In the last chapter, Team Valor and Team Majesta were saved by Walrein, who had come to help them get back to Laxos. Now there's going to be the romance I promised. Again, I was hoping to put these two chapters together, but it was way too long.

Infernape awoke to the sound of rustling. Opening his eyes, he saw Lopunny closing the door to the room that they had taken. Infernape got up, brought the ruby necklace he had bought for Lopunny and quietly crept past Luxray and Ninetales's room, Drapion and Kricketune's room, and Abomasnow and Roserade's room. Staraptor and Swellow preferred sleeping outside, where they could be lookouts, while Machamp and Medicham slept in sleeping bags in front of the undersea observatory, admiring the view it provided.

Infernape silently followed Lopunny, his feet barely making a sound. When he opened the door to the deck, Hitmonchan, who was steering the ship, raised an eyebrow when Infernape came out. Infernape put a finger to his lips, and Hitmonchan nodded to show that he would keep quiet, as Lopunny was standing in the front of the ship, gazing at the stars.

Infernape crept closer to her, trying to surprise her. Before he even got ten feet, Lopunny sighed.

"There is no point trying to sneak up on me, Infernape. I can still hear you." she said, without turning around.

"What the… oh, boy, there really is no way to sneak up on you." Infernape responded admiringly.

"Well, not exactly. Dusknoir did with his Shadow Sneak." Infernape detected a sad tone in Lopunny's voice. He walked up to her and put his arms around her waist, hugging her gently. She turned her face to look at him, and he could see that she was struggling to hold back tears.

Infernape shook his head. "Look, there's no shame in crying. You can't hold back the feelings, or it will just make you weak. You have to share your feelings with others. No one, no matter how strong, can cope with losing both their parents in one day. Not even me. Cry, Lopunny, just cry and let it all out." he encouraged.

That was enough to break Lopunny's walls. She broke down and buried her face into Infernape's chest, sobbing with all the intensity she had. Eventually, she quieted and slowed down into muffled sniffles as Infernape held her. During this time, Infernape had begun tearing up as well. The grief he had gained from losing his revered master, as well as the sight of his lover looking so fragile, finally cracked Infernape's walls, and he clenched his fist as he swore in his mind to destroy Dusknoir for what he had done.

Lopunny had stopped crying and she uncurled herself out of Infernape's arms. Infernape did not protest, instead merely gazed into her eyes, his heart full of love and a need to protect her.

"She's beautiful. Her ears just curl around her like fine hair, and her body is such a lovely shade of brown. Her fur is so soft, it's like a pillow, and her eyes… oh, boy, I can't even describe them. So beautiful…" He thought.

"Really?" he heard Lopunny say. "You think I'm beautiful?" With a jolt, he realized that he had spoken his words out loud, and that Lopunny was blushing.

"Well…uh…" Infernape stuttered, blushing as well. He never got to finish as Lopunny wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled his face down to hers, and kissed him. The feeling that they both got was electric, and they felt a current pass between them in that one kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her even closer to him, deepening the kiss.

It could have been an hour or a minute later, but they had to break apart for the need of air. Both of them were panting, but they still kept their arms around each other.

"Oh, Infernape, I love you so much, I can't even describe it." Lopunny sighed.

"I know, and… I have a little gift for you." Infernape said. Lopunny's eyes lit up as he reached into one of the pockets his fur made and brought out the ruby necklace. The fire he had made at Eruption Crater had only tempered it, made it more lustrous. It was shaped like a rose, and as he hung it onto Lopunny's neck, he inwardly marveled at how much it increased her beauty.

"Infernape… this is…beautiful!" Lopunny gasped, her hand caressing the shape of the finely crafted ruby rose.

"I know… just like you." He said. Then he regained his composure. "It's late. We better get back to bed." He took her hand and walked her back to the room, closing the door behind them.

Had they stayed out a bit longer, they would have seen Ninetales walking out of the room that she and Luxray shared. Had they stayed even longer after that, they would have seen Luxray come out of the same room and follow her.

With Luxray and Ninetales…

When Luxray awoke, he immediately noticed Ninetales walking out. It was still the middle of the night, so it was rather surprising to see her walking out at this time. Without hesitation, he got up from his hammock and followed her, bringing along the topaz locket as a gift to Ninetales. After all, this seemed like the best time.

Ninetales didn't have the same kind of hearing as Lopunny, so she couldn't detect the silently creeping Luxray behind her. As they walked up to the deck, the former being oblivious to the latter, both of them were reminiscing out the day's events.

Ninetales stepped up to the place where her leader sat. It was still a bit wet from the tears, but Ninetales paid it no heed and lay down, watching the stars just as her leader did.

Luxray stepped up to her silently. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.

Ninetales looked up in surprise, then relaxed once she saw it was Luxray. She shook her head. "Not at all, Luxray. Join me if you want." Luxray smiled and lay down beside her.

"Ninetales…what do you make of how our leaders are feeling?" Luxray asked.

She looked up in confusion. "What do you mean? It's obvious that they are both feeling grief after the deaths that they have suffered."

"I meant how they feel for each other. They obviously like each other, maybe even love each other." Luxray stated.

"And your point is?" she asked.

"I just wanted to ask how you thought about all this. I'm obviously quite happy for them. I believe that they were meant for each other, so to speak." Luxray said.

Ninetales laughed. "Well, you're not the only one. I, too, am pleased that they seem to have deep feelings for each other." Then she looked at him. "And what about us, Luxray?" she asked.

Luxray lost his composure then, and began blushing and stuttering unintelligibly. "Well…uh…"

Ninetales sighed. "I understand I you don't want to be with me, Luxray." She got up and turned away sadly.

Luxray stopped her before she could leave. "Wait. That's not what I meant. Your question took me by surprise. I do want to be with you. In fact, I have a little something for you." This caught Ninetales's attention. Her heart sped up as Luxray took out the topaz locket. Like the ruby necklace, the electricity that Luxray used as he kept it on him merely increased the topaz's luster. It went very well with Ninetales's pale yet shiny fur.

"Ninetales…what I feel for you is what our leaders feel for each other. This locket and the way I greeted you at Eruption Crater is proof of that. I understand if you don't return my feelings, but…" Luxray was stopped when Ninetales held up a paw.

Ninetales then took the opportunity to nuzzle up lovingly against Luxray. He nuzzled back, purring. "You fool. How could you believe that I didn't return your feelings?" she chided softly. Luxray smiled, wrapped his tail around hers, and slowly led her back to their room.

With Staraptor and Swellow…

Both of the earlier couples had watched by another one, high above on the crow's nest. Staraptor and Swellow had both admired how their leaders and the leaders' best friends had truly brought their feelings out. Both of them knew what they felt for each other, but like the ones before them, it was very difficult to admit those feelings to the other.

Staraptor took a quick glance at Swellow. She was lovely, with a finely shaped head and beautiful plumage. She was the female bird Pokémon that most male bird Pokémon would love to have as a mate. Some, like Honchkrow, would take advantage of her small size, but he had sworn to protect her from Pokémon like him.

What he did not realize was that Swellow had been trying to get his attention. Finally, she had to whack him lightly with her wings. That snapped him out of it.

"Staraptor! I've been trying to gain your attention for the past several moments! What is wrong with you?" she scolded.

"Sorry, Swellow. I…just had my mind on something." he apologized, holding a small blush back.

Swellow sighed and shook her head. "Really, Staraptor. You should know better than this. Anyway, I've trying to ask you something. Are you still being affected by our masters' deaths?" she asked.

"Of course I am. It hasn't even been a full day since I found out that they died. Losing Gallade and Gardevoir is like losing a second set of parents. And they could have been parents. You know as well as I do how devoted and loyal they were to each other." Staraptor stated.

"I know. They lived together, and died together, and yet they knew that they loved each other in life. In death they can be together forever." Swellow said. Staraptor nodded, but Swellow was not finished. "Staraptor…will out teams meet the same fate?"

Staraptor was rather confused. "What do you mean?"

"We have known each other since we were children. We trusted each other, and we should have been together just as Gallade and Gardevoir were. I didn't realize it until…" Swellow broke off.

"Until what?" Staraptor pressed.

"Until you saved me from Honchkrow. He was about to do something that I could not stop. I never should have trusted him. You, on the other hand, went into danger without hesitation just to save me, not just to save me from Honchkrow all those years ago, but now when I was kidnapped by Dusknoir. I guess what I'm trying to say is…I love you, Staraptor, not just because you saved many times, but because you are a true friend and companion." Swellow confessed. She turned away, afraid to face Staraptor's reaction.

Swellow was surprised when Staraptor wrapped his great wings around her. "Swellow, do you know why I swore to protect you? Back then, I didn't know the reason myself when I swore. It was only when I saw Honchkrow about to violate you that I knew. All I saw was that you looked so fragile, and that you needed someone to protect you. Swellow…I love you so much that I would give my life to save you." Staraptor declared.

He then walked over to where his pack was and drew out the aquamarine hairpin that he had brought. Wordlessly, he fit the pin into Swellow's comb. It gave her comb the appearance of a crown.

Swellow's eyes were shining. "Thank you, Staraptor." She nuzzled her head against her knight's chest.

"You're welcome, my dear Swellow."

Meanwhile…

Down in the undersea observatory, Machamp had just realized that Medicham was no longer sleeping in her bag. Looking around, he realized that Medicham was looking out, watching a pod of Wailmer. She turned her head at the sound of the rustling, and upon seeing Machamp awake, sighed.

"Sorry. I couldn't sleep very well." She said.

"Honestly, I'm not too surprised. We're all taking these deaths hard." Machamp answered.

"Can you imagine what it's like for Lopunny?" If we're taking it hard, imagine how she feels!" Medicham fretted.

"Don't worry about it. She has Infernape to comfort her. But enough about that, am I actually detecting a bit of SOFTNESS from you?" Machamp teased. Medicham barely ever showed her soft side.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded, keeping her voice as loud as possible without waking anyone else up.

"Nothing, nothing." Machamp said. He joined her on the window and put an arm around her.

"By the way, what is it with the Hitmon Brothers? They're still that stupid?" she asked.

"Okay, you're avoiding something. What's wrong?" Machamp asked. Machamp had known Medicham since they were babies, even longer than he knew the rest of team Valor. In other words, he could read her like an open book.

Medicham, staring at her reflection in the window, sighed. "Machamp…do I look ugly to you?"

Machamp's eyes widened in anger, but he kept his cool. His fists were clenched as he asked, "Who…told…you…that?"

"No one. I just wanted to know." She answered.

"Medicham… let me show you something." Medicham looked at Machamp curiously as he walked purposefully to where his pack was, discreetly drew out the diamond ring that he had brought for her, and went to stand in front of her, hiding the ring behind his back.

"Medicham, look at this ring." He said, drawing it out. "I intended to by this ring merely as a gift for you, but now I have to use it to show you something. I just realized that this ring reminds me of you. Diamonds are the strongest gems, hiding power under beauty. It is strong, yet beautiful at the same time. Just…like…you." Medicham's eyes widened.

"Machamp…" she began, but was cut off as Machamp slipped the ring onto her finger and held the hand with the ring up before her eyes.

"Listen to me. I find you as strong and as beautiful as this diamond ring. It's what drew me to you in the first place. I don't care what other people say, to me, you are the most beautiful creature in this world of ours. Do you understand?" Machamp was showing a side of himself that he rarely showed, the side where he is so passionate about proving something that he would stop to no end to prove it.

"Oh, Machamp, you really didn't have to do that." Medicham said.

"Well, to prove my feelings for you, I have to do something. I love you, Medicham." Machamp said.

As they leaned in to kiss, Medicham murmured, "I love you, too."

Neither of them noticed a school of Luvdisc swim by the observatory window…

Up in Drapion and Kricketune's room…

The room where Drapion and Kricketune were staying in had a clear view of the stars. Needless to say, Kricketune was looking at the stars, hoping that they would give her easy sleep.

What she didn't know was that Drapion had woken up as well, and he was currently sneaking up on her left side. He sneered as he whispered, "Boo." in Kricketune's ear. She jumped slightly and glared at Drapion.

"Don't do that! It's annoying." Kricketune complained.

"I'm Team Valor's assassin. I use the dark." Drapion replied smugly.

Kricketune turned away and began humming a song. Her voice was like heaven to Drapion. It was simply beautiful, and its loveliness had not diminished over the past few years. If anything, it got better.

"What's that song?" he asked.

"It's called 'Heart's Dream.' I learned it when I was still a Kricketot. I wanted to use it when I had heartache for something. Like a gift, or a wish." Kricketune explained.

"Speaking of gifts, give me a moment." Drapion said. He disappeared into the dark. Kricketune heard some rustling, and when it stopped, Drapion did not come out.

"Drapion?" Kricketune asked. She then realized something and turned around, striking out with Fury Cutter. Her instincts were correct as she saw Drapion blocking the move with his X-Scissor.

"Nice. Looks like you figured out my trick." Drapion complimented.

Kricketune smiled. "It may work on other Pokémon, but I've known you for years. You always attack from different sides. It's what makes you so hard to read." She said. Then she noticed that Drapion had his tail down, which was unusual. "Drapion, why is your tail down?"

Drapion's tail whipped back up to show Kricketune the amethyst earrings he had brought for her. Kricketune's eyes widened. They were lustrous, and their purple glow matched Drapion's color. He looked embarrassed as he said, "I bought these for you to give when I found you. You said you wanted a gift, right? Well, here you are."

Kricketune accepted the earrings, slipping them onto her antennae. She admired herself in the mirror for a moment, then turned back to thank Drapion. The trouble was, Drapion wasn't there. "Thank you, my dear Drapion." She murmured. Kricketune then walked back into her hammock. The instant she laid down, she saw Drapion leaning over her, which made her squeak in surprise.

She felt Drapion's claw pat the top of her head, and then his mouth kissing the same spot. "Good night, my Heart's Dream." He whispered.

With Abomasnow and Roserade…

Abomasnow and Roserade had stayed up quite late in their room, just talking. They enjoyed each other's company immensely, discussing their journeys in greater detail.

"So, Medicham was really that worried about Machamp on Mt. Dynamo?" Abomasnow rumbled quietly.

"Yes. She really does like him, doesn't she?" Roserade said.

"I've seen personally what he's gone through for her. Metagross was one of the toughest bosses, but Machamp prevailed over him anyway. I could just barely sense the same feelings emanating from Staraptor and Infernape when they battled." Abomasnow replied.

"And what about you, Abomasnow? How did you feel when you fought Mr. Mime?" Roserade asked, laying a rosy hand on Abomasnow's knee.

"All I knew was that I had to save you, and that Mr. Mime was in my way. No one could describe how happy I was when we were reunited at Eruption Crater." Abomasnow said.

Roserade giggled. "You weren't the only one. I was surprised at your strength when you lifted me up and spun me around like it was nothing."

Abomasnow raised an eyebrow at her. "You do know how light you are, right? You're only around thirty pounds. Come to think of it, all of Team Majesta's members all weigh less than one hundred pounds, so you're all fairly light."

"Not funny, Abomasnow." Roserade said with a glare.

"I didn't mean for it to be. Anyway, Roserade, I wanted to give you a little something." Abomasnow opened his hand to reveal the lapis lazuli bracelet, which he then put on Roserade's red rosy hand. "Roserade, I wanted to prove my feelings for quite some time. I believe that this is the best time."

Roserade was silent as she looked at the bracelet, then back at Abomasnow, who looked rather anxious. Without warning, she pulled him down and kissed him, which caused him to go into a daze for a few moments, and then pass out.

Roserade smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, too, Abomasnow."

Oh, man, even though I split the chapter in two, the romance part is still even longer than the tragedy! Oh, well.

Hope you enjoyed, and PLEASE REVIEW! I'd hate to think that my work sucked.