Consolidation

*Vlam*

"You won't get away with this!"

{Wanna bet? I'll kick your little human ass anytime!}

"What are you waiting for, then? I'm still on my feet."

{Not for long.}

Inside a forest with his companions looking at him worryingly, Max was fighting a lopunny hand-to-hand in a wrestling battle. The bunny pokemon had the strength advantage, but thanks to his training with his companions, he managed to stand his ground more than the lopunny anticipated.

{Should we intervene?} Dusk asked, afraid of the outcome.

{No.} Aurora simply answered.

{But… what if he gets hurt?}

{Scarlet will heal him.} May pointed out.

{But…}

{Relax, Dusk.} Luna reassured with a paw on one of her shoulders. {They just battle for dominance. Not a single drop of blood will spill. Probably.}

{Not very reassuring.} Dusk retorted.

"Ghaa!"

To no one's surprise, the outcome of the battle was Max being thrown on his chest due to an agile foot play by the lopunny. As soon as the human was down, the pokemon sat on his back.

{Looks like it won't be today that you'll beat me, master.}

"You really like to humiliate me, don't you, Bonny?"

{Nah. Just a little.}

{It was to be expected. Seriously, why do you keep trying, anyway?} Aurora asked with the group disbanding away.

"Like hell, I'll let her do as she pleases with me," Max told her.

{Not convincing in that position.} Bonny nagged.

Max sighed in defeat.

{Now say it.}

"..."

{Sayyy it.} Bonny insisted.

"...I am an obsessed but cute pokephile that is very lucky to have a pokemon like you."

{I knew it.} Bonny replied, laying on him for a small hug.

"Can you stand up now? You are kind of crushing me."

{Are you saying that I'm fat? Maybe another round will teach you some manners.}

"No, I'm okay. The last one drained me up. Anyway, it's getting quite late."

{Is that so? Well, in that case, you should gather up some energy because tonight, I'm planning on catching up on all of those chastity days.} She lowly and mischievously said in his ear.

"Are you planning on killing me? No way I'll be able to do that in one night."

{Well, you're gonna have to figure something out.} Bonny suggested while standing up. {I'll come to you when the time will be right.} She added before walking away.

{Two same irrecuperable idiots.} Aurora commented as Max was dusting his pants and shirt after standing up.

"I agree that it mustn't have been the most elegant thing to assist in."

{Not really.} She confirmed haughtily.

When done dusting his hands, he went to sit next to her.

"Why are you still here, then?"

{Dunno.} She replied, shrugging her shoulders. {Maybe I hope to see you make yourself more of an idiot.}

"Really? For a second, I thought it was because you wanted something else." Max retorted with a knowing grin.

{What could I possibly want from you?} She retorted, slightly blushing.

"Dunno," Max answered, mimicking her. "Something… personal, perhaps?" He continued, gently petting the back of her head.

{D-don't be silly. I'm not that desperate. Anyway, you have someone else you must take care of later, so don't waste your energy on me.}

"You're right, I shouldn't. But I'm not the kind that likes to obey the rules. Besides, there are many ways of having fun." He said a bit sensually, gently rubbing the right side of her hips.

{Wh-what are you doing?} She asked, not protesting.

"Taking care of my pokemon, what else?"

Gently, Max put his other hand on her left thigh, softly rubbing it while slowly moving towards her belly.

{Have you n-no shame? Doing t-that here?} Aurora complained with a tone not fitting with her words.

"Is it wrong?" He said before lightly pressing a finger against her entrance.

{Y-yes. Very wrong.}

"Why are you not resisting, then?"

{Because I'm… your pokemon and I can't disobey you.} The lucario explained with her breathing getting faster.

"You're not my slave, you know." He added, gently rubbing her lower lips. "If you say stop, I will."

{But… you're gonna get mad at me.} She defended, putting her paws on Max's arm.

"Of course not. How can you think such a thing?"

{Because… I… Ahh.}

Slowly, Aurora's arousal was rising up. However, it didn't take her much time to get moist. Max then took advantage of it and coated his finger with her natural lubricant, rendering it extra slippery so he could finger her most sensitive part.

{I… hate you.} She told him with an excited voice.

"I know."

Soon enough, Max pushed his finger in, making her gasp in surprise and pleasure. He then used his other arm around her to stimulate her clitoris, doubling the pleasure. As they were getting to know each other more and doing it more often, both were getting accustomed to what they liked and did not like. Closing her eyes, Aurora began to moan lowly and periodically while grasping Max's arm tighter. After a few minutes, Aurora's body tensed, and was slightly shivering.

"Feeling less stressed out yet?"

Slightly panting, Aurora only glared at him briefly.

"I'll take that as a yes." He said while standing up.

{I… You're gonna pay for this.} She shyly told him.

"Can't wait for it," Max replied, softly petting her before heading back to their campsite.

When he arrived, he saw Scarlet and Dusk playing a board game on a nearby spot on the ground. It was a pretty strategic one, the favorite of psychic types. Scarlet was lying on her belly, legs raised, and Dusk was on the other side, sitting cross-legged. The game was rather complex for Max as it was a weird mix of chess, checkers, and conquest game of some sort. Scarlet was moving her pieces with her powers and seemed at an advantage while Dusk was moving her pieces manually and looked almost desperate.

{There's not much you can do anymore. You're almost out of resources and very little territory.}

{I know. Just let me think.} Dusk demanded, trying to focus.

{Alright.} Scarlet gently replied, rolling on her back.

"Did you at least teach her the rules correctly?" Max nagged her a little while sitting nearby on an improvised chair with a tree trunk.

{Are you accusing me of cheating?}

"That wouldn't be your type, of course."

{I'll let you know that I always play fair when my opponent does the same.} Scarlet defended, rolling on her side to face him.

"Really now?" Max retorted, looking at her skeptically.

{Well, the only exception being when I dominate you while mating.}

"I feel so privileged." Max pointed out sarcastically.

{You should be.} She replied with a small grin.

{Aha! Got you now.} Dusk called out.

Without even looking, Scarlet telekinetically moved some of her pieces, destroying a couple and converting a few of Dusk's army.

{Darn it!} Dusk growled.

{Do you want to try me?}

Max couldn't help but look at her funnily at that question with how rather suggestive she was lying.

{On the game, I mean. Though… I don't mind either one.} She seductively said.

"It looks way too complicated for me. That's gonna take me literally forever to learn it."

{I can implement the rules directly in your little bird brain.}

"Really?" Max replied, at which Scarlet nodded with a smile. "Maybe after you're done with Dusk."

As soon as Max finished his sentence, Scarlet moved a few pieces, making her win the game, leaving Dusk flabbergasted.

{Done.}

{Wha… How?} Dusk mumbled, flabbergasted.

*sigh* "You're heartless."

{What? The game can play up to four players. She can play again.}

{No. I think I'm gonna stop it there.} The braixen shared, standing up.

Max then stood up and moved next to Dusk.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she cheated." He whispered in her ear, making Scarlet roll her eyes.

With a smile, Dusk hugged him and left them.

"Alright, let's get it over with."

Back on her belly, Scarlet motioned him to come closer with one finger and a smile. After he did so, she placed her hand on his head and transferred the knowledge.

"Damn!" Max exclaimed when she was done after a short moment. "I'm not even sure that I understand what I now understand."

{Just play and you'll get used to it.}

"And to think this is a human game." He complained, sitting in front of her.

{It's quite a simple game if you ask me. But I suppose it is a little bit hard for a human.} She mocked him with an arrogant grin.

"Good thing no one asked you, then." Max jested, with what Scarlet stuck her tongue out at him.

After only a few moves, Max wasn't surprised that he lost, but he did feel a bit stupid for losing that fast.

"How the fuck did you do that?"

{Skill? Luck? Destiny?} Scarlet enumerated.

"Good thing I bought more than one. I don't think I like this one."

{Don't be a sore loser. The more you play, the better you'll get. It could even improve your I.Q. a little.} She remarked with a giggle, amused by his mild frustration.

"It's already high enough, thank you very much."

{If you consider a two-digit number that way, then okay.}

"Fuck you."

{Anytime.} Scarlet retorted with a grin.

*sigh* "I think I'm gonna take a small walk." Max said while standing up.

{But I still want to play.} Scarlet complained in a childish tone.

"We are eight in total here. Surely you'll find someone else to play with. Why not Jade? She's a psychic like you. I'm sure it's gonna be more stimulating and challenging with her."

Scarlet's face then turned from mischievous to slightly upset.

{Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm just gonna play with myself, then.} She pouted, randomly moving pieces across the board.

"I'll play again with you another time. Promise." Max told her before walking deeper into the woods.

{If you say so.} She mumbled.

After a bit of walking, Max oddly came across Jade who was sitting at the foot of a tree, a bit isolated.

"Jade?" Max called out when getting closer.

She turned her head to look at him, confirming that it was indeed her.

{Hi, mister.}

"Enjoying yourself out here in the quiet?"

{Mhmm.}

"...Jade… I know we already discussed this, but Scarlet doesn't have anyone to play with, so I was wondering if you could go and help her a little."

Jade's face then changed from neutral and a bit depressed to a more surprised and slightly scared one.

{With S-Scarlet? I-I don't think it's a good idea.}

"Come on, she's not gonna eat you. The worst that could happen is that she says no."

Jade then thought for a moment.

{Are you sure?}

"Of course. Relax, Jade, she's not a monster. Okay, she may not appreciate you as much as the others, but maybe things like that could help her to get over her feelings. If you prove how nice your species can be, maybe she will even appreciate you. We've both seen that not interacting with each other won't change a thing between you two."

{...I don't want to disappoint anyone, so okay.} Jade agreed, unsurely standing up.

"But if you don't feel like it…"

{It's okay. Perhaps you're right. If it can break the tension between us, that's gonna relieve me from a lot of stress.}

"Atta-girl. Thanks, Jade."

{N-no problem. Though... can you… keep a secret?}

"Of course."

{I'm… kind of jealous of her.}

"Huh? How so?"

{Well, she has a couple of pokemon and you, a human, caring for her. Also, she's very pretty. I'm a pale comparison next to her.}

"Can't argue with that. She's indeed very beautiful. But you all are in your own personal way. In my opinion, beauty can't be judged from how subjective it is."

Jade then took a very deep breath.

{Okay. I'll try my best.}

"Glad to hear."

After another deep breath, Jade then floated towards the campsite. When she was gone, Max resumed his walk through the woods.

When Jade arrived, she saw Scarlet still lying on the ground, bored to death.

{Hem… M-Miss S-Scarlet?} She asked hardly.

Mostly ignoring her, Scarlet only briefly looked at her from the corner of one eye before resuming her activity.

{I w-was wondering i-if I c-could play?} Jade asked with extreme nervousness.

{Play what?} Scarlet coldly asked.

{Hem… t-that. With y-you.}

Scarlet then paused moving her pieces to look directly at her, sending shivers all across her body.

{Master told you to do that?}

{Ye- No- May- Hem… Y-Yes.} Jade clumsily stammered, not wanting to lie to her.

Scarlet then let out a very audible and long sigh.

{Always not minding his business, that one.}

{I'm sorry for b-bothering you.} Jade told her, slowly backing up.

Scarlet let out another big sigh.

{I don't really want to see you around, even less a few inches in front of me. But I really like this game and I want to play again, so it looks like I don't have much of a choice.}

{A-are you s-sure?}

{You better get over here before I change my mind.} Scarlet ordered, annoyed.

{Y-yes, ma'am.} She replied, quickly sitting in front of her.

{I'm too lazy to explain the rules, so you're gonna have to figure it out yourself.} The red gardevoir informed while placing the pieces.

{Okay.}

Arguing with her was the last thing Jade wanted, so she went along with it. It was already a miracle that she let her breathe that close to her.

~POVC~

Further away, Max was still walking through the woods. He didn't even walk for five minutes and he already came across May and Bonny, gently sparring together.

{Master!} May exclaimed, quickly walking towards him. {You gotta help us.}

"Whoa, slow down. Help for what?"

{We want to learn a new move.} Bonny answered for May.

"Oh, really?"

{Yes. Maybe a long-range move, if possible.}

"Oh, I'll try. May passes, but I'm not sure about you, Bonny."

{I don't think we covered every move I can learn yet.} The lopunny pointed out.

"Fair enough." Max complied before taking out his pokedex.

After a cautious survey, Max came out with two moves, one for each of them.

"So, Bonny, how about Dizzy Punch?"

{Sounds interesting.}

"It says that it's a rather strong move that can confuse the target."

{Oh! That sounds very useful.}

"Indeed. Imagine if you keep confusing your opponent at every hit. That's a win guaranteed."

{Well, it may not be a projectile move, but it compensates very well.}

"And for you, May, I was thinking about… oh. Well, maybe not, then."

{What is it?} May urged.

"Well, I thought that Flash Cannon could be a really good steel-type move for you, but it seems rather hard to learn. I don't think your special attack is high enough."

{Oh, okay.} May replied, a bit sad.

"I didn't mean to make you sad, May, but I don't want you to get disappointed if you try something too hard and fail."

{You think I'll fail?} May inquired with an almost accusing tone.

"No, no, of course not! What I meant to say is-"

{What he meant to say is that you still don't have the special attack level to learn a hard one.} Bonny cut him off. {I agree that you should start with an easier one. You still can learn Flash Cannon later on. He just didn't want to see you give up on something. Right, master?}

"Y-yes. Like she said." Max said, playing along.

{Hmm…} May mumbled, thoughtful.

"Thanks. You really saved my skin there." Max whispered to Bonny.

{You really should work on your speech skill. I won't always be here to save you.}

"Maybe."

{I agree that if it's still a special attack move, I can learn an easier one, train a lot, and learn a stronger one when I'll be ready.} May mumbled, mostly to herself. {Okay, let's do that. Any suggestions?} She continued, quickly coming back to a normal emotional state.

"Hmm…" Max said, lightly tapping his lips with one finger. {Oh, I got the perfect one: Fairy Wind."

{Fairy Wind?} Bonny repeated.

"A fairy-type special move that stirs up as the name describes, a fairy wind to hit your enemies with. Not only will it be a long-ranged attack, but you'll finally learn a fairy-type move."

{Not wanting to bash or anything, but it's about time we have one. I mean, both May and Scarlet are fairy types but neither one knows a single fairy-type move.}

"And yet, it's not like the fairy type is effective against a lot of other types, anyway. But I agree that we should have more move-type variety. The more we have, the more polyvalent we'll be."

{Great. I'm ready to start.} Bonny expressed.

For the next couple of minutes, Max explained to them how to learn and master their new moves with a few tricks to help them.

{Doesn't sound too hard. I think it will be easier than my Jump Kick move.} Bonny commented.

{Speak for yourself. I have no starting point for mine. I have zero experience in special attacking.} May complained.

"Looks like you're gonna have to ask Scarlet or Dusk for help." Max proposed.

*sigh* {I guess so.}

"I believe in you, May. You haven't let me down a single time so far, and I don't think you'll start today."

{O-of course not.} May replied with a tiny shy smile.

"There you go. I'll do the same with the others."

{Yeah. For now, Scarlet is the only one who knows several moves. Maybe Luna too, but we don't exactly know a lot about her, actually.} Bonny mentioned.

"Yeah. I wonder if she will ever drop that mystery aura someday so we can get to know her a little."

{Me too.} May agreed. {We thought that she would open up a little by now, but I still feel some distance between her and us.}

{I wonder if she even trusts us.} Bonny wondered.

"Of course she does. Why else she would stay with us, then?"

{Beats me. It's like she's with us, but not at the same time.}

"I think she just needs a lot of time before getting comfortable around others. At worst, she may only be the very solitary type one."

{Either way, we might never know her true intentions.}

"I hope you're not saying that just because she's a dark type." Max suspected.

{I'm not, but…}

"But you should go on to your training instead of saying silly things." Max retorted, petting Bonny's head a bit roughly, making her playfully hiss like a cat at him.

After wishing them good luck, Max resumed his walk. Quickly, he began to rethink the strategy for the next gym battle; his choices being either try to train Jade for battle or making Aurora mega evolve. For now, he was still not seeing Jade as a solid fighter. Not in time, at least. She has years to catch up. He then focused a bit more on Aurora and what was missing for the mega evolution. Bonny succeeded very quickly, even though she went berserk the first couple of times. He then wondered and hoped that it won't be the same with Aurora, or any of his other pokemon whatsoever. As he was pondering while walking, time flew by a bit quickly and the sky was slowly getting dark.

"Shit! I think I strayed off a bit too much. I should go back before getting lost and having Scarlet bring me back. I already look like an idiot with her too many times, so if I can avoid that for one occasion or two..."

Max was about to turn around when he heard in the distance noises that sounded like a waterfall. Max recalled that waterfalls can help you focus and clear your mind. Not the way you see in mangas or movies, but just with the sound. He then decided to go there and get some alone time, moments he rarely had. He'll ask for Scarlet's help later, again. It took him around five minutes to arrive at a cleared zone with a huge pond in the middle and a waterfall at the other end, with the top being the continuity of the forest. As he was looking at the rather beautiful scenery, he heard a splash coming from the pond. Since he wasn't looking specifically at it, he didn't have the time to see who or what fell in. Since he was still quite hidden at the edge, he wasn't scared to be spotted by a dangerous or aggressive pokemon. Curious as always, he hides a little bit better and waited to see what might resurface. He didn't have to wait for long before his wish was granted and saw a zoroark emerge from the depths of the pond, recognizing the pokemon as Luna.

(Oh, it's just Luna enjoying a fresh bath.)

At that exact moment, Max did a double-take and realized that Luna was bathing in front of him. Her wet fur stuck to her skin, revealing more of her muscular and well-proportioned body. Besides that her waist was looking unhealthily small, the rest of her figure was almost human-like. Not only that, but she was gently and sensually rubbing her body. Unfortunately, she was mostly focusing on her huge red mane and washed it.

(Good thing I chose to hide. She would have killed me if she thought that I was spying on her.)

After a little while, she left her mane and went over her body again. Despite himself, Max was slowly getting aroused. Luna was then rubbing her neck for a moment before diving into the water again. Max told himself that he should leave while he still can, but his lust and curiosity prevented him to do so. A full minute had passed and Luna hasn't resurfaced. He guessed that she just had strong lungs, but was starting to get worried when it was about to be two minutes.

(Is she okay?)

Then three minutes passed and Max was still not seeing her.

"Shit! She might be in real trouble." Max said to himself in an alarmed state before rushing towards the edge in hopes to see any sign of her. "Luna?!" He called out.

In a split second, Luna popped out of the water a few inches away from Max.

{Boo!} She shouted as Max tried to instinctively and quickly move away, but failed and fell on his back.

"Goddamnit, Luna!" Max complained. "I thought you were trapped underwater."

{Aww, how sweet of you to be worried for me.} She said, resting her arms on the edge.

"Glad I was here for nothing." He remarked annoyingly.

{But it's strange...}

"What is?"

{How did you manage to see me diving and not seeing me resurface? Were you perhaps spying on me?} Luna accused with a wide grin.

"O-of course not. I just happened to come by and I saw you disappear in the water. I just wanted to see if you were alright, that's all."

{Is that so? How come I smelled and sensed you way before that, then?}

"I… hem, well… that's simple, actually. You see, I…" Max tried to explain, but failed miserably.

{Scarlet was right, you are a naughty liar.} Luna remarked while slowly moving out of the water, slowly crawling towards Max before being above him.

Immediately feeling his heartbeat accelerating, Max found himself unable to react to the sudden and unexpected situation.

{A really naughty, naughty liar boy.} She said when her face was only a few inches from his, her body dripping all over him.

"L-L-Luna?"

{Yes?} She sensually asked, closing her face to his own, now an inch away from making contact, the zoroark sporting an almost predatory grin.

"W-what is ha-happening?" He stammered, paralyzed by her bold and sudden behavior.

{I don't know. Is there something happening?} She questioned innocently.

Max now didn't know if she was serious or not. If she was just teasing him, she reached a whole new level. If it was the case, Max will have to scold her and say that it's no joke to make.

"I… don't know."

{Oh, but I do know. Your pheromones are getting all excited and it doesn't displease me one bit.}

At this point, Max had to ask her her true intentions. The anticipation and pressure were killing him.

"L-Luna? D-do you-"

{Just say the word, Max.}

"The… word?"

{Just say: "I want you".}

"...I…"

{Just say it and who knows what might happen.} She seductively enticed while moving her head even closer.

Max's heart was about to burst out of his chest due to an excessive heart rate. For a moment, he thought that he was about to get a heart attack. He wanted to do it, but it was so sudden and unexpected. He almost had given up on doing it with her. Will he be good enough for her? Should he take the lead or not? Rough or not?

"I…" Max started with Luna intently staring at him. "I'm… sorry for spying and disturbing you."

Instead of a deceived or sad expression, a wider and more warm smile appeared.

{Haha. You're so cute. Don't worry.} She said while leaning forward to kiss one of his cheeks. {You're all forgiven. However, next time, you should just come and ask to join me instead of stalking.} She suggested with a small boop on his nose with one claw.

"I'll… keep that in mind," Max replied, now unable to look directly at her.

Luna then gently pulled his face so he was looking at her.

{Cheer up.} She simply said before moving away from him and standing up.

When she was a certain distance, she shook herself like a dog to dry herself a bit.

{Let's get completely dry with some parkouring. See you later.} Luna wished with a wink before leaving him in the depths of the forest.

Max was just there, lying on the ground and staring at the darkening sky.

"What a loser." He muttered to himself.

Shortly after, Scarlet's head appeared above him upside down.

{I wouldn't say that, but you sure missed a rare occasion.}

"Thanks. You always have the words to cheer me up."

{You know how I am, I'm not the kind to blind others with illusion or comforting lies.}

"Someday, I'm gonna explain to you the concept of tacts."

{Look who's talking. Until that day, you're gonna have to deal with a bluntly, honest bitch like me.}

"Don't speak like that about yourself. Anyway, have you come just to make fun of me?"

{Yes, but mostly because Bonny wanted to see you.}

"Ah, right. She wanted to spend some alone time with me." Max said, not sounding that enthusiastic.

{It's terrible how impatient you sound.} Scarlet replied sarcastically.

"That's not really the problem."

{Boo-hoo, stop being such a crybaby. You'll have another chance another time. Until then, you should look up the concept of confidence.}

"We'll see about that another time. Can you take me back? I don't feel like walking."

{I hope it doesn't imply that I'm just a tool to you.}

"Why do you have some very useful abilities if you're not going to use them?"

{Good point, and good answer. Okay, hold on to your skin.} Scarlet conceded before teleporting them inside the tent at the camp.

"Thanks a lot, Scarlet."

{Always happy to contribute to your vices.} Scarlet replied with a smile before teleporting away.

Now staring at the ceiling of the tent, Max let out a heavy sigh.

"Maybe it's for the best. I guess it could give me time to do some research about how zoroarks mate, or rather what they like."

For a little while, Max tried his best to convince himself that it was just not the right moment. He was still wondering if she was joking or not. If she was, she sure was incredibly convincing. Yet, maybe he lost the only opportunity he could ever have to know how it is with her.

"Ugh. Man. What's with me? Just a couple of weeks ago, having mistresses was not something common and to be very proud of, but today, I feel down to not having one more. Maybe I'm not that great of a person, after all."

Shortly after, Max heard the tent entrance being unzipped with Bonny appearing behind.

{Are you okay, master?} She asked, confirming if she could enter.

"Yes, of course."

With a semi-skeptical face, Bonny entered and zipped the entrance back.

{Scarlet told me that maybe you were not feeling very affectionate and didn't tell me why, so maybe you wanted to report to another time.}

"No, it's okay. Just some stupid thoughts."

{About what?} Bonny asked while lying next to him.

"Really stupid thoughts. I'm just wondering if I'm really a… Never mind."

{You don't want to tell me?}

"That's not it. It's just not very relevant for what's coming next."

{Hehe, I love when you talk like that.} Bonny said, hugging him from the side.

Bonny then lifted her head and stared at Max's eyes a moment before both of them went for a kiss.

{If you're ready, we can start, then.}

At first, Max wasn't sure if he was totally in the mood for that but told himself that it was probably what he needed to cheer him up. Going along with that idea, he then briefly smiled and started to make out with Bonny while caressing her everywhere. Quickly, he got into it and forgot about earlier.

They mated for almost an entire hour until Bonny finally seemed satisfied after many orgasms. Max didn't count how many times but guessed that she might have broken a new record. With Bonny quickly falling asleep next to him, Max was on his back and staring at the tent ceiling once more, panting and a bit sore.

(Damn! I'm sure I've lost one or two layers of skin on my dick. I don't know how come she wants to spend days or weeks without doing it, but I don't think it's very safe for both of us. Small but regular mating sessions are less exhausting than one big and rare one. Sometimes, I really wonder how her brain works. Actually, I ask myself the same question regarding all of them.)

Max then sat up.

"I should go clean myself a little after swimming in sweat and body fluids." He told himself before exiting the tent.

As soon as he was outside, he noticed that it was nighttime and rather chilly.

"Maybe tomorrow instead."

He then noticed that no one was around.

[Scarlet? Where is everybody?]

[At the same spot where you spied on Luna.]

[I didn't spy on her, and what are you doing?]

[Enjoying a relaxing bath. Now that you're done with Bonny, we'll come back.]

[Okay. I'll gather things to set up a campfire.]

[Alright. We'll light it up when there.]

After adding another layer of clothing, Max then immediately went to gather the necessities for a campfire. Luckily, everything was nearby, and could set everything rather quickly before his companions' arrival. He then waited a couple of minutes before they showed up.

"Wasn't it a bit cold for some skinny dipping?"

{Technically, we're always skinny dipping.} Scarlet pointed out. {And no, not really when you have three pokemon that can use fire-type moves.}

"Fire Punch is hardly an efficient fire move."

{You would be surprised what someone like me can do.} She boasted with crossed arms.

"Are you sure your nature isn't humble?" Max teased.

{Maybe my secondary one.} She replied, sitting next to him.

"Not sure it's even possible to have a secondary one."

Shortly after, Aurora popped out of the woods alongside Jade and sat slightly away from the others with the pale gardevoir sitting next to Dusk, who was right next to Max after igniting the fire. May asked to sit on Max's lap and Luna was lying on a very close tree.

"I gotta say, I never really was the outdoor type of guy, but chilling around a fire before going to bed is pretty nice." Max shared when everyone was around.

{Indeed, especially the fire.} Scarlet remarked.

"Scarlet, keep the fire where it is," Max commanded playfully.

{Do I look like that much of a pyromaniac?}

"Just a little."

{Well, you're good at setting up fires from time to time yourself.} Scarlet replied with a grin.

{Hoouu!} May and Luna exclaimed at Scarlet's reply.

"You have but yourself to blame for that." Max retorted, at which Scarlet only glared at him with a tiny smile.

{You know, you say that you're not the outdoor type of guy, but what type of guy are you, anyway?} Aurora questioned.

"What type of guy I am?"

{She's right. You never really talked about yourself much. I mean, in detail.} May pointed out.

"Well…"

{From the amount of time we've all spent together, I believe we have the right to know a little bit more who our trainer is.}

{I agree. We pretty much all talked about ourselves and you know our background, but we don't know much about yours.} Scarlet remarked.

{You don't already know?} Aurora questioned.

{That's a rule I established with master; no peeking in his mind for unnecessary information.} Scarlet replied.

{Knowing his past is unnecessary info for you?}

{Since it's none of my business until he's ready to speak about it, yes. I still believe in trust and privacy, you know.} Scarlet told Aurora, looking at her almost accusingly.

The lucario quickly suspected what she meant by that, but left it at that since her previous statement was rather inappropriate.

{Are you… willing to tell us?} Dusk caringly asked.

Max then briefly looked at everyone before letting out a loud sigh.

"You sure it's relevant?"

{I wouldn't say relevant, but don't you think it's time?} Scarlet inquired.

Max then looked at May and petted her before sighing heavily one more time.

"It's not something I like to bring up to a nice moment like this, but I guess I can. I don't want to be judged by anyone, though."

{Why on earth would we do that?}

"Because my past isn't as terrible as some of you, so I don't want to sound like a crybaby for complaining about a soft past compared to yours."

{We promise we won't.} Dusk fervently reassured.

"...Alright. It was bound to happen sooner or later, anyway." Max conceded, staring at the fire. "The simplest way to start is to say that my life has been rather shitty ever since I was only a child. It started off not that bad as I was living quite peacefully until we had to move out when I was around five or six with my parents. I think it was for my dad's job. They were never really precise on that."

{What do you mean?} Scarlet asked.

"They were always vague about it. Then that's when the shitstorm came. Already at preschool, people didn't like me since I wasn't from there. Teachers included."

{Why?} May questioned.

"Never knew the real reason, either. Yet, it wasn't the only problem. Shortly after, my dad began to change little by little. I never really sensed compassion or any appreciation from him, but it got worse."

{Did he…?} Scarlet started.

"He always was the aggressive one, but he never hit me. Not that I remember, anyway. However, now that I think about it and how things were at home, I suspect that it could have been the case with my mom. I never saw bruises or scars on her, but my dad is the vicious type, so maybe he did it without leaving traces but I never got proof of it... The facts remain that she eventually quit."

{Quit?} Dusk wondered.

{She abandoned you both, right?} Scarlet asked, looking at Max.

"I wouldn't say abandon, but she indeed left us."

{What about you in all of that?} Aurora asked.

"My mom tried to have me in court, but was refused the demand because she had a 'mental problem'."

{What kind?}

"She was just depressed. She didn't have any problems per se."

{With a human-like your dad as a mate, it's quite understandable.} Scarlet commented.

"And as if all of that wasn't bad enough, gossip spread out about my mom's 'craziness', and I was picked on non-stop because of that at school. It lasted for almost half of my school years... But that wasn't the worst..."

Max then hesitated to continue. The group quickly noticed that his next statement was something hard to express.

[You can do it.] Scarlet encouraged.

"... Sometime after mom decided to leave my dad, she was found dead," Max told them, making half of them gasp in horror.

{Damn!} Aurora exclaimed. {Talk about a spirit crusher.}

{I'm sorry to hear that.} Scarlet said with compassion.

"It was hard for me, but oddly, it didn't seem to affect my dad as much as me."

{Really? Do you think he…?} Scarlet theorized.

"I don't think so. My dad is a lot of things, but I heavily doubt that he's a murderer. But then again, I didn't know much about him. We never really bonded or did things together. He was always acting as if I was a stranger. Why he didn't try to get rid of me after my mother's death is beyond me."

{Maybe he had something to gain.} Scarlet guessed.

"I don't know, nor did I really care for that matter anymore."

{How… did she die?}

"No idea. When I asked my dad, he just told me she was sick and died."

{Do you know if it's the truth?} Aurora asked.

"Honestly, no."

{Haven't you tried to find out?} Dusk wondered.

"...No. I was very young when it happened and I kind of went along like nothing occurred."

{Aren't you still curious?} Scarlet inquired.

"What will it change? It's pretty much all behind me now."

{At least you would know the truth.}

"...Perhaps, but it will still be irrelevant to me. So in short, I grew up with bullies at school and a father that didn't even like me. Add to the mix a learning deficit and you have a recipe to wake up every morning asking yourself: 'why do I even exist?'"

{To make us happy?} May guessed.

The others weren't sure if that comment was appropriate and looked at her funnily.

"Haha, perhaps." Max assured, petting her. "I just wish that I didn't have to go through all of that first. Or at least, having some of you at that time would've made my life growing up more bearable."

{Someone told me one day that having a harsh past may have inculcated the value of real affection.} Scarlet remarked, referring to her. {If you didn't have it that way, maybe you wouldn't love us the way you do. Or just love us at all whatsoever.}

{And maybe not encountering us at all.} Aurora pointed out.

"...True. I was often told nothing happens for nothing. Maybe it was the only road for my future happiness." Max shared, petting May some more.

{What happened next?} Jade asked, making the others look at her in surprise for her interest.

She immediately looked away, as if she had made a huge mistake.

"Glad you asked, Jade," Max reassured the gardevoir. "After that, it was a successive chain of misfortunate events. I dropped out of school at sixteen since I couldn't bear that place anymore. I would have probably gone crazy and killed someone if I had to stay longer."

{It's hard having no one for you.} Scarlet commented.

"More or less. I had a few acquaintances here and there, but never really anyone I could really count on. A true friend, if you will. Maybe they all sensed that I was a bit different than them. Humans don't like differences."

{Don't worry, pokemon don't really give their place, either.} The red gardevoir stated with the others approving.

"Then I went from job to job and was unable to keep one, which after a while, my father couldn't bear it anymore. He kicked me out, I met Scarlet and, you know the rest."

{What about those jobs? Why weren't you able to keep one?} The lucario questioned.

"For stupid reasons for most, if not all. I always had my way to do things. Unfortunately, it happens that my ways are either too slow or too anti-conformist for them. I always prioritized quality over quantity, well done than quickly done. In today's society, everything is about doing cheap things in a minimal amount of time; quantity over quality. I tried to come up with some 'shortcuts', but nothing was good enough for them."

The group then didn't have anything to ask anymore.

"That's why I think you girls are my one and only success in life."

{Sorry to ask, but…} Scarlet started, a bit unsure. {when we first did it, I knew I wasn't your first one. You never really talked about your other mates.}

"Oh, you remembered," Max replied, not sounding that happy.

{But I'll understand if you say that's none of our business.}

"It's not that. It's just that there is not much to tell. I was with my first girlfriend for almost a year when she apparently decided that I was too young for her. Everything was alright until she turned eighteen. I was sixteen at that time and she dumped me for a 'handsome twenty-five-year-old."

{What a bitch.} Aurora commented in anger.

"After that, I had one or two girls, but they all lasted for a few months. Maybe they didn't like that I had trouble understanding why I was dumped in the first place. You can guess it was before I… assumed myself a little bit more with my preferences."

{Personally, I think it's a win for everyone here. We got you and you got all of us. If we were humans, many and a lot of guys would have killed to be at your place.} Scarlet pointed out almost proudly.

"I know. I hear that a lot." Max told her with a tiny smile.

{No matter what, we are with you now.} Dusk assured, rubbing his shoulder.

"True. I guess it's all I need. If you all stay with me, I believe that the hard times are behind me. I'm safe and well-cared for with all of you."

{As long as I'm alive, I won't let anything hurt you.} Scarlet promised.

{Same for me.} May agreed.

"Thanks, girls... Thanks a lot." Max gratefully smiled.

Max then moved May aside and stood up before getting too emotional.

"Well, time to go to bed, then."

{Alright. I'll stay up a little more and I'll join you later.} The red gardevoir informed, with the others saying the same thing.

With a nod, Max left them and disappeared inside the tent. He wasn't really tired but was getting quite embarrassed in front of all of them after sharing that. After removing his shirt, he lied down right next to Bonny. Immediately after Max touched the ground, the lopunny turned around to hug him. He felt a bit of wetness when her head touched his chest.

"You okay?"

{More or less. I'm sad because of what you endured until now but impressed by how you manage to stay a nice human, nonetheless. I heard that living things tend to become bitter and bad when they live through stuff like that... I just wish that I could have been your only friend at that time, even if I was a buneary.}

"So you were awake?"

{I woke up around when Aurora asked about who you are. Couldn't help but to listen.}

"It's okay. It just spared me the need to retell my passionate past again."

{I just hope we won't be a burden for you or lose trust in us.}

"How would that even happen?" Max demanded, caringly rubbing her back.

{I don't know. I'm just scared that you might stop loving us.} Bonny melancholy shared, hugging Max stronger.

"Tsk, the silly things you say sometimes," Max replied, kissing her head. "Only humans have been jerks to me, not pokemon. Now come on, let's just get some sleep so tomorrow we can start anew."

*sob* {Okay.}

Outside, the rest of the group was silent around the fire, staring at it.

{...Master really had it rough.} Dusk finally spoke up.

{It's so unfair. Master never did anything wrong.} May complained.

{Life never has been fair. It smiles upon assholes and the rest is left to bite the dust.} Aurora retorted.

{I can understand. I know how it's like to be in a hostile world with no allies.} Jade commented.

The group then looked at Scarlet, who was glaring at the fire silently.

{You're awfully silent, Scarlet, what's on your mind?} May asked.

{On my mind? Not much. However, if I ever see anyone, new or old, hurt him again in any way possible, you can bet that I promise him or her pain without end. I'll teach them the real meaning of suffering.} She expressed aggressively with fiery eyes. {He's mine now and nothing will ever change that. I dare anyone to even try. I don't even know what's preventing me from going out there and finding them all.} She finished with clenched fists.

Scarlet's statement was rather intense for the group but agreed in their own personal way with her. Attacking or hurting him wasn't allowed anymore and they would have to go through them first.

Over time, Max's companions joined him in the tent one by one until only Scarlet, Jade, and Luna remained around the campfire. Scarlet then noticed how Jade's eyes were getting smaller and tired.

{You can sleep in the tent if you want.} Scarlet told her. {But I better not see you even remotely close to him.}

{...It's okay, I'm used to sleeping outside.} Jade unsurely replied, not feeling comfortable with the proposition.

{Do as you want.}

Not only she was indeed used to sleeping outside, but Jade felt rather safe with Luna around. Since she was a nocturnal pokemon, she wasn't fearing being attacked in her sleep. Speaking of her, Luna then stood up, making very little noise.

{Well, off to some hunting.}

{Good hunting.} Scarlet wished nonchalantly.

{Thanks.}

Luna then disappeared into the depths of the woods, leaving only Jade and Scarlet around the fire. An instant discomfort then gained Jade.

{What do you think of me?} Scarlet inquired.

{Hem… P-pardon me?}

{You always seem afraid around me, mistrustful and stressed. Do you see me as a monster?}

{N-no. You're-}

{Because I am. You're right, you have a good reason to be scared of me. However, like I said earlier, as long as nothing happens to master, I don't care about what you are or do. I say that because it's pretty unpleasant being next to someone who is always that anxious. As long as you keep your hands behind your back, you have nothing to fear from me.}

{...O-okay.}

Scarlet knew it won't change in a finger snap, but just by telling her, that seemed to have relaxed her a little.

{I don't have anything special against you, but just don't make me hate you.}

Jade replied with a nod.

{Good.} She continued before standing up. {If you change your mind, my offer still stands.} She concluded while getting in the tent, leaving Jade all alone.

For a moment, she considered getting in the tent since it looked comfier but didn't want to push her luck any further. Knowing that Scarlet wasn't hating her as much as she thought was soothing enough. She then lied down next to the fire and stared at it a moment before slowly drifting off to sleep.