Here's the second chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Oh, and all of Team Valor's and Team Majesta's members are fully evolved, since this is set several years after the prologue. If you want to have an idea of how old they are, let's just say that they're around 20 years old (in other words, they're old enough to MATE!)

"Close Combat into Flare Blitz!" Infernape yelled. He started practicing the same combination he had been trying for over a week. His goal was to use Close Combat, but instead of ending with a regular punch or tail whack, he wanted to end with a Flare Blitz. Unfortunately, most of the time he couldn't get enough distance with the second-to-last move, and he couldn't charge up Flare Blitz in time before hitting the ground. In fact, out of all the times he tried, he only got ten percent of them successful.

"Thunder Armor!" Luxray cried out a few yards away. He was trying to use a technique he had read about in the palace library. Apparently, the most powerful Electric-Type Pokemon could use a technique that involved shocking themselves, but then they absorbed the electricity to coat themselves in solidified lightning. It enhanced speed, power and defense capabilities, and could defeat even the toughest opponents. However, the move had a limit, and Luxray's record was three minutes at best, while the masters of this technique could keep it on for at least half an hour.

BOOM! An explosion of dust was the result of Staraptor's training. He was trying to perfect a combo that involved using the move Fly to swoop upwards, and then loop into Aerial Ace to increase the speed of the attack. Finally, after the loop, he dive-bombed back down into Brave Bird to create a huge missile. The natural gravity, plus the speed of Aerial Ace and the extra power from Brave Bird would cause a resulting explosion upon contact with anything solid. However, Staraptor usually hurt himself due to the recoil effect of Brave Bird, and that effect was only aggravated by the resulting explosion. In other words, by using this technique, Staraptor's true goal was to boost his endurance.

Farther away from the other three, Machamp, Drapion, and Abomasnow were locked in a two-on-one battle. Machamp, using Dynamic Punch in one hand, Revenge in the second, Karate Chop in the third, and a built-up Focus Blast in the last, could fight the other two with ease under normal circumstances. These, however, were not normal circumstances, because Drapion and Abomasnow had boosted their punches as well.

Drapion had the power of Cross Poison in one claw and the power of X-Scissor in the other. As if that wasn't enough, he also had Poison Jab ready on his tail. As if that wasn't enough, he also built up Sludge Bomb to boost his tail up to such high levels that he could cause a deadly wound with just one sting.

Abomasnow, on the other hand, merely turned his hands into Wood Hammers and froze them up with Ice Beam for good measure. It was a simple combo, but he could actually fight on par with the others, who were a lot faster than he was. In other words, Machamp had his work cut out for him.

Infernape clapped his hands together to call everyone. "Alright, Team Valor! Break time!" he commanded. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered in a part of the field to eat a delicious lunch consisting of apples and other fruits. This was the same field in which they had fought Armaldo so many years ago, but since Armaldo had perished some time ago, Team Valor and Team Majesta were the only ones besides King Lucario, Queen Lopunny, Gallade, and Gardevoir to know about this secret field.

"I think that you three," Drapion started, gesturing at Infernape, Luxray, and Staraptor, "really need to work on your combinations."

"I know." Infernape said. "But we have to keep working, in order to protect Team Majesta a bit more."

"Are you SURE it's Team Majesta you want to protect?" Luxray asked Infernape with a sly grin.

"What are you talking about? Of course it is. After all, the king and queen asked me to protect them personally." Infernape replied.

"Are you sure it's not just Princess Lopunny you want to protect?" Luxray continued slyly. At this Infernape blushed heavily.

"WHAT? How could you even think that? I like her as a friend, nothing more!" Infernape protested.

"He never asked if you liked her or not, he just asked whether or not it's just her you want to protect. Besides, if you didn't like her, why do you have a blush on your face, huh?" Staraptor joined in on the teasing.

"Because I'm so mad, my face is displaying my angry emotions!" Infernape argued, and the other Pokemon laughed at the childish response. Then Luxray and Staraptor stopped laughing when they heard the next statement Infernape made. "Besides, the two of you aren't exactly scot-free when it comes to liking some of the Team Majesta members! I've seen the way you and Staraptor look at Ninetales and Swellow, Luxray!"

Now Machamp, Drapion, and Abomasnow were laughing at the now-blushing Luxray and Staraptor, who were unintelligibly protesting.

Then Infernape sneered at the last three Pokemon. "Don't think I've forgotten about you guys. I think Medicham, Kricketune, and Roserade are perfect for you guys!" No one was laughing now. Infernape had completely revealed who everyone liked, including himself.

"In all seriousness, I think it's pretty clear that we of Team Valor do have romantic feelings for those in Team Majesta." Machamp said.

"Yeah, you're right. Sorry, about that Infernape." Luxray apologized.

"It's all right, Luxray." Infernape said, patting his friends back.

"Infernape!" a voice called. Team Valor turned around and saw Team Majesta running towards them. Princess Lopunny was in the lead, followed by Ninetales, Swellow, Medicham, Kricketune, and Roserade. They were currently running up the hill where Team Valor was sitting.

"Speak of the devil, here they come." Abomasnow muttered. The entire team could feel their heart rates increasing. One reason that Team Valor liked Team Majesta was because they were kind and great friends over the years, but there was another reason. As they evolved, in Team Valor's eyes, Team Majesta grew more and more beautiful, as Team Valor grew more and more attractive in Team Majesta's eyes.

"It's been some time, hasn't it?" Ninetales asked when they finished climbing the hill.

"Yes. How was the diplomatic meeting?" Luxray asked.

"It went well. The Kingdom of Zarton has agreed to ally itself with Laxos." Kricketune answered.

"But enough about us, how is your combination training going?" Swellow asked.

"It's going both ways. Machamp, Drapion, and Abomasnow are doing fine, but Luxray, Staraptor, and I still need some work." Infernape said.

"What? I thought you three were better than the other three." Lopunny said, surprised.

"We rely on one attack at a time. They have a lot more practice with combos than we do." Luxray explained.

"Anyway, what brings you here?" Drapion asked.

"Nothing, we just wanted to see you. It's been so long since we actually had free time together, what with all of us being very important to the kingdom. I mean, you guys are high-ranking royal knights, and we are as well, but we are also the diplomats of our kingdom." Roserade said.

"Don't you want to feel what we once felt? The freedom of childhood before we became more grown up?" Lopunny asked. The truth was that Team Valor did. Although they did not mind having to help out the kingdom, all of them missed romping around in the fields like they did back in the old days.

"That's the burden of being a princess, isn't it?" Infernape asked.

"It is indeed. Princess Lopunny needs moral support. That's why she has us." Ninetales said, gently brushing one of her tails against Lopunny.

"You know, we're always here to help you out if you need it. Just say the word." Machamp said.

"It would definitely be wrong of us if we didn't help you after all we've been through together." Drapion agreed.

"We know. We just can't find you all the time. Whenever we're home, you're out somewhere and when you're in, we're out. It's like fate has driven us away from each other." Medicham worried.

"It's just…so hard!" Swellow whined, tearing up a bit.

"We'll never let go of you guys, no matter what you think or what happens. Even if we're a thousand miles apart, we'll be connected. If you are in trouble, we'll help you in any way we can. It's that simple." Abomasnow vowed.

"Thank you, but…" Lopunny started.

"If you're worried that we are helping you just because you're a princess, you're wrong." Luxray said.

"It's because you're our friends, and friends help friends." Staraptor said, attempting to comfort Swellow.

"There is absolutely no way we would forget about you. I would risk my life to protect you!" Infernape said, moving up to Lopunny and putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Now, let's relive some of those childhood memories and just play around for a bit, huh?" Drapion suggested with a smile. And so they did.

Later that night…

Infernape was walking back to his room in Team Valor's wing when he felt something touch his shoulder. He turned around and was surprised to see Princess Lopunny behind him.

"Do you have a minute, Infernape?" she asked.

"I have some time on my hands. Why?" he asked back.

"Come with me. I want to talk to you…in my room." Lopunny said. Infernape's eyes widened slightly but he did not object. He let Lopunny lead him towards her room.

When they got there, Infernape took in Lopunny's sweet scent. It smelled like the perfume she used-rose-scented. Lopunny took him towards her large window. It stretched all the way to the ceiling!

"I am surprised that you would let me in here, but also a bit flattered, princess. But what if…" Infernape said.

"Everyone else is asleep. We will not disturb anyone." Lopunny replied.

"Did you want to talk to me about something?" Infernape asked.

"Yes. As you know, I am beginning to grow up, and must soon find a husband." Lopunny said.

"Go on…" Infernape pressed.

"Well, mother and father are pressuring me for many possible suitors, but only one of them fits me." Lopunny worried.

"All right. I'll support you no matter who it is." Infernape soothed.

"Good, because that someone is you." Lopunny said. Infernape's jaw dropped right open.

Seeing his face, Lopunny said, "It's all right. I understand if you don't feel the same way about me. I'll just…" she was cut off by Infernape putting a finger against her lips.

"No, I'm just surprised. Why me, Lopunny? Why not one of your other suitors?" Infernape asked.

"Because you're the only one I can really trust. The other Pokemon I've met only seemed really ambitious to be king. Besides, I've known you for so long, and our being together and apart so frequently has made me realize how I really feel about you. I really, really like you, Infernape, and want to spend more time with you." Lopunny said.

Infernape walked up to her and placed his arms around her waist. "If you are asking whether or not I like you or not, I do. In fact, I've liked you for quite some time now." he answered, leaning in to kiss her. She was about to close the few millimeters between them when the window burst inwardly.

*CRASH!*

Oh, man, they got interrupted! I feel sorry for the guy who walked in!

What's going to happen next? Review and you'll find out! I like reviews.