Oh geez, look at that! It's about time for another new chapter!

This time, we're breaking away from the main action and jumping back over to some old friends that have missed out the past few chapters. And…well, we only have one other portion of the current cast, so it's no surprise.

But…what could they possibly be up to? Perhaps that might have a bit of new perspective to follow. Either way, time for a slight intermission arc. Enjoy the latest!

...

[Grass Fields Kingdom]

Inside the castle halls, Samurott stepped down from the stairs, blankly staring at the door. Stumbling a bit, he grabbed the railing, and then sighed. Shaking his head, the blue sea lion descended to the bottom. Gazing at the front doors once more, he turned away from them and made his way for the throne room.

Lifting his arm to open it, he paused and listened carefully. Hearing a few voices from within, Samurott gently pulled the door open, limiting its sound as well as he could.

Peeking in, he glanced down the room to Nidoking seated on his throne, with Rhydon standing to his side in front of a vacant throne. Typhlosion stood before them, just below the thrones and the king.

"Honestly, Escavalier would be the better option," explained Rhydon, scratching his head. "His was more…stable, perhaps? Though, there was the theft incident that brought them together, so—"

"Yeah, I've had that suggestion, but it's not…asking him would be weird," determined Typhlosion.

"Perhaps it might be easier to discern if you were more specific," playfully prodded Nidoking with a smirk. "We're trying to guess whom you're currently engaged with—"

"Engaged?!"

"Figure of speech."

"Oh. Sorry."

"At any rate," continued Nidoking, "your best approach is to directly confront this matter of yours, and just be true to whomever your heart is set on."

"But…I'm no good for just approaching someone," weakly admitted Typhlosion, hanging his head. "Everyone knows my reputation, so it's not like I'm the best choice for…well, anything."

"That's contrary to what I've heard and observed, as of late," noted Rhydon. "Following Chesnaught's departure, you've become far more…diligent, yes?"

"But that's just me filling in," grumbled Typhlosion. "It's not exactly something that makes me anyone's new favorite knight or anything."

"It is a starting point, however."

"Not for what we're talking about."

"In general, then." Rhydon shrugged. "Now would be as good a time as any."

"Maybe, but…I don't know if I'm ready…"

"All in good time, then," soothed Nidoking. "Though, if you're looking for advice on patience and opportune moments, Samurott might be glad to lend some advice."

Jumping up and spinning around, Typhlosion gawked as the samurai froze. He peered at the door, which had opened too wide, and easily revealed him.

"Listening in on private conversations is quite rude," teased Nidoking. "You do know that, correct?"

"M-my apologies, my liege." Samurott bowed down. "I was, um…I—"

"I can barely hear you from all the way out there!" Nidoking laughed. "Come, come in. Your presence is already known."

Samurott stepped inside and trudged forward, avoiding eye contact with Typhlosion, who scowled at him as he went red in the face. Rhydon clasped his hands behind his back as Nidoking chuckled.

"Sire." Samurott bowed down again as he reached the throne. "You wished to see me?"

"…You too?"

Blinking, Samurott picked his head up. "Um…pardon, sir?"

"First, pick yourself up, please." Nidoking waved his hand, bidding Samurott to rise on command. "Good. Now, second—actually, that's it exactly. You're the second one in here to arrive, but not on my orders."

"Come again?"

"Typhlosion came in here earlier asking about a summoning," explained Rhydon. "Neither Nidoking nor I requested him in however. Instead, we carried away with a few questions that he had for us, unrelated to his appearance here."

"But…" Samurott turned to the still scowling Typhlosion. "Why were we both summoned here, on neither of our kings' orders?"

"Gracious, Samurott!" Rhydon deeply blushed and stomped with his foot. "We're not married yet! I'm still your general!"

"For a matter of time." Samurott shrugged. "Do you intend to wait a while?"

"A bit longer," chuckled Nidoking, also blushing lightly. "It hasn't been very long since the proposal, and we still have arrangements to make."

"Keeping your subjects waiting is poor form," joked Samurott, relaxing his shoulders.

"Speaking of waiting," interrupted Typhlosion, a hint of anger still in his voice, "just when will we be able to figure this summoning out?"

Abruptly, the throne room doors slammed open. Whirling around, Samurott drew his blade, but faltered upon sighting who strolled in.

Gardevoir drifted forward, telekinetically dragging an airborne and helpless Lilligant. Beaming, she waved to everyone as she approached the throne, while her captive flailed around.

"Greetings, your majesties!"

"This engagement is already short-lived," mumbled Rhydon, and Nidoking chuckled.

"And hello to you two as well, Typhlosion and Samurott," excitedly greeted the mage. "Goodness, how lovely to see you all in one place! And look! I even brought Lady Lilligant with me too. Now we're all together!"

"Please save me," whispered Lilligant, rolling around in the air.

"Um…where do I even begin?" Typhlosion tilted his head, watching Lilligant dangling from above. "Uh…did you summon us here?"

"No, the kings did!"

"We did not, Gardevoir," affirmed Nidoking. He slowly grinned at Rhydon's glare.

"Fine, so she did," grumbled Typhlosion. "Mystery solved." He sighed and blinked at Lilligant. "As for that, why?"

"Why what?"

"Oh, come on, Gardevoir," snapped Typhlosion. "Like you don't have a clue what's wrong?"

"Nothing should be wrong at all!" Gardevoir threw her arms up, and Lilligant fell from air, thudding against the ground. "I've got my three best friends in the whole kingdom right here with me! Everything's perfect!"

Silently, the others exchanged unnerved glances to one another. Samurott sighed and stepped toward her.

"Gardevoir," started Samurott, "while we're happy to be your friends, we're not exactly…not that we're not getting closer, but—"

"It's been a month since they left!" Lilligant groaned as she picked herself up. "Can't we at least socialize normally?"

"This is absolutely normal for the soldiers of the Grass Fields Army!"

"Not quite," muttered Typhlosion.

"At any rate, I'm not even in the army," whined Lilligant.

"Not yet!"

"…C-come again?"

"Honestly, we could use another helping of feminine charm around here," declared Gardevoir. Everyone watched as she pulled Lilligant forward. "That's why, as of here and now, Lady Lilligant is now joining our troupe not only as a friend, but as a member of the army!"

"Wait, I'm what?!" Lilligant's eyes widened and she shuddered. "G-Gardevoir, I couldn't possibly—!"

"Nonsense! You'll make a lovely addition around here!" She smiled and brought Lilligant's leafy hands up in her own. "Besides, just think of working alongside your best friends in combat and more mundane missions!"

"B-but I've never even fought before!" Lilligant shook her head. "I can't be in an army if I can't even fight."

"Oh, but you probably wouldn't be much good as a physical combatant anyway," deduced Gardevoir. "Perhaps I'll teach you some magic spells."

"That's still—"

"Tricky, you're right," cut in Gardevoir. "But, that's ok! Even if it's all on me, I'll get you whipped into shape in no time at all!"

"I—"

"You're welcome!"

"Now, Gardevoir—"

"Relax, King Nidoking!" Gardevoir bounced around. "I'll do everything it takes to have her ready, and General Rhydon can have her tested later on to see if she can form in ranks with us. She'll be perfect, I promise!"

"Hold on, that's not—"

"Ooh, you know what?" Gardevoir clasped her hands together. "We should find somewhere around town to get started!" Lightly, she gasped. "And we should all go together! It's so perfect that we're all here together after all!"

"Uh—"

"Farewell, sires!" She waved and stepped back. "We'll be back later tonight, or so, but until then, take care!"

Telekinetically, Gardevoir forced Samurott, Typhlosion, and Lilligant into the air. Charging from the throne room, she raced off, with her three friends yelling behind her.

Silently, Nidoking and Rhydon blinked out of the open throne doors. They turned to one another and stared quietly.

"Well," started Nidoking. "You're welcome to sit in that throne now."

"Oh, no," murmured Rhydon, sadly glancing at it and deflating. "I-I'm not…king."

"Yet." Groaning, Rhydon lifted his head as Nidoking laughed.

Along the trail outside of the castle, Gardevoir surged ahead, her friends crying out behind her. She skidded to a halt as she slid up to three of the knights from the castle, on their way back.

"Oho, what's the hurry, lady mage?" Ursaring shifted a sack from one shoulder to the other, and blinked at the sight before him.

"And…what are you doing with all of them?" Pangoro snickered. "Not using them to create a spell of some kind, are you?"

"No, but I'm sure that I can use bear furs for something." Gardevoir dropped her friends to the ground, and folded her arms. "What are you three up to, anyway?"

"We're not 'up to' anything," snapped Pangoro.

"Well, Beartic might be a bit more up than usual," joked Ursaring. "What did that jeweler tell you again?"

"Something about 'sending shivers down his spine,' I think." Beartic chuckled as the other four groaned. "Cute line."

"More like fake," snapped Typhlosion. "Sceptile handles his customers with excitement and flamboyance, but definitely with respect."

"As do all of the shopkeepers," defended Samurott. "They're not—"

"What, fun?" Ursaring snorted. "Whatever. This whole place needs to loosen up and just enjoy having a freedom with each other."

"We don't have to deal with a blistering cold that threatens to kill us every night," huffed Gardevoir. "So, we don't have to thrust ourselves into relationships with whoever we please."

"Then you might be missing out," mocked Beartic. "Kind of like how I'm missing the cold."

"Ah, the cold comes back whenever we're apart," joked Pangoro. "And whenever these prudes force us apart, of course."

"They don't force you apart," cut in Lilligant. "You lot could at least carry a normal conversation, or even mention your former kingdom once in a while, aside from how hard life was there. I've been around the castle just as often as you lot, lately. Everyone expects you to behave with at least some decency in public." She shook her head. "Which, somehow, proves to be a challenge for you three, constantly snogging and grabbing each other all over—"

"You mean like this?"

Beartic wrapped his arms around Pangoro from behind, while the panda dragged Ursaring into a deep kiss. Glaring, Gardevoir waved her hands and forced the trio apart.

"Now I'm forcing you apart," she cheerfully gibed. "You're free to do whatever in private, and some affection in public, but at least try to be respectful to the others you're around."

"Isn't the king marrying that butler-general of yours?" Pangoro snorted. "Either way, I'm pretty sure you're not in charge."

"No, but I will take command over louts like you."

"Sure, right." Beartic shook his head and lifted two crates back over his shoulders. "Have it your way, your not-so-highnesses. Ursaring, Pangoro, let's go."

Ursaring nodded and followed as Beartic walked around the group. Pangoro lifted his bag again, but bumped past Gardevoir as he followed the other bears.

Pivoting, Gardevoir telekinetically lifted a nearby boulder. Lilligant jumped up and grasped her arms.

"Gardevoir, no! They're not worth it."

Growling, Gardevoir relaxed and dropped the stone back down. Its rumble elicited the trio to turning back and quickly forward again, hurrying away from mage.

"They're still adjusting, I suppose," murmured Samurott. "It's not an excuse, but it does make sense."

"No, it doesn't," contested Typhlosion. "They've had long enough, and they don't have to act overt around everyone."

"Town complaints have worsened because of them," revealed Lilligant. "They had a hard time adjusting to gay couples already, but having a three-way relationship can be daunting, at least to outsiders."

"Bet it's only because it's gay," grumbled Typhlosion.

"Well…"

"Enough," intervened Gardevoir. "Their relationship shouldn't be a problem, but their actions should at least be a little more respectful. That's what we decided, and that's what we'll hold them to." She shook her head, but forced a smile. "Anyway, we still need to get started with our time around town, so let's get to it!" Gardevoir twirled around and winked to Lilligant. "After all, we've got a new ally to train!"

She marched ahead, bouncing about as she led the way. Lilligant followed, deflating as she trudged after Gardevoir. Tilting his head, Samurott hurried after her, with Typhlosion trailing behind him.

"You ok, Lilligant?" The samurai caught up with her, as she glanced at him. Quieter, he added, "You can go over it with me."

"Samurott, I don't know if I can live up to Gardevoir's expectations," bemoaned Lilligant. "Fighting wasn't a major motivation of mine…well, ever, really."

"At least give yourself a chance, Lilligant!" Samurott chuckled. "You haven't even attempted to practice yet."

"It's not something that I really need to try out."

"Look, if nothing else, it could be helpful self-defense, which you never know if you'll need one day," offered Samurott. "If that's not good enough for you, then maybe just try powering through one session to help out Gardevoir." He smiled to her. "She seems pretty happy working with you."

"D-do you think so?" Lilligant waved her leaves around. "She does seem a little happier, but I didn't think that I could bring that out of anyone."

"Sure you can! Let's list everyone: Chesnaught always loved your company, and Delphox took you to the dance. Greninja warmed up to you once he and Chesnaught were dating, and Gardevoir seems a bit more bubbly when you're with us." Lilligant blushed lightly and nodded, to which Samurott smirked. "After all, you're sweet and cute, so I'd imagine any of us would be in a better mood, all thanks to you!"

"Careful Samurott." Lilligant giggled. "That last one was borderline flirting."

"Just borderline?" He grinned and winked at her. "I think I need to work on being more overt around cute and lovely ladies, then."

"Oho, think you've got a chance with me, then?" Lilligant laughed. "Well, sorry, but I'm more interested in stealing gay knights from their boyfriends."

"Ha, well, if you want to make it a challenge…"

"Hmm, well, I might be a little more open to alternatives," joked Lilligant. "After all, ladies around town chatter about how enticing foreigners can be."

"Do they?"

"Of course." Lilligant spun around. "Ladies will gossip about whatever they please."

The pair laughed while Typhlosion rolled his eyes. Gardevoir dropped back and fell in step with the duo.

"Did I miss a joke?"

"Sort of," giggled Lilligant. "It's a bit lengthy, by now."

"Aw, oh well." She wrapped her arm around Lilligant and tugged her head. "What is it with you Grass types that bond so well with Water types, anyway?"

"Um, I don't know about that." Lilligant brushed a petal on her head. "After all, a certain frog ninja had a jealous streak of me for a while, from what I was told."

"Oh, good point!" Gardevoir laughed. She slowed and sighed. "Though, that's ancient history by now."

"It was mere months ago." Lilligant patted Gardevoir's free hand. "They'll be back again, for the wedding."

"Of course."

"All three of them."

"Yes, of course." She tightly hugged Lilligant as the quartet walked along the outskirts of town. "Thank you, Lilligant! You're exactly the lady I need around me."

"The w-what now?"

"The lady!" Gardevoir pulled away and coolly pointed at Lilligant. "You're the lady, Lil!"

"Um…th-thank you."

Gardevoir giggled and hurried ahead, as Lilligant lowered her head and blushed. Samurott raised an eyebrow while Typhlosion snickered.

"W-wait, Gardevoir, where are we going?"

"Somewhere that Lilligant would feel comfortable training!"

"Then we're not going into town?"

"Not yet; we need to find a spot to train her first!"

Walking away from the town, the others followed Gardevoir around, as she glanced around the area around them. Bouncing up, she glided over to a flower field. Lilligant clapped excitedly, and hurried over to her.

"Oh, yay!" Lilligant spun around and took in the different kinds of flowers. "There are so many here! Gosh, I wonder if I collected all of these yet—"

"Ah, hold on." Gardevoir grasped onto Lilligant, forcing her to sit still. "We need to get you to practice first. You can go flower picking later."

"But I don't pick flowers!" Lilligant shook her head. "I find ones that are ill or uprooted, and then I give them new homes!"

"Right, good, but you're missing my point."

"Um…sorry."

"Let's just check to see if you have any physical viability," decided Gardevoir, and she slid over to Samurott. "Sword, please."

"Hang on," protested Samurott. "I've only got those and one other type of—"

"Sword. Now."

Unsheathing the shell blade, Samurott handed it over to Gardevoir, who faltered taking it into her hands.

"Geez, Samurott!" She grunted and dragged the sword across flowers, as Lilligant gasped. "How do you even move around with such heavy things all the time?"

"It's not like I can run much when I'm locked in combat," reasoned Samurott.

"Whatever." Gardevoir heaved and swung the sword around, cutting flowers up from the field and eliciting a yelp from Lilligant. "I don't get how knights even tolerate such heavy weapons. At least wands and staves are typically light."

"Every fighter has a different style," offered Samurott.

"Sure, right." Gardevoir grinned and turned to Lilligant. "Ok, ready to try this out?"

"N…no." Lilligant whimpered as she shuddered over the hacked flowers.

"Come on, you can do it!"

Thrusting the blade forward, Gardevoir watched as it plummeted to the ground, flatting more flowers. Lilligant flailed her arms around, to which Gardevoir sighed and picked up the sword again.

"Yeah, leaf hands, I know."

She took Lilligant's hands, holding them for a moment. Lilligant's eyes quickly shifted between Gardevoir's hands and her own, until they were wrapped around the blade.

"Ok, I'm going to let go."

"Do you…have to?"

"Yes."

"W-wait, what—?"

Gardevoir released her grip from the shell blade, and Lilligant almost immediately fell to the ground from its weight. Flower petals flew up around her, and she rolled over and softly moaned into the earth.

"Um…ok, so." Gardevoir bent down and flung the sword back to Samurott, who huffed and snatched it back from the ground. "Unless we have a better weapon on us, that'll do it for physical practice."

"Actually, I might have just the—"

"Samurott, please don't make me," whimpered Lilligant into the ground.

"But it's actually—"

"Let's just move on," agreed Gardevoir. "Perhaps we can channel her inner magical capabilities?"

Digging beneath her robes, Gardevoir pulled out a small tome, and flipped through the pages. She nodded as she turned back to the beginning of the book.

"Simple spells are the best way to get you started, as magic takes time," explained Gardevoir. "It's different from our inherent abilities, in that we can summon and create different elements that are unnatural to us." She grinned to Lilligant, as the latter slowly rose from the ground. "For example, using fireballs would be totally against most forms of attacks that you could pull off, right?"

"Uh…c-can we not start with fire?" Lilligant shuddered and gripped herself. "I'd rather n-not even try to gamble with that."

"Ha, fair point," relented Gardevoir. "But, I don't think fire is ever a good skill set to start with, unless you're inherently used to it." She spun about to Typhlosion, who had lowered his eyes. "Would you agree to that point?"

"Yeah, fire is best left to Fire users," bitterly agreed Typhlosion. "Grass types should stick with Sunny Day if they need to sizzle up."

"S-s-sizzle?"

"Eh…I mean, uh…flame on?" Typhlosion blinked as Lilligant continued to quiver. "Or, well, fire up? It's not like you're actually catching fire, honest."

"Well, so long as we don't bring that up anymore," snapped Gardevoir, as she narrowed her eyes on Typhlosion.

"Whatever. Excuse me for trying to help."

"Indeed, and thank you." Gardevoir wrapped her arm around Lilligant and tugged her closer, as the latter blushed slightly. "Ok, let's start you with a basic spell not related to Grass or Fire." Tracing the page, Gardevoir tapped over one spell. "Here, this is good. Creating a ball of water from thin air."

"Aha, so, Water types are easier to work with," observed Samurott. "Perfect, of course. Water is, after all, beneficial to plant life."

Giggling, Lilligant nodded, while Gardevoir and Typhlosion rolled their eyes. Gardevoir pushed the tome into Lilligant's hands, and stepped away from her.

"Water can be simple to start with, but potentially lethal at more advanced states," explained Gardevoir. "In fact, I suppose the same could be given for any Type, really. But, the point is that this is a pretty easy spell to follow, and unless you manage to hit Typhlosion, it's mostly harmless."

"Mostly?" Typhlosion growled as his collar crackled. "If that so much as splashes me in the slightest—"

"Oh, please," cut in Samurott. "If you need, I can shield you." He stepped in front of Typhlosion, putting himself between the badger and the others. "Does that work?"

"Y-yes." Typhlosion's cheeks lit up as he scratched the side of his head. "The distance should have covered it, but…thank you."

"You're welcome." Samurott turned back to Gardevoir and Lilligant. "Carry on, ladies!"

"We will!" Gardevoir stepped in front of Lilligant, as the Flowering Pokemon glanced up at her. "Now, watch closely and carefully, ok?" Quickly, Lilligant nodded. "Ok."

Gardevoir cupped her hands, bringing them closer together, but with enough space between them. Slowly, she rotated them in a clockwise direction, but then shifted around counterclockwise once they met half way. As Gardevoir rotated her hands back and forth, a small droplet of water formed between them.

"Wow…" Lilligant watched in awe, tracing Gardevoir's movements.

As she continued, Gardevoir separated her hands further, and moved them around back and forth as well as up and down. Carefully, she guided them into a rotating maneuver as the ball of water increased in size, almost as big as Lilligant's head.

"Not bad," complimented Samurott. "That looks well formed, Gardevoir."

"Of course."

Smirking, Gardevoir halted her hands on either side and tossed the water ball into the air. It scattered as the water rained down into droplets that fell around her and Lilligant.

"That was amazing," cooed Lilligant as she twirled around, admiring the water drops that hit the grass.

"Y-yeah, sure," murmured Typhlosion, crouched behind Samurott.

"Now, it's your turn." Gardevoir tapped at the tome before Lilligant. "Yours won't be quite as big as mine, at least not to start. Just follow my movements, and the instructions in that tome." She smiled and patted Lilligant's shoulder. "It's also an easy spell since you don't need any chanting or rituals included before it. Just the motions with your hands."

"…Um…" Lilligant glanced down at her leafy arms. "Do…will these even work?"

"Pretty sure as long as you have limbs, it's possible," determined Gardevoir. "Here, I'll hold the tome up, and you just give it a shot."

Nodding, Lilligant passed the book back to Gardevoir. She stared at the tome as she moved her hands around, each leaf flapping about to create a circular motion. However, her hands had rotated a little too close together, and in full rotations.

"Dear, that's not quite right," interrupted Gardevoir. "They need to be further out."

Rapidly, Lilligant forced her arms much further apart, and continued to spin them around one another. A tiny bubble popped up between, as water whirled around it. Lilligant shivered as the water ball shook violently.

"Ok, hold on, let's just—"

Holding up her hands, Gardevoir motioned to get Lilligant to cease her spell. However, Lilligant forced her hands forward, and the bubble fired off, splashing against Samurott's chest.

"Huh." He shrugged and glanced back at Typhlosion, who had ducked back down behind him. "Guess you had reason to worry after all."

"Knew it!" Typhlosion shot up and leaned over Samurott's shoulder, poking at his breastplate. "Are you ok? I know that's water on a Water Type, but—"

"Didn't even come close to hurting me," laughed Samurott. "Thanks for the concern though." He turned back to Lilligant, who hung her head. "That was a pretty good first attempt, Lilligant! It was a surprising attack, regardless of strength!"

"It's…not even meant for attacking," deadpanned Gardevoir. "That spell is actually meant to encourage growth in plants and helpful for gardening."

"Isn't that good, though?" Samurott tilted his head. "Lilligant turned it into an attack to use for defensive measures, and it's useful for her home life all at once."

"Except that it takes a heavy amount of practice to make that something damaging," elucidated Gardevoir. "That's the kind of attack that, unless you're exceptionally proficient in spell casting, will get yourself using for most offensive or defensive scenarios."

"So, I goofed again," moaned Lilligant. "Maybe I'm not too great at magic, either."

"N-no, no," insisted Gardevoir. "Samurott's got a good point, you might…be better off with more attack oriented spells!"

Again, Gardevoir skimmed the pages in her book, and tapped at another spell. She showed it to Lilligant and grinned.

"Summoning lightning would be way cooler, I think," she chirped. "And, it's not as lethal for you either!"

"Is it my turn to protect you?" Typhlosion smirked as Samurott sank in place. "Just get down, I'll bend over you, and you'll be safe."

"…Wait, what?"

"Here, like…uh…" Typhlosion pushed Samurott down at first, but hesitated as the samurai's face bumped into the knight's stomach. "…You know what? Forget that. We can just…um…I'll—"

"Just leave it to Gardevoir," decided Samurott. "I'm sure she'll make certain that I'm not electrocuted."

"…Sure, right, trust me," poorly soothed Gardevoir, as she nervously giggled at Samurott's questioning eyebrow. "Anyway, Lilligant, this shouldn't hit any of us, as it will be aimed at a distance."

Gardevoir stepped away from Lilligant and stared ahead at a small stump. Jabbing her left hand forward, she pointed at the stump. Zigzagging her right hand, Gardevoir pointed up to the sky.

Everyone gasped as thunder boomed and a bolt of lightning flashed behind some darkened clouds. With a crackle, the lightning bolt crashed down and zapped the stump, shocking it before setting it ablaze.

"There we are," aired Gardevoir. "An offensive spell to utilize. How about you try that?"

"Uh…ok."

Shaking, Lilligant studied the tome before giving it back to Gardevoir. She shuddered as she pointed to a branch on the ground, and her free arm shook as she guided it skyward.

"No, Lilligant, that's not going to—"

Before Gardevoir could stop her, lightning flashed in the sky. Gasping, Lilligant turned and caught Samurott's eye.

"Turn, Lilligant," called Gardevoir. "Now, Lilligant, turn!"

Typhlosion shoved Samurott to the ground as Lilligant spun around, facing the town. The lightning bolt crackled down and flashed behind the walls of Springton, and the quartet watched, awestruck.

"Uh…" Typhlosion rolled off of Samurott and chuckled. "Sorry about that. Are you ok?"

"Fine," grumbled Samurott, as he brushed himself off. "And you?"

"Yep, just my pride."

"Good." He smiled and patted Typhlosion. "Nice rescue, though."

"Oh…that…that can't be good," groaned Gardevoir.

"Did…did I just kill someone?!"

"…Ah…well—"

"Gardevoir, this is serious!" Lilligant wildly shook her head. "If I just electrocuted someone to death accidentally, I'll never forgive myself!"

"But…no, I don't think—"

"What's going on out there?!"

Gazing at the top of the wall, the group watched as a white and green figure leapt up and then down. He rushed past the trees and slowed to a halt as he neared the four, chuckling as he relaxed.

"Earl Gallade, oh thank goodness you were there!" Gardevoir dropped her shoulders and wiped her forehead, a bit less sweaty. "Is everything ok?"

"Well, a merchant yelped about his now fried berry soup," explained Gallade. "But, it did smell better than before, so that might actually be for the best."

"S-sorry," murmured Lilligant, as she lowered her arms. "That…was my fault."

"Yours?"

"Not entirely," intervened Gardevoir. "I'm teaching Lilligant magic!"

"Oh?"

"Yep! She's going to join the army!"

"Oh!" Gallade smiled and placed his hands on his round waist. "Sounds like you've got a nice planning going so far!"

"It's not nice at all!" Gardevoir backed away from Lilligant's outburst. "This is a terrible idea! I'm useless with a weapon, and I can't even pull off the most basic of spells!" She roughly shook her head as her voice broke. "I can't fight at all. I'm not worth the aggravation, and we should quit before I actually hurt someone."

"We are not giving up!" Lilligant glanced up, blinking through her watery eyes, as Gardevoir clamped her hands around her shoulders. "You're just starting out, Lilligant. We will find a way to help make you strong and battle ready, in time. For now, you're like any of us as we started out." She softly smiled. "You'll get this, I know it."

"What if I can't?" Lilligant shook her head. "Gardevoir, I'm not that strong, and I just started practicing this kind of thing now. You guys have worked at combat and related situations for years. If anything starts up soon, I'll just anchor everyone around me."

"That's the point of practice," eased Gallade, approaching the pair. "All you need to do is continue trying at this, and you'll become stronger as you learn more."

"If I was actually capable of it, sure," mumbled Lilligant. "But I'm not. I'm terrible at whatever we'll try."

"There has to be something that you're good at, Lilligant," moaned Gardevoir as she dragged a hand over her face. Peering past her hand, she murmured, "Besides your flower collecting hobby."

"N-not that I know of, really," admitted Lilligant. "I'm…I don't know, I like dancing, I guess, but that's not—"

"Wait, you dance?"

"Yes, though often I practice alone." Lilligant placed her leafy hands against her face. "To be honest, I'm not even sure if I'm that good—"

"Well, you have to try showing us, at least."

"Uh…I—I, um—"

"Please, do try," encouraged Gallade. "Gardevoir is quite a lovely partner to dance with, and I'm not half bad myself, but we're always enthralled to see others flow around with their own styles." He beamed at Lilligant. "I bet you'd look magnificent, especially out in this field of flowers."

"O-oh, I don't know—"

"Watch it, Gallade," teased Gardevoir. "You're not allowed to cheat on me, no matter how pretty the other lady looks."

"S-sorry," mumbled Lilligant as she deflated.

"Darling, please, it's not at all your fault." Gardevoir picked Lilligant back up and patted her gently. "Gallade's right: we want to see you at what you can do, what you do best." Gardevoir grinned and picked up Lilligant's hands. "So, show us, please."

She shuddered, but nodded slightly, and Lilligant backed away from Gardevoir and Gallade. Breathing in and out, Lilligant relaxed her body and slightly lowered her head.

Waving and bending her leafy arm, Lilligant shook one around before forcing it to stop. She repeated the move with her other arm, stopping abruptly again. Slowly, she brought her head up as both arms swayed around, with flowers below her swaying with her movements.

Her friends' mouths parted open as Lilligant pulled one arm across her chest, swaying her body around. She spun slightly, as petals drifted up by her bottom. Gliding back, she twirled, as a flurry of petals flew up around her.

Toddling forward, Lilligant crouched and spun her hands around in quick rolling motions. She brought them up as pink and red flowers scattered around her, with grass blades rocking as she drifted about.

With a wiggle, followed by a dip, Lilligant rose up and pirouetted twice, with the flowers swinging to her motions. She rolled the center of her body, with her hips sliding around as she brought her arms back up. Petals rained down past her as Lilligant swayed her hips and body around in the cascade.

Twirling back down, Lilligant crouched and spun in a circle near the flowers on the ground. A wave of petals kicked up, as violets and yellows mixed in with her movements.

Spinning quickly as she shook her waist around, Lilligant spiraled back up, with the petals spinning and swirling around her. Petal blades whipped past Gardevoir and Gallade's faces, as the pair backed further and lined alongside Samurott and Typhlosion.

As she slowed, Lilligant thrust her arms out to either side, and the petals halted. Spiraling, she bent back and tilted, with the flowers swarming around her.

Leaping forward, Lilligant pirouetted twice more and thrust her arms forward, as the petals ripped and soared across the air, gliding off in a heavy whirlwind from the field and past the trees in the distance.

Lilligant turned to her friends, who gawked at the disappearing petals and slowly turned back to her. She flushed as she brought her hands back to her face.

"Wow! You're an amazing dancer, Lilligant!" Gardevoir applauded her and bounced around, as Lilligant's face grew darker. "That was fantastically stunning!"

"Gosh, d-do you really think so?"

"Absolutely!" Gardevoir clasped her hands together. "My gracious, I think you might even be able to use that kind of a dance offensively!"

"R-really?" Lilligant shivered and giggled a little. "The petals can be a little rough if they're too close to someone, but I never really considered that to be an attack."

"Of course it is! That's a powerful Petal Dance!"

"W-well, that is the name of it," murmured Lilligant. "It's one of my favorites."

"Doesn't all of that spinning confuse you?" Gallade shook his head, still bewildered. "It was as captivating as Gardevoir claimed, but…really, you're not at all dizzy or confused from that?"

"Not really, no." Lilligant shrugged. "I guess I go at my pace, my own tempo."

"That's incredible."

"Definitely," chimed in Samurott. "Your dancing shows that you have a true mastery over your inherent skills and can rely on those better than any sword or spell as a mere extension."

"Thank you," giggled Lilligant. "I've practiced these for a while now, so that does make more sense." She sighed and brushed herself down. "There's another dance that lets me move around like a butterfly, a Quiver Dance. And one more that might confuse other people, based on how I teeter around."

"What other kinds of dances do you know?"

"W-well, only some of them I can use to really help out," explained Lilligant. "But, there are others that I've learned from other cultures. There are so many kinds, like a rain dance, dancing like a dragon, moonlight dancing, a fire dance, dancing with swords, and even dances with feathers."

"Huh. That's more than I expected," murmured Typhlosion.

"These are spectacular!" Gardevoir bounced around again. "Oh, Lilligant, this is it! Your niche among our army could be your dances! They're in a class all their own!"

"Um…are you sure?" Lilligant folded her arms and tilted her head. "Dancing doesn't exactly seem like the best…I mean, they can be helpful, but…for fighting?"

"For fighting with those petals, confusing enemies, or boosting morale," listed Gallade. "Dancers are a proud source of entertainment, but they would have just as much of a profound inspiration on soldiers as anyone else, and could prove useful in uncanny ways that are not easily anticipated."

"Aw…you guys sure know how to flatter me," giggled Lilligant.

"It's not just flattery," insisted Gallade. "With perhaps one more powerful attack under your belt, you might be truly capable of holding your own with the best of the knights."

"L-let's not get too crazy," muttered Lilligant.

"Really though," persisted Gallade, "it's worth the effort. I was actually listening to a popular buzz around town just now, or a little while back. A few clamor about tutors and those that are capable of teaching moves to students." He nodded and smirked. "There was even some talk about special moves that certain Types can learn, including Grass, Water, and Fire Types."

"Uh, what? That's amazing," cooed Gardevoir. "We should get in there and learn those moves as soon as possible!"

"Huh?"

"We're going through town, right now, and learning those moves for you guys," declared Gardevoir. "Samurott, you and Typhlosion look out for tutors of the Fire and Water moves. Gallade and I will scour the streets for someone that can teach Lilligant her own signature move to help balance her with those incredible dances!"

"Wait, we're splitting up?"

"Yes, of course." Gardevoir placed her hands on her hips. "Look, we put in good time to help Lilligant discover her best abilities, and that's been a success so far. But now, we need to work on getting the three of you up to the next level! Time is short in a day, and we need to get started with these tutors as soon as we can! More practice in more time is better than starting too late and scrambling to learn later on."

"Um…well, that makes sense," agreed Samurott. "Just…go easy on Lilligant?"

"She's in great hands!" Gallade and Gardevoir spun about with one another, as the Earl laughed proudly. "After all, she has Grass Fields' most popular couple to help her find that tutor and cheer her on!"

"Debatably most popular," muttered Typhlosion. "If I recall, although there was a lot of resistance and dissent earlier, buzz still swarms the streets on Greninja and Chesnaught." Gardevoir and Gallade lowered their eyes as Samurott deflated. "Not to mention that the top couple, above all others and rightfully so, should always be King Nidoking and General Rhydon." Typhlosion paused and snickered as Gallade and Gardevoir seethed at him. "Sorry, does the truth hurt?"

"Never you mind," snapped Gallade. "Lilligant is still very much in good and sturdy hands, between this power couple." He spun around to Lilligant, who had slumped a bit, but flailed to straighten up. "Ready to go, Lilligant?"

"Oh, um…yes, I suppose."

"Perfect!" Gardevoir telekinetically grabbed her friends. "Then off we go!"

"Not again—"

Charging off, Gardevoir flew back to the main gates of Springton. She quickly dropped Samurott and Typhlosion before racing off, still dragging Lilligant and Gallade through the air.

Silently, the samurai and the knight watched as their friends vanished down a path and behind several buildings, and blinked at one another. Shrugging, Samurott got up, and then pulled Typhlosion up after him.

"Might as well get started on our search, then," decided Samurott and led the way into town.

"As you command," muttered Typhlosion, prompting Samurott to turn back and raise an eyebrow.

"Command?" The sea lion tilted his head. "What's with that?"

"Don't play dumb," mumbled Typhlosion. "You may have an equivalent rank to us knights, but you're definitely held above us in rank." Typhlosion sighed and dropped his shoulders as he walked forward. "If I have it right, you're just below Gallade's rank, and he's not even around the castle that often. So, if command were to defer from Nidoking to Rhydon, then you two would be next in charge."

"Why would—?"

"Hypothetical situations where Nidoking and Rhydon aren't around," clarified Typhlosion. "Not that any big ones have happened, but Rhydon will let you take over as instructor for our sparring sessions."

"W-well…yes, that's true, but…um." Samurott scratched behind his head as Typhlosion lowered his eyes and smirked at him. "…Ok, fine, so maybe they hold me just a bit above the rest." Samurott shrugged. "Doesn't mean anything, under most situations or otherwise."

"Not at the moment…"

"Anyway, what does that matter now?" Samurott folded his arms. "You act like ranks mean something while we're just walking around town."

"Maybe not that exactly," grumbled Typhlosion. "It just makes it difficult…"

"What's difficult?"

"Nothing." Typhlosion sighed as Samurott halted and frowned at him. "Ok, fine, I guess I just…don't want to disappoint you, or anything."

"Disappoint me?"

"Yeah, I don't know." Typhlosion scratched behind his head. "I already have everyone hating me enough as it is. Even if you guys hate me a little less, it's not—"

"Hold on. Hate?" Samurott shook his head. "None of us hate you." Typhlosion lowered his eyes again and stared at Samurott. "Oh, come on! Who hates you?"

"Everyone."

"At least among our group. Who?"

"Gardevoir, probably." Typhlosion shrugged. "She still has a slight annoyance with me, even if she doesn't show it as often. Gallade hates all of us by association, since we take away his bonding time with Gardevoir. And Lilligant is repelled from me just because of the incompatibility with fire."

"Pretty sure none of that is true, at all," countered Samurott. "Gardevoir is excited about spending time with each of us lately, to fill the void that the others left." He rubbed his chin, but shook his head. "Although I'd imagine that Gallade would love more time to himself and Gardevoir, he doesn't begrudge anyone else for being with her. After all, it's her choice to choose who she spends time with, and Gallade seems more eager to spend time with us lately, perhaps to help us cushion Gardevoir's buried sadness." He smiled and nodded. "And Lilligant doesn't hate you, as she hardly snaps at you. You saw her around those bears, right? Those are the types that she doesn't like. Us, on the other hand, she likes. We are all becoming closer friends as of late, so we should all like spending time together." Samurott nodded and placed his hands on his hips. "You worry too much, Typhlosion."

"If you think so."

"Oh, cut the rank crap."

"Sorry." Typhlosion shrugged. "But…what about you?" Samurott tilted his head and Typhlosion cleared his throat. "Well, I mean…w-what do you think? Uh, of me, that is."

"Hm? Me?" Samurott blinked. "Um…I think you're fine." Typhlosion deflated and Samurott scratched behind his head. "What? What's wrong with that?"

"Just fine?" Typhlosion sighed. "That's hardly convincing."

"We're just starting to bond," reasoned Samurott. "Look, if I disliked you, even just a little bit, I'd probably avoid spending time with you. I don't." Samurott rolled his shoulders. "If I'm being totally honest, I like spending time with my friends, and I include you in that group. You're a little hotheaded, but I've noticed that you're actually pretty defensive over the others." He smiled. "I can always appreciate an ally that looks out for others, and the more time we spend together, so much the better."

"Geez, ok, long version!" Typhlosion laughed while Samurott rolled his eyes.

"Hey, you were the one acting all jittery over my opinion." He shrugged. "So, I gave it to you in full, right off the top of my head."

"So I noticed." Typhlosion chuckled. "Well, I…you did help me feel better, so…thank you."

"Anytime."

"Even if you're acting a little off lately."

"Excuse me?"

"Come on, don't act like you don't know." Typhlosion lowered his eyes at Samurott again. "Just what was that earlier, with Lilligant?"

"What do you mean?" Samurott paused and tilted his head. "She's cute."

"You've never been interested in her before," countered Typhlosion. "Suddenly, you're infatuated with her?"

"Oh, come now," defended Samurott. "We hadn't spent as much time together earlier, so I didn't take to her right away. This past month, being around her more, she's easy to fall for." He lowered his eyes and smirked at Typhlosion. "Are you honestly going to tell me that she's not cute?"

"N-no, she's…pretty."

"Aha! So, you're going to challenge my affections for her, huh?"

"Don't be ridiculous." Typhlosion shook his head. "I'll admit that Lilligant can be captivating, but I'm not interested in her."

"Really? Not even a bit?" Samurott blinked and blankly gazed at Typhlosion. "Well then, why should it bother you if I'm starting to flirt with her?"

"Because…" Typhlosion hesitated and thought for a moment. "It just seems a little forced, in my opinion. You two are just really becoming friends now."

"All the more reason to bring up the idea of dating," decided Samurott. "We should try experimenting before we become too used to one another as friends." He sighed and shook his head. "Better to act over hesitating."

"M-maybe," murmured Typhlosion. "But…sometimes, it's good to wait, too."

"Perhaps we can agree to—"

"Hey!"

Samurott and Typhlosion spun about to spot two ruffians from their last visit with Greninja and Chesnaught. Rushing over to the knight and the samurai, Electabuzz and Medicham held up two swords each.

"You're the lame knights that were around that gay couple from before!" Electabuzz growled as sparks danced around him.

"And you're those annoying creeps from last time," sneered Typhlosion. He paused and glanced around before chuckling. "What's the matter? You're short two members this time around."

"W-we don't need them!" Medicham sliced the air with a sword. "We can take you two down without those cowards!"

"Oh yeah?" Typhlosion grinned. "I'd like to see you try."

"Typhlosion."

"Hm?" The honey badger turned back to his companion. "What is it?"

"You don't need to fight this one." Samurott smiled at Typhlosion's confused expression. "I need some exercise, so I'll take care of them both for us."

"Us? Uh…I mean, if you're sure…"

"Yes, it won't take long."

Samurott stepped forward and drew his long blades. Sweating and shivering slightly, the ruffians recoil back a bit. Gritting their teeth, however, the two raised their blades for a fight.

"Neither of you must have heard of me." Samurott continued to smile, delivering his words in the same even and tempered tone. "That's ok. It means people have grown used to seeing me around these parts."

"Oh what, you're a gay's buddy and a foreign freak too?" Electabuzz stepped forward. "That'll make this even easier."

"Ah, you really haven't heard much from me." Samurott shrugged. "Poor work on my part, perhaps, but I'm assuming you just haven't listened the right stories. You see, like the ninjas, King Nidoking sent a special request to have me at his castle." Samurott smirked. "He was looking for a very capable warrior, and the ever elusive samurai."

"So?!" Medicham slid a foot out to ready her stance. "What the hell does any of this even matter?!"

"It means that you're so far in over your heads that you truly won't understand just what's about to happen."

"Y-you can't!" Medicham shook her head. "We could t-take you, but knights are strictly prohibited to harm town citizens!"

"True, we're not allowed to maim nor kill any of you." Samurott's grin broadened. "That's why I'm going to defeat both of you on my own without any serious injuries."

"Ha!" Electabuzz lifted his blade higher. "Not a chance for that!"

"No chances at all." Samurott hunched down. "It's guaranteed."

Leaping forward, Samurott sliced down with his blades, locking Medicham's against the ground.

She struggled and yanked on them, unable to move her sword. He shoved her away and knocked her blade to the ground.

Growling, Electabuzz jumped forward and swung his sword down. Samurott deftly lifted his blade and easily blocked the blow.

"Is that all?" Samurott smirked.

Roaring, Electabuzz broke out of Samurott's grip and cleaved up, knocking Samurott's blade away.

He stabbed forward, but gawked as the sea lion blocked with his other blade.

"He can't handle both of us!" Medicham scrambled back up and snatched her sword. "Let's attack together!"

Both ruffians swiped at Samurott who blocked and parried their attacks. His movements were calm and flowing, as he easily maneuvered around each strike.

"Keep it up, Samurott!"

Nodding to Typhlosion, Samurott blinked upon hearing a louder clang. He turned back to find his sword locked between those of his opponents.

Together, they flipped the sword from the samurai's grip and launched it away, with it landing away from him.

"Don't worry," assured Typhlosion, as he reached for Samurott's fallen blades. "I've got them!"

"No need."

From his belt, Samurott snatched and opened two golden war fans. Both of his opponents faltered, but paused before laughing.

"Fans?" Electabuzz laughed. "Are you joking? What kind of a weapon is that?"

"Just the one that I will defeat you with."

"As if!"

Electabuzz jumped forward, thrusting his sword out. Samurott lifted his fans and easily caught the blade in between them.

He watched as Medicham followed up, and flipped Electabuzz's sword away. Tossing one fan up near her, Medicham yelped and fumbled back, watching the fan soar to the sky.

Swiftly, Samurott tugged the blade from her loose grip and tossed it aside. She gaped as it clattered to the ground.

Chuckling, Samurott waited before he lifted his hand. The second fan landed right into his hand, and he fanned himself.

"Whatever!" Electabuzz pounded his fist to his palm, and sparks charged around it. "We don't need swords to beat you!"

Rolling his arm around, Electabuzz threw his fist forward. Spinning his fans as the fist flew forward, Samurott then sidestepped the fist, and smirked.

Electabuzz blinked and stared at his hand. No sparks remained on it, as Samurott fanned himself again.

"How embarrassing…"

"Shut up!"

Medicham kicked forward at Samurott, who merely ducked from her jump. She crashed into a wall and fell to the ground, groaning.

"No, Medicham!"

"Just so we're clear," pointed out Samurott, "that was her own doing. I was just fanning myself, after all."

"You…you bastard!"

Leaping forward, Electabuzz dove at Samurott, who spiraled around the attack. The thug slid across the ground, and spat dirt from his mouth.

"Oh, are you all right?" Samurott grinned. "Do you require any assistance?"

"Just shut up and die already!"

Once more, Electabuzz swung a charged fist at Samurott, who opened and closed his fan to the ruffian's sight.

Too late, Electabuzz stumbled as he crashed into several crates, which collapsed over him. Samurott shrugged and waved his fans again.

"Either of you interested in going another bout?"

His opponents only groaned as they picked themselves up and ran off.

"Didn't think so." Samurott flipped his fans closed and sheathed them back along his belt. "Scoundrels."

"That was fantastic, Samurott!" The samurai turned and grinned as Typhlosion carried over his blades. "You didn't even hit them! They did it all to themselves!"

"Well, the goal was to just tire them out altogether, but whatever works."

"And that worked beautifully!"

"Glad you thought so," laughed Samurott. He smiled as Typhlosionhanded him the blades, and sheathed them. "Well, shall we be on our way?"

"Right, we've got tutors to find." Typhlosion laughed. "Though, maybe you don't need one!"

"Perhaps not desperately, but I could certainly learn more." He patted Typhlosion's back and nodded. "Plus, it'll give us something to do."

Nodding, Typhlosion followed as Samurott walked around the streets, and the pair searched for those that could tutor them with new moves.

...

Wait, wait, what?! That can't be the end, can it?

Nnnope, it's not! Well, yes, the end of this chapter, but not this little plot stop! (Get it? Pit stop, plot stop? Aaahhh…I'm not funny.) Anyhow, I had originally planned for this to be longer, less detailed, and just for one chapter, but I liked how much content went into it, and decided that it could extend the story for a little longer.

So, perhaps as a bit of a twist, one month has passed since the others left, and Lilligant joins the army! …What? Crazy, right? She never expected it herself, and neither did anyone else, including the king and general themselves! Though, with some development, as shown in this chapter, she could prove to be a potential asset, huh? Dancing to boost morale and possibly battle…go figure!

But yes, I did go all out on Lilligant being the new team dancer, and she spouted out about every "Dance" move that I could recall from Pokemon. Her personal attacks, if you didn't quite catch them, include Petal Dance, Quiver Dance, and Teeter Dance. Cool stuff, eh? Yeah, I know it's a bit ridiculous, but hey, it kind of works. And it was a bit trickier to write Lilligant dancing around than I imagined honestly, so I hope that came out ok. Maybe not, but it's not exactly meant to be just dancing, right? …Oh well.

Meanwhile, there seems to be this…underlying melancholy for the whole Grass Fields. (Gee, I wonder why?) Gardevoir certainly tries to keep her spirits up around her new friends, though…it might not be as effective as she likes. Typhlosion certainly has his own doubts, all aimed directly at himself. Samurott seems a bit forlorn in the beginning as well, and there was a slight bit with Rhydon too. What's his problem with being a king, anyway?

Weird angst aside, other character developments seemed fun! Gardevoir and Lilligant shared quite a bond, huh? Training totally does that! Samurott and Typhlosion also shared some moments together, as the two develop their own chemistry, as…awkward as it seems, to start with. And, could there be a budding romance between Samurott and Lilligant? Or…do they have their sights set elsewhere?

Well, Samurott does have his sights set on some ruffians, that's for sure! Yep, Electabuzz and Medicham returned to be annoying, though it seems like Scyther and Hitmonlee dropped out at the moment. Turns out that Samurott could take the pair all on his own, and introduced new weapons: the War Fans! Hey, he had to learn something from his prior evolution, and not just with swords. Anyway, it was fun to write them as new weapons, but they didn't see enough action yet, and will show up again later.

At any rate, that'll do it for now! Feedback is my everything, and though I've been getting less of it from…well, all of my fanfics, really, I will still continue to ask for it! Comments, criticisms, and questions are totally welcomed. As always, it is great to hear from my readers, so I hope you guys are around to tune in!

That's it for now, but there's definitely more coming up with the Grass Fields squad! Totally a fitting name, right? Nah? Ok. Well, they've got to find those tutors in the next chapter, and hopefully learn some new moves!

Enough from me. Thank you again for reading!