Romances of the Pokemon World

by The Imperator 2 you

The world of Pokemon is vast, and in this vast world, stories of individuals can be found and told, some are of great challenges and even greater problems. But some can be small and subtle, and others are romantic. In a world where Pokemon and Humans live together, unions can be found, but are they forbidden, or is there another word for it? Rated M, for Lemons

3. Lucario (M)

{A request from Wildlian}

No matter how far one falls in life, never forget to hold onto your pride as an individual, for when all else is lost, that is all you have left of value~

=A Knight and his Princess=

= Human (Rohana) / Pokemon (Luke) =

(Rohana's PoV)

Rohana walked into her home's living room for her tenth birthday with her mom, a seasoned Pokemon Trainer, a veteran of many a battles. Yet she was getting rusty in her age, but she still had a few good years left. But her mom said she had a surprise for her on her tenth birthday.

"So what is it mommy?" Rohana asked as she looked around for her present, wondering what she could have gotten her.

"You'll see in a bit dear." Her mom said gently, leading the way to a basket which sat on their couch.

As she watched her mom pick up the basket she wondered could be in it, then she removed the blanket covering it to reveal a blue and black egg. "It's a Pokemon egg!" Rohana said happily.

"Yep, it's a Riolu egg to be precise." She said with a smile, handing her the egg. "It's your Pokemon partner. Your protector for when you go out into the world, your friend when you need one most, and your greatest ally in times of distress. This is a big responsibility I'm entrusting you with, taking care of a Pokemon is more than just battles."

As Rohana stared at the egg she imagined what her partner would look like, what they would be like, and what they'd do.

"Remember my little princess, take care of this Pokemon, feed it, and treat it well, just as you would want to be treated." Her mother said sternly but also warmly. "A Pokemon will sometimes be your most loyal companion to you, no matter what trials you may face, it will always face them together with you."

"I will mommy." She said as she hugged her new Pokemon egg close to her.

*Narrator*

[For the next few weeks Rohana took care of that egg, just as she promised her mother. She made sure it was warm each day, and kept it safe and sound within her room. Soon enough her efforts were rewarded as a male Riolu hatched from the egg. When asked what she would name her partner, she named him Luke. Eventually they grew up together, and as Rohana grew so did Luke, eventually becoming a strong and powerful Lucario.]

[When they were older, around the age of seventeen for Rohana, she and Luke traveled to a new city so she could take on a career as a professional trainer, competing in competitions throughout the city. Unlike the Pokemon League competition, these tournaments were structured differently, as she did not start out at the age of ten nor did she receive a Pokedex license. Before they left though, Rohana's mother made Luke promise to take care of her 'princess', and he vowed he would protect and keep her safe.]

[While they competed in competitions, she took on the trainer name of Princess, and Luke became 'Knight', her Lucario battler. At first things seemed to go well for them, and eventually she became a fully independent battler, no longer requiring her parents' help for money. But after a couple years of semi successful battles, she and Luke began going downhill.]

[At first it was a tournament here, a competition there, but then it was happening over and over. Despite constantly training and preparing, they were constantly losing again and again. They would get far in a tournament but be knocked out before placing very high, and it began to take its toll on the pair. Soon their winnings had dried up, they began losing money, their bills barely being paid, food becoming harder to buy, and still their life seemed to continue to spiral downward.]

[This is where our story resumes, with Luke and Rohana competing in another competition. Their last hope to turn their life around.]

(Rohana's PoV, Ten years later)

"Knight, Detect!" Rohana yelled as they faced off against their next opponent, a Volcarona.

"Lucar!" Luke said as he crouched and waited for their opponent to attack.

Instead the Volcarona went into a Quiver Dance, its feathers glowing brightly as it increased the special attacks of the Pokemon using it. "Damnit, quickly use Flash Cannon!"

"Cario!" Luke said, clasping his hands together and gathering light around him to blast at the Volcarona, but he wasn't fast enough as it sent a blast of flames at him, burning him and causing him to collapse, without even getting off a single attack.

"Luuuke!" Rohana yelled as the crowd cheered. "Get up, come on… don't give up!"

This was the quarter finals, they had to win this battle, and it was their last chance to earn money they desperately needed. But as she watched Luke try and get up, she saw the Volcarona prepare its wings again, she knew it was going to release another attack if he stood up, and in his condition Luke would not take another hit and not require emergency care.

Emergency care she could not afford.

"We surrender!" She yelled instantly, and the referee next to her waved the white flag, signaling an end to the battle.

[The battle is over, the winning team is Falco and Kat!] The announcer yelled as Rohana walked to Luke to help him up, while the crowd cheered for the victors.

As she helped Luke stand up, using her own shoulder to support him, she felt him once again open up his mind to talk to him via telepathy. (Why did you surrender, I could have kept fighting!)

"It was over Luke, you couldn't out sped that Volcarona when you weren't lying on the ground in a heap, there was no way you could have beaten it if you stood back up." She said in defeat as they walked out, heading to the front desk to see if she had won anything for making it to the quarter finals.

(But…) He began to say, but went quiet as he knew it was pointless to argue against the truth. (I'm sorry… I tried my hardest…)

"I know Luke… I know you did…" She whispered sadly, knowing that this was the same conversation they had over and over, and have had over and over.

They went to receive any winnings from the front desk that they earned, and while the lady checked their standings, she sighed sadly while Luke merely sat in a chair, recovering from the burns. This was the story of her life as a 'professional trainer', a record card with more red than her bank account. She figured they had done well in this tournament, but at the end of the day she was marked defeated on her scorecard.

It didn't matter if she won twelve times before being beaten, a defeat equals a defeat for the whole competition, what matters is where she lost that determined her winnings.

"Alright here's your prize money." The lady said, handing her an envelope with the letters QF on it.

Rohana opened the envelope and counted her winnings, a measly three thousand Pokedollars. "This is it?" She asked hopefully, praying she had made a mistake in counting.

"That's it lady, three thousand for placing in the quarter finals." She said with a frown. "Too bad too, you had potential, if you had made it to the semis and lost, you'd have won fifteen thousand. And if you had made it to the finals and lost, you'd have won fifty thousand."

Rohana sighed as she heard the numbers told, and practically wished she hadn't even asked. All it did was remind her of how desperately they needed to win that fight. She nodded and put the money in the envelope and left, Luke getting up and following behind her.

(Luke's PoV)

Luke looked at his trainer's face, and already saw that the envelope of money was only making her sadder. He only needed to see her tears being suppressed to know that she was on the verge of breaking down.

(At least we made it to the quarter finals this time!) He said to her cheerfully, trying to make her smile slightly.

All that did was make her sigh as they turned the corner toward the apartment building they lived in, the latest they moved into after moving four times in the year.

(Did we really win that 'little'?) He asked finally, dreading the answer.

She nodded again, and once more only stopped herself from crying by sheer will power, but even that was showing cracks.

He knew they couldn't take much more of these defeats, another one would probably break his trainer's strength of will. She was only holding onto her life by a single, tiny, heavily strained thread, and even 'that' was starting to unwind and snap. If they lost another battle they need to win, they might have no choice but to move yet again, just to have a place to live.

The year before they had to move twice, and the year before that they had to move only once. The strain was starting to get to his trainer, she was no longer cheerful, she hardly ever smiled, and nowadays she spent most of her nights crying in her sleep.

Her health had steadily declined with each month that passed, he saw her hardly eating because they didn't have the money to buy a lot of food. She had gotten sick one time with the flu and it lasted two weeks because she had cancelled her health insurance, to save money. She also barely bathed these days because they couldn't afford to waste water. She read old newspaper comics for entertainment because they didn't have money for electricity.

They were even using an old, outdated, wired phone, because they couldn't afford a wireless one.

Once more he thought about their situation, they were living desperately, trying to get by, and things were only getting worse for them the longer they remained. (Maybe we should go back home…) He suggested to her as they neared their apartment complex.

At that, she stopped walking, causing him to stop as well.

He didn't need to read her aura to know what was going on in her mind, he saw the battle taking place in her mind.

"Go back to what?" She asked hoarsely. "Go back home, live in my parent's basement, move back into my old room, do nothing while I try and find a way to pay off my debts?" She looked up at him and saw how red her eyes were, even though she had yet to shed a tear, he could see they were on the verge of just giving up. "Battling is all I know how to do Luke… if we go back home… I'm worthless there. If I go back I'll never be able to battle again professionally, they'll cancel my license and I'll be banned from registering as a competitive battler ever again. Then what do I do?"

(But… master… look at us!) He said desperately, waving his paws around at their surroundings. (Look at where we are master, is this worth everything that you're putting yourself through!)

They were living in the poorest section of town, there was garbage littering the street every few feet. He could see a Rattata running by the trash cans looking for scraps, the light fixtures on the sidewalk were all broken, their apartment building's windows were half broken or covered with wood. This area was known for having rape incidents, of burglaries, break-ins and anything else that humans try their best to hide from the public. He was sure if she didn't have 'him' out at this time of night, she would be raped or worse by some punk.

(Your health is at its worst, you're hardly eating, you barely sleep, and you have nothing left of value to your name! What do we have left to battle for at this point?)

She looked at him with faded eyes, her spirit all but broken, on the verge of shattering before him. But she walked over to him, gave him the warmest smile she had ever given him in the past few days, and said the only words she could. "I still have you to fight for…" She said. "If I lose my license, I lose ownership of you as my Pokemon. They'll confiscate any competitive Pokemon I own to pay off any debts I have. I'd rather lose another ten battles where we are now, than risk losing you…"

At that she turned and walked on home, with Luke following faithfully behind her, crying inside as he wished he had won their battle that day.

He could not take it anymore, he could not take how his master was all but killing herself just to keep him with her. If only he could convince her to go back home, at least then she could live better and find a different path in life.

Even if he wouldn't be a part of it.

He never forgot his promise to her mother, he promised to protect and take care of her little princess, and he had done that as best he could. But she was killing herself at this point.

As they entered the building the key holder, as well as their landlord barked at them. "Hey Rohana, your rents two weeks overdue!" He yelled.

In response Rohana plopped down a thousand Pokedollars in front of him, and hoarsely said, "Rent's paid." before climbing the stairs and up to their apartment.

She pulled out her key and opened the door, leading the way into their home.

It was absolutely dingy, just as they had left it. Peeled carpet, peeling paint, an old bed, faded pillows and blankets, a bathroom with a leaky faucet and no shower curtain, a kitchen with old appliances, and of course their outdated phone.

Home sweet home.

Luke closed the door behind him and locked it while Rohana dumped what little money remained on the table. Then she walked over to the counter and pulled out their bills, and began dividing up the rest of the money into each of the red envelopes. As he sat down on the bed and watched her, he saw the small pile of money get smaller and smaller with each bill she paid.

Then at last, at long last, the last bill was sealed, and he saw her hold up what remained of their winnings.

A measly, absolutely measly, fifty Pokedollars.

Enough for perhaps one meal if they bought cheap discount food, for one individual.

He watched her open the fridge and looked at their food, a few cans of beans was all they had left.

He knew she was on the verge of tears, but again, through sheer willpower, she merely pulled out two of their remaining cans of food and heated them up in their cheap microwave. Then she tried opening them up, but was having trouble doing it, so he walked over and opened them for her.

She gave him a gratifying smile, and tried to say 'thanks' but all that came out of her mouth was a desperate sob which she quickly stifled.

It broke his heart as he watched her trying to be strong in front of him, but he knew she was only pretending. What little strength she had left was all fake, nothing but a show to him and anyone else. She was broken inside, their life now had all but destroyed her faith in her career as a trainer.

"Bottoms up!" She whispered as she ate out of her can of food.

The can of food was small compared to his normal dietary needs, but it sufficed for the purposes of feeding him. But he knew his trainer needed food more, he had spied on her taking a shower when she wasn't noticing and saw her thin stomach. She needed the food far more than him, yet he also knew she would never take more than her share.

Soon enough, she was halfway through her beans while he had barely eaten a fourth of his. Then the phone rang and he saw his chance. While she put her beans down and went to the phone, he quickly spooned out some from his can and put it into hers, filling it back up to its three quarter point without her noticing.

"Who is this?" She asked whoever was on the phone. "Yes my name is Rohana. You want to what…"

He watched her out of the corner of his eye, not needing to sense her aura to something was up.

"You want to offer me that… for what?" She asked hoarsely, and there was a moment of silence as whoever she talked to said whatever was being said. "H… how much?" She asked nervously. "Yes… I do need the money… and it's just… that right? But… I never…"

Again he watched her, and he saw how she became afraid, but at the same time whatever she was being offered seemed to be driving her decision, though what the price for the offer was he didn't know.

"A… alright… I'll do it… just make sure you have the money…" She whispered in defeat, putting down the phone and taking a very deep breath.

Something about the way she was stalling near the phone, looking sick to her stomach, put him off. (Is something wrong master?) He asked her.

She shook her head and smiled warmly at him, but he saw that it was being forced. "Nothing's wrong, a guy just wants my help with something, and he's willing to pay me for my time tomorrow!" She said.

He nodded but again, something about how she spoke to him just now was odd. She was evading the question, and what's more, she was lying to him.

He could tell she was lying, she lacked the strength to lie these days.

But as they ate their food, her still not noticing that he had refilled her can of beans with his own, he knew that whatever reason she was lying to him for had to be good. She wouldn't lie to him normally, not unless it was absolutely necessary.

Yet as she finished her meal and they both threw away their cans, preparing for bed, he couldn't help but wish to make her smile again as she once did.

He cared about her, greatly cared about her, he absolutely cared for her. But his feelings for her had grown beyond simple loyalty that his species was known for. He had fallen in love with her, she was a strong girl, she had a strength beyond what she had shown, and that strength alone had kept her going even during these dark times.

He watched her crawl into bed, yawn once, close her eyes, and instantly fell asleep. He prayed that whatever dreams she was having, or had these days, were far better than the reality she was dealing with. He often contemplated confessing to her, if for no other reason than to make her feel loved, wanted, smile happily once more, as she once did as a child.

But he knew it was pointless, if he confessed, the boundaries between them as Trainer and Pokemon would be shattered. She might be kicked out, her license revoked, even arrested, and of course they would be separated. There was no way he'd risk that, he swore to protect her, and he would sooner sacrifice his feelings for her than see her suffer even more because of him.

Yet as he watched her sleeping, peacefully for a change, instead of crying into sleep while his heart broke inside as he listened next to her, feigning sleep to keep her from knowing, he could not stop himself from leaning over her shoulder to look at her face. She looked beautiful to him, so beautiful, even on her worst day she looked beautiful. He stared at her beautiful childlike face, her soft velvety lips, her dark curled eyelashes, and her dark flowing hair, though unkempt but still had the traces of its owner's former prime.

He couldn't stop himself from leaning closer, and gently, but with purpose, kissed her on the lips. A second later he pulled away and was glad that she didn't wake up at his touch, and sighed in defeat as he curled up again for bed.

*Sleep well this night… my princess.* He said, praying to Cresselia to visit his beloved trainer to bless her with a good dream this night, the first she has not had in a very long time. *Your knight will someday come to sweep you away from this life… even if I'm not that knight… someday… he'll come.*

(Rohana's PoV, the next day)

Rohana spent the next day mailing their bills, and trying to figure out what to do just to stall throughout the day. But as the minutes ticked away and the hours went by, she felt herself becoming more and more apprehensive about what she was going to do.

She had remembered the call from yesterday, and the offer had been simple, an exchange of services for money, money she desperately needed. She and Luke were down to their last cans of beans, and fifty Pokedollars would not buy anything.

But as the time approached for when she was to meet with this 'guy' that she spoke too, she couldn't help but question herself about whether she should go through with it.

*To think… It's come to this.* She thought when it was just an hour before she was to meet him, around seven in the afternoon. *After all our battles, all of the trials, and all of our efforts… that it would come to this.*

She took a reassuring breath and got up, put on her best clothes, or in this case her cleanest clothes, tried to comb her hair as best she could, and began to leave. But not before she turned to Luke her Lucario. "Alright Luke, I'll be back late tonight." She said, but as the words came out, she felt dead inside.

(Shall I come with you?) He offered her politely. (It's dangerous at this time of night, you shouldn't be going anywhere aloe.)

"I'll be fine, don't worry…" She said, but again the words came out sounding wrong. "I promise… I'll be back."

(If you insist…) He said to her, but he looked worried.

She smiled sadly, she could tell that he wasn't buying her bluff, but he still respected her privacy.

That's just one of many things she loved about her Lucario, his respect to her. As she turned and walked out of the apartment, locking the door behind her, she felt herself starting to cry uncontrollably. *Forgive me Luke…* She thought sadly.

She left the building and began walking toward her destination, a cheap hotel a few blocks away in one of the better parts of the neighborhood. The guy told her to meet her there around eight, in exchange for her 'services', he'd give her a substantial amount of money.

All she had to do was endure one, maybe two hours with this guy, and she would walk out with the money she and Luke desperately needed, simple enough.

As she walked on she walked by this one woman who stood straight and proud, obviously a trainer like herself, wearing a dark coat, a black fedora with matching pants, and had a Lucario beside her, but she paid her no mind. After all, why would anyone pay her any mind, she was a pathetic excuse for a trainer, unable to feed herself a proper meal let alone her Pokemon, and now she was about to become a pathetic excuse for a human.

*How far the hopeful fall…* She thought as she cried again.

But as she walked passed the two of them, the Lucario watched her and continued to watch her, as if he was looking for something. Then without her realizing it the Lucario tapped the woman's shoulder to get her attention.

She turned to her Lucario and raised her eyebrow, and then nodded as he silently communicated to her what he was on about. "Lead on." She said in a commanding voice, and the Lucario nodded and began following Rohana.

(Luke's PoV)

Luke knew something was wrong when he watched his trainer leave, the way she moved just screamed something was horribly wrong. She acted as if she were on death's door the way she spoke to him, or resigning herself to a fate that she did not want to take.

*Something is wrong… I can feel it, something bad is about to happen to her.* He said as he paced around their apartment. *She can pretend all she wants, but I know my trainer is crying out for help.*

Finally he stopped pacing as he glanced at the door, he could feel this sensation of dread, and he knew it was Rohana he was sensing. Their bond connected them deeper than other trainers who were not as close as them, he could feel her fear the longer he thought about her. She was doing something, something that she did not want to do, what that 'something' was he did not know.

But he knew that she was afraid, afraid and terrified.

And he knew that she was begging for saving, whether she admitted it or not, she was begging for someone, anyone to save her from that 'something'.

With his mind set, he left their apartment, locked the door behind him, and began racing out into the night, knowing somewhere his master was in trouble, and he was determined to save her.

(Rohana's PoV)

Rohana stared up at the cheap hotel she was supposed to meet this guy, and felt herself die just a little more inside. The pink neon lights of the 'Hotel' sign made her feel ashamed, as if she were about to walk to her doom.

*Just get it over with…* She thought sadly, and walked forward and into the hotel.

She passed the counter inside and off to the elevator, pressing the button for the third floor, and watched the doors close. But as they did she saw that woman and her Lucario from before enter as well, heading to the counter, apparently checking in for the night. But again, she ignored them.

That woman was obviously better off as a trainer than she was, her Lucario stood proud and strong, and she looked well-groomed and fed. Her clothes were obviously designer made, and she walked with grace, pride, and dignity in her stride. She looked like a trainer that had absolute confidence in herself, and feared no opponent.

Then the doors closed, and she felt the elevator shaking as it brought her up to the third floor.

When they opened again she walked out and headed down to the left, to room 307, where she was told to meet him. *How did it come to this?* She thought to herself as she stared at the door with despair. *I had so much potential… so much pride… we were doing so well before… and now it's come to this.*

She cried one last time before she wiped away her tears, trying to save what little dignity she had left. Then she knocked on the door to accept her fate. The door opened moments later, and she finally met the man to whom she was going to give herself to.

He wasn't attractive, he wasn't a hunk, and he obviously only worked out to maintain his health. "About time you showed up." He said with a chuckle. "Come on in…"

*So this is the man I'm going to lose my virginity to…* She thought sadly, feeling herself die just a little more inside. *Luke… I'm sorry… I wanted you to be my first!*

This wasn't how she imagined her first time would be, or who it would be with. When she was old enough, she had pictured it happening with her Lucario, whom she had grown fond of and attracted to. He was polite, respectful, loyal, and trustworthy, he was in essence the perfect boyfriend. After so many years with him she had fallen in love with her Pokemon partner, and she had often imagined them together.

She had even kept herself for just him, she had wanted to save her first time for when he confessed to her. She knew all about him being in love with her, heck, she had even feigned sleeping in the hopes that he would take the chance to kiss her, which he did last night.

*At least my first kiss was with him… but I wanted my first time to be with him.* She thought sadly as she was led into the bedroom. *Luke… forgive me… I'm only doing this because I love you. We need the money… we need food… if the price is me then…*

She felt her last reserve of strength die as she fell to the bed and lay on her back, no longer able to keep herself standing.

*I love you Luke… forgive me…*

(?'s PoV)

(He's going to claim her… and she's lost all will to resist.) Her Lucario said telepathically from three floors up as she stood outside.

*And the guy?* She thought back.

(He intends to betray her, he will not keep his word and pay her the amount promised.) He replied back. (He also intends to use a used condom, he does not care that she will be at risk.)

*Typical scum, a girl is on the edge of despair, and he offers salvation.* She thought angrily. *We should save her… no girl deserves this fate.*

(I can stop them at any time, just say the word!) He said.

As she was about to give the order, she saw a Lucario running down the street past several people, looking this way and that, as if frantically trying to find someone. Then she recognized this Lucario as 'Knight', the Lucario owned by 'Princess', the very same girl they had just tailed.

*Come back down here, we'll let her Lucario save her.* She thought as he ran closer. *If he wants to that is…*

(Luke's Pov)

Luke ran down the street, trying to find his trainer's aura in a sea of auras. He had long since memorized her aura signature, but the feelings of dread and despair she was feeling had distorted it and shattered what was left of her aura. All he could do was follow his instincts, and try to home in on the feelings Rohana felt through their bond.

As he ran near a hotel, he was stopped by a woman in black as she held out her hand to stop him. "What's your hurry Lucario?" She said in a commanding voice.

He paused only for a second to communicate with her. (I am looking for my trainer, now leave me be!) He said before trying to run again, but she stopped him once more.

"If you're looking for 'Princess', she's right here!" She said, pointing at the motel she was standing outside.

He looked up at the hotel and began sensing for her aura, and he found it, but she wasn't alone.

"I suggest you decide what's more important to you Lucario." The woman said with a commanding voice, just as another Lucario walked out and stood beside her. "What's more important to you, your trainer's financial future or her dignity as a female?" Then she turned and began walking away, without a second glance.

(She's on the third floor of this building, room 307.) The male Lucario said calmly to him. (I suggest you hurry and decide, there is very little time left. She is about to lose something precious to her, that all females treasure, because they can only give it once in their lifetime. And she does not want to give it to the man she is with right now.) With that he walked away, running to catch up with his own trainer.

At that Lucario's words he realized then what these 'services' that she had spoken of earlier were. Instantly he ran through the door, saw the stairs and raced up them as fast as he could, racing past people who were shocked to see him running so fast.

When he hit the third floor he charged down the hallway, racing to room 307, and smashed it down with a powerful Aura Sphere. The moment it was down he charged through the opening and looked for his trainer, finding her lying on a bed with her clothes almost all gone, and a man lying above her with a rubber 'thing' in his hand.

At the sight of his beloved Rohana, all but naked in front of another man, he snapped. She was 'his' princess, no one else's, and he was not going to let another living soul see her in her most private moments if he could help it. "Hey what are you…" The guy said, but he didn't get the chance to say more as Luke ran up to him, grabbed him by the shoulder and slammed him into the back wall, knocking him out instantly.

There was silence as Luke breathed heavily, still glaring furiously at the man, daring him to regain consciousness again.

Then a gentle, faint, but terrified whisper made him go soft. "Luke?" Rohana whimpered.

He looked back at his trainer, and his softened as he saw her trembling before him. She was terrified, terrified of what just happened, and terrified at what she had been about to do. (Are you alright?) He asked her kindly, knowing she was safe now.

"Why… why did you…" She whispered.

(Because master… nothing is worth this.) He said, walking over to her and hugging her. (No amount of money is worth what you were about to do.)

At long last, she couldn't take any more, and he knew that her last shred of will had finally shattered. She hugged him back, and began crying her eyes out. She cried and moaned, wept and bawled her tears out on his shoulder, and he just let her. "I'm sorry!" She screamed in despair. "I just… I just… we needed the money!"

(I know… we all must sacrifice in our life… but this is one thing you must not sacrifice for any reason!) He whispered, patting her back and covering her legs up with the blanket. (You only mature once… don't mature for just 'anyone'… especially if that someone offers you money to do it.)

At the word money she stopped crying and looked over at the nearby table, where he too looked and saw an envelope. He reached over, picked up the envelope and handed it to her, seeing that the man wasn't going to be awake anytime soon to complain. She opened it up and pulled out the money she had been promised, and instantly began shaking again as she violently shoved it back in, crying angrily the entire time as she looked defeated before him.

He was confused as to why she just put it back in, but then she handed the envelope back to him and he looked at the paper bills inside.

They were all play money, she had nearly sacrificed her virginity for play money.

He was tempted to give that human another thumping just for pulling this stunt, let alone what he almost did to his Rohana.

"I'm just… so… pathetic." She whimpered sadly, holding herself as he hugged her close to her.

(Let's go home master… let's just go home, alright?) He said as she sobbed pitifully, his heart breaking alongside hers. (Let's just go home and sleep master…)

She nodded and tried to put her clothes back on, but it was clear that she was still shaking too much to put them on properly, so he put them on for her.

As he did, he couldn't help but blush as he put on her clothes one piece at a time. From her curves to the soft touch of her skin, this was the closest he had ever been to her when she had this little on. He had to restrain himself in order to not scar her anymore tonight.

Once she was properly dressed, he led the way out with her holding his paw, but her feet dragged behind her, and she was obviously not paying attention to where she was going. Her spirit had all but been broken by this single act, but he knew she would endure. She had to endure, if she didn't their life together was all but over. He knew she was on the verge of giving up, and he would never let that happen.

He will die before he lets that happen.

As they made their way back to their home, he saw that girl from before waiting for them outside of their apartment building. "I take it you saved her?" She asked him in a strong voice.

He only nodded, not really interested in speaking when his trainer was still so distraught.

"You, girl, what's your name?" She asked Rohana.

Rohana looked up and merely sighed before she answered. "Rohana…"

"Rohana huh, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl." She said with a smile. "You're obviously a trainer, how about a battle in a few days, feel up for it?" Rohana looked up at her and almost shook her head to say no, but the woman spoke up again with an even bigger smile. "I can tell you don't have any money, but I really need an opponent for a battle in a few days, and I don't have time to schedule one with someone else. So how about this, if you agree to battle me, I'll pay you for your time, no strings attached, and I'll even give you a down payment right now to show you I mean it."

The instant she said those words, he saw his master's face light up in amazement. He saw it light up even more as the women pulled out a wallet from inside her pocket, and pulled out a huge roll of money to count it. After a few moments she separated the bills and put the larger amount back into her wallet, barely unchanged in size despite how many bills she took away.

"Let's see… here, this should be enough incentive." She said, handing her the roll of money, easily larger than all of their winnings from the past few months put together. "That should cover any food you buy, a clean set of clothes, a much needed bath, and a little extra for whatever you want. You know about the Platinum Arena, the one that just had a competition end yesterday?" She asked, to which Rohana nodded in shock. "I'll reserve a battle slot there the day after tomorrow for us, it will be just you, me, our Pokemon, and a referee. Think you can make it by twelve in the afternoon?"

"Y… yes!" Rohana stuttered.

"Good, I'll see you then." She said with a smile, before walking away with her Lucario behind her. "Spend that money wisely, chow!"

As she left, Luke looked at his Rohana's face, and for the first time in so many months, he saw a gleam in her eyes that he had sorely missed. He smiled as she all but jumped for joy, showing him the money they had now.

(?'s PoV)

As she left the pair behind, she pulled out her cellphone and made a call to her manager. "Hey there Man." She said, Man short for Manager. "I need a favor."

"My girl what is up, you need something else done?" He asked her. "I found out where that girl you asked for lived, what more you need?"

"Yea, tell me, how's that secretary I hired a few months back?" She asked.

"Jim, eh he's alright, but he's still late every day."

"Fire the bastard, I can't afford my secretary to be late, and look up more of Rohana's information, she goes by the trainer name 'Princess', and her Lucario partner 'Knight'." She said instantly. "Tell Jim when he comes in tomorrow, he better have his office cleared out by eleven o'clock sharp, or else my Garchomp will make sure he's out of there by eleven o'clock sharp. As for the secretary position, after you look up that girl's info, put her down to take over Jim's position."

"Alrighty, I'll see what I can do, anything else ya need?" He said.

"Yea, I need you to reserve the Platinum Arena the day after tomorrow, I want a private battle, no witnesses, just me, my opponent, our Pokemon, and one other person." She said.

"Jeez girl, you really like making me move mountains overnight!" He said. "Alright I'll get to work on it, anything else ya need done?"

"I'll tell you tomorrow when you get that stuff done." She said. "Call me when you're finished, later."

She hung up the phone and kept on walking, heading to a thrift store for something she needed.

(Rohana's and Luke's PoV, the next day)

Rohana smiled as she brushed her hair straight in the shower, loving the feeling of shampoo that she had used for her hair as well as the smell it gave off, making her smell like Anemone flowers. She had felt many things over the last few hours, but the greatest feeling she felt right now, was cleanliness, she felt clean in more ways than one. In the kitchen she heard Luke working on their dinner that day, the first proper dinner they've had in weeks.

All day she and Luke had been going here and there around town, using the money that woman from the night before gave them to purchase everything they needed. They filled their cupboards with canned food and refrigerator with fresh fruits and vegetables. They bought quality Remoraid meat, the first they've had in over a year, and they bought plenty of seasonings to last the month.

After that they bought shampoo, soaps, and other bathroom necessities, and especially detergents to clean her clothes. She even purchased some new clothes for herself, the first in so long that she can't even remember when she last bought clothes.

They had spent a fair portion of their money, but what was leftover she put away, just in case this change of good fortune turned sour.

(Master… dinner is ready!) Luke said in her mind.

"Coming!" She replied instantly, getting up and walking with a slight skip in her step to go eat.

She was so eager to eat a proper dinner though, she forgot that she wasn't dressed, and so walked out of the bathroom without clothes on. She was in such a hurry that she only just realized it as Luke turned around to look at her, and promptly went wide eyed before he turned around instantly, covering his eyes in surprise.

(Master!) He yelled. (Please… make yourself decent!)

"Huh… oh…" She squeaked, before covering up her exposed parts and rushing back into the bathroom for her bathrobe.

As she put her robe back on, she felt herself blush, not because she was embarrassed at being seen naked, but for another reason. That Luke was the one who had seen her naked, without even realizing it, she had let Luke her Lucario see everything she was.

And she didn't feel embarrassed or ashamed.

As Luke finished the dinner preparations, he struggled to contain his blush. He had never seen his trainer in her full beautiful glory before, not even those few occasions he peeped on her in the bathroom. Those times it had been to check her health, but he made sure to avoid looking at her more 'private' parts. But this time he saw her in all her full beautiful radiance.

And he loved the sight.

"Luke… I'm a little more decent now." He heard Rohana say behind him.

He sighed in relief and turned to see her wearing her bathrobe, and handed her plate of food. (Dinner time.) He said with a slight chuckle.

"Thanks…" She whispered.

As they ate in silence, they both began thinking the exact same thing. Yet Luke was just as afraid to openly admit his feelings, and Rohana was in the same boat as him. Tomorrow would be yet another battle for them, but the outcome was still undecided. What would happen, would they face that Lucario that women had with her, why did she give them so much money as an 'incentive' to battle her?

But most of all they asked, who was she?

After they finished eating, they decided to get some much needed rest, they had to be in top form tomorrow to have a chance to win. But while they both climbed into bed, Luke finally gathered some courage, and turned to face his trainer.

(I need to say something.) He whispered nervously.

"Uh… okay." She replied back in a worried tone.

(Master… what happened yesterday… what you tried to do…) He said.

"I have a confession to make as well." Rohana interrupted, knowing what was about to happen and wanted to say her piece first.

(Uh…)

"I didn't do that just for the money." She replied with a deep blush. "I did that because… I didn't want to risk losing you. If I lose you in my life… I just didn't want to risk giving you up and my trainer career. At least what we have now… we have each other at least. You see… the truth is I…"

They stared into each other's eyes, and slowly, inch by inch, they both instinctively drew closer to one another. Then, without another word being exchanged, they pressed their lips against one another.

They both silently accepted the other's confession, without saying their confessions. As they kissed each other Luke felt Rohana wrap her arms around him while he wrapped his around her, and soon enough she had pulled him on top of her, still kissing him the entire time.

But as they continued to deepen their kiss, he felt a tingling sensation in his groin, and knew that they were about to go a step too far, at least for now. He instantly separated and killed the mood by looking away. "What's wrong…? I thought you…" She started saying before Luke interrupted her this time.

(I do… believe me I do with my whole heart!) He said insistently. (My heart is filled with inexpressible joy Rohana, but… to do that now after everything that just happened.) He looked back at her with eyes filled with love, but also concern. (I just want to wait… a little longer is all… I want it to be the right moment for that, so please be patient for me a little longer my 'Princess'.)

She blushed even redder at that, but nodded and smiled in acceptance. "Alright my 'knight'… I'll wait… but don't make me wait forever."

(I won't… believe me I won't.) He replied with a smile, as he slammed back into her mouth to continue their make out session before going to bed.

=The Next Day=

Rohana put her best hat on, tied her shoes up, finished buttoning up her cleanest jeans, and straightened her best shirt. Today was the day they battled the mystery girl who had single handedly turned their whole lives around in one night, and they were determined to carry out their promise to her for a battle.

"Ready Luke?" She said with a prideful tone.

(Always.) Luke said, smirking as he heard the confidence in her voice, having not heard it for so many months.

They left their apartment and made their way to the stadium where they were scheduled to meet the girl, and soon enough, they reached it with a few minutes to spare.

Inside of the arena she found it completely deserted, except for four individuals, the woman from the day before, now sporting a cloak to cover her body. Next to her was a Lucario the same one she had following her around, a Garchomp standing next to her looking exceptionally strong, and finally a man in a referee's outfit. As she and Luke approached, she watched her give the Garchomp something, and it ate it without any reservations.

"We're here!" She said with a confident stride. "Ready to battle?"

"Yea, just making sure my girl is ready." She said, patting her Garchomp's leg. "So tell me, did you spend all of that money I gave ya? Hope you did."

"No, we're saving what's left." She said. "I owe you big time, we needed that money to pay for our food and stuff."

"I can tell, but you know the rules for these types of battles." The woman said. "Winner forks over money to the other at the end of it, and it's a pity you didn't spend all of it. Because I guess that whatever you have left will just have to suffice."

"Wait what?" Rohana said, suddenly sounding worried. "But… I thought."

"You thought that money was just for generosity?" She said with a smile. "No, I said it was an 'incentive' to get you to battle me. I don't mind throwing away money to get people to battle me, as long as I get my wins I don't care about the money. Now then… about this battle." She pulled out a check book and pen from beneath her cloak. "Here's the terms of our battle, if you want to battle me, you must put up whatever money you have leftover for grab, and in exchange, I'll offer five times whatever you put up as my bid. Sound fair to you?"

"But… we need that to pay for our bills!" Rohana yelled. "If we lose what's leftover…"

"I'm not finished yet…" She said with a smirk. "I understand your position, you're in desperate need… so I'm offering a counter proposal. If you forfeit this battle and let me win by default…" She turned the check around to reveal the number she had put there. "I'll pay you fifty thousand right now."

There was silence as Rohana and Luke stared at their 'savior', and Luke realized this was just like last time. She wasn't their savior, she was just looking for a free win. (Don't do it master, we don't need to do this battle!) He said to her. (Let's just leave and keep what money we have.)

But he saw the look in her eyes, the prospect of all that money that they still needed. "I… uh…" She said, looking unsure.

(Don't do it Rohana!) He urged. (It's not worth it… we're professional battlers, we don't just accept payoffs to give away free wins! That's against our morals and the code of all Pokemon Trainers!)

"But… if we lose…" She whispered to him. "At least this way… we keep all the money!"

(But our reputation will be tarnished… if anyone finds out about this, we'll never be allowed in another competition again.) He said. (That referee is obviously being paid off as well, otherwise she wouldn't take this risk. If we do this, then everything we've fought for up till now will be wasted. Don't take it!)

"Alright I can see that amount aint cutting it, so how about this number then." She said, whipping the check over and adding another number to it, before showing them again. "Five hundred thousand, come on, I only need one more win before I can qualify to challenge the champion, and I don't have time to waste scheduling official battles against huge crowds. Come on… five hundred thousand, say you forfeit and the check's yours."

He could tell the number was starting to sway his trainer, but he knew this was a big mistake. (Money is important master, but at the end of the day money can't buy you back your reputation once it's lost!) He said, trying to prevent her from making a horrible mistake again, (Think of your mother, what would she say about this, don't do it please!)

Rohana looked at the check, she had never even seen that number in her whole life. That much money would set them for years. She wouldn't have to battle again for ages. "But… it's… I…" She whispered, trying to fight the logic of Luke's argument.

They needed that money, even what little she saved from before wouldn't last long if they kept losing. But if she was honest and she truly looked it, if they gave up this win, they wouldn't have to worry about money for years.

"Still not taking the offer huh?" The women said, and she turned the check around a third time, and turned it back to show them the number once more. "Alright then… last offer… Fifty MILLION. Take it or battle." She yelled. "Come on, you were willing to sell your body for some play money the day before, surely you can sell your 'Trainer Dignity' for fifty million real life Pokedollars. Two words, that's all it will take, say them, and this check is all yours! Let me have this win and I can take on the Pokemon League Champion. That alone is worth more to me than the money I'm offering. I'm literally emptying half of my bank account for this win, just do everyone a favor here and surrender. Do it and I get to challenge the champion, you get set for life, and we all go home happy, everybody wins!"

Once again… the number, the amount of money, it was mocking her. It was waving there, literally within arm's reach, all she had to do was say she surrenders and she could walk out with enough money to set her and Luke up for life.

(It's not worth it… don't take it!) Luke said desperately to her, making her look at her Lucario lover. (Please… you still have your trainer dignity left… think of your mother… she would never have even listened to this offer, let alone take it. Only she wins if you do this, the moment it's discovered we'll never be trusted in a battle again, every challenge we'll be questioned.) He begged, holding her arm as if he could restrain her. (Please… don't do it… don't sell your Trainer Dignity. You almost sold your maturity… don't sell this as well. Please… I'm begging you… just say no!)

She looked to her Lucario, then to the check, then back to her Lucario, and back to the check again.

*Just two words… all I have to say… two words!* She thought desperately, trying to make herself say the words.

But in the end, the decision was made. She looked up at the women, took a sigh of defeat, and knew that no matter what, the cost of this battle would be on 'her' head. "No Deal!" She screamed. "If you want your win so bad, then you're going to have to earn it like a true trainer! I don't care if this puts us in the poor house, but I will NEVER sacrifice my Trainer Dignity! Do you hear me?" She put her hand to hear heart and glared at the women. "I don't care if I have to sell my body to feed myself and Luke, I don't care if I have to beg on the street, I don't care if we end up in an alley living in a cardboard box! I will NEVER sacrifice or sell my Trainer Dignity for ANY amount of money."

There was silence again after Rohana made her declaration, then the women put the check away and began stepping away. "If that's the way you want it, so be it. I'll win either way." She said confidently. "I just wanted to make this easy on us, but if you want it to be the hard way, very well. Garchomp!"

"Gaar!" Her Garchomp roared, taking powerful steps into the field before her.

"Luke!" Rohana yelled, and Luke nodded before leaping onto the field to face their opponent. "This may be our last battle Luke… so give it everything we've got!"

"I will…" He whispered, knowing that now he was fighting for their very livelihood.

"Alright then… let's get this battle underway." The women said. "Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"

"Gaarr!" Her Garchomp yelled, before rushing forward with its hooked claw ready to strike.

"Luke, Detect!" Rohana screamed.

Luke nodded and watched the Garchomp swing its attack forward, but nimbly dodged it and landed on its back before it realized where he had gone.

"Now, Flash Cannon!" She screamed now, and Luke brought his paws together and gathered light to unleash.

"Don't just stand there Garchomp, knock him off and use Dragon Rush!" The woman ordered.

"Garchoooomp!" The Garchomp said, but just as it started shaking to knock him off, Luke jumped and released his Flash Cannon, striking at the neck, a Garchomp's most vulnerable spot.

Without even managing to get a second dragon claw off, the Garchomp fell to the floor as it received a critical hit. "Get up Garchomp, come on… don't give up!" The woman ordered, and Rohana had a flashback to earlier, when Luke was facing off against the Volcarona and she too said those same words.

But she knew that Garchomp was powerful, if she let this one back into the fight, it could end it in one strike. "Luke, don't let it get back up, Flash Cannon now!"

"Garchomp, get up, use Dragon Rush!" The women yelled fiercely.

Luke nodded and prepared another Flash Cannon, and just as the Garchomp stood back up, he released it once more and struck yet another critical blow. But this time the Garchomp stayed up, and rushed at Luke headlong, yet Luke dodged it just in time, and he seized the opportunity of it missing him to unleash a third Flash Cannon.

This time, the Garchomp went down, and stayed down.

The referee blew his whistle and screamed, "The battle is over, and the winner is, Rohana and Luke!"

"You idiot, I told you, its Princess and Knight!" The woman said with a chuckle. "Well what do you expect when you have your manager cosplay as a referee?"

The woman took off her cloak and removed her hat, revealing blond hair and grey colored eyes. "I guess congratulations are in order, well done trainer." She said.

"C... C… Cynthia?" Rohana stuttered. "Your Champion Cynthia? But… you… and… but… we…"

"Speechless, yea, I get that often." She giggled. "Hey, I have to hide myself sometimes just so I can walk around. Otherwise I can never have any fun. By the way, say hello to my manager!" She said, pointing at the referee who took of his hat to reveal a bald head. "Now let's talk for a bit, because what you just said earlier is what I want to talk to you about."

She walked over to them with her Garchomp and Lucario, her Garchomp looking proud as it stared down at them. "How come your Garchomp is…?" Rohana said while Luke was speechless, they had both thought they brought it down for the count.

"Garchomp took a power reduction pill just before we battled you, that way our power would be at your level." She said with a smile. "Otherwise you would never have stood a chance. We fought you with everything we had, but we did it on your level. We lost fair and square, so don't worry about it. Now… about your Trainer Dignity…"

She smiled as she patted her shoulder. "Never forget what you just said… it doesn't matter how far you fall down the barrel, what matters is you keep your trainer dignity Rohana. People can take victories from you, and you can lose tournaments time and time again. But as long as you have your Trainer Dignity, you'll be a winner because you fought your hardest." She said with a smile. "Now, one other thing… don't become a women with just 'anyone', understand?"

Rohana looked at Cynthia as she smirked. "Yes you know what I mean, but remember to follow these two ideals when choosing who to give 'that' to. Never give it to someone you don't love, and never give it to someone who you don't view is worthy of it. Also… if you're wondering… the best way to keep a secret, is to not tell anyone about it." She said with a chuckle. "Just remember that, and you won't ever get in trouble. Now if you'll excuse me, my manager has me going to an archeology exhibit later, and after that we have a show battle to perform."

(Cynthia's PoV)

As Cynthia left the two behind, her two Pokemon walked next to her, her Garchomp grinning at her the entire time. "Yes I know, I know… we all worked hard this week." She said before tapping her Lucario's shoulder to whisper to him. "I'm in the mood today, come by my room when the others are asleep, I need time to put on my Lucario suit." She whispered, and her Lucario nodded as he smiled.

To her Garchomp, she rubbed her claw and made her look down. "If you win today's show battle, I'll use the 'strap on' tomorrow love." She whispered, and her Garchomp giggled eagerly.

As they walked into the daylight, and the consequential flood of cameras, autographs, and crowds, she only had one thought in her mind

*Yep… the best way to keep a secret… is to not tell 'anyone' about it.*

(Rohana's and Luke's PoV, later that day)

Later that day, Rohana answered the door when someone knocked on it, and it turned out to be Cynthia's manager, delivering an envelope from Cynthia. Inside was a part time job offering for a secretary position, answering her phone calls and such, and a check for one hundred thousand Pokedollars for defeating her in battle.

However, this interrupted a special moment between them, but was quickly put back as once the letter was put back on the table, they returned to locking lips against one another with Rohana now minus all of her clothes.

Rohana melted into her Lucario's mouth, enjoying how he felt to her, and loving being able to relax in his strong protective arms.

For years she's always been protected by him, and she in turn protected him. But never before has she felt this loved or safe as she was held by him, lying in bed with him on top, and his mouth pressed against hers.

As they separated, she could feel his hardened member, now finally released from its sheath pressing against her sex. "I'm ready Luke… I'm finally ready for you." She whispered with a warm smile.

(And I'm ready to take you as mine.) He whispered to her, leaning forward and kissing her once again. (Once I claim you, you must never look at another male the way you look at me. Only I can have you, and only I will be allowed to touch you.)

She nodded in understanding as they separated. "In exchange Luke… don't even think of touching other girls." She said with a grin. "I'm the only girl you need, got it?"

(Wouldn't have it any other way, my 'Princess'.) He said as he licked at her neck.

"Well… what are you waiting for?" She asked with a giggle. "Shouldn't a 'knight' take care of his 'princess'?"

He nodded and lifted her legs up slightly so that he had a better angle to penetrate her. But as he began to move forward, she flinched slightly. (Are you alright?)

"Yea… I'm just worried… please… be gentle with me?" She asked.

(I will… I love you Rohana.) He said as he began to press into her again.

"And I love you… Luke." She said as she held him tightly.

Then he began pushing in, and he felt her passage become excessively tight, being a Pokemon that was part steel had its benefits, meaning he had no fear of the same pains as other Pokemon and humans did. But his beloved Rohana was a human, and as he pressed further into her he saw she was beginning to moan in pain.

Then he felt her Hymen and without realizing it, broke through it without preparing her. "IT HURTS!" She screamed loudly, her legs locking around him tightly. "It huuurts…"

He felt a pang of sadness as he caused her pain, but he knew it was necessary. Instead he leaned forward and held her until she became adjusted and got over the pain, rubbing her hair with his paws and kissing her mouth until she calmed down.

She continued to whimper and moan in pain for a few moments as she felt herself losing her virginity. It felt like a hot dagger had been shoved into her body, and it was slowly being dragged out. But as the moments passed, she felt the pain go away, and eventually her sobbing faded too.

Then she nodded to say she was ready, and Luke began to thrust in and out of her.

Luke felt how warm she was inside, and as he thrusted she felt even tighter and softer the longer they went. He had never imagined mating would be this good, but he also knew it was because he was mating the human he loved and protected all these years.

"Luke… it feels… amazing… it's starting to feel amazing!" She moaned as he pulled her up into a sitting position, so that he was supporting her weight and they were looking at each other.

(And it feels… amazing… inside you!) He said back, pulling her into a kiss.

He began to pick up his pace, unable to control his instincts as they demanded he go faster. Soon the sound of her flesh slapping against his fur was all that could be heard as he continued to hold her mouth hostage with his own.

"Luke… I'm so glad… you claimed my virginity." She moaned as she separated. "I'm so happy… it was you who took it!"

(And I am glad… that you took mine!) He said back to her, holding her close to him, using his arms to shield her as best he can against a threat that did not exist then. (You have no idea… how happy I am… that you took mine. Pokemon don't care about their first times like humans do… but I'm happy, that you took mine!)

They continued to make love in the night, changing positions each time as Luke dictated or Rohana wanted. They spent time in that position where she sat in his lap, then they changed so that she was on her hands and knees while he was behind her, and then he was above her like when they started. But as they picked up their pace, he felt himself prepare to fertilize her.

(I'm about to…) He warned, but the moment he said that, he felt his knot press into her, and he came hard.

Rohana screamed in pleasure as she felt a warmth entering her body, she could also feel this huge pressure suddenly appear when Luke hilted, but all she felt was pleasure. Moments later they collapsed onto the bed, and Luke held her close to him, one of his paws massaging her breasts while his lips pressed against her own.

Then they separated to look at each other. (Your mine… now.) He said warmly.

"Yours… always." She replied.

Because his knot locked them together, they simply pulled the blanket over them and slept the rest of the night like that.

A princess, and her knight.

=Five years later=

(Rohana's Mother's PoV)

"Look, the match is about to start kids!" An elderly woman of forty nine said as she turned up the volume of her television.

"Rio!" A young Riolu said as it saw a Lucario and woman on screen, their team called Princess and Knight.

"So you two think your parents are going to win today?" She asked the two kids before her while her own team came in with her husband.

"Yea, mom and dad will win!" A young five year old boy said.

She smiled at the two kid's enthusiasm for their parents. She had been worried about her daughter and her new Lucario lover, but after a good talk with him, she gave them her blessing. She was also the only one they trusted their secret with, as they had to have someone watch the boys while they went off and competed in tournaments.

"Who'd have thought our daughter would make such a fine mother, as well as battler." Her husband said with a chuckle as he put his arm around her shoulder.

"Well, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree." She said with a smile.

[And now the battle we've all been waiting for, here we are… Princess and Knight… versus Cynthia and Garchomp!] The announcer said. [Reeeeeeady…. FIGHT!]