(November 1st)

After regrouping with his wounded teammates, Jarod tries to begin training but his injured arm is keeping him down. However, Diantha has offered to train his pokemon as well as her own. They are all gathered outside in the large grove behind his home, getting down to business.

Be careful. Jarod calls out from the back deck

I've got this, no sweat. Diantha replies before sending out her six pokemon. Each of them choosing a sparring partner. Gardevoir pairs up with Spectra and Anubis, hawlucha pairs with Ryu, aurorus teams with tyrantrum, goodra pairs with Flare, and gourgeist pairs with Venus.

Gardevoir. I can teach you a few new moves to assist you in future battles. They are known as shadow sneak and destiny bond. Spectra explains as the two combine shadow balls.

Sounds good. You know spectra, Im honored to be learning from such a powerful being. Gardevoir says.

It's no trouble. We are allies and work to improve each other's powers and skills. Replies the silver shadow dragon. Now, picture your shadow moving ahead of you and use your mind to project it as a physical figure.

Okay. Gardevoir replies, she extends her arms in front of her, her eyes glowing blue before transferring to an ethereal purple. Her shadow suddenly lurches forward and rises from the ground under spectra, staggering her slightly.

Nice shot gardevoir, I've never seen somebody master a new technique so fast. Spectra growls in praise. Now let us move on to the second of 2 new moves. It is destiny bond, we ghost types use it for when we are about to faint in battle. It takes the opponent down with the user if it lands a knockout blow.

I see, so if you are about to faint, you use destiny bond to knock them out with you. Gardevoir replies

Indeed. Now Im going to hit you head on with a shadow force. as I approach, focus all your negative energy on me and strike me with it. If done right ill faint with you. Spectra roars as she disappears for a second before appearing with a ferocious aura around her. Gardevoir focuses her mind, channeling all her negative thoughts and energies onto giratina. Her eyes glow and let loose two orbs of energy which strike the dragon head on as giratina rams her, causing her to fall into the snow.

Hnngh …. mmph. Gardevoir's eyes flash, causing an aura to glow around spectra before she passes out. The large dragon falls down next to her a split second after.

…you…. you did it. Spectra pants wearily, her eyes slipping shut. The two trainers and Anubis notice and run to their fallen mons.

Spectra, gardevoir! Jarod and diantha call out, sprinting towards them. Anubis kneels next to gardevoir pulling her into his lap while jarod and diantha check on spectra.

Gira? Are you alright? Jarod asks concernedly as giratina stirs.

We… were practicing destiny bond, I hit her with shadow force and she managed to pull it off on the first try. The dragon mutters.

Spectra… that is a rather risky move to use, especially for a psychic type. I know you re just trying to help her but you've gotta be careful. Jarod says

My sincerest apologies master, it shall not happen again. Spectra says ashamedly, before falling asleep.

Anubis looks at the trainers before speaking worriedly. Ill take care of gardevoir, Im in debt to her for all that she has done. The lucario picks her up bridal style before heading into the house.

Ok Anubis. Jarod says

Thank you lucario. Diantha says appreciatively before turning to look at jarod. He really does care about her more than we thought.

I agree with you my lady. He's just like me before you confessed to me. Jarod replies before giving her a quick kiss on her lips.

Aw. You re such a charmer. Diantha says blushing softly.

Well, lets check on the others. Jarod says. Meanwhile, Flare works on teaching goodra moves such as flamethrower and thunderpunch. Ryu works with hawlucha on her speed and accuracy with flying press. aurorus and tyrantrum work on a combo move of blizzard and stone edge.

Looks like they re doing alright. Jarod says. Take it easy for a bit guys. Let's eat some lunch.

Okay ! all the pokemon shout. Jarod immediately starts preparing a batch of special poffins that will enhance their stamina, using a combo of tamato, liechi, oran and enigma berries. Diantha, could you keep an eye on these. Im gonna go check on gardevoir and lucario.

Sure thing. Diantha replies. Little do either of them know what is happening between the two pokemon. Meanwhile, Lucario observes the sleeping psychic as she lay in the bed of their trainers.

She is so beautiful but so fragile First she nearly freezes trying to save her trainer and now she overexerts herself. I must protect her no matter what it takes. The blue jackal mumbles as gardevoir opens her eyes.

A…Anubis…. What happened to me….

You and giratina were practicing destiny bond and she knocked you out on accident. She feels really bad about it. Anubis says before looking away, a faint blush lacing his muzzle

Oh…... I see. Well I suppose that accidents happen sometimes…. Um. are you okay, you seem upset. Gardevoir asks, noticing him turning away

Im not upset, Im just…. nervous. Anubis stammers

Is there something on your mind, please talk to me Anubis, Im your friend. You can tell me anything. Gardevoir says caringly as Anubis turns to look at her.

Gardevoir…. There's something I need to say. Anubis stammers out. His blush slowly increasing

What is it Anubis? and by the way, you may call me serenity. Gardevoir says.

Serenity…. Ever since the night after our battle… I can't stop thinking about you. Every time you look at me, I nearly lose control. When you nearly froze in the blizzard, my heart kept aching with worry until you woke up. When I was injured, you exhausted yourself to heal me. I owe you big time. Anubis says in sincerity

Anubis… we re teammates, Im glad to help you. Don't burden yourself. Serenity replies, looking into his red eyes, starting to blush as well.

Serenity… what Im trying to say is…. Is that I love you. You're so graceful and always willing to help whenever possible. And with all that's happened…. I don't want to lose you, serenity. Anubis declares, tearing up slightly.

Anubis… I…I don't what to say. But… you are an incredible pokemon. You stood by me when I was unconscious and tended to me until I recovered. You put yourself through hell and back to protect our home and even now when I was hurt, you took care of me. I can safely say, from the bottom of my heart, that my feelings resonate with yours as well. Serenity replies with love in her eyes.

You mean that you…. Anubis says in shock before being drawn into a soft kiss from the gardevoir. His eyes widening before melding into the kiss, gently caressing her cheek, while she rubs his back. After a few seconds they part, still holding each other close.

Anubis, I love you as well and ill stand by you through whatever comes our way. However, please don't ever risk your life again, as I can't bear to lose you either. Serenity says softly, nuzzling his face. The two pokemon lay back down, Serenity gently rests her head on his chest, letting his heartbeat lull her to sleep with a complete smile on her face. Lucario gently wraps his arms around her slender form and holds her close.

Sweet dreams, my psychic rose. Anubis whispers gently before falling asleep himself.