and pressed her hips against his, taking most of him into her in a single motion. He leaned back against one of the walls of the shower as she began to grind against him, his member sliding in and out of her with each motion.

As she continued he started pushing back against her, driving deeper into her passageway, stretching her as only his human length could. She had always felt that, despite the fact that conventional tying wasn't possible with a human mate, the shape more than made up for that, hitting spots that a male of her species never could. And naturally, it was that very shape that brought about her orgasm a moment later, her inner muscles milking her mate until he too felt an orgasm of his own, sending his seed into her body.

The cuddled for a handful of minutes under the running water, then shut off the shower and dried off before heading to bed, satisfied with their night's activities.

***

Valor's eyes snapped open. It was dark, and his body was coated in a cold sweat. Tamash? was lying next to him, still fast asleep. He sat up slowly, a haunted look in his eyes. He silently climbed out of bed before quietly slipping out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.

***

Tamash? woke with a small yawn. She turned over and was surprised to see that her mate was not in bed. She looked at the clock that was on Valor's nightstand. It was well after midnight. The first thing that popped into her mind was Where is he at this time of night?

She reached out with her senses to search for his Aura, and was surprised to find that he was outside, standing on the deck right outside the front door. She slid out of the bed and made her way through the dark house. The front door was slightly ajar when she reached it. She quietly pulled it open and stepped outside. Valor was leaning against the deck's railing, looking out over Lake Acuity. "Valor, are you alright?"

He looked over his shoulder in response to the telepathic inquiry. He looked at her for a moment, seeming almost...sad. He then turned back to face the lake. "I'm fine. Go back to bed."

She sighed in response to his attempt at concealing his emotions. "Valor, I'm not a child. I know when you're not okay. Now, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." Even he didn't sound convinced by his own response.

Becoming irritated she said, "So you expect me to tell you about my problems, but you won't tell me about yours?"

He was quiet for a moment, and just when she was about to say something else, he spoke. "Tamash?, have you ever had a dream so real, that it felt like it was actually happening?"

She canted her head to one side, not sure what to make of that. "I think so. Maybe once or twice. Why?"

With clear reluctance he said, "Because I did just a little while ago. Only it was more like a nightmare."

"What was the dream?" She asked, worried about what the answer may be.

Still showing reluctance he responded. "In...this dream, you...were...dying. In my arms. And, there was nothing I could do to stop it from happening."

Taking a deep breath she asked, "Why was I...I mean how did it happen?"

He shook his head in response. "I don't know. All I know is I couldn't stop it. I didn't know what to do."

"Where were we in the dream, and, was there anyone else there?"

"I'm not totally sure where we were. I wasn't familiar with it. Although, the architecture was old. As for other people," he paused for a moment, trying to remember and trying not to remember at the same time. "I-I think Galen might have been there. And...maybe a couple other people. But that's all I remember."

She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his midsection. "Well, either way, it was just a dream."

He shook his head. "It sure didn't feel like it."

She gently nuzzled the back of his neck, saying, "I know, but it was. I'm fine. You don't need to worry about it. Now, why don't we go back to bed-together?"

He turned to face her and nodded. "Yeah, okay. And thanks, you know, for listening."

She favoured him with a loving smile. "I'll always be here when you need me. I'd be pretty useless if I couldn't make you feel better."

He shook his head with a small smile. "You could never be useless. Not to me." He leaned his head down slightly and kissed her gently, then pulled away and whispered, "I love you, Tamash?."

"I love you too." The returned inside and to the bedroom. They fell asleep in each other's arms, Valor in particular hoping for better dreams.

***

When dawn came the next day it was snowing lightly, something that was far from uncommon so far north. As the day drew on, Tamash? couldn't help but notice that her mate was acting very quiet and reserved, his mind still clearly focused on the events of the previous night. Eventually he wound up where he had been the night before: standing outside, staring out at the lake, its surface miraculously unfrozen despite the cold. By this time the snow was falling more heavily, making it difficult to see. "Valor, you need to let it go."

He sighed, a depressed and defeated sound. "I know, but I just can't get the image out of my head. I mean, what if it was my fault? What if-"

"Alright, stop it. Look, I get that it was upsetting, but you can't let it consume you. Now, stop moping around and cheer the hell up."

Valor blinked in surprise, not used to hearing her say things like that. "You don't have to be so harsh about it."

"Well, something tells me that kindness isn't going to get through your thick skull on this subject."

He turned to face her, leaning back against the railing and crossing his arms. "Even so, it's not really like you."

"Well, it's not like you to be so upset by something." She walked up to him and stood close to him, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck. "I much prefer you happy and worry free. You're a little intolerable like this."

The corner of his mouth twitched slightly, hinting at a smile. "Well thanks. Nice to know my mate finds me intolerable."

She snuggled up to him, nuzzling him slightly. "Only a little."

Smiling now, Valor shook his head. "Why do I put up with you?" he asked jokingly.

Struggling to keep a straight face she replied rather matter-of-factly, saying, "'Cause I'm cute, loveable, and good in bed."

Valor burst out laughing, and found that he was unable to stop until he was gasping for breath. Breathing heavily he said, "Yeah, that does about sum it up." Then with a smirk he added, "But you forgot about your overwhelming sense of modesty."

With a dismissive wave she said, "Details, details." She then stretched up and took him in a gentle kiss, by pure habit slipping her tongue into his mouth.

"Awww, how sweet."

They turned at the sound of the voice, Valor nearly biting her tongue in the process. Coming toward the house where two men they didn't recognize. One was tall and thickly built. The other was slim and short compared to the other, and he had a twisted sort of grin on his face. The shorter of the two spoke, his voice matching the one that had spoken before. "It's not very often you see a human and a pokémon with a bond like that." The sarcasm in his mocking voice was quite clear.

Valor's smile changed almost instantly to a scowl. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"Well you see, we came here looking for a reward. As it happens, there is a sort of...hit out on your pretty blue friend there. There's some guy offering a ton of money to any Pokémon Hunter who can bring her to him. Apparently he has some sort of collector's interest in her."

Valor gulped. Pokémon Hunters were among the worst kind of people. Their entire job consisted of hunting down rare pokémon and capturing them or stealing them from their trainers, then selling them off, either to a client or to the highest bidder. And on top of that, they were known for being ruthless, and not giving up until they get their mark.

The larger man spoke, a confused sort of look on his face. "Hey Vince, you sure that's the right Lucario?"

Vince shook his head with an exasperated sigh. "Yes Daniel. We're looking for a female Lucario without a chest-spike. How many do you think there are like that?"

"Uh...not many?"

"Very good. Now, stop thinking before you hurt yourself." Vince turned his attention back to Valor and spoke again. "So, how do you want to do this kid? You can either hand her over quietly, or we can take her by force. Your choice."

Valor walked down the stairs and onto the field of snow. "Tamash?, stay there. I'll deal with this."

Vince smiled. "By force it is then. Dusknoir, front and center!"

"Come on out Rhyperior!"

The two Pokémon Hunters sent out there pokémon, clearly not backing down. In response Valor pulled two Pokéballs off his belt, sending out Kinzoku and Akatsuki.

"Valor I can't just stay on the side lines! You need my-"

"Tamash?, stay out of the way. You're the one they want. Don't worry, I'll protect you. Just STAY put."

Vince started laughing quietly. "You two are so naïve. You won't be able to protect her. We do this for a living. We're used to dealing with unruly trainers. Dusknoir, Fire Punch!"

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Valor was a moment too slow to react, causing Kinzoku to get hit by the fiery strike of the Ghost-type, knocking her back a few feet.

"Rhyperior, Rock Wrecker!" Daniel called out the attack, aiming for Akatsuki.

Prepared this time, Valor called out, "Dodge and use Giga Drain!" The Volcarona followed the command and attacked Rhyperior, but it didn't seem to do much damage even though it should have been devastating to the Ground-Rock Type. It hit Valor at that moment that the Rhyperior's ability was probably Solid Rock. Now this is only more difficult, he thought.

Going for broke, Valor called out, "All right, Kinzoku, use Outrage!" The Steel-Type rushed toward Rhyperior, her whole body cloaked in flames coloured orange and dark blue. The Rhyperior intercepted her, lock his arms with hers so that the two armoured pokémon were pushing back and forth with all their might, each trying to gain the advantage.

"Thunder Punch!"

The shout called Valor's attention back to his Ghost-Type opponent, who was now attacking Akatsuki. "Heat Wave!"

"Double Team!" Dusknoir changed tactics at its trainer's command, and in an instant one Dusknoir seemed to become at least ten. Akatsuki looked around in confusion, not sure what to do.

"Use Hurricane to clear away the copies!" The moth pokémon attacked, whipping up a huge cyclone, dispersing the illusionary Dusknoirs and damaging the real one at the same time.

"Come on Rhyperior, finish it already! Use Horn Drill!"

Valor tried to order Kinzoku to back off from her opponent, but it was already too late. Daniel's Rhyperior pulled Kinzoku in close and struck her with its rapidly rotating horn, knocking her out in a single shot. She collapsed to the ground, leaving Akatsuki fighting alone.

"Valor, let me help dammit!"

"I told you to stay there! I can handle this!"

Tamash? shook her head furiously. "No you can-"

"Thunder Punch!"

"Rock Wrecker!"

The Hunters' pokémon attacked simultaneously, leaving Valor little time to react. "Bug Buzz!"

The attack barely fazed his opponents, and a second later the attacks hit, knocking Akatsuki out cold. He dropped to the ground, leaving Valor shaking in anger.

With a still sadistic smile, Vince pulled something out of his pocket and threw it toward Tamash?. It was small orb that opened in mid-air to reveal a net. She attempted to move out of the way but was a second too slow and was caught in the net, which electrified on contact, knocking her unconscious.

Normally Guardians weren't supposed to use their powers against ordinary humans, but at this point Valor didn't care. Now they had hurt his mate. His whole body glowing green with his Aura he raced toward Vince, fully intending to beat the other man within an inch of his life.

Reacting with practiced calm Vince pulled another compressed net out of his pocket and tossed it at Valor, who in his rage was too blinded to react, and was caught up in the wire web, sending a massive jolt through his body, bringing him to his knees. Vince walked up to him and knelt in front of him, a smug smile on his face. "Like I said, we're used to dealing with unruly trainers." He then roughly struck Valor upside the head, knocking him to the ground.

He stood back up, still smiling. Now for our prize, he thought. "Dusknoir, grab the Lucario!" The Ghost-Type did as commanded and flew over to grab Tamash?'s unconscious form, then returned to hand her off to its trainer. "Oof. She's heavy. Daniel, take her would you?"

The larger man returned his Rhyperior to its ball, then walked over to put Tamash? over his shoulder, her Soothe Bell coming loose and falling down into the snow in the process. Vince returned Dusknoir to its ball as well, then with a final sadistic smile in Valor's direction, he and Daniel left, taking Tamash? with them.

Unable to move he could only watch as his mate was taken from him. But even that didn't last long. The electric shock and the blow to his head had affected him, and he could feel consciousness slipping away. His last thought before being engulfed by blackness was that he had failed in the worst possible way.