(November 1st)
As the morning sun begins to rise over the kalos region, light filters in through the blinds of Jarod's home. However, one can see that he is not alone. Snuggled closely next to him is Diantha. After nearly losing each other in two major brushes with death, the former champion and the current champion realized just how much they needed each other in these dark times and finally confessed their feelings to one another. Now the two are seen resting peacefully as Jarod begins to stir.
"…mmm…mmm…mmph." The male trainer groans, lightly stretching his bandaged arms before rubbing the sleep from his eyes. As he tries to sit up, Jarod notices that he is being held down by something. He looks to his right, and notices that Diantha had fallen asleep while embracing him. His mind immediately flashes back to the previous night.
"(I never thought id see the day that id find somebody to love, and It's Diantha of all people. I have got to be the luckiest trainer in the region to have her by my side. I only wish it didn't have to be during such a violent time. She looks so peaceful, it would be a sin to wake her up)." Jarod thinks to himself, gently running the tips of his fingers through her hair. After a few minutes, she begins to stir as well.
"mmm…mmph…" Diantha groans softly, her eyes slowly opening, after a few seconds, her vision clears up as she looks to see Jarod staring at her.
"Good morning sleeping beauty." Jarod chuckles sweetly.
"…And a good morning to you as well love." Diantha murmurs back. "I see that you woke up before me this time."
"Yeah, I suppose I did." Jarod replies.
"However, I am rather surprised that you haven't gotten up yet." Diantha says curiously.
"Well when I went to sit up, I noticed you had me wrapped in an embrace, so I simply laid back down, because if I tried to move, I would have woken you up and that is rude." Jarod admits. "I tell ya, you look so peaceful and serene when asleep."
"Aww, you re such a sweetheart, but I don't mind if you wake me. Just knowing that ill be waking up to you every morning really brings joy to my heart, especially with all that's happening right now." Diantha says before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
"You truly are an angel, if you're happy then I'm happy." Jarod replies before kissing her back.
"How are you feeling, are you healing alright?" Diantha asks
"Hmmph, I'm feeling rather stiff and a bit sore, but that's what happens when you re out cold and immobile for five days, but I'm definitely feeling better now." Jarod says.
"Well I'm glad to hear that babe." Diantha replies.
"Well its all thanks to you. I would have been dead if you didn't find me. Also, I must thank you for all that you ve done for me and my team. Working yourself to exhaustion to make sure that me, milotic, greninja, and lucario would survive." Jarod says with sincerity
"It was the right thing to do, especially after you saved my life, and with all that's happened, id gladly do it again, especially for you." Diantha says, looking into his eyes lovingly. At that moment, the three injured pokemon walk in, hearing their masters voice from the bedroom upstairs.
"Master, you're alive!" Venus exclaims joyfully, slithering towards him
"Hey Venus, glad to see you re okay. You were incredibly brave under such extreme odds." Jarod says while petting her head.
"Jarod, is that your voice. I'm not just hearing things." Anubis exclaims in shock.
"Yeah, it's me lucario, I'm awake and alive." Jarod replies to the blue jackal, taking notice of his bandaged torso.
"I'm glad to see you up and moving again, but for the love of arceus please don't do something crazy like that ever again." Ryu states in a stoic manner.
"I'm so glad that you guys are alright, I'm so sorry for all that's happened. Especially you, Venus. I should have retrieved you before attacking the ship. But instead, I let you get beaten down and poisoned by a swarm of angry pokemon." Jarod says woefully
"All forgiven and forgotten master, I'm just glad you re alright, if you didn't make it… I couldn't imagine what I would do." Venus says, her eyes tearing up.
"Aw, Venus, please don't cry." Jarod murmurs, hugging the injured serpent. The other two team members join them in a team hug. They separate after a few seconds.
"Now that all is well, what is our plan of action now, my lady." Jarod asks.
"Well, Wikstrom, myself, and the other elite four members are currently coming up with a strategy to strike back at the enemy force. I informed them of what happened and they may come by to see you. We also have Cynthia and Steven helping us out as well."
"Ah, I see. Well then, I guess we should probably start training as soon as possible." Jarod replies, but as he goes to move, a jolt of pain surges up his left arm.
"Gyaaa."
"Whoa take it easy Jarod, your arm is still healing." Diantha says.
"Urrgh, dammit. I can't even train my team in this state."
"Babe, ill take care of training the team, you focus on recovering okay. I can handle it." Diantha pleads to him.
"Diantha, are you sure? Because I know your team also needs to be trained as well, and you have already done so much." Jarod says concernedly.
"Trust me, I can do it and ill gladly train both our teams for us." Diantha declares with determination burning in her eyes.
"Alright, I won't stop you, but please don't overwork yourself my love." Jarod says in agreement.
"Ill be alright, C'mon everyone." Diantha calls out to her pokemon and Jarod's uninjured pokemon as they head outside to begin training while he watches from the deck.