Dark Encounter

The next morning, Max was abruptly awakened by a loud squeak. Raising his head in surprise, Max looked around to find where the noise was coming from. Unable to see it directly, Max then looked around the bed to see Dusk lying on the ground, rubbing her back a bit painfully.

"Dusk? What are you doing there?" asked Max with his head above her.

{You… kind of pushed me there, m-master.} she said a bit shyly.

"Really?" Max said, a bit dumbfounded.

Looking around, Max noticed he was indeed at the edge of the bed where Dusk should be.

"Oh shit! I'm so sorry Dusk." Max apologized, now feeling bad.

{It's okay master. I've already felt worse. Besides, I think it was time to wake up anyway.} Dusk said while pointing at the window.

Turning around, Max saw that the sun has risen a bit over the horizon.

"I guess you're right. I'm still sorry though. It's kind of rare that I move in my sleep."

{You didn't sleep well?} asked Scarlet as she was sitting up on the bed next to him.

"I don't know. I don't dream a lot, so the night kind of passed in a flash for me. I don't feel particularly tired though." Max said, facing Scarlet.

{As for me, I do.} complained May.

Behind Scarlet, Max then saw May and Bonny sitting next to each other, with the lopunny stretching while yawning.

"Oh, right," Max said, remembering that she usually slept on his chest. "Sorry if I made your night a bit… eventful."

{It was actually. After the tenth time, I had to go with Bonny that was away from you.} said May, a bit upset.

"I'm sorry girls." Max apologized again.

{Don't worry about me master. I'm quite used to being, let's say… mishandled.} Bonny said, slightly lewdly.

"Good morning to you too," Max said.

At this point, Max was taking Bonny's perverted thoughts as greetings.

(Is it me, or has Bonny become naughtier than you?) Max thought to Scarlet while lying on his back again.

[I think she has.] Scarlet said, not very interested in the topic.

(Do you think her heat cycle could be close?)

[That's quite unlikely since you mate with her a lot. Her mating season however could be a valid guess.]

(What's the difference?)

[Heat cycle is the lack of male semen in them while they are at the climax of their fertility. Mating season however is something like, well, seasons, and can't be avoided. Some pokemon have a predetermined period where all the females go into estrus at the same time and seek males. Technically, it's pretty much the same thing, but the last one keeps going on until the female gets pregnant.]

(Hmm.) thought Max, not sure if he should be thrilled or cautious about this.

[But honestly, to me, she's not that different than usual.]

(Yeah, maybe I'm just imagining things.)

[That wouldn't be a first.]

(That wulnd bee a furst aggbahbga.) Max thought, attempting a retarded version of Scarlet.

Raising an eyebrow, Scarlet then used her powers to make Max fall on the ground, right next to Dusk.

"… Ow." He said while having his face on the ground.

{Master? What are you doing there?} Scarlet mocked while going for the teen-like position on her belly at the edge of the bed.

"I think I fell from the bed. Good thing the floor was there to break my fall." Max said sarcastically, not moving.

{Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that.} She innocently said with a huge grin.

"Thanks for your concern. Really appreciate it."

{No problem master. I have a quick question though.}

"Yes?"

{How long do you plan on smelling the floor?}

"As long as I please. Why?"

{Because we have a road to take, remember?}

"… True," Max said before rolling onto his back.

{Wonderful. I'll go get all of us food before we leave. See you in a moment.} Scarlet said before teleporting away.

"Pfff, but I don't want to get up," Max whined while rolling towards Dusk and hugging her like a teddy bear.

{M-master?} Dusk said, a bit surprised.

"You're so comfy Dusk. Your fur is so soft." He said while shoving his head in her fur and nuzzling her.

{Humm… not that I don't like it master, b-but Scarlet is kind of right. We can't stay here forever.} the braixen said shyly.

"Why not?"

{Well… hem…} Dusk hesitated, unable to retort anymore.

{Master, you either get up or we will make you.} Bonny said, lying on her belly at the edge of the bed as well.

"You can't," Max answered, almost provoked.

{You think so? Okay, girls, I think master needs some motivation to get up.}

"Motivation?" Max questioned, a bit perplexed while looking at Bonny.

{I think a morning rape would do the trick, right girls?} She said with a hungry face while looking at the others.

As he saw May and Bonny jumping from the bed, Max's eyes widened before quickly sitting up.

"Alright, alright, I'm up. No need to be unreasonable here."

{Tsk, what a shame. I hate it when you're cooperative.} Bonny said, a bit disappointed while crossing her arms.

"I love you girls, but three at the same time in the morning would be a bit too much. Especially if Scarlet is not here to help me."

{Then get your lazy ass off that floor before I grab it and do whatever I want with it.}

"Wow. That sounded a bit gay." Max replied while standing up.

{Yeah, I admit. It kind of came out wrong.} Bonny added, slightly embarrassed.

"You can do whatever with the rest, however," Max said, now on his backpack to get his clothes.

{Noted.} Bonny said with a grin.

{I'm not sure if that was the smartest thing to say to her, master.} May warned, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Meh, I trust her. Surely she won't take it too literally." Max said, starting to dress up.

{Of course not master. I'll never do anything inappropriate to you.} She said before saying 'Not true' only with her lips towards the others behind Max's back, making them giggle.

"See?"

{Hm, I guess I'm worried for nothing.} May replied, playing along.

After a moment, Max was fully dressed.

"Alright, time to-"

While walking towards the bed, Max then noticed that Aurora was still sleeping on the armchair.

(She's still sleeping through all the noise?) thought Max.

Getting closer so he didn't wake her up, Max's heart almost melted when he saw her holding the same pillow as yesterday like a teddy bear.

"Aww, isn't she cute," Max whispered.

After a moment, Max then had to mentally slap himself to stop staring at her like a maniac. Getting on his knees, Max put a hand over one of her shoulders and gently shook her up.

"Wake up Aurora, it's morning."

Not responding, Max then shook a bit harder. Max was then happy to see that it worked when she finally opened her eyes slowly.

{Huh? What… is going on?} she said, half present.

"It's morning and time to wake up," said Max.

After taking a moment to come to her senses, Aurora looked at Max. Another moment later, she noticed how close he was.

{What the… get away from me you creep.} she said angrily while quickly sitting up and pushing his hand away.

"Good morning to you too."

{I knew I shouldn't have slept next to you, already trying to get a piece of me.} she said while brushing off the fur where Max's hand was.

"How many times do I have to tell you that I'll never do that."

{Hmpf. Whatever you say, you sick pokemon molester.} she said before sitting normally in the armchair.

{You know Aurora…} Bonny started to say, sitting at the bottom end of the bed. {Always hearing you talking about master trying to rape you or touch you inappropriately, I'm starting to think that, in fact, maybe you want that to happen.}

{What? That must be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my entire life, and probably in my other ones too.} she aggressively protested.

{Really now? You seem to defend that point a bit too much, in my opinion.}

{You know where you can shove that opinion of yours?} Aurora snarled to Bonny.

{Want to do it yourself?} Bonny said provocatively.

"Girls! Geez Aurora, can you pass a single second without jumping at everyone's throat?"

{Oh, she's the one that says stupid shit to me and I'm the one that is being blamed?}

"Well… she sure did and it wasn't very nice Bonny." Max said before glaring at Bonny, at which she only answered with a 'Hmpf' while looking away. "But it's not a way to act with others." Scolded Max.

After staring at Max defiantly, Aurora growled a bit before pushing him aside so she could get off of the armchair and goes to his belt where she took her pokeball.

{Well put me back in there then since I can't behave with others.} she madly said before throwing it at Max, with him barely able to catch it.

"Aurora, that's not what I meant-"

{I don't care. Just put me back in there already so I don't have to see your faces anymore.} she angrily said while crossing her arms.

Max didn't know if it was just obvious or because of being with Scarlet that much, but Max could swear that he sensed sadness coming from her.

"… Alright then." Max complied before putting her back in her capsule, knowing that it was probably the best for her for now.

{Geez, someone woke up from the wrong foot this morning.} commented Bonny.

"And whose fault do you think it is?" said Max a bit coldly.

{Please, I just stated a possibility. She didn't have to break a fuse about it.} Bonny said, a bit annoyed.

"You know how sensitive she can be. From now on, I would really appreciate it that you keep that kind of commentary to yourself."

{Rah, fine. Whatever.} said Bonny a bit arrogantly, hating to be scolded.

"You know I don't like giving that kind of speech, but what I hate even more is a dysfunctional family."

{If she could be a bit more honest with herself, maybe she wouldn't always be on edge.} retorted Bonny, still a bit upset.

"Slowly but surely, she's starting to lose her shell. It was a first that she slept with us."

{Yeah, and look how it went.}

"That's probably the only way she knows to evacuate some sort of anxiety. She had been abandoned by a trainer once, so she must be terrified that it will happen again."

{I was abandoned too, and you don't see me whining about it.}

"Yeah, but not by a trainer."

{No, by my own parents, which is surely less bad indeed.} angrily and sarcastically said, Bonny.

"… Sorry. Didn't mean to say it that way." Max apologized.

{Whatever. But what about May then?}

"Well…" Max started, looking at the puzzled mawile. "The only explanation is that she's exceptional." He continued while putting her on his lap, making her smile. "She's the optimistic type and has a naïve nature after all."

{To be honest master, I didn't start trusting you in two days. It took me a while before completely doing so.} said May.

"Glad you did. It takes a very long time for trust to be constructed, but it takes a fraction of a second to be destroyed."

{To me, she's not the exceptional one, you are master.} said, Bonny.

"Doesn't look like everyone thinks the same way as you," said Max, petting May.

{In no way I could care less about them.} retorted Bonny.

"If you say so. Still, she managed to give me a chance, even after what a human did to her."

{I love when you praise me master, but Bonny is more or less right. I know I'm cute and all, but you're indeed someone special.} said May.

"How can you tell?"

{I don't know. I just… feel it.}

"You just feel it?" repeated Max, raising an eyebrow.

{It's the same for me master. It's hard to explain. It's just… that way, that's all.} Bonny agreed.

"And yet, it's the complete opposite with humans. Maybe I'm just good with pokemon."

{Hehe, maybe you're a pokemon in the skin of a human.} Bonny joked, chuckling.

"Yeah, sure," said Max, laughing a bit. "What will it be after? That I'm the chosen one, blessed by the one and only Arceus who gave me superpowers or some kind of task?"

{Haha, that would be heavy stuff.} commented Bonny, laughing.

"Eh, more cliché than that you're in a very poorly written horror movie."

{What's a horror movie?} Bonny asked, wondering what he was talking about.

"A human thing. When it's well done, it's a pretty fun thing to watch. If you can stand seeing humans being sliced in two that is."

{That sounds horrible.} Dusk said, not liking the sound of that.

{I kind of agree with Dusk. Where is the fun in watching humans being sliced?} asked Bonny, not getting the idea.

"Honestly, I don't really know myself. I guess it helps humans to expulse their bad sides and emotions by seeing a human being k… well, heavily mistreated." Max explained, not waiting to say the K-word.

{Humans are weird.} commented Bonny.

"And so are pokemon."

{Less than you.} retorted Bonny playfully.

"I don't think so."

For a little while, Max and Bonny were bickering with each other when Scarlet finally appeared in the room with five plates filled with food for their respective owner.

"Welcome back, love," Max said.

{Thanks.} She said before giving the plates to everyone.

Scarlet then looked around for a moment.

{Is Aurora out again?}

"No, she's in her pokeball."

{Oh. Personally, I don't care that much, but maybe you should let her out so she could eat.}

"… Alright."

Putting his plate on the bed, Max then grabbed Aurora's pokeball again to let her out.

{What is it again?} she angrily said when she was out.

"Nothing." He simply said before handing a meat-filled plate towards her.

{… I don't need your charity.}

At this point, Max knew that she would use everything he said against him while mad, so he stayed silent while still presenting the plate to her.

{Whatever.} She growled before taking the plate and going to her corner to eat it in peace.

Due to the quite heavy atmosphere, they all ate pretty much in silence. When they were done, Scarlet gathered the plates so she could wash them with her powers.

"Are you done with your meal?" Max asked Aurora that still had her plate.

{Looks like it. You can take it back.} She said before throwing the plate at him.

Before the plate could hit him, Scarlet stopped it with her psychic power. Not even fazed, Max stopped Scarlet who was wanting to go at her. Not saying anything after glaring at the lucario, Scarlet washed her plate as well before putting all of them in Max's backpack.

"Well, girls, time to leave."

With his team agreeing, Max put everyone in their pokeball except for Aurora, wanting to ask her something first.

"Still want to come with us?"

{I'm not the kind to go back on my word. Unfortunately, I was stupid enough to say that I wanted to go with you. I guess I have no choice now.} She said with her usual haughty tone.

"… If it's your wish," said Max before pointing the pokeball towards her.

{Finally.} She said before disappearing inside it.

{Is it me or has she grown more hostile towards you?} Scarlet asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. We kind of scolded her earlier when you were gone."

{Hm, knowing you, she probably deserved it.}

"Whether she did or not, that didn't help our relationship."

{Well, what do you want master? Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Let's go.} She said before getting near the door.

"… Alright." He said after looking at Aurora's pokeball for a moment.

After they left the room, Max and Scarlet went to the entrance hall counter.

"Good morning. Did you have a good night?" politely asked the man behind it.

"Yes. The bed was very comfy and the shower was spacious."

At that, Max almost cursed himself for almost saying too much.

"… Yeah, I often get that comment. Looks like most of the other hotels have showers that are way too small"

"Maybe," said Max, relieved from not being discovered.

After a few calculations, the receptionist raised his head again.

"That will be $25"

"Is it that cheap?"

"Customers are kinda rare around here. So we must lower the price to attract more of them."

"Fair enough." Max agreed while handing him the money.

"Thank you. Have a good day sir and we hope to see you again."

"Thanks," Max said before nodding and leaving the building. "Back on track again then," he added before he and Scarlet resumed their travel.

As they were passing through the village, Max was quite glad to see that no one was staring at them suspiciously anymore, Scarlet even more. While they were out, everything went well until nighttime fell.

"Damn. How big is this forest?" Max wondered as he was looking at the darkening sky.

{I don't know. Our world is quite a wild one master, so expect to see a lot of trees.} Scarlet said, looking around.

"Something wrong?" asked Max, wondering why she was doing her weathercock.

{Honestly, I don't know. For a while now, the sensation of being watched comes back from time to time. It's really starting to annoy me.}

"Really?" Max said, looking around as well. "I don't feel anything."

{Only those who have even a slightly wild side can feel that kind of thing. Also, I'm guessing that pokemon senses are better than humans.}

"… Well, it's getting dark, so we don't really have a choice to stop anyway."

{… Yeah. I think we should take turns on guard tonight.}

"Really? You're worried that much?"

{I'm just thinking about your safety master. I may be strong, but there are still some dangerous and sneaky pokemon that can get past my psychic vigilance. But if I add my eyes with it, I double the efficiency.}

"'sigh'. Alright, if it reassures you."

{It will.}

"Let's find a safe spot then. Oh, and with a water source nearby, if possible."

{Alright. It could take a while before you find what we're looking for if we wander in the woods, so I'm gonna scout the area very quickly.}

"Sure. It will indeed be faster, but how will you do it? I mean, it won't change much if you're alone."

Raising an eyebrow, Scarlet then began to float higher than usual.

{I can control my own gravity, remember?}

"Ah, true. I never really see you flying, so it kind of slipped from my mind."

{While I'm gone, can you take out one of the team? I want to be sure that you're protected while I'm not around.}

"Sure thing," Max said, taking out Bonny's pokeball.

{Good. Be back in a moment.} Scarlet said before starting to fly above the forest.

When she was out of sight, Max then released Bonny.

{Night already? Damn, it's like dinner was just a moment ago.}

"Is it that much fun inside the pokeball?"

{Not really. It's just an empty fake forest. There is not much to do in there besides napping and getting lost in your thoughts.}

"Sounds boring."

{A bit, but it's relaxing. That permanent safety feeling makes you able to release all tensions you may have accumulated.}

"Good to know that I'm doing a kind of enslavement."

{I would have told you if I didn't like it. Besides, it prevents me from walking while moving from place to place.}

"Lazy Bonny strikes again," said Max, rolling his eyes with a smile.

{What? I'm sure you would do the same if our roles were inverted.}

"Maybe. To be honest, I wouldn't say no to a nice motorcycle."

{What is that?}

"A two-wheeled human vehicle."

{Oh. Why don't you get one then?}

"Too expensive and I never rode one."

{Fair enough.}

A moment later, Scarlet then appeared from above the woods before descending towards Max.

"Did you find anything?"

{Yup. There's a water stream over there.} said Scarlet, pointing towards a direction. {A couple of minutes of walking and we should be there.}

"Cool," Max said before he and Bonny began to follow Scarlet.

After walking for a little while, they arrived at a clear spot next to a water stream.

"Perfect," said Max as he put his backpack down.

While Scarlet took care of the tent, Max then released his team.

"Alright girls, Scarlet is a bit worried about this part of the woods, so she suggested that we take turns on guard, just in case."

{Really now?} Bonny complained. {No one would be stupid enough to attack us with the five of us.}

{I don't want to take any chances.} Scarlet said, almost done with the tent, with what Bonny sighed.

{Anyway, you mean the four of you. Don't count me in.} Aurora said before turning around to leave.

"Did you hear what I said? Scarlet said that these woods aren't safe. I would really like it if you could stay with us."

{Why?}

"Because I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

{I can take care of myself. Besides, I can't behave with the others, remember?} She said a bit arrogantly.

"I never-"

{Just leave me alone, okay? I can't even take a breath without you being on my back. The others may like it, but I don't like being harassed.}

"… Fine, do as you want then," Max said, a bit tired of her attitude.

{Oh, I will.} She retorted madly before leaving them.

Sighing heavily, Max then went to a tree close by and sat under it.

{We'll get everything for the night master. Just stay there and relax.} Scarlet proposed.

"Thanks, Scarlet." Max thanked, resting his head against the tree with closed eyes.

{Care to stay with him, May?}

{Sure.} answered the little mawile.

{Alright. Let's go girls.} Scarlet commanded with Bonny and Dusk following her.

When they were out of sight, May then slowly approached Max.

{May I… be with you?} asked May a bit shyly, not sure if she should be affectionate.

Turning his head and opening his eyes, Max saw May with a worried face.

"… Of course you can, May." He said before grabbing her and placing her in his lap.

For a short moment, May just sat there, not speaking until she felt Max petting her.

{She made you sad again, huh?} May said, a bit upset.

"No, she didn't make me sad. I just… don't know how to approach her anymore. Maybe I should just give up on her. Obviously, she doesn't like me and it looks like it won't change. I think being abandoned by that human scarred her more than I thought."

{Hmpf, if she wants to stop at that, it's her problem.}

"Whether I agree with that or not, it won't change much of a thing."

{… At least you have four pokemon out of five that love you.} said May, cheering him up.

"Hehe, true, and that's a good average." Max happily replied, petting May on her sweet spot with her pushing her head in his hand.

{Is… doing it with me going to help you feel better?} May proposed.

"Sorry May. I really love you, but I'm not really in the mood right now."

{Oh, okay. Sorry for asking.} May said, feeling a bit guilty for asking something like that.

"Don't be May. I know you only mean well and that you're just too sweet and kind. Actually, I'm glad you asked since you're being more open to it, but sometimes, the moment isn't always suitable for it."

{I understand.}

"Maybe later, sweety," Max told before kissing the top of her head.

{Alright. I'll be waiting for you.} May replied, cheered up.

"My my, how nice of you," Max said after chuckling a bit.

A moment later, Scarlet and the others were back with all the stuff they needed. When the night had pretty much fallen, they were all on a big trunk in front of the crafted campfire that Bonny had found not far from there. After eating, they were enjoying being together and close to the warmth of the fire.

{So master. Have you thought about a strategy about beating that gym leader?} Asked Scarlet.

"Not yet. He or she will be a water-type pokemon trainer, so I'm afraid Dusk will be a no-go, sorry.} Max said, looking at his braixen.

{It's okay master. I don't especially want to fight water-type pokémon anyway.} She said, reassuring him.

{Anyway, one of us has to take her place since it's always a three-on-three.} Bonny told.

"I'm not sure Aurora will be cooperative from now on."

{If that's the case, Dusk will have to fight in that battle.} said, Scarlet.

"I guess since you won't take part in it."

{Well, if you don't want me to act like last time, then nope.}

"But there's also the possibility that I get another pokemon before getting there."

{True.}

For a moment, Max stared at the fire before standing up.

"Sorry girls, but I think I'll go to bed early this night."

{Okay. Good night then.} Scarlet said.

"Good night." He replied before getting inside the tent.

{… Poor master. He doesn't feel very well.} May said, concerned.

{Yeah, and who's fault do you think it is?} Scarlet retorted with an upset tone.

{She really needs to calm down.} Bonny intervened while looking at the fire.

{I tell you girl…} Scarlet whispered so that Max couldn't hear it. {That lucario is no good to master, to us. I'm starting to regret proposing to bring her with us.}

{Yeah but, what can we do about it?} Bonny whispered back.

{We all know how stubborn she can be, so she will never leave on her own. If she doesn't change soon, we're gonna make her.}

{… Seriously?} Bonny lowly exclaimed, finding the idea a bit extreme.

{Which feelings do you care about the most? Master's or that lucario's?}

Not knowing what to answer, Bonny just looked back at the fire.

{Personally, I'm fine with the idea of her leaving.} said May with crossed arms.

{That's one. How about you Dusk?}

{I… also think that's a bit too much. S-sure she's mean, but master trusts her.}

{Not that much anymore.} May retorted.

{W-what? Really?} Dusk exclaimed, quite surprised.

{Did he tell you that?} asked Bonny, curious.

{Well, not exactly those words, but he's really starting to doubt if they can be friends.} said May.

{Then I guess that takes care of the 'trust' part.} Scarlet commented, looking back at Dusk.

{I… s-suppose.} Dusk said shyly, not liking the idea but not wanting to go against the others either.

{Now it's up to you Bonny. I really want unanimity.} told Scarlet to the lopunny.

Before answering, Bonny stared a bit at the fire for a moment.

{I don't know. Maybe we should give her another chance and a bit more time.}

{She had plenty of those.} Scarlet retorted. [I'm not really the patient type. For master, I would rather prefer her leaving than me doing something that master wouldn't like or having a grudge against me.] She added in her mind.

Knowing all too well what she meant by that, Bonny's eyes were still locked at the fire.

{I guess… it will be the most reasonable thing to do.}

{Good decision. We'll do as you asked and give her a bit more time. However, if nothing changes, she will be better alone than with us.}

{… Alright.} complied Bonny.

{Great. Now, you girls can go keep company to master. I'll take the first shift.}

{Do you mind if I take it instead?} proposed Bonny.

{Sure thing Bonny, just make sure you don't fall asleep.}

{No problem with that for now.}

{Alright. We'll switch at every hour so we can all have a good rest.}

With all of them agreeing, everyone except Bonny went inside the tent where they joined the still not asleep human. Alone with her thoughts, Bonny then sat on the ground and used the trunk as a backseat before returning her gaze at the fire.

(Is it really necessary?) She thought. (Sure, that lucario is starting to get under master's skin, but will making her leave do the same? Will he be even sadder? Anyway, better not question Scarlet's motivation.)

At that, Bonny's shift passed as she got inside the tent where the next one took her place. Until the middle of the night, nothing really happened until Max awakened with a pressing need.

"Damnit. I shouldn't have drunk so much water before going to sleep." Max muttered.

Carefully, Max moved May away from him while being careful not waking her up. Since he was doing it quite often now, he had grown rather skilled at this. Leaving the tent, Max passed in front of the dying campfire with Bonny facing it on her second shift. Wanting to tell that she should put more wood, he got close to her but noticed that she had fallen asleep. For a moment, he thought about waking her up but decided that it wasn't necessary.

(Nah, better leave her sleeping. Scarlet is just too careful sometimes.) He thought before going further in the woods in the hope to find a good spot to take care of his number one.

Now a couple of meters away from the tent but still in sight, Max then got near a tree before starting to do his business.

"Ah… that feels good."

Suddenly, as soon as he was done and put back his thing inside his pants, it was like he felt danger behind him. Quickly turning around, he barely had the time to register a black blur that rushed towards him, dodging it in extremis before he heard the tree bark being destroyed by a slash.

"The hell?" He exclaimed.

Then, at the sight of the attacker, Max could have wet himself if it wasn't for the fact that he just emptied his bladder. He wasn't seeing very well due to the darkness of the night, but the little he could see, thanks to moonlight, and in front of the tree, was a black and red-furred creature that almost cut the tree in half with three huge claw marks on it. Turning towards him, the red-maned creature was facing him with the most menacing gaze he ever saw in his entire life, with her eyes almost glowing in the dark. Max never saw that creature, but this one had one hell of an intimidating stature. The creature then looked at its claws.

{… Impressive. You have quite the reflex.} said the black-furred creature.

"Are you… a zoroark?" Max asked after hearing the pokemon speak.

{And not very clever, especially when you think you could trespass my territory before marking it yours. Someone surely has a death wish.} the pokemon told, known as a zoroark, before starting to walk closer to him.

Max wasn't the kind to be scared easily, but this time, it was something else. That zoroark's intimidating aura was too much to bear as well as her quite bulky silhouette while being easily a head taller than him. With the pokemon getting closer to him with its menacing claws, Max was stricken by fear and began to back up. Unfortunately, he tripped over something and fell on his back.

"I… I…" Said Max, almost unable to talk. "I'm… very sorry that I trespassed on your territory, I didn't know. And… I wasn't marking mine, I just… needed to go." Max tried to explain with slight traces of fear in his voice.

Upon hearing the human, the zoroark stopped moving.

{Do you… understand what I say?} the pokemon asked, a bit confused.

"Y-yeah… yeah I do. I can understand pokemon."

{That's quite peculiar. Well, it's a shame that you have to die then.} the zoroark said, readying her claws again.

"Wait!"

Fortunately for Max, a split second before the pokemon lunged at him, it sensed an incoming attack and dodged a Shadow Ball that was aiming at it.

{And there are the others.} the zoroark noticed as Scarlet appeared in front of Max.

{Just to let you know, someone that even thinks about leaving a scratch on my master should be prepared to face a horrible and painful death.} Scarlet threatened while readying another Shadow Ball.

{Sorry pretty girl, but I'm not scared of death. However, a psychic type like you are should be. Do you really think you stand a chance against me?} the pokemon said a bit coldly.

{Chance has nothing to with it. If my master is in danger, I'll fight to my last breath to protect him.}

{Hm, that's quite noble of you.} the zoroark praised, not intimidated in the slightest.

More or less oddly, Scarlet also doesn't seem to be intimidated by the pokemon too.

{However, I must admit that you have a pretty scary glare.} said the dark pokemon with a smile. {Surely you've killed more than one pokemon .}

{True, but it's not pokemon I've killed the most.}

{Humans then? I'm guessing you have a pretty huge grudge against them, and yet, you're protecting one.}

{This one is different. But I could say the same for you. I know those eyes too well. Eyes that are not afraid to kill.}

{Not something I'm really proud of, but a girl must do what a girl must do.}

{No shit.} Scarlet said before launching a strong Shadow Ball at the pokemon.

However, like black lightning, the pokemon dodged the move easily before rushing towards Scarlet. Unfortunately, she didn't have time to use Protect as the zoroark was already on her and slashed her belly with a black blade that was formed on its forearm (Night Slash), leaving a black wound on it with her veins turning black around it.

{Ghaa!} Scarlet growled painfully while holding her wound with one hand.

Trying to get her by surprise, Scarlet used her other hand to launch a Psybeam attack as fast as possible. Still faster than the gardevoir, the zoroark then made three huge claws of purple energy appear on her physical ones before slashing the move away (Shadow Claw), not getting damaged. Immediately after that, the pokemon leaped backward and put her two front paws on the ground. A second after Max and Scarlet were wondering what she was planning, a few black, wolf-looking energy beings with glowing red eyes appeared from the shadows before dashing towards them with creepy and almost demonic wolf howl (Dark Army). Gathering all of her willpower, Scarlet left her wound and made her fists turn into a blazing fire. After the black energy wolf-like entities lunge at her, Scarlet managed to hit a few of them, making them disappear into dust in one hit. However, there were too many as she got bit and cut almost everywhere on her body, making her growl in pain again. With some of them now behind her, they grabbed her legs and arms with their maw to force her to fall on her knees while holding her in place.

{Well, looks like I win.} Said the zoroark while approaching the quite wounded and bleeding gardevoir. {See you in the next life.}

Not even fazed, Scarlet was looking at death into the eyes with almost a smile. Suddenly, as the zoroark was readying her claws for the fatal blow, a blue blur hit the pokemon in the sides, failing to notice it. The hit didn't make her fall on the ground but was strong enough to make her move away from Scarlet. With the Dark wolves disappearing into dust, Scarlet, alongside Max, was astonished to see who was standing between them and the pokemon.

"Aurora!" Max exclaimed, almost in shock.

{Who do you think you are, attacking randomly like that?} Aurora said aggressively to the dark-type pokemon while getting in a fighting position.

After rubbing her sides a bit, the zoroark then straightened her back at maximum capacity while glaring at the lucario with her heavily threatening appearance and aura. This time, however, and unlike Scarlet, Aurora began to feel her legs shaking from fear.

{Who do I think I am? Well, I'm just the owner of this part of the woods. In my territory, so I attack who I want when I want.} the zoroark said threateningly.

{Talk about a shitty reason.} said Aurora with a slightly shaky voice.

{Aw, that's cute. A puppy that is trying to act all tough.}

{F-fuck you.} nervously said Aurora.

{How rude. Well, I was planning on getting you all one-by-one, but I guess all of you together could work too.} the zoroark said while looking behind the lucario.

Turning his head, Max then saw where the dark-type pokemon was looking and saw Bonny with the rest of the team rushing towards them.

{Master! Are you okay?} Bonny called out when she was near Max.

"I am, but…"

{Shit! Scarlet!} Bonny almost yelled when she saw the injured gardevoir.

{Don't worry about me. Just stay close to master while I take care of that bitch.} Scarlet said while slowly floating towards the zoroark.

{No!} called Aurora.

{Pardon me?} retorted Scarlet, not in the mood to argue right now.

{I don't like that kind of pokemon, so leave it to me. Anyway, you're in no shape to fight her, especially with that type disadvantage you have. I'm a fighting type, so it's almost my duty to fight those pesky dark pokemon.} said Aurora, determined to face the dark-type pokemon.

{Hm, you have a pretty sharp tongue for a small puppy. Alright, let's see if your claws have the same sharpness.} the zoroark said, pointing her claws at Aurora.

{And what makes you think you can beat her?} Scarlet asked Aurora, having little faith in her victory.

"Scarlet is right, Aurora. That pokemon isn't like any pokemon we've encountered so far. You shouldn't attack her alone. At least let Bonny-"

{I don't need anyone's help.} Aurora protested before using Bone Rush and dashed towards the pokemon.

"No Aurora!" Max called to stop her but to no avail.

However, to everyone's surprise, Aurora was moving faster than usual, almost like her life was depending on it. To be fair, maybe it was actually the case. But unfortunately for her, as Aurora was swinging her bone at the pokemon, the zoroark used her bare claws to break the energy bone into pieces.

{Damnit.} Aurora cursed.

Before the lucario could have the time to retreat, the zoroark used the back of her paw to hit her as strong as possible, propelling her against a nearby tree.

{Ghaa!} Aurora painfully growled upon the impact.

A split second had only passed between Aurora closing her eyes due to the impact and reopened them when she saw the dark pokemon already rushing towards her with Shadow Claw. With Aurora dodging in extremis, the Shadow Claw of the pokemon made a very large and long vertical mark on the tree. If she had started to slash higher on it, the tree would have been have slashed into four pieces. Back to her feet, Aurora then charged an Aura Sphere to throw at her opponent. But to her dismay, she had only charged for two seconds before the zoroark tackled her very hard, causing her Aura Sphere to disappear as she was sent flying a couple of meters away, landing on her belly. Trying to stand up, Aurora was now on all fours before coughing out some blood.

"Stop it now, Aurora! Scarlet, Bonny, someone go help her.}

{Don't… you dare… help me.} Aurora protested in pain.

"But…"

{It's… my… fight. Stay… out of it.}

At this point, Max was struggling at what he should do. Going with her desire, or help her?

{I'm sick… of always being behind. I'm sick… of always failing at what I do.}

As she was speaking, Max's eyes widened a bit in surprise when he saw blue energy starting to emanate from Aurora.

{I'm sick… of everyone always telling me… what to do or not to do.} She continues while getting on one knee with the energy emanation growing bigger over time.

{But you know what?} Aurora growled, now standing with a small breeze coming from her. {I'm also… sick of pokemon of your kind. Always thinking that they are the best or the strongest. From now on, I won't let anyone stomp on my feet anymore.}

At that, Max and the others were almost blown away when they saw Aurora dashing at the dark type pokemon at a fulgurate speed. With the zoroark surprised as well, she only had the time to use her arms to shield herself as Aurora was on her a fraction of a second later while using Close Combat. Hit after hit, Max and the others could see the lucario launching a barrage of tremendously fast punches, at which the zoroark was being pushed back a little at every hit. After she was done, Aurora leaped backward and charged an Aura Sphere. After charging it faster than ever, the size of it was also something Max never saw before, she launched it. Unfortunately, the zoroark managed to dodge it as the attack hit the ground, making a loud explosion noise with Max feeling the ground shaking slightly. Jumping in the air, the zoroark then surprisingly shot a stream of flame towards the lucario (Flamethrower) that she luckily dodged with her now lightning speed. As soon as the zoroark touched the ground, Aurora used Bone Rush once again and dashed towards her. Alongside looking a bit bigger than usual, her bone was also looking way denser. With Aurora swinging her bone at her, the zoroark had a bit more difficulty at dodging the swings due to being faster. Nevertheless, she was still doing well on that part.

At this point, Max didn't believe what he was seeing. Aurora, giving a hard time to a strong-looking pokemon like that zoroark? He was almost wincing when every time Aurora was hitting a tree with Bone Rush, she was pulverizing the trunk, making the tree fall a couple of seconds later. And that, it was alongside of when she hitting the ground it was like a small mine had exploded. When Aurora thought it was the right moment, she made her bone disappear before dashing at the zoroark as fast as possible. Thinking that she was used to her speed, the zoroark waited until she was at the right distance before hitting her with her own momentum. However, to her astonishment, when the zoroark wanted to use Shadow Claw at the lucario at the right distance, Aurora disappeared in a flash. Striking at nothing, the zoroark immediately felt someone on her back. Turning around to protect herself, the dark pokemon wasn't fast enough as she was hit in the stomach by a Force Palm from Aurora. That attack was strong enough to provoke a tiny shockwave with the blue energy of the lucario passing through the zoroark. After being propelled a few meters away but still on her feet, the dark pokemon was holding her stomach, a bit in pain.

{… Eh, I must admit it was a nice shot.} She said while rubbing her belly.

To her surprise, however, as soon as she looked back at the lucario, she saw her heavily panting and her legs shaking a lot like she was about to collapse any time soon.

{I don't know what you did to get that power burst, but looks like it's temporary and with a drawback.}

{It's… nothing. I'm… not done… yet.} Aurora said a bit weakly.

At that, Aurora dashed once more at the zoroark, but to a slightly reduced speed. Suddenly, as soon as Aurora had moved, the zoroark literally disappeared in a blur before reappearing in front of Aurora before hitting her face with a black, energy-covered fist (Sucker Punch). The attack itself wasn't especially strong, but enough to make Aurora stumble a few meters backward. Before she could regain her composure, Aurora's energy emanation stopped, making her fall weakly on the ground, having already surpassed her limit.

"Aurora!" exclaimed Max, worried.

Max wanted to go near Aurora, but Scarlet raised a hand in front of him to stop while still having her eyes locked on the zoroark.

"Scarlet, what are you doing?" Max asked, panicking.

{It's too dangerous for you to go there.}

"But… she needs our help," Max argued while seeing the zoroark getting close to Aurora.

{I know. Unfortunately, Aurora was right when she said I'm not the best option to fight her, so I want you to make Bonny mega evolve and… Hey! What the hell are you doing?} Scarlet yelled when she saw Max dashing towards the zoroark.

{Stop him!} Bonny also yelled.

{On it… gha!} Scarlet growled painfully, unable to raise her arms due to her injuries. {I have to use Recover. Go, Bonny.} Scarlet continued before starting to focus her energy.

{Roger.} Bonny replied, dashing behind Max.

Unfortunately, Max was too far ahead as he was just a few meters away from the zoroark.

{You fought well, young puppy. I hope that will serve you as a lesson to know your place in your next life.} the zoroark said to the half-conscious lucario.

Then, as she was readying her claws for the fatal blow, the zoroark failed to sense Max getting close and tackled her. Even though the hit only moved her for a few inches, she was quite surprised to see the human actually attacking her. Before she could even react, Max was now between her and Aurora in a fighting position.

"If you want her, you'll have to pass through me first."

The zoroark was quite impressed to see such courage coming from a human. But what was surprising her the most was that now the human wasn't even shaking in the slightest with fiery eyes.

{Master!} Bonny said, getting next to him when she caught up.

{What… are you two idiots… doing here?} Aurora said weakly, trying to get up.

"I was serious when I said that all that matters to me is your well-being, Aurora. I won't let anyone hurt you." Max said aggressively.

A second later, Dusk and May appeared as well, putting themselves between Aurora and the black menace before getting in their fighting stance.

{You guys… too?} Aurora said, hardly able to stay on all fours. {I thought… you hated… me.}

"No one hates you here Aurora. Everyone here will put their life to protect each other."

{… You… idiots…} muttered Aurora, looking at the ground.

Oddly enough, after all that time, the zoroark never stopped staring at Max in the eyes. Then, for a very short moment, the zoroark's hostile and intimidating aura seems to have disappeared before being replaced by a piercing gaze, like if she was trying to see something through or inside him.

{So… are you really willing to sacrifice yourself for her, a pokemon?} the zoroark said with her scary aura back, but minus her hostility.

"Yes. Anytime, anywhere." Max said fervently.

{… Prove it.} commanded the pokemon.

"… How?" said Max after glaring a moment at her.

{If you're really willing to die for your companion, then I'm sure you won't be afraid to face death, alone.}

"… If I do, will you leave them alive?"

{If you do, none else will have a scratch.}

"Understood," Max said, not even thinking about it.

{Master! No!} Bonny protested.

"Do as she asked Bonny. It's okay. However she may look, she doesn't look like the lying type."

{I refuse.} Bonny heavily protested again.

"That's an order, Bonny."

{Fuck your orders.} She said, moving in front of Max.

(Little help here, Scarlet?) Max thought.

[Do you really expect me to let you die like that? Are you insane?] Scarlet argued as well.

(Scarlet!) Max yelled in his head. (You always say that you'll do anything for me. Now is the time to prove that it wasn't hollow words.)

[But…]

After madly struggling, Scarlet then let out a heavy sigh before falling on her knees, almost devastated.

[Understood. If it must come to an end and that's your choice, as your lover, I must accept it.] Scarlet said before using her powers to lift Bonny, Dusk, May, and Aurora before forcing them to get next to her. [I just hope you are aware of the consequences of your decision.] She added with anger and sadness starting to fill her words.

{What are you doing Scarlet!} Bonny yelled, unable to move in the air.

(... I do. I'm sorry.) thought Max.

{Are you really planning on letting master die?} continued Bonny, still yelling.

{Shut up.} Scarlet said before rendering her mute. {Master has made his choice Bonny, there's nothing we can do. If we don't go with his decision, he will have a grudge against us for the rest of our lives. I'd rather die than that to happen.} Scarlet said, devastated before closing her eyes.

At that, all of them could only look, powerless, at the scene in front of them with May and Dusk starting to cry.

Not saying anything, the zoroark then moved close to Max, shrinking him as well with her huge stature. With lowered hands and not resisting, Max was only staring at the zoroark in the eyes, waiting for the strike. Now facing him, the zoroark put the claws of one of her paws against his throat strong enough to hurt him but without piercing through it.

{Still haven't changed your mind?} the pokemon asked coldly.

"No," said Max, shaking a bit.

Even though Max was trying to act tough, the pokemon could see fear in his eyes, which wasn't surprising her that much. Let's face it, who wouldn't be when facing death?

{Fine then.} She said before pressing her claws a bit harder, now hard enough to make Max bleed slightly.

Still looking into the human's eyes, she saw that he hasn't flinched yet, meaning that he was serious. After narrowing her eyes, she kept scouting into his soul for a moment until that, suddenly, her eyes turned into an almost friendly expression before letting go of his throat.

{I must say, you're quite the devoted and courageous type, which forces respect. I like that.} said the pokemon with a non-hostile voice, crossing its arms.

"Huh? You're not… going to kill me?" Max said, surprised and astonished while rubbing his slightly bloody neck.

{Why should I? It would be too much of a waste to kill someone like you.}

"That means…"

{Yes. I won't kill any of you.}

After realizing what she just said, Max fell on his knee while letting a very heavy sigh, glad to still be alive.

{Master!} Scarlet said loudly before teleporting next to him, hugging him with the others joining shortly after.

{To be honest with you human, I wasn't really planning on killing you in the first place.}

"What? You're kidding right?" Max said, skeptical.

{Like you said, I'm not the lying type.}

"But… what about that attack that almost cut me in half?" said Max, referring to when she attacked him the first time from behind.

{Oh that? I'm very sorry. I rarely have trouble with humans, so I tend to forget how soft and weak they are. I kind of have a slight difficulty with gauging my strength. Something I'm working on.}

"What about Scarlet and Aurora then?"

{They attacked me first, especially that gardevoir that had a real intention to kill.}

{You also had one.} commented Scarlet while glaring at her with a hateful gaze. {Those eyes were meant to kill.}

{Eh, that's all part of the bluff kiddo. You kind of mastered the art of intimidation when you can have a fake real killing intention. That way, I can mostly end up the victor of any fight without it even started.}

"And Aurora? Surely she didn't have the intention of killing you."

{That's why I went easy on her.}

"Easy on her? You mean that you refrained your attack power?" asked Max, quite shocked.

{Pretty much, yes. Well, until she got the strength burst that is, at which I had to go up a notch a bit.}

"That's… I don't really know what else to say. Why didn't you just tell us to leave? We would have just left if you asked."

{How should I have known? Everyone so far that got here always had a bad intention.}

{That's not a reason to hurt master you bitch.} spat Scarlet.

{My my, that young gardevoir sure can be rude.} the zoroark said calmly with a smile.

"Young? She's seventeen you know." Max said, defending Scarlet.

{Only that? I thought she was at least twenty.}

"How old are you then?"

{Now now little human, that's not something you ask a lady.} She said a bit haughtily.

"Okay. If I don't ask ever again, will it ensure our survival?"

{Haha, you're a very funny human. I already told you that I'm not planning on killing you. However, I don't guarantee the survival of that lucario in that state.} Said the zoroark while pointing at lucario, still where Scarlet was a moment earlier.

"Can you go heal her please Scarlet?" gently asked Max.

{… If you try anything, you can be sure that I'll rip you into pieces.} Scarlet said to the zoroark after glaring at her for a moment.

{… Is she always like this?} asked the zoroark after she teleported next to Aurora to use Healing Pulse on her.

"She's a very protective gardevoir and, well, you did try to kill me."

{I thought you were an invader.}

"Well, maybe next time, you can just ask."

{Well, now that I know that well-intentioned humans can come here from time to time, I'll keep that in mind. But I don't really expect a bad human saying 'Yes, I'm bad and I'm planning on hurting you the moment you turn your back' when asked.}

"… Eh, fair enough." Chuckled Max. "So, what about us then? We're still in your territory."

{You can stay for tonight. Since you're a traveler, you will be out of my territory after half of a day of walking.}

"Traveler? How do you… wait, were you the one that was spying on us?"

{Yes. The moment you entered my territory, I kept my eyes on you.}

"Great. Oh yeah, that reminds me; are you the one that messes with the nearby village from time to time?"

{Ah, they told you about it. Yes, that's me. I have that unpleasant habit of liking to tease humans a bit when I'm bored. Humans also make delicious food, so I sometimes sneak in to get some.}

"That's stealing," commented Max.

{Hey, I don't have that stuff humans use to make those things, so I have to serve myself.}

"Whatever. So that means that it's you that can change form?"

Raising an eyebrow with a grin, the zoroark then deformed herself before taking another appearance, which was a red gardevoir.

{That would be a yes.} the zoroark said but still with her original pokespeech.

"You can't change your voice?"

After deforming again, the dark pokemon the took the appearance of Aurora.

{Unfortunately, no. My ability consists of illusion, so it has some limits.} She answered.

"Oh, okay. Well, that's pretty cool nonetheless."

Changing her appearance again, she then took Max's one.

{It can be useful. Again, since it's only an illusion, I can neither copy the capacities or moves of the said pokemon or human in this case.} the zoroark explained.

"Can't have it all."

{… Unfortunately, no.} the zoroark said after changing to her normal appearance.

"So, what was all that about? I mean, when you faked wanting to kill me in exchange for letting the others go."

{You know, I've met a couple of humans in my life. Almost all of them were all big talk, but I still managed to encounter some courageous ones, like you. I wanted to see how far your devotion to your friends goes. People tend to say a lot of things in order to impress their peers, but when they're put to the test, they mostly just wimp out.}

"I see. A bit of an extreme method, if you ask me."

{It's a very efficient one.}

"I… suppose."

{Glad that everything is sorted out then. Now, you will have to excuse me, but there is that one pokemon that always tries to extend his territory over mine, so I frequently have to remind him every once in a while. You can go back to sleep, you risk nothing in this zone as long as I'm here.}

"Thanks… I guess," said Max, having slight difficulties thanking a pokemon that badly injured his team.

{You're welcome. Oh, and next time, try to urinate in a more appropriate place please.}

"W-will do."

{Goodbye then.} the zoroark said before disappearing in the darkness.

"… 'Sigh', well that was quite something," commented Max.

{You tell me. That pokemon was constantly making my spine shiver.} stated Bonny.

"Eh, if I didn't do it earlier, I would probably have wet myself."

{And yet you would have stood in front of her to protect us?}

"I'll wet myself anytime if it means keeping you safe."

{I… don't really know how it will help… but I get the idea… I think.} Bonny said, not sure what to think about it.

"Eh, forget it. Let's see how Aurora is doing instead."

With all of them nodding, they then went next to Scarlet and Aurora.

"Is she alright?" asked Max before kneeling next to the unconscious lucario.

{She is, but very exhausted.} Said Scarlet, sitting next to her.

"Alright, let's bring her back to the tent."

Max then wanted to grab her so he could carry her in his arms. However, as soon as he lifted her, he slowly got back to the ground.

"Shit, I forgot how heavy she was."

{She has a metallic skeleton after all.} commented Bonny.

{I'll carry her.} proposed Scarlet.

"You should rest too Scarlet, I'll carry her. But if you could help to put her on my back..." Max said after standing up.

{You sure you can do it?} the gardevoir asked.

"It will be fine. Anyway, the tent isn't far away."

{… Alright.} complied Scarlet, going with Max's wish.

Using her power, Scarlet lifted Aurora and made her land on Max's back. With her chest pressing against this back and her head rested on one of his shoulders, he put her legs under his arms before giving a good grip on them.

"Way better, even though I can still feel her weight." He said while placing her correctly.

{What… is going… on?} asked Aurora, slowly coming back.

"Everything will be alright now Aurora. Let's go," said Max before heading towards the tent with the others.

Quickly enough, the others noticed that Max was walking at a slow pace because of the heavy pokemon.

"Just go ahead girls, I'll be fine."

{Are you sure?} asked Bonny.

"Yeah, don't worry."

After hesitating a moment, Scarlet and the others then went to the tent at their pace, leaving Max more or less behind with Aurora.

{What… happened?} weakly asked Aurora.

"Scarlet healed you, but she didn't wash away your bloodstain and dirt. How about we take care of that?"

{I… don't care.} She answered weakly.

As he was walking, Max then felt the lucario's chest pressed slightly harder on his back.

"Eh, good thing females lucario don't have that spike on their chest. Otherwise, I'll be dead already." Max joked, to which Aurora didn't respond.

Before going to the tent, Max made a small detour towards the water stream that was next to it. When in front of it, Max then let Aurora land on her feet, which she could only stand on for a second before falling on her knees.

"Careful now." Said Max, holding her. "… Shit, I don't have anything to wash you with." He added, quickly looking around.

His eyes then landed on his shirt. Not wanting to let her go, Max used his legs and body to hold her while he was taking his shirt off.

{What… are you… doing?} Aurora asked.

"Helping you, like I always do," Max said before soaking his shirt in the water. "It was due to be washed anyway." He continued, twisting it to remove the water surplus.

When Max pressed the cold wet shirt on her, Aurora then flinched a bit.

{It's… cold.}

"Sorry," Max said, starting to brush the filth off of her body with his shirt.

For a moment, Aurora then looked at Max with the corner of her eyes.

{Why?}

"Hmm?"

{Why… did you… do this?}

"You mean protecting you? I thought it was obvious by now. You're my companion Aurora, I'll never let you down."

{… You could… have been killed… back there. Why… were you willing… to die for me?}

"See the previous answer." Max joked.

{… That was… stupid.}

"… Maybe… but if it means that you live, then I don't care."

For a moment, Aurora kept staring at Max before weakly pushing his hand away.

{You're… an idiot.}

"I know. I'm an idiot for trying to be nice and-"

{No. You're an idiot… for being willing to die for someone… that doesn't deserve it.} She said a bit angrily.

"… What?"

{I'm mean to you and the others… I don't like you… I even hate you… and yet… you would sacrifice yourself… for someone like me? You're an idiot because… I'm the one that should die… not you.}

At those words, Max didn't know if his heart had melted or been pierced by a spear. Maybe a mix of those two.

"Now that's a stupid statement. Neither of us should die over another one. Every life matters and yours is no exception."

{Then why are you willing to throw your life away for me?}

At that, Max couldn't answer right away as he only stared at her for a moment.

"I guess… mine doesn't mean that much. To myself at least."

Aurora then looked a bit suspiciously at Max.

{What… does that mean?}

"… Just that… f-forget it. Let's say that, to me, your life matters way more than mine, whatever you may do or however you may act."

For a moment, Aurora stared at Max.

"You know Aurora, I'm sure that being abandoned made you suffer a lot, but at least you had the chance to experience love when you were young. Not everyone has that chance." Max said with a more gloomy tone.

{Are you trying to say that my pain wasn't that much?}

"N-no, it's just… never mind. I'll leave you alone to rest, I'm sorry." Max said before standing and leaving.

{Human.} called Aurora after he made one step. {I… should be the one… that is sorry.} Aurora said, looking at the water stream.

"For what?"

{… For nothing. Just… accept it and go away.} said Aurora a bit aggressively.

"Okay." Max simply said before leaving her.

Trying to stand up, Aurora was too weakened that she fell on all four. When in that position, her face was right above the gentle water stream, where she could slightly see her reflection with the moon rays.

{Why am I always like this? Why can't I just…} She muttered while looking at the water. {Rhha… it's his fault anyway.} She continues after smashing the water. {If only he wasn't so stupid.}

At that, Aurora sat next to the stream before getting lost in her thoughts. On Max's side, Max passed next to Bonny and May that were looking at Aurora from a distance, too far to hear what she was saying.

{Are you okay master?} asked Bonny while rubbing Max's arm a bit.

"Yeah. I am now," said Max before kissing her head. "Are you going to bed?"

{Maybe later. I'm not feeling very sleepy right now.} told Bonny.

"Alright. Don't stay up too late then."

{Sure master.} answered Bonny with a small smile.

After Max went inside the tent with Scarlet and Dusk, Bonny and May got their attention back to Aurora.

{Do you think she will change?} May asked Bonny.

{After tonight, I'm sure she will. She can't ignore what master just did.}

{I hope so.}

{She may be stubborn, but what just happened was something else. Even she can't deny master's golden heart anymore.}

{It may sound weird or even misplaced, but I kind of fell in love with him again.} told May, feeling a bit embarrassed of saying that.

{Hehe, I know what you mean, it's the same for me. Who could have known that so much devotion could fit inside a human body? It kind of blew my mind away.}

{I guess we are lucky to have him as a master.}

{That we are May, that we are.} Bonny said while petting May a little.

For a short moment, Bonny and May keep staring at Aurora before tiredness finally caught up to them, forcing them to go to bed. After laying down, it seemed that they had underestimated their exhaustion as they fell asleep a minute later. Unfortunately, when Max opened his eyes in the morning, he wasn't feeling that much rested, which was quite understandable with the night they just had. Sitting up while being careful not to wake May up and holding her in his arms, Max looked around him to see that everyone was still sleeping. After carefully putting May down on his bed next to Scarlet, with the mawile clinging at her, Max exited the tent. To his surprise, he noticed Aurora in the camp as she was sleeping with her back against a nearby tree.

(Guess she only needed that kind of thing to happen to finally realize that I'm not that bad of a human.) thought Max before sitting on the trunk.

Then, a moment after Max was looking at the sky, Scarlet stepped out of the tent while rubbing her eyes.

{Hi, master. Do you feel okay this morning?} She said while sitting next to him, still looking a bit tired.

"I should be the one asking that question."

{Don't worry about me. You know that I've been through worse than that.}

"Unfortunately, yes. That zoroark though. She was quite something."

{I better not see her again.} Scarlet said, sounding upset.

"Not that I especially want it either, but oddly, she didn't seem that bad. I mean, she was just defending what was hers, like every other animal would do."

{Yeah, animal. Pokemon are a bit less barbaric than that.}

"Like you?" joked Max.

At that, Scarlet looked at him with an unamused expression.

"Just kidding love." He said before lightly and playfully pushing her with his shoulders.

{Well, like you, I'm different.}

"Which is a pretty good thing. To me at least."

{Are you sure about that? Do you still think the same after how I behaved with that other trainer the other day?}

"… Well, it sure was quite an excessive reaction, but you are you, Scarlet, we can't do anything about it. I can't just stop loving you for a small behavior mistake."

{You don't even find it annoying? Even just a bit?}

"You already know the answer, so why ask."

{I know, but I still like it when it comes directly from you.}

"No then, it doesn't."

Shortly after, Scarlet then rested her head against Max's shoulder.

{… Remember when I said that being psychic isn't always fun?}

"Yes."

{Well, that's also a thing that is quite annoying. Reading your mind always means that I can't really have that feeling you have when surprised or when your lover says something very nice and pleasant. Since I already know all of that, the impact is greatly reduced.}

"Why don't you just not read my mind then?"

{I try, but it's stronger than me. Always knowing what's inside the mind of someone is a safe feeling we keep feeding ourselves over generations. Some psychic types can even suffer from anxiety if they don't know what another being is thinking.}

"I hope it's not your case."

{Not that much. Since I know you a lot personally, there's stuff I know without going in your brain. However, most of the time I succumb to the temptation and do a little scouting. But like always, never something sensitive. And since our minds are almost connected, it's something unconscious.}

"So that means that I can hardly make you a surprise gift or something?" Said Max, at which Scarlet's face went for a sadder one.

{Sadly, I think I'll never experience the feeling you get when you're surprised with a wonderful gift or anything like that. Unless of course, you don't know yourself what the gift is, which I don't know how you would manage to do that. I would still know that you're making me a gift, however.}

"Hmm, well, I could always ask Dusk to erase my memory after making you one."

{That could be an idea if she could do that. She may be a psychic type, but she's not nearly strong enough to do that yet. Maybe in her next evolution.}

"Hmm. I think that in the end, I'm not so sure anymore that I would like to be a psychic."

{It's a curse as well as a blessing.}

"Speaking of blessing, look who's getting closer." Said Max, pointing at the still sleeping lucario.

Even though she tried to make a neutral face, a very faint smile appeared on her face briefly when she looked at Aurora.

{After last night, I'm sure she will have more consideration towards you and even begin to be more respectful.}

"That much?"

{If she still hates you the same, then I'm afraid to tell you that that lucario may be mentally challenged.}

"Haha." laughed Max. "Pretty sure she's not."

{Even I, if I were in her place, couldn't stay unfazed after what you did. I knew you were courageous, but rarely do you see a human able to face death like you did.}

"It's not the first time a pokemon tries to kill me."

{This time it was quite different. You didn't try to avoid or flee. You just… stayed there.}

"Wait, are you saying that I impressed you?"

{Actually, yes. Unless you're a heartless monster, it's a thing that forces respect master.}

"To be honest, I didn't know that I had it in me myself."

{Hehe, I guess it was so deep in you that even I couldn't see it.}

"Does that also mean that you will be more respectful towards me as well?"

{Come on master, I always did. But… I guess you're less of a loser than I first thought.} Scarlet said teasingly before hugging his arm.

"That's a start," Max said while chuckling, knowing she wasn't serious. "Well, that zoroark said that after half of a day of walking, we'll be out of her territory. I don't really want to abuse her hospitality, so might as well wake the others up and go."

{Not that I'm scared of her, but I agree. We've wasted enough time here.}

"I'll go get Aurora, you get the others."

With Scarlet nodding, both of them went in their respective direction. As Scarlet was getting in the tent, Max kneeled next to Aurora before gently shaking her.

"Aurooora." Max said softly.

Slowly, the lucario then opened her eyes.

{… You don't lose time, do you? Already that close to me early in the morning.} She said, oddly not that aggressively.

"… Sorry," Max said, slightly surprised before taking his handoff. "How are you feeling?"

{A bit dizzy, but other than that, I'm okay.} She said before trying to stand up.

However, as she was midway to stand, Aurora lost her balance and fell on her rear again.

"Here, let me help you," Max said while offering a hand.

{I can stand on my own.} She said, less aggressively than usual again.

Not responding, Max only raised an eyebrow while keeping his hand raised. After looking at Max for a moment, she knew that he won't give up until he had what he wanted, so she looked away a bit shyly before complying and took his hand. Not saying anything, Max just helped her to stand. Unfortunately, when Aurora was on her feet, her legs went weak again and almost fell again. Luckily, Max caught her before doing so by holding her arm and holding her chest with his other hand.

{Damnit! That stupid zoroark sure pushed me to my limit.}

"Looks like it. By the way, what was that move you used against her that had made you stronger and faster?"

{I don't know. It's the second time it happened in my life, so I don't know much myself.}

"Well, if I have the time, I would like to-"

{Aww, how cute is that.} said Scarlet, interrupting him.

With both Max and Aurora raising their head, they saw that the rest of the team were standing next to the tent, waiting to get going. At this moment, Aurora realized what situation she was in and pushed Max so he wasn't touching her anymore.

{G-get your hands off me, you idiot. It's… not what you all think, alright?} Aurora said, again, less aggressive than her usual self with shaky legs.

"She's right, I was only helping her to stand. She fought very hard yesterday, so she's a bit sore this morning." Max said, defending her.

Crossing her arms, Scarlet then looked at them with a grin and a raised eyebrow.

(Please Scarlet, be nice okay.) thought Max, making the gardevoir roll her eyes.

{I have to admit that you did impress me yesterday Aurora. You're stronger than I first thought.}

{Hmpf, took you long enough.} She said a bit arrogantly after crossing her arms as well.

Scarlet's grin then was replaced by a slight unamused face. At that, Max then glared at her, telling her to not add anything.

{… 'sigh', I guess you do deserve your place with master. Just make sure you put that strength of yours to good use by protecting him.}

{We'll see if he deserves it.} She said, looking away.

Scarlet wanted to speak, but Max stopped her by raising a hand.

"Thanks, Aurora, I'll do my best to meet your expectations," said Max, at which Aurora just huffed as a response. "Okay girls, time to leave then."

As they all nodded, Max and the others began to spread to start packing up.

{Human.} Aurora called out before Max could move.

"Yes?"

{Can I… s-speak to you?} She said, slightly nervously.

"Sure," Max said, turning towards her.

At that, Aurora motioned him to follow her. Even though he found her behavior a bit odd, Max complied and followed her. After a few minutes of walking, Max and Aurora found themselves out of sight from the campsite and next to the stream.

"Something the matter Aurora?" Max asked.

Not responding, Aurora was just facing the stream with Max behind her.

{It really hurts me to say it and I really don't want to but…} Aurora started, almost struggling with her words. {I'm… sorry.}

"For what you did earlier? Don't worry, I know you're not the affection display type of girl."

{Who said there was affection?} Aurora said, slightly annoyed by his remark.

"No one, sorry. Me and my jokes sometimes." Said Max, feeling a bit guilty.

{… Nevermind. No, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about… everything else.}

"What do you mean exactly?" Max asked, not sure what she was talking about in particular.

For a moment, Aurora stared at the stream with crossing arms in silence.

{… Last night… you almost died, and because of me at that.}

"No that's-"

{Let me finish.} ordered Aurora, shutting Max up. {After that and before falling asleep, I realized that your death would have been too heavy on my consciousness. I realized that… you would have left this world with the memory of me always being a jerk to you. Whatever I may look like, it wasn't a very pleasant thought, so I'm saying it once, for the first and probably for the last time, I'm sorry.} She confessed.

For a moment, Max was at a loss for words. Was she… really opening up to him?

"I…"

Max then wanted to say that he didn't care, but he knew that it wasn't what she wanted to hear.

"I forgive you Aurora. You had your rights and reasons to act this way. I shouldn't have forced anything on you."

{Yeah, that was quite annoying. But I guess it's just how you are, always wanting to be friends and getting personal with every living thing you see.}

"That's not true," Max said, almost fervently.

Aurora then turned around and looked at him with a skeptical expression.

"Only with those who deserve it."

At that, Max could swear that he saw a very faint blush appearing on Aurora's cheeks.

{W-whatever.} She said almost embarrassedly before returning her gaze at the stream.

"I may not look like it, but I'm not white as snow myself. I'm not as nice as you may think."

{I know. No one is that nice.}

"But I do care about my companions."

{… Since last night… I think I may start to believe that.}

"So what do you say? Friends ?"

Thinking for a moment, Aurora then struggled quite a lot with what she should do. Should she stay in the safe zone by keeping her distance from him, or should she risk the opposite, thinking that she has a chance to feel affection again. After making her decision, she turned around to face Max.

{I guess that… being friends is more than enough. For you at least.} she said with a very faint smile.

"Eh, welcome to the team, Aurora," Max said before presenting his hand.

Looking at his hand, Aurora hesitated one last time before grabbing his hand with her paw, shaking it lightly.

{If you say so, human.}

"Now, I'm guessing that you prefer your pokeball over walking."

{Is it that obvious?} mocked Aurora.

However, Max noticed that her tone was a bit more of a teasing tone than a hostile one, making him grin a bit before taking her pokeball out.

"There we go. And by the way, my name is Max," repeated Max again before pointing the pokeball towards her.

{Hmpf, whatever. Max.} Aurora said before disappearing in the pokeball.

Looking at her pokeball, Max couldn't help but to smile warmly before putting it back in his belt and join the others to get back on track again.