The sky slowly turned bright blue, the sun rose, the morning mist burned away and I waited. I sat in the bush across the yard from the main building, patiently waiting for her to arrive. The last few days she'd arrived at almost the exact same time and as the sun neared that same position in the sky, my heart began to race. I focused my eyes intently on the top of the stairs, watching for the first sign of the one whom I loved.
My patience was rewarded! She crested the top of the stairs and began to follow the path toward the building. I felt such happiness and warmth at seeing her! Her step was light and full of energy. Her eyes glittered with beauty and kindness. As I watched, I wondered if she would remember me. It had been so long since we'd spoken. She reached the building and smiled joyfully as the door opened and then I saw him!
My heart fell as he was there to greet her yet again. He desired her heart, just as I did. He is my competition! He is my rival!
Fear and doubt gnawed at my mind but I shook my head and threw aside those feelings. Today would be the day I finally made my move. Today I would tell her how I felt!
Serena smiled and blushed as Ash pulled open the door and grinned at her.
"Still rolling out the welcome mat, I see!" she said with a happy chuckle.
An entourage of Pokémon was waiting just behind Ash. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Totodile, Hawlucha, Buizel, and Bayleef from his own collection. There were also many other Pokémon from the reserve; Pokémon who had befriend Serena and were happy to see her. Vulpix, Charmander, Flareon, a couple Eevee, Teddiursa, and Skitty.
All of the Pokémon expressed their happiness at seeing her and welcomed her inside.
Serena blushed some more, waved and smiled at the gathering and then stepped inside. Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon all followed a couple steps behind her. Just as Serena reached Ash, he stretched out an arm, wrapped it around her waist and pulled her close.
Serena giggled and used her hands to brace herself against her boyfriend's chest as he pulled her tightly against his body. They stared into each other's eyes for a second, then Ash leaned forward, they closed their eyes and their lips met in a warm and wonderful kiss.
A few of the younger Pokémon made faces or cringed. Others, like Pancham looked curious, not truly understanding why two humans would press their lips together. Most of the Pokémon were pleased and slightly embarrassed at their trainer's open display of affection. They blushed, looked elsewhere and made idle conversation, trying to pretend that the kiss wasn't happening. And then there was Bayleef. She loudly voiced her approval of Ash's actions, so much so that several of the Pokémon grew uncomfortable and sent her sidelong glances.
The kiss ended but Serena stayed just an inch away from Ash's face.
"Valentine's day was last week," she quipped with a small smirk.
Ash chuckled. "Well, who says it had to be only one day?"
Serena raised her eyebrows and tilted her head so their foreheads pressed together. Their warm breath tickled against their faces.
"So, it's Valentine's week?" she said humorously.
Ash grinned. "Seems so," he replied.
"Hmmmm," Serena hummed playfully. She moved her lips forward and lightly kissed Ash. "I like Valentine's week," she whispered.
They exchanged a couple more sweet kisses and mutually giggled. Serena then leaned away and pulled Ash by the hand toward the kitchen.
"Come on, Ash," she said in a melodic tone, "breakfast won't cook itself."
Ash smiled and let himself be pulled along by his girlfriend. They reached the kitchen and began fixing a light breakfast of fried rice and vegetables. They worked together like a well-oiled machine and soon the meal was ready. They poured their Pokémon friends bowls of their own food and then sat down to enjoy breakfast.
Ash and Serena sat across the table from one another as they ate. They chatted, about what they had planned for the day and exchanged small flirtations. They occasionally brushed a leg against their partner's or directed a steamy glance across the table. They finally finished the meal and moved back to the kitchen to wash up. As they did this, Serena leaned close to Ash and whispered to him.
"So, is today the big day?"
Ash smiled and nodded. "Soon as I'm done with sorting out the rock Pokémon, we can get started."
Serena's eyes sparkled. "Just let me know and I'll be there," she said sweetly. She then gave Ash a peck on the cheek and stepped back.
"I'm gonna go check on those Furret who were feeling sick yesterday."
Ash glanced at her and set aside the dishes he was washing. "Okay, just a second," he said quickly.
Serena raised an eyebrow in curiosity and watched as Ash dashed to where she had her satchel of medical supplies. With a big grin, he slung the bag over his shoulder and turned toward the back door.
"I'll carry your bag for you," he said happily.
Serena chuckled and moved to his side. "Yes, it's so heavy, thanks for the help," she said with playful sarcasm.
They laughed and walked together out the back door. Nearly all of their Pokémon followed after them. Pancham, however, stayed behind and gobbled up most of the leftover Pokémon food. The tiny panda then let out a happy sigh, lay down on its back and patted its round and thoroughly stuffed belly.
Ash and Serena walked a short distance away from the main building before Serena took the lead and guided the party to where the Furret lived. They soon arrived at the forested region and stopped near a large tree.
Without needing to be asked, two Furret emerged from a burrow and slowly trotted toward Serena. They moved sluggishly and appeared to be half asleep.
Serena frowned at the sight of the sick Pokémon. She quickly smiled, though, and spoke in an upbeat voice.
"Let's see if we can't get you better!" she said.
The Furret let out weak replies and lay down on the ground.
Serena sat down on her haunches and began examining the two ill creatures. Sylveon moved close to her and stood ready to provide assistance. Serena's fairy type had become her defacto nurse when it came to taking care of other Pokémon.
As Serena started to work, a large number of the Pokémon who'd followed them closed in, eager to watch what was happening. Serena glanced around nervously. Medical care wasn't a spectator sport! She sent Ash a look and he caught her meaning.
Ash loudly clapped his hands and spoke in an excited voice. "SO! Who's ready to fire up the excavator!?"
Immediately, nearly all of the Pokémon looked at Ash with wide eyes full of eagerness. They'd seen and heard him working on the excavator over the previous months and they were all very curious what the machine would do.
Ash grinned and waved for everyone to follow him. "Come on! Let's go!" With that, he began walking out of the forest.
A few of the Pokémon wanted to stay, but Ash shooed them to join the rest of the group which was making tracks for the barn where the excavator was stored. He glanced back at Serena and Sylveon and sent the girl he loved a look which expressed his unhappiness at their parting.
"Be sure to hurry!" Ash said. "You don't want to be late for us breaking ground!"
Serena smiled sweetly. "Don't worry. I wouldn't miss it for anything!"
Ash grinned and then turned to go. As he walked away, he glanced over his shoulder and stole a quick, final look at Serena. He really loved how beautiful she was!
I watched from afar as she exited the backdoor followed closely by him. He stayed at her heels, staring at her, longing for her. It made my heart ache to see him so close to her. A part of me wanted to simply slink away in defeat but I refused to give up. I would announce myself to her! I would have my say! I would not let him have her without a fight!
She and the entourage moved away from the building and into the forested region. As they walked I carefully followed. I stuck to the bushes and tall grass, keeping out of sight as best as I could.
A short ways into the forest, the group came to a stop and Furret and his mate sluggishly came out of their burrow and greeted them. They were clearly still sick and in need of treatment. My eyes filled with tears of happiness as I heard her speak such wonderful words of kindness and encouragement to Furret. Her voice sang like a charming instrument. Oh how I loved her!
Then a miracle happened! The entourage abruptly left and suddenly she was completely alone. My heart leapt as he left. I could see he didn't want to go, but away he went. Now was my chance!
I took a deep breath and remembered the words I'd planned to say for so long. I would convince her that I was far better for her than he was. I would make my case for her love!
I steeled myself and carefully crept forward. There was a large group of bushes behind where she was. I moved slowly and made my way to the bushes. Just a short distance separated me from her now. I calmed my nerves and quietly stepped toward the one I loved.
Serena hummed sweetly as she worked on the two Furret.
"That's right, I'll have you feeling better soon," she said kindly.
Sylveon mewed pleasantly to the Furret and Serena took hold of a small dropper. She filled the dropper with Sitrus berry extract and moved it toward the mouth of the first Furret.
"Open up," she said with a smile.
The Furret complied and Serena squirted a small amount of the berry extract into the Pokémon's mouth. She repeated the process with the other Furret and then began gently running her hand along their back.
"How's that?" she asked softly.
The Furret looked a little better but they were still weak. Serena pursed her lips and thought for a moment.
"Let me try a little Lum berry juice," she said, rummaging through her satchel. "That usually helps."
She retrieved the small bottle of Lum berry juice and was about to unscrew it when she heard a rustle in the bushes behind her. At first, Serena ignored it, but the rustle persisted and she realized something was moving through the bush towards her. Still sitting on her knees, Serena half-turned and looked toward the bush. She saw movement, and then a head abruptly popped out of the foliage. The distinctive sharp features, diamond shaped ears and blue skin all outlined the head of a Glaceon. The Pokémon hesitated for a moment and then stepped out of the bush.
Serena smiled. "Oh, hi there!" she said happily.
The Glaceon didn't reply to Serena. Instead, it walked up to Sylveon and spoke a few words in a slightly stilted manner. Sylveon smiled, nodded and replied in a happy voice.
Serena chuckled. "Is that one of your friends, Sylveon?" she said.
Sylveon mewed and nodded. Glaceon's eyes seemed to widen and the ice type suddenly became more animated. He mewed and smiled broadly.
Serena regarded the two Pokémon and then suddenly cocked her head to the side as her memory triggered.
"Hey, aren't you the Glaceon Ash sent home with me to keep us cool last summer?"
Glaceon nodded and continued looking very happy. Sylveon let out a pleasant sounding cry and Glaceon seemed to blush. The two Pokémon performed some playful jumps and Serena turned her attention back to the Furret.
"Okay, swallow this," she said kindly, offering a dropper full of the Lum berry juice.
Serena gave them each a dose of the Lum juice and then offered them some Oran berries to replenish their strength. The Furret consumed all of the treatments and soon began to perk up. Serena smiled and repacked her satchel.
"Let me know if you start feeling poorly again," she said to the forest Pokémon.
The two creatures nodded and gave a happy reply. They then trotted off into the woods and disappeared from sight.
Serena stood up and slung her satchel over her shoulder. She looked over and saw that Glaceon was mewing at Sylveon and her Pokémon seemed quite captivated by whatever the ice type was saying. She smiled, happy that Sylveon had so many friends.
Serena thought for a moment and considered what she should do next. She debated about wandering around the forest, looking for any ill Pokémon when she suddenly heard a faint grinding rumble echo from far across the reserve. She immediately recognized it as the sound of the excavator's engine coming to life.
She waited a moment and when the noise didn't die abruptly she smiled broadly.
"Got it started on the first try," she whispered in an admiring tone. "Good job Ash."
Serena suddenly felt a sense of anticipation and gravity wash over her. They were about to start building a house! She took a deep breath and then blew it out.
"Okay, Sylveon," she said, glancing over her shoulder at the two still conversing Pokémon. "Let's get going!"
Sylveon mewed eagerly and then said something to the Glaceon. Glaceon's face lit up and the two Pokémon dashed up to Serena's side.
"Is your friend coming along?" Serena asked sweetly.
Sylveon nodded and smiled.
Serena took another deep breath and then turned toward the location of the new house. "Okay, off we go!"
With that, she set off at a jog with Sylveon and Glaceon just a few steps behind her.
I bounded over the grass fields, easily keeping pace with my love and her trainer. My head was still swimming with amazement at how wonderfully everything had unfolded! Not only had Sylveon remembered me, she fondly recalled the times we'd played together.
I'd been so young and shortsighted back then. I'd spent day after day in the presence of my dream mate and yet I'd never realized how I'd felt until the fateful day that I returned to the reserve. Oh, how I'd missed her and how I foolish I'd felt. Too late, I realized that I'd missed the chance of a lifetime and I'd suddenly found myself overcome with timidity and fear. I'd tried to approach her several times, but I'd always slunk away before doing so, too afraid to speak to someone so beautiful.
Then, he'd started to make his move on her and I could no longer sit by, doing nothing. I'd gathered my courage, finally spoken to her, and now here we were, running along side by side. I'd been too scared to confess my love to her, but this was wonderful nonetheless.
She looked at me, smiled and commented that the cut of my fur was very cute.
I blushed and nearly tripped. She was just as kind and playful as I remembered. She chuckled at my clumsiness and then dashed forward to keep up with her trainer. She called for me to keep up and I surged forward, eager to do so. There was no way I would let myself fall behind again!
We reached the source of the loud noise and found Ash was riding atop the smoke-belching yellow machine. I still didn't understand why the master trainer didn't simply ask Dugtrio or Onix to dig the hole for him. It would have been much simpler, but the ways of humans were often a mystery to me.
"HEY ASH!" Serena called out in a loud voice.
Ash smiled and waved at her. He brought the excavator to a stop and turned off the engine.
"Hey Serena!" he said happily, sliding off the machine and setting his feet the ground. He glanced at the excavator and then back at Serena. He grinned and spoke in a proud voice. "It's finally time!"
Serena walked up to him and looked at him with shimmering eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly hesitated as she became choked up. She swallowed once and then continued. "This is a really big day," she said in a quiet and emotional voice.
Ash nodded. He reached his right hand out and took hold of Serena's right hand. They shared a determined look and firmly clasped their hands together.
"Ready to build a house?!" Ash asked.
Serena nodded. "Very ready!" she replied in an adamant tone.
They each squeezed the other's hand firmly and then separated. Ash then waved Serena to have a look at the excavation site he'd surveyed and marked out.
"Let me show you what I'm planning," he said.
My love stayed a short distance away from the human's work site. I stayed with her, along with most of the two trainer's Pokémon. We watched as Ash led Serena around the area, pointing out and describing different things he had planned.
As I watched, Sceptile looked toward the construction site and cocked its head in curiosity. It expressed how it didn't understand why Ash and Serena were building a new house. They had the Pokémon reserve. Why expend so much effort when they already had a roof to live under?
I then saw Delphox step up and reply in her usual flowing and elegant voice. She explained that human mating rituals were extremely lengthy and complicated. Often, humans would build a new home for their family, just like Pokémon would build a new nest.
Sceptile crossed its arms and replied that there was a big difference between a simple nest and a human house.
Behind me, Hawlucha interjected, saying that Sceptile shouldn't be so quick to criticize the human's practices. The fighting bird spoke in a deliberate and poetic manner, making sweeping gestures and striking poses as he did so.
Hawlucha stated that countless times humans had commented that the ways of Pokémon were strange and mysterious, yet the humans were fascinated by them and loved them. He said that we should seek to extend humans the same consideration they exhibit toward us. If Ash and Serena wanted to build a new house for their family, they should be celebrated for doing so.
Sceptile was about to give a skeptical reply when I saw Bayleef boldly trod forward and join the exchange. She piped up in the same bubbly and excited tone she used every time Ash and Serena's relationship came up. She enthusiastically stated that it was extremely romantic and wonderful that Ash was building a new home for his beautiful mate. She was so happy that this house would cement their relationship. She then turned toward Pikachu and in an overly critical tone reminded the electric mouse of how he'd thrown a wrench into Ash's relationship when he'd interrupted their trainer's attempt to mate with Serena a few weeks ago.
Pikachu looked embarrassed. His face turned red and his ears drooped a bit. He tried to brush off the incident and reminded everyone that Ash and Serena had actually apologized to him and thanked him for walking in on them.
Over at the construction site, Ash was laying out where he thought he should set up the excavator and pile the dirt. Serena looked thoughtful as she listened and once she'd heard everything she made a suggestion. Ash frowned upon hearing it and worked at coming up with a tactful reply.
My heart suddenly leapt as Sylveon spoke up and commented that everyone shouldn't be talking so casually about 'adult' matters when there were young ones listening. My love was so considerate and thoughtful. She really was the best!
Some of the Pokémon turned and glanced awkwardly at the few younger ones in the group who were looking puzzled by things being discussed which they didn't understand. Quick as a flash, Bayleef gathered up the little Pokémon with her Vine Whips and then dashed to a nearby group of Cinccino where she dropped the young ones off for an impromptu daycare. Bayleef then returned in a rush and loudly declared that now they could all talk about Ash and Serena mating without worry.
Several of the Pokémon sent Bayleef uncomfortable looks upon hearing her comments. Everyone was well aware of the grass type's fascination with Ash and Serena's relationship. Sometimes her enthusiasm got to be a bit…... disturbing.
My thoughts were interrupted as the yellow machine spewed smoke and rumbled to life. With a look of concentration, Ash began moving the large boom arm with a bucket attached to the end. It took him a few times to figure out which lever controlled which movement, but after a few attempts, and many anxious expressions from Serena, he got the machine to do what he wanted.
Infernape wandered over and grumbled that he didn't understand why all of them were so interested in Ash and Serena's private business. He said that they should just let the humans do their thing and leave them be.
I saw a few of the Pokémon subtly nod or indicate agreement but the vast majority of them clearly disagreed with Infernape. Bayleef looked aghast but it was Delphox who spoke up first.
Serena's first Pokémon elegantly laid out how it was in all their best interests to make sure their trainers were happy and living fulfilling lives. She reminded all of them how Serena had been so unhappy while she'd been alone and how much Ash had matured since the two of them had reunited. Delphox said that it was obvious they were perfect for each other, and it was their duty as their partners to help them out in whatever way they could.
Charizard suddenly let out a growl and everyone, including myself turned and took notice. Ash's powerful Pokémon rarely spoke about relationships so whatever he had to say must be important. The fire type concurred with Delphox. He said that a loving relationship filled one with unending strength and that such a thing would be perfect for Ash.
Next, I heard Sceptile make a dubious sound and state that they didn't need to be so insistent in poking their noses into Ash and Serena's relationship. The grass type glowered at Bayleef and then said that for an example it wasn't any of her business how 'good of a job' Ash had been doing when he'd attempted to mate with Serena.
More than a few of the Pokémon chuckled and Bayleef looked unfazed. She held her head high and said that the bond between trainer and Pokémon was very close. This meant that they were a part of their family and Ash and Serena's relationship was just family business.
Bayleef then stepped next to Pikachu, blushed and nudged the electric Pokémon while urging him to tell everyone how much Serena had been enjoying Ash's affections.
Pikachu broke out in a sweat and shook his head. He reiterated that he hadn't seen anything the two trainers had been doing and he didn't know where these rumors about 'Ash doing a good job' had come from.
As Pikachu said this, I heard Sylveon let out an exasperated sigh and her expression briefly appeared downcast. I frowned and quietly asked her if something was wrong. She sighed and said that it was actually Delphox who had started the rumor about Ash. I was surprised to hear this. Sylveon continued and explained that a few nights after Ash and Serena had nearly joined together she and Delphox had been sleeping in Serena's room and they'd been awoken by their trainer moaning in her sleep.
Sylveon continued and said that they'd moved to Serena's side, worried that she might have been having a nightmare. Serena had started talking in her sleep, saying things like "oh, Ash!" and "I love you, Ash!" Sylveon suddenly looked embarrassed and guilty. She explained that she'd made the mistake of sensing Serena's emotions with her ribbons and discovered that the girl was dreaming of her time on the couch with Ash.
Sylveon blushed and hesitated. She then said that in Serena's dream the two of them hadn't been interrupted by Pikachu and that things were very...
I watched as my love blushed fiercely and mumbled a few more words indicating that in the dream Ash and Serena had successfully completed their union. She then said that in her shock she'd made the mistake of telling Delphox what she'd sensed.
My love looked disheartened and mumbled that the rumors going around about Ash were ultimately her fault. My eyes widened and I quickly rebuked her. I forcefully told her that this wasn't her fault and she shouldn't blame herself.
She looked at me, a surprised expression on her beautiful face. I suddenly felt horrified! Had I really just rebuked the one I loved?!
A moment later she smiled and her expression became happy. She thanked me for my kind words and I suddenly felt as if I could fly like a Jumpluff. My heart swelled with emotion and I told her that she was the kind one; I was just an ordinary Pokémon. She blushed slightly and thanked me again.
My warm thoughts were interrupted by raised voices from a couple of the other Pokémon. I looked over and saw that Delphox and Bayleef had gotten into an argument with Bulbasaur. On one side Delphox and Bayleef were saying that it would have been better if Pikachu hadn't interrupted Ash and Serena while Bulbasaur took the opposite position.
The famed diplomat chastised Delphox and Bayleef for taking human mating so lightly. Humans weren't like Pokémon, Bulbasaur forcefully stated. Where Pokémon sometimes mated for life and at other times joined and then went their separate ways, humans needed to stay together.
As Bulbasaur spoke, I saw my love nod in agreement with the points the grass type was making. I quickly nodded as well even though I didn't have an opinion on the matter.
Bulbasaur said that it took a lot of work to raise a human child and that it was a hard job for two parents, let alone one. Humans couldn't just go off and abandon their young like Pokémon could with their eggs. Their relationships had to be taken seriously.
I saw Bayleef and Delphox appear perturbed and they both barked back at Bulbasaur that everyone wanted Ash and Serena to stay together. They then forcefully made their case that if the two trainers had mated it surely would have brought them closer together. Bayleef especially insisted that if Ash had been allowed to work his 'magic' on Serena, she would never ever want to leave his side... or his bed. Bayleef again prodded Pikachu, urging Ash's buddy to tell everyone that his trainer was not only a Pokémon Master but also a master of love making. Pikachu seemed to visibly deflate and said that he was starting to wish that Team Rocket had captured him.
At this, Sylveon sighed and shook her head. I looked at her, feeling curious as to what was wrong but I said nothing.
Over at the excavation site, I saw Serena suddenly wave her arms wildly to get Ash's attention. The master trainer stopped whatever he was doing and looked where Serena was pointing. I couldn't hear what they were shouting back-and-forth about but it seemed there was an issue with Ash being able to see down into the hole he was digging. A few moments later, Serena moved to the side of the excavation site and began giving hand signals to Ash on what to do.
Bulbasaur was annoyed by Delphox and Bayleef's attitudes. He said that they should wish for their trainers to be better than Pokémon. After all, the humans were the ones who looked after them. Why should their Pokémon seek to lower the human's standards?
Hawlucha abruptly interjected himself and said that he agreed with Bulbasaur. The fighting bird performed a flourish with its wings and then stated that if the humans didn't want to mate with each other until they were officially together, that was a very noble ideal for them to hold.
Delphox rolled her eyes and Bayleef looked mortified. The two of them talked over each other as they came back at Hawlucha but the gist of their rant was that humans were fully capable of mating for recreational purposes and that it would be good for Ash and Serena to experience what it was like to join together.
I watched as my love again appeared conflicted. There was clearly something she held inside herself that she wanted to say but was hesitant to do so.
Now Bulbasaur barked back at the two female Pokémon. He said that they needed to raise their standards for Ash and Serena.
Delphox and Bayleef shouted back and said that Bulbasaur shouldn't be so strict.
I saw my love suddenly tense up and a moment later she shouted for everyone to be silent. I stood in awe of her ability to project herself. She was not only beautiful and kind she was also strong and assertive! She really was the best!
With all eyes on Sylveon she eloquently explained that it was fortunate that Ash and Serena hadn't joined together that night because if they had Serena likely would be carrying a child.
A wave of shock rippled through the Pokémon and many of them mumbled to each other about this new development; all except Bayleef that is.
With her eyes sparkling, the excited grass type shouted that it would have been absolutely wonderful if Ash had put his child inside Serena. She adamantly declared that such a result would have cemented Ash and Serena's relationship forever. She also stated that Ash's prowess in bed surely would have guaranteed a baby. She turned to get conformation from Pikachu but the electric type had vanished from sight.
A great debate broke out among the Pokémon with some thinking that a child for Serena would be a good thing while others thought it best the two trainers wait until they were older to take that responsibility on.
I watched as the opinions flew and then I turned to my love and asked her what she thought.
Sylveon looked conflicted and then told me that Serena had been very relieved that she and Ash hadn't joined together and that she wasn't carrying a child. She then said that she shared her trainer's view on the issue. She said that Ash and Serena would be wonderful parents one day, but they still needed some time to prepare.
Once again, the ways of humans just didn't make sense to me. I trusted my love though and so I agreed wholeheartedly with her.
I looked and saw that the excavation was moving quickly. Ash had already used the machine to dig a fair sized hole and it seemed he and Serena were developing a system for communicating what needed to be done.
More raised voices brought my attention back to the crowd of Pokémon. It seemed a disagreement had broken out between the Pokémon who wished for Serena to produce a daughter versus the Pokémon who would prefer her to produce a son. The argument quickly grew heated and shouting began to ensue.
My love just shook her head and sighed.
Off to the side of the gathering, Lucario had finally wandered in, drawn by the noise and the quickly fraying tempers. Gengar was quick to spot the stoic Pokémon and moved to put a friendly arm around the fighting type's shoulders. With a big grin, the ghost suggested that the other Pokémon could use its assistance in settling a very complex and delicate matter.
With a grunt of determination, the aura Pokémon waded into the midst of the arguing group and loudly asked what in the world was such a big deal. The crowd fell silent, except for Bayleef.
Ash's biggest fan was quick to tell the new arrival exactly what the big deal was.
Lucario's eyes went as big as dinner plates as Bayleef used language which made my love blush to describe the great debate about Ash and Serena mating. When she finished her diatribe, she demanded Lucario give some sort of reply.
The aura Pokémon simply stood completely unmoving as silent seconds ticked by. Because of Lucario's stoic nature and the fact that it viewed Ash and Serena as its parents, it was supremely uncomfortable even listening to a discussion about the two trainers mating. In fact, supremely uncomfortable was a massive understatement of how the Pokémon felt about the issue.
A few of the Pokémon chuckled at Lucario's frozen state whilst Bayleef glowered. She finally barked and nudged Lucario with her large leaf only to see the aura Pokémon suddenly dissolve in nothing before her eyes.
It seemed that at some point during Bayleef's explicit explanation, Lucario had created an image with Double Team and the fled the scene so fast that no one had noticed.
All of the Pokémon erupted in laughter, except for Bayleef, who grumbled about Lucario's prudishness.
Even Sylveon chuckled a bit and I heard her mumble that Bayleef deserved a little humiliation.
Abruptly, I heard his voice call out Sylveon's name. I turned and saw him trotting forward, fur billowing and tail swaying. My throat tightened and my heart ached just like it had when Flareon had first started making overtures to my love.
Sylveon spoke a cordial greeting and smiled as he approached. He looked at me and I could tell he knew what my intentions were. He too desired her but unlike me he wasn't afraid to be bold.
With a glint in his eye, he leered at me and then told my love there was something he needed to say. I wanted to scream but I couldn't. I knew what he was about to do and I was helpless to stop it.
My heart felt as if it had been impaled on the blades of a Weavile. I listened to him spin an elaborate tale of how he'd felt intense feelings for my love for a long time. He said that he was done keeping the feelings to himself. With my stomach churning, I listened to him profess his immense love for Sylveon and his desire to take her as his mate!
I watched my love blush and shyly look at the ground. She hesitated and started to give an answer to my rival. Horror, dismay and agony welled up inside me. I could stand it no further! I shouted for her to wait!
She looked at me with wide eyes and he stared daggers at me. I hesitated and then began reciting the speech I'd rehearsed so many times. I told her how I enjoyed playing with her. I told her how wonderful she was. I told her that I would be honored if she would consider me as a potential suitor.
My love blushed and opened her mouth to reply. My rival didn't give her the chance. He growled and loudly stated that he'd spoken first and that I should take my desires elsewhere.
Fear spiked inside me as I felt him project his strength. My rival possessed attacks which could melt me in an instant. He spent his days training and getting stronger while I spent my time helping others and entertaining the little ones. I wanted to run away but my love gave me strength. I barked back at him and told him I'd know Sylveon for far longer than he had. If anyone was entitled to her it was myself.
Flareon ground his teeth and sparks began to drift out of his fur. I held my ground and bared my teeth too. The air around me began to drop in temperature and small ice crystals formed on my fur.
My rival barked that he wasn't going to let an upstart like me steal the one he loved. I growled that I wouldn't back down. I wouldn't run from his challenge!
My rival's fur billowed out and he planted his feet in an aggressive pose. He said that if I was sure of my desires I should prove them in battle.
I hesitated to meet his challenge. Even though my love was a strong battler I knew her heart belonged to contests and expressions of beauty. Would she view me choosing to engage in conflict with another as a failure on my part? I didn't know and doubt wracked me as I struggled with what I should do.
Suddenly, my love spoke up and said something I'd never expected. We both turned toward her and listened as she stated that it was clear we both had feelings for her. She suggested that we have a battle and that would decide things between us.
My rival grinned fiercely and immediately agreed to a battle. I swallowed and stared at Sylveon. Her face was completely without expression. I stood no chance against my rival in a battle. She had to know that. Had she just cast me aside in favor of him?! Had she just sealed my fate?!
I had to fight! It was my only chance to win my love! I growled and accepted the challenge.
My rival immediately began staring me down and I did the same. We both began gathering our power. This was going to be violent!
Abruptly, Bulbasaur dashed up and held us both at bay with his vines. He shouted for us to stop!
I looked around and saw that many of the other Pokémon had taken notice of our argument over Sylveon. Flareon shouted at Bulbasaur that this was a personal matter and interference wasn't welcome.
The master diplomat agreed with my rival and said that it wasn't trying to interfere. Bulbasaur then pointed out that Ash and Serena were just a short distance away and they would inevitably try to stop any fighting.
My rival glanced at the two humans and sighed. He knew Bulbasaur was right. He looked at me and glared. I knew this wasn't over.
Abruptly, Hawlucha stepped forward and made a suggestion. The fighting bird flourished his wings and said that we could take our conflict to the small arena in the rock Pokémon region. We could have our fight away from Ash and Serena and settle the matter of honor.
I stared my rival down. He growled and I growled but it was Sylveon who spoke first. She said for us to travel to the arena and for us to have our battle.
It took a moment, but we both backed down and started the trek toward the rocky arena. Behind us, the entire gathering of Pokémon followed. It seemed our conflict had captivated everyone.
Ash pulled a control lever and grinned as the excavator scooped another large chunk out of the earth. He swung the machine around and dumped the dirt on the quickly growing pile.
He flashed Serena a smile and she gave him a thumbs up.
"Isn't this great Pikachu!" Ash shouted.
Ash glanced to the side and was surprised to see there was no one there.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Hey, where'd everyone go?"
I paced back and forth on my side of the improvised rocky arena. My rival stood cockily on the other side of the battlefield, basking in the sun and eyeing those who looked on. He barked a few confident statements to the crowd of Pokémon who'd gathered around the depression in the earth. His stride was slow and controlled. He knew he had an immense advantage over me. I gritted my teeth and prepared for the biggest fight of my life. I would not let this arrogant beast take the one who I loved for himself.
I looked to the side of the area and saw Sylveon standing alone atop a large boulder. She could see everything that was happening. I hoped I would make her proud. I prayed that I would be victorious.
A couple Machoke finished removing a few large rocks and the arena was ready. The Pokémon crowded around on the boulders surrounding the flat area and Pikachu hopped down to the arena floor.
I watched and listened as Ash's best buddy pointed at the battlefield and gave the rules of the fight. Anything would be allowed and the winner would be the last one standing.
My rival leered at me from across the field. I glared back. He growled, planted his feet and glowing embers erupted out of his billowing fur.
I matched his pose and growled as well. I summoned my power and the air around me began to mist with icy condensation. I would not let him win!
Pikachu waved his arms and shouted for the battle to begin.
My rival wasted no time and leapt into the air. He declared that my defeat was inevitable and then unleashed a stream of fire in my direction.
I had expected such a move. His overconfidence was sickening. I dashed to the right, avoiding the flame and then closing the distance between us. I breathed in until my lungs could hold no more and then unleashed a torrent of Icy Wind at my foe!
The attack struck but Flareon simply ignited his body and protected himself from the weak attack. I felt fear gnaw at me as my attack failed. Flareon was the one who always worked on battling, I did not.
My foe landed back on the arena floor and taunted me for my weakness. He then accelerated toward me at blinding speed and struck me with an incredibly Quick Attack. Pain burst in my side and I was thrown to the ground. I quickly rose to my feet but he was relentless in his attacks.
My rival charged, screamed aggressively and bit down hard on my midsection. I cried out as his teeth inflicted damage and lancing pain to my body. I was injured, but my arrogant foe had made a mistake. I tapped into the searing cold which resided in the center of my being and sent a freezing wave radiating out through my skin.
I took satisfaction in feeling his saliva freeze and his mouth go numb. He recoiled away from me and I immediately wheeled around to take my shot. I unleashed a hail of swiftly moving, golden stars from my mouth and watched them hammer into his body.
Battling wasn't in my nature but my love for Sylveon drove me forward and I charged toward my foe. Before he could recover I slammed into him, tackling him to the ground in a cloud of dust. He growled angrily and suddenly his tail glowed a bright silver color. I felt a moment of fear and twisted out of the way of his iron hard tail. The tip of his strike glanced along my hindquarters, eliciting searing pain as it easily clove through my blue fur.
My foe breathed in deeply and I could tell he was about to engulf me with fire. While he was still drawing breath, I kicked at the ground and sent a cloud of sand straight into his face. Normally I never would have done something so underhanded, but this was a war and Pikachu had said that anything was allowed.
Flareon gagged on the sand and coughed harshly. He shook his head and I struck again. I threw my shoulder into him, sending him tumbling across the ground. I felt elation rush through me! I would overcome this rival! I would make my love safe!
I reared back and fired another volley of golden stars toward my foe. I watched as he struggled rise to his feet and then suddenly he vanished! My attack struck the ground and I was puzzled for a fraction of a second before he slammed into me without warning. His quickness had allowed him to evade my attack and land a hit.
My face briefly skidded against the ground as I tumbled. I pushed myself to my feet and spit out dirt. My body ached and I felt drained of energy. I looked toward my foe and could tell he was hurt as well. He was used to battling however, and knew how to push beyond normal limits. I only had the power of my love to keep me going.
My rival considered his options and then began dashing around me in a circle. He used his quickness to move faster and faster, becoming a red and yellow blur of speed.
I struggled to keep track of him. I knew he would strike as soon as he spotted a weakness. I suddenly remembered what I and other ice types had once done for fun during a hot summer day. I drew in my power and breathed out a burst of icy breath, causing the ground around me to freeze.
My rival failed to respond in time. I felt satisfaction as I watched him suddenly skid out of control on the ice and begin tumbling across the rocky surface of the arena. He crashed into a rock and let out a cry of agony.
I waited to see if he would get up. I glanced up at Sylveon, hoping that she saw how close I was to victory. Her beautiful face was expressionless and she slightly cocked her head to the side as she looked on. I had to win this battle! I couldn't live without her!
I heard my rival groan and he rose to his feet. He sent a fierce look in my direction and his fur flared out as he channeled his inner fire. He took several measured steps toward me and shouted an insult, calling me an upstart and a weakling. He vowed to burn me to the ground, to make me melt like the ice I'd created.
I steeled myself but before I could act my foe cried out and unleashed a massive Flamethrower which swept toward me. My eyes widened at the sight of the massive conflagration. The frozen ground sizzled as the ice melted and instantly flashed to steam. I lunged out of the path of the inferno but my rival simply doubled his efforts and sent more fire in my direction.
I ran and ran, feeling the hot fire licking the ground around me. Flames curled up the side of the arena and several of the Pokémon watching the fight had to dive for cover. I tried to get away, but another stream of fire lanced across my path. I gritted my teeth and charged through the searing blaze.
I cried out as my fur hissed and crackled from the heat. The pain was horrible and I stumbled the moment I was through the wave of fire. The flames began to abate and I gasped for breath, feeling weak.
I scanned the arena and saw my rival. He was gasping for breath. The massive attack had clearly drained him as well. I stared him down, wondering what he would do. He paused for a moment and then began slowly walking closer to me. I held my ground, bracing for another attack. When he was just a short distance away, he braced himself and let out an aggressive growl.
Rather than attack, my foe began spouting declarations of my imminent defeat. He said that once he vanquished me he would take Sylveon to be his mate! My heart ached at the thought! He continued his verbal assault and told me that he would parade his mate in front of me every day as a reminder of his victory!
Anger and fear spiked inside me. I shouted that I would not let that happen. I told him he wasn't worthy to take someone so fine to be his mate. I promised that my love would never spend one second in his bed. My words had little effect. A cruel grin spread across his face and he told me that he would visit me each day to describe in detail his latest conquest of Sylveon. He promised to tell me of the sweet and wonderful feminine splendor that I would never get to experience.
Disgust and horror filled my soul. I shouted at him and used foul language to rebuke his anatomy. I lunged at him but he simply dodged to the side. He dashed forward and violently slammed into me. I ignored the pain and kicked at him with my legs. My blows were weak but they forced him backward. I unleashed another stream of golden stars and they hammered him back further.
In the middle of the barrage, my enemy summoned his flame and sent a powerful stream toward me, incinerating my attack and forcing me to jump to safety. As I landed on my feet, I suddenly felt very heavy and sluggish. My energy was drained. I had little left to fight with. My foe leered in my direction with a hungry expression. He still had strength left in his reserves. He knew his victory was near. He taunted me and then slowly began breathing in the air he needed to make his final attack.
I knew I couldn't go on. I only had this one chance to save my love from an unthinkable fate. I knew my arsenal was insufficient to defeat him but I remembered seeing the other stronger ice Pokémon use an amazing attack. I dug down deep inside myself to find my strength and power. I felt a surge of freezing cold and I channeled it through my body, focusing it into a brilliant sphere of bright blue energy.
I let out a loud cry and unleashed a beam of icy energy just as my opponent sent an inferno in my direction. The two devastating attacks met in an explosive collision of fire and ice. I poured everything I had into the beam! I HAD TO WIN!
The air sizzled and snapped as steam filled the arena. The beam of ice held the fire at bay and then began to push the wall of flame back toward Flareon. I WAS WINNING! I screamed louder and pushed the attack forward with all my will. Then, like a battery drained of its charge, I felt the source of cold inside me run out and my attack abruptly disintegrated.
Dismay overtook me as I realized that I'd lost! I tried to leap out of the way of the oncoming fireball but my legs refused to respond. My body simply had nothing left. I cried out in fear and searing hot fire engulfed me.
My fur charred and my skin burned. I was tossed backward by the impact of the flames. I spun through the air, feeling my body blister. I slammed hard into the ground. Fire continued to pour over me, roasting me for what felt like an eternity until the flames finally dissipated. Smoke rose from my body and the acrid smell of my burnt fur filled my nostrils.
I opened my eyes and the first sight I saw was my love, standing high on her boulder, her appearance stunning and beautiful in the midday sun. I realized that I couldn't give up! I had to fight! I had to win! I pushed beyond what was physically possible, planted my feet on the ground and on shaky limbs I began to rise.
I then heard my rival shout my name. I looked toward him and saw him charging toward me at full speed, his tail glowing bright silver. That heartless fiend!
I tried to resist but I couldn't. He swung his body around with practiced precision and slammed the attack straight into my underbelly. I felt as if I was going to be split in half. Pain and agony racked me as I flew through the air. I flipped head-over-heels once and then saw that I was flying straight toward a large boulder in the arena wall. There was nothing I could do! I felt a massive impact and everything went black!
Serena moved along the edge of the large hole, using hand signals to tell Ash what do to. The excavation was going better than she could have imagined. They might be able to get it all done in one day!
Ash worked the controls of the large machine and scooped another large chunk of earth out of the hole. Managing the machine was hectic and stressful but he loved it! He lifted the boom out of the hole and began to swing it over to the huge pile of dirt.
At that moment, there was a flash of light from the direction of the rock Pokémon area and a cloud of white smoke began to rise. Ash briefly turned his attention in that direction.
"Hey! Is someone fighting!" he shouted to no one in particular.
Before he could do anything, Serena screamed at the top of her lungs.
"ASHHH! WATCH IT!"
Ash glanced back and saw that he was about to swing the boom arm into the large pile of dirt. His face twisted into a look of consternation and he quickly stopped the movement of the excavator.
Serena breathed a sigh of relief and shouted again.
"STAY FOCUSED!"
Ash nodded to her and smiled sheepishly. "Yes dear," he said playfully.
A pungent aroma awakened me from sleep. I gagged and gasped for breath. A moment later I felt racking pain throughout my body. I cried out and then whimpered weakly. My eyes fluttered open and I saw Bulbasaur standing a couple paces away with a grim expression on his face. One of his vines was extended and positioned just beneath my nose. It was covered with a strong smelling version of his sweet scent. I'd seen him use this technique to wake up unconscious Pokémon. The master diplomat spoke some words of sympathy and said that I'd fought well. He also expressed that he would have preferred that I had won. I struggled to answer him but every movement was painful. I was lying on my side atop the rocky ground and I barely had the strength to move my head.
At that moment, I heard the arrogant crowing of my rival as he celebrated his victory. Bulbasaur sighed and I felt terrible. I saw Sylveon jump down from her perch and begin walking across the arena. She still had no expression whatsoever on her face. Flareon saw his prize approaching and abruptly stopped his boasting. He sauntered up to my love and I felt an agony fill my heart which was far worse than the pain racking my body. I wanted the darkness to take me again! I wanted the earth to swallow me up! I wanted to die!
Flareon boldly approached the fairy type and prepared to snuggle up against her soft body. As he closed to within two paces of her, Sylveon suddenly turned her head to face him and then abruptly stopped him in his tracks with a flick of her ribbons and a sharp rebuke.
My rival's mouth fell open and he looked utterly shocked. My pain disappeared and I suddenly felt a spark of hope. I listened as he stated that he had clearly won and that Sylveon had agreed to go with him. Sylveon glared at him and firmly reminded him that she'd never agreed to go with anyone and that the battle would only decide things.
I felt confused and judging by my rival's expression, he was too. He asked for an explanation and Sylveon promptly and bluntly gave him one. She said that she'd watched how he'd acted and fought. She'd seen him be cruel and ruthless. She'd heard him level taunts and then observed him mercilessly attack a downed opponent. She then began needling him with the statement that she'd long suspected that he'd possessed these flaws and that this battle had only confirmed it to her. She made a forceful declaration that she would never want to take a mate who was so unkind and heartless. Her final words to him were an adamant guarantee that he would certainly never experience her feminine splendor.
Flareon was frozen like a statue. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung open. Sylveon turned away from him and then began walking toward me! Even in my exhausted state my heart began to race. I tried to get up, but I simply couldn't. I weakly raised my head and mumbled a greeting to my love as she stopped just a step away from my prone form.
My love looked me over, moving her head and scanning my injuries with her beautiful eyes. She then met my gaze and said that I was an exceptionally brave and strong Pokémon. My heart leapt and I began to wonder if I'd actually died and this was simply the perfect afterlife we all yearned for one day. Sylveon continued and said that I'd battled well against hopeless odds. She'd seen just how much I'd wanted to win her heart. She'd seen me act with honor even when it was detrimental to me. She then raised an eyebrow and said that she didn't approve of foul language but she was willing to excuse it because of the horrible things Flareon had said.
I felt as if my insides were melting due to the warmth blooming inside my heart. My eyes started to tear up as happiness beyond description washed over me. A subtle smiled formed on my love's face and she quietly said that she'd held a high opinion of me ever since I'd come to help out Serena and Delia. She then blushed slightly and said that she'd enjoyed the many times we'd played together.
I felt complete elation flood through me! I again felt as if I could fly like a Jumpluff! I honestly wished I could fly as currently I didn't even posses the ability to sit up.
My love looked me over again and then softly and politely asked if she could sense my feelings. My eyes went wide and I felt both nervous and excited. I nodded and gave her permission, hoping that she would understand how I felt.
I watched as Sylveon smiled and then gently laid a pair of her ribbons across my body. She concentrated for a moment and then suddenly her eyes went wide with surprise. She softly piped in shock and a single tear suddenly ran from her left eye. She looked at me with an expression of wonder and she held that look for what felt like an eternity. I waited and waited. What would be my fate?
Abruptly, she withdrew her ribbons and took a step back from me. She scrunched up her face in concentration and I felt worried beyond description that just I'd been rejected. Then, my love tilted her head back and let out an amazingly melodious sound that filled the arena with invigorating energy. I watched as healing pulses radiated out from her amazing form. It was an ability she shouldn't have been able to perform but something had motivated her to push beyond normal boundaries.
The healing waves washed over me and I felt my injuries begin to mend. My skin healed, my pain reduced and my energy returned. After a few seconds of bathing in the wonderful aura I pushed myself to my feet and looked in wonder at my love. She was truly the most amazing and beautiful creature to ever exist!
She finished her impossible move and steadied herself. She looked at me and smiled. She then invited me to return with her to the excavation site. I happily agreed!
I walked side-by-side with her. We bounded up out of the arena and headed for the excavation site.
As I left I could hear the sobbing of my rival. His heart was broken while mine was full. I smiled! All was right in the world!
As Sylveon, Glaceon and the rest of the Pokémon left the arena, Hawlucha slowly made his way down to Flareon. The noble bird spoke a few words of sympathy and told the young fire type that there would be many chances for love in his future.
Flareon moaned and declared that there would never be anyone as pure and beautiful as Sylveon. She would forever hold his heart. He said that his life was over and his reason to live was gone.
Hawlucha laid a compassionate hand on Flareon's back and then quietly said that he shouldn't give up so quickly. The bird then stated that there was a very young, newly evolved female Espeon who'd been eyeing him the entire match. Hawlucha said that he suspected she might be interested in him.
Immediately, the heartbroken Flareon bounced to his feet and looked up at the rocks surrounding the arena. He spotted the sleek and seductive lilac form of the psychic type partially hiding behind a large rock. She undulated her body in a sensuous fashion and then slowly slipped out of sight.
Flareon's eyes went wide! He cried out and dashed after the new desire of his heart.
Hawlucha stood and watched the sight of Flareon disappearing over the small ridge. He then started into an elegant and poetic ballad on the fickleness of young love. He made many flourishes and poses as he told of how hot the blood could run and how fast the heart could turn.
Half way through his tale he looked around and realized that he was the only one in the arena. Hawlucha scoffed at how the others had such short attention spans and then began his own trek to the excavation site.
The horizon had dimmed to a shade of very dark blue and the first stars had begun to shine in the night sky above. A pile of wood was burning in a crackling fire and two sets of marshmallows were slowly roasting above the blaze, eventually turning a delicious golden brown.
Ash and Serena sat near the fire and pulled in their cooking sticks so they could retrieve their sticky and sweet prizes. They chuckled playfully and squished the white, sugary blobs between chocolate and graham crackers. They loved making s'mores and after a hard day's work, this was a well deserved treat.
They scooted close to each other and began to munch on the snacks while eyeing the other. Even though spring had arrived, the nights could still get cold and they pulled a large blanket over their shoulders, sharing their warmth and increasing their feeling of closeness.
They finished the first set of s'mores and began roasting a second set of marshmallows over the fire. As they did this, they looked toward the large hole in the ground which Ash had dug. Even though it was just a hole, both of them saw it as representing something much, much more. This was their future. This was where they would one day live together.
"So, what do you think?" Ash asked abruptly.
Serena blinked and looked puzzled. "Of what?" she replied.
Ash grinned. "Of the view where we're building the house?" he said.
Serena smiled subtly and looked around. Even though she'd examined the area surround the excavation site dozens of times during the day her eyes began to sparkle as she imagined the future. She could see herself exiting the house, ready to begin a day of work. She could envision planting a garden and growing countless flowers. She could see herself standing in the upstairs nursery, looking out a window while gently rocking her newborn baby in her arms.
Serena started to get choked up and had to swallow before she spoke. "It's really wonderful," she said in an emotional whisper. "Your house is gonna be amazing Ash!"
Ash's eyes started to sparkle and he spoke in a warm, loving tone. "Our house," he said simply.
Serena's heart skipped a beat. "Our house," she breathed, mirroring Ash's tone.
Underneath the covers, their free hands moved toward each other and clasped together. They interlaced their fingers and smiled as warm feelings blossomed inside their chests. They held hands until the next batch of marshmallows was golden brown and then reeled in their sweet treats.
They munched down on the s'mores and chuckled as they looked at each other's faces. Both of them had small bits of white, sticky marshmallow surrounding their mouths.
Serena giggled and then leaned toward Ash. "You've got a little bit stuck to your face," she said with a grin. A moment later, she used her mouth to 'clean' a bit of marshmallow off of her boyfriend's upper lip.
Both of them blushed a little and Ash eyed Serena's face.
"Looks like you've got some too," he said.
"Mmmm," Serena hummed, nodding slowly.
Ash leaned toward Serena and used his tongue and lips to 'clean' part of Serena's face. Once he was done, he pulled back and looked into her beautiful, blue eyes.
"Did you get it?" Serena asked in a low syrupy voice.
Ash shrugged playfully. "Some of it," he replied.
Serena took on a playfully shy posture. "Well, you don't want to leave a job halfway finished, do you?" she whispered.
Ash licked his lips, leaned toward Serena and set to working thoroughly 'cleaning' his girlfriend's face. They giggled and moaned softly as the two lovers exchanged affection. Eventually, every bit of marshmallow was licked and sucked from Serena's face.
Serena wiped at her mouth and looked at Ash. "Okay, now I'll do you," she whispered with a gleam in eye.
Ash chuckled as Serena leaned close to begin her 'work.'
The marshmallow was soon all gone but the two of them continued thoroughly 'cleaning' each other's faces for several very long and wonderful minutes.
The night sky turned inky black, the stars came out and the fire began to die down. Ash and Serena sat together for nearly an hour, whispering plans for the future and nuzzling against each other. Eventually, they stood up, performed one last check for any remaining marshmallow bits and then headed back to their separate homes.
I was finally alone with my love! It had taken all evening for me to find the opportunity but at last I was standing some distance away from the others with her at my side. We stood on a small rise which gave a view of the reserve and let us enjoy the full moon which was rising in front of us.
I knew Sylveon loved the moon and I hoped this moment would make her happy. I also hoped that maybe I could invite her to spend some time with me tomorrow. I worked up my courage and told her how wonderful the view was. She smiled and agreed with me. My heart leapt and I felt a moment of intense conflict. I wanted to say more kind words but I was so afraid. Everything was so wonderful, I didn't want to ruin the moment with an ill thought out comment.
Then, I watched as my love closed her beautiful eyes, spread out her ribbons and let out a soft cry. A moment later, a shower of shining, pink sparks began to spread outward from her, creating a magical shimmering light in the night air. In the past, I had seen my love practice her contest moves and knew she was capable of amazing feats of beauty, but this was beyond compare. My eyes filled with tears of happiness as my heart swelled with emotion.
I couldn't contain my feelings. I spoke up and told her that the beauty of this night paled in comparison to her radiance! I said that I could watch her bask in the light of the moon for hours and hours.
She blushed and looked a little embarrassed. She then used her sweet melodic voice to weave a poem which told the tale of two friends long apart who finally came together under the light of a harvest moon.
I knew my love was amazing but I had no idea she was a wordsmith as well. I also had no idea that she possessed such feelings for me but the words of her poem had just confessed this secret of her heart. My heart filled with warmth, my soul burned with fire. I piped up; speaking in a shaky and joyful voice, telling her that nothing would make me happier than to be her mate.
Sylveon raised her eyebrows and then smiled kindly. I suddenly realized that the words she'd spoken hadn't been an admission of love for me! I felt horrified but before I could make a fool of myself, my love told me that we'd have to spend some time together before she would agree to be my mate.
I froze in place as if the icy power contained within my body had just overcome me. I looked into her smiling face and realized that she'd just agreed to let me court her. My love and just accepted my affections!
I shouted my happiness and jumped like a newly hatched Eevee. I pranced around, unable to contain my joy. My love softly giggled and watched my celebration. Once I'd finished my romp, I turned to look at her and thanked her for being so wonderful. She nodded kindly and thanked me for the compliment.
Suddenly, her trainer's voice echoed across the field.
"Sylveon! It's time to go!" Serena called from some distance away.
I looked toward my love. Normally I would have been sad at her leaving but now I had the promise that we would be together again. We would continue this path together. Maybe, we would walk that path forever!
Sylveon looked toward her trainer and at Delphox and Pancham. She glanced at me, bid me goodbye and then began to prance away. I watched her go, feeling like I could melt into a puddle of warm and mushy emotions. My insides bubbled with giddiness and joy. Suddenly, my love stopped! She turned on a heel and dashed toward me.
I was surprised by her action and I called out, asking if there was something wrong. She said everything was fine and that she just needed to do something her trainer had taught her. I asked what it was but before I could receive an answer she closed to within one step of me and wrapped her ribbons around my front half. Before I knew what had happened, I felt my love's lips on mine and suddenly the entire world became a paradise where no wrong could happen and no sadness existed. I floated like a Drifblim on billowing gusts of warm affection.
My love released me from her tender embrace. She blushed, thanked me and then quickly dashed away into the night.