Look who, and what, is back.

Sorry for the extremely long hiatus, I hope my readers are still out there.

Life got slightly crazy for me. Stuff happened and I needed to just sit and clear my head.

But stuff should be coming together now. Updates will resume soon, though not as usual as things are going to stay a bit crazy.

Also, we're reaching a huge climax point for this series.

Just note that I did have some troubles finishing the chapter which means I'm not completely over my block, so I hope the quality wasn't affected.


Chapter 3: What about now?

Lyra didn't know anymore. Things would constantly fall into place before deteriorating. The festival had been amazing since it had been the place she learned Silver shared her feelings. It was still strange to her, knowing that they would end up a couple. But she couldn't focus too long on that fact. What had her, and Silver's, full attention was playing on the radio.

It was a broadcast from the Goldenrod Radio Tower. The place she had gone out of her way to save from Team Rocket a few years back, the place where the team had disbanded. A lone person had ended up infiltrating the place, and was now calling a person out.

"We know you still reside in Johto. Don't think we're stupid. We have seen you. If you're feeling brave enough and if you don't want dozens of innocents hurt, come to the Whirl Islands in two months. Let's say the 20th of June. And drag who you want along, it won't matter to us, former Miss Champion. We'll be waiting."

The broadcast cut out and Lyra stood frozen in shock. Somebody was after her and they were daring enough to go as far as calling her out on a regional radio broadcast. Lyra visibly shook and when Silver noticed, he was by her side in an instant, holding her close. She rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes. He knew telling her that everything would be alright would be lying to her. He didn't know how to make her feel better, no words existed to make her feel better and Silver knew this.

Even though Lyra had succeeded in disbanding Team Rocket and defeating Lance, Silver knew she felt extremely helpless and vulnerable at times, he had seen that side of her many times before. She wasn't fearless like people expected of her- there would always be something that would scare her; the thought of losing all her Pokémon, losing those around her. But it still bothered Silver; it had been well over one and a half years since he saw her so afraid.

Her fear had been caused by being separated from her Typhlosion when one of the corridors within Union Cave had partially collapsed. She had thought she might never see her partner again and had sought him out for help. Silver remembered that she had been crying then, but it soon stopped after both of them learned that Pokémon don't give up on finding their trainers, as the fire type had turned up just two hours later after finding an alternate way out. It had also been around that time Silver had learnt how loyal and intelligent one person's Pokémon could be.

The thought brought an idea to mind, something Silver knew would calm Lyra down somewhat. He took one of the Pokéballs off the table and released the Pokémon resting within. It stood on all fours, shaking out its short navy and cream fur. Once she noticed Lyra and how upset the girl was, it walked over, bumping her with its head.

Lyra opened her eyes and smiled slightly. Silver let go of her so that she could focus on her Pokémon. Lyra crouched down so that she could shower her Typhlosion with affection. Silver noticed her shaking had stopped and a small smile crossed his face.

"I'm going out for a while. I can't stay in a place like this the whole day, so I'll meet you here again tonight?" Silver said, unsure of what Lyra wanted.

Lyra looked up at Silver, getting up. "I'm thinking of leaving town for now, I want to clear my head. I'll call you if I feel like seeing people, alright?"

Silver nodded in understanding. "Don't be afraid to drag me to Whirl Islands the 20th, okay?"

"If you're so sure you want to go with… then okay. I'll see you around." She said, walking over and giving him a kiss on the cheek, eliciting a blush and smile from Silver.

15 June. Lyra had called Silver to go to Professor Elm with her. Currently, the redhead was leaning against a tree outside the lab as he waited. According to her, the Professor had called her because he had received a package from Kalos, and that what was inside had to do with some research about the bond between Pokémon and trainers, and that Elm wanted her to be the one to help with the research.

Silver knew it wouldn't be too bad, Lyra had been feeling better recently, they had even gone on a few dates over the course of the two months; little at first and right now they were seeing each other almost each day, officially making them a couple. Neither of them had ever asked if they were boyfriend or girlfriend, they both just knew and Silver preferred it that way.

Lyra came out of the lab and Silver straightened up. "What did he say?"

"It's about the bond between trainer and Pokémon. Apparently, its research for a Professor Sycamore, he wants to see how close a Pokémon can grow to a trainer it's never met before." Lyra said. "Elm needs to check in now and then, so I have a new teammate for now." She added, holding up a Pokéball.

"Any idea what Pokémon it is?"

"A rare fairy type. Not completely sure which one, but we can clear that up right now." Lyra pressed the button on the Pokéball, causing it to flip open and send a red beam out. Long pink ears twitched in curiosity and ribbons swayed in the breeze.

"Syyyl?" The Pokémon chimed in confusion, looking up at the brunette.

Lyra took out her Pokédex and pointed it at the Pokémon.

"Sylveon, the intertwining Pokémon and evolved form of eevee. It wraps its ribbon like feelers around the arm of its beloved Trainer and walks with him or her." The gadget stated.

"A Sylveon… They're adorable."

"It sure suits you. I've called girly-girl before, do I need to again?"

Lyra stuck her tongue out and turned back to the Pokémon. "Hi there, I'm Lyra. Professor Sycamore wants you to travel with me, so I hope we get along." She said, petting Sylveon on the head, causing it to cry out happily.

"Seems like a very happy-go-lucky Pokémon." The redhead stated, causing the fairy type to look at him.

Lyra giggled. "Yep. Sylveon, that's Silver, don't worry, he won't bite, and he's a friend to us."

The introduction elicited a happy cry from the Pokémon in acknowledgement.

That night Silver found the shower relaxing. The day had passed with Lyra and him playing with the new addition to get her familiarised with everybody. The redhead could hear his girlfriend in the next room as she shuffled around, probably getting ready for bed. It had become normal for them to share a room, along with the bed, and Silver wasn't complaining. It wasn't like they were still children and just friends. He enjoyed it too, it meant he got to spend more time with the brunette he always called his rival. Usually they would just lie there and talk about things that had happened years earlier until one of them drifted off.

When Silver exited the bathroom, he was wearing the usual navy pyjama pants he slept in, towelling his hair. He slept shirtless because it was summer and the heat in Johto could be excruciating even in the night. He noticed Lyra sitting on the bed, covers already pulled back, wearing pyjamas which consisted of a long white tank top with the outline of a jigglypuff on them and jigglypuff pink shorts. Deciding that his hair was dry enough, Silver tossed the towel aside, going to turn off the light as the bed lamps were on.

"The fifteenth…" Lyra muttered under her breath as she laid down.

Silver flopped down next to her. "What was that?"

"It's already the fifteenth…"

Silver knew what she was referring to; he could see the glint of fear in her eyes. The date the stranger had set was drawing near, she'd have to be at the Whirl Islands in a few days or people would get hurt, according to the threat.

He reached over, gently wrapping his arms around her. "I'll go with you; I'll make sure you won't get hurt."

Silver was surprised when Lyra suddenly turned and buried her face in his chest. He felt her hands resting against his pecks, the tips of her fingers pushing against him. Slowly he started stroking her back.

"I don't want you getting hurt trying to protect me…" He heard her mumble. "I'll never forgive myself if it happens…"

"I won't forgive myself for letting you go there alone. I'm going and you're not stopping me." The gentle kiss caused her to look up at him, her teary eyes causing a horrible pang in his chest.

"Why…? Why put yourself in danger for me…?" Lyra asked softly.

Silver smirked at the naïve question. "I thought it was obvious. The same reason Pokémon would protect you. Because I love you." He then sealed her lips with a gentle kiss which lasted only a few seconds.

"…I love you too…" He heard before their lips were pressed against each other again. He felt Lyra's delicate hands slide up to his shoulders and he responded by tightening his arms around her and deepening the kiss. It was the first time he noticed how petite she actually was and how good it felt when her body was pressed against his. A small smile spread across his lips as he felt Lyra melt into the kiss, one of her hands tangling into his hair.

A few moments later, Silver found himself holding himself over Lyra, having broken the kiss to regain their breath. Lyra's face was flushed pink and she shifted beneath Silver. When Silver looked into her eyes, he saw most of the fear had been replaced by love and passion.

"Silver…" She said shyly, looking away for a moment. "Please… make me forget what is going happen… just for tonight…"

Silver was taken aback by the request; it wasn't something he had expected from Lyra, especially not so soon. Silver wasn't even sure if could be seen as soon; they had known each other for years and their relationship had never been like a normal friendship. He swallowed. "Are you sure?"

Lyra nodded. "It's you… I've always felt safe around you… and I know I'm ready."

"If it's what you want. Just don't be afraid to stop me." Silver said before giving her a gentle kiss which gradually grew with passion…


So… I think you all can guess what happened.

Be glad I love you guys to write this.

I might actually also write the scene which won't appear in the main story out and add it to the M section, but I'll have to see how comfortable I actually am with writing it.

Hope you guys enjoyed it!