FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Checking the number on the key card in his hand to make sure he was indeed putting it into the right door, Valor said, "Yep, this is it."

Using the card he unlocked the door, and entered the room. Zyle, who stood a few feet behind him, let out a long whistle. "Damn. I hope my room is this nice."

Valor shook his head. "With how Galen is with this stuff, you probably don't have to worry about it."

From the looks of the room, Galen may well have gotten the most expensive suite on the ship for Valor and Tamash? to use. The suite appeared to be divided into multiple rooms, as the one they now looked upon not only had the look of a small living room, but there was also a door at the far end that Valor could only presume led to the bedroom. Besides a couch upholstered in a light blue fabric, the room they were in also had a door out to its own private balcony offering a perfect view of the open ocean, and an area divided off to serve the purpose of a kitchen, with its own small refrigerator and microwave oven.

Deciding he had spent enough time staring, Valor quickly closed the door to the suite and pulled Tamash?'s Pokéball from his belt, pushing the button to release her from the red and white capsule. Appearing in a flash of light she shuddered, glad to be free of the confinement. "Thank Arceus. I can't STAND that thing. I feel so claustrophobic in there."

Opening her eyes and looking around, she couldn't help but be impressed. "Wow. Does Galen have any subtlety?"

Valor chuckled. "I would say no, but then I'm sure he does when it's absolutely necessary. Besides, it'll be nice to travel in comfort."

Tamash? gave an absentminded nod. "Yeah." She then started taking a more up close look around the room, exploring everything for herself.

Clearing his throat to get Valor's attention, Zyle said, "Well, I'm gonna go check out my room. See you two later."

With that he slipped out the door, quickly closing it behind himself. Valor turned back to look at the room, and was mildly surprised that Tamash? had disappeared from sight. "Tamash??"

It was quiet for a moment, then came the telepathic response. "Valor, come look at this bedroom! The bed is huge!"

With a weary sigh Valor set his possessions-including his Pokéballs- on a nearby table, then followed her command and walked back to the bedroom. He almost immediately had to stifle a laugh. The bed was indeed large, nearly twice the size of what they were used to. But that wasn't what caught his eye about it. What instead caught his attention was a Tamash? sized bump on the right side of the bed near the headboard, only her tail sticking out from under the covers.

"Call it a weird question, but what are you doing under there?"

The bump squirmed around for a moment, then his mate's head popped out near where her tail was sticking out, causing him to have to stifle yet another laugh at the sight. Tamash? gave him a quizzical look. "What's so funny?"

Valor shook his head, an amused smile on his face. "As the answer so often is when you ask that question, you are. You have no idea how strange this looks right now. So, what are you doing?"

"I'll take strange as a compliment, shall I? And as for what I'm doing...these sheets and blankets are soooo soft! And this bed is really comfy too! I couldn't help myself."

Valor chuckled. "Well then, I'll get out of here and let you enjoy that."

She suddenly sat bolt upright, the covers falling down her back to land behind her. "Get out of here? Why?"

"Well, I haven't had lunch yet, and I'm getting hungry, so I was planning on going to get something to eat."

"What am I supposed to do while you're gone?"

Valor hesitated. "Well, you could keep exploring the room, take a nap, watch the TV. I'm sure you could find a movie or something."

Valor gulped. It was clear by her expression that she wasn't pleased. "Look, I know it sucks, but you have to stay here in the room. You're too recognizable. And if somebody does recognize you it probably won't end well."

Tamash? sighed. She hated to admit it, but she knew he was right. Her ears and tail drooping sadly she said, "Alright then. Go get something to eat."

Valor gently placed a hand on her shoulder and favoured her with a loving smile. "Don't worry, I won't be gone too long. And I'll make sure to bring something back for you."

Seeing how little that did to improve her mood he added, "And if you cheer up right now I'll try to find something chocolate for you..."

She immediately perked up and proceeded to tackle him to the ground happily nuzzling him, bringing the covers down in a pile on both of them along with her. "I love you!"

Laughing and struggling to breath a bit he gasped out, "I love you too, but you're crushing my lungs!"

She immediately got off him, kneeling by his side. "I'm sorry! Are you alright?"

Still laughing lightly he pushed himself up into a sitting position, wiping tears from his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just glad you're smiling again. You have such a beautiful smile. Have I ever told you that?"

Tamash? shook her head. "I don't think so, no." She then nuzzled him and telepathically whispered, "But it's nice to hear. Now go get something to eat. I'll be waiting here for you when you get back."

Valor nodded, got to his feet, helped her get to her own feet, then gave her a quick kiss before leaving the room. As he closed the door she said, "And don't forget you promised me chocolate!"

Valor shook his head with a smile as he walked along the deck of the St Anne, trying to figure out where he could go to get food. No matter what bad things happened, no matter what was going on in their lives, she always managed to make him laugh eventually.

After wandering around the large ship for what seemed like forever, but in reality was no more than half an hour, Valor found one of the ships dining halls. After spending another half hour or so eating entirely too much food since it was so readily available, he found and boxed up a rather large piece of chocolate cake for Tamash?, then set out to return to their room.

While attempting to find his way back to their room, Valor eventually wound up on the forward deck, offering an excellent view of the ocean before the might cruise liner as it so smoothly cut through the waves. He couldn't help but walk up to the railing to stare out over the ocean. Whenever they travelled by ship he always wound up doing this at some point. There was something he found strangely entrancing about watching the waves like that.

So entranced was he by the movements of the sea, that he turned in shock when he heard Zyle's voice from behind him. "Hey Valor, there you are!"

Valor quickly looked around to make sure no one had heard Zyle, then breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you trying to blow my cover or something?" Valor's expression suddenly changed to one of irritation when he noticed the bottle of alcohol in Zyle's hand. "You're drunk, aren't you?"

Zyle grinned. "A little."

"We've been on the ship for like three hours. How the hell are you already drinking?"

Still grinning he said, "Because...I happened to find the ship's bar."

Valor shook his head. "Unbelievable. Just don't go releasing any sensitive information, okay?"

"Hey, I was a member of InterPol for like...uh...three years? Yeah. Three years. I know how to keep a secret." Zyle then walked over to one of the tables on the deck and sat down. "So I wanted to ask you something, and I wanted to do it without Tamash? around, 'cause I figure you would probably be a little more honest if she's not around."

Valor reluctantly sat down across from him, carefully setting the box with the cake for Tamash? on the table. "What do you want to ask?"

"Well, I've been wondering, why Tamash?? I mean, why did you go for her as opposed to some human girl?"

Valor hesitated for a moment, then said, "Well, to start with, it kinda goes back to when Aitana and I where dating."

"Ah, so that's how you two know each other. Nobody ever explained it to me, but I figured there was some history between you two."

"Yeah, well, we were both fifteen at the time, but I never felt...attracted to her. After that relationship ended, I realized I had never found ANY woman attractive. I...honestly spent almost an entire year convinced I was gay. But, I quickly realized that it wasn't just women. I wasn't attracted to any humans. Then, when Tamash? evolved, for the first time in my life I actually felt attracted to another being. In all truth, that's all it really was at first. I really just wanted to...well...you know. Anyway, as I got to know her, I came to be more than just physically attracted to her. I came to love everything about her, and, well, after several months I decided to tell her how I felt. She felt the same way, and here we are, over a year later, completely in love with each other and with a very...active physical relationship as well."

Zyle nodded. "I understand what you're saying. I don't think I could ever be attracted to a pokémon, but I understand that you are. So then, are you attracted to other pokémon, or is it just Tamash??"

Valor blushed profusely at the question. "Well...don't ever tell her I said this, but, I've always been curious to know what it would be like to be with a Lopunny. They're kind of famous for being really over sexed, so I've always wondered."

Then, in attempt to steer the conversation away from a place that he didn't want it to go, Valor asked, "So, what about you? I mean, you are, as Aitana clearly pointed out, not attached to any one woman. Is there any reason for that?"

"Hmm...not that I can think of! I just don't like being tied down to one person. It was never really my thing. Don't get me wrong, I understand that there are plenty of people who are perfectly happy spending their whole lives together, but I'm not one of 'em. It's just the way I am."

Valor shook his head. "See, I don't really understand that take on things. I can't even imagine spending my life without Tamash?. Whenever I imagine the future, it's always me and her together. Not only that, but Lucarios mate for life, so I know she and I share those opinions. After all, she wouldn't be with me in the first place if she didn't want us to be together for life."

Zyle shrugged. "Hey, whatever works for you guys. I'm not gonna tell you you're wrong or right. Different things work for different people...or uh...pokémon, as it were."

They both went quiet for a few minutes, the only sounds being those of the waves. Zyle then started giggling. "So uh...here's a question. What's the sex like, you know, with all that fur? And the paws? And the tail..."

His face turning a deep shade of red, Valor held up a hand to stop him. "I really don't want to answer that. Use your imagination or something."

"Aww, come on! I'm not asking for explicit details, just...generalizations."

"Look, I don't feel comfortable talking about my sex life, so just drop it, okay?"

Zyle gave a concessionary sigh. "Fine." With a smirk he then asked, "Then do you mind if I talk about mine?"

Valor rolled his eyes in response. "If I don't want to talk about my sex life, what makes you think I want to hear about someone else's?"

"Curiosity?" Zyle suggested. "Haven't you ever wondered what it's like to be with another human?"

"No, and if I did, I...don't think I want to hear about it from you."

"Suit yourself."

Standing and picking up the box containing the cake for Tamash?, Valor said, "Well, on that note, I'm going to try to find my way back to my room. See you later."

"Fine, see ya later."

And with that, Valor set out to find his way through the ship.

***

Tamash? sighed out of boredom. For a little while she had found it amusing to watch her mate's Aura as he wandered around the ship, finding his disorientation somewhat entertaining. But eventually she had grown bored of that.

With no real desire to make use of the television in the bedroom, she had wound up standing out on the room's balcony, simply staring out at the ocean. With little else to do until Valor returned, Tamash? closed her eyes, taking in the scent and sounds of the sea.

So unaware of the world around her was she, that she failed to notice that back inside the room one of Valor's Pokéballs twitched slightly, then opened, causing Umi to appear in a flash of light. The Milotic smiled to herself. Her instincts had been spot on. Valor was no where to be seen, and she was essentially alone with Tamash?. As quietly as she could, Umi moved across the room until she was only a foot or two behind Tamash?. "Well, you seem kinda bored."

Tamash? jumped about an inch off the ground in surprise, then turned to face Umi, relief washing over her face. "Oh, it's just you, Umi. What are you doing out?"

"I'm...not really a big fan of Pokéballs. I can stand them, but I felt the need to get out a stretch out a bit."

Tamash? nodded. "I understand. I absolutely loath Pokéballs. I don't even like thinking about being in mine. But, what did you mean I look bored?"

"I don't know, that's just how you seemed to me. Was I wrong?" she asked.

Tamash? hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "No. You're not wrong. I am kind of bored without Valor here. I don't like having to be apart from him like this. It always makes me feel lonely, even when I know it's temporary. But, right now, being apart is kind of a necessary evil, much as I hate to admit it."

Umi gave a sympathetic nod. Then, choosing her words carefully she said, "Well...if you want to alleviate that boredom...I...have something in mind that might work..."

Tamash?'s eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting? Because I would have to say no if that is the case."

Umi's eyes displaying her disappointment quite clearly, she simply asked, "Why?"

"It was one thing when we were imprisoned and I was...desperate, but Valor and I are together again, and I don't intend to betray his trust."

Umi shook her head. "I think you misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting anything permanent, just a little harmless fun. Surely that wouldn't be a problem. I've seen how you and Valor act with each other. I don't think he would care, would he?"

Tamash? hesitated. She knew Valor probably wouldn't care, or if he did, it would be more along the lines of being upset that he hadn't been able to watch. But she still didn't want to take the risk. "I...wouldn't want him walking in on us though. It would be...embarrassing. And, I wouldn't want him thinking I was doing something behind his back either."

"Well that's no fun." Umi grumbled in response. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Becoming a bit impatient, Tamash? crossed her arms. "Well let's see, Valor could get mad at me and never trust me again, which could and probably would ruin our relationship. Not to mention that I would feel terrible about it. I just don't think it's a good idea, okay?"

Umi was about to respond, but both had their attention drawn by the sound of the door opening. Stepping through the door and closing it behind him, Valor blinked in surprise. "What's going on? Umi, why are you out of your Pokéball?"

"She uh...well I uh..." Tamash? stammered, searching for a way to explain what was going on without it being embarrassing.

Valor raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "What is it? You're acting like you've got something to hide."

Taking a deep breath, Tamash? quietly said, "I...was feeling bored and a little lonely, so she offered to...alleviate that boredom."

Valor smirked. "Is that all? With how you were acting I thought it was something...I don't know, worse."

Tamash?'s relief was quite visible when he said that. "So you're not mad?"

Valor shook his head. "Course not. Did you actually do anything? It would appear as though you didn't. Not only that, but I would have only really cared if you had done something, and done it with a male. Why do you think I didn't dwell on what you did with Umi and that Lopunny while you were, well, you know."

She rushed forward and hugged him tightly, nuzzling him as well. "I love you so much!"

Valor laughed and returned her embrace, being careful not to crush the box in his hand in the process. "I love you too."

Taking notice of his odd grip on her, Tamash? realized for the first time that he was in fact holding a small white box. Stepping back, Tamash? looked at it curiously, her tail waving slowly from side to side. "What is that?"

Valor grinned. "What, this?" he asked, gesturing to the box.

Tamash? nodded, her tail waving a little faster.

Valor shrugged. "Well, I did promise I would bring you back something chocolate."

Tamash?'s tail started wagging madly, a very happy smile forming on her lips. "What did you bring me?"

"It's not much, just some cake. It was all they had." Suddenly realizing that Umi was still out and still watching them he asked, "Uh, so, do you intend to stay out or would it be alright for you to return to your Pokéball for now?"

Umi hesitated, then, with Tamash? translating for Valor she said, "I guess it's fine. I can go back in my Pokéball."

Valor nodded, then set the box down on a table, and returned the Water-type to her ball. Feeling a little more comfortable with her no longer watching them, Valor turned to say something to his mate, only to smile at the sight of her trying to figure out how to open the box. Shaking his head in amusement, Valor held out a hand and simply said, "Here, let me do that."

Pouting a bit, Tamash? reluctantly handed him the box, not liking that she had to rely on him to do something a simple as opening a box. Any irritation she was feeling though disappeared almost immediately when he got the box open. She excitedly took a step forward, only to be stopped by Valor holding up a hand to her. "I know you probably don't want to, but do you think it would be possible to split this? There is more than enough for both of us."

"Uh...I..."

Seeing her reluctance, Valor decided to take a new angle to his suggestion. "Tell you what. I still have a few chocolate bars in the little box in my bag. How about I split one of those in half, and then we each can have half of the cake as well? Will that work for you?"

Tamash? gave a defeated sigh. "Damn you and your compromises. Fine."

Valor chuckled, as he opened his bag to fish out the little ice box that held the candy. "Well, nice to know you're not selfish."

"What does that mean?!"

Valor gave her a playful smile. "Exactly what it sounds like it means."

"You ass!"

"Careful," he admonished her, "Or you might not get anything."

Tamash? crossed her arms with a 'humph'. However, she found it impossible to maintain that demeanour a moment later when he held out a small plate with half a piece of cake and half a bar of chocolate on it. She couldn't help but smile, and gratefully took the plate.

Half an hour later they sat side by side in their room's bed, crumb covered plates on one of the two night stands. Tamash? sat leaning against Valor's left side with her paw in his hand, and together they had found a half decent movie from Unova to watch together.

Happy with how her day had been so far, Tamash? gave a contented sigh, snuggling up closer to her mate. Valor chuckled. "Sounds like someone is happy."

Tamash? nodded. "I am. It's nice to have a day that feels at least a little normal."

Valor smiled in response, reaching up to give her a light scratching behind her right ear. "I'm glad you're happy sweetheart."

"You know what would make me even happier?" Before he could answer, she rolled her body so that she was on top of him, quickly pinning his wrists by his sides. With a seductive little smile she added, "Go ahead, guess."

Valor started laughing, finding amusement in her behaviour. "Just promise me you won't rip off my clothes this time. I don't have any more back ups."

Tamash?'s ears drooped with mock disappointment. "Oh...fine. But that just takes some of the fun out of it."

Making sure to keep his wrists pinned if only for her own entertainment, she leaned forward and kissed him, gently parting his lips with her tongue, snaking the long pink muscle in to explore the familiar tastes and contours of her mate's mouth. He returned the action in kind, curving his own tongue around hers until his was likewise ensconced in her mouth.

Feeling as though it was unfortunately soon to do so, Valor pulled away, but kept his face and hers close together. "Tamash?, could you do me a favour, and let me get my pants off? They're becoming...uncomfortable."

She giggled, then nodded, moving off him and enjoying the sight as he undressed himself. Realizing she hadn't done so yet, she removed her bell and placed it on one of the nightstands, then turned back to see her mate ready to proceed, all seven inches of him fully erect. With a smirk Tamash? said, "Well, it looks like my favourite toy is all ready to go."

With a playful sort of mock hurt Valor asked, "So I'm just a toy now then?"

Struggling to keep a straight face she nodded in response, prompting him to ask with a smirk, "Well then, are you going to play with me, or are you just going to sit there staring?"

"Now, now, don't rush things. Before play, comes foreplay."

Not giving him time to respond, she once again pinned him, this time by his shoulders instead. Getting in close so their faces were only an inch apart, she telepathically whispered, "Now you just stay still, and let me have my fun, 'kay?"

Valor nodded, perfectly content to let her be the one in control of things, as he had long ago accepted that she was the one who was dominant in the bedroom. In a way, he actually found he preferred things like that.

Satisfied that he was in her power, Tamash? slid herself down the bed until her head was level with his waist, then with a smile she delivered a long, slow lick to her mate's manhood, enjoying the shudder of pleasure and slight gasp that it drew from him. Locking her eyes with his, she proceeded to slowly slide his length into her mouth, guiding each inch in with her tongue.

She didn't move at first, just using her tongue, wrapping it around and caressing the throbbing shaft that was now an inch into her throat. Though she would never admit to it, she was rather proud of the fact that she had been able to learn to supress her gag reflex so well.

She then began to slowly draw her head back up, the fur around her lips brushing ever so delicately against his skin, creating a sensation that only she could. Bobbing her head at a generally slow pace she pleasured him, each little bob bringing him ever closer to his peak. Between the heat of her mouth and the feel of her tongue sliding along his member in tandem with each bob of her head, he soon began to feel the all too familiar heat that told him the experience would soon come to an end.

A moment later he couldn't help but arch his back slightly as her efforts had the desired effect, the hot, salty fluids blooming over her taste buds. Swallowing all that he had to give, she pulled away a moment later, breathing heavily. She couldn't help but smile at the contented expression on her mate's face. Now that he's taken care of, she thought, my fun should last a bit longer.

Without giving him more than a moment to recover, she worked her way up the bed until she sat astride his hips, his still erect length brushing against her lower lips, sending a little shudder through her as the sensitive areas came into contact with one another. With a seductive smile in his direction, she pinned his wrists for the second time, saying, "Now it's my turn, my little toy."

He was about to respond, but his words were lost as she lifted herself up, then slammed herself own on his manhood, hilting him in a single motion. She released a shuddering sigh, greatly enjoying the feeling of him being so fully buried in her.

It took Valor a moment to register it, but he noticed that her grip on him had almost immediately loosened considerably. With a mischievous smile he slipped out of her hold and sat straight up, much to her surprise as he wrapped his left arm around her back to grip her left shoulder. Leaning in close he whispered, "Now, it's my turn to take care of you sweetheart."

She could do little more than nod in response, completely caught off guard by his actions. Using what little give the bed gave him to work with, he began thrusting up against her, much to her apparent delight as she started letting out little gasps and moans in response. Determined to make the experience as enjoyable for her as possible, Valor worked his free hand in between them until he was able to begin rubbing her swollen clit, only causing her to increase in volume.

Seeking to silence herself, Tamash? locked her lips with his, desperately trying to hold onto what little rational thought she had left as she was so thoroughly pleasured by her mate. With each passing moment she found that she was being driven more and more by little more than pure instinct, and what may have been the last vestiges of coherent thought vanished from her mind when the repetitive impacts of his tip against the pouting entrance of her womb forced the little muscle to give way, reclosing around him an instant later, trapping him within her.

Breathing heavily, her chest heaving, Tamash? broke off the passion inflamed kiss she had held him in for the past few minutes, and bit into is shoulder, trying to muffle herself as her orgasm finally washed over her accompanied by her telepathically crying out his name in sheer pleasure.

With the coupled sensations of her teeth sinking into his flesh and her inner muscles rhythmically milking him for anything and everything he had left to give, he was pushed into another climax, a torrent of virile cream filling her womb.

Still clutching her tightly, Valor laid back, holding her against his chest. Regaining a bit of presence of mind, Tamash? released her hold on his shoulder, gently licking away the spots of blood that had formed where her canines had punctured his skin. She then laid her head on his chest, snuggling against him. Valor reached up and scratched her behind the ear again, a gentle smile on his lips. Gently whispering he asked, "So, was that enough to make you happy?"

Still finding it a bit difficult to form a coherent thought, she simply made a contented sound and nuzzled his neck affectionately. Valor laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. I love you, Tamash?."

She nuzzled him again, returning the sentiment. Within a few minutes she had drifted off into an afterglow fuelled sleep, Valor following shortly after.

***

The rest of their time aboard the St Anne passed in a rather similar fashion, the two of them spending the predominate amount of their time together, rather often making use of the room's 'do not disturb' sign along the way. Finally, after a week had passed, the St Anne had arrived on the golden shores of the Oblivia Region.

***

Early in the afternoon, on the day exactly one week after it had left Canalave city, the St Anne pulled into port in the Oblivia Region. It pulled into a little port town simply called 'Aqua Resort', on an island called Sophian. Aqua Resort was a town with a cheery sort of appearance. It was coloured with many shades of blue, and there were flowers and other greenery in many places among the small, brightly painted houses. In the central square was a small fountain, made of the same stone as all the walkways and streets around it. The smell of the sea was heavy on the air, and it, like the cries of the many bird pokémon flying in the sky above, was carried aloft on a gentle sea breeze.

This was the sight that greeted Valor and Zyle as they descended the gangplank onto the stone pier. Tamash? was naturally in her Pokéball for the time being so as to avoid attracting attention.

It seemed like everywhere they looked there were people, and all of them seemed very happy, as though there weren't a problem in the world. They walked through the little town, taking in every sight. As they walked, Zyle began to develop a rather sizeable grin. "This is my kind of place. Quiet, pretty little town, with even prettier girls. All this place needs is a twenty four hour, fully stocked bar, and I'm sold! I think I just figured out where I want to live! I mean seriously, look at the women!"

Wearing a grin himself, Valor shook his head in response. "You really are a man whore, aren't you?"

Zyle scoffed, a fake hurt expression on his face. "I resent that! I am NOT a man whore! I just don't have any moral issues with spending every night of the week with a different woman by my side..."

"Whatever. I'm just happy not to have seen my face on any posters anywhere."

Zyle chuckled at that. "Well hey, it's not like you're a murderer, you're just a guy who screws pokémon and you happen to be on the run from the law. Nothing too big."

Valor sighed. "Thanks Zyle. You're so supportive. Not to mention being entirely too loud when you say things like that..."

Zyle's grin became sheepish. "Sorry, guess I do get a bit too loud on occasion. But hey, at least we're in a place where you don't have to be quite so...paranoid about who might see you."

"True, but there still seem to be entirely too many people around here."

Zyle nodded, then reached into his pocket and produced a small blue booklet he had obtained at an information kiosk on board the St Anne. Flipping through it he said, "Well, according to this, Aqua resort is mostly a tourism spot. People come, stay for a while for vacations and the like, then leave."

"Does that thing have information on somewhere quieter and more secluded we can go? The fewer people who could recognize me or Tamash? the better."

Zyle continued to flip through the book for a moment, then said, "Well, there are two other islands we can go to where there are towns, and they appear to have few people as well. We can take a boat from here to one of them."

Valor gave an understanding nod. "Alright, so what would be our best option?"

"Well...the smallest population would belong to Cocona Village on Renbow Island."

"Then that's where we're going!" Valor replied with a satisfied smile. "First though, let's find a quiet spot where I can let Tamash? out. She's gotta be going nuts in her Pokéball."

Zyle chuckled as he returned the book to his pocket. "She really doesn't like that thing, does she?"

"Was that not clear? If it weren't for her own safety she wouldn't consent to being in it at all. She's rather...firm on the subject." His expression softening a bit, Valor added, "Of course, I prefer having her by my side anyway, so it's never bothered me."

"Aww, you're so cute! Tell me, does it hurt being her bitch?"

His eye twitching a bit with mild irritation, Valor slowly stated, "I am NOT her bitch."

"Really? Then tell me something. When you two are in bed, which one of you is on top?"

"What does that have to do with anything?!"

"So...her then?"

Reluctant to see where Zyle would go with the information, he hesitated, then gave a short nod in response. Valor couldn't help but feel an increase in irritation as Zyle burst out laughing, and through tears choked out, "Yep, you're her bitch!"

"Just because she prefers to be on top doesn't mean I'm her bitch! And stop laughing!"

Zyle got himself under control wiping a few tears from his eyes. "Okay, fair enough. Her being on top doesn't necessarily mean you're her bitch. But answer this: who's in control in the bedroom? You or her?"

Valor hesitated for a moment, and that was enough for Zyle to start laughing again. "Don't bother answering. I can tell by your expression."

Valor crossed his arms with a 'humph'. "Fine. Whatever. You've made your point. Can we drop the topic now?"

"Oh, alright. I guess I've had my fun." Looking around he added, "There aren't a lot of people around here. Now might not be a bad time to let her out, don't you think?"

"I...yeah." Valor hated to agree with him, but Zyle was right. He pulled the red and white capsule off his belt, pressed the button, and Tamash? appeared before them in a flash of pale blue light.

"NEVER AGAIN!" Valor and Zyle both stifled laughs as she shook herself off as though trying to dry out. "I'm serious Valor! You ever put me in there again, and I will make sure you regret it!"

"Don't worry, that was the last time promise."

"I'm gonna hold you to that." Looking around she said, "Oooh, this place is pretty. Are we going to be staying here?"

It was Zyle who answered. "No. We decided on this quiet little village where there aren't a lot of people."

"Oh. So how do we get there?"

Valor looked at Zyle. "Yeah, how do we get there? You said something about a boat. Where would that be?"

"Uh...hold on." Zyle reached into his pocket and pulled the booklet out once again, and his expression immediately turned sheepish. "It can be found...at one of the port's smaller docks."

Valor sighed. "You mean the port that we walked away from fifteen minutes ago, and are now on the opposite side of town from?"

Zyle gave a curt nod, obviously a bit embarrassed. Tamash? couldn't help but giggle at the sight. "Well, I would suggest we start walking back then."

With a quick turn and a swish of her tail she set off toward the port. "Come on boys, we have places to be!"

Valor shook his head with a chuckle then set off after her. "Well, she has a point."

Zyle stood there for a moment, then quietly sighed and said to no one but himself, "Maybe she's just good at controlling males in general."

He then set off at a pace fast enough to catch up to them.

A quarter of an hour of walking and half an hour traveling by small motor boat, and the trio arrived at Renbow Island. The little motor boat stopped at a small wooden dock built right onto the beach. A nearby sign proclaimed in white, blocky letters that the beach was called 'Lapras Beach'.

Once the three of them had disembarked, Valor turned back to the operator of the little vessel and asked, "Do you know the way to Cocona Village from here?"

The man nodded, then pointed to the north. "Just follow the path a short ways, and you'll arrive in the village."

Valor thanked the man, then turned and walked down to join Zyle and Tamash? at the end of the little pier as the boat pulled away, headed back to Aqua Resort. Arriving by their sides he asked, "So, are we all ready to go?"

Zyle gave a nod, but Tamash? looked down the beach with a sort of longing in her eyes. "Do we have to go right now? I'd...kinda like to explore a little bit."

Valor blinked in surprise. "Oh, uh...alright. We can do that. Sounds like it could be fun. New place, things we haven't seen before. That alright with you Zyle?"

"Not really. I'd just like to-" Seeing the looks on their faces he gave a defeated sigh. "Fine."

So, taking Tamash?'s suggestion they set off down the beach with no particular destination in mind. It didn't take long for them to wind up running out of beach, so they followed a path north and quickly found themselves walking down a forest road, with tropical and subtropical greenery of all kinds lining the simple dirt pathways.

When they came to a small red and white striped bridge, Tamash? suddenly stopped, lifting her nose into the air. "Valor, do you smell that?"

He furrowed his brow in confusion. "Smell what?"

"I don't know. It smells like...Sinnoh." Without another word she took off running into the forest, quickly weaving her way through the trees.

Zyle watched her in confusion. "Where the hell is she going?"

Valor shook his head with an amused smile. "I don't know, but I'm going after her."

Good to his word, Valor then took off after Tamash?, disappearing into the forest as well.

"Hey! Hold on don't leave me...here...and he's gone." Zyle sighed. "Dammit. Well, I'm not gonna stand here waiting for 'em like an idiot."

Desperately wishing he hadn't come along on for their little 'exploration', Zyle set off into the forest after them.

Zyle quickly caught up to Valor, but Tamash? was still out of sight. After a few minutes they reached the edge of the forest, where Tamash? was standing, her tail slowly waving back and forth. Her ears swivelling a bit at the sound of their approach, she turned to face them. With a smile she said, "These are what I was smelling! Come look!"

Joining her at the edge of the forest, they saw what had caught her attention. Before them was a large field of pink flowers, all being brushed by a slight breeze, giving them the appearance of some sort of pink water. Finding himself inexplicably speaking with almost reverent quietness, Valor said, "Those are...Gracedia Flowers. That's why you said it smelled like Sinnoh."

Tamash? nodded, but Zyle looked on the sight with confusion, and something that looked almost like sadness. "Hold on, I thought Gracedias only grew wild in the Sinnoh Region."

Speaking with little more than a telepathic whisper, Tamash? said, "So did I, but apparently they grow here as well."

Valor smiled. He had grown up rather familiar with Gracedia flowers. They were a fairly common sight in Sinnoh. Somehow, seeing them here gave him hope, as though home had found a way to them since they couldn't go home. "Makes me wonder if there are any Shaymin around."

Tamash? shook her head. "I checked. I couldn't sense any near by."

"Oh well. It's still a nice reminder of home." Valor then stepped closer to Tamash? and took her paw in his hand, and she leaned against his side in response, briefly nuzzling his shoulder.

A few moments passed in silence, then Zyle turned and started walking back in the direction they had come from. Valor and Tamash? watched him walking away with confusion. Speaking loud enough to be sure that Zyle would hear him, Valor asked, "Where are you going?"

Zyle stopped walking and looked back over his shoulder. "Well, how long did you intend to stand here looking at flowers? It seems kinda pointless to me."

Valor looked at the other man in confusion. "Is something wrong? You seem...I don't know, upset."

"I'm fine. I just don't see a point to this." Without another word Zyle walked away, leaving two very confused expressions in his wake.

Valor hesitated for a moment, then said, "Come on Tamash?. Let's go."

Her ears dropped slightly with disappointment when he said that. "Do we have to go now? I wanted to stay here for a little while."

Valor sighed, then favoured her with a gentle smile. "Well, we're gonna be here on this island for a while, so, it's not like we can't come back here another day."

With some reluctance Tamash? nodded in agreement. "Alright, but I want you to promise me that we'll come back here."

"I promise." He the kissed her briefly, then the two of them followed after the path Zyle had taken, walking faster than normal so as to catch up with him.

"So what do you think is up with Zyle?"

Valor shook his head in response. "Don't know. But it seemed like the Gracedias set him off in some way. But, let's not talk about it, okay? It's his business, if he wants to talk it's up to him."

"Sure, I understand."

The rest of their walk went by in silence until they exited the forest. Zyle was waiting for them, standing near the little red and white striped bridge. Seeing their approach he asked, "So, are we ready to head to Cocona Village now?"

Valor nodded. "I think so. Tamash??"

"Yeah, sure."

The three of them then set off back toward Lapras Beach. As they walked, a thought occurred to Valor. "Hey Zyle, that little booklet of yours, does it say anything about any kind of...I don't know, accommodations in this village? You said it was small, so I can't help but wonder."

Zyle pulled the booklet from his pocket and quickly flipped to the pages on Cocona Village. "Let's see...small is an understatement. There are fewer than two hundred people living in there. But, on the bright side, they do have a small inn, so we should be able to find a room or two."

With a smirk Tamash? said, "You had better hope we can get two. I don't think you want to share a room with us."

Zyle cleared his throat nervously. "No, probably not. So, two rooms then."

Both Valor and Tamash? started laughing, and despite being the victim of Tamash?'s joke, Zyle found himself joining them after a moment. By the time they reached the beach the sun was already hanging low in the sky, casting an orange light across the waves. Because they had an unobstructed view for the most part, they were only halfway down the beach when the little dock they had first arrived on the island at came into view.

When they reached the dock they turned north and began walking down the path to Cocona Village. They didn't make it far though, as Tamash? almost immediately stopped cold. Her eyes were closed, her ears were flat against her head, her tail resembled a bottle brush, and she was shaking slightly with what seemed to be fear.

Very concerned by her sudden change in demeanour, Valor asked, "Tamash?? What's wrong? Are you alright?"

She slowly opened her eyes, then gulped. "Valor...l-look at Cocona Village."

His brow furrowed in confusion, Valor closed his eyes, and stretched out his senses so he could see the village and the Auras of all the people within. One of them stood out, immediately catching his eye. His eyes snapped open. "Oh...shit."

Zyle looked back and forth between the two of them. "What? What's going on?"

Valor hesitated for a moment, then, his voice coming out a bit shaky, he began to explain. "When...we were in Lily Cove...we had a run in with a guy who had been corrupted by dark Aura. His name was Faerin. Azure was his Lucario. Faerin wasn't evil, but the dark power had distorted his mind. He wound up taking his own life in an attempt to stop the spread of the darkness that had corrupted him. Right before Galen ran out on us in Celestic, he warned us that there could be others like Faerin who use dark Aura. And...if what we're sensing is accurate...then..." He trailed off, not wanting to complete the thought.

Zyle shook his head, not understanding. "Then...what?"

It was Tamash? who answered. "Then someone capable of using dark Aura is in Cocona right now, and he appears to be...assailing the village." Then, turning to Valor she said, "We need to get out of here. Now."

"No."

Tamash? stared at him in shock. "What do you mean no?! This is dangerous! We need to get out of here! Besides, you promised Galen that you would stay away from these people if we encountered any of them!"

Valor nodded. "That I did. But...there are people who are in danger right now. We can't just run. We're the only ones who can help."

Zyle scoffed. "You can't be serious? Do you have a death wish? Based on what you've told me, people like this aren't exactly friendly or sane. I'd like to go on living, if you don't mind."

"Fine then! Stay here and don't do anything useful! But I'm not about to let some psychopath terrorize innocent people!" Turning to Tamash? he said, "Honestly, I'd rather not have you come along. I don't want you in danger."

She crossed her arms and gave her mate a hard look. "Now you know me too well to honestly expect me to stay here."

Valor sighed. "Yeah. Just thought I would give it a shot. Alright then, let's go. Zyle, are you coming or not?"

He hesitated, then shook his head. "No. I'm not getting involved with this. It's just...too much."

"Fine. Tamash?, come on." He then took off running toward the village. Tamash? shot a disappointed look in Zyle's direction, then took off after Valor, her greater speed allowing her to easily catch up with him.

***

"WHERE IS HE?! I WON'T ASK AGAIN!"

"I told you I don't know who you're talking about!"

In the central area of Cocona Village many of the village's inhabitants were shaking in fear. One man in particular couldn't help but be frightened, as he was being pinned against one of the houses in the village, held up by a hand tightly gripping his neck. Staring back at him was the face of a man with sunken eyes and sandy brown hair. His tall, well muscled body seemed to be surrounded by a nimbus of black flames, only adding to the fear the pinned man felt.

The man with the black Aura bared his teeth. "I don't believe you. But if you won't tell me, then perhaps someone else will."

He roughly dropped the man to the ground and turned to look out over the many frightened faces looking at him. "SOMEONE MUST KNOW! I'M LOOKING FOR AN OLD MAN IN HIS LATE SIXTIES! HE CAN MANIPULATE ENERGY! SOUND FAMILIAR TO ANYONE?"

When no response came he shot a single bolt of black energy into the sky. "COME ON!"

Stepping away from her family, a woman with shoulder length blonde hair spoke up. "We've already told you! We don't know who you're talking about! Please just leave us in peace!"

The man grinned maliciously and walked toward her. Determined not to back off she held her ground, even when he stood only a foot away from her. "You're brave little girl. I'll give you that. But I don't believe a word of it. I think you know, and even if you don't know who he is, I know he's here in this village. So, either he's gonna show himself, or I'm gonna start breaking necks."

He then lurched forward and grabbed her by the throat. "Starting with yours. SO, DOES THE OLD MAN WANT TO SHOW HIMSELF, OR DOES THIS PRETTY GIRL HAVE TO DIE?"

The woman began shaking in fear, now regretting her attempt at showing courage. After a moment or two-which to her felt like an eternity-the man turned back to her and grinned again. "I guess I'll have to make an example of you, little girl."

Her eyes went wide as he began to tighten his grip around her neck. She was already finding it nearly impossible to breath, and there was no doubt in her mind that this was how her life was going to end.

"Let her go. RIGHT now."

The eyes of everyone present were drawn to the southern entrance to the village, where, several meters away from where the man with black Aura was, a young man with pitch black hair stood beside a Lucario without a chest spike.

***

Desperately wishing they had gotten there just a few minutes sooner, Valor couldn't help but feel the situation was made all the more dangerous by the presence of innocent bystanders. "I said, let her go."

Beside him Tamash? let out a growl in an attempt to intimidate the man with the black Aura, who was quite clearly larger than both of them.

The man grinned. "What's this now? You...you have a very strong Aura. And...you travel with a Lucario. You...you must be a Guardian. Am I right?"

Valor nodded. Then, trying to sound braver than he felt, he said, "Yes. I am. And if you don't let her go right now, then you will regret it."

"Very well then." The man dropped the woman to the ground where she immediately began gulping in air, a hand on her neck.

Looking around, Valor said loud enough to be heard by all present, "Get out of here. All of you. Now!"

Everyone hesitated, but as they looked upon the expression on Valor's face, they all quickly retreated into their homes, the blonde woman being supported by two others as they made their way indoors.

The man with the black Aura then spoke with a smirk. "What's wrong Guardian? Don't you want an audience present for your execution?"

"I-we-have faced your kind before. We're not frightened by some sadistic thug like you."

Tamash? nodded in agreement. "Besides, it's two against one. You're at a disadvantage."

The man narrowed his eyes, looking at Tamash? as though he had only just noticed her. Then, as he looked back and forth between them a wide grin split his face. "You. The two of you...you're the ones my master wishes to eliminate."

Valor took a step back. "What?! What the hell are you talking about?"

"Forgive me. Allow me to explain. My master is aware of the fact that you are the ones who defeated Faerin. He believes you are a danger to his plans, and wants you...out of the way. I came here looking for some old Guardian to bring back to my master, but imagine how he'll reward me if I bring him back your head instead..."

"What plans? We don't even know who your master is!"

The man nodded. "He has kept himself hidden in the shadows, but he soon intends to reveal himself. And when he does, darkness will consume this world. But he believes you pose a threat. So, I think I will take this opportunity to remove that threat for him."

Before either Valor or Tamash? could respond, the man fired a bolt of pure black energy from each of his hands, one intended for Valor, and the other headed straight for Tamash?. Valor erected a shield in front of him, easily absorbing the attack. Tamash? on the other hand opted to do a dodge roll out of the path of the oncoming attack, coming to a kneeling position a couple feet from where she had been standing just a few seconds before.

It seemed as though they weren't as outmatched as when they had fought Faerin and Azure, but this man was also clearly stronger than Faerin had been. What ever they were up against though, neither was in any way willing to let their guard down for even an instant.

Responding to the man's attack, Valor charged and fired off an emerald Aura sphere and Tamash? fired of several quick bolts of pure Aura at their opponent. With an evil smirk the man created a semi transparent shield of black energy in front of him, blocking the attacks. Both Valor and Tamash? were now concerned that the fight might be too evenly matched, and that a prolonged fight could have negative repercussions for the village. It didn't help their confidence when the man let out dark chuckle as he allowed the shield to dissipate.

"I do believe I understand how the two of you fight now." Pointing to Valor he said, "You fight defensively, that is until you find the opportunity to strike with a hard hitting and calculated strike." Turning to Tamash? he continued. "You fight aggressively, with little defensive action, relying on your agility to keep you out of harm's way, then attacking with a flurry of strikes to weaken your opponent until you can finish them with a more powerful strike. All in all, you two form a well balanced team. However, I do believe I can say with certainty, that the two of you are no match for me."

Valor tensed up, suddenly feeling very afraid. In the space of a few seconds this man had figured out their fighting style. It occurred then to Valor that the man may have been toying with them when he first attacked simply to see how they would respond. Looking over to Tamash?, he could easily tell she had reached the same conclusion, and was also experiencing a similar rise in fear.

His attention was drawn back to their opponent when he said, "With that in mind, I believe I can easily defeat the two of you, and rather simply at that." The man's Aura suddenly flared to its full strength, the black energy surrounding him like massive, flickering black flames. His power was almost tangible, and with another evil grin he held out a hand, then clenched it. Much to Tamash?'s surprise a barrier of black energy formed around her, making it impossible for her to go anywhere. "Now that she is contained and I don't have too worry about her jumping around to avoid my attacks and hitting me when I'm not looking, I can focus on you, Guardian."

Tamash?, feeling a mixture of rage and resolve started trying to blast her way out of the shield, but to no avail. The man laughed at the sight of her struggling. "Now, now little one, calm yourself. You will get your chance to die soon enough, but your human comes first."

Valor clenched his fist in anger. Not only had this man threatened innocent people, but now he was threatening Tamash?, not to mention imprisoning her. It was entirely too much. Pooling as much of his strength as he could, he allowed his Aura to overtake him, surrounding his form in bright green energy. The man grinned wickedly at the sight. "So, you are more powerful than you first appear to be, Guardian. But it will not help you. You will die by my hand."

"Don't count on it." Valor spat out in response. "You've gone too far already. When I fought Faerin, near the end of the fight it became clear he still had some of his humanity left. But that's not the case with you; I can tell. You're a monster, consumed by darkness. I will stop you, both for this village, and for Tamash?."

Tamash?'s eyes went wide in surprise. She had never heard Valor sound so sure of himself, or so enraged. For that matter, she had never known him to display so much power. When did he become so...strong? She thought to herself.

Their opponent however, was not so impressed. "That's a pretty speech Guardian, but this can only end one way. Whether you win or not, darkness will survive. Even if I fall, there are others who will continue to carry out my master's plan. One way or another, this does not end with you and I. It will however, be the end of you. Goodbye, Guardian."

Valor felt an eerie sense of déjà vu as the man raised a single arm, pointing it at Valor. It began to crackle with black electricity, electricity that was exactly the same as that which Faerin had used against him. Valor braced himself and began charging an Aura sphere, pouring as much power into it as he could. The two combatants fired their attacks, and black lightning met the shimmering emerald sphere in the exact middle of the two. The attacks collided, and all was lost in an intense flash of light.

***

The light faded slowly, and the dust began to settle. Tamash? blinked several times, trying to clear up her vision enough to see what had happened, concerned as she was for Valor's safety. The dark field of energy surrounding her only made it more difficult to see, but she felt relief wash over her as the two combatants came into view. Valor was still standing. Her relief quickly changed back to concern, as the man with black Aura was also still standing.

From where Valor was standing, things appeared even worse. After their attacks had collided, it had quickly become clear which attack was stronger. The lightning had been slowed by his Aura sphere, but not stopped. With only seconds to react, he had quickly put up shield in front of him, and had poured as much of his power as he could into it. He had managed to block the weakened electrical energy, but just barely.

Valor dropped the shield, but didn't drop his guard, bracing himself for the inevitable next attack. To both his surprise and annoyance, his opponent began laughing. Even then though, Valor stayed on guard, determined not to be tricked into a false sense of security. "What's so funny?"

Reigning in his mirth the man replied. "Not...funny exactly, merely...entertaining. I don't believe I've ever had such fun. I was going to be merciful and kill you quickly, but now I think I will make my fun last a bit longer."

Before Valor had the chance to ask what he meant by that, he held a palm skyward, and clenched his fist as he had when creating the barrier around Tamash?. Much to Valor's dismay, a pitch black dome of Aura energy formed over the central area of Cocona Village, bringing an unnatural night upon the little town. Valor felt his heart sink. How could this man have so much power at his disposal? Galen had said those who used dark Aura were powerful, but this was ridiculous. The only comfort Valor found in this turn of events was that they were now cut off from the surrounding buildings, so there wouldn't be any collateral damage or danger to innocent people.

But that hardly brought any comfort to the near pitch black environment he now found himself in. From out of the darkness came more laughter. "What do you think, Guardian? Impressive, is it not? I wonder, how will you fare when fighting in the darkness? After all, the shadows are rarely kind to those who dwell in the light..."

Knowing he probably didn't have long to prepare himself, Valor closed his eyes and focused, using the only form of vision he had at his disposal. The energy field surrounding them, as well as his opponent, appeared black in colour. The ground beneath them was very light grey, almost white. There was also a large wooden platform in the exact center of the village that appeared grey as well, only very dark grey. Tamash?'s Aura was also visible, but just barely through the barrier that still surrounded her alone.

But his attention wasn't focused on her. It was focused on trying to separate the outline of his opponent from the black background. It was definitely difficult to discern his location, but the stark contrast between the barrier and the ground made it easier to at least find his opponent, even if he couldn't see all of him. Having found the man, Valor charged and fired off an Aura sphere, the emerald orb appearing as a splash of fast moving colour on an almost entirely black and white canvas.

"You'll have to do better than that Guardian."

Valor could only feel disappointment and anxiety as he saw the green orb splash against another black barrier, not coming any where near his adversary. He could find his opponent, but he couldn't damage him. Trying to stall so he could come up with some sort of plan, Valor asked, "Who is you master? What is his plan?"

A chuckle came from the darkness in response. "I told you already, my master will reveal himself when the time is right. As for his plan, I don't know the full details, as I am merely a single piece of his plan. I can tell you no more than that, I was simply sent here to find some old Guardian."

"Why?"

"I don not know that either. My master said find him, so here I am, searching for some old Guardian. And here we are because of that, me trying to do my job, and you sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. But then, you guardians do tend to be the heroic type, don't you? But, that no longer bears any importance. My eyes have fully adjusted to the shadows. I can see as clearly as I could at the brightest part of the day. And I can see...that you are afraid, and that you are stalling for time."

Valor tensed up. He was out of time. With his vision being limited to what Aura he could 'see', he was clearly at yet another disadvantage in this fight. He saw his opponent change his stance, and from that Valor could guess what was coming. Without any time to think of any better solution, he quickly put up an Aura Shield in front of him, channelling as much power into it as he possibly could.

The attack came only seconds later, yet another pulse of pitch black lightning smashing violently into the green shield. The attack was stopped, but caused the shield to shatter, and the resulting shockwave knocked Valor off his feet and to the ground. Quickly getting up he could feel several sharp pains on his arms, coming to the conclusion that his fall had resulted in several scrapes. It was clearly nothing serious, but it was still irritating.

Valor was already becoming exhausted just from defending himself, and his every breath already felt difficult. He had to come up with something, some way to gain an advantage, and he had to do it quickly, or it would be the end for him and, more importantly as far as he was concerned, it would mean the end for Tamash?.

Taking a tentative step forward, Valor cursed silently as he felt a sharp pain in his left ankle. Must have landed on it, he thought. Now he had to deal with yet another disadvantage.

Yet again laughter came from the darkness, this time with a clear mocking tone behind it. "What's wrong? Weakening already? What happened to all that bravado? Or was it really nothing more than words?

Taking a deep breath, Valor took another step forward, trying to ignore the flash of pain that came with it.

"You know, I really thought you would provide more challenge, but I suppose I was wrong."

But Valor wasn't listening to the man taunting him. His mind was racing, trying to find a way to survive the fight. I can't die here.

"But it doesn't really matter, this out come was inevitable."

I have to keep fighting...I can't give up...I don't intend to go out like this!

"You were always doomed to this fate. The moment you entered the village, you signed your own death sentence."

There's too much I haven't done. Too much...we haven't done.

"So now here you are Guardian, about to cease your existence, fearing the shadows as you should be. You were always too weak to survive this."

Something about what the man said suddenly hit Valor. He was afraid, but he was also not going to let that stop him. And more importantly, they were indeed in the shadows. Smiling now, Valor called out into the shadows, "Alright then you crazy bastard, you can keep talking all you want, but I don't just intend to survive this, I intend to win."

"Is that so? And how do you intend to do that?"

"Like this." As he had seen Tamash? do on more than one occasion, Valor channelled a large amount of energy into his fists, then, improvising more than anything else, he loosed a massive pulse of Aura lighting the darkness with bright green light for the briefest of moments.

The flash of light lasted for no more than a second or two, but it was enough. The man with black Aura, his eyes having become adjusted to darkness, was suddenly and painfully blinded. That single moment was enough for Valor to push the pain in his ankle from his mind to rush toward his opponent, covering the ground between them as fast as he could. The light was already mostly faded when Valor reached the man, but it didn't matter.

Yet again using how he had seen Tamash? fight, Valor put his weight behind a punch to the man's stomach, curving his strike upward once it made contact, his fist digging under the man's ribs and knocking all the air out of his lungs before following the momentum of the strike to deal an uppercut to the man's chin. Then, using the last of his flagging strength he put every ounce of power he had left into a left hook, striking his adversary square in the jaw, breaking and dislocating it with a sickening crunch, and sending the man reeling to land on the ground, apparently incapacitated.

Their source of power cut off, the large dome of black energy, as well as the barrier around Tamash? quickly dissipated. Valor opened his eyes, wincing slightly at the sunlight. He breathed a sigh of both relief and exhaustion. He then turned around to make sure Tamash? was alright, but almost instantly got an answer to that question as she slammed into him with a thump, tightly wrapping her arms around him. "I was so worried! Are you alright?"

Valor hugged her back. "Yeah. A few scrapes, and my ankle hurts, but otherwise, I'd say I came out of that fight better."

Tamash? breathed a sigh of relief. "Good." She then pulled away from him and proceeded to punch him in the arm. "You idiot. If you hadn't been so dead set on being the hero, you wouldn't be hurt at all and neither of our lives would have been at risk."

Valor frowned. "You know as well as I do that we couldn't just leave these people to defend themselves. There would have definitely been deaths had we not come."

With a smirk and a raised eyebrow she said, "I know, and that's why I only punched you in the arm."

Valor shook his head. "I...don't really think that was called for, but, whatever makes you feel better."

"Well, I think it was called-"

She never finished that thought though, as their attention was drawn by a rage filled growl, and they both suddenly found that they had a hand around their respective throats. The man with black Aura was on his feet, clearly not as unconscious as he had first appeared. "I will admit Guardian, that your little manoeuvre was...unexpected. But I am not longer interested in giving you a chance to fight back. I believe I've learned my lesson. Now you die."

Valor's eyes went wide as both of the man's arms began crackling with black energy. He intends to make sure we can't avoid his attack. This is it. I've failed again. Looking over to his mate, he silently begged her forgiveness, wishing that he had the strength left to save them. Her eyes met his, and in that single instant everything that existed between them passed between them. All of their times together, all of the memories both good and bad.

Then, just as they had resigned themselves to their fate, an explosive sound rang out, and both of them were suddenly dropped, the man's grip broken. Another explosive sound quickly followed, and Valor suddenly recognized the noise. It was the sound of gunshots.

Looking to the southern entrance to the village, Valor and Tamash? saw Zyle standing there, his weapons pointed straight at the man. The man himself was bleeding from matching wounds in each shoulder, doubled over in pain.

Quickly getting to his feet and pulling Tamash? to hers, she and Valor joined Zyle where he stood. More than a bit confused, Valor asked, "What happened? I thought you didn't want to risk your life or get involved."

Zyle nodded. "Well, I know it's a bit of a cliché to jump in and save you at the last moment, but I realized that my life was in danger one way or another. I figured Galen would probably kill me if anything happened to you two, so I decided I may as well try to keep you two alive. And here I am."

Valor smirked. "Nice to know you care."

"Yeah well, you know me, always thinking of-"

Tamash? cleared her throat to get their attention. "Sorry to interrupt, but we still have a large psychotic problem to deal with!"

Zyle smiled. "He shouldn't be much of a threat anymore. Being a member of InterPol taught me a few things, like how to shoot someone so that their arms become useless."

"AND DO YOU THINK THIS LITTLE TRICK WILL STOP ME?"

They all flinched in response as the man screamed at them, Zyle levelling his weapons and both Valor and Tamash? preparing to use their Auras to fight if necessary. They only tensed up more as he began to take laboured, lumbering steps toward them, his face a mask of pure rage.

"I AM DARKNESS INCARNATE! I WILL NOT FALL TO SUCH LOWLY BEINGS!"

With a grimace Zyle called out, "Stop now, or I will shoot again, and this time I will shoot to kill!"

"YOU DARE TO THREATEN ME? I HAVE MORE POWER THAN ANY OF YOU COULD IMAGINE! SUCH WEAKLINGS COULD NEVER DEFEAT-"

The man suddenly stopped cold no more than two meters away from them. His eyes were wide, as though in shock, and he was shaking slightly. "I...have served...loyally. This is...not...fair."

His eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed to the ground, his body crumpling under its own weight. They waited for a moment, waiting to see if this was some new trap. When the man didn't move, Zyle holstered one of his pistols and cautiously approached their fallen opponent. Kneeling beside him, Zyle checked the man's pulse, then holstered his other weapon with a shake of his head. "He's dead. His heart has stopped."

Valor stared in shock, trying to make sense of it. Tamash? closed her eyes for only an instant, then opened them again. "He's not just dead, his Aura has returned to a normal colour. Purple, in case anyone cares."

Zyle blinked in confusion. "His Aura? Isn't Aura life energy? How could a dead body have one?"

Valor spoke up, answering him. "It's not quite that simple. Aura is...difficult to explain quickly, but life energy is only one part of it. Even a dead body-"choking back the urge to vomit at the thought, he continued, "Even a dead body will have a residual Aura colour for a short while, and once that fades...once that fades the body will be left with a dull white or grey Aura. Now let's leave the topic alone please. That was far from my favourite lesson when Galen trained me."

Zyle raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "What's wrong Valor, weak stomach?"

Tamash? was about to tell Zyle off for teasing her mate, but she never got the chance, as from behind them came and elderly voice. "Leave the boy alone. He's been through enough already without you making fun of him."

All three turned to face the source of the voice, and were met with the sight of an old man slowly making his way toward them, using a cane to support himself. "And I dare say he's braver than you, considering how he rushed in here to save everyone."

Zyle looked at the approaching man with irritation. "And who are you exactly?"

The man stopped only a few feet away from the trio taking a moment to look over them before answering. "I am Quinn, and I am the doctor for the people of this village."

Zyle raised an eyebrow. "A doctor huh? Well maybe you could tell me how this guy died? There seems to be no obvious cause."

Quinn hesitated for a moment, then in a rather offhand manner said, "I couldn't tell you either. But he is not my concern. I came out here because I figured after all that has happened, one of you might be injured. Specifically you...uh...alright, I'm going to need names from all of you, and quickly if you don't mind. Some of us aren't getting any younger."

With a slightly irritated tone Zyle simply stated, "I'm Zyle, the one with the black hair is Valor, and the Lucario is Tamash?. Any questions old man?"

"Oh? I would watch your tone 'Zyle', I may be old, but I won't stand for disrespect. And also, I would prefer if you allowed people to answer for themselves."

"Crotchety old bastard, aren't you?"

Before they could continue to argue, Tamash? stepped between Quinn and Zyle, a fierce look in her eyes that quickly quelled the tempers of both men. "Now, if the two of you can stop acting like children, Valor's ankle is hurt, and I would like to hope that it is nothing serious, but I'm afraid only a doctor would be able to tell us one way or another."

Quinn looked over to Valor. "Is she right? You're injured?"

Valor nodded. "I uh...got hit by a shockwave during that fight, and I think I landed on my ankle somehow. All I really know is it hurts when I walk."

Quinn heaved a heavy sigh, then pointed to Tamash?. "You. Support his weight and help him keep off that ankle, then follow me. We'll take him back to my home. I keep all of my supplies there."

He then turned and began walking back the way he had approached them from. Doing as he had suggested, Tamash? wrapped one arm around Valor's torso, and he placed one of his arms across her shoulders, allowing him to take weight off his injured ankle as they followed in the old doctor's wake.

Zyle watched them go, feeling a new wave of irritation. Speaking only loud enough to be heard by himself he asked, "And what am I supposed to do? Just sit here waiting for you three to come back? I'm beginning to sense a pattern here..."

Zyle let out a sigh. "Guess I should find some help dealing with you," he commented to the lifeless form beside him.

Not looking forward to what was ahead of him, Zyle stood up and set off to acquire the assistance he required to dispose of the body.

***

Because of the small size of the village, the trip to Quinn's home had been relatively quick. Once they had arrived, Quinn had directed Tamash? to take their possessions up to one of the spare rooms in the house. When Valor had questioned that, Quinn had simply explained, "I keep those rooms empty for people who need to stay where I can easily get to them. I doubt that ankle will prove life threatening, but you should still do as little walking as possible, so you will stay here for a night or two."

As there had clearly been no room for argument, Valor had reluctantly agreed. When Tamash? had returned down stairs, Quinn handed her a warm, damp cloth and told her to clean up the scrapes on Valor's arms, to which Valor had protested, claiming it was something he could do himself. Once again though, Quinn had left no room for argument, and so Valor was forced to sit while Tamash? worked to make sure the small wounds were clean so as to avoid infection.

Unfortunately for Valor, Tamash?'s methods were less than gentle, and more than once he let out a small hiss of pain, much to her chagrin. With the scrapes cleaned up, Quinn gave Tamash? bandages to cover the scrapes, and Valor couldn't help but notice how eager she seemed to help. Once again though, her methods were far from tender, to the point where Valor finally let out a sigh and said, "Can you please be more careful? I don't think that's supposed to hurt so much."

It was almost immediately clear to him that he had made a mistake. Clenching her paw, she roughly threw the little box of bandages into his lap. "Do it yourself then, since you don't seem to need me!" She exclaimed before storming upstairs.

Valor winced as he heard a door slam shut. He started to get up to follow after her, but Quinn pushed him back down onto the chair. "Hold on, I haven't looked at your ankle yet. She can wait."

Knowing he had no choice, Valor reluctantly complied. "Fine. I just don't get what upset her so much."

Quinn chuckled as he knelt beside Valor, placing a hand on his sore ankle. "Young people. As we age, many of us lose our vision, but we gain the ability to see things we couldn't before. Right about now, I would say she feels pretty useless. From what I can tell, she's upset already about the fact that your lives were in danger. Couple that with the fact that she was trapped and couldn't help you in that fight, she probably feels like your injuries were her fault to a certain extent. Then, you basically telling her that she's doing more harm than good by trying to help you, well, she boiled over. Can't blame her honestly."

Valor winced as the old man squeezed the already painful joint. "How could you know all that?"

"Simple: experience. I had a similar situation with the one I loved once."

Valor tensed up. "What are you implying? That she and I are some sort of couple? Because that is-"

Valor stopped cold as Quinn gave him a hard look, and he gave a defeated sigh in response. "Is it that obvious?"

Quinn chuckled again. "Well, for someone who knows what to look for. Again, experience. Your not the first Guardian to become involved with his Lucario, and I doubt you'll be the last."

Valor nodded. "Yeah, a friend of mine once told me something really similar to-"

He stopped cold again. "You...you're the old guardian aren't you? The one that man was looking for?"

Quinn nodded. "That I am. Though I haven't thought of myself as a Guardian in a very long time now. About twenty seven years to be exact. But, my abilities have been useful in helping the people of this village, not that they ever knew I could sense their energies."

Quinn then closed his eyes, and Valor immediately recognised that he was using his ability to 'see' Aura. Tilting his head to one side Valor asked, "So...where is your Lucario?"

Quinn was silent, then stood and walked over to return his supplies to their cabinet. "Your ankle isn't broken, or even sprained. You just over stretched the muscle a bit. Stay off it as much as you can for a day or two, and you should be fine."

"Uh...great, but that doesn't answer my question."

Quinn let out a sad sigh. "As I said, I haven't considered myself a guardian in about twenty seven years. And I dare say the council would feel the same. I-we-were like you and Tamash?. Her name, was Marina. She and I loved each other, and decided to say to hell with what everyone else thought. We mated, and we were together for almost twelve years...but eventually we were discovered. Naturally, the council was against us, per the laws of the Guardians. She was to be executed...and I was to be forced out of the order. Desperate, I made an attempt to save her, and wound up taking a blast straight to my leg in the process, hence needing this damned cane. She died, and I was powerless to prevent it. As soon as I healed I got away as fast as I could, and I eventually settled here, and learned from the doctor who was living here at the time."

"I uh...I'm sorry."

Quinn shook his head. "It's in the past. I still miss her terribly, but there's nothing that can be done for me. So, I'm gonna offer you some advice: enjoy your relationship while you have it. It may be taken away from you when you least expect it."

Valor nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Uh...so, with that in mind, can I go now? I need to try to apologise to her."

"Go ahead. Go be with you mate."

Valor stood up and had his foot on the first step of the staircase when he stopped. "Before I go...do you know why that man was looking for you?"

"I...have an idea, but you have more important things to deal with right now, don't you?"

Valor nodded with a smile. "Your right. Thanks again."

Without another word Valor made his way up the stairs as quickly as he could, and Quinn shook his head with another chuckle. Speaking only to himself he whispered, "Ah, to be young and in love. I do miss those days...almost as much as I miss you Marina."

Once Valor made it up the stairs he looked around and, spotting the only closed door in sight, quickly made his way down the hallway. Quietly opening the door, he poked his head inside to see Tamash? curled up on a smallish bed. Hearing the door open, she lifted her head up to look at him. Slipping in and closing the door behind him he quietly asked, "Are you alright?"

She nodded, then laid her head back down on the bed. "What about you? How's your ankle?"

"Fine. I just need to take it easy for a day or two."

"That's good."

They both fell silent, neither really knowing what to say or how to continue. After an awkward moment or two, Valor quietly said, "I'm sorry I snapped at you."

She let out a little sigh. "Don't be. I'm the one who should be sorry. I got all pissy over nothing."

"I uh...don't worry about it. I...understand that we've had a stressful day."

"Not just stressful, life threatening. It makes me feel even worse that I wound up being of no help in that fight."

Damn, Valor thought, that old man is good. "You...don't need to worry about that either. It wasn't your fault."

"Still...it seems like you wind up having to do the tough stuff while I wind up on the side lines a lot. It makes me feel...I don't know, like a burden or something."

Gently sitting down beside her, Valor placed a hand on her shoulder. "Tamash?, you are NOT a burden, and I would never think otherwise. It wasn't your fault."

"Well what about the time with Kasai? On the beach?"

"You were in shock, and were unsure of yourself."

"What about what happened with Aitana?" She countered.

"I took the bullet to make sure you wouldn't have to. That was my choice."

"Alright fine. Then what about-"

"Tamash? stop. We could run down a list of every time you think you've been a burden, or haven't been useful, but my answer will never change. You are not a burden. That's all there is to it."

"I-alright. I'll stop." She conceded.

Valor favoured her with a gentle smile. "Good. Now, what do you say we get some sleep? I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

As opposed to answering she wasted no time in snuggling her way under the covers. Valor carefully pulled off his shoes, trying not to aggravate his ankle, then took off his shirt and joined her under the covers, wrapping his arms around her.

A quiet moment passed, then she asked, "So...what kind of limits are placed on your physical activity right now?"

Valor snorted in amusement, then replied, "I don't think it would be a good idea."

Tamash? made a disappointed grumbling sound in response. "Fine. I guess you should let yourself heal."

"Nice to know you're so concerned."

With a playful tone to her telepathic voice she said, "Uh huh."

Valor shook his head with a laugh, then nuzzled her gently. "I love you."

Nuzzling him back she quietly replied, "I love you too. But I still wish you were open to having sex right now."

They both laughed then, and fell to sleep a short while later, both exhausted, but both strangely content.