The Dojo (2/4)

When the sun had risen for only an hour, master Setsui came into the human dormitory, clapping his hands heavily, waking up everyone.

"Time to wake up and attack the day kids." He said with his rough voice before leaving.

Shortly after, everyone started to get up from their bed, Max included. After a quick dress-up, Max left the dormitory with the others that were going outside. On the pokemon dorm side, the one that was waking up the pokemon was the machamp, only shouting without clapping.

{Alright ladies, time to get your lazy ass from there and get back to work.} He loudly said before leaving the room.

{What? We barely had time to sleep.} Complained Bonny, still lying with her eyes closed.

{Lazy as ever I see.} Said Scarlet while sitting up on the bed.

As Dusk and May were also sitting on their bed, a throh passed in front of them while looking at them funny.

{Pfeh, girls.} Commented the pokemon.

{Excuse me, what was that?} Said Scarlet, annoyed.

{Huh?} Said the throh, stopping to look at her.

{You have a problem with me?} Defiantly said, Scarlet.

As the throh frowned at her, a passing machoke slapped him hard behind the head.

{A problem with female disciples?} Aggressively said the machoke.

The throh then looked at the machoke.

{No, not at all.} He said before leaving without even looking back at them.

The machoke then looked at Bonny and Scarlet.

{I can take care of myself.} Said Scarlet to the machoke, slightly defiantly.

{… Are you that trainer's lopunny?} Asked the machoke to Bonny, ignoring Scarlet.

{Hmm… Yes.} Answered Bonny.

{My father will have special training for you. Go see him as soon as you are ready.} He said before leaving as well.

{His father? I'm guessing it's the machamp.} Said Bonny.

{Guess so. Probably have a link with your mega evolution.} Said Scarlet.

{Maybe, but I'm not sure about that.}

{Still, having doubts about your mega evolution?}

{No, it's just that that machamp looks kind of scary.}

{Hehe, he sure does. But if he ever does something to hurt you on purpose, I'll immediately come to help you.}

{Thanks Scarlet.}

{No problem. What about you girls, feeling ready for the first day?} Said Scarlet to the others.

{I am.} Said May, quite determined.

{I-I'll try my best.} Shyly said Dusk.

{Alright girls, let show our master how strong a pokemon can be.} Said Scarlet while putting her hand in front of her, wanting the other doing the same.

{For master.} They all said while putting their hands above Scarlet's one.

{Girl power?} Asked Scarlet.

{Girl power!} They repeated.

{Yaaay!} They all cheered while throwing their hands in the air.

{Let's do this.} Said Scarlet.

With the others following her, Scarlet then exited the building to join the rest outside. When they were, they saw all of the disciples gathered in front of master setsui and the machamp. Looking around, they saw Max waiting for them close by.

[Hi master.] Said Scarlet when they were next to him.

"Hi. Managed to sleep?"

[With the help of Bonny, I did.]

"Good news. I think that the master wants to talk to all of us. Let's see what it is about."

After Scarlet nodded, they all joined the group and waited. After a few minutes, everyone was there.

"Good morning everyone. Firstly, I want to greet the new disciples that had joined us yesterday." Said master Setsui while pointing at them.

After they mostly all turned around to look at them, most of the group clapped a bit their arrival with a few 'welcome' here and there.

"Secondly, in the new arrivals, we have someone that needs help with her mega evolution. So my companion Ashura here won't be training you until she learns how to control it. His teaching will be seconded by his son, Ulyss."

Max was expecting some of them to be mad at them for taking that machamp away, known as Ashura, from teaching them. But oddly, Max saw a few discrete satisfied expressions.

(Eh, they are probably happy to have a small break from him.) He thought.

[Looks like it. I can feel some faint relieved feelings all around.]

"Also, I've been informed that some of you were not happy with the fact that we got more females disciples here. I'm gonna say it just once, I and Ashura won't tolerate any sexist behaviors toward our disciples. If we ever caught one doing such a thing, he might as well grab his things and leave. That will be today's news. Humans, with me." Said master Setsui while getting to the human training zone.

{Fellow pokemon, with me.} Said Ashura, the machamp.

"Well…" Said Max while the group was being separated.

"I guess we will be separated for a moment."

[I don't have to. I already said that I wasn't planning on training here. I can just watch you getting your ass kicked.]

"Very lovely. You sure they will accept?"

[Why not? I don't train so, I can still do whatever I want.]

"Alright, just ask that machamp and came back if he agrees."

[At your orders, master.] Said Scarlet semi-sarcastically.

As her master was going to the human group, Scarlet headed toward the machamp that was leading the pokemon group to their zone.

{Excuse me? Ashura was it?} Said Scarlet when next to him.

{Hmm?}

{I'm not planning on following your group or your training session whatsoever. My master asked me to tell you that I'll just stay in my corner and keep an eye on him.}

{… It's not a prison here. As long as you don't cause any trouble, do whatever you want.}

{Sure thing.} Said Scarlet before leaving him and joining back the rest of Max's team.

{Alright, girls, I'm gonna keep master insight so that nothing bad happens to him. You go ahead and get stronger for him.}

{Sure thing Scarlet.} Said May.

{We have to.} Added Bonny.

Scarlet then felt that Dusk was still a bit unsure.

{And take care of Dusk.} She said before leaving them to join the human group.

{Relax Dusk, everything is gonna be alright.} Cheered Bonny while rubbing Dusk's back.

{I hope. But I really feel unsafe when master is not there.} She said while playing shyly with her stick.

{Come on Dusk, you're a pokemon. He should be the one to feel vulnerable when you're not there.}

{I know but…}

{Don't forget that we are here with you Dusk.} Said May.

{… Yeah, you're right. Thanks, girls.}

{No problem friend.} Said Bonny.

When they arrived at the pokemon zone, Ashura and his son, Ulyss the machoke, stopped in front of the group.

{Okay, as master Setsui said, I'm gonna leave my place to my son Ulyss. You better not slacking off just because I'm not here, or else you can count on him to make you train thrice as hard, understood?}

{Yes.} They all said.

{Good. You, the lopunny over there, with me.} He said while pointing at Bonny.

{Hmm… s-sure.} Said Bonny, feeling a bit uneasy.

{Good luck Bonny, and stay strong.} Said Dusk.

{Thanks.} Responded Bonny while heading toward Ashura.

As the machoke was starting to give instructions for the day, Bonny was following Ashura further in the court until they got a small passage behind the building. After they reached a door on the wall, they passed it and continued a bit further outside the building limits. After they walk for a couple of minutes, they arrived at a small opened area with a small waterfall, making the place quite serene. Getting in the center, the machamp turned around to face Bonny and sat on the ground before motioning her to do the same.

{… How was your first time?} Asked Ashura when she was also sitting in front of him.

{P-pardon me?}

{You're first mega evolution, how was it?}

{I… don't really want to talk about it.} She said with a slightly shaky voice.

{First lesson, you have to accept what is done and what happened, or else, I can guarantee you that you won't make any progress.}

{… But it's painful and hard…}

{Recognising and accepting mistakes are always like that.}

Bonny then tried to tell him, but couldn't. Every time she was seeing only one image, she immediately pushed it aside. Ashura then slightly sighed.

{What's your name, young girl?}

{Bonny.}

{Your pokemon name.}

{… I don't have one.}

{… Bonny, it is then. Look at that scar Bonny.} Said Ashura while pointing at the scar on his chest.

{This scar almost killed me. The injuries were so deep that I almost died from blood loss, all because of my youth stupidity and mistakes. It also almost cost the lives of those I hold dear.}

{…What… happen?} Asked Bonny while looking at the scar.

{It's a story that I don't share with anyone, but let's just say that for a very long time, I was mad at myself and cursed my weakness each time I looked at it. But you know Bonny, as you go on and get older, you realize that self-hurting and remorse don't make you go far. Eventually, you have to accept your actions and mistakes in order to not make them again and realize yourself. I recognized and accepted my own stupidity with that scar that reminds me of that every day. Since then, I have put all my energy and willpower to work on myself so that it never happens again. If someone as stubborn as my young me could do it, I'm convinced that you too.}

Bonny then went silent for a moment.

{I know it's hard, but you have to if you want to progress and be in peace with yourself.}

{… Okay, I'll… try.} Said Bonny, not wanting to do it at all.

{Then I'm listening.}

{Well… I don't remember the scene, but Scarlet was there and transferred her and master's memories in my brain.}

{Scarlet is that gardevoir?}

{Yes.}

{Okay. Continue.}

{From my memories, the last thing I remember is that I had just mega evolved, and… as I was feeling power growing inside me… well… it's where my memories end.}

{I see, power corruption. And?}

{Then the rest is all in master's memories. At first, I was getting more and more aggressive. It wasn't so bad at the beginning, with me just trying to break or crush every object around me. Rocks, trees… then…}

Bonny was now at the hardest part.

{Go on Bonny, don't stop now.} Said Ashura, seeing that she was getting a bit shaky.

{Then… when master tried to stop me… it's where everything went wrong.} She said while putting her hands over her opposite shoulders, on the verge of crying.

{You have to continue Bonny. Tell me what happens.}

{… To stop me, master pinned me on the ground. I can still feel the horror he felt at that moment. My eyes, filled with rage and destructive pulses. To free myself… I…

Bonny then took a deep breath.

{To free myself I pushed master as hard as I can with my legs, which made him go too high in the air, getting badly injured when he landed.} Said Bonny, getting shakier.

{I see.}

{After he crawled to escaped… I tried to go for a fatal hit. Thanks to Scarlet, it could be avoided with her teleporting him away. I'm so glad she was there.}

{What happen next with Scarlet?}

{When I saw her… I immediately tried to attack her. She tried to stop me with her psychic powers but wasn't enough to contain me.}

{Really? Mega lopunnies gain the fighting type when they evolve. You must have a huge but dangerous potential if you were able to get free from a psychic move.}

{If it's a danger for my master, then I don't want it.} Said Bonny with a slight hint of anger in her voice.

{I can understand that. How it has ended?}

{… The next couple minutes were about me and Scarlet fighting, to the death for me. As the fight was going on, both of us were getting quite badly injured. When Scarlet was on the ground, I was about to end her when she tossed a boulder at me that knocked me out.}

{Hmm, it's indeed a power overtake.}

Ashura then noticed that Bonny was almost hyperventilating. The machamp then stood up and kneeled close to her.

{Alright, take deep breathes and try to calm down.} He said while putting one hand on her chest while rubbing her back with another one.

After a moment, Bonny was starting to calm down a bit. When she was more or less back to normal, Ashura sat back on his previous spot.

{I understand how traumatizing it can be.}

{When I think that how horrible it could have ended…}

{Now will be the second lesson. Trying to focus on what good things had happened instead of what bad ones could have is the second step to get over your bad experience. As far as I know, everyone that was present is still alive right?}

{… Yes.}

{Do you think now will be the perfect time to realize how important they are to you and start to enjoy their company even more?}

{… I… guess.}

{Good, already some progress. Now tell me, why did you evolve in the first place? Why you wanted it?}

{… For my master.}

{Ah yes, your master. Tell me a bit more about him.}

{He's just the best trainer and human in the entire world. He's nice, caring, devoted, and always willing to help and be with us, even if it's mean depriving himself of something. He is and has everything that a pokemon can hope to have with a trainer.}

{You seem to have him in high esteem.}

{I love him.}

After realizing what she said, Bonny looked away with a blush.

{That much? I think I'm starting to see the roots of the problem. Another question, why did you want to evolve for your master?}

{… I… wanted to be strong for him.}

{Really? How far are you willing to go for him?}

{I'll do anything.} She fervently said.

{Hmm, that's what I thought. I think we have found what had caused that.}

{What is it?}

{It's your love for your master.}

{My love for master?} Repeated Bonny, dumbfounded.

{You love your master too much.}

{It… can't be…} She said, a bit shocked.

{I'm afraid it is. It's not the first time I see it but, your love for your master is so great that you constantly want to be better and stronger for him, which leads you subconsciously to a power hunger path.}

Bonny then remained silent.

{I'm sure that your master either said that he didn't recognize you or you weren't yourself, am I wrong?}

{… No, he did.}

{He was right. Your deep feeling of wanting power for your master had almost taken life and mutated to a second personality, the one that was out when it happens.}

{Does… that mean that I have… to love master less?} She said with watery eyes.

{Fortunately for you, it won't be necessary.}

Bonny then seemed relieved by his words.

{However… you do will have to sacrifice something.}

{What… will that be?}

{Your desire for power.}

Happy that she didn't have to love less her master, she was still a bit crushed by his proposition.

{I can't do that… Master would abandon me if I'm not strong.}

{I'm convinced that he won't. I know it may sound strange and paradoxical, but in your current state, you will have to drop the idea of getting stronger in order to get stronger.}

{That… doesn't make any sense.}

{I know… me too when I was first told that I found those words stupid. The third and last lesson will be for you to understand and adhere to that concept, which could take some time, maybe a lifetime. Luckily for you, even if it would greatly help, it's not necessary to control your mega evolution. You will just have to get used to it.}

{Used to what?}

{You're mega evolution. Unfortunately, if you don't get the third lesson, the only thing you can do is to try and practice as much as possible so that you can support your new form's power.}

{… Will that… take long?}

{It all depends on you.}

Bonny then went silent for a moment again.

{Here's the program I'm proposing to you. Every morning we will come here and meditate so that you can be in peace with yourself and try to work on the third lesson. And in the afternoon, we will try a mega evolution, but only once per day. Every time you fail, you will have the rest of the day off. How does that sound to you?}

{… Will I… really succeed with that?}

{The only thing that I can promise is that we will work on it until we achieve our goal.}

Bonny then thought for a bit.

{… Okay, but on only one condition.}

{Which is?}

{I want as many peoples as possible around me and master when I'll try to mega evolve.}

{Sure, I can go with that.}

{… Then I accept.}

{Perfect. Let's start with the meditation.}

{Okay.}

After Ashura show her the meditative position, they both closed their eyes and began to empty their mind with Ashura giving instructions here and there. Meanwhile, on Max's side, he was now following a regular martial art class with the other humans in a dogi that master Setsui gave him. As he was doing some katas, he noticed that Scarlet was watching him, sitting on the ground with her back against the building wall.

[You're doing great master. Your ass looks nice in those clothes by the way.] She perversely said.

(Are you trying to break my focus?) Thought Max while training.

[How can you assume that I would do such a thing? I'm shocked.] She said, obviously not sincere.

(Sure you wouldn't.)

[But I do really wish to put my hand on that butt.]

(I won't give you that butt.)

[We'll see about that later.] She said with a defiant tone.

For the rest of the morning, Scarlet was watching her master doing some martial art moves over and over again, coupled with some self-defense teaching while doing some push-ups, squats, burpees, etc. When noon arrived, the same bell they heard yesterday could be heard in the entire place, meaning it was lunchtime. After the human group was dismissed, Max, Scarlet, and the others headed toward the main building at the same time as the pokemon, mixing when they all entered. Walking toward the dining room, Max was caught up with Dusk and May.

{Wait up master!} Said May while running toward them with Dusk.

"Hi girls, how is it so far?"

{Pretty cool actually. We did a lot of things like moves demonstrations, combat practice, and exercises to increase the power and efficiency of our already known move.} Explained May.

"Nice."

{But when we told Ulyss that we want to learn new moves, they said that our homework will be to see with you what we want to learn.}

"Alright, we will see that in the free time this evening."

{Yay.}

"And you Dusk?"

{Well… not very well.}

"Why?"

{Hmm…} Shyly said Dusk.

{Since they were all practicing physical-move, Dusk was a bit… behind the others.} Finished May.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Said Max while petting her head to cheer her up.

{But Ulyss said that he will come up with something tomorrow for her so she can also progress.}

"Seems like a nice guy."

{He sure does looking less mean than that machamp.} Said May.

"Don't say that, I'm sure he's not."

{He's not if you're the kind to stay away from trouble.} Said Ulyss while passing next to them.

As they were walking, Max saw the most embarrassed face that May could make.

{… How about you master?} Asked Dusk.

"Pretty good. It's nice to see that the class was pretty much the same as any other human martial art school."

{Oh, then you must have done well.}

"More or less. I never have been in one before. And also with that sexual predator close to me and constantly trying to disturb me, it was a bit harder." Said Max while looking at Scarlet.

{Strange. I don't remember feeling at any moment a displeased feeling the entire time.} Said Scarlet, fainting innocence.

"Eh, looks like I'm getting good at hiding my feelings."

{Or not feeling them at all. What a shameless trainer you are.}

"Your face is shameless."

After he and Scarlet teasingly pushed each other playfully, Max and his team arrived at the dining room.

"Anyone has seen Bonny?" Asked Max while getting toward the serving pokemon.

{Not since she left with that machamp.} Said May.

"Okay. She probably went off with him to help her with the mega evolution."

[I hope she will finally succeed.]

"Me too."

After they all took a plate, they sat at the table and began to eat. Shortly after, Kalade then joined them, sitting next to Max.

{Hi Max.} He said while sitting.

"Oh, hi Kalade."

After he sat next to him, Max felt a faint displeased feeling getting into him.

{She still hates me?} Asked the gallade.

"No, as I said, she's just a bit possessive. Just consider yourself lucky that you're not a female."

{I suppose. So, how was your first day so far?}

"Pretty good. Like I said to May, it's not really different than a human class."

{Good to hear. Your friends also did good, but as for your braixen… }

"She already told me. May said that Ulyss will make special planning for her or something like that."

{He did? That's nice. Ulyss and his father never liked that someone was being apart from the others.}

"Eh, despite looking intimidating, they're very nice."

{It's the fighting teacher's way.}

Max then looked all around to see that lucario, again all alone.

"Speaking of being apart from the others, what's up with that lucario?"

{Aurora? Don't worry about her, she's always like that. Most think that she just have a bad attitude and doesn't like being around the others, but it's not true.}

"What is it then?"

{Judging by her feeling, she just feels that everyone here doesn't take her seriously just because she's the only female fighting pokemon here, leading to a small inferiority complex.}

"Are they?"

{A few, to be honest, especially that throh over there.} Said Kalade while pointing at the pokemon that had trouble with Scarlet this morning.

"What's wrong with him?"

{He's quite the sexist pokemon. Even though there are plenty of female fighting type pokemon, he still thinks that females are weaker and inferior to males and they should only serve as reproduction.}

"Quite the asshole if you ask me."

{Agree. But despite that, he's calm and doesn't make troubles, so that's why the masters tolerate him.}

"Hm."

{But for the rest, they don't especially see her as the weaker gender. Unfortunately, since she has that inferiority complex, she doesn't train with all of her heart, making her indeed not very strong. But Ashura and even Ulyss saw a big potential inside her, but she's very stubborn and turns a deaf ear when they try to tell her that.}

"That's quite a shame."

{Sure is, but you can hardly help someone that doesn't want to be helped.}

"Yeaah."

{And every time she challenges someone and loses, her complex just keeps getting fed up, making her putting less and less willpower in her training every day. Some of us think she's on the verge of giving up and leave.}

"Is there something we can do?"

{Halas, I don't know. If she loses the willpower to fight, she's the only one that can do something about it.}

Scarlet wanted to tell him the idea she had yesterday, but kept it to herself, thinking that further observation is required.

"Did she ever think about going with a trainer?"

(Don't screw up things master.) Thought Scarlet to herself.

{Eh, you better not ask her yourself, since you are.}

"Why?"

{Last time we proposed to her that she got pretty mad for days.}

"How come?"

{I don't know but, I'm guessing she doesn't like trainers, saying that she doesn't want to lose her freedom and would never be under the command of anyone.}

"Guess it's a huge no."

(Nevermind.) Thought Scarlet.

{I know what you were thinking, and despite that not being such a bad idea, I suggest you not talk to her about it. She will just punch you before spitting on you.}

{She better not.} Said, Scarlet.

"Quite the aggressive one indeed."

{Yeah. It sucks but, there's nothing we can do for her now.}

A few minutes after they were back to their plates, Bonny appeared behind them with her plate.

{Hi, master.} Said Bonny.

A bit surprised, Max turned around.

"Oh, hi Bonny. Let me just…"

Max wanted to move to give her his place, but Kalade stopped him.

{Nah, dude, I'll leave my place. There is still one free next to me.} He said while moving to the cushion to his left, leaving his place to Bonny.

"Thanks." Thanked Bonny.

After Kalade nodded, she sat in the now free place, next to her master.

"How was your morning?" Asked Max.

{Until now it was quite alright. But the big thing happens this afternoon.} Said Bonny, sounding a bit stressed.

Alongside Scarlet, even Max was able to sense it.

"… You're gonna try again this afternoon?"

{… Yes.} She said while hardly eating.

"… Well, let's hope that everything will be alright then."

{… Yeah, let's hope.} She said, a bit down.

[Remember why you do it, Bonny.] Said Scarlet to Bonny's mind.

(I didn't forget, don't worry, but I'm really scared and stressed about this.) Thought Bonny.

[Have they talked about some safety measures?]

(Yes, that was my condition to try again.)

[Then you have nothing to worry about.]

(I know, but still…)

As they were more or less eating silently, Max saw Ashura talking to his son Ulyss and master Setsui. After a moment, the three of them headed outside, which made all the others slowly getting up. Then, everyone exited the dining room to get back outside. On the way outside, Bonny was taking deep breathes.

{You can do it, Bonny, I believe in you.} Said May.

{Me too.} Said Dusk.

{… Thanks, girls.}

Her friend's encouragements seem to have eased her stress a bit.

"Say Kalade, how come master Setsui understand what that machamp and machoke say?"

{Eh, they have been together for so long that master Setsui learned to roughly understanding what they are saying. It's not the same as you and your team?}

"Not really, Scarlet transferred her pokemon language knowledge directly into my brain."

{Ah, so that's how you understand me as well.}

"You are wondering only now?"

{Since I thought that it was pretty much the same things as master Setsui, I didn't really ask myself the question.}

"You're really easygoing."

{Meh, stress only makes things worse.}

"Ehe, true."

When they were all outside, everyone regrouped close to the three masters.

"Alright, everyone. This afternoon mixed training will be supervised by me since Ashura and Ulyss will be busy with something else."

{Everyone except you and you, with master Setsui.} Said Ashura while pointing at the conkeldurr and a medicham.

"You too Max, you stay here." Said Setsui before leaving to the other zone with the rest.

Except for the named pokemon, Max, his team, Ashura, and his son, everyone followed Master Setsui. When they were alone, Ashura motioned to the conkeldurr and the medicham to come close, as well as Scarlet. They then talked for a moment.

"You can do it, Bonny." Said Max while gently putting one hand on her head, softly rubbing it.

{I'll try my best master.} She said with an unconfident voice.

"That's enough for me."

When they were done, the conkeldurr and Ulyss then walked back close to Max, while Scarlet goes close to the main building wall and leaned her back against it, crossing her arms. Ashura then motioned Bonny to come close to him and the medicham.

"So, what's gonna happen?" Asked Max to Ulyss after Bonny left.

The machoke then looked at him a bit suspiciously.

"I can understand some poke speech so, you can talk freely.

{Alright. Here is what's gonna happen. You will mega evolve your lopunny with Ashura and Mido watching her while I and Frank are gonna protect you, just in case.}

"… Okay." Said Max, getting a bit nervous.

"What about Scarlet?"

{My father asked her to intervene only if necessary since she's psychic type.}

"I don't know if it will be enough, she did manage to break free of Scarlet's psychic move."

{Really?} Said Ulyss while frowning.

{Then we won't be too much here.}

The machamp then motioned Max to come.

{Scarlet told me that you can understand what I'm saying, so I'm not gonna go by four paths. Since it will be the first try, it's almost sure to go wrong, so as soon as you made Bonny mega evolve, you're gonna get behind Ulyss and Frank and stay there, no matter what happens, understood?} Explained Ashura.

Max then looked at Bonny, which wasn't feeling that well.

"… Understood."

{Alright. Okay everyone, get ready.} Said Ashura while slightly backing up with the others ready to intervene at any time.

{When you are ready.} Said Ashura.

"… Well, let's do this Bonny." Said Max while they were facing each other.

{… Yeah.}

"See you in a moment."

After nodding, Max then backed up before touching his keystone on his wrist.

"Alright, Bonny, mega evolve."

As both of them touched their stones, both stones started to glow before strands of light were created from them and merging with the other ones. When they were connected, Bonny started to glow shortly after and slowly changed form. When her transformation was done, the light faded away and revealed a mega lopunny. An angry-looking mega lopunny.

{Now Max.} Said Ashura, getting in a ready-to-fight stance while Max quickly dashed behind Ulyss and the conkeldurr with them getting in a defensive position.

{Ghrra.} Softly growled Bonny while opening her eyes.

With her eyes now opened, the first one she saw was Ashura.

{RHaAA!} Growled Bonny while immediately charging at the machamp.

{Oh no!} Exclaimed Dusk.

As Bonny goes for a Jump Kick, Ashura blocked it with his four arms. Even though that he endured the hit, the power of the attack made him slid on the dirt a meter or two backward, but still on his feet. Wanting to go for another attack, Bonny felt a Psyshock attack hitting her back, which cut her slightly.

{You want some you prick?} She aggressively said while charging toward the medicham.

The psychic type then used his power to immobilize her. Even faster than the last time, Bonny broke free of the move with her brute force and landed on her feet. But as she was about to charge again, Ashura was already behind, going for a bear hug with his lower arms blocking her arms, coiled one of his upper arms around her neck and the other one on her head, going for a back choking submission. Even with minimal strength, Ashura was still stronger than her and was able to immobilize her as she was trying to escape.

"What the… stop it!" Loudly protested Max.

Shocked, Max wanted to intervene but was stopped by one huge concrete pillar of the 8ft tall conkeldurr, blocking his path.

"Stop that, you will kill her." He said while watching Bonny being slowly choked while flailing.

{You agreed to not intervene. We told you that it won't be pretty.} Said Ulyss.

With her eyes closed and slowly flailing less, Bonny was starting to lose consciousness with her breath getting shorter.

"It never was the question of killing her." Angrily said, Max.

{He's not. Have you ever saw a choking submission? The goal is to put someone down without killing it.}

{Don't hurt my friend you meanies.} Angrily said May.

Powerless and unable to don't anything, Max then punched the conkeldurr concrete pillar in anger, bruising her hand a bit.

{I know it's hard to watch, but get a hold of yourself. It probably won't be the last time that it will happen.}

Shortly after, Bonny then stopped moving and returned to her previous form. After she does, Ashura immediately let her go and dropped her gently on the ground. A second later, Bonny started to breathe again. The conkeldurr then freed Max's path, making him able to go see her.

"Bonny!" He said while he, Dusk, and May dashed toward her.

After they kneeled next to her, Bonny regained consciousness. Max helped her to sit up with her coughing.

"You okay Bonny?"

After coughing some more and retook her breathe, she looked at Max with crushed eyes.

{I… failed again… isn't?} Said Bonny with a devastated voice.

Max then hugged her.

"No, you didn't fail. You just have got a bit closer to the arrival line."

{… Same thing.} She said, very displeased at her fail.

"Don't think like that Bonny. We can try again."

{That's true Bonny, it's only a postponement.} Said Dusk.

{Ashura said no more than once per day.} Retorted Bonny.

"Oh."

{Alright Bonny, take the rest of the day off. We will try again tomorrow. Thanks for your support everyone, dismiss.} Said Ashura to the medicham, the conkeldurr, and Ulyss before leaving himself.

After they left to join the others, Max helped Bonny to stand up while Scarlet floated toward them.

{Sorry but…} Said Bonny while avoiding Scarlet's gaze.

{I guess it won't be for tonight.}

[Ehe, glad to see that you kept your head pretty high. Don't worry, I'll keep him warm just for you.]

(Eh, thanks I guess.)

"Come here. Let's refresh you at the shadow." Said Max while leading her to a shadowy spot.

{Thanks master.} She said after she sat, shortly followed by Max.

{Maybe Bonny needs a bit of space master.} Said Scarlet.

{That's okay Scarlet. Just him will be okay.}

{… Okay. Alright girls, let's leave them alone a bit.} She said to Dusk and May.

{Okay.} Said May with a concerned look.

After they left, Bonny then grabbed her master's arm and coiled it around herself before lying against him. Staying like this for a moment, Bonny then heavily sighed.

{At least, this time you didn't get hurt.}

"We're already progressing, which is nice."

{Well, now that I know that you don't risk anything, I can try to make real progress.}

"Told you we could count on them."

{Yeah, but I still failed.}

"Give yourself some time Bonny."

{I don't know if I can endure a lot of failures.}

"Because you still care too much about success and strength. When will it enter in your steel-hard head?"

{Eh, Ashura said the same thing, that I care too much about power, which created an unhealthy desire inside me that takes over me when I mega evolve.}

"See? If even them says that, how high are the chance that we are right?"

{Easy to say. Without strength, I'm nothing.}

"Keep telling yourself that and it will always be true."

After sighing, Bonny went silent a moment.

{With Scarlet and the other protecting you while dealing with problems, I always wanted to be your shield. Without strength, I can hardly be that.}

"You sure are very stubborn."

{You can't change habits and personalities like this.}

"True. But if you start listening to your friends a bit more…"

{I do master. Every time you said to me that you don't care about power and everything, I heard you. I tried to get rid of it, but it's stronger than me.}

Max then went silent.

{Ashura said that in order to get strong, I have to drop the idea of getting stronger. I don't get it.}

"Well, I agree that it's a bit confusing, but I think I get what I tried to say."

{… Really?} Said Bonny, a bit puzzled.

"I think he meant that you should really focus on getting stronger for the others, not only for yourself."

{I don't.} Said Bonny, a bit upset.

{I'm doing this all for you.}

"Are you sure?"

{Of course, I am.}

"Answer me this then. Who would you wish that was being praised by me if I were successfully protected?"

{Well, me I guess but, I don't care that much.}

"On the team, who would you wish to be the strongest of the team?"

{Well… me again… I guess.}

"Then you have your answer. Why do you want to be the strongest when Scarlet or the other can also protect me?"

{Because… I want you to praise and love me.}

"That's the problem. I think that egocentrism is one of the main reasons why you're being corrupt by your power. I think that's what Ashura wanted to tell you. Consider your teammate's strength and also mine. You know, I'm not entirely defenseless. Think about that, do you won't get to get stronger to really protect me, or just for me to notice you more?"

Max's words hit her pretty hard. Not only because there were a bit harsh, but also because he was right. What does she really want?

{I just… don't want to live in the shadow of the others.}

"You're not and never will. Whatever you are or may do, you will still be Bonny the lopunny."

After another moment of silence, Ashura popped out from the corner of the wall.

{Max.} He called.

Turning his head, he saw him motioning him to come.

"Alright, I'm gonna let you rest. Think about what really matters to you." He said before kissing her and joined Ashura.

{Alright, Max. I know that you and Bonny love each other, but I have to ask to keep some distance between you two.} Said Ashura when Max as he reached him.

"Why?" Asked Max, a bit confused.

{Because her problem is that she's too love dependent on you. If we want to make progress, she will have to learn that her world doesn't turn around you.}

"So you want her to be more independent?"

{For the next couple of days at least, yes. After she learned to control her mega evolution, she will be free to love you as much as she wants. I don't say not to see each other, but no affection display until she reached her goal. She has to learn to let go of you a bit so she can get rid of that unhealthy power-seeking desire.}

Max then rubbed his neck, wondering if it's a good or bad idea.

"Well, I don't think she's feeling very affectionate anyway so…"

{I'm counting on you. It's not to penalize any of you, but it's for her sake.}

"… Yeah."

{Alright. We are now in the mixed combat part of the day. But first, I think you should do something with that hand of yours.} Said Ashura while pointing at his slightly injured hand.

"Don't worry, it's nothing that Scarlet can't heal with her Healing Pulse move."

{Alright, follow me then.}

"And what about Bonny?"

{She's free for the rest of the day, she can do whatever she wants but need to relax.}

"… Okay."

After looking back at Bonny one last time before leaving with Ashura, Bonny was now in her thoughts. Max then joined the group with the few humans that were here fighting against pokemon. He saw a human fighting a hitmonlee mostly with kicks and another one fighting a mienshao with a fast and fluid combat style. When in place, Ashura left Max to go back supervising the others' fights when Max walked toward Scarlet that was at her now usual place.

[I guess her mega evolution won't be for today.] She said when he was next to her.

"Looks like it. Can you help me with that?" He said while showing her his hand.

[Sure.] She said before using Healing Pulse on his wound.

"… Thanks." He said when it was healed after a moment.

[Be careful next time with your emotions.] She said while lying against the wall again.

"Eh, from all people here, I think you're not in the place to say that."

After Scarlet stuck out her tongue and him, master Setsui approached him.

"I heard that it didn't have gone well for your friend Bonny." He said.

"Yeah, not really."

"Well, all we can do is to hope that the next day will always be better."

"I suppose."

"Maybe a little combat practice will change your mind."

"Maybe."

"Are you mostly punch or kick?"

"… I'll say punch."

"Alright, I have someone already ready for you then. Rock, come here." Said Master Setsui to a nearby pokemon.

A hitmonchan then walked toward then.

"Alright Max, you will train with Rock so he will teach you some punch fighting basics." He said before going to a small container near the outer wall a bit further.

"Okay."

The hitmonchan then motioned him to follow him to an empty training zone a bit further.

When master Setsui was done, he goes toward their new position with two boxing gloves and a head guard.

"You can start as soon as you put them on." Said Master Setsui while handing him the gloves.

After taking them, Max then put on the equipment before facing Rock the hitmonchan.

"Okay Rock, he's a beginner so, you know what that's means."

{Of course master Setsui.} He said while getting on guard.

"I'm counting on you to make him work a bit, however." He said after leaving them alone.

As Max was getting in position, Rock was shaking his gloved fist to show him that he should place his hand like him.

"You can speak to me, I can understand what pokemon here say."

{Really?} Said Rock.

"Yup."

{Neat, it will make things a lot easier. Then let's start with your position. Try to get like me.}

Doing as instructed, Max did his best to imitate Rock's stance.

{That's good for a starter. Now let's see your hit power. Hit my hand.} He said while rising one of his gloved hands.

Max then throws a moderately strong punch to it.

{That's it? I'm sure you can do better than that.} He said, knowing he didn't use all of his might.

Max threw a stronger punch.

{Harder.} Commanded Rock.

Max then threw another punch once again.

{Harder.}

Another one was thrown.

{Harder.}

Max then throws the strongest punch he possibly could.

{That's more like it. I've seen better, but I have also seen worse.}

Rock then got back to a fighting position.

{Let's now see your guard and balance.}

After getting in a defensive position, Rock then threw a few punches on him. Not knowing how to guard properly, half of his punches passed through his guard and hit him. Knowing how powerful a pokemon can be, he was glad to be still alive after his attacks. They were not very strong, but enough for Max to feel them quite a bit.

{Your guard is quite unsatisfactory and your balance needs some work, but seems like you can take a couple of hits.}

"Well, let's just say that I've been injured a couple of times in my life."

{We all did. If it's something that doesn't kill you, it's a good thing since it only makes you stronger. Now, let's work in that guard of yours.}

"Okay."

As Max was working on boxing technics with Rock, Scarlet had her back against the main building and was keeping an eye on them, making sure that that hitmonchan wasn't going too hard on him. A bit further, she saw May sparing with another pokemon. Probably because they thought that they weren't used to reduce and control her strength, the sensei didn't make her and Dusk fighting another human, especially Dusk since she was a fire type. May was against a Scrafty and Dusk against an infernape. And since they were surrounded by others, they were not allowed to use projectiles moves, but physical ones only. No need to say that Dusk was having a hard time. May and Dusk were also told that they were planning on making them learn a new move. Flame Charge for Dusk by a blaziken and Brick Break for May by a sawk. Seeing that they were doing well, Scarlet decided to go see how Bonny was doing. When she arrived at where she last saw her, she wasn't there anymore. Using her power, she tried to localize her brain waves. When she found her, she was outside the building, in the back. Teleporting to where she was, Scarlet arrived in her meditation spot.

{Hmm, this place looks quiet and peaceful.}

{It is.} She said in her meditative position.

Scarlet then sat next to her.

{How are you feeling?} Asked Scarlet.

{Sad, humiliated, angry… desperate.}

{You shouldn't be. But I can already tell that it's affecting you a bit less than last time.}

{I still wonder if I can do it.}

{Of course, you can just give me some time.}

For a few seconds, Bonny stayed silent before opening her eyes.

{Master… said something to me earlier.}

{Nothing too mean I hope.}

{No. It was harsh but, he was also right. I didn't want to admit it but…}

{But what?}

{… Is it true that I really want to get stronger so that master will love and praise me more than actually really wanted to protect him?}

Scarlet then went silent a bit, a bit surprised by her words.

{I don't know about the others, but I could already feel inside you that your desire of getting stronger was quite misplaced. That's why at first I wasn't that friendly toward you, but seeing you caring so much for master, I hoped that it would change someday, but got worse instead. I'm rarely wrong, but I was this time.}

Again, another silence was set between them.

{… I don't deserve master with that selfishness of mine. He does everything for us and all I do is thinking about only me. I should have left when I had the occasion.}

{And why the hell should have you done that? In what world have made things better?}

{I think that the best way to protect him is to not be with him.}

Scarlet then heavily sighed.

{Shit Bonny, how fucking stubborn are you? I tell you, talking to you is like talking to a wall.} Said Scarlet, a bit angry.

{… See, I can't do things right.} She said while hugging her legs.

{Bloody… Gha. I'm really starting to get tired of your pessimism girl. I've tried everything to help you, but it's like you don't want to be helped. If you like being that pathetic, fine, go ahead, see if I care.} She said, a bit more angrily.

Bonny then was unable to answer back.

{Youth these days, they fail one thing, and that's it, their life is over.}

{A fail that almost cost the life of my master.}

{Until when do you plan on whining about that? I also tried to kill him. I regret it and really glad I didn't, but do you see me complain about it all the time? I don't think so.}

Scarlet then took a moment to calm herself down.

{We are here to help you, we all are. Now, all you have to you is grow some backbone and fucking smash that wall in front of you. That's how a lopunny are supposed to be right?}

{I don't know, I've not really been in contact with many other lopunnies beside my parents.}

{Then if not, try to be the first one. You're right, you're selfish and you seek more attention than anything else. But you know, there is a human proverb that says, something you want will eventually come to you if you stop searching for it. If you ever learn how to control yourself and stop thinking about Bonny and only Bonny, then I can guarantee you that you will have plenty of attention from master. You just have to be a bit more humble.} Said Scarlet before standing up.

{That's last the time I will help you. After that and until you finally wake up, you will be on your own.}

With that, Scarlet teleported back to where she was, leaving Bonny alone to her thoughts. Getting back to watch her master and her friends sparing, Scarlet stayed there until the evening arrived. When the food bell rang, everyone stopped and got inside the main building to eat. After they took their plates, Max and his team sat together, minus Bonny.

"Still no Bonny?" Asked Max.

{Last time I saw her she was at that waterfall place.} Said Scarlet.

"Waterfall?"

{I think it's where she goes in the morning with Ashura. From what I saw, probably to meditate.}

"Maybe we should bring her food."

{I think Ashura is already ahead of you.} She said while pointing to the machamp that was leaving the room with a plate made for lopunnies.

"Well, I guess it's better that way."

{Why?}

"Ashura asked me to be a bit more distant with her, so she can focus on her task."

{It's a bit mean.} Said Dusk.

"Maybe."

{Well, I don't know if it will work, but it's not that bad of an idea.} Said Scarlet.

{How can you say that? Bonny loves master.} Said Dusk, a bit upset.

{We all know that. But maybe being a bit isolated will help her to put her priority at the right place this time. She always has been with Max since we found her and being abandoned by her parents quite traumatized her. So always being her master spoiled her a bit and fed up her attention and affection depravation she suffered. It happens when a child experience love and was suddenly snatched away from it, leaving some nasty aftereffect.}

"So, I shouldn't have gave her that much of attention?"

{Honestly, at this point, I don't know. Maybe more affection deprivation would have made things worse, maybe making her ending up like me or worse, I really don't know. But you did what you thought was best for her so, no one can blame you for that.}

(I hope May won't end up like this if she mega evolve someday. She faced quite the same thing.) Thought Max.

[That's a possibility. But she's quite the optimistic one so, the chance is pretty slim. And oppositely to Bonny, May was old enough to not be that affected by a love lost, even if it was from a long time. Remember that Bonny is still really young.]

(… Make sense I guess.)

{Hard times, I know, but we have to get through.}

"The one I really want to get through is Bonny. I think she changed more than we thought when she evolved into a lopunny."

{Yeah, the change was so deep that even I didn't see it at first.}

{Master? Can I sit on your lap?} Asked May, finished with her plate.

"Sure thing sweety." She said while placing her in her favorite spot, making her smile in happiness.

Meanwhile, as the group was finishing their plate, Ashura arrived to the meditation spot where he found the lopunny.

{Not eating with your friends?} He asked.

"No. I thought about what you said and… maybe it's for the best to see him as less as possible."

{Is that what you really want?}

{Of course not. But I have to. For now, it's the best I can do.}

{A bit extreme but, if you think that it's what is best for you, alright, I can understand that. Just bring back the plate to the kitchen when you're done.} Said Ashura before putting Bonny's plate next to her and left.

For the rest of the day and until late in the evening, she stayed there, meditating. As for Max, he was getting out of the hot springs when he came across Aurora, the female lucario that was getting in. After she almost bumped into him on purpose, Max could hardly take it anymore.

"Can I ask you what you have against me?"

{… Excuse me?} She said after turning around, looked frustrated as usual.

"Why are you always like that with me? I tried to be nice to you and all you do after is almost spitting on me."

{You think that I've got a grudge against you?}

"Yes."

{Then let me correct you.} She said walking toward him.

{I don't have a personal grudge against you. I have a grudge against all of you, humans and males, always thinking they're the best at everything and stepping on everyone else. Well, guess what jerk, I can be as strong as any else in here. You think you can talk to me like this just because I'm a weak female? Here's some news human, I can still break all of your bones or make you dance like a puppet if I really wanted to. Now get lost, leave me alone, and go fuck yourself.} She said while pushing him with one paw before leaving him.

Max then felt anger, but mostly pity. Max didn't know how her life had been until now, but she's was probably constantly being looked down on by the others.

(Must be hard.) Thought Max while walking back to the main building.

As he was about to enter, Max came across Scarlet.

[There you are master. May want to see you.]

"Why? Is there something wrong?"

[I don't know, she told me that she wants to see you and that she will wait for you outside the walls behind the building.]

"… Okay."

[Be nice now, I'll take my evening bath. See you later master.] She said while floating off to the hot spring bathes.

"Hope everything is alright." Muttered Max while getting to the back door.

Once outside, he saw May waiting for him against the wall.

"Hi May, is everything alright?" Asked Max, concerned.

{Yes master, but… I need help.} Answered May, sounding a bit strange.

"With what?"

{Follow me, master.} She said while getting in front of him.

She wanted to take him by his hand, but was too small for that, forcing her to only walk in front of him. When isolated a bit further in the woods, May stopped.

"Alright, I'm listening?" Asked Max, still wondering what she wanted.

{Can you sit please master?}

"… Sure." He said, a bit confused.

As soon as Max was on the ground, May slowly walked toward him and climbed on him so she had her feet on his legs.

"You okay May?"

Now roughly at the right height, May then give him a bit clumsy but a passionate kiss to her master. After a few seconds, May break it.

{Master? Can we… do it again?}

"Ah…" Said Max, now realizing what she wanted.

"You mean like… the other day?"

{Yes.} Said May, with what she could be seen as lust in her eyes.

"Well… you know we can't still do more…"

{I know master and it makes me a bit angry, but it felt so good last time. It also makes me feel closer to you.}

"Tss, I tell you, you and the others always want more don't you?"

{You don't want to? It's okay if you don't feel like doing it right now. I know a lot of stuffs is happening, but… down there… it feels so… something strange is happening.} She said while almost grinding herself against him.

"Really? Care to let me have a look?"

{Not at all master.} Softly Said May.

Max then put on fingers against her tiny entrance, only to feel that she was soaking wet, coating his entire finger in an instant.

"Geez May, you should have said that you were such in pain."

{I… didn't want to bother you too much… with all of the things happening.}

"Sure unpleasant things happen, but I'm sure not against some relaxing fun time."

{So… we're gonna do it?}

"If it's what you really want, then I'm afraid I'll have to help my sweet little cute May." He said while petting her in her favorite spot on her head with his other hand.

{Thanks master. I really, really want it.}

"I can see that." He said while looking at his juice-coated finger.

Max then put back his finger to her small slit and started rubbing her most sensitive part, making her lowly and cutely moans. After only a few rubs, May grabbed her master's arm with her tiny hands and starts to rub herself instinctively against the human finger.

{Please master! I want to feel more of it.} She said after a moment.

"As you wish my little princess." Said Max, understanding what she meant.

Max then slowly inserted his finger inside her tiny love tunnel and gently began to suck it in and out, making her moans growing a bit louder. Max then got an idea to make things more comfortable. After taking out his finger, May whimpered, wondering why he stopped. As Max grabbed her to make her sit on his crotch with her back against him, she was still wondering what he was doing when she got her answer a second later.

{Maahh!} Moaned in pleasure May when she felt Max's finger getting inside her again in the new position.

As max was fingering her, more love juice was overflowing from her, drooling on the ground with Max making sure that she wasn't staining his pants. After a moment, Max speeded up a bit, making her contracting her muscles in anticipation and pleasure.

{Master! It feels… so good.} Moaned the pokemon with her tiny hand on Max's hand.

Then, May felt his hard-on, which she almost immediately began to grinding her butt against it. With all of the lewdness raising her pleasure, May felt her orgasm coming after a couple minutes. When she reached her limit, her vagina then crushed Max's finger while squirting a bit and loudly moaning ecstatically. When it had passed, May's muscles all relaxed in one shot, making her go all limb on her master.

"Was that good?"

{Of course master, you're the one doing it, how could it not be?}

"Eh, sweet as always." He said while petting her head.

Shortly after, May climbed down from her master and goes for his zipper.

"You had what you wanted, why do you keep going?"

{I had my fun, now it's your turn no?} She said while trying to get down his zipper

"Come on May, you don't have to."

{Maybe, but I want to. I want to see it again.} She said after she managed to pull it down.

"… 'sigh' Alright then." He said while pulling down his pants and underwear so that May could have what she wants.

{It looks… a bit bigger than last time.} She said while slowly putting her small hands on it.

"You think? Looks normal to me."

May then gave a small sniff.

{The smell… is very pleasant. I also wanted to… taste it again.}

Straightening his shaft his both of her hands, May then licked his tip, tasting his precum again.

{Ah, it's the salty thing again.}

"Sorry, forgot you didn't like it."

{It's okay master, it's a bit less bad than the last time. I don't mind it that much now.}

"Alright then."

May then began to give some tongue hits on her master's tip, now raising his pleasure slowly. After a few licks, she also started to pump it gently instinctively, making it more pleasant. After a little while, she wanted more and put a bit past half of his shaft in her mouth and slowly began to move her head up and down on it like she was taught with a few clumsy suction actions. Going up and down and stopping on his tip to assault it with her tongue before resuming her previous actions, May was now pretty confident in her doings and was even getting slightly more eager. After a moment of more sucking, May felt her lust coming back, making her slowly wet again. Leaving one hand on the meat rod, May used her other hand to start fingering herself. Seeing that, Max didn't want to let her little companion in agony and goes to help her, replacing her hand with his finger, which she gladly compiled. Now that with her pleasure button was stimulated while giving her master a blowjob, May's pleasure was raising extremely fast, feeling another orgasm coming already. Not wanting to cum before her master, she accelerated her pace, making Max feel also an orgasm getting close as well. Trying his best to make them cum together, Max decreased his speed on her a bit, so she wasn't cuming too fast. Having quite the desired effect, Max felt that he was near with May still having not orgasmed yet, but was very close. When he felt that he was only a few head bobs away of it, Max speeded up again his pace, even a bit faster than before, making her cum shortly after. As the body of the mawile was shaking a bit due to her orgasmic pleasure, Max also came inside her mouth with a low moan. Not leaving his shaft even when she was orgasming, she tried to swallow as much as possible before leaving it because there was too much, making her scream in an ecstatic scream when she left it. When both orgasm was done, May put herself on Max's thigh, trying to retake her breathes.

{Lots… have come out again… master. I couldn't… get all of it.} She said, panting.

"Eh, no problem May."

After a few seconds of rest, Max spoke again.

"We should head back to the dojo now."

{Yes. I'll need another bath now.}

"Ehe, and me that only need a few leaves to clean myself."

{'Hmpf', males are so lucky.} She said while standing up.

After Max took a few leaves nearby to clean himself and also stood up, he put back on his pants and goes to the door with May. But as he was about to pass it, he saw that the giant maw on her head was drooling a bit.

"Wait a moment May." He said while picking more leaves.

{What is it, master?}

"Your big mouth on your head is drooling a bit. I'll clean it for you."

{Oh… hmm, thanks.} She said, looking a bit embarrassed.

After he wiped off the saliva, Max then looked curiously at the giant maw.

{Something wrong master?}

"No, it's nothing. Let's get inside shall we?"

{Sure.}

After finally opening the door to May, she entered, with Max about to follow when he saw Bonny coming back from the woods a bit further with an empty plate in her hand.

"Hi, Bonny." He said when she was close enough.

{… Hi master.} She said while barely looking at him before entered inside the wall with Max holding the door for her.

After a sigh, Max followed her and also entered, closing the door behind him. Now inside the walls, the sky was getting dark and about to end the second day. While walking across the court, Max saw a few other pokemon still training outside. He then saw Frank the conkeldurr doing some lifting with really heavy looking things.

"… Hmm Frank was it?" He said when he goes close to him.

Putting his weight on the ground, he looked curiously at him.

"I'm sorry for my behavior today."

{… Don't worry.} He simply said before going back to his weight lifting.

Guessing that he wasn't much of a talker, Max decided that it was enough and left. When he was about to enter the main building, Max saw Scarlet speaking to Ashura for a moment before she noticed him and floated toward him.

"What were you speaking about?"

[Why? Getting jealous about me talking to other males?] Said Scarlet with a grin.

"Not really, just curious." He said, not really in the mood to joke that much.

[Well, I just told him that if he could let me do the put down of Bonny if she were to lose control again with a less, barbaric method.]

"Neat. What did he say?"

[He said that as long as the results are there, he didn't care about the procedure.]

"What is the method?"

[Simply shutting down her brain temporarily with hypnosis and my powers to make her go back to her normal form without choking her while he holds her in place, making my control easier.]

"… Thanks Scarlet, I really appreciate it."

[I didn't do it only for you master, Bonny is also my friend.]

"I'm glad that Bonny have a good one." He said while getting inside.

[What are you gonna do now master?]

"I think I'm gonna go to sleep earlier this night. And far from me the idea of pushing you away, but this night, I would like to be a bit alone."

[… Sure master, I understand.] She said a bit sadly.

"Sorry. But I can still give you a good night kiss."

[I would like that master.] She said with a faint smile.

They then kissed each other before Max left for the human dormitory. Not feeling really in the mood to go to sleep yet, Scarlet then laid down in a grassy spot and relaxed a bit. Unfortunately, she was shortly disturbed by a certain gallade.

{Hi, miss Scarlet.} Said Kalade, a bit shyly.

{You again? I thought that I was clear last time.} Said Scarlet, trying to shoo him away since she wasn't feeling like getting up.

{No no, do not worry miss Scarlet, I was just a bit worried about Max. I saw him in the corridors when… he wasn't looking very well.}

Scarlet then let out a sigh.

{He's just a human, he's more fragile than us pokemon, physically and mentally.}

{That's doesn't prevent you to love him.} He said while sitting next to her.

{If you knew him like I do, you would understand why.} She said while closing her eyes with her hands behind her head.

{Well, I do indeed not know him a lot but, I can already tell that he's a nice guy. But being a male myself, I can understand why he loves you.}

{… If you trying to seduce me…} She said while looking at him with one eye.

{Oh no no, that wasn't my attention. Max told me about your feeling sharing so, I know it's a no-go for me.}

{… He told you?} She said, closing her eye again.

{Yes. By the look of his eyes, it was like it meant to him almost as much as you.}

{That's my master, caring about the other more than himself.}

{You know… at first… I was jealous of Max for having such a beautiful gardevoir like you with him… but now I'm a bit jealous of you too.}

{Why is that?}

{Because having a trainer that cares so much about you looks so nice.}

{Not wanting to brag about it, but it is indeed very nice. It can't be compared to anything else. Why? You never experienced it?}

{Well, yes, with my previous trainer, but not as much as you two. It was a very strong friendship, but nothing more. We even didn't hesitate that much to go both on different paths.}

{… Maybe someday, you will, but not here.}

{Eh, that's funny.}

{What?}

{Your trainer said the same thing when I said it to him too. You almost thinks and acts identically. It's like you are meant for each other.}

{We have a strong mind and soul bound so, it's a possible thing dear.} Said Scarlet like she was stating the obvious.

{I guess.}

{I wish I could tell you that you can try my master for one night, but he's not into males so, sorry.}

{I'm not too so, it's no big deal, eh.} Nervously chuckled Kalade.

They then went silent for a moment.

{… I wish for you that your friend Bonny will succeed with her mega evolution. I heard it didn't go well today.}

{Not really. I too wish she will succeed but, only she have the power to do so.}

{True but, some outside help might help her.}

{You think we didn't try it yet?}

{What? Of course not.}

{Well we did alright. But she just keeps getting herself down every time with her pessimism. But I guess her first try really traumatized her.}

{What happened?}

{She also lost control but almost end up killing our master.}

{What? For real?} Exclaimed Kalade, quite in shock.

{Do you think I would bullshit you like this about my master?}

{… Damn! Poor her. It should have been quite a horrible experience.}

{Unfortunately yes. And I think it messed her up a bit. But maybe achieving a perfect mega evolution will help her get back on her feet.}

{You think?}

{Maybe. I gave her yesterday quite a strong motivation.}

{Which is?}

{Giving master a physical surprise with her mega form.}

{Physical surprise? You mean… mating?} Said Kalade, frowning a bit.

{Yes. Why? You got a problem with that?}

{Well, I thought you were his mate.}

{I am. As well as Bonny and recently May, and maybe soon Dusk.}

{What? He doesn't have enough with you?} Said Kalade, slightly aggressively.

{Whoa whoa, if you were thinking about being judgmental, then you and your little virgin dick should keep it to yourselves alright?}

{I was not… but I find it strange he goes with others when he could already do everything with you.}

Scarlet then sighed again.

{Look, I don't know what you may think knowing about me and I don't care that much, but I'm not the kind type of girl you may have already met okay. Master knows what kind of person I am, not you. He accepted me for what I am when I'm sure that a little wuss like you would have run away from in tears and fear.}

{You can't be that bad.}

{You think?} She said while quickly opening her eyes,

Scarlet then rushed toward the gallade and pushed him on the ground with one hand on his neck.

{Look at me in the eyes. What do you think you see?} She said with her eyes filled with anger and bloodlust.

{Hmm… I…} Hardly said Kalade, being a bit scared while looking at her eyes.

{Do you see any compassion? Remorse? Kindness?}

Kalade then remained silent in fear that she would attack him if he were to even say a word.

{Now, I'm gonna tell you just one once. Never, speak badly about my master again in my presence, got it? Or else, I'm gonna take you to a little tour in my past, which I'm sure you won't come back in one piece.} She angrily said.

{Su… understood.}

{Good.} Said Scarlet while freeing his neck and standing up.

{… I'm not as kind and good as my master, keep that in mind.} She said before leaving toward the main building, leaving a pretty scared and puzzled gallade behind.

(What was that? … I guess that he's not that lucky after all.) He said while getting up and headed toward the building himself.

While floating through the corridors, Scarlet stumbled on Dusk and May that were heading toward the pokemon dorm.

{Hi girls. You also are going to bed?}

{Yes. It has been an exhausting day.} Said Dusk.

{I'm sure it was, seeing you moving and attacking all day long, and you May, did you enjoy your little time with master?} She asked with a grin.

{I… don't know what you're talking about?} She said while heavily blushing.

{Hmm, and I think you dooo.} Teased Scarlet.

{Rha…} Complained May, a bit upset about being found out.

{It was fun alright.}

{Only 'fun'?}

{You want the details?}

{That could be fun to hear.}

{Hemmm… I… think I'm gonna go ahead.} Said Dusk, speed up her pace so she wouldn't have to hear them.

{Rhaaa… it was very pleasant okay.}

{And? Come on, give me more.}

{Well… even though we don't go all the way, he knows how to use his fingers.}

{Hmmhmm, that doesn't surprise me. Anything else?}

{Well…}

May was unable to continue to the embarrassment of her sentence.

{Don't stop now, I want to hear.} Said Scarlet, a bit eager to hear more juicy details.

{He… he also taste good.} She said while looking away in shame.

{Oh, you have gone that far, and you even liked his taste? My my, you have become a quite perverted mawile.} She said with a grin.

{S-Shut up! I knew I shouldn't have told you.} She said, upset.

{Hihi, come on girl, I also can't get enough of his taste. So lewd, so manly, so…}

{So sweet?} Finished May.

{Exactly. We sure understand each other pretty well.}

{… I guess so.} Said May, blushing quite heavily.

{My little May, already being a big girl.} She said while petting her head.

{I always have been.} She said while pushing her hand away.

{Is that so? From my point of view, you became one when you experience your first male.}

{… Does that mean that I'm still half of a big girl and I'll always stay like this?} Said May, a bit down.

{Come on May, you don't have to go all the way to experience good matting time. As far as I know, you do had fun right?}

{Yes but, still… I wish I know what it's like to have him… inside me.}

{… I know what you mean May, but I'm afraid that it's impossible for you and him. If you really want to experiment with it, you will have to go with someone your size.}

{I don't want anyone else than master.}

{I know May, but if you try with master…}

{He could end up badly injuring me or worse, I know. 'Sigh', life is so unfair.}

{I agree. But for now, you should go with what you can have instead of things that you can't.}

{I know and I do, but every time I think about it, it upsets me.}

{Then try to not think about too much.}

{I'll try.}

{Good girl.} She said while petting her head.

Shortly after, they arrived in the pokemon dormitory. When inside, May goes with Dusk while Scarlet goes with Bonny, with her already sleeping. Even when sleeping, Scarlet could see that she wasn't looking very well, but could only hope for the better for now. The next morning, they were all awakened like the previous day. After Max's team exited the dorm after hardly getting up, they headed outside, where Max was already waiting for them.

"Hard wake up?" Said Max, seeing them almost still sleeping.

{Like yesterday.} Said Scarlet.

Bonny wanted to go for a hug and a morning kiss, but contained herself, especially when she saw Ashura waiting for her a bit further. So she just gets pasted him with just a 'Hi master' before going toward the machamp.

"Hi, Bonny." Said Max, a bit sad.

{The faster you get used to it master, the easier it will be for you.} Said Scarlet while putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I know."

{… But it's still a bit sad.} Said Dusk.

{Yeah.} Said Scarlet.

"Well… I guess I'm off with the human training now."

{Okay master. See you later then.} Said Dusk.

"Yes, see you later."

With Dusk and May going with the pokemon, Scarlet and Max goes with the human group, with Scarlet going on her watch spot. The morning went pretty alright for both sides, even for Dusk when Ulyss come up with a training method to train her special and physical attack. However, she was still far from learning Flame Charge yet, opposed to May that was on the good path to master Brick Break. When lunchtime arrived, they once again all goes to the dining room to eat. Shortly after Max and his team sat with their plate, Bonny arrived, took hers, and sat with the rest but at the other side of the table, facing Max.

"Hi Bonny, how was your morning?"

{It went well but, I still have a hard time getting what you and the others said to me, but I'm working on it.} She said a bit distantly.

"Good news. Just keep it up without doing too much."

{Sure thing master.}

"… And you girls?" Said Max to May and Dusk.

{Pretty good. Ulyss said that I was not very far from learning Brick Break.} Said May.

"Already? Glad to hear." Said max with a smile.

{It's not really my case though. I could almost feel Ulyss getting a bit impatient with me.} Said Dusk.

"Why?"

{Because I really have difficulties with physical training.}

"I'm sure he just doing his best to help you get better."

{… Maybe.} She said, also a bit down.

{… And you master?} Asked May after a moment.

"Pretty well. They made us lightly spared between ourselves this morning."

{Was it fun?}

"Well…"

{Oh, I'm sure he had.} Said Scarlet a bit provocatively.

{What do you mean?} Asked May.

"Yeah Scarlet, care to explain?"

{Master, do you regret that I don't have 'boobs' as you call them?}

"Hmm… not really."

{Then why did you keep staring at that female human chest all the time?} She said, sounding slightly upset.

"What?"

{Ooh, this looks bad.} Said May, wondering if she should flee or enjoy the show.

"I didn't stare at them. I barely looked… one time okay."

{Or more like a hundred times.} She said, not even looking at him.

"You're just seeing things."

{You think that an intellectual pokemon like me was imagining things?} She said while frowning.

"Well, you do exaggerate."

{Barely. Look, I don't care that much okay. I know that you're a human, she's a human, pokemon don't have breasts, she does…}

"I'll be honest then. I won't try to deny that female human boobs are nice, but I don't care that much. Boobs are so overrated."

{Not that much if you were to stare at them that much.}

"Tss, if the rest of the world knew what you and the girls can do without them, everyone will change their mind about those."

{That's flattering, but that's not the question.}

"Okay fine. Yes, I looked a couple of times, but I don't care about them. You girls are way more awesome than those things."

{… Pretty convincing excuses. Alright, I'll let it slid this one time. But don't make habit of it.}

"Okay, mom." Sarcastically said, Max.

{Careful with the attitude. I'm sure you won't like having a huge erection in front of everyone here.}

"Oh yeah, and what about them hearing your moan with me playing with your crest?" Said Max with a defiant tone.

As they were looking at each other playfully and defiantly with narrowed eyes, Bonny abruptly stood up from her spot with her almost empty plate, give it back to the serving hitmonlee, and left the building.

"… I think it's not the best thing to do in front of her."

{I guess.} Said Scarlet, feeling slightly guilty.

After they finished their plates silently, they exited the room and the building shortly after. When outside, Max saw Ashura, Ulyss, Bonny, the conkeldurr, and the medicham already set for the mega evolution try.

"Alright, let's try again," Lowly said, Max.

After taking a few deep breathes, Max goes close to Bonny.

{Alright, Max, you know what to do now.} Said Ashura.

"… Yes." Said Max looking at Bonny, not really looking jovial.

After they touched their mega stones, Bonny mega evolved once again before Max retreated behind Ulyss and the conkeldurr that were ready to intervene at any time. When the light faded and revealing a mega lopunny, this time, she was looking calm, her eyes closed and her head low.

{Ma… ster.} Muttered Bonny.

"… What?" Said Max, looking at the others, also looking a bit perplexed.

{Where… are you… master?} She muttered.

"Did… it work." He said while slowly getting closer to her.

Ulyss then stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

{Be careful.} He warned.

After nodding, Max slowly and carefully got near Bonny, which still didn't move yet.

"Bonny? Are you… alright?"

{Ma…ster?} She lowly said.

"Yes. Do you recognize me?"

{… Yes… you're… my master.}

Max then carefully got a bit closer with a hopeful grin.

{Yes… you're my master… the master that wants me to be WEAK!}

After screaming the last word, she wanted to slash him with her claws. Reacting in time, Max backed up but Bonny managed to scratch the side of his face, leaving a bloody and pretty deep wound on it.

{Master!} Screamed Dusk.

Not letting the time to do any more moves, Scarlet used her powers to toss her in the arms of Ashura, with him using his four arms to hold her.

{GHAA! LEAVE ME ALONE!} She screamed while struggling while Max was getting away with his hand on his wound.

{COME BACK HERE HUMAN! I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU… GHAAAAA I HATE YOU.} Screamed Bonny at the top of her lungs while trying her strongest to break free.

Not wanting to hear more, Scarlet used hypnotize to calm her before shutting down her brain a second to force her to come back to her normal form. After Ashura let go of her, she dropped on her knees, defeated again. As Max wanted to go check on her, she quickly stood up and dashed outside to go to her meditation spot. After Frank, Mido the medicham and Ulyss left to go with the rest of the group, Max walked toward Ashura and Scarlet.

"Another failure I guess." Said Max, still holding his wound.

Pushing his hand aside, Scarlet immediately used Healing Pulse on it.

{I guess. We made progress while not doing any.} Said Ashura.

"What do you mean?"

{Well… she didn't immediately explode and was now able to formulated coherent sentences.}

"I won't say 'coherent'."

{More than last time at least.}

"… I guess."

{But now it's like she think that we want her to be weak when I told her to drop the power seeking path. But what I don't understand is that she seems to have redirected that harshly toward you. Did you say anything to her?}

"Well… that she shouldn't just think about herself and more about the others and that I agreed with what you said."

{Hmm, from all people, you were probably the worse person to say that to her. Now, deep inside her, she's probably thinking that she's not enough for you and that you want her to be weak, making her a bit angry at you. That anger then must have merged with her split personality.}

Max then heavily sighed.

"… I just wanted to help her."

{I know, and we can't take that away from you. But what is done is done now and we have to work with what we have. Just be careful with what you say next time. Remember that her existence is almost devoted only to you.}

"… I guess it will be hard."

{Harder than I first expected. But I have faith that we will succeed.}

"Me too. I know Bonny and I'm sure she will make it." Said Max while Scarlet was done with her healing.

{Hard to blame her affection for you when I see how caring you are toward your friends.}

"Well, I have to admit that I love pokemon more than humans."

{I think almost everyone here already noticed that.}

"It is that obvious?"

{Pokemon are not dumb creatures Max.} Said Ashura while crossing his four arms.

"I know. Scarlet is the perfect example." Said Max to his gardevoir, making her slightly blush, a very rare sight.

{I'll go check on her a bit later when she will be calmer. Now off to some training.} Said Ashura while heading toward the group a bit further.

Shortly after, Max and Scarlet tailed Ashura to join the mixed training session. Besides having more trouble than last time since this time Max was mixed with a sawk, everything went well with Dusk, and May still progressing. Well, until Max and the others were interrupted by Ulyss loudly talking.

{Damnit Aurora! You could have badly injured him.} Said the machoke to Aurora while helping a human male getting up that has been hit pretty hard by her.

{You alright buddy?} He asked the human.

"Yeah 'koff' I'm gonna be alright." He said, a bit in pain, guessing what he said.

{I don't know what happen to you yesterday Aurora, but I advise you to calm down and restrain yourself.} He said back to the lucario.

Knowing it was best not to answer back, Aurora stayed silent, looking more frustrated than ever.

{Get off my training ground and don't come back until you got a hold of yourself.} Ordered Ulyss.

Angry, Aurora left without talking or look at anyone. At this point, Max really wanted to do something for her.

{I still wonder why she's still with us.} Said the sawk that Max was sparing with.

"Why?"

{I mean, she doesn't look interested in this place anymore and doesn't even train properly. What's the point of staying then?}

"… Maybe because she doesn't have anywhere else to go." Said Max after thinking a bit.

{Maybe. She doesn't talk a lot with the others, so good luck on knowing more about her. She's a pretty reserved lucario, which makes things even harder.}

"… It's like she's trapped in a bottomless pit."

{Pretty much. But like everyone here and for anything else, she's the only one who gets out of that.}

"Which is always easier with outside help."

{And what if she doesn't take the hands that are being offered?}

Max didn't know what to retort anymore.

{I don't know what going on in her head, but if she continues to act like this, I'm not sure the masters will tolerate her very long.}

"There must be something to help her."

{Good luck with finding it. Now, we should back to the training before Ulyss get mad at us too.}

"Agree."

With that, Max then spared with the sawk and learned from him too until diner time come. Like yesterday, when Max and the gang were eating at the table, Bonny didn't show up and saw Ashura bringing a plate to her again.

"Two fails in a row must be hard on her." Said Max.

{I hope she will get used to it. The more she will get down with that, the harder it will be for her.} Said, Scarlet.

"It's quite a vicious circle."

{Yeah, but she will able to break the gears if she ever realized what is wrong with her.}

"All we have to do is to be patient then."

{Pretty much.}

"'sigh' But it's so hard to see her like this."

{I know master.}

As they were eating silently, master Setsui passed behind them.

"Ah, Max. We forget to tell you that tomorrow will be the day off. You will be free to do as pleased the entire day."

"Understood. Thanks for telling master Setsui."

"You're welcome." He said with a smile before leaving the room.

{Neat. A day off where we can do anything we want. How appealing is that?} Said Scarlet while looking at Max with lust.

"I think the rules still applies even in the day off."

{Inside the walls.} She said seductively while putting her hand on his thigh, really close to his manhood.

"Yeah, inside the walls." Said Max while putting his hand on hers, not to push it away but to prevent it to go further.

{… I'm so not gonna waste my time the week and a half after we leave this place.} She with a predatory face before withdrawing her hand.

"I'm convinced that you won't." Said Max, a bit scared about his future after this.

After some chit chat when done eating, they again head off to the bath. Staying in it more than he should have, nighttime had fallen when Max left the hot springs. When outside, he didn't saw any member of his team, probably tired of waiting for him.

(Shit! I hope there not made at me.) Thought Max.

When inside and since it wasn't sleep time yet, Max didn't know if he should, but he wanted to see if his team were already in their dorm. Going to the pokemon dorm, he saw that the door was wide open. Peaking inside, he saw a few pokemon already in but none were sleeping. He then saw Scarlet, Dusk, May, and a scrafty playing a card game.

{Ah, master, about time.} Said Scarlet when she spotted him.

"Sorry girls. Have you waited very long for me?" He said, still in the doorway.

{Don't stay there, come in. It is only restricted to pokemon when it comes to sleep time.} Said Scarlet.

{And yes… we waited a bit for you.} She continued while Max was walking toward them.

"Sorry." He said while sitting on the bed next to them.

{No big deal. We grew tired of waiting after twenty minutes.}

{I don't. I was willing to wait longer.} Said May.

{Me too.} Added Dusk.

{Well, 'I' grew tired and I convinced them to get here instead. Then this little Scrafty proposed us a little card game.}

{That he always wins.} Complains May.

{Well, Scrafties are known to be a bit sly.} Said Scarlet, making the Scrafty giggles, like if he was almost proud of it.

"Well, at least you weren't bored."

{Well, I have to admit that it was indeed getting a bit boring waiting for you master.} Said May, waiting to tease him a bit.

{Did Scarlet teach you how to be that nice?" Said Max while petting her head.

{Why do you always accuse me when something is wrong?} Said Scarlet while looking at her cards.

"Preventive assumptions."

Scarlet then looked at Max with a frown.

{I'm impressed that you even know those words.}

"Ah, still on the way to get smarter than you."

{Keep dreaming brainless monkey.} Said Scarlet, making Max stuck out his tongue to her.

{… So, you wanna play or not?}

"I don't know, is it an easy game?"

{Well, you have to do a few additions and subtractions so, it might be a bit too complicated for you.} Sarcastically said, Scarlet.

"I can do that, look. Scarlet plus Scarlet equals bitch."

Scarlet then frowned at Max again.

{Alright. In that case, I think you should be able to keep up then.} She said with a grin.

With some low knifes throwing here and there between Scarlet and her master, Max was able to play with them for about an hour until sleep time arrived.

"Damn! You were right, that scrafty don't even let us have a single chance."

{Told you.} Said Scarlet with the dark type pokemon giggling again.

"Well… I guess it's time to get some rest. See you, tomorrow girls." Said Max while standing up.

{Good night master.} They all said almost in unison.

"… Good night girls." Said Max back before leaving the room.

After leaving them, Max headed to the human dorm and fell on his bed. Not feeling really sleepy and knowing that he could wake up whenever he wanted tomorrow, Max withdrew his pokedex and did some information browsing for almost an hour before finally going to sleep.