The Blade and the Embrace

by galladefenrir44

The adventures of a Gallade named Rick who arrives in the Sinnoh region from the Hoenn region to fulfill his late trainer's dying wish. It also follows the story of a Gardevoir named Alara whose journey start by accident. Their stories will eventually innertwine and they will have to work as a team to succeed in their goals.

35. Chapter 35: The Start of Something New

Here it is guys. This one is probably my latest posted chapter but it was all worth it. I really hope that you guys really like this one. So send me your thoughts in the reviews. Please show your support by reviewing, sending me questions, suggestions, and requests. Well that's all I have for now. I wrote this chapter during college finals weeks so it was hard to even write it. Anyways, enjoy! Help out one of my friends, EmeraldDragon1 by reviewing their work. View Ranking: 1st) The Philippines, 2nd) U.K, 3rd)Canada, 4th) Singapore, 5th) Trinidad and Tobago.

"speech"= talking out loud or conversing

*speech*= thoughts

speech= Pokemon moves

speech= telepathic communication

Rick slowly woke up in the morning and began to look around. He looked at the clock next to the bed and saw that it was 6:30 in the morning. He looked towards Alara and saw her sleeping on his chest with his arm around her. He set his head back on the pillow and looked at the ceiling. He was no longer tired, and couldn't go to sleep. So he thought about what his dad and the other males told him, and tried to piece together his thoughts/feelings about Alara. He knew how lucky he felt to have her back in his life, but he wondered why it was so hard for him to pin point his feelings. The feeling of love for a female was so foreign to him that he just didn't know how to feel it.

Rick sighed and made sure that Alara was still asleep, "Good, you're still fast asleep. I don't know if I do have feelings for you. I hope I do, but I've been too dulled out to know."

Rick looked at her and then forced his head back as he felt a sharp but short headache hit him. Rick grabbed his head with his free hand, but as soon as it began it disappeared.

Rick immediately realized what was happening, "It all makes sense now. Team Rocket wanted me to not feel affectionate emotions because it could of hindered my progress. So they tried to suppress them. How am I remembering all of this now?" He immediately received another headache and a memory flashed into his head.

[Memory]

In the memory there was nothing shown, just an empty black void. However, a voice could be heard and Rick could recognize it as Delta's voice.

"Alpha, listen to my voice. Don't let Team Rocket control your emotions. You can fight it, I did it and so did Gamma. I don't want you to have a savage heart. I want you to one day forget about Team Rocket and us if you have to, but don't become a monster for their own personal gain. They may of suppressed some of your emotions, but you have to unlock them yourself. It's not hard, just swim in the pool of your emotions and release them. I know it makes no sense to you right now, but it will in the future. Don't forget what I just told you Alpha."

[Present]

Rick finished seeing the memory and thought about it what he just heard. He remembered Delta's voice and how much he missed it, he also knew that she might of been right on what he should do. So Rick closed his eyes and relaxed himself, placing himself in a more meditative-like state. He soon fell into a trance and began to dwell in his own mind, his Project symbol glowing the entire time. It took a few minutes but Rick finally woke up and felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

He looked around his room and felt something he did not feel for a long time, pride and he also felt merry. He looked at Alara and smiled at her sleeping figure. He began to think again and he didn't feel limited to thoughts that dulled him. He wondered how it all happened and how he suddenly got the ability to break free.

[Johto Region]

Projects Delta and Gamma were sitting on a cliff. Gamma was laying down on the ground, visibly tired. Delta was sitting near the edge of of the cliff with her eyes closed and her nine tails swaying in the wind.

Gamma stood up and asked Delta, "So did you channel him yet?"

Delta opened her eyes, "Yeah. I made him remember what I told him."

"Tell me again why you had to do that."

"He has a female with him, I don't want him to miss out on the enjoyment of romantic love. I want him to be happy with her, not just pleased and amused to have her around."

"You females are always a mystery to me, but hey as long as you help the kid. Now that you're done, shall we go home?"

Delta turned around to look at him and nodded. Gamma smiled and opened a portal for both of them and they walked into it."

[Rick]

Rick was still laying down on his bed, holding onto Alara. He kept looking at his ceiling, lost in thought. His thinking was quickly interrupted by Alara beginning to wake up. Rick held his breath, knowing that his restrictions were lifted. However, he didn't know what to think of her yet.

Alara slowly woke up and opened her eyes, trying to get adjusted to the light in the room. Once her eyes adjusted she looked at the already awake Rick.

She smiled and said, "Good morning."

"Good morning."

She looked at him and said, "You seem lively." Her eyes shot open and she had the look of fear on her face. "Did I do something in my sleep again!?"

Rick looked at her and laughed, "No, you were quiet and motionless this time."

Alara breathed a sigh of relief, "Good...but now it's bothering me. Hell, that laugh was weird for you."

"I can't be happy in the morning?"

"I never said that. It's just that you're not really a jolly person in the morning...or much of any time at all. You're happy, but not jolly. Did you have a good dream?"

Rick smiled, "You can say that."

They stopped when they felt something in between them. They looked and saw Maiyu sleeping tight in between them.

Alara said, "When did she get here?"

"This kid scares me. I didn't even see her when I woke up. I guess you covered her when you slept on my chest."

"Maybe. I wonder when she got in between of us. I recall sleeping on your chest all night."

"She probably moved your hear with Confusion and got in the crack between us. Come on let's get up and get ready for today. Try not to wake her up. She doesn't have to go to school today. She has a doctor's appointment later today, so she can sleep a bit longer."

Alara nodded and both of them slowly got out of bed and went to freshen up for the day. Alara went into Rick's bathroom and Rick went to the downstairs bathroom to get ready. Rick finished before Alara and felt like he wanted to head for the piano to play a little to start his day.

Rick sat down at the piano and cracked his fingers so he could play. He then began to play, while Alara was beginning to come downstairs.

(Music: Sonata 16 by Mozart (otherwise known as Sonata Facile))

Rick played fast and Alara began to walk down the stairs astonish that Rick woke up to play the piano.

Alara asked him, "Well you really are lively today."

"I haven't played the piano in a while. I wanted to play a bit. So what do you want to do today after I take Maiyu to the pediatrician?"

Alara thought for a second while still listening to Rick play, "I don't know. We could help decorate for the festival."

"Oh yeah, I've seen some of that. It amazes me how much effort the people put into preparing for the festival."

"It's almost like an independence day for us. It's our most treasured holiday."

"What about Christmas?"

"That's our second most anticipated holiday. The fact that they're exactly two months apart gives us a countdown. The Harvest Festival is on October 25th and Christmas is on December 25th. So we party now and we party then...it's not rocket science."

"I understood it already. Anyways, is that all you want to do today?"

"Well I have to get a gown for the festival. If I get to a tailor today then the gown might be finished before the festival."

"Then you should hop to it. I'll take you to a tailor once I get back from the pediatrician."

"Alright. I'll go get breakfast ready."

"Go ahead. I'm finishing up here. I'll be in the living room if you need me."

Alara nodded and walked into the kitchen. Rick finished playing and went into the living room, where he turned on the tv. As he watched tv he felt something getting close to his house and looked at the door. At that moment, his mom and dad phased through the door and entered the house.

Rick's dad yelled, "Aeru! We're home!"

"I noticed! Announce yourselves every now and then."

Alara walked into the room and saw Rick's parents, "Oh hi Warlord Xeron and Lady Aldira."

Aldira quickly smiled and replied to her, "Hi Alara! It's good to see you again child. How are you and Aeru doing?"

"Oh we're doing great. We woke up a few minutes ago and I'm preparing breakfast. Rick immediately woke up and went straight to the piano."

Aldira looked at Rick, "So you can play the piano? I don't remember teaching you that."

Rick replied, "I taught myself how to. I still have your violin and it's in my room...or your old room."

"Play me something."

Rick teleported to the piano and began to play again the same song he played prior.

He soon finished, "There you go."

"That was great dear. You've yet to seize to amaze me. I'll go get my violin."

"Alright, it's on a stand near the bed."

"Gotcha!"

She then went upstairs and Rick was left alone with his dad, after Alara returned to the kitchen. Xeron sat down at the couch and quickly got comfortable.

Rick sat down on the couch next to him and said, "So, what brings you guys here so early in the morning?"

Xeron looked at him and said, "Well we wanted to walk down memory lane. We also wanted to spend some time with our son."

"Well dad I love seeing you and mom, and I'm happy that you guys are back. However, I have to leave later on today. Besides I have to go to work for a while. I need to check up on how the army is handling themselves. I've been there everyday and each day it's a surprise."

"Yeah that happens. Want me to tag along? I can help you out."

"That would be great! Thanks dad!"

Xeron chuckled, "No problem. So tell me how they have been doing...the army, that is."

"Oh well they are quick to learn and please. You've seen them in the Hall of Origin."

"Yes, I have. It made me proud to see my son following in my footsteps. But remember boy, those men and women are your charge now. Train them right and there is no obstacle they cannot overcome. That was my reasoning when I was the Warlord. Tell me, what is your plan for the war? How will you proceed from here?"

"Well I'm waiting for Team Rocket to make the next move."

"Oh the defensive game? Interesting course of action. When you declare war you usually go on the offensive."

"Well I play safe, but I know that I can't keep playing the defensive game. Eventually I have to go on the offenses. I'm just waiting for an opening."

"So what are the key locations in this war?"

"The two capitals: Team Rocket HQ in Kanto and here in the Sanctuary. It would be easier if humans decided to help us, but the only allies I know I have in humans is Silph Co. They'll help me no matter the circumstance."

"Who are your main allies there?"

"Mr. Silph, Dr. Emerald, and Dr. Esper Emerald...I don't know if she actually got married though, so I'm still going to call her that. Then there are the partners of Silph Co. but I don't have the time to name them all."

"Well make sure you keep all your allies close. They will be crucial to winning any war."

"Amen to that!"

They stopped talking when Aldira walked downstairs cradling a sleeping Maiyu and levitating the violin.

She looked at Rick and said, "Umm Aeru, I found this little in your room."

"Oh yeah, that's Maiyu. Your niece."

"My niece? Who's daughter is she?"

"Dad's sister Celenia. She's five years old."

"Oh she's adorable!"

After she finished saying that, Maiyu began to wake up. She groaned as she rubbed her head on Aldira's chest and yawned.

She then said, "Aeru, I don't want to wake up yet."

Rick heard her say that and chuckled, "Well you don't have to wake up yet Maiyu. Go back to sleep."

She yawned again and replied, "So why did Alara go get m..." She stopped when she looked at Aldira. "You're not Alara." She then looked at Xeron. "And who are you?"

Rick chuckled, "These are my parents Maiyu. Your aunt Aldira and your uncle Xeron."

"I thought they were..." Her eyes shot open and she began to scream. "GHOSTS!" She quickly teleported onto Rick's back.

Alara walked into the room, only to see Maiyu hiding behind Rick. "Should I ask?"

Rick quickly grabbed Maiyu and carried her, "Maiyu. Yes, they are dead, but they are not ghosts...mostly. Arceus let them return to life until after the festival."

Maiyu asked, "So are they safe to be around?"

"Yeah! They're great people. My mom is very loving and my dad is pretty goofy."

"Really?"

"Yeah, go meet them."

Aldira walked up and took Maiyu from Rick, while Alara walked up to Rick.

Alara said to Rick, "So do you think they'll be okay?"

"Yeah. Give Maiyu a little while to get to know them. Anyways, how is breakfast coming along?"

"Oh it's almost ready. You can come to the dining room if you want and leave these three alone."

"Lead the way."

They left the room and left Maiyu and Rick's parents alone for a while.

Not too long later, Rick, Maiyu, and Xeron left the house and left Aldira and Alara at home. Alara was finishing some cleaning when she noticed that Aldira wasn't in the house. She looked for her throughout the house.

"Lady Aldira? Are you here?" She soon made her way to the porch and called one more time. "Lady Aldira?"

A reply soon came from the garden, "I'm in the garden dear!"

"Oh!" Alara teleported to her location and saw Aldira tending to the garden.

"I should thank your parents for taking care of my garden. This was my pride and joy when I was your age, dear."

"My mom didn't want your garden to be forgotten. I also don't think that the residents of this den would of wanted this garden to disappear. It's so beautiful."

"I have been planting this garden since I was fifteen, even before Xeron moved into this house. It was still being constructed by your grandfather...your father's father, the old chief. He loved me like a daughter, so he let me plant the garden. Xeron helped by planning out how it will look like. It was his gift to me and it came out beautiful. Saifer and Keera played a role in the construction as well. They put the fountain and the statues, while Xeron formed the gates, arches, and the maze itself. Me and him were the only ones that knew how to navigate this maze. Mainly because we spent almost all our time here until your grandfather gave the house to Xeron as a gift for becoming the Warlord. It took five years to build the house and two more years to finish the garden. I was twenty one years old when it was finally finished completely and Xeron moved in. By that time we were actually engaged and I moved in with him when the garden was finally finished. To be exact, we were married in the garden. It was a beautiful day. Your grandfather, your mother's father, married us. May 24th, what a beautiful day in this garden's history."

"I can understand why love this garden so much and why my parents love it as well. I had no idea you two were married here in the garden."

"We could of been married in the church. The one that towers over this den, but we chose the garden since it holds so much sentimental feeling to both of us. The chief still made sure that the church bells rang when we were married."

"Of course! You married the Warlord. I wouldn't of been surprised that they rang the bells for you. The people loved you and Warlord Xeron."

Aldira smiled at her and asked her, "Can I ask you something? Why do you always call us while using our titles?"

"It's how I was taught to address members of high honor. If I'm related to you then I don't use it."

"Yet."

"Yet?"

"Oh you already know that I believe that you'll marry my son. It's just a matter of time." She giggled and turned to tend to a flower patch. Alara blushed and remained silent. Aldira noticed, "Oh wipe that embarrassed look off your face. It's nothing to be ashamed of really. I'm guessing you didn't talk to him last night?"

Alara's face sank, "Umm...no. I couldn't bring myself to do it."

"Point is to not be afraid of him. Aeru won't hurt you. He loves you too much to do that anyways. Besides, I'm sure he feels the same."

"I hope he does. You know, he woke up different today."

Aldira arched an eyebrow, "How so?"

"He woke up pretty jolly. He was very happy and seemed to of had a weight lifted off his shoulders."

"Oooooooh. That's right. Delta."

"Delta? Project Delta?"

"Yep. She's one of the few 'good' Projects. She must of played a memory in his head to get him to unseal his emotions. Team Rocket tried to seal up all his powerful emotions, but Delta made them fail and managed to release a few of his emotions. He learned to emulate many emotions so that he can live normally."

"Wait...he emulates emotions? He acts like he has certain emotions?"

"Yeah. Arceus told us. He only really emulated strong emotions. Mainly excitement, pride, sadness, and, namely, love."

"But I've seen him cry."

"You saw tears coming from his eyes, but you didn't hear weeping. His body cries, he doesn't. He couldn't feel sorrow or sadness. He could only pretend to have it. However, now he doesn't have to do it, he can express himself freely."

"I should thank Project Delta."

"You'll get your chance soon. You guys running into her is inevitable."

"Maybe. We have to face Team Rocket."

"Oh Project Delta is not part of Team Rocket. She defected not long after Aeru defected. She left with Project Gamma. They are not a threat to you like the other Projects. They are actually here to help. Anyways, enough of this. Want to help me?"

"Sure."

"Great! Grab some gloves and start helping."

The two females soon began to cultivate the garden, while talking about various other subject, mainly the upcoming festival.

[Twelve hours later]

Rick and his dad were at the Military District, in Rick's office. Rick dropped off Maiyu at his grandmother's house and let Xeron see his mother again. Rick was sitting at his desk, reading various progress reports from each team. His dad was walking around the room, examining what was different since his time. As they were in the office Dartz walked into the room.

Rick quickly greeted him, "Dartz! What's up brother? Can I help you with something?"

Dartz responded, "Yes. I have something I want to ask of you. However, may I speak to you alone?"

Rick looked at his dad, who nodded and left the room.

"So what's on your mind Dartz?"

Dartz sat down on a chair, "Well you know that me and Ashlyn kicked up our relationship again."

"I am aware and you have my support."

"Well, I wanted your permission on something. Mainly because you're the only one that can give it to me, if you accept."

"I'm listening. Ask me for anything."

"Well, I want Ashlyn to attend the festival with me. Now hear me out before you say anything. I am well aware that she's part of Team Rocket and she would be within our lines, but I trust her."

Rick nodded for Dartz to continue.

"I want to go with her, and you're the only one that can make it happen."

Rick sat back and thought about Dartz request. He then looked at Dartz, making him nervous.

Rick then replied to him, "Very well. She has my permission to enter."

Dartz was surprised but very excited, "Really!?"

"Of course! Ashlyn is not a malevolent individual. If she is willing to defect from Team Rocket, then I have reason to believe that she can be trusted."

"Also, who am I to deny that to you? Go get your girl, but don't tell her where the Sanctuary is. I trust her, but I cannot risk her being interrogated if something happens. Just make sure she can come here safely. I don't want to risk her safety or her well being. However, when she's here she shall be your problem."

"Of course! Thank you!"

"Don't worry about it. Now go back to your station, or if your finished, go home and tell her the news."

"She calls me so that she doesn't risk being caught."

"Good call! As you were! I'll talk to you and the others later."

"Alright, bye Rick!"

"Bye! Dad get back in here!"

Dartz left and Rick's dad came back in. He looked at Rick and asked, "Girl trouble?"

"Quite the opposite really. He wants his girl here, but he needed my permission. So I gave it to him without a problem. I had to think about it, but I regret nothing."

"So you're helping him get lucky?"

"Dad! What the hell did I just finish saying to you?"

"I know, I know. I'm just being silly. So his girl is a Project, but luckily it's a good one. It's always an amazing advantage when you have allies on the other side."

"I'm not going to use her to destroy Team Rocket. I can't betray Dartz's trust like that, so I don't want to endanger her in any way."

"I see your point. Anyways, I'm leaving."

"Where are you going?"

"Saifer's house, it's Halo night."

As he left Rick looked on with the look of 'you are fucking kidding me', "He comes back for two and he turned into a teenager. Anyways, back to work."

As he began to type into his computer he heard his Poketch ring. He sighed and looked at it and saw it was a call from Alara.

"Hey Ally!"

"Hi Rick! Just checking up on you."

Rick chuckled, "That's normally my job."

"Yeah, well I was kinda lonely."

"Where's my mom?"

"She left with my mom just now. They're going to my parents' place."

"I don't like leaving you alone. Should I call it a day for today?"

"Don't do that! I'm sure you have a lot of work left."

"Not really. I trained them, read all their progress reports, and am now just making some notes."

"Well if you're not busy then come on home. Don't you need to go get Maiyu?"

"Yeah, but that's later. How is her dress coming along?"

"I finished it already. She'll love it, but I need to have her get in it before I can say it for sure. I need to buy her festival kimono. The dress is for the Harvest Ball. Anyways, so are you coming?"

"I'll be there in twenty minutes. Bye!"

"Bye. I'll see you later."

Rick quickly turned off his computer and walked out of his office. He then ran into Wayland and told him, "Way, I'm leaving for today. Tell Winston that he's in charge for the time being."

Wayland replied, "Gotcha! Have a nice day Rick!"

"You too. I have to go back home. Alara's waiting for me."

"Tell her I said 'hi'."

"Will do, bye!"

Rick left, got into his car, and drove off.

[Alara's Parents' House]

In Alara's parents' house, Xeron and Saifer were playing video games and Aldira and Keera were using Saifer's laptop. Not too long after the males got up, with Saifer clearly victorious in the game.

"Hell yeah! Suck it Xeron!"

"I don't know how to play this damn game! When I was alive, the last console I played was a Playstation. Play me in Tekken right now!"

Keera stopped them, "Boys calm down! It's a game! Anyways, I have some iced tea for you guys."

The males quickly took their glasses and stood behind the girls, who were still using Saifer's laptop.

Saifer took a sip and looked at the girls, "It's great to have you guys back. I miss the good old days and..." He suddenly noticed the girls on the laptop. "Is that my laptop?"

Keera looked back at him, "Yep."

"What are you doing?"

"Just going through its content."

"Why?"

"Aldira tells me that it could be a great way for us to bond and know what we both like."

He was suddenly nervous by this point, "We've been married for twenty two years. I think we know all that there is to know about each other."

"But this can also be fun. I'll let you go through my laptop later."

Both males looked at each other and nodded. They then spilled their iced tea onto the laptop, short circuiting it. The girls gave short screams as it nearly exploded.

Keera looked back at her husband and said, "Why the hell did you do that!?"

Both guys smiled at each other, "Did what?"

"Spilled your iced tea all over the laptop."

"We didn't do that. We really need to fix that leaky roof."

Aldira looked at them with an angry look on her face and asked, "Your roof leaks iced tea?"

"The roof has preferences. It's that high class. I'm surprised it isn't leaking wine."

A vein appeared on Keera's head, "It can't be a leaky roof if we're on the first floor. Also, there is no leak."

Both males looked at each other and said, "REMATCH!"

They quickly went back to their game, while the girls cracked their knuckles. A choir of screams of pain could then be heard emanating through the halls of the house.

[Rick]

Rick was driving home and noticed that he was driving by Alara's parents' house. As he was driving by he could hear painful screams coming from inside.

He sweatdropped and said, "I really don't want to know. Just drive off Rick and leave your father and the Chief to their misery."

He drove off again and soon arrived at his house. When he entered he found Alara playing her harp on the balcony. He walked onto the balcony, trying not to let her know that he was home. She soon finished and looked back and saw Rick standing behind her.

"You need to play your harp more. I love the sound of it."

"I didn't even know that you were back home. Well hi anyways."

Rick laughed quietly, "Hi! So what have you been doing?"

"Oh nothing. I've just been finishing Maiyu's dress and relaxing. I was gardening with your mom earlier, and she told me so much about the garden."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

Alara turned around and leaned on the railing of the balcony, overlooking the garden. "Well she told me that the garden was finished two years after the house was finished. She also told me that your dad made it look like it does now and that they got married in there."

"Is that so?"

"I never knew that."

"Neither did I. This entire house is not too familiar to me. I may of lived in the Sanctuary all my life and have been to this house multiple times as a kid, but I don't know much about it."

"And now you're here everyday and are temporarily living in it with me and Maiyu."

"And I learned to love this house. So much that I prefer this house to my own. But it doesn't last. I'm not family so I can't live here permanently."

"I still need to ask my folks about that. Now I have the chance since they're here for a while."

They stopped talking for a second and sat down to star gaze for a little while. Alara broke the silence by saying, "Are you going to pick up Maiyu? It's almost 8pm."

"Well I didn't tell you this, but she's staying with her grandmother today. I don't know why, but she's staying over for tonight."

"So we have the house to ourselves?"

"Yep. That means no bathroom battles and no uncomfortable questions. But it's not all that bad."

Alara looked over to him and smiled, "We still love that little girl. I wish my daughter would be like her...except for the bathroom battles. But Maiyu is smart and so adorable."

"Me too."

"You know, I know all about your emotion release."

"Excuse me?"

"You used to have your emotions suppressed by Team Rocket and Project Delta released them for you this morning. That explains why you're so much more lively than you usually are."

"Yeah, it's true. I never felt better. I don't have to pretend to have my strong emotions anymore. I can feel so many things that I haven't felt in years...but my face hurts from smiling too much."

Alara giggled, "I guess that would happen. It doesn't mean that you have to smile twenty-four seven."

"I'd rather be happy."

"I'd rather you would be happy too, but you can frown every once and a while."

Rick laughed, "Alright. But I don't have something that will make me do that."

"Oh well, let's watch some tv. We're doing nothing out here."

Alara got up, "Okay. Let's go!"

She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the house. Rick gladly took her hand and let her guide him into the living room. They sat down on the couch and indulged in the entertainment. Both of them feeling closer than ever with Rick unrestrained.

[Two weeks later, Harvest Festival]

Rick, Alara, and Maiyu (who was riding on Rick's shoulder) were walking into the center of town, watching all the decorations and the festivities. The entire den looked like a gigantic carnival with performers, games, food, and people in costumes. Maiyu was eating a caramel apple and Rick and Alara were eating cotton candy.

All the females in the den were all wearing fall kimonos and Rick took a second to look at Alara. She was wearing a white and pink kimono, her hair was pinned back, and she was wearing a circlet that let people recognize her as the Chief's daughter. Rick had his Warlord attire on, with a cape that had the Warlord emblem on it. Maiyu looked like a little Alara, being dressed similar to her, which Rick swore they planned out.

Rick then said to Alara, "I hate wearing capes."

"Why?"

"I just don't like wearing them. They make me feel pompous and high class."

"Well you are high class."

"My family line comes from the lower class. Your family line comes from nobility."

"That is true but you have to keep up your appearance as the Warlord. The festival is only for one day."

"And how much of it do I have to be a part of?"

Alara then gave Rick an irritated look, "All of it."

"Seriously? You know I'm always the first to jet from events."

"Shut up, shut up, shut up! Please try to enjoy it. Besides, you HAVE to be there for the Harvest Ball. Now come on! Let's play some games until the sun disappears."

"It's three in the afternoon."

"So you better get ready to not go home for a few hours."

"Fine! What do you want to do first?"

"Anything! There's so much to do during the festival."

"This is my first festival...well aside from when I was one years old. So walk me through it please."

Alara then grabbed his hand, "Then let's go."

She quickly pulled him through the crowd and went straight for the many games in the square. She made Rick participate in an archery game.

"Okay Alara, what are the rules to this game? Just hit the target in the bull's eye with the arrow and that's it?"

"Yep. You get three five tries and you win better prizes if you manage to hit the bull's eye multiple times, or split the arrow."

"Sound easy enough."

The the game referee then told Rick, "Well Warlord Aeruthael, if you're up to the challenge then give it a try. Come on, first try is free."

Rick chuckled and took a quiver of five arrows and a bow. Maiyu was cheering him on, "Go Aeru!"

Rick drew one arrow and aimed it at a target which was about 150 feet away.

The referee asked him, "Which target are you going for my lord?"

"The furthest one."

The ref sweatdropped, "Well I rarely get anyone that can even scratch that one, but good luck regardless."

Alara giggled and said, "He'll always find a way to surprise you. Just watch."

Rick took careful aim, took a deep breath, held it and fire away. The air cut through the air and hit the target perfectly in the middle. The act surprised the ref and the people that were watching.

"Told you guys. He'll always find a way to surprise you. Also, he still has four arrows left."

Rick put his hand back and Maiyu passed him another arrow. He took it and fired it at the target again. The arrow went on the same route as the first and split the first arrow, landing dead center on the target. He did the same with the other arrows, shocking everyone, even Alara.

He turned and said, "That was easy. If your wondering, yes, I know how to use a bow...really well. Just part of my training. You can keep the prize. I just wanted to play."

Rick and Alara soon walked to other games and eventually found Wayland, Jean, Seras, Dartz, and, to Alara's surprise, Ashlyn. They were all at the test of strength game. Obviously no one was going to compete with Wayland. The group noticed Rick and Alara walking up to them and went to meet them halfway.

Rick quickly hugged Seras and got challenged by Wayland, "Hey Rick, want to try me at the test of strength?"

"Are you insane!? You can bench press a planet. I don't stand a chance."

"How about all you guys?"

Rick turned to look at Jean and Dartz who nodded. All the girls went to watch what would happen. Wayland took the mallet first and hit the pressure board. The computer next to him then read a 11900 lbs, surprising the boys, who huddled together to come up with a plan.

Jean said, "Okay we're fucked beyond belief. What do we do?"

Dartz looked at him, "You're asking me? I have no idea. Combined we might scratch 1000 lb. We're not going to hit over a five and a half tons."

Rick said, "Well let's try. Guys grab that mallet and bring it down as hard as you can."

The boys grabbed hold of the mallet and swung it down at the pressure board. After a second the computer read 3027 lbs. The boys clearly lost, but were satisfied with the fact that they actually hit over 3000 lbs.

Jean then asked Rick, "Rick, can't you go all Alpha and beat Wayland?"

"I could, but that would be cheating."

"Who cares!?"

"Jean, I can't do that...not here."

"Fine!"

They quickly looked back at Wayland and saw him celebrating, doing his usual victory dance. Once he finished everyone laughed and went off to eat for the day. They all, including the rest of the gang, went to Rick's porch to see the festivities from the comfort of the house.

Ashlyn then asked Rick, "So this is your home Alpha?"

"Yeah. This is my house and this is my home."

"Thank you for allowing me to join in on the festival."

"I wasn't going to let Dartz come alone. What better than his own mate?"

"Oh we're not mates yet."

"Well here you're considered as his mate since you guys have the intentions on mating. Here the Gallades and Gardevoirs get married. I know, it surprised me too. I thought that we just mate and that would be the end of it."

"So how was your wedding?"

Rick and Alara sighed, "Ashlyn, I am not married. Alara here is not my wife or mate. We're just close friends."

"Well that clears that up. Dartz didn't tell me anything about that. However, it's good to see that you trust me enough to be here Alpha."

"Call me Rick. I don't like my Project name."

"Alright...Rick."

Everyone laughed and Maiyu walked out of the house with cotton candy.

Rick looked at her and asked her, "Maiyu, where did you get that?"

"Oh I actually teleported back to the town square and bought some."

Rick gave her a faint smile, "Maiyu, I told you not to go out by yourself. Couldn't you of asked me?"

"Sorry Aeru."

Rick picked her up and sat her on his lap, "It's okay dear. Are your parents coming to pick you up?"

A voice then came from in front of him, "No need we're here."

An older, yet muscular, Gallade was coming up the steps. Rick identified him as his Uncle Rile, Maiyu's father.

"Oh hi! I thought you were going to call when you were going to pick Maiyu up."

"I was but I was already in the neighborhood. Anyways, I can't talk my wife is waiting for me at the Chief's house."

Rick nodded and handed Maiyu to him, "Here you go. When are you going to let Maiyu stay over again? I missed her here for the past week."

Maiyu hopped onto her dad's shoulder and waved goodbye to Rick and his friends. Her dad then replied, "I don't know. Maybe in a few weeks. Anyways, I better go before the wife gets worried."

"Alright, bye guys!"

"Bye Aeru."

Maiyu waved goodbye again and disappeared with her father, when they got in a car.

All the girls soon got up and left, confusing Rick. "Where are they going?"

Winston replied, "They're going to get ready for the ball."

"But that's not for a few more hours."

"They're females. I think we should of given them more time to prepare."

Jean said, "I think a week is needed."

All the guys laughed and socialized for a while, until returning to the square to participate in more games.

[At Alara's House]

The girls were all getting dolled up for the ball. All of them were getting into their gowns, that they chose really carefully. They did their hair, makeup, and accessories.

Everyone had their appointed dates: Rick and Alara, Winston and Gloria, Wayland and a number of Gardevoirs, Jean and Seras, Dartz and Ashlyn, Bolt and Anna, Lucian and Miranda, Allen and Amber, Sage and Serenity, Celand and Amari, Richter and Aleerah, Claw and Fang, Shadow didn't have a date because he was the DJ for the night, by request of Alara's parents.

Alara was in her room finishing her touches on her outfit. She was wearing a flowing white and green gown, that Rick's mother ordered for her a few weeks back, without her knowing. It complemented her perfectly and didn't look like a renaissance gown, yet it almost resembled a Gardevoir's usual dress, but fancier. She had white and green ballroom gloves, a green silk ribbon wrapped around her waist, her hair was layered and wavy, compliments of Seras. She was putting on her necklace and her circlet.

Once she finished she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was wondering to herself, *Am I beautiful? I'm pretty sure I am. I want to turn Rick's attention to me, but how am I supposed to do that.*

She looked into her mirror and saw X staring back at her. She quickly turned around and looked at him.

X sighed and said, "You have got to stop torturing yourself like this. I've been listening in on your moping and it is getting tiring."

"Well hello to you too X. I haven't seen you or heard you in a while."

"Listen, I'm going to tell you my honest opinion."

"And that is?"

"You're getting more and more pathetic as your emotions rise. Just tell the damn guy!"

"It's not that easy. Why do you, Arceus, my parents, and Rick's parents keep insisting that it's easy."

"We never said it was easy, but you should go for it. I'm tired of manipulating the timeline to fix all the crap you guys do. Dialga is going to kill me. Anyways, listen to what I have to tell you. When I was alive, I made the most of the life I had. I didn't fear what could happen, but I braced myself for the worst if it was to happen."

"Oh yeah, I forgot! You used to be a living Gallade. Did you have a mate?"

"I did, but that was a long time ago. I don't think she's alive anymore."

"Wait, how long have you been dead?"

"That's not important. What IS important is that you have a chance to get the person you want as a significant other. You know Rick loves you as well...but his emotions were suppressed...so that explains a lot."

"So you think that he will accept me?"

X facepalmed, "Of course! He's probably not expecting it, but he isn't closer to another Gardevoir. Now don't hesitate and go do what you have to do." He suddenly vanished, leaving Alara alone in her room.

Alara got up and walked up to her bed, she sat down and pulled her journal out and began to write in it. She kept writing until she heard someone opening her door. She tried to hide the journal until she saw Ashlyn opening the door.

"Oh Ashlyn it's just you."

Ashlyn smiled and walked in, "Sorry for intruding. I just felt like something was up here. Something...dead. Anyways, I see that you've taken a liking to the journal I gave you."

"Yes, thank you! It helps me let loose after a long day. Want to read some out of it?"

"Oh no! Journals are supposed to be private. I couldn't possibly do that."

"But I'm giving you permission. Go ahead."

Ashlyn took the journal and read a few pages quickly and then looked at Alara, "You really are in love with Rick...why not just tell him? I didn't hesitate to tell Dartz how I felt."

"You guys have known each other for..."

Ashlyn interrupted her, "Finish that sentence and think about what you just said. You two have been best friends since your birth. I'm not surprised that you're in love with him."

"It's true, but I can't tell him."

Ashlyn sighed, "Listen, when me and Dartz were best friends we didn't hide anything from each other. When I felt something for him I made hints about it. It's true that rejection is scary, but it's good to try. Anyways, when my feelings for him came to a head, I just kissed him and waited to see his reaction. It did surprise me that he did return my feelings, but that was to be expected."

"But how am I going to get the words out. I don't know how to tell him."

"Sometimes, it's not about what you say, but its about what you do. If he loves you back then he'll return the feeling. If he doesn't then you know that you have nothing left to hide. Also, you know that it won't change anything between you two if you two really are the best of friends."

"So what do I do?"

"When the time comes just act. Don't think...too much."

"Alright, I'll try."

"What better time then when your wrapped in his arms tonight?"

"Wait, tonight?"

"Yes, I'll be watching and something better be happening."

"But..."

Ashlyn put her hand over her mouth, "Please, stop doing that. I may be a friend but I'm still a Project. So I can get really irritable." She then let go of Alara.

"Sorry...wait, I need to know. How are you keeping this a secret from Team Rocket?"

"Omega has that covered for me."

[Team Rocket HQ]

Omega was in their room and sighed, "Ashlyn, you owe me big time. Shapeshifting, commencing." Omega was then enveloped in a purple light and emerged from the darkness of the room in the form of Ashlyn. "You owe me A LOT." Omega said as their voice emulated Ashlyn's.

[Alara's Room]

Ashlyn said, "I'm sure Omega can think of something. Omega has yet to disappoint me. However, back to the subject at hand. You need to tell him and get it off your chest. At least you'll feel...free."

"Okay, I'll try. Thank you Ashlyn."

"You're welcome."

"Come on...hug me."

Ashlyn smiled and hugged Alara before getting up and leaving the room. Alara stayed on her bed and looked up at her ceiling.

She thought to herself, *She's right. I have to do it. Mainly for myself, but also because I need to know how Rick feels about me."

[8pm, Chief's Court]

Rick and the guys were in the Chief's Court, waiting for the girls to arrive. Rick was sitting down on a throne that his soldiers brought for him to sit on. He was sitting next to Alara's parents and his parents.

Aldira asked Rick, "So dear are you excited?"

"I really don't know what to think mom. I am a little excited, but the emotions are still foreign to me. Give me a minute to adapt to them first."

"Alright. You should of gotten them back sooner so that this wouldn't be weird to you."

"I'm learning to adapt to them, but it's hard to concentrate."

"Well there's your problem. Just let them flow. You no longer have to concentrate on them because you don't have to pretend."

"I don't?"

Aldira smiled, "No, you don't. Emotions flow. You don't have to filter them."

"I'll try."

"Don't try. Just do nothing."

"Alright, alright."

Alara's dad then got a message from a stealth soldier and got up, "Open the doors for the girls!"

Two guards quickly opened the doors and the girls began to walk in. Rick quickly looked at Alara and stayed frozen in place. He was immediately mesmerized and he couldn't figure out what emotions were going through his body. Alara walked up to Rick and the adults and stopped in front of them. Rick got up and walked next to her, unable to mouth words.

Alara looked at her parents and asked, "What do you guys think? Too much?"

Rick responded involuntarily, "No!" He quickly put his hand to his mouth, to keep himself quiet.

"Really Rick?"

Rick took his hand off his mouth, "Yeah. Y-y-yo..." Rick slapped himself to mouth the words. "You look great."

Seras quickly said to the guys, "And so it begins."

Alara smiled at Rick, "Thank you." She turned to her parents, "Well?"

Her mom replied, "You look amazing dear. Aldira's ballroom gown looks beautiful on you."

Alara arched her eyebrow, "Wait, this one of her dresses?"

Aldira replied to her with a smile on her face, "Yes, but I never got to wear it. Mainly because I became pregnant with Rick and it wouldn't fit on me. I had it made a few months before the festival, but I got pregnant. I think it looks better on you."

"Does it really?"

"Yep. Also, I have something for all the girls." Aldira suddenly pulled out a bundle of flowers from her garden. "My special flowers. You girls should wear them on your outfits. They will look beautiful with them."

Alara quickly walked up to her and took a flower and placed it in her hair. She turned around and asked Rick, "What do you think?"

Rick froze, "Ummmmmmm...I'll be right back." Rick suddenly vanished.

"I wonder where he went." A loud roar was immediately heard from across the Sanctuary. "I think I found him."

Rick teleported back into the room, "I'm back and I'm composed."

Jean asked Rick, "What did you do?"

"Nothing." Rick suddenly snapped one of his fingers back in place, cringing in the pain .

"Whatever you say psycho."

Seras then told Jean, "I think this how he's coping with the emotions."

"Yeah, but snapping your fingers and snapping them back in place is a little too extreme."

"He doesn't know how to deal with it. So I guess that he can compose himself as long as he feels some sort of pain."

Rick said to Alara, "It looks great on you."

Alara gave a concerned smiled, "Good to know. Umm stop hurting yourself."

"Okay. Now let's get this over with." He offered Alara his arm, which she took.

Everyone soon left the room and stopped at the curtains that covered the entryway to the outdoor ballroom. They all began to enter as their names were called. Soon Rick and Alara, his parents, and Alara's parents were left in the room.

Shadow, who was at the DJ booth at the time, then announced, "Up next is a special pair. Twenty one years in the making. Once dead, now alive...for the day at least. Let's welcome one of our former Warlords and his wife, Warlord Xeron and Lady Aldira." With that Xeron and Aldira walked through the opened curtain and walked into a sea of cheers and applause.

Shadow continued, "Alright, this next pair is very well known to both of us. They lead our people and they keep us safe twenty four hours a day. Now give a big round of applause for Chief Saifer and Queen Keera...it's Queen, right? Sorry everybody, I'm still getting used to this society. Anyways, let them have that applause." Saifer and Keera left in the same manner as Rick's parents and once again Rick was left alone with Alara.

Alara asked him, "Ready for a great night? You look handsome."

Rick smiled at her, "Thanks and yes I am. You look very beautiful. Best outfit I've ever seen you in, so far."

"Thank you." She smiled at him with a wider smile and just stared at him.

Rick noticed and asked her, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Alara flinched and sighed, "Yes, but I'll tell you later. While we dance."

"Alright. I'm looking forward to the dance myself and I'm curious on what you want to tell me."

Alara blushed, "You'll find out."

They then heard Shadow announcing them, "Well time for the final couple. Two people that will be our leaders in the future...well one is a leader and the other is our future Chief if they stay single. Probably the cutest couple I have yet to see so far. No offense Sayer and Leta. Alrighty then! Let's give it up for Warlord Aeruthael and Lady Alara and get this party started."

Rick and Alara took deep breaths and walked outside, where they were met with loud cheers and applause. Rick looked up and saw a perfect full moon, it put his spirits up and he walked to the main area with Alara. Alara looked at Rick and smiled again while they took their places on the dance floor.

Shadow immediately said, "Hold on ladies and gents, we're doing it this way. First, it's married couples and then we'll work our way to couple's dance."

Amari yelled at Shadow, "You've got to be kidding me Shadow!"

"Hey I don't make the rules...okay I do for tonight."

"There's a Bullet Punch with your name on it after all this is over!

"Anyways, men and wives hit the floor."

Rick and Alara walked off the dance floor and sat down on thrones that two soldiers brought for them. Rick sat down and got comfortable while Alara sighed. They stayed in the seats and watched their parents dance with each other.

Alara was growing anxious but she had to control herself for a bit longer. She sat back on her seat and ate a bit of the food that was brought to her.

Rick sensed her growing unrest and asked her, "Are you alright Ally?"

"Yeah, I'm just thinking."

"Can I ask about what?"

"You can but I'd rather not talk about it right now."

"Very well. I won't push the matter. But please try to eat something at least. You haven't eaten much today and I've been worried since this afternoon."

She smiled at him, "I'm fine Rick. Thank you for your concern though."

"Well eat up. We're dancing next."

"How do you know?"

"Because I got Amari to threaten Shadow for me. We'll be dancing in no time."

"Great!"

They both ate their meals and waited for the final song to play. Once it finished Rick and Alara got up, ready to dance together.

Shadow soon announced, "And that concludes Spouses' Dance, now onto Couple's Dance. So all none married couples hit the floor."

Rick quickly took Alara's hand, surprising her but got a smile from her. He then led her to the center of the dance floor and they got in their dance position.

Alara looked around and saw Ashlyn and Seras, with their respective dates. Ashlyn smiled and nodded at her, which Alara understood perfectly. She looked back at Rick and saw him smiling back at her.

"Looks like you and Ashlyn struck up a friendship."

"Yeah. She's really kind. It pains me that she's with Team Rocket at the moment."

"Only for a little while longer. I heard that she'll only defect if Omega goes with her. So to help Dartz and her, I'm willing to face Omega and convince it to join us...that will be hard. But it will be so worth it in the end. My job is to eliminate the Rocket threat, not to eliminate all the Projects. She is safe as long as she remains as one of our friends."

"That's really nice of you."

"I've been thinking a lot today. I've been feeling a lot as well. It's a lot but it feels so much better than being restricted."

"I'm happy about that too."

Shadow soon announced, "Alright, let's start this dance with a little bit of Nickleback. If the Warlord Aeruthael and Alara were a real couple this song would ring all to well for them."

(Music: Far Away by Nickleback)

Rick quickly put his arm around Alara's waist and she put her arms around his neck for the slow dance. They began to dance, with many eyes on them, but at the moment Alara and Rick didn't care. Alara made sure to get as close as she could to Rick as possible, without getting impaled by his spike. She rested her head on his chest, avoiding the spike. She didn't understand why but she always felt so happy when they danced. Rick feeling happy as well, but he couldn't pin point the feeling, nor did he care.

Rick then said to Alara, "You know, this feels great."

She lifted her head off his chest and looked up at him, "What does?"

"I don't know. Being too happy is a weird feeling for me. But I like it. I haven't felt like this in many years."

"Now you know how I felt when we first danced a few months ago."

"I guess I do." Alara giggled and placed her head back on his chest. "You know, you never told me what you wanted to tell me."

Alara looked back at him, "Oh yeah. I forgot."

"Well what was it?"

"Umm..." She looked away for a second and looked at Ashlyn who almost glared at her, but nodded. She then looked at where her parents were and saw X standing next to them, with his arms crossed and also nodded. She looked back at Rick and sighed. "You know, I could say what I wanted to tell you." She placed her head back on his chest. "Or I can just show you."

"Show me what? I'm still in the dark here Ally."

"Tell me something Rick. What do you feel about me? Now that your emotions are unleashed. And don't lie to me."

"I'll never lie to you. I'm still getting my emotions straight, but they're falling in their right places. Ally, you know I love you since you're the closest person to me. I need to get this off my chest right now. It's a heavy load and it needs to disappear." He took a deep breath. "I don't know how to say this any cornier, but I do think I've been in love with your for a while, but was unable to express it."

Alara's eyes shot open at the sound of him saying that. She couldn't believe that he was actually in love with her. She barely stopped herself from crying and looked up at Rick. "Rick? Is that true?"

"Yep. Every word. There's nothing to stop me now."

"Rick..."

She was interrupted by a voice in her head, which she identified as Arceus, "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? DO IT!"

Alara did as she was told and quickly pulled Rick's head into a kiss, catching him off guard. She held him there for a few second and then let him go, astonished by what she just did.

She looked at Rick, who had a surprised look on his face, "Rick...I'm sorry. I kinda lost it there."

Rick smiled at her and said to her, "What are you apologizing about?"

She looked back up at him and was met from a kiss from him. She closed her eyes and melted into the kiss, unaware of Seras and Jean becoming ecstatic at the sight. Rick's dad was taking pictures and high fived Alara's dad, who said, "Mission accomplished...yet it took a Project to get them together."

Rick and Alara disconnected and soon became aware of their surroundings and the people in it. They soon looked at everyone and blushed. Amber and Seras quickly pulled whistled to get their attention and Seras handed them a picture that Xeron took, increasing the blush on their faces.

Their parents quickly walked up to them and hugged them joyfully.

Aldira then told Rick, "Finally you opened that heart of yours to someone."

"I don't think it was every really closed, but I'm not going to argue. Don't tell me, you guys planned this out, didn't you?"

"It wasn't completely us."

A voice soon came from the center of the room, "I had a lot to do with that too."

Everyone looked at the location of the voice and they saw Arceus appearing in the center of the room. Everyone bowed, even Rick and Alara. Arceus then walked up to Rick and Alara and gave a hearty laugh.

Arceus then said, "That took forever, but it was worth it. I hope you are all happy with the results." He then told Rick and Alara, "Get up, I need to speak specifically to both of you now." Rick and Alara stood up and looked at Arceus. "Tell me, what happens now?"

Alara looked at Rick and back at Arceus before answering, "I guess we're starting our relationship as mates now."

"Mates yes, but I want you two to go further."

Rick asked, "What are you implying?"

"I told you that you can't fight this war alone. So the next step...which I want both of you to go through is..."

Alara interrupted and said, "Sorry for interrupting, but the next step is marriage, isn't it?"

"Right on the money."

Rick and Alara's mothers, and the other girls began to shriek in joy. Jean and Rick's dad were laughing.

"When are we supposed to get married? This is way to fast."

"I didn't say your getting married today, not tomorrow, maybe not even a year from now. It's yours and Rick's decision on when that will happen. I still want it to be your own free will, so there has to be a proposal. If Rick decides to do it soon then more power to you, but I want you guys to progress in this new relationship."

Alara and Rick's mothers then yelled, "Do it fast! We want grandchildren!"

Rick and Alara blushed while everyone, even Arceus, laughed.

Rick asked Arceus, "So this was going to happen regardless?" Arceus nodded. "Well thank you. I love how this happened."

"You're welcome. Also, here's a quick gift. Xeron, Aldira, you're staying until after New Year's Day."

Rick smiled wider, "You're leaving them with me until then?"

"They should get to know their future daughter in law better. Whatever you and Alara do now is on you. Well that's all I came to say. Farewell everyone!" He suddenly disappeared.

Everyone quickly turned and looked at Rick and Alara, who felt even more awkward.

Wayland quickly yelled, "Group hug"

Rick and Alara were immediately swarmed by their friends. They managed to get away but were met with Maiyu teleporting onto Rick's shoulder.

She then said, "I'm so happy! I AM going to have a new cousin."

Rick smiled at Maiyu, "Yes, yes you are."

They were uninterrupted by Sayer and Leta walking by casually and passing them a bottle of cider.

Rick looked at Alara and said, "Want to pop it?"

Alara responded, "Yep. Might as well as celebration."

Rick tried to work the cork, but couldn't pop it off. Alara quickly helped them and they managed to pop it. The cork went flying through the air and ricocheted off the walls and it hit Alara's dad in the crotch, forcing him to the ground in pain.

He then yelled, "NO WAY!"

Rick's dad grabbed both of them and said, "You know, I'm happy for both of you and the weird part is that both of you are staying in the same house. Let's see how things get." He then walked back to help Alara's dad off the ground.

Rick and Alara looked at each other and laughed. She then pulled him into another kiss and he held her close.

[Three Hours Later, Dartz House]

Dartz was in his bed, while Ashlyn was coming out of the bathroom. Ashlyn decided to stay for the night and leave early in the morning. She got into the bed with Dartz and snuggled up to him.

Dartz asked her, "So what did you think about the festival?"

"I loved it! The ball was the best though. I'm so happy for Rick and Alara."

"I hope they get far in their relationship."

"Me too. I wish I was on your side. I'm so going to talk to Omega when I go back to Rocket HQ. So are we going to bed?"

"What else are we going to do? We can't mate."

"I never said mate." She said seductively.

"What are you thinking?"

"Come here!" She kissed Dartz and rolled on top of him.

[Rick's House]

Rick was laying down on his bed, thinking about everything that just happened in the day. He smiled through all of it and thought about the kiss that Alara gave him and everything Arceus said. His thoughts were interrupted by Alara walking into the room. She had a wide smile on her face and she teleported her night gown on. She quickly laid down next to Rick.

She said to him, "This has been quite the day."

"Yes it has. Best day of my life though. I love this festival now."

"I'm happy about it too. We both got what we wanted."

"And what might that be?"

"We're together now." She quickly kissed him and he laughed in between.

"You really love doing that. Every few moments you kiss me."

Alara giggled, "I'm happy, don't ruin the moment."

"I never said I didn't like it." He returned the kiss.

"I'm happy you got your emotions back."

"I might of accepted the kiss even if I was still restricted. So do you want to go to sleep or do what we're doing?"

Alara gave him a seductive look, "What do you think?"

"Make out session. We're not mating, are we?"

"If you want, we can."

"I'd rather wait until we get married."

"When is that going to be?"

"Soon, just be patient."

"Alright, I'll wait."

Rick turned her body to face her, "Don't start thinking that it will be a long time until then. If it's needed to win the war then it will happen fast. I'll plan the wedding as well...and it will be incredible."

Alara smiled at him and stared at him, "I love you."

"I love you too."

They soon kissed again, more passionate then their last. One the table next to the bed, the picture of them as babies in the festival next to the one of them kissing a few hour earlier.

There you have it. Rick and Alara are officially a couple. Now things can start getting interesting. I haven't forgotten the war so I'm cutting so much of the crap and getting to the action. So tell me what you guys think. Review please and do the usual thing guys. Bye!