A/N:

A few more important sections, including another interaction with one of the newer characters.

Special thanks to Fawkes Kleiffen for beta reading the chapter!

"…" - Spoken dialogue

Italics - Character thoughts

'Italics' - Telepathic dialogue

/\/\/\ - Lemon Scene

Chapter 22

— — — — —

Selina

— — — — —

The two of them walked along the beach, with the private ceremony they had with Eleanor heaving lasted about twenty minutes. Selina couldn't help but appreciate the fact that, for the second time in her life, these shorelines would mark the start of a new adventure. While this one wouldn't be so action-packed, it was far more impactful for the both of them. She looked over at the lucario and smiled.

"Whatcha thinking about?" he asked.

"You."

"Well of course," Liam joked, earning a nudge to his side. "So… what now?" If she was being honest, the umbreon hadn't really come up with any ideas.

"I'm not really sure. Maybe we could redecorate our place a bit…"

"The bed should be delivered to us this afternoon," he stated. "Any idea on what we'll be doing with the other two?"

"Not really. Maybe we could keep them in case of visitors? I think you're giving me far too much credit in terms of planning stuff out…"

"Yeah, you're telling me. I didn't ever think that something like this would happen… I mean I'm still shocked that I had the courage to say what I did back at the ruins…"

"Well I'm glad you did," Selina said. "You've had my heart for a long time, Liam. I just didn't know it. But had you not said anything, I believe I would have broken the ice sooner or later… I had overlooked that fact for so long, but I could no longer ignore it when you nearly died…" It had been the most terrifying moment of her life, even making the stance against all those legendaries negligible in comparison.

"Maybe we should take some more time off like that," he said. "Of course, if there's an emergency, we could always leap into action. But with all the work Tristan has done towards the police force and this new military, I'm not so sure that our services are going to be in high demand…" But then again, who was to say that was a bad thing? Both of them had plenty of money, and Liam was still drawing income due to his investments. And no one was complaining about a safer world…

"I guess we will be forced to live out our days here, focusing on our own lives and our family," Selina said with a smile. "What a pity…"

"A real shame. But now that you mention the whole family part…"

"Yeah, I doubt it comes as a surprise that I hope to have children by you, Liam. Though I never thought I would hear myself say those words…" In fact, just a few months ago the very thought would have embarrassed her beyond all belief. But yet she had felt so strongly for the lucario for such a long time, perhaps it shouldn't have come as a surprise.

"I think that barrier's gone now, too. Of course, there's uhh… there's that one other part…" Liam made awkward eye contact with her, his expression shy and reserved. "Now I don't want you to think that's the reason I fell for you - not at all! I love you for you, not your body…"

"I know Liam. I feel the same way." Had either of them been wanting the relationship out of lust, someone would have tried to initiate more intimate contact prior to this. Yet both of them were fine with waiting, not wanting to rush the bond that neither of them could imagine being without. "Though now that everything is legitimized before Arceus… there is that final step to our union…"

"We can do that whenever you want. I don't want you feeling pressured into anything you aren't comfortable with."

"That's really sweet Liam. I'm certain though, that I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Do you… want to try it tonight?" The sentence came out quietly, and he averted his gaze out of timidity.

"I-If this it's what you want…"

"Well of course - we're mates. Now if you want to hold off for some time—."

"No, it's okay. I just can't believe any of this is happening…" Liam stated. "I can hardly wait, yet at the same time I'm nervous…"

"Me too, Liam. I know that it's supposed to hurt. But I know that I want to be with you in this way, so I'm okay."

"Then I guess… I'll try to prepare myself for tonight then…" She couldn't help but find it adorable how the same lucario that had a reputation for being a relentless bounty hunter was getting flushed at the very idea that they had both had thought about. Selina had come to terms with what would result from their union, and after tonight, so would her lover. She found herself walking ever-so-slightly closer to him.

— — — — —

Zane

— — — — —

The forge was radiating as he smelted the iron into thin ingots which he could mold into the proper form at his anvil. The zoroark would be lying if he said that he enjoyed this part of the process, which had likely never been an issue for the fire-type who owned the shop prior to him. But it came with the job, and the end result was always worth it in his opinion.

While that was going on, he was working on a curved dagger that a young mienshao named Gwen had ordered. She was an officer for the local police force, and one that he had seen around numerous times. Zane enjoyed seeing her, and if he was being honest with himself, he wasn't charging half of what he'd charge other people simply due to her general demeanor. Despite the prejudice towards dark-types, she had always treated him like just an average person… even if his past had suggested otherwise. Maybe he had earned the discrimination - that much was rightfully his - but he had never received it from her. From several other customers, perhaps, but not from Gwen.

Maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise. It was no secret that dark-types were the most problematic of all groups of pokémon, causing more crimes and having the most violent encounters with the law. Zane had, after all, been one of those statistics, and he had gotten what he deserved. But he had witnessed some of the prejudice against completely innocent dark-types - ones who simply wanted to live their lives just like everyone else – and it was always upsetting to watch.

The metal that he had chosen for the intended use was a softer steel. While the blade wouldn't hold up as well as a harder counterpart, the knife as a whole would be significantly tougher, which would be more ideal for someone who might just end up sticking it into someone… He laughed at the thought. He had no doubts that the mienshao might make use of the blade, but only as a last resort.

He had the rough form of the knife made the prior day, and now he was about to create the bevels on each side that would account for the blade itself. He had made his files out of the hardest steel currently known: that from the body of a steelix. Due to the creature living within the depths of the earth, the biological alloy that formed on its body was compressed to impressive densities, which resulted in a steel that was unbelievably hard. His files and grinding wheel had a light coating of it, and considering that it would last indefinitely, that was all that was needed.

Once he had spent the greater part of thirty minutes on the wheel, he had a crude edge for the blade formed. At that point, it was time to take it to the files that he had created. One of his more practical inventions, Zane had decided to take two of the round files and set them each thirty degrees off of the vertical, making an edge ideal for the purpose that she would be using it for. He had started the smooth motion - one that he had become very familiar with - of dragging the knife through the two files, honing the edge into a far sharper form. This process didn't take as long as the previous steps, but it was a good touch to add. And this wasn't even the last process he would do on the dagger. There was definitely a reason that he had as many loyal customers as he did.

"I see you're as productive as always," a particular samurott stated. Of course, it would be while he was enjoying himself…

"Oh," Zane mumbled, "hello Haben…" The water-type was probably his least favorite person to deal with, and he wasn't even a customer - he was simply one that a group of bounty hunters a few towns over sent to fetch orders that they had paid for. Though Haben always spoke of himself as though he were enough to rival Team ACT itself…

"I'm here for the iron claws and the armor that Magnar ordered."

"I've got the claws finished, but the armor's still in the works."

"What?! You've had two months to do this!" The samurott had become annoyed faster than usual, and Zane already knew that this conversation would be dreadful.

"Yeah, and I told y'all that it could take up to three. You aren't the only paying customers, you know..."

"Watch your tone with me, darkie! There are several other weapon smiths around these parts. All I have to do is recommend a different one to Magnar, and you'll be out of business." The zoroark just rolled his eyes.

"Oh whatever. I've been doing business with him for years. I doubt he'd stop coming to me given my quality of work - especially if his shit-talking errand boy is the only person that has anything against me."

"What the fuck did you just say to me?" Haben snarled.

"You heard me, errand boy. Now run back to your boss and tell him that his armor will be ready in a month."

"You can go fuck yourself!" He had said it loud enough to gain attention from others walking about, and a public scene was the last thing that Zane had wanted today. There are kids around, you asshole…

"Right. Well do you want anything else, or is that it?" The dark-type set the cloth bag onto the counter, trying not to smile as the samurott stared at him with all the hatred in the world.

"I'll be here again in a month," Haben stated sharply. "If we have to have this conversation again, I'll cut you in half."

"Yeah, I'm sure you would, with those nasty seashell blades at your side."

"No fucking wonder everyone hates your type…" With that, the water-type took the bag and left, leaving Zane alone.

"What an asshole," he growled to himself. But it wasn't like he hadn't experienced such treatment before. All that he could do is to try and ignore it and go about his business. Perhaps he didn't have it so bad, though. At least he had a stable job, which was more than what could be said for many people out there. But he definitely wouldn't turn down the prospect of a little better treatment, even if what he had done in the past had warranted such disrespect.

He had felt like he'd made very good progress, though. He hadn't stolen a single thing since those days, and now was decently respected by the community. Sure, he had to flee to another region altogether and start anew, but it was still more than he'd thought that he would get back when he was desperately searching for work in the Grass Continent.

Zane could hardly believe that he was even considering moving back to such a place. Just six years ago, he couldn't catch a break. But now that things had settled down, and people had probably forgotten who he was - likely even many of the officers themselves - he could expand this little business. He would hate to leave this particular shop, seeing as to who it belonged to before, but there was no denying the potential that the Grass Continent was showing - especially now that the region was becoming unified under the title of 'Valmor.' It had been quite the commotion around the world, considering that the Grass Continent was not a place that people were expecting to grow in such a way.

But Zane supposed that he could figure those things out when he had more time to sit down and devote any serious thought towards the matter. While Haben was difficult as always, the zoroark was a bit behind schedule, and there were already eight separate projects he had going on that were in various stages of completion.

He dragged it through the files the last time, then inspected the blade. The sharp, silver edge stared back at him, and the zoroark couldn't find any apparent flaws. Just about done, he thought, before taking it over towards the leather panel. After dabbing the dagger into the small container of oil, he slowly stroked it along the surface of the leather, honing the edge with all the care that he could.

The final product was his usual, high quality result. He wrapped the handle in one of his nicer leather strips, creating a comfortable handle for the officer. She had definitely been one to change his opinion on people in that line of work. Like him, they were simply people trying to do their jobs. Maybe it was the nature of their job and the sheer amount of dark-type criminals that they had to deal with that changed their attitudes. While most officers never gave him trouble, he couldn't help but feel as though some spoke to him with a different tone than they would use towards other people. Gwen was one of the many police, though, who saw past any prejudice, and he appreciated her all the more for it.

Yes, things certainly could be a lot worse, but that didn't mean that there wasn't room to improve. The only dark-types that seemed to gain even an ounce of respect were those who had local businesses, the ones that held positions of power, or the few who served as officers or bounty hunters. Everyone else was more or less assumed to be a crook or degenerate. And that had been the case for him, too - but not anymore.

The road had been rough in finding a career, but he had made great progress compared to where he was before. Though he had to bury his past, lest the locals find out about it, the zoroark had made a legitimate living for himself, and he could feel proud about that. He had even gotten involved in the local church. With how things had turned out, there was no doubt that he'd never return to the way things were before. Not having to look everywhere for bounty hunters or police officers was certainly preferable to his previous life.

The sun was starting to set, but it didn't have much effect on the zoroark. No; when Zane got in the zone, he could easily be at it until the early hours of the morning, and it was looking like it would be one of those times. Oh well, he thought, this is what I get for being so far behind…

His mind occasionally drifted back to thoughts of the samurott, and how if he was the type of person he used to be, how he would have put him in his place. He had no doubt that he could take Haben, particularly with his far superior weapons compared to… whatever those things were that samurotts used. If they were metal, then perhaps they would serve their purpose better. Zane laughed at the fact that he was instinctively thinking of a better design. Definitely a narrower, sharper blade. Oh, and maybe a bit curved. That would make them look better, at least.

He stopped what he was currently doing and began to take the thought more seriously. It might just be a popular item, too. No one around here makes anything of the sort… The zoroark considered what alloy he would even use for such an item and scanned the room. Definitely a ductile steel for the majority, but perhaps he could try a harder one around the blade. It was then that his eyes locked onto the special sample in the corner.

— — — — —

Liam

— — — — —

Everywhere they looked within the growing city, Liam was amazed. There had been a great deal of potential that had only recently been tapped into, and they had no doubt that the continent would never be the same. Things had simply progressed far too much for that. Part of him still couldn't believe that Tristan of all people had managed to accomplish such impressive feats, even if the lucario himself did set things up just right for him.

But none of that mattered nearly as much as what had developed between him and the umbreon to his side. The two of them were heading back home, and his heart was pounding the entire way. He could feel the nervousness in her aura as well, but Selina was doing a far better job of suppressing it than him.

The entire concept of what was about to happen tonight was just far more than he could comprehend. All sorts of questions began popping up within his head as they passed the closed shops. What if she doesn't like it? he kept asking himself. Liam had never done anything even remotely close to this, and soon, they were about to go all the way. The idea of letting her down in such an important way scared him to the point where he had asked a few friends who he knew had experience in the field for whatever advice he could get. Most of them told him how to properly prepare, or how to last longer, or trying to lighten the mood, but none of it served to comfort him still. The lucario hated the idea of simply trying to figure it out as he went, but aside from those few points, there wasn't much else to go off of.

She must have recognized the concerned look on his face, as the umbreon nudged his side gently. "Is something the matter?" she asked softly.

"N…not really. I'm just nervous," he replied.

"I can see that much," she giggled. "I am, too, Liam. But I know that I want you. I trust everything will work out just fine."

"But what if it doesn't?" he asked quietly. "I don't want to disappoint you like that…"

"Don't say that - have some faith in yourself. And whatever happens, happens. I'm sure we'll get better at it as time goes on. I'm just happy that we can be together like this."

"Me too, Selina. But…" he lowered his voice, even though they were now out of hearing range of anyone else, "I want to make you feel good, too…"

"You have already done just that. Now I don't want you to worry about it anymore, alright?"

"Okay, fine…" Of course, that didn't fully eliminate his concern, but he at least dropped the topic for now. In about ten minutes there would be impossible to ignore the matter at hand. To think that everything had led up to this point - the two friends who had saved the world twice were about to finalize a relationship that had become so much more than that. A lot of this was all still processing to him, but the time for doubt had long passed.

The walk home had felt like the quickest one ever, though part of him wanted it to stretch out indefinitely. The two of them looked at the trapdoor to their home silently, the gentle breeze being the only sound. His feelings contradicted one another, with both anticipation and fear coursing throughout the lucario. But Selina looked up at him and gave him a heartfelt grin. "I love you," she whispered.

"I know, but… I'm scared…" he said quietly.

"I am too. But I could face the whole world with you by my side, Liam." She hopped onto her hind legs, embracing him in a soft hug. The dark-type placed a gentle kiss on his muzzle, and he returned the gesture. "If you want to wait until another night, that is fine with me," she said.

"Yeah… I know. But we'll face this eventually, so… I might as well find my courage tonight." He nuzzled the crook of her neck appreciatively, and the umbreon smiled before releasing her hold. She looked back at him, and the expression of love that he felt from her let him know that there was no way he would allow himself to back out. Selina motioned for him to follow her inside.

A/N:

As you may have guessed, the next chapter will be the lemon scene of the story. As such, it will be marked, and since the entire chapter is a lemon scene, it can be skipped if you wish to not see it.