Sinking Sanity

In the middle of the woods, Max's team was outside the tent, with Luna gone for her daytime sleep, patiently waiting for the outcome of the talk between Max and Scarlet.

{Master…} Scarlet engaged, shortly after Max sat nearby. {I…}

Scarlet had barely started speaking but she was already shaking and having a hard time doing so. It was clear that this is the first time that she had looked so terrified since Max had known her, as it made him quite worried that she looked like she was about to announce the apocalypse.

"Are you okay? You seem… different."

After a brief look at him, she dropped her forehead on her knees, eyes filling up with tears.

{I'm sorry, master…} She sobbed. {I shouldn't have…}

"Come on, Scarlet. What happened?"

{I'm… so scared, terrified that you'll start hating me.}

"Why would I hate you?"

{Because I… I'm a massive hypocrite. I told you so many times to be careful and not recklessly risk your life, but…}

"Scarlet." He said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Talk to me."

Sobbing some more, she took a moment to calm herself to be able to speak clearly.

{I… tried to kill myself.} She announced, madly shaking.

"You… what?" He said, removing his hand.

Panicking, she looked at him.

{It was a mistake, master. Please forgive me, I'm begging you! I don't want you to hate me, and I'm sorry for getting mad at you for doing far less.} She pleaded with waterfalls under her eyes.

Max sighed loudly while glaring angrily at her.

"...Unbelievable." He growled, standing up to leave.

{No! Please, master! At least let me explain!} She bemoaned, trying to stop him with her hands, but missed and fell back on them. {Please, master… Don't do this to me…} She said, crying rivers.

Halfway to unzipping the tent, he stopped before loudly sighing yet again. After closing it back, he turned to face her.

"Why? Wasn't Jade's death enough for you? You actually wanted to join her?"

{No! Of course not! It's just…}

"It's just what?"

{...I couldn't bear to see you suffer because of me. I knew it would have brought you great pain, but I just wanted you to be free from my existence.}

"Are you stupid? Why on earth did you think I would have wanted that?"

{I knew you wouldn't, but I-}

"Then why? Because we had some bumps in the road here and there? What the hell is wrong with you?"

{They weren't just bumps in the road; People and pokemon die because of me, Jade died because of me, and if I wasn't there in the first place…}

"I would probably be long dead by now."

{*Sob* W-What?} She said, a bit confused.

"I know you didn't search every part of my mind because I trust you when it comes to mind reading, but there was something I hoped you already knew about."

{What do you mean?}

"For fuck's sake... Before I met you, I was basically done with life. I had been thinking about it for a while before my dad kicked me out, but do you know why I started a 'journey' in the first place?"

{Because… you wanted to be a pokemon trainer?}

"No, not really. That dream died years ago. The real reason why I started one is in hopes of dying in some way. I didn't have any money, supplies, motivation, or anything, so no need to tell you that I wouldn't have lasted long, which was the original plan, actually."

The news shocked Scarlet. She knew that he was not the most optimistic human, but…

"And do you know who saved me?"

{Umm… m-me?} She said, not sure of her answer.

"Exactly. You're the one who saved me. Your love as well as that of the girls is what saved me. Why do you think I always tell you all that you're my only reason to live? Because without you, I wouldn't even be alive right now."

Scarlet took a moment to assimilate the information.

{I… didn't know.} She said, ashamed.

"I guess not. So let me ask you again; why did you think killing yourself would have made my life better?"

Unable to answer, Scarlet sat on her knees, looking at the ground in shame.

"And here I thought I was the selfish one."

{I'm… terribly sorry, master. I just… wanted what's best for you. You did save my life too, after all.}

"What's best for me is that you keep that life unless living with me is too much of a pain."

{No, it's not! I love you too much for that.}

"And for your information, Jade died because of me, not you."

{What? But… Qsalyla wanted me. All of you might have been spared if I didn't go at it alone.}

"And if I could've handled just a bit of fatigue, she wouldn't have sacrificed herself for me."

While sobbing some more, Scarlet rubbed her eyes.

{I don't know what to do or think anymore. It seems that whatever I do, I can't do anything right and you're the one that pays for it in the end.}

"And who are you to judge if I can bear it or not?"

{I…}

"Whatever happens, if I'm with you, I'm the one to blame. If I couldn't handle problematic pokemon, I would have left you already. I chose to love you and keep you with me knowing too well what it would cost me."

{...}

"I knew it wouldn't be easy and that it wouldn't always go as planned yet I chose to put my trust in you nonetheless."

{But… it hurts me so much to see you like that…}

"I'm sorry to say this, but you will have to learn to deal with it. Don't get me wrong, I'm very flattered and privileged that you feel that way for me and I understand how you're feeling, but if you plan on trying to kill yourself every time I feel down, you might actually succeed one day. And that, Scarlet, is something I'll never forgive you for."

{I… I'm very sorry…}

"Great. Glad you understand now." He said before turning to leave again.

{Wait!}

"Don't worry, I don't hate you and I won't abandon you for that. However, you've really disappointed me." He added, leaving.

{...So? What did she say?} Aurora asked when he popped out.

"I'll let her tell you when she's ready." He simply said, walking away from the camp.

{*Sigh* I hope things will get better, otherwise this whole team will fall apart.}

{It already is falling apart.} Bonny pointed out.

{What are you saying? I admit times are hard, but-}

{Just open your eyes. Dusk is inconsolable, May lost her joyful view on life, and Max and Scarlet are getting distant. This team is done for.}

{Why are you being so negative all of a sudden? There was a time where you were one of the most optimistic in the group.}

{That was before one of us died because of our weakness.}

At that, Aurora couldn't argue with the fact that she had a point.

{I… guess I can relate too.} Aurora admitted. {I believe we all could have done better back then.}

{We already did our best, but it simply wasn't enough.}

{Alright, Bonny, we get it. No need to lament on our mistakes even more.} Aurora retorted, slightly getting annoyed.

{Whatever.} Bonny replied, upset.

{You won't be of any help with that attitude.}

{Oh yeah? Please enlighten me on what will help, then.} Bonny provoked.

{Not whining over our fate, that's for sure.}

{Excuse me? Did you just say I was whining?} Bonny growled, facing Aurora.

{Not really, no.} Aurora replied, doing the same, both glaring at each other threateningly.

{Strange, I feel like you just did.} The lopunny accused.

{I'm sorry if you feel that way, but I didn't. No need to get all defensive for no reason.}

{Heh, says the fighting/steel type.}

{Again with that? Seriously, Bonny, you'll have to get over the fact that you're just a normal-type.}

{Oh, I think I get it now. Just because you have a type advantage, you think you're better than me?}

{The hell are you-}

{Well, fuck you then.} Bonny spat, pushing her.

{Please stop!} Dusk asked, on the verge of crying again.

{Don't. Do that.} Aurora retorted, getting upset.

{Or what? You're gonna unleash your fighting-type powers against me?} She said, pushing her again.

{You're kidding? That would be way too easy.} The lucario boasted a bit arrogantly.

{Rrhh!} Bonny growled, rage building inside her. {We'll see about that!}

Losing it, Bonny jumped at Aurora and started a fight. On the ground, both got entangled between themselves, and both tried to land hits on each other. As a few were being landed, they were rolling all around with May and Dusk calling them to stop in panic.

{I'll show you!} Bonny snarled.

Then, unbeknownst to them, a ball of energy expanded between the two of them until it exploded. The force was rather weak but strong enough to push them far enough apart. Next to them, Dusk and May noticed Scarlet now outside the tent with a raised hand. At that very moment, she dropped to her knees, holding her head in pain.

{Scarlet! Are you okay?} Dusk questioned, worried while dashing at her to help her stand.

{Seriously?! Do you really think now is the time for a pointless fight amongst ourselves?!} The gardevoir exclaimed, showing a face that was remarking that she cried a lot.

{She provoked me.} Bonny justified, standing up.

{I don't care! Gha!}

{Take it easy, Scarlet. You're in no state to force yourself.} Dusk advised.

{*Hmpf* Whatever. This was just a waste of time anyway.} The lopunny said before leaving.

{Bonny… I…}

Aurora wanted to apologize, but Bonny didn't want to hear a thing and was already away.

{Tsk. She may have a point though.} The lucario said, rubbing the back of her head. {If something isn't done, this team will fall apart indeed.}

{But, what do you want us to do?} Dusk asked.

{I don't know. Max is the only one that can keep us all together.}

{But he's in no condition for that, mentally speaking.} Scarlet said, holding her head while standing with slight difficulty. {What happened… Jade's death… It was a bit too much for him.} She added before a short silence settled.

{So? What do we do, then?}

{Try to live on and hope for the best. That's the only thing we can do.}

{You should rest now, Scarlet.} Dusk said, leading her inside the tent.

{*Sigh* The days ahead won't be restful at all.} Aurora commented.

The rest of the day was rather silent as everyone mostly spent it all alone in their respective corners. When night fell, they all went to sleep inside the tent one by one, with the only ones around the fire being Aurora, Bonny, and Luna. From where she was, Aurora could see Bonny quietly staring at the dancing flames with her arms on her knees, clearly not happy.

{I'm sorry for earlier, Bonny.} Aurora apologized.

Not answering, she kept staring at the fire.

{I didn't mean what I said, honest.}

{Whether you meant it or not, you were right. I'm a normal-type and I should just accept it. Accept that I'll be useless and weak for the rest of my life.} The lopunny replied with melancholy in her voice.

{Bonny…}

{Because once again, I couldn't do anything to prevent this chain of events from happening. I couldn't protect Max, I couldn't protect Jade... I almost couldn't protect myself! I should just stop struggling to try to become what I can't be.}

Suddenly, Aurora realized that Bonny was slowly sinking further into depression. She never called Max by his name. It seems that every bit of optimism and joy had left her completely.

{You're not alone in this case. If we really want to be more efficient in the future, we'll have to triple our effort.}

{What will it change? We'll remain at the same level as we are now.}

{Maybe so, but I believe we can all become better versions of ourselves.}

{If you say so. But even if we do, will that be enough?}

At that, even Aurora didn't have a response. She even asked herself the same question; If they train harder and reach a higher level, will that suffice? Three of them can now mega evolve and they barely made it out alive against Qsalyla.

{Honestly, I don't know.} Aurora admitted.

{*Hmpf* Can't blame you. Who could possibly know the answer to that?}

{...}

{Anyway, I'm tired.} Bonny announced, standing up to leave for the tent.

{...Goddamnit…} Aurora growled angrily.

{You should go to sleep as well. Max has decided to resume our travel tomorrow.} Luna said.

Sighing, Aurora left for the tent as well, leaving Luna on guard duty. The next morning, everyone woke up at the same time as the sun started to rise. After everything was packed, they were ready to go. Not having their pokeballs anymore, Max's entire team was out and forced to walk beside him.

{Do you… want to say one last goodbye to her?} Scarlet suggested to Max.

More or less answering, Max headed towards Jade's grave, followed by the girls. When they were all gathered, they gave their moment of silence, addressing her with their last prayers. Max then felt Scarlet tapping his shoulder and turned to look.

{I did the best I could with what little power I got back, but it should be decent.} Scarlet said, presenting him Jade's pokeball.

It was very obvious that the pokeball was once crushed, but Scarlet managed to make it look round again, despite the small bumps, while hiding the fissure as much as she could. It was very crappy looking, but at least it more or less resembled a pokeball now, which Max didn't mind at all. It was Jade's pokeball and that's all he saw. He dropped on one knee and pressed the pokeball to his forehead.

"I'm sorry, Jade. I did my best to give you a better life, but I failed. I hope you'll forgive me."

He then dropped the pokeball at the center of the grave and stood up, looking in silence one last time for a short moment.

"Farewell, Jade. May Arceus bless your soul."

With a heavy and bruised heart, the group left the area, finally letting the light green gardevoir be at peace and have a proper rest.

The rest of the day, as well as the night, was rather sad and boring, as no one talked to each other. They ate in silence and went to sleep, only to do it again the next day. Fast forward to the afternoon of the next day, not long after lunchtime.

{I hope I'm not being too invasive, but what do you plan to do about the next gym battle?} Aurora asked, finally breaking the ice.

"I don't know." Max coldly replied. "Bonny and Dusk are still our best bets, but… now that you can mega evolve too, you or May can take the third place since it's now free."

{I don't mind letting May fight.}

{You should be the third one, Aurora.} May said with a morose tone, on Max's backpack. {With your ranged attacks, you have a better chance than me to make master win.}

{Don't you have a ranged attack now? Fairy Wind, right?} Dusk interrogated, no happier than the other.

"You're able to use it in battle now? Congrats, Sweetie." Max praised.

However, the lack of emotion was not making it very convincing.

{I don't think I'll ever use it again.} May shared.

{Why?} Aurora asked.

{Because… I don't like how and where I used it for the first time.}

{...Understandable.} Aurora conceded.

{Let's first see if we can even beat at least one of the gym leader's pokemon.} Bonny said.

Ever since they left, Bonny was sounding more and more absentminded when she was speaking, with her moral being at its lowest.

{You're strong, Bonny. I'm sure you will give them a hard time.} Aurora tried to encourage. {You're not really weak against fire-types and Dusk even has a resistance to their attacks. I'm sure we won't even need a third fighter.}

{I doubt it.} Bonny replied.

Not inspired anymore to try to encourage them, Aurora didn't add anything else. They walked for a couple more minutes until Bonny's ears perked up and stopped.

{You okay, Bonny?} Aurora asked, making the others stop as well.

{Yes, but I think I heard something in the distance.}

"What did you hear?"

{I don't know, but it sounded… human.}

"Probably some trainer battling or doing other stuff." Max guessed before resuming his walk.

{Hm… maybe…}

As she was about to do the same, Bonny heard it again.

{There it is again!} Bonny exclaimed, making the group stop once more. {It's definitely human and… it sounds like they're in trouble.}

"In trouble? Can't an adult take care of himself in the wild? He or she should have known better."

{That would be right if it was an adult.}

"What do you mean?"

{It's... I don't think it's…} Bonny started, focusing her ears as much as possible. {Yes. It's definitely a child.}

With Max looking forward, he and the group dashed towards the noise, behind Bonny. They ran deeper in the woods for a few minutes until they found the provenance of the noise that Bonny was hearing. In the middle of the woods, a human child was attacked and injured by a group of mankeys.

"Scarlet?"

{On it.} The gardevoir said, using Telekinesis to push the mankeys with tremendous power, propelling them meters away.

As soon as the way was safe, Max quickly went next to the child. The child, a human boy, was on the ground in a fetal position, madly shaking and crying with scratches and bruises all over his body.

"Damn!" Max commented.

"Are they… gone?" He asked, terrified.

"Yes. You're safe now."

Opening his eyes, the boy quickly retreated backward upon seeing Max's pokemon.

"Hey, it's okay. These are the friendliest pokemon you'll ever see." He reassured him.

Before the boy could conclude if they really were or not, the pain finally overtook him.

"It hurts." The boy bemoaned.

"I'm sure it does. Scarlet?"

After hearing her name, Scarlet kneeled in front of the boy and began to use Healing Pulse on him. A little while later, his wounds were healed and he wasn't in pain anymore.

"How do you feel?" Max asked after Scarlet moved away.

"Better, but I want to go back home." He replied, before softly crying again.

"What were you doing here all by yourself in the first place?"

Not answering, the child dropped his head on his arms, hiding his face while sobbing.

{That's something we could ask after he's safe.} Luna pointed out.

"Good point." Max conceded. "Well, come on then. I don't see why we shouldn't help you." He added, standing up while presenting him one hand.

The boy barely hesitated before taking it and standing up as well.

{How close are we to Oxgard, if I may ask?} Aurora questioned.

"Very close. I think at the pace we're going, we can reach it by the end of the day."

{Great. We'll escort him there.} Luna told them.

"Got nothing better to do. Let's go then."

However, before any of them could move, the group got suddenly surrounded by the same group of mankeys, all looking angry.

"Well shit. Another thing we didn't need." Max complained.

{Just go, everyone. I'll take care of them.} Scarlet informed them.

"All by yourself?" Max wondered calmly.

{Despite their numbers, it is still not enough to defeat me. It will be over in a minute. Just go ahead and I'll catch up to you.}

"...Alright. Be careful please."

{As always.}

As the group was on their way to leave and get back on the road, Bonny stayed behind with Scarlet.

"Bonny?"

{I'll assist her.} She announced, going next to Scarlet.

"Alright. Be careful as well." Max accepted before leaving, reassured now that Scarlet wasn't alone anymore.

{You sure about that? It won't be pretty.} Scarlet said to Bonny, back to back.

{I know. You probably know it already, but I have also crossed the line. My paws are already tainted in blood. But let's try to not kill them at least.}

{*Sigh* I wish that you never had to resort to killing back there.}

{I too wish that things went differently, but as you know it already, things rarely go the way you want them to.}

{Yeah well, it won't be too much to ask for a helping hand. Alright, let's go.} Scarlet said before both of them charged at the mankeys.

~POVC~

"So? Where do you live?" Max asked while proceeding through the woods, holding the boy's hand.

"In Zean town." The boy answered.

"Really? Is it far from Oxgard?"

"No. Maybe a couple of minutes away by car."

"I see. Didn't catch your name though."

"...Dimitri."

"Well, Dimitri, let me remind you that the wilderness is very dangerous for humans unaccompanied by pokemon, even more so for little kids."

"I'm not a little kid!" The child protested. "I just turned eleven, if you must know."

"Oh, sorry then." Max apologized, not really in the mood to argue.

Dimitri then looked at Max's companions, shyly looking when Dusk smiled at him.

"Are you… a trainer?" He asked.

"I could be considered as such. I'm not a world-class trainer, but I'm doing my best."

"Really? Who is your favorite pokemon? Mine is nidoking, they look so cool." The kid shared with enthusiasm.

"Oh. I agree that they look kinda cool."

"So, which pokemon is your favorite?"

"Hem… well, that's a tricky question," Max replied, a bit embarrassed while looking at the girls.

{Yes, master. Who is your favorite?} May asked with a mischievous grin.

"Don't encourage him," Max replied.

{Afraid to answer?} Aurora inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"No. It's just…"

"Huh? You can understand them?" Dimitri wondered, impressed.

"Well, yeah. A useful ability I acquired, thanks to my gardevoir." He explained.

"Whoa. That's so cool. I also want to become a pokemon trainer."

"Really? That's nice and all, though you'll have to wait until you're eighteen."

"But I don't want to wait. I want to be a pokemon trainer now!"

"What's the rush? It's not like pokemon will cease to exist in a matter of…"

As he was speaking, his words reminded him of Jade, bringing him back to his morose state of mind.

"Are you okay?" Dimitri asked, a bit concerned.

"Yeah. Don't worry about me. I just had it rough these past few days, that's all."

"You've had it rough?"

"Yes. I don't want to discourage you from being a pokemon trainer, but you better be sure of what you're doing before going on that path. Being a pokemon trainer isn't as easy as it looks."

"Why? You catch pokemon, train them up and you battle with them. It doesn't look that hard."

"Eh, that's exactly what I mean. Being a pokemon trainer is a lot more than that."

"Really?"

As the girls were looking at each other a bit worryingly, the group quickly got back on the path. They only took a couple more steps until they began to hear something.

"Do you guys hear that?" Max said.

{It sounds like something with an engine.} Bonny informed them.

"An engine? Like a car?"

{Probably.}

Quickly, they got their answer as a jeep police vehicle was driving towards them and stopped close to them.

"Hands in the air!" One of the two policemen from the vehicle commanded, both pointing their guns at him.

"Whoa whoa, calm down," Max said, raising his hands. "We just saved this kid."

As one of them was talking into his C.B., the other moved closer to them.

"Are you Dimitri Spencer?" The policeman asked.

"...Yes." the kid answered.

"Are these your kidnappers?"

"No! They saved me just now." He defended.

The policeman then looked at Max.

"I told you."

"...Sorry about that." The policeman apologized, putting away his weapon. "But this kid has been declared missing without any more information. Kidnapping was a plausible lead."

"I can understand that." Max conceded, dropping his hands.

"Where did you find him?" The man asked, inspecting the kid.

"Not too far away from here. He was attacked by a group of mankeys."

"Mankeys you say?"

"Yes."

"He saved me from getting beat up by them," Dimitri repeated. "If he didn't show up, they could have hurt me even more."

"Well, you have our praise then." The policeman praised, slightly pulling his hat in a polite manner. "Thanks to you, we will be able to bring him back to his family."

"Glad to have been of assistance."

"Come now, little buddy. We'll get you home." The policeman said, taking the kid's hand.

"...Thanks, mister. Your pokemon, too!" Dimitri said before getting inside the jeep.

While waving goodbye, the police jeep backed up and turned around to leave.

{That was… quite something.} Aurora commented.

{Yes. Who knew that our little pup would be so great with kids.} Luna teased with a grin.

"I couldn't just let him die there," Max stated, ignoring Luna.

At the same moment, Scarlet and Bonny appeared next to them.

"There you are. Nice to see you two in one piece." Max said to them. "How did it go?"

{A few of them won't be bothering anyone else ever again. The rest either got knocked out or managed to escape.} Scarlet reported.

"Great."

{Where's the kid?} Bonny asked.

"Some police officers just left with him to bring him back to his family."

{At least he should be safe now.} Scarlet pointed out.

Max then looked at Bonny, who looked even more morose than before.

"You okay, Bonny?"

{Yeah, yeah. Let's just continue.} She strongly suggested him.

"...Alright," Max said after looking at Scarlet, who motioned no with her head. "Better get going then, if we want to reach Oxgard at some point."

Proceeding mostly in silence, the group resumed the walk towards their next destination. Nightfall was approaching when they realized that they still hadn't reached Oxgard.

"*Sigh* I think we were a bit further than I anticipated," Max said, taking his pokedex out.

{No big deal.} Aurora assured. {It's not like we have an appointment there.}

"...According to the pokedex GPS, we are nearby, but we'll reach it at around 1 or 2 am if we keep walking. To be honest, I don't feel like going to bed at around 4 am."

{So, one last camp out?} Scarlet inquired.

"Yep. Unless you girls are really eager to get into a hotel bed as soon as possible." He told them, with what no one answered. "Alright. Let's pitch the tent for tonight. Tomorrow, we'll reach Oxgard." He announced, a lot less enthusiastic than he should.

After a brief look around, they set the tent and prepared the campsite as per usual.

{I'm still wondering what that kid was doing all by himself back there.} Aurora wondered out loud.

"He said something about wanting pokemon and was interested in being a trainer. My guess is that's what he was going for." Max theorized.

{Isn't the legal age for humans to be a pokemon trainer eighteen years?} Scarlet mentioned.

"Yes, but my other guess would be that he got tired of waiting. There was a time where the legal age was ten. The more I think about it, the more I'm wondering why government officials would even allow that."

{Probably as a way to reduce their own population.} Scarlet guessed, making Max glare at her.

Looking away in shame, Scarlet understood that he was still mad at her for her suicidal attempt. At least he wasn't hating her, which was good enough for her.

"Anyway, I'm wondering if eighteen years is still too young. Being a pokemon trainer is far more dangerous than what others are trying to propagate."

{It's not so bad once you get pokemon yourself.} Aurora pointed out.

"Yeah, but sometimes, it looks like it's not enough." He said, looking at the fire with melancholy in his eyes.

The girls then looked at each other, almost in guilt.

"Either that, or he just got tired of his golden cage."

{What do you mean?} The lucario wondered.

"It's obvious that he comes from a rich family. Looks like money doesn't make everything."

{What makes you affirm that?} Scarlet questioned.

"His clothes. Those were very expensive brands. Not the kind of stuff a middle-class family can afford, not the whole set at least. And noticed how the first thing the police officers suspected was a kidnapping? It's quite frequent in wealthy families."

{What matters now is that he's safe, right?} Dusk mentioned.

"Yeah. I guess so. Good thing we were there at the right time. It could have been the end for him, I hope his parents discipline him a little."

At that, no one said anything else.

{Well, if y'all are going to talk all night, might as well do something productive.} Bonny said, standing up to leave.

"Where are you going?" Max asked, curious.

{To train.} She simply answered.

{Don't overdo it. I don't want to have to carry you again.} Aurora told her.

{Yeah, yeah. Whatever.} She retorted before disappearing.

Sighing, Aurora returned her attention to the group. She then looked at them at how much they've changed over the past few days.

{Psst. Max?} Aurora called while standing up.

"Hm?"

{Can I speak with you for a moment?}

"...Sure, I guess."

Aurora started to walk away, isolating herself from the camp with Max following her.

"Something wrong?"

{Actually, yes.} She answered, facing him.

"Okay. What is it?"

{Us.} She simply stated.

"Us?"

{Yes, us. Don't you see what your team is becoming? Bonny is training until she faints, Dusk is mostly keeping to herself, May is not the happy-go-lucky mawile she used to be, and Scarlet… she's been acting differently since we found her with that human.}

Max then sighed while closing his eyes.

"Do I look blind to you? Of course, I see what's going on here."

{Then why aren't you doing something about it?}

"Oh, I'm sorry. Does my sorrow annoy you that much?"

{What? No, I-}

"Well, sorry if it does. It's not like someone I was supposed to take care of died in my arms or anything." He retorted arrogantly.

{No, that's not what I meant. I feel your pain and you have the right to feel that way.}

"Good. Glad we cleared that up." He added with the same tone.

{Look, I didn't mean any disrespect, but what I'm trying to say is that we need you. Bonny needs you, May needs you, Scarlet, Dusk, and even Luna needs you. I know it sounds like a selfish and precipitated demand, but if nothing is done soon, this team will be done for.}

"And what do you want me to do?"

{What you've been doing since the beginning. Support them, encourage them, and tell them that everything will be alright.}

"But it's not alright."

{I know, but as a trainer and a leader, you have to make the others believe that, even if you think otherwise yourself. They need that kind of reassurance, and you're the only one who can provide that to them.}

"..."

{I know what I'm asking for is quite unreasonable, but… I know you love them as much as they love you, and I'm sure you want what's best for them. All you have to do is be there for them when they're down.}

"Tsk."

Even though she was right and he knew what to do, he didn't know if he had the strength to do it.

"And what about me?" He asked, a bit shyly.

{What do you mean?}

"Who's… gonna be there for me when I'm down?" He said, almost inaudibly.

{Oh, Max…} Aurora replied, touched by his honesty. {I feel very privileged that you're showing such vulnerability and being honest about it. It just makes me love you even more.} She admitted, her tail waving in joy.

"That's… not really the answer I was hoping for," Max replied, a bit embarrassed.

{Hihi.} The lucario giggled. {Don't worry, master.} She said, going for a hug. {Luna and I will be your crutches if you need us.}

Not sure how to react, Max only rubbed her head briefly.

{Hey…} Aurora said after he withdrew his hand, motioning him to get lower, to which he complied. {Everything is going to be okay, Max.} she assured, putting her paws on his cheeks, locking her eyes into his. {I'm gonna do everything in my power to support you and the others, but mostly you. You saved me and have taken good care of me, now it's my turn to return the favor.}

Moving his eyes down, Max wanted to turn his head away, but Aurora stopped him.

{Look at me. We're gonna get through this. Together, as a family.}

A small emotional surge then overflowed from Max, making him drop a few tears.

"Life is so unfair." He shared.

{Yes, Max. I know it is.} Aurora confirmed, pressing her forehead against his. {But you know what? Together, we'll all flip the bird at it and carry on with smiles on our faces.}

"Hehe." Max lightly laughed.

Moving her head away, Aurora gazed into his eyes again with a smile.

{I love hearing you laugh.}

"Eh, like some in our group, you're easy to please." Max pointed out, slightly smiling as well.

{You know me. Simple things please simple minds.}

"Haha. If you say so." He laughed, wiping his tears away.

As soon as his hands moved away from his eyes, Aurora got closer and gently kissed him. Nothing sexual, just to show how much she loved him.

{We can do this. You can do this.}

Sighing, Max got back on his feet.

"I'll do my best. Can't really do much more than that."

{Most of the time, if not all, it's enough.}

"*Sigh* Before I actually do anything, I'll have to think of what to say or do."

{I'm sure you will come up with something. I believe in you.}

"Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Aurora."

{You're very welcome.} She replied, widely smiling with her tail waving even more.

"I'm really glad to have you with us."

{And I'm glad that you took me out of that dojo by force.}

Max looked at her funnily.

{What? That's all in the past, we can joke about it now. It's been a while.}

"...I can't even with you, sometimes."

{Ah come on. Whether it was by force or not, it was the best thing that could have happened to me.}

"Which reminds me, how come you're not that sad now? I mean, Jade was your friend too."

{Don't get me wrong. I'm very saddened and angry at what happened, but what's the point of letting my feelings consume me? Letting myself drown in the seas of depression and regret won't help me or the others. I may look a bit heartless, but during my one-month training with Fushiu, I have learned to control my emotions better. If it makes you feel any better, I can use the aura to help you better control yours so you can weather the storm easier.}

"It's incredible," Max said, slightly smiling.

{What?}

"You've changed so much that I barely recognize the Aurora I forced out of that dojo."

{Is it… a bad thing?} The lucario asked, a bit worried.

"No, don't get me wrong, it's really not. It's just that I've gotten so used to that Aurora, and now I have to get used to Aurora 2.0. It's not a rebuke, it's more of an inconvenience than anything else."

{Uh huh.} Aurora replied, crossed arms.

"It's true. What matters to me the most is that you're more comfortable with the new you."

{I suppose that if it wasn't from that jerk who abandoned me, it's what I was meant to be.} She stated, looking at one paw while making her aura energy visible around it.

"Then you're cooler than I expected."

{Don't be ridiculous.} Aurora replied, slightly blushing. {Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that.}

Max then rubbed the back of his neck.

"I don't want to promise you anything just yet, but I'll at least try."

{It's okay. I'm aware of what I'm asking you, so if you ever feel down or lonely, just call me and I'll stay with you for as long as you need.}

"I'll try that too. Not that I don't want it, but-"

{Yeah, I know, the male pride.} Aurora said, rolling her eyes.

"I was going to say that I don't like to bother others with my problems."

{Both are right, don't you think?} Aurora asked with a smug smile.

"Let's say yes, just to make you feel better."

{It does, thanks.} She jested. {If you ask me, you should start with Bonny. Her pride as a pokemon took another fatal blow. I think she's the one that needs you the most right now. I believe that her mental and physical health will deteriorate if nothing is done pretty soon.}

"You think a non-pokemon like me can help?"

{You're the one she loves the most, so yeah, I know you can.}

"...Alright. I'll see what I can do."

{Thanks, Max. You really are an amazing trainer.}

"Well, that's the only thing I have going for me, so, might as well not suck at it." Max started, turning to head back to the camp.

{That's not true.} Aurora disagreed, following him. {You're good at other things.}

"Like what?"

{Eh, I doubt you want to hear all of them, but I will say that you're good at getting all the girls to agree with you when you make a good point.}

"Alright, I get it."

{I was mostly teasing you, even though it's true. Anyway, would it really be that bad if being a really good trainer was really the only thing you're good at?}

"..."

{You are also very kind and care for us greatly. As a pokemon, I can't ask for more.}

"...I guess so."

{Sorry if I brought it up that way, but since we're all that matters to you like you always say, what would be the point of having multiple talents?}

"That's… actually a good point."

{Especially since that's clearly not the case. However, if you like to believe that, at least tell yourself that it's not that bad and six females are happy with you because of it.}

"Not right now though."

{As soon as we put this episode behind us, it will.}

Max never really thought of it that way. Sure, he wasn't really considering himself as a champion or a winner, but who cares if the girls he lives for are satisfied in the end? If caring for those he loves is the only thing he's good at, then why bother with anything else?

"You know, Aurora…" Max started, stopping.

{Hm?}

"I've always liked you the way you are. I mean, when you started your journey with us, I got used to it and accepted who you are as a pokemon. It was hard to do so at first, but over time, I began to accept it as it was part of your personality as you had your good sides. But recently, I'm starting to notice that I really like talking with you. Not only you're talkable now, but doing it with you makes me realize things I have never considered before."

{I… really appreciate the praise. Thanks.} Aurora replied, quite embarrassed.

"Sorry. I think I got ahead of myself a bit."

{It's okay. A nice compliment is always pleasant from time to time.}

"Yeah. Maybe I'm not saying that enough to you girls."

{You're a more reserved type of person, so don't force yourself if it doesn't come. You're the one that shows it rather than just saying it anyway.}

"That's true." Max conceded, resuming their walk.

A minute later, they arrived at the camp. Nothing had changed much as everyone was staring at the fire, too demoralized to do anything else. Then, he noticed Scarlet, who was looking even more down than the others. He was still mad at her for trying to kill herself, especially with all those lectures she gave him telling him otherwise. However, seeing his lover like that was hurting his heart a little.

"...Scarlet?" He called behind her, making her turn her head to look at him. "Can you come with me for a moment?"

Barely nodding, she stood up and followed Max, who only led her a few meters away from the campfire, still visible.

"I… Aurora and I talked a little and… she awakened me a little. These are difficult times and I should have to be there for you and the girls. If I can't do that when you need me the most, then what am I even doing here?"

{It's okay, master. You also have the right to be sad or angry.} Scarlet said, already looking ashamed.

"Yes, I know. I was, but now is the time to get back on my feet and help you girls, starting with you. Scarlet, I'm sorry for reacting so harshly to what you told me. I acted according to my emotions without considering yours, much less your reasoning for that."

{I'm so sorry, master.} She started to cry, dropping her head on his chest. {You have no idea how much I regret doing that. It was the stupidest thing I've ever done.}

"Unfortunately, you are not wrong," Max replied, stroking her hair. "We all do something really stupid at least once in our lives, you don't have to be too ashamed of that."

{I'm so sorry, master.} She bemoaned, muffling her cries on him.

"It's okay, Scarlet. You're alive and safe with us now. That is what's most important."

He then let her unbottle her feelings for a moment until he felt that she calmed down a bit.

"But, next time, can you at least talk with me beforehand? See if it's something we can arrange or prevent?"

{I just… wanted what was best for you. I just wanted you to be safe and happy and-}

"But I already am." Max cut. "Because you are there with me."

{I… I'm so sorry.}

"It's okay. However, I'm afraid I'll ask you to bear the sight of what I will be for a while. I'll try to be tough for you girls, but I don't know how I'll be able to do it. I'm still trying to accept that Jade's… is gone for good."

{It's okay, master. As long as you don't leave me, I promise I won't do the same thing ever again.} She affirmed, still sobbing slightly.

"Glad we sorted that out. You should rest now, I think you really need it."

{I'm trying, but I could barely get any sleep in the past few days.}

"Just do your best. I will too."

Tightening his hug stronger for a second, Max broke it.

"Sorry if I cut this short, but Bonny is trying to train herself to death, so I should go stop her before she really does."

{It's okay. I understand.} She said, wiping her tears.

"See you later, then. Good night." Max concluded before leaving her.

A bit saddened that the hug didn't last long, she went around the fire to join the others in silence. However, she was feeling like a little bit of weight had been removed from her heart. At least he wasn't mad at her anymore.

Not very far from the campsite, Max followed the noises of a lopunny that was training and found her, shadow fighting, trying her best to strike as fast and as strong as possible.

"Why don't you take a break?" Max proposed.

{No can do.} She replied, raising the strength of her strike. {I know I'll never be able to do a thing in my life, but if I train continuously and twice as hard, maybe I'll be less of a burden.}

"Less of a burden? You're aware that you're more or less the third strongest member on the team, right?"

{Ah. What a joke. The third strongest sure shines a lot.} She retorted.

"Please, Bonny. Can you take a break and sit down with me?"

Not replying, Bonny kept training.

"Bonny!" Max called.

{What?!} She aggressively shouted.

"I don't want to force you myself, so please, stop and sit here."

{Oh, because you think you can?} Bonny taunted, paws on hips.

Not reacting, Max only stared at her. She then realized that she was just making a scene.

{*Sigh* Fine. I'll sit on the stupid ground.} She growled, letting herself land hard on her rear next to Max.

"What has gotten into you? You've never been that aggressive towards me, not even in your mega form."

{It's because I've never been so angry and helpless in all my life. Does that answer your question?}

"Well, that's why I'm here. I've been told that you decided to train to the point of complete exhaustion. What are you hoping to gain or accomplish by doing that?"

{Strength, power, being less useless in a fight, even by a little.}

"Then I'm afraid to tell you that you won't achieve any of that if you keep going like this without proper rest."

{Well what am I supposed to do then?}

"Balance. Too much training without any R&R will only destroy you."

{*Hmpf* You wouldn't understand anyway.} She grumbled, looking away.

"Yeah, because I'm just a weak human that needs constant protection, right?"

{Tsk. Believe what you want.}

"*Sigh* Look, Bonny. You're strong, tough, not to mention very cute, and-"

{Could you stop with the sweet talk already?} Bonny angrily demanded.

"What do you-"

{About me being cute, pretty, beautiful, or whatever the hell you want to call me. It's getting on my nerves as if being the pretty one is all I'm good for these days. It makes me feel like a slut and nothing else!}

"That's absolutely not what I was going for!" Max fervently denied. "It's not my fault if you are cute as fuck. And no, you're not just good at being filled. You're also a very nice and caring lopunny, always doing her best at everything she does. You're strong, Bonny. I still don't understand why you get so down after a few defeats."

{Pfft. Like I said, you wouldn't understand.}

Max didn't know what to retort anymore. Well, that's not entirely true. There were some things that he could say, but those wouldn't help at all. He decided to stay silent for a moment.

"I'm sorry, Bonny."

{For what? Failing to try to win me over with comforting words? Don't be, I'm the one at fault here.}

"No, I'm sorry for putting you through everything that has happened."

{Putting me through everything? You didn't really do anything to cause all this.}

"Yet, we're all in the same boat. My desire to become a pokemon trainer, my first encounters with all of you, my bad luck when it comes to avoiding trouble. Whether I caused it or not, you all suffer from the consequences of my actions."

{I don't know where you're going at, but if you're implying that it's all because of you-}

"But it is, Bonny. Who mostly calls the shots here? Who are you girls following? For whom do you try your best so he can realize his childhood dream? Who is leading this crazy yet endearing bunch of misfits?"

{...}

"You're not answering because you know too well that it's me. You all would probably be better off if I had just stayed in my hometown or settled down somewhere without meeting any of you."

Bonny wanted to argue and prove him wrong, but what was making that impossible for her was the fact that he was right. She simply had nothing to retort.

{...So what do you suggest? That we just sit here and call it quits?}

Before answering, Max looked into the void inside of him.

"I don't know. Maybe…"

{Great. Not only would I be partially responsible for Jade's death, but also for you throwing in the towel. Great, just when it couldn't get any better.} She growled angrily sarcastically.

"I didn't say I will."

{But you're thinking about it. I know you. If you're thinking about it, it's because you are heavily considering it, which ends up going through most of the time.}

"You just said it, most of the time."

{Big deal.}

For a short moment, no one spoke.

"*Sigh* Bonny, I love you. I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can say to make you feel better. Like you said, I'm not a pokemon, so I can't understand what you're going through but I'm really trying to. Life sucks and I think you will agree with me. You may think that you're useless, but this team, yourself included, changed my life for the better. You would realize that if you had known what was going on in my head before I met all of you." Max explained, followed by another brief silence.

{...I know you're trying to do your job as a trainer, but I'm not in the mood to even accept your help.} She admitted, dropping her forehead on her arms.

Shortly, Max began to hear her sobbing a little. Without hesitation, Max coiled an arm around her and pulled her onto him. As soon as her head touched his chest, her sobbing got louder.

{Why? Why did this have to happen? She was one of us. Our friend, a member of our family.} She bemoaned, with Max feeling his shirt getting slowly wet.

"Yes, you're right. At least… we managed to show her that life isn't always about bad things and that we got to show her some good sides of it." Max said, getting a bit emotional himself.

{Could we… have been able to prevent this?}

"...I don't really know. Some say that when your time comes, there's nothing you can do about it. It just means that even if she had never met us, she would have died someplace else."

{So… that means that no matter what, she would have died anyway?}

"That's what some people believe."

{Is it the case for you?}

"...Yes." Max lied.

{...It doesn't really change the injustice of it all.}

"I agree," Max said, rubbing her back.

{I just wish… to be much stronger than I am now, because if something happens to you...}

"If you work hard for it, given that you don't overdo it, you will get there. Patience and dedication. Those are the only two ingredients to get stronger. There is no shortcut, and it all starts with you."

{That's what makes it worse. In the meantime, we are exposed to stuff like that.}

"That's why we all gotta stick together and support each other more often. We are a team, after all, Bonny."

After that, neither Bonny nor Max replied anything, with the lopunny calming down progressively.

"What do you say about joining the others? If everyone is here and you could inspire them if you show how brave you really are."

{With a fake smile?} Bonny guessed, moving her head while wiping her tears away.

"No. Just that you're working through the pain. That would be easier for you and enough to start off on the right foot."

{I won't promise anything, but…}

"You'll try, I know." Max finished, pulling her into a stronger hug. "Strength doesn't always come from training. True strength comes from here." He remarked, pointing at her chest.

{It's even harder to be strong there.}

"Hehe, I agree, but that is what makes it worth it."

With Bonny heavily sighing, Max stood up and presented her one of her paws.

"Do you want me to carry you like a princess again?"

Looking at him for a brief instant, she took his hand to get herself up.

{Thanks for the offer, but no. It would look like too much preferential treatment.}

"Not really. You really like it, so…"

{I said no. I know you don't feel better than me, so it's out of the question that I'm the only one who is allowed to be sad. I don't want you to swallow your emotions just to give me a pleasant moment. It wouldn't be fun at all.}

"*Sigh* Alright. I understand your decision and I respect it. For another time, then. Mind holding hands then?" Max asked, making Bonny look at him hesitantly. "It will be relaxing for me as well as for you."

With a bit of reluctance, Bonny gave him her paw and got led by him towards the campsite. Normally, she would have loved it, but oddly, she couldn't find the strength to be affected by that. Reaching their destination, Max held her paw until she was seated and sat between Dusk and May. He and the group stared at the fire in silence for a short moment.

"Well, it definitely looks like we have seen better days." He commented.

Since no one replied anything, Max sighed and pulled Dusk and May on him, hugging both of them with neither returning it.

"But we are a team, girls. Whatever we are facing, we will face it together."

The others didn't know, but Scarlet knew that his newly found optimism was just a facade for the girls. She was feeling bad for him and wasn't on board with it, but also knew that he decided to keep going and wouldn't stop, even if she asked him to. She just hoped that he wasn't turning himself into a ticking time bomb.

"I'm sorry for not being there for you girls in the past few days, where you needed me the most. It's my job as a trainer to keep you happy and sane, or in this case, supporting you through that gruesome memory."

{But… What about you, master?} Dusk asked with tearful eyes.

"I'll be okay. I'll get over it too eventually. For now, you girls are the number one priority." He affirmed, petting her.

{You're not less of a priority than the rest of us.} Dusk replied, with a bit of confidence.

"Someone has to be a pillar for the group, and I'm the most qualified for that."

{At the expense of your physical and mental well-being? I don't think so!} Dusk protested fervently.

"Dusk…"

{If you're the pillar as you say, then if you fall, we all fall.} She stated, a bit aggressively.

"That's true, but…"

{So please, don't sacrifice yourself for us. Not again.} She bemoaned, strongly hugging him.

Max then couldn't help but to smile a little.

"Dusk. I don't plan on sacrificing myself." He assured, rubbing her head. "I just want to be the one that keeps us all together. It's like I said before; we move faster alone, but go farther together."

{He's… right.} Scarlet affirmed surprisingly. {We won't accomplish anything by crying in our own separate corners. If we can at least do that together, then that's a step in the right direction.} She added before silence settled.

"We'll reach Oxgard tomorrow. I think it's best for us to take a break there for a little while, at least until we feel ready. If we are to stay in a hotel, I might need your help finding money if it becomes an issue." Max suggested to Scarlet.

{Sure thing.} Scarlet replied, not even enthusiastic about a misdeed she was allowed to do.

"As soon as we are settled and our heads are back in the game, we go find that gym leader, get our battle over with, and take it easy afterward."

{Which brings the question, who's gonna be the third fighter?} Luna questioned.

"The only options left are Aurora and May, both having a weakness against fire-types."

Max then thought about going for Aurora, who seemed to be in a better mental state than May. Yet, that could be just what she wants to project.

{If… you really need me to, I…} Scarlet started.

"No, it's okay, Scarlet. I know you don't want to fight unnecessary battles, so the circumstances shouldn't force you to do so. The same goes for you, Luna." Max said, looking at the zoroark before she could propose herself. "I guess the choice is up to them."

{I'll leave my place to Aurora.} May stated.

"Are you sure?"

For a while, May was constantly reliving the scene that happened before her in those woods; Jade being impaled through the crest with blood splattering everywhere, her face included. Add the lifeless gardevoirs she supposedly killed in her mega form, that is an experience that will haunt her for a long time.

{I… think I'll be staying away from battles for a while.}

Even though they respected her decision, none of them really understood it. Even Max wasn't sure at first, but he then quickly understood why, or at least he thought he did.

"It's okay, May." He reassured, rubbing her smooth head. "Do what you need to do."

After that, the girls slowly went to bed one by one, with very little time passing between them. Soon enough, only Max, Scarlet, and Luna were up around the fire.

{Will you go to bed soon?} Scarlet asked, starting to feel tired.

"Yes, but… there is one more thing I need to do before. Go without me, I'll join you shortly after."

Scarlet was a bit curious about what he meant but told herself that it was unnecessary information stealing.

{Alright. Don't take too long. I sleep better when you're with me.}

"Will do." Max agreed, with Scarlet leaving for the tent.

Both Max and Luna were now alone. With no one speaking, Luna stayed there and stared at the fire, looking at Max on rare occasions, wondering what he had in mind. Shortly, Max stood up and walked next to her.

"Can I… sit with you?" He asked, a bit shyly.

{Sure.}

Separating her legs, Max sat right between them and dropped his back against her.

{I rarely see you that straightforward towards me.}

"I'm sorry if I'm being a bother, but right now, your intimidating and scary presence is ironically the thing that reassures me the most." He said with a lower volume.

{And you don't want Scarlet to know about it?} Luna asked, doing the same.

"I suspect that she already knows, but it's not just that. She has this reassuring presence too, thanks to her being powerful. However, it's a bit different for you. Since I'm still a bit scared of you, I think I convinced myself that you're also scary for everything else around us. I don't know if I'm being clear…"

{I think I know what you mean. Looks like your fear for me can be useful after all.}

"Fear is a strong word. Intimidation would be more appropriate."

{Let's go with that, then.}

"Thanks."

For a moment, Max stayed in Luna's bubble, seeing her as a blanket that was protecting him from the hostile world he was living in.

"I also wanted to apologize."

{It's okay, little pup. I understand that-}

"No it's not okay, Luna. What I did wasn't right. You always do your best for me and the girls, and what did I do? I tried to hurt you. That was so unacceptable of me, not to mention pathetic."

{Calm down, now.} Luna hushed, rubbing his head. {I know it wasn't your fault. You weren't yourself. I also apologized for what I did.}

"No, Luna. You did what you had to do, so it was justified. The only one here who needs to apologize is me."

Luna wanted to insist on the fact that she didn't hold a grudge against him as the circumstances made him lose control, letting his anger get the best of him. However, by seeing how determined and firm he was, she thought that it would be better if she just let him have his way for now.

{Alright, little pup. I accept your apologies.} She gave up.

"Thanks, Luna. I promise you that it will never happen again. You don't deserve to suffer from my fragile state of mind."

{Don't fret over it too much. Humans are just as emotional as pokemon, it just comes with their intelligence, unfortunately.}

"Yeah. Nothing can ever be too great. There's always another side of the coin."

{Indeed. Nothing is ever all black or white.}

"*Hmpf* Some humans can be. If you don't believe me, ask Scarlet."

{Some would take it too far, I agree, but even I don't believe in such evil.}

"Even if just a bit, it's still too much."

{Regardless, there will always be people like you to stop them.}

"If only I could…" Max replied, looking at the stars.

He felt a cold breeze hitting him.

"Brr, it's getting quite cold lately. Good thing I bought winter clothes not too long ago. I wonder if it will be okay with you girls, especially Scarlet and May since they don't have fur like the rest."

{Maybe you could lend them one of your shirts or jackets.}

Max then imagined Scarlet in one of his shirts. The image was quite appealing, as it was increasing her sexiness in a different way. Kind of like when your girlfriend is naked under it. Then, he thought about May. This time, however, the image was funnier than anything else as he pictured her with a human coat that was way too big for her.

"Hehe, we'll see." Max chuckled. "If anything, I could try to find a store and buy them something."

{That would be very thoughtful. As expected from a talented trainer.}

"Yeah. If you say so."

A couple of minutes later, Max was getting a bit drowsy.

{You should go join Scarlet in bed, she must be waiting for you.} Luna suggested, gently shaking him.

"...Yeah. Thanks, Luna." Max said, rubbing his face before standing up.

{Good night.}

"You too."

As expected, when Max got in and laid on his mattress, Scarlet wasn't sleeping and turned to hug him. For a moment, he felt her anxiety diminishing, slowly getting replaced by a small sense of security. He only brushed her hair while closing his eyes, drifting to sleep.