Ch.100: Life's Too Short Not to be Happy! No Matter What, We Will Be Together!

"Come on, Mom! I want to get bluk berries before they sell out!"

Angel laughed as she followed her through the Quartz Plain market. "Cheri, I'm sure they'll have plenty for you to buy in 'bluk.'" Cheri stopped and glared at her. "…I'll admit, not my most 'fruitful' pun."

"Ugh!" Cheri groaned, running ahead to avoid more bad puns.

Vivian giggled, joining by Angel's side. "Now I see what your son meant."

"Oh, he loves my puns! I think I'm rubbing off on him," she joked.

Vivian giggled. "It must've been hard raising two kids on your own."

"I'd imagine you know that feeling."

"True, but Wes and Flint were in their teens when they lost their father, so…not too much of a handful." Vivian smiled. "You wouldn't happen to have any baby photos of your kids, right?"

"One of the few things that survived the fire in our hut, thankfully." Angel giggled. "I suppose you want to share?"

"Absolutely!"

Ella and Gwyn followed behind, with the Mew carrying a fruit basket with new ingredients for her experiments. The Espeon smirked to herself. "Aww, they're bonding over their shared joy of embarrassing their kids~."

Gwyn giggled behind her hand. She was out of her casual wear and wearing a beautiful yellow dress with floral print, plus a cute straw hat with a rose. "I can imagine my mother taking part in this."

Ella smirked at her. "I see you're all dressed up today. Looking to impress someone?"

Gwyn blushed and turned away. "Um…just wanted to wear this…that's all…"

Ella's grin widened. "…You're going to ask him today, aren't you?"

"…Maaaaaybe…"

"Oh Gwyn!" Ella hugged the Mew affectionately. "Look at you growing up! Taking charge to get your man!"

Gwyn's face turned beet red. "Heh…right…" She gently pushed Ella off. "Um…actually, I was hoping I can take up your offer to help me."

"Gwyn, you're asking your personal matchmaker for assistance. You're making my dream come true." She snickered behind her paw, then said, "Let me guess. You want me to get you and Flint alone." She nodded. "Might I ask where?"

"Well, I'm going to be working on some experiments in…his room…" she mumbled. "So…could you bring him upstairs and just…make sure no one bothers us?"

"Sure." Ella gave a softer, affectionate smile. "You're nervous, aren't you?"

"I've never done anything like this…and neither has he…" She gripped her basket tightly. "…We aren't going to get into any fights or anything, right?"

Ella frowned, then looked ahead. She couldn't help briefly thinking about Wes. She shook those thoughts out, then sighed. "…Gwyn, I told you the other day that no one knows what they're doing when they first start a relationship. Here's one thing you should take with you: don't pretend it's the perfect relationship."

"Huh?"

Ella looked at the ground. "Sometimes…one or both partners want more out of the other and can't bring themselves to communicate it directly. Sometimes passive aggressively or subtly. If you're upset with Flint about something…just be honest with him. He, too, should be able to do the same." She looked away with guilty eyes. "…I think I told you this already, but…if couples don't fight…that's actually worse than one's that do argue."

"Because…if we bottle up our emotions…" Gwyn guessed.

"It makes things worse." Ella breathed out. "…I've known Flint for a long time. He was a bit of a wimp, but…I've noticed him change a lot on this journey. Oddly enough, I think you've done a lot to help his confidence as well. You two compliment each other beautifully." She shrugged. "If you want my opinion…you two are destined to go a long way together."

Gwyn saw the hurt in Ella's eyes. She frowned sympathetically, then looked ahead. "…I think you and Wes are good for each other."

"Heh…yeah, we were…"

"No…you are." Gwyn breathed in. "Ella…if I can ask you for a favor…" Ella looked up at her. "…Please try and talk to Wes. At least clear the air between you two."

"…" Ella closed her eye and sighed. "…When did you become the relationship expert?" she joked.

Gwyn smiled. "I had a good teacher."

"Heh…that's why I like you, Gwyn. No one sweeter than you around."

"Aww…" Gwyn hugged Ella closely. "Thanks."

Ella hugged her back. "No problem. And…thanks…"

"What's going on here?" They pulled away as Vivian walked up to them. "You two were lagging behind." She chuckled. "You just missed Cheri hustling a poor vendor out of his bluk berries."

Ella snickered. "Heh…we'll tell you later, Viv. By the way, do you know where Flint's at?"

"I think he went out for the morning. I think he mentioned something about checking out Mr. Geno's house. He should be joining us for lunch." Vivian raised her brow, smiling slyly. "What's going on?"

Ella smirked at Gwyn's flushed face. "Like I said…we'll tell you later."

"ACK!" Tony was struck across the face and taken out of the air, slamming into solid rock. He wiped some blood off his lip, then flipped back and dodged Lightning Shot: Lotus Bullet. It obliterated the rock to dust. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

"No talking!" Leroy appeared above him and swung down with his seamitar. Tony barely had time to react and blocked with his arms, crushed into the ground with the tip of the blade pressed against his chest. "We are trying to gauge your current skill level. I must say, your improvement is severely lacking."

Tony smirked through his pain. "Speaking of improvement, I'm still waiting for that game of catch, asshole!" He swung his leg and kicked into the seamitar, letting off just enough for Tony to slip free with Light Speed. He zipped above Leroy and pressed his fists into his back. "Impetus Pressure!"

"Light Speed!" Tony fired the pressure wave, but Leroy had dodged a second before firing. "Flash Splitter!" Tony pulled out his scalchops and blocked the flying lightning blade. He grunted against the impact and was thrown backwards in a ball of light, smashing through solid rock. "Speed and technique are your specialties. Raising your physical power is essential, but not our main focus."

The dust cleared and Tony rubbed his cheek, a light scowl on his face. "Gee, thanks, teach, I would've never figured that out on my own…"

Leroy glared lightly. "The extent of your Storm Magic is still limited. While I am nothing short of impressed with your development of a new spell, there is still much progress left to achieve. Of course, that involves taking you to the next level."

Tony pushed himself up and sat in the self-made crater. "I take it you want to teach me new spells."

"Precisely." Leroy held out his hand and crackled electricity between his fingers. "Storm Magic is the culmination of Lightning Magic and Wind Magic, with a touch of Water Magic. It is the very essence of a storm in the making. That is why, to wield it at its full potential, one must embrace the elements that make up that majestic storm. I'd say you're a step closer than most."

"Because of my spell."

"Yes…you fired a beam of magic so powerful that it rivaled the very true essence of storms itself. That's not something one comes across in their daily lives. You trained hard to make that spell come alive, even if its initial use was a fluke." Leroy sent electricity down his extended finger. "There's so much you can do with Storm Magic. I think you would benefit from one move in particular."

"…I'm listening."

"Do you remember our first meeting after my departure? During your fight with that poisonous cat?" Tony nodded. "Nebula Rider."

Tony raised his brow as a dark cloud formed under Leroy's feet. It sparked with his magical signature, then began to rise with the warrior standing atop it. To show off a bit, Leroy took the cloud into the sky at breakneck speeds, with a blue streak trailing behind him. Leroy zipped high into the sky and touched the clouds, grazing his hand through them as he rode under the surface. He turned and divebombed for the ground.

Tony raised his arm as his father zoomed right past him, kicking up a fierce wind. He glared over his shoulder as the Samurott floated down and dispelled the cloud. "Well? Is that sufficient a spell for you to learn?"

Tony blinked with a deadpan face. "…Okay, let me get one thing clear here: I'm not giving you any validation by showing you just effing awestruck I am at the prospect of learning that. If anything, it'd make me look like a geek getting the new Mythic Heart card pack."

Leroy tilted his head. "Mythic…Heart?"

"Eh, just some card game I heard about. Not really my thing." Tony held his hip. "In all seriousness…yes, freakin' yes, teach me that damn spell," he demanded with a calm, straight face before smirking. "Because let me tell you-"

"If the next words that come out of your mouth have anything to do with, as you would put it, picking up the ladies…we will go back to the physical training…and only the physical training."

"Showboating is more my style, but that works, too."

Leroy glared. "You are trying to take this seriously, right?"

Tony glared back, dropping the joking attitude. "I hate you, but nowhere near as much as that damn clown. I'm willing to put up with whatever you have for me if it means I can end his pitiful existence." He clenched his sparking fist.

Leroy scoffed under his breath. "You have your eyes set on killing him?"

"Anyone else, it's a dramatic monologue to show off how great I am. For Aeternus…it's the tragic fall of the villain by the hero's sword…only, in my case, the hero is a no-good thief with a heart of gold and the villain's death is less tragic and more satisfying."

"…I see…" Leroy closed his eyes, then smirked to himself. "Then I suppose there's no reason I can't teach you my main spell."

Tony glared. "Main spell?"

"We have a month, yes? We will be using as much time as we have to teach you what I know. Perfecting your current spells and teaching you new ones. And, of course, that includes my trump card." Leroy sent electricity through his arm. "I'm sure you remember…how you tried to attack me, but your attack passed right through me."

Tony crossed his arms. "Yeah…"

"It is a very difficult, very hard to master Storm spell, one that many masters even struggle to maintain. That essence of Storm Magic is channeled through the body…and transforms it. This is unlike transformation potions or food, much like your friend, Gwyn. This is you turning yourself into the spell…becoming a living lightning bolt and master of the storms.

"It goes by many names…but I refer to it as Deus Tempestatis, or God of Storm."

"Deus Tempestatis…" Tony repeated to himself. "…And this gives you the power to become a living storm?"

"The vast capabilities in this form are found in the execution. As such, to truly understand its full potential, you'll have to experience it for yourself. In the meantime, it's a distant journey to achieve it." Leroy poked his son in the forehead, much to his annoyance. "That is why we must train to our fullest if you have ay hope of using it yourself."

"…" Tony smirked and raced electricity through his arm. "Just shut up and teach me the cloud flying spell already."

"Impatient…but also clever. Appreciate the mind you were gifted with, my son." Leroy stepped back. "Alright…we will begin the lesson. Step 1: transforming magic into a cloud. This is the tricky part, as clouds have no solid form. So, here's where we start…"

Flint knew right off the bat that breaking into someone else's home was going to land him in all sorts of legal trouble, but Wes has brought him on enough dangerous excursions to dull that fear. The Flareon didn't plan on taking any of the valuables, but he wanted to search for any books they could use.

The Flareon poked around through the Scrafty's bookshelf and the books scattered on his coffee table. Just the way they were organized informed Flint of the stressful nights the man probably went through.

He wished they were able to grab the books Geno had right before the Shadow King assumed control. All they had was that evil looking book he gave them from the library. Flint didn't remember if they actually showed it off to Ava or Morgan yet, though, in their defense, it wasn't on their list of priorities, especially since the darn thing won't open.

Flint pulled one book out and flipped through the pages. It wasn't anything useful, but it was a book used in one of Geno's classes. Flint made it a priority to always take a class with the Scrafty as his professor. He thought he was one of the best history teachers on campus.

Flint sighed and closed the book. "Old memories…I can never look back on those classes without realizing…how freakin' close I was to a deranged monster…" Whoever was the real Geno or Alex, the young scholar pitied them both, doomed to such a twisted fate like all the others used as the Shadow King's host.

Gazing back at the books he picked out, they didn't tell him much about Geno's research. Not that it mattered given that he filled them in on everything he found. Why did he even bother coming if he knew he wasn't going to get any useful answers?

Answer: he just wanted to retain some memory of his favorite professor.

Flint plopped onto the couch and rubbed his weary eyes. "Between the Shadow King's revival and Wes' self-doubt…I've got my paws full…" He rubbed between his eyes, groaning tiredly. "I'm so wiped…"

His ears perked up at a sound coming from the kitchen. That was where he came in, actually. One of these days, he would have to thank Wes for teaching him how to pick a lock. That meant someone must've found the window unlocked.

Flint stood up, faintly summoning his Guardian's arm to his side. "Someone there?"

"Hold your fire! I am but a noble hermit!"

"…Hey Ella." Flint retracted the Guardian.

Ella walked on into the living room, smiling teasingly. "Well, all that talk about not being the mischievous one of the family and I find you breaking and entering someone's house."

"You're here, too," Flint countered dryly.

"When you told your mother you'd be checking out the house, I'd assume you wanted to marvel at the paint job and his beautiful oak door. You? You go a step further…as in, you step into the house." She snickered into her paw.

Flint rolled his eyes and turned away from her. "You know why I'm here. Don't act like I'm doing anything wrong."

"Well, it is still breaking and entering." She smiled sadly. "Buuut…I do know why you wanted to." She walked up to him and patted his shoulder. "You needed your own way to cope, didn't you?"

"…Between my dad and Professor Geno, I wanted to uncover so much of our history and understand what life was like for the world of magic before it became the norm. Magic was still an isolated thing before the Grand Imperium Age began. I wanted to learn about it myself. They helped me develop that sense of curiosity to uncover the buried secrets of old…I live for that kind of thrill."

Ella nodded. "Heh…it's always nice hearing that others have their futures figured out." She walked past him, picking a book up with her telekinesis. "Still…don't you think this isn't the best way to be coping? I mean, I know people go to graveyards to talk to deceased relatives, but…" She frowned. "…Geno isn't dead…and neither is Alex…"

Flint frowned and looked away. "…I know…"

"I get it. We're destined to fight this guy and it just so happens he's also our professor. Kind of hard to punch a guy you admire so much, I admit." She set the book down. "Even so…burying yourself in all this stuff won't change anything."

"I know…"

"Look, we may be here to train, but we're also here to recuperate. I hate seeing both Ravenfield brothers acting like a couple of sad sacks." She pointed at the Flareon. "At the very least, you need to be the mature one for your brother." She narrowed her eyes. "Besides…you deserve to be happy."

Flint took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah…I guess so…" He narrowed his eyes. "Hey…where is Wes at, anyway?"

"I got word that Hal's trying to get his spirit back up. Eh…so far, not doing so good, but the old bastard means well."

Flint sat down and huffed at the floor. "Wish I could do more to help him…"

"You can start by not following in his footsteps." Flint looked up at the female Eeveelution. "Do think Wes will feel any better if you're feeling down on yourself? I say get out and live a little."

"And how do you propose I do that?"

Ella smirked. "Well…we can swing by your place first, then I can tell you."

Flint narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Ella…what are you up to?"

She pulled him up and started pushing him to the open window. "Nothing, nothing! Your mother's just making some snacks and I thought you would want some before we eat the rest!"

"You're definitely up to something."

"Heh, you'll thank me later."

"What?"

"Nothing~!"

Saturday was upon them, and the bounty hunters found themselves at an octagon-shaped table in the circus caravan, awaiting their host to return with whatever she summoned them for. Faye offered them drinks while they waited. Griffin, however, wasn't all too amused waiting around for her, even with his favorite drink present in front of him.

Mack swigged from a bottle of rum and wiped his lips. "Wooo~! That's the GOOD shit right there!"

Holly just helped herself to a glass of water, taking small sips while giving the Sudowoodo the judging eyes. "Mack, behave yourself. We're guests here."

"The policy is 'make yourself at home!' It'd be rude not to follow custom by acting like the indecent, foulmouthed Pokémon I am!"

"That's the opposite of polite customs."

"Are you saying I should suppress my true self just to make people happy?!"

"Suppress the part of you that no one wants to see within a hundred meters of a church!"

"Church is for wimps!"

"We literally met a priest who fought shadows!"

"Yeah, that's the cool shit about church! The rest is sitting around and listening to old people talk about how great Arceus is or…s-some shiiiiit…" Mack collapsed back into his chair. "Ugh…I'm seeing the light…" Holly rolled her eyes.

Griffin drummed his fingers down on the table, then groaned. He took one sip of his glass, emptying it, then stood up. "I'm leaving." He turned and went for the door.

However, just before Holly and Mack reached to stop him, Faye finally reentered the room with a box in her hands. "Sorry that took so long!" she apologized profusely. "I misplaced this darn thing by mistake when I was working on the cannons for our next show! Apparently Garland wants to test and see how far he can reach the sky."

"Riveting…" Griffin grumbled.

"The circus is so maaaaagical!" Mack slurred. "Full of fun, laughter, and PAIN!"

"You really need to stop drinking, Mack…" Holly groaned out loud.

"Um…alright." Faye sat down and placed the deck down. "Anyway, thank you all for coming. I understand you have your training to get through, but nothing beats a little R&R, don't you think?"

"Depends…" Griffin grumbled.

Faye pouted at him, then resumed, "Continuing…I figured I could invite you guys to play a favorite of mine. It's a game I often don't get to play because…well, half the crew calls it a dorky card game."

"What's dorky about poker?!" Mack ranted, slamming his glass down.

"Still not playing poker," Faye pressed. She opened the box and pulled out a deck of cards. "This is called Mythic Heart. It's-!"

"Oh, I've heard of this!" Holly exclaimed. "It's that strategy card game with spells and stuff."

Faye smiled. "That's the basic idea, yes."

"Come again?" Griffin mumbled.

"To put it simply, the game is a battle card game where players draw cards with monsters, heroes, and minions to fight against their opponents. There's a variety of magic and trap cards used to turn the tide of battle and a wide assortment of cards to choose from." She set the deck down and pulled one out from her pocket. A set of cards held in a stylish leather case with a green crystal heart on the front. "This is my personal collection of cards. The ones from the box are just some basic starter decks and other cards I keep for other players."

Mack drew a card from the starter deck. "…The drunken goblin? I can relate to this man."

Griffin glared. "You…play a card game…about magic?"

"Um…yes?"

"…Yeah, this is a waste of time." He started to get up.

Faye reached over and yanked on his arm pleadingly. "Oh, please give it a chance! I don't have anyone else to play with! They either tease me or call me a nerd! I love the troupe and all, but it sucks not having anyone else to play with!"

"Come on, Griffin," Holly called out, waving him back over. "She went through the trouble of asking us over. We might as well humor her and play."

"Why would I play a game with magic when I can use magic?" Griffin grumbled.

"Please! I'll even teach you how to play!" Faye pleaded again. "Come on, just one game! Pleeeease!"

Griffin glared between her and his friends, who continued to wave him back to the table. The Grovyle pinched between his eyes and groaned, then shook Faye off his arm. "Why…am I doing this?" He walked back to his chair and plopped himself down.

Faye sighed in relief, then went back to her chair. "Alright, let's see…" She pulled out some starter decks and handed them off to the group. "And since you're all new, I'll use one as well." She put her current deck away and retrieved a second one, in a much less fancy case.

"Why do you have so many decks like this?" Holly asked.

"This is the culmination of getting multiple packs and collecting the admittedly useless cards into separate piles." Faye took hers out and started shuffling. "Alright, game is simple. Objective is to kill your opponent…metaphorically, of course!" she quickly corrected.

"Boo!" Mack sounded with a smirk.

"You start out with fifty HP. The only thing between you and your HP is your monsters. They have their own HP, at most ten for the higher-level monsters. Each monster has their own attack points. If your monster's attack power is stronger than your opponent's, they're instantly destroyed. If they're equal, those with the higher HP win. If they both happen to be equal, both monsters are destroyed."

"Sounds counterintuitive," Griffin mumbled.

"That's where strategy comes in. Monsters also have specific effects, from the mundane to the godlike. In these, you'll often find basic health empowerment or attack augmenting effects. There are some monsters that actually benefit you if they are destroyed, like applying a negative status to the opponent's monsters."

Mack grinned. "Just like the old days of Pokémon battling."

"Exactly. There's the magic cards which often augment the battle or your monsters. Trap cards are used to negate or counter certain events if the right conditions are met." Faye looked through her cards. "Now, there are different monster types to look at-"

"This is a lot to take in…" Griffin grumbled.

Faye pouted. "We haven't even gotten to how to play, yet. Are you even interested in trying?"

"I'm a seasoned fighter. I don't play card games, especially ones like this."

"…" She sighed and set her cards down. "Alright…I tried to be nice, but I can see you're not interested in playing." She looked away from him. Holly could see she felt legitimately rejected. She signaled this to Griffin with an eye movement.

Griffin narrowed his eyes, then looked through his cards. It has been a long time since he done anything fun for a change. Had he really been that deadest on hunting down Voss that he lost sight of just sitting back and enjoying himself? Sure, he had his fun in hot springs or just a quick nap, but nothing he took any interest in.

Actually…Griffin didn't have any hobbies, now that he thought about it. His team had their own things they did. The closest he could consider to a hobby was admiring famous weapons, something he shared with Ella often. Even then, she had her other interests, as did the others. Gwyn loved experimenting, Flint had his love for reading and history, Sparks was a jack-of-all-trades sort of guy…

He has spent too much of his life planning to kill a man that he doesn't have anything else in his life to truly give purpose. His goal after was to rebuild his home, but…what else was there after that? Eventually, he would have to find someone to take as a wife to repopulate the Grim Ash Clan, same to Holly and Mack. If he were to run Monsoon Village, he should broaden his interests.

After all…who knew how long it would be before this brief window of peace was over?

Faye didn't meet with Griffin's eyes, upset by his rudeness. She heard a card flick down on the table. She turned and saw Griffin sliding one of his monster cards down.

"So…I just need to make sure you can't get through my monsters, right?"

Faye blinked, then smiled at him. "You…don't have to play if you don't want to."

Griffin shook his head, then touched his heart. "It was rude of me to dismiss your game after you invited us to play. As a courtesy, I should at least see if I can have fun with this game." He bowed his head to her. "I'm truly sorry for my rudeness."

Faye covered her mouth and snorted a laugh. "Heh…all's good." She picked her cards back up. "…You're not so bad when you're not scowling."

Griffin turned away and smirked. "Heh…I believe you were telling us the different monster types."

"Yes, yes, of course!"

Holly and Mack shared a glance and smiled. They knew coming in that Griffin was going to put up some resistance. They hoped Faye could break through that resistance enough to allow the reserved bounty hunter to open up. It was like everyone said: they needed this time to recuperate. Griffin needed it to help get out of his vengeful state and truly warm up to others.

Gwyn sat at Flint's desk, drawing up blueprints for a new Naturae Fruit. However, she was getting distracted and biting down on her pencil out of anxiousness. She hoped focusing on her work could calm her, but she couldn't get over the fact that she was going to confess to Flint. She had done it with vigor and confidence before, but now she feels like the slightest misstep was going to ruin her plans again.

She closed her eyes and stopped chewing on her pencil. Just breathe, Gwyn…you have nothing to worry about. No matter what, Flint is your friend. Your adorkable, nerdy friend who is absolutely precious and sweet and- getting sidetracked!

She slapped her cheeks, then breathed. All good…all good. She looked over her book, tapping the eraser against the page. The components to this fruit, though…Margo said I had to better control my god magic and madness. But I want to push it further…err, but…no, that seems too dangerous…

She gnawed on the pencil subconsciously, trying to rethink her approach to this fruit. However, any drive to work stopped when she heard the front door open and close, then a set of paws ascending the stairs. Her eyes widened.

They're here!

Outside the room, Ella led Flint to his old bedroom, much to his confusion…and suspicion. "O…kay…now I know you're up to something."

"I'm not up to anything~!"

"Then where are the snacks you mentioned?" He crossed his forelegs and sat down. "Annnd…where's my mother? You said she was here," he reminded with a raised brow.

Ella giggled, psychically twisting the doorknob and pushing the door open. "I said you needed to take your mind off things. Don't worry, you'll get those snacks soon enough. Until then…IN THE ROOM YOU GO!"

"WAH!" Flint was thrown off the floor and flung into his old bedroom by a psychic force. He crashed into something and toppled onto the floor. "Agh!" He heard the door shut behind him with a slam. He glared over his shoulder. "Ella, I swear to-!"

"Um…Flint?"

His eyes widened, then slowly gazed down at the object he landed on. It wasn't an object, but a body.

Their eyes locked in surprise, gazes turning awkward the longer they kept eye contact. Flint had his paws pressed over Gwyn's arms while the Mew lay pinned under him. Both their faces were bright red from the closeness of their faces. Gwyn could feel Flint's warm breath. Even through his paws, she could feel how warm he was. It was a comfortable warmth.

Flint gulped and stepped off her. "O-Oh! I'm so sorry, Gwyn!" He awkwardly extended his paw to her. "I-I-I didn't see you, and I…I, uh…"

Gwyn blinked, then took his paw and allowed herself to be pulled up. "It's…okay, Flint." She giggled bashfully and covered her face. "Heh…I suppose this is payback for last time."

"Last time?"

"Don't you…remember? Same day we met, I tripped and fell over you…that's when you saw my face for the first time."

He blinked in awe. "Oh…Oh, right! Um…" He grinned awkwardly. "No…hard feelings, then?"

She shook her head and grinned. "Never with you!"

"Heh…that's good." He stood up, then reached for the door. He frowned when the knob wouldn't twist. "The hell? Ugh, did Ella break the knob? That's just terrific."

Gwyn stood up and dusted her dress off. "I'm sure it's…not that big a deal." She knew Ella was keeping the door locked to keep Flint from leaving early. A little much, but beggars can't be choosers. "I mean…you could break the door open whenever you want, right? Hehe…"

Flint sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I guess…" He turned and faced her. "Sorry again for…" He trailed off when he saw the dress she wore. His heart skipped a beat while his face warmed up. "…Wow…"

She blushed bashfully, hands nervously tucked behind her back. "Um…you like my new dress?"

"Y-Yeah!" he answered too quickly. He shook his head. "I mean…you look…very pretty in it."

She smiled happily. "Th-Thanks!"

The conversation didn't immediately pick up after that. They kind of stood around awkwardly, looking around the room in the tense silence. Gwyn bit her lip trying to find a way to carry on. She could say her feelings right now, but…would it be too sudden? No, she should bring it up more naturally. What did Ella say to do if a conversation wasn't doing well?

"So…how about that weather?" she exclaimed.

…Or was it things you should never say because they were so painfully obvious to what you were doing?

Flint blinked, then glanced to the side. "Um…fair…maybe cloudy."

"Ah…y-yeah…good ol' cloudy weather…haha…" Why am I sucking at talking all of a sudden?! I've talked to him loads of times! Ugh! Is this what romance does with your brain?! I'm so confused!

Flint kept his head down, taking the occasional glance up at Gwyn. Wow…she really does look beautiful. He slumped sadly, then sighed. But…given my luck…I'd probably find someway for her to reject me. Gwyn's not like that, but…I don't know…

Gwyn frowned at the indecisiveness in Flint's face. She bit her lip, wondering if he was getting uncomfortable. Shoot…what do I do? Should I just say my feelings out loud after all? Maybe I could ask for Ella's help! Maybe she can just tell him for…me…

The Mew stopped right there, then glared. No…she almost said it without any assistance once. She had to do this for herself. She wanted Flint to know how much she appreciated him.

She snapped awake when the Flareon walked over to his bed and sat down. She blinked twice as he gazed up at his ceiling. He sighed, then looked back down. "…Sorry, I…I know this must be getting awkward…"

Gwyn frowned, then walked up to him. "No…No, it isn't." She sat down beside him. "Why would you say that?"

He laughed dryly. "I don't know…maybe I'm just in a rut…" He crossed his forelegs into his lap. "…You don't have to pretend. I know things are being awkward between us."

Gwyn wanted to say things were fine, but…just like Ella told her, that wasn't the right call. "…Maybe things are a little…weird." She clasped her hands over her lap. "…Things are getting tough out there. We almost died a couple of times. I was worried I'd lose my friends…"

"Same here…" Flint took a deep breath and covered his face. "…I'm just beat up over what happened with Professor Geno…and the invasion on Ironworks. Cybil looked really upset when she lost her home."

"And Queen Margo was absolutely livid…" Gwyn added.

Flint's ears flopped over. "Sometimes I wish we never found that map…" He sighed. "Maybe then, I could've just went on with my days…I wouldn't have to put up with so much…"

Gwyn frowned, then turned away. "Oh…"

Flint heard the sadness in her voice. "What?"

"N-Nothing…it's just…if you never…found the map, then…"

Flint understood what she meant. He touched her shoulder. "Gwyn, don't get me wrong. Yes, I wish I never got caught up in this adventure, but…" He smiled bashfully. "I'd…do it all over again if it meant I'd get to meet you."

Her ears perked up. "R-Really?"

"Of course." He sighed and rubbed his head. "When I stopped adventuring with Wes, it was because I had to get serious with my future. Wes has his plans and…Ella's still figuring hers out. I was the only one with a definite plan in mind. I thought that was the one thing I needed in my life: my dream job."

"…You really like archeology, don't you?" Gwyn asked.

"My dad would sometimes come home with artifacts and have me analyze their cultural aspects and things like that. Granted, because I was a kid for most of that, my answers were kind of silly." He laughed awkwardly. "I once said that a vase he found was a part of the 'Super Big' Tribe full of giant Pokémon." He blanked out for a moment. "…Although, given how often my dad lands himself in trouble, I often wonder if that's a thing."

Gwyn giggled. "Super Big Tribe…that's cute."

"Heh…I loved learning about the past and how it shaped our present day. I love learning about the different art styles, the cultural architecture of the world, and…I want to be the one to uncover lost history." He smiled to himself. "Because the magical world was kept secret before the Grand Imperium Age, we're only now looking into the different worlds and lost civilizations of old. I want to be the one to achieve that."

Gwyn smiled. "Flint…" He looked at her. "…Nothing makes me happier than seeing you talking about your dreams. You're so passionate about it…that it fills me with joy."

Flint blinked, then waved it off with an embarrassed smile. "Oh…that can't be true. You want to continue your mother's legacy. That's something to be proud of, right?"

"Of course it is." She reached under her dress and pulled out her locket, running his finger over it. "She was the only person in my life I've idolized…continuing my mother's legacy as a potion maker is something I want to carry into my future." She frowned. "But…"

"But what?"

"I'm just worried…that I won't be good enough to do it on my own." She clutched her locket. "After all…I'm still a child, right?"

Flint frowned. "Gwyn…you're not a child. You're the most innocent girl I know, and you have the propensity to be a little childish, but…that doesn't make you a child." He scooched over to her and held her hand. "You are the most capable Pokémon I know. You've ran your mother's shop on your own for years. You're perfectly capable of doing things on your own."

Gwyn looked down at his paw, then smiled lightly and gave it a light squeeze. "…I suppose you're right." She leaned her head into his shoulder. "Still…all that and…I don't have anyone to share it with."

Flint shook his head. "Come on…you have us. We're your friends."

"Yeah, but…if there was one person I wanted to share a life with…" She looked up to him, face flushed and eyes shimmering. "…It's you."

Flint blinked, then his eyes widened. "What?"

Gwyn suddenly cowered back and pulled away from him. "O-Oh! I'm sorry! I…didn't mean…to…was that too forward? I-uh-!" She calmed down when Flint reached back out and touched her hand. "Flint…"

"G…Go on…" he pleaded, face turning bright red.

The Mew breathed a couple times, then she entangled her fingers around his paw. "…Flint…I've lived alone for a long time and…I don't think I would've ever gone out on my own. I feared having to face Callista and…I didn't know what the rest of the world was like. I was sheltered from all of that because my mother thought I could've become a target. In some ways, she was right…

"Then you, Wes, and Ella came in and…I forgot what it meant to be afraid. And it's thanks to you." She closed her eyes and smiled. "…I've always idolized my mother, but…I found a special place for you in my heart…and it took me forever to see how much I appreciate you as a person. You've been nothing but generous, kind, and caring for me. I've…never felt like this before, but…it's always been for you…"

"Gwyn…" Flint breathed in awe.

"I really, really, really, really like you…Flint Ravenfield."

A comfortable silence hung after she said it. She didn't feel timid at Flint's dumbstruck face. She saw his own features warming up to her. Did that mean…?

"Gwyn…" He clutched her hand firmly, then lowered his head. "I…really, really, really, really like you, too."

Her eyes shimmered brightly. "You do?"

"For a while. Since Scorch Grave…" He blushed. "Maybe even when we first met." He shook his head. "You've…always looked up to me like I was the coolest guy ever. No one, aside from family, has ever shown me that kind of admiration as you have." He frowned. "I often worried I wasn't all that special…"

"Yes, you are!" Gwyn blurted out. "Flint, I absolutely love it when you talk! I could just listen to you ramble about carbon dating for hours! It could be the most boring thing imaginable and you would still make it sound enticing, because that's how passionate you are about your interests!"

Flint smiled to himself, feeling his self-esteem getting a boost. "You're just saying that…"

"I mean every word!" She grabbed his shoulders. "Why else would I spend so much time with you? You're so cool!"

Flint looked down. "…I don't think anyone besides Wes or Ella have called me cool…and even with Ella, she often makes fun of me…"

Gwyn frowned, then slumped back. "Yeah…she…told me you weren't that popular growing up."

"She told you about my romantic blunders?" She nodded slowly. Flint groaned and covered his face. "Please tell me she didn't mention-"

"-the belching fire in a cheerleader's face thing?" she finished with a nervous smile.

Flint groaned and plopped his face down into a pillow. "That one…" he mumbled through the cushion. He sighed and pulled himself up. "…Well…that's why I've had trouble telling you my feelings in the first place…" He frowned. "I…I worried I was going to do something to make you not like me…"

"Flint…you took an arrow to the back and almost died to protect me…" She leaned her head against him. "I'd be a horrible person if I rejected you over something like that…"

"Just like the guys said…" Flint sighed, then wrapped his forelegs around Gwyn. "…Still…with everything going on…is it a good idea to…you know…?"

Gwyn nuzzled her head into his mane. "Flinty…if we're going to battle an evil overlord with our lives at risk…don't we deserve to be happy? Even in the face of danger…nothing will bring us apart…no matter what, I'm never leaving your side. I'll always be here for you…I care about you too much…"

The Mew felt some droplets drip onto her shoulder. She felt Flint holding her tighter against him, resting his head atop hers. "Gwyn…what did I do to deserve someone like you?"

Gwyn smiled sweetly. "…You saved me from my own fears…that's what."

"…A kindness I shall never stop giving." He pulled back a bit, forelegs still around her, and tilted her head up. "Gwyn…I've always wanted someone to share my life with. I never thought I would have this day…but I can promise you, I will never abandon your side. I will always be with you. I want…I need you in my life." He smiled happily, tears running down his face. "You mean the world to me…"

Gwyn teared up with him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I need you in my life, too…" She pressed her head into his shoulder and cried happy tears into his mane. A mischievous little thought came to mind. "So…should I take this as your marriage proposal?"

Flint spat flames out in shock and pulled away. "W-W-W-What?! H-H-Hold on, I never…I mean, I wouldn't mind, but-!" Gwyn pressed her finger against his lips.

She giggled. "I'm joking, don't worry." Flint inhaled and sighed in relief. "…Mostly." Flint froze up. Gwyn tilted her head and smiled. "I wouldn't mind, either."

"…Hehe…" Flint pulled her back into his forelegs. "How about…we hold off on that and see where this takes us first?"

"Sure…I'm okay with that…" She nuzzled her head under his chin. "I'm just…I'm just so happy…I never want this to end…"

"Neither do I…" He nuzzled his cheek against hers. "My beautiful rose…"

"My fluffy bookworm…"

They sat and embraced each other for a few minutes, happily taking in the comfortable silence around them. They didn't want to move, perfectly content where they were. Gwyn settled her head against his chest, listening to his beating heart. It seemed to quicken when she purred against him. Flint chuckled to himself and rubbed her back.

Still, there was one thing that the Mew had to ask…

"Um…Flint?"

"Yeah?"

"We're…We're a couple now…right?"

"Yeah…"

"So…what, um…what do…couples do, exactly?"

"…"

Flint pulled away from Gwyn, much to her disappointment, as he scratched behind his neck. "That's…well, it's…not all that complicated, but…um…" He blushed in embarrassment. "It…doesn't have to be anything drastically different. We…could just keep doing the same things we normally do…and more."

Gwyn crossed her legs and rested her arms in her lap. "Like what?"

"Hmm…things that couples do…" Flint was finding it hard to believe he was thinking about all of this. He couldn't believe he had a girlfriend now! And it's only been five minutes into the relationship! "Uh…okay, uh…what the heck did Wes and Ella do?" He rubbed his temples, trying to think it over. "Um…"

"Uh, Flint? It's not that big of a deal…" Gwyn insisted. "Please don't hurt your brain thinking of something…"

"No, no, it's fine!" He took a deep breath, then looked at her. "Well…like I said, we…can just…keep doing what we normally do. Hanging out, working on your experiments, listening to me…ramble…" Gwyn giggled. "But…with a little more…cutesy stuff…"

"Cutesy stuff?"

"Um…" Flint felt awkward having to explain this, mostly because he knew his future was going to be full of it very soon. "Well…couples…usually like to…cuddle with each other…k-kind of like what…we were doing a moment ago…"

Gwyn smiled. "Oh, I love cuddles!" She scooted up to him and cuddled his side. "Hee! I like this so far!"

Flint laughed, feeling it easier to breathe. "Y-Yeah…and…some snuggling here and there and…flirting, I guess…" He scratched behind his ear. "It doesn't have to be anything drastic. We can…just see where this takes us first…"

"Mhmm…" She nuzzled under his chin. "Anything else?"

"Anything else…well, obviously, going on…dates…is an option."

"Like when we went to that café when we first met?"

"That…wasn't really a date, per say…" He tapped his digits together. "Though…if you want to do that again…"

"I do!" she exclaimed.

Flint grinned awkwardly. "O-Okay! Cool!" He kept fumbling around with his paws, trying to think of anything else. "Th-There's also…some other stuff…couples typically do…like hugging…"

"Got that covered!" She hugged Flint and shook him around playfully. "I give these out to everyone, anyway, but yours will be super, extra special!"

"Heh…already feel the specialness…" He scratched at his paw lightly. "There's also handholding…though, it'd be hard to hold hands since I'm normally on all fours…"

"What about tail-holding?" Gwyn giggled, extending her tail out to Flint's and curling around it snugly. "Hee! Cute!"

Flint smiled. "That works…" He scratched his cheek, trying to think of something else, then something came to him, which turned his face bright red. "Um…"

Gwyn blinked. "What?"

"N-Nothing, just…imagined something…"

"What?"

"Well…" Flint pulled his mane over his face, hiding the excessive blushing. "I'm…sure you know this, but…something else couples do is…k-k-k-kiss…"

Gwyn's ears fell, and her own face lit up before his eyes. This wasn't the first time she imagined her and the Flareon sharing a kiss, but…that was before they just committed to starting a relationship! If she didn't control her blush soon, she was going to have a heat stroke.

Flint cringed and waved his paws defensively. "Ah! I'm sorry! J-Just forget I said that! It's not that big a deal!" He forced a nervous laugh. "I-I wouldn't want to freak you out with anything too sudden! Hahahaha!"

"…Flint…" The Flareon gulped at the Mew's soft tone. She clasped her hands together tightly, then looked up at him sheepishly. "If…it isn't any trouble…c-can we…kiss?"

How was Flint still conscious from all the heat rushing to his face?

"E-E-E-Excuse me?!"

Gwyn yelped. "Um, unless that's too sudden! S-S-S-Sorry, I was just…!" She gulped, then twiddled her thumbs. "Um…I…I've never been kissed before, so…I was hoping to see what it felt like…" She looked away, ashamed. "If you don't want to, I understand…"

Flint blinked twice, eyes remaining wide from his shock, then he calmed down and presented a much softer face. "I-I-I mean…" Gwyn looked up nervously. "I-If…you want to…I suppose…we could share…one…" Flint wiped his forehead, feeling some sweat through his fur.

Gwyn curled her tail around herself. "Y-You don't have to…"

Flint scooched closer to her and held her in his forelegs. "I-I…want to…"

She faced him, blushing brightly. "Y-You're sure?"

"I'm sure…" He took a deep breath. "Alright…um…"

They fumbled around awkwardly, their postures stiff with hesitance. Flint bit his lip while Gwyn averted his gaze. Their breaths were soft, but audible, racked with reluctance. Perhaps it wasn't too late to turn back and forget about it.

However, something in their hearts told them to stay. That something sounded louder, like the rhythmic beating of a drum down a hallway, consecutively getting louder. Despite its haunting presence, it calmed the worry in their hearts. Slowly, they locked gazes again and didn't break.

Flint was lost in the cheery red glow of Gwyn's eyes. He has noted they were very pretty eyes, but now he saw them in their full glow and beauty. They were tender, yet energetic. Eyes sweet with a cheery aura that drew him closer.

In contrast, Gwyn was mesmerized by Flint's dark blue eyes, seeing the reserved calm, but passionate hidden in the deep blue ocean. They brought a tranquil feeling into her, easing her own nervousness.

It took some time, but they willed their heads closer to each other, not breaking eye contact for a second. However, as they drew closer, their eyes slowly began to shut. The world around them began to fade into nothing, with only the couple alone in the peaceful void.

Their faces drew close, feeling each other's breath on the other. Soon, in an instant, the gap was closed.

A surge ran up both their spines, an excited jolt or sensation that shot from their faces to their feet. They tensed up briefly, then relaxed into the kiss. Instinctively, without their immediate knowledge, their tails started wagging, a constant remnant of the brief surge powering them.

Flint sighed into the kiss, then let his paw travel up to her cheek, cupping around it. He felt the distinct taste of fruit off her lips. He should've expected, given the number of berries and fruits she experimented with. It added to the amazing sensation, putting more into the kiss.

For Gwyn, she was absolutely lost in a wave of bliss. She briefly blanked out and thought she landed in a heavenly, endless plane with the Flareon. Her arms moved on their own and wrapped themselves around his neck. She never got over how soft his mane was. It felt softer, though that could be the bliss talking.

Despite the eternal joy it was bringing them, it was nothing more than a ten-second exchange. Soon, they pulled off of each other, still entangled in each other's limbs. Their eyes opened, gazes locked again, and stared at their flushed faces and shimmering eyes.

Flint was at a lost for words. He smacked his lips together, getting a faint taste of fruit again, trying to come up with words. "Abah…hooah…amata…" Sorry, trying to come up with sounds. Apparently Flint forgot his vocabulary.

Gwyn giggled softly, still burning red in the face. "Yes…it was…nice…"

"V-Very nice…" Flint breathed. He felt the rapid thumping of his heart, as did Gwyn. "I…I liked it…"

"Same…"

Their lips curled into caring smiles, then they pulled each other into a tight embrace. Gwyn nuzzled into his mane and purred, while Flint gently rubbed her back. Their tails wrapped around each other and held together securely.

Flint didn't want to break from the embrace, but…

"Hey…Gwyn?"

"Yeah?" she asked blissfully, finding herself lost in his pillow of a mane.

He smiled sweetly at her, rubbing her head. "I…I really don't want to stop, but…I need to go."

She looked up at him with sad, playful eyes. "Aww…already?"

"I wanted to look through Professor Geno's books and see if there was anything I could find on his research. I…was hoping he left something behind that might help us…"

Gwyn sat up and pulled herself off his mane. "Oh…okay…"

He smiled and caressed her cheek. "Hey…it's just for the rest of the day. Tomorrow…we're having breakfast here, then we can spend the rest of the day together if you want."

The Mew smiled happily. "I'm okay with that…I know you just want to help your favorite professor. I understand."

"You're the best, Gwyn." He pressed his forehead against hers, which she leaned into. "I promise…while we're together, I'll keep you safe…I won't let anything happen to you…"

"And I promise to make you happy…and show you that you are appreciated…"

"That means the world to me…" Flint pulled away from her, lingering on holding her hand as he stepped off the bed. He stepped out of her reach, without breaking eye contact with her. Gwyn beamed cutely, eyes shimmering at him. Flint smiled back, then gasped as his rear hit the wall. "Oof! Uh…"

Gwyn giggled. "Heh…watch your step…"

Flint laughed nervously and fumbled with the doorknob. "Yes, well…" This time, the knob turned and the door came open. "Hehe…I'll just…" He turned and struck his face into the door by mistake. "Agh!" Gwyn gasped and covered her mouth. Flint smiled back reassuringly. "I'm fine, I'm fine!"

Gwyn sighed in relief, then shook her head with a small smile. "You're so silly…"

"Heh, thanks…" He grabbed the door and closed it behind him, looking through the crack just as he closed. "Um…I'll see you in the morning."

"See you tomorrow…"

Flint nodded, then shut the door behind him.

Gwyn stared at the door silently, letting this new intake of emotions flow through her. She took a deep breath, a smile growing on her face, and a blush encompassing her. Her tail wagged uncontrollably, the joy surging through her entire being.

"EEEEEEE!" she squealed, leaping back and flopping onto her back, rolling around on the bed. "Hehehehehehe! HA! Hee! EEEE!" She grabbed the nearest pillow and squealed into it, flailing her feet while continuing to roll around. "Hehehehe-AH!" She rolled off the bed, taking the blanket with her.

She pulled out from under the blanket and kept her face pressed into the pillow, continuing to squeal for joy.

Although she wanted to keep it to herself, her excitement wasn't as private as she thought. Flint had his ear pressed to the door and listened in on her joyous celebration. He stepped back from it and lowered his ears, smiling with a light blush in his cheeks.

"Sssooo…" Flint's fur stood on end in shock, now acknowledging Ella's presence by the staircase. He turned around and saw the Espeon smirking playfully. "What's got you two in a good mood?"

"Uh…!" Flint's eyes darted around the hallway, then he briskly ran for and down the stairs, avoiding eye contact. "I got things to do! See you at breakfast!"

Ella rolled her eyes and smirked down the stairs, hearing the door open and slam shut. "Well then…" She looked at Flint's bedroom door, listening in on Gwyn's giggling and squealing. Ella chuckled, then walked down the stairs.

"Just for the record, Flint…" she mumbled to herself. "I do think you're cool. Why else would I think you and Gwyn were perfect for each other? You two…make each other happy."